bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Adopters and Non Adopters of Credit Cards in Indian Banking Industry
Authors: Kaur Kamalpreet , Kaur Mandeep
Published: April 2017

In Indian banking industry, plastic cards can be considered as one of the product as well as process innovation in which Credit Cards have gained prominence as a delivery channel for conducting banking transactions. The present study investigates the recent issue related to the launch of one of the innovation in plastic cards in Indian Banking Sector. The main objective of the study is to identify the characteristics of the banks which could have been affected with the adoption of Credit Cards. For this purpose, all the scheduled commercial banks (79 in number which consists of 27 Public Sector Banks, 23 Private Sector Banks and 29 Foreign Sector Banks) have been taken as sample. The whole sample of banks has been categorized into adopter and non adopter groups. The time period of the study is of 14 years i.e. from 2000 to 2013. Various Bank specific variables Viz. Age, Efficiency, Size, Asset Quality, Profitability, Diversification, Capitalisation, Cost of Operations, Financing Pattern, Liquidity and Industry Advantage have been taken into consideration which may help to demarcate adopters and non adopters. It has been concluded that the initiators and adopters take advantage over the non adopter ones and thus former have found to perform better in terms of various parameters. Overall, the adopter banks are larger in size, older in age, more profitable, having lesser branches, more market share and more liquid as compare to late adopter ones.
Effect of Competence, Satisfaction and Discipline on Performance of Employees in the Office of Women Empowerment and Family Planning of West Papua
Authors: Suyitno Suyitno
Published: April 2017

This study investigates the effect of competence, satisfaction, and discipline on performance of employees in the Office of Women Empowerment and Family Planning of Fak-fak West Papua. Assigning 18 respondents, this study collected data using questionnaire, interview and document and used SPSS 17.0 for analysis on multiple regression and t-test. The findings showed the significant effects existed between (1) the competence of work (X1) on the performance of employee (Y) r=0.682; p=.011; (2) the job satisfaction (X2) with the performance of employee (Y) r=0.241; p=.025; (3) the discipline of work (X3) with the performance of employee (Y) r=0.230; p=.034; and (4) the competence (X1), the job satisfaction (X2), and the discipline (X3) to the performance employee partially or simultaneously at r=0.135. A weak effect of competence, job satisfaction and discipline of work existed on the performance of employee.
Role of EMI and Resultant Impact on Career Development of Chinese Students
Authors: He Xiaoyong , Wen Lixia , Divyashreem Ravikiran Honavar , Deng Yongzhong
Published: April 2017

With the ever-changing trends in internationalization of higher education in the recent past, English has been adopted as an effective medium of instruction for many students in various universities all over the world. However, with all its merits, evidence shows that English medium of instruction (EMI) is not very much popular mode of learning in universities across mainland China.This research is an endeavor to highlight the merits of EMI and its associate linkages to career development of Chinese students. While comparing with Chinese medium of instructions (CMI), the findings of this paper have suggested that EMI has a positive impact on the career development of students. Those students who have taken courses in English medium have received better jobs and more opportunities for fair career growth. It is further argued that EMI not only assist the individuals in shaping their better future, but it also facilitates in providing efficient labor force for the growing economies. As part of globalization, large numbers of firms are pouring into China. Resultantly, various companies are vigorously searching for graduates with high level of English proficiency. To this end, the role of EMI programs is highly significant in providing right candidates for the corporate sector. Given the need of current employers, it is highly recommended to establish more EMI programs in Chinese institutions.
Sharing Life Experiences of Teenage Girl Delinquents through Life Map Sketch
Authors: Husain Zuhda , Adibah Sh Marzety , Mohd Sakari Nor Shakirah
Published: April 2017

Life map sketch is a unique technique of an expressive therapy that can be used in the process of emotional healing for clients. The purpose of this study was to explore the life experiences of teenage girls engaged in delinquent behaviour using life map sketch. Seven teenage girls from one approved school in Malaysia were selected in this study using purposive sampling. The result showed that there were some themes identified from the teenage girls delinquent sharing of life experience in this study. The themes were hardship, expression of emotion, negative behavior, meaning behind the sketch and hopeful. The use of life map sketch’s technique help the participants in expressing their latent issues that they found hard to express orally. Therefore, this technique is very promising in improving the counseling services in Malaysia.
The Effect of Grandparents’ Co-parenting on Young Children’s Personality and Adaptation: Chinese Three-generation-families
Authors: Sun Yi , Jiang Na
Published: April 2017

Due to the prevalence of grandparents’ co-parenting of children in China, this study aimed to examine its influence on young children's personality and adaptation. With the cooperation of a kindergarten in Shanghai, 530 parents of children 3-6 years of age were invited to answer the questionnaire after giving their consent, and 422 of the questionnaires were effective. Three factors were extracted by Exploratory Factor Analysis for children's temperament: Fearfulness in Strange Situations (FS), Intensity of Reaction (IR) and Pro-social Activity (PA). Two factors were examined for children’s adaptation: Separation Anxiety in attending kindergarten (SA) and Anxious Preoccupied Attachment (APA, one of the insecure types for parent-child attachment relationship). The results show that the children raised by only parents had higher PA than those co-raised by grandparents and lower APA than those raised by only grandparents. Even after controlling for the influence from temperament and grades, the effect of parenting styles on APA was still significant. For Grade 1 children, the parenting style was also significantly related to children's temperament (IR).
Students' Attitudes towards the Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in Kuwait
Authors: AL-Mutairi Abdullah , Naser Kamal , Al-Duwaila Nabi
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of a sample of Kuwaiti students about their knowledge and interest on the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the usefulness of learning IFRS. A questionnaire survey is used in this study to identify the attitudes of the students towards adoption IFRS in Kuwait. Questionnaires were distributed to 350 students who study in colleges of business administration in Kuwait. They were asked to express their perception about the adoption of IFRS. 228 questionnaires returned completed resulting in 65% usable response rate. The surveyed students gained knowledge about IFRS through their academic program. Most of the surveyed students knew nothing about IFRS before taking an accounting course that addresses the IFRS Standards. They became interested in learning more about IFRS after studying an accounting course. The surveyed students demonstrated that they acquired information about IFRS through formal academic lectures and the Internet. Yet, they prefer to study more about IFRS through formal lectures, practical case studies applied to Kuwaiti companies and seminars. There is consensus among the respondents that the business administration academic program must have more about IFRS offered as elective courses. Although Kuwait was one of the Middle Eastern countries that adopt IFAS, the vast majority of the students who took part in survey indicated that they were not aware of this. This gives clear indication that the financial reporting courses offered in business colleges in Kuwait are theoretical and hardly use the financial reports of companies listed on the national stock exchange as cases studies. The respondents believe studying IFRS helps in mastering accounting measurements and disclosure and this would help in proceeding in their studies and support them in developing their future career.
Female Arab EFL Students Learning Autonomously Beyond the Language Classroom
Authors: Kocatepe Mehtap
Published: April 2017

Benson’s (2011a; 2011b) identification of out-of-class learning as constituted by contexts, resources, levels of formality and more and less intentional pedagogic outcomes was used as a framework to investigate a group of tertiary level female Emirati EFL students’ autonomous out-of-class learning experiences. Data collected via a survey, learner journals and semi-structured interviews indicated that out-of-class use of English and out-of-class language learning played a significant role in the lives of students beyond the classroom. These students utilised naturally occurring material resources, in particular movies, television, the Internet and digital and print texts, with varying levels of pedagogic intentionality, in the privacy of homes and perceived such resources as conducive to facilitating language learning. Students created and utilised self-directed naturalistic learning opportunities more than self-instruction and naturalistic learning. The study found that exercising choice and being intrinsically motivated were integral to autonomous out-of-class learning. Discursive resources were influential in enabling or constraining recognition and utilisation of social resources in creating learning opportunities. The paper ends by giving recommendations to educators for creating effective support for autonomous out-of-class language learning.
Developing Model Assesement for Learning (AFL) to Improve Quality and Evaluation in Pragmatic Course in IAIN Surakarta
Authors: Retnaningsih Woro , Djatmiko . , Sumarlam .
Published: April 2017

The research objective is to develop a model of Assessment for Learning (AFL) in Pragmatic course in IAIN Surakarta. The research problems are as follows: How did the lecturer develop a model of AFL? What was the form of assessment information used as the model of AFL? How was the results of the implementation of the model of assessment. The method used in this study is Research, Development and Diffusion. There were three steps activities in this model. The first step, the researcher done the activities included doing the basic scientific inquiry, investigation issues of education, data collection and designing the operational research planning. The second step, the researcher was composing AFL modeling, data validation from the experts and practitioners, compossing readability test; included trial operation models to find solutions to the problems, planning an educational programs, testing, and evaluating the programs. The third step was diffusion, the reseacher informing the target system, demonstrations programs, training to use the target system and program solutions, servicing and maintaining. The population of this study were 150 students from fives classes. From the data analysis shown than the application of AFL model for Pragmatic course could be improved in understanding the materials and English performing. The average score of Pragmatic course was 3.18 from 5 parallel classes, while the average scores of Vocabulary course is 2.40 from 5 parallel classes. The data analyzis shown that AFL method was more suitable to teach English Pragmatic course than English Vocabulary course.
Factors Affecting Delay Discounting—The Real Option Approach
Authors: Li Eric A. L.
Published: April 2017

We study factors that can influence Delayed Reward Discounting (DRD) behavior from a novel approach based on economic theory. Real Option (RO) analysis shows that when a decision is irreversible, can be delayed and produces uncertain benefits, then future rewards will be discounted in a way that produces seemingly irrational behavior. In a factorial experimental survey, we asked college students how much they were willing to pay for a digital product when the above factors are involved. Results show that DRD behavior is significantly more manifest when the above factors are present than when absent. We proceeded to calculate the magnitude of this increased DRD behavior that is consistent with predictions from RO theory.
Study the Effect of Culture on Customer Loyalty on the Target Markets for Successful Export
Authors: Tarhani Farzad , Janfadaei Solmaz
Published: April 2017

Export deals with a wide range of environmental factors, customers and competitors that are different with the domestic market. That’s why market research and export promotion require management plans and appropriate procedures to their target markets and audiences. Exporter before entering a foreign market requires that by doing the necessary research on the marketrealizethe type of information required and how to collect it from a country other than their country and study about the cultural dimensions.In fact, differences in the environment, cultural, legal, political, economic, financial, geographic, multinational markets, free trade zones and economic agreements include the level of economic development and the risks and major exporter that they should do an investigation to consider the conditions of satisfaction and thus increase customer loyalty.This applied research was done aims to determine the effect of culture on customer loyalty at target markets for successful export using a descriptive method by a questionnaire that its validity and reliability was calculated. To analyze the issue of structural equations and correlation test was used. Based on the results, this study found a relationship between the cultural dimension, cultural beliefs and cultural values and traditions with customer loyalty at target market.
Biochar Derived from the Dry, Solid Fraction of Pig Manure as Potential Fertilizer for Poor and Contaminated Soils
Authors: Maggen Jens , Carleer Robert , Yperman Jan , Vocht Alain De , Schreurs Sonja , Reggers Guy , Thijsen Elsy
Published: April 2017

Pig manure results in the release of NH3, NOx, volatile organic compounds and odour nuisance. Pyrolysis of dried pig manure can be considered as an economical viable approach converting this agricultural waste into value added products. The produced amendment biochar can be used as a slow release fertilizer with high concentration of N, K and P and has beneficial effects as carbon sequester and improver of soil quality and crop productivity. It is proved that a 2 wt.% blending of biochar with a poor soil affects positively plant growth and crops (dwarf beans), and worm (Eisenia fetida) survival and production. Additional, available heavy metals are immobilised in the biochar and not leachable. The resulting biochar therefore offers prospects as low cost, slow release soil conditioner and fertiliser for a long term effect.
De faillerende zorginstelling
Authors: Meersma K. , Hekman T. , Rijken J.
Published: April 2017

De faillerende zorginstelling

De introductie van marktwerking in de gezondheidszorg heeft tot gevolg dat zorginstellingen in toenemende mate blootgesteld worden aan het risico van een faillissement. De publieke belangen in de zorg maken dat het faillissement van een zorginstelling een aantal eigenaardigheden kent. De auteurs verkennen in dit artikel een aantal bijzonderheden door de rollen van de overheid, de zorgverzekeraar en de curator onder de loep te nemen.
Demokracja jako praktyka codziennego życia w przedszkolu. Z doświadczeń nauczycielek
Authors: Gawlicz Katarzyna
Published: April 2017

The aim of this article is to explore the practical meaning of John Dewey’s claim that democracy has to be continuously recreated, by applying it to the preschool context. It takes its starting point in the notion of everyday democracy and, drawing on interviews with teachers who attempt to work democratically, points to the main challenges that arise in the course of this process. They include the need to constantly redefine the key concepts of freedom and equality, to confront and reconstruct the notions of the child and the teacher, and to avoid the risk of an instrumental use of seemingly democratic practice as classroom management technology.
A New Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Method for Preconcentration and Determination of Aluminum, Iron, Copper, and Lead in Real Water Samples by HPLC
Authors: Alpdoğan Güzin , Zor Şule Dinç
Published: April 2017

In this study, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction coupled with HPLC with variable-wavelength detection was applied for the simultaneous determination of Al, Fe, Cu, and Pb in various water samples at trace levels. In the proposed method, all the system parameters in both the extraction and separation/determination steps, such as extraction and disperser solvent type and their volumes, complexing reagent concentration, salt addition, extraction and centrifugation times, and pH, were optimized to get not only high extraction efficiency but also lower LODs for the analytes. Hematoxylin was used as a complexing reagent, and carbon tetrachloride and methanol were chosen as the extraction and disperser solvents, respectively. Metal complexes were separated with a reversed-phase C18 column by isocratic elution, with methanol–tetrahydrofuran–water (20 + 12 + 68, v/v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and detection at 575 nm. The accuracy of the method was checked by a Standard ReferenceMaterial of water (SRM 1643e), and the recovery values for the analytes were found in the range of 95.6–101.3%. Under the optimum conditions, the developed method was applied to tap water, bottled mineral water, lake water, and seawater for the accurateand sensitive determination of the analytes of interest.
Le don de Spinoza à la phénoménologie de Jean-Luc Marion
Authors: Vinolo Stéphane
Published: April 2017

Jean-Luc Marion a sans aucun doute révolutionné les études cartésiennes, mais nous trouvons aussi dans ses textes de nombreuses références à Spinoza. Malgré le rejet du Spinoza métaphysicien, la phénoménologie de la donation se construit dans un certain rapport à Spinoza, double rapport que nous essayons de mettre au jour. D’un côté, la conception du don que propose Marion nous permet de mieux interpréter Spinoza ; de l’autre, Marion trouve dans le système immanent de Spinoza, de nombreuses lignes de fuite hors de la métaphysique. Ainsi, non seulement pouvons-nous utiliser la pensée de Marion comme principe herméneutique des textes de Spinoza, mais en plus nous permet-elle de questionner la place de Spinoza dans l’Histoire de la métaphysique.
METABOLIČKA AKTIVNOST TERMOREZISTENTNIH MIKROORGANIZAMA
Authors: Babić Milijana , Savić Radovanović Radoslava , Nikolić Aleksandra , Stajković Silvana
Published: April 2017

Termorezistentni mikroorganizmi, zahvaljujući otpornosti na termičke tretmanekoji se primenjuju u industriji mleka, kao i mogućnostima rasta i metaboličkimaktivnostima u uslovima čuvanja gotovih proizvoda, imaju značaja kao mikro -organizmi kvara. Ova osobina deNiniše tehnološki značaj termorezistentnih mikro -organizama.Među populacijom termorezistentnih mikroorganizama, Bacillus spp. pokazujuznačajnu proteolitičku aktivnost, a s obzirom na njihovo svojstvo razlaganja kazeina,potencijal njihove proteolize može se uspešno koristiti u koagulaciji mleka i zrenjasireva. Veliki značaj imaju proteinaze Bacillussubtilis, čiji se proteolitički enzimiuspešno primenjuju u proizvodnji Chedar, Munster i Camembert sira. Suprotnoovome, aktivnost proteina za Bacillus spp. u sterilisanom mleku, u uslovima ne -adekvatnog čuvanja dovodi do slatkog grušanja ili pojave gorkog ukusa mleka, kaorezultat nastanka gorkih peptida, dok preterana aktivnost proteinaza bacila priproizvodnji Chedar sira uslovljava gruš mekše konzistencije, veći sadržaj proteina imasti u surutki, što dovodi do smanjenog randmana sira za 10%. Oslobađanjem nižihmasnih kiselina delovanjem lipolitičkih enzima poreklom od mikroorganizama,razvija se neprijatan ukus i miris, što predstavlja manu poznatu pod imenomhidrolitička užeglost. Od termorezistentnih mikroorganizama, sposobnost hidrolizemasti pokazuju mikroorganizmi roda Bacillus.Cilj ovog rada bio je da se ispita sposobnost termorezistentnih mikro organizamaizolovanih iz mleka da razlažu proteine, masti i skrob, što dovodi do kvara mleka iproizvoda od mleka.Od ukupno 80 izolata termorezistentnih mikroorganizama, proteolitičkuaktivnost je ispoljilo 35 (43,75%) izolata u uslovima inkubacije pri 30oC/72h i 30(37,50%) izolata u uslovima inkubacije pri 20±2oC/72h, dok nijedan izolat nijeispoljio proteolitičku aktivnost u uslovima inkubacije pri 10±1oC/10 dana.Amilolitička aktivnost je utvrđena kod 16 (20,0%) izolata u uslovima inkubacije pri30oC/72h i 15 (18,75%) izolata u uslovima inkubacije pri 20±2oC/72h. Amilolitičkaaktivnost termorezistentnih mikroorganizama izostaje u uslovima inkubacije pri10±1oC/10 dana. Ispitivani izolati termorezistentnih mikroorganizama nisu pokazalilipolitičku aktivnost, bez obzira na primenjene različite uslove inkubacije.
Crystal structure of the EnvZ periplasmic domain with CHAPS
Authors: Hwang Eunha , Cheong Hae‐Kap , Kim Sang‐Yoon , Kwon Ohsuk , Blain Katherine Y. , Choe Senyon , Yeo Kwon Joo , Jung Yong Woo , Jeon Young Ho , Cheong Chaejoon
Published: April 2017

Bacteria sense and respond to osmolarity through the EnvZ‐OmpR two‐component system. The structure of the periplasmic sensor domain of EnvZ (EnvZ‐PD) is not available yet. Here, we present the crystal structure of EnvZ‐PD in the presence of CHAPS detergent. The structure of EnvZ‐PD shows similar folding topology to the PDC domains of PhoQ, DcuS, and CitA, but distinct orientations of helices and β‐hairpin structures. The CD and NMR spectra of EnvZ‐PD in the presence of cholate, a major component of bile salts, are similar to those with CHAPS. Chemical cross‐linking shows that the dimerization of EnvZ‐PD is significantly inhibited by the CHAPS and cholate. Together with β‐galactosidase assay, these results suggest that bile salts may affect the EnvZ structure and function in Escherichia coli.
Modeling radiocarbon constraints on the dilution of dissolved organic carbon in the deep ocean
Authors: Wilson Jamie D. , Arndt Sandra
Published: April 2017

The recalcitrance of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) that leads to its accumulation in the deep ocean is typically considered a function of its reactivity. Yet, recent experimental evidence has shown that DOC from the deep ocean, if concentrated, can support significant microbial growth. This supports an alternative hypothesis that [DOC] may become too dilute to support microbial growth. The radiocarbon signature of DOC is a key constraint on the DOC cycling that allows testing of the plausibility of this hypothesis. Here we use a box model of diluted DOC in the deep ocean and its radiocarbon signature that is constrained on the basis of the new experimental evidence, as well as current knowledge of deep ocean DOC cycling to quantitatively test the dilution hypothesis. We explore the uncertainty in model results across a range of plausible dilution thresholds, additional processes, and fluxes of DOC to the deep ocean. Results show that the model is able to predict the observed radiocarbon signature for a dilution threshold close to the observed deep ocean [DOC] and for fluxes close to published estimates. Sensitivity analysis shows that this result is highly sensitive to variations in the dilution threshold and the assumption that diluted DOC is able to survive ocean overturning. The experimental findings can be alternatively reconciled over a large range of different conditions assuming a small pool of diluted DOC with a modern radiocarbon signature, consistent with recent observations, and offering a parsimonious interpretation of dilution with existing hypotheses on DOC recalcitrance.
The geometry and complexity of spatial patterns of terrestrial channel networks: Distinctive fingerprints of erosional regimes
Authors: Grau Galofre Anna , Jellinek A. Mark
Published: April 2017

The morphology of channel networks related to long‐term erosion reflects the mechanisms involved in their formation. This study aims to identify quantitative metrics, drawn from topographic data and satellite imagery, that are diagnostic of the distinctive styles of erosion by rivers, glaciers, subglacial meltwater, and groundwater sapping. From digital elevation models, we identify three geometric metrics: the minimum channel width, channel aspect ratio (longest length to channel width at the outlet), and tributary junction angle. We also characterize channel network complexity in terms of its stream order and fractal dimension. To validate our approach, we perform a principal component analysis (PCA) on measurements of these five metrics on 70 channel networks. We build understanding of these results, in turn using scaling analyses of appropriate physical models. We show that rivers, glaciers, and groundwater sapping erode the landscape in rigorously distinguishable ways. Whereas rivers are characterized by nearly constant minimum width, variable aspect ratio, and high stream orders, glaciers have highly variable minimum widths and aspect ratios and much smaller stream orders. Erosion by subglacial meltwater remains poorly understood, and we argue that we require an additional metric to fully characterize these systems. Our methodology can more generally be applied to identify the contributions of different processes involved in carving a channel network. In particular, we are able to identify transitions from fluvial to glaciated landscapes or vice versa.
Satellite‐derived methane emissions from inundation in Bangladesh
Authors: Peters C. N. , Bennartz R. , Hornberger G. M.
Published: April 2017

The uncertainty in methane (CH4) source strength of rice fields and wetlands is particularly high in South Asia CH4 budgets. We used satellite observations of CH4 column mixing ratios from Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Chartography (SCIAMACHY), and Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) to estimate the contribution of Bangladesh emissions to atmospheric CH4 concentrations. Using satellite‐derived inundation area as a proxy for source area, we developed a simple inverse advection model that estimates average annual CH4 surface fluxes to be 4, 9, and 19 mg CH4 m−2 h−1 in AIRS, SCIAMACHY, and GOSAT, respectively. Despite this variability, our flux estimates varied over a significantly narrower range than reported values for CH4 surface fluxes from a survey of 32 studies reporting ground‐based observations between 0 and 260 mg CH4 m−2 h−1. Upscaling our satellite‐derived surface flux estimates, we estimated total annual CH4 emissions for Bangladesh to be 1.3 ± 3.2, 1.8 ± 2.0, 3.1 ± 1.6 Tg yr−1, depending on the satellite. Our estimates of total emissions are in line with the median of total emission values for Bangladesh reported in earlier studies.
Machine learning algorithms for modeling groundwater level changes in agricultural regions of the U.S.
Authors: Sahoo S. , Russo T. A. , Elliott J. , Foster I.
Published: April 2017

Climate, groundwater extraction, and surface water flows have complex nonlinear relationships with groundwater level in agricultural regions. To better understand the relative importance of each driver and predict groundwater level change, we develop a new ensemble modeling framework based on spectral analysis, machine learning, and uncertainty analysis, as an alternative to complex and computationally expensive physical models. We apply and evaluate this new approach in the context of two aquifer systems supporting agricultural production in the United States: the High Plains aquifer (HPA) and the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (MRVA). We select input data sets by using a combination of mutual information, genetic algorithms, and lag analysis, and then use the selected data sets in a Multilayer Perceptron network architecture to simulate seasonal groundwater level change. As expected, model results suggest that irrigation demand has the highest influence on groundwater level change for a majority of the wells. The subset of groundwater observations not used in model training or cross‐validation correlates strongly (R > 0.8) with model results for 88 and 83% of the wells in the HPA and MRVA, respectively. In both aquifer systems, the error in the modeled cumulative groundwater level change during testing (2003–2012) was less than 2 m over a majority of the area. We conclude that our modeling framework can serve as an alternative approach to simulating groundwater level change and water availability, especially in regions where subsurface properties are unknown.
Silicic lava effusion controlled by the transition from viscous magma flow to friction controlled flow
Authors: Okumura S. , Kozono T.
Published: April 2017

Silicic magma forms a vertical fault in volcanic conduits via the brittle‐ductile transition. The formation of the fault changes flow type from viscous flow to friction controlled flow. Here we investigate flow dynamics of magma by coupling a one‐dimensional conduit flow model with an experimentally calibrated brittle‐ductile transition. The numerical simulation demonstrates that the length of magma plug at which friction controlled flow becomes the main flow type depends on magma flux, because of crystallization kinetics and the ductile‐brittle transition. At high flux, a short plug forms, because nonequilibrium crystallization inhibits an increase of magma viscosity. This results in the effusion of less viscous lava and large shear stress at the shallow part of the conduit. In contrast, the long plug that forms under low flux cannot maintain large shear stress due to weakness of the magmatic fault, which causes the extrusion of a solidified lava spine.
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of immiscible two‐phase flow with capillary valve effect in porous media
Authors: Xu Zhiyuan , Liu Haihu , Valocchi Albert J.
Published: April 2017

A new algorithm for imposing the contact angle on solid surfaces is proposed in the Lattice Boltzmann color‐gradient model. The capability and accuracy of this algorithm are validated by simulation of contact angles for a droplet resting on a flat surface and on a cylindrical surface. The color‐gradient model with the proposed contact angle algorithm is then used to study the capillary valve effect in porous media. As a preliminary study, the capillary valve effect is explained by simulating immiscible two‐phase displacement within a single‐pore geometry. It is shown that the capillary valve effect is accurately captured by the present simulations. Further simulations of drainage and imbibition are also conducted to understand the capillary valve effect in an experiment‐matched pore‐network micromodel. The simulated results are found to agree quantitatively with the experimental results reported in literature, except for a few differences which result from the exclusion of contact angle hysteresis in the proposed algorithm.
Comparison of multi‐institutional Varian ProBeam pencil beam scanning proton beam commissioning data
Authors: Langner Ulrich W. , Eley John G. , Dong Lei , Langen Katja
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Commissioning beam data for proton spot scanning beams are compared for the first two Varian ProBeam sites in the United States, at the Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) and Scripps Proton Therapy Center (SPTC). In addition, the extent to which beams can be matched between gantry rooms at MPTC is investigated.

Method

Beam data for the two sites were acquired with independent dosimetry systems and compared. Integrated depth dose curves (IDDs) were acquired with Bragg peak ion chambers in a 3D water tank for pencil beams at both sites. Spot profiles were acquired at different distances from the isocenter at a gantry angle of 0° as well as a function of gantry angles. Absolute dose calibration was compared between SPTC and the gantries at MPTC. Dosimetric verification of test plans, output as a function of gantry angle, monitor unit (MU) linearity, end effects, dose rate dependence, and plan reproducibility were compared for different gantries at MPTC.

Results

The IDDs for the two sites were similar, except in the plateau region, where the SPTC data were on average 4.5% higher for lower energies. This increase in the plateau region decreased as energy increased, with no marked difference for energies higher than 180 MeV. Range in water coincided for all energies within 0.5 mm. The sigmas of the spot profiles in air were within 10% agreement at isocenter. This difference increased as detector distance from the isocenter increased. Absolute doses for the gantries measured at both sites were within 1% agreement. Test plans, output as function of gantry angle, MU linearity, end effects, dose rate dependence, and plan reproducibility were all within tolerances given by TG142.

Conclusion

Beam data for the two sites and between different gantry rooms were well matched.
Comparability of three output prediction models for a compact passively double‐scattered proton therapy system
Authors: Ferguson Sven , Chen Yong , Ferreira Clara , Islam Mohammad , Keeling Vance P , Lau Andy , Ahmad Salahuddin , Jin Hosang
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate comparability of three output prediction models for a compact double‐scattered proton therapy system. Two published output prediction models are commissioned for our Mevion S250 proton therapy system. Model A is a correction‐based model (Sahoo et al., Med Phys, 2008;35(11):5088–5097) and model B is an analytical model which employs a function of r = (R’‐M’)/M’ (Kooy et al., Phys Med Biol, 2005;50:5487–5456) where R’ is defined as depth of distal 100% dose with straggling and M’ is the width between distal 100% dose and proximal 100% dose with straggling instead of the theoretical definition due to more accurate output prediction. The r is converted to ((R‐0.31)‐0.81 × M)/(0.81 × M) with the vendor definition of R (distal 90% dose) and M (distal 90% dose‐to‐proximal 95% dose), where R’ = R‐0.31 (g cm−2) and M’ = 0.81 × M (g cm−2). In addition, a quartic polynomial fit model (model C) mathematically converted from model B is studied. The outputs of 272 sets of R and M covering the 24 double scattering options are measured. Each model's predicted output is compared to the measured output. For the total dataset, the percent difference between predicted (P) and measured (M) outputs ((P‐M)/M × 100%) were within ±3% using the three different models. The average differences (±standard deviation) were −0.13 ± 0.94%, −0.13 ± 1.20%, and −0.22 ± 1.11% for models A, B, and C, respectively. The p‐values of the t‐test were 0.912 (model A vs. B), 0.061 (model A vs. C), and 0.136 (model B vs. C). For all the options, all three models have clinically acceptable predictions. The differences between models A, B, and C are statistically insignificant; however, model A generally has the potential to more accurately predict the output if a larger dataset for commissioning is used. It is concluded that the models can be comparably used for the compact proton therapy system.
A novel radiation protection device based on tungsten functional paper for application in interventional radiology
Authors: Monzen Hajime , Tamura Mikoto , Shimomura Kohei , Onishi Yuichi , Nakayama Shinichi , Fujimoto Takahiro , Matsumoto Kenji , Hanaoka Kohei , Kamomae Takeshi
Published: April 2017

Tungsten functional paper (TFP), which contains 80% tungsten by weight, has radiation‐shielding properties. We investigated the use of TFP for the protection of operators during interventional or therapeutic angiography. The air kerma rate of scattered radiation from a simulated patient was measured, with and without TFP, using a water‐equivalent phantom and fixed C‐arm fluoroscopy. Measurements were taken at the level of the operator's eye, chest, waist, and knee, with a variable number of TFP sheets used for shielding. A Monte Carlo simulation was also utilized to analyze the dose rate delivered with and without the TFP shielding. In cine mode, when the number of TFP sheets was varied through 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10, the respective reduction in the air kerma rate relative to no TFP shielding was as follows: at eye level, 24.9%, 29.9%, 41.6%, 50.4%, and 56.2%; at chest level, 25.3%, 33.1%, 34.9%, 46.1%, and 44.3%; at waist level, 45.1%, 57.0%, 64.4%, 70.7%, and 75.2%; and at knee level, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.1%, 2.1%, and 2.1%. In fluoroscopy mode, the respective reduction in the air kerma rate relative to no TFP shielding was as follows: at eye level, 24.8%, 30.3%, 34.8%, 51.1%, and 58.5%; at chest level, 25.8%, 33.4%, 35.5%, 45.2%, and 44.4%; at waist level, 44.6%, 56.8%, 64.7%, 71.7%, and 77.2%; and at knee level, 2.2%, 0.0%, 2.2%, 2.8%, and 2.5%. The TFP paper exhibited good radiation‐shielding properties against the scattered radiation encountered in clinical settings, and was shown to have potential application in decreasing the radiation exposure to the operator during interventional radiology.
On the Influence of Ta and Ti on Heat‐Treatability and γ/γ’‐Partitioning of High W Containing Re‐Free Nickel‐Based Superalloys
Authors: Ritter Nils C. , Schesler Ekaterina , Müller Alexander , Rettig Ralf , Körner Carolin , Singer Robert F.
Published: April 2017

Refractory elements like W are potent solid solution strengtheners, but they are also heavy and costly. They should be used as sparingly as possible. In the present paper, a series of single crystal alloys are prepared with varying amounts of Ta and Ti, but constant overall refractory concentration and γ’‐volume fraction. Partitioning behavior of W and other elements after solutionizing and ageing treatment is investigated. Both, Ta and Ti are able to increase the W content in the γ‐matrix. This provides an effective strategy to maximize solid solution strengthening potential for a given overall W content of the alloy. The experimentally determined phase characteristics and homogenization behavior are compared with numerical simulation. Good agreement is observed.
Healable Transparent Electronic Devices
Authors: Luo Crystal Shaojuan , Wan Pengbo , Yang Hui , Shah Sayyed Asim Ali , Chen Xiaodong
Published: April 2017

With the advent of the digital era, healable electronic devices are being developed to alleviate the propagation of breakdown in electronics due to the mechanical damage caused by bending, accidental cutting or scratching. Meanwhile, flexible transparent electronics, exhibiting high transmittance and robust flexibility, are drawing enormous research efforts due to their potential applications in various integrated wearable electronics. However, the breakdown of flexible transparent electronics seriously limits their reliability and lifetime. Therefore, transparent healable electronics are desired to tackle these problems, yet most of the healable electronics are not transparent nowadays. The combination of high performance, healability, and transparency into electronics is often mutually exclusive. Herein, after a brief introduction of self‐healing materials, healable electronics, and flexible transparent electronics, the recent progress in the healable electronic devices without transparency is reviewed in detail. Then, healable transparent electronic devices with high transparency, robust portability, and reliable flexibility are summarized. They are drawing great attention owing to their potential application in optical devices as well as smart wearable and integrated optoelectronic devices. Following that, the critical challenges and prospects are highlighted for the development of healable transparent electronic devices.
Variable phenotype in a novel mutation in PHOX2B
Authors: Lombardo Rachel C. , Kramer Elizabeth , Cnota James F. , Sawnani Hemant , Hopkin Robert J.
Published: April 2017

We evaluated a family with three siblings, two of whom ages 2 years and 19 months, had long segment colonic agangliosis and anisocoria. The mother also had anisocoria. All three affected family members were mildly dysmorphic with a flat facial profile, square appearance to the face, depressed nasal bridge, and anteverted nares. Genetic testing identified a novel heterozygous mutation, c.234C>G, resulting in a premature stop codon in exon 1 of the PHOX2B gene. Screening for neural crest tumors was performed in the siblings and to date has been negative. This family supports a strong association between non polyalanine tract mutations, autonomic dysfunction, and Hirschsprung disease, but suggests mutation outside of the polyalanine tract may not dictate severe phenotype with significant respiratory compromise. A unique finding in this family is the association of congenital heart disease in two of the affected patients. These malformations may be a sporadic isolated finding or the result of environmental factors or a modifying allele. Given the association between congenital heart disease and aberrant neural crest cell development, however, findings are suggestive that congenital heart disease may be a rare feature of PHOX2B mutation which has not been previously reported.
Synchronization of A Class of Uncertain Chaotic Systems with Lipschitz Nonlinearities Using State‐Feedback Control Design: A Matrix Inequality Approach
Authors: Mobayen Saleh , Tchier Fairouz
Published: April 2017

This paper proposes a new state‐feedback stabilization control technique for a class of uncertain chaotic systems with Lipschitz nonlinearity conditions. Based on Lyapunov stabilization theory and the linear matrix inequality (LMI) scheme, a new sufficient condition formulated in the form of LMIs is created for the chaos synchronization of chaotic systems with parametric uncertainties and external disturbances on the slave system. Using Barbalat's lemma, the suggested approach guarantees that the slave system synchronizes to the master system at an asymptotical convergence rate. Meanwhile, a criterion to find the proper feedback gain vector F is also provided. A new continuous‐bounded nonlinear function is introduced to cope with the disturbances and uncertainties and obtain a desired control performance, i.e. small steady‐state error and fast settling time. Several criteria are derived to guarantee the asymptotic and robust stability of the uncertain master–slave systems. Furthermore, the proposed controller is independent of the order of the system's model. Numerical simulation results are displayed with an expected satisfactory performance compared to the available methods.
Increasing the capacity of signalized intersections by allocating exit lanes to turning movements
Authors: Xie Siyang , Jiang Hai
Published: April 2017

Unconventional intersection designs have been used to increase the capacity of intersections that are over‐saturated under conventional ones. However, existing unconventional designs typically require extra land space and their effectiveness often depends on drivers' familiarity with the uncommon operating rules. To overcome these challenges, we propose a new unconventional design, where movements that are mutually incompatible under the conventional design can be made compatible of each other by allocating exit lanes to them appropriately, thereby creating opportunities for capacity improvement. We develop a lane‐based capacity optimization model that incorporates the allocation of exit lanes as decision variables. The model is formulated as a Binary Mixed Integer Linear Programming problem, which can be efficiently solved by standard branch‐and‐bound algorithms. Numerical experiments show that significant capacity improvement can be obtained under our design. Besides proposing a new unconventional design, we also contribute to the literature of lane‐based signal optimization methods by providing a novel linear formulation for the latest, yet nonlinear, model described in Wong and Heydecker [Transportation Research Part B 45(4):667–681]. This improvement is methodologically beneficial as linear models are computationally more convenient than nonlinear ones. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Verfärbungen von Sichtbetonflächen
Authors: Fiala Hannes
Published: April 2017

Eine wesentliche Eigenschaft des Sichtbetons ist die Farbtongleichmäßigkeit, wie sie im Merkblatt Sichtbeton des DBV/BDZ beschrieben ist und für die einzelnen Sichtbetonklassen gefordert wird. Für die optischen Eigenschaften von Flächen gibt es keine neutralen Messverfahren. Farbe und Aussehen werden vom Betrachter stets subjektiv wahrgenommen und beurteilt. Abweichungen von der Farbe und ihrer Gleichmäßigkeit auf der betrachteten Fläche des Bauteils werden als störend empfunden und als Mangel gerügt. Mehrere Probeflächen vor Baubeginn und die Festlegung des Bausolls als Muster stellen eine praktische Lösung dar. Damit wird das Bausoll Sichtbeton eindeutig festgelegt. Eine Fülle von physikalischen und chemischen Einflüssen aus der Betontechnologie, aber auch die Verhältnisse bei der Herstellung führen zu Abweichungen im Farbton und der Farbtongleichmäßigkeit an Oberflächen von Sichtbeton. Das Wissen um ihre Herkunft und Hinweise zur Vermeidung helfen bei der Bauausführung.
Fahrbahnoberflächen – Entwicklungen im Betonstraßenbau
Authors: Becker Christoph , Wieland Marko
Published: April 2017

„Mobilität ist zentrale Voraussetzung für wirtschaftliches Wachstum, Beschäftigung und Teilhabe des Einzelnen am gesellschaftlichen Leben” (Leitsatz BMVI). In diesem Kontext nimmt die Straßeninfrastruktur eine Schlüsselrolle ein. Im Straßenbau stehen neben der Steigerung von Widerstandsfähigkeit und Wirtschaftlichkeit seit einigen Jahren insbesondere umwelttechnische Aspekte im Fokus. Hinsichtlich des Lärmschutzes der Bevölkerung stellt u. A. die Reduktion des Reifen‐Fahrbahngeräusches einen Themenschwerpunkt dar. Im Beitrag „Fahrbahnoberflächen – Entwicklungen im Betonstraßenbau” werden zum einen neue Möglichkeiten zur Oberflächentexturierung von Fahrbahndecken mit dichtem Betongefüge und zum anderen der Entwicklungsstand von offenporigen Betonsystemen für den Einsatz auf hochbelasteten Verkehrsflächen vorgestellt.
Optical properties of Eu2+/Eu3+ mixed valence phosphor Ca2SiO2F2:Eu2+/Eu3+
Authors: Xie Mubiao , Zhu Guoxian , Pan Rongkai , Xie Wei
Published: April 2017

The Eu2+/Eu3+ mixed valence phosphor Ca2SiO2F2:Eu2+/Eu3+ was prepared using a solid‐state reaction synthesis method in a CO atmosphere, and the optical properties were investigated. The spectroscopic properties revealed that Ca2+ ions were occupied by both Eu2+ and Eu3+ ions in Ca2SiO2F2, and both ions were able to generate their characteristic emissions. A broad 5d → 4f Eu2+ band at ~470 nm and narrow 4f → 4f Eu3+ peaks upon excitation with n‐UV light were observed. The ratio between Eu2+ and Eu3+ emissions changed regularly, and the relative intensity of the red component from Eu3+ became systematically stronger with increasing overall Eu content. As a result, the emission color of these phosphors can be tunable from blue to pink under n‐UV light excitation.