bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Properties of the Nanocrystalline CdO Thin Film Prepared by Solid-Vapor Deposition Method
Authors: Zaien Mustafa , Ahmed Naser Mahmoud , Zainuriah Hassan
Published: May 2013

A nanocrystalline CdO thin film was successfully synthesized on p-type silicon substrate with approximately 370 nm thickness by a vapor transport process (solid-vapor deposition) for Cd powder at 1274 K with argon and oxygen flows in a tube furnace. Scanning electronmicroscopy revealed that the product was a CdO nanocrystalline. X-raydiffraction and energy dispersive X-ray techniques were used to characterize structural properties. The grown nanocrystalline thin film had a grain size of 38 nm. Photoluminescence spectroscopy was conducted to investigate the optical properties of the nanocrystalline CdO thin film. A strong emission peak was observed at 511 nm (2.43 eV), which is ascribable to the near-band-edge emission of CdO with a full-width and half maximum of approximately 124 nm. The sheet resistance and the resistivity of the CdO thin film were measured using a four-point probe; RS= 16.2 Ω/sqand ρ = 5.82×10-4Ω.cm.Carrier concentration and Hall mobility were obtained by Hall-effect measurement system; n= 1.53×1020cm-3and μH= 42.3cm2/Vs.
Free Catalyst Synthesis of GaN Nanostructures on Si-Substrate via CVD
Authors: Abdullah Qathan Nofan , Yam Fong Kwong , Zainuriah Hassan , Bououdina Mohamed
Published: May 2013

In this article gallium nitride (GaN) nanostructures have been grown through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on Silicon substrate, no metal catalyst was used. A high purity of gallium nitride powder was evaporated at 1150°C for 3 hour and then annealed at temperature 1000°C under flow of ammonia (NH3)gas. XRD shows the diffraction peaks located at 2θ= 32.4, 34.4, 36.8, 48.1, 57.8, 63.5, 68.3, 69.2° corresponding to the (100), (002), (101), (102), (110), (103), (200) and (112) diffraction planes of the product. These results revealed that the diffraction peaks can be attributed to the hexagonal GaN phase with lattice constant of a = 3.189 Å and c = 5.200 Å. Raman scattering spectrum shows four phonons mode correspond to GaN nanostructure are detected at 560, 570, 720 and 740 cm-1corresponding E1(TO), E2(high),A1(LO) and E1(LO) respectively. Photoluminescence (PL) of the GaN nanostructure exhibited two emission peaks, a weak and broad ultraviolet (UV) light emission peak at 390 nm and a strong yellow light (YL) emission peak at 550 nm.
Sonochemical Synthesis of Silica Coated Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Sodipo Bashiru Kayode , Aziz Azlan Abdul
Published: May 2013

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) of sizes 5 to10 nm were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. They are coated with silica nanoparticles using sonication method. The SPION was produced under the optimum pH of 10, peptized in acidic medium and redispersed in water. The silica nanoparticles were produced through the Stöbermethod. Sonochemical coating of silica nanoparticle on the SPION was successfulat a pH value lower than 5. Otherwise, at higher pH value (but lower than point zero charge (PZC)), the SPION were found to be unstable. Fast hydrolysis of triethoxyvinylsilane(TEVS) shows that silica forms its own particles without coating onto the surfaces of the SPION. Under optimized experimental condition, sonochemical method of coating silica nanoparticles onto the SPION can be considered as an alternative for effective and prompt method that rely mainly on pH of the suspension.
Effect of Selenium on Structure and Electrical Property for Bi0.4Sb1.6Se3xTe3(1-x) Novel Hexagonal Rods
Authors: Kadhim Arej , Hmood Arshad , Haslan Abu Hassan
Published: May 2013

Novel hexagonal rods of Bi0.4Sb1.6Se3xTe3(1-x) (0.0≤x≤1.0) were synthesized successfully through solid-state microwave synthesis. These hexagonal rods were explored using field emission scanning electron microscopy images. The X-ray diffraction results indicate that the powders (0.0≤x≤0.8) can be indexed as the rhombohedral phase, whereas the sample with x=1.0 has an orthorhombic phase structure. The electrical conductivity gradually decreases as Se increased, resulting in an increase in the Seebeck coefficient. Ascribing to the increased Seebeck coefficient for the sample with x=0.8, the maximum power factor is 7.47 mW/mK2 at 373 K.
Synthesis of CdS Nanoparticles via AOT-Water-n-Heptane Microemulsion Technique
Authors: Zulkafli Rabiahtul , Othman Norinsan Kamil , Hamid Muhammad Azmi Abdul , Jalar Azman
Published: May 2013

The aim of the study was to synthesis the CdS nanoparticles via AOT-water-n-heptane microemulsion technique. Ternary phase diagram was constructed to obtain the concentration range of oil, surfactant and water. Three main phases form on the ternary phase diagram of AOT-water-n-heptane, which were gel, cloudy and clear phases. The clear phase was heptane rich region. Meanwhile, cloudy phase have consisted two phases and the gel phase was due to high concentration of AOT. The result showed that clear phase region shrink when the Cd2+ and S2-solvent was added or replaced the water component of the tertiary system.The existence of CdS nanoparticles with average size of 14.0 nm has been calculated by using UV-Vis Spectrometry meanwhile the TEM image showed that the size of CdS nanoparticles was about 49-89 nm. It also have concluded that the same concentration at solvents Cd2+ and S2- does not effected the size of nanoparticles.
Facile Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Chemical Reduction Route
Authors: Ratnamalar Rajasingam , Mariatti Mustapha , Ahmad Zulkifli , Sharif Hussein Sharif Zein
Published: May 2013

This work reports a simple chemical reduction route for the preparation of uniformed Ag nanoparticles whereby a fine control over the sizes of the Ag nanoparticles was studied by varying the concentrations of the reducing agents used. In characterization, UV-Vis spectroscopy showed the changes in optical properties of the Ag nanoparticles with regards to their sizes, where as the XRD patterns of the synthesized Ag nanoparticles confirmed the distinct peaks approximately at 2θ = 38.1°, 44.3°, 64.4°, 77.4°, and 81.5 representing Bragg’s reflections from (111), (200), (220), (311), and (222) planes of the face centred cubic lattice phase. This route of synthesis is feasible to produce Ag nanoparticles with diameters in the range of 30-45 nm.
Application of Heteropolyacid-Based Heterogeneous Catalysts for Conversion of Oleochemicals into Renewable Fuels and other Value-Added Products
Authors: Badday Ali Sabri , Abdullah Ahmad Zuhairi , Lee Keat Teong
Published: May 2013

Oleochemicals offer viable choices to replace petrochemicals in a wide range of applications such as fuels, lubricants and surfactants. Many of the conversions require the use of suitable solid acids as the catalysts. The chemical and physical properties of the feedstock in oleochemical processes often result in difficulties and challenges that limit the success. Large amount of free fatty acids and high water content create barriers towards the successful use of broad range of oleochemicals as raw materials. To overcome this problem, efforts have been dedicated to the development of new technologies involving new types of catalyst. Solid acid catalysts based on heteropolyacids (HPAs) for various oleochemical conversions especially esterification reaction of fatty acids and transesterification of vegetable oils have been successfully developed. This type of catalyst already secured a tangible success in solving some problems associated with the earlier types of catalyst leading to higher productivity in the process while satisfying the needs of sustainable and environmental friendly industrial processes. Incorporation of HPAs active component into mesoporous supports can produce heterogeneous catalysts with high acid sites dispersion, stability to high temperature, recyclable and they usually demonstrate low leaching of active components in the reaction medium. This article reviews common oleochemical processes where various HPA catalysts already found successful application with some insight into the specific characteristics of the catalysts. Their advantages and drawbacks as well as specific process behaviors in few important oleochemical conversions of industrial importance will be discussed.
Effect of Dopants on ZnO Mediated Photocatalysis of Dye Bearing Wastewater: A Review
Authors: Potti Parameswara Rao , Srivastava Vimal Chandra
Published: May 2013

This article provides the brief overview on effect of dopant on the performance of zinc oxide (ZnO) as photocatalysts for the degradation of dye wastewaters. ZnO itself is a semi conductor having wide band gap (3.37eV), thus requiring high energy to work as a photocatalyst. To decrease the band gap or to alter its requirement of high energy from light sources like UV to visible (solar), surface modification or doping of ZnO is necessary. This paper discusses how dopant modifies the characteristics of ZnO which helps in degradation of dyes in colored wastewaters.
Heat Transfer Characteristics of Nano-Fluids
Authors: Gupta Ritu , Singh Parminder , Wanchoo R.K.
Published: May 2013

Nanofluids are engineered colloids made of a base fluid and nanoparticles, which become potential candidate for next generation heat transfer medium. Nanofluids have higher thermal conductivity and single-phase heat transfer coefficients than their base fluids. The use of additives is a technique applied to enhance the heat transfer performance of base fluids. Recent articles address the unique features of nanofluids, such as enhancement of heat transfer, improvement in thermal conductivity, increase in surface volume ratio, Brownian motion, thermophoresis, etc. A complete understanding about the heat transfer enhancement in forced convection in laminar and turbulent flow with nanofluids is necessary for the practical applications. There are many controversies and inconsistencies in reported arguments and experimental results on various thermal characteristics such as effective thermal conductivity, convective heat transfer coefficient and boiling heat transfer rate of nanofluids. As of today, researchers have mostly focused on anomalous thermal conductivity of nanofluids. Although investigations on boiling, droplet spreading, and convective heat transfer are very important in order to exploit nanofluids as the next generation coolants, considerably less efforts have been made on these major features of nanofluids. This review summarizes recent research on fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids in forced and free convection flows and identifies opportunities for future research.
Polymer Nanocomposites - Materials for Sensor Technology
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Rajput Jaspreet Kaur
Published: May 2013

Polymer nanocomposites are now a days an area of increasing scientific as well as technical interest. The addition of variable percents of nano sized materials creates change in their property (ies). Polymer nanocomposites exhibit superior properties as compared to micro- or macrocomposites. The improved combinations of electrical, mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposites have resulted in major interest in various electronic applications. Polymer nanocomposites can be synthesized for various applications by proper selection of matrix, nano reinforcement material, synthesis method and surface modification of either the reinforcement or polymer (if required). Many polymer nanocomposites based products have been commercialized. This chapter has tried to highlight various types of polymer nanocomposites, their unique properties, various electronic applications for sensors with some specific examples. Though it is not a comprehensive one, this chapter could give a basic idea about polymer nanocomposites for sensor technology to a beginner.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell - A Future Source of Power and Heat Generation
Authors: Kalra Pankaj , Garg Rajeev , Kumar Ajay
Published: May 2013

Fuel cells are devices for electrochemically converting the chemical energy of a fuel gas into electrical energy and heat without the need for direct combustion as an intermediate step. The main advantages of fuel cells are that they rely on the high conversion efficiency and low environmental impact than traditional energy conversion systems. One promising fuel cell type, Solid oxide Fuel Cell, has all the components in the solid phase utilises nano-ceramic composite materials and operates at elevated temperatures in the range 500-1000°C. It has suitable perspectives to replace their classical counterparts for the distributed generation of electrical energy with small and medium power sources. The inherent advantages of such high temperature fuel cells are internal reforming of methane and waste heat production at high temperatures which lower the demands on the fuel processing system and lead to higher efficiency compared with low temperature fuel cells. Using natural gas as feed, an electric efficiency of more than 88% has been predicted. On the other hand, considerable research is going on to reduce the operating temperatures between 600°C to 800°C to increase life-time and thereby reduce costs. These can be achieved only by using electrolytes with proper ionic conductivity at the intermediate temperatures. In addition, this technology does not produce significant amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides compared with internal combustion engines. Solid oxide fuel cells are seen as ideal energy sources in transport, stationary, and distributed power generators.
Metal Doped TiO2 Photocatalysts for CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Al-Ahmed Amir
Published: May 2013

Greenhouse gases such as CO2, CH4 and CFCs are the primary causes of global warming. Worldwide, people are exploring techniques to reduce, capture, store CO2 gas and even convert this gas in to some useful chemicals. CO2 can be transformed into hydrocarbons in a photocatalytic reaction. The advantage of photo reduction of CO2 is to use inexhaustible solar energy. Knowledge of elementary steps in photocatalytic CO2 reduction under UV irradiation is required in order to improve the photo efficiency of the photocatalyst. A semiconductor photocatalyst mediating CO2 reduction and water oxidation needs to absorb light energy, generate electron hole pairs, spatially separate them, transfer them to redox active species across the interface and minimize electron hole recombination. This requires the semiconductor to have its conduction band electrons at higher energy compared to the CO2 reduction potential while the holes in the valence band need to be able to oxidize water to O2. A single semiconductor does not usually satisfy these requirements. Some recent developments in this field have been moves towards rational photocatalyst design, the use of highly active isolated Ti-species in mesoporous and microporous materials, metal-doping of TiO2, development of catalysts active at longer wavelengths than can be achieved with commercially available titania etc. The use of transition-metal loaded titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been extensively studied as a photocatalyst in photoreactions. Unlike traditional catalysts drive chemical reactions by thermal energy, semiconducting photocatalysts can induce chemical reactions by inexhaustible sunlight and convert CO2 in to the useful hydrocarbons. In this review article we will cover different aspects of metal doped nano structured TiO2 photocatalysts, used to convert/reduce CO2 in to useful hydrocarbons.
Sun Protective Means: The Characteristics and Action Efficiency
Authors: Leenson I.A. , Beckman J. , Krutikova A.A. , Ischenko A.A.
Published: May 2013

Modern sun protective means (SPM) represent complex compositions of substances which provide effective protection of a person’s skin against sunlight. Organic and inorganic sun protective filters (sunscreens) or combinations of them are used as the active components of SPM. Organic sunscreens absorb ultraviolet radiation due to the presence of chromophores in their structure; while action of inorganic sunscreens is based on physical mechanism of protection, such as dispersion, absorption and reflection of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by inorganic particles. Silicon nanocrystals have attracted increasing attention as a new promising sun protective agent. They possess extremely high extinction coefficient in UV region of the spectrum and at the same time are transparent for visible light. The combination of physical properties related to the quantum size effect of silicon nanoparticles and their biological compatibility allows the development of highly effective sun protective skincare compositions. Efficiency and quality of SPM depend on many factors. The variety of known sunscreens allows finding optimum structures for creation of the most effective sun protective means. The review of the literature presented is devoted to consideration of existing SPM, their characteristics and effective properties. Then a comparative analysis of a totally new sun protective material based on silicon nanocrystals with known, widely used UV protectors is performed.
Photofunctions of Dye Encapsulated Nanostructured Silica Films Suitable for Optical Filter Application
Authors: Chauhan Shobhit Singh , Sharma A.L. , Jasra R.V.
Published: May 2013

The development of nanostructured silica thin films encapsulated with organic functionalities has been an area of active research. The functionalization of films can be done by post doping, covalent or non-covalent methodology. The materials researchers were interested to study and understand the nature of interactions existing in the host silica network and associated physicochemical properties of the derived films. The photofunction imparted films have been explored for chemical and biological sensing applications. In the presented work, an optical filter application based on dye encapsulated nanostructured silica films is reported. To the best of our knowledge, we report for the first time cresol red- a sulfonephthalein dye based nanostructured silica film acting as optical filter. These supported films were found to resemble optical notch filter with center wavelength (CWL) at 432 nm and optical density of 0.05. The films were formed on glass slides by spin coating technique. The coating solution was prepared by template assisted sol-gel method. The films were studied for their physical and chemical characteristics using an array of instrumental techniques.
Nano-Sized and -Crystalline Sulfated Zirconia Solid Acid Catalysts for Organic Synthesis
Authors: Patil Meghshyam K. , Shaikh Sharekh
Published: May 2013

Sulfated Zirconia (SZ) has opened up a very interesting area for application predominantly as catalyst for various acid catalyzed organic syntheses and transformation reactions. Catalytic properties of SZ vary with methods of preparation. Lot of efforts is made to modify SZ to increase reactivity and stability of the catalyst. This review focuses on the individual synthesis routes to prepare nano-sized and –crystalline SZ, short discussion on its characterization and exhaustive survey on its utility in organic chemistry for the development of new synthetic methodologies, which provide simple direction having enormous practical significance. As can be realized, the nano-sized and –crystalline SZ as solid acid catalyst exhibits exceptionally better catalytic activity and selectivity for the synthesis of trisubstituted and tetrasubstituted imidazoles, acetyl salicylic acid, dypnone, esterification of acetic acid, caprylic acid and so on.
A Review on BaxSr1-xFe12O19 Hexagonal Ferrites for use in Electronic Devices
Authors: Pereira F.M.M. , Sombra A.S.B.
Published: May 2013

The Ferrite term is used to refer to all magnetic oxides containing iron as major metallic component which has great to technological applications because of their ferromagnetic and insulating properties at room temperature. Among such ferrites, the hexagonal ones (hexaferrites) have long been used for permanent magnets and are of interest for microwave applications. The hexaferrite M-type has a structure built up from the S blocks interposed by the R block and are symbolically described as RSR*S*. In the last decades there has been great interest in the hexaferrites M-Type for applications as electronic components for mobile and wireless communications at microwave/GHz frequencies, electromagnetic wave absorbers for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radar absorting material (RAM) and stealth technologies and as composite materials. This review aimed study the structure, magnetic and dielectric properties of the hexaferrite BaxSr1-xFe12O19, which is a promising material for electronic devices and for small dielectric resonator antennas (MRA).The outline of this Review Paper is as follows:
Coercivity Enhancement of Hexagonal Ferrites
Authors: Jacobo Silvia E. , Bercoff P.G.
Published: May 2013

Hexagonal ferrites have been widely used as permanent magnets since their discovery in the 1950s. In spite of their relatively modest magnetic properties, ferrite magnets still show the best performance-to-cost ratio and different investigators are trying to improve their magnetic capabilities by using different synthesis methods and compositions. Different scientific investigations and techniques (Mössbauer spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and magnetic measurements) have allowed to optimize the permanent magnet properties of rare earth substituted hexagonal ferrite magnets such as La-Co and Nd-Co Sr and Ba ferrites. However, the solubility of rare earth ions in M-type hexaferrite is very low and their introduction leads to the formation of secondary phases, which must be avoided in order to obtain permanent magnets with optimal properties.
We report results on enhanced coercivity of hexagonal Sr ferrites with Nd-Co substitution synthesized by the self-combustion method and calcination at 1100°C for two hours. The synthesis of this kind of ferrite is performed with a deficient, non-stoichiometric iron content (ratio Fe/ Sr1xRxof 10 and 11 instead of 12) in order to explore the presence of secondary phases. Comparison with samples of the same composition and stoichiometric formulation is made. Samples with lower iron content show the highest saturation magnetization, remanence and/or coercivity, indicating that the best results for applications of this ferrite will be obtained with an iron deficiency in the stoichiometric formulation. Nd substitution enhances the ferrite anisotropy and coercivity with respect to the unsubstituted sample.
Modeling the Hysteretic Behavior of Textured and Random Ferroelectric Ceramics
Authors: Zakharov Anatoly Yu. , Bichurin Mirza I. , Yan Yong Ke , Priya Shashank
Published: May 2013

The algorithm for fast evaluation of the hysteresis loops of uniaxial or textured ferroelectric microcrystal or grains with long-range interactions is developed. Two types of ceramic microstructures are considered: 1. Random ceramics with complete isotropic distribution function of the crystallographic orientations of grains; and 2. Textured ceramics with anisotropic distribution function of the crystallographic orientations of grains. The qualitative analysis of the hysteretic behavior in terms of the grain distribution function is successfully demonstrated. Comparison of the calculated results with experimental data for Pb (Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 PbTiO3 ceramics is presented.
Influence of Swift Heavy Ion (Si+8) Irradiation on Super-Paramagnetic Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 Nanoparticles Having Different Sizes
Authors: Desai Rucha , Upadhyay R.V. , Chhantbar M.C. , Joshi H.H. , Kumar V. Ravi
Published: May 2013

We report the Swift Heavy Ion (SHI) irradiation effect on structural and magnetic properties of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4ferrite nanoparticles. The irradiation experiment has been carried out on three different sized, i.e. 63, 82 and 126 Å, Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4particles with 100 MeV Si+8ions to a fluence 5 × 1013ions/cm2using the 15UD Tandem accelerator. The XRD measurement reveals that the basic single phase spinel structure remains unaltered after SHI irradiation; however, the lattice parameters and particle size decrease on SHI irradiation. The magnetization measurement carried out at 300 K indicates that all the particles are super-paramagnetic at room temperature, but the applied magnetic field of 70 kOe is insufficient to saturate the system. DC and AC magnetization measurements indicate that on irradiation, the sample with an intermediate size is affected more than the other two.
Efficiency, Selectivity and Reusability of CuFe2O4 Nanoferrite Particles for Reductive Transformation of P-Nitrophenol to P-Aminophenol
Authors: Singhal Sonal , Namgyal Tsering
Published: May 2013

MFe2O4(Where M = Cu2+, Co2+and Ni2+) has been synthesized using a citrate sol-gel self-ignition process in order to investigate their catalytic performance for reduction of p-nitrophenol. The ignited precursors were annealed at 400, 600, 800 and 1000°C for 2 hrs. to obtain nanoferrite particles. The prepared samples were characterized using various instrumental techniques like FT-IR, XRD, and UV-VIS. X-ray analysis confirms the formation of single phase. Powder X-Ray diffraction patterns showed the formation of body centered tetragonal structure for CuFe2O4and cubic structure for CoFe2O4and NiFe2O4. It was observed that as the annealing temperature increases from 400 to 1000°C, the XRD peaks grow sharper attributing to an increase in particle size with increasing temperature; which is consistent with TEM. Transmission Electron micrographs analysis revealed an enhancement in grain size with the annealing temperature. The disappearance of yellow colour indicated the conversion of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol and the occurrence of colour disappearance has been observed in one minute using CuFe2O4(8mol %). This suggested the efficiency of CuFe2O4in catalyzing p-nitrophenol reduction. FT-IR and UV-Visible spectroscopy has been used to confirm this reduction process. FT-IR spectra showed N-H stretching vibrations at ~3365 cm-1and 3350 cm-1attributing to the formation of primary amine using CuFe2O4for catalyzing reduction of p-nitrophenol. The disappearance of the absorption band at 400 nm in the UV-Visible spectrum also confirms the conversion of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol.
Fluid and gas analyses of formation waters in the Mackenzie Corridor
Authors: Grasby S E , Yang L , Hu K
Published: May 2013

Petroleum fluid test results from wells drilled in the MacKenzie Corridor derived from well history reports are compiled into a digital data format. These include formation pressure tests, temperature, as well as formation water and gas
geochemistry.
Logs of piston cores, deep-water Labrador margin
Authors: Saint-Ange F , Piper D J W , Mackillop K , Jarrett K
A , Higgins J , Ledger-Piercey S
Published: May 2013

Preface
This Open File Report presents cores and related ultra-high resolution seismic-reflection profiles from the Labrador Margin, offshore northeastern Canada. These data support geohazard interpretations by the Geological Survey of Canada within this area of active petroleum exploration. The Labrador
Margin is also an important area for understanding ice-margin sedimentation in deep water and the relationship between ice margins and ocean circulation.
Woman-centred care in childbirth: A concept analysis (Part 1)
Authors: Maputle Maria S. , Donavon Hiss
Published: May 2013

‘Woman-centred care’ in childbirth is a process in which a woman makes choices and is involved in and has control over her care and relationship with her midwife. The aim of this paper is to study the concept of woman-centred care through analysis in the context of childbirth. The attributes, antecedents and consequences of this concept are identified, and a model case, a borderline case and a contrary case constructed to achieve conceptual clarity. A concept analysis was undertaken as described by Walker and Avant (2011), with an extensive exploration of domain-specific literature and evidence from various disciplines.  It was established from the concept analysis that ‘woman-centred care’ was complex and experienced individualistically. The analysis indicated that mothers’ participation is supposed to be based on a more collaborative relationship and partnership. Participation is exhibited by open communication and the mother’s involvement in decision-making, consultation and collaboration with the attending midwife, further characterised by mutual respect and the midwife listening to the mother’s views. There is also an exchange of complete and unbiased information, recognition and honouring of cultural diversity and making of informed choices. Through an inductive discovery approach and drawing on inferences, attributes were clustered in an attempt to identify the apparent essence of the concept.From the results of the concept analysis described in this study, the researchers recommend the formulation of criteria that could facilitate implementation and evaluation of woman-centred care and its empirical referents in the context of the Batho Pele principles (Part 2).
Criteria to facilitate the implementation of woman-centred care in childbirth units of Limpopo Province, South Africa (Part 2)
Authors: Maputle Maria S. , Hiss Donavon C.
Published: May 2013

Background: Facilitation of mutual participation, respectful and egalitarian relationship between the mother and the midwife during childbirth is a critical aspect. This article delineated the criteria that would facilitate the implementation of woman-centred care in childbirth units of the Limpopo Province in South Africa, following a concept analysis described in Part 1. Empirical referents or indicators were used to measure the concept woman-centred care and to validate its existence in reality. These empirical referents were referred to as measurable properties that further verified the concept. Objective: The objective of this article was to formulate criteria that would facilitate implementation of woman-centred care in childbirth units of Limpopo Province in South Africa.Method: Criteria to facilitate the implementation of woman-centred care were formulated by the gathering of information about the topic under review and the use of resources to define the key elements of the criteria which were integrated into the Batho Pele principles. The criteria were then validated by selecting with a vested interest in the successful development and implementation of the criteria.Results: Criteria were formulated to facilitate the implementation of woman-centred care that was integrated within the framework of Batho Pele principles.Conclusion: These formulated criteria for woman-centred care will be used as an institutional self-evaluation tool to enhance implementation of the Batho Pele principles in childbirth units. These criteria will give direction and provide guidelines for the performance of midwifery staff and will also help supervisors to guide staff to improve performance.
The parable of the shrewd manager (Lk 16:1–8): A biography of Jesus and a lesson on mercy
Authors: Reinstorf Dieter H.
Published: May 2013

Many scholars have regarded the parable of the shrewd manager (Lk 16:1–8) as the most puzzling of all parables as Jesus seems to use the unrighteous actions of a dishonest (worldly) manager as a model for emulation by others. The unease associated with this understanding was managed in part by focusing almost exclusively on the ‘shrewdness’ of the dishonest manager. In this interpretation, it is not his unjust behaviour that is to be imitated but his wise and intelligent actions. This interpretation has led to a divergence of applications regarding the ‘property’ that was entrusted to him. The author, however, argues that, in the context of the historical Jesus, the entrusted property in the parable references first and foremost the Torah entrusted to God’s people and that the manager mirrors the life of Jesus, who was ‘accused’ by the religious leaders of being unjust. Despite being threatened, he continued unabatedly to scatter God’s mercy, epitomised by the reduction of debt and symbolising the dawning of God’s Kingdom. The manager is therefore not a negative figure but a positive (diaphorical) example of what it means to be a faithful manager of God in the light of adversary and opposition.
Appraisal of Microbial Evolution to Commensalism and Pathogenicity in Humans
Authors: Ghosh Asit Ranjan
Published: May 2013

The human body is host to a number of microbes occurring in various forms of host-microbe associations, such as commensals, mutualists, pathogens and opportunistic symbionts. While this association with microbes in certain cases is beneficial to the host, in many other cases it seems to offer no evident benefit or motive. The emergence and re-emergence of newer varieties of infectious diseases with causative agents being strains that were once living in the human system makes it necessary to study the environment and the dynamics under which this host microbe relationship thrives. The present discussion examines this interaction while tracing the origins of this association, and attempts to hypothesize a possible framework of selective pressures that could have lead microbes to inhabit mammalian host systems.
Nigerian Medical Students’ Opinions about Individuals who use and Abuse Psychoactive Substances
Authors: James Bawo O. , Omoaregba Joyce O.
Published: May 2013

Substance use disorders are prevalent in Nigeria. The number of available specialist health providers is inadequate to fill the treatment gap. Interventions can be provided by nonspecialist health providers and have been found to be beneficial. However, attitudes toward substance misuse and misusers can impede the provision of this service. We aimed to determine attitudes of medical trainees toward substance use by utilizing a modified form of the Substance Abuse Attitude Scale (SAAS). Medical students (n = 200) had positive attitudes toward individuals who misuse psychoactive substances. The medial students, however, preferred treatment to be offered by trained specialists and held restrictive views regarding cannabis and alcohol use. More positive attitudes were expressed by participants who were male or had a lifetime history of psychoactive substance use. The role of personal and family-related psychoactive substance use factors are probably associated with attitudinal responses and would require further exploration.
Adverse effects in broiler chickens fed a high lycopene concentration supplemented diet
Authors: Pozzo Luisa , Tarantola Martina , Biasibetti Elena , Teresa Capucchio Maria , Pagella Maddalena , Mellia Elisabetta , Bergagna Stefania , Gennero Maria Silvia , Strazzullo Giuseppe , Schiavone Achille
Published: May 2013

Pozzo, L., Tarantola, M., Biasibetti, E., Capucchio, M. T., Pagella, M., Mellia, E., Bergagna, S., Gennero, M. S., Strazzullo, G. and Schiavone, A. 2013. Adverse effects in broiler chickens fed a high lycopene concentration supplemented diet. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 231–241. The present investigation was designed to assess the effects of the administration of a high dietary lycopene dose to broiler chickens on growth and slaughter performances, haemato–biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzymes, histological lesions and lycopene accumulation in the tissues. Thirty-six 1-d-old male Hubbard broiler chicks were examined and divided randomly into two groups (three replicates for each dietary treatment): the Control group, which received a basal diet, and the Lycopene group, which received the basal diet supplemented with 500 mg lycopene kg−1diet. The experimental period lasted 35 d and growth performance was recorded on a weekly basis. At the end of the experiment (day 35), blood samples (n=12) were collected from the femoral vein. Erythrocyte and leukocyte numbers were assessed and the heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was determined. The alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, lysozyme, total protein and the electrophoretic patterns were evaluated in serum samples. Nine chickens per group were slaughtered to measure the carcass yields and the weight of the liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius and thymus. Spleen, liver, and bursa of Fabricius samples were collected for histological examination and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. The lycopene concentration, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and chemical composition were assayed in breast meat and thigh samples. The TBARS, glutathione content, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity were measured in liver and kidney samples. The high lycopene concentration supplemented diet did not affect the birds’ growth, slaughter performance or antioxidant enzymes in the breast meat, thigh meat, liver and kidney samples. The concentrations of lycopene in the breast and thigh of the lycopene-supplemented group were 0.10±0.05 mg kg−1and 0.42±0.35 mg kg−1, respectively, while no lycopene was found in the Control group. Spleen and bursa of Fabricius of birds fed a diet supplemented with a high level of lycopene showed weight decrease (P<0.05) and degenerative lesions (P<0.05). Moreover, lycopene supplementation reduced the serum protein concentration, albumin, alpha and the gamma globulin serum concentration (P<0.05).
Effect of high dietary levels of canola meal on growth performance, carcass quality and meat fatty acid profiles of feedlot cattle
Authors: He M. L. , Gibb D. , McKinnon J. J. , McAllister T. A.
Published: May 2013

He, M. L., Gibb, D., McKinnon, J. J. and McAllister, T. A. 2013. Effect of high dietary levels of canola meal on growth performance, carcass quality and meat fatty acid profiles of feedlot cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 269–280. This study investigated the effect of substituting canola meal (CM) for barley grain on growth performance, carcass quality and meat fatty acid (FA) profiles of feedlot cattle. Cross bred calves (n=140; 285±27 kg) were individually fed diets comprised of a barley grain based concentrate (including 5% supplement) and barley silage at ratios of 45:55 and 92:8 (DM basis) during growing and finishing periods, respectively. Pressed CM from Brassica napus, containing 11.4% residual oil and solvent-extracted CM derived from B. napus or Brassica juncea canola seed were compared. Canola meal was substituted for 0 (control), 15, or 30% barley grain (DM basis) in both growing and finishing diets. Regardless of diet, cattle did not differ (P>0.05) in average daily gain in either the growing or finishing period. For the overall feeding period, inclusion of 30% CM increased (P<0.01) DMI of cattle compared with 15% CM groups, but reduced (P<0.05) gain: feed (G:F) as compared with control and 15% B. juncea and 15% pressed CM. Gain: feed of cattle fed CM was also reduced (P<0.05) during the finishing period as compared with the control diet with this reduction being more notable at the 30% level. Carcass quality and incidence of liver abscesses were not affected (P>0.05) by inclusion of CM. Inclusion of 30% pressed CM resulted in higher (P<0.05)%FAME of total polyunsaturated fatty acid, n-3, alpha-linolenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and a decrease (P<0.05) in n-6/n-3 ratio in the pars costalis diaphragmatis muscle as compared with the control diet. In conclusion, inclusion of CM did not alter the growth performance or G:F of beef cattle during the growing period, but did lower G:F during the finishing period. The inclusion of 15 or 30% solvent-extracted CM did not alter carcass quality, whereas 30% pressed CM increased the levels of desirable fatty acids (i.e., n-3 and CLA) in beef.
Evaluating the interaction between progesterone, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and cortisol on early loss of transferred embryo in beef cows
Authors: Mason M. , Cuadra E. J. , Elsasser T. H. , Lopez J. , Yoonsung J.
Published: May 2013

Mason, M., Cuadra, E. J., Elsasser, T. H., Lopez, J. and Yoonsung, J. 2013. Evaluating the interaction between progesterone, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and cortisol on early loss of transferred embryo in beef cows. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 217–225. Fifty-eight non-lactating cows previously synchronized for estrus were assigned to two treatments to assess the effects of progesterone supplementation and its correlation with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cortisol on the survival of the transferred embryos. On day 7 after exhibiting estrus (day 0), cows in both groups received embryos. In contrast with the control group, animals in the CIDR-group had a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) additionally inserted. Blood samples for progesterone, TNF-α and cortisol analysis were taken immediately before insertion and removal of CIDRs and 7 d after insertion. Progesterone did not differ between the control and the CIDR animals at any day of the study; however, it significantly increased at 7 and 14 d after insertion of the embryos in the control animals, compared with the levels observed in that same experimental group at the time of the transfer. Regardless of the treatment, all pregnant cows experienced a significant increase in progesterone from day 0 to day 7. Progesterone on day 0 was correlated to itself (r=0.46) on day 14 and to TNF-α (r=−0.37) on day 0 in pregnant animals; TNF-α on day 7 was significantly higher in pregnant cows compared with non-pregnant and correlated between day 0 and day 14. These results suggest that high levels of progesterone during the first 14 d after the transfer are indicative of the survival of transferred embryos. Additionally, these data also indicate that the decrease in TNF-α concentration on day 7 after the transfer of embryos may be associated with the low concentrations of progesterone observed in the non-pregnant animals.
Short Communication: Association analyses of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter of OLR1 with growth, feed efficiency, fat deposition, and carcass merit traits in hybrid, Angus and Charolais beef cattle
Authors: Vinsky Michael , Islam Khandker , Chen Liuhong , Li Changxi
Published: May 2013

Vinsky, M., Islam, K., Chen, L. and Li, C. 2013. Short Communication: Association analyses of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter of OLR1 with growth, feed efficiency, fat deposition, and carcass merit traits in hybrid, Angus and Charolais beef cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 193–197. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region of oxidized low density lipoprotein (lectin-like) receptor 1 (OLR1) (c. −495 T>C) was identified and analyzed for associations with 10 traits related to growth, feed efficiency, body fat deposition and carcass merit traits in hybrid (n=456), Angus (n=567) and Charolais (n=423) beef cattle populations. Significant allele substitution effect (P=0.023) was found for residual feed intake (RFI) in the Angus population. The allele “C”, which had a frequency of 0.24 in the Angus population, was associated with decreased RFI. The Angus steers with the “CC” genotype had a lower RFI value (i.e., more efficient) than the Angus steers carrying the ‘TT’ genotype. The SNP was also found to have significant dominance effects on final ultrasound rib-eye area (FUREA) (P=0.0004) and carcass rib-eye area (CREA) (P=0.009) in the Angus steer population. The Angus steers with the “CT” genotype had smaller rib-eye areas of both ultrasound and carcass measures than the average of the steers with the homozygous genotypes. However, the SNP did not show significant associations with the traits examined in either the hybrid or the Charolais steer population at P<0.05. OLR1 plays a role in lipid metabolism, and analyses of transcript binding site based on the transcription element search system revealed that the “T” allele of the c.-495T>C SNP introduces a presumptive binding site for CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα). However, further investigation is required to delineate the possible regulatory role of the SNP on growth and efficiency of energy utilization in relation to different biological types of beef cattle.
Impact of exogenous carbohydrases and phytase on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers
Authors: Lu H. , Adedokun S.A. , Preynat A. , Legrand-Defretin V. , Geraert P. A. , Adeola O. , Ajuwon K. M.
Published: May 2013

Lu, H., Adedokun, S. A., Preynat, A., Legrand-Defretin, V., Geraert, P. A., Adeola, O. and Ajuwon, K. M. 2013. Impact of exogenous carbohydrases and phytase on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in broilers. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 243–249. The effect of supplementing corn–soybean-based diets with Rovabio®Max AP, an exogenous enzyme mix with carbohydrase (xylanase and β-glucanase) and phytase activities to broiler chickens was evaluated. Male Ross 708 broilers were assigned to four diets: positive control (PC), negative control (NC), deficient in metabolizable energy (ME), crude protein (CP), calcium (Ca) and non-phytate phosphorus (nPP), relative to the PC, by 100 kcal kg−1, 5 g kg−1, 1.1 g kg−1and 1.6 g kg−1, respectively, in the starter and grower diets; and NC+Rovabio®at 0.05 or 0.075 g kg−1diet. Starter diets were fed from day 0 to day 21 and grower diets from day 22 to day 42. Body weight (BW) and body weight gain on days 22 and 42 were increased (P<0.05) by enzyme supplementation. Enzyme addition increased (P<0.05) feed intake from day 22 to day 42 and overall (day 0 to day 42). Gain to feed ratio (G:F) was significantly increased (P<0.05) with enzyme supplementation during both starter and grower phases. Enzyme addition increased (P<0.05) serum phosphorus (P) concentration on day 21. On day 42 enzyme supplementation increased (P<0.05) the apparent ileal digestibility of P, dry matter (DM), energy, and N. Addition of a combination of carbohydrases (xylanase and β-glucanase) and phytase to corn–soybean-based diets deficient in ME, CP, Ca and P resulted in a significant increase in growth performance and utilization of P, DM, energy and N in broiler chickens.
Short Communication: Effects of supplemental canola meal and various types of distillers’ grains on growth performance of backgrounded steers
Authors: Yang W. Z. , Xu L. , Li C. , Beauchemin K. A.
Published: May 2013

Yang, W. Z., Xu, L., Li, C. and Beauchemin, K. A. 2012. Short Communication: Effects of supplemental canola meal and various types of distillers’ grains on growth performance of backgrounded steers. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 281–286. A growth study was conducted to investigate the effects of protein source on growth performance of backgrounded steers. Partly replacing barley grain with canola meal (CM), corn dried distillers’ grains with solubles (cDDGS) or fractionated corn dried distillers grains with solubles (fDDGS) increased averaged daily gain and feed conversion efficiency of backgrounded steers. Steers fed corn DDGS (cDDGS, fDDGS) improved feed conversion efficiency compared with steers fed wheat dried distillers’ grain with solubles (wDDGS). These results indicate that inclusion of protein ingredients in barley-based diets is necessary to improve growth performance of growing cattle. To maximize profits, the choice of protein source in cattle rations will depend upon availability and cost of ingredients.
A nonstandard free boundary problem arising in the shape optimization of thin torsion rods
Authors: Alibert Jean Jacques , Bouchitté Guy , Fragalà Ilaria , Lucardesi Ilaria
Published: May 2013

We study a 2

d

-variational problem, in which the cost functional is an integral depending on the gradient through a convex but
not strictly convex
integrand, and the admissible functions have zero gradient on the complement of a given domain

D

. We are interested in establishing whether solutions exist whose gradient “avoids” the region of non-strict convexity. Actually, the answer to this question is related to establishing whether homogenization phenomena occur in optimal thin torsion rods. We provide some existence results for different geometries of

D

, and we study the nonstandard free boundary problem with a gradient obstacle, which is obtained through the optimality conditions.
Eikonal equations on ramified spaces
Authors: Camilli Fabio , Schieborn Dirk , Marchi Claudio
Published: May 2013

We generalize the results in [23] to higher dimensional ramified spaces. For this purpose we introduce ramified manifolds and, as special cases, locally elementary polygonal ramified spaces (LEP spaces). On LEP spaces we develop a theory of viscosity solutions for Hamilton–Jacobi equations, providing existence and uniqueness results.