bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of litchi juice on exopolysaccharide production in milk fermented by Lactobacillus casei
Authors: Yu Yuanshan , Wu Jijun , Xu Yujuan , Xiao Gengsheng , Zou Bo
Published: July 2018

In this paper, Lactobacillus casei growth, sugar utilisation, exopolysaccharides (EPSs) formation and EPSs characterisation during fermentation of milk with or without litchi juice were evaluated. During L. casei fermentation of litchi‐milk samples, the EPSs content increased with the increase of litchi juice levels (0–25%, v/v), and the both relationship appeared in S‐type curve. The viscosity of fermented milk also significantly increased with the formation of EPSs, and which positively correlated with the EPSs content (R2 = 0.9782). The EPSs from the fermented litchi‐milk samples was isolated for further structural characterisation. Monosaccharide and molecular weight analysis of purified EPSs sample proved that it contained no carbohydrate other than glucose, and its molecular weight was calibrated as 3.03 × 106 Da. FT‐IR and NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopy analysis confirmed the synthesised EPSs sample was α‐glucans (dextrans) with mainly α‐(1→6) linkages. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report that litchi juice can enhance the EPSs (dextrans, mainly α‐(1→6) linkages) production in fermented milk.
Effect of the process, temperature, light and oxygen on naringin extraction and the evolution of its antioxidant activity
Authors: Ioannou Irina , M'hiri Nouha , Chaaban Hind , Boudhrioua Nourhene Mihoubi , Ghoul Mohamed
Published: July 2018

Citrus co‐products are rich in flavonones among them naringin. This compound exhibits several biological activities. These properties are mainly due to its antioxidant activity. The purpose of this work was in one hand to compare five technics of extraction conducted under different operating conditions and in the other hand, to analyse the effects of temperature, light and oxygen on naringin degradation and on the evolution of its antioxidant activity. The results obtained showed that the ultrasound assisted extraction leads to the highest naringin content and the thermal degradation of naringin occurs only for higher temperatures above 100 °C. Moreover, the naringin appears to be sensitive to an exposure to visible light (16.5 klux). The effect of the oxygen is less pronounced due to the lack of the enone structure and a hydroxyl group in position 3. The antioxidant activity of naringin is significantly affected by the light and high temperature.
Analysis of care and education pathways of refugee and asylum‐seeking children in care in England: Implications for social work
Authors: O'Higgins Aoife
Published: July 2018

There are currently 4,560 refugee and asylum‐seeking children in care in England, but little is known about their care histories and educational outcomes. This study analysed the educational outcomes of unaccompanied refugee and asylum‐seeking children in care at age 16 (n = 167) in 2013, using secondary data analysis. It compared their care histories and educational experiences with other children in care and those in the general population. Secondly, it used linear regression to determine what factors predict educational outcomes. Refugee and asylum‐seeking young people in care faced fewer difficulties than their peers in care or those in need, but they lagged behind children in the general population. Age at entry, placement type, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire scores, school type and mobility predicted attainment. Special educational needs (SEN), number of placements and absences did not. Better care planning and a greater understanding of SEN are required to enhance the well‐being of this population.
Changing practice using recovery‐focused care in acute mental health settings to reduce aggression: A qualitative study
Authors: Lim Eric , Wynaden Dianne , Heslop Karen
Published: July 2018

Consumer aggression is common in acute mental health settings and can result in direct or vicarious psychological or physical impacts for both consumers and health professionals. Using recovery‐focused care, nurses can implement a range of strategies to reduce aggression and empower consumers to self‐regulate their behaviour, when faced with challenging situations, such as admission to the acute care setting. Currently, there is limited literature to direct nurses in the use of recovery‐focused care and how it can be used to reduce consumer aggression. Twenty‐seven mental health nurses participated in this study. The constructivist grounded theory method guided data collection and analysis to identify categories that accurately described participants’ experiences. Five categories emerged that described how nurses can implement recovery‐focused care clinically to reduce the risk of consumer aggression: (i) identify the reason for the behaviour before responding; (ii) being sensitive to the consumer's trigger for aggression; (iii) focus on the consumer's strengths and support, not risks; (iv) being attentive to the consumer's needs; and (v) reconceptualize aggression as a learning opportunity. As the importance of promoting consumer recovery is now embedded in mental health policies internationally, nurses need to prioritize the application of recovery‐focused care clinically. Further research to provide evidence‐based outcomes supporting the use of recovery‐focused care is needed.
Does Policy Instability Matter for International Equity Markets?
Authors: Lam Swee‐Sum , Zhang Huiping , Zhang Weina
Published: July 2018

We test whether policy risk is systematically priced in equity returns across 49 countries from 1995 to 2013. We construct two global policy risk factors based on the ratings from international country risk guide. They capture the policy risk from government instability (GOVLMH) and the quality of bureaucracy (BURLMH). Both factors are significantly and positively related to equity returns and the BURLMH factor carries a monthly risk premium of 65 basis points. A country with weaker economic and institutional conditions has more risk exposure to the BURLMH factor whereas a country with high democracy has more risk exposure to the GOVLMH factor. Overall, our study reveals the importance and complexity of policy risk in international equity markets.
Characterizing clinicopathological and immunohistochemical findings in dermatomyositis panniculitis
Authors: Kuhn A.
Published: July 2018

Linked article: This is a commentary on P. Santos‐Briz et al., pp. 1352–1359 in this issue. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.14932
Viewing dressing evaluation through a pragmatic lens: The application of Dewey's experimentalism in the development of evidence for dressing selection
Authors: Pagnamenta Fania , Lhussier Monique
Published: July 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

The aim of this paper is to (1) summarize the challenges with developing evidence for dressing selection in wound care, (2) discuss the limiting influence that the Evidence‐Based Practice movement has had in this field, and (3) discuss the opportunities offered by Dewey's theory of experimentalism as a pragmatic solution to develop a structured body of evidence.

Findings

Whilst the number of dressings available on the market continue to proliferate, limited progress has taken place to develop a methodology for dressing evaluation that is relevant to clinical practice. It is proposed that experimentalism can be operationalized with a mixed‐methods approach that may include the following: (1) medical histories and patient's stories; (2) participant observation and informal interviews; (3) a comparative study between a new dressing and standard care; (4) a patient's satisfaction survey; (5) a staff survey; (6) a cost examination; (7) an evaluation of the packaging and procurement route; and finally (8) a clinical meeting to triangulate the data and reach a consensus.

Conclusion

Experimentalism offers a framework for the construction of evidence used for dressing selection. Central to this concept is the integration of experience to the data collected. The context of the evaluation has equal weight to the data thus collected.
Occurrence, virulence factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Vibrio spp. isolated from live oyster (Crassostrea gigas) in Korea
Authors: Dahanayake P. S. , De Silva B. C. J. , Hossain Sabrina , Shin Gee‐Wook , Heo Gang‐Joon
Published: July 2018

This study determined the incidence, virulence factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Vibrio spp. in live oysters (Crassostrea gigas) marketed in Korea. A total of 41 Vibrio spp. isolates including 23 Vibrio alginolyticus, 11 Vibrio fluvialis and 7 Vibrio antiquarius were isolated and identified. All Vibrio spp. isolates showed DNase, amylase, lipase, phospholipase, and gelatinase activities. For slime production, caseinase and β‐hemolysis isolates were positive in 68%, 78%, and 56%, respectively. PCR‐based assays showed that V. alginolyticus expressed collagenase, tlh, toxR, ctxAB, and VPI virulence genes in 100%, 100%, 78%, 39%, and 48% of the isolates, respectively. All V. fluvialis strains harbored hupO gene while 64% and 55% isolates were positive for toxR and vfh. Besides, V. antiquarius strains were positive for toxR, tlh, ctxAB, and VPI virulence genes in 57%, 86%, 43%, and 43% of the isolates, respectively. Multiple Antibiotic Resistance (MAR) index calculated with disk diffusion test results revealed that 54% of the isolates were having MAR indices >0.2. Our results reveal that consumption of raw oysters may cause potential risk for public health owing to the Vibrio spp. comprising putative virulence properties and antimicrobial resistance.

Practical applications

The genus Vibrio are most commonly associated with seafood‐borne diseases. Oysters are one of the most preferred seafood in Korea as well as throughout the world. However, it may harbor pathogenic Vibrio spp., can cause foodborne illnesses if consumed as raw or undercooked product. In this study, the prevalence and characteristics of Vibrio spp. isolated from oysters in Korean markets was investigated. Among a total of 41 isolates presumptively identified by biochemical tests as vibrios, the incidence of three Vibrio species was confirmed by gyrB sequencing. Most of the isolates showed positive results for pathogenicity tests and virulence gene tests indicating the putative virulence of Vibrio spp. Susceptibility for 14 antimicrobials were tested using disk diffusion method. All the isolates were resistant to ampicillin while resistance to some other antimicrobials were also observed. According to these results, it is worthwhile to raise consumer awareness that consumption of oysters from markets in Korea may pose a risk of Vibrio infection.
Safety assessment and microbiological quality of homemade soy‐cheese in Nigeria
Authors: Adepehin Jemima Omonigho
Published: July 2018

Fermented soy‐cheese is a popularly consumed food product in Nigeria. Its' production is typically homemade, though it is generally retailed for commercial purpose. To investigate the microbiological quality and possible factors contributing to contamination at each phase of its' production, soy‐beans, soy‐milk, and the resultant soy‐cheese were subjected to standard microbiological analyses. Candida sake and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were identified in soy‐milk and soy‐cheese. Raw materials and equipment were identified as sources of contamination. Presence of Staphylococcus spp. and Salmonella spp. were reported in the soy‐bean and soy‐milk. The occurrence of pathogen‐indicating microorganisms was observed in all the production stages. Hence, the consumption of freshly prepared soy‐cheese may not be encouraged except proper handling practices are incorporated during its' production process. This calls for sensitization and training of local producers to curb possible outbreak of foodborne disease.

Practical applications

Microbiological analyses of soy‐cheese production process will help to recognize possible points of contamination. This will also help food safety/health organizations in educating small scale industries as well as home‐based soy‐cheese producers on the production phase(s) that could be nodes of contamination. Additionally, proper hygiene practices during handling could prevent possible outbreak of foodborne disease(s) through the consumption of such products.
Lipoma removal using a high‐frequency ultrasound‐guided injection of a Class III CE‐marked device—Empirical findings
Authors: Mlosek Robert K , Malinowska Sylwia , Woźniak Witold
Published: July 2018

Background

Lipomas are very common benign neoplasms, which constitute 99% of all adipose‐derived tumors. Main treatment option includes surgical excision, which is unacceptable for a number of patients seeking ways to improve esthetic appearance of their skin. Therefore, alternative treatment options are being sought.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of lipoma removal using a Class III CE‐marked device (Aqualyx™) administered as a high‐frequency ultrasound‐guided injection (intralipotherapy).

Methods

A total of 17 lipomas were treated. The procedure involved a high‐frequency ultrasound‐guided injection. A maximum of 3 injections per a lipoma were performed. High‐frequency ultrasound was used for assessing the size of lipomas and monitoring treatment‐induced changes to the lipomas and adjacent tissue.

Results

Response to treatment was achieved in all cases. A complete removal was achieved in 70.59% of lipomas. The remaining 29.41% of lipomas were not completely removed, yet significantly reduced in size.

Conclusion

An injection of Aqualyx™, a CE‐marked drug, is a good noninvasive treatment of lipomas. Ultrasound guided procedure is recommended, as it ensures appropriate technique and enables monitoring treatment‐induced changes. Considering a low number of published reports of such treatment, it is crucial to continue this research.
Reversible impairment of coronary flow reserve in acute myocarditis
Authors: Kellermair Joerg , Kiblboeck Daniel , Blessberger Hermann , Kammler Juergen , Reiter Christian , Steinwender Clemens
Published: July 2018

Objective

Acute myocarditis is accompanied by an impaired coronary microcirculation. These microcirculatory disturbances are not well defined, and data are derived from complex invasive measurements. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the inflammation‐induced microcirculatory dysfunction including its reversibility and association with markers of inflammation severity (extent of LGE on CMR imaging and laboratory markers of myocardial necrosis) using the noninvasive technique of echocardiographic CFR measurement.

Methods

Patients (n = 14) with clinically suspected acute myocarditis in the absence of coronary artery disease were prospectively enrolled, and echocardiographic CFR was determined by measuring peak diastolic coronary blood flow velocity at rest (PDV1) and under adenosine‐induced hyperemia (PDV2) at baseline and 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

Eight of 14 (57.1%) patients showed an impaired baseline CFR (PDV2/PDV1 < 2). These patients were characterized by higher levels of cardiac troponin T (0.55 ± 0.39 vs 0.18 ± 0.08; P = 0.008) and larger areas of LGE on CMR. At 3‐month follow‐up, CFR was normal in all patients.

Conclusion

A reversibly impaired coronary microcirculation is a frequent finding in acute myocarditis and is associated with markers of inflammation severity. Echocardiographic CFR measurement represents a feasible and safe method for its assessment.
Comparing Discourse Behaviors of a High‐Rated and a Low‐Rated Chinese EFL Teacher: A Systemic Functional Perspective
Authors: YANG XUEYAN , TAO XIN
Published: July 2018

This case study compares the discourse behaviors of 2 Chinese teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL), one rated high and one rated low by their respective students. The teachers were each audio‐recorded for a total of 100 minutes during the ‘text session’ of an Intensive Reading course. Drawing on Yang's (2010) model of EFL classroom discourse developed within the framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics, each teacher's class was transcribed and coded in terms of the teacher's choices of (a) ways of interacting with students, (b) kinds of information exchanged during interaction, and (c) contents of the information exchanged. All instances of the two teachers’ choices were also analyzed quantitatively, which revealed their different discourse features. The high‐rated teacher takes the floor most of the time but introduces engaging information that construes a friendly ambiance, while keeping a balance among text study, language study, and life‐experience sharing. The low‐rated teacher gives students more speaking opportunities but chooses disengaging information that construes a distant relationship, while devoting his class to language study. These discourse features are described in terms of meaning patterns that are realized in lexicogrammatical forms while construing specific contextual values. The findings are discussed in relation to students’ perceptions of effective teaching, and implications for EFL teachers’ performance in classroom interaction are explored.
Homeologue‐specific expression divergence in the recently formed tetraploid Capsella bursa‐pastoris (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Huang Hui‐Run , Liu Jia‐Jia , Xu Yong , Lascoux Martin , Ge Xue‐Jun , Wright Stephen I.
Published: July 2018

Following allopolyploid formation, extensive genome evolution occurs, with the eventual loss of many homeologous gene copies. Although this process of diploidization has occurred many times independently, the evolutionary forces determining the probability and rate of gene loss remain poorly understood.

Here, we conduct genome and transcriptome sequencing in a broad sample of Chinese accessions of Capsella bursa‐pastoris, a recently formed allotetraploid.

Our whole genome data reveal three groups of these accessions: an Eastern group from low‐altitude regions, a Western group from high‐altitude regions, and a much more differentiated Northwestern group. Population differentiation in total expression was limited among closely related populations; by contrast, the relative expression of the two homeologous copies closely mirrors the genome‐wide SNP divergence. Consistent with this, we observe a negative correlation between expression changes in the two homeologues. However, genes showing population genomic evidence for adaptive evolution do not show an enrichment for expression divergence between homeologues, providing no clear evidence for adaptive shifts in relative gene expression.

Overall, these patterns suggest that neutral drift may contribute to the population differentiation in the expression of the homeologues, and drive eventual gene loss over longer periods of time.
Effect of orthodontic treatment on the subgingival microbiota: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Xavier Guilherme M. , Cobourne Martyn T. , Eliades Theodore
Published: July 2018

The aim of this systematic review was to assess qualitative changes induced by fixed appliance orthodontic treatment on the subgingival microbiota. Seven databases were searched up to August 2017 for randomized and nonrandomized clinical studies assessing the effect of orthodontic appliances on the subgingival bacteria in human patients. After elimination of duplicate studies, data extraction and risk of bias assessment according to the Cochrane guidelines, random‐effects meta‐analyses of relative risks (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed. According to controlled studies, the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in the subgingival crevicular fluid of orthodontic patients was increased 3‐6 months after fixed appliance insertion compared to untreated patients (2 studies; RR = 15.54; 95% CI = 3.19‐75.85). There was still increased subgingival prevalence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (3 studies; RR = 3.98; 95% CI = 1.23‐12.89) and Tannerella forsythia in orthodontic patients up to 6 months after appliance removal compared to untreated patients. However, caution is warranted due to high risk of bias and imprecision. Insertion of orthodontic fixed appliances seems to be associated with a qualitative change of subgingival microbiota, which reverts to some extent back to normal in the first months after appliance removal. However, there is limited evidence on the timing and extent of these changes.
Effect of pulmonary vein isolation on left atrial appendage flow in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Giannopoulos Georgios , Kekeris Vasileios , Vrachatis Dimitrios , Kossyvakis Charalampos , Ntavelas Charalampos , Tsitsinakis Georgios , Koutivas Athanasios , Tolis Christos , Angelidis Christos , Deftereos Spyridon
Published: July 2018

Background

Left atrial appendage (LAA) functional modification in the context of pulmonary vein isolation has been a focus point of research and LAA emptying flow velocity (LAAEFV) is considered to reflect LAA contractility, stunning, and fibrosis.

Objective

In the present study, we sought to prospectively evaluate short‐term LAAEFV changes after radiofrequency (RF) or cryoballoon ablation in paroxysmal AF.

Methods

This was a prospective substudy of the Effect of Cryoballoon and RF Ablation on Left Atrial Function (CryoLAEF) study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02611869). Thirty patients, randomly assigned to RF or cryoablation, were prospectively followed. Transesophageal echocardiograms were performed at baseline and at 3 months postablation to measure LAAEFV.

Results

All measurements were performed in sinus rhythm. Overall, LAAEFV was 44.2 [38.5–62.8] cm/s at baseline and was increased to 70.8 [64.8–77.6] cm/s at 3 months’ postablation (P < 0.001). Baseline LAAEFV was 52.5 [37.7–68.0] cm/s in the RF group and 42.8 [38.7–52.9] cm/s in the CryoBalloon group (P  =  0.653). At 3 months, the corresponding values were 68.5 [61.9–76.6] cm/s and 73.9 [69.2–79.9] cm/s, respectively (P  =  0.081 for the difference between the two groups at 3 months). The median change in LAAEFV was 11.0 [4.7–26.2] cm/s in the RF group versus 29.6 [15.8–37.0] cm/s in the CryoBalloon group (P  =  0.033).

Conclusion

LAA function is improved after catheter ablation with RF or balloon cryoablation in patients with paroxysmal AF, evaluated while in sinus rhythm both at baseline and on follow‐up.
How participant values influence reasons for pursuing voluntary programme membership
Authors: Carter David P. , Heikkila Tanya , Weible Christopher M.
Published: July 2018

Among the policy instruments used to pursue social and environmental goals, voluntary programmes are seen as ‘win‐win’ opportunities. Despite a sizeable literature documenting reasons individuals opt into voluntary programmes, little attention has been paid to why participants are motivated by certain reasons more than others. This article addresses this gap. Using data from a survey of organic producers in the United States Department of Agriculture's organic certification programme, we examine how organic producers’ values relate to their stated reasons for pursuing organic certification. Along the way, we test hypotheses inspired by grid‐group cultural theory, as well as a hypothesis regarding the alignment of participants’ values and the substantive programme domain. Study findings provide consistent support for the value‐alignment hypothesis and mixed support for grid‐group expectations. We conclude by discussing the findings’ implications for voluntary programme theory and empirical programme success.
Exploring the Role of Nonprofits in Public Service Provision: Moving from Coproduction to Cogovernance
Authors: Cheng Yuan (Daniel)
Published: July 2018

This article investigates the determinants of nonprofits' involvement in cogovernance, or the planning and design of public services, using a unique data set of park‐supporting nonprofit organizations in large U.S. cities. The results indicate that nonprofits are more likely to get involved in cogovernance when they are younger, larger, and operate in communities that are more resourceful and stable. In addition, the likelihood of nonprofits' involvement in cogovernance is negatively associated with the level of social capital and government capacity to provide corresponding public services. The article points to an emerging mode of government‐nonprofit collaboration that goes beyond the production and delivery of public services. As public managers face extensive challenges in sustaining the desired level of public services, these findings have important policy implications for efforts to promote citizen participation and cross‐sector solutions to complex social problems.
Navigating Campus Hookup Culture: LGBTQ Students and College Hookups
Authors: Lamont Ellen , Roach Teresa , Kahn Sope
Published: July 2018

Research on the college hookup scene consistently shows it to be heavily gendered and heteronormative. In spite of the extensive research on hookup culture, there are limited data on how lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students navigate hookups on college campuses. Yet queer hookups potentially provide a space for students to challenge the dominant understandings of gender and sexuality that permeate the college hookup scene, creating alternative visions for how hookups and other sexual relationships may proceed. Drawing on interviews with 24 LGBTQ college students at a regional university in the southeastern United States, this research investigates how LGBTQ college students negotiate the hookup scene on college campuses. As we show, LGBTQ students are sharply critical of dominant hookup culture and aim to challenge heteronormative practices by deconstructing normative patterns of behavior, emphasizing communication and consent, and queering standards of pleasure. In spite of their stated aims, many respondents replicated gendered practices in their hookups, limiting the transformative potential of queer hookups. This study indicates that while LGBTQ students are actively working to remake hookup culture, and, in some ways, are succeeding, barriers to a more mindful hookup culture remain, even among those who explicitly seek new ways to pursue sexual relationships.
Minding the children: A longitudinal study of mental state talk, theory of mind, and behavioural adjustment from the age of 3 to 10
Authors: Carr Amanda , Slade Lance , Yuill Nicola , Sullivan Susan , Ruffman Ted
Published: July 2018

Mothers’ use of mental state talk (MST) is linked to young children’s performance on false belief tests of theory of mind (ToM) and to their behaviour in social contexts. However, little is known about MST beyond the early years. This investigation is the first to examine continuity in both mother and child MST from preschool (age 3–4 years) to middle childhood (age 10) and examines the role of early maternal MST in children’s later ToM and use of MST. We examine the novel association between MST and children’s behavioural adjustment from pre‐school into late childhood. Participants were mother–child dyads from a 7‐year longitudinal study. Measures of MST, ToM, and language were administered at home when children were 3 and 4 years old and again at the age of 10. Also at 10, behavioural adjustment was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Mother and child MST were highly stable from preschool to later childhood. Early maternal MST accounted for unique variance in later child MST and behavioural adjustment at 10 years of age; children whose mothers used more MST, specifically references to cognitions, when they were 3 or 4 experienced fewer behavioural difficulties (externalising behaviour) when they were 10 years old.
The roles of receptive and productive language in children’s socioemotional development
Authors: Rose Elisabeth , Weinert Sabine , Ebert Susanne
Published: July 2018

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of 3‐year‐old children's language comprehension (operationalized by receptive vocabulary and grammar) and language production (operationalized by sentence production and ratings of productive language) on parent‐ and teacher‐rated cooperative behavior, physical aggression, and emotional self‐regulation over a 4‐year period. Analyses were based on a German longitudinal project including 547 typically developing children. Path models showed that receptive but not productive language significantly predicted the development of cooperative behavior when important child and family characteristics (e.g., SES, nonverbal cognitive abilities, and early cooperation at the age of 3) were controlled. In addition, we considered children's gender as a moderator and found compelling gender differences. In boys, only receptive language had an effect on all three aspects of socioemotional development. In girls, only productive language had an effect on the development of aggressive behavior and emotional self‐regulation. This result highlights the relevance of discussing the current results for boys and girls separately.
A Collaboration-Based Innovation Model Proposed for the Central Black Sea Universities
Authors: Aksoy Mehmet Emin
Published: July 2018

To compete in today’s technology-intensive competitive environment, universities need to be aware of their limitations and collaborate with other universities to overcome them. Several indices that attempt to measure innovation and rank institutions have been proposed. Nevertheless, most innovation indices measure innovation at the political or country level that focuses on a specific country or region. Moreover, national innovation indices investigating innovation level of the universities in Turkey focuses only on their academic activities. This motivated us to design a significantly improved model that attempts to increase collaboration among the universities in Central Black Sea region, providing these under developing universities to observe their innovativeness level in terms of infrastructure as well. Thus, they may identify their infrastructure limitations, specifically for high-tech and high-cost devices, and develop strategic plans that can help them collaborate with other universities to address the limitations. Similar to other indices, the proposed models is neither exhaustive nor definitive, and is open to improvements. The model can be continuously upgraded based on the constructive feedbacks and future researches.
Roving Over Mars
Authors: Bickler Donald
Published: July 2018

This article focuses on the completion of successful mission of the Pathfinder lander and Sojourner. During its three months of travels—12 times longer than the vehicle was designed to last—the rover explored the vicinity of the lander in the Ares Planitia, probing the Martian surface and photographing its rocky environs. In the 1980s, well before the Sojourner design was chosen, contractors to JPL performed numerous studies regarding the various types of vehicle configurations. Once on Mars, the rover climbed obstacles as efficiently as our field tests and calculations predicted. The big unknown was encountering a soil type we were not familiar with, but Martian soil appears to be very similar to that on Earth. The success of Sojourner’s mission means that more rovers will be used in the future to carry scientific instruments to other sites on Mars. Other rovers may someday be large enough to carry manned missions and non-robotic drivers. By designing these reliable, highly mobile planetary rovers, we can expand the reach and scientific value of exploratory missions to other worlds.
Turbines for Synthesis Gas
Authors: Valenti Michael
Published: July 2018

This article reviews on one of the most demanding applications for steam turbines, which are providing the extraction steam for the production of ammonia and methanol synthesis gas, or syngas. Dresser-Rand Energy Systems, Wellsville, NY, designed their Syngas Steam Turbine specifically to meet these requirements. Demand is expected to grow for both ammonia and methanol. Ammonia is the source for most of the nitrogen fertilizer produced globally. The capacity in 1996 was 117 million metric tons, up from 113 million metric tons five years earlier. Dresser-Rand approached the syngas project with more than 30 years’ experience as a leading supplier of compression equipment for ammonia plants. The first Syngas Steam Turbine, and its complete compression train including Dresser-Rand DATUM compressors, was shipped to a methanol plant operated by Qatar Fuel Additives Ltd. in the Mesaieed Industrial Area, Qatar. It is scheduled to begin operation by the middle of next year, producing 610,000 metric tons of methanol annually. Dresser-Rand engineers have also adapted their Syngas Turbine technology for different applications.
Partners in Power
Authors: Valenti Michael
Published: July 2018

This article focuses on investors who back major power projects throughout in Africa. They are also working jointly with local businesses and governments to improve infrastructures and raise living standards. An African expansion project for CMS Generation involves acquiring and expanding the Takoradi natural gas-fired power plant near Aboadze, Ghana. CMS formed the Takoradi Power Company with the Volta River Authority as a 50-percent partner. CMS Energy’s third major African venture will extend its power generation business into chemical processing. AMPCO has awarded a $300 million engineering, procurement, and construction turnkey contract to Raytheon Engineers & Constructors, Lexington, MA, to construct the methanol plant on Bioko Island. The plant will use a proven, three-stage design. In the first stage, natural gas feedstock and steam are sent to a reformer and are exposed to elevated temperatures and pressure in the presence of a catalyst, forming synthetic gas made of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
Oil Sand Kicks into High Gear
Authors: Valenti Michael
Published: July 2018

This article discusses the cutting-edge technologies and the rising value of light crude oils that have ushered in an era of new investment in Alberta’s oil sand extraction, with the major players embarking on ambitious programs that will more than double production in the next century. More recently, new extraction techniques and a rise in the price of light crude oils have made it more economical to extract the bitumen from sand and upgrade it into a light crude oil. Syncrude has undertaken a $6 billion (Canadian) project, Syncrude 21, to improve environmental performance and energy efficiency, while increasing product yield and quality. Syncrude expects to double its annual production to 155 million barrels by 2007, in part by opening its third mine at Mildred Lake. Suncor Energy also intends to increase its future production in its Project Millennium. The $2.2 billion (Canadian) endeavor is expected to boost oil sand production to 210,000 barrels per day by 2002, increasing current production by nearly two and a half times.
Faster to Market
Authors: Smith Preston G. , Reinertsen Donald G.
Published: July 2018

This article highlights that unless top management is truly interested in faster product development, lower level managers can do little that will have a sustained effect on time to market. Managers must saturate the company with the awareness that faster cycle time is a high priority, as well as why it is a high priority. The more people involved in decision-making, the more slowly decisions get made. For this reason, to hasten development, the development team must first be given what they need to function autonomously and then cut loose from all those in the organization who do not have a clear stake in the project’s outcome. New approaches will sometimes result in mistakes, and without a clear mandate from management that the process changes are worth the risk of error, no one will dare risk anything substantial. In addition to this, if management expects that its exhortations of faster time to market be taken seriously, it must recognize and reinforce all reasonable steps in that direction.
Pushing the Design Envelope with CAE
Authors: Halpern Marc
Published: July 2018

This article focuses on the growing role of computer-aided engineering programs for the design of electronic packaging. While computer-aided engineering (CAD) clearly offers the potential to improve products and cut manufacturing costs and time, those who have adopted CAE are facing significant challenges in making it work. Historically, CAE has failed to deliver results fast enough to exert a major influence on design decisions. Instead, corporations have used finite-element results to validate previously determined designs. But because design changes later can cost more than correct up-front decisions, CAE simulation can offer cash benefits when it has a role in the initial stages of product design. Technical staff leaders must translate objectives into CAE work that is efficient and effective. The status of the measurements must always be available, in order to monitor progress.
RP Industry’s Growing Pains
Authors: Ashley Steven
Published: July 2018

This article discusses that by most measures, the last few months have been good for the rapid prototyping (RP) industry. Worldwide system sales continue to grow as the technology finds greater application in many countries, including Canada, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. During the same period, the rate at which RP-related Us patents were issued accelerated to more than one per week, according to a study by Chatham Research of Amherst, NH. In recent years, researchers have also been working on solid-form fabrication (SFF) techniques to construct prototype and production tooling, even for precision metal parts, an advance that would truly revolutionize the manufacturing industry. Of particular interest to manufacturing engineers is the continued evolution of rapid tooling (RT) technologies—methods to swiftly fabricate prototype and production—grade tooling for manufacturing processes such as plastic injection molding.
Closing in on Cracks
Authors: Baumgartner Henry
Published: July 2018

This article focuses on a high-resolution digital camera that provides fast, flexible imaging for photomicrography and microscopy. Digital images are not only equal in quality to traditional images, but they are also three times faster to acquire, less expensive, easier to distribute, and more useful as reference images for future analysis. In terms of quality, the basic issue is matching images on 4-by-5-inch instant film, and recording the same field size with the same resolution. Reports with embedded digital image links are issued over the LAN so users do not have to seek out images separately on the Technology Center server. The department is also creating a reference library of microstructure images that have been captured digitally. Image Central software from Advanced Imaging Concepts in Princeton, N.J., is to be used to create the database with reference images and associated data.
Detecting Damage in Composites
Authors: Asundi Anand
Published: July 2018

Research shows that polarimetric optical-fiber sensors embedded in composite laminates can monitor structural integrity and detect damage while the structure remains in service. An experimental arrangement can be created to monitor strain in composite specimens. Light from a linearly polarized helium-neon laser is converted into circularly polarized light using a quarter-wave plate, and is coupled into a polarization-maintaining optical fiber with a microscope objective lens and three-axis positioner. In order to ensure that the intensity modulation was a maximum, the input beam was polarized at 45 degrees to the axes of the fiber. Although this study used polarization-maintaining fibers, similar results also have been seen for standard single-mode fibers.
Evaluating EPACT’s Impact
Authors: Paula Greg
Published: July 2018

Motors affected by the 1992 environmental legislation are mostly meeting the Energy Policy and Conservation Act’s (EPACT) minimum load efficiencies. Advanced Energy Corp. (AEC), Raleigh, NC, has completed the first in a series of studies to determine if newer motors are complying with the minimum EPACT-specified energy efficiency. The Motors and Drives Laboratory of AEC was the first motor-testing laboratory to be certified through the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program, a requirement under EPACT. The AEC study tested 20-horsepower, 1800-rpm, totally enclosed, fan-cooled motors from 15 manufacturers. The goal of this study is to see if the motors meet the minimum required efficiency, which EPACT specifies as the nominal efficiency for motor nameplates defined by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). The results of this study will not be used to certify compliance with EPACT regulations. The AEC study is primarily for industrial motor users, which have a vested interest in ensuring that the motors they buy comply with all the rules.
Risk-based Analysis Tools
Authors: Latcovich John , Michalopoulos Evangelos , Selig Bernie
Published: July 2018

American Society of Mechanical Engineering’s (ASME) risk-based inspection methodologies are being used to optimize and prioritize equipment overhaul and maintenance, and upgrade decisions. Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co. (HSB) collaborated with ASME in developing these guidelines, and it used the ASME methodologies to develop its risk-based decision tools for steam turbine generators. The ASME Risk-Based Inspection Guidelines define five primary steps in developing risk-based programs. These are system definition, qualitative risk assessment, system assessment ranking, inspection program development, and economic optimization. In order to differentiate between turbines and generators in several types of service, the team designed a questionnaire that requires the owner or operator to identify equipment design features, monitoring capabilities, past operating and failure history, as well as current operating experience, inspection, and maintenance practices. The STRAP program is presently in the beta-testing phase, where 30 different turbines representing eight different manufacturers and three different industries have been analyzed. Full implementation of the program is expected to occur in the fall of 1998.
Bringing Launch Costs Down to Earth
Authors: Ashley Steven
Published: July 2018

This article discusses the three federally funded projects that are underway to develop new rocket engines that can make it more affordable to send payloads into orbits. The new RS-68 propulsion system is Rocketdyne's entry in competition to power the US Air Force's new heavy-lift booster. The most ambitious of the new propulsion system designs is Rocketdyne's XRS-2200 linear aerospike engine, a seemingly nozzle-less oxygen/hydrogen powerplant that is designed to send the autonomously controlled NASA X-33 lifting body into orbit. The X-33 is being developed by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, Palmdale, CA. The key for new launch vehicles, whether they're expendable or reusable, is to get the costs down. The article also highlights that the payload that can be lofted by a launch vehicle depends in large part on engine performance and the ratio of propellant to structural weight. Bell nozzles are designed to offer the best compromise of shape and length for a vehicle and flight path. Rocketdyne's R-68 engine is to be 17 feet tall and 8 feet wide at the base. The key to the R-68 engine design was the selection of hydrogen as the propellant rather than kerosene.
Making Gas Turbines Safer
Authors: Valenti Michael
Published: July 2018

This article presents recommendations resulting from a study of the safety of enclosures at the Teeside combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant that may help other plant operators assess and reduce the risk of explosions. Many of the gas turbines in CCGT plants like Teeside are housed in acoustic chambers to reduce noise and permit turbine cooling by ventilation. The Eutech study at Teeside showed that the substantial number of pipes and flanges in a gas turbine enclosure, combined with high pressures, presents the hazard of explosion in case of gas leaks. The hazard analysis of Teeside was carried out to develop several fault trees to quantify the current level of risk to an operator from an explosion inside the enclosure. Eutech made several recommendations to Enron to improve safety at Teeside. They were: increasing the number of gas detectors, locating them more closely to points where leaked gas would collect, and improving the detectors' reliability by examining their potential failure modes.
Chasing a Cosmic Phantom
Authors: Rozansky David A.
Published: July 2018

Engineers at Torus Precision Optics, in Iowa City, IA, have developed an innovative pair of telescopes for the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, which could pinpoint the sources of these mysterious bursts of energy. Searches show that gamma-ray bursts (GRB). Astrophysicists at the University of Michigan decided to take up the challenge of unlocking the mystery of GRBs. Their first course of action was to create a system that scans the sky quickly, deeply, and accurately. This meant designing a telescope with a large field of vision and a quick slewing rate. Torus Precision Optics completed and tested the first ROTSE II telescope in December 1997, within a year of the first proposal, and a second one is slated for completion this year. The ability of the three Mulherin brothers to accomplish so large a task in so little time is considered remarkable. Torus is working on projects that will search out near-Earth objects, those stray asteroids and comets that have received attention by smashing into Jupiter in 1996.
All Aboard
Authors: DeGaspari John
Published: July 2018

This article reviews that testing the oil of diesel locomotives gives operators valuable information about engine operating conditions. Oil analysis is a tool for evaluating diesel engines for telltale signs of bearing and ring wear, heat degradation, and dirt contamination. However, the process of obtaining an oil sample is both costly and time-consuming. Typically, locomotives are taken into a service center, where an oil sample is drawn manually from the engine, put into a vial, and sent off to a laboratory for evaluation. OilPro will have predictive capability, offering rail roads the opportunity to improve maintenance scheduling. The service will provide diagnostic oil analysis that is currently supplied by offsite laboratories. OilPro can be expanded beyond oil sensing to monitor the overall health of the engine. Possibilities include looking at the electrical system and exhaust stack gases, and potentially vibration monitoring.
The Sub that Vanished
Authors: Baumgartner Henry
Published: July 2018

This article discusses how sonar and an undersea rover helped Israel discover the vanished INS Dakar, an Israeli submarine that was purchased from the British Royal Navy. In February 1999, the Israelis invited bids on a contract, which was won by Nauticos, and the operation got started again shortly thereafter. The idea was to continue to search the “box,” the area of ocean where the committee had concluded the sub was most likely to be found. This would require a search of the area with deep-towed sonar, with likely spots more closely investigated by a camera-carrying robot craft. Navigation support came from the US Navy’s Deep Submergence Unit. The Oceanographer of the Navy, the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, and the Naval Oceanographic Office also provided help under a cooperative research agreement. The sonar sweep turned up some 200 contacts to be investigated; several of these met enough of the search criteria that they were investigated with the Remora. Word was sent to Israel and a positive identification was done on Friday, May 28, 1999, and the relatives of the Dakar’s crew were notified privately.