bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Quantal Larynx: The Stable Regions of Laryngeal Biomechanics and Implications for Speech Production
Authors: Moisik Scott Reid , Gick Bryan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Recent proposals suggest that (a) the high dimensionality of speech motor control may be reduced via modular neuromuscular organization that takes advantage of intrinsic biomechanical regions of stability and (b) computational modeling provides a means to study whether and how such modularization works. In this study, the focus is on the larynx, a structure that is fundamental to speech production because of its role in phonation and numerous articulatory functions.

Method

A 3-dimensional model of the larynx was created using the ArtiSynth platform (
http://www.artisynth.org
). This model was used to simulate laryngeal articulatory states, including inspiration, glottal fricative, modal prephonation, plain glottal stop, vocal–ventricular stop, and aryepiglotto–epiglottal stop and fricative.

Results

Speech-relevant laryngeal biomechanics is rich with “quantal” or highly stable regions within muscle activation space.

Conclusions

Quantal laryngeal biomechanics complement a modular view of speech control and have implications for the articulatory–biomechanical grounding of numerous phonetic and phonological phenomena.
Cosmology with the cosmic microwave background temperature-polarization correlation
Authors: Couchot F. , Henrot-Versillé S. , Perdereau O. , Plaszczynski S. , Rouillé d’Orfeuil B. , Spinelli M. , Tristram M.
Published: February 2017

We demonstrate that the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature-polarization cross-correlation provides accurate and robust constraints on cosmological parameters. We compare them with the results from temperature or polarization and investigate the impact of foregrounds, cosmic variance, and instrumental noise. This analysis makes use of the Planck high-ℓ HiLLiPOP likelihood based on angular power spectra, which takes into account systematics from the instrument and foreground residuals directly modelled using Planck measurements. The temperature-polarization correlation (TE) spectrum is less contaminated by astrophysical emissions than the temperature power spectrum (TT), allowing constraints that are less sensitive to foreground uncertainties to be derived. For ΛCDM parameters, TE gives very competitive results compared to TT. For basic ΛCDM model extensions (such as AL, ∑mν, or Neff), it is still limited by the instrumental noise level in the polarization maps.
In Situ Electrophilic Activation of Hydrogen Peroxide for Catalytic Asymmetric α-Hydroxylation of 3-Substituted Oxindoles
Authors: Ooi Takashi , Ohmatsu Kohsuke , Ando Yuichiro
Published: February 2017

Peroxy trichloroacetimidic acid, in situ generated from aqueous hydrogen peroxide and trichloroacetonitrile, was found to act as a competent electrophilic oxygenating agent for the direct α-hydroxylation of oxindoles. The use of chiral 1,2,3-triazolium salt as a phase-transfer catalyst enabled rigorous absolute stereocontrol in the carbon–oxygen bond-forming reaction. The present study provides a new, yet practical method for straightforward access to optically active α-hydroxycarbonyl compounds.
Improved structural and electrical properties in native Sb2Te3/GexSb2Te3+x van der Waals superlattices due to intermixing mitigation
Authors: Cecchi Stefano , Zallo Eugenio , Momand Jamo , Wang Ruining , Kooi Bart J. , Verheijen Marcel A. , Calarco Raffaella
Published: February 2017

Superlattices made of Sb2Te3/GeTe phase change materials have demonstrated outstanding performance with respect to GeSbTe alloys in memory applications. Recently, epitaxial Sb2Te3/GeTe superlattices were found to feature GexSb2Te3+x blocks as a result of intermixing between constituting layers. Here we present the epitaxy and characterization of Sb2Te3/GexSb2Te3+x van der Waals superlattices, where GexSb2Te3+x was intentionally fabricated. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and lateral electrical transport data are reported. The intrinsic 2D nature of both sublayers is found to mitigate the intermixing in the structures, significantly improving the interface sharpness and ultimately the superlattice structural and electrical properties.
Transition from a beads-on-string to a spike structure in an electrified viscoelastic jet
Authors: Li Fang , Yin Xie-Yuan , Yin Xie-Zhen
Published: February 2017

A one-dimensional numerical simulation is performed to study the nonlinear behaviors of a perfectly conducting, slightly viscoelastic liquid jet under a large radial electric field. A singular spike structure different from a beads-on-string structure is detected. The electric field is found to be the key factor for the formation of spikes. The transition from a beads-on-string to a spike structure occurs at sufficiently large electric fields. Moreover, the transition occurs more easily for smaller wave numbers. Viscosity is found to suppress spikes while elasticity promotes them. The mechanism responsible for spike formation is further explored by examining the maximum radius of the jet in the beads-on-string case. The capillary and electrostatic forces prove to be dominant in droplets, and the transition takes place when the electrostatic force exceeds the capillary force. The self-similarity in spikes is discussed. Different from the transition moment, the inertial, electrostatic, and solvent viscous forces are important in a developed spike.
Output power enhancement of white organic light-emitting diodes via a nanopatterned substrate generated by a monolayer of nanospheres
Authors: Lin Chang-Rong , Liu Mai-Chih , Chiu Yu-Chun , Chan Chia-Hua
Published: February 2017

In this work, the output power enhancement of the white light organic light emitting diode devices (OLEDs) is demonstrated on a patterned indium tin oxide substrate (PIS) prepared via etching self-assembled monolayer SiO2 spheres as the hard mask. The finite difference method calculation, finite difference time domain calculation, and experimental results were performed and revealed that the smaller period of the PIS OLEDs will have better performance. At a constant current density of 20 mA/cm2, the operating voltage of the PIS-OLEDs with a structural period of 300 nm (PIS-300) is reduced 36% compared with that of the planar OLEDs. In addition, at the luminance of 5000 cd/m2, the luminous efficiency and external quantum efficiency of PIS-300 OLEDs are enhanced 228% and 58%, respectively.
High resolution imaging of 2D distribution of lithium in thin samples measured with multipixel detectors in sandwich geometry
Authors: Tomandl I. , Vacík J. , Mora Sierra Y. , Granja C. , Kraus V.
Published: February 2017

A method that enables visualization of lateral distribution of Li in thin films is described. The method is based on the simultaneous detection of the reaction products of the 6Li(n,α)t nuclear reaction with thermal neutrons measured with two multipixel detectors in a sandwich geometry with a sample. Here, the principle and basic methodological parameters of the method, including tests with thin polymers with known Li microstructure, are discussed.
Thermal behavior and carrier injection of GaAs/GaP quantum dots light emitting diodes
Authors: Golz Christian , Dadgostar Shabnam , Masselink W. Ted , Hatami Fariba
Published: February 2017

Thermal behavior and carrier injection of GaAs/GaP quantum-dot light-emitting diodes are investigated. The diodes emit red light between 1.8 eV and 2 eV and operate at room temperature. Adding aluminum to the quantum structures shifts the emission wavelength towards green. Thermal filling and high injection of the carriers in GaAs/GaP quantum dots result in contributions of different radiative recombination channels with higher emission energies and hence a blueshift of the electroluminescence with increasing temperature and very small thermal quenching of the light output.
The long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) as a nest-predator
Authors: Guppy M. , Guppy S.
Published: February 2017

We have been documenting nest predation on a woodland site in south-east Australia using camera traps. Here we describe the recording of a long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) digging out the tunnel nest of a spotted pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus), and eating the three young birds. The diet of this species is mainly insects and other invertebrates, so this observation is significant as it is the first documentation of this animal as a nest predator.
Culture, kastom and conservation in Melanesia: what happens when worldviews collide?
Authors: Jupiter Stacy
Published: February 2017

Melanesia is one of the most biologically and culturally diverse regions on earth, yet its species and ecosystems are fundamentally threatened by rapidly growing and modernising populations that drive increased demands for natural resource extraction. Despite good intentions, many conservation projects in Melanesia have not succeeded, largely due to a failure on the part of researchers and practitioners to understand underlying differences between western and indigenous worldviews and issues surrounding land and marine tenure arrangements. Learning from these failures is critical in order to improve odds for future project effectiveness and sustainability. Here I present lessons from attempts across Melanesia at establishing protected areas, conservation agreements, ecotourism initiatives and research-action arenas. These showcase challenges and conflicts when worldviews collide and opportunities that arise when mutual expectations are clarified early on during planning processes. Factors that contribute to more successful outcomes include: respecting international protocols for free, prior and informed consent; co-creating research and management agendas with local communities; clearly articulating realistic expected benefits; and establishing locally perceived equitable and transparent benefits sharing mechanisms.
Population Structure of Alligator Gar in a Gulf Coast River: Insights from Otolith Microchemistry and Genetic Analyses
Authors: Daugherty Daniel J. , Pangle Kevin L. , Karel William , Baker Francesca , Robertson Clinton R. , Buckmeier David L. , Smith Nathan G. , Boyd Norman
Published: February 2017

Growing interest in the Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula among anglers and fishery managers has inspired efforts to better manage populations. Successful management requires identifying population structure and understanding the distribution of stocks and associated differences in life history. This is particularly important in river systems along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, where transitions from freshwater rivers to saltwater bays provide the potential for life history diversification. We used otolith microchemistry and genetics to assess population structure of Alligator Gars in the Guadalupe River–San Antonio Bay system, Texas. Lifetime Sr:Ca revealed three, distinct life histories that differed in prevalence across the system. River-resident fish (i.e., fish exclusive to freshwater) were present throughout the river but were most common in the uppermost river reach (74% of upper river fish). Transient fish that used both river and bay habitats were also found throughout the river but were most prevalent in the lowermost river reach (66% of lower river fish) and bay (91% of bay fish). Bay residents (i.e., fish exclusive to salt water) were detected but comprised only 9% of bay fish. Haplotype diversity based on mitochondrial DNA was lowest in the upper river, indicating limited gene flow compared with the lower river and bay. Similarly, nuclear DNA analyses indicated nonrandom mating between fish from the upper river, lower river, and bay. The differences in Alligator Gar movement and genetics along the river–bay continuum suggest the presence of a river resident stock that predominates the upper river, and a transient stock that predominates the lower river and bay. Therefore, a local-scale management approach, consistent with the spatial partitioning between stocks, would conserve life history and genetic diversity within the system and provide opportunities to meet the needs of a diverse angling constituency. Understanding how population dynamics differ between stocks is needed to develop appropriate fishery management objectives and corresponding regulations for Alligator Gar.

Received May 20, 2016; accepted December 2, 2016 Published online February 27, 2017
Varying Influences of Aldosterone on the Plasma Potassium Concentration in Blacks and Whites
Authors: Tu Wanzhu , Eckert George J. , Decker Brian S. , Howard Pratt John
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Aldosterone acts to restrain the extracellular potassium (K+) concentration. Blacks have on average lower plasma aldosterone concentrations (PACs) than Whites. Whether this ethnic difference is associated with similar changes in the concentration of K+ is unclear.

METHODS

Subjects were Blacks and Whites from an observational study of blood pressure regulation. PAC was known to be significantly lower in Blacks than Whites. We sought to test the hypothesis that the concentration of K+ remains constant despite variability in PAC. Initial enrollment took place in childhood in 1986. Some of the original enrollees were studied again in adulthood: 160 healthy Blacks and 271 healthy Whites (ages 5 to 39 years; all were studied as children and as adults).

RESULTS

Plasma renin activity [a biomarker of angiotensin II and, more proximally, extracellular fluid volume (ECFV)] and PAC were lower in Blacks (P < 0.0354 and P < 0.001, respectively, for all ages). At the same time no ethnic difference in levels of K+ was observed regardless of age. Plasma K+ concentration and PAC associated differently based on ethnicity: PAC increased in Blacks by 1.5–2.0 and in Whites by 2.3–3.0 ng/dl per mmol/l increase in K+ (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower aldosterone levels in Blacks did not translate into higher K+ concentrations. We speculate that reaching the right concentration of K+ was an endpoint of aldosterone production in the presence of varying levels of ECFV and angiotensin II.
Reuse of a Reversed “Bone Pad” to Perforate Incompletely Penetrated Burr Holes Created by Automatic-Releasing Cranial Perforators
Authors: Murai Yasuo , Ishisaka Eitaro , Tsukiyama Atsushi , Nakagawa Shunsuke , Matano Fumihiro , Tateyama Kojiro , Morita Akio
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: It can be difficult to make complete burr holes using a perforator with automatic releasing systems in cases of a soft diploe or thick calvarial bone.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the utility of a flipped “bone pad” (BP) in recovery of penetration failure when using an automatic releasing perforator.

METHODS: For craniotomy or ventricular drainage, the first step is to make 1 or more burr holes using a craniotome. Neurosurgeons sometimes incompletely penetrate the skull using the latest tools. As a countermeasure for such cases, we have developed a simple and practical method. When making a perforation using a high-speed perforator, a round bone piece we call the BP is formed just above the dura. We pulled the BP from a completed burr hole, and placed the reversed BP in position at the bottom of the incompletely perforated burr hole. The BP acted as a new hard surface, preventing the automatic releasing system from activating, and allowed the burr hole to be completed by the craniotome without the need for additional tools.

RESULTS: With this technique, we have successfully completed 6 out of 7 imperfectly perforated burr holes using a perforator with an automatic releasing system. There were no technique-related complications, such as plunging or dural laceration.

CONCLUSIONS: The method has the advantage that the BP can be obtained without drilling an additional burr hole, and can be completed without the need for increasing cost, time, or instrument usage.
Relationship Between Back Pain and Urinary Incontinence in the Canadian Population
Authors: Cassidy Tanner , Fortin Amanda , Kaczmer Stephanie , Shumaker Jessica T.L. , Szeto Jessica , Madill Stéphanie J.
Published: February 2017

Background: Back problems and urinary incontinence (UI) have been found to co–occur more frequently than would be predicted by chance.

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the associations between UI and back problems in the Canadian men and women.

Design: This was an observational, cross-sectional study.

Methods: The 2011–2012 Statistics Canada Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) provided the data. The CCHS surveyed 125,645 adults, providing a representative sample of the Canadian population. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to quantify the strength of the associations among the variables.

Results: Having UI increased the risk of also having back problems in both men (OR = 2.45; 95% CI = 2.06–2.91) and women (OR = 2.97; 95% CI = 2.64–3.35) compared with not experiencing UI. Among those participants with UI, men and women were at equal risk of experiencing back problems.

Limitations: The CCHS data are cross-sectional and self-reported, which prevents determining causality and carries a risk of response bias. Also, various diagnoses were grouped under the back problems and UI categories, which makes it difficult to propose possible explanations for this pattern of comorbidity.

Conclusions: This study provides firm evidence to support clinically observed associations between UI and back problems. The strength of the associations was essentially equal in men and women. These findings reinforce the importance of screening for these frequently coincident conditions.
Telephone-Delivered Exercise Advice and Behavior Change Support by Physical Therapists for People with Knee Osteoarthritis: Protocol for the Telecare Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hinman Rana S. , Lawford Belinda J. , Campbell Penny K. , Briggs Andrew M. , Gale Janette , Bills Caroline , French Simon D. , Kasza Jessica , Forbes Andrew , Harris Anthony , Bunker Stephen J. , Delany Clare M. , Bennell Kim L.
Published: February 2017

Background. Exercise and physical activity are a core component of knee osteoarthritis (OA) care, yet access to physical therapists is limited for many people. Telephone service delivery models may increase access.

Objective. Determine the effectiveness of incorporating exercise advice and behavior change support by physical therapists into an existing Australian nurse-led musculoskeletal telephone service for adults with knee OA.

Design. Randomized controlled trial with nested qualitative studies

Setting. Community, Australia-wide

Participants. One hundred seventy-five people ≥45 years of age with knee symptoms consistent with a clinical diagnosis of knee OA. Eight musculoskeletal physical therapists will provide exercise advice and support.

Intervention. Random allocation to receive existing care or exercise advice in addition to existing care. Existing care is a minimum of one phone call from a nurse for advice on OA self-management. Exercise advice involves 5–10 calls over 6 months from a physical therapist trained in behavior change support to prescribe, monitor, and progress a strengthening exercise program and physical activity plan.

Measurements. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. Primary outcomes are knee pain and physical function. Secondary outcomes include other measures of knee pain, self-efficacy, physical activity and its mediators, kinesiophobia, health service usage, work productivity, participant-perceived change, and satisfaction. Additional measures include adherence, adverse events, therapeutic alliance, satisfaction with telephone-delivered therapy, and expectation of outcome. Semi-structured interviews with participants with knee OA and therapists will be conducted.

Limitations. Physical therapists cannot be blinded.

Conclusions. This study will determine if incorporating exercise advice and behavior change support by physical therapists into a nurse-led musculoskeletal telephone service improves outcomes for people with knee OA. Findings will inform development and implementation of telerehabilitation services.
Soil Factors Related to the Severity of Clubroot in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Bhering Aline da S. , do Carmo Margarida G. F. , Matos Talita de S. , Lima Erica S. A. , do Amaral Sobrinho Nelson M. B.
Published: February 2017

Soil pH and calcium levels are determining factors in the success or failure of managing clubroot during the cultivation of Brassica spp. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of soil attributes in tropical regions on the development of roots and clubroot and the accumulation of biomass and nutrients in cauliflower. One hundred and fifty-one samples of soil and plants were collected from 16 family farms that have a history of more than 50 years of regular cauliflower cultivation in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Chemical and physical analyses were performed on the soil samples, and the severity of clubroot and the accumulation of biomass and macronutrients in individual plants and plant tissues. Clustering and main principal component analyses were performed on the data. The disease occurred on all farms, but with different intensities. A direct relationship was observed for the soil attributes (acidity and exchangeable aluminum content in particular) with the percentage of roots with clubroot and with the accumulation of biomass and macronutrients in the different plant organs. To reduce losses from clubroot in weathered soils, practices should aim to reduce the pathogen’s inoculum potential and improve the physical and chemical conditions of the soil, which would favor root development of the plants.
Identification and Characterization ofCitrus tristeza virusIsolates Breaking Resistance in Trifoliate Orange in California
Authors: Yokomi Raymond K. , Selvaraj Vijayanandraj , Maheshwari Yogita , Saponari Maria , Giampetruzzi Annalisa , Chiumenti Michela , Hajeri Subhas
Published: February 2017

Most Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) isolates in California are biologically mild and symptomless in commercial cultivars on CTV tolerant rootstocks. However, to better define California CTV isolates showing divergent serological and genetic profiles, selected isolates were subjected to deep sequencing of small RNAs. Full-length sequences were assembled, annotated and trifoliate orange resistance-breaking (RB) isolates of CTV were identified. Phylogenetic relationships based on their full genomes placed three isolates in the RB clade: CA-RB-115, CA-RB-AT25, and CA-RB-AT35. The latter two isolates were obtained by aphid transmission from Murcott and Dekopon trees, respectively, containing CTV mixtures. The California RB isolates were further distinguished into two subclades. Group I included CA-RB-115 and CA-RB-AT25 with 99% nucleotide sequence identity with RB type strain NZRB-G90; and group II included CA-RB-AT35 with 99 and 96% sequence identity with Taiwan Pumelo/SP/T1 and HA18-9, respectively. The RB phenotype was confirmed by detecting CTV replication in graft-inoculated Poncirus trifoliata and transmission from P. trifoliata to sweet orange. The California RB isolates induced mild symptoms compared with severe isolates in greenhouse indexing tests. Further examination of 570 CTV accessions, acquired from approximately 1960 and maintained in planta at the Central California Tristeza Eradication Agency, revealed 16 RB positive isolates based on partial p65 sequences. Six isolates collected from 1992 to 2011 from Tulare and Kern counties were CA-RB-115-like; and 10 isolates collected from 1968 to 2010 from Riverside, Fresno, and Kern counties were CA-RB-AT35-like. The presence of the RB genotype is relevant because P. trifoliata and its hybrids are the most popular rootstocks in California.
Genetic Differentiation of the Wheat Leaf Rust Fungus Puccinia triticina in Pakistan and Genetic Relationship to Other Worldwide Populations
Authors: Kolmer J. A. , Mirza J. I. , Imtiaz M. , Shah S. J. A.
Published: February 2017

Collections of Puccinia triticina, the wheat leaf rust pathogen, were obtained from Pakistan in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014. Collections were also obtained from Bhutan in 2013. Single uredinial isolates were derived and tested for virulence phenotype to 20 lines of Thatcher wheat that differ for single leaf rust resistance genes, and for molecular genotype with 23 simple-sequence repeat (SSR) primers. Twenty-four virulence phenotypes were described among the 89 isolates tested for virulence. None of the isolates had virulence to Thatcher lines with Lr9, Lr24, or Lr18. Virulence to most of the other Thatcher lines was over 50%. The two most common virulence phenotypes, FHPSQ and KHPQQ, had virulence to Lr16, Lr17, and Lr26. Twenty-seven SSR genotypes were found among the 38 isolates tested for molecular variation. The SSR genotypes had high levels of observed heterozygosity and significant correlation with virulence phenotype, which indicated clonal reproduction. Cluster analysis and principal component plots indicated three groups of SSR genotypes that also varied significantly for virulence. Isolates with MBDSS and MCDSS virulence phenotypes from Pakistan and Bhutan were highly related for SSR genotype and virulence to isolates from Turkey, Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, North America and South America, indicating the possible migration of the rust fungus between continental regions.
Engineering pulsatile communication in bacterial consortia
Authors: Parkin James M. , Hsiao Victoria , Murray Richard M.
Published: February 2017

Lux-type quorum sensing systems enable communication in bacteria with only two protein components: a signal synthase and an inducible transcription activator. The simplicity of these systems makes them a popular choice for engineering collaborative behaviors in synthetic bacterial consortia, such as photographic edge detection and synchronized oscillation. To add to this body of work, we propose a pulsatile communication circuit that enables dynamic patterning and long-distance communication analogous to action potentials traveling through nerve tissue. We employed a model-driven design paradigm involving incremental characterization ofin vivodesign candidates with increasing circuit complexity. Beginning with a simple inducible reporter system, we screened a small number of circuits varying in their promoter and ribosomal binding site (RBS) strengths. From this candidate pool, we selected a candidate to be the seed network for the subsequent round of more complex circuit variants, likewise variable in promoter and RBS strengths. The selection criteria at each level of complexity is tailored to optimize a different desirable performance characteristic. By this approach we individually optimized reporter signal-to-background ratio, pulsatile response to induction, and quiescent basal transcription, avoiding large library screens while ensuring robust performance of the composite circuit.
Costs and benefits of sub-lethal Drosophila C virus infection
Authors: Vale Pedro F. , Gupta Vanika , Stewart Charlotte , Rund Samuel S.C. , Monteith Katy
Published: February 2017

Viruses are major evolutionary drivers of insect immune systems. Much of our knowledge of insect immune responses derives from experimental infections using the fruit flyDrosophila melanogaster.Most experiments, however, employ lethal pathogen doses through septic injury, frequently overwhelming host physiology. While this approach has revealed a number of immune mechanisms, it is less informative about the fitness costs hosts may experience during infection in the wild. Using both systemic and oral infection routes we find that even apparently benign, sub-lethal infections with the horizontally transmitted Drosophila C Virus (DCV) can cause significant physiological and behavioral morbidity that is relevant for host fitness. We describe DCV-induced effects on fly reproductive output, digestive health, and locomotor activity, and we find that viral morbidity varies according to the concentration of pathogen inoculum, host genetic background and sex. Notably, sub-lethal DCV infection resulted in a significant increase in fly reproduction, but this effect depended on host genotype. We discuss the relevance of sub-lethal morbidity forDrosophilaecology and evolution, and more broadly, we remark on the implications of deleterious and beneficial infections for the evolution of insect immunity.
Solid-state NMR meets electron diffraction: determination of crystalline polymorphs of small organic microcrystalline samples
Authors: Oikawa Tetsuo , Okumura Manabu , Kimura Tsunehisa , Nishiyama Yusuke
Published: February 2017

A combination of solid-state NMR (ssNMR) and electron diffraction (ED) has been used to determine the crystalline polymorphs in small-organic microcrystalline molecules. Although 13C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) is a widely used method for determining crystalline polymorphs, even in a mixture, it sometimes fails if the molecular conformations are similar. On the other hand, ED can, in principle, differentiate crystalline forms with different lattice parameters, even when they have very similar molecular conformations. However, its application is usually limited to inorganic molecules only. This is because the ED measurements of organic molecules are very challenging due to degradation of the sample by electron irradiation. We overcame these difficulties by the use of 1H double-quantum/single-quantum correlation experiments at very fast magic angle spinning, together with ED observations under mild electron irradiation. The experiments were demonstrated on L-histidine samples in L-histidine·HCl·H2O, orthorhombic L-histidine and monoclinic L-histidine.
Lean Six Sigma and environmental sustainability: the case of a Norwegian dairy producer
Authors: Powell Daryl , Lundeby Sissel , Chabada Lukas , Dreyer Heidi
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the application of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the continuous process industry, taking an insight into the food processing industry; and to evaluate the impact of LSS on environmental sustainability. The authors present observations and experiences from the application of LSS at a Norwegian dairy producer, with the aim of bringing out pertinent factors and useful insights that help us to understand how LSS can contribute toward greater environmental sustainability in this industry type, something that is so far lacking in the extant literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopt a single, longitudinal field study approach as we observe an entire cycle of the VSM-DMAIC (value stream mapping-define, measure, analyze, improve and control) LSS process, which evolved over a six-month period at the dairy.

Findings

The authors highlight some of the important elements that should be considered when using LSS as a contributor toward greater environmental sustainability in fresh-food supply chains. The authors also present some of the specific outcomes and key success criteria that became apparent to the implementation team following the deployment of the VSM-DMAIC approach.

Originality/value

The authors demonstrate how LSS can be applied in the food processing industry as a contributor to greater environmental sustainability. The authors also make useful reflections regarding the success criteria that can be used by researchers and practitioners for the effective deployment of such an approach, particularly in the continuous process industry.
Investigating the green impact of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma
Authors: Chugani Nashmi , Kumar Vikas , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Rocha-Lona Luis , Upadhyay Arvind
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The academic literature and research lines exploring the effect of quality improvement methods on environmental performance still remain in early stages. The purpose of this paper is therefore to investigate, through a systematic review of the existing academic literature, the environmental (green) impact of using quality and operations improvement methods such as Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma. This includes the impact on energy saving and the usage of natural resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a systematic literature review approach through which it analyses research papers published in top 16 operations and quality management journals. No specific time frame was established, but a set of keywords were used to short-list the articles. A sample of 70 articles was finally short-listed and analysed to provide a discussion on environmental concerns related to Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma.

Findings

The comprehensive review of short-listed articles indicates that both Lean and Six Sigma can be considered effective methods to support the conservation of resources, combat global warming and saving energy. Various scholars provide evidence of this, and as such, organisations should not only consider these methods to manage quality and improve operational performance but also meet environmental regulations. A set of research questions that demands further investigation has also been proposed based on the findings of this research.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a sample of 70 articles collected from top 16 operations and quality management journals. The search of journals is also limited to a set of key words (“Lean”, “Green”, “Six Sigma”, “environment”, “sustainable” and “sustainability”) used to short-list the sample size.

Practical implications

The study shows that organisations can consider the adoption of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma to meet environmental regulations, save costs and also meet quality management standards. This will contribute in helping organisations to formulate more effective and inclusive strategies which do not only consider the quality and operational dimensions but also the environmental dimension.

Originality/value

Literature exploring the environmental/green impact of quality management methods commonly used in industry is limited. There is also a lack of studies aiming to investigate the green impact of Lean and Six Sigma in top operations and quality management journals. The study focusing on investigating the green impact of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma methods altogether is also a research first of its kind.
Does corruption matter for economic development? Long run evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Pulok Mohammad Habibullah , Ahmed Moin Uddin
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Despite remarkable economic growth in the last two decades, corruption is a “way of life” in Bangladesh. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the long run relationship between economic development and corruption in Bangladesh over 1984-2013.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test method to examine the long run relationship or cointegration between corruption and per capita real GDP in Bangladesh using annual time series data. International Country Risk Guide’s (ICRG) corruption index is used as the proxy to measure the degree of corruption.

Findings

The results of ARDL bounds test confirm that there exists a long run association between corruption and economic development in Bangladesh. Findings from the long run estimation provide evidence of negative impact of corruption on economic development. The negative value of the error correction term in the short model reinforces the existence of long run relationship.

Originality/value

Using multivariate time series approach, this paper contributes to corruption literature by investigating the long run relation between corruption and economic development in Bangladesh. Bangladesh would be able to accelerate its economic development further by reducing the level of corruption through institutional reforms and raising public awareness. Most importantly, government should focus on identifying and abolishing laws and programmes promoting corruption.
Information technology’s impacts on productivity and welfare: a review
Authors: Tisdell Clem
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline and examine existing economic findings about the effects of information and communication technology on economic productivity, welfare and social change.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, existing findings about consequences of ICT for macro-level economic activity and productivity are outlined, and then this is correspondingly done for firms and for industries before a variety of welfare and social consequences of ICT are discussed. The industry-level discussion includes empirical data as well as analytical material.

Findings

Most studies indicate that ICT has significantly added to GDP and has been growth enhancing but these effects vary considerably between economies. The elasticity of aggregate production in relation to investment in ICT has risen with the passage of time. Reasons for this are suggested. The contribution of value added to the output of different industries varies substantially. At the micro-economic level, it is shown how ICT can increase technical and allocative efficiency, and how it can increase consumers’ surplus and producers’ surplus by lowering market transaction costs. Socioeconomic inequalities and concerns arising from the supply of e-commodities are discussed.

Originality/value

Provides a comprehensive but short overview of economic findings about the impact of ICT and brings attention to socioeconomic issues that have been overlooked or downplayed in that discussion. Includes new micro-economic analysis of the distributional impact of ICT and indicates areas requiring social policy intervention.
Healthy lifestyles to prevent dementia and reduce dementia symptoms
Authors: Hogervorst Eef
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Dementia is a growing problem worldwide, due to an ageing population. It has significant human and economic costs. There is no effective medical treatment. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Using earlier reviews, the author discussed the difference between dementia and cognitive ageing and the different types of dementia, in terms of manifestation and pathology. The author reviewed non-modifiable risk factors for dementia, such as age, gender, genetics and education. Education can possibly have lifelong protective effects, as it may promote cognitive reserve. This paper focussed on lifestyle interventions to further increase brain reserve capacity. Findings from earlier reviews were summarised to provide guidelines for policymakers and practioners.

Findings

The reviews suggested that most nutritional approaches may have limited effectiveness, and should be implemented in midlife, before dementia symptoms are present and probably only in people who are actually nutritionally deficient. The author found a reasonable positive evidence base of engagement in cognitive and physical activities to prevent dementia, which may also help reduce symptoms of dementia.

Practical implications

From the studies reviewed, it was suggested that keeping physically and mentally active may help in all stages of life to prevent, but also reduce dementia symptoms. A focus on nutrition and treating heart disease risk factors is possibly limited to midlife, or before dementia symptoms are present.

Originality/value

The author used an evidence based approach to review which lifestyle interventions could help prevent dementia or reduce dementia symptoms. The main outcome of this paper was that stage of life and ability (dementia present or not) may interact with success of the intervention.
Living well in later life in Scotland
Authors: Hendry Anne
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development, implementation and early impact of a national action plan for active and healthy ageing in Scotland.

Design/methodology/approach

The Joint Improvement Team, NHS Health Scotland, the Scottish Government and the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (ALLIANCE) co-produced the action plan with older people from the Scottish Older People’s Assembly. Together they supported partnerships to embed the action plan as an important element of the reshaping care for older people transformation programme in Scotland.

Findings

A cross-sector improvement network supported health, housing and care partnerships to use a £300 million Change Fund to implement evidence based preventative approaches to enable older people to live well. Older people in Scotland spent over two million days at home than would have been expected based on previous balance of care and impact of ageing.

Practical implications

Improving the health and wellbeing of older people is not just the responsibility of health and social care services. Enabling older people to live independent, active and fulfilling lives requires coordinated effort that spans national and local government policy areas, mobilises all sectors of society, and involves all health and care disciplines. Success starts with listening to what matters to older people, and working together, and with older people and local communities, to make that a reality.

Originality/value

This case study from Scotland offers transferable learning for other systems who have an ageing population and an ambitions to enable them to live well in later life.
Exploring the importance of discretionary mobility in later life
Authors: Musselwhite Charles
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Travel and mobility for older people has typically focussed on the practical benefits to the individual, for example, in meeting utilitarian needs of shopping, appointments and staying connected to family and friends. However, previous research has hinted that travel for its own sake, to get out and about and feel and experience mobility, may be just as important for older people and is especially missed when individuals give-up driving. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines travel for its own sake, usually referred to as discretionary travel, interviewing 20 older people in each of three different contexts: for drivers, for community transport users and for non-drivers who receive lifts from family and friends.

Findings

Older people not only enjoy discretionary travel, but also feel it is beneficial to their health and wellbeing. The car and especially driving, is seen as the best way to fulfil discretionary travel. Community transport users do fulfil discretionary travel needs but these are over formalised and lack spontaneity affecting feelings of control and identity. Receiving lifts from family and friends can often result in older people feeling a burden to the providers of the lifts especially when travel is viewed as discretionary.

Practical implications

More needs to be done to ensure discretionary travel needs are met for those without cars, highlighting the importance of such travel to community transport providers and helping reduce the feeling of being a burden to family and friends.

Originality/value

Policy, practice and research has tended to focus on transport as a means to an end. However, older people themselves value mobility just as much for its own sake and just to view nature. Such discretionary reasons for mobility are actually very important for health and wellbeing of older people and need more attention.
Density‐dependent selection on mate search and evolution of Allee effects
Authors: Berec Luděk , Kramer Andrew M. , Bernhauerová Veronika , Drake John M.
Published: February 2017

Sexually reproducing organisms require males and females to find each other. Increased difficulty of females finding mates as male density declines is the most frequently reported mechanism of Allee effects in animals. Evolving more effective mate search may alleviate Allee effects, but may depend on density regimes a population experiences. In particular, high‐density populations may evolve mechanisms that induce Allee effects which become detrimental when populations are reduced and maintained at a low density.

We develop an individual‐based, eco‐genetic model to study how mating systems and fitness trade‐offs interact with changes in population density to drive evolution of the rate at which males or females search for mates. Finite mate search rate triggers Allee effects in our model and we explore how these Allee effects respond to such evolution.

We allow a population to adapt to several population density regimes and examine whether high‐density populations are likely to reverse adaptations attained at low densities. We find density‐dependent selection in most of scenarios, leading to search rates that result in lower Allee thresholds in populations kept at lower densities. This mainly occurs when fecundity costs are imposed on mate search, and provides an explanation for why Allee effects are often observed in anthropogenically rare species.

Optimizing selection, where the attained trait value minimizes the Allee threshold independent of population density, depended on the trade‐off between search and survival, combined with monogamy when females were searching. Other scenarios led to runaway selection on the mate search rate, including evolutionary suicide. Trade‐offs involved in mate search may thus be crucial to determining how density influences the evolution of Allee effects.

Previous studies did not examine evolution of a trait related to the strength of Allee effects under density variation. We emphasize the crucial role that mating systems, fitness trade‐offs and the evolving sex have in determining the density threshold for population persistence, in particular since evolution need not always take the Allee threshold to its minimum value.
‘Betwixt and between’; liminality in recovery stories from people with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Authors: Brown Brian , Huszar Kate , Chapman Rosemary
Published: February 2017

This paper explores experiences of 16 people claiming to have recovered from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) using the concept of liminality. Liminality describes the status of those falling between socially recognised and medically sanctioned categories, and illuminates both the experience of illness and the process of recovery from ME/CFS. The liminality experienced during illness was akin to that described by Turner with a degree of communitas among sufferers. As recovery progressed, participants stressed the percentage to which they had improved, and compared themselves with peers and themselves prior to the illness. Recovery did not mean transition into a post‐liminal phase, but involved a new liminality, characterised by straddling boundaries between illness and wellness. Participants continued strategies such as rest, pacing and meditation. This second liminal state included difficulty in communicating the experience convincingly, and estrangement from the ME/CFS community. Thus, recoverees moved from the liminality of illness to a second, and less legible state of sustained liminality in recovery, described as having one foot in the ill world, one foot in the well world. This suggests that more needs to be understood about the recovery experience to assist those making the transition toward wellness.