bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation on the friction and sealing characteristics of narrow end-face seal ring with spiral grooves for wet clutch
Authors: Hu Ji Bin , Wei Chao , Li XueYuan 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the friction and sealing characteristics of narrow end face seal ring with spiral grooves for wet clutch by experiment.

Design/methodology/approach
– The shallow spiral grooves are machined in the end face of narrow seal ring by laser, and all of other parameters of specimens are the same with the actual production. The investigation of friction and sealing characteristics are carried out by comparing the experiment results of end face seal ring with spiral grooves with the conventional seal ring without spiral grooves through friction coefficient test, volume leakage rate test and pv value test.

Findings
– Comparing with conventional seal ring without spiral grooves, seal ring with spiral grooves experiences boundary lubrication, mixed lubrication and fluid film lubrication with the increase of rotation speed, whereas the conventional seal ring only experiences mixed lubrication. Besides this, the volume leakage rate is slightly larger, but the pv value is much larger than that of conventional seal ring.

Originality/value
– Effect of spiral grooves on the friction and sealing characteristics of narrow end face seal ring for wet clutch is investigated. The improved lubrication performance can be achieved by shallow spiral grooves even if the distance of radius difference used to machine grooves is very small.
Re-tweeting the Ayatollah
Authors: Hirsch Peter Buell 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine how the sudden emergence of official government voices using social media as their first platform for communication creates new opportunities to understand how those voices are influenced and by whom.

Design/methodology/approach
– The article examines some recent examples of social media use by government entities from around the world, particularly the Middle East.

Findings
– This examination of social media use by government entities suggests that this usage provides significant clues about what government leaders are paying attention to. The social media outputs from these sources creates for the first time a unique signature of what these leaders react to and also how the various publics to whom they speak react to their utterances.

Research limitations/implications
– By virtue of the small sample size of the examples reviewed, the findings are of necessity subjective opinion.

Practical implications
– If in fact, this social media “exhaust” from governmental sources continue to grow, companies and organizations for whom the evolution of government opinion is important will be able to gather fresher and powerful insights into public policy and views.

Originality/value
– Cyberspace continues to offer an ever expanding set of data tracking both the opinions and behaviors of various community stakeholders. To the best of authors’ knowledge, the viewpoint presented in this article is among the first to examine the ramifications of the shift to social media by government leaders from around the world.
Self-reported care activities in a home-based intervention programme for families with multiple problems
Authors: Tausendfreund Tim , Metselaar Janneke , Conradie Jelte , de Groot Maria Helena , Schipaanboord Nicolien , Knot-Dickscheit Jana , Grietens Hans , Knorth Erik J. 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and application of the KIPP-list of care activities. The acronym KIPP stands for Knowledge and Insight into Primary Processes. The instrument is intended as a tool for family coaches to systematically report care activities conducted in the Dutch family support programme Ten for the Future (in Dutch: Tien voor Toekomst).

Design/methodology/approach
– The design of the instrument was based on the components of the programme and a literature search for similar instruments used in the Netherlands, complemented by a staff survey. A series of three studies was carried out to test the instrument’s validity and user-friendliness, and to assess its potential for programme evaluation.

Findings
– The majority of care activities were performed in cooperation with one or both parents alone, and less frequently with children or external professionals. Although the main focus of the work of the family coaches fell into the categories of “collecting information” and “working towards (behavioural) change” with families, the relatively high frequency of all the types of care contacts emphasises the intensity of this family support programme with a complex target group.

Originality/value
– Data gathered with the instrument provided meaningful information by descriptive analysis. KIPP thereby proved its general feasibility in increasing insight into service provision. The instrument can be useful in several stages and on several levels of quality assurance and service optimisation, including reflective practice, supervision, team management and research.
Cultural intelligence of entrepreneurs and international network ties
Authors: Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth 
Published: April 2015

Purpose– This paper aimed to investigate whether the cultural intelligence (CQ) of entrepreneurs is associated with the quality of the relationships firms develop with foreign networks.Design/methodology/approach– The samples include small and medium manufacturing firms in Thailand. Data were collected with a self-administered questionnaire survey. A list of 1,000 firms was randomly selected from the directory of Thai exporters. A total of 129 surveys were returned. Partial least square regression was used to analyze the data.Findings– The results revealed a positive association between the CQ of entrepreneurs and the quality of the relationships that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) had with foreign customers, foreign suppliers and foreign competitors. The quality of the relationships was also associated positively with export performance. However, there was no significant evidence for the role of the quality of relationships with foreign competitors in export performance.Research limitations/implications– The use of cross-sectional data makes it difficult to claim causality between the constructs. Moreover, the CQ and export performance measures that use subjective evaluation may cause bias. The small sample size also limits the generalizability of the results.Practical implications– The results suggested that CQ is a key capability entrepreneurs must develop to conduct business more successfully in foreign markets.Social implications– Because SMEs are considered a key driver of a country’s economic development, CQ training could be an important choice on which the government should focus. Furthermore, as the world economy is more integrated, CQ training can significantly help people improve cross-cultural communication skills which are essential for them to be successful in today’s globalized economy.Originality/value– Despite the increasing popularity of CQ research, evidence for its contribution to the ability of entrepreneurs to develop good relationships with foreign firms is lacking. The main contribution of this study is to bridge this research gap by providing empirical evidence.
C:N:P stoichiometry of Artemisia species and close relatives across northern China: unravelling effects of climate, soil and taxonomy
Authors: Yang Xuejun , Huang Zhenying , Zhang Keliang , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometries play critical roles in the function and structure of ecosystems by affecting important ecological processes. Yet, most studies to date have concentrated on foliar stoichiometry of phylogenetically distantly related species.

Here, we hypothesized that (i) plant stoichiometry of closely related species still shows biogeographic patterns because of the geographic patterns of abiotic environment at the regional scale and (ii) even related species still differ strongly in their stoichiometry owing to inherent differences in the absorption and retention of different elements.

To test the hypotheses, we analysed the C:N:P stoichiometry of 48 species of Artemisia and its close relatives from 65 sites across northern China.

Elemental concentrations and stoichiometry had no correlation with latitude or longitude but showed clear altitudinal trends. Climate had a weak effect on plant elemental concentrations and stoichiometry but not on C concentration. Soil chemistry had significant effects on C and P concentrations, C:P and N:P. Nested models revealed that species identity accounted for more than 30% of the total variance of all elemental concentrations and stoichiometric ratios, and different species responded differently to environmental gradients.

Synthesis. Our results highlight that even closely related species can vary importantly in plant elemental stoichiometry. This suggests that ecologists and global change researchers should be careful not to simply take a species’ stoichiometry as representative of an entire taxonomic group for upscaling of plant chemical responses to climatic and edaphic variation in our fast changing world.
Revisiting Darwin's naturalization conundrum: explaining invasion success of non‐native trees and shrubs in southern Africa
Authors: Bezeng Simeon Bezeng , Davies Jonathan T. , Yessoufou Kowiyou , Maurin Olivier , Van der Bank Michelle 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Invasive species are detrimental ecologically and economically. Their negative impacts in Africa are extensive and call for a renewed commitment to better understand the correlates of invasion success.

Here, we explored several putative drivers of species invasion among woody non‐native trees and shrubs in southern Africa, a region of high floristic diversity. We tested for differences in functional traits between plant categories using a combination of phylogenetic independent contrasts and a simulation‐based phylogenetic anova.

We found that non‐native species generally have longer flowering duration compared with native species and are generally hermaphroditic, and their dispersal is mostly abiotically mediated. We also revealed that non‐native trees and shrubs that have become invasive are less closely related to native trees and shrubs than their non‐invasive non‐native counterparts. Non‐natives that are more closely related to the native species pool may be more likely to possess traits suited to the new environment in which they find themselves and thus have greater chance of establishment. However, successful invaders are less closely related to the native pool, indicating evidence for competitive release or support for the vacant niche theory.

Synthesis. Non‐native trees and shrubs in southern Africa are characterized by a suite of traits, including long flowering times, a hermaphroditic sexual system and abiotic dispersal, which may represent important adaptations promoting establishment. We suggest that differences in the evolutionary distances separating the native species pool from invasive and non‐invasive species might help resolve Darwin's naturalization conundrum.
Increased cardiovascular risk without generalized arterial dilating diathesis in persons who do not have abdominal aortic aneurysm but who are first‐degree relatives of abdominal aortic aneurysm patients
Authors: De Basso Rachel , Sandgren Thomas , Ahlgren Åsa Rydén , Länne Toste 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThere is a strong genetic predisposition towards abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), but it is unknown whether persons without AAA but with first‐degree relatives who are AAA patients have a generalized dilating diathesis, defect arterial wall mechanics, or increased cardiovascular risk. The aim of the study was to investigate arterial diameters and wall mechanics at multiple arterial sites in these subjects and compare them with controls without a family history of AAA. This study included 118 first‐degree relatives of patients with AAA and 66 controls (age: 40–80 years). The abdominal aorta, common carotid artery, common femoral artery, and popliteal artery were investigated by echo‐tracking ultrasound. The relatives had no arterial dilatation, but they did tend to have smaller diameters than controls. Relatives had a higher heart rate, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure than controls. The distensibility coefficient and the compliance coefficient were decreased in all arteries in male relatives, adjusted for age and smoking; these coefficients were normalized after adjustment for mean arterial pressure and heart rate. Female relatives had a lower compliance coefficient in the abdominal aorta, adjusted for age and smoking. After adjustment for mean arterial pressure and heart rate, the difference disappeared. No general arterial dilatation in relatives without AAA was found, supporting the hypothesis that the dilating diathesis is linked to the aneurysmal manifestation in the abdominal aorta. Although the threat of aneurysmal dilatation and rupture seems to be lacking in these subjects, heart rate, blood pressure, and arterial wall stiffness were all increased, which may indicate a higher risk of developing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Climate Change and Agriculture: Multiple Responses and Responsibilities
Authors: Straujuma Laimdota 
Published: April 2015

SummaryClimate change is one of the key challenges for the future of agriculture and food. Agriculture both contributes to and suffers from climate change. The interaction between both is of substantial complexity; the need for action is urgent and sometimes stakeholders lack scientific evidence or political will to agree on solutions. There are different lenses through which to address the interface between agriculture and climate change: mitigation, adaptation, resilience, sustainable intensification and civic response. However none of these directions of desirable action would provide the only right answer on their own. There is a need for multiple solutions and aligned action at every governance level involving all actors in the food system: farmers, food industry, consumers and regulatory institutions. Every actor needs to take certain responsibilities. We have to be innovative, responsive and practice solidarity, looking for transition pathways. Recent EU Framework projects and foresight exercises on agriculture provide policymakers with relevant insights and recommendations. This article considers four directions in which responses and shared responsibilities could be enabled to address the climate challenge in agriculture: recognise multiple modernisation pathways; support learning and innovation networks; harness local resources and solutions; and acknowledge ‘quiet’ sustainability. There is reflection on the policy implications at EU, Member State and more local levels.
Interim analysis: An interdisciplinary team approach in facilitating weight reduction and improving function for people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. The Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program at Royal North Shore Hospital
Authors: Claes Bri‐Ellen Ann , Leung Hei Wan Chloris , Matters Kirilee , Williams Matthew John , Hunter David J 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimInterim analysis of the Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program at the Royal North Shore Hospital was conducted in order to determine (i) effectiveness of programme to facilitate reductions in weight and waist circumference and improvements in pain, function and osteoarthritis‐related outcomes and (ii) whether reductions in weight or waist circumference predict pain, functional and osteoarthritis‐related outcomes.MethodsParticipants with knee or hip osteoarthritis at baseline (n = 265), weeks 12 (n = 164) and 26 (n = 88) were followed. Primary outcomes were weight and waist circumference. Secondary outcomes included visual analogue scale for pain, timed up and go, 6‐minute walk test, knee injury/hip dysfunction and osteoarthritis outcome score.ResultsMean absolute and percent weight loss, waist circumference and body mass index significantly reduced from baseline at both 12 and 26 weeks. Improvements in pain (P < 0.001), timed up and go (P < 0.001) and 6‐minute walk test (P < 0.001) were statistically significant in participants with knee osteoarthritis; however, only improvements in timed up and go and 6‐minute walk test were clinically relevant. Weight was not associated with any secondary outcomes except knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score pain subscale at 12 weeks. Participants with knee osteoarthritis on average experienced 0.96 cm less pain on the visual analogue scale and walked 25.7 m more in the 6‐minute walk test than participants with hip osteoarthritis at 12 weeks which was statistically significant.ConclusionsThe programme assisted participants in promoting weight loss and those with knee osteoarthritis improved clinically in mobility and walking capacity by 26 weeks. Complete data set is required to validate these findings.
Between rocks and a hard place: prehistoric funerary practices at Wādī Ḍebayʿān, northern Qatar
Authors: Zamora Áurea Izquierdo , Cuttler Richard Thorburn H. , Al‐Naimi Faisal Abdulla , Owens Lawrence S. 
Published: April 2015

Archaeological survey by the Qatar National Historic Environment Record Project (QNHER) in 2009, led to the discovery of a Neolithic flint scatter, a settlement and an ancient, raised shoreline associated with higher, mid‐Holocene sea levels at Wādī Ḍebayʿān, north‐western Qatar (Al‐Naimi et al. 2010, 2011; Cuttler, Tetlow & Al‐Naimi 2011). The QNHER project is a collaboration between Qatar Museums and the University of Birmingham, which over the past five years has developed a national geospatial database for the recording of archaeological sites and historic monuments in Qatar. A significant aspect of the project involved archaeological survey and excavation in advance of major construction projects. Between 2012 and 2014 excavations at Wādī Ḍebayʿān revealed a burial of a typology previously unknown in Qatar, the unmarked graves (Cuttler, Al‐Naimi & Tetlow 2013).
Why do analysts issue forecast revisions inconsistent with prior stock returns? Determinants and consequences
Authors: Dong Xiaobo , Lin Kuan‐Chen , Graham Roger 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe examine the informativeness of analyst forecast revisions that are directionally inconsistent with prior stock price movements (sign‐inconsistent revisions). Sign‐inconsistent revisions represent approximately one‐half of the forecast revisions from 1995 through 2010. Our tests indicate that sign‐inconsistent revisions are less informative than are sign‐consistent revisions. Sign‐inconsistent revisions are less likely to be closer to actual earnings realizations and they generate smaller stock price reactions. We also find evidence that sign‐inconsistent revisions are associated with analysts' economic incentives to generate trading volume and their behavioural limitations related to information uncertainty. These results suggest that sign‐inconsistent revisions do not necessarily benefit investors.
Predictors of re‐excision in wire‐guided wide local excision for early breast cancer: a Western Australian multi‐centre experience
Authors: Ballal Helen , Taylor Donna B. , Bourke Anita G. , Latham Bruce , Saunders Christobel M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundA significant proportion of breast cancers present as impalpable lesions requiring radiological guidance prior to surgical excision, commonly by hook‐wire placement. Complete lesion excision is an essential part of treatment, and re‐excision may be needed to ensure this and minimize local recurrence. We explore a 1‐year audit of re‐excision of hook‐wire‐guided excisions in two large public breast units in Western Australia and define factors associated with the requirement for re‐excision.MethodsA retrospective review of wire‐localized wide local excisions for early breast cancer in 2009 at two tertiary breast centres in Western Australia.ResultsOf 148 localized lesions, 44 (30%) underwent re‐excision. The only significant preoperative finding was the location of tumour in the breast. The intra‐operative specimen radiograph provided useful information that influenced re‐excision. Smaller (≤5 mm) and larger (>20 mm) tumours on final pathological size were more likely to undergo re‐excision as well as a larger difference in actual size to predicted size. The presence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) increased re‐operation, as did multifocality.ConclusionThis study highlights factors that should make the surgeon more cautious for re‐excision. Suspicion of DCIS, especially at the periphery of tumours, and a central tumour location increase risk. Lesion localization techniques play an important role in minimizing risk while maintaining cosmesis.
Risk factors, treatment and impact on outcomes of bile leakage after hemihepatectomy
Authors: Zheng Si‐Ming , Li Hong , Li Gen‐Cong , Yu Dan‐Song , Ying Dong‐Jian , Zhang Bin , Lu Cai‐De , Zhou Xin‐Hua 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundRisk factors for bile leakage after hemihepatectomy are unknown.MethodsA prospectively maintained database review identified patients undergoing hemihepatectomy between 1 January 2009 and 30 September 2014. Patients were divided into B/C and non‐B/C bile leakage groups. Risk factors for bile leakage were predicted and assessments of their impact on patients were made.ResultsBile leakage occurred in 91 of the 297 patients (30.6%); 64 cases were classified as grade B bile leakage (21.5%) and three cases as grade C bile leakage (1.0%). Multivariate analysis confirmed that elevated preoperative alanine transaminase (ALT), positive bile culture during surgery, hilar bile duct plasty, bilioenteric anastomosis and laparoscopic surgery were risk factors for B/C grade bile leakage (P < 0.05). Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) were protective factors for B/C grade bile leakage (P < 0.05). PTBD, ENBD and Kehr's T‐tube drainage could reduce the drainage volume and duration of drainage after bile leakage (P < 0.05). The incidence of wound infection, abdominal infection, major complications and the Clavien classification system score in the B/C bile leakage group were higher than those in the non‐B/C bile leakage group (P < 0.05). Patients in the B/C bile leakage group also required prolonged hospitalization (P < 0.05). The mortality of two groups was similar (P > 0.05).ConclusionPatient with elevated preoperative ALT, positive bile cultures during surgery, hilar bile duct plasty, bilioenteric anastomosis and laparoscopic surgery are more likely to complicate bile leakage. We should use biliary drainage such as preoperative PTBD, ENBD or intraoperative Kehr's T‐tube drainage to reduce and treat bile leakage in patients with high risk of bile leakage.