bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural attenuation with varying degrees of aquifer heterogeneity: Implications for groundwater monitoring
Authors: Hudak Paul F. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study evaluated the effect of heterogeneity in hydraulic conductivity on the tendency for contaminant plumes to attenuate via dilution, hydrodynamic dispersion, and molecular diffusion in simulated aquifers. Simulations included one homogeneous and four increasingly heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity fields. A numerical mass transport model generated an initial contaminant plume for each case; all initial plumes had the same mass. Next, the model simulated plume migrations through the simulated aquifers. Results suggest that highly heterogeneous settings are potentially effective at plume attenuation. Low‐velocity zones in heterogeneous settings delay plume travel, enabling more time for natural processes to lower contaminant concentrations in groundwater. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evolution of enstrophy in shock/homogeneous turbulence interaction
Authors: Sinha Krishnendu 
Published: September 2012

AbstractInteraction of turbulent fluctuations with a shock wave plays an important role in many high-speed flow applications. This paper studies the amplification of enstrophy, defined as mean-square fluctuating vorticity, in homogeneous isotropic turbulence passing through a normal shock. Linearized Navier–Stokes equations written in a frame of reference attached to the unsteady shock wave are used to derive transport equations for the vorticity components. These are combined to obtain an equation that describes the evolution of enstrophy across a time-averaged shock wave. A budget of the enstrophy equation computed using results from linear interaction analysis and data from direct numerical simulations identifies the dominant physical mechanisms in the flow. Production due to mean flow compression and baroclinic torques are found to be the major contributors to the enstrophy amplification. Closure approximations are proposed for the unclosed correlations in the production and baroclinic source terms. The resulting model equation is integrated to obtain the enstrophy jump across a shock for a range of upstream Mach numbers. The model predictions are compared with linear theory results for varying levels of vortical and entropic fluctuations in the upstream flow. The enstrophy model is then cast in the form of$k$–$\epsilon $equations and used to compute the interaction of homogeneous isotropic turbulence with normal shocks. The results are compared with available data from direct numerical simulations. The equations are further used to propose a model for the amplification of turbulent viscosity across a shock, which is then applied to a canonical shock–boundary layer interaction. It is shown that the current model is a significant improvement over existing models, both for homogeneous isotropic turbulence and in the case of complex high-speed flows with shock waves.
The Land and the Heroes of Lokris in the Iliad
Authors: Kramer-Hajos Margaretha 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe presentation of Lokris and the Lokrians in the Iliad is problematic. The entry for Lokris in the Catalogue lists an unusually large number of towns for such a small area, but many of those towns are obscure. Despite the small size of the region of Lokris, it has given the epic not one but two major heroes of very different characters: the Lokrian commander Oilean Aias and Patroklos, Achilles' friend and warrior companion. Although Aias is praised in the Catalogue entry as the greatest of Homeric warriors, elsewhere in the Iliad he is only a second-rank hero and his men, the Lokrians, are relatively insignificant archers. Seeking a resolution of these difficulties, this paper integrates information derived from the text of the Iliad with what is known of the topography and archaeology of Lokris between the Late Mycenaean and Archaic periods. It is concluded that Aias, the more traditional hero, is firmly embedded in Lokris, whereas Patroklos, who appears to be ‘reinvented’ by the poet of the Iliad, has no traditional connection to the land. The contrast between these heroes may reflect the division between the mountainous Epiknemidian and the urban Opountian parts of Lokris. Oilean Aias encapsulates the ancient virtues of the mountain warrior and is linked with Epiknemidian Lokris; Patroklos, with his gentle disposition, is representative of the citizen of the polis and as such is linked to Opous, the capital of Lokris.
Renormalisation and computation II: time cut-off and the Halting Problem
Authors: MANIN YURI I. 
Published: September 2012

This is the second instalment in the project initiated in Manin (2012). In the first Part, we argued that both the philosophy and technique of perturbative renormalisation in quantum field theory could be meaningfully transplanted to the theory of computation, and sketched several contexts supporting this view.In this second part, we address some of the issues raised in Manin (2012) and develop them further in three contexts: a categorification of the algorithmic computations; time cut-off and anytime algorithms; and, finally, a Hopf algebra renormalisation of the Halting Problem.
Clear‐sky thermodynamic and radiative anomalies over a sea ice sensitive region of the Arctic
Authors: Sedlar Joseph , Devasthale Abhay 
Published: September 2012

Monthly clear‐sky anomalies of atmospheric temperature and water vapor over the East Siberian and Laptev Sea regions of the Arctic for 2003–2010 are examined here. This region experiences significant interannual variations in sea ice concentration and is also where ice loss was most apparent in the record year 2007. Clear‐sky thermodynamic profiles come from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) sensor onboard the Aqua satellite. Associated longwave (LW) and shortwave (SW) radiation‐flux anomalies are estimated through radiative transfer modeling. Anomalies of temperature (±10 K) and water vapor (±1 g kg−1) often positively covary, resulting in distinct signatures in the clear‐sky downwelling LW (LWD) anomalies, occasionally larger than ±10 W m−2around the 2003–2010 climatology. Estimates of mean greenhouse anomalies indicate a shift from negative to positive anomalies midway through the 8‐year record. Sensitivity tests suggest that temperature anomalies are the strongest contributor to both LWD and greenhouse anomalies, relative to water‐vapor anomalies; monthly averaging of column precipitable water yields relatively small anomalies (order 1 mm) that produce a linear response in greenhouse anomalies. Finally the clear‐sky contribution to 2007 monthly ice thickness is estimated. Anomalous clear‐sky radiation retards the total 2007 ice thickness by 0.3 m (15–30% of ice‐thickness climatology), and anomalous LW radiation is most important for preconditioning the ice during the months prior to, and after, the summer melt season. A highly sensitive interaction between cloud fraction, surface albedo and LWD anomalies is found, and we develop a metric for determining clear‐sky anomalous ice melt potential.
Characterization of a 65 kDa NIF in the nuclear matrix of the monocot Allium cepa that interacts with nuclear spectrin‐like proteins
Authors: Pérez‐Munive Clara , Blumenthal Sonal S. D. , de la Espina Susana Moreno Díaz 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPlant cells have a well organized nucleus and nuclear matrix, but lack orthologues of the main structural components of the metazoan nuclear matrix. Although data is limited, most plant nuclear structural proteins are coiled‐coil proteins, such as the NIFs (nuclear intermediate filaments) in Pisum sativum that cross‐react with anti‐intermediate filament and anti‐lamin antibodies, form filaments 6–12 nm in diameter in vitro, and may play the role of lamins. We have investigated the conservation and features of NIFs in a monocot species, Allium cepa, and compared them with onion lamin‐like proteins. Polyclonal antisera against the pea 65 kDa NIF were used in 1D and 2D Western blots, ICM (imunofluorescence confocal microscopy) and IEM (immunoelectron microscopy). Their presence in the nuclear matrix was analysed by differential extraction of nuclei, and their association with structural spectrin‐like proteins by co‐immunoprecipitation and co‐localization in ICM. NIF is a conserved structural component of the nucleus and its matrix in monocots with Mr and pI values similar to those of pea 65 kDa NIF, which localized to the nuclear envelope, perichromatin domains and foci, and to the nuclear matrix, interacting directly with structural nuclear spectrin‐like proteins. Its similarities with some of the proteins described as onion lamin‐like proteins suggest that they are highly related or perhaps the same proteins.
Work‐family conflict and its antecedents among Iranian operating room personnel
Authors: Beigi Mina , Mirkhalilzadeh Ershadi Shiva , Shirmohammadi Melika 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between work‐family conflict and its antecedent variables. The research's dependent variables include work interference with family (WIF) and family interference with work (FIW). Independent variables consist of work‐related (hours spent at work, role conflict, role ambiguity, supervisor support, and work shifts), family‐related (hours spent with family, marital status, spousal employment, number of children, and age of the youngest child), and demographic (gender, age, tenure, and education) variables.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 333 operating room personnel in ten Iranian hospitals completed a survey questionnaire, which consisted of 38 questions administered to participants in the workplace.FindingsAnalysis of data revealed that among work‐related variables, the role conflict was positively associated with WIF. Supervisor support and working shifts were also weakly related to WIF. No significant relationships were found between family‐related variables and FIW. Among the demographic variables, only gender influenced FIW in a manner that men experienced more FIW than women.Originality/valueThe research findings contribute to understanding work‐family conflict in a new cultural setting. The empirical evidence of work‐family conflict in Iran, among operating room personnel, shows that experiences and antecedents of work‐family conflict vary among diverse cultures and industries. Models of work‐family conflict may need to be modified to reflect the experiences and antecedents that explain work‐family conflict in cultures similar to that of Iran.
Optimal arrangement of four‐sensor dynamic acoustic array
Authors: Liu Yalei , Gu Xiaohui , Lian Yunmeng , Liu Heng 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the theoretical relationship between the layout of four‐sensor dynamic acoustic array tracking system and systematic observation accuracy, and provide an algorithm to determine the optimal arrangement of four‐sensor acoustic array and an indicator to evaluate acoustic array system measurement accuracy.Design/methodology/approachIn the present paper, the measurement principle of the four‐sensor dynamic acoustic array tracking system is analyzed, and the system observation model and the conversion relationship between models are established. Subsequently, the optimization algorithm for the four‐sensor dynamic acoustic array is deduced, the theoretical optimal arrangement of the four‐sensor dynamic acoustic array tracking measurement system is obtained based on the optimal position dilution of precision function (PDOPF) of 2D target, and the static experimental study on sound‐source bearing estimation is designed. The theoretical results are compared with the experimental results of the present study.FindingsThe measurement accuracy of the four‐sensor dynamic acoustic array tracking system is largely dependent on the layout of the acoustic sensor. Theoretical studies and experimental results demonstrated that an optimal PDPOF can be used to analyze the rationality of the layout. It can also serve as an indicator for the layout of the four‐sensor dynamic acoustic array tracking system.Originality/valueThe PDOPF value is presented as an indicator for the evaluation of the four‐sensor dynamic acoustic array systematic observation accuracy based on theoretical analysis. The feasibility of the indicator and the rationality of the sensor layout in practical engineering application are verified through experimental studies on sound‐source bearing estimation. The higher the PDOPF value is, the lower the accuracy of the system will be.
Public accounting firms' mix of service revenue and average productivity
Authors: Farag Magdy S. , Elias Rafik Z. 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the impact of public accounting firms' mix of service revenue on their average productivity measured by total revenue per partner.Design/methodology/approachUsing data from Public Accounting Report on top public accounting firms by revenue, an OLS regression model is applied by regressing revenue per partner on the percentage of revenue generated from auditing and attest, tax, management consulting, and other services independently.FindingsResults show that the proportion of auditing and attest service revenue is negatively associated with public accounting firms' productivity. However, the proportion of other services revenue, other than tax and management consulting services, is positively associated with productivity. Additional investigation shows that if public accounting firms provide other services in their mix of services, then tax and management consulting services do not contribute to these public accounting firms' productivity.Research limitations/implicationsResults of this study cannot be generalized beyond the top 100 public accounting firms, and the measurement of revenue per partner ignores the exact number of partners within different service areas.Practical implicationsAlthough auditing and attest services are considered core services of public accounting firms, they do not increase the productivity of the firm.Originality/valueThis study helps in assessing whether average productivity of public accounting firms is affected by the proportion of a specific type of service in the post‐SOX era.
Shareholder activism in family‐controlled firms in Malaysia
Authors: Sakinah Azizan Siti , Ameer Rashid 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of shareholder activism led by the Minority Shareholder Watchdog Group (MSWG) on the performance of family‐controlled firms in Malaysia from 2005 to 2009.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses event study methodology to calculate abnormal returns for the sample and control firms.FindingsThe paper finds significant positive cumulative abnormal returns of at least 0.5 percent for the targeted family firms, during the event window of [−1, 0] and [0, +1], as a result of MSWG engagement. There is a significant positive cumulative abnormal return of 1 percent for the firms where family control is less than the threshold level of 33 percent. It is interesting to note that MSWG engagements do not have consistent positive impact on the abnormal returns over the years. There are significant differences between the performance of MSWG targeted family‐controlled firms and non‐targeted family‐controlled firms after one year of MSWG intervention.Research limitations/implicationsThe results show that MSWG‐led shareholder activism does have an effect on the share returns of the family‐controlled firms. These results imply that family‐controlled firms agree with the MSWG on those matters that improve the bottom‐line results.Originality/valueThe authors argue that this is the first study to examine MSWG engagements with family‐controlled firms in Malaysia.
Well‐being and dementia – how can it be achieved?
Authors: Woods Bob 
Published: September 2012

PurposeIt is now widely accepted that many people with dementia can report in a consistent and valid way on their quality of life. This review aims to identify modifiable factors associated with quality of life in people with dementia, which can then form the basis for interventions enhancing quality of life.Design/methodology/approachThe review draws together findings in dementia care on interventions with those on quality of life.FindingsCognitive function is not associated with quality of life in people with dementia, although paradoxically, some cognition‐focused approaches do appear to lead to improvements in quality of life. Depression is most consistently associated with lower quality of life. Also important are quality of relationships with carers, staff attitudes, family involvement and avoidance of use of anti‐psychotic medication. Potentially effective interventions are available in relation to each of these factors.Practical implicationsHope regarding what can be achieved with people with dementia is the attitude most associated with quality of life. This goes beyond person‐centred care values, and emphasises the potential for making a difference that is of value.Social implicationsAchieving social inclusion for people with dementia requires the development of dementia supportive communities, allowing and supporting people with dementia to take part in a wider range of valued activities and roles.Originality/valueThe sense that “nothing can be done” remains prevalent in relation to dementia. This review challenges this assumption, and indicates how living well with dementia can become a reality, not simply an aspiration.
Developing the capacity of researchers for collaborative working
Authors: Kahn Peter , Petichakis Christos , Walsh Lorraine 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe complexities and challenges inherent in research often require collaborative rather than solitary or team‐based forms of working. This paper seeks to open new perspectives onto the nature of collaborative research and onto strategies for developing the capacity of researchers to engage in it.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines a speculative model of collaborative working in higher education that is rooted in critical realist perspectives, using it to ground a conceptual analysis of a stage model of expertise for collaborative working taken from the researcher development framework (RDF) developed in the UK by the organisation Vitae.FindingsThe paper highlights the contribution that theory can make to the practice of researcher development, drawing out the relevance of personal engagement, professional dialogue and collaborative vehicles to support shared practice in pursuit of mutual goals. In this way, it identifies gaps within the stage model that pertain to relational, disciplinary, situational and other elements. The paper articulates insights for the development of the capacity of researchers for collaborative working that prioritise dialogue that is situated within given contexts for research. The analysis draws out implications for the development of collaborative capacity of such notions as corporate agency and collaborative reach.Originality/valueThis paper articulates a novel approach to conceptualising capacity for collaborative research and offers a theoretical critique of a given descriptor taken from Vitae's RDF. As such it assists in developing the scholarly basis for the field of researcher development.
Do Thai parents really know about the sexual risk taking of their children? A qualitative study in Bangkok
Authors: Fongkaew Warunee , Cupp Pamela K. , Miller Brenda A. , Atwood Katherine A. , Chamratrithirong Apichat , Rhucharoenpornpanich Orratai , Rosati Michael J. , Chookhare Warunee , Byrnes Hilary F. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis qualitative study explores the perceptions of parents and adolescents toward sexual risk‐taking behaviors. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 30 parents and 30 adolescents (aged 13–14 years) in Bangkok, and were analyzed by using coding and thematic analysis. The results showed that although parents generally believed that Thai teens begin to have sex at an early age and engage in sexual risk‐taking behaviors, they trusted that their teens would follow parental guidance and rules and not engage in sexual activity at this age. Most of the Thai teens reported that their parents were not really aware of their sexual behaviors because of their tendency to keep their sexual stories secret for fear of being scolded, blamed, and punished. The teens also reported that they wanted their parents to listen, give them warmth and more freedom, and be more in touch with their activities. Parents expressed their need for knowledge and skills so that they could help guide their adolescent children to avoid sexual risk‐taking behaviors. A family intervention specifically aimed at empowering Thai urban parents is needed.
Comparison of Perception of Pregnancy Risk of Nulliparous Women of Advanced Maternal Age and Younger Age
Authors: Bayrampour Hamideh , Heaman Maureen , Duncan Karen A. , Tough Suzanne 
Published: September 2012

Introduction: Over the last 3 decades, the proportion of women who have delayed childbearing into their mid 30s and early 40s has been increasing. Because advanced maternal age (AMA) is associated with several adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes, these pregnancies are considered to be “high risk.” Research indicates that pregnancy risk perception is an important factor in pregnant women's health care use and decision making during pregnancy. The objectives of this study were to compare risk perception in pregnant women of AMA (aged 35 years or older) with that of younger women and to explore the relationship between perception of pregnancy risk and selected variables.Methods: A sample of 159 nulliparous pregnant women (105 aged 20‐29 years and 54 aged 35 years or older) was recruited from a variety of settings in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Women were asked to complete questionnaires to assess perception of pregnancy risk, risk knowledge, pregnancy‐related anxiety, perceived control, health status, and medical risk.Results: Women of AMA had higher education levels, were more likely to work during pregnancy, and had higher medical risk scores than younger women. Women of AMA perceived higher pregnancy risk for both themselves and their fetuses than did younger women. They rated their risks of cesarean birth, dying during pregnancy, preterm birth, and having a newborn with a birth defect or one needing admission to a neonatal intensive care unit higher than those of younger women. There were no significant differences between the 2 age groups in pregnancy‐related anxiety, knowledge of risk, perceived control, and health status.Discussion: Women of AMA have a higher perception of pregnancy risk than younger women, regardless of their medical risk. This evidence suggests that incorporating discussions of pregnancy risk into prenatal care visits may assist pregnant women of AMA to make more informed choices, reduce anxiety, and avoid unnecessary interventions.