bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Science Research and Everyday Human Life
Authors: Upadhyay Prakash
Published: February 2018

Pedestaled on qualitative secondary data congregated from secondary sources, the major objective of this paper is to analyze relation between social science research and daily human life especially with problem solving and decision making activities. The key argument of this paper is that social science research attempts to find social patterns of regularity in social life that usually deals with social group. Yet, in social science there are no social laws parallel to natural science laws. A law in social science is a universal generalization about a class of facts. There are diverse schools of thought embedded with key perspectives in social research. Social researchers inquire and wonder on diverse issues and matters in everyday human life. By means of sense and inquisi tive knowledge background they explore the raison d'être behind any issue. And it is the systematic research probing the reasons behind the issues tremendously germane in daily life. In our daily life we put up with copious tribulations, research knowledge and the solutions of the problems emerging from researches prove handy and practical for the society and the people. This study deduced that, improving the quality of every day social life is a significant goal since the pools of ideas configures much philosophy and much telling about society, by social scientists and by others. Hence, in having a comprehension of debates and the applicability of different methods of research and the implications of research findings on society, advanced researches and more inquiring and confident researchers will be more productive.The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. X No. 1 December 2017, Page: 28-41
Status of Primary Market Response in Nepal
Authors: Gurung Jas Bahadur
Published: February 2018

This paper attempts to analyze the status of primary market response in Nepal using secondary data collected from annual reports of various capital market institutions of 22 years starting from 1993/94 to 2014/15. This paper follows descriptive research design and analysis has been carried out throughout accordingly. The study concludes that the total capital mobilization has been increasing during the study period implying there is transfer of capital from surplus sectors to the productive investments gradually. Ordinary shares including rights offerings has found more active in the primary market than that of other alternative market mechanisms. It means preference shares, debentures, mutual funds and citizen unit schemes have been found still unorganized in Nepal. initial public offerings is mainly dominated by the ordinary shares has been highly oversubscribed during the study period except in few cases. This particular case shows the public response towards primary market is found good. However, when we go through all other indicators the primary market has still found unsystematic, vulnerable and even small in size. There are a very limited number of merchant bankers as financial intermediary in the primary market. The liberalization policy has brought major changes in regulatory and institutional framework but the primary market has yet to be improved and advanced so that the corporate houses can benefit by designing optimum capital structure and investors are also benefitted by developing appropriate investment portfolios. More specifically, the primary market more dynamic ofter the introduction of federal republic system since 2006/07 in Nepal, though it is still unstable.The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. X No. 1 December 2017, Page: 56-68
A Statistical Model for Estimating Provision for Doubtful Debts
Authors: Budhathoki Dhruba Kumar
Published: February 2018

This paper attempts to analyze a statistical model for estimating provision for doubtful debts based on available data and literature. Where a significant portion of an enterprise’s assets are tied up in Sundry Debtors (of any kind), the accuracy achieved in estimating this provision for doubtful debts assumes a special significance. This is very much well known to anyone who is seriously connected with financial matters, whether under any statute or for carrying out management accounting exercise. However, this paper is not intended to over-emphasize this aspect of financial management accounting. The purpose of this paper is to attempt to build a statistical model to enhance the degree of accuracy in this regard. The customary practice prevalent, at least in Nepal, is to estimate it mainly by applying a highly subjective judgmental process, bordering on a hunch-oriented process.The Journal of Nepalese Business Studies Vol. X No. 1 December 2017, Page: 78-84
A Model Questionnaire for Evaluation of Musculo Skeletal Disorder
Authors: Kar Sanjit Kumar
Published: February 2018

Occupational health hazards are the very important unavoidable problems of different type of jobs. All occupational jobs contain several tasks and workers are compelled to adopt some harmful and awkward postures during performing those tasks. These types of repetitive jobs may be related to occupational health hazards like musculo skeletal disorder (MSD). In the present methodology different MSD related problems of the workers can be assessed by the questionnaire techniques considering the issues of community health development. In this concern a simple and easily applicable questionnaire technique has been established for the different occupations during performing tasks. It was concluded that MSD among the workers might be related to the stressful work posture, long duration jobs, nature of jobs and use of ill-fitted hand tools. So, with the application of the questionnaire, investigator can evaluate the real physiological problems and give them remedies. Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences (2016) Vol.04 No.02 Issue 14, page: 46-48
Graduate Education and Humanities Crisis
Authors: Horinko Leanne M.
Published: February 2018

As colleges and universities struggle to meet students’ needs for education and career preparation, the humanities and graduate education are called into question. Recent works by Leonard Cassuto, Paul Jay, and Julie Posselt explore concerns in humanities studies and graduate education, and serve as a collective call to action for educators to rethink current practices. Drawing on recurring themes of problematic curriculum, overspecialization, and a diminished job market, these authors examine ongoing debates, areas of concern, and flawed systems of preparation in higher education. In doing so, they emphasize the need for student-centred instruction focused on skill building and public engagement, as well as a need to review and rethink current practices in higher education within disciplinary boundaries and graduate education.
Teaching Tip: The Development of an Interactive Computer-Based Training Program for Timely and Humane On-Farm Pig Euthanasia
Authors: Mullins Caitlyn R. , Pairis-Garcia Monique D. , Campler Magnus R. , Anthony Raymond , Johnson Anna K. , Coleman Grahame J. , Rault Jean-Loup
Published: February 2018

With extensive knowledge and training in the prevention, management, and treatment of disease conditions in animals, veterinarians play a critical role in ensuring good welfare on swine farms by training caretakers on the importance of timely euthanasia. To assist veterinarians and other industry professionals in training new and seasoned caretakers, an interactive computer-based training program was created. It consists of three modules, each containing five case studies, which cover three distinct production stages (breeding stock, piglets, and wean to grower-finisher pigs). Case study development was derived from five specific euthanasia criteria defined in the 2015 Common Swine Industry Audit, a nationally recognized auditing program used in the US. Case studies provide information regarding treatment history, clinical signs, and condition severity of the pig and prompt learners to make management decisions regarding pig treatment and care. Once a decision is made, feedback is provided so learners understand the appropriateness of their decision compared to current industry guidelines. In addition to training farm personnel, this program may also be a valuable resource if incorporated into veterinary, graduate, and continuing education curricula. This innovative tool represents the first interactive euthanasia-specific training program in the US swine industry and offers the potential to improve timely and humane on-farm pig euthanasia.
Near-Net Shape Manufacturing of Copper-Ceramic Composites Via Gas Pressure Infiltration in Permanent Molds
Authors: Klement M. , Schneider G. , Nagel A. , Lott O. , Harrison D. K.
Published: February 2018

Composites with a interpenetrated copper-ceramic microstructure can be customized for highest demands such as a high thermal conductivity in combination with a small thermal expansion. This article reports on the synthesis of near-net shape Cu-Al2O3 composites via gas pressure infiltration. Open-porous Al2O3 preforms are infiltrated with Cu using Si3N4 permanent molds. The infiltration quality as well as the porosity distribution within the materials are described qualitatively and quantitatively. The effects of the manufacturing process and cooling rate on the composites will be looked at.
Examination of Different Slags as By-Products of Late Bronze Age Copper Metallurgy
Authors: Haubner R. , Strobl S.
Published: February 2018

What is left of bronze age copper production and processing is predominantly the slags which were not processed any further and which archaeologists have found at various archaeological sites. It would be of particular interest to establish a correlation between the different types of slag and specific copper ores and stages of the copper production process. It proves rather difficult, however, to deduce the entire set of relevant initial parameters from the final product, the “slag”.

The investigative results of three very different types of slag reveal the distribution of slag and that of the source materials quartz, copper ore and iron ore. In the slag areas, different distributions of its constituents olivine, wüstite and vitreous phase (wollastonite) were observed. From element analysis and plottings in the FeO-SiO2-CaO phase diagram, some first conclusions may be drawn as to the formation conditions with regard to the different types of slag.
Surrogacy around the world
Authors: Lasker Shamima Parvin
Published: February 2018

Surrogacy is an encouraging management for many childless couples and can hypothetically resolve many unbearable pain that they are confronted. Initially surrogacy treatment was frowned upon, however, surrogacy is more popularly accepted now a day. Though, surrogacy has not yet recognized by 199 country in the globe. Different country has different regulations on surrogacy. However, “there are some indication of the degree of divergence between oﬃcial discourse and actual practice of surrogacy throughout world”. There are positive changes in attitude toward surrogacy has been seen in some countries. This special issue of Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics has been organized on surrogacy to see the current thinking of surrogacy around the world and how people come out from the social, religious and political framework.
Object Tracking with LiDAR: Monitoring Taxiing and Landing Aircraft
Authors: Koppanyi Zoltan , Toth Charles
Published: February 2018

Mobile light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors used in car navigation and robotics, such as the Velodyne’s VLP-16 and HDL-32E, allow for sensing the surroundings of the platform with high temporal resolution to detect obstacles, tracking objects and support path planning. This study investigates the feasibility of using LiDAR sensors for tracking taxiing or landing aircraft close to the ground to improve airport safety. A prototype system was developed and installed at an airfield to capture point clouds to monitor aircraft operations. One of the challenges of accurate object tracking using the Velodyne sensors is the relatively small vertical field of view (30°, 41.3°) and angular resolution (1.33°, 2°), resulting in a small number of points of the tracked object. The point density decreases with the object–sensor distance, and is already sparse at a moderate range of 30–40 m. The paper introduces our model-based tracking algorithms, including volume minimization and cube trajectories, to address the optimal estimation of object motion and tracking based on sparse point clouds. Using a network of sensors, multiple tests were conducted at an airport to assess the performance of the demonstration system and the algorithms developed. The investigation was focused on monitoring small aircraft moving on runways and taxiways, and the results indicate less than 0.7 m/s and 17 cm velocity and positioning accuracy achieved, respectively. Overall, based on our findings, this technology is promising not only for aircraft monitoring but for airport applications.
Large Scale Imaging by Fine Spatial Alignment of Multi-Scanning Data with Gel Cube Device
Authors: Hagiwara Masaya , Nobata Rina , Kawahara Tomohiro
Published: February 2018

In vitro three-dimensional (3D) culturing is considered essential in many biological fields. However, the imaging of developed 3D formations is often difficult, especially if the size of the sample is relatively large. The z-resolution of fluorescent imaging is low using low magnification lenses (4× and 10×) due to large focal depths. This paper describes 3D culture platform enabling large scale 3D imaging by fine spatial alignment of the image dataset obtained from multiple directions. A gel cube device was employed to conduct the multi-scanning and then a self-fluorescent microstructure in a cubic frame allows us spatially align image dataset within a few pixels. By synthesizing data from multiple scans, the platform enables us to visualize millimeter-sized 3D sample structure and individual cellular actin filaments at the same time. Millimeter depth imaging of a developed bronchial tree was achieved with high z-resolution. The device, which is applicable to most microscopy systems, can enhance the image quality without modifying current systems.
Thermographic Non-Destructive Evaluation for Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composite Laminates
Authors: Zhang Hai , Sfarra Stefano , Sarasini Fabrizio , Santulli Carlo , Fernandes Henrique , Avdelidis Nicolas P. , Ibarra-Castanedo Clemente , Maldague Xavier P. V.
Published: February 2018

Natural fibers, including mineral and plant fibers, are increasingly used for polymer composite materials due to their low environmental impact. In this paper, thermographic non-destructive inspection techniques were used to evaluate and characterize basalt, jute/hemp and bagasse fibers composite panels. Different defects were analyzed in terms of impact damage, delaminations and resin abnormalities. Of particular interest, homogeneous particleboards of sugarcane bagasse, a new plant fiber material, were studied. Pulsed phase thermography and principal component thermography were used as the post-processing methods. In addition, ultrasonic C-scan and continuous wave terahertz imaging were also carried out on the mineral fiber laminates for comparative purposes. Finally, an analytical comparison of different methods was given.
Elsinopirins A–D, Decalin Polyketides from the Ascomycete Elsinoё pyri
Authors: Surup Frank , Pommerehne Kathrin , Schroers Hans-Josef , Stadler Marc
Published: February 2018

In course of our screening for new secondary metabolites from ecological niche specialized, phytopathogenic fungi, the plant pathogen Elsinoё pyri, strain 2203C, was found to produce four novel compounds (1–4), which were named elsinopirins A–D, in addition to the known metabolite elsinochrome A (5). After isolation by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), their structures, including relative stereochemistry, were elucidated by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) data. Finally, absolute stereochemistry was assigned by chemical shifts of Mosher’s esters (α-methoxy-α-trifluoromethylphenylacetic acid; MTPA) derivatives of elsinopirin B (2). The compounds were found to be devoid of significant antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic activities.
Self-Organized Nanostructure Modified Microelectrode for Sensitive Electrochemical Glutamate Detection in Stem Cells-Derived Brain Organoids
Authors: Nasr Babak , Chatterton Rachael , Yong Jason , Jamshidi Pegah , D’Abaco Giovanna , Bjorksten Andrew , Kavehei Omid , Chana Gursharan , Dottori Mirella , Skafidas Efstratios
Published: February 2018

Neurons release neurotransmitters such as glutamate to communicate with each other and to coordinate brain functioning. As increased glutamate release is indicative of neuronal maturation and activity, a system that can measure glutamate levels over time within the same tissue and/or culture system is highly advantageous for neurodevelopmental investigation. To address such challenges, we develop for the first time a convenient method to realize functionalized borosilicate glass capillaries with nanostructured texture as an electrochemical biosensor to detect glutamate release from cerebral organoids generated from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) that mimic various brain regions. The biosensor shows a clear catalytic activity toward the oxidation of glutamate with a sensitivity of 93 ± 9.5 nA·µM−1·cm−2. It was found that the enzyme-modified microelectrodes can detect glutamate in a wide linear range from 5 µM to 0.5 mM with a limit of detection (LOD) down to 5.6 ± 0.2 µM. Measurements were performed within the organoids at different time points and consistent results were obtained. This data demonstrates the reliability of the biosensor as well as its usefulness in measuring glutamate levels across time within the same culture system.
ABCA7 and Pathogenic Pathways of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Aikawa Tomonori , Holm Marie-Louise , Kanekiyo Takahisa
Published: February 2018

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) reporter family functions to regulate the homeostasis of phospholipids and cholesterol in the central nervous system, as well as peripheral tissues. ABCA7 belongs to the A subfamily of ABC transporters, which shares 54% sequence identity with ABCA1. While ABCA7 is expressed in a variety of tissues/organs, including the brain, recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified ABCA7 gene variants as susceptibility loci for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). More important, subsequent genome sequencing analyses have revealed that premature termination codon mutations in ABCA7 are associated with the increased risk for AD. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia, where the accumulation and deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides cleaved from amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the brain trigger the pathogenic cascade of the disease. In consistence with human genetic studies, increasing evidence has demonstrated that ABCA7 deficiency exacerbates Aβ pathology using in vitro and in vivo models. While ABCA7 has been shown to mediate phagocytic activity in macrophages, ABCA7 is also involved in the microglial Aβ clearance pathway. Furthermore, ABCA7 deficiency results in accelerated Aβ production, likely by facilitating endocytosis and/or processing of APP. Taken together, current evidence suggests that ABCA7 loss-of-function contributes to AD-related phenotypes through multiple pathways. A better understanding of the function of ABCA7 beyond lipid metabolism in both physiological and pathological conditions becomes increasingly important to explore AD pathogenesis.
Follow-Up of Peripheral IL-1β and IL-6 and Relation with Apoptotic Death in Drug-Resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients Submitted to Surgery
Authors: Lorigados Pedre Lourdes , Morales Chacón Lilia M. , Pavón Fuentes Nancy , Robinson Agramonte María de los A. , Serrano Sánchez Teresa , Cruz-Xenes Rachel M. , Hung Mei-Li Díaz , Estupiñán Díaz Bárbara , Báez Martín Margarita M. , Orozco-Suárez Sandra
Published: February 2018

Increasing amounts of evidence support the role of inflammation in epilepsy. This study was done to evaluate serum follow-up of IL-1β and IL-6 levels, as well as their concentration in the neocortex, and the relationship of central inflammation with NF-κB and annexin V in drug-resistant temporal lobe epileptic (DRTLE) patients submitted to surgical treatment. Peripheral and central levels of IL-1β and IL-6were measured by ELISA in 10 DRTLE patients. The sera from patients were taken before surgery, and 12 and 24 months after surgical treatment. The neocortical expression of NF-κB was evaluated by western blotting and annexin V co-localization with synaptophysin by immunohistochemistry. The neocortical tissues from five patients who died by non-neurological causes were used as control. Decreased serum levels of IL-1 and IL-6 were observed after surgery; at this time, 70% of patients were seizure-free. No values of IL-1 and IL-6 were detected in neocortical control tissue, whereas cytokine levels were evidenced in DRTLE. Increased NF-κB neocortex expression was found and the positive annexin V neurons were more obvious in the DRTLE tissue, correlating with IL-6 levels. The follow-up study confirmed that the inflammatory alterations disappeared one year after surgery, when the majority of patients were seizure-free, and the apoptotic death process correlated with inflammation.
Elevated Polyamines in Saliva of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Asai Yasutsugu , Itoi Takao , Sugimoto Masahiro , Sofuni Atsushi , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Tanaka Reina , Tonozuka Ryosuke , Honjo Mitsuyoshi , Mukai Shuntaro , Fujita Mitsuru , Yamamoto Kenjiro , Matsunami Yukitoshi , Kurosawa Takashi , Nagakawa Yuichi , Kaneko Miku , Ota Sana , Kawachi Shigeyuki , Shimazu Motohide , Soga Tomoyoshi , Tomita Masaru , Sunamura Makoto
Published: February 2018

Detection of pancreatic cancer (PC) at a resectable stage is still difficult because of the lack of accurate detection tests. The development of accurate biomarkers in low or non-invasive biofluids is essential to enable frequent tests, which would help increase the opportunity of PC detection in early stages. Polyamines have been reported as possible biomarkers in urine and saliva samples in various cancers. Here, we analyzed salivary metabolites, including polyamines, using capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry. Salivary samples were collected from patients with PC (n = 39), those with chronic pancreatitis (CP, n = 14), and controls (C, n = 26). Polyamines, such as spermine, N1-acetylspermidine, and N1-acetylspermine, showed a significant difference between patients with PC and those with C, and the combination of four metabolites including N1-acetylspermidine showed high accuracy in discriminating PC from the other two groups. These data show the potential of saliva as a source for tests screening for PC.
Selective Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde Catalyzed by ZnO-Fe2O3 Mixed Oxide Supported Gold Nanocatalysts
Authors: Wang Wei , Xie Yan , Zhang Shaohua , Liu Xing , Haruta Masatake , Huang Jiahui
Published: February 2018

ZnO-Fe2O3 mixed oxides and supported gold nanocatalysts were prepared by using coprecipitation and deposition–precipitation methods, respectively. Cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation over various ZnO-Fe2O3 mixed oxides supported gold nanocatalysts have been investigated at 140 °C and a hydrogen pressure of 1.0 MPa. The molar ratio of Fe to Zn was found to greatly affect the selective hydrogenation catalytic activity of ZnO-Fe2O3 mixed oxide supported gold nanocatalysts. Among these supported gold nanocatalysts in this work, Au/Zn0.7Fe0.3Ox (Au loading of 1.74 wt %) exhibited the highest conversion of cinnamaldehyde and high selectivity to cinnamal alcohol. The excellent catalytic activity of Au/Zn0.7Fe0.3Ox was tightly associated with a large surface area, small gold nanoparticles, and good H2 dissociation ability at low temperature.
In Situ UV-Visible Assessment of Iron-Based High-Temperature Water-Gas Shift Catalysts Promoted with Lanthana: An Extent of Reduction Study
Authors: Hallac Basseem , Brown Jared , Stavitski Eli , Harrison Roger , Argyle Morris
Published: February 2018

The extent of reduction of unsupported iron-based high-temperature water-gas shift catalysts with small (<5 wt %) lanthana contents was studied using UV-visible spectroscopy. Temperature- programmed reduction measurements showed that lanthana content higher than 0.5 wt % increased the extent of reduction to metallic Fe, while 0.5 wt % of lanthana facilitated the reduction to Fe3O4. In situ measurements on the iron oxide catalysts using mass and UV-visible spectroscopies permitted the quantification of the extent of reduction under temperature-programmed reduction and high-temperature water-gas shift conditions. The oxidation states were successfully calibrated against normalized absorbance spectra of visible light using the Kubelka-Munk theory. The normalized absorbance relative to the fully oxidized Fe2O3 increased as the extent of reduction increased. XANES suggested that the average bulk iron oxidation state during the water-gas shift reaction was Fe+2.57 for the catalyst with no lanthana and Fe+2.54 for the catalysts with 1 wt % lanthana. However, the UV-vis spectra suggest that the surface oxidation state of iron would be Fe+2.31 for the catalyst with 1 wt % lanthana if the oxidation state of iron in the catalyst with 0 wt % lanthana were Fe+2.57. The findings of this paper emphasize the importance of surface sensitive UV-visible spectroscopy for determining the extent of catalyst reduction during operation. The paper highlights the potential to use bench-scale UV-visible spectroscopy to study the surface chemistry of catalysts instead of less-available synchrotron X-ray radiation facilities.
Surface Modification of Sol-Gel Silica Antireflective Coatings by F-PMHS: A Simple Method for Improvement of Amphiphobicity
Authors: Lin Wensheng , Sun Yingying , Zheng Jiaxian , Zheng Yanmei , Yan Lianghong , Jiang Bo , Yang Wenbin , Chen Hanxian , Zhang Xinxiang
Published: February 2018

Sol-gel silica antireflective coatings (ARCs) with improved amphiphobicity were simply fabricated on BK7 glass substrates via fluorinated-poly(methylhydrogen)siloxane (F-PMHS) surface modification by the dip-coating method. The results of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) showed that F-PMHS were covalently bonded to the surface of ARCs. F-PMHS modification significantly improved hydrophobicity and oleophobicity of silica ARCs by increasing their water contact angles from 27° to 105° and oil contact angles from 17° to 45°. In addition to the improved amphiphobicity, the modified ARCs also possessed excellent transmittance. Most importantly, it was found that with increasing F-PMHS content the atom amounts and porous property of modified ARCs were almost unchanged. This result had been shown to be associated with the changes of optical property and amphiphobicity for silica ARCs, and the details were discussed.
Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Potato Protein Isolate-Based Films
Authors: Schäfer David , Reinelt Matthias , Stäbler Andreas , Schmid Markus
Published: February 2018

Potato protein isolate (PPI) was studied as a source for bio-based polymer films. The objective of this study was the determination of the packaging-relevant properties, including the mechanical properties and barrier performance, of casted potato protein films. Furthermore, the films were analyzed for cross-linking properties depending on the plasticizer concentration, and compared with whey protein isolate (WPI)-based films. Swelling tests and water sorption isotherm measurements were performed to determine the degree of swelling, the degree of cross-linking, and the cross-linking density using the Flory–Rehner approach. The effects of different plasticizer types and contents on compatibility with potato protein were studied. Glycerol was the most compatible plasticizer, as it was the only plasticizer providing flexible standalone films in the investigated concentration range after three weeks of storage. Results indicated that increasing glycerol content led to decreasing cross-linking, which correlated in an inversely proportional manner to the swelling behavior. A correlation between cross-linking and functional properties was also reflected in mechanical and barrier characterization. An increasing number of cross-links resulted in higher tensile strength and Young’s modulus, whereas elongation was unexpectedly not affected. Similarly, barrier performance was significantly improved with increasing cross-linking. The overall superior functional properties of whey protein-based films were mainly ascribed to their higher percentage of cross-links. This was primarily attributed to a lower total cysteine content of PPI (1.6 g/16 g·N) compared to WPI (2.8 g/16 g·N), and the significant lower solubility of potato protein isolate in water at pH 7.0 (48.1%), which was half that of whey protein isolate (96%). Comparing on an identical glycerol level (66.7% (w/w protein)), the performance of potato protein isolate was about 80% that of whey protein isolate regarding cross-linking, as well as mechanical and barrier properties.
Improvement of Wear Performance of Nano-Multilayer PVD Coatings under Dry Hard End Milling Conditions Based on Their Architectural Development
Authors: Chowdhury Shahereen , Beake Ben D. , Yamamoto Kenji , Bose Bipasha , Aguirre Myriam , Fox-Rabinovich German S. , Veldhuis Stephen C.
Published: February 2018

The TiAlCrSiYN-based family of PVD (physical vapor deposition) hard coatings was specially designed for extreme conditions involving the dry ultra-performance machining of hardened tool steels. However, there is a strong potential for further advances in the wear performance of the coatings through improvements in their architecture. A few different coating architectures (monolayer, multilayer, bi-multilayer, bi-multilayer with increased number of alternating nano-layers) were studied in relation to cutting-tool life. Comprehensive characterization of the structure and properties of the coatings has been performed using XRD, SEM, TEM, micro-mechanical studies and tool-life evaluation. The wear performance was then related to the ability of the coating layer to exhibit minimal surface damage under operation, which is directly associated with the various micro-mechanical characteristics (such as hardness, elastic modulus and related characteristics; nano-impact; scratch test-based characteristics). The results presented exhibited that a substantial increase in tool life as well as improvement of the mechanical properties could be achieved through the architectural development of the coatings.
Multifunctional Aromatic Carboxylic Acids as Versatile Building Blocks for Hydrothermal Design of Coordination Polymers
Authors: Gu Jinzhong , Wen Min , Liang Xiaoxiao , Shi Zifa , Kirillova Marina , Kirillov Alexander
Published: February 2018

Selected recent examples of coordination polymers (CPs) or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed from different multifunctional carboxylic acids with phenyl-pyridine or biphenyl cores have been discussed. Despite being still little explored in crystal engineering research, such types of semi-rigid, thermally stable, multifunctional and versatile carboxylic acid building blocks have become very promising toward the hydrothermal synthesis of metal-organic architectures possessing distinct structural features, topologies, and functional properties. Thus, the main aim of this mini-review has been to motivate further research toward the synthesis and application of coordination polymers assembled from polycarboxylic acids with phenyl-pyridine or biphenyl cores. The importance of different reaction parameters and hydrothermal conditions on the generation and structural types of CPs or MOFs has also been highlighted. The influence of the type of main di- or tricarboxylate ligand, nature of metal node, stoichiometry and molar ratio of reagents, temperature, and presence of auxiliary ligands or templates has been showcased. Selected examples of highly porous or luminescent CPs, compounds with unusual magnetic properties, and frameworks for selective sensing applications have been described.
Comparative Study of Different Methods for Estimating Weibull Parameters: A Case Study on Jeju Island, South Korea
Authors: Kang Dongbum , Ko Kyungnam , Huh Jongchul
Published: February 2018

On Jeju Island, South Korea, an investigation was conducted to determine the best method for estimating Weibull parameters. Six methods commonly used in many fields of the wind energy industry were reviewed: the empirical, moment, graphical, energy pattern factor, maximum likelihood, and modified maximum likelihood methods. In order to improve the reliability of a research result, five-year actual wind speed data taken from nine sites with various topographical conditions were used for the estimation. Furthermore, the effect of various topographical conditions on the accuracy of the methods was analyzed and 10 bin interval types were applied to determine the most appropriate bin interval based on their performances. Weibull distributions that were estimated using these methods were compared with the observed wind speed distribution. Then the accuracy of each method was evaluated using four accuracy tests. The results showed that of the six methods, the moment method had the best performance regardless of topographical conditions, while the graphical method performed the worst. Additionally, topographical conditions did not affect the accuracy ranking of the methods for estimating the Weibull parameters, while an increase of terrain complexity resulted in an increase of discrepancy between the estimated Weibull distribution and the frequency of the observed wind speed data. In addition, the choice in bin interval greatly affected the accuracy of the graphical method while it did not depend on the accuracy of the modified maximum likelihood method.
Simulation-Optimization Framework for Synthesis and Design of Natural Gas Downstream Utilization Networks
Authors: Al-Sobhi Saad , Elkamel Ali , Erenay Fatih , Shaik Munawar
Published: February 2018

Many potential diversification and conversion options are available for utilization of natural gas resources, and several design configurations and technology choices exist for conversion of natural gas to value-added products. Therefore, a detailed mathematical model is desirable for selection of optimal configuration and operating mode among the various options available. In this study, we present a simulation-optimization framework for the optimal selection of economic and environmentally sustainable pathways for natural gas downstream utilization networks by optimizing process design and operational decisions. The main processes (e.g., LNG, GTL, and methanol production), along with different design alternatives in terms of flow-sheeting for each main processing unit (namely syngas preparation, liquefaction, N2 rejection, hydrogen, FT synthesis, methanol synthesis, FT upgrade, and methanol upgrade units), are used for superstructure development. These processes are simulated using ASPEN Plus V7.3 to determine the yields of different processing units under various operating modes. The model has been applied to maximize total profit of the natural gas utilization system with penalties for environmental impact, represented by CO2eq emission obtained using ASPEN Plus for each flowsheet configuration and operating mode options. The performance of the proposed modeling framework is demonstrated using a case study.
Applying Petroleum the Pressure Buildup Well Test Procedure on Thermal Response Test—A Novel Method for Analyzing Temperature Recovery Period
Authors: Kurevija Tomislav , Strpić Kristina , Koščak-Kolin Sonja
Published: February 2018

The theory of Thermal Response Testing (TRT) is a well-known part of the sizing process of the geothermal exchange system. Multiple parameters influence the accuracy of effective ground thermal conductivity measurement; like testing time, variable power, climate interferences, groundwater effect, etc. To improve the accuracy of the TRT, we introduced a procedure to additionally analyze falloff temperature decline after the power test. The method is based on a premise of analogy between TRT and petroleum well testing, since the origin of both procedures lies in the diffusivity equation with solutions for heat conduction or pressure analysis during radial flow. Applying pressure build-up test interpretation techniques to borehole heat exchanger testing, greater accuracy could be achieved since ground conductivity could be obtained from this period. Analysis was conducted on a coaxial exchanger with five different power steps, and with both direct and reverse flow regimes. Each test was set with 96 h of classical TRT, followed by 96 h of temperature decline, making for almost 2000 h of cumulative borehole testing. Results showed that the ground conductivity value could vary by as much as 25%, depending on test time, seasonal period and power fluctuations, while the thermal conductivity obtained from the falloff period provided more stable values, with only a 10% value variation.
An Efficient Trust-Based Scheme for Secure and Quality of Service Routing in MANETs
Authors: Pathan Muhammad , Zhu Nafei , He Jingsha , Zardari Zulfiqar , Memon Muhammad , Hussain Muhammad
Published: February 2018

Due to the dynamism of topology, sharing of bandwidth and constraint of resources in wireless nodes, the provision of quality of service (QoS) for routing in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) presents a great challenge. Security is another crucial aspect of providing QoS since the existence of malicious nodes present all kinds of threats to MANETs. Although a number of mechanisms have been proposed for protecting MANETs, most of the solutions are only effective for a particular kind of attacks or provide security at the cost of sacrificing QoS. In this paper, we propose a trust-based secure QoS routing scheme by combining social and QoS trust. The primary approach of the proposed scheme relies on mitigating nodes that exhibit various packet forwarding misbehavior and on discovering the path that ensures reliable communication through the trust mechanism. The scheme would select the best forwarding node based on packet forwarding behavior as well as capability in terms of QoS parameters, such as residual energy, channel quality, link quality, etc. We will present an adversary model for packet dropping attack against which we evaluate the proposed scheme. Simulation experiment using Network Simulator-2 (NS2) and under various network conditions show that mixing social and QoS trust parameters can greatly improve security and quality of service routing in terms of overhead, packet delivery ratio and energy consumption.
Statistical Analysis of the Microvariable AGN Source Mrk 501
Authors: Sadun Alberto , Asadi-Zeydabadi Masoud , Mills Brian , Moody Joseph
Published: February 2018

We report on the optical observations and analysis of the high-energy peaked BL Lac object (HBL), Mrk 501, at redshift z = 0.033. We can confirm microvariable behavior over the course of minutes on several occasions per night. As an alternative to the commonly understood dynamical model of random variations in intensity of the AGN, we develop a relativistic beaming model with a minimum of free parameters, which allows us to infer changes in the line of sight angles for the motion of the different relativistic components. We hope our methods can be used in future studies of beamed emission in other active microvariable sources, similar to the one we explored.
Assessing Flood Hazard at River Basin Scale with an Index-Based Approach: The Case of Mouriki, Greece
Authors: Patrikaki Olga , Kazakis Nerantzis , Kougias Ioannis , Patsialis Thomas , Theodossiou Nicolaos , Voudouris Konstantinos
Published: February 2018

Defining flood-prone areas is particularly important for policy makers, in order to design mitigation strategies and implement flood risk management planning. The present research applies a multicriteria index method to assess flood hazard areas at a river basin scale, in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. The developed methodology has been applied for an area in northeastern Greece, by processing information of seven parameters: flow accumulation, distance from the drainage network, elevation, land use, rainfall intensity and geology. The method assigns a relative importance to each of the parameters for the occurrence and magnitude of flooding, and the relevant weight values are defined through an “analytical hierarchy process”. Subsequently, and according to the relative importance of each index, the spatial information is superimposed, resulting in a flood hazard map of the studied region, an area in northern Greece. The obtained results indicate flood-prone zones, with a very high flood hazard mainly occurring at the lowlands in the vicinity of the drainage network. The provided flood hazard map supports planning activities and mitigation plans that are crucial to protect both the agricultural activities and existing infrastructure from future flood events.
Spatially Distributed Evaluation of ESA CCI Soil Moisture Products in a Northern Boreal Forest Environment
Authors: Ikonen Jaakko , Smolander Tuomo , Rautiainen Kimmo , Cohen Juval , Lemmetyinen Juha , Salminen Miia , Pulliainen Jouni
Published: February 2018

Several previous studies have discussed the challenges in remotely sensed soil moisture retrievals over northern boreal environments. However, very few studies have focused solely on an evaluation of these products specifically over these areas. This study provides an in-depth evaluation of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Climate Change Initiative (CCI) Soil Moisture (SM) product and its components; ACTIVE and PASSIVE soil moisture retrievals. The performance of a spatially distributed soil moisture model (SAC-SMA) is first validated with in situ observations collected from the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s (FMI) multidisciplinary research center near the town of Sodankylä, in Northern Finland. SAC-SMA model top soil layer moisture estimates are then used for spatially distributed ESA CCI SM product evaluation. The study domain covers an area of 155 km by 140 km. Evaluation is performed for thawed/snow-free periods between 2003 and 2015. The ACTIVE product exhibits high correlations with SAC-SMA soil moisture estimates during most analyzed years. The presence of high inter-pixel soil moisture time series cross-correlation, even between pixels with very different soil/vegetation type distributions, as well as the inconsistent performance between analyzed years, is problematic. The PASSIVE product is able to more consistently capture the trend in soil moisture variation; although the trend is seemingly captured, the rapid response to precipitation events is less accurate. Our results indicate that, in contrast to other previous studies, despite the challenges, the ESA CCI SM products do exhibit reasonably good performance, and that further improvements, even with current Earth Observation methods, may be possible.
Unconventional Approach for Prevention of Environmental and Related Social Risks: A Geoethic Mission
Authors: Lugeri Francesca , Farabollini Piero , Amadio Vittorio , Greco Roberto
Published: February 2018

Some natural events are considered catastrophic for their damaging effects on society; however, many of these effects are due more to inappropriate management of the environment rather than the event itself. In order to prevent the continuation of the occurrence of such pernicious situations, it is necessary to spread the knowledge of natural mechanisms so that the general public becomes aware of the dynamics that characterize our planet’s balance. To this aim, we argue it is indispensable to find, create and test new methods of communication in order to reach a wide audience in an understandable way. We believe in science popularization as an ethic mission: the proposal is dedicated to those Outdoor Sports that take place in the landscape, considered as an ideal vector of information, as people develop curiosity and motivation to learn about natural history. Our study focuses particularly on cycling because of its popularity as well as for its close ties to the environment.
Long-Term Effectiveness of Stress Management at Work: Effects of the Changes in Perceived Stress Reactivity on Mental Health and Sleep Problems Seven Years Later
Authors: Herr Raphael , Barrech Amira , Riedel Natalie , Gündel Harald , Angerer Peter , Li Jian
Published: February 2018

The reduction of stress reactivity resulting from stress management interventions prevents disorders and improves mental health, however, its long-term sustainability has been little examined. The objective of this study was, therefore, to determine the effectiveness of a stress management intervention, designed to improve stress reactivity, for mental health and sleep problems seven years later, using longitudinal data from 101 male industrial workers. Linear regressions estimated the adjusted effects of the changes in stress reactivity in general as well as in its six subdimensions (work overload, social conflict, social stress, failure at work, and anticipatory and prolonged reactivity) on depression, anxiety, and sleep problems seven years later. The improvement of the prolonged reactivity had positive effects on depression, anxiety, and sleep problems (unstandardized regression coefficients [Bs] ≥ 0.35, all p-values ≤ 0.01). Depression and sleep problems were further improved by a reduction of the reactivity to social conflicts (Bs ≥ 0.29, p-values < 0.05), and an improvement in the overall reactivity score positively influenced sleep problems (B = 0.07, p = 0.017). In conclusion, the improvement of stress reactivity resulting from a work stress intervention was effective and generally long-lasting in preventing mental health and sleep problems. The reduction of the prolonged reactivity seems of particular importance and efficient in inhibiting negative stress manifestations.
Predicting Effects of the Self and Contextual Factors on Violence: A Comparison between School Students and Youth Offenders in Macau
Authors: Lo T. , Cheng Christopher
Published: February 2018

This study was designed to explore the self and contextual factors for violence in two samples of school students and youth offenders in Macau. There were 3085 participants who were between 12 and 20 years old; 48.3% of them were male and 51.7% female. Findings revealed that youth offenders exhibited more violence than school students. For the self factors, while lower self-esteem and higher self-efficacy of school students were associated with more violent behavior, these two variables had no significant effects for youth offenders. For the contextual factors, family conflict was the strongest predictor of violence, and school commitment/attachment was the weakest predictor for both samples. For youth offenders, family conflict had the largest direct effect, followed by susceptibility to negative peer influence and influence of the Triad gangs, while school commitment/attachment had a significant though mild direct effect. For school students, family conflict mediated the effect of self-esteem and self-efficacy on violence. While Triad gangs’ influence was the second strongest predictor of violence, being exposed to Triad gangs’ influence also mediated the effect of self-esteem and self-efficacy on violence. It is recommended that youth outreach services with a focus on family support and gang detachment for at-risk youth be strengthened.