bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of students’ satisfaction with a student-led team-based learning course
Authors: Bouw Justin W. , Gupta Vasudha , Hincapie Ana L.
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To date, no studies in the literature have examined student delivery of team-based learning (TBL) modules in the classroom. We aimed to assess student perceptions of a student-led TBL elective. Methods: Third-year pharmacy students were assigned topics in teams and developed learning objectives, a 15-minute mini-lecture, and a TBL application exercise and presented them to student colleagues. Students completed a survey upon completion of the course and participated in a focus group discussion to share their views on learning. Results: The majority of students (n=23/30) agreed that creating TBL modules enhanced their understanding of concepts, improved their self-directed learning skills (n=26/30), and improved their comprehension of TBL pedagogy (n=27/30). However, 60% disagreed with incorporating student-generated TBL modules into core curricular classes. Focus group data identified student-perceived barriers to success in the elective, in particular the development of TBL application exercises. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that students positively perceived student-led TBL as encouraging proactive learning from peer-to-peer teaching.
Maritim utdanning i lys av globaliseringen
Authors: Aakre Bjørn Magne
Published: June 2015

Denne artikkelen belyser forholdet mellom utdanning og globalisering med den maritime sektoren som kontekst. Fremstillingen bygger på eksempler (case) fra to norske bedrifter med virksomhet i og utenfor Norge: Kongsberg Maritime sitt treningssenter i Korea, og Rederiforbundets Norwegian Training Centre i Manila på Filippinene. Først gis det et innblikk i opplæringsform og innhold, og hvordan denne er forankret i læreplaner og sertifiseringer. I begge eksemplene spiller teknologi, blant annet simulatorer, fra Kongsberg en sentral rolle. Til slutt drøftes utdanningen i lys av politiske og økonomiske forhold. Undersøkelsen konkluderer med at utdanning og kunnskapsoverføring er vevet sammen med globalisering på det økonomiske, teknologiske og politiske området. Samtidig påvises det klare forskjeller i de to eksemplene fra henholdsvis Sør-Kore og Filippinene.
MCDHF Calculations and Beam-Foil EUV Spectra of Boron-Like Sodium Ions (Na VII)
Authors: Jönsson Per , Ekman Jörgen , Träbert Elmar
Published: June 2015

Atomic data, such as wavelengths and line identifications, are necessary for many applications, especially in plasma diagnostics and for interpreting the spectra of distant astrophysical objects. The number of valence shell electrons increases the complexity of the computational problem. We have selected a five-electron ion, Na6+ (with the boron-like spectrum Na VII), for looking into the interplay of measurement and calculation. We summarize the available experimental work, perform our own extensive relativistic configuration interaction (RCI) computations based on multi-configuration Dirac–Hartree–Fock (MCDHF) wave functions, and compare the results to what is known of the level structure. We then discuss problems with databases that have begun to combine observations and computations.
Landscape Disturbance from Unconventional and Conventional Oil and Gas Development in the Marcellus Shale Region of Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Slonecker E. , Milheim Lesley
Published: June 2015

The spatial footprint of unconventional (hydraulic fracturing) and conventional oil and gas development in the Marcellus Shale region of the State of Pennsylvania was digitized from high-resolution, ortho-rectified, digital aerial photography, from 2004 to 2010. We used these data to measure the spatial extent of oil and gas development and to assess the exposure of the extant natural resources across the landscape of the watersheds in the study area. We found that either form of development: (1) occurred in ~50% of the 930 watersheds that defined the study area; (2) was closer to streams than the recommended safe distance in ~50% of the watersheds; (3) was in some places closer to impaired streams and state-defined wildland trout streams than the recommended safe distance; (4) was within 10 upstream kilometers of surface drinking water intakes in ~45% of the watersheds that had surface drinking water intakes; (5) occurred in ~10% of state-defined exceptional value watersheds; (6) occurred in ~30% of the watersheds with resident populations defined as disproportionately exposed to pollutants; (7) tended to occur at interior forest locations; and (8) had >100 residents within 3 km for ~30% of the unconventional oil and gas development sites. Further, we found that exposure to the potential effects of landscape disturbance attributable to conventional oil and gas development was more prevalent than its unconventional counterpart.
A Review of Applicability and Effectiveness of Low Impact Development/Green Infrastructure Practices in Arid/Semi-Arid United States
Authors: Jiang Yan , Yuan Yongping , Piza Holly
Published: June 2015

Urbanized areas of the southwestern/western United States are among the fastest growing in the nation and face multiple water resource challenges. Low impact development (LID)/green infrastructure (GI) practices are increasingly popular technologies for managing stormwater; however, LID is often not as common in the southwest/west due to the lack of regulatory and/or economic drivers. There is also a lack of performance evaluation of these practices, particularly at the field scale. This study focused on investigating the hydrologic and pollutant removal performance of field-scale LID/GI systems in arid/semi-arid climates. Nine typical practices were reviewed: rainwater harvest system, detention pond, retention pond, bioretention, media filter, porous pavement, vegetated swale/buffer/strip, green roof, and infiltration trench, as well as integrated LIDs. We evaluate these practices by a cost-effectiveness analysis and also recommend best practices for the arid/semi-arid area. The analysis provides data support and insights for future implementation of LID/GI in the southwest/west.
Utilizing the ECHO Model in the Veterans Health Affairs System: Guidelines for Setup, Operations and Preliminary Findings
Authors: Knapp Herschel , Pangarkar Sanjog
Published: June 2015

Background: In 2011, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) consulted with the Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) team at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, to reproduce their successful model within the VHA. Methods: The VHA launched SCAN-ECHO (Specialty Care Access Network-Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), a multisite videoconferencing system to conduct live clinical consultations between specialists at a VHA Medical Center (hospital) and primary care providers stationed at satellite VHA CBOCs (Community-Based Outpatient Clinic). Results: Analysis of the first three years rendered a mean attendee satisfaction of 89.53% and a consultation satisfaction score of 88.10%. About half of the SCAN-ECHO consultations resulted in patients receiving their treatment from their local primary care providers; the remaining half were referred to the VHA Medical Center when the treatment involved equipment or services not available at the CBOCs (e.g., MRI, surgery). Conclusion: This paper details the setup, operation logistics and preliminary findings, suggesting that SCAN-ECHO is a viable model for providing quality specialty clinical consultation service, prompter access to care, reduced commutes and continuing education. Additionally, the use of a secured Internet-based videoconferencing system that supports connectivity to multiple (mobile) devices could expand the utilization of this service.
Qualitative and Quantitative Outcomes of a 1:1 Multidisciplinary Weight Management Clinic
Authors: Turner Desley , Haboubi Nadim
Published: June 2015

Background: Obesity management in Wales includes the provision of a 1:1 Multidisciplinary Weight Management Clinic (MDWMC). Strategic management of obesity in Wales is guided by The All Wales Obesity Pathway and recommends MDWMCs for people with obesity who have one or more co-morbidities and who have tried several interventions without success, or who have complex emotional relationships with food. No known previous studies have included a qualitative evaluation of a MDWMC. Objectives: To conduct a service evaluation of a 1:1 Multi-disciplinary Weight Management Clinic to evaluate associated physiological benefits and qualitative data about the service. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 180 patients attending the MDWMC at Aneurin Bevan Hospital, Ebbw Vale, Wales. Results: The MDWMC supports weight loss with 95% of patients reporting loss. For those for whom baseline data was available 73% lost at least 5% of initial body weight. Eighty-eight percent of patients prefer individual appointments and over 90% of patients who see each team member find consultations useful. Sixty-nine percent of patients report improved health mainly due to a decrease in obesity-related symptoms, and of patients taking obesity-related medication 48% report a reduction in dose of medication for asthma, 42% report a reduction in dose of antidepressants, and 36% report a reduction in dose for medication for diabetes. Of employed patients, 30% report a reduction of days taken off work due to sickness. Ninety-six percent of patients would recommend the clinic to others. Conclusions: A 1:1 Multi-disciplinary Weight Management Clinic provides value in reducing obesity and symptoms of obesity-related diseases. It also is a treatment choice favoured by patients.
Smoking Cessation among Low-Socioeconomic Status and Disadvantaged Population Groups: A Systematic Review of Research Output
Authors: Courtney Ryan , Naicker Sundresan , Shakeshaft Anthony , Clare Philip , Martire Kristy , Mattick Richard
Published: June 2015

Background: Smoking cessation research output should move beyond descriptive research of the health problem to testing interventions that can provide causal data and effective evidence-based solutions. This review examined the number and type of published smoking cessation studies conducted in low-socioeconomic status (low-SES) and disadvantaged population groups. Methods: A systematic database search was conducted for two time periods: 2000–2004 (TP1) and 2008–2012 (TP2). Publications that examined smoking cessation in a low-SES or disadvantaged population were coded by: population of interest; study type (reviews, non-data based publications, data-based publications (descriptive, measurement and intervention research)); and country. Intervention studies were coded in accordance with the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care data collection checklist and use of biochemical verification of self-reported abstinence was assessed. Results: 278 citations were included. Research output (i.e., all study types) had increased from TP1 27% to TP2 73% (χ² = 73.13, p < 0.001), however, the proportion of data-based research had not significantly increased from TP1 and TP2: descriptive (TP1 = 23% vs. TP2 = 33%) or intervention (TP1 = 77% vs. TP2 = 67%). The proportion of intervention studies adopting biochemical verification of self-reported abstinence had significantly decreased from TP1 to TP2 with an increased reliance on self-reported abstinence (TP1 = 12% vs. TP2 = 36%). Conclusions: The current research output is not ideal or optimal to decrease smoking rates. Research institutions, scholars and funding organisations should take heed to review findings when developing future research and policy.
Why Don’t Smokers Want Help to Quit? A Qualitative Study of Smokers’ Attitudes towards Assisted vs. Unassisted Quitting
Authors: Morphett Kylie , Partridge Brad , Gartner Coral , Carter Adrian , Hall Wayne
Published: June 2015

The development of prescription medication for smoking cessation and the introduction of evidence-based guidelines for health professionals has increasingly medicalised smoking cessation. There are debates about whether medicalisation is a positive development, or whether it has devalued unassisted quitting. In this debate the views of smokers have been neglected. This study explored the attitudes of smokers towards a range of quitting methods, and their considerations when judging their value. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 29 smokers and analysed data using thematic analysis. The results show that the perceived nature of an individual smoker’s addiction was central to judgments about the value of pharmacological cessation aids, as was personal experience with a method, and how well it was judged to align with an individual’s situation and personality. Unassisted quitting was often described as the best method. Negative views of pharmacological cessation aids were frequently expressed, particularly concerns about side effects from prescription medications. Smokers’ views about the value of different methods were not independent: attitudes about cessation aids were shaped by positive attitudes towards unassisted quitting. Examining smokers’ attitudes towards either assisted or unassisted quitting in isolation provides incomplete information on quitting preferences.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Sorbitol Dehydrogenase (SDH) Genes and Their Differential Expression in Two Sand Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) Fruits
Authors: Dai Meisong , Shi Zebin , Xu Changjie
Published: June 2015

Through RNA-seq of a mixed fruit sample, fourteen expressed sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) genes have been identified from sand pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai). Comparative phylogenetic analysis of these PpySDHs with those from other plants supported the closest relationship of sand pear with Chinese white pear (P. bretschneideri). The expression levels varied greatly among members, and the strongest six (PpySDH2, PpySDH4, PpySDH8, PpySDH12, PpySDH13 and PpySDH14) accounted for 96% of total transcript abundance of PpySDHs. Tissue-specific expression of these six members was observed in nine tissues or organs of sand pear, with the greatest abundance found in functional leaf petioles, followed by the flesh of young fruit. Expression patterns of these six PpySDH genes during fruit development were analyzed in two sand pear cultivars, “Cuiguan” and “Cuiyu”. Overall, expression of PpySDHs peaked twice, first at the fruitlet stage and again at or near harvest. The transcript abundance of PpySDHs was higher in “Cuiguan” than in “Cuiyu”, accompanied by a higher content of sugars and higher ratio of fructose to sorbitol maintained in the former cultivar at harvest. In conclusion, it was suggested that multiple members of the SDH gene family are possibly involved in sand pear fruit development and sugar accumulation and may affect both the sugar amount and sugar composition.
Acute Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Independent Unconventional Splicing of XBP1 mRNA in the Nucleus of Mammalian Cells
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Xing Pan , Cui Wenjing , Wang Wenwen , Cui Yanfen , Ying Guoguang , Wang Xin , Li Binghui
Published: June 2015

The regulation of expression of X-box-binding protein-1 (XBP1), a transcriptional factor, involves an unconventional mRNA splicing that removes the 26 nucleotides intron. In contrast to the conventional splicing that exclusively takes place in the nucleus, determining the location of unconventional splicing still remains controversial. This study was designed to examine whether the unconventional spicing of XBP1 mRNA could occur in the nucleus and its possible biological relevance. We use RT-PCR reverse transcription system and the expand high fidelity PCR system to detect spliced XBP1 mRNA, and fraction cells to determine the location of the unconventional splicing of XBP1 mRNA. We employ reporter constructs to show the presence of unconventional splicing machinery in mammal cells independently of acute endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Our results reveal the presence of basal unconventional splicing of XBP1 mRNA in the nucleus that also requires inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase and endonuclease 1α (IRE1α) and can occur independently of acute ER stress. Furthermore, we confirm that acute ER stress induces the splicing of XBP1 mRNA predominantly occurring in the cytoplasm, but it also promotes the splicing in the nucleus. The deletion of 5′-nucleotides in XBP1 mRNA significantly increases its basal unconventional splicing, suggesting that the secondary structure of XBP1 mRNA may determine the location of unconventional splicing. These results suggest that the unconventional splicing of XBP1 mRNA can take place in the nucleus and/or cytoplasm, which possibly depends on the elaborate regulation. The acute ER stress-independent unconventional splicing in the nucleus is most likely required for the maintaining of day-to-day folding protein homeostasis.
Do Health Professionals Need Additional Competencies for Stratified Cancer Prevention Based on Genetic Risk Profiling?
Authors: Chowdhury Susmita , Henneman Lidewij , Dent Tom , Hall Alison , Burton Alice , Pharoah Paul , Pashayan Nora , Burton Hilary
Published: June 2015

There is growing evidence that inclusion of genetic information about known common susceptibility variants may enable population risk-stratification and personalized prevention for common diseases including cancer. This would require the inclusion of genetic testing as an integral part of individual risk assessment of an asymptomatic individual. Front line health professionals would be expected to interact with and assist asymptomatic individuals through the risk stratification process. In that case, additional knowledge and skills may be needed. Current guidelines and frameworks for genetic competencies of non-specialist health professionals place an emphasis on rare inherited genetic diseases. For common diseases, health professionals do use risk assessment tools but such tools currently do not assess genetic susceptibility of individuals. In this article, we compare the skills and knowledge needed by non-genetic health professionals, if risk-stratified prevention is implemented, with existing competence recommendations from the UK, USA and Europe, in order to assess the gaps in current competences. We found that health professionals would benefit from understanding the contribution of common genetic variations in disease risk, the rationale for a risk-stratified prevention pathway, and the implications of using genomic information in risk-assessment and risk management of asymptomatic individuals for common disease prevention.
Design of an Advanced Bearing System for Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Morrison Mark , Jani Shilesh , Parikh Amit
Published: June 2015

The objective of this study was to develop an advanced-bearing couple for TKA that optimizes the balance between wear resistance and mechanical properties. The mechanical and structural properties of virgin and highly crosslinked, re-melted UHMWPE were evaluated, and tibial inserts manufactured from these UHMWPE materials were tested against either oxidized zirconium (OxZr) or CoCr femoral components on a knee simulator. This study confirmed that the wear resistance of crosslinked UHMWPE improves with increasing radiation dose but is accompanied by a concomitant reduction in mechanical properties. Compared to CoCr, the ceramic surface of OxZr allows the use of a lower irradiation dose to achieve equivalent reductions in wear rates. As a result, a given wear rate can be achieved without sacrificing the mechanical properties to the same extent that is necessary with a CoCr femoral component. The advantage of ceramic counter bearing surfaces extends to both pristine and microabrasive conditions.
Submicron Particles during Macro- and Micro-Weldings Procedures in Industrial Indoor Environments and Health Implications for Welding Operators
Authors: Avino Pasquale , Manigrasso Maurizio , Pandolfi Pietro , Tornese Cosimo , Settimi Diego , Paolucci Nicola
Published: June 2015

One of the emerging risks in the engineering and electronic industries is the exposure of workers to ultrafine particles during (micro-)welding operations, i.e., processes used for joining two metal parts heated locally, which constitute the base metal, with or without addition of another metal which is the filler metal, melted between the edges to be joined. The process is accompanied by formation of metallic fumes arising from the molten metal as well as by the emission of metal fumes of variable composition depending on the alloys welded and fused. The aim of this paper is to investigate the number, concentration and size distribution of submicron particles produced by (micro-)welding processes. Particle number size distribution is continuously measured during (micro-)welding operations by means of two instruments, i.e., Fast Mobility Particle Sizer and Nanoparticle Surface Area Monitor. The temporal variation of the particle number size distribution across the peaks evidences the strong and fast-evolving contribution of nucleation mode particles: peak values are maintained for less than 10 s. The implication of such contribution on human health is linked to the high deposition efficiency of submicronic particles in the alveolar interstitial region of the human respiratory system, where gas exchange occurs.
Effect of the Compaction and the Size of DNA on the Nuclear Transfer Efficiency after Microinjection in Synchronized Cells
Authors: Akita Hidetaka , Kurihara Dai , Schmeer Marco , Schleef Martin , Harashima Hideyoshi
Published: June 2015

The nuclear transfer process is one of the critical rate-limiting processes in transgene expression. In the present study, we report on the effect of compaction and the size of the DNA molecule on nuclear transfer efficiency by microinjection. A DNA/protamine complex- or variously-sized naked DNA molecules were injected into the cytoplasm or nucleus of synchronized HeLa cells. To evaluate the nuclear transfer process, a nuclear transfer score (NT score), calculated based on transgene expression after cytoplasmic microinjection divided by that after nuclear microinjection, was employed. The compaction of DNA with protamine decreased the NT score in comparison with the injection of naked DNA when the N/P ratio was increased to >2.0. Moreover, when naked DNA was microinjected, gene expression increased in parallel with the size of the DNA in the following order: minicircle DNA (MC07.CMV-EGFP; 2257 bp) > middle-sized plasmid DNA (pBS-EGFP; 3992 bp) > conventional plasmid DNA (pcDNA3.1-EGFP; 6172 bp), while the level of gene expression was quite comparable among them when the DNAs were injected into the nucleus. The above findings suggest that the intrinsic size of the DNA molecule is a major determinant for nuclear entry and that minicircle DNA has a great advantage in nuclear transfer.
Regional Urban Extent Extraction Using Multi-Sensor Data and One-Class Classification
Authors: Zhang Xiya , Li Peijun , Cai Cai
Published: June 2015

Stable night-time light data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Operational Line-scan System (OLS) provide a unique proxy for anthropogenic development. This paper presents a regional urban extent extraction method using a one-class classifier and combinations of DMSP/OLS stable night-time light (NTL) data, MODIS normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data, and land surface temperature (LST) data. We first analyzed how well MODIS NDVI and LST data quantify the properties of urban areas. Considering that urban area is the only class of interest, we applied the one-class support vector machine (OCSVM) to classify different combinations of the three datasets. We evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed method and compared with the locally optimized threshold method in regional urban extent mapping in China. The experimental results demonstrate that DMSP/OLS NTL data, MODIS NDVI and LST data provide different but complementary information sources to quantify the urban extent at a regional scale. The results also indicate that the OCSVM classification of the combination of all three datasets generally outperformed the locally optimized threshold method. The proposed method effectively and efficiently extracted the urban extent at a regional scale, and is applicable to other study areas.
3D Laser Triangulation for Plant Phenotyping in Challenging Environments
Authors: Kjaer Katrine , Ottosen Carl-Otto
Published: June 2015

To increase the understanding of how the plant phenotype is formed by genotype and environmental interactions, simple and robust high-throughput plant phenotyping methods should be developed and considered. This would not only broaden the application range of phenotyping in the plant research community, but also increase the ability for researchers to study plants in their natural environments. By studying plants in their natural environment in high temporal resolution, more knowledge on how multiple stresses interact in defining the plant phenotype could lead to a better understanding of the interaction between plant responses and epigenetic regulation. In the present paper, we evaluate a commercial 3D NIR-laser scanner (PlantEye, Phenospex B.V., Herleen, The Netherlands) to track daily changes in plant growth with high precision in challenging environments. Firstly, we demonstrate that the NIR laser beam of the scanner does not affect plant photosynthetic performance. Secondly, we demonstrate that it is possible to estimate phenotypic variation amongst the growth pattern of ten genotypes of Brassica napus L. (rapeseed), using a simple linear correlation between scanned parameters and destructive growth measurements. Our results demonstrate the high potential of 3D laser triangulation for simple measurements of phenotypic variation in challenging environments and in a high temporal resolution.
Development of Patient Status-Based Dynamic Access System for Medical Information Systems
Authors: Jeong Chang , Ban Vathana , Yoon Kwon , Joo Su
Published: June 2015

Recently, the hospital information system environment using IT communication technology and utilization of medical information has been increasing. In the medical field, the medical information system only supports the transfer of patient information to medical staff through an electronic health record, without information about patient status. Hence, it needs a method of real-time monitoring for the patient. Also, in this environment, a secure method in approaching healthcare through various smart devices is required. Therefore, in this paper, in order to classify the status of the patients, we propose a dynamic approach of the medical information system in a hospital information environment using the dynamic access control method. Also, we applied the symmetric method of AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). This was the best encryption algorithm for sending and receiving biological information. We can define usefulness as the dynamic access application service based on the final result of the proposed system. The proposed system is expected to provide a new solution for a convenient medical information system.
Clinical and Pathological Findings Associated with Aerosol Exposure of Macaques to Ricin Toxin
Authors: Pincus Seth , Bhaskaran Manoj , Brey Robert , Didier Peter , Doyle-Meyers Lara , Roy Chad
Published: June 2015

Ricin is a potential bioweapon that could be used against civilian and military personnel. Aerosol exposure is the most likely route of contact to ricin toxin that will result in the most severe toxicity. Early recognition of ricin exposure is essential if specific antidotes are to be applied. Initial diagnosis will most likely be syndromic, i.e., fitting clinical and laboratory signs into a pattern which then will guide the choice of more specific diagnostic assays and therapeutic interventions. We have studied the pathology of ricin toxin in rhesus macaques exposed to lethal and sublethal ricin aerosols. Animals exposed to lethal ricin aerosols were followed clinically using telemetry, by clinical laboratory analyses and by post-mortem examination. Animals exposed to lethal aerosolized ricin developed fever associated with thermal instability, tachycardia, and dyspnea. In the peripheral blood a marked neutrophilia (without immature bands) developed at 24 h. This was accompanied by an increase in monocytes, but depletion of lymphocytes. Red cell indices indicated hemoconcentration, as did serum chemistries, with modest increases in sodium and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Serum albumin was strikingly decreased. These observations are consistent with the pathological observations of fluid shifts to the lungs, in the form of hemorrhages, inflammatory exudates, and tissue edema. In macaques exposed to sublethal aerosols of ricin, late pathologic consequences included chronic pulmonary fibrosis, likely mediated by M2 macrophages. Early administration of supportive therapy, specific antidotes after exposure or vaccines prior to exposure have the potential to favorably alter this outcome.
L'homme et le volcanisme en Toscane : la géothermie (Man and volcanism in Tuscany : the geothermal)
Authors: Mazoyer Agnès
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Le volcanisme toscan n'est pas connu des non-spécialistes, malgré l'invention extraordinaire à l'origine de laquelle il est. En effet, c'est ici qu'a été amorcée l'expérience de la production d'énergie par géothermie, aujourd'hui faisant mondialement l'objet de recherches, et développé dans de nombreux pays. Mais, le volcanisme toscan présente aussi une grande particularité, qui forme la base géologique de la géothermie : la présence de coupoles intrusives dans le sous-sol. Jusqu'au dix-neuvième siècle, l'exploitation de ces richesses naturelles se fit cependant seulement à l'aide de techniques rudimentaires. Il fallut attendre l'initiative d'un entrepreneur français, venu installer son entreprise d'extraction du bore dans la région de Pomarance, pour que l'énergie calorifique des soffioni de la région soit exploitée rationnellement. Il faudra attendre encore, jusqu'en 1904, pour que l'un de ses descendants produise de l'électricité grâce à la vapeur naturelle. Aujourd'hui, la géothermie est devenue une activité de premier plan dans la région de Larderello.
Un nouveau volcan mis à jour en Aubrac (A new volcan in Aubrac)
Authors: Visieloff Patrice
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - A 8 km au nord de Laguiole (Aubrac) des travaux autoroutiers ont mis au jour un site volcanique jusqu'alors inconnu. Deux coulées de lave encadrent des retombées pyroclastiques et des tufs. Le tout a été recouvert par des dépôts de moraines glaciaires quaternaires. Cette découverte a entraîné un surcoût dans la construction de la route.
Saar-Lor-Lux, un espace modèle pour l'intégration européenne? (Saar-Lor-Lux, a model region for the European integration process?)
Authors: Schulz Christian
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - L'espace Saar-Lor-Lux est caractérisé par une grande variété d'activités dans le domaine de la coopération transfrontalière. Diverses institutions - par exemple des parlements, des gouvernements et leurs ministères, des chambres de commerce et d'industrie, etc. - entretiennent des partenariats à différents niveaux, ce qui a impliqué l'existence de plusieurs définitions spatiales de ce territoire «artificiel». Du fait de cette confusion sur sa délimitation et de sa taille qui dépasse la plupart des autres «Eurorégions», on constate qu'il y a des problèmes à accepter cette «régionalisation» comme évolution nécessaire. Cependant au niveau local, plusieurs subdivisions de l'espace Saar-Lor-Lux existent où les collectivités locales cherchent à institutionnaliser leur coopération. Ces espaces peuvent être considérés comme noyaux pour une intégration transfrontalière de l'espace Saar-Lor-Lux.
Gouvernances urbaines et discontinuités spatiales : approche géostratégique de quelques dynamiques de métropolisation au sein de l'Eurorégion (Urban governances and spatial discontinuities in the Euroregion)
Authors: Ginet Pierre
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - Euroregio is a GEIE (Economic European Group) which reassemblies Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Flandre, Wallonie, Bruxelles and Kent. This association forms a homogeneous region (human density, industrial past, significance of metropolis). It forms a perfect laboratory to study the physical and geopolitical recomposition of space because of metropolisation dynamics through concepts of frontier geography. The author shows that new frontiers appear. But is it significant to oppose nowadays minor frontiers (international boundaries) to greatest frontiers (town/country, intra-urban frontiers) of metropolis ?
Le vent et l'eau dans la construction et le démantèlement du plateau des Lœss en Chine (Role of wind and water in the growth and dismantling of the Chinese loess plateau)
Authors: Billard Armelle
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - The thick loessic sequence of central China is a product of the accumulation of aeolian dust over the last 2.5 millions years marked by climatic contrasts in both temperature and precipitation. In the present monsoonal rainfall regime, degradation of the vegetation cover, due to intensive land use, increases runoff and water infiltration and results in intense gullying and landsliding. The long-term tendency towards landform growth by aeolian accretion changes towards its dismantling by water erosion.
Sagesse ancienne, erreurs modernes dans la gestion des eaux de surface au Maroc (Old wisdom, modern mistakes in Moroccan surface water management)
Authors: Fay Gérard
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Les difficultés présentes de l'agriculture au Maroc ne s'expliquent que partiellement par les déficits pluviométriques particulièrement nombreux depuis le début des années 1980. La «grande hydraulique» qui devait pallier ces aléas climatiques s'avère totalement décevante. Elle représente, à l'analyse, une somme d'erreurs d'aménagement qu'un regard plus attentif porté sur les conduites anciennes de l'eau aurait permis d'éviter.
L'eau, facteur limitant de l'espace oasien. Le cas des oasis de Skoura et Amkchoud au sud du Maroc (The water : limiting factor of the oasian space. The case of the oasis Skoura and Amkchoud in the south of Morocco)
Authors: Ait Khandouch Mohamed
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Les oasis de Skoura et Amkchoud font partie d'une région continentale ouverte aux influences sahariennes où l'eau d'irrigation est le facteur limitant de la survie de cet espace. Sur elle se déroulent toutes les activités et les rapports socio-spatiaux attachant l'homme à son espace.

Ces deux oasis représentent un patrimoine exceptionnel par leurs formes d'adaptation aux fortes contraintes de l'aridité du milieu et le manque de moyens. Elles sont soumises aux aléas des changements récents qui les frappent.

L'équilibre fragile de l'écosystème oasien place les espaces qui l'abritent parmi les régions les plus concernées par le problème de l'eau. Sa gestion, en tant que pièce maîtresse du système demeure donc au centre des préoccupations. La rareté de l'eau fait reculer l'espace irrigué ce qui cause des problèmes sociaux, l'ensablement, la désertification et enfin l'émigration des populations locales.
Quelle échelle européenne pour la distribution ? (Which european scale for retailing ?)
Authors: Hays Danielle
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - The installation in the European Union of the unique market and now of the Euro favors the europeanisation of retailing, so supermarkets that the small shops. The European scale could have almost confront with the training of the euro-centrals and the tiping to the Euro. The europeanisation of partners : suppliers and consumers, contributes to this phenomenon.
Recruitment and Retention Strategies for Environmental Exposure Studies: Lessons from the Detroit Exposure and Aerosol Research Study
Authors: Phillips Michael , Rodes Charles , Thornburg Jonathan , Whitmore Roy , Vette Alan , Williams Ronald
Published: June 2015

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Detroit Exposure and Aerosol Research Study (DEARS) was a complex 3-year personal exposure study. The six geographically defined areas in the Detroit (Wayne County), Michigan, area used as study locations are ethnically diverse; the majority of the residents are African American or Hispanic. Each summer and winter season, the study solicited 40 adult nonsmoking study participants from these predefined areas. Participants were asked to allow home visits each morning for a week, to wear a personal exposure monitoring vest, and to complete an activity diary and follow-up questionnaire each day. Community action groups, recruitment staff, and environmental technicians coordinated the recruitment and environmental sampling activities. Although the study had an overall response rate of 19 percent, recruitment goals were met nearly every season in each geographic area. Over-recruitment was necessary to replace dropouts. Recruitment staff used face-to-face household recruitment to enroll 136 study participants. Among participants, 73 percent participated in two seasons. Details about the recruitment techniques used in exposure studies, as well as the lessons learned, rarely appear in the literature. This report delineates the lessons from the DEARS that may be beneficial to other researchers using similar study designs in low-income, ethnically diverse urban areas.
A first integrative study of the identity and origins of the British Dwarf Pill Millipede populations, Trachysphaera cf. lobata (Diplopoda, Glomerida, Glomeridae)
Authors: Wilbrandt Jeanne , Lee Paul , Read Helen , Wesener Thomas
Published: June 2015

Three populations of the pill millipede genus Trachysphaera Heller 1858 are present in Great Britain, one on the Isle of Wight, one in South Wales and one in mid-Wales. To identify and characterize the British Trachysphaera populations, the intraspecific and interspecific variation of the populations in South Wales and on the Isle of Wight were studied and evaluated in a first integrative study of members of Trachysphaera, utilizing barcoding and SEM. DNA was extracted from 28 British Trachysphaera and 10 French T. lobata (Ribaut 1954) specimens, one each of French T. cf. drescoi (Conde and Demange 1961) and T. pyrenaica (Ribaut 1908), and one of Spanish T. cf. rousseti (Demange 1959); the barcoding fragment of the COI gene was amplified and their genetic intra- and interpopulation distances compared with one another using two Italian T. spp. and one Croatian T. schmidti Heller 1858 specimens as near outgroups. To compare the genetic distances with the morphological characters, 15 characters of a total of 13 British Trachysphaera, together with two specimens of T. pyrenaica, two T. cf. drescoi and one of T. cf. rousseti were imaged, using the same individuals utilized for DNA extraction. Albeit both British populations are genetically distant, they are closely related (1.9–2.5% p-distance) to French T. lobata, corroborating results of earlier studies. Between different Trachysphaera species, genetic distance was high (16.7–18.8%). The morphological study showed the non-reliability of key taxonomic characters in Trachysphaera, with genetically identical individuals exhibiting morphological variation, especially on the telopods. The only observed morphological characters constant within and different between species were the number of rows of sclerotized bacilli on the tergites, as well as the shape of the male and female anal shield. Both, barcoding and the morphological study identify the British Trachysphaera populations as T. lobata.
Properties of Boron Doped Amorphous Carbon Films at -30 V and -50 V for Carbon Based Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Ishak A. , Malek Mohd Firdaus , Mamat Mohamad Hafiz , Rusop Mohammad
Published: June 2015

The a-C:B film were prepared by mixing vapor of hydrocarbon palm oil, boron dopant, carrier gas, and argon in the chamber deposited at -30 V and -50 V of negative bias voltage. The effect of these negative bias voltage on the thickness, electrical and electronic properties of a-C:B film were investigated. It was observed, the optical band gap slightly changed (2.0 eV to 2.04 eV). The fabricated solar cell with the configuration of Au/p-C:B/n-Si/Au achieved conversion efficiency (η) of 0.192% at applied bias voltage of -50 V. This result showed by the applied of negative bias voltage can controlled the interstitial doping of boron in the amorphous carbon films network.
Preparation and Characterization of SiO2-Coated TiO2 Thin Films via Sol-Gel Dip Coating Technique
Authors: Muaz A.K.M. , Hashim U. , Nadzirah Sharipah , Al-Mufti M. Wesam , Ibrahim Fatimah , Kwai Lin Thong
Published: June 2015

In the present research, nanocrystalline TiO2 thin films have been prepared via a sol-gel method using Ti {OCH(CH3)2}4 act as a precursor. The morphological effect of sets of as-deposited and annealed samples (100, 300, 500 and 700°C for 1 hour) and thickness variation on the structural properties were investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measurements. The observation showed that the size of grain increases with film thickness, indicating that the size of the particles in the films can be effectively controlled by changing the temperature of thermal treatment. AFM topology images of the as-deposited and annealed TiO2 films at 100 and 300°C indicates the films are rather smooth, compact, bulky, not uniform and column-like structure. TiO2 thin films annealed at 500 and 700°C showed homogenous morphology surface with regular size of spherical particles.
Removal of Iron, Manganese and Boron from Industrial Effluent Water Using Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Abdullah Norli , Mohamad Imran Syakir , Abd Hamid Sharifah Bee
Published: June 2015

Carbon based materials are widely used as an absorbent to study the adsorption capacity of several metal ions (Fe, Mn, B) from industrial effluent water. In this project, three types of carbon materials were selected; (1) activated carbon (AC), (2) Carbon nanofibers supported on activated carbon (CNF-AC) and (3) commercial carbon nanofibers (CNF-C). CNF-AC is physically in the form of nanofibers which directly attached onto activated carbon surface, meanwhile CNF-C is un-attached/loose nanofibers. It was found that pH of effluent water and the type of adsorbent play important roles for adsorption of metal ions. The higher adsorption of iron ions was observed when the pH of effluent water adjusted to pH 6 with an adsorbent capacity order is CNF-AC>CNF-C>AC. Furthermore, the adsorption order for manganese ion represent as AC>CNF-AC>CNF-C. Different behavior was observed for boron ions which show higher adsorption at pH 4 with the affinities order is CNF-AC>CNF-C>AC. The results show that CNF-AC has a potential to be used as effective adsorbent for removal of metal ion from industrial effluent water for environment protection.
The Field Effect of Concentration DNA on Conductance of Silicon Nanowire
Authors: Al-Mufti M. Wesam , Hashim U. , Rahman Mijanur , Adam Tijjani , Ibraheam A.S. , Azman A.H. , Muaz A.K.M. , Farehanim M.A.
Published: June 2015

Currently, the potential use of Semiconductor nanowires as parts of future devices has triggered an increased interest in biosensor research. The COMSOL Multiphysics is simulation used that can improve the sensitivity of Bioelectronics to extend their stability and utility. In this paper, we are investigating the effect of DNA concentration of the electrolyte effect biosensor on the conductance of the nanowire through finite element calculations. First, the distribution of the electrostatic has potential in the nanowire due to the DNA concentration. In conclusion of this paper represented DNA that conductance nanowire is affected from surface modification after DNA including on the model.
Structural Properties of Cu2Zn1-xCdxSnS4 Nanostructures
Authors: Ibraheam A.S. , Al-Douri Y. , Hashim U.
Published: June 2015

Cu2Zn1-xCdxSnS4 pentrary alloys nanostructures have been grown on glass substrate using sol-gel technique. The concentration of Cd has showed obvious effect for structural properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements have proved nanoscale nature of the utilized alloys. The stiffness has been calculated using specific model of bulk modulus as a function of Cd concentration. The obtained results give good comparison with the experimental and theoretical data.
Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanostructures Using Citrus aurantifolia Extracts
Authors: Rafaie Hartini Ahmad , Md Nor Roslan , Ain Samat Nurul
Published: June 2015

Synthesis of ZnO nanostructures has been demonstrated by using fresh extract of Citrusaurantifolia and zinc acetate dehydrate as a source material. Citrus aurantifolia extract was found to be a very effective agent for the reduction of Zn ions. The pH value of growth solution was set up to be 5 (acidic), 7 (neutral) and 9 (alkaline). The structural and optical properties of ZnO nanostructures have been investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Photoluminescence (PL). By varying the pH, all samples exhibit rod-like structure however the length and diameter of the rod was varied. XRD demonstrated that all samples can be indexed to hexagonal wurzite structure with preferential orientation in (101) reflection plane. The room temperature PL spectrum was also analyzed which have shown a deep level emission which related to various intrinsic defects such as Zn interstitials and oxygen vacancies.
Morphological and Electrical Properties of Silicon Dioxide-Based Interdigitated Electrode Arrays
Authors: Farehanim M.A. , Hashim U. , Soin Norhayati , Azman A.H. , Norhafiezah S. , Fatin M.F. , Ramzan Mat Ayub
Published: June 2015

The electrical performances of silicon dioxide-based Interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) as biosensor were developed. The IDEs was made up by two individually addressable Interdigitated comb-like finger structure have frequently been suggested as a biosensor which promises higher sensitivity compared to conventional parallel electrodes. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the capacitance test and impedance test to taken with various pH solution to observe the response of the sensor with different pH values. Purchased pH buffer solutions which varied from pH2 to pH10 are dropped on the microelectrode and the effect on it is investigated for the application in pH measurement. This research has proven that increase in pH value from acidic to alkaline is proportional with capacitance. The measured values of capacitance with respect to each pH concentrations applied during the measurements were repeatable and reproducible.
The Influence of Wafer Cleaning Process on the Silicon Surface Roughness
Authors: Norhafiezah S. , Ramzan Mat Ayub , Md Arshad Mohd Khairuddin , Azman A.H. , Farehanim M.A. , Hashim U.
Published: June 2015

The cleaning process of the silicon wafer becomes one of the most important procedures in semiconductor fabrication. It is acknowledged to remove the contamination on the wafer surface as well as to promote an acceptable surface roughness, prior to performing various deposition methods. The wafer cleaning process which based on hot alkaline and acidic solutions is known as the RCA cleaning. The RCA is still the most important wafer cleaning method used in wafer fabrication industry. In this paper, the effects of various cleaning procedure to the silicon wafer surface roughness are measured using AFM. Subsequently, an optimum cleaning recipe is discussed and proposed.