bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scalable Fabrication of Natural-Fiber Reinforced Composites with Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Properties by Incorporating Powdered Activated Carbon
Authors: Xia Changlei , Zhang Shifeng , Ren Han , Shi Sheldon , Zhang Hualiang , Cai Liping , Li Jianzhang
Published: December 2015

Kenaf fiber—polyester composites incorporated with powdered activated carbon (PAC) were prepared using the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. The product demonstrates the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding function. The kenaf fibers were retted in a pressured reactor to remove the lignin and extractives in the fiber. The PAC was loaded into the freshly retted fibers in water. The PAC loading effectiveness was determined using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area analysis. A higher BET value was obtained with a higher PAC loading. The transmission energies of the composites were measured by exposing the samples to the irradiation of electromagnetic waves with a variable frequency from 8 GHz to 12 GHz. As the PAC content increased from 0% to 10.0%, 20.5% and 28.9%, the EMI shielding effectiveness increased from 41.4% to 76.0%, 87.9% and 93.0%, respectively. Additionally, the EMI absorption increased from 21.2% to 31.7%, 44.7% and 64.0%, respectively. The ratio of EMI absorption/shielding of the composite at 28.9% of PAC loading was increased significantly by 37.1% as compared with the control sample. It was indicated that the incorporation of PAC into the composites was very effective for absorbing electromagnetic waves, which resulted in a decrease in secondary electromagnetic pollution.
Preparation and Characterization of Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials for Use in Building Applications
Authors: Giro-Paloma Jessica , Al-Shannaq Refat , Fernández Ana , Farid Mohammed
Published: December 2015

A method for preparing and characterizing microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCM) was developed. A comparison with a commercial MPCM is also presented. Both MPCM contained paraffin wax as PCM with acrylic shell. The melting temperature of the PCM was around 21 °C, suitable for building applications. The M-2 (our laboratory made sample) and Micronal® DS 5008 X (BASF) samples were characterized using SEM, DSC, nano-indentation technique, and Gas Chromatography/Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Both samples presented a 6 μm average size and a spherical shape. Thermal energy storage (TES) capacities were 111.73 J·g−1 and 99.3 J·g−1 for M-2 and Micronal® DS 5008 X, respectively. Mechanical characterization of the samples was performed by nano-indentation technique in order to determine the elastic modulus (E), load at maximum displacement (Pm), and displacement at maximum load (hm), concluding that M-2 presented slightly better mechanical properties. Finally, an important parameter for considering use in buildings is the release of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). This characteristic was studied at 65 °C by CG-MS. Both samples showed VOC’s emission after 10 min of heating, however peaks intensity of VOC’s generated from M-2 microcapsules showed a lower concentration than Micronal® DS 5008 X.
Inactivated Sendai Virus (HVJ-E) Immobilized Electrospun Nanofiber for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Okada Takaharu , Niiyama Eri , Uto Koichiro , Aoyagi Takao , Ebara Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2015

Inactivated Hemagglutinating Virus of Japan Envelope (HVJ-E) was immobilized on electrospun nanofibers of poly(ε-caprolactone) by layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique. The precursor LbL film was first constructed with poly-L-lysine and alginic acid via electrostatic interaction. Then the HVJ-E particles were immobilized on the cationic PLL outermost surface. The HVJ-E adsorption was confirmed by surface wettability test, scanning laser microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser microscopy. The immobilized HVJ-E particles were released from the nanofibers under physiological condition. In vitro cytotoxic assay demonstrated that the released HVJ-E from nanofibers induced cancer cell deaths. This surface immobilization technique is possible to perform on anti-cancer drug incorporated nanofibers that enables the fibers to show chemotherapy and immunotherapy simultaneously for an effective eradication of tumor cells in vivo.
Residual Stress Distribution and Microstructure at a Laser Spot of AISI 304 Stainless Steel Subjected to Different Laser Shock Peening Impacts
Authors: Zhang Wenquan , Lu Jinzhong , Luo Kaiyu
Published: December 2015

The effects of different laser shock peening (LSP) impacts on the three-dimensional displayed distributions of surface and in-depth residual stress at a laser spot of AISI 304 stainless steel were investigated by X-ray diffraction technology with the sin2φ method and MATLAB 2010a software. Microstructural evolution in the top surface subjected to multiple LSP impacts was presented by means of cross-sectional optical microscopy (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. Experimental results and analysis indicated that residual stress distribution and microstructure at a laser spot depended strongly on the number of multiple LSP impacts, and refined grain and ultra-high strain rate play an important role in the improvement of compressive residual stress of AISI 304 stainless steel. The analysis of treatment of the extended surface was presented to obtain uniform surface properties on the top surface of AISI 304 stainless steel.
Spectral Shift Amplification and Polarization-Controlled Spectral Shift with Silver Metal
Authors: Han Pin , Tseng Yung-Chieh
Published: December 2015

The spectral shift amplification effect and polarization-controlled spectral shifts are studied using silver (Ag) metal. The spectral shift amplification factor can be doubled by using silver compared with using water. The solid Ag metal surface also provides orientation freedom for polarization-controlled spectral shifts, benefiting data transmission applications in any direction. The liquid water interface provides only limited direction at the Brewster angle. Besides those advantages, the higher reflectivity of Ag reflects higher spectral intensity, which makes the signal easier to detect. The spectral switch phenomenon that depends on the central wavelength variation is also presented.
Asteltoxins with Antiviral Activities from the Marine Sponge-Derived Fungus Aspergillus sp. SCSIO XWS02F40
Authors: Tian Yong-Qi , Lin Xiu-Ping , Wang Zhen , Zhou Xue-Feng , Qin Xiao-Chu , Kaliyaperumal Kumaravel , Zhang Tian-Yu , Tu Zheng-Chao , Liu Yonghong
Published: December 2015

Two new asteltoxins named asteltoxin E (2) and F (3), and a new chromone (4), together with four known compounds were isolated from a marine sponge–derived fungus, Aspergillus sp. SCSIO XWS02F40. The structures of the compounds (1–7) were determined by the extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR spectra, and HRESIMS spectrometry. All the compounds were tested for their antiviral (H1N1 and H3N2) activity. Compounds 2 and 3 showed significant activity against H3N2 with the prominent IC50 values of 6.2 ± 0.08 and 8.9 ± 0.3 μM, respectively. In addition, compound 2 also exhibited inhibitory activity against H1N1 with an IC50 value of 3.5 ± 1.3 μM.
Mechanism of NO Photocatalytic Oxidation on g-C3N4 Was Changed by Pd-QDs Modification
Authors: Li Yuhan , Yang Liping , Dong Guohui , Ho Wingkei
Published: December 2015

Quantum dot (QD) sensitization can increase the light absorption and electronic transmission of photocatalysts. However, limited studies have been conducted on the photocatalytic activity of photocatalysts after modification by noble metal QDs. In this study, we developed a simple method for fabricating Pd-QD-modified g-C3N4. Results showed that the modification of Pd-QDs can improve the NO photocatalytic oxidation activity of g-C3N4. Moreover, Pd-QD modification changed the NO oxidation mechanism from the synergistic action of h+ and O2− to the single action of ·OH. We found that the main reason for the mechanism change was that Pd-QD modification changed the molecular oxygen activation pathway from single-electron reduction to two-electron reduction. This study can not only develop a novel strategy for modifying Pd-QDs on the surface of photocatalysts, but also provides insight into the relationship between Pd-QD modification and the NO photocatalytic oxidation activity of semiconductor photocatalysts.
Effects of Particle Hydrophobicity, Surface Charge, Media pH Value and Complexation with Human Serum Albumin on Drug Release Behavior of Mitoxantrone-Loaded Pullulan Nanoparticles
Authors: Tao Xiaojun , Jin Shu , Wu Dehong , Ling Kai , Yuan Liming , Lin Pingfa , Xie Yongchao , Yang Xiaoping
Published: December 2015

We prepared two types of cholesterol hydrophobically modified pullulan nanoparticles (CHP) and carboxyethyl hydrophobically modified pullulan nanoparticles (CHCP) substituted with various degrees of cholesterol, including 3.11, 6.03, 6.91 and 3.46 per polymer, and named CHP−3.11, CHP−6.03, CHP−6.91 and CHCP−3.46. Dynamic laser light scattering (DLS) showed that the pullulan nanoparticles were 80–120 nm depending on the degree of cholesterol substitution. The mean size of CHCP nanoparticles was about 160 nm, with zeta potential −19.9 mV, larger than CHP because of the carboxyethyl group. A greater degree of cholesterol substitution conferred greater nanoparticle hydrophobicity. Drug-loading efficiency depended on nanoparticle hydrophobicity, that is, nanoparticles with the greatest degree of cholesterol substitution (6.91) showed the most drug encapsulation efficiency (90.2%). The amount of drug loading increased and that of drug release decreased with enhanced nanoparticle hydrophobicity. Nanoparticle surface-negative charge disturbed the amount of drug loading and drug release, for an opposite effect relative to nanoparticle hydrophobicity. The drug release in pullulan nanoparticles was higher pH 4.0 than pH 6.8 media. However, the changed drug release amount was not larger for negative-surface nanoparticles than CHP nanoparticles in the acid release media. Drug release of pullulan nanoparticles was further slowed with human serum albumin complexation and was little affected by nanoparticle hydrophobicity and surface negative charge.
Clustering of Dietary Patterns, Lifestyles, and Overweight among Spanish Children and Adolescents in the ANIBES Study
Authors: Pérez-Rodrigo Carmen , Gil Ángel , González-Gross Marcela , Ortega Rosa , Serra-Majem Lluis , Varela-Moreiras Gregorio , Aranceta-Bartrina Javier
Published: December 2015

Weight gain has been associated with behaviors related to diet, sedentary lifestyle, and physical activity. We investigated dietary patterns and possible meaningful clustering of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep time in Spanish children and adolescents and whether the identified clusters could be associated with overweight. Analysis was based on a subsample (n = 415) of the cross-sectional ANIBES study in Spain. We performed exploratory factor analysis and subsequent cluster analysis of dietary patterns, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and sleep time. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between the cluster solutions and overweight. Factor analysis identified four dietary patterns, one reflecting a profile closer to the traditional Mediterranean diet. Dietary patterns, physical activity behaviors, sedentary behaviors and sleep time on weekdays in Spanish children and adolescents clustered into two different groups. A low physical activity-poorer diet lifestyle pattern, which included a higher proportion of girls, and a high physical activity, low sedentary behavior, longer sleep duration, healthier diet lifestyle pattern. Although increased risk of being overweight was not significant, the Prevalence Ratios (PRs) for the low physical activity-poorer diet lifestyle pattern were >1 in children and in adolescents. The healthier lifestyle pattern included lower proportions of children and adolescents from low socioeconomic status backgrounds.
The Raison D’être for the Community Pharmacy and the Community Pharmacist in Sweden: A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Wisell Kristin , Sporrong Sofia
Published: December 2015

Community pharmacies are balancing between business (selling medicines and other products) and healthcare (using the pharmacists’ knowledge in order to improve drug utilization). This balance could be affected by regulations decided upon by politicians, but also influenced by others. The aim of this study was to explore important stakeholders’ views on community pharmacy and community pharmacists in Sweden. The method used was that of semi-structured qualitative interviews. Political, professional, and patient organization representatives were interviewed. The results show that informants who are pharmacists or representatives of a professional pharmacist organization generally have a healthcare-centered view on community pharmacy/pharmacists. However, different views on how this orientation should be performed were revealed, ranging from being specialists to dealing with uncomplicated tasks. Political organization representatives generally had a more business-oriented view, where competition in the market was believed to be the main driving force for development. A third dimension in which competition was not stressed also emerged; that community pharmacies should primarily distribute medicines. This dimension was most prevalent among the political and patient organization representatives. One conclusion to be drawn is that no stakeholder seemed to have a clear vision or was willing to take the lead for the development of the community pharmacy sector.
Parallax-Robust Surveillance Video Stitching
Authors: He Botao , Yu Shaohua
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a parallax-robust video stitching technique for timely synchronized surveillance video. An efficient two-stage video stitching procedure is proposed in this paper to build wide Field-of-View (FOV) videos for surveillance applications. In the stitching model calculation stage, we develop a layered warping algorithm to align the background scenes, which is location-dependent and turned out to be more robust to parallax than the traditional global projective warping methods. On the selective seam updating stage, we propose a change-detection based optimal seam selection approach to avert ghosting and artifacts caused by moving foregrounds. Experimental results demonstrate that our procedure can efficiently stitch multi-view videos into a wide FOV video output without ghosting and noticeable seams.
Inertial Sensor Technology for Elite Swimming Performance Analysis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mooney Robert , Corley Gavin , Godfrey Alan , Quinlan Leo , ÓLaighin Gearóid
Published: December 2015

Technical evaluation of swimming performance is an essential factor of elite athletic preparation. Novel methods of analysis, incorporating body worn inertial sensors (i.e., Microelectromechanical systems, or MEMS, accelerometers and gyroscopes), have received much attention recently from both research and commercial communities as an alternative to video-based approaches. This technology may allow for improved analysis of stroke mechanics, race performance and energy expenditure, as well as real-time feedback to the coach, potentially enabling more efficient, competitive and quantitative coaching. The aim of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the literature related to the use of inertial sensors for the technical analysis of swimming performance. This paper focuses on providing an evaluation of the accuracy of different feature detection algorithms described in the literature for the analysis of different phases of swimming, specifically starts, turns and free-swimming. The consequences associated with different sensor attachment locations are also considered for both single and multiple sensor configurations. Additional information such as this should help practitioners to select the most appropriate systems and methods for extracting the key performance related parameters that are important to them for analysing their swimmers’ performance and may serve to inform both applied and research practices.
Mutual Authentication Scheme in Secure Internet of Things Technology for Comfortable Lifestyle
Authors: Park Namje , Kang Namhi
Published: December 2015

The Internet of Things (IoT), which can be regarded as an enhanced version of machine-to-machine communication technology, was proposed to realize intelligent thing-to-thing communications by utilizing the Internet connectivity. In the IoT, “things” are generally heterogeneous and resource constrained. In addition, such things are connected to each other over low-power and lossy networks. In this paper, we propose an inter-device authentication and session-key distribution system for devices with only encryption modules. In the proposed system, unlike existing sensor-network environments where the key distribution center distributes the key, each sensor node is involved with the generation of session keys. In addition, in the proposed scheme, the performance is improved so that the authenticated device can calculate the session key in advance. The proposed mutual authentication and session-key distribution system can withstand replay attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and wiretapped secret-key attacks.
A Fast Multiple Sampling Method for Low-Noise CMOS Image Sensors With Column-Parallel 12-bit SAR ADCs
Authors: Kim Min-Kyu , Hong Seong-Kwan , Kwon Oh-Kyong
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a fast multiple sampling method for low-noise CMOS image sensor (CIS) applications with column-parallel successive approximation register analog-to-digital converters (SAR ADCs). The 12-bit SAR ADC using the proposed multiple sampling method decreases the A/D conversion time by repeatedly converting a pixel output to 4-bit after the first 12-bit A/D conversion, reducing noise of the CIS by one over the square root of the number of samplings. The area of the 12-bit SAR ADC is reduced by using a 10-bit capacitor digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with four scaled reference voltages. In addition, a simple up/down counter-based digital processing logic is proposed to perform complex calculations for multiple sampling and digital correlated double sampling. To verify the proposed multiple sampling method, a 256 × 128 pixel array CIS with 12-bit SAR ADCs was fabricated using 0.18 μm CMOS process. The measurement results shows that the proposed multiple sampling method reduces each A/D conversion time from 1.2 μs to 0.45 μs and random noise from 848.3 μV to 270.4 μV, achieving a dynamic range of 68.1 dB and an SNR of 39.2 dB.
Effects of Operating Parameters on Measurements of Biochemical Oxygen Demand Using a Mediatorless Microbial Fuel Cell Biosensor
Authors: Hsieh Min-Chi , Cheng Chiu-Yu , Liu Man-Hai , Chung Ying-Chien
Published: December 2015

The conventional Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) method takes five days to analyze samples. A microbial fuel cell (MFC) may be an alternate tool for rapid BOD determination in water. However, a MFC biosensor for continuous BOD measurements of water samples is still unavailable. In this study, a MFC biosensor inoculated with known mixed cultures was used to determine the BOD concentration. Effects of important parameters on establishing a calibration curve between the BOD concentration and output signal from the MFC were evaluated. The results indicate monosaccharides were good fuel, and methionine, phenylalanine, and ethanol were poor fuels for electricity generation by the MFC. Ions in the influent did not significantly affect the MFC performance. CN− in the influent could alleviate the effect of antagonistic electron acceptors on the MFC performance. The regression equation for BOD concentration and current density of the biosensor was y = 0.0145x + 0.3317. It was adopted to measure accurately and continuously the BOD concentration in actual water samples at an acceptable error margin. These results clearly show the developed MFC biosensor has great potential as an alternative BOD sensing device for online measurements of wastewater BOD.
Environmental Aspects of Social Responsibility of Public Sector Organizations
Authors: Hawrysz Liliana , Foltys Joachim
Published: December 2015

In addition to determining social responsibility policies that affect the market and social actors, certain governments also set objectives related to their internal activity. For example, one of the activities of the German government is to implement the concept of social responsibility into public institutions. In the Netherlands, one of the government tasks is to set an example for responsible practices (government as a role model). The aim of this paper is to examine firstly whether public sector entities set an example for responsible practices, especially with regard to respect for the environment, and secondly, whether public sector organizations in Poland significantly differ from organizations abroad in terms of their practices in the field of environmental protection. A questionnaire was a basis for data collection. The questionnaires were distributed to representatives of deliberately selected public sector organizations located primarily in Europe. The study was conducted in 2012–2013 on a group of 220 public sector organizations (102 Polish and 118 other European). The paper presents only the selected part of research. Public sector organizations in Poland do not have internal mechanisms of environmental responsibility. There is a significant discrepancy between the state of the environmental responsibility of organizations located in Poland and abroad. Obtained results show that public sector organizations, those in Poland in particular, are making their first steps in developing internal environmental responsibility.
Environmental Consciousness in Daily Activities Measured by Negative Prompts
Authors: Hiramatsu Ai , Kurisu Kiyo , Hanaki Keisuke
Published: December 2015

The gap between people’s attitude and action as regards environmental issues has been pointed out even while surveys registered an increase in people’s environmental awareness. Among the possible reasons is that people tend to automatically answer “yes”, as most surveys on environmental consciousness use positively-phrased questions or prompts. To remove the “yes-bias” in previous surveys, this present study conducted in Japan a large-scale questionnaire survey on environmental consciousness using negative prompts and free-answered prompts on which behaviors people feel good/bad/uncertain for the environment. This study also investigated peoples’ psychological factors and concrete pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) in daily life. The results of the questionnaire with negative prompts showed that the rate of people’s consciousness to the environment was lower compared with other surveys. Through factor analysis, five psychological factors were extracted as the explanatory factors of environmental attitude. Demographic effects on the consciousness and PEBs were also observed. Comparison of free-answers on concrete daily behaviors among five different environmentally conscious groups showed there were certain phases in the perception of PEBs based on consciousness level. Similar common behaviors were highly ranked as both PEB and doubtful behaviors, indicating that people were worried about actions that involve a trade-off relationship from diversified standpoints.
The Optimization of Cyclic Links of Live Pig-Industry Chain Based on Circular Economics
Authors: Liu Xing , Xiao Xu
Published: December 2015

To reduce waste and wastewater pollution and to improve the utilization rate of resources in the pig-industry chain, a circular economy of the chain can be developed. The key to constructing the circular economic system of the pig-industry chain is to determine the path of the cyclic materials and to design reasonable waste- and wastewater-treatment capacities. This paper focuses on the treatment and recycling of wastewater in the pig-industry chain and the treatment and recycling of waste into manure and feed. After giving the two circular paths, the paper proposes a multi-objective uncertainty-optimization model for the cyclic links of the pig-industry chain with the highest resource-reuse efficiency and the lowest construction cost based on the uncertainty of market demand. Using a combination of the neural network and genetic algorithm method for designing the solution process for the model, the paper finally introduces the determination methods of relevant parameters and verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the model through a case study.
Structural Properties and Biological Prediction of ({[(1E)-3-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)-1-phenylpropylidene] amino}oxy)(4-methylphenyl)methanone: An In Silico Approach
Authors: Almutairi Maha , Manimaran Devarasu , Joe Issac , Saleh Ola , Attia Mohamed
Published: December 2015

Bioactive molecules are playing essential role in the field of drug discovery and various pharmaceutical applications. Vibrational spectral investigations of the anti-Candida agent ({[(1E)-3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1-phenylpropylidene]amino}oxy)(4-methylphenyl)methanone ((1E)-IPMM) have been recorded and analyzed to understand its structural geometry, inter- and intra-molecular interactions. The equilibrium geometry, harmonic vibrational wavenumber, natural bond orbital (NBO) and Frontier orbital energy analyses have been carried out with the help of density functional theory with B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. The detailed vibrational assignments for the title molecule were performed on the basis of potential energy distribution analysis in order to unambiguously predict its modes. The calculated wavenumbers had good agreement with the experimental values. NBO analysis has confirmed the intramolecular charge transfer interactions. The predicted docking binding energy gave insight into the possible biological activity of the title molecule.
Development of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Method Specific for the Detection of G-Group Aflatoxins
Authors: Li Peiwu , Zhou Qian , Wang Ting , Zhou Haiyan , Zhang Wen , Ding Xiaoxia , Zhang Zhaowei , Chang Perng-Kuang , Zhang Qi
Published: December 2015

To detect and monitor G-group aflatoxins in agricultural products, we generated class-specific monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognized aflatoxins G1 and G2. Of the final three positive and stable hybridomas obtained, clone 2G6 produced a monoclonal antibody that had equal sensitivity to aflatoxins G1 and G2, and did not cross-react with aflatoxins B1, B2, or M1. Its IC50 values for aflatoxins G1 and G2 were 17.18 ng·mL−1 and 19.75 ng·mL−1, respectively. Using this new monoclonal antibody, we developed a competitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CI-ELISA); the method had a limit of detection of 0.06 ng·mL−1. To validate this CI-ELISA, we spiked uncontaminated peanut samples with various amounts of aflatoxins G1 and G2 and compared recovery rates with those determined by a standard HPLC method. The recovery rates of the CI-ELISA ranging from 94% to 103% were comparable to those of the HPLC (92% to 102%). We also used both methods to determine the amounts of G-group aflatoxins in five peanut samples contaminated by aflatoxin B1-positive, and their relative standard deviations ranged from 8.4% to 17.7% (under 20%), which demonstrates a good correlation between the two methods. We further used this CI-ELISA to assess the ability of 126 fungal strains isolated from peanuts or field soils to produce G-group aflatoxins. Among these, seven stains producing different amounts of G-group aflatoxins were identified. Our results showed that the monoclonal antibody 2 G6-based CI-ELISA was suitable for the detection of G-group aflatoxins present in peanuts and also those produced by fungi.
Effects of Environmental Factors on the Disinfection Performance of a Wastewater Stabilization Pond Operated in a Temperate Climate
Authors: Liu Lei , Hall Geof , Champagne Pascale
Published: December 2015

Treatment in a wastewater stabilization pond (WSP) relies on natural purification processes, which can be sensitive to both location and climate. This study investigated the effects of three environmental factors, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature, on disinfection efficiency in a WSP system consisting of three facultative cells, and operated in a temperate climate region, in Eastern Ontario, Canada. Indicator organism (Escherichia coli (E. coli)) removal in WSP systems is driven by a combination of different factors. Elevated pH and DO concentrations, which are attributed to the presence of algae, are important factors for effective disinfection. Therefore, the presence of algae in natural wastewater treatment systems can contribute appreciably to disinfection. Consequently, based on algal concentrations, removal efficiencies of pathogenic microorganisms during wastewater treatment over the course of a year can be highly variable, where higher removal efficiencies would be expected in summer and fall seasons.
Large area scanning probe microscope in ultra-high vacuum demonstrated for electrostatic force measurements on high-voltage devices
Authors: Gysin Urs , Glatzel Thilo , Schmölzer Thomas , Schöner Adolf , Reshanov Sergey , Bartolf Holger , Meyer Ernst
Published: December 2015

Background: The resolution in electrostatic force microscopy (EFM), a descendant of atomic force microscopy (AFM), has reached nanometre dimensions, necessary to investigate integrated circuits in modern electronic devices. However, the characterization of conducting or semiconducting power devices with EFM methods requires an accurate and reliable technique from the nanometre up to the micrometre scale. For high force sensitivity it is indispensable to operate the microscope under high to ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions to suppress viscous damping of the sensor. Furthermore, UHV environment allows for the analysis of clean surfaces under controlled environmental conditions. Because of these requirements we built a large area scanning probe microscope operating under UHV conditions at room temperature allowing to perform various electrical measurements, such as Kelvin probe force microscopy, scanning capacitance force microscopy, scanning spreading resistance microscopy, and also electrostatic force microscopy at higher harmonics. The instrument incorporates beside a standard beam deflection detection system a closed loop scanner with a scan range of 100 μm in lateral and 25 μm in vertical direction as well as an additional fibre optics. This enables the illumination of the tip–sample interface for optically excited measurements such as local surface photo voltage detection.

Results: We present Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) measurements before and after sputtering of a copper alloy with chromium grains used as electrical contact surface in ultra-high power switches. In addition, we discuss KPFM measurements on cross sections of cleaved silicon carbide structures: a calibration layer sample and a power rectifier. To demonstrate the benefit of surface photo voltage measurements, we analysed the contact potential difference of a silicon carbide p/n-junction under illumination.
Analysis of project success factors in construction industry
Authors: GUNDUZ Murat , YAHYA Ahmad Mohammed Ali
Published: December 2015

A great emphasis has taken place to identify and analyse the factors that have been af­fecting the success and the failure of construction projects in recent decades. As a project-based industry, construction has heavily invested in such research. Moreover, the construction industry suffers the most to meet deadlines and budgets limits. The objective of this paper is to identify the critical success factors in construction industry. The study focused on Middle East region. In order to achieve this objective, 25 project success factors were identified by reviewing related literature. The factors were assessed for their impact and contribution to the actual performance of the project on three criteria: schedule, cost, and quality. Then a questionnaire was developed and sent to dif­ferent experts in the construction industry. The collected data of 111 responses was then analysed statistically by using different tools such as: importance index, Spearman’s rank correlation factor and T-test. As a result, company’s technical capacity and scope and work definition were ranked the most important factors. The results of this research may provide a great assistance to professionals and researchers in identifying the critical factors in the construction industry.
THE MOSDEF SURVEY: ELECTRON DENSITY AND IONIZATION PARAMETER AT z ∼ 2.3*
Authors: Sanders Ryan L. , Shapley Alice E. , Kriek Mariska , Reddy Naveen A. , Freeman William R. , Coil Alison L. , Siana Brian , Mobasher Bahram , Shivaei Irene , Price Sedona H. , Groot Laura de
Published: December 2015

Using observations from the MOSFIRE Deep Evolution Field survey, we investigate the physical conditions of star-forming regions in z ∼ 2.3 galaxies, specifically the electron density and ionization state. From measurements of the [O ii]λλ3726,3729 and [S ii]λλ6716,6731 doublets, we find a median electron density of ∼250 cm−3 at z ∼ 2.3, an increase of an order of magnitude compared to measurements of galaxies at z ∼ 0. While z ∼ 2.3 galaxies are offset toward significantly higher O32 values relative to local galaxies at fixed stellar mass, we find that the high-redshift sample follows a similar distribution to the low-metallicity tail of the local distribution in the O32 versus R23 and O3N2 diagrams. Based on these results, we propose that z ∼ 2.3 star-forming galaxies have the same ionization parameter as local galaxies at fixed metallicity. In combination with simple photoionization models, the position of local and z ∼ 2.3 galaxies in excitation diagrams suggests that there is no significant change in the hardness of the ionizing spectrum at fixed metallicity from z ∼ 0 to z ∼ 2.3. We find that z ∼ 2.3 galaxies show no offset compared to low-metallicity local galaxies in emission line ratio diagrams involving only lines of hydrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, but show a systematic offset in diagrams involving [N ii]λ6584. We conclude that the offset of z ∼ 2.3 galaxies from the local star-forming sequence in the [N ii] BPT diagram is primarily driven by elevated N/O at fixed O/H compared to local galaxies. These results suggest that the local gas-phase and stellar metallicity sets the ionization state of star-forming regions at z ∼ 0 and z ∼ 2.
STOCHASTIC GYRORESONANT ACCELERATION FOR HARD ELECTRON SPECTRA OF BLAZARS: EFFECT OF DAMPING OF CASCADING TURBULENCE
Authors: Kakuwa Jun
Published: December 2015

Stochastic acceleration of nonthermal electrons is investigated in the context of hard photon spectra of blazars. It is well known that this acceleration mechanism can produce a hard electron spectrum of

with the high-energy cutoff, called an ultrarelativistic Maxwellian-like distribution, where

is an electron energy spectrum. We revisit the formation of this characteristic spectrum, considering a particular situation where the electrons are accelerated through gyroresonant interaction with magnetohydrodynamic wave turbulence driven by the turbulent cascade. By solving kinetic equations of the turbulent fields, electrons, and photons emitted via the synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) process, we demonstrate that in the non-test-particle treatment, the formation of a Maxwellian-like distribution is prevented by the damping effect on the turbulent fields due to the electron acceleration, at least unless an extreme parameter value is chosen. Instead, a softer electron spectrum with the index of m ≈ −1 is produced if the Kolmogorov-type cascade is assumed. The SSC spectrum that originates from the resultant softer electron spectrum is still hard, but somewhat softer and broader than the case of m = 2. This change of achievable hardness should be noted when this basic particle acceleration scenario is accurately tested with observations of hard photon spectra.
ALMA CENSUS OF FAINT 1.2 mm SOURCES DOWN TO ∼ 0.02 mJy: EXTRAGALACTIC BACKGROUND LIGHT AND DUST-POOR, HIGH-z GALAXIES
Authors: Fujimoto Seiji , Ouchi Masami , Ono Yoshiaki , Shibuya Takatoshi , Ishigaki Masafumi , Nagai Hiroshi , Momose and Rieko
Published: December 2015

We present statistics of 133 faint 1.2 mm continuum sources detected in about 120 deep Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) pointing data that include all the archival deep data available by 2015 June. We derive number counts of 1.2 mm continuum sources down to 0.02 mJy partly with the assistance of gravitational lensing, and find that the total integrated 1.2 mm flux of the securely identified sources is

Jy deg−2 which corresponds to

of the extragalactic background light (EBL) measured by Cosmic Background Explorer observations. These results suggest that the major 1.2 mm EBL contributors are sources with 0.02 mJy, and that very faint 1.2 mm sources with ≲0.02 mJy contribute negligibly to the EBL with the possible flattening and/or truncation of number counts in this very faint flux regime. To understand the physical origin of our faint ALMA sources, we measure the galaxy bias b
g by the counts-in-cells technique, and place a stringent upper limit of b
g < 3.5 that is not similar to b
g values of massive distant red galaxies and submillimeter galaxies but comparable to those of UV-bright, star-forming BzK galaxies (sBzKs) and Lyman break galaxies (LBGs). Moreover, in the optical and near-infrared (NIR) deep fields, we identify optical-NIR counterparts for 59% of our faint ALMA sources, the majority of which have luminosities, colors, and the IRX-β relation the same as sBzKs and LBGs. We thus conclude that about a half of our faint ALMA sources are dust-poor, high-z galaxies as known as sBzKs and LBGs in optical studies, and that these faint ALMA sources are not miniature (U)LIRGs simply scaled down with the infrared brightness.
EVIDENCE OF FANNING IN THE OPHIUCHUS STREAM
Authors: Sesar Branimir , Price-Whelan Adrian M. , Cohen Judith G. , Rix Hans-Walter , Pearson Sarah , Johnston Kathryn V. , Bernard Edouard J. , Ferguson Annette M. N. , Martin Nicolas F. , Slater Colin T. , Chambers Kenneth C. , Flewelling Heather , Wainscoat Richard J. , Waters Christopher
Published: December 2015

The Ophiuchus stellar stream presents a dynamical puzzle: its old stellar populations (∼12 Gyr) cannot be reconciled with (1) its orbit in a simple model for the Milky Way potential and (2) its short angular extent, both of which imply that the observed stream formed within the last

. Recent theoretical work has shown that streams on chaotic orbits may abruptly fan out near their apparent ends; stars in these fans are dispersed in both position and velocity and may be difficult to associate with the stream. Here we present the first evidence of such stream-fanning in the Ophiuchus stream, traced by four blue horizontal branch stars beyond the apparent end of the stream. These stars stand out from the background by their high velocities (

km s−1) against ∼40 other stars: their velocities are comparable to those of the stream, but would be exceptional if they were unrelated halo stars. Their positions and velocities are, however, inconsistent with simple extrapolation of the observed cold, high-density portion of the stream. These observations suggest that stream-fanning may be a real, observable effect and, therefore, that Ophiuchus may be on a chaotic orbit. They also show that the Ophiuchus stream is more extended and hence dynamically older than previously thought, easing the stellar population versus dynamical age tension.
Synthetic Mesh Augmentation of Acute and Subacute Quadriceps Tendon Repair
Authors: Morrey Matthew C. , Barlow Jonathan D. , Abdel Matthew P. , Hanssen Arlen D.
Published: December 2015

Quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncommon injury. To date, surgical results have been less than favorable. A novel repair technique that uses Marlex mesh (C R Bard, Murray Hill, New Jersey) has been developed. Use of this repair may allow earlier range of motion and functional restoration of extension. The authors sought to evaluate the technical feasibility, durability, and postoperative function of this repair. This study retrospectively analyzed 8 knees (7 patients) operated on with this technique from 1990 to 2011. Mean follow-up was 9 years. Average age at the time of injury was 69 years. Mean operative time was 130 minutes. No perioperative complications occurred, no patients had clinical evidence of failure, and no patients required subsequent reoperation. Mean flexion at final follow-up was 100°. Of the 8 knees, 7 knees had no extensor lag at final follow-up. Marlex mesh augmentation for quadriceps tendon ruptures has promising clinical results, despite significant comorbidities. The results showed that the technique was feasible, with low cost and reasonable operative time. The clinical results were durable, with no intraoperative complications, no re-ruptures, rare extension lag, and good range of motion. Therefore, synthetic mesh augmentation is a feasible option in acute quadriceps tendon ruptures. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(1):e9–e13.]
Reconstruction of Traumatic Bone Defect With In Situ Implantation of Dropped Traumatic Segmental Bone Fragments
Authors: Lin Dasheng , Luo Deqing , Lian Kejian , Zhai Wenliang , Ding Zhenqi
Published: December 2015

This study was conducted to determine whether in situ implantation of a dropped traumatic segmental bone fragment is safe and whether the authors' method would reduce the incidence of infectious and related complications. The authors retrospectively reviewed 16 patients with open fractures, including 11 with Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA fractures and 5 with Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB fractures who had a dropped traumatic segmental bone fragment between January 2002 and January 2012. Mean patient age was 35.4 years (range, 19–47 years). There were 10 femurs and 6 tibias. Average postoperative follow-up was 26.8 months (range, 12–60 months). The dropped traumatic segmental bone fragments were cleaned with 3% hydrogen peroxide, placed in separate sterile cups, and soaked in 1% iodophor for 30 minutes. Initial treatment included surgical debridement, wound irrigation, in situ implantation of the dropped traumatic segmental bone fragment, and temporary external fixation. Approximately 4 to 8 weeks later, after successful reconstruction of the soft tissue envelope, minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis was performed. Mean duration of treatment was 8 weeks (range, 6–14 weeks). All patients had fracture union at final follow-up. Mean healing time was 21.8 weeks (range, 14–48 weeks). One patient did not achieve primary union and required bone grafting. One patient with a Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB fracture had deep infection and removal of the dropped traumatic segmental bone fragment and bone grafting. According to the Klemm and Börner classification, 11 patients had excellent results, 3 had good results, and 2 had poor results. With adequate soft tissue coverage, this method was acceptable for the management of open fractures with bone defects. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(1):e14–e18.]
Treatment Experiences and Management Outcomes for Skipped Multisegmental Spinal Tuberculosis
Authors: Mei Gang , Luo Fei , Zhang Zehua , Dai Fei , Zhou Qiang , He Qingyi , Hou Tianyong , Xu Jianzhong
Published: December 2015

China ranks second among the 22 countries with the highest burden of tuberculosis. The goals of this study were to evaluate the clinical outcomes of treatment of skipped multisegmental spinal tuberculosis and to investigate the selection strategy for the optimal procedure based on focal characteristics. From March 1999 to December 2013, 24 patients with skipped multisegmental spinal tuberculosis were enrolled in this study. Ten patients underwent an anterior procedure (anterior group). Four patients underwent a combined anterior and posterior procedure (combined anterior and posterior group). Ten patients underwent a posterior procedure (posterior group). All patients were evaluated according to clinical presentation and radiographic, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging findings. The focal tissues of all patients underwent drug susceptibility testing. The patients underwent clinical and radiologic follow-up an average of 18.6 months post-operatively. The cohort included 13 male and 11 female patients (age range, 15–69 years). The patients showed significant improvement in deformity and neurologic deficits. All patients had graft union 6 to 12 months postoperatively. No patient had surgical complications. Postoperative recurrence occurred in 1 patient in the combined anterior and posterior group. Two patients had strains that were resistant to at least 1 anti-tuberculosis drug. One patient had multidrug-resistant strains. All 24 patients had achieved cure at final follow-up. This study showed that the 3 procedures can safely and effectively achieve nerve decompression, graft fusion, and kyphosis correction. The procedure should be chosen according to the patient's general condition, focal characteristics, and type of complication, and the surgeon's experience. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(1):e19–e25.]
Nonligamentous Soft Tissue Pathology About the Knee: A Review
Authors: Erickson Brandon J. , Campbell Kevin , Cvetanovich Gregory L. , Harris Joshua D. , Bach Bernard R. , Sherman Seth L.
Published: December 2015

Knee pain is one of the most frequent complaints evaluated by orthopedic surgeons. It encompasses a broad range of pathology and can present in a variety of ways. Most of this pain can be attributed to essential structures of the knee, including the menisci, cruciate or collateral ligaments, and articular cartilage. However, there are underrecognized structures in and around the knee that can frequently be a cause of knee pathology and pain. Knee pain stemming from these structures may be missed or incorrectly diagnosed, and these patients often present for second and third opinions because of failure to diagnose and treat the underlying pathology. The synovial plica, suprapatellar pouch, lateral retinaculum, infrapatellar fat pad, and infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve are less common but still significant causes of knee pain. Although initial treatment involves various nonoperative modalities, operative treatment is often warranted. Operative and nonoperative management of these soft tissue structures may occur in isolation or with concomitant procedures, including knee ligament reconstruction, total knee arthroplasty, tibial tuberosity osteotomy, or lysis of adhesions. With proper recognition of the role of these structures in knee pain, the orthopedic surgeon can offer a valuable primary or adjunctive treatment option for patients with knee pain, especially those without localizing signs of meniscal, ligamentous, or cartilage damage. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(1):32–42.]