bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumer acceptance of quality protein maize (QPM) in East Africa
Authors: De Groote Hugo , Gunaratna Nilupa S , Okuro James O , Wondimu Asrat , Chege Christine K , Tomlins Keith
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Undernutrition in sub‐Saharan Africa remains problematic, and quality protein maize (QPM) can benefit populations whose diets are heavily based on maize and who are consequently at risk for inadequate intakes of quality protein. However, changes in the chemical composition ofQPMmay affect its sensory characteristics and, hence, acceptance. Acceptance tests were therefore conducted to evaluateQPMvarieties in three East African countries using central location tests with one or two varieties in each country, using the most popular preparations:ugali(Tanzania),githeri(Kenya) andinjera(Ethiopia). In total, 281 urban and rural consumers of both sexes and varying levels of education evaluated the products on standard sensory criteria: appearance, aroma, texture, taste and overall, using a Likert scale.

RESULTS

The results show that African consumers can differentiateQPMproducts from their conventional counterparts, indicating that theQPMtrait results in distinguishable sensory changes. Analysis by ordinal mixed regression models showed that consumers foundQPMacceptable and even preferable to conventional maize.

CONCLUSION

The sensory characteristics ofQPMare therefore no impediment to its adoption; on the contrary, when coupled with good agronomic performance, they may help its utilization, leading to a positive impact in nutritionally vulnerable populations. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
A room simulation tool for thermal comfort control in a bioclimatic building: A real example of use with an optimal controller
Authors: Castilla M. , Bonilla J. , Álvarez J.D. , Rodríguez F.
Published: March 2014

A key objective in the European Union climate and energy package for 2020 is the reduction of energy consumption. Buildings are responsible for more that one third of global energy consumption, where heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems account for more than half of it. In extreme climates, the existing passive measures of bioclimatic buildings are not enough at time to maintain a suitable users’ thermal comfort. However, this thermal comfort must be reached reducing the energy spent by the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system of the building. Control systems, and more specifically model predictive control, are a suitable way to find a trade‐off between users’ thermal comfort and energy saving. Simulation tools are essential for the efficient and automated testing and validation of these control strategies. This paper presents a simulation tool of an office room from a bioclimatic building, namely, the CDdI‐CIESOL‐ARFRISOL building, to test advanced control strategies against a simulation model, to evaluate them, in terms of users comfort and energy consumption, and to validate them, considering the real room itself. Details about the simulation tool are given, together with the evaluation of its goodness through a real test using a nonlinear model predictive control in an office room of that building. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatally detected de novo apparently balanced chromosomal rearrangements: the effect on maternal worry, family functioning and intent of disclosure
Authors: Sinnerbrink Ingrid B. , Meiser Bettina , Halliday Jane , Sherwen Amanda , Amor David J. , Waters Elizabeth , Rea Felicity , Evans Elizabeth , Rahman Belinda , Kirk Edwin P.
Published: March 2014

Objective

This study aims to assess the impact of prenatal diagnosis of de novo apparently balanced chromosome rearrangements (ABCRs) on maternal stress, family functioning and maternal plans of disclosure of genetic information to their child.

Methods

All liveborn children with prenatally detected de novo ABCRs in two Australian states over a 10‐year period (1994–2003) were retrospectively ascertained. Of 39 eligible cases, 16 (41%) participated in the study. Mothers of these children completed a questionnaire using standardized measures to assess family functioning, parental distress, parent–child interaction and child characteristics, with open‐ended questions regarding disclosure.

Results

The majority of mothers appeared to experience normal levels of parenting stress, quality of parent–child interaction and healthy family functioning. However, most mothers recalled experiencing a significant degree of worry at the time of receiving their prenatal test results, and some mothers (4/15) reported receiving uncertain or conflicting results. Most mothers (13/15) conveyed an understanding of the importance of disclosing this genetic information to their child, and 12/15 conveyed their intention to make this disclosure.

Conclusion

Most mothers reported normal parenting stress and family functioning, despite experiencing significant worry upon receiving results. Some children are at risk of nondisclosure of their carrier status. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coiling/uncoiling behaviour of sodium polystyrenesulfonate in 2‐ethoxyethanol–water mixed solvent media as probed using viscometry
Authors: De Ranjit , Das Bijan
Published: March 2014

Precise measurements of the viscosities of solutions of sodium polystyrenesulfonate in water and in 2‐ethoxyethanol–water mixtures containing varying amounts of 2‐ethoxyethanol have been performed at 308.15, 313.15, 318.15 and 323.15 K. The intramolecular contributions to the reduced viscosities of the polyelectrolyte solutions were obtained through isoionic dilution maintaining the total ionic strengths of the solutions at polyelectrolyte concentrations of 0.0033, 0.0054 and 0.0080 eq L−1 with sodium chloride. The Huggins constants were also obtained from the experimental data. The influences of the medium and the temperature on the intramolecular contributions to the reduced viscosities as well as on the Huggins constants have been interpreted from the points of view of the conformational characteristics and polyelectrolyte–solvent and polyelectrolyte–polyelectrolyte interactions prevailing in the polyelectrolyte solutions under investigation. Polyion chains were found to coil upon addition of 2‐ethoxyethanol to water or upon an increase of temperature. Thermodynamic affinities for polyelectrolyte–solvent and polyelectrolyte–polyelectrolyte interactions were found to depend greatly on the medium. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Growth of CuGaTe2 based compounds by a closed space sublimation method
Authors: Usui Ayaka , Uruno Aya , Kobayashi Masakazu
Published: March 2014

Chalcopyrite I‐III‐VI2 compounds are considered as novel potential materials for solar cells. Among the variety of those compounds, CuGaTe2 and AgAlTe2 films were grown by a closed space sublimation method. Crystallinity and stoichiometry of grown films were evaluated by X‐ray diffraction measurements. When CuGaTe2 powder source was used to grow CuGaTe2 films at around 840 °C of the source temperature, stoichiometric CuGaTe2could not be formed. X‐ray diffraction measurements revealed that the deposited material was Cu‐Ga compound. The desorption of Te was compensated by adding elemental Te in the source material. These stoichiometric CuGaTe2 films were achieved when the volume of additional Te was around twice weight of CuGaTe2. On the other hand, growth of AgAlTe2 films could be achieved when the source temperature was 800 °C, and no additional Te was introduced in the source. From X‐ray diffraction measurements, it was found that these two compounds films had strong preference for the (112) orientation on the quartz substrate. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A limit set stabilization by means of the Port Hamiltonian system approach
Authors: Aguilar‐Ibañez Carlos , Mendoza‐Mendoza Julio A. , Martinez Juan C. , de Jesus Rubio Jose , Suarez‐Castanon Miguel S.
Published: March 2014

A solution to the stabilization problem of a compact set by means of the Interconnection and Damping Assignment Passivity‐Based Control methodology, for an affine nonlinear system, was introduced. To this end, we expressed the closed‐loop system as a Port Hamiltonian system, having the property of almost all their trajectories asymptotically converge to a convenient limit set, except for a set of measure zero. It was carried out by solving a partial differential equation (PDE) or single matching condition, which allows the desired energy level or limit set E to be shaped explicitly. The control strategy was tested using the magnetic beam balance system and the pendulum actuated by a direct current motor (DC‐motor), having obtained satisfactory results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ARXPS measurement simulation for improved data interpretation at complex Ta/Li‐niobate interfaces
Authors: Oswald S. , Vogel U. , Eckert J.
Published: March 2014

For surface acoustic wave devices, piezoelectric substrates have to be coated with barrier and metallization layers. The interface formation plays an important role for the functionality of the layer systems. We used angle‐resolved XPS for nondestructive interface characterization of such material systems. However, the analyses are challenging for complex systems as considered here, because model calculations always have to be performed for data interpretation. To eliminate measuring uncertainties, in a first step, Monte Carlo simulations of angle‐resolved XPS measurement were performed. By use of such reliable data, system inherent uncertainties can be revealed. It is shown that the application of appropriate boundary conditions is inevitable the more complex the structures are. The use of high (near‐surface) measuring angles is discussed as one possible advantageous way. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Back side SIMS analysis
Authors: Stevie F. A. , Garcia R. , Richardson C. , Zhou C.
Published: March 2014

Depth profiling SIMS analysis to determine diffusion of an element from a surface layer into a substrate or penetration of a species through a barrier layer can be very difficult to achieve because one cannot readily detect a trace amount of an element after depth profiling through a matrix level of the same element. Removal of the substrate and analysis from the back of the sample has provided a solution to this problem. Substrate removal methods have been either mechanical polish followed by a chemical etch or mechanical polish alone. The latter method has provided successful results for a wide range of studies including penetration of Cu though a barrier material, diffusion from high‐k dielectric layers, and site specific analysis on a product wafer. In order to make the polishing method more routine and reduce the time required, substrate removal was investigated with use of a milling machine designed to de‐process packaged semiconductor devices. Initial work on an Si substrate shows residual Si less than 100 nm could be obtained in a region that was subsequently analyzed with good depth resolution in a SIMS depth profile. Mesa sample preparation with this instrument was also demonstrated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gamma‐irradiated silica sol–gel coatings as a function of dose on AA2024‐T3
Authors: Covelo A. , Barba A. , Bucio E. , Tejeda A. , Hernandez M.
Published: March 2014

The present paper reports the behavior of gamma‐irradiated hybrid sol–gel coatings based on the copolymerization of 3‐glycydoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and tetra‐n‐propoxyzirconium applied onto aluminum alloy AA2024‐T3. Doses from 1 to 100 kGy were applied on undoped sol–gel coatings and coatings doped with hydrotalcite at 1% and 5%, w/w. The sol–gel coatings were deposited by using the dip‐coating method on an aluminum substrate with a final grinding of a 240‐grit. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the hydrotalcite particles were heterogeneously dispersed at several micrometers in length. High irradiation doses on doped hydrotalcite coatings showed no improvement in the corrosion resistance of the films at longer immersion times in saline media obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the gamma‐irradiated doses and the hydrotalcite content modify the thermal properties of the sol–gel coatings. X‐ray diffraction results revealed modification of the hydrotalcite crystallite size as a function of irradiation dose. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FIB‐SIMS quantification using TOF‐SIMS with Ar and Xe plasma sources
Authors: Stevie F. A. , Sedlacek L. , Babor P. , Jiruse J. , Principe E. , Klosova K.
Published: March 2014

A novel time of flight SIMS analyzer provides a new approach to SIMS analysis as an addition to a focused ion beam SEM instrument. The combination of this analyzer with a high current plasma ion source offers new opportunities for analysis, particularly in the study of coatings, which require ultra‐deep profiling. Use of this instrumentation showed the ability to detect and quantify a number of elements. Quantification was obtained for Li, Na, K ion implanted in Si and for B in a sample with known concentration. Use of the electron beam from the electron column permitted analysis of 300‐nm SiO2/Si implanted with BF2. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcome of fetoscopic laser ablation for twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome in dichorionic–triamniotic triplets compared with monochorionic–diamniotic twins
Authors: Argoti P. S. , Papanna R. , Bebbington M. W. , Kahlek N. , Baschat A. , Johnson A. , Moise K. J.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To compare outcome of dichorionic–triamniotic (DCTA) triplet gestations with that of a paired cohort of monochorionic–diamniotic (MCDA) twin gestations undergoing laser therapy for treatment of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods

All DCTA triplets treated at four referral centers between specified dates were included. A matched cohort group of MCDA twin gestations affected by TTTS was used for comparison.

Results

Sixteen sets of DCTA triplets treated with laser photocoagulation of placental anastomoses were compared with 32 matched sets of MCDA twins. All of the ‘singleton’ fetuses in the triplet gestations survived to birth and to the end of the neonatal period. There were no differences in single or double survival or the rate of non‐survivors to birth and at age 28 days. A mean 3‐week difference was found in the procedure‐to‐delivery interval in DCTA triplets vs MCDA twins (60 ± 35.8 days vs 83.6 ± 33.2 days; P = 0.029). A mean difference of 3 weeks was also found in the gestational age at delivery in DCTA triplets vs MCDA twins (28.5 ± 3.5 weeks vs 31.9 ± 5 weeks; P = 0.024). A similar post‐laser fetal growth pattern in donors and recipients of both groups was noted.

Conclusions

DCTA triplet gestations with TTTS have a similar rate of post‐laser survival but deliver earlier than can be expected for twins treated with laser. These findings have potential implications for the risk of prematurity and long‐term outcomes. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Synthesis, Surface Property and Antimicrobial Activity of Cationic Gemini Surfactants Containing Adamantane and Amide Groups
Authors: Zhong Xing , Guo Jianwei , Fu Shuqin , Zhu Dongyu , Peng Jinping
Published: March 2014

A series of novel cationic gemini surfactants, namely 1,3‐adamantanedicarboxylic acid bis(alkyldimethyl‐3‐ammoniopropyl amide) dibromide designated as [Ad‐2(amCn)] (n = 12, 14, 16), containing adamantane, two amide groups, and two hydrocarbon chains, were synthesized from 1,3‐adamantanedicarboxylic acid. The surface‐active properties of the surfactants were investigated through surface tension and electrical conductivity measurement. A series of thermodynamic parameters such as standard free energy , enthalpy , and entropy of micellization were evaluated from electrical conductivity measurements in the temperature range from 288 to 308 K. The micellization for [Ad‐2(amCn)] is entropy‐driven at low temperature and enthalpy‐driven at high temperature. Further, the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized gemini surfactants against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria was also investigated, and this study showed that the compound [Ad‐2(amC12)] has excellent antibacterial activity against all studied bacteria.
Gemini Surfactants Foam Formation Ability and Foam Stability Depends on Spacer Length
Authors: Kuliszewska Edyta , Brecker Lothar
Published: March 2014

A series of cationic gemini surfactants containing different spacer length were synthesized and analyzed structurally. It was shown that the surface tension (σ) and critical micelle concentration (CMC), which had a maximum for the n‐C4H8 spacer depended on the spacer length. The foaming ability and foam stability are high for the gemini surfactants with short spacers (C2H4 to n‐C4H8), while longer spacers lead to a distinct decrease of these foam parameters. Foaming properties are discussed in terms of configuration and conformation of a surfactant molecule and in relation to micellization state kinetic.
“Family Comes First!” Relationships with family and friends in Italian emerging adults
Authors: Crocetti Elisabetta , Meeus Wim
Published: March 2014

We conducted two studies to examine relationships with family and friends in Italian emerging adults, paying attention to the potential moderating role of gender and occupational status. In Study I, we aimed at capturing emerging adults' perspective on interactions with both family and friends by means of a qualitative approach. Participants were 39 emerging adults (51% males), who were interviewed individually or within a focus group. In Study II, we sought to examine how family and friend importance to identity were related to life satisfaction through a quantitative approach. Participants were 474 (47.3% males) emerging adults who filled a self‐report questionnaire. Overall, findings indicated solid family ties and a strong impact of family importance to identity for life satisfaction. Results were independent of gender and occupational status (university students vs. workers). Thus, findings highlighted that in the Italian context young people's transition to adulthood is strongly intertwined with family relationships.
Peptides derived from HIV‐1 gp120 co‐receptor binding domain form amyloid fibrils and enhance HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Tan Suiyi , Li Lin , Lu Lu , Pan Chungen , Lu Hong , Oksov Yelena , Tang Xiaojuan , Jiang Shibo , Liu Shuwen
Published: March 2014

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Aspergillus nidulans Pmts form heterodimers in all pairwise combinations
Authors: Kriangkripipat Thanyanuch , Momany Michelle
Published: March 2014

Eukaryotic protein O‐mannosyltransferases (Pmts) are divided into three subfamilies (Pmt1, Pmt2, and Pmt4) and activity of Pmts in yeasts and animals requires assembly into complexes. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pmt1 and Pmt2 form a heteromeric complex and Pmt 4 forms a homomeric complex. The filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans has three Pmts: PmtA (subfamily 2), PmtB (subfamily 1), and PmtC (subfamily 4). In this study we show that A. nidulans Pmts form heteromeric complexes in all possible pairwise combinations and that PmtC forms homomeric complexes. We also show that MsbA, an ortholog of a Pmt4‐modified protein, is not modified by PmtC.
A SNAPSHOT OF HAPPINESS: PHOTO ALBUMS, RESPECTABILITY AND ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY IN DAKAR
Authors: Buggenhagen Beth
Published: March 2014

Young women who live in the improvised urban spaces on the outskirts of Senegal's capital city, Dakar, extemporize their respectability in a time of fiscal uncertainty through personal photography. The neighbourhood of Khar Yalla is an improvised, interconnected and multilayered space settled by families removed from the city centre during clean-up campaigns from the 1960s to the 1970s, by families escaping conflict in Casamance and Guinea-Bissau, and by recent rural migrants. As much as Khar Yalla is an improvised neighbourhood, it is also a space of improvisation. When women pose for, display, and pass around portraits of themselves at key moments in their social life, whether in the medium of social networking sites or photo albums, they reveal as much as they conceal the elements of individual and social life. They index their social networks and constitute their urban space not as peripheral, but as central to the lives and imaginations of their siblings and spouses who live abroad. Photographs actively shape and construct urban spaces, which are often loud, unruly and fraught spaces with vast inequalities and incommensurabilities. How women deal with economic and social disparity, within their own families, communities, and globally, is the subject of this article.
‘CREATE YOUR SPACE!’ LOCATING CONTEMPORARY DANCE IN OUAGADOUGOU
Authors: Sieveking Nadine
Published: March 2014

Since the turn of the century contemporary dance has been gaining momentum as a pan-African artistic movement in which a new generation of performers is engaging. In contrast to more popular forms of ‘traditional’ or ‘modern’ performance genres, this new movement has evolved within the cosmopolitan urban elite and is driven by processes of professionalization that lead to the creation of new, border-crossing artistic spaces. These spaces are characterized by new boundaries and inequalities, related to various modes of distinction reflecting the shifting grounds of social status – gendered, generational, knowledge-based and economic. Taking an artistic ‘capacity-building’ project targeting female dancers in West Africa as an entry point, the article analyses how the practice of contemporary dance in Ouagadougou leads to the emergence of a translocal social space embedded in a dense network of transnational relations and connected to global art worlds. It is argued that the unequal power relations characterizing the professional art world of contemporary dance reflect the tensions and contradictions of local urban societies in the making and at the same time contribute to a reconfiguration of urban spaces where new forms of rooted cosmopolitanism can be invented.
The Marketing of Securities, 1930–1952
Authors: Kemmerer Donald L.
Published: March 2014

One of the major centrifugal forces in American economic history is the industrial revolution which has been taking place for the past 150 years. Corollary to it are the agricultural revolution and the transportation revolution. Most of the investment capital and working capital for the expanding enterprises involved in these revolutions came from plowing back profits, but a sizable amount had to be borrowed or obtained from outside investors. Mobilizing this capital was a major undertaking, especially in a new nation in which capital was relatively scarce. Its successful accomplishment involved a financial revolution.
The effect of five fasciolicides on malate dehydrogenase activity and mortality ofFasciola gigantica, Fasciolopsis buskiandParamphistomum explanatum
Authors: Probert A. J. , Sharma R. K. , Singh K. , Saxena R.
Published: March 2014

The effect of oxyclozanide, hexachlorophene, nitroxynil, rafoxanide and diamphenethide on malate dehydrogenase activity of homogenates of Fasciola gigantica, Fasciolopsis buski andParamphistomum explanatumwas investigated. The ratio of oxaloacetate reduction to malate oxidation in homogenates of Fasciolagigantica, Fasciolopsis buskiandP. explanatumwas 4·5:1, 3·6:1 and 5·2:1 respectively. Oxyclozanide and rafoxanide at 10−3M inhibited enzyme activity by 100% in homogenates from all three species while hexachlorophene at 10−3M also caused 100% inhibition in homogenates fromFasciola giganticaandP. explanatumbut only 65% of malate oxidation inFasciolopsis buskihomogenates. Nitroxynil at 10−3M produced 60% inhibition inF. buskihomogenates yet had little effect at this concentration on preparations from the other species. Little inhibition was seen with diamphenethide, even at high concentrations. Rapid death ofFasicola giganticaandP. explanatumresultedin vitrowhen 10−3M oxyclozanide, hexachlorophene, nitroxynil or rafoxanide, were added to the incubation medium.Fasciolopsis buskiwas killed by 10−3M oxyclozanide but at this concentration the remaining compounds only caused reduced activity. Assay of malate dehydrogenase following drug treatment invitrofailed to show any appreciable reduction in enzyme activity inFasciola giganticaandP. explanatumbut oxyclozanide and hexachlorophene produced inhibition inFasciolopsis buski. The mode of action of these compounds is discussed.
Phonetics in advanced learner's dictionaries
Authors: Windsor Lewis Jack
Published: March 2014

The history is outlined of the origins and development, during the earlier twentieth century from the work of H. E. Palmer and A. S. Hornby, of a highly distinctive type of dictionary designed to meet the needs of non-native-speaking students of English. It was distinguished by its inclusion of various phonetic and grammatical matters previously almost entirely neglected. In doing so it made a major contribution to the remedying of deficiencies in our records of the English language in respect of the rhythmical characteristics of lexical items longer than the uncompounded word. Other phonetic aspects of these dictionaries are dealt with, including the arrival of related recorded spoken pronunciations.
Seasonal feeding activity of the tree-hole tick, Ixodes arboricola
Authors: HEYLEN D. J. A. , VAN OOSTEN A. R. , DEVRIENDT N. , ELST J. , DE BRUYN L. , MATTHYSEN E.
Published: March 2014

Bird-specific ticks do not infest humans and livestock, but these ticks often share their avian hosts with generalist ticks that do. Therefore, their feeding activity may have an impact on the transmission of pathogens outside bird–tick transmission cycles. Here we examined the seasonal feeding activity of the tree-hole tick (Ixodes arboricola) in relation to the activity of its hole-breeding hosts (Parus major and Cyanistes caeruleus). We analysed data on ticks derived from birds, on the abundance of engorged ticks inside nest boxes, and on bird nests that were experimentally exposed to ticks. We observed a non-random pattern of feeding associated with the tick instar and host age. The majority of adult ticks fed on nestlings, while nymphs and larvae fed on both free-flying birds and nestlings. Due to their fast development, some ticks were able to feed twice within the same breeding season. The highest infestation rates in free-flying birds were found during the pre-breeding period and during autumn and winter when birds roost inside cavities. Except during winter, feeding of I. arboricola overlapped in time with the generalist Ixodes ricinus, implying that tick-borne microorganisms that are maintained by I. arboricola and birds could be bridged by I. ricinus to other hosts.
Optimal regulation of a cable robot in presence of obstacle using optimal adaptive feedback linearization approach
Authors: Korayem M. H. , Tourajizadeh H. , Zehfroosh A. , Korayem A. H.
Published: March 2014

Optimal path planning of a closed loop cable robot, between two predefined points in presence of obstacles is the goal of this paper. This target is met by proposing a new method of optimal regulation for non linear systems while Dynamic Load Carrying Capacity (DLCC) of the robot is supposed as the related cost function. Feedback linearization is used to linearize the system while Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) is employed to optimize the DLCC of the system based on torque and error constraints. Obstacle avoidance for both the end-effector and cables is also considered by the aid of designing an adaptive local obstacle avoidance controller. As a result of linearized nature of the proposed optimal regulation and obstacle avoidance, fast calculation for real time applications is possible. Therefore, formulation of the optimal feedback linearization, together with calculating the DLCC of the robot based on the presented constraints is derived. Finally, a simulation study is performed to study the optimal dynamics and also the maximum DLCC of the cable robot in presence of obstacles. Simulation results are eventually compared with experimental tests conducted on IUST Cable Suspended Robot (ICaSbot) to verify the validity and efficiency of the proposed optimal controllers.
Exploiting personal web servers for mobile context-aware applications
Authors: Fortier Andrés , Challiol Cecilia , Fernández Juan Lautaro , Robles Santiago , Rossi Gustavo , Gordillo Silvia
Published: March 2014

There is an increasing trend in moving desktop applications to web browsers, even when the web server is running on the same desktop machine. In this paper, we go further in this direction and show how to combine a web server, a web application framework (enhanced to support desktop-like Model–View–Controller interaction) and a context-aware architecture to develop web-based mobile context-aware applications. By using this approach we take advantage of the well-established web paradigm to design the graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and the inherent ability of the web to mash up applications with external components (such as Google Maps). On top of that, since the web server runs on the device itself, the application can access local resources (such as disk space or sensing devices, which are indispensable for context-aware systems) avoiding the sandbox model of the web browsers. To illustrate our approach we show how a mobile hypermedia system has been built on top of our platform.
A goal-based approach to engineering capacity-driven Web services
Authors: Maamar Zakaria , Tata Samir , Yetongnon Kokou , Benslimane Djamal , Thiran Philippe
Published: March 2014

This paper discusses a goal-based approach for the engineering of capacity-driven Web services. In this approach, goals are established to first, define the roles that these Web services will play in implementing business applications, second, frame the requirements that will be put on these Web services, and third, identify the processes in terms of business logics that these Web services will carry out. Because of the nature of capacity-driven Web services compared with regular (i.e. mono-capacity) Web services, their engineering in terms of design, development, and deployment takes place in a different way. A Web service that is empowered with several capacities, which are basically separate groups of operations to execute, has to choose one capacity for triggering at run-time. To this end, the Web service takes into account different types of requirements like data and privacy that are put on each capacity that empowers this Web service.
Multiple coexistence solutions to the unstirred chemostat model with plasmid and toxin
Authors: NIE HUA , WU JIANHUA
Published: March 2014

We investigate the effects of toxins on the multiple coexistence solutions of an unstirred chemostat model of competition between plasmid-bearing and plasmid-free organisms when the plasmid-bearing organism produces toxins. It turns out that coexistence solutions to this model are governed by two limiting systems. Based on the analysis of uniqueness and stability of positive solutions to two limiting systems, the exact multiplicity and stability of coexistence solutions of this model are established by means of the combination of the fixed-point index theory, bifurcation theory and perturbation theory.
School Interventions After the Joplin Tornado
Authors: Kanter Robert K. , Abramson David
Published: March 2014

Background/Objective

To qualitatively describe interventions by schools to meet children's needs after the May 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado.

Methods

Qualitative exploratory study conducted six months after the tornado. Key informant interviews with school staff (teachers, psychologists, guidance counselor, nurse, principal), public health official, and physicians.

Report

After the tornado, school staff immediately worked to contact every enrolled child to provide assistance and coordinate recovery services. Despite severe damage to half of the city's schools, the decision was made to reopen schools at the earliest possible time to provide a safe, reassuring environment and additional services. An expanded summer school session emphasized child safety and emotional wellbeing. The 2011-2012 school year began on time, less than three months after the disaster, using temporary facilities. Displaced children were bused to their usual schools regardless of their new temporary residence locations. In just-in-time training sessions, teachers developed strategies to support students and staff experiencing anxiety or depression. Certified counselors conducted school-based, small-group counseling for students. Selective referrals were made to community mental health providers for children with greatest needs.

Conclusions

Evidence from Joplin adds to a small body of empirical experience demonstrating the important contribution of schools to postdisaster community recovery. Despite timely and proactive services, many families and children struggled after the tornado. Improvements in the effectiveness of postdisaster interventions at schools will follow from future scientific evidence on optimal approaches.

KanterRK,AbramsonD.School interventions after the Joplin tornado.Prehosp Disaster Med.2014;29(2):1-4.
The Succession after Kumāragupta I
Authors: TANDON PANKAJ
Published: March 2014

Most dynastic lists of the Gupta kings state that Kumāragupta I was succeeded by Skandagupta. However, it is widely accepted that Skandagupta did not accede to the throne peacefully. Nor is it certain that the succession was immediate, since there is a gap between the known dates of Kumāragupta's and Skandagupta's reigns. This paper is concerned with the events following the death of Kumāragupta, using numismatic evidence as the primary source, and inscriptional and other epigraphic evidence as further support. Some of the numismatic evidence is new, and even the evidence that is not new has so far received little attention in the literature on the succession after Kumāragupta. Questions are raised about one particular theory that is presently enjoying some currency, that Skandagupta was challenged primarily by his uncle Ghaṭotkacagupta. Some other possible scenarios for the political events in the period after the death of Kumāragupta I will then be proposed and analyzed.
MACROECONOMIC (IN)STABILITY OF INTEREST RATE RULES IN A MODEL WITH BANKING SYSTEM AND RESERVE MARKETS
Authors: Chen Shu-Hua
Published: March 2014

This paper develops a general equilibrium model with a banking system and a reserves market and shows that (i) the macroeconomic stabilizing properties of the nominal interest rate rules change quite substantially when we move from a model without a banking system to one with a banking system and a reserves market; (ii) the interplay between fiscal and monetary policies, in particular inflation-indexed versus non-indexed bonds, is crucial in determining the macroeconomic stabilizing properties of monetary rules; (iii) active rules and passive rules perform equally in regard to their macroeconomic stabilizing properties; (iv) continuous- and discrete-time specifications deliver the same/different (in)determinacy results for both the labor-only model and the endogenous-capital model under forward-looking/current-looking rules; (v) the inclusion of physical investment narrows the indeterminacy region under forward-looking rules; and (vi) current-looking rules make equilibrium determinacy impossible for both the labor-only economy and the endogenous-capital economy. Economic intuitions are provided.
Parental Stress and Children Adjustment in Kinship Foster Families
Authors: Jiménez Jesús M. , Mata Estefanía , León Esperanza , Muñoz Alicia
Published: March 2014

This work focuses on a multidimensional exploration of the stress experienced by kinship foster carers. This study is the first one conducted on Spanish sample, with 116 kinship foster families and foster children, between the ages of 4 and 11 years.

In general, data indicate that the carer’s parental stress scores are within the normative range. The existing heterogeneity among these families is also reported, highlighting a carers group with high stress levels. Parental stress correlated with children variables (initial adversity index, adaptation, evolution and behavioral adjustment); caregiver and family variables (main carer’s health, no correlation was found with social support network or with economic needs) and child-carer relationship variables (acceptance-rejection, relationship with the main caregiver and with other family members). Finally, the predictive model performed shows that the more behavioral and emotional problems foster children exhibit, the more stress the carers experience. This is also true the worse the relationships with other relatives are and the poorer the health of the main carer is.
Emotion Recognition Accuracy in Hierarchical Relationships
Authors: Schmid Mast Marianne , Darioly Annick
Published: March 2014

Whether superiors or subordinates are more accurate in assessing the emotions of others (aka emotion recognition accuracy, ERA) is a question that has gained much interest but yielded decidedly mixed empirical results. The present study investigates whether superiors and subordinates who are in an actual hierarchical relationship differ in their ERA. We investigated 142 superiors who each had recruited one of his or her direct subordinates (total N = 284). Superiors and subordinates each took a paper-pencil version of a standardized ERA test. Results showed that superiors were more accurate in assessing the emotions of other persons than subordinates were.
Job Autonomy Buffers the Impact of Work–Life Conflict on Organizational Outcomes
Authors: Brauchli Rebecca , Bauer Georg F. , Hämmig Oliver
Published: March 2014

This study first examines domain-specific antecedents of work–life conflict (i.e., job demands and home demands); second, it investigates turnover intention, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment as outcomes of work–life conflict relevant to organizations; and, finally, it studies the role of job autonomy as a buffer between work–life conflict and these organizational outcomes. Data were collected from four large organizations with a total sample of 6,091 employees. High time-related job demands were found to be a major antecedent of work-to-life conflict (WLC), while home demands predicted life-to-work conflict (LWC). Moreover, our analyses showed that WLC, but not LWC, predicts turnover intention, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. In addition, the results suggest that job autonomy is a buffer associated with WLC and organizational outcomes, since all two-way interactions were significant, but not with LWC, since the respective interactions were not significant.
Handwriting Fluency in Children
Authors: Wicki Werner , Hurschler Lichtsteiner Sibylle , Saxer Geiger Andrea , Müller Marianne
Published: March 2014

This cross-sectional study aimed to (1) construct a model of handwriting fluency in children and (2) explore the impact of fluent handwriting and visual-motor integration on orthographic skills. In a Swiss sample of 93 fourth graders (mean age = 10 years, 7 months; SD = 6.58 months), handwriting speed and legibility were assessed by means of a copying task. Furthermore, automaticity of handwriting, stroke pressure, and stroke frequency were measured on a digitizing tablet, while visual-motor integration and orthographic skills were assessed by means of standardized tests. SEM modeling revealed that automaticity of handwriting, which is associated with both stroke frequency and stroke pressure, predicts handwriting speed as well as orthographic skills. The latter association remained significant even when visual-motor integration, which also proved to be a predictor of orthographic skills, was included in the model. The results are discussed with respect to theories that assume that the automaticity of handwriting is associated with saving cognitive resources.
Generation of ultra-sound during tape peeling
Authors: Marston Jeremy O. , Riker Paul W. , Thoroddsen Sigurdur T.
Published: March 2014

We investigate the generation of the screeching sound commonly heard during tape peeling using synchronised high-speed video and audio acquisition. We determine the peak frequencies in the audio spectrum and, in addition to a peak frequency at the upper end of the audible range (around 20 kHz), we find an unexpected strong sound with a high-frequency far above the audible range, typically around 50 kHz. Using the corresponding video data, the origins of the key frequencies are confirmed as being due to the substructure “fracture” bands, which we herein observe in both high-speed continuous peeling motions and in the slip phases for stick-slip peeling motions.
Discrete-time quantum walk with feed-forward quantum coin
Authors: Shikano Yutaka , Wada Tatsuaki , Horikawa Junsei
Published: March 2014

Constructing a discrete model like a cellular automaton is a powerful method for understanding various dynamical systems. However, the relationship between the discrete model and its continuous analogue is, in general, nontrivial. As a quantum-mechanical cellular automaton, a discrete-time quantum walk is defined to include various quantum dynamical behavior. Here we generalize a discrete-time quantum walk on a line into the feed-forward quantum coin model, which depends on the coin state of the previous step. We show that our proposed model has an anomalous slow diffusion characterized by the porous-medium equation, while the conventional discrete-time quantum walk model shows ballistic transport.
Elementary Process for CVD Graphene on Cu(110): Size-selective Carbon Clusters
Authors: Zhang Jialin , Wang Zhunzhun , Niu Tianchao , Wang Shengnan , Li Zhenyu , Chen Wei
Published: March 2014

Revealing the graphene growth mechanism at the atomic-scale is of great importance for achieving high quality graphene. However, the lack of direct experimental observation and density functional theory (DFT) verification hinders a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the carbon clusters and evolution of the graphene growth on surface. Here, we report an in-situ low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (LT-STM) study of the elementary process of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene growth via thermal decomposition of methane on Cu(110), including the formation of monodispersed carbon clusters at the initial stage, the graphene nucleation and the ripening of graphene islands to form continuous graphene film. STM measurement, supported by DFT calculations, suggests that the carbon clusters on the surface are C2H5. It is found that graphene layers can be joined by different domains, with a relative misorientation of 30°. These graphene layers can be decoupled from Cu(110) through low temperature thermal cycling.
Self-assembly synthesis of precursors to potential open framework alkali earth metal–organic complexes
Authors: Hamdy Louise B. , Raithby Paul R. , Thomas Lynne H. , Wilson Chick C.
Published: March 2014

A series of magnesium pyridinecarboxylic–dicarboxylic acid complexes, synthesised as precursors to potential framework materials, show a range of metal ligand and hydrogen bonding geometries. The pyridinedicarboxylic complexes show most promise as precursors for further syntheses.
The mechanism of blue photoluminescence from carbon nanodots
Authors: Gan Zhixing , Wu Xinglong , Hao Yanling
Published: March 2014

This work provides some robust evidence to support that the blue emission from carbon nanomaterials arises from the carbon defects.
Role of synthesis variables on controlled nucleation and growth of hexagonal molybdenum oxide nanocrystals: investigation on thermal and optical properties
Authors: Chithambararaj A. , Chandra Bose A.
Published: March 2014

Solution based chemical precipitation route has been utilized for the controlled synthesis of novel and single phase 3Dhierarchical flower-like microspheres of hexagonal molybdenum oxide nanocrystals.
Facile fabrication and enhanced photosensitized degradation performance of the g-C3N4–Bi2O2CO3 composite
Authors: Xiong Miao , Chen Lang , Yuan Qing , He Jie , Luo Sheng-Lian , Au Chak-Tong , Yin Shuang-Feng
Published: March 2014

Flower-like Bi2O2CO3 and g-C3N4–Bi2O2CO3 microspheres with a high adsorption ability were synthesized using a facile method, and their dye-induced photosensitized degradation activity under visible light irradiation was evaluated.
Enabling ammonia-borane: co-oligomerizaiton of ammonia-borane and amine-boranes yield liquid products
Authors: Carre-Burritt Asa E. , Davis Benjamin L. , Rekken Brian D. , Mack Nathan , Semelsberger Troy A.
Published: March 2014

Slurries of ammonia-borane and functionalized amine-boranes form liquid spent fuels after heating in batch or flow-thru reactors.
New GO–PEI–Au–l-Cys ZIC-HILIC composites: synthesis and selective enrichment of glycopeptides
Authors: Jiang Bo , Liang Yu , Wu Qi , Jiang Hao , Yang Kaiguang , Zhang Lihua , Liang Zhen , Peng Xiaojun , Zhang Yukui
Published: March 2014

GO–PEI–Au–l-Cys composites were synthesized and they exhibited high selectivity to capture glycopeptides.
Lanthanide-doped NaGdF4 core–shell nanoparticles for non-contact self-referencing temperature sensors
Authors: Zheng Shuhong , Chen Weibo , Tan Dezhi , Zhou Jiajia , Guo Qiangbing , Jiang Wei , Xu Cheng , Liu Xiaofeng , Qiu Jianrong
Published: March 2014

A self-referencing nanothermometer is developed based on near infrared laser stimulated visible upconversion from lanthanide-activated core–shell nanoparticles.
Modulation of the organelle specificity in Re(i) tetrazolato complexes leads to labeling of lipid droplets
Authors: Bader Christie A. , Brooks Robert D. , Ng Yeap S. , Sorvina Alexandra , Werrett Melissa V. , Wright Phillip J. , Anwer Ayad G. , Brooks Douglas A. , Stagni Stefano , Muzzioli Sara , Silberstein Morry , Skelton Brian W. , Goldys Ewa M. , Plush Sally E. , Shandala Tetyana , Massi Massimiliano
Published: March 2014

Neutral Re(i) tetrazolato complexes exhibit labeling of lipid droplets with high specificity.
High performance chemiresistive H2S sensors using Ag-loaded SnO2 yolk–shell nanostructures
Authors: Yoon Ji-Wook , Hong Young Jun , Chan Kang Yun , Lee Jong-Heun
Published: March 2014

Highly selective, sensitive, and reversible H2S sensors were designed using Ag-loaded SnO2 yolk–shell nanostructures prepared by one-pot ultrasonic spray pyrolysis.
Enhanced emission from ZnO-based double heterostructure light-emitting devices using a distributed Bragg reflector
Authors: Lu Ying-Jie , Shan Chong-Xin , Jiang Ming-Ming , Li Bing-Hui , Liu Ke-Wei , Li Rui-Gang , Shen De-Zhen
Published: March 2014

Double hetero-structured n-Mg0.13Zn0.87O/i-ZnO/p-Mg0.13Zn0.87O light-emitting devices (LEDs) have been fabricated, and the emission of the LEDs has been increased noticeably by a distributed Bragg reflector.
A flexible and binder-free reduced graphene oxide/Na2/3[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 composite electrode for high-performance sodium ion batteries
Authors: Yang Dezhi , Liao Xiao-Zhen , Shen Jifu , He Yu-Shi , Ma Zi-Feng
Published: March 2014

A novel, flexible and binder-free reduced graphene oxide/Na2/3[Ni1/3Mn2/3]O2 composite electrode shows excellent electrochemical performance and can be used in high-performance sodium ion batteries.
Synthesis, characterization, in vitro phantom imaging, and cytotoxicity of a novel graphene-based multimodal magnetic resonance imaging-X-ray computed tomography contrast agent
Authors: Lalwani Gaurav , Sundararaj Joe Livingston , Schaefer Kenneth , Button Terry , Sitharaman Balaji
Published: March 2014

Development of a novel graphene-based multimodal MRI-CT contrast agent.
0.4 mW wideband LNA with double gm enhancement and feed‐forward noise cancellation
Authors: Li Zhi , Sun Liguo , Huang Lu
Published: March 2014

A low‐power wideband common‐gate (CG) low‐noise amplifier (LNA) presented. The CG LNA uses double gm enhancement to provide input matching under low‐power consumption. Feed‐forward noise cancellation (FFNC) is employed in the LNA to suppress the noise from the CG transistor. The LNA is designed and fabricated in TSMC 130‐nm CMOS technology. This LNA can achieve a maximum gain of 14 dB with a 3 dB bandwidth from 350 to 950 MHz. The LNA consumes 0.5 mA current under a 0.8‐V supply. The average noise figure of the LNA is 4.0 dB. The core area of the LNA is 0.06 mm2.