bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"Child as a project" verus "Daj dite materi" gender division of child care
Authors: Ivkovic Zeljka , Boneta Zeljko , Kanjic Sandra
Published: January 2015

The paper tries to connect two theoretical concepts: ?child as a project? and
gender division of household work involving childcare. Although these
concepts are tightly interrelated and intertwined and it might seem that it
is not possible to talk about the one without the other, the impression is
that in research where they are trying to be connected, the modern concept of
?child as a project? appears in theoretical-interpretative function of
research, but the operationalization is stopped in determining those
activities which belong in more traditional construction of childhood, now
already classically expressed by dichotomy of childcare in opposition to play
and fun with child. This paper tends to broaden such dichotomous model by
practices that would represent parental investment in child and verify if and
how much these practices are gendered. For this purpose, we conducted survey
in 2013. with parents (N=261) whose children attend kindergartens in the area
of city of Rijeka. Since our research involved parents of children of early
and preschool age, the third dimension of our theoretical model was directed
into educational activities of parents typical of that child age as a
backbone of ?project? approach to childhood. An instrument of Likert type was
constructed containing 15 items by which we covered all three dimensions.
Factor analysis under the component model extracted four factors. Analysis
showed that the activities of childcare are still dominantly maternal
activities, while play and fun with child, as well as activities directed
into setting the good educational foundation, are the domain of both parents.
It seems, at least according to our sample, that the parental investment in
child is more of a common practice of both parents, but that some traditional
divisions still maintain.
Socio-cultural and Language Changes in a „Cultural Island”: Vershina – A Polish Village in Siberia
Authors: Głuszkowski Michał
Published: January 2015

The present article attempts to describe the social evolution of the community of Vershina, a village founded in the beginning of the 20th century by voluntary settlers from Little Poland, from a cultural island to the stage of assimilation. The social, economic, cultural, political and language situation of the community changed several times. The most significant historical moments of Russia and the Soviet Union set the borders of three main periods in Vershina’s history. During its first two-three decades Vershina consisted a homogenous Polish cultural and language island. The migrants preserved the Roman Catholic religion, Polish language and traditions as well as farming methods and machines. Collectivization and the communist system with its repressions made the Polish village assimilate to its surroundings. With the flow of time, the generation of first settlers died and some of the traditions of Little Poland vanished or got modified by the elements of the Soviet, Russian or Buryat culture. After the Perestroika the minorities gained some rights, which strengthened in the 1990s. Thanks, to the political changes and the collapse of the SU the inhabitants of Vershina can found cultural organisations, cultivate their religion, and learn Polish in local schools. However, in spite of the regained rights, over the decades of mass sovietization and ateization, the culture and customs of the Polish community became similar to other Siberian villages. Young people from the group of our interest abandon their mother language and are not eager to leave Russia and move to Poland. The process of assimilation is intensifying while there are practically no factors protecting the local culture and language.
Half-linear cavity multiwavelength Brillouin-erbium fiber laser
Authors: Al-Alimi A.W. , Yaacob M. H. , Abas A. F.
Published: January 2015

Multiwavelength half-linear cavity Brillouin erbium fiber laser (BEFL) has been demonstrated. The half-linear cavity BEFL is formed by utilizing only two circulators: one circulator acts as input and output ports and the other circulator is used to form a physical mirror. This design exhibits low peak power difference between the adjacent channels, which is about 0.8 dB. At Brillouin pump (BP) power of 5 dBm and erbium doped fiber (EDF) pump power of 90 mW, up to 19 channels over a wide range of 40 nm (1529 nm to 1569 nm) have been obtained. These channels are free from self lasing cavity modes and for the first twelve Stokes lines, the optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) is approximately higher than 20 dB.
Design of a high efficiency CdS/CdTe solar cell with optimized step doping, film thickness, and carrier lifetime of the absorption layer
Authors: Khosroabadi S. , Keshmiri S. H. , Marjani S.
Published: January 2015

A high-efficiency CdS/CdTe solar cell with step doped absorber layer, optimized back surface field layer, and long carrier lifetime in the absorption layer was designed. At first, The CdS/CdTe reference cell is simulated and compared with previous experimental data. In order to obtain the highest efficiency, the thickness and step doping of the absorber and back surface field layer were optimized. In addition, the effect of carrier lifetime variation in the CdTe layer on the conversion efficiency of CdTe cell was investigated. Compared with reference cell, Efficiency enhancement of the proposed structure was 4.44%. Under global AM 1.5 conditions, the optimized cell structure had an open-circuit voltage of 0.987 V, a short-circuit current density of 27.9 mA/cm2 and a fill factor of 82.4%, corresponding to a total area conversion efficiency of 22.76%.
Digital in-line holography in a droplet with cavitation air bubbles
Authors: Coëtmellec S. , Pejchang D. , Allano D. , Gréhan G. , Lebrun D. , Brunel M. , Janssen A. J. E. M.
Published: January 2015

In this publication, the modelisation of an air bubble as inclusion in a droplet is treated from scalar theory point of view (Fresnel’s theory). The elaborated model is compared with Lorenz–Mie scattering theory and with an experimental results. Circle polynomials and scaled pupil function are the background of this work to take into account the critical angle effect that arises at a transition from a higher index to a lower index medium.
Will Lipidation of ApoA1 through Interaction with ABCA1 at the Intestinal Level Affect the Protective Functions of HDL?
Authors: Niesor Eric
Published: January 2015

The relationship between levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and cardiovascular (CV) risk is well recognized; however, in recent years, large-scale phase III studies with HDL-C-raising or -mimicking agents have failed to demonstrate a clinical benefit on CV outcomes associated with raising HDL-C, casting doubt on the “HDL hypothesis.” This article reviews potential reasons for the observed negative findings with these pharmaceutical compounds, focusing on the paucity of translational models and relevant biomarkers related to HDL metabolism that may have confounded understanding of in vivo mechanisms. A unique function of HDL is its ability to interact with the ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC) A1 via apolipoprotein (Apo) A1. Only recently, studies have shown that this process may be involved in the intestinal uptake of dietary sterols and antioxidants (vitamin E, lutein and zeaxanthin) at the basolateral surface of enterocytes. This parameter should be assessed for HDL-raising drugs in addition to the more documented reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) from peripheral tissues to the liver. Indeed, a single mechanism involving the same interaction between ApoA1 and ABCA1 may encompass two HDL functions previously considered as separate: antioxidant through the intestinal uptake of antioxidants and RCT through cholesterol efflux from loaded cells such as macrophages.
Sucrose in Cyanobacteria: From a Salt-Response Molecule to Play a Key Role in Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Kolman María , Nishi Carolina , Perez-Cenci Macarena , Salerno Graciela
Published: January 2015

In the biosphere, sucrose is mainly synthesized in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms, such as cyanobacteria, green algae and land plants, as part of the carbon dioxide assimilation pathway. Even though its central position in the functional biology of plants is well documented, much less is known about the role of sucrose in cyanobacteria. In those prokaryotes, sucrose accumulation has been associated with salt acclimation, and considered as a compatible solute in low-salt tolerant strains. In the last years, functional characterizations of sucrose metabolizing enzymes, metabolic control analysis, cellular localization of gene expressions, and reverse genetic experiments have revealed that sucrose metabolism is crucial in the diazotrophic growth of heterocystic strains, and besides, that it can be connected to glycogen synthesis. This article briefly summarizes the current state of knowledge of sucrose physiological functions in modern cyanobacteria and how they might have evolved taking into account the phylogenetic analyses of sucrose enzymes.
Salvianolic Acid Y: A New Protector of PC12 Cells against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Injury from Salvia officinalis
Authors: Gong Jun , Ju Aichun , Zhou Dazheng , Li Dekun , Zhou Wei , Geng Wanli , Li Bing , Li Li , Liu Yanjie , He Ying , Song Meizhen , Wang Yunhua , Ye Zhengliang , Lin Ruichao
Published: January 2015

Salvianolic acid Y (TSL 1), a new phenolic acid with the same planar structure as salvianolic acid B, was isolated from Salvia officinalis. The structural elucidation and stereochemistry determination were achieved by spectroscopic and chemical methods, including 1D, 2D-NMR (1H-1H COSY, HMQC and HMBC) and circular dichroism (CD) experiments. The biosynthesis pathway of salvianolic acid B and salvianolic acid Y (TSL 1) was proposed based on structural analysis. The protection of PC12 cells from injury induced by H2O2 was assessed in vitro using a cell viability assay. Salvianolic acid Y (TSL 1) protected cells from injury by 54.2%, which was significantly higher than salvianolic acid B (35.2%).
MODIS-Based Fractional Crop Mapping in the U.S. Midwest with Spatially Constrained Phenological Mixture Analysis
Authors: Zhong Cheng , Wang Cuizhen , Wu Changshan
Published: January 2015

Since the 2000s, bioenergy land use has been rapidly expanded in U.S. agricultural lands. Monitoring this change with limited acquisition of remote sensing imagery is difficult because of the similar spectral properties of crops. While phenology-assisted crop mapping is promising, relying on frequently observed images, the accuracies are often low, with mixed pixels in coarse-resolution imagery. In this paper, we used the eight-day, 500 m MODIS products (MOD09A1) to test the feasibility of crop unmixing in the U.S. Midwest, an important bioenergy land use region. With all MODIS images acquired in 2007, the 46-point Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series was extracted in the study region. Assuming the phenological pattern at a pixel is a linear mixture of all crops in this pixel, a spatially constrained phenological mixture analysis (SPMA) was performed to extract crop percent covers with endmembers selected in a dynamic local neighborhood. The SPMA results matched well with the USDA crop data layers (CDL) at pixel level and the Crop Census records at county level. This study revealed more spatial details of energy crops that could better assist bioenergy decision-making in the Midwest.
La laitue aux États-Unis. Complémentarité des espaces productifs et stratégie des firmes de l'agri-business
Authors: Dorel Gérard
Published: January 2015

La laitue apparaît comme un exemple achevé du processus d'intégration spatiale et capitaliste d'une culture où la maîtrise des espaces productifs ne passe pas forcément par une concentration foncière mais par le contrôle technico-commercial des zones productives à vocation saisonnière complémentaire.

Cette intégration a pour centre géographique la vallée de la Salinas qui non seulement produit une salade sur quatre consommées aux États-Unis mais, en fait, en contrôle près de la moitié de la commercialisation. Les agents de cette domination sont les producteurs-expéditeurs de la vallée qui, depuis 2 ou 3 décennies, ont tissé un réseau agro-commercial sur tout le sud-ouest étatsunien. Leur réussite n'a pu qu'attirer l'intérêt des géants de l'agri-business au premier rang desquels Inter Harvest-United Fruit Company. Cette dernière, implantée brutalement sur le marché en 1968-1969, est devenue la première société expéditrice d'un produit parmi les plus rémunérateurs de l'agriculture américaine.
Prévenir l'exclusion scolaire et sociale des jeunes
Authors: Zay Danielle
Published: January 2015

Les statistiques mettent en évidence un lien entre exclusion scolaire, sociale et situation de précarité d’une partie de la population en France et en Angleterre, comme dans tous les pays. Les chances de réussite de l’école face aux forces sociales multiples qui interviennent semblent réduites. Néanmoins, l’aggravation de l’absentéisme et du décrochage scolaire à la suite de certaines mesures éducatives prises en Grande-Bretagne, jointe aux résultats d’enquêtes faisant apparaître que le dégoût de l’école émerge, puis va croissant au fur et à mesure de la durée de la scolarité, montre que, si l’école n’est qu’un facteur parmi d’autres d’exclusion sociale, néanmoins elle y contribue. L’analyse du rôle préventif qu’elle a à jouer passe par l’analyse comparative des politiques éducatives, du point de vue des jeunes en cause, en tant que base concrète des mesures à prendre pour qu’elles les touchent, et de celui des enseignants puisque ce sont eux qui sont responsables directement des réponses à donner.
Hidrogeografske značilnosti in kakovostno stanje vodotokov v povirju Reke // Hydrogeographical characteristics and the quality of watercourses in the Reka River headwaters
Authors: Počkar Tina , Kovačič Gregor , Peric Borut
Published: January 2015

Članek obravnava hidrogeografske značilnosti povirnega dela Reke. Predstavljene so vodna bilanca in odtočne značilnosti območja. Predstavljeni so rezultati meritev fizikalno-kemijskih parametrov na Reki in izbranih desnih pritokih Reke, opravljenih v štirih različnih vodnih stanjih med avgustom leta 2012 in januarjem leta 2013. Rezultati kažejo, da večina vodotokov nima kraškega zaledja ter, da na kakovost vode v povirju Reke vplivajo neurejene razmere na področju odvajanja odpadnih vod v naseljih. The article deals with hydrogeographical characteristics of the headwaters of the Reka River basin. Its water balance and drainage characteristics are presented. Results of the measurements of physico-chemical parameters in the Reka River and its selected right tributaries, carried out in four different hydrological conditions between August 2012 and January 2013, are presented. The results show, that most of the watercourses don’t appear to have karstic characteristics and that the quality of water in the upper course of the Reka basin is highly influenced by uncontrolled wastewater management in the settlements.
Podeželski turizem in socialni kapital v Sloveniji (primer vasi v Občini Cerkno) // Rural tourism and social capital in Slovenia (an example of villages in the Municipality of Cerkno)
Authors: Mavri Renata , Černič Istenič Majda
Published: January 2015

V prispevku predstavljamo dejavnike razvoja podeželskega turizma v Sloveniji na primeru izbranih vasi v Občini Cerkno. Zanimalo nas je, ali je razvoj podeželskega turizma povezan s socialnim kapitalom in ali se potencial naravnih in kulturnih znamenitosti lahko realizira preko socialnega kapitala. Preučevanje je temeljilo na analizi sekundarnih virov, pol-strukturiranih intervjujev, anketne raziskave in rezultatov delavnice z nosilci razvoja podeželja na obravnavanem območju. Ugotavljamo, da naravne in kulturne znamenitosti niso zadosten pogoj za razvoj podeželskega turizma brez sodelovanja njegovih prebivalcev z drugimi akterji na mikro, mezo in makro ravni.The paper presents the case study of rural tourism development in selected villages in the Municipality of Cerkno situated in the western part of Slovenia. The main focus of the study was to found out whether the development of rural tourism is associated with social capital and whether the potential of natural and cultural attractions can be realized through social capital. The analysis was based on secondary sources, semi-structured interviews, survey and workshop  with stakeholders of rural development in this area. The study shows that natural and cultural heritage sites are not a sufficient condition for the development of rural tourism when the participation of local people with other actors at the micro, mezzo and macro level is missing.
Geografska analiza volilne udeležbe v Sloveniji // Geographical analysis of voter turnout in Slovenia
Authors: Rogelj Boštjan , Tiran Jernej
Published: January 2015

V prispevku je predstavljena geografska analiza volilne udeležbe na volitvah v Državni zbor Republike Slovenije v obdobju 1992–2014. S prostorsko-ekološkim pristopom in uporabo različnih multivariatnih statističnih metod smo skušali razkriti prostorsko strukturo volilne udeležbe in ugotoviti njene najpomembnejše dejavnike. Ugotovili smo, da se prostorske razlike v volilni udeležbi v času niso povečale, se je pa nekoliko spremenila prostorska struktura udeležbe, saj je polarizacijo vzhod–zahod iz devetdesetih let prejšnjega stoletja v zadnjem desetletju zamenjala polarizacija med osrednjo in preostalo Slovenijo. Višja volilna udeležba je na splošno značilna za okraje z boljšo izobrazbeno sestavo in nižjima deležema brezposelnosti ter ostalih neaktivnih prebivalcev.The article presents the geographical analysis of the voter turnout in the Slovenian parliamentary elections between 1992 and 2014. A spatial-ecological approach was used along with various multivariate statistical methods to determine the spatial structure or the voter turnout and ascertain its most important factors. The results show that the spatial differences in the voter turnout have not increased with time; however, the spatial structure of the turnout had changed somewhat: this is because the east–west polarization from the 1990s shifted in the past decade towards a polarization between central Slovenia and the rest of the country. A higher voter turnout is generally characteristic for districts with a superior educational structure and a lower share of unemployment and other inactive inhabitants.
Ugotavljanje intenzivnosti geomorfnih procesov s pomočjo posnetkov cikličnega aerofotografiranja Slovenije // Determining the intensity of geomorphic processes using cyclical aerial photogrammetric measurements of Slovenia
Authors: Triglav Čekada Mihaela , Zorn Matija
Published: January 2015

Za območje Slovenije obstaja dolgoleten niz letalskih posnetkov cikličnega aerofotografiranja Slovenija (CAS). Njihova uporaba je bila v geografiji med drugim povezana s spremembami rabe tal, s preučevanjem degradacije okolja, pa tudi za ugotavljanje nekaterih naravnogeografskih sprememb v pokrajini, na primer za ugotavljanje sprememb ledenikov ali za premikanja rečnih strug. V članku predstavljamo uporabnost CAS za spremljanje intenzivnosti pobočnih procesov. Z njihovo pomočjo smo izmerili velikost dveh skalnih podorov: podor slapu Čedca v Kamniško-Savinjskih Alpah ter odlom na pobočju Glave pod Triglavom. Poleg tega smo ugotavljali reliefne spremembe na melišču Birški plaz pod Velikim vrhom na Košuti ter v hudourniški dolini potoka Suhelj v Zgornjesavski dolini.A set of cyclical aerial photogrammetric measurements of Slovenia (CAS) taken over the course of many years is available. Among other things, their use in geography has been connected with exploring changes in land use, studying environmental degradation, and determining specific physical geographical changes in the landscape, such as changes in glaciers and river beds. This article presents the usefulness of CAS for monitoring the intensity of slope processes. CAS stereoimages were used to measure the size of two rockfalls: one at Čedca Falls in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps and one on the slopes of Mt. Glava below Mt. Triglav. Also studied were terrain changes on the Birški plaz talus below Mt. Veliki Vrh on the Košuta Massif in the Karavanks, and in the torrent valley of Suhelj Creek in the Upper Sava Valley.
Deconstructing Smart Cities
Authors: Batty Michael
Published: January 2015

This chapter defines the smart city in terms of the process whereby computers and computation are being embedded into the very fabric of the city itself. In short, the smart city is the automated city where the goal is to improve the efficiency of how the city functions. These new technologies tend to improve the performance of cities in the short term with respect to how cities function over minutes, hours or days rather than over years or decades. After establishing definitions and context, the author then explores questions of big data. One important challenge is to synthesize or integrate different data about the city's functioning and this provides an enormous challenge which presents many obstacles to producing coherent solutions to diverse urban problems. The chapter augments this argument with ideas about how the emergence of widespread computation provides a new interface to the public realm through which citizens might participate in rather fuller and richer ways than hitherto, through interactions in various kinds of decision-making about the future city. The author concludes with some speculations as to how the emerging science of smart cities fits into the wider science of cities.
DG-ABC
Authors: Silva Elisabete A. , Wu Ning
Published: January 2015

Urban land change phenomena include spatial and a-spatial dynamics. As Holland (1995) suggests “a city's coherence is somehow imposed on a perpetual flux of people and structure.” However, it seems that most of the traditional economic and geographic studies have tried to separate the two entities associated with land use change (human decision-making and its spatial consequences), into two separate models (Sethuram et al., 2008). In order to explore the two fluxes (the spatial and a-spatial dynamics) this chapter presents an integrated model that incorporates ABM (Agent Base Model), CA (Cellular Automaton) and a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to include both spatial and a-spatial dynamics in an urban system in order to supply a new solution for urban studies. In the authors' model (DG-ABC stands for ‘Developing Genetic-Agent Based Cells'), the social economic behaviours of heterogeneous agents (resident, property developer and government) will be regulated by GA and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TpB). With a pilot study conducted in order to test and calibrate the model this chapter analyzes how the macro level of the spatial pattern change (the emergence phenomena) is produced from the interactions of actors at the micro level (by the heterogeneous behaviours and interactions between agents, and the discrete spatial dynamics represented by CA). The simulation demonstrates that the integrated model can provide reasonable representations of the future evolution of cities.
InViTo
Authors: Pensa Stefano , Masala Elena
Published: January 2015

Since spatial decision processes have to deal with large number of actors, opinions and interests, literature commonly agrees in recognising data sharing and communication as essential in achieving decisional tasks (Van den Brink et al., 2007; MacEachren et al., 2004). The following chapter describes a methodological instrument for managing data, namely the Interactive Visualisation Tool (InViTo). InViTo aims at supporting spatial decision-making processes by proposing a framework for data knowledge. Principally based on Grasshopper, a free plug-in for McNeel's Rhinoceros, InViTo combines GIS data with CAD drawings and raster images for generating interactive spatial visualisations. It is conceived to display in real time the relationships between the territory and planning choices; thus, it is particularly indicated for stimulating discussions and sharing information in collaborative processes. Its high flexibility allows its use in different case studies with a variety of purposes and scales. Innovative elements in approaching spatial decision processes are discussed.
Towards a Multifunctional Virtual City Model
Authors: Horne Margaret , Thompson Emine Mine , Charlton James
Published: January 2015

This chapter examines the challenge of creating and sustaining a virtual city model and illustrates how the success of such efforts may depend on strategic collaborations between multiple organizations. It argues that a city model which is aligned to the development of the real city, to visually and analytically assess urban planning proposals, is more likely to be regularly used, continually updated, authoritative and sustainable in the longer term. A case study is described of Virtual NewcastleGateshead (VNG), a collaboration between a university (Northumbria University) and two neighbouring local authorities (Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council) in the north east of England, UK, with the aim of developing a financially sustainable three-dimensional (3D) computer model for the purposes of urban planning, education and research. The chapter also summarises associated research which investigates the issues in extending the visualization capabilities of a virtual city model by exploring data interoperability issues related to 3D simulations of the performance aspects of urban spaces, including pedestrian movement, noise mapping, wind modelling and thermal comfort. It proposes that the integration of such simulations into virtual city modeling offers much scope for continued use of city models and future research. Conclusions on this collaborative, integrated approach to sustainable city modeling are included.
Urban Morphology and Energy Consumption
Authors: Carneiro Claudio , Gori Virginia , Desthieux Gilles , Balocco Carla , Golay François , Morello Eugenio
Published: January 2015

Urban form matters in assessing the energy consumption of buildings. This chapter introduces three useful tools to assess the environmental impact of the urban form and to define possible energy scenarios. These outcomes can be used to inform the redevelopment or the new design of urban districts, or simply to evaluate the overall energy performance of different urban fabrics. The tools presented comprise: (a) simplified indicators of energy-dependent variables based on morphological information of the urban form; (b) algorithms for the estimation of the heating energy needs of the urban fabric, based on the implementation of European Standards; (c) algorithms for the assessment of the solar potential of the urban form, computing the solar irradiance impacting on different sloped urban surfaces. The techniques introduced are based on an innovative approach that makes use of Digital Urban Surface Models (DUSMs) and Digital Image Processing (DIP) techniques.
New Developments in Geographical Information Technology for Urban and Spatial Planning
Authors: Tenedório José António , Rebelo Carla , Estanqueiro Rossana , Henriques Cristina Delgado , Marques Luís , Gonçalves José Alberto
Published: January 2015

Measuring urban form, modelling 3D point clouds and visualizing data within an (augmented) mixed reality environment through mobile devices are three of the new developments in Geographical Information Technology for urban and spatial planning. New geographical information technology supports data representation for urban and spatial planning. This chapter has two main objectives: (i) to demonstrate that geographical information technology supports every stage of urban and spatial planning, and (ii) to argue that technologies are a means for the external representation of cities and territories. The chapter sections include measuring urban form (quantitative analysis of urban shape), modelling 3D point clouds for the extraction of urban parameters, and the visualization of virtual models through mobile devices.
Sustainability in Higher Education through Basic Science Research
Authors: Yogeeswari P. , Sriram D.
Published: January 2015

Basic research in Universities is essential for a sustainable development. Recent developments in higher education have seen the inclusion of curiculum redesigned to serve the concept of developming young minds in the intrepretation, execution, and use of basic science research. The challenge for educators is to “demystify” research and teach in ways that are professionally meaningful as well as intellectually acceptable. The objective of this chapter is to bring in various case studies to prove the essentiality of basic research in higher education with specific concern over pharmaceutical industrial growth plans. Data on R&D in higher education can be broken down by field of science (natural sciences, engineering, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, social sciences, and humanities), by type of costs (current expenditures, capital expenditures), and by source of funds (business enterprise, government, higher education, private non-profit, and funds from abroad). Measures of R&D performance in the higher education sector are often estimated by national authorities, and evaluation methods are periodically revised. It is necessary to review the design and conduct of higher education R&D surveys to improve the comparability of these indicators.
Enhancing Diversity in STEM Interdisciplinary Learning
Authors: Blake Reginald A. , Liou-Mark Janet
Published: January 2015

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines have traditionally been woefully unsuccessful in attracting, retaining, and graduating acceptable numbers of Underrepresented Minorities (URMs). A new paradigm of STEM practices is needed to address this vexing problem. This chapter highlights a novel interdisciplinary approach to STEM education. Instead of being siloed and mired in their respective STEM disciplines, students integrate real world, inquiry-based learning that is underpinned by a strong foundation in mathematics and a myriad of other pillars of STEM activities. These activities include Peer-Assisted Learning Workshops, Mentoring Programs, Undergraduate Research Experiences, STEM Exposure Trips, Conference Participation, and Peer Leadership. This strategy enhances STEM education among URMs by purposefully connecting and integrating knowledge and skills from across the STEM disciplines to solve real-world problems, by synthesizing and transferring knowledge across disciplinary boundaries, and by building critical thinking skills in a manner that is relevant to their experiences and yet transformative.
Developing Scientific Literacy
Authors: Donovan Jennifer , Haeusler Carole
Published: January 2015

This chapter challenges existing school science curricula modes for teaching atomic-molecular structure and describes a current research project designed to provide supporting evidence for reviewing school science curricula. Using evidence from this project and other research studies, the chapter argues for the introduction of atomic-molecular structure in the curriculum at Year 3 or 4 and proposes that consideration be given to devising a spiral curriculum in which the macroscopic and microscopic properties of matter are taught concurrently rather than sequentially.
K-20 Education in Relation to Library Science
Authors: Farmer Lesley S. J.
Published: January 2015

Information constitutes a central element of education as K-20 teachers design and implement curriculum for students to gain knowledge and skills. Librarians are information professionals and can play a significant role in K-12 education. This chapter discusses library science, professionals in that field, and their relationship to education, both teaching and learning. Library science's impact on education can be significant, and practices need to be assessed to determine results. Knowledge management is used as a lens for identifying several conditions needed to incorporate library science and benefit from it: curriculum, intellectual capital, leadership, community, collaboration, plans, and politics. Future trends in library science implementation are also noted.
Research on Neural Network Theory of the Toxicity of Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Du Xi Hua , Li Jing , Zhou Jun , Zhang Yong Cai
Published: January 2015

Using BP neural network method, we calculate and analyze the molecular structure of aromatic hydrocarbons. Then, we get the electrotopological state indices and the molecular electronegativity distance vectors of 25 aromatic hydrocarbons based on the calculation of molecular structure characteristics and adjacency matrix. By regression, we get and optimize the structural parametersE9,E13,E17andM15. The four structural parameters are used as the input variables and a 4-2-1 network structure is employed to construct a BP artificial neural network model for predicting acute toxicitypEC50. The total correlation coefficientRis 0.994 and the average error between the predicted value and experimental value ofpEC50is 0.079, which indicate that the ANN model has good stability and superior predictive ability. The results show that there is a good nonlinear correlation between acute toxicitypEC50and the four structural parameters. The results of our research reveal that the toxicity of aromatic hydrocarbons is closely affected by electrotopological state indices and the molecular electronegativity distance vectors. Therefore, it will be helpful in assessing the hazard of aromatic hydrocarbons to environment.
Screening of Acid and Bile Resistant Bifidobacterium bifidum  Strains
Authors: Wang Hong Ling , Liu Dan Dan , Jiang Shi Wen , Wu Ting Ru , Lv Yan
Published: January 2015

This study was conducted to screen the acid and bile resistantBifidobacterium bifidumstrains through repeatedly domesticating. In acid-resistant domestications, low pH toleranceBifidobacterium bifidumsingle colonies were obtained by gradually lowering the pH of the liquid TPY basic medium. And then the achieved acid-resistant strains were domesticated through gradually increasing the concentration of bile salt in milk medium. Each time acid and bile resistant single colony was selected after the domestication. The results showed the domesticatedBifidobacterium bifidumstrain presents high acid and bile resistant capabilities; morphologic observation and sugar ferment experiments results indicate the domesticated stains did not have any unique mutations. This research showed practical application potential development viable maintenance ofBifidobacterium bifidumproducts.
3D Numerical Simulation and Experimental Analysis of Spillway Tunnel
Authors: Huang Hai Yan , Gong Ai Min , Qiu Yong , Wangliang Zen An
Published: January 2015

A three-dimensional finite element model and an experimental model of a reservoir spillway tunnel are used to analyze the flow velocity changes. The basic numerical simulation theory and the experimental theory and method are firstly introduced. The water characteristic is obtained such as velocity, water surface curve, jet trajectory length, water pressure, etc. The water jet is Z shaped. The velocity, pressure and water flow of the whole spillway are gotten in Ansys software. The velocity measured in the test and the data computed with software are compared. The experimental results are agreement with the numerical results. The analysis and experimental progress and results show that the numerical model and the test method are feasible and well-suited for using in actual design problems.
Study on Preparation of Zn/Al Double Metal Oxide by Ion Exchange Method
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Yan Sheng , Li Kai
Published: January 2015

The optimum reaction conditions of D113 type ion exchange resin adsorption on Zn/Al ions and the microstructure of Zn/Al double metal oxide were researched with weight method and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that when Zn/Al molar ratio was 2:1, the number of moles per unit mass of resin adsorption was biggest and the microstructure was better; with the increase of pH value and temperature, the number of moles per unit mass of resin adsorption increased. When the PH value was 3.89, the microstructure of calcined product was best, and the effect of temperature on the calcined product microstructure was little. EDS data and XRD spectra indicated that there were two kinds of ZnO and Al2O3products.
A Longitudinal Pilot Study of Depressive Symptoms in Concussed and Injured/Nonconcussed National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Student-Athletes
Authors: Roiger Trevor , Weidauer Lee , Kern Bryce
Published: January 2015

Context:

Depression, which affects millions of Americans each year, among them collegiate student-athletes, can be caused by a wide range of circumstances, including sport-related injuries.

Objective:

To longitudinally examine the extent to which National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I student-athletes demonstrated postinjury depressive symptoms.

Design:

Descriptive epidemiologic study.

Setting:

National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate athletics.

Patients or Other Participants:

Concussed, injured/nonconcussed, and healthy Division I collegiate student-athletes (aged 18–22 years) competing in men's basketball, football, and wrestling and women's basketball, soccer, and volleyball.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Participants completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale at baseline and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postinjury. We measured differences in depressive scores among concussed, injured/nonconcussed, and healthy participants. Longitudinal changes in postconcussion depressive symptoms were also examined.

Results:

No differences in baseline depressive symptoms among subgroups were noted. After an increase between baseline and 1 week (4.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41, 8.16, P = .02), depressive symptoms in the concussion group decreased between 1 week and 1 month (−2.7, 95% CI = −4.96, −0.47, P = .01) and between 1 week and 3 months (−4.0, 95% CI = −6.50, −1.49, P = .004). The injured/nonconcussed group showed differences between baseline and 1 week (4.6, 95% CI = 1.08, 8.17, P = .009) and between baseline and 1 month (3.2, 95% CI = −0.05, 6.30, P = .03). No significant differences were present in depressive symptoms between concussed participants and injured/nonconcussed participants at any of the postinjury time points.

Conclusions:

Depression may present as a postinjury sequela in Division I collegiate athletes. Athletes who sustain a concussion or other injury resulting in time lost from practice or competition need to be observed carefully for signs and symptoms that may indicate depression. Tools such as the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale can be valuable in helping clinicians to recognize and manage depressive symptoms in these individuals.
Combination of Linagliptin and Metformin for the Treatment of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Haak Thomas
Published: January 2015

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive condition requiring long-term treatment. Most patients with T2DM are unable to maintain normoglycemia using metformin alone; thus, combination therapy is a pivotal part of disease management. Addition of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor linagliptin, with its proven efficacy, low propensity for hypoglycemia, and weight neutrality, has been shown to improve glycemic control for patients who are not well controlled with metformin. As patients often have other comorbidities requiring pharmacotherapy, an increase in pill number, different prescribing frequencies, and timing of medications may adversely impact patients' adherence. Studies have shown that treatment nonadherence contributes to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare cost. In the United States, the single-pill combination (SPC) of linagliptin/metformin is available |in three strengths approved for twice-daily administration: 2.5/500 mg, 2.5/850 mg, and 2.5/1000 mg. The SPC has the potential to reduce pill burden and simplify patients' treatment regimens, thereby promoting improved adherence and efficacy.
Cisplatin, Cetuximab, and Radiation in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Peddi Prakash , Shi Runhua , Nair Binu , Ampil Fred , Mills Glenn M. , Jafri Syed H.
Published: January 2015

Efficacy of cisplatin versus cetuximab with radiation in locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) was evaluated. A total of 96 patients with newly diagnosed LAHNC treated at our institution between 2006 and 2011 with concurrent radiation and cisplatin (group A, n = 45), cetuximab (group B, n = 24), or started with cisplatin but switched to cetuximab because of toxicity (group C, n = 27) were reviewed. Chi-square test, analysis of variance, and log-rank test were used for analysis. The three groups had similar baseline characteristics, except for median age, T stage, albumin levels, hemoglobin levels, performance status, and comorbidities. A complete response (CR) was seen in 77%, 17%, and 67% of patients ( P < 0.001), respectively. There was no significant difference in median overall survival (OS) between groups A and C. The median OS for groups A and C was not reached (>65 months), even though it was significantly longer than median OS for group B (11.6 months; P ≤ 0.001). The 2-year OS in groups A and C is significantly higher than that in group B (70% for groups A and C, 22% for group B). There is no significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS) between groups A and C. The median PFS for these groups was not reached (>62 months), and is significantly longer than that for group B (4.3 months; P ≤ 0.001). The 2-year PFS of group A (67%) and group C (76%) was significantly longer than that of group B (20%). Cisplatin with radiation appears to be more efficacious even in suboptimal dosing than cetuximab with radiation in LAHNC but the two groups were not well matched.
Об одном экстремальном свойстве нормальных матриц
Authors: Ilyushechkin Nikita Vasil'evich
Published: January 2015

Рассматривается объем параллелепипеда, натянутого на функции
от квадратной комплексной матрицы, определенные на ее спектре.
Находится неулучшаемая нижняя граница такого объема.
Библиография: 4 названия.
Об асимптотических оценках решений уравнений типа Эмдена-Фаулера
Authors: Samovol Vladimir Simkhovich
Published: January 2015

В работе рассматриваются уравнения типа Эмдена-Фаулера
произвольного порядка. Статья содержит асимптотические
оценки неосциллирующих продолжаемых и непродолжаемых
решений данных уравнений.
Библиография: 9 названий.
Experimental Investigation of Static Friction Coefficient between Vehicle Tyre and Various Road Conditions
Authors: Ezzat M.F. , Mourad M.A. , Yousef M.M.
Published: January 2015

The static friction force increases for an increase in the tangential displacement up to the value that is necessary to initiate gross-sliding of the bodies in contact. The static friction coefficients of tyre tread of different strength properties under varying contact conditions are investigated. Smooth surfaces were considered to evaluate the effects of roughness on adhesion of tyre treads. In this investigation different types of road surfaces were tested. The results show that larger tread contact resulted in higher coefficients of static friction. The static friction coefficient decreased for an increase in the tyre tread stiffness. The static friction coefficient decreased for an increase in the surface roughness, then passes through a minimum and finally increased for higher roughness of the counter face. The effect of contaminants such as water, fuel and lubricant between head and counter face were also investigated.
Analysis and Testing for Slip Characteristics of Artificial Hydraulic Circuit based Push-Belt Continuously Variable Transmission
Authors: Mohamed Eid S. , Albatlan Saeed A.
Published: January 2015

Applying a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in an automotive driveline has several advantages. A CVT can operate at a wider range of transmission ratios, therefore the engine can be operated more efficiently than with a stepped transmission. The present research focuses on the influence of loading conditions on the slip behaviour and torque transmission of the CVT. The CVT model is developed to investigate the range of clamping forces needed to initiate the transmission and to successfully meet the oil pressure requirements. An analytical approach is used to calculate the possible transmission efficiency and traction coefficient of the push belt CVT. The experimental setup and the instrumentation are presented in detail. The measured results are presented in more detail for the V-belt type variator and oil pressure reapplication by a separate hydraulic unit and reduction ratio of CVT.
Acoustic Emission based Monitoring of Cut-out Geometry Effects in Carbon-Epoxy Laminates under Uni-axial Compression
Authors: Andrew Jefferson , Arumugam Vellayaraj , Sidharth Adhithya Plato , Thomas Benny
Published: January 2015

In this paper, symmetric cross ply CFRP laminates were fabricated using hand layup with LY556 epoxy resin as matrix and the specimens were cut without cut-out, with circular, vertical elliptical and horizontal elliptical cut-outs according to the ASTM D 7137 standard using water jet cutting. The CFRP specimens with and without cut-outs were subjected to compression under controlled condition accompanied by acoustic emission (AE) monitoring. The ultimate compressive strength for specimens with and without cut-outs were determined and compared. The optimum cut-out with lesser reduction in compressive strength was determined. The nature and dominance of different failure modes in each type of cut-out were investigated using AE. Finally the result gives useful information about improved design of laminated composites with cut-outs suitable for different applications.
Dynamic Analysis and Experimental Evaluation of Variable Valve Lift System for Internal Combustion Engine with Double Overhead Camshaft
Authors: Albatlan Saeed A. , Mohamed Eid S.
Published: January 2015

In modern four-stroke automobile engine technology, variable valve timing and lift control offer potential benefits for making a high performance engine. Variable valve lift (VVL) system for automotive engines is one of the key technologies to attain improvement of fuel economy, power output and reduction of emission. This paper describes an analytical simulation model of the VVL system. The VVL mechanism with a polynomial cam profile is designed to have maximum lift that is greater than the lift of the conventional mechanism. A dynamic model of VVL mechanism with three degrees of freedom is presented. The N42-BMW cylinder head with Valvetronic VVL of internal combustion engine was used in the test set-up. The motored cylinder head test data focuses on VVL system response and evaluation of the developed VVL mechanism. The performance results of a VVL for an overhead camshaft were investigated on the basis of theoretical simulation and experimental data to verify the validity of the VVL system in the test rig.
Effect of Multiple Impacts on GFRP Laminates Exposed to Hydrolytic Ageing using Acoustic Emission Monitoring
Authors: Ramesh C. , Stanley Joseph , Arumugam Vellayaraj , Andrew Jefferson , Arunabharathi S.
Published: January 2015

In this study, pristine, single impacted and double impacted GFRP specimens were subjected to ageing by immersion in seawater at ambient temperature for different periods of time. The dominating failure mode of the aged specimens was found using acoustic emission monitoring. The water absorption capacity and flexural strength of specimen subjected to ageing were assessed to study the trend of variation. A reduction in residual strength was observed between single and double impacted specimens. Stress cycle plots from AE monitoring indicate that the onset of failure occurs sooner as the ageing time progresses. From those of impacted specimens, it can be seen that the onset of failure and damage initiation occurs sooner in double-impacted specimens than in single-impacted counterparts. Parametric peak frequency analysis shows that fiber-matrix debonding was the predominant mode of failure.