bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upper Limit for the Coercive Force in NdFeB and PrFeB Magnets
Authors: de Campos Marcos Flavio , da Silva Fernanda A.S. , de Castro José A.
Published: January 2015

Hysteresis loops were calculated according the Stoner-Wohlfarth model. Using as values for constants of magnetocrystalline anisotropy K1 =4.5 and K2=0.66 (J m−3), and 1.61 T for magnetization of saturation of Nd2Fe14B, the maximum coercivity for isotropic Nd2Fe14B was predicted as mi0 H = 2.95 T (29.5kOe). For a very well aligned magnet, with Mr/Ms=0.96, following the f (alpha)=cosn(alpha) distribution, the theoretical coercivity limit was estimated as mi0 H = 3.6 T (36 kOe). These estimates are valid for the ternary Nd2Fe14B alloy. It is predicted the upper limit for the coercive field as function of grain size for NdFeB and PrFeB magnets. Addition of Praseodymium is an effective method for increasing coercivity of NdFeB magnets.
Application of Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) in Aqueous Solutions of TiO2
Authors: de Oliveira Elizabeth Mendes , Valadão Izabella Christynne Ribeiro Pinto , de Souza Forster Araújo Adriana , de Castro José Adilson
Published: January 2015

The study of nanoparticles involves a new field of research in various areas of technology, whose production and use have been recognized as multiple benefits to the society. However, the uncontrolled emission to the environment of nanoparticles is growing exponentially over the last decade. Thus, knowledge of the influence of nanoparticles and how they can modify the ecosystem is extremely importantand demand specific studies. Therefore, it is of fundamental importance to increase the knowledge of the interactions and transport of nanoparticles in soil, in particular this research will study the TiO2 nanoparticles (TiNPs). Aiming to improve such knowledge, this paper addressed tests on columns with soil collected in the landfill Volta Redonda located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Aliquots of TiO2-nanoparticle suspensions in soil were collected periodically after their preparation, and analyzed the aggregate of particles distribution and Ti concentration. Experimental results suggest that the higher stability of TiO2 suspensions resulted in a higher mobility of TiO2 through soil layers with lower retention rate.
MSW Leachate Inorganic Ion Diffusion through Compacted Soil and HDPE Geomembrane Barrier - Laboratory Experiments and Model Validation
Authors: Valadão I.C.R.P. , Ritter Elizabeth , Castro J.A.
Published: January 2015

This paper presents the experimental and numerical results for soil contamination profiles by leachate with and without the presences of a geomembrane. Soil samples of the Rio das Ostras Landfill were assessed and examined. The batch tests were carried out with local virgin soil and with leachate. Molecular diffusion tests with and without the presences of a geomembrane were compared with the virgin soil of the sanitary landfill of Rio das Ostras (Brazil) and its leachate. The studies focused on the chloride and sodium ions. The model MPHMTP (Multi Phase Heat and Mass Transfer Program) was used in the computer simulations to estimate the diffusion coefficients through the compacted soil and geomembrane over a layer of compacted soil to forecast ion migration and predict the performance of the system in long term operation. The geomembrane used was a 2 mm of the high density polyethylene (HDPE). The results showed that the presence of the geomembrane strongly reduced the ion concentrations in the soil during the experiments carried out.
Study of Electrical, Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Composites Based on Cu-Ni-Ag-Al2O3 Obtained by Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Monteiro Waldemar Alfredo , Carrió Juan Alfredo Guevara , Oliveira E.C. , Previatti G.G. , Silva L.C.E.
Published: January 2015

The synthesis, microstructural, electrical and mechanical properties characterization of composites based on Cu-Ni–Ag-Al2O3 is a work that exposes the investigation of the correlation of the microstructures formed in the material with its physical properties and its manufacturing method. Cermets based on copper, nickel and silver have been doped with alumina varying the proportions of these components to create, by powder metallurgy, a material that has good electrical conductivity and good mechanical strength compared with that of pure copper, together with a manufacturing process which is both cost and energy efficient. The conductivity values vary between 30 to 55% IACS showing that the thermal treatments were effective for electrical connector uses.
Phase Transformation in Mechanically Alloyed and Hot-Pressed Ti-2Nb-22Si-11B and Ti-6Nb-22Si-11B Powder Mixtures
Authors: Zanardo Andrezza Campos , Mariano Neide A. , Alkmin Luciano Braga , da Silva Costa Alex Matos , Nunes Carlos Angelo , Ramos Alfeu Saraiva
Published: January 2015

This work aims to discuss on the phase transformation in mechanically alloyed and hot-pressed Ti-2Nb-22Si-11B and Ti-6Nb-22Si-11B powder mixtures. The milling process was conducted in a planetary ball milling using stainless steel vials (225 mL) and balls (19 mm diameter), rotary speed of 300 rpm, and a ball-to-powder weight ratio of 10:1. Hot pressing of mechanically alloyed Ti-Nb-Si-B powders was performed under vacuum at 1100°C for 1h. The as-milled and hot-pressed Ti-Nb-Si-B samples were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometry. XRD results of milled Ti-Nb-Si-B powders indicated that the peaks of Nb and Si were reduced for longer milling times, suggesting that Nb and Si atoms were dissolved into the Ti lattice to form extended solid solutions. Iron contamination close to 6 at% was detected by EDS analysis. Hot pressing produced dense and homogeneous samples containing a small amount of Ti6Si2B.
Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes in AA6061 Aluminium Alloy Powder by the High Energy Ball Milling Process
Authors: Travessa Dilermando Nagle , Lieblich Marcela
Published: January 2015

Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), up to 2% in weight, were dispersed into AA6061 aluminium alloy by high-energy ball milling (HEBM) process, for further consolidation into extruded metal-matrix composites (MMC) bars. Three distinct routes were employed: the simple one step loading of materials inside the milling vials, an ultrasonically assisted dispersion of MWCNT and alloy powder into acetone prior to the milling, and the gradual introduction of MWCNT into the vials, during the milling process. Mixed powders obtained were evaluated in terms of the MWCNT integrity after HEBM, and the dispersion level obtained for several milling times. It was found that MWCNT remain relatively undamaged even for milling times up to 10 h, being embedded into the ductile alloy particles through the breaking/welding process during HEBM. However, shorter milling times result in poor dispersion of MWCNT in the milled powders. This tendency can be improved by using pre-milling mixture procedures, as the ultrasonically assisted wet dispersion of nanotubes and alloy powder.
Cavitation Erosion and Corrosion of Pearlitic Gray Cast Iron in Non-Standardized Cavitation Conditions
Authors: Chmiel Jarosław , Jasionowski Robert , Zasada Dariusz
Published: January 2015

A results of test of erosion and corrosion resistance of pearlitic gray cast iron (grade EN GJ 400) are showed. The NaCl solutions and of ethylene glycol solutions were used as the test environment. Examination were performed at varying cavitation load, in the range 2,8 ÷ 20 W/cm2.
Analysis of the Effect of the Wearing Type on Surface Structural Changes of Ni3Al-Based Intermetallic Alloy
Authors: Zasada Dariusz , Polkowski Wojciech , Jasionowski Robert
Published: January 2015

Results of an analysis of effect of wearing type on surface structural changes of a Ni3Al intermetallic alloy, are shown in the present paper. A microstructure evaluation was carried out by Quanta 3D FEG field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG SEM) equipped with an integrated EDS/WDS/EBSD system. The Ni3Al-based intermetallic alloy with an addition of boron, zirconium and chromium was examined. The investigated material had γ’ single-phase, ordered solid solution structure with 20 μm grain size. An electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) method was applied to visualize surface structural changes upon an abrasive, a cavitational and a tribological wearing of the material.An observation of surface layer after the abrasive wear was carried out on samples examined in loose abradant by T-07 tester and according to GOST 23.2008-79 norm. An analysis of cavitational wear on changes in the near surface area of Ni3Al-based alloy was performed on an impact-jet stand. Observed structural changes were described based on results of the SEM/EBSD complex structural examination and hardness measurements. It was found, that the EBSD is an effective and sensitive method that allows estimating surface strain introduced during analyzed wearing types.
Hydrogen Degradation of the Pressure Gas Tanks Materials after Long-Term Service
Authors: Balitskii Alexander , Semerak Myhajlo , Balitska Walentyna , Subota Andriy , Wus Oleh
Published: January 2015

It is experimentally established that air-tested samples of degraded material showed tooth flow that disappears for tests in hydrogen. The main feature inherent in the studied materials are metastable and presence of more or less pronounced time-and temperature-dependent processes of structural relaxation, which reduces the total free energy of a thermodynamic system. The values of fracture toughness minimize the square deviation of experimentally obtained values drift from the theoretical curve corresponding to the exponential relaxation function.
Hydrogen Embrittlement of Biodegradable Magnesium
Authors: Dietzel Wolfgang
Published: January 2015

Magnesium alloys are increasingly used in biomedical applications as temporary implants in the human body. The degradation behaviour of magnesium in physiological environments, in combination with the tendency of the corrosion products to be harmlessly dissolved and excreted with the urine, make magnesium very attractive for temporary implant applications. One of these applications is the use of the material for making coronary stents. Such applications are, on the other hand, critically dependent on the mechanical integrity of the implant during service. A number of recent studies have evaluated the in-vivo and in-vitro corrosion behaviour of magnesium and its alloys, and the ongoing research seeks to provide a fundamental understanding of the factors that influence their bio-degradation and environmental failure and to expand this understanding through experimental evidence. In this paper, the propensity of the magnesium alloys AM30 and WE43 to hydrogen embrittlement and to corrosion fatigue was studied using constant extension rate tensile tests on fatigue pre-cracked compact specimens and corrosion fatigue tests on tubes which are typically used for the production of stents and which were tested in simulated body fluid.
A longitudinal study to assess the impact of exercise on clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric parameters among the type 2 diabetes patients of South India
Authors: Sukla Pradeep , Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Shrivastava Prateek Saurabh
Published: January 2015

Aim: Aim of the study isto assess the scope of physical activity among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients residing in an urban area of SouthIndia. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal interventional study was conducted for a period of 8months (January 2014-August 2014) among patients of T2DM accessing the healthcare services at an Urban Health and Training Center (UHTC) of a Medical College located in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. Universal sampling method was employed and all diagnosed T2DM patients attending UHTC during the month of January were enrolled in the study provided they satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall 151 participants were considered for final analysis and all of them were subjected to indulge in moderate type of aerobic exercise in the form of brisk walking for 2.5 h spread over a period of 1 week, for the next 6months. Before and after the exercise regimen, cases were subjected to clinical evaluation, measurement of weight and waist circumference, and estimation of fasting and postprandial blood sugar; and the results were compared with the baseline estimates.The associations were tested using paired t-test for continuous (mean ΁ standard deviation ( SD)) variables. Results: Majority (86, 57%) of the diabetics were from the age group of 40-60 years with a definite female preponderance (82/151) in contrast to males (69/151). A significant reduction in both fasting and postprandial sugar was observed before and after the exercise. However, from the perspective of the weight and waist circumference, although a reduction was observed, the association was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The findings of the present longitudinal study suggest that compliance with moderate type of physical activity can significantly improve the fasting and postprandial blood sugar, apart from reduction in weight of T2DM patients.
Ventricular septal defect and bivalvular endocarditis
Authors: Birkenkamp Kate E , Jin Jay J , Shivashankar Raina , Jouni Hayan , Baddour Larry M , Blauwet Lori A
Published: January 2015

A 63-year-old man presented with generalized fatigue, chills, malaise, dyspnea, intermittent fevers, and 50-pound weight loss of 4 months′ duration. Blood cultures were positive for pan-sensitive Streptococcus anginosus. Transesophageal echocardiography showed an 11 mm × 3 mm mobile mass attached to the mitral valve, a 16 mm × 16 mm mobile mass attached to the pulmonary valve, and a small membranous ventricular septal defect. The patient received 12 weeks of intravenous (IV) antibiotics with eventual resolution of the masses. Multi-valve endocarditis involving both the left and right chambers is rarely reported without prior history of IV drug use or infective endocarditis. Our case emphasizes the importance of careful assessment for ventricular septal defects or extra-cardiac shunts in individuals who present with simultaneous right and left-sided endocarditis.
Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis: Pathogenesis, Treatments, and Emerging Role in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Ton Van-Khue , Mukherjee Monica , Judge Daniel P.
Published: January 2015

Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis causes heart failure from cardiac deposition of TTR amyloid fibrils, the by-product of TTR homotetramer disassembly. Wild-type (WT) TTR deposition leads to senile amyloidosis, predominantly manifesting with cardiomyopathy. Missense mutations in the TTR gene result in familial TTR amyloidosis. Certain mutations are more likely to affect the heart, while others cause more neurologic involvement. Extracellular fibril deposition triggers intracellular stress response, upregulation of the inflammatory cascades, apoptosis, and organ dysfunction. Recent studies suggest that TTR cardiac amyloid may be a significant contributor to the pathogenesis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Summarized in this review are the molecular pathways underlying the cellular toxicity of TTR amyloid fibrils and the emerging therapies aimed at TTR tetramer stabilization, abrogation of TTR synthesis in the liver, or inhibition of amyloidogenesis.
Sexual Harassment and Feeding Inhibition between two Invasive Dengue Vectors
Authors: Soghigian John , Gibbs Kathryn , Stanton Ashleigh , Kaiser Rachel , Livdahl Todd
Published: January 2015

Two invasive mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, have been interacting during the course of a rapid range expansion by A. albopictus. We investigated the potential for interspecific feeding interference by male mosquitoes interacting with females within and between these species. A. aegypti feeding on both sugar and blood was suppressed when females of this species were exposed to A. albopictus males, but no change was observed when exposed to conspecifics. A. albopictus feeding was not affected by males of either species. The potential consequences of these behaviors are discussed within the context of other known interspecific effects, all of which appear to favor the displacement of A. aegypti by A. albopictus.
Resultants of Chebyshev Polynomials: the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Kinds
Authors: Yamagishi Masakazu
Published: January 2015

We give an explicit formula for the resultant ofChebyshev polynomials of the ûrst, second, third, and fourth kinds. We also compute the resultant of modiûed cyclotomic polynomials.
Updated Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Ozone Monitoring Instrument (SAO OMI) formaldehyde retrieval
Authors: González Abad G. , Liu X. , Chance K. , Wang H. , Kurosu T. P. , Suleiman R.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. We present and discuss the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) formaldehyde (H2CO) retrieval algorithm for the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) which is the operational retrieval for NASA OMI H2CO. The version of the algorithm described here includes relevant changes with respect to the operational one, including differences in the reference spectra for H2CO, the fit of O2–O2 collisional complex, updates in the high-resolution solar reference spectrum, the use of a model reference sector over the remote Pacific Ocean to normalize the retrievals, an updated air mass factor (AMF) calculation scheme, and the inclusion of scattering weights and vertical H2CO profile in the level 2 products. The setup of the retrieval is discussed in detail. We compare the results of the updated retrieval with the results from the previous SAO H2CO retrieval. The improvement in the slant column fit increases the temporal stability of the retrieval and slightly reduces the noise. The change in the AMF calculation has increased the AMFs by 20%, mainly due to the consideration of the radiative cloud fraction. Typical values for retrieved vertical columns are between 4 × 1015 and 4 × 1016 molecules cm−2, with typical fitting uncertainties ranging between 45 and 100%. In high-concentration regions the errors are usually reduced to 30%. The detection limit is estimated at 1 × 1016 molecules cm−2.
Zeeman effect in atmospheric O2 measured by ground-based microwave radiometry
Authors: Navas-Guzmán F. , Kämpfer N. , Murk A. , Larsson R. , Buehler S. A. , Eriksson P.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. In this work we study the Zeeman effect on stratospheric O2 using ground-based microwave radiometer measurements. The interaction of the Earth magnetic field with the oxygen dipole leads to a splitting of O2 energy states which polarizes the emission spectra. A special campaign was carried out in order to measure this effect in the oxygen emission line centered at 53.07 GHz. Both a fixed and a rotating mirror were incorporated to the TEMPERA (TEMPERature RAdiometer) radiometer in order to be able to measure under different observational angles. This new configuration allowed us to change the angle between the observational path and the Earth magnetic field direction. Moreover, a high resolution spectrometer (1 kHz) was used in order to measure for the first time the Zeeman effect in the main isotopologue of oxygen from ground-based microwave measurements. The measured spectra showed a clear polarized signature when the observational angles were changed evidencing the Zeeman effect in the oxygen molecule. In addition, simulations carried out with the Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Simulator (ARTS) allowed us to verify the microwave measurements showing a very good agreement between model and measurements. The results suggest some interesting new aspects for research of the upper atmosphere.
Nitrogen control of 13C enrichment in heterotrophic organs relative to leaves in a landscape-building desert plant species
Authors: Zhang J. , Gu L. , Bao F. , Cao Y. , Hao Y. , He J. , Li J. , Li Y. , Ren Y. , Wang F. , Wu R. , Yao B. , Zhao Y. , Lin G. , Wu B. , Lu Q. , Meng P.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. A longstanding puzzle in isotope studies of C3 plant species is that heterotrophic plant organs (e.g., stems, roots, seeds, and fruits) tend to be enriched in 13C compared to the autotrophic organ (leaves) that provides them with photosynthate. Our inability to explain this puzzle suggests key deficiencies in understanding post-photosynthetic metabolic processes. It also limits the effectiveness of applications of stable carbon isotope analyses in a variety of scientific disciplines ranging from plant physiology to global carbon cycle studies. To gain insight into this puzzle, we excavated whole plant architectures of Nitraria tangutorum Bobrov, a C3 species that has an exceptional capability of fixing sands and building sand dunes, in two deserts in northwestern China. We systematically and simultaneously measured carbon isotope ratios and nitrogen and phosphorous contents of different parts of the excavated plants. We also determined the seasonal variations in leaf carbon isotope ratios on nearby intact plants of N. tangutorum. We found, for the first time, that higher nitrogen contents in heterotrophic organs were significantly correlated with increased heterotrophic 13C enrichment compared to leaves. However, phosphorous contents had no effect on the enrichment. In addition, new leaves had carbon isotope ratios similar to roots but were progressively depleted in 13C as they matured. We concluded that a nitrogen-mediated process, hypothesized to be the refixation of respiratory CO2 by phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase, was responsible for the differences in 13C enrichment among different heterotrophic organs, while processes such as fractionating foliar metabolism and preferentially loading into phloem of 13C-enriched sugars may contribute to the overall autotrophic–heterotrophic difference in carbon isotope compositions.
A new high-resolution BOLAM-MOLOCH suite for the SIMM forecasting system: assessment over two HyMeX intense observation periods
Authors: Mariani S. , Casaioli M. , Coraci E. , Malguzzi P.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. High-resolution numerical models can be effective in monitoring and predicting natural hazards, especially when dealing with Mediterranean atmospheric and marine intense/severe events characterised by a wide range of interacting scales. The understanding of the key factors associated to these Mediterranean phenomena, and the usefulness of adopting high-resolution numerical models in their simulation, are among the aims of the international initiative HyMeX – HYdrological cycle in Mediterranean EXperiment. At the turn of 2013, two monitoring campaigns (SOPs – Special Observation Periods) were devoted to these issues. For this purpose, a new high-resolution BOlogna Limited Area Model-MOdello LOCale (BOLAM-MOLOCH) suite was implemented in the Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) hydro–meteo–marine forecasting system (SIMM – Sistema Idro-Meteo-Mare) as a possible alternative to the operational meteorological component based on the BOLAM model self-nested over two lower-resolution domains. The present paper provides an assessment of this new configuration of SIMM with respect to the operational one that was also used during the two SOPs. More in details, it investigates the forecast performance of these SIMM configurations during two of the Intense Observation Periods (IOPs) declared in the first SOP campaign. These IOPs were characterised by high precipitations and very intense and exceptional high waters over the northern Adriatic Sea (acqua alta). Concerning the meteorological component, the high-resolution BOLAM-MOLOCH forecasts are compared against the lower-resolution BOLAM forecasts over three areas – mostly corresponding to the Italian HyMeX hydrometeorological sites – using the rainfall observations collected in the HyMeX database. Three-month categorical scores are also calculated for the MOLOCH model. Despite the presence of a slight positive bias of the MOLOCH model, the results show that the precipitation forecast turns out to improve with increasing resolution. In both SIMM configurations, the sea storm surge component is based on the same version of the Shallow water HYdrodynamic Finite Element Model (SHYFEM). Hence, it is evaluated the impact of the meteorological forcing provided by the two adopted BOLAM configurations on the SHYFEM forecasts for six tide-gauge stations. A benchmark for this part of the study is given by the performance of the SHYFEM model forced by the ECMWF IFS forecast fields. For this component, both BOLAM-SHYFEM configurations clearly outperform the benchmark. The results are, however, strongly affected by the predictability of the weather systems associated to the IOPs, thus suggesting the opportunity to develop and test a time-lagged multi-model ensemble for the prediction of high storm surge events.
A spatio-temporel optimization model for the evacuation of the population exposed to natural disasters
Authors: Alaeddine H. , Serrhini K. , Maïzia M. , Néron E.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The importance of managing the crisis caused by natural disasters, and especially by flood, requires the development of an effective evacuation systems. An effective evacuation system must take into account certain constraints, including those related to network traffic, accessibility, human resources and material equipment (vehicles, collecting points, etc.). The main objective of this work is to provide assistance to technical services and rescue forces in terms of accessibility by offering itineraries relating to rescue and evacuation of people and property. We consider in this paper the evacuation of an urban area of medium size exposed to the hazard of flood. In case of inundation, most people will be evacuated using their own vehicles. Two evacuation types are addressed in this paper, (1) a preventive evacuation based on a flood forecasting system and (2) an evacuation during the disaster based on flooding scenarios. The two study sites on which the evacuation model developed is applied are the valley of Tours (Fr, 37) which is protected by a set of dikes (preventive evacuation) and the valley of Gien (Fr, 45) which benefits of a low rate of flooding (evacuation before and during the disaster). Our goal is to construct, for each of these two sites, a chronological evacuation plan i.e. computing for each individual the departure date and the path to reach the assembly point (also called shelter) associated according to a priorities list established for this purpose. Evacuation plan must avoid the congestion on the road network. Here we present a Spatio-Temporal Optimization Model (STOM) dedicated to the evacuation of the population exposed to natural disasters and more specifically to flood risk.
Phytoplankton blooms on the western shelf of Tasmania: evidence of a highly productive ecosystem
Authors: Kämpf J.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Satellite-derived chlorophyll a data using the standard NASA-OC3 (ocean colour) algorithm are strongly biased by coloured dissolved organic matter and suspended sediment of river discharges, which is a particular problem for the western Tasmanian shelf. This work reconstructs phytoplankton blooms in the study region using a quadratic regression between OC3 data and chlorophyll fluorescence based on the fluorescence line height (FLH) data. This regression is derived from satellite data of the nearby Bonney upwelling region, which is devoid of river influences. To this end, analyses of 10 years of MODIS-aqua satellite data reveal the existence of a highly productive ecosystem on the western Tasmanian shelf. The region normally experiences two phytoplankton blooms per annum. The first bloom occurs during late austral summer months as a consequence of upwelling-favourable coastal winds. Hence, the western Tasmanian shelf forms a previously unknown upwelling centre of the regional upwelling system, known as Great South Australian Coastal Upwelling System. The second phytoplankton bloom is a classical spring bloom also developing in the adjacent Tasman Sea. The author postulates that this region forms another important biological hot spot for the regional marine ecosystem.
Scale effect on runoff and soil loss control using rice straw mulch under laboratory conditions
Authors: Sadeghi S. H. R. , Gholami L. , Sharifi E. , Khaledi Darvishan A. , Homaee M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Amendments can control the runoff and soil loss by protecting the soil surface. However, scale effects on runoff and soil loss control have not been considered yet. The present study has been formulated to determine the efficiency of two plot sizes of 6 and 0.25 m2 covered by 0.5 kg m−2 of straw mulch with regard to changing the time to runoff, runoff coefficient, sediment concentration and soil loss under laboratory conditions. The study used a sandy-loam soil taken from summer rangeland, Alborz Mountains, northern Iran, and was conducted under simulated rainfall intensities of 50 and 90 mm h−1 and in three replicates. The results of the study showed that the straw mulch had a more significant effect on reducing the runoff coefficient, sediment concentration and soil loss on a 0.25 m2 plot scale. The maximum effectiveness in time to runoff for both the scales was observed at a rainfall intensity of 90 mm h−1. The maximum increasing and decreasing rates in time to runoff and runoff coefficient were observed at a rainfall intensity of 90 mm h−1, with 367.92 and 96.71% for the 0.25 m2 plot and 110.10 and 15.08% for the 6 m2 plot. The maximum reduction in the runoff coefficient was in the 0.25 m2 plot for the two rainfall intensities of 50 and 90 mm h−1, with rates of −89.34 and −96.71%. The maximum change in soil loss at the intensities of both 50 and 90 mm h−1 occurred in the 0.25 m2 plot, with 100%, whereas in the 6 m2 plot, decreasing rates of soil loss for the intensities of both 50 and 90 mm h−1 were 46.74 and 63.24%, respectively.
Reasons and Causes that Prevent Customers from Buying Consumer Banking Products in Pakistan
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Ghouri Nabeel Taj
Published: January 2015

Consumer banking refers to that banking products and services which are directly given by banks to consumers that are personal loan, auto loan, house loan and credit card. . Customers face some problems while buying consumer banking products and services, such as high interest rate, lack of awareness, inappropriate service, arrangement of securities and procedural complications. This study aims to analyze the relationship between perceived problems and consumer banking products. Survey based methodology was used for data collection. For this purpose a close ended questionnaire was designed. The target population was Lahore Pakistan. Interest rate, customer service, security issues and procedural complications are proven to be the problems faced by the customers while buying consumer banking products. But lack of awareness proved to be wrong which means that respondents are aware of consumer banking products.
Renewing the Covenant with Eugene Borowitz
Authors: Novak David
Published: January 2015

This essay continues a dialogue of many years between Eugene Borowitz and the author over the meaning of Covenant in Jewish theology today. The main point of difference between them is whether it is necessary theologically to literally affirm the Bible's representation of the God who speaks (i.e., the doctrine of verbal revelation). Following Buber, Rosenzweig, and Heschel, Borowitz only affirms a nonverbal revelation: it is the human recipients of God's revelation who supply its verbal content. The author argues that this gives too much authority to human autonomy. Nevertheless, he recognizes that Borowitz has taught him to emphasize human autonomy in his own covenantal theology more than he had done theretofore.
A Zealous (but Respected) Adversary: John Lewis's Correspondence with John Wesley
Authors: Maddox Randy L.
Published: January 2015

This article contains annotated transcriptions of several previously unknown letters between John Wesley and Revd John Lewis of Holt, Wiltshire, in the mid-1740s. Holt's letters articulate the concerns of a typical Anglican parish priest about irregular ecclesial practices and some doctrinal emphases of the Methodist revival. Wesley's responses contain his most frank (or pessimistic) evaluation of Anglican clergy—that two thirds of those he has known are ‘blind leaders of the blind, dumb dogs that cannot bark, priests of Baal rather than God’. Together the letters provide an instructive window into the reception of early Methodism.
Self-perceived effects of Internet pornography use, genital appearance satisfaction, and sexual self-esteem among young Scandinavian adults
Authors: Kvalem Ingela Lundin , Træen Bente , Lewin Bo , Štulhofer Aleksandar
Published: January 2015

This study examined the associations among the frequency of viewing Internet pornography, beliefs about how realistically pornography portrays sex, self-perceived effects of one’s pornography use, genital appearance satisfaction, and sexual self-esteem in young adults. Online data were collected from four convenience samples of university students from Norway and Sweden, members of a queer youth organization, and readers of an erotic magazine. Because of cultural similarities and the comparable magnitude and patterns of the bivariate correlations among the samples on the study variables, they were pooled into a single sample (N = 1,274). The majority of men (81.1%) and a minority of women (18.1%) reported at least weekly use of Internet pornography on their personal computers, whereas using a mobile phone or tablet was less common. Most of the participants had sought mainstream pornographic content. Those with a stronger belief in pornographic realism were more likely to perceive the effect of pornography use positively. A hypothesized relationship between self-perceived positive effects of pornography use and a higher level of sexual self-esteem was found for men but not for women. This result was partially due to higher satisfaction with genital appearance among the men who mainly watched mainstream pornography. Genital appearance satisfaction was linked to higher sexual self-esteem for women, but it was not related to the self-perceived effect of pornography use. The results indicate that pornography may expand personal sexual scripts for both men and women, and may have a positive, although modest, influence on the sexual self-esteem of young male adults.
21st century media, fame, and other future aspirations: A national survey of 9-15 year olds
Authors: Uhls Yalda T. , Zgourou Eleni , Greenfield Patricia M.
Published: January 2015

Past research found that messages in popular television promote fame as a top value, while social media allow anyone to reach broad audiences (Uhls & Greenfield, 2011; Uhls & Greenfield, 2012). During a sensitive developmental phase, preteens are the largest users of media, consuming over seven-and-a-half hours a day, seven days a week, outside of school. A nationwide survey in the United States asked 315 youth (M = 12 years; range: 9 -15 years) about their media habits as well as their aspirations for the future. Participants’ answers about their future goals clustered around two factors, representing individualistic, self-focused and collectivistic, other-focused aspirations. Fame, image, money and status were items in the former; helping others in need, helping family, and living near family were items in the latter. Watching television and using a social networking site each predicted self-focused aspirations, above and beyond the influence of control variables of age and maternal education, while the two media activities together predicted a larger portion of the variance than either alone. Collectivistic, other-focused aspirations were associated with nontechnology activities, most of which had an important social component. The implication is that individualistic, self-focused aspirations are related to 21st century media, whereas more collectivistic, other-focused aspirations are related to nontechnology activities, particularly those with a social component.
Flame Retardant and Mechanical Properties of Modified Paper Using Inorganic Salts for Packaging Applications
Authors: Youssef Ahmed M. , Mohamed Ola A. , El-Samahy M. , Kader Amal H. Abd-El , Pichtec Luhac
Published: January 2015

The paper sheet prepared from unbleached rice straw containing different concentration of inorganic salts, that work as flame retardant additives (Lithium hydroxide one hydrate (LiOH.1H2O), Magnesium hydroxide (Mg (OH)2. 15H2O), aluminum sulphate (Al2(SO4)3) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3)) were investigated using horizontal burning test against flame retardant. Also, the prepared paper sheets were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Infrared spectroscopy (IR). Furthermore, the water absorption was determined. In addition, the mechanical properties (breaking length, tear factor and burst factor) of the prepared paper sheet were evaluated. Correspondingly, the physical (structure and mechanical) properties of the prepared paper sheet were enhanced in terms of tensile, tear factor and water absorption. Also, delaying firing process will help in protecting the materials from burning, saving many of economic effect. So the prepared paper sheet can be used for different industrial applications especially in packaging applications.
Quantitative system drift compensates for altered maternal inputs to the gap gene network of the scuttle fly Megaselia abdita
Authors: Wotton Karl R , Jiménez-Guri Eva , Crombach Anton , Janssens Hilde , Alcaine-Colet Anna , Lemke Steffen , Schmidt-Ott Urs , Jaeger Johannes
Published: January 2015

The segmentation gene network in insects can produce equivalent phenotypic outputs despite differences in upstream regulatory inputs between species. We investigate the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon through a systems-level analysis of the gap gene network in the scuttle fly Megaselia abdita (Phoridae). It combines quantification of gene expression at high spatio-temporal resolution with systematic knock-downs by RNA interference (RNAi). Initiation and dynamics of gap gene expression differ markedly between M. abdita and Drosophila melanogaster, while the output of the system converges to equivalent patterns at the end of the blastoderm stage. Although the qualitative structure of the gap gene network is conserved, there are differences in the strength of regulatory interactions between species. We term such network rewiring ‘quantitative system drift’. It provides a mechanistic explanation for the developmental hourglass model in the dipteran lineage. Quantitative system drift is likely to be a widespread mechanism for developmental evolution.
Beredskapskunnskap – navet i Lærerutdanning i Kunst og håndverk
Authors: Gulliksen Marte Sørebø
Published: January 2015

Concurrent (samtidig) lærerutdanning møter en dobbelt utfordring: studentene skal lære et (eller flere) fag, samtidig som de skal lære å lære bort fag. I Kunst og håndverk knyttes denne debatten ofte opp mot hvordan en i korte utdanningsenheter kan få nok faglig dybde i de ulike delene av faget. I artikkelens første del presenteres tidligere forskning på Kunst og håndverk. Et fagdidaktisk kunnskapsperspektiv trekkes opp i tilknytning til begrepet pedagogisk innholdskunnskap forstått som en re-forhandling av fagkunnskap og pedagogisk kunnskap (Shulman). Ut fra dette problematiseres fagets kvalifiseringsbredde og indre spenninger som en del av lærerutdanningens premiss. Det argumenteres for at en reduksjon av kvalifiserings­bredden ikke vil føre til redusert kompleksitet i undervisningen i faget. Artikkelens andre del foreslår begrepet beredskapskunnskap som en måte å håndtere fagets kompleksitet på: som et mulig grunnprinsipp for inn- og utvalg av arbeidsformer og innhold i utdanning i Kunst og håndverk. Diskusjonen knyttes til spørsmålet om hvordan lærerutdanning i Kunst og håndverk best kan ruste studenter til et langt liv som lærerprofesjonsutøvere i en fremtid vi ennå ikke vet hvordan ser ut. Artikkelen foreslår at beredskapskunnskap kan forstås som et nav i et prinsipp om livslang læring for lærere i Kunst og håndverk, og således som et overordnet mål for lærerutdanning generelt.
Å etablere et akademisk formingsfaglig miljø. Tilbakeblikk på den tidlige fasen for hovedfag i forming
Authors: Fauske Laila Belinda
Published: January 2015

I 1976 ble hovedfag i forming startet opp ved to lærerutdanningsinstitusjoner i Norge. Studiet ble opprettet uten paralleller ved universitetene og skilte seg fra andre hovedfag ved å inkludere studentenes praktisk-estetiske arbeid. Frem til lærerutdanningsloven fra 1973 hadde ikke lærerskolene hatt anledning til å tilby hovedfag. Denne type studier hadde vært forbeholdt universitetene. Da den nye loven trådde i kraft ble lærerskolene møtt med krav om kvalitet og omfang tilsvarende tradisjonelle hovedfag, noe som var en utfordring for et fagmiljø uten en egen akademisk tradisjon. Denne artikkelen har som mål å belyse den tidlige fasen for hovedfag i forming med særlig vekt på utfordringene ved å inkludere det praktisk-estetiske arbeidet. Artikkelen tar utgangspunkt i rammeplanen fra 1976 og undersøker hvordan det praktisk-estetiske arbeidet er beskrevet i planen. Videre belyses grep fagmiljøet nyttiggjorde seg i den tidlige fasen med å etablere et eget akademisk formingsfaglig miljø. Kildematerialet er publiserte tekster og intervju av tre sentrale bidragsytere fra fagmiljøet. Utviklingen rundt hovedfagsstudiet drøftes i lys av konseptet knowledge building. I artikkelen belyses fagmiljøets samarbeid med universitetsmiljøet og med beslektede fagmiljø i Norden. Videre diskuteres begrepsutvikling og metodetenkning om praktisk-estetisk arbeid. Artikkelen argumenterer for at fagmiljøet i den tidlige fasen etterstrebet å utvikle et fruktbart akademisk formingsfaglig miljø som utfordret grensene for hva en til nå hadde ansett for å være ‘best practice’.
Bulk particle size distribution and magnetic properties of particle‐sized fractions from loess and paleosol samples in Central Asia
Authors: Zan Jinbo , Fang Xiaomin , Yang Shengli , Yan Maodu
Published: January 2015

Recent studies demonstrate that particle size separation based on gravitational settling and detailed rock magnetic measurements of the resulting fractionated samples constitutes an effective approach to evaluating the relative contributions of pedogenic and detrital components in the loess and paleosol sequences on the Chinese Loess Plateau. So far, however, similar work has not been undertaken on the loess deposits in Central Asia. In this paper, 17 loess and paleosol samples from three representative loess sections in Central Asia were separated into four grain size fractions, and then systematic rock magnetic measurements were made on the fractions. Our results demonstrate that the content of the <4 μm fraction in the Central Asian loess deposits is relatively low and that the samples generally have a unimodal particle distribution with a peak in the medium‐coarse silt range. We find no significant difference between the particle size distributions obtained by the laser diffraction and the pipette and wet sieving methods. Rock magnetic studies further demonstrate that the medium‐coarse silt fraction (e.g., the 20–75 μm fraction) provides the main control on the magnetic properties of the loess and paleosol samples in Central Asia. The contribution of pedogenically produced superparamagnetic (SP) and stable single‐domain (SD) magnetic particles to the bulk magnetic properties is very limited. In addition, the coarsest fraction (>75 μm) exhibits the minimum values of χ, χARM, and SIRM, demonstrating that the concentrations of ferrimagnetic grains are not positively correlated with the bulk particle size in the Central Asian loess deposits.
Micro‐Forming Using Ultrafine‐Grained Aluminum Processed by Equal‐Channel Angular Pressing
Authors: Xu Jie , Zhu Xiaocheng , Shi ﻿Lei , Shan Debin , Guo ﻿Bin , Langdon Terence G.
Published: January 2015

A very high‐purity (99.999%) aluminum was processed by equal‐channel angular pressing (ECAP) at room temperature through 1 to 8 passes using a die with a channel angle of 90°. Analysis shows that processing by ECAP produces an ultrafine‐grained (UFG) structure with a grain size of ≈1.3 μm and with microhardness and microstructural homogeneity. The mechanical properties and the fracture behavior were evaluated using micro‐tensile testing after ECAP processing. A micro‐forming process was used to fabricate a micro‐turbine at ambient temperature and subsequent examination demonstrated that UFG pure aluminum gives higher strength and more uniform mechanical properties by comparison with conventional coarse‐grained pure aluminum. The results confirm the very significant potential for using UFG pure aluminum for micro‐forming at ambient temperature.
Wear Behavior of Laser‐Patterned Piston Rings in Squeeze Film Dampers
Authors: Rosenkranz Andreas , Jaeger Steffen , Gachot Carsten , Vogel Sabrina , Mücklich Frank
Published: January 2015

Machine components experience large tribological stresses during their lifetime. Due to the kinematics and the applied load, many of these components work under mixed or boundary lubrication conditions, with direct contact of both rubbing surfaces. Wear, thus plays a significant role in these two lubrication regimes, determining component life time. Laser surface patterning (LSP) can produce a well‐defined surface topography in order to improve the tribological properties under boundary and mixed lubrication, including reduced wear. In this research work, the piston rings (PRs) of a squeeze film damper (SFD, stainless steel MSRR 6503) are patterned with a dot‐like surface structure (4 μm spacing and ca. 1 μm depth) produced by three‐beam laser interference from a solid state Nd:YAG laser with a pulse duration of 10 ns and wavelength of 355 nm. The wear behavior of these laser‐patterned PRs is compared to that of conventional ground PRs. The tribological tests are performed on a special test rig for SFDs. The tested surfaces are then analyzed by white light interferometry in order to study the underlying wear mechanism and to estimate the corresponding wear volume. This analysis demonstrates an 85% reduction in the wear volume of the laser‐patterned PRs. The designed surface topography can store wear particles in the topographic minima, removing them from the contact zone, thus reducing the amount of abrasive wear and the wear volume.
Novel Non‐radiative Exciton Harvesting Scheme Yields a 15% Efficiency Improvement in High‐Efficiency III–V Solar Cells
Authors: Brossard Maël , Hong Chung‐Yu , Hung Mumin , Yu Peichen , Charlton Martin D. B. , Savvidis Pavlos G. , Lagoudakis Pavlos G.
Published: January 2015

High‐efficiency III–V solar cells typically incorporate an indirect wide‐bandgap semiconductor as a passivation layer to limit surface recombination at higher photon energies. The poor extraction efficiency of the carriers photogenerated in this window layer limits the performance of the devices in the high‐energy region of the spectrum. To address this problem, a resonance energy transfer (RET)‐mediated luminescent down‐shifting (LDS) layer is engineered by depositing an epilayer of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) on an InGaP solar cell. In this configuration, while the QDs act as a standard LDS layer, excitons are also funneled from the window layer to the QD epilayer using near‐field RET. The luminescence energy of the QDs is tuned below the bandgap of the window layer and the emitted light is absorbed in the p–n junction, where carriers are generated and efficiently extracted. The overall performance of the solar cell is found to be significantly improved after hybridization, with a large 14.6% relative and 2% absolute enhancement of the photon conversion efficiency.