bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rainfall erosivity estimation based on rainfall data collected over a range of temporal resolutions
Authors: Yin S. , Xie Y. , Liu B. , Nearing M. A.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. Rainfall erosivity is the power of rainfall to cause soil erosion by water. The rainfall erosivity index for a rainfall event, EI30, is calculated from the total kinetic energy and maximum 30 min intensity of individual events. However, these data are often unavailable in many areas of the world. The purpose of this study was to develop models that relate more commonly available rainfall data resolutions, such as daily or monthly totals, to rainfall erosivity. Eleven stations with one-minute temporal resolution rainfall data collected from 1961 through 2000 in the eastern water-erosion areas of China were used to develop and calibrate 21 models. Seven independent stations, also with one-minute data, were utilized to validate those models, together with 20 previously published equations. Results showed that models in this study performed better or similar to models from previous research to estimate rainfall erosivity for these data. Prediction capabilities, as determined using symmetric mean absolute percentage errors and Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficients, were demonstrated for the 41 models including those for estimating erosivity at event, daily, monthly, yearly, average monthly and average annual time scales. Prediction capabilities were generally better using higher resolution rainfall data as inputs. For example, models with rainfall amount and maximum 60 min rainfall amount as inputs performed better than models with rainfall amount and maximum daily rainfall amount, which performed better than those with only rainfall amount. Recommendations are made for choosing the appropriate estimation equation, which depend on objectives and data availability.
Monitoring ice break-up on the Mackenzie River using MODIS data
Authors: Muhammad P. , Duguay C. , Kang K.-K.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. This study involves the analysis of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Level 3 500 m snow products (MOD/MYD10A1), complemented with 250 m Level 1B data (MOD/MYD02QKM), to monitor ice cover during the break-up period on the Mackenzie River, Canada. Results from the analysis of data for 13 ice seasons (2001–2013) show that first day ice-off dates are observed between days of year (DOY) 115–125 and end DOY 145–155, resulting in average melt durations of about 30–40 days. Floating ice transported northbound could therefore generate multiple periods of ice-on and ice-off observations at the same geographic location. During the ice break-up period, ice melt was initiated by in situ (thermodynamic) melt over the drainage basin especially between 61–61.8° N (75–300 km). However, ice break-up process north of 61.8° N was more dynamically driven. Furthermore, years with earlier initiation of the ice break-up period correlated with above normal air temperatures and precipitation, whereas later ice break-up period was correlated with below normal precipitation and air temperatures. MODIS observations revealed that ice runs were largely influenced by channel morphology (islands and bars, confluences and channel constriction). It is concluded that the numerous MODIS daily overpasses possible with the Terra and Aqua polar orbiting satellites, provide a powerful means for monitoring ice break-up processes at multiple geographical locations simultaneously along the Mackenzie River.
Eat, Sleep, Breathe, Study: Understanding What It Means to Belong at a University From the Student Perspective
Authors: Slaten Christopher D. , Yough Michael S. , Shemwell Daniel A. , Scalise Dominick A. , Elison Zachary M. , Hughes Hayley A.
Published: May 2015

The present study utilized consensual qualitative research (Hill 2012) to investigate undergraduate students’ sense of belongingness to their university. The analysis revealed four broad domains: (1) valued group involvement, (2) meaningful personal relationships, (3) environmental factors, and (4) intrapersonal factors. Within these domains, six general categories and eight typical categories emerged. The results highlight the importance for students to have opportunities to meaningfully connect with other peers/faculty, the availability of a myriad of campus organizations and groups, and universities to foster an environment of diversity. Implications for higher education personnel as well as directions for future research are discussed.
An “Other” Social Mobility, Viewed from the Standpoint of Exclusion
Authors: Cuenca Ricardo
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this article is to analyze how social mobility and social inclusion are perceived by a group of professionals from modest backgrounds, who graduated from public universities and whose personal histories reflect levels of exclusion. This qualitative study, which is organized in six dimensions of analysis—migration and territorial mobility, education, occupation and income, social capital, vulnerability, and expectations—shows four main findings, which inevitably also raise new working hypotheses. The findings are the following: that social mobility and social inclusion are heterogeneous processes that education remains a means of both mobility and inclusion, that social mobility coexists with inequality, and that mobility and social inclusion require broader means of conceptualization because of the difficulty of understanding this process in people with particular characteristics and from particular backgrounds.
Front Matter
Authors: Jacob W. James
Published: May 2015

This is the first issue of Volume 5, with articles that examine higher education in the United States, Uzbekistan, Latin America, and community colleges from a global perspective.
Migrants and Health in Portugal
Authors: Bäckström B.
Published: May 2015

The aim of this research is to atain knowledge on immigrant´s health related problems and to identify their dificulties when acesing health care services. The article describes immigrant´s dificulties when acesing health care services that are visiting the health ofice at a National Immigrant Support Centre.Design: : A qualitative study was conducted, analysing available documentation and observing the health isues dealt with at the National Immigrant Support Centre’s (CNAI) Health Ofice. The 148 cases are mainly immigrants coming from Portuguese speaking African countries for health purposes. Immigrants from Brazil have more restricted aces, and feel discrimination on the part of the services. Immigrants from Eastern Europe come in search of information and have communication dificulties. Obstacles are related to the lack of knowledge of the law, but also to the failure of puting the law into practice. The ofice has had a great demand of users seeking information and in acesingthe health care system.Results: The cases analysed are mainly nationals from Portuguese Speaking African Countries (PSAC), Brazil and countries in Eastern Europe. The majority of the immigrants coming from PSAC are patients receiving treatment under international Cooperation Agreements requesting financial and social support. Immigrants from Brazil have more restricted aces and feel greater discrimination on the part of the services. New Labour Migrants from Eastern Europe, on the other hand, come in search of information and are known to have communication dificulties.Conclusions: Legislation in Portugal provides aces to health care to al citizens, regardles of their legal condition and origin. However, some immigrants have had significant dificulties with aces to Portugal’s National Health Service. The obstacles are not only related to the lack of legal knowledge, but also to the failure of puting the law into practice, which requires atention by the institutionresponsible for efective and comprehensive coordination. The ofice has had a great demand of users seeking information, who, above al, wish to solve their problems and dificulties in acesing the health care system.
Can External Interventions in the Field of Traditional Medicine Help Conserve Natural Resources and Enhance Ancestral Heritage?
Authors: Lefèvre G.
Published: May 2015

In Madagascar some development programs interested in local medical knowledge have been working simultaneously to enhance the life of people and conserve the natural habitat. A study of these practices casts a different light on their work. After presenting several misconceptions concerning traditional medicine, I discuss the use of local taboos by development organisations as a means for conserving natural environment. Secondly I examine attempts to plant medicinal garens to stem the loss of natural habitat, and finally, I discuss misunderstandings concerning the notion of development and the selective screening of therapeutic practices. I suggest in conclusion that programs should primarly be less concerned with assessing the immediate prcaticalities of the proposed action and more concerned with an understanding of the soical whole.
The Place of Healers-Diviners (Ombiasa) in Betsileo Medical Pluralism
Authors: Legrip-Randriambelo O. , Regnier D.
Published: May 2015

This article is concerned with the training and curing practices of Betsileo ombiasa (‘healers-diviners’), and their relationships with biomedical practitioners and Christian healers, in particular Fifohazana exorcists. We first give an account of what we think is characteristic in the process of becoming an ombiasa, highlighting in particular the role of ancestors and other spiritual entities. We then give a brief description of the ombiasa’s healing practices and the kind of remuneration they usually ask for. In the last part of the article we discuss their collaboration and conflicts with other health practitioners, showing how ombiasa are constantly adapting their practice to avoid open confrontations with their competitors, accommodate their patients’ expectations and continue to carve out a niche for themselves within Betsileo medical pluralism.
Loving More, Being Less: Reflections on Vladimir Jankélévitch’s Le paradoxe de la morale
Authors: Rosato Jennifer
Published: May 2015

In Le paradoxe de la morale, Vladimir Jankélévitch proposes that the moral life is a matter of balancing the demands of love, which call us to give without limit, and our natural, egoistical attachment to self, which he terms 'being'. This balancing act is ultimately paradoxical since love must both depend on and overcome being. The vision of moral life as a paradoxical balancing act of love and being, however, is implicitly challenged by another, "supernatural" vision of ethics that Jankélévitch proposes near the end of the text. In these passages, the egoism of being that marks human nature is not merely balanced but genuinely transformed by the passionate care for an other. In this paper, these two visions of the ethical life offered by Jankélévitch's text are discussed in turn, and a way to read them as complementary rather than contradictory is proposed.
New Forms of Revolt
Authors: Kristeva Julia
Published: May 2015

Popular uprisings, indignant youth, toppled dictators, oligarchic presidents dismissed, hopes dashed, liberties crushed in prisons, fixed trials, and bloodbaths. How are we to read these images? Could revolt, or what is called “riot” on the Web, be waking humanity from its dream of hyperconnectedness? Or could it just be a trick played on us so that the culture of spectacle can last longer? But what “revolt” are we talking about? Is it even possible?
Investing in a Third: Colonization, Religious Fundamentalism, and Adolescence
Authors: Miller Elaine P.
Published: May 2015

In her keynote address to the Kristeva Circle 2014, Julia Kristeva argued that European Humanism dating from the French Revolution paradoxically paved the way for “those who use God for political ends” by promoting a completely and solely secular path to the political. As an unintended result of this movement this path has led, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, to the development of a new form of nihilism that masks itself as revolutionary but in fact is the opposite, in Kristeva’s view.  Kristeva analyzed the culture of religious fundamentalism as “adolescent” in the sense that the adolescent, in contrast to the child, is a believer rather than a questioner.  Although the psychoanalytic consideration of religious fundamentalism added a new dimension to attempts to explain the increase of this phenomenon in the late 20th and 21st centuries, Kristeva’s subsequent linkage of fundamentalism to the revolts in French suburbs in 2005 and beyond fell short of an insightful critique by neglecting the historical context of France’s colonial history.
Timely Revolutions: On the Timelessness of the Unconscious
Authors: Söderbäck Fanny
Published: May 2015

Julia Kristeva’s work on the concept of revolt is marked by a temporal analysis that takes revolt to be a movement of return into the past that makes possible change, rebirth, and an open future. Such temporal revolt is, according to Kristeva, intimate, in that it touches on unconscious psychic structures and operates on the level of thought and creativity. But Kristeva simultaneously inherits Freud’s notion that the unconscious is timeless. How, I ask, can revolt be defined as a temporal movement of return while at the same time being rooted in timelessness? I examine both Freud’s and Kristeva’s discussions of the timelessness of the unconscious and suggest that it needs to be understood not as non-temporal or outside of time, but rather as a temporal structure that challenges traditional philosophical conceptions of time. As such, the timelessness of the unconscious is far from being yet another instantiation of metaphysical presence. Rather, I see it as offering a challenge to both metaphysical presence and linear time, and indeed as making possible the retrospective movement of return that revolt for Kristeva must be.
Pedagogies of Revolt, Politics of the Self
Authors: Hansen Sarah K.
Published: May 2015

In "New Forms of Revolt," Julia Kristeva maintains that intimate revolt is a necessary, if imperiled, mode of contemporary resistance. This essay reflects on the pedagogical dimensions of intimate revolt and its fate in university contexts, especially in the United States. I argue that a Kristevan pedagogical revolt involves upheavals of thought supported by loving listening relationships.
Book Review: Ian James, The New French Philosophy (Cambridge: Polity Press, 2012).
Authors: Harbaš Bernard
Published: May 2015

A review of Ian James, The New French Philosophy (Cambridge: Polity Press, 2012).
Ready When You Are: A Correspondence on Claire Elise Katz's Levinas and the Crisis of Humanism
Authors: Bernstein Jeffrey A. , Katz Claire E.
Published: May 2015

A Conversation with Claire Katz about her book, Levinas and the Crisis of Humanism.
Estudio de las imágenes para la Educación de las Artes visuales en los libros de texto en la Educación Secundaria Obligatoria: implicaciones educativas
Authors: Marcellan-Barace Idoia , Gómez-Pintado Ainhoa
Published: May 2015

En este artículo se presentan los primeros datos obtenidos en la investigación desarrollada para determinar las relaciones existentes entre las artes visuales tradicionales y otras formas de cultura visual más próximas a las experiencias de los jóvenes de secundaria. La hipótesis por la que se inicia esta investigación es que mientras los estudiantes se nutren y conviven principalmente con las imágenes ofrecidas por la cultura mediática sus libros de texto básicamente se refieren a las imágenes del arte más tradicional. La investigación se ha delimitado a una revisión y análisis de los materiales educativos más usuales para la enseñanza de las artes visuales en secundaria. Tras la sistematización y el análisis de las imágenes que aparecen en los libros de texto, se han detectado tres grandes tipos: las artísticas, las de la cultura mediática y otras. Las conclusiones más relevantes señalan que: apenas hay conexiones entre los diferentes tipos de imágenes, que ofrecen una visión muy tradicional del arte y que las imágenes que contienen están muy alejadas de las experiencias de los jóvenes usuarios de los libros.
Repensar la identidad artista-investigadora, desde el proyecto “Diálogos con mujeres artistas docentes”
Authors: García-Huidobro M. Rosario
Published: May 2015

El cuestionamiento sobre la identidad y los diversos roles que los artistas han comenzado a explorar, desde el siglo pasado, son aspectos fundamentales en este artículo. Hoy es difícil seguir hablando del artista como individuo de talento innato que trabaja aislado en su taller, sino que los diversos efectos sociales, políticos y culturales, han trasladado a los artistas a ser parte del mundo social y a generar prácticas artísticas que visualicen y manifiesten críticamente estas preocupaciones. Para explicar estos tránsitos con mayor profundidad, se compartirá parte de la práctica y reflexión artística personal, y cómo ésta ha comenzado a entrelazarse con la investigación de tesis doctoral, a través del proyecto artístico “Diálogos con mujeres artistas docentes”. A partir de la experiencia como artista e investigadora en formación, se comparte en qué consiste el proyecto de indagación artística y se reflexiona sus puntos de encuentro con la noción de `práctica artística como investigación´ desarrollada por Graeme Sullivan (2010, 2011). Por otro lado, se buscará reflexionar cómo las identidades `artista´ y `académica´ están en un constante diálogo personal. Este proyecto artístico busca mostrar que estas identidades no están en un posicionamiento fijo, más bien reflexionar, desde el lugar de un artista, cómo a través de los diversos desplazamientos por diversas disciplinas, se puede concebir un tipo de identidad `in-between´. Esto último hace referencia a la posibilidad de comprender los procesos de ser mujer, artista e investigadora que transita y conforma su identidad entre ambas disciplinas.
La noción del espacio en el lenguaje artístico de Alfredo Jaar
Authors: Varela-Villarreal Rolando
Published: May 2015

El arte conceptual y su rol comunicador ha ejercido influencia en la obra del arquitecto chileno Alfredo Jaar, que se ha propuesto informar, con otros códigos [verbales y no verbales], sucesos de alcance mundial que influyen en la sociedad contemporánea. Su formación inicial como arquitecto ha impulsado la innovación en la concepción de espacio artístico, haciendo uso del mensaje a trasmitir al espectador el motivo de su trabajo por más de tres décadas; destaca la composición artística con diversos recursos materiales cuya finalidad reside en la conceptualización de diversas temáticas que considera relevante en el rol de la comunicación artística. El estilo Jaar es la suma de su propia experiencia de vida en relación a las contradicciones del mundo de hoy, que expone y representa desde la óptica del postmodernismo desde la explotación de la noción del espacio, como escenario abierto para la visualidad y la expresividad que supera fronteras nacionales, sociedades y culturas del orbe.
La redención de la mirada: la crisis de la observación en el "fin de siècle" y el advenimiento del cine
Authors: Uharte-Huertas Miren
Published: May 2015

Este artículo no pretende afirmar, sino más bien preguntarse si acaso pudiera hablarse de una pérdida de la capacidad de mirar en el contexto decimonónico y muy especialmente en el fin de siècle, en el seno de las crisis epistemológicas que asediaron el entresiglos, azuzadas por una escalada galopante del psicologismo. Y muy especialmente, este artículo pretende preguntarse por el impacto que ello tuvo, quizá, en el nacimiento del cine. En este contexto se sitúan los trabajos de Marey y el advenimiento del cinematógrafo de los hermanos Lumière en el fin de siècle europeo, con su profunda fe en un medio mecánico que posibilitara la redención de una mirada maltrecha; un sueño que se prolonga en el tiempo a través de la tradición de rodar lo cotidiano.
Influence of cultural heritage on hotel prices, occupancy and profit
Authors: Mathur Sameer , Dewani Prem Prakash
Published: May 2015

This article presents a theoretical model of a heritage hotel setting prices for two types of hotel rooms distinguished by their level of heritage. The authors analyse the model using game theory. They derive the profit-maximizing prices as a function of the differentiation between the hotel rooms and the relative proportion of each type of hotel room. They also measure the occupancy rate of each type of room and the total profit made by the hotel in response to the optimal prices. The article also presents an empirical study of hotel rooms located near the Eiffel Tower in Paris to complement the theoretical analysis. The study finds that rooms offering a view of the Eiffel Tower are priced significantly higher than rooms not offering this view. Moreover, the price premium imposed for the heritage view is relatively higher at more expensive hotels.
CNE Certification Drive and Exam Results
Authors: Byrne Michelle M. , Welch Susan
Published: May 2015

The Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) is the only credential recognizing the advanced practice role of the academic nurse educator. This article provides information regarding a CNE Certification Drive for faculty in one school of nursing. Descriptive findings include pass rates and content-specific averages. An analysis of the relationship between the variables is offered for role (faculty vs. recent graduate), years of teaching, and differences in test scores. Results indicate no significant relationship between role and test results, χ2(1) = 1.11, p = .29, and between years of teaching for those who passed (M = 10.38, SD = 9.81) versus those who failed (M = 4.75, SD = 6.36, t(18) = 1.56, p = .14). Additional research is needed to provide further understanding of variables linked with the CNE exam in multiple schools of nursing.
The vulnerable vessel
Authors: Gleißner C. A.
Published: May 2015

Diabetes represents one of the most important risk factors for atherosclerosis, which is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Recent imaging studies employing intravascular ultrasound or computed coronary angio - graphy tomography clearly confirm that diabetes is associated with larger plaque burden and with more lesions displaying features of instability. Various molecular mechanisms promoting atherogenesis and plaque destabilization in diabetics have been described in the past. The current review specifically focuses on recent papers that have addressed the effects of diabetes and hyperglycemia (i) on myeloid cells, (ii) on oxidative stress, and (iii) on protein kinase C (PKC) activation. Thus, it has been demonstrated that hyperglycemia may promote myelopoiesis and differentiation of pro-inflammatory macrophages. Furthermore, novel studies emphasize the interplay between inflammation and oxidative stress at both the molecular and the genetic level. Finally, experimental studies shed light on the role of PKC-_ in diabetes-associated atherosclerosis. Several of these recent studies suggest that atherogenesis and plaque destabilization in diabetic individuals may be mediated by diabetes-specific mechanisms. This may open the door for developing tailored anti-atherosclerotic therapies for diabetic patients.
Bestuurskunde voorbij het maakbaarheidsdenken?
Authors: van Putten Robert
Published: May 2015

Public Administration beyond social engineering

Public Administration has been confronted with an emerging body of literature on the subject of social engineering and the limitedness of governing society. At the same time, governance is considered to be more greedy. The aim of this article is to consider the implications of the boundaries of social engineering for Public Administration. This article reflects on these implications as follows. Firstly, this article gives an analysis of the relation between governance, policy and feasibility. Secondly, different definitions of feasibility are developed and related to Public Administration. These elements lead to the conclusion that Public Administration is part of the culture of perfecting. Thirdly, after rejecting fatalism, a new perspective for Public Administration can be found in thinking based on practical rationality.
Close-to-convexity and Starlikeness of Analytic Functions
Authors: Lee See Keong , V. Ravichandran , Supramaniam Shamani
Published: May 2015

For functions $f(z)=z^p+a_{n+1}z^{p+1}+\cdots$ defined on the open unit disk, the condition $RE (f'(z)/z^{p-1})>0$ is sufficient for close-to-convexity of $f$. By making use of this result, several sufficient conditions for close-to-convexity are investigated and relevant connections with previously known results are indicated.
Tormey, Jane (2013). Cities and Photography
Authors: Mecca Margot
Published: May 2015

Tormey, Jane (2013)Cities and PhotographyLondres y Nueva York: Routledge, 266 p.ISBN 978-0415564403
De los lugares de espera a los territorios de la espera. ¿Una nueva dimensión de la geografía social?
Authors: Musset Alain
Published: May 2015

Lejos de ser fluidos, homogéneos o lineales, los desplazamientos de distinta índole que caracterizan las sociedades contemporáneas están marcados por tiempos y momentos, más o menos largos, de espera. El propósito de este artículo es analizar cómo y por qué tales momentos encuentran una traducción espacial relacionada con interacciones sociales específicas. Rebasar la noción tradicional de “lugares de espera” para configurar nuevos “territorios de la espera” nos permite poner en tela de juicio los patrones de interpretación del “ser” en la sociedad, el espacio y el tiempo. Ahora bien, el uso del artículo determinado (LA espera) es fundamental puesto que no nos enfocaremos en el hecho de esperar sino en la dimensión existencial del ser en situación de espera. Para llevar a cabo esta investigación, nos ubicaremos especialmente en los mundos americanos, caracterizados por la amplitud, variedad y antigüedad de sus movimientos migratorios.
The role of PECVD hard coatings on the performance of industrial tools
Authors: Zarchi Meysam , Ahangarani Sharokh , Sanjari Maryam Zare
Published: May 2015

The advantages of the application of hard coatings, which are well knownfor cutting tools, are to a much lesser extent explored for casting, extrusion, molding and forming tools. Increasing the lifetime of these tools is an important task in surface engineering because of complex loading conditionsand often complicated tool geometry. The plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique is well suited to deposit hard coatings onto large dies and moulds. The aim of this study was to discuss deposition processes suitable for coating of the often large three-dimensional molds and dies used in metal forming. Furthermore, results obtained using different hard coatings in industrial applications for several case studies like aluminum pressure die-casting; plastics injection molding and sheet metal forming are presented and discussed. For best coating performance, a careful optimization of both substrate pretreatment and coating deposition is necessary. The plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique shows advantages for these applications because of the high flexibility in pre-treatment using chemical etching and plasma-nitriding, because of its ability to coat large complexly shaped tools and because of the possibility of deposition of low-chlorine containing low-friction coatings.
Preparation of rare earth - transition metal (RE: Y, Tm: Co) intermetallic compounds by calciothermic reduction diffusion process
Authors: Ilayaraja M. , Berchmans L. John , Sankaranarayanan Sankara Raman
Published: May 2015

Rare earth cobalt alloys have many special magnetic properties and can be used to prepare magnetic and magneto-optical components. The yttrium – cobalt intermetallic compounds are prepared by calciothermic reduction – diffusion (CRD) process at temperature of 1000ºC, under argon atmosphere. Yttrium oxide, metallic cobalt powder, metallic calcium are used as raw materials in this process. Calcium acts as the reductant, which is used to prepare the YCo5 magnetic material. XRD, SEM, EDAX and some thermodynamic valuation have been carried out on the products. The chemical reactions controlled by unreacted core model theory were studied.
Influence of annealing heat treatment on pitting corrosion resistance of stainless steel type 316
Authors: Bakhtiari Amirreza , Berenjani I.
Published: May 2015

The effect of annealing heat treatment on pitting resistance of stainless steel type 316L has been studied using Tafel polarization and ASTM G150 for estimating of the pitting potential and CPT, respectively. The materials were tested in 3.5% NaCl solution. The chemical composition of the material was analyzed via optical emission spectrometry. It was found that the sample treated at 940°C shows better pitting corrosion resistance than samples treated at 520°C and 820°C. The treatment at 940°C produced two types of morphologies, austenitic-ferritic matrix with δ-ferrite and only small amount of the σ phase. In the range up to 820°C the σ phase embedded in the γ phase matrix and at δ/γ interface was causing brittleness of the material and aggravated corrosion resistance. The treatment at 940°C produced the microstructure which prevented the corrosion attack to develop. It was revealed that the pitting size in samples treated at 520°C and 820°C is greater than that at 940°C. In addition, depth of pitting has been considered as a factor of pitting corrosion resistance. The depth of pitting in sample treated at 940°C is low since the pitting is almost superficial, while the pitting size in samples treated in 520°C and 820°C is higher and deeper.
The influence of the chemical composition and type of alloy on corrosion performances of some medium strength Al-Mg-Si series of alloys
Authors: Delijić Kemal , Markoli Boštjan
Published: May 2015

The effect of the chemical composition, i.e. content of silicone (Si) and other alloying elements (Zr, Mn, etc) on the corrosion behaviour and mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si (6xxx) type alloys was investigated in this paper. Open circuit corrosion potential (OCP) measurements, linear polarization and potentiodynamic anodic/cathodic polarization were employed in order to determine the corrosion behaviour of artificially aged Al-Mg-Si samples in the chloride ions containing aqueous corrosion solutions. The difference in OCPs for the tested 6xxx type alloys in relation to the standard AA1020 alloy was observed to be between 1-4%, except for the AlMg0.65Si0.76Zr0.1 alloy when the difference was 14% (about 100 mV). The presence of zirconium and manganese in AlMgSi0.7 base alloy, that contains small excess of Si, shifts the OCPs to more negative values for -15 mV (~2%) and -88 mV (~11%) in natural water and 0,51 mol NaCl, respectively. All the tested 6xxx type alloys, except AlMg0.7Si1.2Mn0.8, show almost the same corrosion rates and other corrosion characteristics in chloride solution, with mass loss per year between 2.3-3 g/m2 .
Space shuttle SRM field joint: Review paper
Authors: Mohammad Gharouni S , M. Panahiha Hamid , Eskandari Jam Jafar
Published: May 2015

Due to Challenger space shuttle accident in 1986, significant research has been done concerning structural behavior of field joints in solid rocket boosters (SRB). The structural deformations between the clevis inner leg and the tang (male-to-female parts of joint), the sealing of the O-ring to prevent the hot gas in joints, has been neglected causing the failure of the vehicle. Redesigning the field joint in SRB engine by accurate analysis of dynamic and thermal loads and by design of insulator and good O-ring, the leakiness of combustion hot gases was eliminated. Some parts of field joint such as capture feature (CF) and its third O-ring, J-leg insulator and shim were added to redesigned field joint. Also, some adjustments in sealing system and pins were done to promote the efficiency of the field joint. Due to different experimental analysis on assembled field joints with default imperfections, redesigned joints operated well. These redesigned field joints are commonly used in aerospace and mechanical structures. This paper investigates the original and the redesigned field joints with additional explanations of different parts of the redesigned joints.
Positive synergistic effect of the reuse and the treatment of hazardous waste on pyrometallurgical process of lead recovery from waste lead-acid batteries
Authors: Štulović Marija , Mihajlović Aleksandar , Anđić Zoran , Korać Marija , Kamberović Željko
Published: May 2015

Modification and optimization of the pyrometallurgical process of lead recovering from the waste lead-acid batteries have been studied in this paper. The aim of this research is to develop a cleaner production in the field of the secondary lead metallurgy. Lead smelting process with the addition of flux (sodium(I)-carbonate) and reducing agents (coke, iron) has been followed. The modified smelting process with the addition of hazardous waste (activated carbon) as alternative reducing agents has shown positive results on the quality of the secondary lead, the generated slag and the process gases. Filtration efficiency of the gases, the return of baghouse dust to the process and use of oxygen burners have positive effect on the environment protection and energy efficiency. Optimization of the recycling process has been based on the properties of the slag. Stabilization of slag is proposed in the furnace with addition of waste dust from the recycling of cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. Phosphorus compounds from dust reduce leachability of toxic elements from the generated slag. Reduction the slag amount and its hazardous character through the elimination of migratory heavy metals and valorization of useful components have been proposed in the patented innovative device - cylindrical rotating washer/separator.
Nickel production in Serbia-technological and environmental aspects
Authors: Kamberović Željko , Korać Marija , Anđić Zoran , Uljarević Jelena , Mihajlović Aleksandar , Vučurović Dušan
Published: May 2015

Demand for nickel is constantly growing due to the versatility of its application, at the first place for stainless steel production. Ore reserves and possibility of nickel production of today’s Serbia and in neighboring countries were thoroughly investigated, and presented work is part of a wider project of sublimation of scientific and professional experience in the field of nickel extractive metallurgy on domestic raw materials. Presented research explores the possibility of high pressure sulfuric acid leaching of Serbian lateritic ores from localities Rudjinci, Ba and Lipovac. All three investigated ore deposits behaved differently both during preparation and during hydrometallurgical treatment. As optimal method for ore preparation proved to be crushing-milling-sieving route, but without possibility of concentrate production. Only for Rudjinci ore deposit achieved leaching efficiency reached satisfactory level of 95%. Within presented paper flow-sheet is proposed for processing high-magnesium laterite ores, with iron and magnesium oxide Both could be recirculated and used again in technological process; MgO for iron precipitation and SO2 for production of leaching agent, sulfuric acid. Final decision on the sustainability of the process will be made according to techno-economic and environmental evaluation. Estimated overall impact of the project implementation on the environment is negative.
A structure-based extracellular matrix expansion mechanism of fibrous tissue growth
Authors: Kalson Nicholas S , Lu Yinhui , Taylor Susan H , Starborg Tobias , Holmes David F , Kadler Karl E
Published: May 2015

Embryonic growth occurs predominately by an increase in cell number; little is known about growth mechanisms later in development when fibrous tissues account for the bulk of adult vertebrate mass. We present a model for fibrous tissue growth based on 3D-electron microscopy of mouse tendon. We show that the number of collagen fibrils increases during embryonic development and then remains constant during postnatal growth. Embryonic growth was explained predominately by increases in fibril number and length. Postnatal growth arose predominately from increases in fibril length and diameter. A helical crimp structure was established in embryogenesis, and persisted postnatally. The data support a model where the shape and size of tendon is determined by the number and position of embryonic fibroblasts. The collagen fibrils that these cells synthesise provide a template for postnatal growth by structure-based matrix expansion. The model has important implications for growth of other fibrous tissues and fibrosis.
What is Good Quality of Health Care?
Authors: Nylenna Magne , Bjertnaes Øyvind Andresen , Saunes Ingrid S. , Lindahl Anne Karin
Published: May 2015

A diversity of definitions of quality exists, that frequently contain aspects of complexity, relativity and subjectivity. This paper provides an overview of key components in the quality debate within health care, including different perspectives and dimensions of the quality of care. Definitions of the quality of health care reflect the characteristics of health services, and are useful for measurements and quality improvement. Over time the patient perspective of quality has gotten increasing weight, and in quality improvement there has been a shift from individual responsibility for doctors and health care personnel to systems thinking. We argue that the quality approach in health care should be more standardized and that health care-specific definitions of quality should be used when the relationship between physician professionalism and quality is investigated.

Keywords: quality, health care, systems thinking, patient perspective, outcome, indicator, measurement, improvement.
Measures, Methods, and Models of Doctor Satisfaction: Future Research Challenges
Authors: Konrad Thomas Robert
Published: May 2015

This paper outlines the way in which various concepts measuring doctor reactions to their jobs and careers (e.g., satisfaction, burnout, etc.) have been developed. The variety of measures, methods, and models reflect differing disciplinary and theoretical approaches and research traditions. In order to identify productive ways to advance the field, this paper presents a proposal for how multi-disciplinary, cross-national comparative research might be conducted to resolve some of the issues linking medical care organization, physicians' experiences, and patient outcomes. In seeking buy-in from stakeholders, researchers need to be cognizant that various ideologies and agendas shape the nature of the concerns that these interest groups (e.g., professional associations, clinical managers, payers, patient advocates, etc.) have about physician satisfaction, its precursors, and its consequences.Keywords: Physician satisfaction, burnout, measurement, methodology, medical autonomy
Contract Termination and Insurance Enrollment Among Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries
Authors: Dixit Meehir N. , Trivedi Amal N. , Meyers David J.
Published: August 2024

Importance

Approximately one-fifth of Medicare Advantage (MA) contracts terminated their participation in the MA program between 2011 and 2020. Little is known about subsequent insurance choices following a termination.

Objective

To examine the insurance destinations of MA enrollees and the characteristics of enrollees who switch into traditional Medicare (TM) after a contract termination.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study examined MA program data of MA beneficiaries in the Medicare Master Beneficiary File from 2016 to 2018. Statistical analysis was performed from June 2023 to April 2024.

Exposures

Beneficiary characteristics, including age, sex, race and ethnicity, dual eligibility; hospital, nursing home, and home health utilization; and contract characteristics, including plan type, vertical integration, premium, and MA star rating.

Main Outcome and Measures

The main outcome was switching to TM in the year immediately after termination. We also evaluated the characteristics of contracts among those who remained in MA.

Results

A total of 117 681 beneficiaries were included in this analysis (64 654 [54.9%] female; 409 [0.4%] American Indian or Alaska Native; 2817 [2.4%] Asian; 76 725 [16.8%] Black; 11 131 [9.5%] Hispanic; 81 226 [69.0%] White; and 2373 [2.0%] other race or ethnicity; 27 078 [23.0%] dual-eligible; mean [SD] age, 71.2 [10.4] years). Following a contract termination, 20.1% (95% CI, 19.9%-20.4%) of enrollees switched to TM, including 32.7% (95% CI, 32.4%-33.1%) of dual-eligible beneficiaries and 16.4% (95% CI, 16.2%-16.5%) of non–dual-eligible beneficiaries. In nonterminated contracts, the concurrent switch rate was 6.2% (95% CI, 6.2%-6.2%) for all, 10.4% (95% CI, 10.4%-10.4%) for dual-eligible beneficiaries and 5.1% (95% CI, 5.1%-5.1%) for non–dual-eligible enrollees. The highest switch rates to TM were among Black enrollees (32.3% [95% CI, 31.7%-32.8%]) and those with prior use of hospital (31.3% [95% CI, 30.7%-31.9%], nursing home, 41.4% [95% CI, 40.4%-42.4%], or home health care (28.3% [95% CI, 27.4%-29.2%]). Beneficiaries who stayed in MA selected higher-rated star plans (mean posttermination contract star rating of 3.8 [95% CI, 3.8-3.8] stars compared with 3.3 [95% CI, 3.3-3.3] stars in the terminated year), but did not pay more in monthly premiums with 66.5% (95% CI, 66.2%-66.8%) paying the same or lower premiums.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, 1 in 5 MA beneficiaries switched to TM after a contract termination, with Black beneficiaries and those with more intensive health needs having the highest switch rates. These findings highlight the need to examine consequences of contract terminations and subsequent insurance destinations on access to care and health outcomes, especially among those with marginalized race and ethnicity, those who are dual-eligible, and beneficiaries with higher health care needs.
Exploring postictal recovery with acetaminophen or nimodipine: A randomized‐controlled crossover trial
Authors: Pottkämper Julia C. M. , Verdijk Joey P. A. J. , Stuiver Sven , Aalbregt Eva , ten Doesschate Freek , Verwijk Esmée , Schmettow Martin , van Wingen Guido A. , van Putten Michel J. A. M. , Hofmeijer Jeannette , van Waarde Jeroen A.
Published: August 2024

Objective

The postictal state is underrecognized in epilepsy. Animal models show improvement of postictal symptoms and cerebral perfusion with acetaminophen or nimodipine. We studied the effects of acetaminophen or nimodipine on postictal electroencephalographic (EEG) recovery, clinical reorientation, and hypoperfusion in patients with ECT‐induced seizures.

Methods

In this prospective clinical trial with three‐condition randomized crossover design, study interventions were administered orally 2 h before ECT sessions (1000 mg acetaminophen, 60 mg nimodipine, or a placebo condition). Primary outcome measure was the speed of postictal EEG recovery. Secondary outcomes were the extent of postictal EEG recovery, clinical reorientation time, and postictal cerebral blood flow as assessed by perfusion‐weighted MRI. Bayesian generalized mixed‐effects models were applied for analyses.

Results

We included 300 seizures, postictal EEGs, and reorientation time values, and 76 MRI perfusion measures from 33 patients (median age 53 years, 19 female). Pretreatment with acetaminophen or nimodipine was not associated with change in speed of EEG recovery compared to placebo (1.13 [95%CI 0.92, 1.40] and 1.07 [95%CI 0.87, 1.31], respectively), nor with the secondary outcomes. No patient reached full EEG recovery at 1 h post‐seizure, despite clinical recovery in 89%. Longer seizures were associated with slower EEG recovery and lower postictal perfusion. Nimodipine altered regional perfusion in the posterior cortex.

Interpretation

Pretreatment with acetaminophen or nimodipine did not alleviate symptoms and signs of the postictal state. Systematic study of the postictal state after ECT‐induced seizures is feasible.
A Clinical‐Grade Partially Decellularized Matrix for Tracheal Replacement: Validation In Vitro and In Vivo in a Porcine Model
Authors: Arakelian Lousineh , Léger Maëlys , Kellouche Sabrina , Agniel Rémy , Bruneval Patrick , Allain Jean Marc , Caputo Valentino , Gendron Nicolas , Gozlan Romane , Bargui Rezlene , Vigouroux Augustin , Sansac Caroline , Jarraya Mohamed , Denoyelle Françoise , Larghero Jérôme , Thierry Briac
Published: August 2024

The management of extensive tracheal resection followed by circumferential replacement remains a surgical challenge. Numerous techniques are proposed with mixed results. Partial decellularization of the trachea with the removal of the mucosal and submucosal cells is a promising method, reducing immunogenicity while preserving the biomechanical properties of the final matrix. Despite many research protocols and proofs of concept, no standardized clinical grade protocol is described. Furthermore, local and systemic biointegration mechanisms of decellularized trachea are not well known. Therefore, in a translational research perspective, this work set up a partial tracheal decellularization protocol in line with Cell and Tissue Products regulations. Extensive characterization of the final product is performed in vitro and in vivo. The results show that the Partially Decellularized Trachea (PDT) is cell‐free in the mucosa and submucosa, while the cartilage structure is preserved, maintaining the biomechanical properties of the trachea. When implanted in the muscle in vivo for 28 days, no systemic inflammation is observed, and locally, the PDT shows an excellent biointegration and vascularization. No signs of graft rejection are observed. These encouraging results confirmed the efficacy of the clinical grade PDT production protocol, which is an important step for future clinical applications.
Controllable Regulation of MoS2 Surface Atomic Exposure for Boosting Interfacial Polarization and Microwave Absorption
Authors: Wang Jian , Wu Zhengchen , Yang Chendi , Chen Guanyu , Yuan Mingyue , Li Bangxin , Lai Yuxiang , Che Renchao
Published: August 2024

Atomic‐level surface design of 2D materials, which benefits from their ultra‐high occupancy of surface atoms, has demonstrated significant potential for regulating electronic states. Despite efforts to explore heterojunctions on 2D surfaces, the stacking‐dominated surface electronic structures and their influences on dielectric polarization remain unclear. Herein, a confined growth strategy is proposed to accurately adjust the surface atom occupancy of MoS2 nanoflakes and thereby boost the polarization‐dominated microwave absorption (MA). By altering the stacking layer number from single layers to tens of layers of MoS2, the charge transfer from graphite substrate to MoS2 surface atoms, accompanied by the formation of local electric fields, reaches its highest intensity at two layers and then degrades dramatically with thicker MoS2 nanoflakes. The strengthened dielectric properties eventually enhance the MA performance, increasing the maximum absorption intensity (41.9 dB) by 346% and the effective absorption bandwidth (3 GHz) by 750%. These discoveries shed new light on the electronic modification of 2D materials and their electromagnetic functionalization.
Direct C−C Bond Cleavage of CH3CN as a Single‐Carbon Synthon: Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxalines via Electrochemical Oxidation
Authors: Sun Fengkai , Miao Man , Li Wenxue , Lan Xiao‐Bing , Yu Jian‐Qiang , Zhang Jian , An Zhenyu
Published: August 2024

A direct electrochemical redox reaction involving radical cross‐coupling cyclization for the synthesis of pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxaline derivatives from 1‐(2‐aminophenyl)pyrroles and CH3CN has been developed, which includes the functionalization of C(sp3)−H bonds as well as the construction of C−C and C−N bonds. Notably, the control and deuterium‐labelling experiments suggest that CH3CN in this reaction acts as both a carbon source via C−C cleavage and solvent. The reaction features metal‐ and oxidant‐free conditions, and various substituted pyrrolo[1,2‐a]quinoxaline derivatives were obtained.