bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple Calculation of Power Conversion Efficiency of PC61BM and PC71BM Based Organic Solar Cells—Good Agreement with Experiments in Donor Materials with Different Band Gap Energies
Authors: Otsura Takanori , Nakatsuka Emi , Nagase Takashi , Kobayashi Takashi , Naito Hiroyoshi
Published: April 2016

The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) as a function of band gap energies and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels of donor materials are studied in bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells (OSCs) fabricated from donor materials and fullerene acceptors. The
PCEs of [6,6]-pheynl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) and [6,6]-pheynl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) based OSCs blended with donor materials under the Air Mass 1.5 (AM1.5) spectrum are calculated. In the calculation, the short
circuit current densities are determined by band gap energies of donor materials and the open circuit voltages are derived from the difference between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels of donor materials and LUMO levels of PC61BM and PC71BM. The calculation
is in good agreement with the experiments. The PCEs under a fluorescent lamp are also calculated. The calculated PCEs of PC71BM based OSCs under a fluorescent lamp are higher than those under the AM1.5 spectrum by a factor of 2. The PCEs of thieno [3,4-b] thiophene
and benzodithiophene (PTB7):PC71BM based OSCs are studied under the AM1.5 spectrum and a fluorescent lamp spectrum and are consistent with the calculation.
Enhanced Photocurrent Generation from Bacteriorhodopsin Photocells Using Grating-Structured Transparent Conductive Oxide Electrodes
Authors: Kaji Takahiro , Kasai Katsuyuki , Haruyama Yoshihiro , Yamada Toshiki , Inoue Shin-Ichiro , Tominari Yukihiro , Ueda Rieko , Terui Toshifumi , Tanaka Shukichi , Otomo Akira
Published: April 2016

We fabricated a grating-structured electrode made of indium-doped zinc oxide (IZO) with a high refractive index (approximately 2) for a bacteriorhodopsin (bR) photocell. We investigated the photocurrent characteristics of the bR photocell and demonstrated that the photocurrent values
from the bR/IZO electrode with the grating structure with a grating period of 340 nm were more than 3.5–4 times larger than those without the grating structure. The photocurrent enhancement was attributed to the resonance effect due to light coupling to the grating structure as well
as the scattering effect based on the experimental results and analysis using the photonic band structure determined using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. The refractive index of the bR film in electrolyte solution (1.40) used in the FDTD simulations was estimated by analyzing
the extinction peak wavelength of 20-nm gold colloids in the bR film. Our results indicate that the grating- or photonic-crystal-structured transparent conductive oxide (TCO) electrodes can increase the light use efficiency of various bR devices such as artificial photosynthetic devices, solar
cells, and light-sensing devices.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Observation of Interface Between Single Neurons and Conductive Surfaces
Authors: Goto Toichiro , Kasai Nahoko , Lu Rick , Filip Roxana , Sumitomo Koji
Published: April 2016

Interfaces between single neurons and conductive substrates were investigated using focused ion beam (FIB) milling and subsequent scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. The interfaces play an important role in controlling neuronal growth when we fabricate neuron-nanostructure
integrated devices. Cross sectional images of cultivated neurons obtained with an FIB/SEM dual system show the clear affinity of the neurons for the substrates. Very few neurons attached themselves to indium tin oxide (ITO) and this repulsion yielded a wide interspace at the neuron-ITO interface.
A neuron-gold interface exhibited partial adhesion. On the other hand, a neuron-titanium interface showed good adhesion and small interspaces were observed. These results are consistent with an assessment made using fluorescence microscopy. We expect the much higher spatial resolution of SEM
images to provide us with more detailed information. Our study shows that the interface between a single neuron and a substrate offers useful information as regards improving surface properties and establishing neuron-nanostructure integrated devices.
Synthesis of Vertically-Aligned Carbon Nanotubes from Langmuir-Blodgett Films Deposited Fe Nanoparticles on Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si Substrate
Authors: Takagiwa Shota , Kanasugi Osamu , Nakamura Kentaro , Kushida Masahito
Published: April 2016

In order to apply vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs) to a new Pt supporting material of polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC), number density and outer diameter of CNTs must be controlled independently. So, we employed Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique for depositing CNT growth
catalysts. A Fe nanoparticle (NP) was used as a CNT growth catalyst. In this study, we tried to thicken VA-CNT carpet height and inhibit thermal aggregation of Fe NPs by using Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si substrate. Fe NP LB films were deposited on three typed of substrates,
SiO2/Si, as-deposited Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si and annealed Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si at 923 K in Ar atmosphere of 16 Pa. It is known that Al2O3/Al catalyzes hydrocarbon reforming, inhibits thermal aggregation
of CNT growth catalysts and reduces CNT growth catalysts. It was found that annealed Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si exerted three effects more strongly than as-deposited Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si. VA-CNTs were synthesized from Fe NPs-C16 LB films
by thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. As a result, at the distance between two nearest CNTs 28 nm or less, VA-CNT carpet height on annealed Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si was about twice and ten times thicker than that on SiO2/Si and that on as-deposited
Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si, respectively. Moreover, distribution of CNT outer diameter on annealed Al2O3/Al/SiO2/Si was inhibited compared to that on SiO2/Si. These results suggest that since thermal aggregation of Fe NPs is
inhibited, catalyst activity increases and distribution of Fe NP size is inhibited.
Effect of Reactive Self-Assembled Monolayer at the Anode Interface of Organic Light-Emitting Diode
Authors: Ono Sotaro , Usui Satoshi , Kim Seong-Ho , Tanaka Kuniaki , Advincula Rigoberto C , Usui Hiroaki
Published: April 2016

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) were prepared on indium-tin oxide (ITO) substrates that were modified with various self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) including those which have reactive terminal units. The OLED performance was analyzed in terms of molecular length, dipole moment
and HOMO level of SAM molecules estimated by the density functional theory calculation. It was suggested that the current efficiency of OLED is partly improved by controlling the carrier balance, interfacial dipole moment, and electron energy level by SAM modification. More importantly, remarkable
improvement in OLED efficiency was achieved by chemically tethering the inorganic/organic interface via benzophenone-terminated SAM. The reactive SAM having benzophenone terminal group can be a promising tool to control the inorganic/organic interface for organic devices.
Rate Constant Change of Photo Reaction of Bacteriorhodopsin Observed in Trimeric Molecular System
Authors: Tsujiuchi Yutaka , Masumoto Hiroshi , Goto Takashi
Published: April 2016

To elucidate the time evolution of photo reaction of bacteriorhodopsin in glycerol mixed purple membrane at around 196 K under irradiation by red light, a kinetic model was constructed. The change of absorption with irradiation at times of 560 nm and 412 nm was analyzed for the purpose
of determining reaction rates of photo reaction of bacteriorhodopsin and its product M intermediate. In this study it is shown that reaction rates of conversion from bacteriorhodopsin to the M intermediate can be explained by a set of linear differential equations. This model
analysis concludes that bacteriorhodopsin in which constitutes a trimer unit with other two bacteriorhodopsin molecules changes into M intermediates in the 1.73 of reaction rate, in the initial step, and according to the number of M intermediate in a trimer unit, from three to
one, the reaction rate of bacteriorhodopsin into M intermediates smaller as 1.73, 0.80, 0.19 which caused by influence of inter-molecular interaction between bacteriorhodopsin.
Optical Degradation of Colloidal Eu-Complex Embedded in Silica Glass Film Using Reprecipitation and Sol–Gel Methods
Authors: Fukuda Takeshi , Kurabayashi Tomokazu , Yamaki Tatsuki
Published: April 2016

A reprecipitation method has been investigated for fabricating colloidal nanoparticles using Eu-complex. Herein, we investigated optical degradation characteristics of (1,10-phenanthroline)tris [4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedionato]europium(III) colloidal nanoparticles, which
were embedded into a silica glass film fabricated by a conventional sol–gel process. At first, we tried several types of good solvents for the reprecipitation method, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is found to be a suitable solvent for realizing the small diameter and the high long-term
stability against the ultraviolet irradiation even though the boing point of DMSO is higher than that of water used as a poor solvent. By optimizing the good solvent and the concentration of Eu-complex, the relative photoluminescence intensity of 0.96 was achieved even though the ultraviolet
light was continuously irradiated for 90 min. In addition, the average diameter of 106 nm was achieved when DMSO was used as a good solvent, resulting in the high transmittance at a visible wavelength region. Therefore, we can achieve the transparent emissive thin film with a center wavelength
of 612 nm, and the optical degradation was drastically reduced by forming nanoparticles.
Carrier Transport Mechanism in Single Crystalline Organic Semiconductor Thin Film Elucidated by Visualized Carrier Motion
Authors: Matsubara Kohei , Abe Kentaro , Manaka Takaaki , Iwamoto Mitsumasa
Published: April 2016

Time-resolved microscopic second harmonic generation (TRM-SHG) measurement was conducted to evaluate temperature dependence of the anisotropic carrier transport process in 6,13-Bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) (TIPS) pentacene single crystalline domains for two orthogonal directions. Enhancement
of the electric field induced SHG (EFI-SHG) signal at the electrode edge at low temperature suggests the presence of potential drop in the injection process. We directly evaluated temperature dependence of the carrier mobility by taking into account the potential drop, and concluded that the
Marcus theory is appropriate to interpret the carrier transport in anisotropic TIPS pentacene thin film. TRM-SHG method is a facile and effective way to directly visualize transport process in anisotropic materials and to evaluate injection and transport processes simultaneously.
Effect of Morphology Control of Light Absorbing Layer on CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lei Binglong , Eze Vincent Obiozo , Mori Tatsuo
Published: April 2016

As one of the most significant components of perovskite solar cells, the perovskite light absorbing layer demands high quality to guarantee extraordinary power conversion efficiency (PCE). We have fabricated series of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells
by virtue of gas-flowing assisting (GFA), spin coating twice for the PbI2 layer and dipping the semi-samples in a thermal CH3NH3I solution, by which some undesirable perovskite morphologies can be effectively avoided. The modified conductions have also dramatically
improved the perovskite layer and elevated the coverage ratio from 53.6% to 79.5%. All the fabrication processes, except the steps for deposition of the hole transport material (HTM) and back gold electrode, have been conducted in air and an average PCE of 6.6% has been achieved by initiatively
applying N,N′-bis(1-naphtyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine (α-NPD) doped by MoO3 as HTM. The CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite’s morphology and its coverage ratio to the underneath TiO2
mesoporic layer are evaluated to account for the cells’ performance. It has demonstrated that higher homogeneity and coverage ratio of the CH3NH3PbI3 layer have most significantly contributed to the solar cells’ light conversion efficiency.
Indoor Light Performance of Coil Type Cylindrical Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Kapil Gaurav , Ogomi Yuhei , Pandey Shyam S , Ma Tingli , Hayase Shuzi
Published: April 2016

A very good performance under low/diffused light intensities is one of the application areas in which dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) can be utilized effectively compared to their inorganic silicon solar cell counterparts. In this article, we have investigated the 1 SUN and low intensity
fluorescent light performance of Titanium (Ti)-coil based cylindrical DSSC (C-DSSC) using ruthenium based N719 dye and organic dyes such as D205 and Y123. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic results were analyzed for variable solar cell performances. Reflecting mirror with parabolic geometry
as concentrator was also utilized to tap diffused light for indoor applications. Fluorescent light at relatively lower illumination intensities (0.2 mW/cm2 to 0.5 mW/cm2) were used for the investigation of TCO-less C-DSSC performance with and without reflector geometry.
Furthermore, the DSSC performances were analyzed and compared with the commercially available amorphous silicon based solar cell for indoor applications.
Preparation of LaF3:Eu3+ Based Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Nanostructures via an Ion Exchange Method and Their Strong Luminescence
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Yang Yi , Chen Nan , Liu Bingfa , Liu Guihua
Published: April 2016

Lanthanide doped inorganic–organic hybrid nanostructures have received much attention in recent years due to their strong luminescence sensitized by organic ligands via an energy transfer route. In this work, an ion exchange method was used to prepare Eu3+ doped LaF3
based inorganic– organic hybrid nanostructures with organic ligands. The undoped LaF3 nanoparticles were first synthesized by a hydrothermal method, and Eu3+ ions were then ion exchanged into these LaF3 nanoparticles to form the Eu3+ doped
LaF3 nanoparticles, which were then used to prepare the inorganic–organic hybrid nanostructures with benzoic acid and 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone. As a result of the luminescence sensitization, strong luminescence was observed in these inorganic–organic hybrid nanostructures,
and the luminescence enhancement was over 40 times. Dependence of the luminescence of the hybrid nanostructures on the doping concentration and amount of organic ligands was studied in detail, and optimization was conducted to obtain the maximum luminescence for the hybrid nanostructures.
Concentration-Dominated Temperature-Dependence of Upconversion Luminescence in Gd6WO12 Nanophosphor Co-Doped with Er3+ and Yb3+
Authors: Zhang Yanqiu , Chen Baojiu , Li Xiangping , Sun Jiashi , Zhang Jinsu , Zheng Hui , Wu Zhongli , Zhong Hua , Hua Ruinian , Xia Haiping
Published: April 2016

Nanosized Gd6WO12 phosphors containing various Er3+ concentrations and fixed Yb3+ concentration were synthesized by a co-precipitation method. The crystal structure and microscopic morphology of the obtained nanophosphors were characterized
by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Two-photon processes for both the green and red upconversion (UC) emissions were confirmed by analyzing the dependence of UC intensities on 980 nm laser working current. UC emission intensity changing
with temperature displays different trends for the samples with different Er3+ concentrations. The experimental results indicated that thermal quenching behavior of UC luminescence could not be simply explained by crossover mechanism. The enhancement for green UC emission in the
sample with higher Er3+ concentration was discussed. Finally, the Er3+ concentration dependence of UC luminescence was experimentally observed, and its mechanisms were analyzed.
Influence of H, H2, O and O2 on Armchair SiGe Nanotubes: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Wanaguru Prabath , Ray Asok K , Zhang Qiming
Published: April 2016

A systematic, hybrid density functional theory study of interaction between SiGe nanotubes (SiGeNTs) and X (X = H, O, H2 and O2) have been performed using the hybrid functional B3LYP and an all electron 3-21G* basis set implemented in GAUSSIAN 09 suite of software.
All possible internal and external adsorption sites were considered, and it was found that H prefers to move onto top of an atom site while O prefers to incorporate into NT wall by breaking the bonds. Adsorption energies for H is ∼2.0 eV and for O it is ∼5.0 eV. Controlled adsorption
of atomic H and several molecular O give rises to defect density states in the frontier orbital region. H rich adsorptions predict the difference between highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy increase while O rich adsorptions
predict the decrease in HOMO-LUMO energy gap. O and O2 adsorptions predict definite ionic bonding character while H atomic adsorptions predict covalent bonding. H2 is very neutral towards the adsorption into SiGeNTs and clearly shows the physisorption adsorption. Considering
the all adsorptions, the adsorptions happened within the Si vicinity of the SiGeNT shows the most stable and preferred adsorption region.
SnO2/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite as Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries with Enhanced Cyclability
Authors: Jiang Wenjuan , Zhao Xike , Ma Zengsheng , Lin Jianguo , Lu Chunsheng
Published: April 2016

SnO2 is considered as one of the most promising anode materials for next generation lithium-ion batteries, however, how to build energetic SnO2-based electrode architectures has still remained a big challenge. In this article, we developed a facile method to prepare
SnO2/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposite for an anode material of lithium-ion batteries. It is shown that, at the current density of 0.25 A·g−1, SnO2/RGO has a high initial capacity of 1705 mAh·g−1 and a capacity
retention of 500 mAh·g−1 after 50 cycles. The total specific capacity of SnO2/RGO is higher than the sum of their pure counterparts, indicating a positive synergistic effect on the electrochemical performance.
Hydrogels Containing Prussian Blue Nanoparticles Toward Removal of Radioactive Cesium Ions
Authors: Kamachi Yuichiro , Zakaria Mohamed B , Torad Nagy L , Nakato Teruyuki , Ahamad Tansir , Alshehri Saad M , Malgras Victor , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: April 2016

Recent reports have demonstrated the practical application of Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles toward environmental clean-up of radionuclide 137Cs. Herein, we prepared a large amount of PB nanoparticles by mixing both iron(III) chloride and sodium ferrocyanide hydrate as
starting precursors. The obtained PB nanoparticles show a high surface area (440 m2 g−1) and consequently an excellent uptake ability of Cs ions from aqueous solutions. The uptake ability of Cs ions into poly(N- isopropylacrylamide (PNIPA) hydrogel is drastically
increased up to 156.7 m2 ·g−1 after incorporating our PB nanoparticles, compared to 30.2 m2 g−1 after using commercially available PB. Thus, our PB-containing PNIPA hydrogel can be considered as an excellent candidate for the removal
of Cs ions from aqueous solutions, which will be useful for the remediation of the nuclear waste.
Investigation of Surfactant Type, Dosage and Ultrasonication Temperature Control on Dispersity of Metal-Coated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Liang Xiaoning , Li Wei
Published: April 2016

We studied the dispersity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) combined with different metallic particles (Ni and Fe). An ultrasonic-assisted water-bath dispersion process was used to disperse the metal-coated MWNTs in different solutions and the dispersity was measured using an
ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The dispersity and morphology of the MWNTs were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) together with digital image processing technology. Effects of dispersant type (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), oleic acid,
and polymer (TNEDIS)) and surfactant dosage on the dispersity of the metal-coated MWNTs were investigated under controlled and uncontrolled temperatures and results were compared with those from the untreated MWNTs. The results showed that the negative effects of temperature on the ultrasonic
dispersion process could be eliminated through a temperature-controlled system. Moreover, the TNEDIS, SDBS, and oleic acid were arranged in the descending order of the dispersion effect degree. The untreated MWNTs, Ni-coated MWNTs, and Fe-coated MWNTs were arranged in the descending degree
of dispersity order. Since the metal coating makes the MWNTs harder and more fragile, the metal-coated MWNTs are more likely to fracture during the ultrasonic dispersion process.
Line Vortices and the Vacillation of Langmuir Circulation
Authors: Malarkey J. , Thorpe S. A.
Published: April 2016

Three types of breakdown of Langmuir circulation (Lc) are observed, two of which are represented in large-eddy simulation (LES) models, but the third, vacillation, is not. The stability of Lc can be examined by representing the downwind-aligned vortices by line vortices that are subjected to perturbations. Earlier conclusions relating to stability in homogeneous water of infinite depth are found to be in error because no stationary unperturbed state exists. The motion of vortices is examined and shown to be consistent with an explanation of Lc devised by Csanady. Motion of line vortices in water of limited depth or bounded below by a thermocline is examined. The motion replicates some of the features of vacillation observed by Smith in deep water bounded by a thermocline, including its periodicity and fluctuations in the formation of bubble bands. Vortices describe closed orbits within the Langmuir cells. Particle motions in the vacillating Lc pattern exhibit trapping close to the line vortices or near the cell boundaries. Vacillation appears not to have been observed in water of limited depth. Here, the vacillation period is predicted to be longer than the deep-water equivalent and may be too long for vacillations to be detected.
The Utility of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring During Open Pharyngeal Diverticula Procedures
Authors: Coughlan Carolyn A. , Verma Sunil P.
Published: April 2016

Objectives:

The recurrent laryngeal nerve is at risk of injury during open pharyngeal diverticula operations. The utility of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) monitoring during these procedures was investigated.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed of 8 open pharyngeal diverticulectomies completed between 2009 and 2014. Intraoperative RLN monitoring took place during all operations.

Results:

Open pharyngectomy and myotomy was successfully performed in all cases. In two cases the RLN was encountered outside of its normal course. The identity of the nerve was confirmed with electrical stimulation and normal EMG response. Vocal fold motion was preserved in all cases.

Conclusions:

Use of intraoperative nerve monitoring in pharyngeal diverticula procedures may be beneficial, especially during open operations for Killian-Jamieson diverticulum (KJD) and large Zenker diverticulum (ZD), where the RLN is typically encountered outside of its normal course.
Selecting the Right Tool: Comparison of the Analytical Performance of Infrared Attenuated Total Reflection Accessories
Authors: Schädle Thomas , Mizaikoff Boris
Published: April 2016

The analytical performance of four commercially available infrared attenuated total reflection (IR-ATR) accessories with various ATR waveguide materials has been analyzed and evaluated using acetate, CO2, and CO32− solutions. Calibration functions have been established to determine and compare analytically relevant parameters such as sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and efficiency. The obtained parameters were further analyzed to support conclusions on the differences in performance of the individual IR-ATR accessories.
Modeling the Effects of Educational Resources on Student Achievement
Authors: Della Sala Matthew R. , Knoeppel Robert C. , Marion Russ
Published: April 2016

The convergence of standards, accountability, and school finance policies necessitates a systematic rethinking about how state-level resource allocation policies can be created to distribute resources in a manner that provides equal educational opportunities for all students. Given the demand for policymakers to distribute adequate resources to improve schools’ capacities to increase student learning, there is a need for evidence detailing the effects of those educational resources on student achievement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to discern the effects of educational resources on student achievement using structural equation modeling. Using data from a southeastern state in the United States, the authors offer resource allocation policy recommendations that align with the state’s constitutional obligation to provide equality of educational opportunity, particularly for students living in poverty.
Immigration, Extracurricular Activity, and the Role of Family
Authors: Jiang Xin , Peguero Anthony A.
Published: April 2016

The children of immigrants’ educational progress and success have been the focus of social research for decades. Although it is known that extracurricular activities contribute to adolescent development and overall well-being, it is also clear that participation varies across immigrant generations. Yet, empirical study explaining generational differences in extracurricular activities across different racial/ethnic groups is limited. This study uses data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) to investigate if family characteristics (i.e., socioeconomic status, structure, parental supervision, and parent–child communication and interaction) explain generational extracurricular activity participation for four racial/ethnic groups (Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians). Findings indicate that family characteristics indeed mediate the children of immigrants’ participation in school extracurricular activities. Moreover, results also denote that family characteristics are particularly relevant for Hispanic children of immigrants’ extracurricular activity participation.
The Children of Immigrants’ Academic Self-Efficacy: The Significance of Gender, Race, Ethnicity, and Segmented Assimilation
Authors: Bondy Jennifer M. , Peguero Anthony A. , Johnson Brent E.
Published: April 2016

Academic self-efficacy reflects an adolescent’s level of confidence or belief that she or he can successfully accomplish educational assignments and tasks, which are also argued to be a fundamental factor in educational progress and success. Little is known, however, about the academic self-efficacy that the children of immigrants have, which is particularly relevant today in the midst of the current social, political, and economic debate over the influence of immigration in U.S. public schools. Segmented assimilation theory guides this study’s understanding of the children of immigrants’ academic self-efficacy. Analyses, which draw from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 and multilevel analyses, indeed reveal imperative findings. Most notably, the association between academic self-efficacy and assimilation is moderated by gender, race, and ethnicity. This article also discusses the importance of understanding the schooling of the children of immigrants in the educational system.
The Narrative Experiences of Hmong American Adolescent Males Labeled Educationally “At Risk”
Authors: Endo R.
Published: April 2016

This article analyzes the narrative experiences of Hmong American adolescent males who were labeled at risk or high risk for academic failure or underperformance by their predominantly White school counselors and teachers. Additional data sources included classroom observations at two racially diverse public high schools and semi-structured interviews with two White American female classroom teachers to ascertain how the “at-risk” label manifested in everyday practices ranging from classroom management/discipline methods, instructional decisions, interpersonal interactions, referrals, and tracking practices. The findings will highlight how the “at-risk” label along with a range of other deficit-based expectations intersected with several problematic assumptions about Asian American masculinities and Hmong American culture that suggested that in general, White school personnel were not aware of how their understandings of racial deviance and difference shaped how they assessed, diagnosed, and interacted with these students. Critically, the “at-risk” label had direct implications for tracking the youth participants into non-college-preparatory tracks including pathways toward alternative, remedial, and special education, or in one case, juvenile detention. Implications are offered for practice and theory.
Perceived Risk of Low-Back Injury Among Four Occupations
Authors: Snow Chelsea R. , Gregory Diane E.
Published: April 2016

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the perception of risk of low-back injury of individuals from four groups: office/administrative employees, dental workers (dentists/dental hygienists), firefighters, and undergraduate students.

Background:

The concept of worker’s perception of injury risk has been used to set safe material-handling limits and to determine compliance with health and safety regulations but has not been used to identify perceptual differences among occupations or potential deficiencies in risk awareness.

Method:

Participants ( N = 232) were presented with eight images of different low-back postures/tasks and were required to rate their perceived magnitude of low-back risk on a scale from 0 ( no risk) to 10 ( extreme risk).

Results:

Office/administrative and dental workers rated postures higher than firefighters and students. Individuals from all groups perceived kyphotic postures as having a higher low-back risk than lordotic postures. Further, office and dental workers, compared to firefighters and students, perceived sitting postures to have a relatively higher level of risk, likely due to these postures being typically adopted by these individuals at work. No relationship between previous low-back pain and risk rating was observed in this study.

Conclusion:

Low-back injury risk perception varies between occupations/groups and may be a result of different exposures.

Application:

The results of this study can potentially be used to implement occupation-specific training programs to ensure that the scientific research regarding low-back injuries is being properly conveyed to employees across all sectors.
The Effect of Firms’ Phased Retirement Policies on the Labor Market Outcomes of Their Employees
Authors: Huber Martin , Lechner Michael , Wunsch Conny
Published: April 2016

In this article, the authors assess the impact on male employees’ labor market outcomes of firms offering a special form of phased retirement. The goal of the program is to smooth the transition from work to retirement and to decrease the costs of public pension and unemployment insurance schemes by increasing the employment of elderly workers. Using a unique linked employer-employee data set, the authors examine whether male employees spend more time in employment and less time in unemployment or inactivity after the introduction of the program. Results suggest that phased retirement options offered by firms can help to reduce some of the public costs of low labor force attachment of elderly workers, mainly by reducing exits through unemployment and by increasing employment and earnings. Under relatively good labor market conditions, they may also encourage a small share of workers to exit the labor market earlier.
Representative bureaucracy: does female police leadership affect gender-based violence arrests?
Authors: Johnston Karen , Houston John
Published: April 2016

Representative bureaucracy theory postulates that passive representation leads to active representation of minority groups. This article investigates the passive representation of female police officers at leadership levels and the active representation of women vis-a-vis gender-based violence arrest rates in the UK. Much of the extant research on representative bureaucracy is located at street level, with evidence showing that discretionary power of minority bureaucrats can lead to active representation. This article is focused on leadership levels of a public bureaucracy. The empirical research is based upon a panel dataset of female police officers as an independent variable and gender-based violence arrest rates as a dependent variable. The analysis reveals that there is little evidence of active representation of women by female police leadership.

Points for practitioners

The research offers policy and public service practitioners with empirical evidence to suggest that representation of minorities is mediated by organizational effects in public bureaucracies.
The development of community-based service for older people in urban China: A case study in Guangzhou city
Authors: Lin Wenyi
Published: April 2016

In recent years, the Chinese government has been transforming from a direct service provider into a regulatory role in the provision of community services. This article aims to understand the recent development of community service provision for older people in urban China by using Guangzhou City as a case example. Through analysing documents, conducting fieldwork and interviewing municipal government officials and service agencies in Guangzhou, the author identifies several changes in the community service provision system in urban China and discusses implications of these changes.
International social work: Silent testimonies of the coloniality of power
Authors: Carranza Mirna E
Published: April 2016

This article draws on the author’s personal experiences of engaging in ethically driven research and development in the Caribbean and Central America. Specifically, it explores how issues of transnational identity and belonging are constantly being renegotiated within the colonial matrix, and the position the author was accorded by the actors involved. These complex and nuanced processes led the author to reposition herself in relation to the various discourses shaping the encounters, with positive and negative results. It provides insights on how coloniality of power shapes such processes, creating conditions that bring about tensions and struggles.
Co3O4/porous carbon nanofibers composite as anode for high-performance lithium ion batteries with improved cycle performance and lithium storage capacity
Authors: Yang Hongxun , Wang Yang , Nie Yu , Sun Shengnan , Yang Tongyi
Published: April 2016

Co3O4 is a promising candidate as an anode material for the next generation lithium ion batteries because of its high theoretical storage capacity and energy density. However, the disadvantages of poor capacity retention caused by large volume changes during cycling and low rate capability due to its poor electronic conductivity frustrate its practical applications. We have developed a binary nanocomposite based on Co3O4 and porous carbon nanofibers synthesized via an electrospinning method followed by thermal treatment. As an anode for lithium ion batteries, the Co3O4/ porous carbon nanofibers composite exhibits a remarkably improved electrochemical performance in terms of lithium storage capacity (869.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C), high-initial Coulombic efficiency (73.8%), cycling stability (94.9% capacity retention at 50 cycles), and rate capability (403.6 mAh g−1 at 2 C at 25 cycles) compared to pure Co3O4. This improvement is attributed to the introduction of porous carbon nanofibers which could improve electrical conductivity of material and accommodate the volume expansion/contraction of Co3O4 nanoparticles during cycling.
Handwriting Development in Spanish Children With and Without Learning Disabilities: A Graphonomic Approach
Authors: Barrientos Pablo
Published: April 2016

The central purpose of this study was to analyze the dynamics of handwriting movements in real time for Spanish students in early grades with and without learning disabilities. The sample consisted of 120 children from Grades 1 through 3 (primary education), classified into two groups: with learning disabilities and without learning disabilities. The Early Grade Writing Assessment tasks selected for this purpose were writing the alphabet in order from memory, alphabet copying in cursive and manuscript, and allograph selection. The dynamics of these four handwriting tasks were recorded using graphonomic tablets (type Wacom Intuos-4), Intuos Inking pens, and Eye and Pen 2 software. Several events were recorded across four different tasks: velocity, pressure, time invested in pauses, and automaticity. The results demonstrated significant graphonomic variations between groups across grades, depending on the type of task.
Game warden perceptions of change in conservation law enforcement
Authors: Eliason Stephen L
Published: April 2016

Game wardens are responsible for protecting natural resources by enforcing fish and wildlife laws. Mounting evidence suggests they may be assuming traditional police duties that leave them with less time for wildlife law enforcement activities. In an effort to understand the situation better, this exploratory study took a qualitative approach to data collection and examined the perceptions of game wardens toward the work they perform. While the results were mixed, the majority of wardens in the study indicated that their duties were expanding. Findings provide support for the idea that conservation law enforcement is becoming more like traditional policing.
Racial Discrimination and African Americans’ Travel Behavior
Authors: Lee KangJae Jerry , Scott David
Published: April 2016

This study investigated African Americans’ travel behavior using Bourdieu’s concept of habitus. In-depth and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 13 middle-class African Americans. Vignette technique was used during the interviews. The study identified four salient themes: (1) racial discrimination during travel, (2) fear of racism, (3) storytelling and safety instructions: social reproduction of the fear of racism, and (4) race-related travel choices. The findings showed that informants’ travel behavior was linked to an acute fear of racism. They affirmed that African Americans’ travel patterns need to be conceived as a defensive mechanism against potential racial discrimination. Implications for research methods and tourism management are discussed.
Why Do Consumers Trust Online Travel Websites? Drivers and Outcomes of Consumer Trust toward Online Travel Websites
Authors: Agag Gomaa M. , El-Masry Ahmed A.
Published: April 2016

Egypt is currently one of the leading nations especially in the Middle East region with a well-established e-commerce environment and advanced IT infrastructure, but rapid growth of e-commerce will soon occur in other nations with similar consumption patterns. This study tests a model of antecedents (consumer experience, propensity to trust, reputation, perceived website size, ease of use, perceived usefulness, and website quality) and consequences of consumers’ trust toward online travel websites. Trust is expected to predict consumer attitude, perceived risk, and intention to purchase travel online. Data of 1,431 users of online travel websites were selected from the Supreme Council of Universities Database–Egypt (SCU) and analyzed through structural equation modeling. The findings show that all the aforementioned factors with the exception of consumer experience influence consumer trust toward online travel websites. Trust influences consumers’ attitude, perceived risk, and intention to purchase travel online.
Who Travels Visa-Free? Insights into Tourist Hassle-Free Travel
Authors: Bangwayo-Skeete Prosper F. , Skeete Ryan W.
Published: April 2016

In line with recent tourism international organizations’ outcry on stringent visa regulations for short-term travel negatively impacting the tourism industry, this paper sheds light into why some countries have more tourist visa-free access than others. We contribute to the politics of tourism literature by providing an understanding of the underlying determinants of political decisions with regard to the number of visa-free privileges offered. The empirical analysis uses count regression models while guided by relevant theories borrowed from migration studies, given that some visitors overstay and become illegal immigrants, which result in visa policies mitigating this phenomenon. Findings underscore the role of public policies centered on improving governance and economic development, deepening their financial sector and engaging in appropriate social networking groups. Such policies will promote global economic welfare, which can eradicate poverty and ignite economic recovery. The results also inform theory in devising an appropriate framework for visa strategic analysis.
The Role of Shared Values in Understanding Loyalty over Time
Authors: Chaney Damien , Martin Drew
Published: April 2016

Tourism’s unique features limit the consumer behavior literature’s ability to explain consumer loyalty. More precisely, existing consumer loyalty models do not consider social and cultural dimensions highlighted by tourism literature. Using new institutional theory, this article proposes a new perspective to explain loyalty. This study of musical festival patrons and managers combines cognitive mapping and questionnaires. Findings demonstrate that shared values between managers and festival-goers influence the latter’s loyalty. More precisely, shared values impact attitudinal loyalty and word-of-mouth, but they do not affect behavioral loyalty. Results also show that festival-goer loyalty decreases more slowly over time when a high level of shared values exist. Beyond music festivals, this study highlights a more sociological approach to explain loyalty over time in tourism.
Neonate with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to dengue infection: a case report
Authors: Krithika MV , Amboiram Prakash , Latha Sneha M , Ninan Binu , Suman Febe Renjitha , Scott Julius
Published: April 2016

We report the first case of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in a neonate secondary to primary Dengue virus infection. This neonate presented in the third week of life with fever, shock and hepatosplenomegaly and was diagnosed to have Dengue infection by serology and HLH was confirmed on bone marrow.
Measuring resilience in competitive tennis players: psychometric properties of the Resilience Scale for Adults
Authors: Cowden Richard G , Meyer-Weitz Anna , Oppong Asante Kwaku
Published: April 2016

The Resilience Scale for Adults is considered a valid and reliable measure of resilience resources and has received validation support across several populations. This study attempted to validate and examine the psychometric properties of the instrument in a sample of competitive tennis players to prospectively appropriate the inventory for use among athletes. The tennis athletes ( n = 365) completed the Resilience Scale for Adults, the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire, and the stress items included on the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes. Confirmatory factor analysis model fit indices revealed an acceptable level of fit for the original six-factor structure. The Resilience Scale for Adults scale and subscales were negatively associated with stress and correlated positively with mental toughness, providing evidence of the convergent validity of the Resilience Scale for Adults. Collectively, the findings offer initial support for using the Resilience Scale for Adults to assess a broad range of protective factors among competitive tennis players. Further research is required to explore the adaptation or refinement of the Resilience Scale for Adults for use in multiple sporting contexts.
Percutaneously Inserted Central Catheter–Related Pleural Effusion in a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A 5‐Year Review (2008–2012)
Authors: Bashir Rani A. , Callejas Allison M. , Osiovich Horacio C. , Ting Joseph Y.
Published: April 2016

Background: Although peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) provide vascular access in newborns who require parenteral nutrition and medications, they can be associated with complications that lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To describe the characteristics of pleural effusion (PLE) associated with PICC use in a large level III neonatal intensive care unit. Design/Methods: A retrospective review of PICC‐related PLE in newborns was conducted over a 5‐year period, from 2008–2012. Results: A total of 926 PICCs were inserted, accounting for 17,606 catheter days. PICC‐related PLE was identified in 7 infants, with an incidence of 0.4 per 1000 catheter days. Infants who developed PLE had a median gestational age of 28 weeks (range, 24–38 weeks) and birth weight of 735 g (range, 500–2975 g). PICCs were inserted at a median age of 4 days (range, 3–11 days). The median time from catheter insertion to the development of PLE was 16 days (range, 7–75 days). In all cases, the catheter tips were centrally located at the time of insertion but migrated to the subclavian veins or tributaries at the time of the events. Conclusion: PICC‐related PLE can be associated with the migration of PICC tips to noncentral locations, despite optimal positioning of the tip at the time of insertion. Attention should be paid to migration of catheter tips on subsequent x‐ray films. For PICCs inserted via upper limb or scalp, serial follow‐up x‐rays, beginning 1 week after insertion, may be helpful to detect migration of catheter tips and identify patients at risk.
Dead liveness/living deadness: Thresholds of non-human life and death in biocapitalism
Authors: Colombino Annalisa , Giaccaria Paolo
Published: April 2016

The opening of a post-genomic age and the possibility of patenting life itself have changed the relationship between biopolitics and capitalism and contributed to the emergence of a new phase of capitalist accumulation, currently known as biocapitalism, the full integration of life and capital into complex architectures of control and ownership. In this paper, we combine Giorgio Agamben’s concepts of the threshold and bios/ zoē with Nicole Shukin’s idea of rendering to address the connection between life and death in biocapitalism, through a specific focus on the commercialisation of the semen of the Piedmontese bulls. We show how death, rather than merely life, is productive in biocapitalism. Further, in proposing an analysis of some of the ways in which, social and biological, animal life gets incorporated (i.e. owned and sold), we contribute to recent debates in geography on more-than-human understanding of capital accumulation.
Jives, jeans and Jewishness? Moral geographies, atmospheres and the politics of mixing at the Jewish Lads’ Brigade & Club 1954–1969
Authors: Mills Sarah
Published: April 2016

This paper examines a series of anxieties about mixing at the Jewish Lads’ Brigade and Club (JLB & C) in Manchester, UK during the 1950s and 1960s, primarily focused on inter-faith activities, relationships and marriages. This paper explores how a powerful moral geography of gender and religion came to be shaped, regulated and negotiated at this youth work space. The concerns expressed by some adults over teenage encounters in the post-war city were articulated and understood through the notion of ‘atmospheres’, and this paper suggests how this idea and language captured some of the anxieties and emotions surrounding cultures of leisure at this time. This paper contributes an in-depth and sustained focus on the moral geographies of the post-war city in relation to young people, as well as addressing an important gap in scholarship on Jewish youthful religiosities. Furthermore, it pushes at ideas about meaningful encounters through the consideration of the JLB & C as a meeting space and arena for visitors. Overall, the paper examines how the JLB & C acted as both a mirror to the wider social changes of the post-war era, while also being an active contributor in shaping those same processes of social change.