bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ediacaran Acanthomorphic Acritarchs and Other Microfossils from Chert Nodules of the Upper Doushantuo Formation in the Yangtze Gorges Area, South China
Authors: Liu Pengju , Xiao Shuhai , Yin Chongyu , Chen Shouming , Zhou Chuanming , Li Meng
Published: January 2014

Silicified microfossils preserved in chert nodules of the Doushantuo Formation in the Yangtze Gorges area of South China have great potential to improve the biostratigraphic subdivision and correlation of the Ediacaran System. This potential can be realized only if solid taxonomy is available. However, a systematic treatment of these microfossils (particularly acanthomorphic acritarchs) is lacking, greatly limiting their biostratigraphic potential. This paper presents the systematic paleontology of silicified microfossils from upper Doushantuo Formation (Member III) chert nodules at three sections in the Yangtze Gorges area. More than 90 species of microfossils are described, including 66 named taxa of acanthomorphs, seven named taxa of sphaeromorphs, 12 taxa of cyanobacterial filaments and coccoids, four taxa of algal thalli, and two species of tubular microfossils. Several acritarch species, includingAppendisphaera clavan. sp.,Mengeosphaera grandispinan. sp.,M. stegosauriformisn. sp.,Leiosphaeridia, and possiblySinosphaera rupina, are shown to be multicellular organisms, consistent with the proposition that some Ediacaran acritarchs may be diapause eggs of early animals. This study supports the view that theTianzhushania spinosaacanthomorph biozone is unique to the lower Doushantuo Formation in South China (and perhaps its equivalent in northern India) and that Ediacaran acanthomorph assemblages from Australia, Siberia, and East European Platform are younger than theTianzhushania spinosabiozone. It is proposed that the first occurrence ofHocosphaeridium anozos, a species with easily recognizable morphology and wide taphonomic and geographic distributions, be used to define the second Doushantuo acanthomorph biozone succeeding theTianzhushania spinosabiozone. New taxa described in this paper include three new genera (Bispinosphaeran. gen.;Yushengian. gen.; andGranitunican. gen.) and 40 new species:Appendisphaera?brevispinan. sp.,A. clavan. sp.,A.?hemisphaerican. sp.,A. longispinan. sp.,A. setosan. sp.,Bispinosphaera peregrinan. gen. n. sp.,Crinita paucispinosan. sp.,Ericiasphaera densispinan. sp.,Hocosphaeridium dilatatumn. sp.,Knollisphaeridium denticulatumn. sp.,K. longilatumn. sp.,K. obtusumn. sp.,K. parvumn. sp.,Mengeosphaera angustan. sp.,M. bellulan. sp.,M.cf.bellulan. sp.,M. constrictan. sp.,M.?cuspidatan. sp.,M.?gracilisn. sp.,M. grandispinan. sp.,M. latibasisn. sp.,M. miniman. sp.,M. spicatan. sp.,M. spinulan. sp.,M. stegosauriformisn. sp.,M. triangularisn. sp.,M. uniformisn. sp.,Sinosphaera asteriformisn. sp.,Tanarium acusn. sp.,T. elegansn. sp.,T. longitubularen. sp.,T.?minimumn. sp.,T. obesumn. sp.,T. variumn. sp.,Urasphaera fungiformisn. sp.,U. nuptan. sp.,Yushengia ramispinan. gen. n. sp.,Granitunica mcfaddeniaen. gen. n. sp.,Osculosphaera arcelliformisn. sp., andO. membraniferan. sp.
Numerical derivation of CPT-based p–y curves for piles in sand
Authors: SURYASENTANA S.K. , LEHANE B.M.
Published: January 2014

The formulations for the lateral load–displacement (p–y) springs conventionally used for the analysis of laterally loaded piles have been based largely on the back-analysis of the performance of small-scale instrumented piles subjected to lateral load. Although such formulations have been employed with much success in industry, their applicability to large-diameter piles, such as those used to support offshore wind turbines, is uncertain and has necessitated further research in this area. Moreover, with the growth in popularity of in-situ cone penetration tests (CPTs), there are demands for a theoretically supported direct method that can enable the derivation of p–y curves from the CPT end resistance (qc). In this paper, a numerical derivation of CPT-based p–y curves applicable to both small- and large-diameter laterally loaded single piles in sand is presented. Three-dimensional finite-element analyses are performed using a non-linear elasto-plastic soil model to predict the response of single piles in sand subjected to lateral loads. The corresponding CPT qc profile is derived using the same soil constitutive model by way of the cavity expansion analogue. An extensive series of computations of the lateral pile response and CPT qc values is then employed to formulate a direct method of constructing p–y curves from CPT qc values. The proposed method is shown to be generally consistent with existing empirical correlations and to provide good predictions in relation to the measurements obtained during lateral load tests on instrumented piles in an independent case study.
Seismic shear strength and deformation of RC columns failed in flexural shear
Authors: Zhang Qin , Gong Jinxin , Ma Ying
Published: January 2014

This paper investigates the seismic shear strength and deformation capacity of flexural shear critical columns in the post-yield range of longitudinal reinforcement. In total, 24 reinforced concrete (RC) column specimens with span-to-depth ratios ranging from 1·63 to 6·16 and volumetric ratios of transverse reinforcement of 0·77% and 1·54% were tested under constant axial load ratios of 0·2 and 0·5 and cyclically reversed horizontal load. Of these 24 RC column specimens, seven failed in flexure, two failed in shear and 15 failed in flexural shear. Based on the test results, simple models are proposed to predict the shear strength and displacement capacity of columns failed in flexural shear mode. The proposed shear model includes the effects of span-to-depth ratio, axial load ratio, transverse reinforcement and displacement ductility. Analytical results from the proposed model were compared with test data and consistent agreement was achieved.
Hydrogen from waste plastics by way of pyrolysis–gasification
Authors: Wu Chunfei , Williams Paul T.
Published: January 2014

A screw kiln continuous reaction system was used to investigate the production of hydrogen from a representative waste plastic (polypropylene). The reactor system consisted of two stages, with pyrolysis of the plastic in the first-stage screw kiln, followed by catalytic gasification of the product pyrolysis gases in the second stage. Two catalysts (a laboratory prepared Ni-Mg-Al catalyst and a commercial nickel catalyst) were used and the process conditions of gasification temperature and water injection rate were investigated. The results showed that the introduction of catalyst into the gasification stage dramatically increased the hydrogen production. The gas and hydrogen production and amount of reacted water per hour were increased with the increase of the gasification temperature from 600 to 900°C for both the Ni-Mg-Al and the commercial nickel catalysts. The rate of water injection was also shown to be critical for hydrogen production. The maximum hydrogen produced was 52% of the maximum theoretical hydrogen available in the polypropylene, representing 22·38 g of hydrogen per 100 g polypropylene, obtained with the Ni-Mg-Al catalyst, at 800°C gasification temperature and with 28·46 g/h water injection rate.
Evaluation of zero waste places projects 2009–2010 in England
Authors: Warner Charles Paul , Phillips Paul , Santos André , Pimenta Bianca
Published: January 2014

To help drive the required behaviour change for increased sustainable practice, the government in England launched a ‘zero waste places’ initiative to develop innovative and exemplary practice. By inviting places to bid for zero waste places status, the successful applicants were then expected to become exemplars of good environmental practice on all waste issues. These zero waste places pilots commenced in October 2009 with the selection of seven distinct locations based upon an application by a partnership. Defra funding was £77 500 and the mean was £11 071. The overall evaluation suggests that the local authorities and their project partners rose to the challenge of zero waste, meeting or even exceeding their objectives (achieving a mean of 71% of aims and planned actions, across all projects) and achieved high value for money in terms of government-funded initiatives. Post-completion of pilot projects, the zero waste places initiative requires a total review to make use of the experience gained. At the present time the future of zero waste places is uncertain. There is no clear lead from Defra as to future developments.
Temperate and boreal forest mega‐fires: characteristics and challenges
Authors: Stephens Scott L , Burrows Neil , Buyantuyev Alexander , Gray Robert W , Keane Robert E , Kubian Rick , Liu Shirong , Seijo Francisco , Shu Lifu , Tolhurst Kevin G , van Wagtendonk Jan W
Published: January 2014

Mega‐fires are often defined according to their size and intensity but are more accurately described by their socioeconomic impacts. Three factors – climate change, fire exclusion, and antecedent disturbance, collectively referred to as the “mega‐fire triangle” – likely contribute to today's mega‐fires. Some characteristics of mega‐fires may emulate historical fire regimes and can therefore sustain healthy fire‐prone ecosystems, but other attributes decrease ecosystem resiliency. A good example of a program that seeks to mitigate mega‐fires is located in Western Australia, where prescribed burning reduces wildfire intensity while conserving ecosystems. Crown‐fire‐adapted ecosystems are likely at higher risk of frequent mega‐fires as a result of climate change, as compared with other ecosystems once subject to frequent less severe fires. Fire and forest managers should recognize that mega‐fires will be a part of future wildland fire regimes and should develop strategies to reduce their undesired impacts.
Replication of Obesity and Associated Signaling Pathways Through Transfer of Microbiota From Obese-Prone Rats
Authors: Duca Frank A. , Sakar Yassine , Lepage Patricia , Devime Fabienne , Langelier Bénédicte , Doré Joël , Covasa Mihai
Published: January 2014

Aberrations in gut microbiota are associated with metabolic disorders, including obesity. However, whether shifts in the microbiota profile during obesity are a characteristic of the phenotype or a consequence of obesogenic feeding remains elusive. Therefore, we aimed to determine differences in the gut microbiota of obese-prone (OP) and obese-resistant (OR) rats and examined the contribution of this microbiota to the behavioral and metabolic characteristics during obesity. We found that OP rats display a gut microbiota distinct from OR rats fed the same high-fat diet, with a higher Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and significant genera differences. Transfer of OP but not OR microbiota to germ-free (GF) mice replicated the characteristics of the OP phenotype, including reduced intestinal and hypothalamic satiation signaling, hyperphagia, increased weight gain and adiposity, and enhanced lipogenesis and adipogenesis. Furthermore, increased gut permeability through conventionalization resulted in inflammation by proinflammatory nuclear factor (NF)-κB/inhibitor of NF-κB kinase subunit signaling in adipose tissue, liver, and hypothalamus. OP donor and GF recipient animals harbored specific species from Oscillibacter and Clostridium clusters XIVa and IV that were completely absent from OR animals. In conclusion, susceptibility to obesity is characterized by an unfavorable microbiome predisposing the host to peripheral and central inflammation and promoting weight gain and adiposity during obesogenic feeding.
High-Resolution Age-Depth Model of a Peat Bog in Poland as an Important Basis for Paleoenvironmental Studies
Authors: Fiałkiewicz-Kozieł B , Kołaczek P , Piotrowska N , Michczyński A , Łokas E , Wachniew P , Woszczyk M , Sensuła B
Published: January 2014

This article focuses on constructing a high-resolution age-depth model for the Puścizna Mała peat bog located in Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (S Poland). The chronology was established on the basis of both210Pb and14C measurements, and further confirmed by pollen diagrams and the peat bulk composition (density, ash content, and measurements of C, N, S). The137Cs profile revealed significant downward migration of this radionuclide and was not suitable for geochronological interpretation. The peat profile in southern Poland records almost 2000 yr of paleoecological and geochemical changes. Major historical events linked to anthropogenic and climatic changes are recorded in the investigated proxies, which confirm the reliability of the age-depth model. Specifically, the Roman period, Migration period, Medieval times, as well as the Industrial Revolution are reflected in the palynology and bulk composition of the peat. However, dating results obtained for the core segment between 22–45 cm are problematic when confronted with other analyses. The highest peat accumulation rate of 2 mm yr-1(AD 1300–1400 according to the age-depth model) is not compatible with the section of the highest peat decomposition revealed by lithological description. Moreover, the onset of a drastic decline of forests reflected in the palynological data and dated to AD 1280–1340 (40 cm) is difficult to explain in the light of historical data. Therefore, the lithology, bulk density, and pollen were used to validate the obtained age-depth model. External forcing factors on the peat formation process may be indicated, including agricultural activity, water-level fluctuations, and natural climatic factors, which paradoxically caused doubling of the obtained peat accumulation rate.
Discontinuity in the Fijian Archaeological Record Supported by a Bayesian Radiocarbon Model
Authors: Burley David V , Edinborough Kevan
Published: January 2014

The Fijian archaeological record is segmented into a series of phases based on distinctive transformations in ceramic forms. Interpretations of the mid-sequence (∼1500–1300 cal BP) transition between the Fijian Plainware phase and the Navatu phase are contentious, with alternative explanations of population replacement versus internal processes of culture change. We present and analyze a series of Fijian Plainware and Navatu phase AMS radiocarbon dates acquired from superimposed but stratigraphically separated occupation floors at the Sigatoka Sand Dunes site on the southwest coast of Viti Levu. Employing an OxCal Bayesian sequential model, we seek to date the temporal span for each occupation as well as the interval of time occurring between occupation floors. The latter is estimated to be 0–43 calendar years at 2σ probability. The magnitude of ceramic and other differences between the Fijian Plainware and Navatu phase occupations at Sigatoka is substantive. We conclude that the abruptness of this change can be explained only by exogenous replacement at the Sigatoka site.
New Evidence of Human Activities During the Holocene in the Lowland Forests of the Northern Congo Basin
Authors: Morin-Rivat Julie , Fayolle Adeline , Gillet Jean-François , Bourland Nils , Gourlet-Fleury Sylvie , Oslisly Richard , Bremond Laurent , Bentaleb Ilham , Beeckman Hans , Doucet Jean-Louis
Published: January 2014

In the last decade, the myth of the pristine tropical forest has been seriously challenged. In central Africa, there is a growing body of evidence for past human settlements along the Atlantic forests, but very little information is available about human activities further inland. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the temporal and spatial patterns of human activities in an archaeologically unexplored area of 110,000 km2located in the northern Congo Basin and currently covered by dense forest. Fieldwork involving archaeology as well as archaeobotany was undertaken in 36 sites located in southeastern Cameroon and in the northern Republic of Congo. Evidence of past human activities through either artifacts or charred botanical remains was observed in all excavated test pits across the study area. The set of 43 radiocarbon dates extending from 15,000 BP to the present time showed a bimodal distribution in the Late Holocene, which was interpreted as two phases of human expansion with an intermediate phase of depopulation. The 2300–1300 BP phase is correlated with the migrations of supposed farming populations from northwestern Cameroon. Between 1300 and 670 BP, less material could be dated. This is in agreement with the population collapse already reported for central Africa. Following this, the 670–20 BP phase corresponds to a new period of human expansion known as the Late Iron Age. These results bring new and extensive evidence of human activities in the northern Congo Basin and support the established chronology for human history in central Africa.
Biogenic Carbon Fraction of Biogas and Natural Gas Fuel Mixtures Determined with14C
Authors: Palstra Sanne W L , Meijer Harro A J
Published: January 2014

This study investigates the accuracy of the radiocarbon-based calculation of the biogenic carbon fraction for different biogas and biofossil gas mixtures. The focus is on the uncertainty in the14C reference values for 100% biogenic carbon and on the13C-based isotope fractionation correction of the measured14C values. The separately (AMS) measured CO2and CH4fractions of 8 different biogas samples showed14C values between 102‰ and 116% (pMC). The δ13C values of these samples varied between –6‰ and +31‰ for the CO2fraction and between –28‰ and –62‰ for the CH4fraction. The uncertainty in calculated biogenic carbon fractions due to uncertainty in the14C reference values depends on the available information about the origin of the used biogenic materials. It varies between ±0.5% and ±3.5% (absolute) depending on the type of biogas. A method is proposed to minimize this uncertainty for different groups of biogases. The calculated biogenic carbon fraction deviates up to ±2.5% for biofossil gas mixtures, if the applied isotope fractionation correction is based on the δ13C value of the mixed biofossil sample instead of the biogenic δ13C value. Combination of both error sources shows that the uncertainty in the calculated biogenic carbon fraction varies between ±0.7% and ±4.5%, depending on the type of biogas in the sample.
Absolute Chronology of Megiddo, Israel, in the Late Bronze and Iron Ages: High-Resolution Radiocarbon Dating
Authors: Toffolo Michael B , Arie Eran , Martin Mario A S , Boaretto Elisabetta , Finkelstein Israel
Published: January 2014

Megiddo (Israel) is a key site for the study of the stratigraphy, chronology, and history of the Bronze and Iron ages in the Levant. The article presents a Bayesian chronological model for seven ceramic typology phases and 10 stratigraphic horizons at this site, covering the Late Bronze and much of the Iron Age. The model is based on 78 samples, which provided 190 determinations—the most thorough set of radiocarbon determinations known so far in a single site in the Levant. This set of data provides a reliable skeleton for the discussion of cultural processes and historical events in the region and beyond, including the periods of the Egyptian Empire in Canaan and the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
Decadal Variations in Oceanic Properties of the Arabian Sea Water Column since Geosecs
Authors: Bhushan Ravi , Dutta Koushik , Agnihotri Rajesh , Rengarajan R , Singh Satinder Pal
Published: January 2014

This article reports temporal changes in the measured oceanic geochemical properties of the Arabian Sea and the equatorial Indian Ocean by reoccupying six stations investigated during the GEOSECS expedition in 1977 and 1978. Observed differences are interpreted in terms of plausible changes in the environment and climate that have occurred in response to natural or anthropogenic processes. The depth profiles of major parameters such as dissolved oxygen, ΣCO2, major nutrients (silicates, nitrates, and phosphates), and radiocarbon in dissolved inorganic carbon were measured during the cruises between 1994 and 1998 along with temperature and salinity. Most stations in the Arabian Sea show an increase in salinity by ∼0.2 to 0.3 salinity units in the top 400 m, whereas one station in the equatorial Indian Ocean showed a decrease in salinity by ∼0.1 units, indicating a likely change in the evaporation-precipitation (E-P) balance. The ΣCO2 increased by an average of 8 μM within the top 1200 m of the Arabian Sea. The depth profiles of nitrates and dissolved oxygen for the central Arabian Sea stations show significant variations, while only marginal changes are seen for silicates and phosphates relative to the GEOSECS data. The decrease in Δ14C of surface waters is due to the steady decrease in atmospheric 14C concentration since GEOSECS, and the Δ14C increase in subsurface waters is attributed to the downward vertical diffusion of bomb 14C interpreted in terms of atmosphere to ocean transfer and lateral advection of water masses.
Public opinion and alcohol policy in Sweden, 1990–2012
Authors: Leimar Per , Ramstedt Mats , Weibull Lennart
Published: January 2014

Aims

We analyse the association between public opinions and political decisions on alcohol policy in Sweden during the last decades.

Methods

Reviews of existing Swedish surveys on public opinion and recent data on the opinion of decision-makers.

Results

Restrictive alcohol policy measures have much support in Sweden and this support has increased in the last decade. The opinions of the public and their elected representatives correspond fairly well but the relation between these opinions and policy decisions are not always straightforward.

Conclusions

There is little support for the idea that public opinion has been a major influence on alcohol policy formation in the period of 1990–2012.
Changes in Norwegian public opinion on alcohol policy, 2005-2012
Authors: Storvoll Elisabet E. , Halkjelsvik Torleif
Published: January 2014

Aims

During the last two decades there has been a substantial liberalisation of Norwegian alcohol policy in terms of increased availability of alcohol. We have studied what happens with public support for alcohol control policies in a country where the policy is liberalised. First, we summarise the findings from previous Norwegian studies on changes in attitudes toward alcohol control policies. Second, we present new empirical analyses on changes in attitudes toward a broad spectre of policies in 2005–2012, and whether the pattern of change varied according to gender, age, education and alcohol use.

Design

The empirical analyses were based on self-reported attitudes toward Norwegian alcohol policies from nine web surveys conducted among 20–69-year-old Norwegians (N = 12 304).

Results

The analyses showed increased support for a wide range of restrictive alcohol policy measures from 2005 to 2012 – both for measures that had been liberalised and those that had been stable. We found no substantial moderation by gender, age, educational level and drinking frequency, which indicates that the pattern of change was similar for various sub-groups based on such variables.

Conclusions

Previous research has observed a shift toward increasing support for a restrictive alcohol policy around the millennium. Current data shows that this trend has continued until 2012. We discuss the relationship between alcohol policy and public opinion, and propose that the trend may be connected to changes in value orientations, increased experience with alcohol-related harm and changes in beliefs about the harm-limiting effect of restrictive measures.
Public opinions, alcohol consumption and policy changes in Finland, 1993–2013
Authors: Lindeman Mikaela , Karlsson Thomas , österberg Esa
Published: January 2014

Aims

This article studies trends and patterns of public opinion on alcohol policy in relation to changes in alcohol policy and total alcohol consumption in Finland during the last twenty years.

Design

We first study changes in alcohol policy and total alcohol consumption, and then review and analyse data from public opinions surveys. General trends in the alcohol-policy opinion climate are studied, as well as specific questions such as opinions regarding age limits, pricing of alcoholic beverages and sales place of different alcoholic beverages.

Findings

The Finnish alcohol policy arena has undergone large changes during the last two decades which can also be noted as a growth in the total consumption of alcoholic beverages and related harms. In congruence with higher consumption levels of alcohol, also the share of the population in favour of more restrictive alcohol policies has risen.
New high-pressures vapor-liquid equilibrium data for the carbon dioxide + 2-methyl-2-propanol binary system
Authors: Sima Sergiu , Secuianu Catinca , Feroiu Viorel , Geană Dan
Published: January 2014

New vapor-liquid equilibria (VLE) data at 323.15, 333.15, 343.15, and 353.15 K and pressures up to 112.9 bar are reported for the carbon dioxide + 2-methyl-2-propanol system. The experimental method used in this work was a static analytical method with liquid and vapor phases sampling using a rapid online sampler injector (ROLSI™) coupled to a gas chromatograph (GC) for analysis. Measured VLE data and literature data for carbon dioxide + 2-methyl-2-propanol system were modeled with the Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK) cubic equation of state with classical van der Waals (two-parameter conventional mixing rule, 2PCMR) mixing rules. A single set of interaction parameters that lead to a correct phase behavior was used in this work to model the new VLE data and critical points of the mixtures in a wide range of temperature and pressure. The SRK prediction results were compared to the new data measured in this study and to available literature data.
Rosehip extraction: Process optimization and antioxidant capacity of extracts
Authors: Angelov George , Boyadzhieva Stanislava , Georgieva Silviya
Published: January 2014

This article examines the extraction of rosehip to study the recovery of a number of compounds with antioxidant properties (polyphenols, flavonoids, and β-carotene). Two varieties of rosehip, cultivated and wild are used as raw material. A detailed study of the process kinetics at different operating conditions is carried out in order to determine appropriate processing parameters, which results in extracts with higher content of target compounds and higher antioxidant capacity. Data on the concentration of active components in the different parts of the fruit (skin, seeds, and pappi) are also obtained, which gives information about their distribution within the fruit. The comparison of wild and cultivated varieties demonstrates the better quality of the cultivated one. The results are useful for production of improved and enriched rosehip extracts with higher content of antioxidant substances that have proven beneficial effects on the human health.
A validated stability-indicating LC method for simultaneous determination of quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide in pharmaceutical samples
Authors: Diego Marta , Mennickent Sigrid , Muñoz Juan , Sanhueza Fernanda , Godoy Ricardo
Published: January 2014

A stability-indicating liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide in drug substances and dosage forms. Chromatographic separation of quinapril, hydrochlorothiazide and its degradation products was achieved on a RP-18 column, using acetonitrile and phosphate buffer (pH 4.6) as mobile phase in a gradient mode and detection at 216 nm. Stress testing was performed under hydrolytic, oxidative, thermal and photolytic conditions. The degradation products were well resolved from main peaks, proving the stability-indicating power of the method. The assay was linear for quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide concentrations of 40–200 µg mL−1 and 25–125 µg mL−1, respectively. The developed method was selective, accurate and precise for quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide determination. This method was used to quantify both drugs in combined commercial tablets. The results showed that the proposed method was found to be suitable for quantitative determination and the stability study of quinapril and hydrochlorothiazide in pharmaceutical samples.
Interfacial behavior of water bound to nitrocellulose containing residual nitric and sulfuric acids
Authors: Gun’ko Vladimir , Tomaszewski Waldemar , Krupska Tetyana , Turov Konstantin , Leboda Roman , Turov Vladimir
Published: January 2014

To prepare nitrocellulose (NC), microcrystalline cellulose was treated in a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids. Prepared NC containing a small amount of acids was studied at a different hydration degree (h = 10–1000 mg g−1) in different dispersion media (chloroform-d, acetone-d6 or their mixtures) using low-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy. The hydration degree and the presence of residual acids affected the temperature dependence of the chemical shifts of proton resonance of water bound to NC. The Gibbs free energy of bound water became less negative with increasing hydration rate. The chloroform and acetone media affect the behavior of bound-to-NC water unfrozen at T<273 K differently. Quantum chemical calculations were performed using ab initio (HF/6-31G(d,p)), DFT (B3LYP/6-31G(d,p)) and semiempirical PM7 methods to analyze the interfacial behavior of water interacting with NC containing residual amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids.
Quinine sulfate: a pharmaceutical product as effective corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in hydrochloric acid solution
Authors: Samide Adriana , Tutunaru Bogdan
Published: January 2014

Quinine sulfate dihydrate (QNS), IUPAC name: (8S,9R)-6-methoxy-4-quinolenyl-5-vinyl-2-quinuclidinyl methanol sulfate dihydrate, was tested as corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in 1.5 mol L−1 HCl solution using the potentiodynamic polarization and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) associated with UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The electrochemical results showed that, the inhibition efficiency (IE) increased with the increase in QNS concentration, reaching a maximum value of 93.35±0.25%. The polarization resistance (R p) followed the same trend, obtaining the highest value of 659.7 Ω cm2, while the corrosion current density (i corr) reached the lowest level of 195 µA cm−2. The action mechanism of QNS was proposed considering the ability of quinine (QN) to be adsorbed on the metal surface via the lone pairs of electrons from hydroxyl oxygen atom, and/or from quinoline and quinuclidinic nitrogens. The occurrence of the complexes between inhibitor and iron ions was considered an additional process, which may contribute to protective layer formation. The Temkin adsorption isotherm was found as the best fitting for the degree of surface coverage (θ) values. In order to elucidate the mechanism of protective layer formation, the free energy of adsorption (ΔG o ads) value was calculated. This indicates that the inhibitor acts by chemical adsorption on the steel surface.
Temperature effect over structure and photochemical properties of nanostructured SnO2 powders
Authors: Ungureanu Ana-Maria , Oprea Ovidiu , Vasile Bogdan , Andronescu Corina , Voicu Georgeta , Jitaru Ioana
Published: January 2014

We successfully synthesized tin dioxide nanoparticles with polyhedral morphology via an ethylene glycol assisted sol-gel approach. The structural characteristics of three tin dioxide samples were investigated after being thermally treated at 400°C, 600°C and 800°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns clearly show the formation of single phase tin dioxide nanoparticles, with crystallite size of 6–20 nm, in good correlation with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirms the formation of 6nm polyhedral nanoparticles for the 400°C sample. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra suggest a high concentration of oxygen vacancies. The oxygen vacancy concentration increases with temperature, due to the combined action of the formation of VO and the energetic O compensation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis also confirms the formation of single phase tin dioxide and the presence of oxygen vacancies in good agreement with UV-VIS and PL data.
Comparison of stability properties of poly(acrylic acid) adsorbed on the surface of silica, alumina and mixed silica-alumina nanoparticles — application of turbidimetry method
Authors: Wiśniewska Małgorzata , Urban Teresa , Nosal-Wiercińska Agnieszka , Zarko Vladimir , Gun’ko Vladimir
Published: January 2014

The influence of anionic poly(acrylic acid) — PAA addition on the stability of synthesized silica, alumina and mixed silica-alumina suspensions as a function of solution pH was studied. The turbidimetry method was used to monitor the changes of the examined systems stability over time. The calculated stability coefficients enabled estimation of polymer adsorption influence on stability of metal oxide suspension. It was shown that the alumina suspension without the polymer is the most unstable at the pH values 6 and 9, whereas the silica polymer was most unstable at pH 3. PAA with higher molecular weight (240 000) is a relatively effective stabilizer of all investigated adsorbents (except silica at pH 3). These properties of poly(acrylic acid) are highly desirable in many branches of industry (e.g. production of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paints) where polymers are widely used as effective stabilizers of colloidal suspensions.
Mesostructured silica matrix for irinotecan delivery systems
Authors: Nastase Silviu , Bajenaru Laura , Berger Daniela , Matei Cristian , Moisescu Mihaela , Constantin Doru , Savopol Tudor
Published: January 2014

Three mesostructured silica-type carriers, MCM-41 and MCM-41 functionalized by a postsynthesis grafting procedure with hydrophilic aminopropyl groups (MCM-APTES) and hydrophobic vinyl moieties (MCM-VTES), respectively, were investigated in order to elaborate drug delivery systems (DDS) for irinotecan molecules. All studied drug delivery systems exhibited higher cytotoxicity on murine embrionary fibroblastic (MEF) cells than free irinotecan at the same content of the cytostatic agent, whereas no toxicity was observed for the three unloaded carriers. The cytotoxic effect of irinotecan loaded on MCM-41-type carriers continued to increase even 24 h after ceasing the cell exposure to the drug and remained significantly higher than that of free irinotecan. The cellular uptake of silica-type hybrids was investigated by labelling MCM-APTES with Rhodamine B. In the case of the studied DDS, an endocytotic mechanism was found to be involved in the cell uptake process, and it was used to explain the cytotoxicity differences between free irinotecan and drug loaded on MCM-41-type supports.
A Study on Impact of Universal Public Distribution System in Tamil Nadu (India)
Authors: Mahendran A
Published: January 2014

PDS is considered as principal institutions in the hands of State Governments for providing safety net to the poor against the spiralling food prices of essential commodities. In this regard Tamil Nadu sets a model in the PDS as universal system. The involvement of the Cooperative Societies, and other distribution networks to make ensures safety net, transparency, accessibility and all reduced the less transaction cost. This study found that problems like leakages, poor quality, under weightiest, non-availability of controlled as well as non-controlled articles during certain times, non-availability of ration cards, bogus cards and its affect the impact of the universal system.  This study covered Multi-stage random sampling and pre-test analysis was done. To this study showed that universal PDS will help to provide safety net to the poor. The study suggested that new implications of universal PDS in the state.
Religion, Entrepreneurship, Income and Employment
Authors: Kingma Bruce , Yeung Ryan
Published: January 2014

This exploratory study compares the entrepreneurial tendency and family income across religious denominations in the United States.  Information from the General Social Survey (GSS) database on self-employed and a matched sample of those employed by others is used to compare the family income and incidence of entrepreneurship by religion.  We show that Protestants are more likely to be self-employed than Catholics, although both are less likely than those that are not religious or Jews.  Religious affiliation has a mixed result on income, although increased attendance at religious services increases income for those employed by others.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i1.8641 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(1) 2014 3-9
Mainstreaming Gender in Pursuit of Millennium Development Goals in Water Resource Governance in Buhera, Zimbabwe
Authors: Chifamba Ephraim
Published: January 2014

Women have the primary role for the management of household water supply, sanitation and health. Water is necessary for drinking, but also for food production and preparation, personal hygiene, care of the sick, cleaning, washing and waste disposal. Because of their dependence on water resources, women have accumulated considerable knowledge about water resources, including location, quality and storage methods. However, efforts geared towards improving the management of the finite water resources and extending access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, have often overlooked the central role that women play in water management. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The research noted that despite increased gender awareness and the availability of much more information on women’s and men’s roles in water management, gender is not yet mainstreamed into this sector. The study revealed that prospects for effective gender mainstreaming in water resource management will hinge on how the main agenda can address the transformation of gender relations and treat water as a human right so as to realize the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Buhera. A gender equity approach within the water sector, should strive for a more balanced division between women and men in access to information, sharing of contribution, the degree of decision making, access to resources and benefits and the control over water resources. Addressing women’s concerns and mainstreaming gender in water governance through a livelihood approach is critical because this generates an understanding of people’s livelihood strategies and their decision making mechanisms and processes. Significant support and capacity development are required to enhance the participation in decision making processes for the success of water management initiatives.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i1.8946 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(1) 2014 10-21
Lived Experience of Older Adults with Post-Hip Fracture
Authors: Bista Thapa Bishnu
Published: January 2014

Objective: this phenomenological study was undertaken to explore lived experiences of community dweller older adults with post hip fractured.  Methods: A qualitative research design underpinned by the philosophy of Edmund Husserl and methodological interpretations of Colaizzi’s. The series of in-depth web based interviews were simultaneously conducted and analyzed until saturation of data. Rigor of the study was maintained by validated the transcribed information by informants. Findings: based on subjective information provided by informants, sixteen themes were emerged which further merged into four theme clusters that were patho-dynamic of hip fracture, affected reaction to distress and situation appraisal, limitation in movement and being dependent on others and coping behaviors. Findings of this study indicated that informants experienced both fluid and complex that challenges all spheres of their life after hip fracture. Conclusion: It was concluded that, older adults with post-hip fracture are facing multiple situational problems like physical, emotional, care-givers and financial so that comprehensive, affordable and culturally based multi-disciplinary services are essential. Physical comforts, motivation, continuous support, encouragement for exercise, walking and financial assistance can promote their early recovery and regaining functional capacity. This approach to the study of lived experience of older adults with post-hip fracture offers an opportunity to reflect and make sense of their current situation in the light of their day to day life activities, struggling and achieving pre-fracture functional abilities, to tell their story to an interested listener and to have their feelings validated.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i1.9590 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol.1(1) 2014 35-40
Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences (NJMS) Declaration Form
Authors: Editor The
Published: January 2014

Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 02 | Number 02 | July-December 2013 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v2i2.8980
Characterization and Kinetics of VC Coatings on AISI D3 Steel Performed by Thermo-Reactive Diffusion Technique
Authors: Kurt B. , Onder E. , Carboga C. , Demirel B.
Published: January 2014

In the present study, VC coatings on AISI D3 steel were processed by pack method thermo-reactive diffusion method (TRD) in a solid medium for 2 and 4 h at 950, 1000, 1050 and 1100 °C, respectively. Then, the coated specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis. From the results, between 5.6 and 26.8 μm carbide layers on the surface were obtained by increasing process time and temperature. The coatings were determined by VC and V2C phases. The kinetics of vanadium carbide coating was also studied and the activation energy was estimated to be 180.73 kJ/mol. The avarage value of the microhardness of the coating is 2400 HV. The ball crater test was applied to determine the micro abrasion behaviors of the coated samples.
Freemen, Free Labor, and Republican Discourses of Liberty in Early Modern England
Authors: Kennedy Geoff
Published: January 2014

This article examines the development of popular discourses of liberty as independence emerging from the struggles between peasants and landlords over the course of the late medieval and early modern periods. This discourse, relating to the aspirations of the dependent peasantry for free status, free tenure, and free labor, articulated a conception of independence that overlapped with the emerging republican discourse of the seventeenth century. However, whereas republicanism focuses almost exclusively on the arbitrary powers of the monarchical state, the popular tradition emphasizes freedom from the arbitrary powers of landlordism. After a brief introduction to the republican conception of liberty and a discussion of the dependent peasantry in England, the work of Gerrard Winstanley is presented as an innovative synthesis of popular and republican discourses of freedom as independence from the arbitrary powers of exploitation.
Reconstruction of the annual mass balance of Chhota Shigri glacier, Western Himalaya, India, since 1969
Authors: Azam Mohd Farooq , Wagnon Patrick , Vincent Christian , Ramanathan Alagappan , Linda Anurag , Singh Virendra Bahadur
Published: January 2014

This study presents a reconstruction of the mass balance (MB) of Chhota Shigri glacier, Western Himalaya, India, and discusses the regional climatic drivers responsible for its evolution since 1969. The MB is reconstructed by a temperature-index and an accumulation model using daily air-temperature and precipitation records from the nearest meteorological station, at Bhuntar Observatory. The only adjusted parameter is the altitudinal precipitation gradient. The model is calibrated against 10 years of annual altitudinal MB measurements between 2002 and 2012 and decadal cumulative MBs between 1988 and 2010. Three periods were distinguished in the MB series. Periods I (1969-85) and III (2001-12) show significant mass loss at MB rates of -0.36±0.36 and -0.57±0.36mw.e.a-1 respectively, whereas period II (1986-2000) exhibits steady-state conditions with average MBs of -0.01 ±0.36mw.e.a–1. The comparison among these three periods suggests that winter precipitation and summer temperature are almost equally important drivers controlling the MB pattern of Chhota Shigri glacier at decadal scale. The sensitivity of the modelled glacier-wide MB to temperature is -0.52 m w.e. a–1 °C–1 whereas the sensitivity to precipitation is calculated as 0.16mw.e.a-1 for a 10% change.
Intra-surface radiative transfer limits the geographic extent of snow penitents on horizontal snowfields
Authors: Cathles L. Maclagan , Abbot Dorian S. , MacAyeal Douglas R.
Published: January 2014

Penitents are broad snow spikes and ridges that range in height between centimeters and meters. Two key features of penitents remain unexplained: (1) they generally form at low latitudes and (2) their ridges and troughs have an east–west orientation. Here we show that surface-to-surface exchange of shortwave radiation and the local geometry of the sun’s daily arc across the sky are the key processes that, in the absence of other effects, determine the geographic extent of where surface roughness features can grow or dissipate on snowfields and ice surfaces. As an application of our analysis, we examine the question of the geographic extent of snow penitents on horizontal surfaces. The results show that surface-to-surface radiative transfer can explain why penitents do not form on horizontal surfaces more than ~55˚ off the equator. We further show on the basis of the sun’s path across the sky that penitents that are corrugated, i.e. occur in long ridges or rows, must align their ridge axis within 308 of the east–west transect.
Novel shearing apparatuses in confined flow for investigating recrystallization and fabric evolution processes in mono- and polycrystalline ice
Authors: Samyn D. , Azuma N. , Matsuda I. , Osabe Y.
Published: January 2014

The orientations of individual crystals within a polycrystalline aggregate subjected to stress have a strong influence on its bulk strain rate and flow behavior. The ability to include the effect of crystal fabric and recrystallization processes in an ice flow law, especially at the bottom of glaciers and ice sheets where temperature is close to the pressure-melting point, is important because the stratigraphy of the ice body may be affected and the paleoclimate reconstruction hampered. We present herein three newly developed deformation apparatuses offering the possibility, from single experiments, of investigating different finite strain stages and their corresponding c-axis fabric and grain texture patterns in various confined, shear flow configurations (simple shear, pure shear and compression/extension bending). The technical set-ups and major advantages compared to classical methods are explained, and results from experiments are discussed in order to illustrate the functioning and purposes of the methods. In all experiments, significant variations in the microstructural development have been observed that reflect the varying orientations of the anisotropy and its relationship to the stress pattern. In monocrystalline ice-bending experiments, the pre-existing c-axis fabric is shown to have a profound influence on the response to stress and possibly to the type of slip system activated.
Disappearing semi-permanent snow in the High Arctic and its consequences
Authors: Woo Ming-ko , Young Kathy L.
Published: January 2014

Semi-permanent snow is part of the continuum between seasonal snow and glacier ice. Although ubiquitous in the High Arctic, most late-lying snow banks and snow beds have lost their perennial status over the past decade as the summers have become progressively warmer. The loss over the past decade is the most unprecedented since aerial photography of the Canadian Arctic islands was first undertaken over half a century ago, and it has produced observable thermal, hydrological and ecological impacts. Where the ground has become exposed beneath the perennial snow cover, seasonal ground thaw has deepened. Tundra ponds and patchy wetlands fed principally by meltwater in the summer have suffered water-level decline or desiccation. The water balance of headwater basins is also affected, losing a buffering vehicle that accumulates storage surplus from the wet cool years to support streamflow and evaporation in the dry warm years. The tundra vegetation, already sparse, undergoes changes in the long term. As an essential source of water in the polar desert environment, the widespread distribution of semi-permanent snow magnifies its Arctic-wide importance.