bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Neural Mechanism for the Opportunity Cost of Time
Authors: Constantino Sara M. , Dalrymple Jessica , Gilbert Rebecca W. , Varanese Sara , Di Rocco Alessandro , Daw Nathaniel D. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRecent interest has focused on a class of decision problems in which subjects encounter options serially and must decide when to leave an option in search of a better one, rather than directly comparing simultaneously presented options. Although such problems have a rich history in animal foraging and economics, relatively little is known about their neural substrates. Suggestively, however, a separate literature has argued that the key decision variable in these tasks – the opportunity cost of time, given by the average reward rate – may also govern behavioral vigor and may be reported by tonic dopamine (DA).In this study, we test whether this putative dopaminergic opportunity cost signal plays an analogous role in serial decisions by examining the behavior of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), on and off their DA replacement medication, in a patch-foraging task. In these tasks, subjects’ decisions about when to leave a depleting resource implicitly reflect their beliefs about the opportunity cost of time spent harvesting that resource. Consistent with the opportunity cost hypothesis, umedicated patients harvested longer than matched controls, and medication remediated this deficit. These effects were not explained by motor perseveration. Our results suggest a functional role for DA, and an associated cognitive deficit in PD, in a type of decision process that may be distinct from (but related to) the neuromodulator’s well studied roles in behavioral invigoration and learning from rewards.Significance StatementThis study addresses two important questions whose answers are, unexpectedly, linked. First, what is the scope of cognitive functions of the neuromodulator dopamine, whose contributions – for instance, as assessed by both the motoric and more subtle cognitive deficits of patients with PD, which depletes dopamine – range from movement to reward and decision-making? Second, what are the neural mechanisms supporting an important but understudied class of problems, in which, rather than choose among a set of alternatives (like apples and oranges), one makes serial decisions about whether to stick with an option (like a job, or a mate) or seek another? We demonstrate a novel cognitive deficit in PD that integrates this function into the web of DA’s contributions.
GrigoraSNPs: Optimized HTS DNA Forensic SNP Analysis
Authors: Ricke Darrell O. , Shcherbina Anna , Michaleas Adam , Fremont-Smith Philip 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHigh throughput DNA sequencing technologies enable improved characterization of forensic DNA samples enabling greater insights into DNA contributor(s). Current DNA forensics techniques rely upon allele sizing of short tandem repeats by capillary electrophoresis. High throughput sequencing enables forensic sample characterizations for large numbers of single nucleotide polymorphism loci. The slowest computational component of the DNA forensics analysis pipeline is the characterization of raw sequence data. This paper optimizes the SNP calling module of the DNA analysis pipeline with runtime results that scale linearly with the number of HTS sequences (patent pending)[1]. GrigoraSNPs can analyze 100 million reads in less than 5 minutes using 3 threads on a 4.0 GHz Intel i7-6700K laptop CPU.
Production of green concrete using recycled waste aggregate and byproducts
Authors: Al-Gahtani Khalid , Alsulaihi Ibrahim , Ali Mohamed , Marzouk Mohamed 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the sustainability benefits of using demolition and industrial wastes as a replacement for aggregates and cement in traditional concrete mixes.

Design/methodology/approach
Crushed concrete from demolition sites served as a replacement for fine and coarse aggregate in some of the mixes at various ratios. In addition, ground granulated blast furnace slag, metakaolin, silica fume, and fly ash each served as a cement replacement for cement content in the mixes tested in this research at various rates. Compression strength tests, permeability, and thermal expansion tests were performed on various mixes to compare their performance to that of traditional mixes with natural aggregate, and with no cement replacement.

Findings
The compressive strength results indicated the suitability of using such demolition wastes as replacements in producing green concrete (GC) without hindering its mechanical characteristics significantly. In addition, the results indicated an enhancement in the mechanical characteristics of GC when replacing cement with pozzolanic industrial wastes and byproducts.

Originality/value
The research assesses the utilization of sustainable GC using recycled waste aggregate and byproducts.
A framework for adopting green leasing in developing countries: the case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Hettige Nayani , Perera B.A.K.S. , Mallawaarachchi Harshini 
Published: August 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the enablers and barriers to the adoption of green leasing in Sri Lanka and propose probable solutions.

Design/methodology/approach
As an in-depth investigation was required, the case study method with a qualitative approach was selected as the research methodology. A documentary review and semi-structured interviews on three selected green buildings were conducted to study their leasing processes. QSR NVivo statistical analysis software was used for the content analysis.

Findings
Enablers and barriers to the adoption of green leasing under different categories such as those related to processes, institutions and government and also to legal, economic and social factors were determined along with probable solutions identified through a comprehensive framework that was developed.

Practical implications
The findings can be used as a basis to evaluate the current leasing processes that have adopted this emerging and important approach toward the sustainable operation and management of green buildings.

Originality/value
The little attention paid to this latest concept makes it important to evaluate the adoptability of green leasing in developing countries. Hence, the determination of key enablers, barriers and solutions was the focal point of this research.
The significance and performance of US commercial property in a post-GFC context
Authors: Marzuki Muhammad Jufri , Newell Graeme 
Published: August 2017

PurposeUS commercial property is an important investment opportunity for institutional investors. The purpose of this paper is to assess the significance, risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of US commercial property (both direct property and REITs) in a mixed-asset portfolio over 1994-2016. The 2009-2016 post-GFC recovery of US commercial property is specifically highlighted.Design/methodology/approachUsing quarterly total returns, the risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of US commercial property over 1994-2016 are assessed. Efficient frontier and asset allocation diagrams are used to assess the role of US commercial property in a mixed-asset portfolio. Sub-period analysis over 2009-2016 is used to assess the post-GFC recovery of US commercial property.FindingsUS commercial property delivered mixed results over 1994-2016; direct property gave the best risk-adjusted performance, while US-REITs performance was hampered by high volatility. Since the GFC, both forms of US commercial property have delivered stronger risk-adjusted returns with improved diversification benefits, especially in the context of an inter-property investment strategy. However, US-REITs did not improve their diversification benefits with the stock market over this period. This sees US commercial property as an important component in the US mixed-asset portfolio in the post-GFC environment, with a much stronger role exhibited by US direct property in the post-GFC mixed-asset portfolio.Practical implicationsUS commercial property emerged from the GFC as a stronger and more robust property investment opportunity, with both the direct property and US-REITs fully recovered to their pre-GFC performance level in 2012. The results highlight the major role of US commercial property in a US mixed-asset portfolio in the post-GFC context. The superior risk-adjusted performance of US commercial property sees both direct and listed US commercial property contributing significantly to the mixed-asset portfolio throughout the entire risk-return spectrum, particularly direct property. Given the increased capital flows into the US property market since the GFC, this is particularly important as many investors, both local and international, use direct and listed property investment opportunities as conduits for their significant US commercial property exposure.Originality/valueThis paper is the first published empirical research analysis that specifically assessed the post-GFC performance and role of US commercial property in a mixed-asset portfolio. This research enables empirically validated, more informed and practical property investment decision making by institutional investors regarding the strategic role of US commercial property in a mixed-asset portfolio in a post-GFC context.
Attenuation of the effects of desertification through sustainable development of Great Green Wall in the Sahel of Africa
Authors: Gadzama Njidda Mamadu 
Published: August 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop the Great Green Wall (GGW) Project initially financed by the United Nation’s Global Environment Facility Trust Fund, is a Pan African proposal in greening the Sahel of Africa from West (Dakar) to the East (Djibouti). It aims at reducing poverty and soil degradation in this region, taking into account the effects of desertification and climate change on sustainability of livelihoods.Design/methodology/approachSeveral desertification attenuation projects in Nigeria are employing different methods for maximum benefits obtainable from the objectives of the particular projects. As noted above, however, the approach of GGW is to improve the alternative livelihoods of the people by their active participating in the implementation of the project. It is also noted that environmental impact assessment, community reconnaissance or needs assessments might be initial part of pre-project activities, thereby making the communities more aware and educated of the impending environmental problems.FindingsDesertification has reached an alarming state in Nigeria. The frontline desert threatened States of Nigeria constitute 43 percent of the land mass of the country. With increased pressure of desertification, exacerbated by a period of prolonged drought of more than 20 years, climate change and human activities, it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain sustainability in the management of the fragile lands and the region’s ecosystem. Strategic interventions in combating the problem of desertification in Nigeria have attenuated some of the detrimental social, economic and environmental impacts on the affected communities. Programmes and projects have strengthened the resilience of the people, participating in sand dune stabilization, the Great Green Wall Sahara Sahel Initiative, including shelterbelt developments. Government has sustained inputs in environmentally friendly agriculture and also encouraged synergetic collaborative activities with international and national NGOs, international agencies and local institutions.Originality/valueThese results/activities give evidence of the increased public awareness of environmental degradation due to desertification and climate change in Nigeria; the realization in environmental stabilization needs with ready participation of the communities for improved livelihoods in environmental activities and arid agriculture as supported by the National Great Green Wall (NAGGW) program of the country; resulting in internalization of these projects supporting livelihoods for sustainability in the Sahel of Nigeria.
Soil organic matter availability and climate drive latitudinal patterns in bacterial diversity from tropical to cold temperate forests
Authors: Tian Jing , He Nianpeng , Hale Lauren , Niu Shuli , Yu Guirui , Liu Yuan , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Kuzyakov Yakov , Gao Qun , Zhou Jizhong 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Bacteria are one of the most abundant and diverse groups of micro‐organisms and mediate many critical terrestrial ecosystem processes. Despite the crucial ecological role of bacteria, our understanding of their large‐scale biogeography patterns across forests, and the processes that determine these patterns lags significantly behind that of macroorganisms.

Here, we evaluated the geographic distributions of bacterial diversity and their driving factors across nine latitudinal forests along a 3,700‐km north–south transect in eastern China, using high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Four of 32 phyla detected were dominant: Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and Chloroflexi (relative abundance > 5%). Significant increases in bacterial richness and phylogenetic diversity were observed for temperate forests compared with subtropical or tropical forests. The soil organic matter (SOM) mineralisation rate (SOMmin, an index of SOM availability) explained the largest significant variations in bacterial richness. Variation partition analysis revealed that the bacterial community structure was closely correlated with environmental variables and geographic distance, which together explained 80.5% of community variation. Among all environmental factors, climatic features (MAT and MAP) were the best predictors of the bacterial community structure, whereas soil pH and SOMmin emerged as the most important edaphic drivers of the bacterial community structure. Plant functional traits (community weighted means of litter N content) and diversity resulted in weak but significant correlations with the bacterial community structure.

Our findings provide new evidence of bacterial biogeography patterns from tropical to cold temperate forests. Additionally, the results indicated a close linkage among soil bacterial diversity, climate and SOM decomposition, which is critical for predicting continental‐scale responses under future climate change scenarios and promoting sustainable forest ecosystem services.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Militarized Capitalism? The Apparel Industry's Role in Scripting a Post‐War National Identity in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ruwanpura Kanchana N. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper examines new garment factories in the former war zone of North and East Sri Lanka. This paper elucidates the role of the state–military–capital nexus in the Sri Lankan government's efforts to rebuild the nation following a longstanding ethnic war, a post‐war development strategy that has emphasized investment and job creation. Drawing on fieldwork with numerous managers and more in‐depth exploration in one such garment factory, the paper shows how garment industry managers deployed a Sinhala‐Buddhist management ethos to produce an unmarked class of modern workers and, in doing so, played an active role in re‐scripting narratives of the nation. Therefore, we argue that capital is imbricated in the government's militarized nation‐building efforts, and we call for more attention to how the industrial capital–military–state nexus may be shaping and re‐producing power relations in the North and East of Sri Lanka.
The role of sleep in the relation between young children's mobile media use and effortful control
Authors: Nathanson Amy I. , Beyens Ine 
Published: August 2017

We explored the relations among young children's mobile media use, sleep, and a form of self‐regulation, temperamental effortful control (EC), among a national sample of 402 mothers who completed an online survey. We found that the relation between mobile media use and EC was moderated by children's sleep time. Tablet use was negatively related to EC only among children who slept less at night (40% of our sample). However, hand‐held game player use was positively related to EC among children who slept longer at night (60% of our sample). In addition, sleep quality was a mediator in the relation between evening tablet use and EC. Evening use related to later bedtimes, more bedtime resistance, and worse sleep duration, and these indicators of poor sleep quality, in turn, predicted weaker EC.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Young children are spending increasing amounts of time with mobile media, such as tablets and hand‐held game players.

Media exposure is related to children's self‐regulation.

Media exposure is related to children's sleep quality.

What does this study adds?

Number of sleep hours moderates the relation between mobile media use and EC among young children.

Tablet time is negatively related to EC among young children who get fewer sleep hours.

Hand‐held game playing is positively related to EC among young children who get greater sleep hours.

Sleep quality mediates the relation between evening tablet time and EC among young children.
Early psychosis workforce development: Core competencies for mental health professionals working in the early psychosis field
Authors: Osman Helen , Jorm Anthony F. , Killackey Eoin , Francey Shona , Mulcahy Dianne 
Published: August 2017

AimThe aim of this study was to identify the core competencies required of mental health professionals working in the early psychosis field, which could function as an evidence‐based tool to support the early psychosis workforce and in turn assist early psychosis service implementation and strengthen early psychosis model fidelity.MethodThe Delphi method was used to establish expert consensus on the core competencies. In the first stage, a systematic literature search was conducted to generate competency items. In the second stage, a panel consisting of expert early psychosis clinicians from around the world was formed. Panel members then rated each of the competency items on how essential they are to the clinical practice of all early psychosis clinicians.ResultsIn total, 1023 pieces of literature including textbooks, journal articles and grey literature were reviewed. A final 542 competency items were identified for inclusion in the questionnaire. A total of 63 early psychosis experts participated in 3 rating rounds. Of the 542 competency items, 242 were endorsed as the required core competencies. There were 29 competency items that were endorsed by 62 or more experts, and these may be considered the foundational competencies for early psychosis practice.ConclusionThe study generated a set of core competencies that provide a common language for early psychosis clinicians across professional disciplines and country of practice, and potentially are a useful professional resource to support early psychosis workforce development and service reform.
The role of a family history of psychosis for youth at clinical high risk of psychosis
Authors: Georgopoulos Grace , Stowkowy Jacqueline , Liu Lu , Cadenhead Kristin S. , Cannon Tyrone D. , Cornblatt Barbara A. , McGlashan Thomas H. , Perkins Diana O. , Seidman Larry J. , Tsuang Ming T. , Walker Elaine F. , Woods Scott W. , Bearden Carrie E. , Mathalon Daniel H. , Addington Jean 
Published: August 2017

AimOn average, there is a 10% to 12% likelihood of developing a psychotic disorder solely based on being at familial high risk. However, the introduction of the criteria for clinical high risk (CHR) of psychosis suggested for CHR individuals, 20% to 30% will go on to develop a full‐blown psychotic illness within 3 years. Several studies suggest a role for family history in conversion to psychosis among those at CHR. However, we know very little about those who meet the CHR criteria and have a positive family history for psychosis compared to those at CHR with no known family history. The aim of this study was to compare these 2 groups on demographics, clinical symptoms, social and role functioning, IQ, environmental factors and conversion to psychosis.MethodA total of 762 participants met criteria for being at CHR, 119 of whom had a family history (CHR + FH) and 643 without (CHR‐FH). Groups were compared on attenuated symptoms, role and social functioning, IQ, past trauma, perceived discrimination and cannabis use. Survival analysis was used to compare groups on conversion rates.ResultsThere were no major differences between the groups in symptoms, functioning, IQ, cannabis use or in the rate of conversion between the groups. The CHR + FH group reported increased amounts of early trauma.ConclusionThere is a possibility that CHR + FH individuals believe that it is more difficult for them to cope with circumstances such as abuse or potential abuse. Future research on this subject should investigate family environment and its role in conversion to psychosis among CHR + FH individuals.
European Dermatology Forum S1‐guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of sclerosing diseases of the skin, Part 1: localized scleroderma, systemic sclerosis and overlap syndromes
Authors: Knobler R. , Moinzadeh P. , Hunzelmann N. , Kreuter A. , Cozzio A. , Mouthon L. , Cutolo M. , Rongioletti F. , Denton C.P. , Rudnicka L. , Frasin L.A. , Smith V. , Gabrielli A. , Aberer E. , Bagot M. , Bali G. , Bouaziz J. , Braae Olesen A. , Foeldvari I. , Frances C. , Jalili A. , Just U. , Kähäri V. , Kárpáti S. , Kofoed K. , Krasowska D. , Olszewska M. , Orteu C. , Panelius J. , Parodi A. , Petit A. , Quaglino P. , Ranki A. , Sanchez Schmidt J.M. , Seneschal J. , Skrok A. , Sticherling M. , Sunderkötter C. , Taieb A. , Tanew A. , Wolf P. , Worm M. , Wutte N.J. , Krieg T. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe term ‘sclerosing diseases of the skin' comprises specific dermatological entities, which have fibrotic changes of the skin in common. These diseases mostly manifest in different clinical subtypes according to cutaneous and extracutaneous involvement and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from each other. The present guideline focuses on characteristic clinical and histopathological features, diagnostic scores and the serum autoantibodies most useful for differential diagnosis. In addition, current strategies in the first‐ and advanced‐line therapy of sclerosing skin diseases are addressed in detail. Part 1 of this guideline provides clinicians with an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of localized scleroderma (morphea), and systemic sclerosis including overlap syndromes of systemic sclerosis with diseases of the rheumatological spectrum.