bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attributes And Consequences Of Customer Satisfaction In Tourism Industry: The Case Of Polish Travel Agencies
Authors: Kobylanski Andrzej
Published: February 2016

The term customer satisfaction still has an abstract meaning for managers in developing countries. This study focuses on travel agencies in Poland, to improve managers awareness of how customer satisfaction can directly improve business performance. Authors investigated nine attributes of the travel agency service, and identified four of them that have significant effect on overall customer satisfaction (quality of the offer, safety, convenience and comparison of the delivered service with the advertising message). Furthermore, this paper demonstrates that a high level of customer satisfaction in travel agencies creates certain effects like positive word-of-mouth and customer loyalty, which impacts long-term business performance.
“NoSQL” And Service Science
Authors: Schaeffer Donna M. , Olson Patrick C.
Published: February 2016

Discussions of “NoSQL” naturally tend to contrast a new approach with a tired old approach. An example is the discussion in Linux Journal (Batholomew, 2010) which focused on differentiating between these new “nonrelational” products and “traditional” (relational) systems. While enthusiasm for the new (and the unjustified raised expectations) has often been the hallmark of information systems and computing, in this instance the enthusiasm may be providing a poor and misleading explanation. A more careful explanation is needed, particularly as these approaches and products may be needed to provide the realization of many promising ideas such as those associated as with Web Services.
Participatory, Tourist Consumer Behavior-Based, Integrated Tourism Marketing Plan For Chainat Province
Authors: Gulid Nak , Lertwannawit Aurathai
Published: February 2016

This research aims to study Tourist Consumer Behavior, Tourism Market Segmentation, and Tourism Product Positioning in Chainat Province, Thailand. Quantitative analysis is employed in this study. Four hundred Thai tourists who have traveled to Chainat province at least once are the respondents who filled out the questionnaires. Multiple regression analysis has been used in this study. The majority of the Thai tourists are single females between the ages of 25 and 34, employees in the private sector with monthly incomes lower than Baht 10,000 (about USD 300), and are residents in the central region of Thailand. The results show that attitude toward destination, behavioral intention, and destination equity has strong influences on tourist consumer behavior.
The Construction Of A Business Model For Intellectually Disabled Workers
Authors: Wada Haruyo , Ishikawa Kenji , Ohta Mitsuharu , Kojima Miwa , Saito Motoki , Baba Kanako , Mikame Hiroko
Published: February 2016

The Japanese welfare system has undergone rapid change. A law has been enacted that requires the handicapped to work in order to be independent from government assistance. However, it is difficult for the intellectually disabled (ID) to earn a living wage because of a lack of understanding with respect to their ability and communication skills. Our organization conducts business with ID individuals such as those with autism. The business model for the income of our organization and the ID individuals concerned was successfully constructed through an understanding and application of the characteristics of ID individuals. This paper shows the current environment affecting the ID and presents our strategic and successful business model that is designed to enable them to achieve a realistic livelihood.
The Effectiveness Of Product Placement By Media Types: Impact Of Image And Intention To Purchase
Authors: Guennemann Frank , Cho Yoon C.
Published: February 2016

Product placement, as an integrated marketing communication tool, is widely applied to increase attention, interest, and purchasing intention. Product placement is also identified as an integrative conceptual model that captures how such messages generate audience outcomes (Balasubramanian, Karrah, and Patwardhan, 2006). By considering various applications of product placement in the automobile brands, the purpose of this study is to measure awareness, familiarity, image, and purchase intention of brands placed in various media types. In particular, this study measures 1) how brand awareness from product placement affects brand image, 2) how brand familiarity from product placement affects brand image, 3) how brand image affects purchase intention, and 4) the effects of brand awareness and familiarity based on different media types. This study applied a survey to collect data and used quantitative analyses to test hypotheses. The study provides managerial implications for the effectiveness of product placements by media types.
Síntesis de Fluoritas de Cerio Modificadas con Samario en el Sistema Ce1
Authors: Gómez-Cuaspud J. A. , Carda-Castelló J. B.
Published: February 2016

Mediante una ruta de síntesis de química húmeda, se obtuvieron cuatro materiales cerámicos tipo fluorita
basados en el sistema Ce1
Novedades corológicas para las floras de Colombia y Ecuador: Andropogon y Eleusine [Poaceae]. (Chorological Novelties for Colombian and Ecuadorian Floras: Andropogon and Eleusine {Poaceae].)
Authors: Giraldo Cañas D.
Published: February 2016

ResumenComo resultado de recientes estudios en gramíneas neotropicales, se registran por primera vez dos interesantes especies para Colombia y Ecuador: Andropogon aequatoriensis (Panicoideae: Andropogoneae) y Eleusine multiflora (Chloridoideae: Cynodonteae), respectivamente. Se presentan para cada especie fotografías, la distribución geográfica y ecológica, así como comentarios sobre las características morfológicas particulares. Se discute la disyunción geográfica de A. aequatoriensis. AbstractAs result of recent studies about the Neotropical grasses, two interesting species from Colombia andEcuador are cited for the first time: Andropogon aequatoriensis (Panicoideae: Andropogoneae) and Eleusinemultiflora (Chloridoideae: Cynodonteae), respectively. Fotographs, ecological and geographic distribution,plus comments on the particular morphological features for each of the species are provided. The geographic disjunction of A. aequatoriensis is discussed.
Hongos solubilizadores de fosfato en suelo de páramo cultivado con papa (Solanum tuberosum)
Authors: Beltrán Pineda M. E.
Published: February 2016

Los hongos solubilizadores de fosfato (HSF) son un grupo funcional de microorganismos que juegan un rol
fundamental en el ciclaje de fósforo en los suelos; gracias a su actividad, las plantas pueden aprovechar las grandes reservas de fósforo insoluble que se encuentra fijado a los minerales del suelo, contribuyendo a que disminuya la aplicación de fertilizantes fosforados a los suelos. En este estudio se lograron aislar 43 cepas de hongos con capacidad solubilizadora de fosfato a partir de la rizósfera de cultivos de papa (Solanum tuberosum) establecidos en el páramo de Rabanal. Tras el proceso de evaluación cualitativa y cuantitativa de la capacidad solubilizadora de fosfato de los aislamientos, se obtuvieron dos cepas fúngicas con potencial biofertilizante, pertenecientes a los géneros Scopuraliopsis sp. y Penicillum sp., que podrían ser la base para la formulación de biofertilizantes. La aplicación de dichos insumos en los suelos constituye una estrategia de fertilización sostenible, que contribuye a la mitigación de la contaminación de zonas estratégicas como los páramos.
Análisis espectral y térmico del ion Sm+3 en una matriz vítrea a base de TeO2
Authors: Herrera Carrillo A. , Sarmiento Santos A. , Barón González A. J.
Published: February 2016

En este trabajo se prepararon vidrios teluriuros dopados con el ion Sm+3 con la siguiente composición:
68TeO2− 10GeO2 −10K2O−10LiO−10Nb205−2Sm2O3. Se obtuvieron espectros de absorción y se realizaron medidas de barrido calorimétrico diferencial (DSC) del material vítreo. A todos las muestras se les midieron los siguientes parámetros físicos: densidad, índice de refracción, camino óptico y concentración en mol/l. A partir de la fexp, utilizando la teoría de Judd-Ofelt y el método de mínimos cuadrados Δsrms, se obtuvieron los parámetros de intensidad fenomenológicos Ωλ(λ = 2,4, 6). Se determinaron las siguientes  características espectroscópicas del material: tiempo de vida media radiativa τR, probabilidad de transición entre multilpletes AJ J , sección transversal para la emisión estimulada ρp y canales de relajación βJ J. Se analizaron parámetros de estabilidad térmicos a través de medidas de barrido calorimétrico diferencial. También se evaluaron las potenciales aplicaciones de estos vidrios en dispositivos optoelectrónicos.
Aves y mamíferos de bosque altoandino-páramo en el páramo de Rabanal (Boyacá-Colombia)
Authors: Medina W. , Macana García D. C. , Sánchez F.
Published: February 2016

El páramo de Rabanal en Colombia es considerado un reservorio hídrico para la región del altiplano
cundiboyacense, y ha sufrido un grave deterioro por actividades humanas. Los inventarios de la biodiversidad son útiles para ejecutar planes adecuados de conservación de especies y sus ecosistemas; por ello, se realizó un inventario de aves y mamíferos del sector Matanegra en Rabanal, municipio de Ventaquemada (Boyacá). Para el registro de aves se emplearon recorridos y puntos de observación, detecciones ad libitum y redes de niebla. Para el estudio de mamíferos se usaron recorridos de observación, trampas de captura en vivo y búsqueda de rastros. Se registraron 57 especies de aves y 14 de mamíferos, entre las que se destacan taxo nes con distribución restringida (Anas andium, Colinus cristatus bogotensis, Fulica americana columbiana, Gallinago nobilis, Eriocnemis cupreoventris, Conirostrum rufum, Atlapetes pallidinucha, Myioborus ornatus, Sporagra spinescens, Cryptotis thomasi y Thomasomys niveipes); en categoría de amenaza (Cuniculus taczanowskii y Nasuella olivacea), y se presentan 39 nuevos registros para la zona. El número de especies en Rabanal es bajo, comparado con áreas protegidas en Boyacá y Cundinamarca; sin embargo, a pesar de la intervención antrópica, Rabanal aún contiene elementos típicos de ecosistemas andinos. Se recomienda adelantar procesos pedagógicos con la comunidad local para mitigar los impactos sobre el páramo.
Does Navigation Always Predict Performance? Effects of Navigation on Digital Reading are Moderated by Comprehension Skills
Authors: Naumann Johannes , Salmerón Ladislao
Published: February 2016

This study investigated interactive effects of navigation and offline comprehension skill on digital reading performance. As indicators of navigation relevant page selection and irrelevant page selection were considered. In 533 Spanish high school students aged 11-17 positive effects of offline comprehension skill and relevant page selection on digital reading performance were found, while irrelevant page selection had a negative effect. In addition, an interaction between relevant page selection and offline comprehension skill was found. While the effect of relevant page selection was strong in good offline comprehenders, it was significantly reduced in weak offline comprehenders. The effect of offline comprehension skill was strong in students showing high rates of relevant page selection, while it was weak and insignificant in students showing low rates of relevant page selection.
Análisis de los procesos de implementación del modelo 1:1 en aulas de Secundaria
Authors: Sosa Díaz María José , Fernández Sánchez María Rosa
Published: February 2016

En España, el Proyecto Escuela 2.0 ha incorporado el modelo 1:1 en los centros educativos de secundaria. Sin embargo, en la mayoría de los centros escolares no se percibe una plena integración de las TIC en las aulas y, por tanto, su uso normalizado en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. En el presente trabajo se pretende realizar una descripción y análisis del tipo de prácticas educativas que se están realizando dentro del modelo 1:1 en el contexto de tres Institutos de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, para profundizar sobre el estado actual de los procesos de integración de las TIC.A través de la observación de aula y el análisis de las categorías registradas se puede observar que las prácticas educativas reproducen un modelo tradicional de la enseñanza y no pueden considerarse como experiencias innovadoras. De forma generalizada, las prácticas desarrolladas son individualistas y activas por parte del alumnado. Están basadas en ejercicios pre-elaborados de ensayo error y de corrección inmediata y que no favorece la colaboración entre el alumnado. Sin embargo, se puede afirmar que el uso del ordenador portátil favorece la motivación del estudiante hacia el aprendizaje, además de promover el cambio de rol docente a uno más de orientador y guía. No obstante, la organización y distribución del aula se ha visto influida de manera negativa por la introducción de las ordenadores portátiles en el aula, puesto que obliga a inmovilizar los mesas y establecer modelos tradicionales de organización.
Percepción del alumnado universitario acerca del uso e integración de las TIC en el proceso educativo de la Facultad de Educación de Granada
Authors: Morales Capilla Marina , Ortíz Colón Ana María , Trujillo-Torres Juan Manuel , Raso Sánchez Francisco
Published: February 2016

La manera de poder adaptarse a la sociedad actual del conocimiento y la información, es adaptarse a las exigencias y adoptar los beneficios que las TIC presentan, estableciendo la posibilidad de innovar y transformar los espacios académicos, así como las estrategias y materiales pedagógicos para hacer universitarios competentes frente a la sociedad actual y al mercado laboral.En base a esto, el presente estudio, pretende conocer la percepción de alumnos de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad de Granada acerca del uso de las TIC en los procesos educativos en relación a la integración de dichas herramientas por parte del profesorado. Se empleó como instrumentos de recogida de datos el cuestionario y la entrevista, concluyéndose que la actitud ante la integración y uso de las TIC es bastante positiva demandándose una mayor formación por parte del profesorado en herramientas virtuales.
The impact of meteorology on the occurrence of waterborne outbreaks of vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC): a logistic regression approach
Authors: O'Dwyer Jean , Morris Downes Margaret , Adley Catherine C.
Published: February 2016

This study analyses the relationship between meteorological phenomena and outbreaks of waterborne-transmitted vero cytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in the Republic of Ireland over an 8-year period (2005–2012). Data pertaining to the notification of waterborne VTEC outbreaks were extracted from the Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting system, which is administered through the national Health Protection Surveillance Centre as part of the Health Service Executive. Rainfall and temperature data were obtained from the national meteorological office and categorised as cumulative rainfall, heavy rainfall events in the previous 7 days, and mean temperature. Regression analysis was performed using logistic regression (LR) analysis. The LR model was significant (p < 0.001), with all independent variables: cumulative rainfall, heavy rainfall and mean temperature making a statistically significant contribution to the model. The study has found that rainfall, particularly heavy rainfall in the preceding 7 days of an outbreak, is a strong statistical indicator of a waterborne outbreak and that temperature also impacts waterborne VTEC outbreak occurrence.
Successful reduction of diffuse nitrogen emissions at catchment scale: example from the pilot River Odense, Denmark
Authors: Windolf J. , Tornbjerg H. , Hoffmann C. C. , Poulsen J. R. , Blicher-Mathiesen G. , Kronvang B.
Published: February 2016

Land-based total nitrogen (N) loadings to Danish coastal waters have been markedly reduced since 2000. This has been achieved by general measures reducing discharges from all point sources and N leaching from farmed land supplemented with more local and targeted mitigation measures such as restoration of wetlands to increase the catchment-specific N retention. In the catchment of River Odense, restoration of wetlands has been extensive. Thus, in the major gauged catchment (485 km2) eleven wetlands (860 ha) have been restored since 2000. A comparison of data on N concentrations and loss from a gauging station in the River Odense with data from a control catchment (772 km2), in which a significantly less intensive wetland restoration programme has been undertaken, showed an excess downward trend in N, amounting to 124 t N yr−1, which can be ascribed to the intensive wetland restoration programme carried out in the River Odense catchment. In total, the N load in the River Odense has been reduced by 377 t N yr−1 (39%) since 2000. The observed downward trend is supported by monitoring data from two wetlands restored in 2001 and 2004 in the River Odense catchment.
Considering Rotatability of Hydroxyl Groups for the Active Site Residues of MMP-13 in Retrospective Virtual Screening Campaigns
Authors: Shamsara Jamal
Published: February 2016

Considering different orientation of hydroxyl and thiol groups of receptor
residues such as Thr, Tyr, Ser and Cys is an option available on Glide docking
software. This is an attempt that can provide more realistic ligand-receptor
interactions. Matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) is a suggested target for
several diseases including osteoarthritis and cancer. MMP-13 was selected as a
receptor with reported flexibility in the active site residues. Four residues in
the MMP-13 active site were selected and their hydroxyl groups were made
flexible during docking: Tyr241, Thr242, Tyr243
and Thr244. The ability of retrospective virtual screenings using a
rigid receptor for discriminating between actives and decoys were compared to
those using receptor with different combination of flexible residues.
Statistical analysis of the results and inspecting the binding pose of the
ligands suggested that the hydroxyl orientation of Tyr241, Thr242,
Tyr243 and Thr244 (in particular Thr242 and to
a lesser extent Thr244) had impacts on the MMP-13 docking results.
Morphologic Changes in Patient with Drusen and Drusenoid Pigment Epithelial Detachment after Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Choroidal Neovascular Membrane : A Case Report
Authors: Kim Sukjin , Oh Jeongjae , Kim Kiseok
Published: February 2016

The authors present a case of morphologic changes of drusen and drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment (DPED) after treating choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using ranibizumab in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A 71-year-old woman has noticed mild visual acuity deterioration in the right eye for several months. She was presented with some drusen and DPED associated with CNV. This patient was given intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg of ranibizumab five times at monthly intervals for treating CNV. DPED in the temporal and drusen in the superior to macula were diminished, which continued up to 2 months. Intravitreal ranibizumab injection may have influenced with diminishment of drusen and DPED. After 2 months, CNV was recurred.
Barium concentration in grain of Aegilops and Triticum species
Authors: Dencic Srbislav , Kastori Rudolf , Kádar Imre , Maksimovic Ivana , Putnik-Delic Marina , Momcilovic Vojislava
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of barium in grain of
various Aegilops and Triticum species with different genomes. The studied
species differed significantly with respect to the concentration of barium.
The grain of wild diploid Aegilops speltoides, the donor of B genome,
contained significantly higher Ba concentration than all other analyzed
genotypes. Wild and cultivated tetraploid wheats (Triticum diciccoides,
Triticum dicoccon, Triticum turgidum and Triticum durum) had the lowest Ba
concentration in grain. The modern cultivated hexaploid varieties presented
substantial variation in grain concentration of barium. The highest Ba
concentration (3.42 mg/kg) occurred in Serbian winter wheat variety Panonnia.
The ratio of domestic and wild animals at Neolithic sites in Vojvodina (Serbia)
Authors: Radmanovic Darko , Kostic Desanka , Lujic Jelena , Blazic Svetlana
Published: February 2016

Based on the results of the vertebrate fauna research from 10 Neolithic
archaeological sites in Vojvodina (Serbia), two of which belong to K?r?s
culture, 7 to Starcevo culture, and one to Vinca culture, the proportional
contribution of domestic and wild animals was analysed. These sites were
approximately dated between 6000 and 3200 BC. The smallest proportion of
domestic animals was recorded at the sites of Golokut-Vizic and Nosa Biserna
Obala, while the biggest one at the sites of Prosine-Pecinci, Zlatara-Ruma
and Kudos-Sasinci. A small proportion of domestic animals at Nosa Biserna
Obala shows that the animal husbandry was only just at the beginning, and a
high proportion of wild animals testifies about the importance of hunting in
economy. These are the characteristics of settlements of K?r?s culture, where
goats and sheep dominate among domestic animals. Low proportion of domestic
and high proportion of wild animals were recorded at the site of Golokut
which, like most of the described sites in this paper, belongs to the Middle
Neolithic; this is not characteristic for Starcevo culture and it testifies
that hunting was much more important than animal husbandry. What is
characteristic for settlements of Starcevo culture is the domination of oxen
in the total vertebrate fauna and among domestic animals. At the site of
Donja Branjevina-Deronje, the settlement which belongs to Starcevo culture as
well, goats and sheep have the biggest proportional contribution. The only
analysed set?tlement in this paper which belongs to the Early Neolithic
(Vinca culture) is Gomolava - Hrtkovci where domestic animals dominate, oxen
being the most numerous ones.
Study in the Quality of Clinical Documentation Practice in Chitwan Medical College Teaching Hospital, Nepal
Authors: Pandit Upendra
Published: February 2016

Background: Primary documentation of a patient is crucial for making effective healthcare decision and improvements in the quality of care. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of current documentation practice in tertiary care hospitals. Materials and methods: This was an assessment of medical documentation practice of one year from the period of January 2010 to December 2010 in Chitwan Medical College, Teaching Hospital. Total 184 patients' discharge files were enrolled and reviewed. Documentation was reviewed in its quality such as completeness, Coherent, consistency and Legibility.Results: In overall pooled analysis, High omission rate was observed in final diagnosis, results (cure, improved, referral and death), hospital stay, and final case summary. Although, satisfactory performance was observed in complete set of forms (72.2%); Patient consent for treatment &release authorization forms (78.2%) and treatment chart (60.8%), the overall pooled performance in ten components showed50% performance gap. Study demonstrated that documentation and its legibility, coherent and consistency in all departments needs substantial improvements in the institution.JNGMC Vol. 12 No. 2 December 2014, Page: 11-16
Assay of Antioxidant Potential of Two Filamentous Fungi Isolated from the Indonesian Fermented Dried Cassava
Authors: Sugiharto Sugiharto , Yudiarti Turrini , Isroli Isroli
Published: February 2016

The antioxidant capacity and antioxidant constituents of two filamentous fungi (Acremonium charticola and Rhizopus oryzae) isolated from the Indonesian fermented dried cassava (gathot) were evaluated in the present study. The antioxidant capacity of the fungal crude extracts was assessed based on the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethyl-benzthiazolin-6-sulfonicacid) (ABTS) method. Total phenolics were determined based on the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while the flavonoids content in the fungal extracts was determined by the spectrophotometric method with aluminum chloride. Total tannins were estimated by the Folin-Denis method. The ABTS+ radical scavenging activity was higher (p < 0.01) in A. charticola compared to that in R. oryzae and ascorbic acid (as a control). A higher (p < 0.01) content of total phenolics was detected in A. charticola than that in R. oryzae. Total flavonoids were higher (p < 0.01) in R. oryzae as compared with that in A. charticola. The fungus A. charticola had a higher (p < 0.01) level of total tannins than R. oryzae. In conclusion, both filamentous fungi isolated from the Indonesian fermented dried cassava exhibited antioxidant potentials as indicated by their capabilities to scavenge ABTS+. A. charticola had a higher antioxidant capacity than R. oryzae. The antioxidant capacity of A. charticola was attributed mainly to its phenolics and tannins contents.
Identification of a Critical Time with Acoustic Emission Monitoring during Static Fatigue Tests on Ceramic Matrix Composites: Towards Lifetime Prediction
Authors: Godin Nathalie , Reynaud Pascal , R’Mili Mohamed , Fantozzi Gilbert
Published: February 2016

Non-oxide fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites are promising candidates for some aeronautic applications that require good thermomechanical behavior over long periods of time. This study focuses on the behavior of a SiCf/[Si-B-C] composite with a self-healing matrix at intermediate temperature under air. Static fatigue experiments were performed below 600 °C and a lifetime diagram is presented. Damage is monitored both by strain measurement and acoustic emission during the static fatigue experiments. Two methods of real-time analysis of associated energy release have been developed. They allow for the identification of a characteristic time that was found to be close to 55% of the measured rupture time. This critical time reflects a critical local energy release assessed by the applicability of the Benioff law. This critical aspect is linked to a damage phase where slow crack growth in fibers is prevailing leading to ultimate fracture of the composite.
Web3DGIS-Based System for Reservoir Landslide Monitoring and Early Warning
Authors: Huang Huang , Ni Jianhua , Zhang Yu , Qian Tianlu , Shen Dingtao , Wang Jiechen
Published: February 2016

Landslides are the most frequent type of natural disaster, and they bring about large-scale damage and are a threat to human lives and infrastructure; therefore, the ability to conduct real-time monitoring and early warning is important. In this study, a Web3DGIS (Web3D geographic information systems) system for monitoring and forecasting landslides was developed using the Danjiangkou Reservoir area as a case study. The development of this technique involved system construction, functional design, organizing and managing multi-source spatial data, and implementing a forecasting plan and landslide-forecasting model. By integrating sensor technologies, spatial information technologies, 3D visualization technologies, and a landslide-forecasting model, the results of this study provide a tool for real-time monitoring at potential landslide sites. When relevant data from these sites reach threshold values, the model automatically initiates forecasting procedures, and sends information to disaster prevention sectors for emergency management.
H2XP:OH2 Complexes: Hydrogen vs. Pnicogen Bonds
Authors: Alkorta Ibon , Del Bene Janet , Elguero Jose
Published: February 2016

A search of the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) was carried out for phosphine-water and arsine-water complexes in which water is either the proton donor in hydrogen-bonded complexes, or the electron-pair donor in pnicogen-bonded complexes. The range of experimental P-O distances in the phosphine complexes is consistent with the results of ab initio MP2/aug’-cc-pVTZ calculations carried out on complexes H2XP:OH2, for X = NC, F, Cl, CN, OH, CCH, H, and CH3. Only hydrogen-bonded complexes are found on the H2(CH3)P:HOH and H3P:HOH potential surfaces, while only pnicogen-bonded complexes exist on H2(NC)P:OH2, H2FP:OH2, H2(CN)P:OH2, and H2(OH)P:OH2 surfaces. Both hydrogen-bonded and pnicogen-bonded complexes are found on the H2ClP:OH2 and H2(CCH)P:OH2 surfaces, with the pnicogen-bonded complexes more stable than the corresponding hydrogen-bonded complexes. The more electronegative substituents prefer to form pnicogen-bonded complexes, while the more electropositive substituents form hydrogen-bonded complexes. The H2XP:OH2 complexes are characterized in terms of their structures, binding energies, charge-transfer energies, and spin-spin coupling constants 2hJ(O-P), 1hJ(H-P), and 1J(O-H) across hydrogen bonds, and 1pJ(P-O) across pnicogen bonds.
Quantitative Model and Metrics of Electrical Grids’ Resilience Evaluated at a Power Distribution Level
Authors: Kwasinski Alexis
Published: February 2016

This paper presents a framework to systematically measure and assess power grids’ resilience with a focus on performance as perceived by customers at the power distribution level. The proposed framework considers an analogous measure of availability as a basic metric for resilience and defines other key resilience-related concepts and metrics, such as resistance and brittleness. This framework also provides a measurement for the degree of functional dependency of loads on power grids and demonstrates how the concepts of resilience and dependency are inherently related. It also discusses the implications of considering human-centered processes as fundamental constituting components of infrastructure systems. Thanks to its quantitative nature, the proposed resilience framework enables the creation of tools to evaluate power grids’ performance as a lifeline and to assess the effects of plans for optimal electrical power infrastructure deployment and operation. The discussion is supported by practical examples and empirical records from field damage assessments conducted after recent notable natural disasters.
Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Mortars Incorporating Nano-Silica
Authors: Ghazy Ahmed , Bassuoni Mohamed , Maguire Eugene , O’Loan Mark
Published: February 2016

Repair and rehabilitation of deteriorating concrete elements are of significant concern in many infrastructural facilities and remain a challenging task. Concerted research efforts are needed to develop repair materials that are sustainable, durable, and cost-effective. Research data show that fiber-reinforced mortars/concretes have superior performance in terms of volume stability and toughness. In addition, it has been recently reported that nano-silica particles can generally improve the mechanical and durability properties of cement-based systems. Thus, there has been a growing interest in the use of nano-modified fiber-reinforced cementitious composites/mortars (NFRM) in repair and rehabilitation applications of concrete structures. The current study investigates various mechanical and durability properties of nano-modified mortar containing different types of fibers (steel, basalt, and hybrid (basalt and polypropylene)), in terms of compressive and flexural strengths, toughness, drying shrinkage, penetrability, and resistance to salt-frost scaling. The results highlight the overall effectiveness of the NFRM owing to the synergistic effects of nano-silica and fibers.
From Punishment to Treatment: The “Clinical Alternative to Punitive Segregation” (CAPS) Program in New York City Jails
Authors: Glowa-Kollisch Sarah , Kaba Fatos , Waters Anthony , Leung Y. , Ford Elizabeth , Venters Homer
Published: February 2016

The proliferation of jails and prisons as places of institutionalization for persons with serious mental illness (SMI) has resulted in many of these patients receiving jail-based punishments, including solitary confinement. Starting in 2013, the New York City (NYC) jail system developed a new treatment unit for persons with SMI who were judged to have violated jail rules (and previously would have been punished with solitary confinement) called the Clinical Alternative to Punitive Segregation (CAPS) unit. CAPS is designed to offer a full range of therapeutic activities and interventions for these patients, including individual and group therapy, art therapy, medication counseling and community meetings. Each CAPS unit requires approximately $1.5 million more investment per year, largely in additional staff as compared to existing mental health units, and can house approximately 30 patients. Patients with less serious mental illness who received infractions were housed on units that combined solitary confinement with some clinical programming, called Restrictive Housing Units (RHU). Between 1 December 2013 and 31 March 2015, a total of 195 and 1433 patients passed through the CAPS and RHU units, respectively. A small cohort of patients experienced both CAPS and RHU (n = 90). For these patients, their rates of self-harm and injury were significantly lower while on the CAPS unit than when on the RHU units. Improvements in clinical outcomes are possible for incarcerated patients with mental illness with investment in new alternatives to solitary confinement. We have started to adapt the CAPS approach to existing mental health units as a means to promote better clinical outcomes and also help prevent jail-based infractions. The cost of these programs and the dramatic differences in length of stay for patients who earn these jail-based infractions highlight the need for alternatives to incarceration, some of which have recently been announced in NYC.
Apobec-1 Complementation Factor (A1CF) Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Migration of Normal Rat Kidney Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Authors: Huang Liyuan , Wang Honglian , Zhou Yuru , Ni Dongsheng , Hu Yanxia , Long Yaoshui , Liu Jianing , Peng Rui , Zhou Li , Liu Zhicheng , Lyu Zhongshi , Mao Zhaomin , Hao Jin , Li Yiman , Zhou Qin
Published: February 2016

Apobec-1 complementation factor (A1CF) is a member of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNP) family, which participates in site-specific posttranscriptional RNA editing of apolipoprotein B (apoB) transcript. The posttranscriptional editing of apoB mRNA by A1CF in the small intestine is required for lipid absorption. Apart from the intestine, A1CF mRNA is also reported to be highly expressed in the kidneys. However, it is remained unknown about the functions of A1CF in the kidneys. The aim of this paper is to explore the potential functions of A1CF in the kidneys. Our results demonstrated that in C57BL/6 mice A1CF was weakly expressed in embryonic kidneys from E15.5dpc while strongly expressed in mature kidneys after birth, and it mainly existed in the tubules of inner cortex. More importantly, we identified A1CF negatively regulated the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in kidney tubular epithelial cells. Our results found ectopic expression of A1CF up-regulated the epithelial markers E-cadherin, and down-regulated the mesenchymal markers vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in NRK52e cells. In addition, knockdown of A1CF enhanced EMT contrary to the overexpression effect. Notably, the two A1CF variants led to the similar trend in the EMT process. Taken together, these data suggest that A1CF may be an antagonistic factor to the EMT process of kidney tubular epithelial cells.
Closed-Loop Feedback Computation Model of Dynamical Reputation Based on the Local Trust Evaluation in Business-to-Consumer E-Commerce
Authors: Tian Bo , Han Jingti , Liu Kecheng
Published: February 2016

Trust and reputation are important factors that influence the success of both traditional transactions in physical social networks and modern e-commerce in virtual Internet environments. It is difficult to define the concept of trust and quantify it because trust has both subjective and objective characteristics at the same time. A well-reported issue with reputation management system in business-to-consumer (BtoC) e-commerce is the “all good reputation” problem. In order to deal with the confusion, a new computational model of reputation is proposed in this paper. The ratings of each customer are set as basic trust score events. In addition, the time series of massive ratings are aggregated to formulate the sellers’ local temporal trust scores by Beta distribution. A logical model of trust and reputation is established based on the analysis of the dynamical relationship between trust and reputation. As for single goods with repeat transactions, an iterative mathematical model of trust and reputation is established with a closed-loop feedback mechanism. Numerical experiments on repeated transactions recorded over a period of 24 months are performed. The experimental results show that the proposed method plays guiding roles for both theoretical research into trust and reputation and the practical design of reputation systems in BtoC e-commerce.
The Impact of Landscape Complexity on Invertebrate Diversity in Edges and Fields in an Agricultural Area
Authors: Evans Tracy , Mahoney Meredith , Cashatt Everett , Noordijk Jinze , De Snoo Geert , Musters C.
Published: February 2016

Invertebrate diversity is important for a multitude of ecosystem services and as a component of the larger ecological food web. A better understanding of the factors influencing invertebrate taxonomic richness and diversity at both local and landscape scales is important for conserving biodiversity within the agricultural landscape. The aim of this study was to determine if invertebrate richness and diversity in agricultural field interiors and edges in central Illinois, USA, were related to the complexity of the surrounding landscape. Our results show taxonomic richness and diversity in field edges is positively related to large scale landscape complexity, but the relationship is negative for field interiors. These unexpected results need further study.
Role of the Slug Transcription Factor in Chemically-Induced Skin Cancer
Authors: Von Maltzan Kristine , Li Yafan , Rundhaug Joyce , Hudson Laurie , Fischer Susan , Kusewitt Donna
Published: February 2016

The Slug transcription factor plays an important role in ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced skin carcinogenesis, particularly in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurring during tumor progression. In the present studies, we investigated the role of Slug in two-stage chemical skin carcinogenesis. Slug and the related transcription factor Snail were expressed at high levels in skin tumors induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[α]anthracene application followed by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) treatment. TPA-induced transient elevation of Slug and Snail proteins in normal mouse epidermis and studies in Slug transgenic mice indicated that Slug modulates TPA-induced epidermal hyperplasia and cutaneous inflammation. Although Snail family factors have been linked to inflammation via interactions with the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway, a pathway that also plays an important role in skin carcinogenesis, transient TPA induction of Slug and Snail appeared unrelated to COX-2 expression. In cultured human keratinocytes, TPA induced Snail mRNA expression while suppressing Slug expression, and this differential regulation was due specifically to activation of the TPA receptor. These studies show that Slug and Snail exhibit similar patterns of expression during both UVR and chemical skin carcinogenesis, that Slug and Snail can be differentially regulated under some conditions and that in vitro findings may not recapitulate in vivo results.
Deriving Bathymetry from Multispectral Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Hernandez William , Armstrong Roy
Published: February 2016

The use of passive satellite sensor data in shallow waters is complicated by the combined atmospheric, water, and bottom signals. Accurate determination of water depth is important for monitoring underwater topography and detection of moved sediments and in support of navigation. A Worldview 2 (WV2) image was used to develop high-resolution bathymetric maps (four meters) that were validated using bathymetry from an active sensor Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). The influence of atmospheric corrections in depth retrievals was evaluated using the Dark Substract, Fast Line-of-Sight Atmospheric Analysis of Spectral Hypercubes (FLAASH) and the Cloud Shadow Approach (CSA) atmospheric corrections. The CSA combined with a simple band ratio (Band2/Band3) provided the best performance, where it explained 82% of model values. The WV2 depth model was validated at another site within the image, where it successfully retrieved depth values with a coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.90 for all the depth values sampled, and an r2 of 0.70, for a depth range to 20 m. The WV2 bands in the visible region were useful for testing different band combinations to derive bathymetry that, when combined with a robust atmospheric correction, provided depth retrievals even in areas with variable bottom composition and near the limits of detection.
Effect of Functionalization of Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Silicone Rubber Composites
Authors: Zhang Guangwu , Wang Fuzhong , Dai Jing , Huang Zhixiong
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the effect of silane and surfactant treatments of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) on the mechanical and thermal properties of silicone rubber (SR) composites. GnPs were modified with aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS), and Triton X-100, and then the pristine GnPs and functionalized GnPs were individually incorporated into the SR. Compared with the pristine GnP/SR composite, the composites reinforced with modified GnP showed better tensile strength, elongation at break, and thermal conductivity properties due to better dispersion of modified GnPs and stronger interfacial interactions between the modified GnPs and matrix. The mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of the VTMS-GnP/SR composite were comparable to the properties of the Triton-GnP counterpart, but better than that of the APTES-GnP/SR composite. In addition, the VTMS-GnP/SR composite demonstrated the highest thermal stability and crystallization temperature among the four types of composites. The remarkable improvement of mechanical and thermal properties of the VTMS-GnP/SR composite was mainly due to the covalent linkage of VTMS-GnP with SR. The VTMS treatment was a more appropriate modification of GnP particles to improve the multifunctional properties of SR.
Influences of Restaurant Waste Fats and Oils (RWFO) from Grease Trap as Binder on Rheological and Solvent Extraction Behavior in SS316L Metal Injection Molding
Authors: Ibrahim Mohd , Mohd Amin Azriszul , Asmawi Rosli , Mustafa Najwa
Published: February 2016

This article deals with rheological and solvent extraction behavior of stainless steel 316L feedstocks using Restaurant Waste Fats and Oils (RWFO) from grease traps as binder components along with Polypropylene (PP) copolymer as a backbone binder. Optimal binder formulation and effect of solvent extraction variables on green compacts are being analyzed. Four binder formulations based on volumetric ratio/weight fraction between PP and RWFO being mixed with 60% volumetric powder loading of SS316L powder each as feedstock. The rheological analysis are based on viscosity, shear rate, temperature, activation energy, flow behavior index, and moldability index. The optimal feedstock formulation will be injected to form green compact to undergo the solvent extraction process. Solvent extraction variables are based on solvent temperature which are 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C with different organic solvents of n-hexane and n-heptane. Analysis of the weight loss percentage and diffusion coefficient is done on the green compact during the solvent extraction process. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) is used to confirm the extraction of the RWFO in green compacts. It is found that all binder fractions exhibit pseudoplastic behavior or shear thinning where the viscosity decreases with increasing shear rate. After considering the factors that affect the rheological characteristic of the binder formulation, feedstock with binder formulation of 20/20 volumetric ratio between PP and RWFO rise as the optimal binder. It is found that the n-hexane solvent requires less time for extracting the RWFO at the temperature of 60 °C as proved by its diffusion coefficient.
Ti/Al Multi-Layered Sheets: Accumulative Roll Bonding (Part A)
Authors: Romberg Jan , Freudenberger Jens , Bauder Hansjörg , Plattner Georg , Krug Hans , Holländer Frank , Scharnweber Juliane , Eschke Andy , Kühn Uta , Klauß Hansjörg , Oertel Carl-Georg , Skrotzki Werner , Eckert Jürgen , Schultz Ludwig
Published: February 2016

Co-deformation of Al and Ti by accumulative roll bonding (ARB) with intermediate heat treatments is utilized to prepare multi-layered Ti/Al sheets. These sheets show a high specific strength due to the activation of various hardening mechanisms imposed during deformation, such as: hardening by grain refinement, work hardening and phase boundary hardening. The latter is even enhanced by the confinement of the layers during deformation. The evolution of the microstructure with a special focus on grain refinement and structural integrity is traced, and the correlation to the mechanical properties is shown.
Biomineralization Patterns of Intracellular Carbonatogenesis in Cyanobacteria: Molecular Hypotheses
Authors: Li Jinhua , Margaret Oliver Isabel , Cam Nithavong , Boudier Thomas , Blondeau Marine , Leroy Eric , Cosmidis Julie , Skouri-Panet Feriel , Guigner Jean-Michel , Férard Céline , Poinsot Melanie , Moreira David , Lopez-Garcia Purificacion , Cassier-Chauvat Corinne , Chauvat Franck , Benzerara Karim
Published: February 2016

The recent discovery of intracellular carbonatogenesis in several cyanobacteria species has challenged the traditional view that this process was extracellular and not controlled. However, a detailed analysis of the size distribution, chemical composition and 3-D-arrangement of carbonates in these cyanobacteria is lacking. Here, we characterized these features in Candidatus Gloeomargarita lithophora C7 and Candidatus Synechococcus calcipolaris G9 by conventional transmission electron microscopy, tomography, ultramicrotomy, and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM). Both Ca. G. lithophora C7 and Ca. S. calcipolaris G9 formed numerous polyphosphate granules adjacent or engulfing Ca-carbonate inclusions when grown in phosphate-rich solutions. Ca-carbonates were scattered within Ca. G. lithophora C7 cells under these conditions, but sometimes arranged in one or several chains. In contrast, Ca-carbonates formed at cell septa in Ca. S. calcipolaris G9 and were segregated equally between daughter cells after cell division, arranging as distorted disks at cell poles. The size distribution of carbonates evolved from a positively to a negatively skewed distribution as particles grew. Conventional ultramicrotomy did not preserve Ca-carbonates explaining partly why intracellular calcification has been overlooked in the past. All these new observations allow discussing with unprecedented insight some nucleation and growth processes occurring in intracellularly calcifying cyanobacteria with a particular emphasis on the possible involvement of intracellular compartments and cytoskeleton.