bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy Measurements of Thermally Stimulated Exoelectrons from LiF Single Crystals
Authors: Kubozoe T. , Watanabe Y. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
In the course of energy measurements of thermally stimulated exoelectrons from LiF single crystals irradiated with X rays, the integral energy spectrum is found to be broad and to deviate from an exponential distribution, and the onset of saturation current is not around zero volts. However, with an increasing period of illumination with UV radiation just after X ray irradiation, the onset of saturation current goes toward zero volts and the energy spectrum can be approximated by an exponential distribution. The mean energy is then evaluated to be approximately 0.3 eV. Experimental spectra are compared with those of Monte Carlo calculations based on a model with an overthermal exponential distribution, taking into account electron-phonon interactions and satisfactory agreement is obtained.
The Microdosimetric Link Between Oncogenic Transformation Data with Neutrons and Charged Particles
Authors: Hall E.J. , Brenner D.J. , Hei T.K. , Miller R.C. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
One of the most important challenges in biophysics is to predict the variation of biological effectiveness with radiation quality in terms of a physical quantity that can be measured or deduced from experiment. In recent years, a substantial body of data had been accumulated at the Radiological Research Laboratory involving cell lethality and oncogenic transformation, caused by: (a) Monoenergetic neutrons with energies from 200 keV to 14 MeV. (b) Charged particles in the track segment mode, with defined LET values from 10 to 150 keV.µm-1. Microdosimetric spectra have also been generated for these radiation beams. This body of data provides, for the first time, the possibility of investigating the best physical specifier of radiation quality in relation to a relevant endpoint, namely oncogenic transformation. Eight different biophysical parameters were investigated to see which, if any, were consistent with, and predictive of, the data. It was concluded that the dose-averaged quantities LETD (restricted or unrestricted) and yD (1 µm or 25 nm site size) are the best predictors of relative transformation rates for different radiations.
Mechanism of Storage of Ionising Radiation Energy in LiF:Mg, Ti Crystals
Authors: Rogalev B.I. , Mysovsky S. , Nepomnyachikh A.I. , Chernov V.G. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Ionising radiation energy is stored in LiF:Mg,Ti as a result of radiative reduction of initial divalent magnesium ion-cation vacancy dipoles (Mg2+ centres) to univalent (Mg+ centres) and atomic (Mg0 centres) states. The Mg+ centre is created through decay of self-trapped excitons near Mg2+ centres. The Mg0 centre is formed owing to electron capture by a Mg+ centre. Calculations of electronic and spatial structure and dose dependences of radiative creation of these centres have been made. The dose dependences of the F, Mg+ and Mg0 centres, radiative creation have been obtained using LiF:Mg (0.003 - 0.3 wt %) crystals irradiated by gamma rays. Comparisons of the experimental results with computed ones confirm the validity of the model used.
The Dose Response of Individual Glow Peaks in 7LiF (TLD-700) Read Out Normally and After UV Phototransfer
Authors: Perks C.A. , Marshall M. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Three complementary techniques for thermoluminescence glow curve analysis have been developed at the Harwell Laboratory. These are: non-linear least squares fitting using Podorsak's approximation for first-order kinetics: glow curve division, which involves dividing glow curves by a reference, well characterised, glow curve; and glow peak stripping. These techniques have been used to determine the sensitivity of individual glow peaks (4 - 10) in 7LiF TLD chips (TLD 700) as a function of gamma ray dose in the range 10 mGy to 20 kGy. Glow curves obtained from normal readout (linear rise in temperature with time at 1 oC.s-1 up to 374 oC) and from glow curves obtained after normal readout up to 300 oC followed by UV phototransfer (UVPT) have been analysed. The techniques developed for glow curve analysis are summarised and results presented for the dose response of individual glow peaks obtained from normal and UVPT readout. The results show that the onset of supralinearity occurs at lower doses for peaks with higher peak temperatures. However, the dose at which the peaks saturate is independent of the peak. Finally the implications of these results for models of supralinearity and saturation are discussed.
Mathematical Modelling of TL Supralinearity for Heavy Charged Particles
Authors: Horowitz (INVITED) Y.S. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Microdosimetric phenomena, not addressed by conventional kinetic calculations in the framework of 'conduction band/valence band' atomic models, play an important role in the thermoluminescence (TL) dose response. In this paper we discuss how the track interaction model (TIM), incorporating first, second and third nearest neighbour interactions, describes the alpha particle induced linear/supralinear behaviour of peaks 5,7,8 and 9 in LiF:Mg, Ti. The increasing supralinearity with glow peak temperature is shown to arise from increasing charge carrier migration distances in the luminescent recombination stage, 150 Å, 300 Å, 3000 Å and 5000 Å for peaks 5,7,8 and 9 respectively. The track interaction model should be viewed as the model providing the microdosimetric framework which, when coupled with other appropriate physical mechanisms (spatial localisation of traps and recombination centres, competing centres in the recombination stage, variation in the capture cross section with temperature, etc) can be used to describe all the dominant features of the linear/supralinear behaviour of LiF:Mg,Ti.
Mediator analysis of passion for work in Indian millennials
Authors: Gulyani Gaatha , Bhatnagar Jyotsna 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between protean career attitude (PCA) and proactive work behaviors (PWB) and with the theoretical underpinning of self-determination theory to ascertain if passion for work acts as a mediator for PCA and PWB.

Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 255 millennial employees working in diverse industries in India (such as information technology, banking and education) was conducted. Regression analysis was used to measure the direct effects of the hypothesized relationships. Sobel test and bootstrapping analysis were used to measure the indirect effects of the hypothesized relationship.

Findings
PCA assists in fostering passion for work. Passion for work is positively related with PWB and fully mediates the relationship between PCA and PWB.

Practical implications
Employers should provide flexibility in work design and autonomy in career decisions. Also, Human resource managers should provide career growth opportunities to retain millennial talent.

Originality/value
This study bridges the knowledge gap between different domains of knowledge including PCA, passion for work and PWB. This study is one of the rare attempts to understand the relationship between PCA and PWB through the lens of passion for work. It also bridges the gap relating to its context. With an increasing number of millennials in workforce in India, an understanding of their career attitudes and outcome behaviors has become a significant concern. The results of the present study underpin career motivation theory, self-determination theory and generational cohort theory.
Evolution of financial reporting of life insurers
Authors: Jacob Rudolph A. , El-Gazzar Samir , McGregor Scott 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the capital market effects and predominance of unregulated embedded value (EV) financial reporting in the life insurance industry in foreign domestic markets, and US markets for foreign firms that cross-list in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach
Recent empirical archival data are analyzed and evaluated to determine the incremental and relative value relevance of an unregulated valuation metric that is disclosed by life insurers.

Findings
The findings support the proposition that EV is valuable supplemental information in foreign domestic markets, and in US markets for foreign life insurers that cross-list in the USA. Given that International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) are engaged in projects to improve accounting standard for insurance companies, and have faced criticism with the existing drafts on this issue, the two institutions ought to consider the valuation relevance of EV disclosures. Moreover, this analysis strongly suggests that financial analysts in the USA should consider EV in valuing life insurers’ stocks.

Practical implications
The findings discussed in this paper are of special interest to financial reporting policy makers, financial analysts, firm compensation committees and managers, and academics.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to the extant literature by providing recent evidence that suggests that EV, an unregulated fair value market-driven metric, is more value-relevant than traditional earnings metrics such as earnings and book value. It is the only study that we are cognizant of that critically examines the recent empirical literature on this evolving issue.
The value relevance of intellectual capital disclosure: empirical evidence from Kuwait
Authors: Alfraih Mishari M. 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
Drawing on market efficiency theory and studies on intellectual capital (IC) disclosure, this study aims to examine if IC information provided in the corporate annual reports of Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) listed companies in 2013 is value-relevant.

Design/methodology/approach
The analysis is divided into two parts. First, the level of intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) of KSE-listed companies is examined using the content analysis method. Second, the value relevance of financial reporting is examined empirically using Ohlson’s (1995) valuation model.

Findings
The results reveal that ICD is positively and significantly associated with market value, suggesting that greater ICD is valued by KSE market participants, who incorporate it into their valuation models.

Practical implications
Given the importance of ICD in enhancing equity valuation, a practical implication of this study is to make managers aware of its positive and significant effect on equity valuation, which may encourage companies to increase their level of disclosure.

Originality/value
This is the first study of the association between the level of ICD and the value relevance of financial reporting for market participants in Kuwait. It therefore extends and confirms the prior literature by broadening its scope to include frontier markets. Furthermore, it provides empirical evidence in support of recent calls from regulators and professional bodies for information that supplements and complements traditional financial reporting.
The theory and practice of integrative health care governance
Authors: Gauld Robin 
Published: February 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline the theory and practice of governance for integrated care, using the case of New Zealand’s healthcare alliances.

Design/methodology/approach
This is descriptive analysis.

Findings
Alliance governance provides considerable scope for bringing health professional together to focus on whole system approaches to care design. As such, it facilitates care integration.

Research limitations/implications
This is a descriptive review.

Originality/value
Descriptions of alliance governance in New Zealand and in general are rare in the literature. This paper fills this gap.
Dermoscopic features of nail psoriasis treated with biologics
Authors: Hashimoto Yuki , Uyama Miki , Takada Yuko , Yoshida Kenji , Ishiko Akira 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAlthough psoriatic nail lesions are small, they cause considerable discomfort for patients and adversely affect quality of life. Few studies have evaluated the dermoscopic features of psoriatic nails. The aim of this study was to clarify the dermoscopic features of nail psoriasis and identify those that reflect psoriatic activity. During biologic treatment of psoriasis, six patients with psoriatic nails twice underwent dermoscopic examination, with an interval of 17–42 weeks. We used the modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index score and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score to identify and assess dermoscopic features. We identified 10 dermoscopic findings, of which disappearance of diffuse scaling of the nail plate, transverse step‐like notches and splinter hemorrhages of the nail bed, and appearance of erythematous borders of the onycholytic area were associated with improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. Dermoscopy can detect nail changes during psoriasis treatment and should be used to evaluate treatment success.
Economic Growth and Financial Statement Verification
Authors: LISOWSKY PETRO , MINNIS MICHAEL , SUTHERLAND ANDREW 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTWe use a proprietary data set of financial statements collected by banks to examine whether economic growth is related to the use of financial statement verification in debt financing. Exploiting the distinct economic growth and contraction patterns of the construction industry over the years 2002–2011, our estimates reveal that banks reduced their collection of unqualified audited financial statements from construction firms at nearly twice the rate of firms in other industries during the housing boom period before 2008. This reduction was most severe in the regions that experienced the most significant construction growth. These trends reversed during the subsequent housing crisis in 2008–2011 when construction activity contracted. Moreover, using bank‐ and firm‐level data, we find a strong negative (positive) relation between audited financial statements during the growth period, and subsequent loan losses (construction firm survival) during the contraction period. Collectively, our results reveal that macroeconomic fluctuations produce temporal shifts in the overall level of financial statement verification and temporal shifts in verification are related to bank loan portfolio quality and borrower performance.
Improved Extraction and Quality Characterization of Water‐Soluble Polysaccharide from Gamma‐Irradiated Lentinus edodes
Authors: Akram Kashif , Shahbaz Hafiz Muhammad , Kim Gui‐Ran , Farooq Umar , Kwon Joong‐Ho 
Published: February 2017

AbstractGamma irradiation was applied to the improved extraction of water‐soluble polysaccharides (WSPs) from dried Lentinus edodes. Irradiation provided a dose‐dependent increase in extraction yield (0 kGy, 2.01%; 7.5 kGy, 4.03%; 15 kGy, 7.17%) and purity (0 kGy, 78.8%; 7.5 kGy, 83.1%; 15 kGy, 85.6%) of the WSPs from hot‐water extraction. The effect of irradiation was evident in the degraded microstructures and reduced molecular weights of the WSPs. However, nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier‐transform infrared, and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopic analyses provided comparable structures of WSPs from nonirradiated and irradiated samples. UV–visible spectra showed a dose‐dependent decline in intensity, but an improvement in thermal properties of the WSPs from the irradiated mushroom samples was observed.
Can a peri‐rectal hydrogel spaceOAR programme for prostate cancer intensity‐modulated radiotherapy be successfully implemented in a regional setting?
Authors: te Velde Bridget L , Westhuyzen Justin , Awad Nader , Wood Maree , Shakespeare Thomas P 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate whether the implementation of a hydrogel spacer (SpaceOAR) programme for patients treated with 81 Gy prostate intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in a regional setting can reduce rectal doses and toxicity.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 125 patients with localised prostate cancer treated between April 2014 (programme commencement) and June 2015 were compared: 65 with SpaceOAR (inserted by five different urologists) and 60 patients treated over the same time period without SpaceOAR. Patients were treated with 81 Gy in 45Fx of IMRT over 9 weeks. Planning aims included restricting rectal doses to V40 Gy < 35%, V65 Gy < 17%, V75 Gy < 10%. Acute toxicity was assessed weekly during radiotherapy and at 12 weeks.ResultsRectal volume parameters were all significantly lower in the SpaceOAR group, with an associated reduction in acute diarrhoea (13.8% vs 31.7%). There were no significant differences in the very low rates of acute and late faecal incontinence or proctitis, however, there was a trend towards increased haemorrhoid rate in the SpaceOAR group (11.7% vs 3.1%, P = 0.09).ConclusionA SpaceOAR programme in a regional setting with urologists performing low volumes of insertions (<1 per month on average) is of clinical benefit, and was associated with significantly lower radiation doses to the rectum and lower rates of acute diarrhoea.
LandScape Corridors (lscorridors): a new software package for modelling ecological corridors based on landscape patterns and species requirements
Authors: Ribeiro John Wesley , Silveira dos Santos Juliana , Dodonov Pavel , Martello Felipe , Brandão Niebuhr Bernardo , Ribeiro Milton Cezar 
Published: February 2017

Summary

Maintaining connectivity is one of the main challenges for biodiversity conservation world‐wide. Ecological corridors are important to maintain landscape connectivity, but their efficiency depends on landscape patterns and species responses at different spatial extents and landscape contexts.

We developed a new ecologically oriented free software package, LandScape Corridors (lscorridors), to improve ecological corridor design by considering biodiversity responses to landscape attributes at a variety of spatial extents. LandScape Corridors considers stochastic variation, species perception and landscape influence on organisms in the design of ecological corridors. In addition to the least cost path algorithm, we propose four different methods for the simulation of multiple‐path functional ecological corridors. One method uses the information for each pixel separately, whereas the three other methods permit corridor simulation considering the landscape context at different spatial extents.

LandScape Corridors permits to simulate corridors for species with different requirements and considers that different species perceive and respond to the surrounding landscape in different ways, as many species may choose to move through areas that may not be the most permeable ones in the landscape. Two parameters in lscorridors modulate the stochasticity in corridors simulations. The first parameter is the level of variability added to the input resistance map in each simulation, resulting in more variable and spatially spread‐out corridors. The other parameter is the spatial extent that may influence each pixel; larger extents result in larger spatial zones affecting each pixel during corridors simulations. In addition, when considering spatial influence, the simulations may be performed for species highly, medially or less sensitive to habitat quality.

Some currently available software are not free or depend on a paid GIS software to work. In addition, some software do not support large matrices in their simulations, limiting their use. LandScape Corridors is designed to deal with large rasters, is based on strictly freeware software, and is freely available online. This allows the users to implement new methods for modelling multi‐scale and ecologically based corridors.

LandScape Corridors is a potential tool for the identification of protected areas, as corridor simulation considers species movement and landscape connectivity, essential characteristics to aid in large‐scale biodiversity conservation, especially in anthropogenic landscapes. LandScape Corridors provides what we may call a zone for conservation, showing a set of connected areas in the landscape which may be ordered according to their potential for ecological corridors or which may be used as an aid for conservation strategies or ecological restoration projects.
Effects of fluid restriction on measures of circulatory efficacy in adults with septic shock
Authors: Hjortrup P. B. , Haase N. , Wetterslev J. , Lange T. , Bundgaard H. , Rasmussen B. S. , Dey N. , Wilkman E. , Christensen L. , Lodahl D. , Bestle M. , Perner A. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe haemodynamic consequences of fluid resuscitation in septic shock have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we assessed circulatory effects in the first 24 h of restriction of resuscitation fluid as compared to standard care in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with septic shock.MethodsThis was a post‐hoc analysis of the multicentre CLASSIC randomised trial in which patients with septic shock, who had received the initial fluid resuscitation, were randomised to a protocol restricting resuscitation fluid or a standard care protocol in nine ICUs. The highest plasma lactate, highest dose of noradrenaline, and the urinary output were recorded in five time frames in the first 24 h after randomisation. We used multiple linear mixed effects models to compare the two groups.ResultsWe included all 151 randomised patients; the cumulated fluid resuscitation volume in the first 24 h after randomisation was median 500 ml (Interquartile range (IQR) 0–1500) and 1250 ml (500–2500) in the fluid restriction group and standard care group, respectively. The estimated differences in the fluid restriction group vs. the standard care group were 0.1 mM (95% confidence interval −0.7 to 0.9; P = 0.86) for lactate, 0.01 μg/kg/min (−0.02 to 0.05; P = 0.48) for dose of noradrenaline, and −0.1 ml/kg/h (−0.3 to 0.2; P = 0.70) for urinary output during the first 24 h after randomisation.ConclusionsWe observed no indications of worsening of measures of circulatory efficacy in the first 24 h of restriction of resuscitation fluid as compared with standard care in adults with septic shock who had received initial resuscitation.
Meeting the Global Ecosystem Collapse Challenge
Authors: Sato Chloe F. , Lindenmayer David B. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractNatural systems are declining at an unparalleled rate. To prompt conservation of ecosystems, the IUCN has developed a framework to assess ecosystem threat. By 2025, the IUCN aims to assess the collapse risk of all the world's ecosystems using this framework. This increases the pressure to refine tractable methods to predict collapse. However, there has been no systematic review of whether predicting collapse is possible and practical, which is impeding consistent and comparable assessments of ecosystem threat. Here, we conduct such a review and highlight six areas of concern – stemming from the findings of our review – in need of immediate attention to progress work on assessing ecosystem collapse and the application of such assessments to the management of at‐risk ecosystems. These are: (1) better conceptualizations of ecosystems, (2) better conceptualizations of ecosystem collapse, (3) improved integration of theory, experimentation, and practice, (4) improved surrogates and early warning indicators of ecosystem collapse, (5) the implementation of management experiments to enhance understanding of ecosystem stability, and (6) ensuring IUCN Red List of Ecosystems listings result in the conservation of biodiversity.