bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial v31n53
Authors: Varela Barrios Edgar
Published: July 2017

El presente número de la revista Cuadernos de Administración, de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Administración de la Universidad del Valle, representa la continuidad de un proceso exitoso de visibilidad e internacionalización que nuestra revista se ha propuesto acometer. Tratar de convertir este tipo de publicaciones en un espacio para la internacionalización de los saberes administrativos y que se conozcan diferentes voces, a través de análisis teóricos, estudios sectoriales y de caso, sistematización de experiencias y revisión de la literatura temática y de los paradigmas que hoy en día se aplican al campo del management y son revisados a luz del pensamiento crítico. Todo ello para los lectores como un catalizador para el debate público y el proceso de mejoramiento del análisis teórico y aplicado en las ciencias administrativas.
Estímulos auditivos en prácticas de neuromarketing. Caso: Centro Comercial Unicentro, Cúcuta, Colombia
Authors: Avendaño Castro William R. , Paz Montes Luisa S. , Rueda Vera Gerson
Published: July 2017

El actual entorno competitivo de mercados involucra la aplicación estratégica del neuromarketing como ayuda al aumento del consumismo y prevalencia de marcas y productos. La estimulación sensorial se usa como técnica valiosa en el contexto empresarial, es decir marketing sensorial. Esta investigación propone realizar una evaluación de las prácticas de marketing auditivo a través de los estímulos sonoros en 52 establecimientos comerciales del Centro Comercial Unicentro, uno de los más destacados en la ciudad de Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, Colombia. El tamaño muestral comprende 30 establecimientos dedicados a textiles, 15 a comidas, 2 a diversión, 2 a libros y 3 a tecnología. Se recopiló la información mediante la aplicación de una matriz de captación sensorial auditiva destacando las características sonoras del centro comercial y de los establecimientos, además reacciones de los visitantes por estímulos sonoros y su ubicación. Los resultados evidencian el uso inadecuado de marketing auditivo por parte de un número representativo de establecimientos y la ausencia del mismo en otros, lo que refleja la necesidad de implementar estrategias auditivas eficaces que permitan la atracción de clientes y por lo tanto, la inducción de compra a través de su permanencia en los espacios comerciales
Prevalência e risco de suicídio no Brasil e na cidade de Barra do Garças (MT): revisão de literatura
Authors: Vieira Rayssa Gabriele , Almeida Cristiane Ferreira Rallo de , Rodrigues Gabriela , Gonçalves Samara dos Santos , França Adrieli dos Santos , Oliveira Matheus Berthoud
Published: July 2017

O suicídio é um problema de saúde pública que gera impactos econômicos, financeiros e sociais. É a causa de morte de aproximadamente 1 milhão de pessoas por ano no mundo. Os objetivos deste trabalho são analisar e comparar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de suicídio no Brasil com a cidade de Barra do Garças (MT) e propor a realização de um estudo epidemiológico mais abrangente sobre o seu risco no estado de Mato Grosso, centro-oeste do Brasil. A metodologia utilizada foi a revisão da literatura, com base nos dados da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Os trabalhos selecionados da BVS foram artigos originais e de revisão. O suicídio, atualmente, é a terceira maior causa de morte no país. Houve um aumento no número de eventos entre 2000 e 2012 em todas as faixas etárias. A maior incidência ocorre na Região Sul do Brasil. Em relação ao gênero, o sexo masculino tem maior prevalência. A desigualdade social é associada positivamente com o suicídio. A análise dos dados da cidade Barra do Garças foi condizente com o perfil nacional, ao indicar maior número de suicídios em pessoas com menor tempo de estudo e com doenças psiquiátricas e, na população feminina, preferência pelo uso de medicamentos.
Practitioner Perceptions of School Library Advocacy
Authors: Burns Elizabeth
Published: July 2017

School library advocacy is increasingly important due to decreases in funding and staff. National organizations attempt to engage school librarians in advocacy and have developed resources and tools to assist with this task.  However, there is little research examining how practicing school librarians engage in advocacy and how their advocacy efforts impact their library programs. This study explored school librarians’ perceptions of advocacy within the context of their school library setting.  Findings suggest school librarians must continue to build relationships with stakeholders and create awareness for the school library position as they define the activities of advocacy unique to their library setting.  An emphasis should also be placed on creating meaningful advocacy training in school library preparation courses.
Content Analysis On English Module“Bahasa Inggris”
Authors: Aryani Dwi
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis research is aimed to evaluate the quality of the English module used by students of SMA N 6 Yogyakarta. There were many problems such as mistype, inappropriate content or material, and so on which were found inside the book. Then, the module used by the students should be evaluated on the content to know whether the book met the criteria of good module or not. The research was about case study using content analysis as the method. It used textbook evaluation criteria from Cunningsworth which contained ten aspects of evaluation and compared with the criteria of evaluation from Hutchinson and Waters. The evaluation concerned on the content such as language content and skill, the organization and appearance of the book. The result from Cunningsworth checklist showed that the book got 74. 25% which considered as good book. While the result from Hutchinson and Waters showed 78. 57%. The aspect which got low percentage was vocabulary and reading material, while the rest were considered as good. From evaluation using two concepts from Cunningsworth which compared with the evaluation criteria by Hutchinson and Waters showed a little bit difference. The result showed differences in range 4. 32%.Keywords: module, content analysis, evaluation, and evaluation checklist
Effect of Washing Conditions on Cleaning Action of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate in Hard Water
Authors: Gotoh Keiko , Mei Yang
Published: July 2017

The effects of water hardness on textile detergency in aqueous linear dodecylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) solutions were examined under various washing conditions. Plain-woven and towel cotton fabrics and plain-woven polyester fabric were soiled with a mixture of carbon black/oleic acid. The soiled fabrics were shake-washed in the LAS solution together with the original unsoiled fabrics. Surface reflectance measurements revealed that the soil removal and redeposition decreased and increased, respectively, with increasing water hardness. The identity of the mineral species (calcium or magnesium ions) in the hard water had no notable effect on the detergency. The addition of significant amounts of extra LAS did not fully compensate the reduction in detergency in hard water. Addition of softening agents and an alkali builder to the hard water limited the reduction in detergency, but the detergency was still lower than that in the absence of hardness salts. Moreover, a high wash temperature and repeated rinse procedure did not prevent the reduction in detergency in hard water. Finally, a washing test was carried out in hard water under the conditions considered to be effective for improving the detergent quality in hard water, based on the experimental results. The LAS detergency toward the cotton fabrics under these conditions was still poorer than that in the absence of hardness salts. We concluded that using soft wash water is the best choice for maximizing the cleaning power of detergents.
Consumers' Comprehension of the EU Energy Label for Washing Machines
Authors: Alborzi Farnaz , Schmitz Angelika , Stamminger Rainer
Published: July 2017

Energy Labels are an instrument supporting on-going market transformation towards higher energy efficiency by motivating consumers to select more energy-efficient products. Since the purchase decision can be influenced by the consumers' understanding of the Energy Label, this paper addresses the clarity of the Energy Label of washing machines from a consumer's point of view, and their expectations and wishes concerning a future Energy Label. Information on consumers' opinions/expectations regarding the Energy Label was collected by a semi representative survey in eleven European countries in 2015. The main outcome of the study is that consumers are generally familiar with the symbols on the Energy Label, but they do not know this information belongs to which programme. They believe that a washing machine with the highest Energy efficiency class available on the market can help make savings on energy and water in all its programmes. Finally, the study suggests which modifications need to be applied to the current version of the Energy Label to improve its effectiveness.
Physicochemical Properties of Amino Acid Surfactants and Their Use in Dyeing with Natural Plant Dyes
Authors: Lin Li-Huei , Su Shuenn-Kung , Lai Yu-Ching , Yang Yong-Han
Published: July 2017

Environment-friendly green amino acid surfactants were prepared by the reaction of glutamic acid with various fatty acids (C2–C14). These green amino acid surfactants have been found to exhibit good surface activities i.e. surface tension, foaming, wetting power and emulsifying ability. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) increases with an increase of the alkyl chain of amino acid surfactants. After 5 days the biodegradation of these amino acid surfactants was larger than 60% and consequently, the surfactants should be regarded as readily biodegradable. Finally, the green amino acid surfactants were added to natural plant dyes to test their applicability for dyeing wool fibers. The surfactant developed in this study will contribute to green and sustainability chemistry.
Demulsification of Water-in-Heavy Crude Oil Emulsion using Amphiphilic Ammonium Salts as Demulsifiers
Authors: Clavel Juan de la Cruz , Navarro Juan C. , Martínez-Palou Rafael
Published: July 2017

In this work, six ionic surface-active alkyl ammonium halides were synthesized and evaluated as demulsifiers of W/O emulsions obtained from a Mexican heavy crude oil. A centrifugation test was employed as a fast method for following the kinetics of the demulsification process with the synthesized demulsifiers. Trioctylmethylammonium bromide showed the best performance as demulsifier.
Oil-Water Interfacial Tensions of Silica Nanoparticle-Surfactant Formulations
Authors: Al-Anssari Sarmad , Wang Shaobin , Barifcani Ahmed , Iglauer Stefan
Published: July 2017

The implementation of nanotechnology in all industries is one of most significant research fields. Nanoparticles have shown a promising application in subsurface fields. On the other hand, various surfactants have been used in the oil industry to reduce oil/water interfacial tension and also widely used to stabilize the nano-suspensions. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the improvements of surfactants ability in term of interfacial tension (γ) reduction utilizing addition of silicon dioxide nanoparticles at different temperatures and salinity. The pendant drop technique has been used to measure γ and electrical conductivity has been used to measure the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The synergistic effects of surfactant-nanoparticles, salt-nanoparticles, and surfactant-salt-nanoparticles on γ reduction and the critical micelle concentration of the surfactants have been investigated. Extensive series of experiments for γ and CMC measurements were performed. The optimum condition for each formulation is shown. We conclude that nanoparticles-surfactant can significantly reduce γ if correctly formulated.
Moving Onward?
Authors: Tegenbos Jolien , Büscher Karen
Published: July 2017

This article examines the migration-asylum nexus in the microcosm of Kakuma
Refugee Camp in Kenya by focusing on refugees and asylum seekers who
move onward from a first refuge, in Central-East Africa. By drawing on qualitative
ethnographic field research in Kakuma, the article outlines how such
“secondary movements” cause many anxieties, as the distinction between refugees
and migrants is blurred by motivations that are not exclusively protection
related. Based on a Foucauldian analysis of power and discourse, we argue
that this creates a contested social and semantic space wherein all actors struggle
to uphold the rigid distinction. Additionally, by combining the strengths
of migration studies’ consideration for policy categories and mobility studies’
holistic perspective toward migration, the article aims to further deepen academic
interaction between two literature traditions in order to enhance our
understanding of how mobility is “shaped” and “lived” by people in wartime
situations.
Automobiles and Socioeconomic Sustainability
Authors: Newman Daniel
Published: July 2017

This article argues for the establishment of a Mobility Bill of Rights. That the
current car system is not sustainable in environmental terms has been much
discussed in academic circles and is increasingly accepted in wider society, as
reflected by governmental attempts at reform. The current trend for remodeling
this car system largely involves the substitution of petrol/diesel for potentially
more ecologically sound methods of powering the vehicles such as
electricity. Attempts to reach environmental sustainability in this manner do
little to impact social or economic sustainability and thus will fail to address
the triple bottom line. Rather, reliance on automobiles in the present vein may
continue trends for mobility-related exclusion. To tackle this, we need a debate
on how the transport needs of ordinary people can be met.
Hydration health literacy in the elderly
Authors: Picetti Dominic , Foster Stephen , Pangle Amanda K. , Schrader Amy , George Masil , Wei Jeanne Y. , Azhar Gohar
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND:

Inadequate hydration in the elderly is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, few studies have addressed the knowledge of elderly individuals regarding hydration in health and disease. Gaps in health literacy have been identified as a critical component in health maintenance, and promoting health literacy should improve outcomes related to hydration associated illnesses in the elderly.

METHODS:

We administered an anonymous survey to community-dwelling elderly ( n = 170) to gauge their hydration knowledge.

RESULTS:

About 56% of respondents reported consuming >6 glasses of fluid/day, whereas 9% reported drinking ≤3 glasses. About 60% of respondents overestimated the amount of fluid loss at which moderately severe dehydration symptoms occur, and 60% did not know fever can cause dehydration. Roughly 1/3 were not aware that fluid overload occurs in heart failure (35%) or kidney failure (32%). A majority of respondents were not aware that improper hydration or changes in hydration status can result in confusion, seizures, or death.

CONCLUSIONS:

Overall, our study demonstrated that there were significant deficiencies in hydration health literacy among elderly. Appropriate education and attention to hydration may improve quality of life, reduce hospitalizations and the economic burden related to hydration-associated morbidity and mortality.
Experimental Investigation on Condition Monitoring Opportunities of Tramway Tracks
Authors: Vinkó Ákos , Bocz Péter
Published: July 2017

The increasing demands for guided transportation modes in urban areas generate the need of high-frequency services. Due to the frequent services, the track deterioration process will be accelerated. Therefore, the exact knowledge of track quality is highly important for every railway company to provide high quality service level.For monitoring of tramway tracks, an unconventional vehicle dynamics measurement setup is developed, which records the data of 3-axes wireless accelerometers mounted on wheel discs of regular in-service tram. In the implementation of prototype system, the bogie side-frame and car body mounted sensors are also fitted to the instrumented vehicle to compare the efficiency of these conventional solutions with the developed arrangement. At the first test period, the instrumented vehicle works as a dedicated inspection vehicle, in order to keep the constant velocity and help to determine the influencing factors on results. Accelerations are processed to obtain the track irregularities, in order to determine whether the track needs to be repaired. Real data come from measurements taken on tram line 49 of the Budapest (Hungary) and they have been validated by comparing results to the actual state of the track provided by a track geometry monitoring trolley and visual inspection. This paper presents the developed methods used for validation and the analysis of preliminary results of the wheel discs mounted accelerometers. This vehicle dynamic measurement system is cheap to implement and no significant modification of the vehicle is required. Therefore, in-service vehicles equipped with this system may serve a good opportunity for monitoring tramway track, while it multiple passes over same track section.
Strategies to Improve Adherence to Dietary Weight Loss Interventions in Research and Real-World Settings
Authors: Gibson Alice , Sainsbury Amanda
Published: July 2017

Dietary interventions are the cornerstone of obesity treatment. The optimal dietary approach to weight loss is a hotly debated topic among health professionals and the lay public alike. An emerging body of evidence suggests that a higher level of adherence to a diet, regardless of the type of diet, is an important factor in weight loss success over the short and long term. Key strategies to improve adherence include designing dietary weight loss interventions (such as ketogenic diets) that help to control the increased drive to eat that accompanies weight loss, tailoring dietary interventions to a person’s dietary preferences (and nutritional requirements), and promoting self-monitoring of food intake. The aim of this paper is to examine these strategies, which can be used to improve adherence and thereby increase the success of dietary weight loss interventions.
Fabrication of Nano-Micro Hybrid Structures by Replication and Surface Treatment of Nanowires
Authors: Jeong Yeonho , Shin Seunghang , Choi Hyunmin , Kim Seonjun , Kim Jihoon , Kwon Sin , Kim Kwang-Young , Lee Seung-Hyun , Jung Yoon-Gyo , Cho Young
Published: July 2017

Nanowire structures have attracted attention in various fields, since new characteristics could be acquired in minute regions. Especially, Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) is widely used in the fabrication of nanostructures, which has many nanosized pores and well-organized nano pattern. Using AAO as a template for replication, nanowires with a very high aspect ratio can be fabricated. Herein, we propose a facile method to fabricate a nano-micro hybrid structure using nanowires replicated from AAO, and surface treatment. A polymer resin was coated between Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the AAO filter, roller pressed, and UV-cured. After the removal of aluminum by using NaOH solution, the nanowires aggregated to form a micropattern. The resulting structure was subjected to various surface treatments to investigate the surface behavior and wettability. As opposed to reported data, UV-ozone treatment can enhance surface hydrophobicity because the UV energy affects the nanowire surface, thus altering the shape of the aggregated nanowires. The hydrophobicity of the surface could be further improved by octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) coating immediately after UV-ozone treatment. We thus demonstrated that the nano-micro hybrid structure could be formed in the middle of nanowire replication, and then, the shape and surface characteristics could be controlled by surface treatment.
Advanced Scanning Probe Microscopy of Graphene and Other 2D Materials
Authors: Musumeci Chiara
Published: July 2017

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, such as graphene and metal dichalcogenides, are an emerging class of materials, which hold the promise to enable next-generation electronics. Features such as average flake size, shape, concentration, and density of defects are among the most significant properties affecting these materials’ functions. Because of the nanoscopic nature of these features, a tool performing morphological and functional characterization on this scale is required. Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) techniques offer the possibility to correlate morphology and structure with other significant properties, such as opto-electronic and mechanical properties, in a multilevel characterization at atomic- and nanoscale. This review gives an overview of the different SPM techniques used for the characterization of 2D materials. A basic introduction of the working principles of these methods is provided along with some of the most significant examples reported in the literature. Particular attention is given to those techniques where the scanning probe is not used as a simple imaging tool, but rather as a force sensor with very high sensitivity and resolution.
End Stage Renal Disease—A Nephrologist’s Perspective of Two Different Circumstances as Typified by Kidney Transplantation Experience in a Nigerian Hospital Versus a Large US Medical School
Authors: Onuigbo Macaulay
Published: July 2017

Renal transplantation is the sine qua non consummate form of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for end stage renal disease (ESRD). Despite the increasing ESRD burden worldwide, developing countries continue to experience a gross lack of RRT options for its teeming citizens with ESRD. This report is a demonstration of a nephrologist’s experience and dilemma trying to make sense of the yawning disparity between RRT options, especially renal transplantation, as it applies to the citizens of the USA versus the citizens of Nigeria. The limited three-year experience of renal transplantation at Garki Hospital, located in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, which is one of the very few centers carrying out renal transplantation in Nigeria, was starkly contrasted with this author’s first-hand experience at the University of Maryland Medical School, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, as a Nephrology Fellow between 2000 and 2002. The potential role of public-private partnership (PPP) ventures in developing countries is considered as a way to help bridge this gap.
Integrating Decentralized Indoor Evacuation with Information Depositories in the Field
Authors: Zhao Haifeng , Winter Stephan , Tomko Martin
Published: July 2017

The lonelier evacuees find themselves, the riskier become their wayfinding decisions. This research supports single evacuees in a dynamically changing environment with risk-aware guidance. It deploys the concept of decentralized evacuation, where evacuees are guided by smartphones acquiring environmental knowledge and risk information via exploration and knowledge sharing by peer-to-peer communication. Peer-to-peer communication, however, relies on the chance that people come into communication range with each other. This chance can be low. To bridge between people being not at the same time at the same places, this paper suggests information depositories at strategic locations to improve information sharing. Information depositories collect the knowledge acquired by the smartphones of evacuees passing by, maintain this information, and convey it to other passing-by evacuees. Multi-agent simulation implementing these depositories in an indoor environment shows that integrating depositories improves evacuation performance: It enhances the risk awareness and consequently increases the chance that people survive and reduces their evacuation time. For evacuating dynamic events, deploying depositories at staircases has been shown more effective than deploying them in corridors.
miRNAs in Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis
Authors: Kotaki Ryutaro , Koyama-Nasu Ryo , Yamakawa Natsuko , Kotani Ai
Published: July 2017

Lineage specification is primarily regulated at the transcriptional level and lineage-specific transcription factors determine cell fates. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 18–24 nucleotide-long non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally decrease the translation of target mRNAs and are essential for many cellular functions. miRNAs also regulate lineage specification during hematopoiesis. This review highlights the roles of miRNAs in B-cell development and malignancies, and discusses how miRNA expression profiles correlate with disease prognoses and phenotypes. We also discuss the potential for miRNAs as therapeutic targets and diagnostic tools for B-cell malignancies.
The Bifactor Model Fits Better Than the Higher-Order Model in More Than 90% of Comparisons for Mental Abilities Test Batteries
Authors: Cucina Jeffrey , Byle Kevin
Published: July 2017

The factor structure of mental abilities has most often been depicted using a higher-order model. Under this model, general mental ability (g) is placed at the top of a pyramid, with “loading” arrows going from it to the other factors of intelligence, which in turn go to subtest scores. In contrast, under the bifactor model (also known as the nested factors/direct hierarchical model), each subtest score has its own direct loading on g; the non-g factors (e.g., the broad abilities) do not mediate the relationships of the subtest scores with g. Here we summarized past research that compared the fit of higher-order and bifactor models using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We also analyzed additional archival datasets to compare the fit of the two models. Using a total database consisting of 31 test batteries, 58 datasets, and 1,712,509 test takers, we found stronger support for a bifactor model of g than for the traditional higher-order model. Across 166 comparisons, the bifactor model had median increases of 0.076 for the Comparative Fit Index (CFI), 0.083 for the Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), and 0.078 for the Normed Fit Index (NFI) and decreases of 0.028 for the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) and 1343 for the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Consequently, researchers should consider using bifactor models when conducting CFAs. The bifactor model also makes the unique contributions of g and the broad abilities to subtest scores more salient to test users.
Creep Behavior of High-Strength Concrete Subjected to Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Yoon Minho , Kim Gyuyong , Kim Youngsun , Lee Taegyu , Choe Gyeongcheol , Hwang Euichul , Nam Jeongsoo
Published: July 2017

Strain is generated in concrete subjected to elevated temperatures owing to the influence of factors such as thermal expansion and design load. Such strains resulting from elevated temperatures and load can significantly influence the stability of a structure during and after a fire. In addition, the lower the water-to-binder (W–B) ratio and the smaller the quantity of aggregates in high-strength concrete, the more likely it is for unstable strain to occur. Hence, in this study, the compressive strength, elastic modulus, and creep behavior were evaluated at target temperatures of 100, 200, 300, 500, and 800 °C for high-strength concretes with W–B ratios of 30%, 26%, and 23%. The loading conditions were set as non-loading and 0.33fcu. It was found that as the compressive strength of the concrete increased, the mechanical characteristics deteriorated and transient creep increased. Furthermore, when the point at which creep strain occurred at elevated temperatures after the occurrence of transient creep was considered, greater shrinkage strain occurred as the compressive strength of the concrete increased. At a heating temperature of 800 °C, the 80 and 100 MPa test specimens showed creep failure within a shrinkage strain range similar to the strain at the maximum load.
Microstructures and Properties of Plasma Sprayed Ni Based Coatings Reinforced by TiN/C1-xNxTi Generated from In-Situ Solid-Gas Reaction
Authors: Wang Wenquan , Li Wenmo , Xu Hongyong
Published: July 2017

The strengthening hard phases TiN/C1-xNxTi were generated by in-situ solid-gas reaction in Ni-based composite coatings prepared using a plasma spray welding process to reinforce the wear resistance of the coatings. The microstructures and properties of the coatings were investigated. The results showed that the coatings mainly consisted of phases such as TiN, C1-xNxTi, TiC, etc. A small amount of CrB, M7C3, and M23C6 were also detected in the coatings by micro-analysis method. Compared with the originally pure NiCrBSi coatings, the hardness of the NiCrBSi coatings reinforced by in-situ solid-gas reaction was 900 HV0.5, increased by more than 35%. Consequently, the wear resistance of the reinforced coatings was greatly improved due to the finely and uniformly dispersed hard phases mentioned above. The weight losses after wear test for the two kinds of coatings were 15 mg and 8 mg, respectively.
Development and Characterization of Polymer Eco-Composites Based on Natural Rubber Reinforced with Natural Fibers
Authors: Stelescu Maria-Daniela , Manaila Elena , Craciun Gabriela , Chirila Corina
Published: July 2017

Natural rubber composites filled with short natural fibers (flax and sawdust) were prepared by blending procedure and the elastomer cross-linking was carried out using benzoyl peroxide. The microbial degradation of composites was carried out by incubating with Aspergillus niger recognized for the ability to grow and degrade a broad range of substrates. The extent of biodegradation was evaluated by weight loss and cross-linking degree study of composites after 2 months incubation in pure shake culture conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) have proved to be precious and valuable instruments for morphological as well as structural characterization of the composites before and after incubation with Aspergillus niger.
The Epiphytic Genus Gambierdiscus (Dinophyceae) in the Kermadec Islands and Zealandia Regions of the Southwestern Pacific and the Associated Risk of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
Authors: Rhodes Lesley , Smith Kirsty , Murray Sam , Harwood D. , Trnski Tom , Munday Rex
Published: July 2017

Species in the genus Gambierdiscus produce ciguatoxins (CTXs) and/or maitotoxins (MTXs), which may cause ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) in humans if contaminated fish are consumed. Species of Gambierdiscus have previously been isolated from macroalgae at Rangitahua (Raoul Island and North Meyer Islands, northern Kermadec Islands), and the opportunity was taken to sample for Gambierdiscus at the more southerly Macauley Island during an expedition in 2016. Gambierdiscus cells were isolated, cultured, and DNA extracted and sequenced to determine the species present. Bulk cultures were tested for CTXs and MTXs by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The species isolated were G. australes, which produced MTX-1 (ranging from 3 to 36 pg/cell), and G. polynesiensis, which produced neither MTX-1 nor, unusually, any known CTXs. Isolates of both species produced putative MTX-3. The risk of fish, particularly herbivorous fish, causing CFP in the Zealandia and Kermadec Islands region is real, although in mainland New Zealand the risk is currently low. Both Gambierdiscus and Fukuyoa have been recorded in the sub-tropical northern region of New Zealand, and so the risk may increase with warming seas and shift in the distribution of Gambierdiscus species.
The Role of κ-Carbides as Hydrogen Traps in High-Mn Steels
Authors: Timmerscheidt Tobias , Dey Poulumi , Bogdanovski Dimitri , Von Appen Jörg , Hickel Tilmann , Neugebauer Jörg , Dronskowski Richard
Published: July 2017

Since the addition of Al to high-Mn steels is known to reduce their sensitivity to hydrogen-induced delayed fracture, we investigate possible trapping effects connected to the presence of Al in the grain interior employing density-functional theory (DFT). The role of Al-based precipitates is also investigated to understand the relevance of short-range ordering effects. So-called E21-Fe3AlC κ-carbides are frequently observed in Fe-Mn-Al-C alloys. Since H tends to occupy the same positions as C in these precipitates, the interaction and competition between both interstitials is also investigated via DFT-based simulations. While the individual H–H/C–H chemical interactions are generally repulsive, the tendency of interstitials to increase the lattice parameter can yield a net increase of the trapping capability. An increased Mn content is shown to enhance H trapping due to attractive short-range interactions. Favorable short-range ordering is expected to occur at the interface between an Fe matrix and the E21-Fe3AlC κ-carbides, which is identified as a particularly attractive trapping site for H. At the same time, accumulation of H at sites of this type is observed to yield decohesion of this interface, thereby promoting fracture formation. The interplay of these effects, evident in the trapping energies at various locations and dependent on the H concentration, can be expressed mathematically, resulting in a term that describes the hydrogen embrittlement.
Low Cycle Fatigue Behaviour of DP Steels: Micromechanical Modelling vs. Validation
Authors: Moeini Ghazal , Ramazani Ali , Myslicki Sebastian , Sundararaghavan Veera , Könke Carsten
Published: July 2017

This study aims to simulate the stabilised stress-strain hysteresis loop of dual phase (DP) steel using micromechanical modelling. For this purpose, the investigation was conducted both experimentally and numerically. In the experimental part, the microstructure characterisation, monotonic tensile tests and low cycle fatigue tests were performed. In the numerical part, the representative volume element (RVE) was employed to study the effect of the DP steel microstructure of the low cycle fatigue behavior of DP steel. A dislocation-density based model was utilised to identify the tensile behavior of ferrite and martensite. Then, by establishing a correlation between the monotonic and cyclic behavior of ferrite and martensite phases, the cyclic deformation properties of single phases were estimated. Accordingly, Chaboche kinematic hardening parameters were identified from the predicted cyclic curve of individual phases in DP steel. Finally, the predicted hysteresis loop from low cycle fatigue modelling was in very good agreement with the experimental one. The stabilised hysteresis loop of DP steel can be successfully predicted using the developed approach.
Warfarin and Flavonoids Do Not Share the Same Binding Region in Binding to the IIA Subdomain of Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Rimac Hrvoje , Dufour Claire , Debeljak Željko , Zorc Branka , Bojić Mirza
Published: July 2017

Human serum albumin (HSA) binds a variety of xenobiotics, including flavonoids and warfarin. The binding of another ligand to the IIA binding site on HSA can cause warfarin displacement and potentially the elevation of its free concentration in blood. Studies dealing with flavonoid-induced warfarin displacement from HSA provided controversial results: estimated risk of displacement ranged from none to serious. To resolve these controversies, in vitro study of simultaneous binding of warfarin and eight different flavonoid aglycons and glycosides to HSA was carried out by fluorescence spectroscopy as well as molecular docking. Results show that warfarin and flavonoids do not share the same binding region in binding to HSA. Interactions were only observed at high warfarin concentrations not attainable under recommended dosing regimes. Docking experiments show that flavonoid aglycons and glycosides do not bind at warfarin high affinity sites, but rather to different regions within the IIA HSA subdomain. Thus, the risk of clinically significant warfarin–flavonoid interaction in binding to HSA should be regarded as negligible.
Site-Specific PEGylated Adeno-Associated Viruses with Increased Serum Stability and Reduced Immunogenicity
Authors: Yao Tianzhuo , Zhou Xueying , Zhang Chuanling , Yu Xiaojuan , Tian Zhenyu , Zhang Lihe , Zhou Demin
Published: July 2017

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is one of the most extensively studied and utilized viral vectors in clinical gene transfer research. However, the serum instability and immunogenicity of AAV vectors significantly limit their application. Here, we endeavored to overcome these limitations by developing a straightforward approach for site-specific PEGylation of AAV via genetic code expansion. This technique includes incorporation of the azide moiety into the AAV capsid protein followed by orthogonal and stoichiometric conjugation of a variety of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) through click chemistry. Using this approach, only the chosen site(s) was consistently PEGylated under mild conditions, preventing nonselective conjugation. Upon a series of in vitro examinations, AAVs conjugated with 20-kD PEG at sites Q325+1, S452+1, and R585+1 showed a 1.7- to 2.4-fold stability improvement in pooled human serum and a nearly twofold reduction in antibody recognition. Subsequent animal research on Sprague Dawley rats displayed a promising 20% reduction in antibody inducement and a higher virus titer in the blood. Together, our data demonstrate successful protection of an AAV vector from antibody neutralization and blood clearance, thereby increasing the efficiency of therapeutic gene delivery.
Dissolution-Induced Nanowire Synthesis on Hot-Dip Galvanized Surface in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Kaleva Aaretti , Saarimaa Ville , Heinonen Saara , Nikkanen Juha-Pekka , Markkula Antti , Väisänen Pasi , Levänen Erkki
Published: July 2017

In this study, we demonstrate a rapid treatment method for producing a needle-like nanowire structure on a hot-dip galvanized sheet at a temperature of 50 °C. The processing method involved only supercritical carbon dioxide and water to induce a reaction on the zinc surface, which resulted in growth of zinc hydroxycarbonate nanowires into flower-like shapes. This artificial patina nanostructure predicts high surface area and offers interesting opportunities for its use in industrial high-end applications. The nanowires can significantly improve paint adhesion and promote electrochemical stability for organic coatings, or be converted to ZnO nanostructures by calcining to be used in various semiconductor applications.
The Influence of Maternal Dietary Patterns on Body Mass Index and Gestational Weight Gain in Urban Black South African Women
Authors: Wrottesley Stephanie , Pisa Pedro , Norris Shane
Published: July 2017

Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and subsequent gestational weight gain (GWG) are strong predictors of maternal and infant outcomes; however the influence of dietary patterns on BMI-specific GWG is unclear. This study identifies patterns of habitual dietary intake in urban South African women and explores their associations with first trimester BMI and GWG. Habitual dietary intake of 538 pregnant women was assessed using a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire and dietary patterns were depicted via principle component analysis. Associations between dietary patterns and BMI-specific GWG were analyzed using linear and logistic regression. Three dietary patterns were identified: Western, Traditional and Mixed. Western and Mixed diet patterns were associated with 35 g/week (p = 0.021) and 24 g/week (p = 0.041) higher GWG in normal weight and obese women respectively. Additionally, high intakes of a Traditional diet pattern were associated with a reduced odds of excessive weight gain in the total sample (OR: 0.81; p = 0.006) and in normal weight women (OR: 0.68; p = 0.003). Increased intake of a traditional diet pattern—high in whole grains, legumes, vegetables and traditional meats—and decreased intake of refined, high sugar and fat driven diets may reduce GWG (including risk of excessive weight gain) in urban South African women.
Importance of Dietary Sources of Iron in Infants and Toddlers: Lessons from the FITS Study
Authors: Finn Kristen , Callen Cheryl , Bhatia Jatinder , Reidy Kathleen , Bechard Lori , Carvalho Ryan
Published: July 2017

Iron deficiency (ID) affects 13.5% of 1–2 years old children in the US and may have a negative impact on neurodevelopment and behavior. Iron-fortified infant cereal is the primary non-heme iron source among infants aged 6–11.9 months. The objective of this study was to compare iron intakes of infant cereal users with non-users. Data from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study 2008 were used for this analysis. Based on a 24-h recall, children between the ages of 4–17.9 months were classified as ‘cereal users’ if they consumed any amount or type of infant cereal and ‘non-users’ if they did not. Infant cereal was the top source of dietary iron among infants aged 6–11.9 months. The majority of infants (74.6%) aged 6–8.9 months consumed infant cereal, but this declined to 51.5% between 9–11.9 months and 14.8% among 12–17.9 months old toddlers. Infant cereal users consumed significantly more iron than non-users across all age groups. Infants and toddlers who consume infant cereal have higher iron intakes compared to non-users. Given the high prevalence of ID, the appropriate use of infant cereals in a balanced diet should be encouraged to reduce the incidence of ID and ID anemia.
Category Theory Approach to Solution Searching Based on Photoexcitation Transfer Dynamics
Authors: Naruse Makoto , Aono Masashi , Kim Song-Ju , Saigo Hayato , Ojima Izumi , Okamura Kazuya , Hori Hirokazu
Published: July 2017

Solution searching that accompanies combinatorial explosion is one of the most important issues in the age of artificial intelligence. Natural intelligence, which exploits natural processes for intelligent functions, is expected to help resolve or alleviate the difficulties of conventional computing paradigms and technologies. In fact, we have shown that a single-celled organism such as an amoeba can solve constraint satisfaction problems and related optimization problems as well as demonstrate experimental systems based on non-organic systems such as optical energy transfer involving near-field interactions. However, the fundamental mechanisms and limitations behind solution searching based on natural processes have not yet been understood. Herein, we present a theoretical background of solution searching based on optical excitation transfer from a category-theoretic standpoint. One important indication inspired by the category theory is that the satisfaction of short exact sequences is critical for an adequate computational operation that determines the flow of time for the system and is termed as “short-exact-sequence-based time.” In addition, the octahedral and braid structures known in triangulated categories provide a clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms, including a quantitative indication of the difficulties of obtaining solutions based on homology dimension. This study contributes to providing a fundamental background of natural intelligence.
Alfalfa Responses to Gypsum Application Measured Using Undisturbed Soil Columns
Authors: Tirado-Corbalá Rebecca , Slater Brian , Dick Warren , Barker Dave
Published: July 2017

Gypsum is an excellent source of Ca and S, both of which are required for crop growth. Large amounts of by-product gypsum [Flue gas desulfurization gypsum-(FGDG)] are produced from coal combustion in the United States, but only 4% is used for agricultural purposes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of (1) untreated, (2) short-term (4-year annual applications of gypsum totaling 6720 kg ha−1), and (3) long-term (12-year annual applications of gypsum totaling 20,200 kg ha−1) on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth and nutrient uptake, and gypsum movement through soil. The study was conducted in a greenhouse using undisturbed soil columns of two non-sodic soils (Celina silt loam and Brookston loam). Aboveground growth of alfalfa was not affected by gypsum treatments when compared with untreated (p > 0.05). Total root biomass (0–75 cm) for both soils series was significantly increased by gypsum application (p = 0.04), however, increased root growth was restricted to 0–10 cm depth. Soil and plant analyses indicated no unfavorable environmental impact from of the 4-year and 12-year annual application of FGDG. We concluded that under sufficient water supply, by-product gypsum is a viable source of Ca and S for land application that might benefit alfalfa root growth, but has less effect on aboveground alfalfa biomass production. Undisturbed soil columns were a useful adaptation of the lysimeter method that allowed detailed measurements of alfalfa nutrient uptake, root biomass, and yield and nutrient movement in soil.
An Empirical Algorithm for Wave Retrieval from Co-Polarization X-Band SAR Imagery
Authors: Shao Weizeng , Wang Jing , Li Xiaofeng , Sun Jian
Published: July 2017

In this study, we proposed an empirical algorithm for significant wave height (SWH) retrieval from TerraSAR-X/TanDEM (TS-X/TD-X) X-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) co-polarization (vertical-vertical (VV) and horizontal-horizontal (HH)) images. As the existing empirical algorithm at X-band, i.e., XWAVE, is applied for wave retrieval from HH-polarization TS-X/TD-X image, polarization ratio (PR) has to be used for inverting wind speed, which is treated as an input in XWAVE. Wind speed encounters saturation in tropical cyclone. In our work, wind speed is replaced by normalized radar cross section (NRCS) to avoiding using SAR-derived wind speed, which does not work in high winds, and the empirical algorithm can be conveniently implemented without converting NRCS in HH-polarization to NRCS in VV-polarization by using X-band PR. A total of 120 TS-X/TD-X images, 60 in VV-polarization and 60 in HH-polarization, with homogenous wave patterns, and the coincide significant wave height data from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis field at a 0.125° grid were collected as a dataset for tuning the algorithm. The range of SWH is from 0 to 7 m. We then applied the algorithm to 24 VV and 21 HH additional SAR images to extract SWH at locations of 30 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) buoys. It is found that the algorithm performs well with a SWH stander deviation (STD) of about 0.5 m for both VV and HH polarization TS-X/TD-X images. For large wave validation (SWH 6–7 m), we applied the empirical algorithm to a tropical cyclone Sandy TD-X image acquired in 2012, and obtained good result with a SWH STD of 0.3 m. We concluded that the proposed empirical algorithm works for wave retrieval from TS-X/TD-X image in co-polarization without external sea surface wind information.
The Interaction between Nidovirales and Autophagy Components
Authors: Cong Yingying , Verlhac Pauline , Reggiori Fulvio
Published: July 2017

Autophagy is a conserved intracellular catabolic pathway that allows cells to maintain homeostasis through the degradation of deleterious components via specialized double-membrane vesicles called autophagosomes. During the past decades, it has been revealed that numerous pathogens, including viruses, usurp autophagy in order to promote their propagation. Nidovirales are an order of enveloped viruses with large single-stranded positive RNA genomes. Four virus families (Arterividae, Coronaviridae, Mesoniviridae, and Roniviridae) are part of this order, which comprises several human and animal pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. In host cells, Nidovirales induce membrane rearrangements including autophagosome formation. The relevance and putative mechanism of autophagy usurpation, however, remain largely elusive. Here, we review the current knowledge about the possible interplay between Nidovirales and autophagy.