bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of 90° domain wall motions and high frequency mesoscopic dielectric response in strained ferroelectrics: A phase-field simulation
Authors: Chu P. , Chen D. P. , Wang Y. L. , Xie Y. L. , Yan Z. B. , Wan J. G. , Liu J.-M. , Li J. Y. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe dielectric and ferroelectric behaviors of a ferroelectric are substantially determined by its domain structure and domain wall dynamics at mesoscopic level. A relationship between the domain walls and high frequency mesoscopic dielectric response is highly appreciated for high frequency applications of ferroelectrics. In this work we investigate the low electric field driven motion of 90°-domain walls and the frequency-domain spectrum of dielectric permittivity in normally strained ferroelectric lattice using the phase-field simulations. It is revealed that, the high-frequency dielectric permittivity is spatially inhomogeneous and reaches the highest value on the 90°-domain walls. A tensile strain favors the parallel domains but suppresses the kinetics of the 90° domain wall motion driven by electric field, while the compressive strain results in the opposite behaviors. The physics underlying the wall motions and thus the dielectric response is associated with the long-range elastic energy. The major contribution to the dielectric response is from the polarization fluctuations on the 90°-domain walls, which are more mobile than those inside the domains. The relevance of the simulated results wth recent experiments is discussed.
Identifying anthropogenic ‘hotspots’ and management of water resources in Lake Chad Basin using GIS
Authors: Okonkwo Churchill , Demoz Belay 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
In order to understand the relationship between population pressure on water resources, and changes in vegetation cover within the Lake Chad Basin (LCB), this paper analyzed demographic and biomass burning footprint using Geographical Information System (GIS) software. An overlay analysis identified anthropogenic hotspots that are likely to define the modification of the LCB in the future. Analysis of anthropogenic dynamics suggests that with a projected population of 51 million in 2015 rising to about 80 million by 2030, the Lake Chad (LC) watershed will be significantly impacted. The spatial characteristic of the anthropogenic footprint shows that sustaining water services will continue to be a problem. The anthropogenic hotspot map generated is thus a useful tool for policy makers to target areas of rapid change with the greatest impact on the size of LC. The proposed inter-basin water transfer will require the most comprehensive urgent policy responses.
Preventing Surgical Site Infections: A Randomized, Open-Label Trial of Nasal Mupirocin Ointment and Nasal Povidone-Iodine Solution
Authors: Phillips Michael , Rosenberg Andrew , Shopsin Bo , Cuff Germaine , Skeete Faith , Foti Alycia , Kraemer Kandy , Inglima Kenneth , Press Robert , Bosco Joseph 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundTreatment ofStaphylococcus aureuscolonization before surgery reduces risk of surgical site infection (SSI). The regimen of nasal mupirocin ointment and topical chlorhexidine gluconate is effective, but cost and patient compliance may be a barrier. Nasal povidone-iodine solution may provide an alternative to mupirocin.MethodsWe conducted an investigator-initiated, open-label, randomized trial comparing SSI after arthroplasty or spine fusion in patients receiving topical chlorhexidine wipes in combination with either twice daily application of nasal mupirocin ointment during the 5 days before surgery or 2 applications of povidone-iodine solution into each nostril within 2 hours of surgical incision. The primary study end point was deep SSI within the 3 months after surgery.ResultsIn the modified intent-to-treat analysis, a deep SSI developed after 14 of 855 surgical procedures in the mupirocin group and 6 of 842 surgical procedures in the povidone-iodine group (P= .1);S. aureusdeep SSI developed after 5 surgical procedures in the mupirocin group and 1 surgical procedure in the povidone-iodine group (P= .2). In the per protocol analysis,S. aureusdeep SSI developed in 5 of 763 surgical procedures in the mupirocin group and 0 of 776 surgical procedures in the povidone-iodine group (P= .03).ConclusionsNasal povidone-iodine may be considered as an alternative to mupirocin in a multifaceted approach to reduce SSI.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT01313182.
CLImAT: accurate detection of copy number alteration and loss of heterozygosity in impure and aneuploid tumor samples using whole-genome sequencing data
Authors: Yu Zhenhua , Liu Yuanning , Shen Yi , Wang Minghui , Li Ao 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Motivation: Whole-genome sequencing of tumor samples has been demonstrated as an efficient approach for comprehensive analysis of genomic aberrations in cancer genome. Critical issues such as tumor impurity and aneuploidy, GC-content and mappability bias have been reported to complicate identification of copy number alteration and loss of heterozygosity in complex tumor samples. Therefore, efficient computational methods are required to address these issues.
Results: We introduce CLImAT (CNA and LOH Assessment in Impure and Aneuploid Tumors), a bioinformatics tool for identification of genomic aberrations from tumor samples using whole-genome sequencing data. Without requiring a matched normal sample, CLImAT takes integrated analysis of read depth and allelic frequency and provides extensive data processing procedures including GC-content and mappability correction of read depth and quantile normalization of B-allele frequency. CLImAT accurately identifies copy number alteration and loss of heterozygosity even for highly impure tumor samples with aneuploidy. We evaluate CLImAT on both simulated and real DNA sequencing data to demonstrate its ability to infer tumor impurity and ploidy and identify genomic aberrations in complex tumor samples.
Availability and implementation: The CLImAT software package can be freely downloaded at http://bioinformatics.ustc.edu.cn/CLImAT/ .
Contact : aoli@ustc.edu.cn
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A two-stage biomass model to assess the English Channel cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis L.) stock
Authors: Gras Michaël , Roel Beatriz A. , Coppin Franck , Foucher Eric , Robin Jean-Paul 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The English Channel cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) is the most abundant cephalopod resource in the Northeast Atlantic and one of the three most valuable resources for English Channel fishers. Depletion methods and age-structured models have been used to assess the stock, though they have shown limitations related to the model assumptions and data demand. A two-stage biomass model is, therefore, proposed here using, as input data, four abundance indices derived from survey and commercial trawl data collected by Ifremer and Cefas. The model suggests great interannual variability in abundance during the 17 years of the period considered and a decreasing trend in recent years. Model results suggest that recruitment strength is independent of spawning–stock biomass, but appears to be influenced by environmental conditions such as sea surface temperature at the start of the life cycle. Trends in exploitation rate do not reveal evidence of overexploitation. Reference points are proposed and suggestions for management of the sustainable utilization of cuttlefish in the English Channel are advanced.
Brain disorders and the biological role of music
Authors: Clark Camilla N. , Downey Laura E. , Warren Jason D. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDespite its evident universality and high social value, the ultimate biological role of music and its connection to brain disorders remain poorly understood. Recent findings from basic neuroscience have shed fresh light on these old problems. New insights provided by clinical neuroscience concerning the effects of brain disorders promise to be particularly valuable in uncovering the underlying cognitive and neural architecture of music and for assessing candidate accounts of the biological role of music. Here we advance a new model of the biological role of music in human evolution and the link to brain disorders, drawing on diverse lines of evidence derived from comparative ethology, cognitive neuropsychology and neuroimaging studies in the normal and the disordered brain. We propose that music evolved from the call signals of our hominid ancestors as a means mentally to rehearse and predict potentially costly, affectively laden social routines in surrogate, coded, low-cost form: essentially, a mechanism for transforming emotional mental states efficiently and adaptively into social signals. This biological role of music has its legacy today in the disordered processing of music and mental states that characterizes certain developmental and acquired clinical syndromes of brain network disintegration.
Serious Complications Related to Obstetric Anesthesia
Authors: D’Angelo Robert , Smiley Richard M. , Riley Edward T. , Segal Scott 
Published: May 2014

Abstract

Background:
Because of the lack of large obstetric anesthesia databases, the incidences of serious complications related to obstetric anesthesia remain unknown. The Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology developed the Serious Complication Repository Project to establish the incidence of serious complications related to obstetric anesthesia and to identify risk factors associated with each.

Methods:
Serious complications were defined by the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology Research Committee which also coordinated the study. Thirty institutions participated in the approximately 5-yr study period. Data were collected as part of institutional quality assurance and sent to the central project coordinator quarterly.

Results:
Data were captured on more than 257,000 anesthetics, including 5,000 general anesthetics for cesarean delivery. There were 157 total serious complications reported, 85 of which were anesthesia related. High neuraxial block, respiratory arrest in labor and delivery, and unrecognized spinal catheter were the most frequent complications encountered. A serious complication occurs in approximately 1:3,000 (1:2,443 to 1:3,782) obstetric anesthetics.

Conclusions:
The Serious Complication Repository Project establishes the incidence of serious complications in obstetric anesthesia. Because serious complications related to obstetric anesthesia are rare, there were too few complications in each category to identify risk factors associated with each. However, because many of these complications can lead to catastrophic outcomes, it is recommended that the anesthesia provider remains vigilant and be prepared to rapidly diagnose and treat any complication.
Competitiveness analysis of Egyptian cotton exports with special focus on the Chinese market
Authors: Abu Hatab Assem , Romstad Eirik 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– The expected growth of China's cotton imports along with Egypt's quest for penetrating new cotton importing markets have together attracted the authors to investigate the competitiveness and the demand for Egyptian cotton in the Chinese market in order to capture the emerging opportunities that Egypt could gain from such a growing market. The paper aims to discuss these issues

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper employs Balassa's index of revealed comparative advantage and Vollrath's indices of revealed competitive advantage in order to measure the competitiveness of Egyptian cotton exports. An Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) approach was then used to estimate demand parameters for Chinese cotton imports from Egypt and major supply sources during the period 1992-2011.

Findings
– Results show that Egypt has experienced dramatic declines in its cotton comparative advantage over the analyzed period. The estimation results of the AIDS model indicate that Egypt's market share is positively affected by both own and US export prices, but negatively influenced by export prices of other competitors in the Chinese market. Results also indicate that Egyptian cotton is substitutable for cotton imports from all other regions, especially for US cotton. Moreover, additional Chinese expenditure on cotton imports would favor other suppliers. Finally, demand for Egyptian cotton was found to be more sensitive to price changes and there is a greater tendency for China to switch to Egyptian cotton than the other way around should relative prices change.

Originality/value
– This paper is original and novel in that; despite numerous studies have been done on China's demand for cotton and the several studies have been carried out on export and marketing of Egypt's cotton, the issue of cotton trade between Egypt and China has rarely been empirically examined. Furthermore, our results update important parameter estimates, particularly import demand elasticities of cotton. For Egypt, the study provides useful policy implications that could help policy makers to improve informed decision making with regard topromoting cotton exports to the Chinese market. For China, the study helps understanding the interrelationship between the Chinese cotton market and other emerging exporting markets, while focusing on the Egyptian market.
Multiobjective approach developed for optimizing the dynamic behavior of incremental linear actuators
Authors: Amdouni Imen , El Amraoui Lilia , Gillon Frédéric , Benrejeb Mohamed , Brochet Pascal 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to develop an optimal approach for optimizing the dynamic behavior of incremental linear actuators.Design/methodology/approach– First, a parameterized design model is built. Second, a dynamic model is implemented. This model takes into account the thrust force computed from a finite element model. Finally, the multiobjective optimization approach is applied to the dynamic model to optimize control as well as design parameters.Findings– The Pareto front resulting from the optimization approach (or the parallel optimization approach,) is better than the Pareto, which is obtained from the only application of MultiObjective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) method (or parallel MOGA with the same number of optimization approach objective function evaluations). The only use of MOGA can reach the region near an optimal Pareto front, but it consumes more computing time than the multiobjective optimization approach. At each flowchart stage, parallelization leads to a significant reduction of computing time which is halved when using two-core machine.Originality/value– In order to solve the multiobjective problem, a hybrid algorithm based on MOGA is developed.
Development and process evaluation of an educational intervention to support primary care of problem alcohol among drug users
Authors: Klimas Jan , Lally Kevin , Murphy Lisa , Crowley Louise , Anderson Rolande , Meagher David , McCombe Geoff , P. Smyth Bobby , Bury Gerard , Cullen Walter 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to describe the development and process evaluation of an educational intervention, designed to help general practitioners (GPs) identify and manage problem alcohol use among problem drug users.Design/methodology/approach– The educational session was developed as part of a complex intervention which was informed by the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions. A Cochrane review and a modified Delphi-facilitated consensus process formed the theoretical phase of the development. The modelling phase involved qualitative interviews with professionals and patients. The training's learning outcomes included alcohol screening and delivery of brief psychosocial interventions and this was facilitated by demonstration of clinical guidelines, presentation, video, group discussion and/or role play.Findings– Participants (n=17) from three general practices and local medical school participated in four workshops. They perceived the training as most helpful in improving their ability to perform alcohol screening. Most useful components of the session were the presentation, handout and group discussion with participants appreciating the opportunity to share their ideas with peers.Originality/value– Training primary healthcare professionals in alcohol screening and brief psychosocial interventions among problem drug users appears feasible. Along with the educational workshops, the implementation strategies should utilise multi-level interventions to support these activities among GPs.
Wage formation and gender wage gaps: is there a role for job-task evaluation schemes?
Authors: Asplund Rita , Lilja Reija 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– Both academia and policymakers express a strong belief in higher average education levels exerting a narrowing impact on wage inequality in general and gender wage gaps in particular. The purpose of this paper is to scrutinize whether or not this effect extends to R&D- and export-intensive branches such as the technology industry.Design/methodology/approach– In exploring the impact of individual and job-related background factors and, especially, of job-task evaluation schemes on the size and change in gender wage gaps in the technology industry, the paper applies an elaborated decomposition method based on unconditional quantile regression techniques.Findings– While changes in standard human capital endowments can explain little, if anything, of the growth in real wages or the widening of wage dispersion among the Finnish technology industry's white-collar workers, a new job-task evaluation scheme introduced in 2002 seems to have succeeded, at least in part, to make the wage-setting process more transparent by re-allocating especially the technology industry's female white-collar workers in a way that better reflects their skills, efforts and responsibilities.Practical implications– One crucial implication of this finding is that improving the standard human capital of women closer to that of men will not suffice to narrow the gender wage gap in the advanced parts of the economy and, hence, not also the overall gender wage gap. The reason is obvious: concomitant with rising average education levels, other skill aspects have received increasing attention in working life. Consequently, a conscious combination of formal and informal competencies as laid down in well-designed job-task evaluation schemes may, in many instances, offer a more powerful path for tackling the gender wage gap.Originality/value– While the existing evidence on the impact of performance-related pay on gender wage gaps is still scarce but growing the authors know of no empirical studies analyzing the gender pay-gap effect of job-task evaluation systems.
Never apologize and never explain
Authors: Buell Hirsch Peter 
Published: May 2014

Purpose
– To assess whether the current trend for public apologies will continue or fade away

Design/methodology/approach
– Review of selected public apologies to assess their impact on public perception.

Findings
– In spite of some apology “fatigue,” well-executed apologies have an appropriate role in helping to rebuild reputation.

Originality/value
– Corporate executives can learn what makes an effective apology
The SME struggle for financing: a clampdown in European banks post-crisis
Authors: Paulet Elisabeth , Parnaudeau Miia , Abdessemed Tamym 
Published: May 2014

Purpose–This paper aims to explore how banks have modified their behaviours since the subprime crisis and their influence on credit access for SMEs.Design/methodology/approach–This paper aims to explore how banks have modified their behaviours since the subprime crisis and their influence on credit access for SMEs.Findings–We provide evidence that strategic orientations adopted by banks (both fragile and robust) are quite voluntary and not simply the result of following regulations. Unfortunately, these orientations have hampered SMEs' access to credit.Practical implications–The core result of the paper is to emphasize that banking behaviours have considerably changed just after the subprime crisis and that SMEs have to deal with this new reality. These findings could be of interest for regulators and banking authorities to control liquidity constraints and guarantee both the stability of the global banking system and sustainable economic growth.Originality/value–Using an original data reduction method and balance sheet analysis, this paper found evidence of key changes in banking behaviours during the subprime crisis.
Transformational leadership and depressive symptoms among employees: mediating factors
Authors: Perko Kaisa , Kinnunen Ulla , Feldt Taru 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the link between transformational leadership and depressive symptoms among employees is mediated by such personal resources as occupational self-efficacy, perceived meaningfulness of the work, and work-related rumination.Design/methodology/approach– The study was conducted using questionnaires among 557 Finnish municipal employees in various occupations. The statistical analysis was based on structural equation modeling. A multiple mediation model enabled us to investigate the specific indirect effects of each mediator. Model comparison was applied to ascertain whether the mediation should be considered as full or partial.Findings– Results based on model comparison showed that the proposed factors fully mediated the negative relationship between transformational leadership and depressive symptoms. Thus high level of transformational leadership was associated with high levels of occupational self-efficacy and perceived meaningfulness of the work, and low level of work-related rumination during off-job time, which, in turn, were associated with low level of depressive symptoms. The fully mediated model explained 36 percent of the variance in depressive symptoms. All of the three mediators made a unique contribution to this relationship.Research limitations/implications– The results imply that transformational leadership behaviors may decrease depressiveness among employees through strengthening the personal resources of employees. However, as the study is cross-sectional, causal relationships can only be hypothesized.Originality/value– The study sheds new light on the possible processes through which transformational leaders may exert their health-promoting effects on employees even in terms of depressive symptoms.
Leader positive humor and organizational cynicism: LMX as a mediator
Authors: Gkorezis Panagiotis , Petridou Eugenia , Xanthiakos Panteleimon 
Published: May 2014

Purpose– Leader-member exchange (LMX) has been proposed as a core mechanism which accounts for the impact of various antecedents on employee outcomes. As such, the purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating effect of LMX regarding the relationship between leader positive humor and employees’ perceptions of organizational cynicism.Design/methodology/approach– Data were collected from 114 public employees. In order to examine the authors’ hypotheses hierarchical regression analysis was conducted.Findings– As hypothesized, results demonstrated that LMX mediates the relationship between leader positive humor and organizational cynicism.Research limitations/implications– Data were drawn from public employees and, therefore, this may constrain the generalizability of the results. Also, the cross-sectional analysis of the data cannot directly assess causality.Originality/value– This is the first empirical study to examine the mediating effect of LMX in the relationship between leader humor and employees’ perceptions of organizational cynicism.