bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-photon decision maker
Authors: Naruse Makoto , Berthel Martin , Drezet Aurélien , Huant Serge , Aono Masashi , Hori Hirokazu , Kim Song-Ju 
Published: August 2015

AbstractDecision making is critical in our daily lives and for society in general and is finding evermore practical applications in information and communication technologies. Herein, we demonstrate experimentally that single photons can be used to make decisions in uncertain, dynamically changing environments. Using a nitrogen-vacancy in a nanodiamond as a single-photon source, we demonstrate the decision-making capability by solving the multi-armed bandit problem. This capability is directly and immediately associated with single-photon detection in the proposed architecture, leading to adequate and adaptive autonomous decision making. This study makes it possible to create systems that benefit from the quantum nature of light to perform practical and vital intelligent functions.
Secreted biofilm factors adversely affect cellular wound healing responses in vitro
Authors: Jeffery Marano Robert , Jane Wallace Hilary , Wijeratne Dulharie , William Fear Mark , San Wong Hui , O’Handley Ryan 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAlthough most chronic wounds possess an underlying pathology, infectious agents also contribute. In many instances, pathogens exist as biofilms forming clusters surrounded by a secreted extracellular substance. We hypothesized that compounds secreted by biofilm bacteria may inhibit normal wound healing events including cell proliferation and migration. Conditioned media from two common bacterial species associated with chronic skin wounds and chronic tympanic membrane perforations, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were evaluated for their capacity to affect keratinocyte proliferation and migration. Additionally, proteomic analysis was performed to identify proteins within the biofilm conditioned media that may contribute to these observed effects. Biofilm conditioned media from both species inhibited proliferation in human tympanic membrane derived keratinocytes, whereas only biofilm conditioned media from S. aureus inhibited migration. Human epidermal keratinocytes were found to be more sensitive to the effects of the conditioned media resulting in high levels of cell death. Heat treatment and microfiltration suggested that S. aureus activity was due to a protein, while P. aeruginosa activity was more likely due to a small molecule. Proteomic analysis identified several proteins with putative links to delayed wound healing. These include alpha hemolysin, alcohol dehydrogenase, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, lactate dehydrogenase and epidermal cell differentiation inhibitor.
Characterizing the Juvenile Fish Community in Turbid Alaskan Rivers to Assess Potential Interactions with Hydrokinetic Devices
Authors: Bradley Parker T. , Evans Mark D. , Seitz Andrew C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractInstallation of hydrokinetic power‐generating devices is currently being considered for the Yukon and Tanana rivers, two large and glacially turbid rivers in Alaska. We sampled downstream‐migrating fish along the margins of both rivers, a middle island in the Yukon River, and mid‐channel in the Tanana River in order to assess the temporal and spatial patterns of movement by resident and anadromous fishes and hence the potential for fish interactions with hydrokinetic devices. Results suggest that (1) river margins in the Yukon and Tanana rivers are primarily utilized by resident freshwater species, (2) the mid‐channel is utilized by Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. smolts, and (3) only Chum Salmon O. keta smolts utilize both river margin and mid‐channel areas. Some species exhibited distinct peaks and trends in downstream migration timing, including Longnose Suckers Catostomus catostomus, whitefishes (Coregoninae), Arctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus, Lake Chub Couesius plumbeus, Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha, Coho Salmon O. kisutch, and Chum Salmon. Due to their downstream migration behavior, Pacific salmon smolts out‐migrating in May–July will have the greatest potential for interactions with hydrokinetic devices installed in mid‐channel surface waters of the Yukon and Tanana rivers.
Modified Water Diversion Structures Can Behaviorally Deter Juvenile Chinook Salmon from Entrainment
Authors: Mussen Timothy D. , Cocherell Dennis E. , Patton Oliver , Jauregui Denisse , Ercan Ali , Bandeh Hossein , Meier Dan , Thomas Steve , Kavvas M. Levent , Cech Joseph J. , Fangue Nann A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractJuvenile Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha traveling in river systems can become entrained by unscreened water diversions when they encounter inflow velocities that exceed their avoidance (i.e., swimming) ability. We tested the efficiency of three devices for deterring fish entrainment; the devices reduced the diversion's maximum inflow velocity by dispersing the inflow across a greater area so as to reduce fish entrainment without causing a decrease in water diversion rates. Tests were performed in a river simulation flume at a 0.15‐m/s sweeping velocity in clear water conditions during the daytime and nighttime as well as in turbid water (daytime) conditions. Water was diverted at a rate of 0.57 m3/s through a 0.46‐m‐diameter pipe. The tested devices included (1) a widened box inlet (1.7 m long × 0.76 m wide × 0.76 m deep) with a trash rack mounted at its entrance (trash rack box), (2) a widened box inlet with a louver array mounted at the entrance (louver box), and (3) a 0.91‐m‐diameter cylinder perforated with 300 evenly spaced, 5‐cm‐diameter holes (perforated cylinder). During 2‐h experiments under daytime conditions, 51.5 of 80 fish (on average) were entrained into the pipe when no device was used (i.e., control), and a fish's mean risk of becoming entrained when passing the pipe once was 14%. The mean entrainment risk during a single pipe passage event was reduced to 7% in the trash rack box treatment (i.e., 50% of the control value), 0.17% in the louver box treatment, and 0.20% in the perforated cylinder treatment. In comparison with the control, the mean number of entrained fish was reduced by 50% in the trash rack box treatment, by 97% in the louver box treatment, and by 93% in the perforated cylinder treatment. These devices also reduced the number of fish that were entrained during darkness or turbid daytime conditions. Our findings suggest that behavioral deterrence devices offer effective, low‐cost alternatives to positive barrier fish screens by protecting juvenile Chinook Salmon from entrainment at water diversion pipes without reducing water pumping efficiency.
Effects of Competition with Four Nonnative Salmonid Species on Atlantic Salmon from Three Populations
Authors: Houde Aimee Lee S. , Wilson Chris C. , Neff Bryan D. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe presence of ecologically similar nonnative species may impede recovery efforts for native species. We assessed the survival and growth of juvenile Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar from three populations (LaHave River, Sebago Lake, and Lac Saint‐Jean) in the presence of four naturalized nonnative salmonid competitors. The three populations are being used for reintroduction efforts in Lake Ontario, where Atlantic Salmon are extirpated. Juvenile Atlantic Salmon were placed into artificial stream tanks with combinations of juvenile Brown Trout S. trutta, Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha, and Coho Salmon O. kisutch. Survival of all three Atlantic Salmon populations was lower in the presence of Brown Trout; growth was lower in the Brown Trout treatment and in the multispecies treatment. In contrast, Atlantic Salmon survival and growth were not negatively impacted by the presence of Chinook Salmon, Rainbow Trout, or Coho Salmon. Based on measurements of circulating hormones, Atlantic Salmon were not chronically stressed and did not show a change in social status after 10 months in the artificial stream tanks. Our results support the theory that differences in aggression and niche overlap can influence competitive outcomes and suggest that tributaries containing Brown Trout should be avoided during Atlantic Salmon reintroduction into Lake Ontario.
Athletic performance and recovery–stress factors in cycling: An ever changing balance
Authors: Filho Edson , di Fronso Selenia , Forzini Fabio , Murgia Mauro , Agostini Tiziano , Bortoli Laura , Robazza Claudio , Bertollo Maurizio 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe sought to examine whether the relationship between recovery–stress factors and performance would differ at the beginning (Stage 1) and the end (Final Stage) of a multi‐stage cycling competition. Sixty‐seven cyclists with a mean age of 21.90 years (SD = 1.60) and extensive international experience participated in the study. The cyclists responded to the Recovery–Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ‐Sport) and rated their performance (1 = extremely poor to 10 = excellent) in respect to the first and last stage. Two step‐down multiple regression models were used to estimate the relationship among recovery (nine factors; e.g. Physical Recovery, Sleep Quality) and stress factors (10 factors; e.g. Lack of Energy, Physical Complaints), as assessed by the RESTQ‐Sport and in relation to performance. Model 1 pertained to Stage 1, whereas Model 2 used data from the Final Stage. The final Model 1 revealed that Physical Recovery (β = .46, p = .01), Injury (β = −.31, p = .01) and General Well‐being (β = −.26, p = .04) predicted performance in Stage 1 (R2 = .21). The final Model 2 revealed a different relationship between recovery–stress factors and performance. Specifically, being a climber (β = .28, p = .01), Conflicts/Pressure (β = .33, p = .01), and Lack of Energy (β = −.37, p = .01) were associated with performance at the Final Stage (R2 = .19). Collectively, these results suggest that the relationship among recovery and stress factors changes greatly over a relatively short period of time, and dynamically influences performance in multi‐stage competitions.
Increased exhaled breath condensate 8‐isoprostane after a swimming session in competitive swimmers
Authors: Morissette Mathieu C. , Murray Nicolas , Turmel Julie , Milot Julie , Boulet Louis‐Philippe , Bougault Valérie 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectives: This study aimed to evaluate the levels of 8‐isoprostane (8‐IsoP) in the airways of competitive swimmers at baseline and after a swimming session according to their airway responsiveness. Methods: Twenty‐three swimmers and six lifeguards had a baseline spirometry and bronchoprovocative challenges. During a second visit, swimmers performed a usual swimming session while lifeguards stayed in the same pool environment for the same time period. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was measured before and 5 min after the end of the session. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) was sampled before and 10 min after the session and EBC 8‐IsoP levels were analysed by enzyme immunoassay. Change in EBC 8‐IsoP from baseline to post‐swimming session was calculated. Results: We observed no relationships between airway hyper‐responsiveness and 8‐IsoP values before or after swimming in swimmers. The levels of 8‐IsoP were significantly higher after the training session (mean value 2.9, s = 0.5 pg mL−1) than at baseline (mean value 1.9, s = 0.4 pg mL−1) in swimmers only (p = .012). EBC 8‐IsoP levels after the swimming session significantly correlated with the percent change in FEV1 after swimming. Conclusions: EBC 8‐IsoP levels were increased after training in swimmers but not in lifeguards, suggesting that exercise‐induced hyperpnoea in a chlorinated pool environment increases airways oxidative stress.
A Surplus Production Model Considering Movements between Two Areas using Spatiotemporal Differences in CPUE: Application to Sea Ravens Hemitripterus villosus off Fukushima as a Practical Marine Protected Area after the Nuclear Accident
Authors: Shibata Yasutoki , Yamada Manabu , Wada Toshihiro , Itou Masaki , Yamada Harumi , Sohtome Tadahiro , Iwasaki Takashi , Sakuma Tooru , Mizuno Takuji 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Although the number of marine protected areas (MPAs) for stock management has increased, movements or differences in population structure of a target species between an MPA and surrounding fishing areas have rarely been considered in stock biomass estimations. We developed a surplus production model considering seasonal movements between two areas; the model was applied to Sea Ravens Hemitripterus villosus off Fukushima, where almost all fishing has been prohibited since the 2011 accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant. We predicted future biomass by using CPUE data from coastal gill-net fishing and offshore bottom trawl fishing in 2000 to 2009. The model reflected the seasonal coastal–offshore movements of Sea Ravens well, and it predicted increasing Sea Raven biomass in both areas, which was validated by the CPUEs observed after 2010—including those for trial bottom trawl fishing that occurred within limited offshore areas after the accident. Our results indicate that the newly developed model incorporating seasonal movements of Sea Ravens is feasible and that the waters off Fukushima have effectively been serving as an MPA since the nuclear accident. We also demonstrated the model's applicability for estimating the optimal fishing effort and designing a new MPA for stock management that considers seasonal movements.
Received August 29, 2014; accepted May 4, 2015
Hydrogen failure sensitivity of A516-Gr70 and API 5L-X70 steels in sour environments
Authors: Taheri H , Dolati A , Beidokhti Behrooz 
Published: August 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to clarify the corrosion behavior of two famous structural steels in sour environment. These steels have a vast application in oil and gas industries. The study aims to find the effect of different concentrations of sour solution on the origin of crack in these steels.

Design/methodology/approach
– After preparation of specimens, different sour solutions were made using the synthetic brine (according to National Association of Corrosion Engineers [NACE], Technical Committee Report 1D182) and various amounts of Na2S.9H2O and CH3COOH. The polarization test was done by Potansiostat apparatus model Zahner-IM6 at two temperatures, 25°C and 50°C. The corrosion current densities were obtained from the polarization curves. Finally, the corrosion products and hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) were investigated by Tescan Vega II XMU scanning electron microscope (SEM) linked to a Rontec energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) system.

Findings
– API 5L-X70 steel showed smaller corrosion current values than A516-Gr70 steel. The HIC cracks propagated parallel to the surface of A516-Gr70 steel in three solutions and confirmed the inappropriateness of this steel for sour environment applications.

Originality/value
– This paper studies the effect of sour environment on the behavior of two famous industrial steels at two temperatures by new method.
Modification of corrosion and tribological properties of 316L stainless steel by cathodic plasma electrolytic deposition of zirconia
Authors: Karimi Shabnam , Mahzoon Fatemeh , Javadpour Sirus , Janghorban Kamal 
Published: August 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to study the deposition of ZrO2 on 316L stainless steel surface using cathodic plasma electrolytic deposition (CPED) technique in potassium hexafluorozirconate (K2ZrF6) electrolyte solution to promote its corrosion and tribological properties.

Design/methodology/approach
– Plasma electrolytic oxidizing (PEO) technique is commonly used to form zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) on various substrates. But, in this paper, cathodic type of this technique (CPED) was used.

Findings
– Composition of the surface layer was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the formation of ZrO2 on the substrate was confirmed. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe the unique morphology of the surface layer. The corrosion resistance of the coated surface was investigated by electrochemical methods involving cyclic voltammetery in Ringer’s solution. The treated sample showed a better pitting resistance. Pin-on-disk wear tests revealed that the friction coefficient of the coated sample is lower than that of the substrate. Also, it was shown that hardness and roughness of the coated sample increased after plasma electrolytic treatment.

Originality/value
– This paper considers the CPED of ZrO2 coating on 316L stainless steel. Some recent research works with ZrO2 coating have been prepared by PEO. There is limited or no record on the study of ZrO2 coatings by CPED process. In this study, the effort has been made to prepare a zirconia (ZrO2) coating on the stainless steel substrate through cathodic plasma electrolytic process under 200 V. Due to the excellent wear resistance, ZrO2 may be used as a high resistant and protective coating on stainless steels, which are widely used in industries and biomedical applications.
Analysis of US commercial buildings’ energy efficiency programs
Authors: Ofori-Boadu Andrea N. , Shofoluwe Musibau A. , Owusu-Manu De-Graft , Holt Gary D. , Edwards David 
Published: August 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate relationships between five energy efficiency programs and electricity intensities in the US commercial buildings sector.Design/methodology/approach– Regression methods analyze state-level secondary data from 2006 through 2009 to identify significant energy program drivers of electricity efficiency.Findings– Combined, the five programs studied account for approximately nine percent reduction in commercial electricity intensity.Practical implications– Outcomes will inform stakeholders’ decision-making regarding adoption or continuation of energy programs.Social implications– Electricity efficiency gains will help reduce negative environmental aspects and the present dependence on foreign oil.Originality/value– Very little research has considered the impact of multiple programs on commercial electricity efficiency within their complex implementation environment.
Service quality and user satisfaction of outsourced facilities management (FM) services in Nigeria’s public hospitals
Authors: Ikediashi Dubem I. , Ogunlana Stephen O. , Odesola Isaac A. 
Published: August 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the concepts of satisfaction and service quality of outsourced facilities management (FM) services.Design/methodology/approach– An empirical survey of 208 stakeholders in Nigeria’s hospitals was used to first, assess the level of satisfaction of users of outsourced FM services and second, validate a conceptual model using the structural equation modelling (SEM) methodology.Findings– Findings show that the three top services are cleaning (6.17), security (6.01) and landscape maintenance (5.73) while the least rated service is the plant maintenance and their personnel. The result also indicates that all six hypotheses were supported by the service quality satisfaction model structural equation model, meaning that quality attributes depicted by the outsourced FM services is antecedent to overall satisfaction. Specifically, “security services to overall satisfaction” received the highest path loading of 0.88, and was closely followed by “cleaning services to overall satisfaction” with a loading of 0.82. “Plant maintenance services to overall satisfaction” was however supported even though it had a very low path coefficient of 0.38.Originality/value– The study establishes a causal relationship between antecedents of satisfaction and service quality within the context of Nigeria’s public hospitals and provided insight into outsourced services that received high level of satisfaction among stakeholders unique from previous studies.
An empirical analysis of construction organisations’ competitive strategies and performance
Authors: Oyewobi Luqman Oyekunle , Windapo Abimbola Oluwakemi , James Rotimi Olabode Bamidele 
Published: August 2015

Purpose
– The essence of strategy formulation is to assist an organisation obtain a strategic fit with its environment and help enhance organisational continuous improvement in achieving performance excellence. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the type of competitive strategies used by construction organisations in attaining their strategic goals in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study employs an inductive research approach using a well-structured questionnaire to elicit information from large construction organisations based in South Africa.

Findings
– The research identifies five strategic attributes that could assist organisations to grow their businesses and enhance their returns. It reveals that all Porters’ generic competitive strategies are significantly related to organisational financial performance measures except focus strategy. The research found that three generic competitive strategies are positively related to non-financial performance and that differentiation and cost-leadership strategies are capable of assisting organisations’ achieve their financial performance goals.

Practical implications
– The study results will be of immense benefit to chief executive officers as well as managers of construction organisations in growing their businesses and enhancing their corporate performance.

Originality/value
– The paper contributes both theoretically and empirically to the current discussion and findings on competitive strategy and its relationship with organisational performance. The results presented in the paper have important implications for the implementation of competitive strategies in construction companies and future studies in the area of strategic management.
A comprehensive model for supply chain integration
Authors: Zhang Cunlu , Gunasekaran Angappa , Wang William Yu Chung 
Published: August 2015

Purpose
– Extant research on supply chain integration defines integration in different ways, and mainly discusses a limited number of integration elements. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual integration model which consists of comprehensive elements that are important to academic research and industrial practices.

Design/methodology/approach
– Key literature survey with drawing threads of existing practices together for developing a systematic referential model and then verify the model with a real case.

Findings
– Developed a model consisting of integration elements residing at the strategic, managerial, operational, and fundamental levels (bottom line). Based on the benefit alignment, the total integration requires supply chain partners to integrate resource flows (material, information, knowledge, and finance), processes and organization, planning and control activities and strategy.

Research limitations/implications
– The research is based on secondary data and a case study illustration. Further empirical research is required.

Practical implications
– The normative model can guide managers to integrate resources and activities in their efforts for an effective supply chain management. It supplements the Supply Chain Operations Reference Model developed by the Supply Chain Council with an interface description, which may guide the development of information systems for supply chain integration.

Originality/value
– The comprehensive model provides a more inclusive and integrated perspective of supply chain integration. It is expected that the consensus of supply chain integration could be achievable based on this model. The conceptual framework will assist the researchers to determine integration variables of supply chain.