bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the flow dynamics and particle settling in full-scale sedimentation tanks of different lengths
Authors: Arendze S. , Sibiya M. S.
Published: December 2016

The efficiency of sedimentation is dependent on settling tank design and operation, where the streamlined solid–liquid separation results in water of safe potable quality. It is therefore important that the tank design and operation are sufficiently optimised. Sedimentation tanks are commonly overdesigned, leading to unwarranted capital expenditure, and overloading. This study used computational fluid dynamics to model the current conditions of two full-scale sedimentation tanks of different lengths at a large drinking water treatment plant in South Africa, using the shear stress transport turbulence model. The flow dynamics and the polyelectrolyte flocculated particle settling efficiency between the short tank and the long tank were compared. Recirculation zones near the inlet were pronounced in the short tank, which resulted in particles being drawn towards the outlets. The flow in the long tank isolated the inlet and outlet, with low particle volume fractions and particle velocities at the weirs. The particle removal in both tanks was greater than 99%; however, removal was higher in the long tank (99.86%), hence it was more efficient despite greater infrastructure cost. Computational fluid dynamics modelling is a tremendous operational tool which can review the performance of alternative tank designs and provide valuable input into future design.
Cambios en la composición de la comunidad fúngica de biopelículas sobre roca calcárea a través de una cronosecuencia en Campeche, México
Authors: Gómez-Cornelio Sergio , Ortega-Morales Otto , Morón-Ríos Alejandro , Reyes-Estebanez Manuela , De la Rosa-García Susana
Published: December 2016

Antecedentes y Objetivos: La colonización de los sustratos líticos por comunidades fúngicas está determinada por las propiedades del sustrato (bioreceptividad) y las condiciones climáticas y microclimáticas. Sin embargo, los efectos del tiempo de exposición de la superficie de la roca calcárea al ambiente sobre la composición de las comunidades fúngicas no se ha investigado. En este estudio, analizamos la composición y estructura de las comunidades fúngicas inmersas en biopelículas asociadas a roca calcárea, en paredes de edificaciones modernas construidas a diferentes tiempos en un ambiente subtropical en Campeche, México.Métodos: Se consideró una cronosecuencia de paredes construidas a uno, cinco y 10 años. Sobre cada pared, se rasparon tres superficies de 3 × 3 cm para cada biopelícula. Los hongos se aislaron por la técnica de lavado y filtración de partículas, posteriormente se inocularon en dos medios de cultivo contrastantes (un medio oligotrófico y uno copiotrófico). Los hongos se identificaron de acuerdo a sus características macro y microscópicas.Resultados clave: Encontramos 73 géneros y 202 especies de 844 aislados. Los resultados mostraron que las comunidades fúngicas son diferentes en las tres biopelículas. En la biopelícula de desarrollo intermedio encontramos un alto número de aislados, pero tanto la riqueza como la diversidad fueron bajas. En contraste, en la biopelícula avanzada, los valores de riqueza de especies y diversidad fueron altos, y las especies abundantes fueron Hyphomycete 1, Myrothecium roridum y Pestalotiopsis maculans. Las especies dominantes en la biopelícula intermedia fueron Curvularia lunata, Curvularia pallescens, Fusarium oxysporum y Fusarium redolens, y en la biopelícula joven fueron Cladosporium cladosporioides, Curvularia clavata, Paraconiothyrium sp. y Phoma eupyrena.Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados sugieren que la composición de la comunidad fúngica en cada biopelícula cambia de acuerdo al tiempo de exposición de la roca calcárea al ambiente. Además, como parte de la composición de la comunidad fúngica, encontramos un conjunto de especies poco comunes que podrían ser autóctonas en la roca calcárea.
Nuevos registros de Castilleja (Orobanchaceae) en Veracruz, México
Authors: Francisco-Gutiérrez Antonio , Rivera-Hernández Jaime Ernesto , Vargas-Rueda Abel Felipe
Published: December 2016

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Castilleja nervata y C. tenuiflora var. xylorrhiza estaban reportadas para 11 y cinco estados de México, respectivamente. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los caracteres morfológicos de C. nervata para diferenciarla de C. arvensis, identificar a C. tenuiflora var. xylorrhiza dentro del complejo C. tenuiflora y separar este último de C. integrifolia var. integrifolia, así como mostrar la distribución geográfica y documentar la similitud morfológica de los taxones.Métodos: Se revisaron ejemplares de herbario y se colectaron los taxones, además de que se tomaron medidas y se caracterizaron las estructuras morfológicas de los especímenes encontrados en el Parque Nacional Cañón del Río Blanco, mismos que fueron determinados con base en la literatura.Resultados clave: Se determinaron dos taxones del género Castilleja que no estaban reportados con anterioridad para la flora del estado de Veracruz, México. Se proporcionan dos cuadros comparativos para la identificación de los taxones correspondientes al complejo C. tenuiflora y para diferenciar entre C. arvensis y C. nervata, así como fotografías y un mapa de distribución de los nuevos registros.Conclusiones: Estos taxones forman parte de las 10 especies y ocho variedades del género Castilleja presentes en Veracruz. Además, se recomienda revisar el género en otros estados de México y continuar con la exploración botánica del Parque Nacional Cañón del Río Blanco.
Acta Botanica Mexicana, hacia una revista electrónica de alta calidad
Authors: Samain Marie Stéphanie
Published: December 2016

No aplica.
A Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Early Steroid Withdrawal in Black Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Taber David J. , Hunt Kelly J. , Gebregziabher Mulugeta , Srinivas Titte , Chavin Kenneth D. , Baliga Prabhakar K. , Egede Leonard E.
Published: December 2016

Background and objectives

There is continued debate whether early steroid withdrawal is safe to use in high–immunologic risk patients, such as blacks. The goal of this study was to use comparative effectiveness methodology to elucidate the safety of early steroid withdrawal in blacks with kidney transplants.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Our cohort study used United Network of Organ Sharing data including all adult black kidney transplant recipients from 2000 to 2009 followed through 2014. Propensity score matching was used to equalize baseline risk between continued steroid and early steroid withdrawal groups. Interaction terms were used to assess if the effect of early steroid withdrawal on outcomes varied by baseline and post-transplant factors. Of 26,582 eligible black patients with kidney transplants (5825 [21.9%] with early steroid withdrawal), 5565 patients with early steroid withdrawal were matched to 5565 blacks on continued steroid use.

Results

Black patients with early steroid withdrawal had similar risk of graft loss (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.92 to 1.04; P=0.42) and lower risk of death (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.84 to 0.99; P=0.02), primarily driven by a late mortality advantage (>4 years post-transplant). Delayed graft function, cytolytic induction, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate significantly modified the effect of early steroid withdrawal on outcomes (P<0.05). Acute rejection rates were slightly higher in the continued steroid group (13.0% versus 11.3%, respectively; P<0.01), but this was not associated with graft or patient survival.

Conclusions

Overall, early steroid withdrawal in black kidney transplant recipients was not associated with graft loss but seemed to be associated with better long–term patient survival. Early steroid withdrawal in blacks not receiving cytolytic induction, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate or those with delayed graft function was associated with higher risk of graft loss and death.
Fuel price and exchange rate dynamics in South Africa: A time series analysis
Authors: Niyimbanira Ferdinand
Published: December 2016

This paper empirically examined the relationship between fuel price and exchange rate in South Africa. Monthly data spanning over the period of January 2001 to December 2013 was used while adopting the cointegration method. The Augumented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test showed that all variables (Fuel Price, Exchange rate and New Vehicle sales) became stationary after the first difference. The results from Johansen cointegration test indicated no cointegrating equation, indicating that series were not cointegrated.The findings show that fuel price is affected by at least its two previous month prices. Both explanatory variable coefficients (0.541228 and -0.368649), show that fuel price will be increased by 20 cents Rand due to its previous two month prices. The results from impulsive test confirmed VAR test results. This paper provided evidence that there was a causal link from the exchange rates to petrol price during last one sub-period. The implication therefore is that in South Africa an increase of the fuel price is a response to the Rand value fluctuations ceteris paribus. Based on the findings of the study, policy implications and suggestion for future research are made.
Policy burdens of development banks: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Almutahar Hasan , Agung Prabowo Muhammad , Haryono Tulus , Riani Asri Laksmi , Trinugroho Irwan
Published: December 2016

We take the social or development perspective of government banks on the Indonesian regional development banks. We find that those banks have more employee burden and small scale loans burden than other banks. Excessive employment in the regional development banks is positively associated with the degree of poverty in their regions and negatively related to the regional economic capacity. In the regions with high degree of poverty, those banks have to channel excessive small scale loans.
Trade openness and FDI in Zimbabwe: What does data tell us?
Authors: Tsaurai Kunofiwa
Published: December 2016

The study focus on the causal relation between trade openness and foreign direct investment (FDI) in Zimbabwe. The choice for the country came about due to the consideration that such an area on trade openness and FDI has not been adequately covered in Zimbabwe. In the absence of consensus in the literature about the causal relation between trade openness and FDI, it has been found not to be easy to formulate effective FDI and international trade policies. Scores of researchers have failed to agree on the causality relationship between trade openness and FDI. Some have said trade openness boost FDI inflow while other researchers, though few are of the opinion that it is FDI that accelerates trade openness of the host country. On the other hand, some authors maintain that both FDI and trade openness affect each other whilst others says no relationship exist between the two variables. Using the ARDL (Autoregressive distributed lag)-bounds testing approach, this study find that there is no long run relationship between FDI and trade openness in Zimbabwe.
Do firms controlled by private equity pay higher executive compensation?
Authors: Barros Pedro , Carvalhal da Silva Andre Luiz
Published: December 2016

This study investigates executive compensation on Brazilian companies controlled by private equity funds. Although there is a vast literature on executive compensation in many countries, there are only a few studies on executive compensation in private-equity-controlled companies in Brazil. Our analysis of 657 listed companies in Brazil from 2008 to 2011 show that private-equity-backed firms have higher individual and variable compensation, and better corporate governance standards.
An experimental examination of the effect of client size and auditors’ industry specialization on time pressure in Australia
Authors: Huang Lu , Endrawes Medhat , Hellmann Andreas
Published: December 2016

This paper examines how industry specialization and the size of the client affect time pressure to complete an audit. The study used a sample size of 70 auditors to examine their perceptions of time pressure in different scenarios. The results of the experiment demonstrate that industry specialization significantly reduces the level of time pressure, indicating that industry specialist auditors work more efficiently and face less time pressure compared with non-specialist auditors. No significant relationship exists between the size of the client and time pressure, indicating that audit firms are likely to possess stronger bargaining power and resist pressure from clients to reduce audit hours when auditing large companies
Lack of quality financial reporting systems and its impact on the growth of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe
Authors: Wadesango Ongayi Vongai
Published: December 2016

The importance of quality accounting records cannot be overlooked. Complete and accurate record keeping enables the business to identify and take count of its assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of lack of quality financial reporting systems on the growth of small and medium scale enterprises (SMES) in Zimbabwe. The main findings of this concept paper revealed that the smaller the business the less the owners see the importance of keeping quality accounting records. It also emerged from literature reviewed that there is a strong relationship between performance and accounting records.
Corporate social responsibility and organisation behaviour.
Authors: Manzoni Alex , Islam Sardar M. N.
Published: December 2016

This study shows how the non-parametic optimisation model of Data Envelopment Analysis can be applied to Corporate Social Responsibility in a company-wide analysis of the capacity of people, processes, and other resources to meet the expected social obligations to all stakeholders under the organisation’s promulgated corporate citizenship. Data used in the analysis are the scores of empirical results from an Australian bank study. The DEA model identified 11 decision making units, from a cohort of 231, that were leading exponents of the behavioural characteristics required to be rated as the most efficient in meeting the corporate social responsibility criteria set by the firm. These findings can be used to investigate why some units succeeded so well while others wallowed. The analysis can provide valuable information for developing an efficient organizational structure for the company for achieving good corporate governance.
The impact of positive operating cash on bonds’ pricing international evidence
Authors: Satt Harit
Published: December 2016

This paper aims to ascertain the relationship existing between the ratings of bonds and the ending cash balance of the operating section in the cash flow statement. In our study, which lasted for 18 years, 600 companies were selected from 26 countries to construct our sample. With purpose of detecting how the positive cash balance of the operating section in the cash flow statement characters the likelihood of rising the bonds ratings, we have applied a Probit regression analysis. Consequently, a robust proof stating that the bonds ratings are significantly impacted by the positive operating cash balance. That is to say, generating enough cash flow from the operating activities increases the company’s chances to have greater bonds ratings raises, meanwhile lowering the cost of debt given that higher bond ratings decreases the cost of company for raising funds (in the form of bonds). More confirmation to the creditors’ rights shields was added through our outcomes, in addition to its impact on the cost of debt.
Comparability of reported cash flows under IFRS - Evidence from Germany
Authors: Kretzmann Christian , Teuteberg Torben , Zülch Henning
Published: December 2016

IFRS are intended to provide users with transparent and comparable financial information. However, in contrast to US GAAP and German GAAP, IFRS offer considerable flexibility regarding the classification of interest and dividends in the statement of cash flows. We explore the reporting practice of German listed firms and shed light on the determinants of classification choices which aim to increase operating cash flow (OCF). Our findings support prior research in that firms tend to increase OCF under specific circumstances, especially when they are highly leveraged and/or less profitable. Moreover, we find that industry practice plays a major role in determining firms’ reporting choices. Overall, our results cast doubt on whether the advantages of the flexibility offered under IFRS outweigh the disadvantages of reduced comparability.
Economic impacts of capitalization of operating leases: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Kusano Masaki , Sakuma Yoshihiro , Tsunogaya Noriyuki
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study is to investigate the economic impacts of capitalization of operating leases in Japan. Specifically, this study estimates the ex-ante impacts of capitalization of operating leases by comparing pro-forma accounting numbers based on a proposed rule change with reported accounting numbers under an extant rule. Our findings are twofold. First, capitalization of operating leases has significant impacts on financial ratios, including the debt to equity ratio (DER) and the interest coverage ratio (ICR). Second, the impacts of capitalization of operating leases on these financial ratios are more likely to be large after the adoption of Statement No. 13, Accounting Standard for Lease Transactions. This study contributes to the literature on economic consequences of capitalizing leases and discussions of global convergence of accounting standards.
Can a conceptual framework for corporate social responsibility [CSR] assurance be developed?
Authors: Ackers Barry
Published: December 2016

Independent corporate social responsibility [CSR] assurance should provide stakeholders with confidence that company CSR reports are complete, accurate and reliable. However, the voluntary nature of CSR reporting and assurance practices, implies that CSR assurance practices are largely unregulated, producing a variety of assurance providers using different approaches, undermining its effectiveness. The paper proposes that CSR assurance should be regulated to ameliorate these inconsistencies. The study examines the CSR assurance reports of the 200 largest companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, utilising a qualitative content analysis undertaken in two phases. The first phase examines annual/sustainability reports to identify companies that published independent CSR assurance reports during 2011/2. The second phase analysed CSR assurance reports to establish the primary characteristics of CSR assurance.
Ethical practices in the corporate world: Need for regulation
Authors: Bhola Kuber , Malhotra Reema
Published: December 2016

The corporate world today is highly pro-active in adopting ethical practices that cater to the upliftment of a wide section of the society. Corporate social responsibility, as a business ethic and method, ensures social partnership and multi-cultural diversity at the workplace. Even as attempts are made to make CSR mandatory for organizations, a process like this comes with its pros and cons. These practices are often accused with a poor sense of regulation and are ill known for their attempts to enhance reputation, taxation and revenue. This paper attempts to raise some of these critiques of the CSR model, as exemplified by some leading IT companies in India. We aim to highlight the emergent need of a systemic regulation and assessment of these ethical measures. Bringing ethics into the mainstream by establishing regulatory mandates and systematizing norms of execution of CSR protocols remains central to our work. Towards the end, we propose a solution in the form of a certifying tool called ‘SA 8000’ that evaluates the ethical impacts of corporate activities and policies. The adherence to these international business standards is foreseen to have long-term implications in certification and promotion of socially acceptable working practices in any organizational structure.
De muitos um – o Ethos da marca Harley Davidson
Authors: Panzarini Bruna
Published: December 2016

Este estudo tem por objetivo mostrar como o discurso da marca Harley Davidson vem sendo produzido, e como o ethos da marca é formado, comunicado e compartilhado pelos próprios receptores. Como o receptor pode ser um codenunciador e efetivo participante do discurso da organização. Embasando-nos em teóricos que tratam da linguagem, a metodologia utilizada para desenvolver o presente trabalho foi a pesquisa bibliográfica e documental.
A importância da pesquisa do Clima Organizacional para o funcionamento de uma Instituição Federal de Ensino Superior
Authors: Rodrigues Jorge Luiz Knupp , Costa Sabine Ott da , Lima Thiago Jéffery Barisão , Coelho Francisco Assis , Silva Jose Luis Gomes , Santos Neusa Maria Bastos Fernandes
Published: December 2016

Este trabalho tem o objetivo de apresentar a análise do clima organizacional de um campus de uma instituição federal de ensino superior, no interior do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, com intuito de identificar os fatores que interferem na motivação e no desempenho de servidores técnico-administrativos. O levantamento bibliográfico e a pesquisa de campo, de natureza exploratória foram os procedimentos metodológicos utilizados. Para coleta de dados foi utilizado um questionário com 72 questões fechadas, tendo sido aplicado a 30 servidores técnico-administrativos. Foram apresentados nessa pesquisa os conceitos de clima organizacional, bem como de pesquisa de clima organizacional. Ao final, buscou-se apresentar um diagnóstico do clima organizacional da instituição estudada. Dentre os resultados destaca-se o treinamento e desenvolvimento, indicando uma necessidade de ações que apresentem as informações necessárias para o exercício do cargo de maneira adequada, por meio de capacitação e ambientação na sede da instituição de ensino.
Trust and Professional Skepticism in the Relationship between Auditors and Clients: Overcoming the Dichotomy Myth
Authors: Aschauer Ewald , Fink Matthias , Moro Andrea , van Bakel-Auer Katharina , Warming-Rasmussen Bent
Published: December 2016

This study empirically investigates the relationship between auditors' identification-based trust in client firms' managers (CEOs/CFOs) and their perceptions of auditors' professional skepticism. We employ a multimethod approach broken down into two studies. First, in Study 1, we approached auditors and clients using narrative interviews in order to identify the working definitions of interpersonal trust and professional skepticism and also to develop an empirical and testable hypothesis against the backdrop of the current literature. Second, in Study 2, an ordinary least squares regression based on data collected from 233 real auditor-client dyads in Germany reveals that auditors' identification-based trust is positively associated with their clients' perception of the auditors' professional skepticism. The identified coexistence of trust and professional skepticism in auditor-client dyads implies that regulatory measures that impede the evolution of trust between auditors and their clients will fail to enhance professional skepticism. Instead, regulations should give auditors and their clients sufficient leeway to establish identification-based trust.

JEL Classifications: M42.
Poly(α-hydroxy Acids)-Based Cell Microcarriers
Authors: Larrañaga Aitor , Sarasua Jose-Ramon
Published: December 2016

Biodegradable poly(α-hydroxyacids) have gained increasing interest in the biomedical field for their use as cell microcarriers thanks to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties/degradation rates and processability. The synthesis of these poly(α-hydroxyacids) can be finely controlled to yield (co)polymers of desired mechanical properties and degradation rates. On the other hand, by simple emulsion-solvent evaporation techniques, microspheres of controlled size and size distribution can be fabricated. The resulting microspheres can be further surface-modified to enhance cell adhesion and proliferation. As a result of this process, biodegradable microcarriers with advanced functionalities and surface properties that can be directly employed as injectable cell microcarriers are obtained.
Enhancement and Reduction of Nonradiative Decay Process in Organic Light-Emitting Diodes by Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Gao Chia-Yuan , Chen Kan-Lin , Sze Po-Wen , Chen Ying-Chung , Huang Chien-Jung
Published: December 2016

The influences of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and the buffer layer on the performance of organic light-emitting diodes are investigated in this study. The GNPs are doped into poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and the buffer layer is introduced between the hole-transport layer and emitting layer. The GNPs are found to have the surface plasmon resonance at a wavelength of 530 nm when the mean particle size of the GNPs is 10 nm. The current efficiency of the device, at a current density of 145 mA/cm2, with GNPs and a buffer layer of 6 nm is about 1.93 times higher than that of the device with prime PEDOT:PSS because the GNPs will generate the surface plasmon resonance effect in the device and the buffer layer can considerably decrease the quenching of the fluorescence.
Investigation of the Effect of Plasma Polymerized Siloxane Coating for Enzyme Immobilization and Microfluidic Device Conception
Authors: Belhacene Kalim , Elagli Adil , Vivien Céline , Treizebré Anthony , Dhulster Pascal , Supiot Philippe , Froidevaux Renato
Published: December 2016

This paper describes the impact of a physical immobilization methodology, using plasma polymerized 1,1,3,3, tetramethyldisiloxane, on the catalytic performance of β-galactosidase from Aspergillus oryzae in a microfluidic device. The β-galactosidase was immobilized by a polymer coating grown by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PEVCD). Combined with a microchannel patterned in the silicone, a microreactor was obtained with which the diffusion through the plasma polymerized layer and the hydrolysis of a synthetic substrate, the resorufin-β-d-galactopyranoside, were studied. A study of the efficiency of the immobilization procedure was investigated after several uses and kinetic parameters of immobilized β-galactosidase were calculated and compared with those of soluble enzyme. Simulation and a modelling approach were also initiated to understand phenomena that influenced enzyme behavior in the physical immobilization method. Thus, the catalytic performances of immobilized enzymes were directly influenced by immobilization conditions and particularly by the diffusion behavior and availability of substrate molecules in the enzyme microenvironment.
Durability Analysis and Experimental Validation of Environmental Barrier Coating (EBC) Performance Using Combined Digital Image Correlation and NDE
Authors: Abdul-Aziz Ali , Wroblewski Adam
Published: December 2016

To understand the failure mechanism or to predict the spallation life of environmental barrier coatings (EBC) on fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites, the fracture strength of EBC and the process of the crack growth in EBC layers need to be experimentally determined under standard or simulated engine operating conditions. The current work considers a multi layered barium strontium aluminum silicate (BSAS)-based EBC-coated, melt infiltrated silicon carbide fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix composite (MI SiC/SiC) specimen that was tensile tested at room temperature. Numerous tests were performed under tensile loading conditions, and the specimen was loaded until failure under pre-determined stress levels. The specimen was examined with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), computed tomography (CT) scan, and digital image correlation (DIC) camera. Observation from the computed tomography scanning, the SEM, and the optical microscopy did not offer conclusive information concerning the cracks that spawned during the tests. However, inspection with the DIC camera offered some indication that cracks had developed and allowed their detection and the location of their initiation site. Thus, this study provides detailed discussion of the results obtained from the experimental investigation and the nondestructive evaluation (NDE), and it also includes assessment of the stress response predicted by analytical modeling and their impact on EBC durability and crack growth formation under complex loading settings.
Low Power High-Efficiency Shift Register Using Implicit Pulse-Triggered Flip-Flop in 130 nm CMOS Process for a Cryptographic RFID Tag
Authors: Badal Mohammad , Reaz Mamun , Jalil Zinah , Bhuiyan Mohammad
Published: December 2016

The shift register is a type of sequential logic circuit which is mostly used for storing digital data or the transferring of data in the form of binary numbers in radio frequency identification (RFID) applications to improve the security of the system. A power-efficient shift register utilizing a new flip-flop with an implicit pulse-triggered structure is presented in this article. The proposed flip-flop has features of high performance and low power. It is composed of a sampling circuit implemented by five transistors, a C-element for rise and fall paths, and a keeper stage. The speed is enhanced by executing four clocked transistors together with a transition condition technique. The simulation result confirms that the proposed topology consumes the lowest amounts of power of 30.1997 and 22.7071 nW for parallel in –parallel out (PIPO) and serial in –serial out (SISO) shift register respectively covering 22 µm2 chip area. The overall design consist of only 16 transistors and is simulated in 130 nm complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology with a 1.2 V power supply.
Evaluation of Conservation Voltage Reduction with Analytic Hierarchy Process: A Decision Support Framework in Grid Operations Planning
Authors: An Kyungsung , Liu Hao , Zhu Hao , Dong Zhao , Hur Kyeon
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a systematic framework to evaluate the performance of conservation voltage reduction (CVR) by determining suitable substations for CVR in operations planning. Existing CVR planning practice generally only focuses on the energy saving aspect without taking other underlying attributes into account, i.e., network topology and reduced voltage effects on other substations. To secure the desired operating reserve and avoid any adverse impacts, these attributes should be considered for implementing CVR more effectively. This research develops a practical decision-making framework based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to quantify several of the aforementioned attributes. Candidate substations for CVR deployment are prioritized such that performances are compared in terms of power transfer distribution factor (PTDF), voltage sensitivity factor (VSF), and CVR factor. In addition, to meet a specified reserve requirement, an integer programming approach is adopted to select potential substations for CVR implementations. Case studies for a Korean electric power system under diverse operating conditions are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Development of a 60 kHz, 180 kW, Over 85% Efficiency Inductive Power Transfer System for a Tram
Authors: Lee Seung-Hwan , Kim Jae-Hee , Lee Jun-Ho
Published: December 2016

Conventional contact-based train power transfer systems have high maintenance costs and safety issues and cause noise and additional aerodynamic drag. Instead of the conventional system, a loosely coupled online wireless power transfer (WPT) system for a train is proposed in this paper. The operating frequency of the proposed design is 60 kHz to ensure a low flux density and a high-efficiency system with a large air gap. In addition, a new transmitter track and pick-up geometry for 60 kHz operation are designed using finite element analysis (FEA). The proposed design is evaluated theoretically and experimentally. By using the simulated results, a new 180 kW, 15 m test-bed for a tram is constructed. The total power transfer efficiency is greater than 85% at the rated output power, and the loss distribution in the system is identified. Electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation and the voltage induction at the rail are measured for safety evaluation. The measured EMF satisfied international guidelines.
Discovery of a New Class of Cathepsin K Inhibitors in Rhizoma Drynariae as Potential Candidates for the Treatment of Osteoporosis
Authors: Qiu Zuo-Cheng , Dong Xiao-Li , Dai Yi , Xiao Gao-Keng , Wang Xin-Luan , Wong Ka-Chun , Wong Man-Sau , Yao Xin-Sheng
Published: December 2016

Rhizoma Drynariae (RD), as one of the most common clinically used folk medicines, has been reported to exert potent anti-osteoporotic activity. The bioactive ingredients and mechanisms that account for its bone protective effects are under active investigation. Here we adopt a novel in silico target fishing method to reveal the target profile of RD. Cathepsin K (Ctsk) is one of the cysteine proteases that is over-expressed in osteoclasts and accounts for the increase in bone resorption in metabolic bone disorders such as postmenopausal osteoporosis. It has been the focus of target based drug discovery in recent years. We have identified two components in RD, Kushennol F and Sophoraflavanone G, that can potentially interact with Ctsk. Biological studies were performed to verify the effects of these compounds on Ctsk and its related bone resorption process, which include the use of in vitro fluorescence-based Ctsk enzyme assay, bone resorption pit formation assay, as well as Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis using murine RAW264.7 cells. Finally, the binding mode and stability of these two compounds that interact with Ctsk were determined by molecular docking and dynamics methods. The results showed that the in silico target fishing method could successfully identify two components from RD that show inhibitory effects on the bone resorption process related to protease Ctsk.
Microbial Etiology of Pneumonia: Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Resistance Patterns
Authors: Cilloniz Catia , Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Garcia-Vidal Carolina , San Jose Alicia , Torres Antoni
Published: December 2016

Globally, pneumonia is a serious public health concern and a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Despite advances in antimicrobial therapies, microbiological diagnostic tests and prevention measures, pneumonia remains the main cause of death from infectious disease in the world. An important reason for the increased global mortality is the impact of pneumonia on chronic diseases, along with the increasing age of the population and the virulence factors of the causative microorganism. The increasing number of multidrug-resistant bacteria, difficult-to-treat microorganisms, and the emergence of new pathogens are a major problem for clinicians when deciding antimicrobial therapy. A key factor for managing and effectively guiding appropriate antimicrobial therapy is an understanding of the role of the different causative microorganisms in the etiology of pneumonia, since it has been shown that the adequacy of initial antimicrobial therapy is a key factor for prognosis in pneumonia. Furthermore, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapies are sometimes given until microbiological results are available and de-escalation cannot be performed quickly. This review provides an overview of microbial etiology, resistance patterns, epidemiology and microbial diagnosis of pneumonia.
Nano-Inclusions Applied in Cement-Matrix Composites: A Review
Authors: Bastos Guillermo , Patiño-Barbeito Faustino , Patiño-Cambeiro Faustino , Armesto Julia
Published: December 2016

Research on cement-based materials is trying to exploit the synergies that nanomaterials can provide. This paper describes the findings reported in the last decade on the improvement of these materials regarding, on the one hand, their mechanical performance and, on the other hand, the new properties they provide. These features are mainly based on the electrical and chemical characteristics of nanomaterials, thus allowing cement-based elements to acquire “smart” functions. In this paper, we provide a quantitative approach to the reinforcements achieved to date. The fundamental concepts of nanoscience are introduced and the need of both sophisticated devices to identify nanostructures and techniques to disperse nanomaterials in the cement paste are also highlighted. Promising results have been obtained, but, in order to turn these advances into commercial products, technical, social and standardisation barriers should be overcome. From the results collected, it can be deduced that nanomaterials are able to reduce the consumption of cement because of their reinforcing effect, as well as to convert cement-based products into electric/thermal sensors or crack repairing materials. The main obstacle to foster the implementation of such applications worldwide is the high cost of their synthesis and dispersion techniques, especially for carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ethylenedithio-MPTTF-PTM Radical Dyad as a Potential Neutral Radical Conductor
Authors: Souto Manuel , Bendixen Dan , Jensen Morten , Díez-Cabanes Valentín , Cornil Jérôme , Jeppesen Jan , Ratera Imma , Rovira Concepció , Veciana Jaume
Published: December 2016

During the last years there has been a high interest in the development of new purely-organic single-component conductors. Very recently, we have reported a new neutral radical conductor based on the perchlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) radical moiety linked to a monopyrrolo-tetrathiafulvalene (MPTTF) unit by a π-conjugated bridge (1) that behaves as a semiconductor under high pressure. With the aim of developing a new material with improved conducting properties, we have designed and synthesized the radical dyad 2 which was functionalized with an ethylenedithio (EDT) group in order to improve the intermolecular interactions of the tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) subunits. The physical properties of the new radical dyad 2 were studied in detail in solution to further analyze its electronic structure.
Simultaneous Qualitation and Quantitation of Chlorogenic Acids in Kuding Tea Using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Diode Array Detection Coupled with Linear Ion Trap–Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Che Yanyun , Wang Zhibin , Zhu Zhiyun , Ma Yangyang , Zhang Yaqiong , Gu Wen , Zhang Jiayu , Rao Gaoxiong
Published: December 2016

Kuding tea, the leaves of Ilex Kudingcha C.J. Tseng, has been applied for treating obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, and so on. The chlorogenic acids (CGAs) in Kuding tea have shown excellent antioxidative, antiobesity, anti-atherosclerotic and anticancer activities. Nevertheless, the chemical profiles of CGAs in Kuding tea have not been comprehensively studied yet, which hinders further quality control. In the present study, a sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection coupled with a linear ion trap-Orbitrap (UHPLC-DAD-LTQ-Orbitrap) method was established to screen and identify CGAs in Kuding tea. Six CGA standards were first analyzed in negative ion mode with a CID-MS/MS experiment and then the diagnostic product ions (DPIs) were summarized. According to the retention behavior in the RP-ODS column, accurate mass measurement, DPIs and relevant bibliography data, a total of 68 CGA candidates attributed to 12 categories were unambiguously or preliminarily screened and characterized within 18 min of chromatographic time. This was the first systematic report on the distribution of CGAs in Kuding tea. Meanwhile, the contents of 6 major CGAs in Kuding tea were also determined by the UHPLC-DAD method. All the results indicated that the established analytical method could be employed as an effective technique for the comprehensive and systematic characterization of CGAs and quality control of the botanic extracts or Chinese medicinal formulas that contain various CGAs.
Antimutagenic Effects of Selenium-Enriched Polysaccharides from Pyracantha fortuneana through Suppression of Cytochrome P450 1A Subfamily in the Mouse Liver
Authors: Peng Fan , Guo Xin , Li Zhihong , Li Changzheng , Wang Changdong , Lv Weiran , Wang Junjie , Xiao Fangxiang , Kamal Mohammad , Yuan Chengfu
Published: December 2016

Both selenium (Se) and polysaccharides from Pyracantha fortuneana (Maxim.) Li (PFPs) (P. fortuneana) have been reported to possess antioxidative and immuno-protective activities. Whether or not Se-containing polysaccharides (Se-PFPs) have synergistic effect of Se and polysaccharides on enhancing the antioxidant and immune activities remains to be determined. We previously reported that polysaccharides isolated from Se-enriched P. fortuneana (Se-PFPs) possessed hepatoprotective effects. However, it is not clear whether or not they have anti-mutagenic effects. In the present study, we compared and evaluated anti-mutagenic effects of Se-PFPs at three concentrations (1.35, 2.7 and 5.4 g/kg body weight) with those of PFPs, Se alone or Se + PFPs in mice using micronucleus assay in bone marrow and peripheral blood as well as mitomycin C-induced chromosomal aberrations in mouse testicular cells. We also elucidated the underlying mechanism. Our results demonstrated that Se-PFPs inhibited cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced micronucleus formation in both bone marrow and peripheral blood, enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in mouse liver, and reduced the activity and expression of cytochrome P450 1A (CYP4501A) in mouse liver in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, we found that the anti-mutagenic potential of Se-PFPs was higher than those of PFPs, Se alone or Se + PFPs at the same level. These results suggest that the anti-mutagenic potential of Se-PFPs may be mediated through the inhibition of the activity and expression of CYP4501A. This study indicates that application of Se-PFPs may provide an alternative strategy for cancer therapy by targeting CYP1A family.
Validation and Application of an Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Yuanhuacine Determination in Rat Plasma after Pulmonary Administration: Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of a New Drug Delivery System
Authors: Li Man , Liu Xiao , Cai Hao , Shen Zhichun , Xu Liu , Li Weidong , Wu Li , Duan Jinao , Chen Zhipeng
Published: December 2016

Yuanhuacine was found to have significant inhibitory activity against A-549 human lung cancer cells. However, there would be serious adverse toxicity effects after systemic administration of yuanhuacine, such as by oral and intravenous ways. In order to achieve better curative effect and to alleviate the adverse toxicity effects, we tried to deliver yuanhuacine directly into the lungs. Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) was used to detect the analyte and IS. After extraction (ether:dichloromethane = 8:1), the analyte and IS were separated on a Waters BEH-C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) under a 5 min gradient elution using a mixture of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. ESI positive mode was chosen for detection. The method was fully validated for its selectivity, accuracy, precision, stability, matrix effect, and extraction recovery. This new method for yuanhuacine concentration determination in rat plasma was reliable and could be applied for its preclinical and clinical monitoring purpose.
Synthesis and Structural Investigation of New Bio-Relevant Complexes of Lanthanides with 5-Hydroxyflavone: DNA Binding and Protein Interaction Studies
Authors: Munteanu Alexandra-Cristina , Badea Mihaela , Olar Rodica , Silvestro Luigi , Dulea Constanţa , Negut Constantin-Daniel , Uivarosi Valentina
Published: December 2016

In the present work, we attempted to develop new metal coordination complexes of the natural flavonoid 5-hydroxyflavone with Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III). The resultant hydroxo complexes have been characterized by a variety of spectroscopic techniques, including fluorescence, FT-IR, UV-Vis, EPR and mass spectral studies. The general chemical formula of the complexes is [Ln(C15H9O3)3(OH)2(H2O)x]·nH2O, where Ln is the lanthanide cation and x = 0 for Sm(III), x = 1 for Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III) and n = 0 for Sm(III), Gd(III), Tb(III), n = 1 for Eu(III), respectively. The proposed structures of the complexes were optimized by DFT calculations. Theoretical calculations and experimental determinations sustain the proposed structures of the hydroxo complexes, with two molecules of 5-hydroxyflavone acting as monoanionic bidentate chelate ligands. The interaction of the complexes with calf thymus DNA has been explored by fluorescence titration and UV-Vis absorption binding studies, and revealed that the synthesized complexes interact with DNA with binding constants (Kb) ~ 104. Human serum albumin (HSA) and transferrin (Tf) binding studies have also been performed by fluorescence titration techniques (fluorescence quenching studies, synchronous fluorescence spectra). The apparent association constants (Ka) and thermodynamic parameters have been calculated from the fluorescence quenching experiment at 299 K, 308 K, and 318 K. The quenching curves indicate that the complexes bind to HSA with smaller affinity than the ligand, but to Tf with higher binding affinities than the ligand.
Electroosmotic Flow in Mixed Polymer Brush-Grafted Nanochannels
Authors: Cao Qianqian , You Hao
Published: December 2016

Mixed polymer brush-grafted nanochannels—where two distinct species of polymers are alternately grafted on the inner surface of nanochannels—are an interesting class of nanostructured hybrid materials. By using a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation method, we are able to simulate the electrokinetic transport dynamics of the fluid in such nanochannels as well as the conformational behaviors of the mixed polymer brush. We find that (1) the brush adopts vertically-layered and longitudinally-separated structures due to the coupling of electroosmotic flow (EOF) and applied electric field; (2) the solvent quality affects the brush conformations and the transport properties of the EOF; (3) the EOF flux non-monotonically depends on the grafting density, although the EOF velocity in the central region of the channel monotonically depends on the grafting density.
How Much Time Does a Farmer Spend to Produce My food? An International Comparison of the Impact of Diets and Mechanization
Authors: Ibarrola-Rivas María , Kastner Thomas , Nonhebel Sanderine
Published: December 2016

Work is one of the main inputs in agriculture. It can be performed by humans, animals, or machinery. Studies have shown strong differences throughout the world in labour required to produce a kilogram of food. We complement this line of research by linking these data to food consumption patterns, which are also strongly different throughout the world. We calculate the hours of farm labour required to produce a person’s annual food consumption for four scenarios. These scenarios are comprised of two extreme cases for production systems and diets, respectively, that illustrate prevailing global differences. Our results show that the farm labour requirements differ by a factor of about 200 among production systems, and by a factor of about two among consumption patterns. The gain in farm labour efficiency with mechanization is enormous: only 2–5 hours of farm labour are needed to produce the food consumed by a person in a year. This value is much lower than the time an average person spends on buying food, cooking, or eating.