bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topological properties of altan-benzenoid hydrocarbons
Authors: Gutman Ivan
Published: July 2014

The main topological characteristics of altan-benzenoids are established. In
particular, it is shown that the perimeter of Kekul?an altan-benzenoids is of
size 4k , having a destablizing (antiaromatic) energy effect, similar to
(4k)-annulenes.
Epistemology and Practice of Interdisciplinarity
Authors: Subedi Abhi
Published: July 2014

No Abstract AvailableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v2i1.10807 Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.2(1) 2014: 1-6
Concept Mapping Model, Academic Disciplines and Interdisciplinarity
Authors: McAlpine Steven
Published: July 2014

Why do we use maps? What sense of understanding does a map provide that a simple list of directions cannot? Beginning with an examination of the most useful properties of maps, we will then review a methodology for constructing a conceptual map used to explore the complexities of a topic or problem. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v2i1.10808 Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.2(1) 2014: 7-12
Impact of Informal Cross Border Trade on Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria: Kotangowa Market [Lagos] in Perspective
Authors: Faleye Olukayode Abiodun
Published: July 2014

27th August 2014: Final corrections were made to this paper as requested by the author - Editor.This work investigates the impact of Informal Cross Border Trade (ICBT) on poverty alleviation in Nigeria using Kotangowa market in Lagos as a case study. While the policy dialogue in Nigeria is driven by the state-centric perception of ICBT as an economic malice, this study analyzes the impact of ICBT including smuggling on the socio-economic development of participants. Also, it examines the role of the state and non-state actors in negotiating the implementation of regulations at the margins and center of the state. The research problem is examined through an assessment of the financial history of informal cross-border traders and customers in the market. The factors considered include income levels, assets acquisition, and expenditure overtime. The approach is qualitative based on descriptive method of data analysis. While ICBT is tainted by state policies as hampering economic development, findings show that it actually alleviates poverty. This paper argues that informality of this nature exemplifies the moderation of arbitrary state policies by non-state actors in Sub-Saharan Africa. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v2i1.10809   Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.2(1) 2014: 13-22
Ethnic Consciousness in B.P. Koirala’s Sumnima
Authors: Kandel Bhanubhakta Sharma
Published: July 2014

B. P. Koirala’s Sumnima is more criticized as a Freudian Nepali fiction but it is more than that. The novel is a very beautiful and important gift of the novelist to the practitioners of cultural theory because the novelist has discussed the issues of minority, plurality of meaning in cultural practices, cultural differences and ethnic consciousness through the innocent characters, among others. It also documents the conflict and problems among the people living in the same area and helps us understand the value of respecting the other. The book has talked in favour of the weaker section of the society and has made the indigenous practices and way of life victorious through the use of environment, vernacular language, characters, life style, beliefs, norms and values, art, myth, etc. over the classic living style guided and prescribed by the shashtras. Sumnima is a great documentation of cultural reconciliation among the people of different ethnic origins following different beliefs, norms, values and cultural practices. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v2i1.10810   Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.2(1) 2014: 23-30
The Impacts of Climate Change on Business
Authors: Shrestha Deepmala
Published: July 2014

Demands are increasing on businesses to do their part to respond to the threat of climate change based on their influential position within the global community. If companies can effectively integrate strategy, people, processes and technology in the pursuit of initiatives that respond to climate change, the result can be a powerful tool of long-term value creation. But what exactly are the impacts of climate change on businesses is the focus of the study? Varying levels of appreciation of the effects of climate change on business operations are rooted in the difference between direct and indirect impacts of climate change. So, the question is how business gets impacted by direct and indirect differences? Some of these effects are potentially threatening to sustainable high performance changing climatic conditions. What are some specific steps businesses can take to respond to both the threats and opportunities presented by climate change? To support a fact-based discussion of the business impact of climate change, primary qualitative survey conducted to Nepalese business houses and as secondary of a global context. Business initiatives in response to climate change are generally spread across a broad range of activities, risking fragmentation. Climate change may transform parts of our planet, the context and presumptions by which businesses typically operate today. This transformation is a result of both the direct impacts of climate change on business operations, as well as its indirect effects. Many business leaders feel a profound responsibility to do their part to respond to the pressing global challenge represented by climate change. But apart from this sense of societal obligation, business leaders must also be attuned to how climate change is altering the dynamics of markets, competition and profitability. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v2i1.10816 Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.2(1) 2014: 93-112
Impact of Global Climate Change on Human Health and Risk Prevention
Authors: De Asis , De Abhijit , Pun Jenny
Published: July 2014

Many factors influence the world’s atmosphere and climate. Due to human activity, the concentration of "green house" gases is increasing resulting in rise of earth’s surface temperature. As a result of global warming, the eco system is changing, having adverse impact on our lives. Some increased health risk will be due to extreme weather events, while other problems will involve continual climate modification as consequences from ecological disruption or resulting from climate-induced economic disruption, e.g. traumatic, infectious, nutritional, psychological and other health consequences. Population, certain age groups such as elderly, women, children and vulnerable group, is at risk. For instance, there are risks of extreme temperatures and heat-wave, increased allergic disorders, hay fever, asthma due to air pollution, particulate matters and smog. In addition, due to flooding food-borne illnesses, water-borne illnesses, diarrheal diseases, increase in vector-borne diseases transmitted by Mosquitoes and mice e.g. Malaria, Filaria, Dengue fever, etc. There is compromise in food safety due to contaminated food with pesticide and bacteria resulting in food poisoning. Lifestyle and behavior are likely to be affected due to loss of social cohesion, increase in crime, accidents, anxiety, depression, stress, self harm and possible suicide, drug and alcohol misuse. Preventive measures will include assessment of the vulnerability of human health and mitigation measures. The health sector needs to play a key role in disease prevention, health education, disaster preparedness and effective measures to treat early evidence of impact affecting health. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ctbijis.v2i1.10818   Crossing the Border: International Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies Vol.2(1) 2014: 127-134
What Has Glasgow to Do with Nairobi? The Churches and Rapid Urban Growth in Twentieth-Century Nairobi: A Comparison with Nineteenth-Century Glasgow
Authors: Shaw Ian J.
Published: July 2014

This is a study of the rapid urban growth of twentieth-century Nairobi and its influence on patterns of church attendance and Christian practice. The experience of Glasgow in the nineteenth century is used as a historical comparator to highlight and evaluate particular trends in Nairobi's more recent experience. Although the rapid urbanisation of the two cities was separated by over a century and occurred in very different national and historical contexts, both shared similar pathologies of environmental problems, urban deprivation and poverty. Simple correlations between types of urban environment and certain patterns of Christian practice are not easily drawn in the two cities, but such complexity is common to the two cities. This study suggests that the process of rapid urbanisation did shape religious practice in Nairobi, if not always in predictable or negative ways. It brought openness to new ideas and flexibility to modes of Christian expression, as was also observed in Glasgow a century before. The responses of churches to the very major challenges caused by large-scale movements of population and consequent social dislocation also betray similarities across geographical and historical contexts. Despite claims as to the secularising influence of the city, Christian practice may prove to have been at its most robust and authentically African in a city like Nairobi.
Numerical Investigation of Hydrate Dissociation Performance in the South China Sea with Different Horizontal Well Configurations
Authors: Feng Jing-Chun , Li Xiao-Sen , Li Gang , Li Bo , Chen Zhao-Yang , Wang Yi
Published: July 2014

Based on the available measurement data and literature on the hydrate deposits of the South China Sea, a numerical simulation with a new dual horizontal well system has been carried out. Warm brine stimulation combined with depressurization is employed as the production method. Two horizontal wells were situated in the same horizontal plane and they were placed in the middle of the Hydrate-Bearing Layer (HBL). The warm brine is injected from the left well (LW) into the reservoir, and the right well (RW) acted as the producer under constant pressure. The simulation results show that the effects of hydrate dissociation rate, gas to water ratio, and energy ratio are all better than the previous work in which the dual horizontal wells are placed in the same vertical plane. In addition, the sensitivity analysis indicates that a higher injection rate can enhance the hydrate dissociation rate and gas production rate, while a lower injection rate gives a more favorable gas to water ratio and energy ratio.
Generalized Curvature-Matter Couplings in Modified Gravity
Authors: Harko Tiberiu , Lobo Francisco
Published: July 2014

In this work, we review a plethora of modified theories of gravity with generalized curvature-matter couplings. The explicit nonminimal couplings, for instance, between an arbitrary function of the scalar curvature R and the Lagrangian density of matter, induces a non-vanishing covariant derivative of the energy-momentum tensor, implying non-geodesic motion and, consequently, leads to the appearance of an extra force. Applied to the cosmological context, these curvature-matter couplings lead to interesting phenomenology, where one can obtain a unified description of the cosmological epochs. We also consider the possibility that the behavior of the galactic flat rotation curves can be explained in the framework of the curvature-matter coupling models, where the extra terms in the gravitational field equations modify the equations of motion of test particles and induce a supplementary gravitational interaction. In addition to this, these models are extremely useful for describing dark energy-dark matter interactions and for explaining the late-time cosmic acceleration.
Chikusetsu Saponin V Attenuates MPP+-Induced Neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Cells via Regulation of Sirt1/Mn-SOD and GRP78/Caspase-12 Pathways
Authors: Yuan Ding , Wan Jing-Zhi , Deng Li-Li , Zhang Chang-Cheng , Dun Yao-Yan , Dai Yan-Wen , Zhou Zhi-Yong , Liu Chao-Qi , Wang Ting
Published: July 2014

Studies have shown that saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJ) possess neuroprotective effects. However, whether Chikusetsu saponin V (CsV), the most abundant member of SPJ, can exert neuroprotective effects against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+)-induced cytotoxicity is not known. In this study, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of CsV on MPP+-induced cytotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and explore its possible mechanisms. Our results show that CsV attenuates MPP+-induced cytotoxicity, inhibits ROS accumulation, and increases mitochondrial membrane potential dose-dependently. We also found that levels of Sirt1 protein and Mn-SOD mRNA significantly decreased in MPP+-treated group but were restored with CsV treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, GRP78 protein and Caspase-12 mRNA levels were elevated by MPP+ exposure but reversed by CsV treatment. CsV inhibited the MPP+-induced downregulation of Bcl-2 and up-regulation of Bax in a dose-dependent manner and, thus, increased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. Overall, these results suggest that Sirt1/Mn-SOD and GRP78/Caspase-12 pathways might be involved in the CsV-mediated neuroprotective effects.
Methylcellulose-Directed Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Zeolite NaA with High CO2 Uptake
Authors: Shakarova Dilshod , Ojuva Arto , Bergström Lennart , Akhtar Farid
Published: July 2014

Zeolite NaA nanocrystals with a narrow particle size distribution were prepared by template-free hydrothermal synthesis in thermo-reversible methylcellulose gels. The effects of the amount of methylcellulose, crystallization time and hydrothermal treatment temperature on the crystallinity and particle size distribution of the zeolite NaA nanocrystals were investigated. We found that the thermogelation of methylcellulose in the alkaline Na2O-SiO2-Al2O3-H2O system played an important role in controlling the particle size. The synthesized zeolite nanocrystals are highly crystalline, as demonstrated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that the nanocrystals can also display a well-defined facetted morphology. Gas adsorption studies on the synthesized nanocrystalline zeolite NaA showed that nanocrystals with a size of 100 nm displayed a high CO2 uptake capacity (4.9 mmol/g at 293 K at 100 kPa) and a relatively rapid uptake rate compared to commercially available, micron-sized particles. Low-cost nanosized zeolite adsorbents with a high and rapid uptake are important for large scale gas separation processes, e.g., carbon capture from flue gas.
Corrosion Behavior of Titanium in Artificial Saliva by Lactic Acid
Authors: Qu Qing , Wang Lei , Chen Yajun , Li Lei , He Yue , Ding Zhongtao
Published: July 2014

As one of the main products produced by oral microorganisms, the role of lactic acid in the corrosion of titanium is very important. In this study, the corrosion behavior of titanium in artificial saliva with and without lactic acid were investigated by open-circuit potentials (OCPs), polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). OCP firstly increased with the amount of lactic acid from 0 to 3.2 g/L and then tended to decrease from 3.2 to 5.0 g/L. The corrosion of titanium was distinctly affected by lactic acid, and the corrosion rate increased with increasing the amount of lactic acid. At each concentration of lactic acid, the corrosion rate clearly increased with increasing the immersing time. Results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also indicated that lactic acid accelerated the pitting corrosion in artificial saliva. A probable mechanism was also proposed to explain the experimental results.
The Validation of an Analytical Method for Sulfentrazone Residue Determination in Soil Using Liquid Chromatography and a Comparison of Chromatographic Sensitivity to Millet as a Bioindicator Species
Authors: De Oliveira Marcelo , Pires Fábio , Ferraço Mariana , Belo Alessandra
Published: July 2014

Commonly used herbicides, such as sulfentrazone, pose the risk of soil contamination due to their persistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity. Phytoremediation by green manure species has been tested using biomarkers, but analytical data are now required to confirm the extraction of sulfentrazone from soil. Thus, the present work was carried out to analyze sulfentrazone residues in soil based on liquid chromatography with a comparison of these values to the sensitivity of the bioindicator Pennisetum glaucum. The soil samples were obtained after cultivation of Crotalaria juncea and Canavalia ensiformis at four seeding densities and with three doses of sulfentrazone. The seedlings were collected into pots, at two different depths, after 75 days of phytoremediator sowing and then were used to determine the herbicide persistence in the soil. A bioassay with P. glaucum was carried out in the same pot. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), using UV-diode array detection (HPLC/UV-DAD), was used to determine the herbicide residues. The HPLC determination was optimized and validated according to the parameters of precision, accuracy, linearity, limit of detection and quantification, robustness and specificity. The bioindicator P. glaucum was more sensitive to sulfentrazone than residue determination by HPLC. Changes in sulfentrazone concentration caused by green manure phytoremediation were accurately identified by the bioindicator. However, a true correlation between the size of the species and the analyte content was not identified.
Smart Elasto-Magneto-Electric (EME) Sensors for Stress Monitoring of Steel Cables: Design Theory and Experimental Validation
Authors: Zhang Ru , Duan Yuanfeng , Or Siu , Zhao Yang
Published: July 2014

An elasto-magnetic (EM) and magneto-electric (ME) effect based elasto-magneto-electric (EME) sensor has been proposed recently by the authors for stress monitoring of steel cables with obvious superiorities over traditional elasto-magnetic sensors. For design optimization and engineering application of the EME sensor, the design theory is interpreted with a developed model taking into account the EM coupling effect and ME coupling effect. This model is able to approximate the magnetization changes that a steel structural component undergoes when subjected to excitation magnetic field and external stress, and to simulate the induced ME voltages of the ME sensing unit located in the magnetization area. A full-scale experiment is then carried out to verify the model and to calibrate the EME sensor as a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) tool to monitor the cable stress. The experimental results agree well with the simulation results using the developed model. The proposed EME sensor proves to be feasible for stress monitoring of steel cables with high sensitivity, fast response, and ease of installation.
Nature et impacts des effets spatiaux sur les valeurs immobilières
Authors: Baumont Catherine , Legros Diego
Published: July 2014

Dans cet article, nous montrons que l’influence des facteurs spatiaux sur la formation des prix immobiliers n’est pas totalement appréhendée par des variables explicatives d’attributs des voisinages et d’accessibilité. Nous avons considéré deux catégories d’attributs susceptibles d’impliquer des effets de voisinage : le statut socioéconomique des quartiers et les politiques de mixité. Notre étude empirique porte sur l’espace urbain comprenant la ville de Paris et la petite couronne qui comprend 2 636 aires de voisinage et sur lequel nous disposons de 21 098 transactions. Des effets spatiaux sont détectés, et l’estimation du modèle hédonique spatial de Durbin fournit les effets multiplicateurs. Nous montrons que la localisation dans les quartiers favorisés valorise les appartements et que les politiques de mixité ont un effet négatif. Dans chaque cas, les effets spatiaux accentuent ces impacts.
The Effect of Chair Yoga in Older Adults with Moderate and Severe Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: McCaffrey Ruth , Park Juyoung , Newman David , Hagen Dyana
Published: July 2014

Using a quasi-experimental single-group design, this study examined the feasibility of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-type dementia to complete the Sit ‘N’ Fit Chair Yoga Program. Physical function of participants who completed the program was measured. The nine older adults with AD (mean age = 83) participated in the 8-week Sit ‘N’ Fit Chair Yoga Program. To measure physical function, the Six-Minute Walk Test, the Gait Speed Test, and the Berg Balance Scale were administered at pre-intervention, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 1 month after program completion. All participants completed the program. Positive changes were seen across all physical measures. Further study, using a larger sample and including a control group, is needed to fully determine the effect of the Sit ‘N’ Fit Chair Yoga Program on older adults with moderate to severe AD.

[Res Gerontol Nurs. 2014; 7(4):171–177.]
Ubiquity and Context-Aware M-Learning Model
Authors: Alnabhan Mohammad
Published: July 2014

This paper presents a new adaptive m-learning model supporting collaborative and context-aware learning. A seamless integration between learners' location information and a set of associated learning context dimensions is used to facilitate the provision of pervasive and ubiquitous learning services. The new model adopts nearest search algorithm in order to group spatially related mobile learners, constructing learning-oriented virtual communities and achieving a collaborative learning experience. The presented model implements two virtual community construction modes, described as client-based and server-based collaboration modes. A preliminary evaluation methodology was conducted, measuring the successful implementation of the proposed new model, and confirming the establishment of the virtual community after considering a set of learning context dimensions; such as learning collaboration type, learning style and learners' location information. Results have confirmed that both collaboration modes were successful in establishing the virtual communities between mobile learners. However, the server-based mode was more scalable than client-based mode while handling the increased number of mobile peers, in which less response time was experienced and a smaller learning grid area was formed.
Privacy-Preserving Spatial Trajectory Prediction Based on a Novel Matrix Representation
Authors: Hu Wen-Chen , Kaabouch Naima , Yang Hung-Jen , Mousavinezhad S. Hossein
Published: July 2014

Since the introduction of iPhone in 2007, smartphones have become very popular (e.g., the number of worldwide smartphone sales has surpassed the number of PC sales in 2011). The feature of high mobility and small size of smartphones has created many applications that are not possible or inconvenient for PCs and servers, even laptops. Location-based services (LBS), one of mobile applications, have attracted a great attention recently. This research proposes a location-based service, which predicts a spatial trajectory based on the current and previous trajectories by using a novel matrix representation. Spatial trajectory prediction can be used in a variety of purposes such as travel recommendations and traffic control and planning, but at the same time, just like most location-based services, the user privacy concern is a major issue. Without rigorous privacy protection, users would be reluctant to use the service. The proposed method is simple but effective and user privacy is rigorously preserved at the same time because the trajectory prediction is performed at the user-side. Additionally, this research is not only useful but also pedagogical because it involves a variety of topics like (i) mobile computing, (ii) mobile security, and (iii) human behavior recognition.
A Scalable Algorithm for Constructing Frequent Pattern Tree
Authors: Abdullah Zailani , Herawan Tutut , Noraziah A. , Deris Mustafa Mat
Published: July 2014

Frequent Pattern Tree (FP-Tree) is a compact data structure of representing frequent itemsets. The construction of FP-Tree is very important prior to frequent patterns mining. However, there have been too limited efforts specifically focused on constructing FP-Tree data structure beyond from its original database. In typical FP-Tree construction, besides the prior knowledge on support threshold, it also requires two database scans; first to build and sort the frequent patterns and second to build its prefix paths. Thus, twice database scanning is a key and major limitation in completing the construction of FP-Tree. Therefore, this paper suggests scalable Trie Transformation Technique Algorithm (T3A) to convert our predefined tree data structure, Disorder Support Trie Itemset (DOSTrieIT) into FP-Tree. Experiment results through two UCI benchmark datasets show that the proposed T3A generates FP-Tree up to 3 magnitudes faster than that the benchmarked FP-Growth.
Detecting Local Communities within a Large Scale Social Network Using Mapreduce
Authors: Yin Hongjun , Li Jing , Niu Yue
Published: July 2014

Social network partitioning has become a very important function. One objective for partitioning is to identify interested communities to target for marketing and advertising activities. The bottleneck to detection of these communities is the large scalability of the social network. Previous methods did not effectively address the problem because they considered the overall network. Social networks have strong locality, so designing a local algorithm to find an interested community to address this objective is necessary. In this paper, we develop a local partition algorithm, named, Personalized PageRank Partitioning, to identify the community. We compute the conductance of the social network with a Personalized PageRank and Markov chain stationary distribution of the social network, and then sweep the conductance to find the smallest cut. The efficiency of the cut can reach. In order to detect a larger scale social network, we design and implement the algorithm on a MapReduce-programming framework. Finally, we execute our experiment on several actual social network data sets and compare our method to others. The experimental results show that our algorithm is feasible and very effective.
Fuzzy Decision Support System for Coronary Artery Disease Diagnosis Based on Rough Set Theory
Authors: Setiawan Noor Akhmad
Published: July 2014

The objective of this research is to develop an evidence based fuzzy decision support system for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The development of decision support system is implemented based on three processing stages: rule generation, rule selection and rule fuzzification. Rough Set Theory (RST) is used to generate the classification rules from training data set. The training data are obtained from University California Irvine (UCI) data repository. Rule selection is conducted by transforming the rules into a decision table based on unseen data set. Furthermore, RST attributes reduction is proposed and applied to select the most important rules. The selected rules are transformed into fuzzy rules based on discretization cuts of numerical input attributes and simple triangular and trapezoidal membership functions. Fuzzy rules weighing is also proposed and applied based on rules support on the training data. The system is validated using UCI heart disease data sets collected from the U.S., Switzerland and Hungary and data set from Ipoh Specialist Hospital Malaysia. The system is verified by three cardiologists. The results show that the system is able to give the approximate possibility of coronary artery blocking.
The Effects of Community Characteristics and Member Retention of Virtual Communities
Authors: Kang Kyungwoo , Shin Seung Kyoon , Sanders G. Lawrence
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates the antecedents of member retention for virtual communities. This research theorizes the motivating mechanism from both perspectives of the information seekers and providers. Four antecedents - communication breadth, depth, responsiveness, and cross-posting - have a statistically significant influence on member retention. Furthermore, we have found that communication breadth and depth have a diminishing effect on the marginal impact on member retention as well as the interaction between these factors has a negative impact on member retention although each of them separately has a positive impact. The implications of this study help understand the dynamics of knowledge sharing in virtual communities.
E-Learning Experiences in La Ribera Health Department
Authors: Soriano Juan Vicente Izquierdo , Garcia Felix Buendia , Monzo Jose Luis Ortega , Tabernero Eduardo
Published: July 2014

This paper shows how the training of health professionals is improving thanks to the use of new technologies, in particular e-learning. This type of technology is widely used in medical education and there are multiple research works that report its effective deployment by health professionals and students. However, there is a need to incorporate e-learning platforms and online methods in healthcare organizations through a systematic and rigorous approach what is proposed in the current work. This approach has been applied since 2009 in the context of La Ribera Health Department implementing a high number of e-learning experiences. The obtained outcomes reveal how useful have been these experiences to promote an organized and effective professional training.
Open Source Applications for Image Visualization and Processing in Neuroimaging Training
Authors: Juanes Juan A. , Ruisoto Pablo , Prats-Galino Alberto , Framiñán Andrés
Published: July 2014

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the major role and potential of three of the most powerful open source computerized tools for the advanced processing of medical images, in the study of neuroanatomy. DICOM images were acquired with radiodiagnostic equipment using 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance (MR) images. Images were further processed using the following applications: first, OsiriXTM version 4.0 32 bits for OS; Second, 3D Slicer version 4.3; and finally, MRIcron, version 6. Advanced neuroimaging processing requires two key features: segmentation and three-dimensional or volumetric reconstruction. Examples of identification and reconstruction of some of the most complex neuroimaging elements such vascular ones and tractographies are included in this paper. The three selected applications represent some of the most versatile technologies within the field of medical imaging.
Effects of Mechanical Alloying on Microstructure and Properties of Powder Injection Moulded SiCp-Reinforced Aluminium Composite
Authors: Patcharawit Tapany , Klahan Suthin , Rupkrathok Patcharee , Chuankrerkkul Nutthita
Published: July 2014

This research investigated effects of mechanical alloying on microstructure and hardness of 30 vol.% SiCp - reinforced aluminium composites produced by powder injection moulding. Mechanical alloying was performed via an attrition mill prior to feedstock preparation at 52% and 55% solid loadings. Powder injection molding was operated at 170 oC followed by debinding and sintering at 680-740 oC. Experimental results showed that mechanical alloying aided better mixing of aluminium powder and SiCp such that certain amounts of SiCp was observed to be engulfed into deformable aluminium powder matrix. This in turn increased the interfaces between the two phases, thus facilitating sintering of the composite. By employing mechanical alloying, the effective sintering temperature has significantly reduced from 740 oC down to 700 oC. Improved sintered density and hardness were obtained by increasing % solid loading and sintering temperature.
A First-Principles Study of Electron-Phonon Coupling of OsB2
Authors: Wang Yue Qin , Gao Juan , Yan Shao Ping
Published: July 2014

We investigated the lattice dynamics and electron-phonon coupling (EPC) of superhard material OsB2by first-principles linear response calculations. The calculated EPC parameters for the optical phonon modes at Г indicate that the heavy Os atoms play the most important role in deciding the superconducting behavior, and there are sizeable contributions from lighter B atoms to EPC. Our calculated EPC constant is 0.42, and the estimated superconducting transition temperatureTcis 2.1 K using the Coulomb pseudopotentialμ*=0.125, in excellent agreement with the experimental ones.
Compressive Properties of Corevo® Foam under Uni-Axial Loading Based on Experimental and Numerical Analysis
Authors: Sulong M.A. , Mathier Vincent , Fiedler Thomas , Belova Irina V. , Murch Graeme E.
Published: July 2014

This manuscript investigates the compressive properties of Corevo®foam. Corevo®foam is a cellular metal manufactured by the infiltration casting of salt dough with aluminium. Corevo®foam samples with different porosities are tested by using quasi-static compression loading. Their mechanical properties (i.e.: effective Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, initial yield stress and material yield stress) are then compared to reveal the importance of the density difference. In addition, three-dimensional finite element analysis is performed on models generated from micro-computed tomography (μCT). The results of two different pore sizes are obtained and compared in the scope of this work. These numerical results are verified by comparison with the experimental analysis. A sound agreement is found. Numerical analysis in this work also includes the investigation of the mechanical material anisotropy and plastic deformation.
Fine Spin Filtering Effect in Co-Phthalocyanine Molecule Induced by the Spin Polarization of Co Atom
Authors: Zhou Yan Hong , Qiu X.H. , Zhou L.L. , Peng Y.L.
Published: July 2014

Spintronic devices will play a very important role in future information technology. In this study, By spin-polarized density-functional theory calculations combined with the Keldysh nonequilibrium Green’s method, the effect of the spin direction of Co atom in Co- phthalocyanine molecule in modulating spin filtering effects under external biases are investigated. Here, an individual single molecule Co-phthalocyanine is sandwiched between two infinite 8-zigzag-graphene nanoribbon electrodes. we find that the spin direction of the Co atom relative to the magnetic polarization of the left and right electrodes can improve the spin filtering effect greatly. when the polarization direction of the two electrodes is antiparallel and the polarization of Co atom in the Co-phthalocyanine molecule upward, the configuration posesses almost perfectly spin-filter effect. The underlying mechanism of the perfect spin filtering action is applied.
Effect of Cosurfactants on Pore Sizes of Continuous Highly Ordered Mesoporous Silica Nanofibers
Authors: Zhou Yan , Zhang Wen Peng , Wang Gang , Zhang Yan Qing , Cao Jian Hua , Wu Da Yong
Published: July 2014

Highly ordered mesoporous silica nanofibers with no core/sheath structure were prepared by coaxial electrospinning combined with the solvent evaporation induced surfactant assembly process. The mesoporous structures have been proved and the effect of different cosurfactants on pore sizes of mesoporous silica nanofibers has been investigated.
Study on the Use of Fleshings-Derived Collagen in Post Tanning Operations
Authors: Puccini Monica , Castiello Domenico
Published: July 2014

The leather industry generates waste either in solid or liquid form. Fleshing, which is integral part of a hide, is removed during leather processing as it is an unwanted material in the final product. For every ton of leather processed, about 100–150 kg of fleshing is generated. An alternative to disposal of these wastes is to reuse them. In this study, an experimental activity research for assessing the feasibility of the reuse of the collagen hydrolizate in the retanning/dyeing/fatliquoring phase was performed. The hydrolyzed collagen, in liquid form, is obtained by alkaline hydrolysis of fleshings. The hydrolizate has been used both in a vegetable-chrome retannage/dyeing/fatliquoring and in a vegetable retannage/dyeing/fatliquoring to obtain bovine upper leather. Both in a vegetable-chrome retannage and in a vegetable retannage, the final leathers showed similar properties in terms of physical and technical properties to conventionally processed hides. The results obtained indicate that the use of the collagen hydrolizate in the retanning/dyeing/fatliquoring phase as an interesting route for recovering the fleshings.
Influence of Uniaxial Stress on the Stress-Strain Curve Measured by Nanoindentation
Authors: Ihara Ikuo , Ohtsuki Kohei , Matsuya Iwao
Published: July 2014

A nanoindentation technique with a spherical indenter of tip radius 10 μm is applied to the evaluation of stress-strain curve at a local area of a pure iron under the uniaxial compressive stress exerted through the iron, and the influence of the compressive stress on the estimated stress-strain curve has been examined. A continuous multiple loading method is employed to determine the stress-strain curve. In the method, a set of 21 times of loading/unloading sequences with increasing terminal load are made and load-displacement curves with the different terminal loads from 0.1 mN to 100 mN are then continuously obtained and converted to a stress-strain curve. To examine the stress dependence of the stress-strain curve, the estimation by the nanoindentetion is performed under different uniaxial compressive stresses up to 250 MPa. It has been found that the stress-strain curve determined by the nanoindentation shifts upward as the compressive stress increases and the quantity of the shift is almost equal to the uniaxial stress acting on the iron specimen. It is also noted that the yield stress (0.2 % proof stress) estimated from the stress-strain curve increases almost proportionally to the uniaxial stress and the increase ratio tends to decrease as the stress reaches around 200 MPa.
Effects of Laser Parameters on the Formation of Al2O3-TiC Coating by Laser-Assisted Combustion
Authors: Lu Cai Xuan , Li He Ping , Chen Peng , Xue Li Hong , Yan You Wei
Published: July 2014

Nowadays, Al2O3-based ceramic coatings have attracted considerable attention for their potential applications as tritium permeation barrier (TPB) in the nuclear reactor. Herein, dense composite ceramic coatings (Al2O3-TiC) have been successfully fabricated by a facile laser-assisted combustion method. The precursor Al-TiO2-C powder mixture underwent combustion synthesis at high temperatures generated by an incident laser, and Al2O3-TiC coatings were thus obtained. Their crystal structures and morphologies were monitored by x-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The laser processing parameters, including laser power and laser scanning speed, have been found to play an important role in the microstructure of the products. The optimal laser processing parameters for obtaining Al2O3-TiC coating were 4kW in laser power and 6mm/s in laser scanning speed. The results in this paper may be beneficial to the future study of other coatings fabricated by laser-assisted combustion.
The Production of ITO Transparent Conductive Materials and the Development Prospect in the Field of Biological Information
Authors: Liu Jing Jing , Men Hong , Zheng Qing Tian , Jiang Wei Kang , Gao Hong Hui , Zhao Xiao
Published: July 2014

The transparent conductive film made of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) is widely used in many fields because of its excellent electrical conductivity and optical properties. At present, the information in biological detection field has not satisfied the people's needs, which are obtained based on some kind of sensors with traditional rigid substrate preparation. The contact surface for creatures perceive and stimulation are flexible surfaces. The kinds of electrode with ITO conductive film as the base for electrode preparation have a great application prospect in biological information collection.
Study of Spatial Ellipsoid Helix Interpolation Algorithm Based on Multi-Axis Lathe
Authors: Yang Xiao Ping , Zhou Zhi Min , Gu Yi Jin , Wang Li Xin
Published: July 2014

Interpolation calculation is the main performance assessment indicators in CNC system. In this paper, a self-designed multi-axis jewelry lathe is used as an experiment platform and the workpiece is a kind of silver or gold ellipsoidal ball with thin wall.According to the basic requirements of the algorithm, the structural characteristics of the machine tool and the special characteristics of the shape of the workpiece , a new interpolation algorithm named spacial ellipsoid helix interpolation is proposed and studied.
FE Modelling of Residual Stresses and Validation Using Chip-Mechanism and Microstructural Analysis of Ultrasonic Vibration Assisted Turning of Ti Alloy Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Patil Sandip , Sheed Digvijay , Singh Rajkumar
Published: July 2014

Ultrasonic assisted turning (UAT) is a novel manufacturing technology, where high frequency vibrations are imposed on the movement of a cutting tool. A 2D FE transient simulation is developed in DEFORM, where ultrasonic vibrations of frequency 20 kHz and amplitude of 20 μm are provided to the cutting tool in the direction of cutting velocity. The prediction of residual stress distribution is carried out using elasto-plastic finite element simulations. Experimental analysis is carried out in measuring the strain at the cutting tool during CT and UAT along with the chip mechanism and chip microstructure study to validate the residual stress distribution. The ultrasonic vibrations yield a considerable improvement in compressive residual stresses which ultimately benefits in improving fatigue life of titanium alloys.
Concrete Strength Variability in Italian RC Buildings: Analysis of a Large DataBase of Core Tests
Authors: Masi Angelo , Digrisolo Andrea , Santarsiero Giuseppe
Published: July 2014

The knowledge of the materials’ mechanical properties is a preliminary and important step in the seismic vulnerability assessment of existing buildings. In RC structures, the compressive strength of concrete can have a crucial role on the seismic performance and is usually difficult to estimate. Major seismic codes prescribe that concrete strength has to be determined essentially from in-situ and laboratory tests. In some cases such estimation can be complemented by default values in accordance to standards at the time of construction, therefore analysing the actual concrete properties typically found in RC existing buildings realized in different periods can make available useful data. To this end, in this paper attention has been addressed to public buildings, namely schools and hospitals. A large database made up of about 1500 test results on concrete cores extracted from about 300 RC public buildings located in Basilicata region (Italy), has been prepared and analysed. The relationships between the actual strength values (mean and dispersion) and the construction period of buildings have been studied. Theoretical distributions to approximate the discrete distributions of strength values in different construction periods have been determined, thus providing relevant data for the structural assessment of individual buildings and, especially, for large scale vulnerability evaluations.
Analysis of the Forms of Attachment Frame and Stress Characteristics
Authors: Li Bin , Liu Jie , Wang Kai Wei
Published: July 2014

The attachment frame forms of the attachment frame were diversified. Different forms had their own characteristics. The models of attachment frame model were set up by using finite element analysis software ANSYS which could create the model to analyze the supporting structure. The article applied load on the attachment frame and calculate the internal force of the pole and the normal force of the wall in four working conditions. The final results were displayed in graphics and list form. Finally, according to the graph and data, the article compared various attachment frame forms and presented a rational analysis.
Damping Analysis of Laminated Plates Using Complex Stiffness Method
Authors: Wu Qing Qing , Wang Min Qing
Published: July 2014

Damping property analysis of laminated composite structures have been done based on the complex stiffness method (CSM). In view of laminated plates with viscoelastic material cores, investigation is conducted using CSM and numerical methods of finite element method and spectral finite element method. Simulation results show that analytical solutions by CSM are in good agreement with the two kinds of numerical solutions. The proposed analytical method is well suited to calculate and optimize the damping property of laminated structures especially composites with constrained layer damping treatment.
Stress Analysis and Structure Improvement on Arm of Ladle Turret
Authors: Zhang Xin Yu , Guan Li Kun
Published: July 2014

Static stress analysis on arm of ladle turret is based on finite element (FE) theory and shell theory by finite element software ANSYS. In this paper, an arm subjected to a multi-axial state of stress is examined both numerically and experimentally. The hot spot strains and stresses in the connection are determined through a detailed finite element analysis (FEA) of the joint. The arm geometry is accurately modeled using FE. Check the dangerous position on the side of the arm by different safety factor. For the experimental study, a test rig is designed and used to validate the FE model. Gain the impact factor of the arm. According to finite element calculations, assesses the fatigue strength by stress ratio method and stress amplitude method on the weld.Structural improvement is performed with increasing thickness and changing the location of the force.
Advances of Study on the Developments and Applications of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Zhang A Ying
Published: July 2014

Many electronic applications of carbon nanotubes crucially rely on techniques of selectively producing either semiconducting or metallic CNTs, preferably of certain chirality. Several methods of separating semiconducting and metallic CNTs are known, but most of them are not yet suitable for large-scale technological processes. The most efficient method relies on density-gradient ultracentrifugation, which separates surfactant-wrapped nanotubes by the minute difference in their density. This density difference often translates into difference in the nanotube diameter and (semi) conducting properties. Another method of separation uses a sequence of freezing, thawing, and compression of SWNTs embedded in agarose gel.
Research on Flexible Centroid Measurement Method for Segments of Large-Thrust Carrier Rocket
Authors: Zhang Xiao Lin , Zhang Lie Shan , Tang Wen Yan , Wang Chao , Liu Wan Cun
Published: July 2014

A new flexible centroid measurement method is provided in order to meet actual demands for centroid measurement of large-thrust carrier rocket segments. The method has the benefit of utilizing a laser tracker to accurately measure positions of support points of a weighing sensor and geometrical parameters associated with an attitude status of each segment to be measured, thereby solving the problem of a traditional three-point method that measuring accuracy in centroid measurement depends on both mechanical equipment machining accuracy and positioning accuracy. The analysis result shows that the method provided herein has an engineering application value and can realize measurement to high accuracy, automation and universality for large-thrust carrier rocket segments.