bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of scheduling logic using dynamic functions
Authors: Francis Adel , Bibai Jacques , Miresco Edmond
Published: May 2013

Since the late 1950s, researchers have studied the soft logic of scheduling, in particular the precedence constraint between activities used to compute the critical path. However, by proposing only external constraints and simulating work production through lags, the precedence logic lacks precision. These gaps diminish the reliability of the schedule and impair the internal monitoring of activity interdependencies. Chronographic logic addresses such limitations by introducing the internal division and proposing internal monitoring as a function of production. This paper proposes the concept of probabilistic production-based dynamic functions which would replace internal divisions with a mathematical function that permits the tracking of the dynamic interdependencies between two in-progress activities. A case study compares the overall schedule calculation using traditional precedence logic with the dynamic production-based function. This simulation was designed to investigate the overall impact on the critical path and the criticality of each activity. The result is a new method of implementing scheduling logic that takes into account the impact of the internal changes of workload and allows the use of internal margins. These self-adaptations provide a better simulation of construction-site conditions which help to produce more realistic results.
Identifying ecological and fishing drivers of bycatch in a U.S. groundfish fishery
Authors: Jannot Jason E. , Holland Daniel S.
Published: May 2013

Fisheries bycatch is driven by both ecological (e.g., area, season) and social (e.g., fisher behavior) factors that are often difficult to disentangle. We demonstrate a method for comparing fishery‐dependent bycatch to fishery‐independent catch to delineate the influence of ecological and social factors on bycatch and provide insights for bycatch management. We used data from commercial fishing vessels in the U.S. west coast trawl groundfish fishery (fishery‐dependent data collected by fisheries observers) and scientific data from the U.S. west coast bottom trawl groundfish survey (fishery‐independent data) to compare the relative effects of season, time of day, target group, depth, and latitude on the expected catch of 12 bycatch species of management interest. This comparison highlights two important relationships that help identify drivers of bycatch. First, when the effect of season, time of day, depth, or latitude on bycatch in both the commercial and scientific data is positive, ecological processes are likely strong drivers of bycatch, suggesting technical approaches (e.g., temporal or spatial closures, gear modifications) might effectively control bycatch. Alternatively, when the effects of season, time of day, depth, latitude, or target group appear only in the commercial data (but not in survey data), fisher behavior is likely the stronger driver of bycatch, suggesting a need to strengthen incentives for fishers to change behavior to avoid bycatch (e.g., regulatory quotas). Two other patterns emerge that suggest that fishery bycatch is not associated with temporal, target, or spatial variables, implying that either current incentives to avoid bycatch are working (i.e., when survey expected catch is positively correlated with variables, but fishery catch is not) or bycatch is a product of unstudied or stochastic processes (i.e., variables are not correlated with expected catch in either data set) and continued monitoring is recommended. Our analysis provides managers and fishers with a basic analytical framework to assess bycatch reduction alternatives and methods useful for researchers interested in comparing bycatch before and after a management shift.
Dissociation of the Personality and EMDR Therapy in Complex Trauma-Related Disorders: Applications in the Stabilization Phase
Authors: van der Hart Onno , Groenendijk Mariëtte , Gonzalez Anabel , Mosquera Dolores , Solomon Roger
Published: May 2013

As proposed in a previous article in this journal, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) clinicians treating clients with complex trauma-related disorders may benefit from knowing and applying the theory of structural dissociation of the personality (TSDP) and its accompanying psychology of action. TSDP postulates that dissociation of the personality is the main feature of traumatization and a wide range of trauma-related disorders from simple posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to dissociative identity disorder (DID). The theory may help EMDR therapists to develop a comprehensive map for understanding the problems of clients with complex trauma-related disorders and to formulate and carry out a treatment plan. The expert consensus model in complex trauma is phase-oriented treatment in which a stabilization and preparation phase precedes the treatment of traumatic memories. This article focuses on the initial stabilization and preparatory phase, which is very important to safely and effectively use EMDR in treating complex trauma. Central themes are (a) working with maladaptive beliefs, (b) overcoming dissociative phobias, and © an extended application of resourcing.
Reassuring or Risky: The Presentation of Seafood Safety in the Aftermath of the British Petroleum Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Authors: Greiner Amelia L. , Lagasse Lisa P. , Neff Roni A. , Love David C. , Chase Rachel , Sokol Natasha , Smith Katherine Clegg
Published: May 2013

The BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill was enormously newsworthy; coverage interlaced discussions of health, economic, and environmental impacts and risks. We analyzed 315 news articles that considered Gulf seafood safety from the year following the spill. We explored reporting trends, risk presentation, message source, stakeholder perspectives on safety, and framing of safety messages. Approximately one third of articles presented risk associated with seafood consumption as a standalone issue, rather than in conjunction with environmental or economic risks. Government sources were most frequent and their messages were largely framed as reassuring as to seafood safety. Discussions of prevention were limited to short-term, secondary prevention approaches. These data demonstrate a need for risk communication in news coverage of food safety that addresses the larger risk context, primary prevention, and structural causes of risk.
The Decline and Rise of Coronary Heart Disease: Understanding Public Health Catastrophism
Authors: Jones David S. , Greene Jeremy A.
Published: May 2013

The decline of coronary heart disease mortality in the United States and Western Europe is one of the great accomplishments of modern public health and medicine. Cardiologists and cardiovascular epidemiologists have devoted significant effort to disease surveillance and epidemiological modeling to understand its causes. One unanticipated outcome of these efforts has been the detection of early warnings that the decline had slowed, plateaued, or even reversed. These subtle signs have been interpreted as evidence of an impending public health catastrophe. This article traces the history of research on coronary heart disease decline and resurgence and situates it in broader narratives of public health catastrophism. Juxtaposing the coronary heart disease literature alongside the narratives of emerging and reemerging infectious disease helps to identify patterns in how public health researchers create data and craft them into powerful narratives of progress or pessimism. These narratives, in turn, shape public health policy.
Epidemiology and Public Health in 1906 England: Arthur Newsholme’s Methodological Innovation to Study Breastfeeding and Fatal Diarrhea
Authors: Morabia Alfredo , Rubenstein Beth , Victora Cesar G.
Published: May 2013

In 1906 Arthur Newsholme linked artificial feeding and fatal diarrhea in infants aged one year and younger on the basis of two independent sources of information: mortality registration and a three-year (1903–1905) census of infants from Brighton, United Kingdom. Artificial feeding was more common in the infants who had died (89.3%) than in those in the survey (22.3%). However, boldly assuming the two data sources were nested, Newsholme computed the risks of fatal diarrhea: these were 48 times greater for infants fed fresh cow’s milk and 94 times greater for those fed condensed milk than for infants who were exclusively breastfed. This mode of computing risks and risk ratios before the invention of the cohort study design was more innovative than was the usual investigation techniques of his contemporary epidemiologists. Newsholme’s conclusions were consistent with the current knowledge that breastfeeding protects against fatal diarrhea.
A New Urban Planning Code’s Impact on Walking: The Residential Environments Project
Authors: Christian Hayley , Knuiman Matthew , Bull Fiona , Timperio Anna , Foster Sarah , Divitini Mark , Middleton Nicholas , Giles-Corti Billie
Published: May 2013

Objectives. We examined whether people moving into a housing development designed according to a state government livable neighborhoods subdivision code engage in more walking than do people who move to other types of developments.

Methods. In a natural experiment of 1813 people building homes in 73 new housing developments in Perth, Western Australia, we surveyed participants before and then 12 and 36 months after moving. We measured self-reported walking using the Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire and collected perceptions of the environment and self-selection factors. We calculated objective measures of the built environment using a Geographic Information System.

Results. After relocation, participants in livable versus conventional developments had greater street connectivity, residential density, land use mix, and access to destinations and more positive perceptions of their neighborhood (all P < .05). However, there were no significant differences in walking over time by type of development (P > .05).

Conclusions. Implementation of the Livable Neighborhoods Guidelines produced more supportive environments; however, the level of intervention was insufficient to encourage more walking. Evaluations of new urban planning policies need to incorporate longer term follow-up to allow time for new neighborhoods to develop.
The Shale Gas Boom and the Need for Rational Policy
Authors: Finkel Madelon , Hays Jake , Law Adam
Published: May 2013

High-volume, slick water hydraulic fracturing of shale relies on pumping millions of gallons of surface water laced with toxic chemicals and sand under high pressure to create fractures to release the flow of gas.

The process, however, has the potential to cause serious and irreparable damage to the environment and the potential for harm to human and animal health. At issue is how society should form appropriate policy in the absence of well-designed epidemiological studies and health impact assessments.

The issue is fraught with environmental, economic, and health implications, and federal and state governments must establish detailed safeguards and ensure regulatory oversight, both of which are presently lacking in states where hydraulic fracturing is allowed.
Was monochloramine responsible for widespread lettuce crop failures at a major recycled water irrigation scheme?
Authors: Barker S. F. , Faggian R. , Blackbeard J. , Hepworth G. , Hamilton A. J.
Published: May 2013

In 2008, vegetable growers observed stunted lettuce plants showing signs of chlorosis and wilting. It was suspected that monochloramine in the recycled water used for irrigation, in combination with extreme environmental conditions (high irrigation water salinity and extreme heat), was responsible for these crop failures. A series of glasshouse studies was conducted to evaluate the impact of monochloramine concentration alone on iceberg lettuce seedlings, as well as in combination with high salinity and hot ambient temperatures. Monochloramine concentrations up to 9 and 15 mg L−1 Cl2 for continuous and initial irrigation only, respectively, did not affect the weight of iceberg lettuce heads (p > 0.05), while the combination of monochloramine (4–5 mg L−1 Cl2) and salinity (3,500 μS cm−1) did not significantly affect harvest measurements (p > 0.05). We therefore conclude that it is unlikely that monochloramine was responsible for the observed crop failures.
Biological Cr(VI) immobilisation in saturated aquifer zone using culture inoculated soil columns
Authors: Chirwa Evans M. N. , Venter Iwouda , Wienand Hazel
Published: May 2013

Remediation of Cr(VI) requires the reduction of the mobile state [Cr(VI)], which exists in the natural environment as the oxyanionic species (CrxOyz−), to the less mobile trivalent state [Cr(III)], which readily forms the hydroxide precipitate [Cr(OH)3(s)] under natural pH conditions. In this study, Cr(VI) reduction is investigated using inoculated microcosm aquifer systems operated as fully submerged plug flow systems. The system was design to simulate the operation of a microbial contaminant barrier in the saturated zone of an open aquifer system. No organic carbon sources and no air was introduced to simulate Cr(VI) reduction under oxygen free conditions. The inoculated microcosm column operated at influent feed concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mg/L, and a hydraulic retention time of 12 hours achieved complete removal of Cr(VI) over a 90 cm distance. Steady-state conditions were obtained in less than 48 hours under feed concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/L. Very little Cr(VI) reduction was observed in non-inoculated microcosm controls operated under identical conditions.
Laccase immobilized onto poly(GMA-MAA) microspheres for p-benzenediol removal from wastewater
Authors: Li Congcong , Lou Yuhong , Wan Yazhen , Wang Weiqiang , Yao Jilei , Zhang Bing
Published: May 2013

Enzymes have already been extensively applied to degrade various organic pollutants in industrial wastewater, and how to improve the stability and reusability of the enzymes is critical to their practical application. In this study, poly(glycidyl methacrylate-methacrylic acid), poly(GMA-MAA), microspheres were prepared by suspension polymerization, and were used as a new support to immobilize Trametes versicolor laccase. The maximum loading capacity to immobilize enzyme reached as high as 44.78 mg protein/g support. The stability and reusability of laccase were greatly improved after immobilization on the microspheres. While the immobilized laccase was used as catalyst to remove p-benzenediol from wastewater, the removal efficiency reached 88.5%.
Experiences with pre-precipitation of phosphorus in a vertical flow constructed wetland in Austria
Authors: Lauschmann Robert E. , Lechner Markus , Ertl Thomas , Langergraber Guenter
Published: May 2013

Using constructed wetlands (CWs) with vertical flow and intermittent loading, high organic matter and ammonium removal can be achieved. In the case of additional requirements for phosphorus removal, which in Austria often occurs if the treated wastewater is discharged into small sensitive receiving waters, additional measures have to be taken. The objective of this work was to investigate the applicability of conventional phosphorus pre-precipitation with sodium aluminate for a CW system. The experiment was carried out at a full-scale CW in Oberwindhag in Lower Austria, a two-stage vertical flow CW with intermittent loading designed for a size of 60 person equivalents (PE). The goal was to reach the required value of 1.6 mg/L PO4-P for the effluent of the system. Prior to the experiments the plant was in operation for 3 years without measures for phosphorus removal. After pre-precipitation with sodium aluminate was activated, three different dosages were investigated. Satisfying results in the preliminary treatment chambers were not obtained until a high dosage (ß = 3.5, i.e. 3.5 times the dose required from stoichiometry) was applied. After an adaptation time of several months the required effluent concentration of 1.6 mg PO4-P/L could be reached and maintained. However, the additional phosphorus pre-precipitation increases the yearly operating costs of a vertical flow CW system significantly, e.g. for 60 and 25 PE, by 15 and 38%, respectively, thus indicating the need for optimizing the dosing of the chemical.
Study of oyster shell as a potential substrate for constructed wetlands
Authors: Wang Zhen , Dong Jian , Liu Lin , Zhu Gefu , Liu Chaoxiang
Published: May 2013

We tested the suitability of oyster shell (OS) as a substrate for phosphorus removal in constructed wetlands (CWs) treating swine wastewater. OS is proven to have a significant phosphorus adsorption capacity; significant phosphorus removal was achieved in vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands (VSSFs) that were filled with OS and used to treat swine wastewater. In the VSSF system, OS adsorption and precipitation played the greatest role in phosphorus removal, and the phosphorus distribution in the substrate layers was attributed to the vertical flow state of wastewater in the system. Ca–P was the predominant form of phosphorus in the system. Overall, the study results showed that OS could be used for phosphorus removal in CWs. OS also allowed for reuse of a waste substance, making the overall system more environmentally friendly.
Numerical prediction of the performance of horizontal sand filters as the pitch of the spiral protrusion changes
Authors: Mossad Ruth , Aral Hal
Published: May 2013

The height of vertical sand filters are limited due to their structural cost. A horizontal sand filter may offer a better alternative; however, flow channels to the least resistance zone generated at the top of the filter as the sand gets wet and settles. A horizontal sand filter, internally baffled with spiral protrusion, is numerically modelled to study the effect of these spirals in reducing the channelling and enhancing the filter's effectiveness. Three different spiral pitches, 1.0, 0.75, and 0.5 m have been numerically modelled using Ansys FLUENT software. The parameters investigated were the power needed to run a flow rate through the horizontal filter and the residence time. The results show that as the spiral pitch decreases, the channelling reduces while the power increases. The power needed to pump a given flow rate of water in a 10 m long horizontal filter in all three cases investigated was less than the power needed to pump the same flow rate to the top of a 10 m long vertically standing sand filter. Results also showed that the time required for the flow to traverse through the sand filter increases in a nonlinear fashion as the pitch size decreases; however, the effectiveness of the filter increases.
A new approach for evaluating the infectivity of noncultivatable enteric viruses without cell culture
Authors: Tojo Kazuki , Sano Daisuke , Miura Takayuki , Nakagomi Toyoko , Nakagomi Osamu , Okabe Satoshi
Published: May 2013

This study developed a novel approach for evaluating the infectivity of enteric viruses without cell culture. Cumulative carbonyl groups on the viral capsid protein were labeled using biotin hydrazide, and the biotinylated virions were separated using a spin column filled with avidin-immobilized gel. Rotavirus was treated with free chlorine at an initial concentration of 0.3 mg/L for 3 min, and the log reduction in the infectious titer was 0.19 log (standard deviation, SD = 0.05). The log reduction of rotavirus treated with free chlorine at an initial concentration of 0.6 mg/L for 3 min was 2.6 log (SD = 0.37). No significant reductions in the amplicon copy numbers were observed in these free chlorine-treated samples. The recovery levels of intact virions in the first three fractions after biotin-avidin affinity chromatography were 76, 21, and 2.8%, while those of virions treated with free chlorine at an initial concentration of 0.3 mg/L for 3 min were 70, 23, and 5.6%. These results showed that the proposed approach could discriminate a 0.19 log infectivity-reduced population from an intact population, although no reduction in the amplicon copy number was observed. This novel method could be applied to noncultivatable enteric viruses such as human norovirus and sapovirus, and it could be very helpful for evaluating the viral inactivation efficiencies of intervention measures.
Degradation and toxicity change of 4-chlorophenol in aqueous solution during CGDE treatment
Authors: Xing-long Jin , Xiao-qing Zhao , Xiao-yan Wang , Zhi-rong Wang
Published: May 2013

This study focused on the degradation and toxicity change of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) in aqueous solution by contact glow discharge electrolysis (CGDE) with and without Fe2+. It was found that the addition of Fe2+ increased the degradation rate of 4-CP and decreased the toxicity of the solution. After 90 min CGDE treatment, only 28.0% 4-CP was removed and EC50 increased from 33.8 to 63.1 mg/L. With 25.0 mg/L Fe2+ in solution, the degradation rate of 4-CP reached 93.3% and EC50 changed from 35.9 to 93.9 mg/L after 90 min CGDE treatment.
Collaboration essential for an energy neutral urban water cycle
Authors: Frijns Jos , Mulder Mirabella , Roorda Jelle , Schepman Hans , Voskamp Tom
Published: May 2013

Two Dutch water boards prepared a Master Plan with measures to substantially reduce their energy use by 2027. In total, more than 100 measures were identified such as bubble aeration and heat recovery from effluent. Together these measures result in a 90–95% reduction in energy use at the water boards. However, for the whole urban water cycle, thus including the energy required for warm water use in households, the total energy reduction from these measures at the water boards is only 5–6%. To attain the objective to have an energy neutral urban water cycle, collaboration with other sectors such as housing, energy, agriculture and industry will be essential. Active collaboration of the water boards through the incorporation of energy efficient water measures as part of the carbon neutral effort of cities is recognized to be a promising strategy.
Catalytic wet air oxidation of high concentration pharmaceutical wastewater
Authors: Zhan Wei , Wang Xiaocong , Li Daosheng , Ren Yongzheng , Liu Dongqi , Kang Jianxiong
Published: May 2013

In this study, we investigated the pretreatment of a high concentration pharmaceutical wastewater by catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) process. Different experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of the catalyst type, operating temperature, initial system pH, and oxygen partial pressure on the oxidation of the wastewater. Results show that the catalysts prepared by the co-precipitation method have better catalytic activity compared to others. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) conversion increased with the increase in temperature from 160 to 220 °C and decreased with the increase in pH. Moreover, the effect of the oxygen partial pressure on the COD conversion was significant only during the first 20 min of the reaction. Furthermore, the biodegradability of the wastewater improved greatly after CWAO, the ratio of BOD5/COD increased less than 0.1–0.75 when treated at 220 °C (BOD: biochemical oxygen demand).
Descriptive inner model theory
Authors: Sargsyan Grigor
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this paper is to outline some recent progress in descriptive inner model theory, a branch of set theory which studies descriptive set theoretic and inner model theoretic objects using tools from both areas. There are several interlaced problems that lie on the border of these two areas of set theory, but one that has been rather central for almost two decades is the conjecture known as the Mouse Set Conjecture (MSC). One particular motivation for resolving MSC is that it provides grounds for solving the inner model problem which dates back to 1960s. There have been some new partial results on MSC and the methods used to prove the new instances suggest a general program for solving the full conjecture. It is then our goal to communicate the ideas of this program to the community at large.
The hyperuniverse program
Authors: Arrigoni Tatiana , Friedman Sy-David
Published: May 2013

The Hyperuniverse Program is a new approach to set-theoretic truth which is based on justifiable principles and leads to the resolution of many questions independent from ZFC. The purpose of this paper is to present this program, to illustrate its mathematical content and implications, and to discuss its philosophical assumptions.
The foundational problem of logic
Authors: Sher Gila
Published: May 2013

The construction of a systematic philosophical foundation for logic is a notoriously difficult problem. In Part One I suggest that the problem is in large part methodological, having to do with the common philosophical conception of “providing a foundation”. I offer an alternative to the common methodology which combines a strong foundational requirement (veridical justification) with the use of non-traditional, holistic tools to achieve this result. In Part Two I delineate an outline of a foundation for logic, employing the new methodology. The outline is based on an investigation of why logic requires a veridical justification, i.e., a justification which involves the world and not just the mind, and what features or aspect of the world logic is grounded in. Logic, the investigation suggests, is grounded in the formal aspect of reality, and the outline proposes an account of this aspect, the way it both constrains and enables logic (gives rise to logical truths and consequences), logic's role in our overall system of knowledge, the relation between logic and mathematics, the normativity of logic, the characteristic traits of logic, and error and revision in logic.
Shift-complex sequences
Authors: Khan Mushfeq
Published: May 2013

A Martin-Löf random sequence is an infinite binary sequence with the property that every initial segment σ has prefix-free Kolmogorov complexity K(σ) at least ∣σ∣ − c, for some constant c ϵ ω. Informally, initial segments of Martin-Löf randoms are highly complex in the sense that they are not compressible by more than a constant number of bits. However, all Martin-Löf randoms necessarily have contiguous substrings of arbitrarily low complexity. If we demand that all substrings of a sequence be uniformly complex, then we arrive at the notion of shift-complex sequences. In this paper, we collect some of the existing results on these sequences and contribute two new ones. Rumyantsev showed that the measure of oracles that compute shift-complex sequences is zero. We strengthen this result by proving that the Martin-Löf random sequences that do not compute shift-complex sequences are exactly the incomplete ones, in other words, the ones that do not compute the halting problem. In order to do so, we make use of the characterization by Franklin and Ng of the class of incomplete Martin-Löf randoms via a notion of randomness called difference randomness. Turning to the power of shift-complex sequences as oracles, we show that there are shift-complex sequences that do not compute Martin-Löf random (or even Kurtz random) sequences.
Comparison of Risk Factors and Outcomes in HIV Immune Complex Kidney Disease and HIV-Associated Nephropathy
Authors: Foy Matthew C. , Estrella Michelle M. , Lucas Gregory M. , Tahir Faryal , Fine Derek M. , Moore Richard D. , Atta Mohamed G.
Published: May 2013

Background and objectives

HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is well described, but the clinical features of a group of renal pathologies characterized by Ig or immune complex depositions referred to as HIV-associated immune complex kidney disease (HIVICK) have not been well established. The objective of this study is to assess risk factors for HIVICK compared with contemporaneous control participants.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A nested case-control study of 751 HIV-infected patients followed from January 1996 to June 2010 was conducted. Groups were compared using the chi-squared test or rank-sum analysis. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for HIVICK. Incidences of overall ESRD and with/without combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) exposure were calculated.

Results

HIVICK patients were predominantly African American (92%). Compared with matched controls, patients with HIVICK were more likely to have HIV RNA >400 copies/ml (OR, 2.5; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.2 to 5.2), diabetes (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1 to 6.8), and hypertension (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2 to 4.5). Compared with HIVAN, patients with HIVICK had more antiretroviral therapy exposure, lower HIV viral loads, and higher CD4 and estimated GFR. ESRD was less common in the HIVICK versus the HIVAN group (30% versus 82%; P<0.001), and the use of cART was not associated with ESRD in HIVICK patients (25% versus 26; P=0.39).

Conclusions

HIVICK was predominantly observed in African-American patients and associated with advanced HIV disease. ESRD incidence is lower in HIVICK patients compared with those with HIVAN. Unlike HIVAN, cART use was not associated with the incidence of ESRD in HIVICK.
How brand image, country of origin, and self-congruity influence internet users' purchase intention
Authors: Yu Chih-Ching , Lin Pei-Jou , Chen Chun-Shuo
Published: May 2013

In this study we explored the influence of country of origin (COO), brand image, and self-congruity on consumers' purchase intention of luxury brands via the Internet. We found that: (a) consistency in the country of origin (COO), self-congruity, and brand image had a positive impact
on purchase intention; (b) inconsistency between the country of brand and the country of manufacture, and consistency in the country image increased the influence of brand image on purchase intention when the brand image was weak; (c) inconsistency in the country image decreased the influence
of brand image on purchase intention when the brand image was weak; and (d) consistency in COO influenced purchase intention more strongly than did self-congruity.
The effect of authentic leadership on employee trust and employee engagement
Authors: Wang Dan-Shang , Hsieh Chia-Chun
Published: May 2013

In this study we examined the effect of authentic leadership on employee engagement through employee trust. We collected data from 386 employees in the top 1,000 manufacturing companies and the top 500 service companies in Taiwan. Hierarchical multiple regression was employed to test
the hypotheses. The results showed that both supervisors' consistency between words and actions as well as their moral perceptions are positively related to employee engagement, while only supervisors' consistency between words and actions is positively related to employee trust. Moreover,
employee trust was shown to be positively related to employee engagement. Finally, employee trust was found to have a partial mediating effect between authentic leadership and employee engagement.
Brand involvement in retaining customers despite dissatisfaction
Authors: Shiue Yih-Chearng , Li Lisa Shih-Hua
Published: May 2013

In this study, we investigated the importance of brand involvement in retaining dissatisfied customers. We surveyed 377 customers dissatisfied with their shopping experience on the Lativ shopping website because of its dishonesty, and then analyzed the data using structural equation
modeling. The results revealed that brand involvement had moderating effects that improved the possibility of repatronage in the presence of many negative messages. This fits with previous studies in which it was shown that inertia had no influence on customers, and clarifies our understanding
of the importance of brand involvement as a buffer that decreases customer exit intentions following organizational failures. Finally, the findings contribute to theory and practice in relation to our investigation of the factors of consumers' intentions reflected in their dissatisfied responses,
and the role of brand involvement in repatronage.
The influence of conflict management culture on job satisfaction
Authors: Choi Younyoung
Published: May 2013

In the workplace, conflict and style of conflict management substantially influence individual, group, and organizational effectiveness. In this study I investigated the relationship between job satisfaction and each of a dominant, an avoidant, and a collaborative conflict management
culture in the workplace. Using structural equation modeling, I analyzed survey data from 743 people employed as tellers in bank branches in Washington, DC and West Virginia, USA. The results showed that a collaborative conflict management culture has a positive effect on job satisfaction
whereas a dominant management culture has a negative effect on job satisfaction. No statistically significant relationship was found between an avoidant conflict management culture and job satisfaction. These findings may be valuable in making decisions about provision of training in conflict
management in order to promote a positive working atmosphere within an organization.
The Effect of Noisy Fair Value Measures on Bank Capital Adequacy Ratios
Authors: Valencia Adrian , Smith Thomas J. , Ang James
Published: May 2013

SYNOPSIS

Fair value accounting has been a hotly debated topic during the recent financial crisis. Supporters argue that fair values are more relevant to investors, while detractors point to the measurement error in the estimation of the reported fair values to attack its reliability. This study examines how noise in reported fair values impacts bank capital adequacy ratios. If measurement error causes reported capital levels to deviate from fundamental levels, then regulators could misidentify a financially healthy bank as troubled (type I error) or a financially troubled bank as safe (type II error), leading to suboptimal resource allocations for banks, regulators, and investors. We use a Monte Carlo simulation to generate our data, and find that while noise leads to both type I and type II errors around key Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) capital adequacy benchmarks, the type I error dominates. Specifically, noise is associated with 2.58 (2.60) [1.092], 5.67 (6.44) [1.94], and 10.60 (26.83) [3.423] times more type I errors than type II errors around the Tier 1 (Total) [Leverage] well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, and significantly undercapitalized benchmarks, respectively. Economically, our results suggest that noise can lead to inefficient allocation of resources on the part of regulators (increased monitoring costs) and banks (increased compliance costs).

JEL Classifications: D52; M41; C15; G21.
Torque efficiency of different archwires in 0.018- and 0.022-inch conventional brackets
Authors: Sifakakis Iosif , Pandis Nikolaos , Makou Margarita , Eliades Theodore , Katsaros Christos , Bourauel Christoph
Published: May 2013

Objective:

To compare the archwires inserted during the final stages of the orthodontic treatment with the generated moments at 0.018- and 0.022-inch brackets.

Materials and Methods:

The same bracket type, in terms of prescription, was evaluated in both slot dimensions. The brackets were bonded on two identical maxillary acrylic resin models, and each model was mounted on the orthodontic measurement and simulation system. Ten 0.017 × 0.025-inch TMA and ten 0.017 × 0.025-inch stainless steel archwires were evaluated in the 0.018-inch brackets. In the 0.022-inch brackets, ten 0.019 × 0.025-inch TMA and ten 0.019 × 0.025-inch stainless steel archwires were measured. A 15° buccal root torque (+15°) and then a 15° palatal root torque (−15°) were gradually applied to the right central incisor bracket, and the moments were recorded at these positions. A t-test was conducted to compare the generated moments between wires within the 0.018- and 0.022-inch bracket groups separately.

Results:

The 0.017 × 0.025-inch archwire in the 0.018-inch brackets generated mean moments of 9.25 Nmm and 14.2 Nmm for the TMA and stainless steel archwires, respectively. The measured moments in the 0.022-inch brackets with the 0.019 × 0.025-inch TMA and stainless steel archwires were 6.6 Nmm and 9.3 Nmm, respectively.

Conclusion:

The 0.017 × 0.025-inch stainless steel and β-Ti archwires in the 0.018-inch slot generated higher moments than the 0.019 × 0.025-inch archwires because of lower torque play. This difference is exaggerated in steel archwires, in comparison with the β-Ti, because of differences in stiffness. The differences of maximum moments between the archwires of the same cross-section but different alloys were statistically significant at both slot dimensions.
Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in Glucagon-Like Peptide-1–Based Treatment Approaches
Authors: Schnell Oliver , Felton Anne-Marie
Published: May 2013

In Brief

Recently, European expert recommendations suggested individualized self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) strategies to optimize diabetes management in patients with type 2 diabetes who are treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)–based approaches. These suggestions include simple and clinically applicable SMBG glucose testing patterns, or schemes. Potential benefits of SMBG in GLP-1–based treatment approaches were seen for several clinical scenarios: early assessment of treatment success or failure, timely modification of treatment, detection of hypoglycemic episodes, assessment of glucose excursions, and support of diabetes management and diabetes education.
Comparison of automated versus manual neutrophil counts for the detection of cellular abnormalities in dogs receiving chemotherapy: 50 cases (May to June 2008)
Authors: Cora Michelle C. , Neel Jennifer A. , Grindem Carol B. , Kissling Grace E. , Hess Paul R.
Published: May 2013

Objective—To determine the frequency of clinically relevant abnormalities missed by failure to perform a blood smear evaluation in a specific subset of dogs receiving chemotherapy and to compare automated and manual neutrophil counts in the same population

Design—Retrospective case series

Animals—50 dogs receiving chemotherapy with a total nucleated cell count > 4,000 nucleated cells/μL.

Procedures—50 blood smears were evaluated for abnormalities that have strong potential to change the medical plan for a patient: presence of blast cells, band neutrophils, nucleated RBCs, toxic change, hemoparasites, schistocytes, and spherocytes. Automated and manual neutrophil counts were compared.

Results—Blood smears from 10 (20%) patients had ≥ 1 abnormalities. Blast cells were identified on 4 (8%) blood smears, increased nucleated RBCs were identified on 5 (10%), and very mild toxic change was identified on 2 (4%). Correlation coefficient of the neutrophil counts was 0.96. Analysis revealed a slight bias between the automated and manual neutrophil counts (mean ± SD difference, −0.43 × 103/μL ± 1.10 × 103/μL)

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In this series of patients, neutrophil count correlation was very good. Clinically relevant abnormalities were found on 20% of the blood smears. An automated CBC appears to be accurate for neutrophil counts, but a microscopic examination of the corresponding blood smear is still recommended; further studies are needed to determine whether the detection or frequency of these abnormalities would differ dependent on chemotherapy protocol, neoplastic disease, and decision thresholds used by the oncologist in the ordering of a CBC without a blood smear evaluation.
Endoscopic-guided sclerotherapy for renal-sparing treatment of idiopathic renal hematuria in dogs: 6 cases (2010–2012)
Authors: Berent Allyson C. , Weisse Chick W. , Branter Erinne , Adams Larry G. , Aarhus Alissa , Smee Nicole , Berg Rebecca , Bagley Demetrius H.
Published: May 2013

Objective—To describe the use of sclerotherapy for the renal-sparing treatment of idiopathic renal hematuria (IRH) in dogs and report clinical outcomes.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—6 dogs (8 renal pelvises) with IRH.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs that underwent sclerotherapy were reviewed. Each ureterovesicular junction was identified cystoscopically to determine the side of bleeding, and a retrograde ureteropyelogram was performed with endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. A ureteropelvic junction balloon was used for ureteral occlusion, and pelvis filling volumes were recorded. A povidone iodine mixture, followed by a sterile silver nitrate solution, was infused into the renal pelvis. A double-pigtail ureteral stent was placed after the procedure. Information on preprocedure and postprocedure biochemical changes, imaging parameters, and clinical outcomes was obtained.

Results—6 dogs (5 males and 1 female) had sclerotherapy for unilateral (4) or bilateral (2) bleeding. Five were right-sided and 3 were left-sided. The median age and weight of dogs were 3 years and 42.4 kg (93.28 lb), respectively. Median procedure time was 150 minutes. One dog that did not have a ureteral stent placed following the procedure developed short-term signs of renal pain and pyelectasis. Cessation of macroscopic hematuria occurred in 4 of 6 dogs (median, 6 hours). Two additional dogs improved moderately. Median follow-up time was 8 months (range, 3.5 to 20.5 months).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Topical sclerotherapy for IRH was safe and effective. Local sclerotherapy for IRH in dogs could be considered a valuable and minimally invasive renal-sparing treatment over ureteronephrectomy.
Immunity in heifers 12 months after vaccination with a multivalent vaccine containing a United States Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo isolate
Authors: Zimmerman Alicia D. , Springer Eric W. , Barling Kerry S. , Buterbaugh Robin E. , Pooley Ryan D. , Scholz Douglas A. , Rhoades James R. , Chase Christopher C. L.
Published: May 2013

Objective—To evaluate immunity induced by a multivalent vaccine containing a US Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo type hardjo bovis (LHB) isolate in heifers challenged 12 months after vaccination.

Design—Prospective vaccine challenge study.

Animals—36 one-month old Holstein heifers.

Procedures—18 heifers were vaccinated at 4 and 8 weeks of age with an inactivated vaccine containing Leptospira fractions. Additionally, 18 heifers were vaccinated at the same age with the same vaccine without any Leptospira fractions. All heifers were challenged with a US-origin LHB 12 months following booster vaccination. Urine samples were collected weekly for 8 weeks after challenge, and serum was collected at −1, 28, and 56 days after challenge for serologic testing. At 8 weeks after challenge, all heifers were necropsied, and kidney and reproductive system samples were collected for bacteriologic culture.

Results—4 of 18 vaccinates had positive results of bacteriologic culture of urine samples, but only at 1 time point. All control heifers had positive results of bacteriologic culture of urine samples for at least 5 time points. Vaccinates had negative results of bacteriologic culture of kidney and reproductive system samples following necropsy, whereas all control heifers had positive results of bacteriologic culture of kidney samples and 5 of 18 had positive results of bacteriologic culture of reproductive system samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The vaccine administered to calves at 1 month of age prevented leptospire colonization of kidney and reproductive system tissue and significantly reduced urine shedding following challenge 12 months after vaccination. This vaccine provides an opportunity to protect calves at an early age from becoming infected and ultimately from becoming an LHB reservoir.
Inflammatory Patterns in Upper Airway Disease in the Same Geographical Area may Change over Time
Authors: Katotomichelakis Michael , Tantilipikorn Pongsakorn , Holtappels Gabriele , De Ruyck Natalie , Feng Lan , Van Zele Thibaut , Muangsomboon Soranart , Jareonchasri Perapun , Bunnag Chaweewan , Danielides Vassilios , Cuvelier Claude A. , Hellings Peter W. , Bachert Claus , Zhang Nan
Published: May 2013

Background

Inflammatory patterns of nasal polyps (NPs) may vary. Changes over time have not been investigated so far. This study was designed to evaluate the inflammatory patterns of NPs in Thailand at two time points 12 years apart, explore differences in Staphylococcus aureus (SA) mucosal carriage rates over time, and the latter's relationship with the inflammatory patterns.

Methods

Formalin-fixed nasal tissue was obtained from 89 (47 in 1999 and 42 in 2011) patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with NPs (CRSwNPs). Tissues were evaluated for eosinophils, neutrophils, IgE+ cells, IgE and macrophage mannose receptors, interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-17 cytokine profile, and the presence of SA, using automated immunohistochemistry and peptide nucleic acid–fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results

We found a significant increase in the absolute values of eosinophils and IgE+ cells in the 2011 CRSwNP tissue series compared with 1999 and a significant but smaller increase in neutrophils. Semiquantitative evaluation revealed significantly higher mean values of positive cells for all studied inflammatory markers in the 2011 group of patients, except for the high-affinity IgE receptor. This “eosinophilic shift” of inflammation was accompanied by higher SA carriage, as well as higher frequencies of SA invasion (54.8% versus 10.6%; p < 0.001) in the 2011 compared with 1999 subjects. Patients with asthma were more likely to have higher SA carriage rates compared with nonasthmatic patients.

Conclusion

There was a shift from predominantly neutrophilic to eosinophilic CRSwNPs in Thai patients within 12 years, with an increase in various inflammatory markers including IgE, which is associated with an increase in intramucosal presence of SA.
Undercooling of Sn–Ag–Cu alloys: solder balls and solder joints solidification
Authors: Hodaj Fiqiri , Petit Luc , Baggetto Loïc , Boisier Olivier , Verneyre Lionel
Published: May 2013

The degree of undercooling of three Pb-free solders Sn-4.5%Ag-0.5%Cu, Sn-4.0%Ag-0.5%Cu and Sn-2.5%Ag-0.5%Cu (wt.%) are determined using differential scanning calorimetry in two configurations (i) solder balls and (ii) solder joint samples prepared by reflowing solder balls on copper substrates (Ball Grid Arrays package). A large degree of undercooling was observed with solder balls, while the corresponding undercooling was significantly reduced in the case of solder joints. Samples were characterized using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The microstructure of the solder alloy is greatly affected by the reaction at the solder/copper interface. The role of the interfacial reaction between liquid solder alloy and copper substrate on the undercooling degree of the liquid alloy as well as on the microstructure of the solder joint is discussed.
Microstructural evolution of as-rolled modified 9Cr-1Mo steel during friction stir welding
Authors: Lee Jung-Gu , Lee Min-Ku , Rhee Chang-Kyu , Kim Tae-Kyu , Kim Ju-Myoung
Published: May 2013

Friction stir welding was tried on a modified 9Cr-1Mo (wt.%) ferritic steel in an as-rolled condition. The microstructure of the resultant weld was divided into four distinct regions according to each thermo-mechanical history experienced during welding; i.e., stir zone, thermo-mechanically affected zone, inner heat-affected zone, and outer heat-affected zone. The first three zones showed distinct martensite morphologies depending on the different recrystallization phenomena during the heating cycle in the single-phase austenite region. In the outer heat-affected zone, however, only tempering occurred without phase transformation owing to a relatively low heating temperature. Hardness distribution of the weld closely reflected such microstructural differences, indicating that a considerable softening occurred in the thermo-mechanically affected zone and outer heat-affected zone owing to the coarsening and tempering effects, respectively.