Structural Cohesion Research Articles

Competencias para mejorar la argumentación y la toma de decisiones sobre conservación de la biodiversidad

La biodiversidad es un concepto complejo, convertido en un importante referente curricular. Esta investigación explora si un ejercicio avanzado de las competencias necesarias para hacer significativo el concepto de biodiversidad en diferentes contextos conlleva una mejora significativa de la calidad de los argumentos implicados en la toma de decisiones sobre conservación de la biodiversidad. Para ello se ha aplicado una metodología cualitativa al análisis de doce argumentos formulados por estudiantes de 1.º de Bachillerato, caracterizados por su elevada complejidad estructural, de los cuales se muestra uno a modo de ejemplo. Los resultados revelan que, a pesar del nivel de cohesión estructural y de coherencia global que muestran los argumentos analizados, no se puede hablar de una tendencia general hacia la consecución de niveles elevados de abstracción.

Information-Theoretic Remodularization of Object-Oriented Software Systems

Software remodularization consists in reorganizing software entities into modules such that pairs of entities belonging to the same modules are more similar than those belonging to different modules. In recent years, Search-Based Software Engineering (SBSE) approach has gained unprecedented growth for solving software remodularization problem. Most of the previous studies remodularize the software system by optimizing the structural coupling and cohesion metrics as objective functions. These metrics are defined in terms of the number of structural relationships counts, rather than taking patterns of relationships. It has been observed that the computation of coupling and cohesion based on patterns of relationships (i.e., information-theory based) are more accurate than the number of relationships. This paper proposes an information-theoretic software remodularization where an entropy-based similarity measure is introduced as an objective function along with other objective functions i.e., inter-module class change coupling, intra-module class change coupling, module size index (MSI), and module count index (MCI) and is further optimized using many-objective meta-heuristic algorithm. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, seven object-oriented software systems have been remodularized using NSGA-III, MOEA/D, IBEA, and TAA algorithms. The results are compared with existing multi-objective formulation of remodularization problem in terms of authoritative software remodularization, non-extreme distribution, and stability. The experimentation results suggest that the proposed approach can be a good alternative to improve the quality of software systems. The findings suggest that the approach is more suitable for generating remodularization solution good from both quality metrics and developers perspective.

Combining structural and semantic cohesion measures to identify extract class refactoring

Class cohesion is a major design factor that affects the quality of classes. Classes that have related methods are easy to comprehend and maintain. Classes with many responsibilities are refactored by extracting some methods to new classes. This paper investigates class metrics to identify extract class refactoring opportunities to increase the degree of cohesion. An approach is presented that combines both the structural and the semantic metrics of classes to determine methods that need to be extracted in new classes. A case study is presented to evaluate the proposed approach. The aim of the study is to compare results obtained from applying semantic metrics, structural metrics, and combined metrics together. Results revealed that the proposed approach can provide a valuable set of extract class refactoring suggestions to improve class cohesion.

Структурные, упругие, электронные свойства и межатомные взаимодействия серии металлических тетраборидов MB-=SUB=-4-=/SUB=- (M=Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt), полученные из FLAPW-GGA-расчетов

AbstractThe report presents the results of systematic first-principle FLAPW–GGA calculations of a series of metallic tetraborides MB_4 (where M = Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, and Pt) with space groups Pmmn , Immm , R -3 m , and Pnnm . Their equilibrium structural parameters, cohesion and formation energies, elastic constants, anisotropies, Vickers microhardnesses, Debye temperatures, sound velocities, as well as electronic properties and interatomic interactions are estimated and analyzed as compared to each other and the available theoretical data.

Combining structural and semantic cohesion measures to identify extract class refactoring

Combining structural and semantic cohesion measures to identify extract class refactoring

European Union regional policy and development in Spain: capital widening and productivity stagnation over 1989–2010

ABSTRACT Total factor productivity (TFP) in Spain over the period 1989–2010 has followed a decreasing trend. This paper explores to what degree the transport infrastructure investments financed with European Union Structural Funds (ERDF) and Cohesion Funds (CF) including the compulsory national cofunding (EUINFP) prevented TFP over this period from falling further. It estimates an augmented Mankiw–Romer–Weil model for the 17 Spanish regions over the period 1989–2010 and finds positive marginal contributions on the TFP growth rate for EUINFP, research and development, and the interdependencies between EUINFP and private capital. These factors partially offset the dismal TFP performance of Spain over this period.

The Relationship between Foreign Direct Investments and EU Funding During the 2007–2013 Programming Period

The review of economic literature indicates that the 2007–2013 programming period has not yet been completely analyzed in terms of the EU funds and stock of FDI. Moreover, previous studies omitted most of the EU funds because they focused mainly on structural funds and cohesion funds. The main question of this paper is organized around whether there is a positive relationship between the stock of FDI and specific EU funds. We use a panel of 27 EU countries to analyze fifty policy variables from the 2007–2013 programming period with panel linear regression models. In contrast to analysis of previous programming periods, the results did not indicate that there was a statistically significant relationship between structural or cohesion funds and the stock of FDI. The results indicate instead that ceteris paribus FDI stock is influenced by EU funds for preservation and management of natural resources and the media 2007 programme. And more specifically that EUR 100 million increase of funds for preservation and management of natural resources increased FDI stock by 1,01%–2,02%. A one million increase of funds for media 2007 related programs increased FDI stock by 3,36%–4,29%. Additionally, the results indicate that there is an interaction between GDP per capita and funds for the preservation of animal and plant health, and GDP per capita with funds for solidarity and management of migration flows. This research is a pilot study. According to the author’s knowledge this is the first analysis that takes into account all EU policy variables, and not just a selected few as well as the first study that analyses FDI and all EU funds during the 2007–2013 programming period.

Structural, Elastic, Electronic Properties and Interatomic Interactions in Metallic Tetraboride Series MB4 (M = Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, and Pt) Obtained from FLAPW–GGA Calculations

The report presents the results of systematic first-principle FLAPW–GGA calculations of a series of metallic tetraborides MB4 (where M = Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, and Pt) with space groups Pmmn, Immm, R-3m, and Pnnm. Their equilibrium structural parameters, cohesion and formation energies, elastic constants, anisotropies, Vickers microhardnesses, Debye temperatures, sound velocities, as well as electronic properties and interatomic interactions are estimated and analyzed as compared to each other and the available theoretical data.

Correlation between Factors of Psychological Preparation and Physical Condition and Team Performance in Latvian Youth Basketball

Topicality of the research stems out of theoretically argued and empirically proved facts, analyzing the test results of Latvian youth national basketball teams in the preparation period before the European Championship Games in 2007 and 2008. Scientific investigation of dominating factors of athletes’ psychological preparation and physical condition requires research as there is a range of discrepancies: imbalance between the increasing number of important competitions and athletes’ inability to maintain concentration for a long time at the necessary level as it affects the quality of performance; the discrepancy between players’ opinion about the cohesion level necessary in winning teams and the real situation; imbalance between the belief that psychological preparedness is one of the most important parts of the preparation process and the inability to use theory in practice. Research aim is to evaluate the correlation between the Latvian National Youth Basketball Team players’ psychological preparation and physical condition factor structure and performance. The research methods: testing, inquiry, the analysis of game score sheets; mathematical statistics. Researching team cohesion and team success (performance) in sport, A. Carron, S. Bray and M. Eys (2002) analysed whether team cohesion correlated with team success. They concluded that there was a mutual connection between team cohesion in GI-U and ATG-U scales and team success (r = 0.60 and r = 0.62 (p = 0.01)) and much attention was paid to the content of the ATG-T scale (Carron, Bray, Eys, 2002). But in the research carried out in Latvia the connection between GI-U and GI-S, and team success (performance) (r = 0.60 and r = 0.598 (p = 0.01)) was found. “Success” was characterized by ranged percentage of team wins and loses (their rank was processed with the help of SPSS programme). We suppose that the differences were determined by applying different research design or the differences in the players’ mentality. In the course of the research the criteria to evaluate the content of the factor structure elements were established and the recommendations to improve the content were developed. As a result of the factor analysis of the young basketball players’ psychological preparation and physical condition indices three factors were obtained — “team cohesion”, “physical condition and emotional stability”, and “motivation and self-regulation”. The results in the complex research in Latvian youth teams allow to make suggestions how to optimize basketball players’ training, based upon statistically significant correlation coefficients. The analysis of the results shows that working with young Latvian athletes more attention should be paid to the improvement of the players’ self-regulation skills, understanding the importance of emotions and emotional conditions in sport, as well as the development of concentration and imagination abilities and to the content of team cohesion structure characterising scale (ATG-T, GI-T, GI-S).Keywords: team cohesion, mental stability, basketball

Research on the Influence of Interconnectivity Structure Parameters to Stability of Stratified Rock Slope

Based on the slope engineering of the expansion project from Laiwu to Linyi section of Beijing-Shanghai Expressway, this paper uses numerical simulation method and strength reduction theory to analyze the change law of stability and failure mode of rock slope under the change of structural plane inclination, cohesion and internal friction angle. The results show that: with the increase of structural plane inclination, the change law of the failure mode of the bedding layered slope is pull-bedding slip→shearing-slip→toppling failure; The change rule of the failure mode of the inverse-dip layered slope is from shearing-slip to toppling-slip; the stability of bedding layered slope and inverse-dip layered slope with steep structural plane inclination are increased with the growth of the structural plane cohesion, while the safety factors of the inverse-dip layered slope with a small structural plane inclination have no significant changes. The stability of bedding layered slope increases with the growth of the structural plane friction angle, while the inverse-dip layered slopes have obvious differences trend between steep and gentle structural plane inclination. The research can provide reference for similar projects.

Type of Deterioration in Active Rollers for Hot Rolling Mill

The high prices of rolling mill cylinders, the energetic consumption and the lack of the alloying elements, determine the research development and studies regarding the improvement of the cylinder life service. The research presented within this paper aimed, at first, to describe the main rolling mill rollers failure types emphasizing the main destruction form – exfoliation of the external hard layer. The goal was to link the origin of this failure type to the Jacq thermal anomaly in heat transfer. This is a new approach on thermomechanical contact fatigue, taking into account the same location of the critical stresses for both mechanical load and thermal tide on the same contact surface. After the research was conducted on a lot of rolling mill rollers made by the same producer by cast iron with a hardened layer, one observed that the exfoliation, as a form of roll-specific damage, is due to the temperature difference between the layers. In poor or insufficient cooling conditions, which causes an adhesion phenomena in areas where the cohesion structure is affected in the superficial layer, a cleavage between the layers appears at a depth of installation of both the decisive mechanical stress and the Jacq thermal anomaly.

Able but Unwilling to Enforce: Cooperative Dilemmas in Group Lending

It is known that greater social cohesion increases a group’s ability to enforce cooperation. Despite this, defectors often go unpunished and groups with social structures that are a priori favorable often fail. A critical distinction is required between the structural effect on ability versus willingness to punish. We develop a theoretical framework in which variation in a group’s social structure generates a tension between ability and willingness to enforce cooperation. Structures that promote ability to punish also often reduce interest in carrying out sanctions, thus changing collective outcomes. Our empirical analysis involves a well-defined cooperative dilemma: group lending in Sierra Leone. We complement statistical modelling, based on a dataset containing 5,487 group repayments, with ethnographic analysis. We find: (1) Structural cohesion only increases economic cooperation between borrowers to a point, beyond which unwillingness outweighs increased ability to punish, reducing group repayments. (2) Groups with disconnected subgroups perform worse on average. Although borrowers are more willing to punish defectors in the out-subgroup, they are unable to do so effectively.

A Compositional Theme of יוֹם יְהוָה and The Literal Unity in the book of Joel 2:1-17: A Textlinguistics Analysis

This study attempts to show the unity of Joel 2:1-17 based on the theme of the day of the Lord by applying textlinguisitcs analysis. This study defend the place and function of הוהי םוי in Joel 2:1-17 because some critical scholars argue Joel 2:1b, 2, 6, 10-11 as later insertions. These scholars have questioned the unity of the book. Joel 2:1-17 deals with judgment of the Lord through the locust plague, which is compared to a human army. There are three ways to prove the unity of this section. First is the theological motif, in which every pericope talks about covenant and theophany motif. Second, formal cohesion includes lexical cohesion, grammatical and syntactic cohesion, and structural cohesion. Lexical cohesion comprise of grammatical dependencies such as ellipsis, substitution, conjunction, and so forth. Structural cohesion deals with syntactic and semantic parallelism. Third is semantic coherence, in which semantic literary units have connectivity on the basis of the compositional theme of the day of the Lord.

How REDD+ Is Performing Communities

Community based approaches are becoming the norm in environmental governance initiatives. One prominent example of this is Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+), a climate change mitigation strategy that aims at reducing carbon emissions caused by deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries. REDD+ policies generally evoke communities as both potential beneficiaries of REDD+ and as agents for its implementation. However, it is unclear what REDD+ policies are really referring to when they talk about communities. Drawing on critical social science literature about the idea of community, this article advances a performative perspective to analyze how communities are articulated in international and national REDD+ policy, and reflects on the potential implications of these articulations. Results reveal that international policy documents, including those of the major non-governmental organizations (NGOs) engaged in REDD+, tend to present an interpretation that corresponds to Agrawal and Gibson’s myth of communities as small, localized, and homogenous social units that share social norms. On the other hand, national policy documents reveal enormous variety in the communities that are actually targeted in national REDD+ policies in terms of resources, governance structure, and social cohesion. One conclusion that could be drawn from this is that the dominant uniform interpretation of communities in REDD+ policy, and in much academic and NGO literature, is clearly unrealistic. However, this does not mean that it is inconsequential. We conclude our article by discussing the performative effects of the identified articulations of community.

A Novel Layered Neodymium Squarate MOF Intercalating Free Ammonium and Squarate Ions {(NH4)2[Nd2(H2O)10(C4O4)3]C4O4}n: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Thermal Decomposition

The X-ray study of the title compound {(NH4)2[Nd2(H2O)10(C4O4)3]C4O4}n(1) reveals that it crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c (N°: 14), with unit cell parameters, a = 7.483(3), b = 27.866(7), c = 6.766(2) A and β = 103.95(3)°. The crystal structure consists of a Nd–MOF/salt alternating layers, where neodymium–metal organic framework (Nd–MOF) layer lies in (200) plane, formed by isolated [NdO9] polyhedra linked by bridging squarate ligands in µ2- and µ4-coordination modes. The salt layers lie at x = 0 and are sandwiched between Nd–MOF layers; they consist of squarate anions and ammonium cations (in 1:2 ratio). Hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking play a pivotal role in structure cohesion between Nd–MOF layers leading to the formation of a 3D networks. The features of the IR spectrum are consistent with the crystal structure. The TG-DTA reveals that first water is lost from the coordination compound, and then the anionic ligands along with ammonium cations are removed leaving metal oxide as residue of the substance.

New evidence for structural integration across the cartilage-vertebral endplate junction and its relation to herniation

BACKGROUND CONTEXTThe cartilaginous and bony material that can be present in herniated tissue suggests that failure can involve both cartilaginous and vertebral-endplates. How structural integration is achieved across the junction between these two distinct tissue regions via its fibril and mineral components is clearly relevant to the modes of endplate failure that occur. PURPOSETo understand how structural integration is achieved across the cartilaginous-vertebral endplate junction. STUDY DESIGNA micro- and fibril-level structural analysis of the cartilage-vertebral endplate region was carried out using healthy, mature ovine motion segments. METHODSOblique vertebra-annulus-vertebra samples were prepared such that alternate layers of lamellar fibers extended from vertebra to vertebra. The endplate region of each sample was then decalcified in a targeted manner before being loaded in tension along the fiber direction to achieve incomplete rupture within the region of the endplate. The failure regions were then analyzed with differential interference contrast microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTSMicrostructural analysis revealed that failure within the endplate region was not confined to the cement line. Instead, rupture continued into the underlying vertebral endplate with bony material still attached to the now unanchored annular bundles. Ultrastructural analysis of the partially ruptured regions of the cement line revealed clear evidence of blending/interweaving relationships between the fibrils of the annular bundles, the calcified cartilage and the bone with no one pattern of association appearing dominant. These findings suggest that fibril-based structural cohesion exists across the cement line at the site of annular insertion, with strengthening via a mechanism somewhat analogous to steel-reinforced concrete. The fibrils are brought into a close intermingling association with interfibril forces mediated via the mineral component. CONCLUSIONSThis study provides clear evidence of structural connectivity across the cartilaginous-vertebral endplate junction by the intermingling of their fibrillar components and mediated by the mineral phase. This is consistent with the clinical observation that in some disc herniations bony material can be still attached to the extruded soft tissue.

Social cohesion and intra-population community structure in southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.)

Defining intra-population community variation in group living mammals provides insights about the impact of environmental, social, and anthropogenic factors on population sub-structuring. Here, we use generalised affiliation indices (GAIs) and social network analysis to investigate social cohesion and intra-population community structure of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) inhabiting Adelaide’s metropolitan coast in South Australia. Information on the sex and site fidelity of photographically identified individuals was used to investigate the potential link between these parameters and preferred affiliations at the population level. Genetic data was also used to investigate genetic relatedness within and between sex and communities. Overall, dolphins showed non-random associations, with preferred associates prominent amongst females and resident individuals. Dolphins were clustered into two social communities that showed little spatial overlap and were associated with different habitats: a northern, shallow-water community (NSWC) and a southern, deep-water community (SDWC). As expected, preferred associations were more prevalent within than between communities, and analyses of genetic relatedness indicated that dolphins, particularly females, were on average more related within than between communities. Social network metrics varied between communities, with the temporal stability of associations for both communities characterised by rapid disassociations and casual acquaintances. We suggest that these two dolphin communities likely arose due to a combination of ecological and socio-genetic factors. This study enhances our understanding of factors shaping social groups in long-lived mammals and our ability to manage human activities that can impact upon their behaviour and social structure. Determining how and why individual animals interact and form groups is important for understanding the evolution of sociality and designing management strategies for wildlife conservation. We investigated association patterns and social community structure in southern Australian bottlenose dolphins in Gulf waters of South Australia. Within the study area, dolphins were divided into two separate communities associated with different habitat types. Within these two communities, dolphins formed groups with particular individuals and mostly related individuals amongst females. These findings enhance our understanding of the factors shaping mammalian groups and our ability to manage human activities that can impact upon their behaviour and social structure.

Gene profile of zebrafish fin regeneration offers clues to kinetics, organization and biomechanics of basement membrane

How some animals regenerate missing body parts is not well understood. Taking advantage of the zebrafish caudal fin model, we performed a global unbiased time-course transcriptomic analysis of fin regeneration. Biostatistics analyses identified extracellular matrix (ECM) as the most enriched gene sets. Basement membranes (BMs) are specialized ECM structures that provide tissues with structural cohesion and serve as a major extracellular signaling platform. While the embryonic formation of BM has been extensively investigated, its regeneration in adults remains poorly studied. We therefore focused on BM gene expression kinetics and showed that it recapitulates many aspects of development. As such, the re-expression of the embryonic col14a1a gene indicated that col14a1a is part of the regeneration-specific program. We showed that laminins and col14a1a genes display similar kinetics and that the corresponding proteins are spatially and temporally controlled during regeneration. Analysis of our CRISPR/Cas9-mediated col14a1a knockout fish showed that collagen XIV-A contributes to timely deposition of laminins. As changes in ECM organization can affect tissue mechanical properties, we analyzed the biomechanics of col14a1a−/− regenerative BM using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our data revealed a thinner BM accompanied by a substantial increase of the stiffness when compared to controls. Further AFM 3D-reconstructions showed that BM is organized as a checkerboard made of alternation of soft and rigid regions that is compromised in mutants leading to a more compact structure. We conclude that collagen XIV-A transiently acts as a molecular spacer responsible for BM structure and biomechanics possibly by helping laminins integration within regenerative BM.

Structural, vibrational and electrical studies of tetramethylammonium trichloromercurate [(CH3)4N]HgCl3

The crystal structure of [(CH3)4N]HgCl3 is redetermined at 298 K in monoclinic system [P21(Z = 4); a = 7.5501(3) Å, b = 15.6871(6) Å, c = 8.8666(4) Å, β = 93.575(2)°]. The anionic sublattice of the crystal is consisted of (HgCl3−)n polyhedra sharing a vertex to form zigzag chains along the a-axis. The crystal structure cohesion is ensured by C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds that connect organic (CH3)4N+ and mineral parts. Infrared (450–4000 cm−1) and Raman (50–3500 cm−1) spectra, studied at room temperature, confirm the connection of organic cations (CH3)4N+ and (HgCl3−)n polymers by CH⋯Cl hydrogen bonding. One phase transition is observed and studied for this compound by DSC (269°/260 °C) and dielectric measurements (254 °C). The dielectric constant evolution with temperature indicates that the observed transition is of ferro-paraelectric type. Cole-Cole plots of impedance complex have been performed. The activation energy (0.85 ev) obtained from dc conductivity analysis indicates a probable hoping mechanism of the transport in the title compound.

Perceived group cohesion versus actual social structure: A study using social network analysis of egocentric Facebook networks

Research on group cohesion often relies on individual perceptions, which may not reflect the actual social structure of groups. This study draws on social network theory to examine the relationship between observable structural group characteristics and individual perceptions of group cohesion. Leveraging Facebook data, we extracted and partitioned the social networks of 109 participants into groups using a modularity algorithm. We then surveyed perceptions of cohesion, and computed group density and size using social network analysis. Out of six linear mixed effects models specified, a random intercept and fixed slope model with group size as a predictor of perceived group cohesion emerged as best fitting. Whereas group density was not linked to perceived cohesion, size had a small negative effect on perceived cohesion, suggesting that people perceive smaller groups as more cohesive. We discuss the potential of social network analysis, visualization tools, and Facebook data for advancing research on groups.