bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uso de internet en el ámbito académico universitario
Authors: Ramírez Hernández Moisés , Maldonado Berea Guadalupe Aurora , Marín-Díaz Verónica
Published: February 2016

Este artículo muestra un análisis sobre el uso de internet en actividades académicas por parte del profesor universitario, como resultado de una investigación en proceso cuyo objetivo es identificar el uso que hace el profesor de las TIC en su proceso de enseñanza. Este estudio combina los enfoques positivista y fenomenológico a través de una metodología mixta. De los instrumentos utilizados para la recolección de la información fueron la encuesta y el grupo de discusión. La muestra fue de 44 profesores de la Licenciatura en Pedagogía de la Región Veracruz, de la Universidad Veracruzana (UV) en México. Los resultados apuntan que es conveniente seguir realizando investigaciones en esta área.
Presentación
Authors: Sánchez-Rivas Enrique
Published: February 2016

Presentación del Vol 1. Núm 2 de la Revista Innoeduca
Learning From Field Measurements: Engineering Method To Improve Cement Returns in Riserless Deepwater Jobs
Authors: Dooply Mohammed , Peternell Ana , Long Jeffrey
Published: February 2016

With the increased importance of achieving zonal isolation in the shallow riserless sections of deepwater wells, it has become critical to understand the results of the cement placement. Riserless-cementing-job design has historically been a static process largely independent of the drilling parameters, particularly in these large-diameter boreholes.

Variable borehole shape and quality affect the wellbore cleaning, wellbore stability while drilling, and the smooth operation of the casing run. Borehole quality can also compromise cement-placement efficiency and mud-displacement mechanics. It has become increasingly important to develop a greater understanding of the impact that borehole size and the identification of borehole degradation have in cementing design and placement, to increase the likelihood of achieving zonal-isolation objectives.

Caliper tools provide an explicit method that uses physical measurements to evaluate not only wellbore quality but also formation characteristics. Caliper measurement is used to optimize the cementing design by adjusting key parameters such as cement-slurry volumes, centralization, preflush volumes, and fluid pump rates, so that effective mud removal and optimized cement placement are achieved.

A review of the current practices of field measurements and observations to understand and detect cement returns in the deepwater drilling environment and also the applications and key learnings from the engineering workflow led to new development of tools to improve the understanding of the cement volumes required for these particular tophole sections.
Hydraulics Calculations and Field Application of Radial Jet Drilling
Authors: Bin Wang , Gensheng Li , Zhongwei Huang , Jingbin Li , Dongbo Zheng , Hao Li
Published: February 2016

Multilateral-horizontal-well drilling is an efficient approach for stimulating shallow, low-permeability, marginal, and coalbed-methane (CBM) reservoirs. Radial-jet-drilling (RJD) technology, which uses a high-pressure water jet, aims to drill tens of laterals from a vertical wellbore. Hydraulics design is essential for successful field-drilling operations. However, detailed hydraulics calculations and design methods have not yet been published.

In this study, the pressure loss, ejector force, and extending resistance of an RJD system were measured at different flow rates at a full-scale RJD experimental facility. A set of pressure-loss models and a lateral-extending-force model of an RJD system were then established, and a method to optimize the hydraulics of RJD was proposed. Finally, a field case study with six radial laterals in four different layers was conducted by use of our models and optimization method.

The hydraulics calculations corresponded well with the field data. The model error was within 8%. The pressure loss of the high-pressure hose and jet bit represents a large proportion of the RJD-system pressure loss (41.2 and 55.8%, respectively). According to the operation profile, the calculated pump pressure will help the field engineer to estimate the working status of downhole tools. The results show that the pump flow rate should be optimized for different well configurations. The optimum flow-rate range was determined by the minimum lateral-extending force, minimum rock-breaking jet-bit-pressure drop, and minimum equipment-safety working pressure. To maximize the rate of penetration (ROP), the largest flow rate within that interval was selected as the optimum flow rate. A flow rate of 57.24 L/min was optimal for the case well.

The present work provides a viable and detailed hydraulics-calculation model and design method for RJD, and may be used for both short-term troubleshooting and long-term operation planning. It can serve as a guide for the development of safer and more-effective RJD practices.
Decision support system for metabolism-based transition to urban water systems of tomorrow
Authors: Morley Mark , Behzadian Kourosh , Kapelan Zoran , Ugarelli Rita
Published: February 2016

A decision support system (DSS) tool for the assessment of intervention strategies in an urban water system (UWS) with an integral simulation model called ‘WaterMet2’ is presented. Lists of intervention options and performance indicators are exposed by the DSS for the user to define intervention strategies and metrics for their comparison. The quantitative and risk-based metrics are calculated by WaterMet2 and risk modules, while the qualitative metrics may be quantified by external tools feeding into the DSS. Finally, a multi-criteria decision analysis approach is employed in the DSS to compare the defined intervention strategies and rank them with respect to a pre-specified weighting scheme for different scenarios. This mechanism provides a useful tool for decision makers to compare different strategies for the planning of UWS with respect to multiple scenarios. The suggested DSS is demonstrated through the application to a northern European real-life case study.
Phyllosphere mycobiota of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. and E. globulus Labill.
Authors: Ljaljevic-Grbic Milica , Savkovic Zeljko , Stupar Milos , Ilic Nebojsa , Vukojevic Jelena
Published: February 2016

Diversity of phyllosphere microfungi of two Eucalypti species (E.
camaldulensis and E. globulus) was investigated using moist chamber method. A
total of 19 different taxa of phyllosphere microfungal community were
identified in leaves and seed bearing capsules. Aspergillus niger was the
most frequent isolate in both investigated Eucalyptus species along with
Alternaria alternata and Penicillium spp. Saprotrophic species occurred more
frequently in Eucalypti phyllosphere compared to plant pathogens. Epiphytes
were quantitatively prevalent. Microscopic analyses of E. globulus
phylloplane microfungal community revealed potential inhibitory effect of
Trichoderma viride against Eucalypti pathogenic species Seimatosporium
eucalypti which formed aberrant, collapsed conidia. The study of phyllosphere
mycobiota is of significant importance, considering that numerous leaf
inhabiting fungi are in complex interactions with each other and their host
plant.
Teachers’ Everyday Professional Development
Authors: Kyndt Eva , Gijbels David , Grosemans Ilke , Donche Vincent
Published: February 2016

Although a lot is known about teacher development by means of formal learning activities, research on teachers’ everyday learning is limited. In the current systematic review, we analyzed 74 studies focusing on teachers’ informal learning to identify teachers’ learning activities, antecedents for informal learning, and learning outcomes. In addition, we examined whether beginning and more experienced teachers differ with regard to informal learning. Results revealed different types of learning activities in the two groups and interesting relationships among different antecedents and various learning outcomes. Moreover, it can be concluded that the main difference between beginning and more experienced teachers lies not in the type of learning activities they undertake but rather in their attitudes toward learning, their learning outcomes, and how they are influenced by their context.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Agriculture in 2015
Authors:   Agriculture Editorial Office
Published: February 2016

The editors of Agriculture would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Antibodies in 2015
Authors:   Antibodies Editorial Office
Published: February 2016

The editors of Antibodies would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Insulators to Improve the Safety of Retroviral Vectors for HIV Gene Therapy
Authors: Browning Diana , Trobridge Grant
Published: February 2016

Retroviral vector gene therapy is a promising approach to treating HIV-1. However, integrated vectors are mutagens with the potential to dysregulate nearby genes and cause severe adverse side effects. Leukemia has already been a documented severe adverse event in gene therapy clinical trials for the treatment of primary immunodeficiencies. These side effects will need to be reduced or avoided if retroviral vectors are to be used clinically for HIV-1 treatment. The addition of chromatin insulators to retroviral vectors is a potential strategy for reducing adverse side effects. Insulators have already been effectively used in retroviral vectors to reduce genotoxicity in pre-clinical studies. Here, we will review how insulators function, genotoxicity in gene therapy clinical trials, the design of insulated retroviral vectors, promising results from insulated retroviral vector studies, and considerations for the development of insulated retroviral treatment vectors for HIV-1 gene therapy.
Conditional Melanoma Cancer Survival in the United States
Authors: Merrill Ray , Bateman Simone
Published: February 2016

Beyond relative survival, which indicates the likelihood that patients will not die from causes associated with their cancer, conditional relative survival probabilities provide further useful prognostic information to cancer patients, tailored to the time already survived from diagnosis. This study presents conditional relative survival for melanoma patients in the United States, diagnosed during 2000–2008 and followed through 2012. Analyses are based on 62,803 male and 50,261 female cases in population-based cancer registries in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program of the National Cancer Institute. Five-year relative survival estimates are presented for melanoma patients who have already survived one, two, three, four, or five years after the initial diagnosis. Five- and ten-year relative survival decreases with age, stage at diagnosis, and is lower among males, Blacks, and Hispanics. Five-year conditional relative survival improves with each year already survived. The potential for improvement in five-year conditional relative survival is greatest for older age, males, Blacks, Hispanics, and in later staged cases. For local disease, five-year conditional relative survival was significantly lower in ages greater than 65 years and in Blacks. It was significantly higher in females, non-Hispanics, and married individuals. Age had a greater inverse relationship with five-year survival in later staged disease. A similar result occurred for females and married individuals. In contrast, non-Hispanics had better five-year survival if diagnosed with local or regional disease, but not distant disease.
Synthesis, Crystal Structural Investigations, and DFT Calculations of Novel Thiosemicarbazones
Authors: Anderson Brian , Jasinski Jerry , Freedman Michael , Millikan Sean , O’Rourke Kelly , Smolenski Victoria
Published: February 2016

The crystal and molecular structures of three new thiosemicarbazones, 2-[1-(2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)ethylidene]-N-methyl-hydrazinecarbothioamide monohydrate (1), 2-[1-(2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)ethylidene]-N-ethyl-hydrazinecarbothioamide (2) and 2-[1-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)ethylidene]-N-ethyl-hydrazinecarbothioamide acetonitrile solvate (3), are reported and confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR and UV-vis spectroscopic data. Compound (1), C11H15N3O2S·H2O, crystallizes in the monoclinic with space group P21/c, with cell parameters a = 8.2304(3) Å, b = 16.2787(6) Å, c = 9.9708(4) Å, and β = 103.355(4)°. Compound (2), C12H17N3O2S, crystallizes in the C2/c space group with cell parameters a = 23.3083(6) Å, b = 8.2956(2) Å, c = 13.5312(3) Å, β = 91.077(2)°. Compound (3), C11H15N3O2S·C2H3N, crystallizes in the triclinic P-1 space group with cell constants a = 8.9384(7) Å, b = 9.5167(8) Å, c = 10.0574(8) Å, α = 110.773(7)°, β = 92.413(6)°, and γ = 90.654(7)°. DFT B3LYP/6-31(G) geometry optimized molecular orbital calculations were also performed and frontier molecular orbitals of each compound are displayed. The correlations between the calculated molecular orbital energies (eV) for the surfaces of the frontier molecular orbitals to the electronic excitation transitions from the absorption spectra of each compound have been proposed. Additionally, similar correlations observed among three closely related compounds, (4), 2-[1-(2-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)ethylidene]-N-methyl-hydrazinecarbothioamide, (5), 2-[1-(2-hydroxy-6-methoxyphenyl)ethylidene]-N-methyl-hydrazinecarbothioamide acetonitrile monosolvate and (6), 2-[1-(2-hydroxy-6-methoxyphenyl)ethylidene]-N-ethyl-hydrazinecarbothioamide, examining structural differences from the substitution of the methoxy group from the phenyl ring (4, 5, or 6 position) and the substitution of the terminal amine (methyl or ethyl) to their frontier molecular orbital surfaces and from their Density Functional Theory (DFT) molecular orbital energies provide further support for the suggested assignments of the title compounds.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Diagnostics in 2015
Authors:   Diagnostics Editorial Office
Published: February 2016

The editors of Diagnostics would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Entropy Generation through Deterministic Spiral Structures in Corner Flows with Sidewall Surface Mass Injection
Authors: Isaacson LaVar
Published: February 2016

Results are presented for an innovative computational procedure that predicts time-dependent instabilities and deterministic ordered structures in three-dimensional steady-state laminar boundary-layer flows. The flow configuration considered is a corner flow with sidewall surface mass injection into a horizontal boundary-layer flow. The equations for the velocity fluctuations are cast into a spectral Lorenz-type format and incorporated into the overall computational procedure for the three-dimensional flow. The non-linear time-dependent solutions of the spectral equations predict deterministic spectral ordered structures within spiral structures. Spectral analysis of these fluctuating solutions yields the resulting entropy generation rates resulting from the dissipation of the ordered structures. The results for the entropy generation rates indicate the prediction of a strong burst of ordered structures within the range of injection velocities studied. This new computational method is applicable to only selected thermal design processes.
Effects of the Particle Size and the Solvent in Printing Inks on the Capacitance of Printed Parallel-Plate Capacitors
Authors: Park Sungsik , Lee Dongjin
Published: February 2016

Parallel-plate capacitors were fabricated using a printed multi-layer structure in order to determine the effects of particle size and solvent on the capacitance. The conductive-dielectric-conductive layers were sequentially spun using commercial inks and by intermediate drying with the aid of a masking polymeric layer. Both optical and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the morphology of the printed layers. The measured capacitance was larger than the theoretically calculated value when ink with small-sized particles was used as the top plate. Furthermore, the use of a solvent whose polarity was similar to that of the underlying dielectric layer enhanced the penetration and resulted in an increase in capacitance. The functional resistance-capacitance low-pass filter was implemented using printed resistors and capacitors, a process that may be scalable in the future.
Optimization of Fuel Consumption and Emissions for Auxiliary Power Unit Based on Multi-Objective Optimization Model
Authors: Shen Yongpeng , He Zhendong , Liu Dongqi , Xu Binjie
Published: February 2016

Auxiliary power units (APUs) are widely used for electric power generation in various types of electric vehicles, improvements in fuel economy and emissions of these vehicles directly depend on the operating point of the APUs. In order to balance the conflicting goals of fuel consumption and emissions reduction in the process of operating point choice, the APU operating point optimization problem is formulated as a constrained multi-objective optimization problem (CMOP) firstly. The four competing objectives of this CMOP are fuel-electricity conversion cost, hydrocarbon (HC) emissions, carbon monoxide (CO) emissions and nitric oxide (NO x ) emissions. Then, the multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm and weighted metric decision making method are employed to solve the APU operating point multi-objective optimization model. Finally, bench experiments under New European driving cycle (NEDC), Federal test procedure (FTP) and high way fuel economy test (HWFET) driving cycles show that, compared with the results of the traditional fuel consumption single-objective optimization approach, the proposed multi-objective optimization approach shows significant improvements in emissions performance, at the expense of a slight drop in fuel efficiency.
Environmental Chemical Assessment in Clinical Practice: Unveiling the Elephant in the Room
Authors: Bijlsma Nicole , Cohen Marc
Published: February 2016

A growing body of evidence suggests chemicals present in air, water, soil, food, building materials and household products are toxicants that contribute to the many chronic diseases typically seen in routine medical practice. Yet, despite calls from numerous organisations to provide clinicians with more training and awareness in environmental health, there are multiple barriers to the clinical assessment of toxic environmental exposures. Recent developments in the fields of systems biology, innovative breakthroughs in biomedical research encompassing the “-omics” fields, and advances in mobile sensing, peer-to-peer networks and big data, provide tools that future clinicians can use to assess environmental chemical exposures in their patients. There is also a need for concerted action at all levels, including actions by individual patients, clinicians, medical educators, regulators, government and non-government organisations, corporations and the wider civil society, to understand the “exposome” and minimise the extent of toxic exposures on current and future generations. Clinical environmental chemical risk assessment may provide a bridge between multiple disciplines that uses new technologies to herald in a new era in personalised medicine that unites clinicians, patients and civil society in the quest to understand and master the links between the environment and human health.
Impact of Geographic Location on Vitamin D Status and Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Yeum Kyung-Jin , Song Byeng , Joo Nam-Seok
Published: February 2016

A significant decline of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration [25(OH)D] with increasing latitude has been reported only for Caucasians. To determine the association between serum 25(OH)D and geographic location and its impact on bone mineral density (BMD) in an Asian population, a total of 17,508 subjects (8910 men and 8598 women) from the 2008–2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were stratified into four age groups and analyzed for 25(OH)D and BMD according to geographic location (South, 33° N–35° N; Middle, 36° N; North, 37° N–38° N). Mean 25(OH)D were 47.7 and 41.2 nmol/L; calcium intake, 564.9 & 442.3 mg/d; femoral neck BMD, 0.829 & 0.721 g/cm2; and lumbar spine BMD, 0.960 & 0.918 g/cm2 for men and women, respectively. Both men and women living in the South had significantly higher 25(OH)D and femoral neck BMD for those ≥50 years old. Lumbar spine BMD was significantly higher in men ≥50 years old, and for women 10–29 & 50–69 years old living in the South. A 1 or 2 degree difference in latitude has a significant effect on serum 25(OH)D and BMD in this low vitamin D status population. Thus, consideration of geographic location for a recommendation of vitamin D intake may be necessary.
Spatial Modelling Tools to Integrate Public Health and Environmental Science, Illustrated with Infectious Cryptosporidiosis
Authors: Lal Aparna
Published: February 2016

Contemporary spatial modelling tools can help examine how environmental exposures such as climate and land use together with socio-economic factors sustain infectious disease transmission in humans. Spatial methods can account for interactions across global and local scales, geographic clustering and continuity of the exposure surface, key characteristics of many environmental influences. Using cryptosporidiosis as an example, this review illustrates how, in resource rich settings, spatial tools have been used to inform targeted intervention strategies and forecast future disease risk with scenarios of environmental change. When used in conjunction with molecular studies, they have helped determine location-specific infection sources and environmental transmission pathways. There is considerable scope for such methods to be used to identify data/infrastructure gaps and establish a baseline of disease burden in resource-limited settings. Spatial methods can help integrate public health and environmental science by identifying the linkages between the physical and socio-economic environment and health outcomes. Understanding the environmental and social context for disease spread is important for assessing the public health implications of projected environmental change.
Mapping to Support Fine Scale Epidemiological Cholera Investigations: A Case Study of Spatial Video in Haiti
Authors: Curtis Andrew , Blackburn Jason , Smiley Sarah , Yen Minmin , Camilli Andrew , Alam Meer , Ali Afsar , Morris J.
Published: February 2016

The cartographic challenge in many developing world environments suffering a high disease burden is a lack of granular environmental covariates suitable for modeling disease outcomes. As a result, epidemiological questions, such as how disease diffuses at intra urban scales are extremely difficult to answer. This paper presents a novel geospatial methodology, spatial video, which can be used to collect and map environmental covariates, while also supporting field epidemiology. An example of epidemic cholera in a coastal town of Haiti is used to illustrate the potential of this new method. Water risks from a 2012 spatial video collection are used to guide a 2014 survey, which concurrently included the collection of water samples, two of which resulted in positive lab results “of interest” (bacteriophage specific for clinical cholera strains) to the current cholera situation. By overlaying sample sites on 2012 water risk maps, a further fifteen proposed water sample locations are suggested. These resulted in a third spatial video survey and an additional “of interest” positive water sample. A potential spatial connection between the “of interest” water samples is suggested. The paper concludes with how spatial video can be an integral part of future fine-scale epidemiological investigations for different pathogens.
Effects of the Residential Environment on Health in Japan Linked with Travel Behavior
Authors: Perez Barbosa David , Zhang Junyi , Seya Hajime
Published: February 2016

This paper aims to clarify how the residential environment is associated with overall health-related quality of life (QOL) via active travel (walking and cycling), by reflecting the influence of different trip purposes in Japan. The health-related QOL includes physical, mental, and social dimensions. For this study we implemented a questionnaire survey in 20 cities in Japan in 2010 and obtained valid answers from 1202 respondents. The residential environment is defined in terms of distances to and densities of different daily facilities extracted from both the survey and external GIS data. We found that the effects of residential environment on active travel behavior are mixed and limited, depending on types of trip makers. Unexpectedly, travel behavior has no direct effects on the health-related QOL. The residential environment, which is only observed indirectly via lifestyle habits for commuters, has limited effects on health. As for noncommuters, neither their travel behavior nor the residential environment influences their health-related QOL.
A Spatio-Temporal VGI Model Considering Trust-Related Information
Authors: Zhao Yijiang , Zhou Xiaoguang , Li Guangqiang , Xing Hanfa
Published: February 2016

Over the past several years, volunteered geographic information (VGI) has expanded rapidly. VGI collection has been proven to serve as a highly successful means of acquiring timely and detailed global spatial data. However, VGI includes several special properties. For example, the contributor’s reputation affects the quality of objects edited, and a geographic object may have multiple versions. The existing spatio-temporal data model cannot describe the unique properties of VGI. Therefore, a spatio-temporal VGI model considering trust-related information is presented in this paper. In this model, central elements of the VGI environment, e.g., geographic entity, entity state, state version, contributor, reputation, geographic event, and edit event, and their interaction mechanisms are analysed. Major VGI objects and relations are determined using the object-oriented method and trust-related operations, and their relationships are analysed, and nine linkage rules among trust-related operations are found to maintain the consistency of corresponding data. A prototype system for the spatio-temporal VGI model is presented, and the effectiveness of the model is verified.
Using Caenorhabditis elegans to Uncover Conserved Functions of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Authors: Watts Jennifer
Published: February 2016

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful model organism to study functions of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The ability to alter fatty acid composition with genetic manipulation and dietary supplementation permits the dissection of the roles of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in many biological process including reproduction, aging and neurobiology. Studies in C. elegans to date have mostly identified overlapping functions of 20-carbon omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in reproduction and in neurons, however, specific roles for either omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids are beginning to emerge. Recent findings with importance to human health include the identification of a conserved Cox-independent prostaglandin synthesis pathway, critical functions for cytochrome P450 derivatives of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the requirements for omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in sensory neurons, and the importance of fatty acid desaturation for long lifespan. Furthermore, the ability of C. elegans to interconvert omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids using the FAT-1 omega-3 desaturase has been exploited in mammalian studies and biotechnology approaches to generate mammals capable of exogenous generation of omega-3 fatty acids.
Protein Kinase D Enzymes as Regulators of EMT and Cancer Cell Invasion
Authors: Durand Nisha , Borges Sahra , Storz Peter
Published: February 2016

The Protein Kinase D (PKD) isoforms PKD1, PKD2, and PKD3 are effectors of the novel Protein Kinase Cs (nPKCs) and diacylglycerol (DAG). PKDs impact diverse biological processes like protein transport, cell migration, proliferation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and apoptosis. PKDs however, have distinct effects on these functions. While PKD1 blocks EMT and cell migration, PKD2 and PKD3 tend to drive both processes. Given the importance of EMT and cell migration to the initiation and progression of various malignancies, abnormal expression of PKDs has been reported in multiple types of cancers, including breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer. In this review, we discuss how EMT and cell migration are regulated by PKD isoforms and the significance of this regulation in the context of cancer development.
Extended Long Wave Hindcast inside Port Solutions to Minimize Resonance
Authors: Diaz-Hernandez Gabriel , Lara Javier , Losada Inigo
Published: February 2016

The present study shows a methodology to carry out a comprehensive study of port agitation and resonance analysis in Geraldton Harbor (Western Australia). The methodology described and applied here extends the short and long wave hindcast outside the harbor and towards the main basin. To perform such an analysis, and as the first stage of the methodology, it is necessary to determine, in detail, both the long and short wave characteristics, through a comprehensive methodology to obtain and to hindcast the full spectral data (short waves + long waves, for frequencies between 0.005 and 1 Hz). Twelve-year spectral hindcast wave data, at a location before the reef, have been modified analytically to include the energy input associated with infragravity waves. A decomposition technique based on the energy balance of the radiation stress of short waves is followed. Predictions for long wave heights and periods at different harbor locations are predicted and validated with data recorded during 2004 to 2009. This new database will ensure an accurate and reliable assessment of long wave hourly data (height, period and currents) in any area within the main basin of the Port of Geraldton, for its present geometry. With this information, two main task will be completed: (1) undertake a forensic diagnosis of the present response of the harbor, identifying those forcing characteristics related to inoperability events; and (2) propose any layout solutions to minimize, change, dissipate/fade/vanish or positively modify the effects of long waves in the harbor, proposing different harbor geometry modifications. The goal is to identify all possible combinations of solutions that would minimize the current inoperability in the harbor. Different pre-designs are assessed in this preliminary study in order to exemplify the potential of the methodology.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of the Journal of Fungi in 2015
Authors:   Journal of Fungi Editorial Office
Published: February 2016

The editors of the Journal of Fungi would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2015. [...]
Enhanced Distributed Dynamic Skyline Query for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ahmed Khandakar , Nafi Nazmus , Gregory Mark
Published: February 2016

Dynamic skyline query is one of the most popular and significant variants of skyline query in the field of multi-criteria decision-making. However, designing a distributed dynamic skyline query possesses greater challenge, especially for the distributed data centric storage within wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this paper, a novel Enhanced Distributed Dynamic Skyline (EDDS) approach is proposed and implemented in Disk Based Data Centric Storage (DBDCS) architecture. DBDCS is an adaptation of magnetic disk storage platter consisting tracks and sectors. In DBDCS, the disc track and sector analogy is used to map data locations. A distance based indexing method is used for storing and querying multi-dimensional similar data. EDDS applies a threshold based hierarchical approach, which uses temporal correlation among sectors and sector segments to calculate a dynamic skyline. The efficiency and effectiveness of EDDS has been evaluated in terms of latency, energy consumption and accuracy through a simulation model developed in Castalia.
Effects of Wet/Dry-Cycling and Plasma Treatments on the Properties of Flax Nonwovens Intended for Composite Reinforcing
Authors: Ventura Heura , Claramunt Josep , Navarro Antonio , Rodriguez-Perez Miguel , Ardanuy Mònica
Published: February 2016

This research analyzes the effects of different treatments on flax nonwoven (NW) fabrics which are intended for composite reinforcement. The treatments applied were of two different kinds: a wet/dry cycling which helps to stabilize the cellulosic fibers against humidity changes and plasma treatments with air, argon and ethylene gases considering different conditions and combinations, which produce variation on the chemical surface composition of the NWs. The resulting changes in the chemical surface composition, wetting properties, thermal stability and mechanical properties were determined. Variations in surface morphology could be observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed significant changes to the surface chemistry for the samples treated with argon or air (with more content on polar groups on the surface) and ethylene plasma (with less content of polar groups). Although only slight differences were found in moisture regain and water retention values (WRV), significant changes were found on the contact angle values, thus revealing hydrophilicity for the air-treated and argon-treated samples and hydrophobicity for the ethylene-treated ones. Moreover, for some of the treatments the mechanical testing revealed an increase of the NW breaking force.
How to Study Thermal Applications of Open-Cell Metal Foam: Experiments and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: De Schampheleire Sven , De Jaeger Peter , De Kerpel Kathleen , Ameel Bernd , Huisseune Henk , De Paepe Michel
Published: February 2016

This paper reviews the available methods to study thermal applications with open-cell metal foam. Both experimental and numerical work are discussed. For experimental research, the focus of this review is on the repeatability of the results. This is a major concern, as most studies only report the dependence of thermal properties on porosity and a number of pores per linear inch (PPI-value). A different approach, which is studied in this paper, is to characterize the foam using micro tomography scans with small voxel sizes. The results of these scans are compared to correlations from the open literature. Large differences are observed. For the numerical work, the focus is on studies using computational fluid dynamics. A novel way of determining the closure terms is proposed in this work. This is done through a numerical foam model based on micro tomography scan data. With this foam model, the closure terms are determined numerically.
Aspects of Mathematical Modelling of Pressure Retarded Osmosis
Authors: Anissimov Yuri
Published: February 2016

In power generating terms, a pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) energy generating plant, on a river entering a sea or ocean, is equivalent to a hydroelectric dam with a height of about 60 meters. Therefore, PRO can add significantly to existing renewable power generation capacity if economical constrains of the method are resolved. PRO energy generation relies on a semipermeable membrane that is permeable to water and impermeable to salt. Mathematical modelling plays an important part in understanding flows of water and salt near and across semipermeable membranes and helps to optimize PRO energy generation. Therefore, the modelling can help realizing PRO energy generation potential. In this work, a few aspects of mathematical modelling of the PRO process are reviewed and discussed.
Microstructure and High Temperature Deformation of Extruded Al-12Si-3Cu-Based Alloy
Authors: Yu Seung-Baek , Kim Mok-Soon
Published: February 2016

The high temperature deformation behavior of commercial Al-12Si-3Cu-2Ni-1Mg alloy (DM104™) which was fabricated by casting and subsequent hot extrusion was evaluated by compressive tests over the temperature range of 250–470 °C and strain rate range of 0.001–1/s. The extruded alloy had equiaxed grains, spherical Si particles and fine intermetallic phases, such as δ(Al3NiCu) and Q(Al5Cu2Mg3Si6). The true stress-true strain curves from the compressive tests exhibited steady-state flow after reaching the peak stress. A close relationship between the steady-state stress and a constitutive equation for high temperature deformation was observed. Fine equiaxed grains and a dislocation structure within the equiaxed grains were observed in the deformed specimens, suggesting the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization during high temperature deformation.
Removal of Uranium and Associated Contaminants from Aqueous Solutions Using Functional Carbon Nanotubes-Sodium Alginate Conjugates
Authors: Allaboun Hussein , Fares Mohammad , Abu Al-Rub Fahmi
Published: February 2016

Synthesis of hydrophilic/hydrophobic beads from functional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) conjugated with sodium alginate was investigated. Glutaraldehyde was used as a coupling agent and Ca2+ as a crosslinking agent. The formed conjugate comprises two-dimensional sheets of sodium alginate bounded to long tufts of functional CNT tails of micro-size geometry. Detailed characterization of the conjugates was performed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and its first derivative (DTG), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Different ratios of the conjugate were successfully prepared and used as biodegradable environmentally friendly sorbents. Removal of U6+, V3+, Cr3+, Mo3+, Pb2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Ti4+ and Ni2+ from aqueous solutions using the synthesized biosorbent was experimentally demonstrated. Maximum metal uptake of 53 mg/g was achieved using the % Functional CNTs = 33 sample.
Extended Superspheres for Shape Approximation of Near Polyhedral Nanoparticles and a Measure of the Degree of Polyhedrality
Authors: Onaka Susumu
Published: February 2016

Crystalline nanoparticles or nanoprecipitates with a cubic structure often have near polyhedral shapes composed of low-index planes with {100}, {111} and {110}. To consider such near polyhedral shapes, algebraic formulas of extended superspheres that can express intermediate shapes between spheres and various polyhedra have been presented. Four extended superspheres, (i) {100} regular-hexahedral; (ii) {111} regular-octahedral (iii) {110} rhombic-dodecahedral and (iv) {100}-{111}-{110} rhombicuboctahedral superspheres are treated in this study. A measure ∏ to indicate the degree of polyhedrality is presented to discuss shape transitions of the extended superspheres. As an application of ∏ superspherical coherent precipitate is shown.
Iodine Status of Women of Reproductive Age in Sierra Leone and Its Association with Household Coverage with Adequately Iodized Salt
Authors: Rohner Fabian , Wirth James , Woodruff Bradley , Chiwile Faraja , Yankson Hannah , Sesay Fatmata , Koroma Aminata , Petry Nicolai , Pyne-Bailey Solade , Dominguez Elisa , Kupka Roland , Hodges Mary , De Onis Mercedes
Published: February 2016

Salt iodization programs are a public health success in tackling iodine deficiency. Yet, a large proportion of the world’s population remains at risk for iodine deficiency. In a nationally representative cross-sectional survey in Sierra Leone, household salt samples and women’s urine samples were quantitatively analyzed for iodine content. Salt was collected from 1123 households, and urine samples from 817 non-pregnant and 154 pregnant women. Household coverage with adequately iodized salt (≥15 mg/kg iodine) was 80.7%. The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of pregnant women was 175.8 µg/L and of non-pregnant women 190.8 µg/L. Women living in households with adequately iodized salt had higher median UIC (for pregnant women: 180.6 µg/L vs. 100.8 µg/L, respectively, p < 0.05; and for non-pregnant women: 211.3 µg/L vs. 97.8 µg/L, p < 0.001). Differences in UIC by residence, region, household wealth, and women’s education were much smaller in women living in households with adequately iodized salt than in households without. Despite the high household coverage of iodized salt in Sierra Leone, it is important to reach the 20% of households not consuming adequately iodized salt. Salt iodization has the potential for increasing equity in iodine status even with the persistence of other risk factors for deficiency.
Social Pharmacy Research in Copenhagen—Maintaining a Broad Approach
Authors: Kälvemark Sporrong Sofia , Nørgaard Lotte , Wallach-Kildemoes Helle , Cantarero-Arévalo Lourdes , Kaae Susanne
Published: February 2016

Social Pharmacy (SP) is a multidisciplinary field to promote the adequate use of medicine. The field of SP is increasingly important due to a numbers of new trends all posing challenges to society. The SP group at the University of Copenhagen has for several years used a broad approach to SP teaching and research, often illustrated by the four levels: individual, group, organizational, and societal. In this paper the relevance of maintaining a broad approach to SP research is argued for and examples of the importance of such type of research is presented.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Cotton Fiber Development and Protein Extraction Method Comparison in Late Stage Fibers
Authors: Mujahid Hana , Pendarvis Ken , Reddy Joseph , Nallamilli Babi , Reddy K. , Nanduri Bindu , Peng Zhaohua
Published: February 2016

The distinct stages of cotton fiber development and maturation serve as a single-celled model for studying the molecular mechanisms of plant cell elongation, cell wall development and cellulose biosynthesis. However, this model system of plant cell development is compromised for proteomic studies due to a lack of an efficient protein extraction method during the later stages of fiber development, because of a recalcitrant cell wall and the presence of abundant phenolic compounds. Here, we compared the quality and quantities of proteins extracted from 25 dpa (days post anthesis) fiber with multiple protein extraction methods and present a comprehensive quantitative proteomic study of fiber development from 10 dpa to 25 dpa. Comparative analysis using a label-free quantification method revealed 287 differentially-expressed proteins in the 10 dpa to 25 dpa fiber developmental period. Proteins involved in cell wall metabolism and regulation, cytoskeleton development and carbohydrate metabolism among other functional categories in four fiber developmental stages were identified. Our studies provide protocols for protein extraction from maturing fiber tissues for mass spectrometry analysis and expand knowledge of the proteomic profile of cotton fiber development.
Validation of MODIS Aerosol Optical Depth Retrieval over Mountains in Central China Based on a Sun-Sky Radiometer Site of SONET
Authors: Ma Yan , Li Zhengqiang , Li Zhaozhou , Xie Yisong , Fu Qiaoyan , Li Donghui , Zhang Ying , Xu Hua , Li Kaitao
Published: February 2016

The 3 km Dark Target (DT) aerosol optical depth (AOD) products, 10 km DT and Deep Blue (DB) AOD products from the Collection 6 (C6) product data of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are compared with Sun-sky Radiometer Network (SONET) measurements at Song Mountain in central China, where ground-based remote sensing measurements of aerosol properties are still very limited. The seasonal variations of AODs are significant in the Song Mountain region, with higher AODs in spring and summer and lower AODs in autumn and winter. Annual mean AODs (0.55 µm) vary in the range of 0.5–0.7, which indicates particle matter (PM) pollutions in this mountain region. Validation against one-year ground-based measurements shows that AOD retrievals from the MODIS onboard Aqua satellite are better than those from the Terra satellite in Song Mountain. The 3 km and 10 km AODs from DT algorithms are comparable over this region, while the AOD accuracy of DB algorithm is relatively lower. However, the spatial coverage of DB products is higher than that of 10 km DT products. Moreover, the optical and microphysical characteristics of aerosols at Song Mountain are analyzed on the basis of SONET observations. It suggests that coarse-mode aerosol particles dominate in spring, and fine-mode particles dominate in summer. The aerosol property models are also established and compared to aerosol types used by MODIS algorithm.
Simultaneous-Fault Diagnosis of Gearboxes Using Probabilistic Committee Machine
Authors: Zhong Jian-Hua , Wong Pak , Yang Zhi-Xin
Published: February 2016

This study combines signal de-noising, feature extraction, two pairwise-coupled relevance vector machines (PCRVMs) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) for parameter optimization to form an intelligent diagnostic framework for gearbox fault detection. Firstly, the noises of sensor signals are de-noised by using the wavelet threshold method to lower the noise level. Then, the Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) and energy pattern calculation are applied to extract the fault features from de-noised signals. After that, an eleven-dimension vector, which consists of the energies of nine intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), maximum value of HHT marginal spectrum and its corresponding frequency component, is obtained to represent the features of each gearbox fault. The two PCRVMs serve as two different fault detection committee members, and they are trained by using vibration and sound signals, respectively. The individual diagnostic result from each committee member is then combined by applying a new probabilistic ensemble method, which can improve the overall diagnostic accuracy and increase the number of detectable faults as compared to individual classifiers acting alone. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is experimentally verified by using test cases. The experimental results show the proposed framework is superior to existing single classifiers in terms of diagnostic accuracies for both single- and simultaneous-faults in the gearbox.
Water Scarcity and the Impact of the Mining and Agricultural Sectors in Chile
Authors: Aitken Douglas , Rivera Diego , Godoy-Faúndez Alex , Holzapfel Eduardo
Published: February 2016

Chile contains some of the driest areas in the world, yet human activities in these areas require large volumes of water, the result is regions experiencing high water scarcity leading to environmental degradation, conflicts and reduced industrial productivity. The aim of this paper was to quantify the water scarcity in the central and northern regions by calculating the water scarcity index—the ratio of annual water demand to availability. A focus of the paper was to determine the impact of the main industries in each region and investigate the benefit of implementing water reduction strategies within these industries. The water resources of each investigated region were found to be greatly overexploited and particularly so in the region of Antofagasta. The mining industry was found to be the greatest water consuming sector in this region and further analysis demonstrated that the degree of water scarcity could be greatly reduced by the implementation of water reduction strategies. The agricultural sector dominated water demand in all other regions and it was found that upgrading irrigation efficiency alongside reducing consumption in mining improved the situation in all regions. Nevertheless, given the scale of water scarcity, further investigation is necessary to obtain more recent and accurate data and analyze alternative strategies.