bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray and neutron total scattering analysis of Hy·(Bi0.2Ca0.55Sr0.25)(Ag0.25Na0.75)Nb3O10·xH2O perovskite nanosheet booklets with stacking disorder
Authors: Metz Peter , Koch Robert , Cladek Bernadette , Page Katharine , Neuefeind Joerg , Misture Scott
Published: May 2016

Ion-exchanged Aurivillius materials form perovskite nanosheet booklets wherein well-defined bi-periodic sheets, with ~11.5 Å thickness, exhibit extensive stacking disorder. The perovskite layer contents were defined initially using combined synchrotron X-ray and neutron Rietveld refinement of the parent Aurivillius structure. The structure of the subsequently ion-exchanged material, which is disordered in its stacking sequence, is analyzed using both pair distribution function (PDF) analysis and recursive method simulations of the scattered intensity. Combined X-ray and neutron PDF refinement of supercell stacking models demonstrates sensitivity of the PDF to both perpendicular and transverse stacking vector components. Further, hierarchical ensembles of stacking models weighted by a standard normal distribution are demonstrated to improve PDF fit over 1–25 Å. Recursive method simulations of the X-ray scattering profile demonstrate agreement between the real space stacking analysis and more conventional reciprocal space methods. The local structure of the perovskite sheet is demonstrated to relax only slightly from the Aurivillius structure after ion exchange.
Assessing conservation tools for an at-risk shorebird: Feasibility of headstarting for American OystercatchersHaematopus palliatus
Authors: COLLINS SAMANTHA A. , SANDERS FELICIA J. , JODICE PATRICK G. R.
Published: May 2016

Management of threatened and endangered populations of wildlife increasingly relies upon active intervention such as predator control, habitat manipulation, andex situbreeding or care. One tool that has received consideration for the management of declining or threatened avian populations is headstarting, or the artificial incubation of eggs and subsequent placement of newly hatched chicks in original or foster nests. We assessed the feasibility of implementing a headstarting program for the American OystercatcherHaematopus palliatus, a species of high conservation concern in the eastern USA. Annual productivity is often low and lost during incubation, suggesting artificial incubation could enhance annual productivity. We used a control-impact approach to assign nests as either control or headstart and measured daily survival rate, success of parents accepting headstarted chicks, attendance patterns and behaviours of parents, and chick survival. We also implemented a transparent scoring process to rate the success of each step and the overall program. Daily survival rates of nests were significantly higher at headstart compared to control nests, and parents continued to incubate when eggs were well secured at nest sites. Attendance patterns and behaviour did not differ between headstart and control parents, and parents readily accepted healthy chicks whether they were returned to original or foster nests. Chick survival and subsequently annual productivity were, however, not higher at headstart compared to control nests suggesting that although we were able to enhance nest survival, low chick survival was still limiting annual productivity. Ultimately, headstarting may be most appropriate for American Oystercatchers where productivity is lost primarily to flooding, predation, or disturbance during the incubation stage but not during the chick-rearing stage. If, for example, high rates of nest loss are due to predators that also may prey upon chicks, then headstarting may not be an effective conservation tool.
Relative rate and location of intra-host HIV evolution to evade cellular immunity are predictable
Authors: Barton John P. , Goonetilleke Nilu , Butler Thomas C. , Walker Bruce D. , McMichael Andrew J. , Chakraborty Arup K.
Published: May 2016

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) evolves within infected persons to escape being destroyed by the host immune system, thereby preventing effective immune control of infection. Here, we combine methods from evolutionary dynamics and statistical physics to simulate in vivo HIV sequence evolution, predicting the relative rate of escape and the location of escape mutations in response to T-cell-mediated immune pressure in a cohort of 17 persons with acute HIV infection. Predicted and clinically observed times to escape immune responses agree well, and we show that the mutational pathways to escape depend on the viral sequence background due to epistatic interactions. The ability to predict escape pathways and the duration over which control is maintained by specific immune responses open the door to rational design of immunotherapeutic strategies that might enable long-term control of HIV infection. Our approach enables intra-host evolution of a human pathogen to be predicted in a probabilistic framework.
Reduced expression of APC-1B but not APC-1A by the deletion of promoter 1B is responsible for familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Yamaguchi Kiyoshi , Nagayama Satoshi , Shimizu Eigo , Komura Mitsuhiro , Yamaguchi Rui , Shibuya Tetsuo , Arai Masami , Hatakeyama Seira , Ikenoue Tsuneo , Ueno Masashi , Miyano Satoru , Imoto Seiya , Furukawa Yoichi
Published: May 2016

Germline mutations in the tumor suppressor gene APC are associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Here we applied whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to the DNA of a sporadic FAP patient in which we did not find any pathological APC mutations by direct sequencing. WGS identified a promoter deletion of approximately 10 kb encompassing promoter 1B and exon1B of APC. Additional allele-specific expression analysis by deep cDNA sequencing revealed that the deletion reduced the expression of the mutated APC allele to as low as 11.2% in the total APC transcripts, suggesting that the residual mutant transcripts were driven by other promoter(s). Furthermore, cap analysis of gene expression (CAGE) demonstrated that the deleted promoter 1B region is responsible for the great majority of APC transcription in many tissues except the brain. The deletion decreased the transcripts of APC-1B to 39–45% in the patient compared to the healthy controls, but it did not decrease those of APC-1A. Different deletions including promoter 1B have been reported in FAP patients. Taken together, our results strengthen the evidence that analysis of structural variations in promoter 1B should be considered for the FAP patients whose pathological mutations are not identified by conventional direct sequencing.
Spontaneous Migration of Polyethylene Molecule Sheathed inside Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube for Nano-Heat Pipe
Authors: Liao Quanwen , Liu Zhichun , Yang Nuo , Liu Wei
Published: May 2016

Development of nanoscale thermal exchanging devices is critical to thermal management in nanoscale. The spontaneous migration of polyethylene molecule sheathed inside single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) are observed. And the multi-factor analysis of spontaneous migration about temperature, mass and potential barrier shows new features about motion mechanisms and enriches the existing mass transport theory greatly. Here, based on this finding, we report a nano-heat pipe (NHP) composing of a SWCNT and a polyethylene molecule. Using molecular dynamics simulations, the heat exchanging coefficient can reach 450 WK−1 cm−2 at 500 K by NHP arrays with a quantity density of 7 × 1013 cm−2. This study will benefit the designs of NHP and other nanoscale mass transport devices.
177Lu-labeled carbon nanospheres: a new entry in the field of targeted radionanomedicine
Authors: Satpati Drishty , Satpati Ashis , Pamale Yugandhara , Kumar Chandan , Sharma Rohit , Sarma Haladhar Deb , Banerjee Sharmila
Published: May 2016

177Lu-labeled carbon nanospheres loaded with cRGDfK peptide have been developed as radionanoprobes with favorable pharmacokinetics for integrin αvβ3-mediated active targeting.
A case study for measurement uncertainty of heavy metal analysis in drinking water with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Authors: Tunç Dede Özlem
Published: May 2016

The measurement uncertainty related to the analysis of eight trace elements (Pb, Zn, Cr, Mn, Cu, Cd, Hg and As) in drinking water using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was evaluated in detail.
The impact of endohedral atoms on the electronic and optical properties of Au25(SR)18and Au38(SR)24
Authors: Muñoz-Castro A.
Published: May 2016

Analysis of the endohedral atom role allows to rationalize their versatility as nanomaterials.
Insights into the reaction mechanism of propene H/D exchange over acidic zeolite catalysts from theoretical calculations
Authors: Yi Xianfeng , Ding Lihong , Li Guangchao , Liu Zhiqiang , Xia Hongqiang , Chu Yueying , Zheng Anmin , Deng Feng
Published: May 2016

The reaction mechanisms of propene H/D exchange over deuterated acidic ZSM-5 zeolite have been theoretically revealed.
Synthesis and multi-responsiveness of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-acrylic acid) core–shell microgels via miniemulsion polymerization
Authors: Tan Shen , Lu Zhengquan , Zhao Jing , Zhang Jianan , Wu Mingyuan , Wu Qingyun , Yang Jianjun
Published: May 2016

We report herein a facile and large fabrication of multi-responsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-acrylic acid) microgels with a core–shell structure via seed miniemulsion polymerization. The multi-responsive microgels can reversibly swell and shrink in response to pH and temperature variation.
Mitochondria-targeted fluorescent polymersomes for drug delivery to cancer cells
Authors: Kulkarni P. S. , Haldar M. K. , Confeld M. I. , Langaas C. J. , Yang X. , Qian S. Y. , Mallik S.
Published: May 2016

We have synthesized a fluorescent polymer which self-assembles into polymersomes and targets the encapsulated anticancer drug to cancer cell mitochondria.
Activated charcoal mediated purification of Yellow Sodium Sulphate: a green process to utilize a hazardous by-product of the leather chemical industry
Authors: Chatterjee Sandipan , De Rajarshi , Gupta Arka
Published: May 2016

Activated charcoal assisted a green and sustainable recovery of highly pure sodium sulphate and Cr-residue from yellow sodium sulphate, a hazardous by-product of the leather chemical industry.
Design-specific mechanistic regulation of the sensing phenomena of two Schiff bases towards Al3+
Authors: Shweta Shweta , Neeraj Neeraj , Asthana Sharad Kumar , Mishra Rakesh K. , Upadhyay K. K.
Published: May 2016

We report herein two optical probes (R1 and R2) for the fluorogenic detection of Al3+ at the level of 10−8 M.
Dopamine carbon nanodots as effective photothermal agents for cancer therapy
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zheng Min , Liu Shi , Xie Zhigang
Published: May 2016

Dopamine carbon nanodots (DA CNDs) with an average diameter of approximately 23 nm were prepared through a facile hydrothermal method without adding any passivating agents.
Towards metal–organic framework based field effect chemical sensors: UiO-66-NH2 for nerve agent detection
Authors: Stassen I. , Bueken B. , Reinsch H. , Oudenhoven J. F. M. , Wouters D. , Hajek J. , Van Speybroeck V. , Stock N. , Vereecken P. M. , Van Schaijk R. , De Vos D. , Ameloot R.
Published: May 2016

Kelvin probe monitoring of metal-organic framework coated electrodes is demonstrated as a route for ppb-level detection of alkyl phosphonates.
Rhodium catalyzed diastereoselective synthesis of 2,2,3,3-tetrasubstituted indolines from N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles and ortho-vinylanilines
Authors: Yadagiri Dongari , Reddy Angula Chandra Shekar , Anbarasan Pazhamalai
Published: May 2016

An efficient diastereoselective rhodium catalyzed synthesis of indolines possessing two contiguous tetrasubstituted carbon centers has been achieved with good to excellent yields using ortho-vinylanilines and iminocarbenes derived from N-sulfonyl-1,2,3-triazoles.
Electronic interactions between a stable electride and a nano-alloy control the chemoselective reduction reaction
Authors: Ye Tian-Nan , Li Jiang , Kitano Masaaki , Sasase Masato , Hosono Hideo
Published: May 2016

The electronic effects induced by the synergy of stable C12A7:e− electride and bimetallic Ru–Fe nanoparticles efficiently control the chemoselective reduction reaction.
Phosphate-perylene modified G-quadruplex probes for the detection of Pb2+ using fluorescence anisotropy
Authors: Wang Zhixuan , Pei Xiaojing , Li Na , Tang Xinjing
Published: May 2016

G-quadruplex probes with phosphate perylene-labelling for the sensitive detection of Pb2+ through fluorescence anisotropy.
Specific histone modifications were associated with the PAH-induced DNA damage response in coke oven workers
Authors: Zhang Zhengbao , Chen Liping , Xing Xiumei , Li Daochuan , Gao Chen , He Zhini , Li Jie , Zhu Xiaonian , Xiao Xinhua , Wang Shan , Wang Fangping , Ren Zefang , Xiao Yongmei , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Dong Guanghui , Zheng Yuxin , Chen Wen
Published: May 2016

We reveal that H3K36me3 could be an indicator of PAH exposure and might be involved in the transcriptional regulation of DNA repair genes in response to DNA damage.
Exploring the pastiche hegemony of men
Authors: Matthews Christopher R
Published: May 2016

In this article I explore the continued hegemony of certain men. I use interview extracts to help think through the notion of pastiche hegemony as a means of understanding how men, and narratives about them, have changed, but unequal power relations persist. In particular, I explore this process within men’s understandings of how they were able to gain and maintain influence and power at work. Through their reflexive reading of the changing shape of late modern Western society, these men believed they were able to craft selves and employ social scripts to produce social influence and power in situational and contingent forms. I argue that it is within this interactional process that the increasingly undermined ideological and material legacy of patriarchy might still be reified. As such, while there is clear evidence highlighting the undermining of men’s ability to assume power, within this article I theoretically unpack how certain men might be able to produce a localized, pastiche hegemony. This article is published as part of a thematic collection on gender studies.
Improvement of magnetic hysteresis loss, corrosion resistance and compressive strength through spark plasma sintering magnetocaloric LaFe11.65Si1.35/Cu core-shell powders
Authors: You Caiyin , Wang Shaopeng , Zhang Jing , Yang Nannan , Tian Na
Published: May 2016

LaFe11.65Si1.35/Cu core-shell powders were achieved by self-designed magnetron sputtering system, which presents a better solidification during spark plasma sintering in comparison to the naked LaFe11.65Si1.35 powders. Much higher compressive strength, lower corrosion current density and magnetic hysteresis losses are achieved for the sintered sample of LaFe11.65Si1.35/Cu core-shell powders without significant decrease of the magnetic entropy change. The compressive strength, corrosion current density and maximum magnetic hysteresis losses are 105.6 MPa/16.8 MPa, 1.08 × 10−3A/cm2/3.03 × 10−3 A/cm2 and 1.33 J/kg/2.71 J/kg, respectively for the sintered samples of core-shell structured/naked powders. The technique of fabricating the core-shell structured powders demonstrated here is also applicable for other types of functional powders.
Effects of inclusion size and acicular ferrite on cold cracking for high-strength steel welds of YS 600 MPa grade
Authors: Lee M. , Kang N. , Liu S. , Cho K.
Published: May 2016

The influences of microstructure and inclusion on cold cracking were studied in high-strength steel welds of YS 600 MPa grade using the Y-groove test. The weld microstructure showed a mixture of acicular ferrite, bainite and predominantly martensite. Cold crack fractography identified intergranular fracture (IF) and quasi-cleavage fracture (QCF). Bainite and martensite predominated on the surface and subsurface of IF while the QCF showed inclusions that nucleated acicular ferrite. The influence of inclusions on cold cracking can be described as follows: (i) the inclusions acted as nucleation sites of QCF, (ii) the inclusions contributed to the nucleation and growth of micro-cracks and (iii) new cracks were produced from inclusions when a crack impinged on the inclusions. Inclusions smaller than 2 μm increased the cold crack resistance by contributing to the nucleation of acicular ferrite. Inclusions larger than 2 μm increased the cold crack susceptibility by inducing crack nucleation in welds.
Cross-Shelf Habitat Occupancy Probabilities for Juvenile Groupers in the Florida Keys Coral Reef Ecosystem
Authors: Harford W. J. , Smith S. G. , Ault J. S. , Babcock E. A.
Published: May 2016

In the Florida Keys coral reef ecosystem, delineation of reef fish distributions in relationship to habitat patterns is important for improving the design characteristics of fishery-independent surveys. Efficient survey design depends on analysis of fish distribution patterns to inform and improve the precision of future surveys. We used a diver visual survey to quantify occupancy patterns of preexploitation-size Black Grouper Mycteroperca bonaci and Red Grouper Epinephelus morio. The survey was based on a stratified random sampling design with strata reflecting cross-shelf coral reef habitat types. A multiple spatial scale modeling approach confirmed a cross-shelf occurrence gradient for Red Grouper, with higher nearer-to-shore occupancy probability and lower offshore occupancy probability. Black Grouper occurrence followed a latitudinal gradient, with higher occurrence probabilities in the lower Florida Keys than in the upper Keys. Local habitat characteristics measured within reef strata suggested that occupancy relationships for both species varied according to vertical relief. Our analysis also included multilevel slope coefficients (random effects), which revealed unforeseen variance structure in Black Grouper occurrence probability among cross-shelf reef strata. Our study improves on previous qualitative observations of juvenile grouper distributions in the Florida Keys and highlights the use of multilevel models in revealing variance structures of fish distributions not revealed by fixed-effects models. Our analysis contributes to a discussion about foraging characteristics in producing the observed distributional patterns, and we suggest that examining the links between the distributions of forage fishes and larger predators (i.e., groupers) would be a useful step in improving survey stratification schemes.

Received February 23, 2015; accepted July 2, 2015
The dynamics of Kadyrov’s regime: between autonomy and dependence
Authors: Souleimanov Emil Aslan , Jasutis Grazvydas
Published: May 2016

This article examines recent developments in Chechnya with a particular focus on its leader, Ramzan Kadyrov, whose influence has long surpassed the borders of the republic and whose further provocative behaviour and uncontrolled actions may face repercussions at the federal level. The research consists of two major parts explaining the psychological, political, social, security, and economic dimensions of the Kadyrov regime and its potential for collapse. It employs a cognitive approach to analyse the Kadyrov–Putin relationship as well as a behavioural perspective focusing on individual–psychological factors. In addition, the study thoroughly analyses Kadyrov’s regime and the elements of his personal clout that remain heavily dependent on Moscow’s assistance. The article concludes that, despite frictions, the Kadyrov regime has been advantageous to federal authorities, has mostly operated within Moscow’s comfort zone, and has pushed forward Moscow’s interests. As long as the strategic partnerships between Grozny and Moscow and Kadyrov and Putin continue, there will be no significant steps taken to replace the regional leader.
Relationship between sociodemographic, reproductive, and lifestyle factors and the severity of menopausal symptoms among Egyptian women in Alexandria
Authors: Abou-Raya Suzan , Sadek Sameh , AbelBaqy Mohammed , ElSharkawy Omneya , Bakr Lobna , Ismail Karim , Abou-Raya Anna
Published: May 2016

Objective:

During menopause, women often experience some symptoms which may affect their daily activities. Information about menopausal experiences among different racial and ethnic groups is important for healthcare personnel to provide appropriate and specific interventions. The aim of the present study was thus to determine the frequency and determinants of severity of menopausal symptoms among Egyptian women using the Menopause Rating Scale as a screening tool for identification of menopausal symptoms.

Methods:

A total of 540 women (aged 40-65 y) were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Demographic information was collected, and the Menopause Rating Scale questionnaire was administered.

Results:

Most frequently reported symptoms were joint and muscular discomfort (501, 92.8%) followed by urogenital symptoms (460, 85.2%). A significant association was found between the number of menopausal symptoms and working status of participants (r = 0.504, P = 0.005), number of children (r = 0.474, P = 0.042), and body mass index (r = 0.544, P = 0.006). Women who reported urogenital symptoms and self-perceived general health as poor were more frequently referred to a gynecologist for moderate-to-severe menopausal symptoms.

Conclusions:

Participant-related information such as working status, which was shown to increase the frequency of psychological symptoms in our ethnic group, should be noted by the physician, and a suitable approach should be adopted to achieve better therapy outcomes. Counseling about the importance of maintaining an ideal body weight and exercise should be emphasized to reduce menopausal symptoms. Appropriate advice and support in improving the overall state of the postmenopausal women is essential.
Adolf Meyer’s Influence on Curt Richter
Authors: Smith Gerard P.
Published: May 2016

Adolph Meyer influenced Curt Richter from the time Richter became a graduate student in Psychology at Johns Hopkins in 1919 until Meyer retired in 1941. Meyer was on Richter’s thesis committee. After Richter received his degree, Meyer selected him to replace J.B. Watson. During the next 20 years, Meyer gave Richter strong support in terms of equipment, laboratory space for animal research, and opportunities to teach medical students, attend clinical rounds, and do clinical research. It is less well known that Meyer also mentored Richter’s scientific and professional development. Meyer’s mentoring was so successful that Richter adopted the major scientific ideas of Meyer, especially psychobiology, distrust of theory, and respect for experiment. Thus, Meyer’s ideas became the framework for Richter’s famous research program that produced his major discoveries of behavior exerting homeostatic controls, psychoendocrinology, and biological clocks.
Development of a dexterous continuum manipulator for exploration and inspection in confined spaces
Authors: Liu Shuntao , Yang Zhixiong , Zhu Zhijun , Han Liangliang , Zhu Xiangyang , Xu Kai
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Slim and dexterous manipulators with long reaches can perform various exploration and inspection tasks in confined spaces. This paper aims to present the development of such a dexterous continuum manipulator for potential applications in the aviation industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Benefiting from a newly conceived dual continuum mechanism and the improved actuation scheme, this paper proposes a design of a slim and dexterous continuum manipulator. Kinematics modeling, simulation-based dimension synthesis, structural constructions and system descriptions are elaborated.

Findings

Experimental validations show that the constructed prototype possesses the desired dexterity to navigate through confined spaces with its kinematics calibrated and actuation compensation implemented. The continuum manipulator with different deployed tools (e.g. graspers and welding guns) would be able to perform inspections and other tasks at remote locations in constrained environments.

Research limitations/implications

The current construction of the continuum manipulator possesses quite some friction inside its structure. The bending discrepancy caused by friction could accumulate to an obvious level. It is desired to further reduce the friction, even though the actuation compensation had been implemented.

Practical implications

The constructed continuum manipulator could perform inspection and other tasks in confined spaces, acting as an active multi-functional endoscopic platform. Such a device could greatly facilitate routine tasks in the aviation industry, such as guided assembling, inspection and maintenance.

Originality/value

The originality and values of this paper mainly lay on the design, modeling, construction and experimental validations of the slim and dexterous continuum manipulator for the desired mobility and functionality in confined spaces.
Towards explanations for the findings of serious case reviews: understanding what happens in self-neglect work
Authors: Preston-Shoot Michael
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to draw on systemic and psychodynamic theories to subject published serious case reviews (SCRs) involving self-neglect to a deeper level of scrutiny, in order to understand how complex contexts impact on self-neglect work. It also updates the dataset of self-neglect SCRs and accompanying thematic analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

– Psychodynamic and systemic ideas are applied to the content of published SCRs in order to understand how different contexts – societal, legal, organisational, professional and personal – impact on and are influenced by work with adults who self-neglect. Further published reviews are added to the core dataset, with thematic analysis updated using four domains.

Findings

– Thematic analysis within and recommendations from SCRs have focused on the micro context, what takes place between individual practitioners, their teams and adults who self-neglect. This level of analysis also commonly extends to how organisations have worked together and how Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSABs) have supported and scrutinised their collaboration. This level of analysis enables an understanding of local geography. However, there are wider systems that impact on and influence this work, especially law and the societal context. If review findings and recommendations are to fully answer the question why, systemic analysis should be extended to appreciate the influence of national geography.

Research limitations/implications

– There is still no national database of reviews commissioned by LSABs so the dataset reported here might be incomplete. The Care Act 2014 does not require publication of reports but only a summary of findings and recommendations in LSAB annual reports. This makes learning for service improvement challenging.

Practical implications

– Answering the question why is a significant challenge for safeguarding adults reviews (SARs). Different approaches have been recommended, some rooted in systems theory. The theoretical formulations here extend the lens of systemic analysis on the different contexts that influence how practitioners work with adults who self-neglect and simultaneously are shaped by that work. This adds to the practice, management and organisational evidence base for working with adults who self-neglect but also shines the analytic lens on legal and policy mandates.

Originality/value

– The paper extends the use of systemic theory for understanding and learning from practice with adults who self-neglect and additionally offers psychodynamic formulations to appreciate what happens within and between practitioners and their organisations. The paper therefore contributes new perspectives to the methodology for conducting SARs. It also extends the thematic analysis of available reviews that focus on work with adults who self-neglect, further building on the evidence base for practice.
An empirical analysis of bank concentration and monetary policy effectiveness
Authors: Severe Sean
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Substantial research has been conducted on the direct effects of banking competition or lack thereof. However, little work has investigated how the market structure of banks can affect the transmission of monetary policy. The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what degree bank concentration dampens or enhances the response of manufacturing to monetary policy changes.

Design/methodology/approach

To test how back concentration affects the transmission of monetary policy onto manufacturing value-added, the author regresses real value-added in manufacturing on bank concentration, monetary policy and the interaction of these two variables. The data set consists of a panel of 22 OECD countries across 59 manufacturing sectors from 1993 to 2005.

Findings

The author finds that bank concentration has two distinct effects: growth in manufacturing is lower in countries with higher concentration and manufacturing is less responsive to monetary policy as well. A loosening of monetary policy by lowering interest rates has a significantly larger effect on growth in countries with lower banking concentration. Overall, a 1 per cent decrease in the monetary policy interest rate increases industrial growth by 0.049 per cent when the three-bank concentration ratio is equal to the sample average, but the same monetary policy change has roughly twice the effect if bank concentration is only 5 per cent lower, all else equal.

Originality/value

The author is the first to measure how bank concentration alters the effectiveness of monetary policy using real economic activity as the output variable. The study is one of very few that has tied together inefficiencies created by bank concentration and the transmission of monetary policy.
A simulation study of silver nanowire for water and ethane vapor sensing
Authors: Refaat Marjan , Moslemi Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Nanowires, nanostructures with the diameter of the order of a nanometer, have recently attracted as gas sensors because of their interesting properties such as high sensitivity, fast response and high selectivity and stability. Among the different types of gas sensors, metallic nanowires used in high frequency applications because of their long mean free path that make the conduction ballistic.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the results of simulations to find the effects of adsorbing some molecules by silver Ag nanowires. The mechanisms of the simulated gas sensor are implemented in the Atomistix Toolkit 13.2 (ATK 13.2).

Findings

The simulation results show high sensitivity of silver nanowires in adjacent with water and ethane. The resistance of the simulated nanowire increased to about 3.65 kΩ for ethane and 4.95 kΩ for water molecules. This result shows that the sensitivity of a silver nanowire is about triple for the case of adsorbing water in comparison to the adsorption of ethane molecules.

Originality/value

This paper presents a simulation study on silver nanowires and compares their sensitivities in adjacent with water and ethane molecules.
The focus and frontier of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Qin Xuzhong , Wang Zongshui , Zhao Hong , Kaspersen Lars Bo
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to help scholars know about the focus and frontier in the field of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Although related research in CSR started 60 years ago, there is not much systematical literature review on CSR in recent years. This paper applies scientometric method, especially co-word analysis, to explore the frontier and focus of CSR in the twenty-first century, based on the articles from 2001 to 2014 in SSCI database.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors first use the scientometric method and co-word analysis for keywords filtering and apply social network methodology to investigate the networks of high-frequency keywords and high-frequency authors.

Findings

The authors summarize the current state of CSR research in two aspects. By co-word analysis of high-frequency keywords, the findings show that the focus and frontier are highly related to CSR. Based on the findings of social network analysis, this paper concludes four important research directions and possible future research of CSR.

Originality/value

The findings in this paper will help scholars of CSR or other related fields to realize the focus and frontier of CSR and provide some guidance for their future research.
The evolution of the discourse of a Belgian fair trade organization: a two-dimensional history
Authors: Geysmans Robbe
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a detailed account of the evolution of the fair trade discourse of a Belgian fair trade organization, with a specific focus on the changes in the combination of the organization’s trade and social (movement) dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on an analysis of the organization’s discourse as found in the member magazine at four periods. These four periods cover different phases in the life history of the organization and in the broader fair trade field.

Findings

Throughout the organization’s history, both social (movement) and trade dimensions know drastic changes, also in their mutual relationship. In the earliest history, trade practices are clearly subordinate to goals of a socialist-inspired societal change, while in the more recent history, trade has permeated the entire discourse, putting the trade dimension in a more central position. However, both dimensions seem to evolve in a connected way, as the discourse shows clear similarities on both, and evolutions can be related to changes in the organization’s broader field.

Originality/value

Focusing on the discourse of a specific fair trade organization breaks with a tradition of broad notions of a fair trade history. Moreover, this case provides insight into the evolution of the mix of both social and economic dimensions within a specific organization, and connects this to evolutions in the broader (fair trade) field.
Best practice for providing social care and support to people living with concurrent sight loss and dementia: professional perspectives
Authors: Evans Simon Chester , Bray Jennifer
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Approximately 100,000 people in the UK aged 75 and over have concurrent dementia and sight loss, but current understanding of their experiences, needs and preferences is limited. The purpose of this paper is to report on a research project that explored the provision of social care and support for older people with both conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The project was a collaboration between the universities of York, Worcester, Bournemouth and Cambridge, supported by the Thomas Pocklington Trust and the Housing and Dementia Research Consortium. Data for this paper were drawn from focus groups held in 2013 involving 47 professionals across the dementia, sight loss and housing sectors.

Findings

– Thematic analysis identified five main barriers to providing high-quality, cost-effective social care and support: time constraints; financial limitations; insufficient professional knowledge; a lack of joint working; and inconsistency of services. The requirements of dementia and sight loss often conflict, which can limit the usefulness of equipment, aids and adaptations. Support and information needs to address individual needs and preferences.

Research limitations/implications

– Unless professionals consider dementia and sight loss together, they are unlikely to think about the impact of both conditions and the potential of their own services to provide effective support for individuals and their informal carers. Failing to consider both conditions together can also limit the availability and accessibility of social care and support services. This paper is based on input from a small sample of self-selecting professionals across three geographical regions of England. More research is needed in this area.

Practical implications

– There are growing numbers of people living with concurrent dementia and sight loss, many of whom wish to remain living in their own homes. There is limited awareness of the experiences and needs of this group and limited provision of appropriate services aids/adaptations. A range of measures should be implemented in order to support independence and well-being for people living with both conditions and their family carers. These include increased awareness, improved assessment, more training and greater joint working.

Social implications

– People living with dementia or sight loss are at high risk of social isolation, increasingly so for those with both conditions. Services that take an inclusive approach to both conditions can provide crucial opportunities for social interaction. Extra care housing has the potential to provide a supportive, community-based environment that can help residents to maintain social contact.

Originality/value

– This paper adds much-needed evidence to the limited existing literature, and reflects the views of diverse professionals across housing, health and social care.
Avoidance of wind farms by harbour seals is limited to pile driving activities
Authors: Russell Debbie J.F. , Hastie Gordon D. , Thompson David , Janik Vincent M. , Hammond Philip S. , Scott‐Hayward Lindesay A.S. , Matthiopoulos Jason , Jones Esther L. , McConnell Bernie J.
Published: May 2016

As part of global efforts to reduce dependence on carbon‐based energy sources there has been a rapid increase in the installation of renewable energy devices. The installation and operation of these devices can result in conflicts with wildlife. In the marine environment, mammals may avoid wind farms that are under construction or operating. Such avoidance may lead to more time spent travelling or displacement from key habitats. A paucity of data on at‐sea movements of marine mammals around wind farms limits our understanding of the nature of their potential impacts.

Here, we present the results of a telemetry study on harbour sealsPhoca vitulinain The Wash, south‐east England, an area where wind farms are being constructed using impact pile driving. We investigated whether seals avoid wind farms during operation, construction in its entirety, or during piling activity. The study was carried out using historical telemetry data collected prior to any wind farm development and telemetry data collected in 2012 during the construction of one wind farm and the operation of another.

Within an operational wind farm, there was a close‐to‐significant increase in seal usage compared to prior to wind farm development. However, the wind farm was at the edge of a large area of increased usage, so the presence of the wind farm was unlikely to be the cause.

There was no significant displacement during construction as a whole. However, during piling, seal usage (abundance) was significantly reduced up to 25 km from the piling activity; within 25 km of the centre of the wind farm, there was a 19 to 83% (95% confidence intervals) decrease in usage compared to during breaks in piling, equating to a mean estimated displacement of 440 individuals. This amounts to significant displacement starting from predicted received levels of between 166 and 178 dB re 1 μPa(p‐p). Displacement was limited to piling activity; within 2 h of cessation of pile driving, seals were distributed as per the non‐piling scenario.

Synthesis and applications. Our spatial and temporal quantification of avoidance of wind farms by harbour seals is critical to reduce uncertainty and increase robustness in environmental impact assessments of future developments. Specifically, the results will allow policymakers to produce industry guidance on the likelihood of displacement of seals in response to pile driving; the relationship between sound levels and avoidance rates; and the duration of any avoidance, thus allowing far more accurate environmental assessments to be carried out during the consenting process. Further, our results can be used to inform mitigation strategies in terms of both the sound levels likely to cause displacement and what temporal patterns of piling would minimize the magnitude of the energetic impacts of displacement.
Impact of National Health Insurance on Entry and Competition in Remote Areas, Evidence from Taiwan's Dental Market
Authors: Sheu Jitian
Published: May 2016

This paper assesses the change in the supply of dental clinics after the implementation of Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI). Even though the government has enforced lower prices of treatment since the implementation of NHI, the increase in use could actually result in higher revenue for dentists. The higher profit could prompt dentists to attempt to enter markets that were previously unprofitable. This paper tested if NHI increased the dental clinic supply in geographically isolated areas by investigating whether the required minimum market size was reduced. We found that following the implementation of NHI, the per‐dental clinic minimum market size significantly decreased. In addition, the decreased minimum market sizes were enabled by a corresponding increase in variable profits which is equal to the difference between price and average variable costs. This implies that the NHI‐enlarged health care demand compensates for the possible losses of dental clinics due to price regulation. Furthermore, the results also suggest that the post‐NHI dental market becomes more competitive when there is a second entrant in the market, and the level of competition approaches perfect competition when three and more dental clinics serve one market.
Life cycles of traumatized teeth: long‐term observations from a cohort of dental trauma victims – series 2
Authors: Heithersay GS
Published: May 2016

In this the second of a series of life cycles of dental trauma victims, the short and particularly long‐term responses of four survivors of either multiple luxation injuries or avulsions have been documented over periods varying up to 41 years. The development of ankylosis, either in the short or longer term post trauma, proved a common feature in the series and management strategies have been outlined. External invasive resorption was also identified as a complicating response for which the topical application of trichloracetic acid, intracanal dressing and root canal obturation proved effective in resorption management. Long‐term observations indicate that some compromised teeth can be functionally and aesthetically retained for extended periods, but follow‐up examinations are important so that treatment interventions can be implemented if adverse responses are diagnosed.
Does gender influence managers’ ethics? A cross‐cultural analysis
Authors: Chen Chung‐wen , Velasquez Tuliao Kristine , Cullen John B. , Chang Yi‐Ying
Published: May 2016

The relationship between gender and ethics has been extensively researched. However, previous studies have assumed that the gender–ethics association is constant; hence, scholars have seldom investigated factors potentially affecting the gender–ethics association. Thus, using managers as the research target, this study examined the relationship between gender and ethics and analyzed the moderating effect of cultural values on the gender–ethics association. The results showed that, compared with female managers, their male counterparts are more willing to justify business‐related unethical behaviors such as bribery and tax evasion, and that the gender difference in ethics becomes more pronounced under the cultural dimensions of collectivism, humane orientation, performance orientation, and gender egalitarianism. This study used data obtained through surveying 2,754 managers in 27 nations.
Cumulative number of hospital bed days among older adults in the last year of life: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ishizaki Tatsuro , Shimmei Masaya , Fukuda Haruhisa , Oh Eun‐Hwan , Shimada Chiho , Wakui Tomoko , Mori Hiroko , Takahashi Ryutaro
Published: May 2016

Aim

To determine whether age, proximity to death and long‐term care insurance certification are related to receiving hospital inpatient care; the number of hospital bed days (HBD) among older Japanese adults in the last year of life; and to estimate the total number of HBD.

Methods

Using health insurance claims and death certificate data, the present retrospective cohort study examined the HBD of city residents aged ≥65 years who died between September 2006 and October 2009 in Soma City, Japan. Using a two‐part model, factors associated with receiving hospital inpatient care and the total number of HBD in each quarter in the last year of life were examined.

Results

The total number of HBD in the last year of life varied widely; 13% had no admission, and 27% stayed ≥90 days. Younger age, approaching death and having long‐term care insurance certification were significantly associated with being more likely to receive hospital inpatient care during each quarterly period in the last year of life. In contrast, having long‐term care insurance certification and the last 3‐month period before death, compared with the first 3‐month period, were significantly associated with a fewer number of HBD.

Conclusions

The present study showed that older age was associated with being less likely to receive hospital inpatient care. The findings regarding the risk of inpatient care and total number of HBD in the last year of life help to understand resource use among older dying adults, and to develop evidence‐based healthcare policies within aging societies. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 737–743.
Four‐times‐daily Dosing of Rabeprazole with Sitafloxacin, High‐Dose Amoxicillin, or Both for Metronidazole‐Resistant Infection with Helicobacter pylori in Japan
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsushige , Sahara Shu , Ichikawa Hitomi , Kagami Takuma , Ban Hiromitsu , Otsuka Taketo , Andoh Akira , Furuta Takahisa
Published: May 2016

Background

The bacterial resistance of Helicobacter pylori to antimicrobial agents such as clarithromycin and metronidazole has been increasing worldwide, leading to the failure of eradication treatment. Here, we present an eradication regimen consisting of four‐times‐daily dosing (q.i.d.) of rabeprazole with potent acid inhibition.

Aim

To investigate the efficacy of eradication therapy with rabeprazole q.i.d. and amoxicillin or sitafloxacin in Japanese infected with a metronidazole‐resistant strain.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the efficacy of eradication regimens with rabeprazole q.i.d. for 7 days in 111 Japanese pooled patients infected with a metronidazole‐resistant strain of H. pylori at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine Hospital or the Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital: 1, with sitafloxacin 100 mg twice daily (b.i.d.) (n = 82); 2, with amoxicillin 500 mg q.i.d. (n = 15); and 3, with amoxicillin q.i.d. and sitafloxacin b.i.d.‐combined regimen (n = 14). Eradication status was assessed at 8 weeks via a 13C‐urea breath test.

Results

Eradication rate on intention‐to‐treat analysis was 93.7% (95% confidence interval: 87.4–97.4%, 104/111), irrespective of the high prevalence of strains resistant to clarithromycin (81.1%, 90/111) and levofloxacin (42.3%, 47/111). No significant differences in eradication rates were observed among the different treatment regimens (p = .408), eradication history (p = .096) and different CYP2C19 genotypes (p = .789). On multivariate analysis, no significant risk factor for eradication failure by therapy with potent acid inhibition was seen.

Conclusion

In Japanese patients infected with metronidazole‐resistant strains of H. pylori, eradication rates exceeding 90% can be achieved using appropriate dosing of antibiotic agents with strain susceptibility (amoxicillin q.i.d. and/or sitafloxacin b.i.d.) together with acid inhibition for a full 24 h and rabeprazole 10 mg q.i.d. These findings may be further evidence for dual therapy with rabeprazole q.i.d. and an antibiotic agent (amoxicillin q.i.d. or sitafloxacin b.i.d.) in Japanese patients with metronidazole‐resistant strains.