bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Panel Report on eu—Biodiesel: A Glass Half Full?—Implications for the Rising Issue of “Particular Market Situation”
Authors: Zhou Weihuan , Percival Andrew
Published: October 2016

This article provides a detailed analysis of the World Trade Organisation (“wto”) panel report on the eu—Biodiesel dispute which represents the latest development of the wto jurisprudence on anti-dumping. The panel’s decision has significant implications for the rising use of Particular Market Situation (“pms”) by traditional users of anti-dumping (such as Australia) against economies like China in anti-dumping investigations. The panel correctly established that a finding of pms does not provide a sufficient ground for the use of surrogate costs in the determination of constructed normal value (“cnv”) and that the use of that methodology would result in the imposition of anti-dumping duties in excess of dumping margins that should have been established consistently with the wto Anti-Dumping Agreement, that is, by using actual costs recorded by exporters under investigation. It is argued that both Australia’s anti-dumping laws which essentially authorise the use of surrogate costs in the construction of normal value solely based on a finding of pms and Australia’s use of that methodology in practice are contrary to wto rules. The panel’s decision, therefore, is a positive step toward the resolution of the issues related to pms by imposing constraints on the use of a protectionist methodology in determining cnv so as to prevent unjustified inflation of dumping margins and anti-dumping duties.
Polystichum clarinervium (subg. Haplopolystichum; Dryopteridaceae), a new fern from Emei shan, China
Authors: LI CHUN-XIANG , PATEL NIKISHA R. , ZHANG LI-BING
Published: October 2016

A new fern species, Polystichum clarinervium, a member of P. subg. Haplopolystichum (Dryopteridaceae), is described and illustrated from Emei shan, Sichuan Province, Southwest China. The new species is similar to P. deltodon, but the former has pinnae slightly imbricate, pinna apex rounded, and veins clear, while the latter has pinnae not imbricate, pinna apex acute, and veins obscured. Polystichum clarinervium was found on a limestone slope under sparse forest at an elevation of 1300 m and is currently known from two small populations. It is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) following IUCN Red List criteria.
A new species of Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia (Myrtaceae) from the restingas of Bahia, Brazil
Authors: MARINHO LUCAS C. , LUCAS EVE
Published: October 2016

The new species Myrcia raminfinita is described and illustrated; diagnostic characters such as large solitary bracts subtending auxotelic inflorescences and striking bracts covered in silky silver hairs are contrasted to closely related M. micropetala. Both species belong to Myrcia section Aulomyrcia and share persistent bracts, bilocular ovaries and covered by the indumentum peduncles, hypanthia and calyx lobes. The species occurs in Southern Bahian restinga (Brazil).
Taxonomic review of the genus Parastenolechia Kanazawa (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Litini) from Mainland China, with descriptions of six new species
Authors: LIU LINJIE , LI HOUHUN
Published: October 2016

Ten species of the genus Parastenolechia Kanazawa, 1985 from Mainland China are reviewed. Six species are described as new: Parastenolechia arciformis sp. nov., P. papillaris sp. nov., P. trapezia sp. nov., P. semielliptica sp. nov., P. medispina sp. nov. and P. longifolia sp. nov. Parastenolechia albicapitella Park, 2000 is recorded for the first time in China. A key to the Parastenolechia species that occur in Mainland China is given.
A checklist of the genus Scopula (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) including description of a new species and three newly recorded species from Korea
Authors: CHOI SEI-WOONG , KIM SUNG-SOO
Published: October 2016

We present a checklist comprising 39 species of the genus Scopula (Geometridae, Sterrhinae) from Korea by adding four new records. One species Scopula paraconfusa Kim & Choi spec. nov. is described as new and three species S. butleri, S. disclusaria and S. hypochra are recorded to the Korean fauna for the first time. We provided the diagnosis for four species and male and female genitalia, if available.
The rare deep-living hyperiid amphipod Megalanceoloides remipes (Barnard, 1932): complementary description and symbiosis
Authors: GASCA REBECA , HADDOCK STEVEN H.D.
Published: October 2016

A female ovigerous specimen of the rare deep-living hyperiid Megalanceoloides remipes (Barnard, 1932) was collected with a remotely operated submersible (ROV) at a depth of 2,094 m in the Farallon Basin, Gulf of California. The specimen was found to be symbiotically associated with the siphonophore Apolemia sp. Eschscholtz, 1829. Hitherto, this species was known only from two other specimens, one from the South Atlantic and another from the Indian Ocean; the present record is the first from the Pacific Ocean. Previous descriptions lacked morphological details of different appendages; these data are provided here. In addition, we present the first data on its symbiotic association from in situ observations. The colors of the hyperiid and of some parts of the Apolemid were very similar, thus supporting the notion that some hyperiids tend to mimic the color of its host.
New records of the deep-sea anemone Phelliactis callicyclus Riemann-Zurneck, 1973 (Cnidaria, Actiniaria, Hormathiidae) from the Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: HENDRICKX M.E. , HINOJOSA-CORONA A. , AYÓN-PARENTE M.
Published: October 2016

Specimens of a deep-sea anemone were observed in photographs and video footage taken with the Remotely Operated Vehicle JASON (WHOI Deep Submergence Laboratory) in the Gulf of California, Mexico, in May 2008. Comparison of our material with photographs and description of this species available in literature indicate that the sea anemones filmed during the JASON survey are most likely to represent Phelliactis callicyclus Riemann-Zurneck, 1973. This species has previously been reported from a locality in the Gulf of California near the present record. During the JASON survey, 28 specimens of P. callicyclus were spotted in 27 locations during six dives. The specimens occurred on angular rock outcrops along the escarpments of the transform faults of the Gulf of California, between depths of 993–2543 m and at temperatures ranging from 2.3 to 4.5°C. Based on these new records, Phelliactis callicyclus appears to be widely spread in the Gulf of California.
Spatiotemporal Lake Skin Summer Temperature Trends in the Northeast United States
Authors: Torbick Nathan , Ziniti Beth , Wu Shuang , Linder Ernst
Published: October 2016

Lakes have been suggested as an indicator of climate change; however, long-term, systematic records of lake temperature are limited. Satellite remote sensing is capable of supporting lake temperature mapping with the advantage of large-area and systematic observations. The goal of this research application was to assess spatiotemporal trends in lake skin temperature for all lakes over 8 ha across northern New England for the past three decades. Nearly 10 000 Landsat scenes for July, August, and September from 1984 to 2014 were processed using MODTRAN and MERRA parameterizations to generate atmospherically corrected lake skin temperature records. Results show, on average, lakes warmed at a rate of 0.8°C decade−1, with smaller lakes warming at a faster rate. Complementing regression and space–time analyses showed similar results (R2 = 0.63) for lake temperature trends and found lakes, on average, are warming faster than daily maximum or minimum air temperature. No major hot spots were found as lake temperature changes were heterogeneous on a local scale and evenly distributed across the region. Maximum and minimum daily temperature, lake size, and elevation were found as significant drivers of lake temperature. This effort provides the first regionally focused and comprehensive spatiotemporal assessment of thousands (n = 3955) of lakes concentrated in one geographic region. The approach is scalable and adaptable to any region for assessing lake temperature trends and potential drivers.
Satellite Sounder Observations of Contrasting Tropospheric Moisture Transport Regimes: Saharan Air Layers, Hadley Cells, and Atmospheric Rivers
Authors: Nalli Nicholas R. , Barnet Christopher D. , Reale Tony , Liu Quanhua , Morris Vernon R. , Spackman J. Ryan , Joseph Everette , Tan Changyi , Sun Bomin , Tilley Frank , Leung L. Ruby , Wolfe Daniel
Published: October 2016

This paper examines the performance of satellite sounder atmospheric vertical moisture profiles under tropospheric conditions encompassing moisture contrasts driven by convection and advection transport mechanisms, specifically Atlantic Ocean Saharan air layers (SALs), tropical Hadley cells, and Pacific Ocean atmospheric rivers (ARs). Operational satellite sounder moisture profile retrievals from the Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (SNPP) NOAA Unique Combined Atmospheric Processing System (NUCAPS) are empirically assessed using collocated dedicated radiosonde observations (raobs) obtained from ocean-based intensive field campaigns. The raobs from these campaigns provide uniquely independent correlative truth data not assimilated into numerical weather prediction (NWP) models for satellite sounder validation over oceans. Although ocean cases are often considered “easy” by the satellite remote sensing community, these hydrometeorological phenomena present challenges to passive sounders, including vertical gradient discontinuities (e.g., strong inversions), as well as persistent uniform clouds, aerosols, and precipitation. It is found that the operational satellite sounder 100-layer moisture profile NUCAPS product performs close to global uncertainty requirements in the SAL/Hadley cell environment, with biases relative to raob within 10% up to 350 hPa. In the more difficult AR environment, bias relative to raob is found to be within 20% up to 400 hPa. In both environments, the sounder moisture retrievals are comparable to NWP model outputs, and cross-sectional analyses show the capability of the satellite sounder for detecting and resolving these tropospheric moisture features, thereby demonstrating a near-real-time forecast utility over these otherwise raob-sparse regions.
Weather Radar Spatiotemporal Saliency: A First Look at an Information Theory–Based Human Attention Model Adapted to Reflectivity Images
Authors: Schvartzman David , Torres Sebastián , Yu Tian-You
Published: October 2016

Forecasters often monitor and analyze large amounts of data, especially during severe weather events, which can be overwhelming. Thus, it is important to effectively allocate their finite perceptual and cognitive resources for the most relevant information. This paper introduces a novel analysis tool that quantifies the amount of spatial and temporal information in time series of constant-elevation weather radar reflectivity images. The proposed Weather Radar Spatiotemporal Saliency (WR–STS) is based on the mathematical model of the human attention system (referred to as saliency) adapted to radar reflectivity images and makes use of information theory concepts. It is shown that WR-STS highlights spatially and temporally salient (attention attracting) regions in weather radar reflectivity images, which can be associated with meteorologically important regions. Its skill in highlighting current regions of interest is assessed by analyzing the WR-STS values within regions in which severe weather is likely to strike in the near future as defined by National Weather Service forecasters. The performance of WR-STS is demonstrated for a severe weather case and analyzed for a set of 10 diverse cases. Results support the hypothesis that WR-STS can identify regions with meteorologically important echoes and could assist in discerning fast-changing, highly structured weather echoes during complex severe weather scenarios, ultimately allowing forecasters to focus their attention and spend more time analyzing those regions.
Working toward a Stable Regional Order
Authors: Salem Paul
Published: October 2016

Conditions in the Arab world since 2011 have brought about a perfect storm of national and regional instability: the Arab revolts challenged the authoritarian order in six Arab countries, and intense competition among regional powers has flared into an open proxy war. The combination has caused four Arab states to fully or partially fail. Their failure has created the ungoverned space and sociopolitical chaos that has allowed al-Qaeda to resurge and enabled the formation and spread of ISIS. This article examines the elements of today’s unstable Middle East regional order and suggests steps that the next U.S. president can take to help re-create a stable and less conflictual regional order, including in key states such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran. This is key to ending civil wars, rebuilding failed states, and reclaiming ungoverned space from terrorist groups and denying ungoverned space to them in the future.
Competition among Violent Islamist Extremists
Authors: Lister Charles
Published: October 2016

The jihadist threat emanating from the Middle East has transformed dramatically in the past five years due to unprecedented levels of sociopolitical instability. While the region and much of the world around it previously faced a threat dominated by al-Qaeda, developments in the heart of the Middle East since 2014 have given birth to a new and more dangerous dynamic—two international jihadist movements competing to outdo each other on an increasingly brutal and complex world stage. In recent years, al-Qaeda has undergone a consequential strategic evolution: increasingly autonomous affiliates have begun to adopt a patient, long-game approach to operations, while ISIS has sought to attain rapid results. As two divergent models of jihad develop, different threats result, with the one universal factor being the exploitation of political failure, failing states, and sociopolitical instability to further extremist narratives. It is now more important than ever to develop tailor-made policies designed not just to combat jihadism itself but to ameliorate underlying conditions that have allowed it to thrive.
Grand Strategy versus Unending Extremism
Authors: Allen John R.
Published: October 2016

This article focuses on the lessons learned from American and coalition experience in dealing with extremist groups such as al-Qaeda and the so-called Islamic State or ISIL. It also deals more generally with extremist networks, which increasingly have the capacity to function as nonstate actors, not only threatening the existence of a growing number of fragile states but increasingly acting as proto-states themselves. I raise issues that should be considered as the United States and its allies and partners gird themselves for the long-term struggle against violent extremism. I also address the challenges faced after long years of war, the general considerations in forming a coalition, the means for establishing and implementing a strategy, and thoughts on a way ahead in a negatively trending security environment. I focus on what needs to be done and avoid specifically praising or condemning successes and failures of the past.
Building Resilience against Violent Extremism
Authors: Mirahmadi Hedieh
Published: October 2016

Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism (BRAVE), the World Organization for Resource Development and Education (WORDE)’s community-based approach to countering violent extremism (CVE), has gained international recognition for its approach to CVE and its emphasis on research-driven strategies. This article provides an overview of the BRAVE model and suggests practical steps for how to structure an effective, research-based CVE program, based on the BRAVE experience.
Countering Violent Extremism Strategies in the Muslim World
Authors: Kruse Maqsoud
Published: October 2016

The first part of the article provides an overview of the efforts, initiatives, and contributions led by the Muslim World to confront the threats of violent extremism. I explore these efforts by highlighting contemporary key initiatives in two major categories: (1) global cooperation and (2) national strategies. The second part of the article provides an analysis of what is required to support the Muslim World in its efforts in countering violent extremism and what is the best approach to integrate these efforts into the wider global commitment to defeat violent extremism. These initiatives need continued support, and I argue that non-Muslim nations must continue to consider the Muslim World a strategic partner in the global efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism.
Terrorism in Perspective
Authors: Clarke Richard A. , Papadopoulos Emilian
Published: October 2016

The next American president will encounter a landscape with regard to terrorism, and specifically violent Islamist extremism, that is challenging and also much changed from eight years ago, when President Obama took office. The changes relate to failed and failing states in the Middle East and surrounding region, the terrorist organizations themselves, how the United States has dealt with the problem of terrorism, and how the problem has manifested in Europe. Even if the United States and its allies continue to retake territory from Daesh (or ISIS) and are able to disrupt other terrorist organizations, the problems of violent Islamist extremism and the societal and demographic conditions that enable it will persist. This volume seeks to define the problem and set it in context, and to offer some paths and priorities for the next president and her or his administration, including in the emerging and promising field of countering violent extremism (CVE).
Evaluating the Potential of Routine Blood Tests to Identify the Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis: A 1-Year Monocenter Cohort Study
Authors: Signorelli Salvatore Santo , Valerio Fiore , Davide Castrogiovanni , Oliveri Conti Gea , Maria Fiore , Ignazio Morana , Margherita Ferrante
Published: October 2016

Study on 295 consecutive medical patients to evaluate the potential of routine blood tests to identify the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The tests included in a DVT risk stratification model system were erythrocyte sedimentation rate, antithrombin III, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. The DVT risk stratification system was moderately prognostic (area under the curve: 0.838; 95% confidence interval: 0.771-0.904; P < .001), whereas its performance was as follows—sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 20%; positive predictive value, 21%; and negative predictive value, 100%. The prevalence of DVT and DVT + superficial thrombophlebitis was 7.5% and 3.1%, respectively. These routine blood tests may prove helpful to stratify the DVT risk in medical patients.
Arming the police in Britain
Authors: Turner Ian
Published: October 2016

In 2010 Derrick Bird shot and killed 12 people, as well as injuring a further 11, in Cumbria. A legitimate question that arose after the tragedy was whether the outcome would have been different if the British police had been armed? This paper explores whether human rights law requires, or at least justifies, the UK authorities to arm the police in the pursuit of public protection? Derrick Bird was licensed to possess his firearms. Is a more proportionate response amendments to the existing weapons certification process? These are some of the questions which this article seeks to address.
Demographic, Military, and Health Characteristics of VA Health Care Users and Nonusers Who Served in or During Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2009-2011
Authors: Dursa Erin K. , Barth Shannon K. , Bossarte Robert M. , Schneiderman Aaron I.
Published: October 2016

An estimated 60% of all Operation Enduring Freedom / Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans who have left the military had used the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for health care services as of March 31, 2015. What is not known, however, are the differences in demographic, military, and health characteristics between OEF/OIF veterans who use the VA for health care and OEF/OIF veterans who do not. We used data from the 2009-2011 National Health Study for a New Generation of US Veterans to explore these differences. We found that VA health care users were more likely than non-VA health care users to be non-Hispanic black, to be unmarried, to have served on active duty and in the army, to have been deployed to OEF/OIF, and to have an annual income less than $35 000. The prevalence of 21 chronic medical conditions was higher among VA health care users than among non-VA health care users. OEF/OIF veterans using the VA for health care differ from nonusers with respect to demographic, military, and health characteristics. These data may be useful for developing programs and policies to address observed health disparities and achieve maximum benefit for the VA beneficiary population.
A biosocial education future?
Authors: Youdell Deborah
Published: October 2016

This paper explores how social justice orientated education research might engage with emerging ideas and approaches from the new biological sciences, and suggests a biosocial future for empirical education research that connects molecular biology – epigenetics, nutrigenomics and neuroscience – with sociology of education. In beginning to consider what the biosocial means for education the paper works through two pressing questions ‘ what happens when we learn?’ and ‘ are relationships important in the classroom?’, bringing together emerging evidence across sociology, pedagogy, molecular biology and neuroscience. The paper shows how what we ask, how we go about doing research, and the sorts of answers that we might offer all shift with a biosocial orientation. While valid concerns continue to be raised by critical education researchers over some of the directions of research in the biological sciences and the policy uses of this, this paper advocates collaborative, inter-disciplinary research across social and biological sciences. Such biosocial research, it is argued, has the potential to develop hybrid conceptual frames; pose new types of questions; envisage research methodologies and methods in new ways; and offer profound new insights into the making of inequality.
The future of educational research: Has Nietzsche led the way?
Authors: Moran Paul
Published: October 2016

This brief editorial suggests that educational research has allowed itself to be constructed in a very narrow way, that seeks, sometimes despite itself, even when the research is of excellent quality, to support the underlying neoliberal values and practices that support its current educational regime. Rather than lamenting this state of affairs, or indicating possible alternatives that are nevertheless not being, and may very unlikely ever to be, followed (the dubious preoccupation of much philosophy of education); perhaps a more honest, brutal and politically relevant response would be a critical analysis of why and how this educational apparatus has evolved and what its effects are felt to be.
Development of a surrogate-based vehicle dynamic model to reduce computational delays in a driving simulator
Authors: Fouladinejad Nariman , Fouladinejad Nima , Abdul Jalil Mohamad Kasim , Mohd Taib Jamaludin
Published: October 2016

The development of a real-time driving simulator involves highly complex integrated and interdependent subsystems that require a large amount of computational time. When advanced hardware is unavailable for economic reasons, achieving real-time simulation is challenging, and thus delays are inevitable. Moreover, computational delays in the response of driving simulator subsystems reduce the fidelity of the simulation. In this paper, we propose a technique to decrease computational delays in a driving simulator. We used approximation techniques, sensitivity analysis, decomposition, and sampling techniques to develop a surrogate-based vehicle dynamic model (SBVDM). This global surrogate model can be used in place of the conventional vehicle dynamic model to reduce the computational burden while maintaining an acceptable accuracy. Our results showed that the surrogate model can significantly reduce computing costs compared to the computationally expensive conventional model. In addition, the response time of the SBVDM is nearly five times faster than the original simulation codes. Also, as a method to reduce hardware cost, the SBVDM was used and the results showed that most of the responses were accurate and acceptable in relation to longitudinal and lateral dynamics. Based on the results, the authors suggested that the proposed framework could be useful for developing low-cost vehicle simulation systems that require fast computational output.
Electrostatic-assisted centrifugal spinning for continuous collection of submicron fibers
Authors: Chen Huanhuan , Li XiangLong , Li Nan , Yang Bin
Published: October 2016

Non-uniformity of the fiber diameter and difficulty in continuous web collection have limited the development and further application of centrifugal spinning (CS). Here, we present a feasible method for fibers' continuous collection and morphology optimization by utilizing vertical electrostatic-assisted centrifugal spinning (E-CS). The effects of spinning parameters, such as applied voltage, nozzle size, and rotational speed on fiber morphology have been evaluated systematically. We find that vertical voltage is strongly correlated with the formation of bead defects, and nozzle size is the most important parameter on fiber size, and the fiber diameter generally decreased with increasing rotation speed. Through the mechanism analysis and jet trajectory observation, we think that the Rayleigh–Taylor instability is the key factor in determining fiber formation in CS. When a vertical electrostatic force is applied to CS, the above instability phenomenon can be effectively controlled resulting more uniform fibers with thinner diameters and fewer beads.
Dyeing silk and cotton fabrics using natural blackcurrants
Authors: Yasukawa Akemi , Chida Ayumi , Kato Yoji , Kasai Miki
Published: October 2016

Silk and cotton fabrics were dyed using the extract from blackcurrants, and the properties of the dyed fabrics were investigated. The natural dyes present in the blackcurrants were identified as four types of anthocyanins, i.e. delphinidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-rutinoside. The colors of the fabrics dyed with and without five types of mordants, including Mg2+, Ca2+, Al3+, Fe3+, and Cu2+, were measured and expressed according to the CIELAB color system, Δ E* value, and K/ S value. The affinity of the extracted dye for the silk fabric was higher compared with that for the cotton fabric. The crystallinity of silk was lower than that of cotton. The fabrics dyed with blackcurrants had UV shielding ability, especially at 330–400 nm, and antibacterial properties. Although color fastness to light and washing (color change) was not sufficient, treatment with Mg2+, Fe3+, and Cu2+ mordants could enhance the color fastness.
Isolating the Unique Effects of the Unified Protocol Treatment Modules Using Single Case Experimental Design
Authors: Sauer-Zavala Shannon , Cassiello-Robbins Clair , Conklin Laren R. , Bullis Jacqueline R. , Thompson-Hollands Johanna , Kennedy Katherine A.
Published: October 2016

The Unified Protocol (UP) for the Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders is a cognitive-behavioral intervention designed to treat the range of anxiety, depressive, and related disorders. Thus far, the UP treatment modules have only been studied when they are delivered in their entirety and presented in a standard sequence. To personalize the presentation of the UP modules for a given patient’s presentation (e.g., providing the modules in a varied order, dropping irrelevant modules), it is first necessary to establish that each module leads to change in the skill it is designed to promote, and that these changes can occur in the absence of the other modules. Using a multiple baseline design in accordance with the single-case reporting guidelines in behavioral interventions (SCRIBE), eight patients with heterogeneous emotional disorders were randomly assigned to a 1- or 3-week baseline assessment phase followed by four sessions of one of four UP modules (psychoeducation, emotional awareness, cognitive flexibility, and countering emotional behaviors). Results provide preliminary support for the notion that each UP module under study leads to change in its associated skill in the absence of the other modules (five of eight patients demonstrated reliable change in the module-specific skill). In addition, exploratory analyses suggest that the emotion awareness training and cognitive flexibility modules appeared to exhibit change specific to their associated skills, psychoeducation, and countering emotional behaviors demonstrated somewhat more broad-based change across skills.
Lower Bound on Estimation Variance of the Ultrasonic Attenuation Coefficient Using the Spectral-Difference Reference-phantom Method
Authors: Samimi Kayvan , Varghese Tomy
Published: October 2016

Ultrasonic attenuation is one of the primary parameters of interest in Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS). Non-invasive monitoring of tissue attenuation can provide valuable diagnostic and prognostic information to the physician. The Reference Phantom Method (RPM) was introduced as a way of mitigating some of the system-related effects and biases to facilitate clinical QUS applications. In this paper, under the assumption of diffuse scattering, a probabilistic model of the backscattered signal spectrum is used to derive a theoretical lower bound on the estimation variance of the attenuation coefficient using the Spectral-Difference RPM. The theoretical lower bound is compared to simulated and experimental attenuation estimation statistics in tissue-mimicking (TM) phantoms. Estimation standard deviation (STD) of the sample attenuation in a region of interest (ROI) of the TM phantom is measured for various combinations of processing parameters, including Radio-Frequency (RF) data block length (i.e., window length) from 3 to 17 mm, RF data block width from 10 to 100 A-lines, and number of RF data blocks per attenuation estimation ROI from 3 to 10. In addition to the Spectral-Difference RPM, local attenuation estimation for simulated and experimental data sets was also performed using a modified implementation of the Spectral Fit Method (SFM). Estimation statistics of the SFM are compared to theoretical variance predictions from the literature.1 Measured STD curves are observed to lie above the theoretical lower bound curves, thus experimentally verifying the validity of the derived bounds. This theoretical framework benefits tissue characterization efforts by isolating processing parameter ranges that could provide required precision levels in estimation of the ultrasonic attenuation coefficient using Spectral Difference methods.
Gendering the authenticity of the military experience: male audience responses to the Korean reality show Real Men
Authors: Han Woori , Lee Claire Shinhea , Park Ji Hoon
Published: October 2016

This study investigates the ideological implications of Real Men, a Korean reality show that portrays the experiences of celebrities who join the military as new conscripts. We situate the popularity of Real Men in the context of the changing gender geography of Korea. Through an analysis of the official Real Men online bulletin board, we explore how the male audience’s discourses regarding the authentic military experience and ideal soldiers are related to their desire to restore hegemonic masculinity. Our findings suggest that Real Men became a vehicle that was used to demand women’s appreciation of the difficult work of men in the military. A desire to be symbolically remunerated for military service involved the positioning of women as primary caregivers who fulfill traditional female roles. By calling for the restoration of traditional gender roles, the male viewers attempted to recover the hegemonic masculinity that they perceived to be under threat from changing gender relations.
Women, youth and everything else: age-based and gendered stereotypes in relation to digital technology among elderly Italian mobile phone users
Authors: Comunello Francesca , Fernández Ardèvol Mireia , Mulargia Simone , Belotti Francesca
Published: October 2016

In the context of an international research project on older people’s relations with and through mobile telephony, Italian participants spontaneously provided narrations on mobile phones that appeared to be structured around strong stereotypes. Respondents show a twofold representation of mobile phones either as a simple communication tool or as a ‘hi-tech’ device, which generates multifaceted stereotypes. More specifically, when the mobile phone is considered as a simple communication tool, age-based stereotypes address younger people’s bad manners, while gendered stereotypes depict women as ‘chatterboxes’ or ‘social groomers’. On the other hand, when the mobile phone is considered a ‘hi-tech’ device, age-based stereotypes underline younger people’s advanced user skills, while gendered stereotypes focus on women’s lack of competencies. Based on that, we provide a conceptual framework for analysing such stereotyped – and apparently conflicting – representations. Interestingly, while some issues also emerged in other countries, the masculine assumption that women are less-skilled mobile phone users appears as a peculiarity of Italian respondents.
Sraffa, Capitalist Production and Labor Values: A Comment
Authors: Mongiovi Gary
Published: October 2016

In his Critical Sociology essay on Piero Sraffa’s Production of Commodities by Means of Commodities, William Jefferies aims to rescue Marx’s labor value analysis by demonstrating the purported inadequacy of the Sraffa model. Jefferies’s argument is untenable, however; for it rests upon a thoroughly confused caricature of Sraffa’s analytical framework. The present comment argues that, far from undermining Marx, Sraffa provides a way to place Marx’s project on solid foundations.
Experimental investigation on Iroko wood used in shipbuilding
Authors: Bucci V , Corigliano P , Crupi V , Epasto G , Guglielmino E , Marinò A
Published: October 2016

The paper deals with investigations about mechanical properties of Iroko, a hardwood species used for structures in shipbuilding as glued laminated timber. Experimental tests have been carried out to assess strength, stiffness and density of Iroko in accordance with current EN Standards. All the results obtained by tensile and three-point bending tests, along with the statistical analyses performed to define the characteristics values of some mechanical properties, are reported in the paper. These values allowed to assign the strength class, reported in EN 338 Standard, to the investigated Iroko wood population. The experiments have taken into account both solid timber strips and scarf-jointed strips, in order to evaluate the influence of such a type of joint, which is widely used in wooden shipbuilding on strength and stiffness. Eventually, peculiar investigations have been carried out to analyse the failure mode of some test pieces through special experimental techniques: three-dimensional computed tomography and infrared thermography.
Performance improvement of transonic centrifugal compressors by optimization of complex three-dimensional features
Authors: He Xiao , Zheng Xinqian
Published: October 2016

Transonic centrifugal compressors with high efficiency and wide stable flow range are required in modern gas turbine engines. Blade design with complex three-dimensional features is one of the promising methods to further improve the performance of such cases. Aiming to increase the efficiency while maintaining similar level of the stable flow range, this article investigates aerodynamic potentials of complex three-dimensional features in a transonic centrifugal compressor by multi-point and multi-objective optimizations, in which the camber curves, the sweep feature, and the lean feature have been optimized. During the first round of optimizations, the aforementioned three groups of variables are optimized individually, and their sensitivities to the performance have been analyzed. When optimizing the camber curves, the best result shows an end-bend feature at the front of the hub section, and the efficiency is improved by 1.0% due to the lowered shock strength. When optimizing the sweep feature, the best result presents an S-shape leading edge and a forward sweep feature. The efficiency is increased by 0.5% because of the reduced wake region. The optimized lean feature only improves the efficiency by 0.2%, which shows its relatively low potential. The final round of optimizations couples both the camber curves and the sweep feature, and the best geometry combines both the end-bend and S-shape leading edge patterns. The peak efficiency and the choke mass flow rate have been increased by 2.2% and 8.1%, respectively, which is owing to the combination of the lowered shock strength by optimized camber curves and the reduced wake region by optimized sweep feature. The result indicates significant potential of complex three-dimensional features to improve the performance of transonic centrifugal compressors.
Adopting universal testing for HIV in intensive care for patients admitted with severe pneumonia: results from our change in practice
Authors: Sharvill Rory , Fernandes Arnold , Allen Kate , Astin Jeremy
Published: October 2016

Early identification of HIV infection is of obvious benefit to patients’ health, yet many remain unaware of their diagnosis, with detrimental consequences. Current guidelines suggest patients with pneumonia are offered an HIV test. Early diagnosis of HIV infection in critically ill patients within intensive care is vital in reducing mortality and morbidity. In 2015, we established automated HIV testing for patients with pneumonia admitted to our intensive care unit. Prior to our change in practice, our HIV testing rate in patients with pneumonia was 29% within two weeks of admission. After implementation, 80% of patients with pneumonia were tested for HIV within 48 h (73% with 24 h). This intervention also facilitated an early and unexpected HIV diagnosis in one patient, which then allowed prompt tailored therapy and was a significant factor in their survival. Based on our success, we suggest other centres may benefit from employing a similar automated HIV testing system, especially in targeted patient groups such as severe pneumonia.
Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia causing a painful plaque in a HIV-infected female
Authors: Parsons Bianca F , Ryder N
Published: October 2016

Dermatological conditions are more common and can present atypically, in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals. This case report describes a 22-year-old human immunodeficiency virus-positive Caucasian female who presented with a vulval lesion eight weeks after starting antiretroviral treatment. Clinical examination revealed a 2 cm well-demarcated plaque on the outer aspect of the left labium minus. The lesion was tender, no contact bleeding or ulceration present. She was presumptively treated for chancroid and herpes simplex with 500 mg ceftriaxone IM stat, 1 g azithromycin PO stat, and valacyclovir 500 mg BD for five days. The lesion persisted despite treatment, and during follow-up, a punch biopsy was carried out. She was diagnosed with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of the epidermis. In addition to highlighting this condition that has been previously reported in human immunodeficiency virus/herpes simplex virus co-infection, this case demonstrates that unusual skin presentations must be considered in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals and illustrates the importance of biopsy for any non-healing lesions.
The Role of School Principals in Shaping Children’s Values
Authors: Berson Yair , Oreg Shaul
Published: October 2016

Instilling values in children is among the cornerstones of every society. There is wide agreement that beyond academic teaching, schools play an important role in shaping schoolchildren’s character, imparting in them values such as curiosity, achievement, benevolence, and citizenship. Despite the importance of this topic, we know very little about whether and how schools affect children’s values. In this large-scale longitudinal study, we examined school principals’ roles in the development of children’s values. We hypothesized that relationships exist between principals’ values and changes in children’s values through the mediating effect of the school climate. To test our predictions, we collected data from 252 school principals, 3,658 teachers, and 49,401 schoolchildren. A multilevel structural-equation-modeling analysis yielded overall support for our hypotheses. These findings contribute to understanding the development of children’s values and the far-reaching impact of leaders’ values. They also demonstrate effects of schools on children beyond those on academic achievement.
Varieties of familialism: Comparing four southern European and East Asian welfare regimes
Authors: Saraceno Chiara
Published: October 2016

The aim of this article is to articulate the concepts of familialism and defamilialization as well as their indicators to assess whether and how welfare states, or regimes, differ not only in the degree to which they are defamilialized but also in the specific familialism form. In other words, it assesses whether family responsibility in a given area (and its gender dimension) is only assumed without public policy support or, on the contrary, whether it is actively enforced by laws or supported by income transfers and time allocation. The same diversification also exists for the opposite concept, defamilialization, which may happen through positive, direct or indirect policy interventions or because of the lack of such interventions, encouraging recourse to the market. The article shows that when considering these distinctions in the analyses, the profiles of countries that are usually generically described as ‘familialistic welfare states’, such as Italy and Spain in Europe or Japan and Korea in East Asia, and their similarities and differences partly differ from those that emerge when considering only a simplified familialism – defamilialization dichotomy, in so far both familialism and defamilialization may occur, and be combined, through distinct means, offering, therefore, also different options.
When flexibility meets familialism: Two tales of gendered labour markets in Spain and South Korea
Authors: León Margarita , Choi Young Jun , Ahn Jong-soon
Published: October 2016

Korea and Spain share crucial labour market and welfare state characteristics that converge to produce similar outcomes: strongly dualized labour markets, weak social protection, and features that are archetypical of familialist states. Labour market flexibility in both countries has recently increased through unusually high levels of temporary employment. Yet, when we analyse female labour force participation, we observe a significant divergence: Korean women interrupt their participation in the labour market when they are of childbearing age, while Spanish women do not. Furthermore, the level of education of women in Spain matters for their career prospects, but in Korea, it does not. In this article, we explore the causes of this divergence by analysing (1) structural characteristics of the labour market, (2) policies that facilitate the reconciliation of work and family and (3) gender equality politics. We argue that the combination of these three factors have different impacts on the career choices of women in Spain and Korea. Some aspects of working culture – long working hours in particular – the unavailability to women of good quality jobs and a high gender pay gap contribute towards labour market interruption of highly educated women in Korea when they have children. Policy developments have been important in the two countries, but high levels of childcare investment in Korea have not improved female employment prospects. Furthermore, we observe greater political commitment to gender equality in Spain than in Korea. Fundamental changes in the Spanish political culture, which were the result of a combination of domestic and supranational dynamics, played a major role in the political endorsement of gender equality and a rejection of familialistic policies and practices.
The protective effects of bone morphogenetic protein-7 against epithelial injury and matrix metalloproteases upregulation induced by silica in vitro
Authors: Liang D , An G , Zhu Z , Wang Y , Yang G , Li X , Niu P , Chen L , Tian L
Published: October 2016

Objective:

We investigate the effects of bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) on models with silica-induced and macrophage-mediated fibrosis and its possible mechanisms in vitro.

Methods:

Rat alveolar II epithelial (RLE-6TN) cells were incubated with the supernatant of mouse macrophage-like cells (RAW264.7) and treated with 0, 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL silica. Using Western blotting, the epithelial markers (surfactant proteins-C and E-cadherin) and the mesenchymal markers (fibronectin (FN) and viminten (Vim)) were detected. After neutralizing the BMP-7, the progress of fibrosis was assessed by the content of hydroxyproline (Hyp) and collagen I, III protein levels as well as the Smad signaling pathway proteins, including phosphorylated Smad1/5(P-Smad1/5) and phosphorylated Smad2/3(P-Smad2/3). Collagen I was also identified by immunofluorescence and pretreated with SB-431542, LDN-193189, or anti-BMP-7-neutralizing antibody. In addition, the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 were detected using Western blotting.

Results:

The model of RLE-6TN cells was established successfully, the expressions of Vim, FN, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were upregulated, while the concentration of silica is increased. Neutralizing BMP-7 stimulated the decrease of P-Smad1/5 and the increase of P-Smad2/3, as well as the collagen I, collagen III, FN, and Hyp via Smad signaling pathway. Furthermore, pretreated with LDN-193189 or anti-BMP-7-neutralizing antibody, the expression of collagen I was increased, yet it was decreased with SB-431542 intervention.

Conclusion:

The activated BMP/Smad and suppressed transforming growth factor-β/Smad pathways could suppress silica-induced fibrosis via a MMP-dependent mechanism. BMP-7 is expected to be the optimized strategy of delaying the interstitial changes.
Corporate Governance Between Shareholder and Stakeholder Orientation
Authors: Bottenberg Konstantin , Tuschke Anja , Flickinger Miriam
Published: October 2016

It is highly debated whether corporations should primarily follow a shareholder or a stakeholder principle. This article addresses the debate with a closer look at Germany’s current conceptualization of corporate governance. Despite the introduction of shareholder-oriented practices such as moderate amounts of stock-option pay and more transparent accounting standards, the German corporate governance system is considered to be a prototype of stakeholder orientation. Critics of this system claim that strong obligations to stakeholder interests are a drawback for German firms when competing internationally. However, if applied thoughtfully, an institutionally anchored stakeholder management can also have a number of advantages. We point to selected advantages of a stakeholder-oriented system, including the active integration of stakeholder knowledge, increased commitment for strategic decisions, and a longer term view on performance. Acknowledging potential problems arising from a stakeholder orientation as well as its unique benefits, we call for a “modern” stakeholder value system.