bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantity versus Quality in China’s South-to-North Water Diversion Project: A System Dynamics Analysis
Authors: Yang Yu , Yin Lei , Zhang Qingzong
Published: May 2015

The South-to-North Water Diversion (SNWD) Project has entered the operational stage. The infrastructure decreases water shortages and promotes economic growth for North China, whereas the environmental effects have yet to be fully examined. In this paper, an analysis of the interaction between water quantity and water quality is conducted using the system dynamics method. In a specific province covering areas that provide and receive water, simulation results for economic and environmental indicators at different levels of transferred water and pollution rates are obtained. Certain conclusions can be drawn from the findings. First, the SNWD Project can provide a sufficient quantity of water for economic growth in receiving regions. Second, an efficient quantity of transferred water exists, which demonstrates the growth limitation for both agriculture and the groundwater funnel. Third, upgrades in water quality can mutually reinforce the quantity effect and greatly promote economic growth. An environmental limitation exists for all economic activities. Therefore, water quantity and water quality are equally crucial in the SNWD Project to provide an opportunity for sustainable development.
Exploring monovalent and multivalent peptides for the inhibition of FBP21-tWW
Authors: Henning Lisa Maria , Bhatia Sumati , Bertazzon Miriam , Marczynke Michaela , Seitz Oliver , Volkmer Rudolf , Haag Rainer , Freund Christian
Published: May 2015

The coupling of peptides to polyglycerol carriers represents an important route towards the multivalent display of protein ligands. In particular, the inhibition of low affinity intracellular protein–protein interactions can be addressed by this design. We have applied this strategy to develop binding partners for FBP21, a protein which is important for the splicing of pre-mRNA in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Firstly, by using phage display the optimized sequence WPPPPRVPR was derived which binds with KDs of 80 μM and 150 µM to the individual WW domains and with a KD of 150 μM to the tandem-WW1–WW2 construct. Secondly, this sequence was coupled to a hyperbranched polyglycerol (hPG) that allowed for the multivalent display on the surface of the dendritic polymer. This novel multifunctional hPG-peptide conjugate displayed a KD of 17.6 µM which demonstrates that the new carrier provides a venue for the future inhibition of proline-rich sequence recognition by FBP21 during assembly of the spliceosome.
La formation en art
Authors: Becker Howard S.
Published: May 2015

Partant du constat que les écoles dominent de façon récurrente les discussions sur les formations artistiques, l’article rappelle que celles-ci n’ont pas le monopole de la formation dans les arts et, bien souvent, ne parviennent pas à contrôler le recrutement de leurs élèves. À partir de ses propres recherches et d’un certain nombre de travaux, l’auteur insiste sur la nécessité de considérer toutes les situations dans lesquelles on apprend à faire de l’art. Il suggère d’examiner tous les modes d’éducation, y compris ceux qui n’ont pas bonne réputation (comme l’autodidaxie, par exemple), et de concentrer notre attention sur les liens entre les situations de performance professionnelles et les chemins par lesquels les acteurs, dans n’importe quel monde de l’art, ont appris les ficelles du métier.
L’accession au statut d’artiste des dessinateurs de bande dessinée en France et en Belgique
Authors: Piette Jacques-Erick
Published: May 2015

Le métier de dessinateur de bande dessinée est aujourd’hui accepté comme relevant du domaine artistique. Pourtant, cette position est fragile et finalement relativement récente. Cet article s’intéresse à la formation du dessinateur de bande dessinée et à son accession au statut d’artiste. Il envisage les compétences à acquérir et leur mode d’acquisition. Il retrace l’évolution du statut de dessinateur de bande dessinée en s’appuyant sur des cas exemplaires et met en valeur les vecteurs de cette mutation.
Des mises en scène du « nous » contre le « eux » dans le rap français
Authors: Sonnette-Manouguian Marie
Published: May 2015

Dans une perspective de sociologie des œuvres, cet article propose d’étudier certaines représentations contemporaines des rapports de domination à partir de l’analyse d’œuvres de rap produites en France au cours des années 2000. Grâce aux travaux de Richard Hoggart sur les oppositions énonciatives faites par les classes populaires entre les pronoms « nous » et « eux », j’observe que les mises en scène de ces affrontements sociaux persistent au sein d’un corpus d’œuvres de rap « contestataires ». Si ce que renferment ces pronoms paraît mouvant, il semble pourtant se dégager de grandes tendances : les acteurs mobilisés s’affrontant symboliquement relèveraient d’enjeux de pouvoir postcoloniaux. Puis, en filigrane, les procédés stylistiques et les formulations paraissent renvoyer à des critiques des rapports de classes, permettant de comprendre la potentielle appropriation des chansons de ces rappeurs par un public hétérogène.
Iglesia de L'Arche, en Amsterdam
Authors: Zanstra P.
Published: May 2015

Desde una amplia área de circulación creada en el interior, se accede a los diversos locales y a la iglesia, en la que el presbiterio forma un espacio único al mismo nivel que el resto de la iglesia; entre ésta y la sala comunitaria existe una compartimentación móvil, que permite utilizarlas separadamente, o bien unirlas.
La «forma exterior» del edificio refleja la composición interior.
Iglesia en Hoorn, Holanda
Authors: Van Oerle-Schrama-Bos Arquitectos
Published: May 2015

Tiene una capacidad de 862 asientos, y ha sido realizada de acuerdo con los más modernos principios litúrgicos. Los elementos fundamentales de construcción han sido el hormigón armado y el ladrillo visto, en su color o pintado de blanco.
En su interior se ha atendido primordialmente a conseguir un ambiente claro y luminoso.
Iglesia en Neustadt. Alemania Occidental
Authors: Kammerer & Belz Arquitectos
Published: May 2015

En este edificio los arquitectos han utilizado viejas formas, pero interpretadas según un modo de sentir actual.
La composición del interior ha sido, asimismo, realizada de acuerdo con las normas litúrgicas vigentes, decorándose con elementos escultóricos y franjas luminosas de gran sencillez y cuidadoso diseño.
Capilla en las Tuileries de Grandson, Suiza
Authors: Mercier J.
Published: May 2015

El arquitecto atendió, en el diseño de esta iglesia, a lograr un simbolismo expresivo; como punto focal de la composición interior, primordialmente, aparece la cruz, luminosa dentro y fuera, de día y de noche.
En su decoración ha sido cuidadosamente estudiado el alumbrado, tanto diurno como nocturno, y en la ejecución han sido utilizados materiales simples, de gran sinceridad formal y plástica.
La iglesia Bruder Klaus, en Basilea, Suiza
Authors: Higi Karl , Ingenieros Erach, Berger & Ochsner
Published: May 2015

En su interior resaltan como puntos focales: la pila bautismal, y la zona del presbiterio, planteada con una nueva «forma», de acuerdo con las directrices conciliares.
La plasticidad de su planta y alzados son de una expresividad notables.
Tiene capacidad para 500 fieles.
Iglesia de Santa Catalina, en Sheffield, Inglaterra
Authors: Spence Basil
Published: May 2015

La capacidad normal de la misma es de 300 asientos, pero es posible ampliarla hasta 500 asientos, uniendo la nave con el amplio vestíbulo de la entrada. Un claustro con jardín es utilizado para la celebración de las ceremonias al aire libre, existiendo, asimismo, un local para la organización de las reuniones parroquiales. El edificio es de gran sencillez y expresividad.
Iglesia de Santa María, en Leyland, Lancashire, Inglaterra
Authors: Weightman & Bullen Arquitectos , Whally & Spyra Ingenieros
Published: May 2015

Tiene planta circular y capacidad para albergar 1.200 personas sentadas. Desde el amplio espacio circular de distribución, existente entre los soportes de la nave y los muros de cerramiento, se accede a las cuatro capillas laterales, y a la capilla del Santísimo Sacramento. Al suroeste, un corredor acristalado conduce a la sacristía.
Como una de las características más relevantes de esta iglesia señalaremos su estructura, a base, fundamentalmente, de hormigón visto.
Efectos del árido sobre ciertas propiedades del hormigón de cemento
Authors: Popovics Sandor
Published: May 2015

Este trabajo da una descripción concisa de los efectos que tienen las propiedades principales de los áridos sobre el comportamiento del hormigón de cemento portland endurecido. Se discuten los efectos de la resistencia, elasticidad, composición química, tamaño y superficie de los áridos. Las propiedades del hormigón endurecido que se discuten incluyen la resistencia a compresión y flexión, contracción, resistencia al roce y al resbalamiento.
Redefining the Classroom
Authors: Gupta Shikha , Taneja Sheetal , Kumar Naveen
Published: May 2015

The printing technology revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge at a pace never conceived of earlier. In recent times, radio and television brought education within the reach of masses. More recently, the multimedia technology, and Internet have revolutionized the delivery of education. Top universities of the world have collaborated to develop massive open online courses (MOOCs) that are made available to public either free of charge or at a nominal cost. Mainly supported by start-ups such as Coursera, Udacity, and EdX, MOOCs are mostly created by universities in United States and Europe. This essay reviews the impact of these changes on higher education using available reports, articles, and meta-analyses. Although there is no conclusive evidence of the impact of MOOCs, there is a strong possibility of MOOCs leaving a lasting mark on the traditional higher education system. This chapter falls within the book section ‘RIA and education practice of MOOCs,' aligning to the discussion on the topic of ‘educational training design.'
Entrepreneurship Readiness in Turkey
Authors: Tulunay Leyla , Güney Semra , Öktem M. Kemal
Published: May 2015

The target group of the study is composed of the entrepreneurs having business in manufacturing and services in Istanbul (Marmara Region), Kayseri (Central Anatolia Region), and Van (Eastern Anatolia Region), Turkey. Istanbul is a first degree developed city, Kayseri is a second degree developed city, and Van is a fifth degree developed city. A questionnaire having three parts was developed to collect data for the study. The first part of the questionnaire was about the factors influencing the decisions of establishment of a new business, the second part was about the personality characteristics, and the third part was about the demographic features of the entrepreneurs. One-hundred-seventy-eight questionnaires were collected from the companies in the targeted regions, and their results are analyzed statistically.
Online Communities and Open Innovation
Authors: Francesconi Alberto , Bonazzi Riccardo , Dossena Claudia
Published: May 2015

Online communities are becoming an important way to support firms towards an open innovation approach. However, knowledge shared in an online community represents only a potential for firm's innovation aims. The effectiveness of exploration and exploitation of this knowledge depends on firm's absorptive capacity. In this work the authors focus on the time an idea, shared within an online community, takes to be transformed from a ‘potential' into a ‘realized' innovation by a firm. In particular, conceiving knowledge as a trajectory across pole of attraction rather than a linear process, the authors develop a model inspired by the solar system metaphor. Preliminary results from a case study are presented. They suggest firms may improve the effectiveness of absorptive capacity exploiting the mediation role of a software tool.
Entrepreneurial Intentions among Higher Education Students in Finland and Spain
Authors: Varamäki Elina , Tornikoski Erno , Joensuu Sanna , Ristimäki Kari , Blesa Andreu , Ripolles Maria
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this article is to present the results of a pilot study in which the new instrument was developed and tested to measure the formation of entrepreneurial intentions in multi-country context. The developed instrument was largely based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen (1991). In the pilot study, the authors were also paying attention to two issues, namely (i) whether the level of entrepreneurial intentions varies as a function of country of origin, (ii) whether the relative importance of the three antecedents of entrepreneurial intentions varies as a function of country of origin, and (iii) whether the background variables exercise similar effects on the formation of entrepreneurial intentions in different countries. The empirical context of the pilot study is made of two higher education institutions (one in Finland, one in Spain) and concerns their first-year students at undergraduate programs. In the end of this paper, the authors will discuss the implications of the empirical observations of their pilot study.
The Social Role of University Entrepreneurship
Authors: Păunescu Carmen , Cantaragiu Ramona
Published: May 2015

This chapter discusses the dimensions and characteristics of social entrepreneurship in universities and its role in developing sustainable communities. It argues that by building on social responsibility practices and creating an identity of a society-oriented university, one which is driven by a social mission and humanistic values and a sense of moral commitment to its communities, higher education institutions are more likely to succeed on the global market characterized by an increasing competition and a high degree of internationalization. Therefore, by understanding the driving forces which determine the social entrepreneurial behavior of the academic community, universities will be more successful in driving social transformation and achieving innovation. While the view of social entrepreneurship in university put forward in this chapter is far from complete, the authors see it as an important first step to enhance theoretical understanding of the phenomenon and facilitate future research.
Employability, E-Entrepreneurship, and Economic Recovery
Authors: Torres-Coronas Teresa , Vidal-Blasco Maria-Arántzazu , Arias-Oliva Mario , Monclús-Guitart Ricard
Published: May 2015

This chapter focuses upon the digital competences and the entrepreneurial self-efficacy of undergraduate students at Universitat Rovira i Virgili, a public university located in the autonomous region of Catalonia, in Spain. The objective of this research study is to determine whether higher education institutions foster self-employment opportunities by helping students to develop the digital competences and (e)-entrepreneurial self-efficacy they need. This preliminary study shows that tertiary educational system in Spain is good at putting into practice the Bologna process, but it might not be so good at building up entrepreneurial self-confidence among their graduate students.
Why and How Did Health Economics Appear? Who Were the Main Authors? What is the Role of ITCs in its Development?
Authors: Borges Ana Pinto , Laranjeira Erika
Published: May 2015

Over the past sixty years, developed countries have registered high growth of total expenditure on health, which has attracted the attention of health economists, organizations, and policymakers alike. At the same time, the authors observe the increasingly important role of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), not only in improving diagnosis and treatment and the quality of information, but also in the growth of these expenditures. According to this scenario, the authors focus on the development of Health Economics as an autonomous branch within Economics, highlighting not only its origin and the leading authors that began to write about it, but also the impact and the role of the development of ICTs on Health Economics and healthcare.
Risk Requirement for Multi-Hybrid Renewable Energy for Marine System
Authors: Olanrewaju Oladokun Sulaiman
Published: May 2015

The chapter communicates environmental challenges facing the maritime industry. Efforts to integrate sources of alternative energy with existing systems through holistic proactive risk-based analysis and assessment requirements of associated environmental degradation and mitigation of greenhouse pollution are explored. The chapter also discusses alternative selection for hybridization of conventional power with compactable renewable sources like solar/hydrogen for reliable port powering.
Intrusion Detection in Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks on Lower Layers
Authors: Han Chong , Muhaidat Sami , Abualhaol Ibrahim , Dianati Mehrdad , Tafazolli Rahim
Published: May 2015

Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs) are a critical component of the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), which involve the applications of advanced information processing, communications, sensing, and controlling technologies in an integrated manner to improve the functionality and the safety of transportation systems, providing drivers with timely information on road and traffic conditions, and achieving smooth traffic flow on the roads. Recently, the security of VANETs has attracted major attention for the possible presence of malicious elements, and the presence of altered messages due to channel errors in transmissions. In order to provide reliable and secure communications, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) can serve as a second defense wall after prevention-based approaches, such as encryption. This chapter first presents the state-of-the-art literature on intrusion detection in VANETs. Next, the detection of illicit wireless transmissions from the physical layer perspective is investigated, assuming the presence of regular ongoing legitimate transmissions. Finally, a novel cooperative intrusion detection scheme from the MAC sub-layer perspective is discussed.
The Challenges of Obtaining Credible Data for Transportation Security Modeling
Authors: Campo Matt , Greenberg Michael , Mayer Henry , Lowrie Karen
Published: May 2015

The National Transportation Security Center of Excellence (NTSCOE) was established in August 2007 to develop new approaches to defend, protect, and increase the resilience of the nation's multi-modal transportation infrastructure, and to create education and training programs for transportation security. The Center for Transportation Safety, Security, and Risk (CTSSR) at Rutgers University, an NTSCOE institution, developed models that address multi-modal resilience of freight and transit transportation networks. Data collection processes for each project presented significant hurdles for the research team in developing credible and accurate modeling tools. For any given data need, the potential exists for data gaps, collection, and processing errors, publication and use restrictions, and the need to obtain the most timely information. These challenges must be foreseen by researchers and practitioners in order to better accommodate potential restrictions on both data collection and dissemination while still providing users with a tool that improves decision making.
Rural Intelligent Public Transportation System Design
Authors: Esmaeili Leila , Hashemi G. Seyyed AliReza
Published: May 2015

In order to improve the level of intelligence, availability, convenience, information and humanization of rural public transportation systems, they are more willing to use modern information and communicative technologies. In addition to management services, intelligent transportation systems can provide passengers, drivers and other institutions with other services such as trip planning, tracking and so forth. In this paper the authors have attempted to present a comprehensive design of rural ITS based on cloud and grid computing, RFID, GPS, GIS, etc. through e-commerce and particularly m-commerce in order to improve the rural transportation management and presentation of user-centric services. Also according to the design, intercity transportation services to passengers are re-engineered. The results show proposed design with distribution infrastructure improves the performance of e-commerce and ISs in transportation domain. The system designed on this paper regardless of the possible challenges could efficiently cover the problems of rural transportation of newly developing countries.
On-Board Unit Hardware and Software Design for Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Petracca Matteo , Pagano Paolo , Pelliccia Riccardo , Ghibaudi Marco , Salvadori Claudio , Nastasi Christian
Published: May 2015

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are a focus of public authorities and research communities in order for them to provide effective solutions for improving citizens' security and lifestyle. The effectiveness of such systems relies on the prompt processing of the acquired traffic- and vehicle-related information to react to congestion and dangerous situations. To obtain a dynamic and pervasive environment where vehicles are fully integrated in the ITS, low cost technologies (capable of strongly penetrating the market) must be made available by the effort of academic and industrial research. In this chapter, the authors discuss the design and implementation of a prototype vehicular unit capable of interacting with both roadside networks and in-vehicle electronic devices. More in detail, in order to scientifically characterize the solution, the authors start from a clear statement of the requirements that the vehicle equipment should respond to. Then they detail the selection of the off-the-shelf components adopted in the prototyped on-board unit. In the last part of the chapter, the authors discuss several possible applications in which the developed device can be adopted, as well as open issues for future research activities.
Seamless Communication to Mobile Devices in Vehicular Wireless Networks
Authors: Kastell Kira
Published: May 2015

Vehicular networks are deployed as hybrid networks, which consist of a cooperation of different radio access networks. Seamless communication in vehicular networks relies on proper network planning and thorough dimensioning of network protocols. Both are assessed and verified by simulation. In transportation networks, the location of the mobile devices and their pattern of movement are very important. Therefore, different mobility models suited to vehicles in transportation networks are introduced. Then, the need for location information is exemplified. Mobility models and location play an important role in the verification of handover protocols. One hybrid handover protocol is given in detail. It provides low handover latency with additional mutual authentication to allow the transfer from one radio access network to another while maintaining the network's built-in security standard. This protocol is easily extensible to include a broad variety of networks.
Analysis of Pedestrian Road Crossing Behaviour in Urban Areas
Authors: Papadimitriou Eleonora , Yannis George , Golias John
Published: May 2015

The objective of this research is the analysis of pedestrians behaviour along entire trips in urban road networks, with focus on their interaction with the traffic and the road environment while crossing roads. For this purpose, a special field survey was designed and carried out, which involved the recording of pedestrians road crossing behaviour along entire trips in real time by means of camera in motion at the centre of Athens, Greece. Based on the results of the field survey, an analysis of road crossing behaviour of pedestrians is presented, concerning characteristics of the trips, the pedestrians, the road environment and the traffic conditions. The results indicate that basic parameters of pedestrian trips (i.e. trip length, walking speed, number of crossings) can be described by appropriate probability distributions. They also reveal a tendency of pedestrians to cross either in the beginning or in the end of the trip, an increased probability of crossing at signalized junctions when these are available, and increased probability of crossing at mid-block in low traffic volume and on one-way roads. Furthermore, there is an overall tendency of pedestrians cross to at mid-block when the road and traffic conditions are favourable. On the contrary, more traffic lanes and increased traffic volume appear to discourage pedestrians from accepting important interaction with the vehicles and to lead them towards the choice of protected crossing locations. The proposed data collection method and the results of the analysis can be exploited in further research for the development of models of pedestrian crossing behaviour along entire trips in urban areas.
Genre-Based Approach to Assessing Information and Knowledge Security Risks
Authors: Padyab Ali Mohammad , Päivärinta Tero , Harnesk Dan
Published: May 2015

Contemporary methods for assessing information security risks have adopted mainly technical views on information and technology assets. Organizational dynamics of information management and knowledge sharing have gained less attention. This article outlines a new, genre-based, approach to information security risk assessment in order to orientate toward organization- and knowledge-centric identification and analysis of security risks. In order to operationalize the genre-based approach, we suggest the use of a genre-based analytical method for identifying organizational communication patterns through which organizational knowledge is shared. The genre-based method is then complemented with tasks and techniques from a textbook risk assessment method (OCTAVE Allegro). We discuss the initial experiences of three experienced information security professionals who tested the method. The article concludes with implications of the genre-based approach to analyzing information and knowledge security risks for future research and practice.
A Novel Distributed QoS Control Scheme for Multi-Homed Vehicular Networks
Authors: Alshaer Hamada , Ernst Thierry , de La Fortelle Arnaud
Published: May 2015

Resource availability in vehicular mobile networks fluctuates due to wireless channel fading and network mobility. Multi-homed mobile networks require a Quality-of-Service (QoS) control scheme that can select a routing path to guarantee high quality of communications with Correspondent Nodes (CNs) while using the maximum available bandwidth of wireless and radio communication technologies. In this chapter, the authors develop an intelligent distributed QoS control scheme which inter-operates between mobile routers, managing vehicular networks mobility, and Road Communication Gateways (RCGs). This proposed scheme manages Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communications through enabling multi-homed vehicular networks to optimally distribute traffic among egress links of their mobile routers based on vehicular communication policies and available bandwidth and performance metrics of selected routing paths. This scheme considers the data control plane as a collaborative entity and specifies detailed operations to be performed in the mobile routers and RCGs. Simulation experiments show that the proposed scheme can improve the Congestion Window (CWND) of TCP and the e2e packet loss of video traffic, despite network mobility. It also guarantees the service parameter settings of uplink and downlink connections while achieving reasonable utilization efficiency of network resources and fairly sharing them.
Synthesis and Characterization of Calcium Silicate from Rice Husk Ash and Shell of Snail Pomacea canaliculata by Solid State Reaction
Authors: Phuttawong Rimruthai , Chantaramee Napat , Pookmanee Pusit , Puntharod Ratchadaporn
Published: May 2015

Calcium silicate was successfully synthesized using agricultural byproduct such as rice husk ash and shell of snail namely Pomacea canaliculata by solid state reaction. Chemical composition of silica in rice husk ash and calcium oxide in shell were 91.50 and 98.25%, respectively by X-ray fluorescent determination. The rice husk ash and shell in molar ratio of 1:1 were milled for 5-8 hr and calcined at 800-1000 °C for 2 hr. The Fourier transforms infrared spectra and X-ray diffractometry pattern were confirmed the formation of calcium silicate as the milling time increased.
Composition and Oxidation State of Cobalt and Nickel-Iron Oxide Colloidal Nanoparticles in Liquid Phase
Authors: Rutirawut Teerapat , Limphirat Wanwisa , Sinsarp Asawin , Tivakornsasithorn Kritsanu , Srikhirin Toemsak , Osotchan Tanakorn
Published: May 2015

The magnetic nanoparticles of cobalt-and nickel-iron oxide have been extensive interest due to their superparamagnetic properties and their potential applications in many fields. The iron, cobalt and nickel can stay in many oxidation states and are easily oxidized especially in ambient air therefore the composition and oxidation states of these oxides can be unintentionally modified. Usually, the composition and oxidation states in these magnetic nanoparticles are determined by various experimental techniques required a sample in solid phase. This may lead the nanoparticles to directly contact with air and change the state. In this study, the magnetic nanoparticles in colloidal phase with concentration of 24mg/ml, derived from co-precipitation process, were directly injected to liquid cell for X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) measurement. The iron-, cobalt-or nickel-iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared by dissolving CoCl2/FeCl3 or NiCl2/FeCl3, respectively, in deionized water with various atomic ratios. The average iron oxide nanoparticle size obtained by dynamic light scattering is about 4.2 nm with polydispersity of 0.987. Spherical shape with some stabilizer layer was observed by transmission electron microscope. The iron content in various composition nanoparticles was estimated in liquid phase by the ratio between the Fe edge peak and Co or Ni edge peak. The oxidation states of metal ions were also derived from the linear fitting of standard compounds at particular oxidation states. The shifts of peak positions were examined to indicate the variation of oxidation state as well.
Phase Noise Measurement and Testing with Delta-Sigma TDC
Authors: Osawa Yusuke , Hirabayashi Daiki , Harigai Naohiro , Kobayashi Haruo , Kobayashi Osamu , Tsuji Masanobu , Umeda Sadayoshi , Shiota Ryoji , Dobashi Noriaki , Watanabe Masafumi , Matsuura Tatsuji , Niitsu Kiichi , Shimizu Isao , Takai Nobukazu , Yamaguchi Takahiro J.
Published: May 2015

This paper describes a phase noise measurement and testing technique for a clock using a delta-sigma time-to-digital converter (TDC) and verifies its effectiveness with MATLAB simulations. The proposed technique can be implemented with relatively small circuitry, based on the following: (i) The clock under test (CUT) is a repetitive signal. (ii) The time resolution with CUT and a reference clock can be finer with longer measurement time with the delta-sigma TDC. (iii) The phase noise power spectrum can be calculated from the delta-sigma TDC output data using FFT. High performance spectrum analyzers with long measurement time (several ten seconds order due to average of several-time phase measurement results), which are very costly in mass production testing, are not be needed for phase noise measurement with the proposed technique. Our simulation used the input clock of 1 MHz in several phase fluctuation cases, and we observed that the phase fluctuation spectrum at the expected frequency from TDC output power spectrum obtained by FFT. We also investigated the amount of phase fluctuation with our theoretical calculation, which agrees with the simulation results.
Prototype of Atomic Force Microscope with High Resolution Optical Microscope for Observing Magnetic Nanodot Arrays
Authors: Jin Tao , Takahashi Ryosuke , Zhang Hui , Yin You , Hosaka Sumio
Published: May 2015

This paper is dedicated to develop an atomic force microscope (AFM) system cou-pled with a high resolution optical microscope (OM), which serves to observe AFM image from a desired micro-area. The system employs through-the-lens optical path for detecting atomic force based on optical lever. By switching the objective lenses from low to high magni cation, a micro-area for obtaining AFM image can be easily found. AFM images of magnetic nanodotarrays with 300 nm and 150 nm pitches are obtained from two local micro-areas using the system. The results demonstrate the proposed prototype has the su cient function to nd out a micro-area for obtaining AFM image.
Continuous-Time Delta-Sigma Controller for DC-DC Converter
Authors: Zhao Feng , Gao Hong , Xing Lin , Kobori Yasunori , Wu Shu , Kobayashi Haruo , Miwa Shyunsuke , Motozawa Atsushi , Nosker Zachary , Takai Nobukazu
Published: May 2015

This paper describes applications of a Delta-Sigma (ΔΣ) modulator to control a DC-DC converter. We propose to use a continuous-time (CT) feed-forward (FF) ΔΣ controller in a DC-DC converter and show that its transient response is faster than discrete-time (DT) and/or feedback-type (FB) ΔΣ controllers. We have also performed experiments of a DC-DC converter with a first-order continuous-time feedback ΔΣ controller and show its results.
Delta-Sigma Digital-to-Time Converter for Band-Select Spread Spectrum Clock
Authors: Khatami Ramin , Kobayashi Haruo , Kobori Yasunori
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes an innovative method of converting digital signal to time-domain analog signal, which fully enjoys robustness and digital circuit friendliness. This technique utilizes a digital delta-sigma ( ) modulator following a digital-to-time converter (DTC) circuit with various modulation methods. As an application of the proposed method, novel spreadspectrum clock generation (SSCG) algorithms (such as for DC-DC converters) have been investigated which can select the noise spectrum spread bands; e.g., they can exclude the noisespectrum spread in AM, FM radio bands. The proposed circuit takes advantage of digital technology, which is simple, fast (reachable at high clock frequency) and flexible (programmable).
Noise-Shaping Cyclic ADC Architecture
Authors: Arai Yukiko , Liu Yu , Kobayashi Haruo , Matsuura Tatsuji , Kobayashi Osamu
Published: May 2015

This paper presents an ADC architecture comprising a pipelined cyclic ADC and continuous-time delta-sigma ADC; it provides high resolution at medium speed, with small power requirements. It is also reconfigurable for different combinations of speed, precision, and power consumption. The cyclic ADC produces a residue after the final cycle, and the following delta-sigma ADC converts it to a digital value (the residue is then noise-shaped). The ADC output combines the digital outputs of the cyclic ADC and the delta-sigma ADC so as to achieve high resolution. The delta-sigma ADC can be implemented simply with continuous-time analog circuitry. We describe the overall ADC architecture and operation, show simulation results, as well as features such as its potential for reconfiguration and one of ADC architecture candidates with good tradeoff for high resolution, medium speed and small power.
Evaluation of Depletion Layer Width in Antimony-Doped Tin Oxide Thin Films for Gas Sensors
Authors: Liu Jian Qiao , Zhai Zhao Xia , Jin Guo Hua , Liu Xue Song , Quan Lin
Published: May 2015

The sensing properties of semiconductive gas sensors originate from the resistance variation of depletion layer in each grain of the element. One of the most fundamental factors in this type of sensors is the width of depletion region. In this work, the antimony-doped tin oxide thin films for gas sensors are prepared via sol-gel routes on alumina substrates. The influence of antimony addition amount on electrical resistance of thin films is concluded. The relationship is plotted in the coordinates of logarithmic resistance against doping amount. On the basis of Schottky barrier model, a novel method is proposed to evaluate the width of depletion layer of semiconductive gas sensors by using the first order derivative of logarithmic resistance with respect to doping amount. Thus, the depletion layer width of the prepared antimony-doped thin film is calculated and its influencing factor is also discussed.
Development of Polymer-Permalloy Film Composites with or without Nanoparticles for Sensor and Microwave Applications
Authors: Marcano Prieto L. , Kurlyandskaya Galina V. , Petrov A.V. , Safronov A.P. , Murzakaev A.M.
Published: May 2015

We have prepared spherical nanoparticles (MNPs) of FeNi and Ni by the method of the electric explosion of wire and fabricated series of polymer/MNPs and polymer/MNPs/FeNi film composites aiming to develop a technology of fabrication of magnetic composites.
Simple Set-Up for Adiabatic Measurements of Magnetocaloric Effect
Authors: Álvarez-Alonso P. , López-García J. , Daniel-Perez G. , Salazar D. , Lázpita P. , Camarillo J.P. , Flores-Zuñiga H. , Rios-Jara D. , Sánchez-Llamazares J.L. , Chernenko V.A.
Published: May 2015

We present a cost-effective and robust set-up designed to measure directly the magnetic field-induced adiabatic temperature change. The system uses a piston to introduce/remove the sample to/from the magnetic field (μ0∆His up to 1.7T) created by an ordinary electromagnet. The temperature of the sample is controlled by a double pipe heat exchanger operating by the electrical heater and air flow circulation from a Dewar with liquid nitrogen to the sample holder assembly.We have measured the adiabatic temperature change, ΔTad, of two polycrystalline samples: Gd and Ni50Mn35In15Heusler alloy. At the second-order magnetic phase transitions (18oC for Gd and 42oC for Ni50Mn35In15), ΔTadunder μ0∆H=1.7T are 3.8±0.1oC for Gd and 1.9±0.1oC for Ni50Mn35In15. The Heusler alloy shows an inverse magnetocaloric effect: ΔTadis-1.5±0.1oC on cooling and-1.6±0.1oC on heating at the martensitic transformation temperatures of ~24oC and ~29oC, respectively.
Magneto-Optical Sensor Based on Fiber Bragg Gratings and a Magnetostrictive Material
Authors: Amat Rafael , García-Miquel H. , Barrera D. , Kurlyandskaya Galina V. , Sales S.
Published: May 2015

We have designed a magneto-optical sensor based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and Metglas 2605CO (Fe67Co18B14Si1) material with magnetostriction coefficient of 35ppm. The FBG sensor is glued between two sheets of Metglas. FBG-based detectors are sensitive to both temperature changes (approximately 10pm/°C) and mechanical stress (approx. 1.15pm). Also due to the thermal expansion of Metglas, it becomes imperative to isolate the joint effects of thermal expansion of Metglas and the FBG temperature drifts. This is achieved by introducing an additional FBG used as a temperature sensor. We have characterized the responses of the sensor in two directions simultaneously: parallel and perpendicular to the direction of the applied magnetic field.
Optimization of Distribution Functions for the Inverse Preisach Model by Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Amir Mounir , Zergoug Mourad , Azzi Siham , Sahnoun Mouhamed , Boudjerda Mounir
Published: May 2015

In the NDT procedure is very important to be informed about modification happened in structure in particular in the ISI. The prediction life can be studied by using the inverse problem. In our study an efficient method, called the inverse distribution function, for calculating the magnetic field strength H from the flux density B through the Preisach model is developed. According to this technique, H can be obtained from B by determining the parameters of the proposed distribution function using genetic algorithms. Various distributions functions will be studied to determine which function gives the best distribution for modeling the hysteresis loop and give maximum information with minimum error on what happened in the microstructure.
Graphite Dispersoids Enhance the Tribology of a Non-Ferrous Bulk Metallic Glass
Authors: Karalis K. , Tserotas P.
Published: May 2015

The tribological properties of a Zr-based bulk metallic glass were improved via dispersion of graphite particles into the alloy matrix. It was observed that both graphite and carbide particle dispersion led to a significant decrease of the coefficient of friction, at least two times lower compared to the original bulk metallic glass. The increased merit of such enhanced tribological properties lies in their combination with the particle-reinforced material high yield strength. We determined that graphite and, especially, carbide dispersion lead to a significant decrease of the material’s coefficient of friction (COF).
Evaluation of the Welding Zones’ Magnetic Anisotropy by Using Magnetic Barkhausen Noise
Authors: Sokos Charalampos
Published: May 2015

The present paper investigates the utilization of the magnetic Barkhausen noise method for the experimentally, nondestructive characterization of the magnetic anisotropy phenomenon, in a welded pipeline steel. The results shown that it is possible to distinguish the three welding zones in the curve of the anisotropy coefficient
Fully Ionized Plasmas and Nuclear Electron Capture Reactions
Authors: Widom A. , Swain J. , Srivastava Yogendra N.
Published: May 2015

Properties of fully ionized plasmas are discussed including plasma charge density oscillations and the screening of Coulombs law especially in the dilute classical Debye regime. In a kinetic model with two charged particle scattering events in the Boltzmann collision rates, the rate of electron capture induced plasma nuclear reactions is exhibited and veri es our previous results based on condensed matter electro-weak quantum eld theory.
Failure Detection Method for GaN-Based Dosimetric Systems
Authors: Guiral Pierrick , Galvan Jean Marc , Pittet Patrick , Wang Ruo Xi , Lu Guo Neng , Jalade Patrice , Dauvergne Denis
Published: May 2015

We propose a failure detection method for GaN-based dosimetric systems, which basically consist of a GaN-incorporated optical fiber probe coupled to a photodetection module. The method consists in introducing UV excitation with a 285nm LED, and detecting the photoluminescence (PL) of the GaN transducer centered at 380nm. Spectral analysis of the detected signal allows verification of normal operation and identification of failure cases, due to problems of GaN-fiber coupling and poor fiber connection between probe and photodetection module. The proposed method is implemented and experimentally tested, including the use of a 660nm LED to illuminate the probe to verify the transmission ratio between probe and photodetection module. The validity of this method has been verified.
Reliable LC3 and p62 autophagy marker detection in formalin fixed paraffin embedded human tissue by immunohistochemistry
Authors: SchlÃ¤fli A.M. , Berezowska S. , Adams O. , Langer R. , Tschan M.P.
Published: May 2015

Autophagy assures cellular homeostasis, and gains increasing importance in cancer, where it impacts on carcinogenesis, propagation of the malignant phenotype and development of resistance. To date, its tissue-based analysis by immunohistochemistry remains poorly standardized. Here we show the feasibility of specifically and reliably assessing the autophagy markers LC3B and p62 (SQSTM1) in formalin fixed and paraffin embedded human tissue by immunohistochemistry. Preceding functional experiments consisted of depleting LC3B and p62 in H1299 lung cancer cells with subsequent induction of autophagy. Western blot and immunofluorescence validated antibody specificity, knockdown efficiency and autophagy induction prior to fixation in formalin and embedding in paraffin. LC3B and p62 antibodies were validated on formalin fixed and paraffin embedded cell pellets of treated and control cells and finally applied on a tissue microarray with 80 human malignant and non-neoplastic lung and stomach formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tissue samples. Dot-like staining of various degrees was observed in cell pellets and 18/40 (LC3B) and 22/40 (p62) tumors, respectively. Seventeen tumors were double positive for LC3B and p62. P62 displayed additional significant cytoplasmic and nuclear staining of unknown significance. Interobserver-agreement for grading of staining intensities and patterns was substantial to excellent (kappa values 0.60 - 0.83). In summary, we present a specific and reliable IHC staining of LC3B and p62 on formalin fixed and paraffin embedded human tissue. Our presented protocol is designed to aid reliable investigation of dysregulated autophagy in solid tumors and may be used on large tissue collectives.
Bonding of contemporary glass ionomer cements to different tooth substrates; microshear bond strength and scanning electron microscope study
Authors: El Wakeel Aliaa Mohamed , Elkassas Dina Wafik , Yousry Mai Mahmoud
Published: May 2015

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the microshear bond strength (μSBS) and ultramorphological characterization of glass ionomer (GI) cements; conventional GI cement (Fuji IX, CGI), resin modified GI (Fuji II LC, RMGI) and nano-ionomer (Ketac N100, NI) to enamel, dentin and cementum substrates. Materials and Methods: Forty-five lower molars were sectioned above the cemento-enamel junction. The occlusal surfaces were ground flat to obtain enamel and dentin substrates, meanwhile the cervical one-third of the root portion were utilized to evaluate the bonding efficacy to cementum substrate. Each substrate received microcylinders from the three tested materials; which were applied according to manufacturer instructions. μSBS was assessed using a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post-hoc test. Modes of failure were examined using stereomicroscope at ×25 magnification. Interfacial analysis of the bonded specimens was carried out using environmental field emission scanning electron microscope. Results: Two-way ANOVA revealed that materials, substrates and their interaction had a statistically significant effect on the mean μSBS values at P values; <0.0001, 0.0108 and 0.0037 respectively. RMGI showed statistically significant the highest μSBS values to all examined tooth substrates. CGI and RMGI show substrate independent bonding efficiency, meanwhile; NI showed higher μSBS values to dentin and cementum compared to enamel. Conclusion: Despite technological development of GI materials, mainly the nano-particles use, better results have not been achieved for both investigations, when compared to RMGI, independent of tooth substrate.
A study of dentists’ preferences for the restoration of shortened dental arches with partial dentures
Authors: Nassani Mohammad Zakaria , Ibraheem Shukran , Al-Hallak Khaled Rateb , El Khalifa Mohammed Othman Ali , Baroudi Kusai
Published: May 2015

Objective: This study aimed to use a utility method in order to assess dentists’ preferences for the restoration of shortened dental arches (SDAs) with partial dentures. Also, the impact of patient age and length of the SDA on dentists’ preferences for the partial dentures was investigated. Materials and Methods: Totally, 104 subjects holding a basic degree in dentistry and working as staff members in a private dental college in Saudi Arabia were interviewed and presented with 12 scenarios for patients of different ages and mandibular SDAs of varying length. Participants were asked to indicate on a standardized visual analog scale how they would value the health of the patient's mouth if the mandibular SDAs were restored with cobalt-chromium removable partial dentures (RPDs). Results: With a utility value of 0.0 representing the worst possible health state for a mouth and 1.0 representing the best, dentists’ average utility value of the RPD for the SDAs was 0.49 (sd= 0.15). Mean utility scores of the RPDs across the 12 SDA scenarios ranged between 0.35 and 0.61. RPDs that restored the extremely SDAs attracted the highest utility values and dentists’ utility of the RPD significantly increased with the increase in the number of missing posterior teeth. No significant differences in dentists’ mean utility values for the RPD were identified among SDA scenarios for patients of different ages. Conclusion: Restoration of the mandibular SDAs by RPDs is not a highly preferred treatment option among the surveyed group of dentists. Length of the SDA affects dentists’ preferences for the RPD, but patient age does not.