bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-based Short-term Memory of Vocabulary Trained with Pease and Pease’s Multimodality
Authors: Arifuddin Hasan
Published: January 2013

Abstract Rose and Nicholl’s  view dealing with the effectiveness of multisensory learning seems contradictory with Pease and Pease’s theory regarding with gender-based multitasking. The present study aims at: 1)  determining the significance of the difference of STM of English vocabulary between males and females learned through different types of modalities; 2) testing  whether multimodality lowers  males’  STM of English vocabulary; and 3) exploring the trainees’ modality preference and their reasons based on sex.  This mix-methods study involved 60 subjects drawn through Allocation Random Sampling. Data were collected with tests, a structured questionnaire, an interview, a tape-recorder, observations and note-taking. They were analyzed with Two-way Anova, Chi-square (χ2) and cyclical qualitative analysis. It shows that: 1) there is a significant difference of  STM of English vocabulary between males and females trained with different types of modalities; 2) multimodality did not lower males’ STM of English vocabulary; and 3) Pease and Pease’s theory is not accepted. The effectiveness of a certain type of modality, their learning habits, and their school regulations  contribute to their  modality preference. Key words:  multitasking, multimodality, sex, short-term memory, training, development
A theoretical Framework about Leadership perspectives and Leadership styles in the Didactic Room
Authors: Augustsson Gunnar , Boström Lena
Published: January 2013

This paper presents leadership perspectives and leadership styles in the didactic room. The paper problematizes and develops new knowledge concerning the complex and often paradoxical circumstances that characterize teachers’ leadership. The aim is to develop new knowledge about teachers’ leadership perspectives and styles in the didactic room. Our literature review demonstrates a lack of an explicit and unifying concept that encompasses teachers’ various perspectives and behavioral styles in the didactic room. The meaning of the concept “perspective” precedes the implementation of an individual style of leadership by promoting alternative overviews that the teacher can use, depending on the context, situated activity/task, and student. Any style of leadership will then refer to a specific social behavior. Our result shows that using conscious didactic action skills, teachers can act more effectively and qualitatively better approach new and unpredictable problem situations. Keywords: Didactic, Leadership, Pedagogic, Perspective, Style
The Role of Emotionality and Power on Tendency to Unethical Behaviors
Authors: Safarzadeh Hossein , Soloukdar Alireza , Alipour Ali , Parpanchi Seyedeh Akram
Published: January 2013

Emotion and power have been studied very deeply especially during the last decade; however, the common effects of these two factors on individuals' optional behaviors (organizational citizenship, anti-productivity, unethical behaviors) have been less focused. In the present paper, the role of individuals' emotionality, their interest in power, and their tendency to unethical behaviors will be discussed according to the model of Levine. Three questionnaires were distributed and the collected data were analyzed using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient, Multiple Regression, and T- test. Findings indicated that there is a significant relationship between the two independent variables of emotionality and power and tendency to unethical behaviors. Moreover, according to the results of the tests, men are more emotion-oriented and power seekers than women. Keywords: Power, Emotion, Ethical Behaviors
Malthusian Population theory and the Nigerian Economy: A Political Economy Approach
Authors: Ewugi M.S. , Yakubu Illiyasu
Published: January 2013

Malthusian population theory was developed as a result of the rapid population growth rate and diminishing return in agricultural sector. Malthus observed geometric ratio growth in population vis-a-vis arithmetic ratio growth in food production and envisaged world “misery” or “vice” if not checked. Subsequent development in the world however, proved the theory wrong. But this work discovers that the predicted doom of population theory is manifesting in Nigeria - rapid population growth rate, food crises, large scale poverty, ethnic and religious conflict, HIV/AIDS epidemics, etc. Although, the aforementioned are in line with the theory’s predictions, Nigerian government operational modus favors these manifestations over the years. The work therefore, recommended that the judicial arm of government be made more efficient at law-enforcement, education sector be given appropriate budgetary attention to subdue poverty, diseases and health care predicaments. Thus, conclude that although, the theory is looked upon as primitive and wrong, the forecasted melancholies still exist in the 21st century Nigeria. Keywords: Population, Political Economy, Economic Growth
A Logistic Regression Model of Customer Satisfaction of Airline
Authors: Josephat Peter , Ismail Abbas
Published: January 2013

Evaluation of customer satisfaction differs from one study to another. Studies have been differing with their focus and coverage. Most of studies focused on evaluating factors influencing customer satisfaction or associate customer satisfaction and quality of services. This paper used logistic regression to develop customer satisfaction model for Precision Air. Five dimensions or variables have been considered: on time performance; aircraft safety; schedule integrity; on board services; and customer service.   Data used in this paper were collected from four major regions with many flights. These include Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Arusha and Kilimanjaro. A sample size of 272 passengers was selected. Convenience sampling was used to select the respondents. Primary data were collected in the field through questionnaire. Findings showed that out of the five independent variables only one variable is negatively related with satisfaction of airline passengers (customer services). In contrast, on time performance was satisfactory variable by most of passengers compared to the rest of explanatory variables. Airline safety, schedule integrity and on board services are positively related with passengers satisfaction. Relationship between customer services and satisfaction are negatively related which implies that, there is a need of finding strategies to improve customer services to customers. The paper recommends that the airline should maintain and improve on time performance as this is crucial variable for passenger’s satisfaction but other variables need more improvement. Keywords: Logistic, Logit, Dimension, On Time Performance, Aircraft Safety, Schedule Integrity, On Board Services, Customer Service
The Transformation of Nigeria’s Industrial Sector: Some Explanatory Variables
Authors: Gado N.D
Published: January 2013

With less than 5% contribution to GDP, Nigeria’s manufacturing sector needs transformation, if the country would achieve the leaders’ vision of being amongst the World 20 developed economies by the year 2020. Using a simple association, two impacting variables, FDI and electricity supply, were correlated with two performance variables of contribution to GDP and manufacturing Index. The results for FDI were conflicting to the theory, the anomaly were traced to deficiencies of enhancing institutions. The findings on electricity supply showed a robust positive relationship with the two performance measures of contribution to GDP and manufacturing index. A complete overhaul of the electricity industry combined with private public partnership and a revolutionary handling of corruption were recommended to bring in more FDI and to make them count for development.
Designing a Model for Processes Reengineering through Applying Agility Enterprise Architecture Framework and Priority of its Implementation Phases
Authors: Javadi Mohammad Hossain Moshref , Rabbanimehr Maedeh , Foruzan Majid
Published: January 2013

In the current condition of the world and with regards to the world competition, organizational existence has become the most important problem of the managers. The success secret of current organizations depends on setting their ultimate goals and objectives outside of the organization. In another word, in a safe organization, goal is to serve its customers. In this regard, the meaning of agility is to reach customer’s wants and desires by wastages elimination in all sections of the organization. Therefore, sometimes an organizations in order to reach such objectives need to implement fundamental changes.Agility enterprise architecture is an architectural framework for organizational reengineering in designing, developing, integrating and performing a agility organization in applying systems engineering methods. With regards to the discussion of information technology and systems engineering in today’s organizations which is considered important. In this article, it is tried to study processes reengineering with the use of agility enterprise architectural reengineering framework with focusing on competitive intelligence and its practical phases. Eventually, reasons for importance of agility enterprise architecture, summary and results along with propositions will be explained. The research results indicated that the proposed framework has some benefits which among the most important ones are: Improvement quality in organization, delivering just in time of goods, enhancing customer satisfaction, wastages elimination and as a results decreasing costs. Overall, the benefits gained from this model can create stability in the world competition.Key words: Processes reengineering, enterprise architecture, agility production, competitive intelligence, AHP
The Effect of Gender and Online Collaborative Learning Strategy to Student Learning Motivation
Authors: Sulisworo Dwi
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the effectiveness of online collaborative learning especially using the wiki to improve student learning motivation. This paper also seek the possibility gender will affected to the learning motivation in this environment. The article explores for the possibility to design the collaborative learning on the Jig Saw technique framework using wiki. The paper reports the findings from a quantitative research which had two independent variable i.e. gender and learning strategy. The control group was classroom based collaborative learning and the experimental group was online collaborative learning. The dependent variable was student motivation learning which measured by questionnaire. The proposed hypotheses were tested using two way ANOVA that to find the main effect of gender and learning strategy, and the interaction of both variables. The findings of this research is that gender did not give significant effect to student learning motivation. But, learning strategy gave the significant effect to student learning strategy which the online collaborative learning had better effect to the motivation than classroom based collaborative learning.  Both independent variable had slight interaction but statistically not significant. The results presented here will assist researchers, teachers or lecturers, and higher-education administrators to take the beneficial of the wiki to improve student learning motivation that would increase the learning performance as well.
Improving NESB Students’ Learning in Communication Through Simulating Social Media: An Australian Case Study
Authors: Gill Robert Joseph
Published: January 2013

Australian universities are mindful of graduating students who are prepared for the workforce.  A growing trend in organisational communication is the use of digital/electronic media to communicate with stakeholders, and many universities are now adopting pedagogy that simulates professional use of social media.International students who come from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB) and are new to Australian university study can often struggle with understanding information that is delivered verbally, particularly when delivered under the traditional lecture/tutorial or didactic approach. The use of online communication in the curriculum can improve employability skills and heighten comprehension for NESB students.This paper examines results by NESB students mainly from Chinese universities studying through a collaborative articulated pathway program who have completed the core communication unit between 2010 and 2012. The majority of these students have come from limited English-speaking environments. The paper analyses their results and uses contemporary literature to form conclusions on cognitive capabilities for the NESB cohort when studying this introductory unit on-campus.The student results and the literature analysed demonstrates that NESB students perform better when comprehending and consolidating knowledge delivered through interactivity involving digital communication, primarily e-text-based content that simulates social media. It concludes that electronic communication based on social media model can heighten NESB student engagement and improve employability.
Turkish Marbling and Gifted Children
Authors: Gur Cagla
Published: January 2013

Gifted children display different characteristics, attitudes and behaviours not only from their peers but also from one another. Gifted children should not mean a single type of children with similar characteristics. On the contrary, these children display different characteristics not only from other children but also from other gifted peers. For the teachers of young children it is very difficult to find an activity that is suitable and contributes to the development of these children. In this circumstance, Turkish marbling might be helpful for   the teachers. Although Turkish marbling (Ebru) is mentioned as a difficult art in various resources, it can be applied to children by using ready-to-use dyes and ready-to-use gum tragacanth. After all, marbling can be turned into an enjoyable activity by giving the children the opportunity to discover different characteristics of marbling and by not forcing them applying the marbling by using traditional techniques perfectly. Marbling activities done with children show that, pre-school and primary school children find it enjoyable and like to participate in these activities. Such characteristics of marbling as (a) giving opportunities for originality, (b) teaching patience, (c) experimenting, (d) allowing works in different in different ability levels, (e) relaxing and anxiety recovery, (f) suitability for different age groups, (g) giving chance for personal progression suits the needs of gifted children thus making it very advantageous for these children. Therefore, it is thought that marbling might make important contributions for the development of gifted children.
Effectiveness of Multimedia in the Development of Teachers Training Institutes at Tertiary Level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan)
Authors: Suleman Qaiser , Behan Zulfiqar Ali , Fanoos Azra
Published: January 2013

Educational technology plays a fundamental role in enhancing teaching learning process. It has facilitated instructional process and made it more effective, dynamic and productive (Suleman, et al. 2012). The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of the multimedia in the development of teachers training institutes at tertiary level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The objectives of the study were; (a) to find out the effects of multimedia on the educational attainment of prospective teachers at tertiary level (b) to determine whether teaching through multimedia is more effective than the traditional method of teaching at tertiary level (c) to examine the effects of multimedia on the educational attainment of higher and low achievers (d) to investigate whether the prospective teachers can retain the learning for a longer time when they taught through multimedia and (e) to make workable recommendations to enhance the teaching learning process through multimedia and other educational technologies. All the prospective teachers studying in public and private teachers training institutes at tertiary level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to the prospective teachers of Kohsar Public Schools and College Latamber (Karak) and Hussan Model Degree College Chokara (Karak) studying at B.Ed level. The study was further delimited to the subject of Teacher Education. Forty prospective teachers of B.Ed level from these two institutions were selected as sample of the study. Sample prospective teachers were divided into two groups i.e. control group and experimental group on the basis of pre-test. Each group was comprised of 20 prospective teachers. The study was experimental in nature therefore pre-test and post-test research design was used as research instrument. After statistical analysis of the data, the researchers arrived at the results that multimedia plays a fundamental role in teaching of teacher training programmes at tertiary level. Multimedia was found to be more effective in clarifying difficult concepts of the prospective teachers. The students of experimental group showed extraordinary performance as compared to the students of control group. On the basis of the findings, it is strongly recommended that provision of multimedia should be ensured and utilized in teachers training institutes at tertiary level..Keywords: Effectiveness, Multimedia, Development, Teacher Training Institutes, Tertiary Level
Adolescents’ Intuitive Appraisal, Attributions and Emotions for their Relationships with their Parents
Authors: Stephanou Georgia , Gkavras Georgios
Published: January 2013

This study study aimed to examine (a) adolescents’ attributions and emotions for their subjectively perceived good and bad relationships with their parents, (b) the association of the intuitive and attributional appraisals of the adolescent-parent relationship with the subsequent emotions, and (c) the role of the perceived importance of the good adolescent-parent relationship in the generation of attributions and emotions, and in the impact of attributions on emotions. The sample comprised 670 adolescents, both genders, aged 14-17 years old, representing various parental socioeconomic levels. The results showed that: (a) It was extremely important for the adolescents to have good relationships with their parents, (b) the perceived good adolescent-parent relationships were attributed to internal, stable and personal controllable factors, along with parent- and self-parent interactive- related factors, while the estimated as bad relationships were attributed to external, stable, personal uncontrollable and external controllable factors (parents’ negative properties), (c) the adolescents experienced intense positive and negative emotions (mainly, general / outcome- dependent) for the perceived good and bad relationships with their parents, respectively, (d) both intuitive and attributional appraisals of the relationship were associated with the emotions, particularly in the perceived bad adolescent-parent relationship, and (e) the relative strength of the association of the attributional dimensions with the emotions varied between the perceived good and bad adolescent-parent relationship and across the various emotions. Keywords: Adolescent-Parent Relationship, Attributions, Emotions, Intuitive Appraisal.
Comparative Study of Culture in Kurdish and Farsi Proverbs
Authors: Yousefi Hadi
Published: January 2013

Proverbs are considered as part of folklore or public literature and one of important cultural treasures. Hence, discussing and studying proverbs can make us familiar with cultural aspects, value and norms of the owners of those proverbs. In this study Kurdish and Farsi proverbs are investigated based on cultural components and its species are presented and classified based on the same components. The present study shows that Kurdish and Farsi proverbs have spoken of two categories of values and norms, and anti-values and abnormalities, first, positive values and norms such as encouraging to truthfulness, effort, patience and tolerance, pragmatic, wise, etc; and second, negative values and in other words anti-values and abnormal action that they have been blame such as lying, avarice, cruelty, etc; also based on Malinowski’s theory, the three individual, social and combined functions are conceivable   Keywords: Culture, Value, Norm, Anti-Value, Kurdish proverbs, Farsi proverbs, etc.
Leadership and its Influence in Organizations – A Review of Intellections
Authors: Ali Akbar
Published: January 2013

The objective of writing this paper is to understand theories and concept that how should a leadership be working, and influence the personnel to reach out a common cause.  Northhouse (2004) delivered four very common themes i.e. leadership is a process, it involves influence, it occurs in group context and involves goal attainment.  Similarly wisdom from many eminent scholars has been explored to comprehend that how a leader should perform in the organization to achieve the goals efficiently and effectively.  One very important and innovative responsibility has been extended towards the leaders in organizations i.e. he has to convert himself from Boss to COGAL which stands for “Creators of Growth and Learning” through adopting a mechanism of learning of skills, competencies and good behaviors, leaders can be developed in the organizations who subsequently can really make the difference. This responsibility towards getting high degree of performance lies not only with the overall administration but as well on each of the manager in the unit. Key Words: Influence, Wisdom, Competencies, COGAL, Performance and Mechanism.
Designing a New Model in Order to Convey the Voice of Employees and Customers to Organization's Processes
Authors: Rabbanimehr Maedeh , Jaafarnejad Ahmad , Allameh Sayyed Mohsen , Davoodi Sayyed Mohammadreza
Published: January 2013

Purpose of this paper is to create a model for designing a new model in order to convey the voice of employees and customers to organization's processes. Historical study and field study methods are used to collect data and questionnaire is tool of data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics methods, ranking and matrix analysis method in Quality Function Deployment have been used for data analysis. The outcomes imply that prioritization of European Foundation for Quality Management enablers and employees and customers satisfaction factors are different before and after the use of Quality Function Deployment. Also, other outcomes include reduction of gap between managers and employees and customers; creation of a suitable atmosphere for the development of effective and coordinated relationship between managers and employees and customers; and development of the European Foundation for Quality Management model. Keywords: Quality Function Deployment, European Foundation for Quality Management, Enablers, voice of employees and customers
Human Capital Need in Islamic Finance Education: A Case of Australia
Authors: Bhatti M. Ishaq
Published: January 2013

The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate training requirement for human capital needed in the emerging field of Islamic Finance (IF) industry in Australisian region. It proposes the structure of the curriculum which can build bridges among multi-culture/faith communities based on sound understanding of finance and Shariah in the western democratic societies where Muslims are in minorities. It presents a case study of La Trobe University’s pioneering Master of Islamic Banking and Finance (MIBF) degree structure and an online six week’s e-learning short course on Islamic Finance Professional Development (IFPD) jointly with Ethica Institute in UAE. The course is then linked with various components of the professional bodies, like Masters’ in professional accounting (MPA), financial analysis (MFA), and MBA (restricted to electives only), CFA, GARP and then extension to PhD level education in IF. The paper addresses various aspects of IF education such as the significance of knowledge, curriculum design, procedures in acquiring support from within the University academic community, challenges in marketing the course and the needed research backing. It also reviews some illustrating statistics to support the need for the course in Australasian region and highlight statistical finding of our MIBF alumni. The paper closes with final remarks and recommendations to industry and policy makers.
Improving Vocabulary Learning in Foreign Language Learning Through Reciprocal Teaching Strategy
Authors: Ahmadi Mohammad Reza , Ismail Hairul Nizam , Abdullah Muhammad Kamarul Kabilan
Published: January 2013

Vocabulary learning is one of the most important factors that foreign language learners encounter during the process of learning a foreign language. Vocabulary learning used to be a neglected aspect of language learning. In recent years, however, interest in this area has grown enormously. Language teachers have been keen in searching for effective approaches to enhance vocabulary learning. Vocabulary learning is more important than familiarity with the form and meaning of a word. This paper has suggested reciprocal teaching strategy as a main factor to improve students’ vocabulary learning in a foreign language. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether ‘reciprocal teaching strategy improves students vocabulary learning or not. Reciprocal teaching consists of four basic reading strategies: predicting, questioning, clarifying, and summarizing. Cognitive and meta-cognitive strategies are the reciprocal teaching strategies used to enhance students’ vocabulary learning. The lack of good vocabulary learning skills is a main obstacle in a foreign language. One solution to this problem of poor vocabulary skill is the explicit teaching of vocabulary learning strategy. Researcher is going to define the key words, explain the models of vocabulary process, follow reciprocal teaching strategies, discuss cognitive and meta-cognitive strategies and elaborate the related research on reciprocal teaching, and state relationship between reciprocal teaching and vocabulary learning. The findings indicated that reciprocal teaching had a significantly positive effect on the foreign language learning. Keywords: Vocabulary learning, Reciprocal teaching, cognitive strategy, meta-cognitive strategy
Amelioration of Violence in Tertiary Institution in Nigeria
Authors: .A Dosunmu Simeon , B. Aromolaran Adedayo
Published: January 2013

There is no doubting the fact that eruption of violence in most tertiary institutions nowadays is as a result of dwindling social relationship and loss of cultural values. The unsatisfying consequence therefore, has really taken its toll on the overall development of the educational sector. This paper examines violence in tertiary institution and proffer solutions that will in no   small measures reawaken cultural values.
A Cognitive Analysis of Advance Student-Teachers’ Reading Performance in an ESL Context
Authors: Stephen Billy Olajide
Published: January 2013

Reading, a literacy skill with fundamental contribution to intellectual development, is cognitively ignited, propelled and actualized. For nearly a century, scholars have concerned themselves with exploring the cognitive basis of reading in order to improve comprehension performance. In Nigeria where English is a Second Language (ESL), worries have been expressed that student-teachers in Colleges of Education, like other categories of learners, are poor readers. The problem has been attributed partly to poor cognitive skills, and it has implication for teacher preparation: it may have adverse effects on the future of secondary school learners who are supposed to be taught by the student-teachers after the latter might have graduated from the colleges. In this paper, an attempt is at identifying, quantifying and evaluating the cognitive components of the comprehension performance of the advance student-teachers with a view to showing how such components may be enhanced in teacher preparation program for greater national development and progress.
Long-Term Parental Unemployment in Childhood and Subsequent Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Fuller-Thomson Esme , Mehta Rukshan , Sulman Joanne
Published: January 2013

Objective. The association between long-term parental unemployment in childhood and chronic fatigue syndrome was examined in a population-based sample of women. Methods. A secondary analysis of data from a regionally representative sample of women (n=7,288) from the Canadian Community Health Survey (2005) was conducted using logistic regression. Age and race as well as the following clusters of factors were controlled for: (1) other childhood adversities, (2) adult health behaviors and hypertension, (3) adult stressors and socioeconomic status, and (4) adult mental health. Results. When adjusting for age and race only, the odds ratio of chronic fatigue syndrome among those reporting parental unemployment was 4.12 (95% CI: 2.60, 6.52) compared to those not reporting parental unemployment. When controlling for age and race plus all four clusters of factors the odds ratio for chronic fatigue syndrome dropped slightly to 3.05 (95% CI: 1.81, 5.14), but remained statistically significant. Conclusions. This study provides evidence for a significant association between long-term parental unemployment in childhood and chronic fatigue syndrome even after controlling for a wide range of potential risk factors.
La vulnerabilidad de las especies frente al cambio climático, un reto urgente para la conservación de la biodiversidad
Authors: Arribas P. , Abellan P. , Velasco J. , Bilton D.T. , Lobo J.M. , Millán A. , Sánchez-Fernández D.
Published: January 2013

El actual cambio climático constituye una de las principales amenazas para el futuro de la biodiversidad. A pesar de que recientemente se han realizado numerosos estudios evaluando los efectos del cambio climático sobre la biodiversidad, esta información apenas se ha traducido en propuestas de gestión concretas que permitan minimizar su impacto sobre las especies. En este trabajo se recogen algunos de estos estudios (con especial énfasis en los centrados en la Península Ibérica), y se discuten (con ejemplos) algunos conceptos fundamentales en este campo, como los factores que determinan la vulnerabilidad de una especie frente al cambio climático y su vinculación con propuestas de estrategias de gestión concretas.
High‐Efficiency Polymer Solar Cells Achieved by Doping Plasmonic Metallic Nanoparticles into Dual Charge Selecting Interfacial Layers to Enhance Light Trapping
Authors: Yang Xi , Chueh Chu‐Chen , Li Chang‐Zhi , Yip Hin‐Lap , Yin Peipei , Chen Hongzheng , Chen Wen‐Chang , Jen Alex K‐Y.
Published: January 2013

Significantly increased power conversion efficiency (PCE) of polymer solar cells (PSCs) is achieved by applying a plasmonic enhanced light trapping strategy to a low bandgap conjugated polymer, poly(indacenodithiophene‐ co‐phananthrene‐quinoxaline) (PIDT‐PhanQ) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) based bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) system. By doping both the rear and front charge‐selecting interfacial layers of the device with different sizes of Au NPs, the PCE of the devices is improved from 6.65% to 7.50% (13% enhancement). A detailed study of processing, characterization, microscopy, and device fabrication is conducted to understand the underlying mechanism for the enhanced device performance. The success of this work provides a simple and generally applicable approach to enhance light harnessing of low bandgap polymers in PSCs.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in brain samples from patients with major psychiatric disorders: Gene expression profiles, MtDNA content and presence of the MtDNA common deletion
Authors: Torrell Helena , Montaña Elena , Abasolo Nerea , Roig Bàrbara , Gaviria Ana M. , Vilella Elisabet , Martorell Lourdes
Published: January 2013

Several lines of evidence support a mitochondrial dysfunction in major psychiatric disorders. The objective of this study was to determine whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) expression or content are implicated in the mitochondrial dysfunction observed in schizophrenia (SCH), bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). MtDNA gene expression and mtDNA content (including the MT‐ND4 deletion) were measured by RT‐qPCR and qPCR, respectively. Post‐mortem brain tissue from 60 subjects, divided evenly into four diagnostic groups (SCH, BD, MDD, and control (C)), was analyzed. MT‐ND1 gene expression was significantly increased in the BD group compared with the C group. MDD and SCH patients showed a similar pattern of mtDNA expression, which was different from that in BD patients. Similarly, a larger number of MDD and SCH patients tended to have the MT‐ND4 gene deleted compared with BD and C subjects. However, no other significant differences were observed in mtDNA gene expression and mtDNA content. Notably, high variability was observed in the mtDNA gene expression and content in each diagnostic group. Previous studies and the present work provide evidence for a role of mtDNA in SCH, BD and MDD. However, further studies with larger patient and control groups as well as by analyzing distinct brain regions are needed to elucidate the role of mtDNA in major psychiatric disorders. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Light‐driven biocatalysis with cytochrome P450 peroxygenases
Authors: Girhard Marco , Kunigk Elmar , Tihovsky Svetlana , Shumyantseva Victoria V. , Urlacher Vlada B.
Published: January 2013

The cytochrome P450 peroxygenases P450Bsβ (CYP152A1) from Bacillus subtilis and P450Cla (CYP152A2) from Clostridium acetobutylicum belong to a unique group of P450s with high synthetic potential. They consume hydrogen peroxide via the peroxide shunt and therefore do not require additional electron transfer proteins for biocatalytic activity. Their high synthetic potential is, however, impaired by their rather poor operational stability in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Herein, we report the use of a light‐driven approach utilizing light‐excited flavins (riboflavin, flavin mononucleotide, or flavin adenine dinucleotide) and the electron donor ethylenediaminetetraacetate as the electron source for the in situ generation of hydrogen peroxide. This approach represents a simple and easily applicable way to promote oxyfunctionalization reactions catalyzed by P450 peroxygenases and is useful for biocatalysis with these enzymes.
Trimeric l‐N‐carbamoylase from newly isolated Brevibacillus reuszeriHSN1: A potential biocatalyst for production of l‐α‐amino acids
Authors: Nandanwar Hemraj S. , Vohra Rakesh M. , Hoondal Gurinder S.
Published: January 2013

l‐N‐carbamoylase was isolated from Brevibacillus reuszeri HSN1 and purified to homogeneity in three steps, which is a reasonably short protocol for native l‐N‐carbamoylase. The enzyme purification protocol resulted in ≈60‐fold purification of l‐N‐carbamoylase with specific activity of 145 µmol/Min/mg. The subunit and native molecular mass were found to be 44.3 and 132 kDa, respectively. Temperature and pH optima were determined as 50°C and 8.5, respectively. The enzyme had retained ≈86% activity at 50°C when incubated for 60 Min and the half‐life was determined as 180 Min at 50°C. N‐carbamoyl‐l‐methionine (l‐N‐CMet) was found to be a preferred substrate with Km and Vmax values of ≈13.5 mM and ≈103 µmol/Min/mg, respectively. The broad substrate specificity with derivatives of N‐carbamoyl amino acids is advantageous to be a better biocatalyst for production of corresponding l‐α‐amino acids. The enzyme activity was enhanced by 73% in the presence of 0.8 mM Mn2+ ion during the biotransformation. In the batch experiment, ≈97% conversion of 5.0% l‐N‐CMet into enantiomerically pure l‐methionine was achieved in 10 H when carried out at pH 8.0, 45°C, and 15% wet (w/v) cell loading, under controlled conditions. The overall merits of this enzyme show promise as a potential biocatalyst for l‐α‐amino acid production.
Evaluation of the urinary threshold concentration of formoterol in sports drug testing
Authors: Ventura Rosa , Damasceno Lucia M. P. , Ramírez Rosalía , Farré Magí , Bergés Rosa , Segura Jordi
Published: January 2013

The use of formoterol in sports is allowed by inhalation at the maximum recommended therapeutic dose. Recently, a threshold concentration of 30 ng.mL‐1 was defined by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) to distinguish between therapeutic and forbidden use of formoterol. The objective of this work was to evaluate that threshold concentration. Concentrations of formoterol were measured in urine samples collected after administration of 18 µg of inhaled formoterol to five healthy volunteers, and in samples collected in routine doping tests belonging to athletes having declared inhaled formoterol use. Formoterol was detected up to 8 h after administration in all volunteers with concentrations up to 19.6 ng.mL‐1. From 28 routine samples, 27 had less than 10 ng.mL‐1 of formoterol and only in one of the samples the concentration was 25 ng.mL‐1. Therefore, administration of formoterol by inhalation at the maximum dose allowed by WADA will not produce false positive results using a threshold concentration of 30 ng.mL‐1, and the experience up to now in routine doping tests indicates that the probability of obtaining urines with concentrations greater than 30 ng.mL‐1 is close to nil. For this reason, sports authorities should re‐evaluate the need of a threshold concentration for formoterol and its practical usefulness. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation model for magnetic properties of stamped electrical steel sheet
Authors: Kashiwara Yoshiyuki , Fujimura Hiroshi , Okamura Kazuo , Imanishi Kenji , Yashiki Hiroyoshi
Published: January 2013

Less deterioration in the magnetic properties of electrical steel sheets in the process of stamping out the iron core is necessary in order to maintain performance. First, the influence of plastic strain and stress on the magnetic properties is studied using test pieces, in which plastic strain is added uniformly and residual stress is not induced. Because the influence of plastic strain is expressed using the equivalent plastic strain, at each equivalent plastic strain state the influence of the load stress is investigated. Second, the elastic limit is determined to be about 60% of the macroscopic yield point (MYP), and this agrees with the stress limit inducing irreversible deterioration in the magnetic properties. Therefore, simulation models, in which excess elastic limit plastic deformation begins and the magnetic properties deteriorate sharply, are proposed. Additional points taken into consideration in the deformation analysis are the strain rate sensitivity of flow stress, the anisotropy under deformation, and the influence of stress triaxiality on fracture. Finally, the proposed models are shown to be valid because the magnetic properties of rectangular sheets 5 mm wide stamped out from a nonoriented electrical steel sheet (35A250 JIS grade) can be estimated with good accuracy. It is concluded that the elastic limit must be taken into account in both the stamping process simulation and magnetic field calculation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 183(2): 1–11, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22269
Analytical study of optimal layout of permanent magnet in IPMSM for generating sinusoidal flux‐density distribution in air gap
Authors: Kondo Minoru
Published: January 2013

This paper demonstrates an analytical optimization method for rotor designs of interior permanent magnet synchronous machines with multiple flux‐barriers. In particular, this study focuses on the optimal layout of permanent magnets for generating a sinusoidal flux density distribution in the air gap. In addition, practical design methods for realizing the optimal layout are proposed, and the designs are verified through finite‐element analyses. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 183(2): 39–46, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22344
Production of CO2‐free hydrogen from methane dissociation: A review
Authors: Yan Wei , Hoekman S. Kent
Published: January 2013

Thermocatalytic dissociation of methane is a promising route to produce CO2‐free hydrogen and pure carbon. In this article, comparisons are made between thermocatalytic dissociation and steam reforming of methane, which currently is the dominant process for producing hydrogen. Use of catalysts offers great potential to achieve thermal dissociation of methane at moderate temperatures. Development and use of both metal‐based and carbon‐based catalysts are summarized, and three types of reactors used for thermocatalytic dissociation of methane are described. Significant CO2 emissions result from production of process heat and catalystregeneration. However, these emissions can be greatly reduced by use of new, robust, and high‐performance catalysts combined with innovative reactors and processes. Economic assessments are presented to confirm the feasibility of thermocatalytic dissociation technology for large‐scale production of hydrogen. Such an approach offers a possible route to a fossil‐based “H2‐C” infrastructure, whereby bothhydrogen and carbon are used in high‐value applications. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 213–219, 2014
Chronology and paleoenvironmental interpretation of talus flatiron sequences in a sub‐humid mountainous area: Tremp Depression, Spanish Pyrenees
Authors: Roqué Carles , Linares Rogelio , Zarroca Mario , Rosell Joan , Pellicer Xavier M. , Gutiérrez Francisco
Published: January 2013

Talus flatirons are debris‐covered relict slopes, disconnected from the source area, which are relatively common in arid and semi‐arid areas. Talus flatiron sequences record the alternation of accumulation and incision phases. These chronosequences may be used for infer temporal changes in the morphogenetic processes acting on the slopes as well as information on the local paleoclimatic history. Talus flatiron sequences developed in the Tremp Depression, eastern Spanish Pyrenees, are analysed from the geomorphological, chronological and paleoenvironmental perspective. The two groups of relict slopes differentiated by means of detailed geomorphological mapping have been dated by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and radiocarbon dating at 25–20 kyr (S3) and 5·4–1·7 cal kyr (S2). The talus flatiron group S3 is correlated with a fluvial terrace of the Noguera Pallaresa River (c. 23 kyr bp). The comparison of the ages obtained in the Tremp Depression with chronologies published for talus flatiron sequences in semi‐arid areas and other paleoclimatic proxies suggests that the aggradation phases in the slopes occurred during periods with higher humidity and vegetation cover. The chronological differences observed between semi‐arid Spain and the Tremp Depression may be partly related to the more humid climate of the latter mountain area. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of thermal reaction and microbial transformation on the odour of human urine
Authors: Troccaz Myriam , Niclass Yvan , Anziani Pauline , Starkenmann Christian
Published: January 2013

The typical stale urine odour is the consequence of thermal or bacterial degradation. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, equipped with a multi‐sniffing port for olfactive evaluation (GC‐MS‐O), was performed to analyse an organic extract of boiled urine originating from seven male donors. This analysis stressed the importance of guaiacol, 2‐methoxy‐4‐ and ‐6‐methyl phenol, 4‐vinyl‐guaiacol, indole, skatole and vanillin in urine malodour. Analysis of the headspace of the highly volatile compounds showed the occurrence of trimethylamine, methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide. However, odour artefacts such as pyrazines, acetyl thiazole and sugar degradation products were formed during the boiling process and represented important background noise. In parallel, fermented urine samples were judged by sniffing to be more characteristic of a urine smell, due to the presence of methional, phenol, p‐cresol and α‐androstenol. The two urine‐isolated Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia fergusonii and Morganella morganii (urease positive), were particularly efficient at increasing urine pH and generating phenol, p‐cresol, indole, dimethyl sulfide and trimethylamine after 3 days of incubation of sterile male urine at 37 °C. Streptococcus agalactiae produced a high level of α‐androstenol, whereas Micrococcus luteus CIP 103664 and isolated anaerobic bacteria did not produce any malodours. Analytical comparisons between boiled and fermented aged urine revealed that incubation of sterile urine with a bacterial mixture of E. fergusonii, Enterococcus faecalis, Citrobacter koseri, S. agalactiae and M. morganii produced a representative aged urine odour. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzyme‐catalysed hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine for the production of lysophosphatidylcholine
Authors: Baeza‐Jiménez Ramiro , López‐Martínez Leticia X. , Otero Cristina , Kim In‐Hwan , García Hugo S.
Published: January 2013

Background

Production of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) via enzyme‐catalysed hydrolysis was studied. Three enzymes were employed to conduct the reactions at different temperatures. The starting material, phosphatidylcholine (PC), was dispersed in water (system A) and in ethanol (system B) to define the reaction mixture to carry out the trials.

Results

It was found that the media employed and the type of biocatalyst (free or immobilized), clearly determine the kinetics of the reactions. PC was well dissolved in ethanol but an opaque emulsion was obtained when it was dissolved in water. Immobilized PLA1 and Novozym 435 were able to convert PC into LPC in ethanol, with yields of 50% and 58.51%, respectively, after 48 h at 50 °C. The highest degree of hydrolysis (70%) was reached with Lipase PS after 48 h at 60 °C in water.

Conclusions

Both reaction media enabled fairly good yields but water was better. The present work proposes a simple reaction scheme compared with other reports in the literature where different substrates, additives and polar solvents have been employed. LPC has interesting properties as a bioemulsifier, which led us to develop new methods for its production. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Processing fish press waters using metallic and ceramic filtration
Authors: Pérez‐Gálvez Raúl , Guadix Emilia M. , Bergé Jean‐Pascal , Guadix Antonio
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

The press juices resulting from a compacting operation on fish by‐products were subjected to a depuration treatment in order to reduce the high COD (120 g O2 L–1). The process included an initial de‐particulation step by means of two metallic filter cartridges of 465 µm and 250 µm, followed by concentration with a 200 nm ultrafiltration ceramic membrane. The polishing efficiency of each unit was assessed in terms of COD and protein removal.

RESULTS

Dead‐end metallic filtration of the press waters reduced their suspended matter content by 28%, but achieved only 5.6% decrease in chemical oxygen demand (COD), which suggested further processing by membrane ultrafiltration. The de‐particulated stream was then subjected to ultrafiltration for 8 h in batch concentration mode, attaining a COD reduction of 87%. The observed flux of permeate was successfully fitted to a cake‐forming model adapted to cross‐flow filtration. The permeability of the fouled membrane was completely restored (99.87%) by a cleaning treatment comprising an alkali step with NaOH and a final disinfection with NaOCl.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment proposed has proved to be a feasible technology, able to render a final permeate with reduced organic load. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry