bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type-II quantum wells with tensile-strained GaAsSb layers for interband cascade lasers with tailored valence band mixing
Authors: Motyka M. , Dyksik M. , Ryczko K. , Weih R. , Dallner M. , Höfling S. , Kamp M. , Sęk G. , Misiewicz J.
Published: March 2016

Optical properties of modified type II W-shaped quantum wells have been investigated with the aim to be utilized in interband cascade lasers. The results show that introducing a tensely strained GaAsSb layer, instead of a commonly used compressively strained GaInSb, allows employing the active transition involving valence band states with a significant admixture of the light holes. Theoretical predictions of multiband k·p theory have been experimentally verified by using photoluminescence and polarization dependent photoreflectance measurements. These results open a pathway for practical realization of mid-infrared lasing devices with uncommon polarization properties including, for instance, polarization-independent midinfrared light emitters.
Note: On-chip multifunctional fluorescent-magnetic Janus helical microswimmers
Authors: Hwang G. , Decanini D. , Leroy L. , Haghiri-Gosnet A. M.
Published: March 2016

Microswimmers integrated into microfluidic devices that are capable of self-illumination through fluorescence could revolutionize many aspects of technology, especially for biological applications. Few illumination and propulsion techniques of helical microswimmers inside microfluidic channels have been demonstrated. This paper presents the fabrication, detachment, and magnetic propulsions of multifunctional fluorescent-magnetic helical microswimmers integrated inside microfluidics. The fabrication process is based on two-photon laser lithography to pattern 3-D nanostructures from fluorescent photoresist coupled with conventional microfabrication techniques for magnetic thin film deposition by shadowing. After direct integration inside a microfluidic device, injected gas bubble allows gentle detachment of the integrated helical microswimmers whose magnetic propulsion can then be directly applied inside the microfluidic channel using external electromagnetic coil setup. With their small scale, fluorescence, excellent resistance to liquid/gas surface tension, and robust propulsion capability inside the microfluidic channel, the microswimmers can be used as high-resolution and large-range mobile micromanipulators inside microfluidic channels.
Optical integration of Pancharatnam-Berry phase lens and dynamical phase lens
Authors: Ke Yougang , Liu Yachao , Zhou Junxiao , Liu Yuanyuan , Luo Hailu , Wen Shuangchun
Published: March 2016

In the optical system, most elements such as lens, prism, and optical fiber are made of silica glass. Therefore, integrating Pancharatnam-Berry phase elements into silica glass has potential applications in the optical system. In this paper, we take a lens, for example, which integrates a Pancharatnam-Berry phase lens into a conventional plano-convex lens. The spin states and positions of focal points can be modulated by controlling the polarization states of the incident beam. The proposed lens has a high transmission efficiency, and thereby acts as a simple and powerful tool to manipulate spin photons. Furthermore, the method can be conveniently extended to the optical fiber and laser cavity, and may provide a route to the design of the spin-photonic devices.
Measurement of bi-directional ion acceleration along a convergent-divergent magnetic nozzle
Authors: Zhang Yunchao , Charles Christine , Boswell Rod
Published: March 2016

Bi-directional plasma expansion resulting in the formation of ion beams travelling in opposite directions is respectively measured in the converging and diverging parts of a magnetic nozzle created using a low-pressure helicon radio-frequency plasma source. The axial profile of ion saturation current along the nozzle is closely correlated to that of the magnetic flux density, and the ion “swarm” has a zero convective velocity at the magnetic throat where plasma generation is localized, thereby balancing the bi-directional particle loss. The ion beam potentials measured on both sides of the magnetic nozzle show results consistent with the maximum plasma potential measured at the throat.
Study of polymeric nanocomposites prepared by inserting graphene and / or Ag, Au and ZnO nanoparticles in a TEGDA polymer matrix, by means of the use of dielectric spectroscopy
Authors: Alzari Valeria , Nuvoli Daniele , Sanna Vanna , Caruso Tommaso , Marino Salvatore , Scaramuzza Nicola
Published: March 2016

Polymeric nanocomposites were prepared by inserting graphene and/or Ag, Au and ZnO nanoparticles in a TEGDA (tetraethyleneglycol diacrylate) polymer matrix. The polymeric films were characterized in terms of their dielectric properties by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The impedance data were fitted by generalized relaxation functions in order to determine conductivity, dielectric response and molecular relaxation time of the nanocomposite films. In particular, a stretched exponential function, Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts function (KWW), was used to investigate polymer/graphene/metal nanocomposites.
Characterization of total ionizing dose damage in COTS pinned photodiode CMOS image sensors
Authors: Wang Zujun , Ma Wuying , Huang Shaoyan , Yao Zhibin , Liu Minbo , He Baoping , Liu Jing , Sheng Jiangkun , Xue Yuan
Published: March 2016

The characterization of total ionizing dose (TID) damage in COTS pinned photodiode (PPD) CMOS image sensors (CISs) is investigated. The radiation experiments are carried out at a 60Co γ-ray source. The CISs are produced by 0.18-μm CMOS technology and the pixel architecture is 8T global shutter pixel with correlated double sampling (CDS) based on a 4T PPD front end. The parameters of CISs such as temporal domain, spatial domain, and spectral domain are measured at the CIS test system as the EMVA 1288 standard before and after irradiation. The dark current, random noise, dark signal non-uniformity (DSNU), photo response non-uniformity (PRNU), overall system gain, saturation output, dynamic range (DR), signal to noise ratio (SNR), quantum efficiency (QE), and responsivity versus the TID are reported. The behaviors of the tested CISs show remarkable degradations after radiation. The degradation mechanisms of CISs induced by TID damage are also analyzed.
Study of ultrasonic thermometry based on ultrasonic time-of-flight measurement
Authors: Jia Ruixi , Xiong Qingyu , Wang Lijie , Wang Kai , Shen Xuehua , Liang Shan , Shi Xin
Published: March 2016

Ultrasonic thermometry is a kind of acoustic pyrometry and it has been evolving as a new temperature measurement technology for various environment. However, the accurate measurement of the ultrasonic time-of-flight is the key for ultrasonic thermometry. In this paper, we study the ultrasonic thermometry technique based on ultrasonic time-of-flight measurement with a pair of ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving signal. The ultrasonic transducers are installed in a single path which ultrasonic travels. In order to validate the performance of ultrasonic thermometry, we make a contrast about the absolute error between the measured temperature value and the practical one. With and without heater source, the experimental results indicate ultrasonic thermometry has high precision of temperature measurement.
Mobile Néel skyrmions at room temperature: status and future
Authors: Jiang Wanjun , Zhang Wei , Yu Guoqiang , Jungfleisch M. Benjamin , Upadhyaya Pramey , Somaily Hamoud , Pearson John E. , Tserkovnyak Yaroslav , Wang Kang L. , Heinonen Olle , te Velthuis Suzanne G. E. , Hoffmann Axel
Published: March 2016

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected spin textures that exhibit many fascinating features. As compared to the well-studied cryogenic Bloch skyrmions in bulk materials, we focus on the room-temperature Néel skyrmions in thin-film systems with an interfacial broken inversion symmetry in this article. Specifically, we show the stabilization, the creation, and the implementation of Néel skyrmions that are enabled by the electrical current-induced spin-orbit torques. Towards the nanoscale Néel skyrmions, we further discuss the challenges from both material optimization and imaging characterization perspectives.
Anomalous Hall effect in the noncollinear antiferromagnet Mn5Si3
Authors: Sürgers Christoph , Kittler Wolfram , Wolf Thomas , Löhneysen Hilbert v.
Published: March 2016

Metallic antiferromagnets with noncollinear orientation of magnetic moments provide a playground for investigating spin-dependent transport properties by analysis of the anomalous Hall effect. The intermetallic compound Mn5Si3 is an intinerant antiferromagnet with collinear and noncollinear magnetic structures due to Mn atoms on two inequivalent lattice sites. Here, magnetotransport measurements on polycrstalline thin films and a single crystal are reported. In all samples, an additional contribution to the anomalous Hall effect attributed to the noncollinear arrangment of magnetic moments is observed. Furthermore, an additional magnetic phase between the noncollinear and collinear regimes above a metamagnetic transition is resolved in the single crystal by the anomalous Hall effect.
Spin-filter and spin-gapless semiconductors: The case of Heusler compounds
Authors: Galanakis I. , Özdoğan K. , Şaşıoğlu E.
Published: March 2016

We review our recent first-principles results on the inverse Heusler compounds and the ordered quaternary (also known as LiMgPdSn-type) Heusler compounds. Among these two subfamilies of the full-Heusler compounds, several have been shown to be magnetic semiconductors. Such material can find versatile applications, e.g. as spin-filter materials in magnetic tunnel junctions. Finally, a special case are the spin-gapless semiconductors, where the energy gap at the Fermi level for the one spin-direction is almost vanishing, offering novel functionalities in spintronic/magnetoelectronic devices.
Different forms and frequencies of soybean oil supplementation do not alter rumen fermentation in grazing heifers
Authors: Santana M. C. A. , Fiorentini G. , Messana J. D. , Dian P. H. M. , Canesin R. C. , Reis R. A. , Berchielli T. T.
Published: March 2016

Over the productive cycle, the performance of cattle in grazing systems may be compromised, and feed supplementation is a strategy to establish nutritional balance and maximise the performance of grazing animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different supplementation frequencies (i.e. daily supplementation (DS) versus Monday, Wednesday and Friday (MWF)) with different forms of soybean oil (i.e. soybean grain (SG), soybean oil (SO) and rumen-protected fat (RPF)) on the nutrient digestion and rumen fermentation of heifers grazing Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu pastures. Twelve crossbred heifers (1/4 Nellore × 1/4 Santa Gertrudis × 1/2 Braunvieh) with an initial bodyweight of 236.3 ± 27.6 kg were distributed in a completely randomised design with a factorial arrangement 3 × 2 (three diets and two supplementation frequencies). There was no interaction among the SO form or supplementation frequency on dry matter intake and dry matter digestibility (P > 0.05). The animals supplemented with SG exhibited lower nitrogen intake and absorption compared with animals that were fed SO (P < 0.05). The efficiency of microbial synthesis was not influenced by the diet or supplementation frequency (P > 0.05). Forms of SO affected the rumen pH; animals fed SO showed pH values similar to those of animals receiving SG but lower values than animals fed RPF (P < 0.05). Animals supplemented with DS exhibited higher levels of rumen ammonia nitrogen relative to those supplemented MWF. The reduction of supplementation frequency (from DS to MWF k) in our experimental conditions can be used to increase the efficiency of pasture utilisation without effects in fermentation activity of the rumen microbial population. Supplementation with SO is a strategy to increase propionic acid concentration and reduce A : P ratio, which is an indicator of improvement of the efficiency of the ruminal energy utilisation.
The context and potential sustainability of traditional terrestrial periodic tambu areas: insights from Manus Island, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Whitmore Nathan , Lamaris John , Takendu Wallace , Charles Daniel , Chuwek Terence , Mohe Brian , Kanau Lucas , Pe-eu Stanley
Published: March 2016

Within the Pacific over the last two decades there has been greater recognition of the pre-existing tools within indigenous communities for natural resource management. Periodic tambu (Tok Pisin: a prohibition) is an indigenous resource management tool often used across Papua New Guinea. On Manus Island terrestrial periodic tambu areas are characterised by a cycle of resource closure followed by instantaneous harvest. We examine the differing application of periodic tambu areas by three different clans who are using the technique to restock areas with the Admiralty cuscus (Phalangeridae: Spilocuscus kraemeri), an arboreal possum-like marsupial. We examined the plausibility of cuscus population recovery over differing closure periods at three different harvest rates using a composite female-only population projection matrix approach based on the vital rates of closely related phalangerid surrogates. The resultant trajectories suggest that commonly used closure durations may allow recovery at low to medium harvest rates (10–30%) but not at high harvest rates (50%). From this we infer that periodic tambu areas may be a sustainable strategy for customary resource use of Admiralty cuscus at low to medium harvest rates. We found periodic tambu management on Manus Island to be culturally dynamic with clans differing with respect to their purpose, adherence to tradition, and hybridisation with modern land governance practices. Given the past difficulties of imposing exogenous conservation systems in Papua New Guinea, we advocate greater exploration of the merits of endogenous systems such as periodic tambu areas.
Chapter 10. A corpus-based study of ‘mixed metaphor’ as a metalinguistic comment
Authors: Semino Elena
Published: March 2016

This chapter investigates the use of the expression ‘mixed metaphor’ as a metalinguistic comment in the two-billion-word Oxford English Corpus. I consider the co-text of 141 occurrences of ‘mixed metaphor’ in the corpus, in order to shed light on the kinds of uses of metaphors that writers opt to explicitly draw attention to as involving ‘mixing’. I show how folk understandings of ‘mixed metaphor’ include phenomena that do not correspond to the technical use of the term in the specialist literature, and reflect on the implications of these findings for metaphor theory. Some attention is given to the use of the phrase ‘mixed metaphor’ in different genres, the relevance of grammatical boundaries to perception of ‘mixing’ between metaphors, and the possible pragmatic motivation for using ‘mixed metaphor’ as a metalinguistic label. The study broadly confirms the prevailing view that the notion of ‘mixed metaphor’ often involves a negative evaluation of a particular stretch of language and of the speaker/writer who produced it. However, in a substantial minority of cases, the phrase is used humorously to point out what are in fact creative, witty and highly effective uses of metaphor.
Language comprehension in aging
Authors: DeDe Gayle , Knilans Jessica
Published: March 2016

There is a lot of evidence that sentence comprehension ability declines in normally aging adults. This chapter reviews variables that contribute to age-related declines in comprehension. Older adults recognize words and parse sentences more slowly than younger adults, and make more comprehension errors. These changes in comprehension ability have been associated with age-related declines in general cognitive processes, such as working memory, and in perceptual abilities, such as hearing acuity. This chapter also considers the possibility that older adults use their language expertise to compensate for age-related declines in comprehension ability.
Effects of power variation on cycle performance during simulated hilly time‐trials
Authors: Wells Marc S. , Marwood Simon
Published: March 2016

It has previously been shown that cyclists are unable to maintain a constant power output during cycle time‐trials on hilly courses. The purpose of the present study is therefore to quantify these effects of power variation using a mathematical model of cycling performance. A hypothetical cyclist (body mass: 70 kg, bicycle mass: 10 kg) was studied using a mathematical model of cycling, which included the effects of acceleration. Performance was modelled over three hypothetical 40‐km courses, comprising repeated 2.5‐km sections of uphill and downhill with gradients of 1%, 3%, and 6%, respectively. Amplitude (5–15%) and distance (0.31–20.00 km) of variation were modelled over a range of mean power outputs (200–600 W) and compared to sustaining a constant power. Power variation was typically detrimental to performance; these effects were augmented as the amplitude of variation and severity of gradient increased. Varying power every 1.25 km was most detrimental to performance; at a mean power of 200 W, performance was impaired by 43.90 s (±15% variation, 6% gradient). However at the steepest gradients, the effect of power variation was relatively independent of the distance of variation. In contrast, varying power in parallel with changes in gradient improved performance by 188.89 s (±15% variation, 6% gradient) at 200 W. The present data demonstrate that during hilly time‐trials, power variation that does not occur in parallel with changes in gradient is detrimental to performance, especially at steeper gradients. These adverse effects are substantially larger than those previously observed during flat, windless time‐trials.
A Question of Identity and Belonging. the Self between Familiar and Unfamiliar, Foreign Spaces
Authors: Ciemnyjewski Jessica Williams , Brown Tamar
Published: March 2016

This paper was presented at the ECArTE conference 2009 in London. It was one of three papers which formed a paper presentation slot at the conference, with 15 minutes allocated for each paper. The overall title for the conference was ‘The Space Between; the potential for change’. There were a number of different headers suggested in terms of themes for papers and workshops. We opted for the area of professional identity. We felt it was important to give a brief overview of what DEEP is and how its identity as a working party of BADth came about. At the same time we didn't want the paper to be purely factual in terms of what the working party does; rather we felt it important to present some of the material that has arisen in our research into experiences of dramatherapist immigrants within Europe, particularly the struggle for professional (and personal) definition in a foreign place. We also wanted to make some reference to the theme of ‘role’ as in professional identity and ‘role’ as we understand it within dramatherapy. As the convenors of the working party we were aware that we were describing both an autobiographical experience in our writing and one that we have heard echoed throughout our meetings with other dramatherapists who have emigrated.
Differences in quantification of DNA double-strand breaks assessed by 53BP1/γH2AX focus formation assays and the comet assay in mammalian cells treated with irradiation and N-acetyl-L-cysteine
Authors: Kurashige Tomomi , Shimamura Mika , Nagayama Yuji
Published: March 2016

The biological effect of ionizing radiation (IR) on genomic DNA is thought to be either direct or indirect; the latter is mediated by IR induction of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study was designed to evaluate the effect of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a well-known ROS-scavenging antioxidant, on IR induction of genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and ROS production in mammalian cells, and aimed to clarify the conflicting data in previous publications. Although we clearly demonstrate the beneficial effect of NAC on IR-induced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity (determined using the micronucleus assay and cell viability/clonogenic assays), the data on NAC's effect on DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation were inconsistent in different assays. Specifically, mitigation of IR-induced DSBs by NAC was readily detected by the neutral comet assay, but not by the γH2AX or 53BP1 focus assays. NAC is a glutathione precursor and exerts its effect after conversion to glutathione, and presumably it has its own biological activity. Assuming that the focus assay reflects the biological responses to DSBs (detection and repair), while the comet assay reflects the physical status of genomic DNA, our results indicate that the comet assay could readily detect the antioxidant effect of NAC on DSB formation. However, NAC's biological effect might affect the detection of DSB repair by the focus assays. Our data illustrate that multiple parameters should be carefully used to analyze DNA damage when studying potential candidates for radioprotective compounds.
The Evolution of a Process for Selecting and Prioritizing Plant Diseases for Recovery Plans
Authors: McRoberts N. , Thomas C. S. , Brown J. K. , Nutter F. W. , Stack J. P. , Martyn R. D.
Published: March 2016

One element of the cost of dealing with invasive species in the United States is the recovery from the arrival of exotic plant pathogens. We review the development of a process used to prioritize plant diseases for the federally mandated United State Department of Agriculture National Plant Disease Recovery System. A team of university, government, and industry scientists worked together over a 10-year period to develop a science-based objective approach to the challenge of effectively preparing for recovery plans from introduced pathogens, when the timing of the introduction of any single disease is unknown. Over time, the process transitioned from ad hoc, in which recovery plans were written when the relevant experts were able to do so, to a formally organized group-prioritization effort from which emerged the concept of generic recovery plan templates for groups of pathogens and diseases that have similar biological characteristics, and therefore, similar management approaches. Key characteristics for each template were determined through a multivariate analysis for 14 plant diseases for which a recovery plan already existed. The process was validated by a larger group of 15 plant pathologists, for which results were compared with those scored by 14 subject matter experts.
Timing of Glyphosate Applications to Wheat Cover Crops to Reduce Onion Stunting Caused by Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Sharma-Poudyal Dipak , Paulitz Timothy C. , du Toit Lindsey J.
Published: March 2016

Stunting caused by Rhizoctonia spp. is economically important in irrigated onion bulb crops in the semiarid Columbia Basin of Oregon and Washington, where cereal winter cover crops commonly are planted the previous fall to prevent wind erosion of soil. The cover crop is killed with herbicide application just before or shortly after onion seeding, so that the dead rows of cereal plants provide a physical barrier tall enough to protect onion seedlings against wind and sand blasting but not tall enough to shade onion seedlings. However, the cover crop also serves as a green bridge for Rhizoctonia spp. on cereal roots to colonize the onion roots, potentially resulting in severe stunting of onion seedlings. To determine the effect of timing of application of the herbicide glyphosate to reduce this green bridge effect and, subsequently, onion stunting, three herbicide application intervals preceding onion planting were evaluated in a grower’s onion field in each of 2012 and 2014 in the Columbia Basin. The wheat cover crop was killed with a glyphosate application 27, 17, and 3 days before onion seeding in 2012 and 19, 10, and 3 days before seeding in 2014. As the interval between herbicide application and onion planting increased from 3 days to 19 and 27 days, the number of patches of stunted onion plants decreased by ≥55%, total area of stunted patches decreased by 54 to 63%, and patch severity index decreased by 59 to 65%. Similarly, the Rhizoctonia solani AG 8 DNA concentration in soil sampled from the dead cover crop rows declined as the interval between glyphosate application and onion seeding increased in the 2012 trial but not in the 2014 trial. R. solani AG 3 and AG 8 DNA concentrations in soil sampled from the cover crop rows were significantly positively correlated with the number of patches of stunted onion plants (r = 0.490 and 0.607 at P = 0.039 and 0.008, respectively), total area of stunted patches (r = 0.496 and 0.659 at P = 0.035 and 0.003, respectively), and patch severity index (r = 0.492 and 0.635 at P = 0.038 and 0.005, respectively) in the 2012 trial; however, these variables were only correlated significantly with R. solani AG 3 DNA concentration in the 2014 trial. Increasing the interval between herbicide application to the cover crop and onion planting provides a practical management tool for stunting in onion bulb crops.
Horizontal transfer in bacterial Methionyl tRNA synthetase is very common shown by Genus and phyla level phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Ghorpade Prabhakar B. , Pange Avinash D. , Sharma Bhaskar
Published: March 2016

Methionyl tRNA synthetase is single copy informational gene in Salmonella typhimurium. Informational genes are more conserved than operational genes. In this study we had analyzed HGT events within MetG sequences of different bacterial genera. A species tree based on 16srRNA sequences of the same genus was drawn evaluated against the generally accepted species tree of the bacteria. MetG phylogenetic tree was evaluated against the 16srRNAS tree and HGT event identified. Similarly phyla trees were made and HGT event identified. 24 HGT events were identified between genus and 11 within phyla. MetG is a considered as conserved gene finding so many HGT event in this gene indicate that horizontal gene transfer is very common in this gene. Manual tree making for phyla could help to understand phylogenetic relationships between very large trees.
Exploring miRNAs as the key to understand symptoms induced by ZIKA virus infection through a collaborative database
Authors: Pylro Victor Satler , de Oliveira Francislon Silva , Morais Daniel Kumazawa , Orellana Sara Cuadros , Pais Fabiano Sviatopolk-Mirsky , Medeiros Julliane Dutra , Geraldo Juliana Assis , Gilbert Jack , Volpini Angela , Fernandes Gabriel da Rocha
Published: March 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus, first isolated in 1947 from the serum of a pyrexial rhesus monkey caged in the Zika Forest (Uganda/Africa)1. In 2007 ZIKV was reported to of been responsible for an outbreak of relatively mild disease, characterized by rash, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis on Yap Island, in the western Pacific Ocean2. In the past year, ZIKV has been circulating in the Americas, probably introduced through Easter Island (Chile), by French Polynesians3. In early 2015, a new outbreak was recognized in northeast Brazil4, where concerns over its possible links with infant microcephaly have been discussed5,6. Providing a definitive link between ZIKV infection and birth defects is still a big challenge7. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), are small noncoding RNAs that regulating post-transcriptional gene expression by translational repression, and play important roles in viral pathogenesis8and brain development9. It is estimated that more than 60% of human protein-coding genes contain at least one conserved miRNA-binding site10. The potential for flavivirus-mediated miRNA signaling dysfunction in brain-tissue develop provides a compelling mechanism underlying perceived linked between ZIKV and microcephaly. Here, we provide strong evidences toward to understand the mechanism in which miRNAs can be linked to the “congenital Zika syndrome” symptoms. Moreover, following World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations11, we have assembled a database that could help target mechanistic investigations of this possible relationship between ZIKV symptoms and miRNA mediated human gene expression, helping to foster potential targets for therapy.
Use of waste derived fuels in cement industry: a review
Authors: Chatziaras Nickolaos , Psomopoulos Constantinos S. , Themelis Nickolas J.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Cement production has advanced greatly in the last few decades. The traditional fuels used in traditional kilns include coal, oil, petroleum coke, and natural gas. Energy costs and environmental concerns have encouraged cement companies worldwide to evaluate to what extent conventional fuels can be replaced by waste materials, such as waste oils, mixtures of non-recycled plastics and paper, used tires, biomass wastes, and even wastewater sludge. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The work is based on literature review.

Findings

– The clinker firing process is well suited for various alternative fuels (AF); the goal is to optimize process control and alternative fuel consumption while maintaining clinker product quality. The potential is enormous since the global cement industry produces about 3.5 billion tons that consume nearly 350 million tons of coal-equivalent fossil and AF. This study has shown that several cement plants have replaced part of the fossil fuel used by AF, such waste recovered fuels. Many years of industrial experience have shown that the use of wastes as AF by cement plants is both ecologically and economically justified.

Originality/value

– The substitution of fossil fuels by AF in the production of cement clinker is of great importance both for cement producers and for society because it conserves fossil fuel reserves and, in the case of biogenic wastes, reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the use of AF can help to reduce the costs of cement production.
Source separation and recycling potential of municipal solid waste in Ghana
Authors: Oduro-Kwarteng S. , Anarfi K.  P. , Essandoh H. M.K.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the waste characteristics and separation efficiency of source separation of household waste in low- and middle-income communities in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 60 households participated in the household survey, education on source separation and pilot source separation exercise. The solid waste was sorted into six fractions and three recycling categories (biodegradable; paper and plastic; residue).

Findings

– The mean generation rate of solid waste was 0.52±0.26 kg/per capita/day for the low-income community and 0.65±0.27 kg/per capita/day for the middle-income community. The waste fractions in the communities (low, middle income) were biodegradable organics (59.15, 65.68 per cent), plastics (11.01, 10.68 per cent), papers (3.15, 4.51 per cent), glass (0.89, 2.57 per cent), metals (0.96, 4.63 per cent) and miscellaneous (24.84, 11.93 per cent), respectively. The separation efficiency for organic category was 70 per cent, inorganic and residue was over 69 per cent and the paper and plastics was over 60 per cent.

Research limitations/implications

– The study suggests that the success of source separation programme hinges on education and economic incentives. It was noted that the sample size could be increased to enhance the accuracy of the data for prediction purpose.

Practical implications

– The findings showed there is potential for recycling through source separation programme in low-and middle-income communities. Public education and economic incentives are necessary for successful source separation programme.

Originality/value

– The paper provides insight into source separation to contribute to better understanding of how city authorities in developing countries could take advantage of economic incentives to scale-up recycling.
Using the UK general offender database as a means to measure and analyse organized crime
Authors: Kirby Stuart , Francis Brian , Humphreys Les , Soothill Keith
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Organised Crime is notoriously difficult to identify and measure, resulting in limited empirical evidence to inform policy makers and practitioners. The purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility of identifying a greater number of organised crime offenders, currently captured but invisible, within existing national general crime databases.

Design/methodology/approach

– All 2.1 million recorded offenders, captured over a four-year period on the UK Police National Computer, were filtered across three criteria associated with organised crime (co-offending, commission of specific offences, three years imprisonment or more). The 4,109 “organized crime” offenders, identified by the process, were compared with “general” and “serious” offender control groups across a variety of personal and demographic variables.

Findings

– Organised crime prosecutions are not random but concentrate in specific geographic areas and constitute 0.2 per cent of the offender population. Offenders can be differentiated from general crime offenders on such measures as: diversity of nationality and ethnicity, onset age, offence type and criminal recidivism.

Research limitations/implications

– Using an offence-based methodology, rather than relying on offenders identified through police proactive investigations, can provide empirical information from existing data sets, across a diverse range of legislative areas and cultures. This allows academics to enhance their analysis of organised crime, generating richer evidence on which policy makers and practitioners can more effectively deliver preventative and disruptive tactics.

Originality/value

– This is the first time an “offence based” methodology has been used to differentiate organised crime offenders from other offenders in a general crime database.
Police officer perspectives on intellectual disability
Authors: Eadens Danielle Maya , Cranston-Gingras Ann , Dupoux Errol , Eadens Daniel Wayne
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine police officer perceptions about persons with intellectual disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, 188 officers from three police districts in the Southeast USA were surveyed using a modified Social Distance Questionnaire.

Findings

– Results indicate that the majority of police officers surveyed had little or no training with regard to disabilities and that most are willing to interact socially with individuals with intellectual disabilities. Further, this study found that female officers had significantly greater positive attitudes toward individuals with intellectual disabilities than male respondents and that white respondents were more knowledgeable about these individuals than those from minority backgrounds.

Research limitations/implications

– While these results are significant, it should be noted that the number of female and minority participants was relatively low.

Practical implications

– The paper includes recommendations for professional development for police officer and criminal justice training programs.

Social implications

– As individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities are increasingly integrated into society, their vulnerability to mishandling by the criminal justice system and police officers intensifies. This paper allows police officers and those within the field of criminal justice an opportunity to examine perceptions as they seek to understand how police and general societal perceptions impact the way that people interact with persons with intellectual disabilities.

Originality/value

– This paper fulfills a need to examine attitudes of police officers toward citizens with intellectual disabilities in the communities in which they live. These attitudes often affect the way that police officers interact with citizens and identify additional training needs to better prepare officers for diverse individuals they may will encounter.
Relational capital quality and client loyalty: firm-level evidence from pharmaceuticals, Pakistan
Authors: Mubarik Shujaat , Chandran VGR , Devadason Evelyn S
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the influence of relational capital quality on client loyalty, comprising both behavioral and attitudinal, in the pharmaceutical industry of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

– The partial least squares technique is used to test the relationship using a sample of 111 pharmaceutical firms. We applied a non-parametric procedure, the bootstrapping method, to estimate the coefficient path of the relationships. Appropriate construct measures were used based on past studies to measure the dimensions of relational capital quality and client loyalty.

Findings

– The findings suggest that relational capital quality significantly affects client loyalty. All three dimensions of relational capital quality, commitment, satisfaction and trust, have a significant and positive influence on both attitudinal and behavioral loyalty. However, client satisfaction is found to exert the strongest impact on behavioral and attitudinal loyalty.

Practical implications

– It is important for the pharmaceutical firms in Pakistan to improve client satisfaction to establish behavioral loyalty and sustain their clientele base. Trust and commitment should be managed independently, depending on the focus of firms, either attitudinal loyalty or behavioral loyalty.

Originality/value

– This study is among the few that was able to empirically examine the role of various dimensions of relational capital quality in influencing clients’ attitudinal and behavioral loyalty. In addition, the study uses a new firm-level data set, compiled from a survey of the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan, which is currently facing challenges in terms of customer–supplier sensitivity.
Social networking sites as a learning tool
Authors: Sanchez-Casado Noelia , Cegarra Navarro Juan Gabriel , Wensley Anthony , Tomaseti-Solano Eva
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Over the past few years, social networking sites (SNSs) have become very useful for firms, allowing companies to manage the customer–brand relationships. In this context, SNSs can be considered as a learning tool because of the brand knowledge that customers develop from these relationships. Because of the fact that knowledge in organisations is embodied in the concept of the learning organisation, customers may create brand knowledge as a consequence of two learning facilitators: informational and instrumental value. Then, the purpose of this paper is to identify the role played by brand knowledge in the process of creating customer capital, in the context of SNSs.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 259 users of SNSs, who were followers or fans of brand pages, participated in this study. Data were collected through an online survey and they were analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

– The results of the study show that brand pages at SNS can perform brand knowledge by providing purposive gratifications to its customers. Moreover, they can also develop an indirect effect on customer capital, through the direct effect that brand knowledge has on it. Therefore, the results of the study will help managers design their learning strategies in relation to SNS and confirm the need of using SNS as a learning tool.

Originality/value

– Few, if any, studies have analysed whether gratifications, usually related to media, work as learning facilitators in the context of brand pages at SNS.
Dynamic microplasticity manifestation in consolidated sandstone in the acoustical frequency range
Authors: Mashinskii E.I.
Published: March 2016

Microplasticity manifestations caused by acoustic wave in the frequency range of about 4.5 kHz–7.0 kHz are detected in consolidated artificial sandstone. Equipment was tested by means of comparison of data obtained for a standard material (aluminium) and sandstone. Microplasticity manifestations in acoustic records are present in the form of ladder‐like changes in the amplitude course. The stress plateaus in the acoustic trace interrupt the amplitude course, transform the wavefront, and shift the arrival time along the time axis. Microplasticity contribution to the acoustic record changes with the increase in the strain amplitude value. The combined elastic–microplastic process conditions the wavefront steepness and its duration. Stress plateaus exert influence on the waveform and, accordingly, on pulse frequency response. These results confirm the earlier data obtained for weakly consolidated rock. This contribution to wave propagation physics can be useful in solving applied problems in material science, seismic prospecting, diagnostics, etc.
Developing Peak Discharges for Future Flood Risk Studies Using IPCC's CMIP5 Climate Model Results and USGS WREG Program
Authors: Selvanathan Sivasankkar , Sreetharan Mathini , Rand Krista , Smirnov Dmitry , Choi Janghwoan , Mampara Mathew
Published: March 2016

Extreme climate events, floods, and drought, cause huge impact on daily lives. In order to produce society resilient to extreme events, it is necessary to assess the impact of frequent and high intensity storm events on design parameters. This article describes a methodology to develop future peak “design discharges” throughout the United States that can be used as a guidance to map future floodplains. In order to develop a lower and upper limit for anticipated peak flow discharges, two future growth scenarios — Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs)‐RCP2.6 and 8.5 were identified as the weak and strong climate scenario respectively based on the output from the global climate models. The Generalized Least Square technique in United States Geological Survey's Weighted Multiple Regression (WREG) program was used to develop regression equations that relate peak discharges to basin and climate parameters of the contributing watershed. The design discharges reflect the most recent climate model results. Number of frost days, heavy rainfall days, high temperature days, and snow depth were found to be the common extreme climate parameters influencing the regression equations. This methodology can be extended to other flood frequency events if rainfall data is available. The future discharges can be utilized in hydraulics models to estimate floodplains that can assist in resilient infrastructure planning and outline climate change adaptation strategies.
Buprenorphine + naloxone plus naltrexone for the treatment of cocaine dependence: the Cocaine Use Reduction with Buprenorphine (CURB) study
Authors: Ling Walter , Hillhouse Maureen P. , Saxon Andrew J. , Mooney Larissa J. , Thomas Christie M. , Ang Alfonso , Matthews Abigail G. , Hasson Albert , Annon Jeffrey , Sparenborg Steve , Liu David S. , McCormack Jennifer , Church Sarah , Swafford William , Drexler Karen , Schuman Carolyn , Ross Stephen , Wiest Katharina , Korthuis P. Todd , Lawson William , Brigham Gregory S. , Knox Patricia C. , Dawes Michael , Rotrosen John
Published: March 2016

Aims

To examine the safety and effectiveness of buprenorphine + naloxone sublingual tablets (BUP, as Suboxone®) provided after administration of extended‐release injectable naltrexone (XR‐NTX, as Vivitrol®) to reduce cocaine use in participants who met DSM‐IV criteria for cocaine dependence and past or current opioid dependence or abuse.

Methods

This multi‐centered, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, conducted under the auspices of the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network, randomly assigned 302 participants at sites in California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, New York and Washington DC, USA to one of three conditions provided with XR‐NTX: 4 mg/day BUP (BUP4,n = 100), 16 mg/day BUP (BUP16,n = 100, or no buprenorphine (placebo; PLB,n = 102). Participants received pharmacotherapy for 8 weeks, with three clinic visits per week. Cognitive behavioral therapy was provided weekly. Follow‐up assessments occurred at 1 and 3 months post‐intervention. The planned primary outcome was urine drug screen (UDS)‐corrected, self‐reported cocaine use during the last 4 weeks of treatment. Planned secondary analyses assessed cocaine use by UDS, medication adherence, retention and adverse events.

Results

No group differences were found between groups for the primary outcome (BUP4 versus PLB,P = 0.262; BUP16 versus PLB,P = 0.185). Longitudinal analysis of UDS data during the evaluation period using generalized linear mixed equations found a statistically significant difference between BUP16 and PLB [P = 0.022, odds ratio (OR) = 1.71] but not for BUP4 (P = 0.105, OR = 1.05). No secondary outcome differences across groups were found for adherence, retention or adverse events.

Conclusions

Buprenorphine + naloxone, used in combination with naltrexone, may be associated with reductions in cocaine use among people who meet DSM‐IV criteria for cocaine dependence and past or current opioid dependence or abuse.
Human basophil chemotaxis and activation are regulated via the histamine H4 receptor
Authors: Mommert S. , Kleiner S. , Gehring M. , Eiz‐Vesper B. , Stark H. , Gutzmer R. , Werfel T. , Raap U.
Published: March 2016

Background

IgE‐mediated cross‐linking of FcεRI results in the release of mediators stored in basophil granules, such as histamine and proteases, and in the de novo synthesis of sulfidoleukotrienes.

Objective

In this study, we investigated the role of the histamine receptors, in particular that of the histamine H4 receptor (H4R), in modulating human basophil function.

Methods

The mRNA expression of the histamine receptors was measured by real‐time PCR. Migration of basophils was assessed using the modified Boyden chamber technique. The expression levels of CD63 and CD203c on the cell surface and the sulfidoleukotriene release were determined by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively.

Results

We could show that highly purified basophils express the H1R, H2R, and H4R but not the H3R mRNA. Human basophils expressed higher H4R mRNA levels as compared to the expression levels of the H1R (P < 0.01). Histamine and the H4R agonist ST‐1006 initiated active migration of basophils (P < 0.001). A significant reduction in FcεRI cross‐linking‐mediated surface expression of CD63 and CD203c was observed on basophils after pre‐incubation with histamine or the specific H4R agonist ST‐1006 (P < 0.01). The synthesis and release of sulfidoleukotrienes from basophils after activation with different stimuli, by FcεRI cross‐linking or by stimulation with hymenoptera venom allergens, were significantly reduced by histamine or the H4R agonist ST‐1006 (P < 0.05–0.001).

Conclusion

These data imply that the H4R regulates IgE‐dependent processes in human basophils and provides a novel function of the H4R preventing an overwhelming immune reaction by engagement of a negative feedback loop.