bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sylvester equation and the elliptic Korteweg-de Vries system
Authors: Sun Ying-ying , Zhang Da-jun , Nijhoff Frank W.
Published: March 2017

The elliptic potential Korteweg-de Vries lattice system is a multi-component extension of the lattice potential Korteweg-de Vries equation, whose soliton solutions are associated with an elliptic Cauchy kernel (i.e., a Cauchy kernel on the torus). In this paper we generalize the class of solutions by allowing the spectral parameter to be a full matrix obeying a matrix version of the equation of the elliptic curve, and for the Cauchy matrix to be a solution of a Sylvester type matrix equation subject to this matrix elliptic curve equation. The construction involves solving the matrix elliptic curve equation by using Toeplitz matrix techniques, and analysing the solution of the Sylvester equation in terms of Jordan normal forms. Furthermore, we consider the continuum limit system associated with the elliptic potential Korteweg-de Vries system, and analyse the dynamics of the soliton solutions, which reveals some new features of the elliptic system in comparison to the non-elliptic case.
Comparison of the dislocation density obtained by HR-EBSD and X-ray profile analysis
Authors: Kalácska Szilvia , Groma István , Borbély András , Ispánovity Péter Dusán
Published: March 2017

Based on the cross-correlation analysis of the Kikuchi diffraction patterns, high-resolution electron backscatter diffraction (HR-EBSD) is a well established method for determining internal stress in the deformed crystalline materials. In many cases, however, the stress values evaluated at different sampling points have a large scatter of the order of GPa. As demonstrated by Wilkinson et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 105, 181907 (2014)], this is due to the long tail of the probability distribution (P(σ)) of the eigenstress generated by the dislocations present in the system. According to the theoretical investigations of Groma and Bakó [Phys. Rev. B 58, 2969 (1998)], the tail of P(σ) is inverse cubic with a prefactor proportional to the total dislocation density ⟨ρ⟩. This paper presents the details of ⟨ρ⟩ determination from P(σ) contributing to the proper physical understanding of the method. The ⟨ρ⟩ values determined on the deformed Cu single crystals show good agreement with the results of X-ray line profile analysis, granting credibility to the EBSD approach. The availability of spatially resolved stress maps opens further perspectives for the evaluation of correlation properties and mesoscale parameters of heterogeneous dislocation structures.
High-performance sound source devices based on graphene woven fabrics
Authors: Zhang Zihan , Tian He , Lv Peng , Yang Yi , Yang Qiuyun , Yang Shaolin , Wang Guanzhong , Ren Tianling
Published: March 2017

Graphene woven fabrics (GWFs) consisting of a large number of overlapping graphene micro-ribbons were fabricated by chemical vapor deposition. We demonstrated that GWF films can emit sound efficiently once they are actuated by a sound-frequency electric field owing to the thermoacoustic effect. Because of its ultra-low heat capacity per unit area, the GWF shows sound generation performance comparable to single-layer graphene and carbon nanotubes, and would perform better than them when it is suspended on a high porosity substrate. This sound source can be used in a wide variety of applications, taking advantage of its transparency, flexibility, ultrathin nature, absence of moving parts, and biologically compatible characteristics.
A simplified PWM strategy based on MPC for NPC three-level APF systems
Authors: Li Fei , He Fengyou , Ye Zongbin , Wang Xiaojie , Zhang Xulong
Published: March 2017

As a control algorithm for high performance of active power filter (APF) systems, finite control set model predictive current control (FCS-MPC) has the disadvantages of unfixed switching frequency and large amount of calculations for three-level APF systems. Therefore, in order to overcome the drawback of FCS-MPC, a simplified Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) strategy based on MPC is proposed in this paper. First, the strategy, with no rolling of all the 27 vectors, adopts the idea of a cost function to obtain the optimal reference vector of each phase. Second, the duration time of each vector in this strategy can be directly calculated by judging the sector of the virtual reference vector. Third, the neutral-point balancing problem is solved by modifying the duration time. In the meantime, the strategy is studied in detail and verified experimentally in this paper. The experiment results indicate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Evolution of sputtering target surface composition in reactive high power impulse magnetron sputtering
Authors: Kubart T. , Aijaz A.
Published: March 2017

The interaction between pulsed plasmas and surfaces undergoing chemical changes complicates physics of reactive High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS). In this study, we determine the dynamics of formation and removal of a compound on a titanium surface from the evolution of discharge characteristics in an argon atmosphere with nitrogen and oxygen. We show that the time response of a reactive process is dominated by surface processes. The thickness of the compound layer is several nm and its removal by sputtering requires ion fluence in the order of 1016 cm−2, much larger than the ion fluence in a single HiPIMS pulse. Formation of the nitride or oxide layer is significantly slower in HiPIMS than in dc sputtering under identical conditions. Further, we explain very high discharge currents in HiPIMS by the formation of a truly stoichiometric compound during the discharge off-time. The compound has a very high secondary electron emission coefficient and leads to a large increase in the discharge current upon target poisoning.
Quantification of the hysteresis and related phenomena in reactive HiPIMS discharges
Authors: Britun Nikolay , Konstantinidis Stephanos , Belosludtsev Alexandr , Silva Tiago , Snyders Rony
Published: March 2017

Reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering discharge has been studied experimentally combining optical emission, absorption, and laser-based diagnostic techniques. The quantification of the atomic ground state densities is performed using optical emission spectroscopy. Hysteresis behavior as a function of molecular oxygen flow fraction in Ar-O2 mixture has been observed for numerous discharge parameters, such as the ground state density of O atoms, density of the sputtered atoms and ions, Ar metastables, etc. The obtained atomic number densities are found to be in full agreement with the known models of reactive sputter deposition. The relevant plasma kinetic mechanisms influencing the measured trends are analyzed.
Magnetoresistance oscillations in MBE-grown Sb2Te3 thin films
Authors: Weyrich C. , Merzenich T. , Kampmeier J. , Batov I. E. , Mussler G. , Schubert J. , Grützmacher D. , Schäpers Th.
Published: March 2017

We report on the Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations in the longitudinal resistance of thin films of three-dimensional topological insulator Sb2Te3 grown by means of molecular beam epitaxy. The oscillations persist up to the temperatures of 30 K, and the measurements at various tilt angles reveal that they originate from a two-dimensional system. Using a top gate, we further study the change of oscillation amplitude and frequency, which in combination with the standard Hall measurements suggest the origin of oscillations to be at the interface between the film and the Si substrate.
Experimental characterization of active plasma lensing for electron beams
Authors: Pompili R. , Anania M. P. , Bellaveglia M. , Biagioni A. , Bini S. , Bisesto F. , Brentegani E. , Castorina G. , Chiadroni E. , Cianchi A. , Croia M. , Di Giovenale D. , Ferrario M. , Filippi F. , Giribono A. , Lollo V. , Marocchino A. , Marongiu M. , Mostacci A. , Di Pirro G. , Romeo S. , Rossi A. R. , Scifo J. , Shpakov V. , Vaccarezza C. , Villa F. , Zigler A.
Published: March 2017

The active plasma lens represents a compact and affordable tool with radially symmetric focusing and field gradients up to several kT/m. In order to be used as a focusing device, its effects on the particle beam distribution must be well characterized. Here, we present the experimental results obtained by focusing an high-brightness electron beam by means of a 3 cm-long discharge-capillary pre-filled with Hydrogen gas. We achieved minimum spot sizes of 24 μm (rms) showing that, during plasma lensing, the beam emittance increases due to nonlinearities in the focusing field. The results have been cross-checked with numerical simulations, showing an excellent agreement.
Dual-spacer nanojunctions exhibiting large current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance for ultrahigh density magnetic recording
Authors: Wen Zhenchao , Kubota Takahide , Ina Yusuke , Takanashi Koki
Published: March 2017

Current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance (CPP-GMR) heterostructures were fabricated using half-metallic Co2Fe0.4Mn0.6Si (CFMS) ferromagnetic electrodes and dual Ag-Mg spacers. The magnetic properties and (001)-epitaxial growth of the CFMS films were investigated in the whole CPP-GMR stacks. A large intrinsic CPP-GMR ratio of 73% (observed CPP-GMR value: 63%) at room temperature was achieved in the nanopatterned CPP-GMR junctions. The change in resistance-area product (ΔRA) value of the junctions was enhanced to 27 mΩ·μm2. The large CPP-GMR effect in the dual-type CPP-GMR heterostructures could be attributed to their enhanced interfacial spin asymmetry scattering owing to the increased CFMS/Ag-Mg interfaces. The temperature dependence of the CPP-GMR effect was also studied, and a local maximum CPP-GMR ratio of 175% with a ΔRA value of 47 mΩ·μm2 was observed at low temperatures. This work indicates that the dual-type CPP-GMR devices made up of CFMS electrodes and Ag-Mg spacers could be promising for future spintronic applications.
Enhanced ferromagnetic resonance linewidth of the free layer in perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Gopman D. B. , Dennis C. L. , McMichael R. D. , Hao X. , Wang Z. , Wang X. , Gan H. , Zhou Y. , Zhang J. , Huai Y.
Published: March 2017

We report the frequency dependence of the ferromagnetic resonance linewidth of the free layer in magnetic tunnel junctions with all perpendicular–to–the–plane magnetized layers. While the magnetic–field–swept linewidth nominally shows a linear growth with frequency in agreement with Gilbert damping, an additional frequency–dependent linewidth broadening occurs that shows a strong asymmetry between the absorption spectra for increasing and decreasing external magnetic field. Inhomogeneous magnetic fields produced during reversal of the reference and pinned layer complex is demonstrated to be at the origin of the symmetry breaking and the linewidth enhancement. Consequentially, this linewidth enhancement provides indirect information on the magnetic coercivity of the reference and pinned layers. These results have important implications for the characterization of perpendicular magnetized magnetic random access memory bit cells.
A computational study of flow past three unequal sized square cylinders at different positions
Authors: Islam Shams-ul , Shigri Sehrish Hassan , Ying Zhou Chao , Akbar Tanvir , Majeed Danish
Published: March 2017

The flow past three unequal sized side-by-side square cylinders placed in different vertical configurations is investigated numerically using the lattice Boltzmann method for the Reynolds number Re = 160 and different values of the gap spacing between the cylinders, g, (ranging between 0.5 and 5). The present study is devoted to systematic investigation of the effects of cylinders position on the flow patterns. The reported results reveal that the flow patterns change significantly by the variation of cylinders configuration. Depending on the cylinders positions we observed; chaotic, base bleed, binary vortex street, modulated synchronized, inphase vortex shedding, antiphase vortex shedding, and in-antiphase vortex shedding flow patterns. The characteristics of the flow patterns are discussed with the aid of time history analysis of drag and lift coefficients, power spectra analysis of lift coefficients and vorticity contours visualization. The study also includes a detailed discussion on the aerodynamic forces, such as mean drag coefficient, Strouhal number and root-mean-square values of drag and lift coefficients. Our results show that the flow patterns behind three unequal cylinders are distinctly different compared to the flow past equisized square cylinders placed side-by-side. In chaotic flow pattern the secondary cylinder interaction frequency plays an important role especially at the second, third and fourth configurations for all gap spacings. At larger gap spacings for the first and sixth configurations, the primary vortex shedding frequency plays a dominant role and the jet effect almost diminishes between the cylinders.
Design and implementation of dynamic logic gates and R-S flip-flop using quasiperiodically driven Murali-Lakshmanan-Chua circuit
Authors: Venkatesh P. R. , Venkatesan A. , Lakshmanan M.
Published: March 2017

We report the propagation of a square wave signal in a quasi-periodically driven Murali-Lakshmanan-Chua (QPDMLC) circuit system. It is observed that signal propagation is possible only above a certain threshold strength of the square wave or digital signal and all the values above the threshold amplitude are termed as “region of signal propagation.” Then, we extend this region of signal propagation to perform various logical operations like AND/NAND/OR/NOR and hence it is also designated as the “region of logical operation.” Based on this region, we propose implementing the dynamic logic gates, namely, AND/NAND/OR/NOR, which can be decided by the asymmetrical input square waves without altering the system parameters. Further, we show that a single QPDMLC system will produce simultaneously two outputs which are complementary to each other. As a result, a single QPDMLC system yields either AND as well as NAND or OR as well as NOR gates simultaneously. Then, we combine the corresponding two QPDMLC systems in a cross-coupled way and report that its dynamics mimics that of fundamental R-S flip-flop circuit. All these phenomena have been explained with analytical solutions of the circuit equations characterizing the system and finally, the results are compared with the corresponding numerical and experimental analysis.
Numerical proof for chemostat chaos of Shilnikov's type
Authors: Deng Bo , Han Maoan , Hsu Sze-Bi
Published: March 2017

A classical chemostat model is considered that models the cycling of one essential abiotic element or nutrient through a food chain of three trophic levels. The long-time behavior of the model was known to exhibit complex dynamics more than 20 years ago. It is still an open problem to prove the existence of chaos analytically. In this paper, we aim to solve the problem numerically. In our approach, we introduce an artificial singular parameter to the model and construct singular homoclinic orbits of the saddle-focus type which is known for chaos generation. From the configuration of the nullclines of the equations that generates the singular homoclinic orbits, a shooting algorithm is devised to find such Shilnikov saddle-focus homoclinic orbits numerically which in turn imply the existence of chaotic dynamics for the original chemostat model.
Ferromagnetic resonance linewidth and two-magnon scattering in Fe1-xGdx thin films
Authors: Jiang Sheng , Sun Li , Yin Yuli , Fu Yu , Luo Chen , Zhai Ya , Zhai Hongru
Published: March 2017

Magnetization dynamics of Fe1-xGdx thin films (0 ≤ x ≤ 22%) has been investigated by ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). Out-of-plane magnetic field orientation dependence of resonance field and linewidth has been measured. Resonance field and FMR linewidth have been fitted by the free energy of our system and Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation. It is found that FMR linewidth contains huge extrinsic components including two-magnon scattering contribution and inhomogeneous broadening for FeGd alloy thin films. In addition, the intrinsic linewidth and real damping constants have been obtained by extracting the extrinsic linewidth. The damping constant enhanced from 0.011 to 0.038 as Gd dopants increase from 0 to 22% which originates from the enhancement of L-S coupling in FeGd thin films. Besides, gyromagnetic ratio, Landé factor g and magnetic anisotropy of our films have also been determined.
Analytical prediction for electromagnetic performance of interior permanent magnet machines based on subdomain model
Authors: Shin Kyung-Hun , Park Hyung-II , Cho Han-Wook , Choi Jang-Young
Published: March 2017

This paper presents an analytical model for the computation of the electromagnetic performance in interior permanent magnet (IPM) machines that accounts for the stator and the complex rotor structure. Using the subdomain method, we propose a simplified analytical model that considers the magnetic properties of the IPM machine. The analytical solutions are derived by solving the field-governing equations in each simple and regular subdomain, i.e., magnet, barrier, air gap, slot opening, and slot, and then applying the boundary conditions to the interfaces between these subdomains. The analytical model accurately accounts for the influence of the interaction between the slots, the relative recoil permeability of the magnets, and the boundary conditions. The magnetic field and electromagnetic performance obtained using the analytical method are compared with those obtained using finite element analysis. Finally, the analytical predictions are compared with the measured data in order to confirm the validity of the methods proposed in this paper.
Effect of altering local protein fluctuations using artificial intelligence
Authors: Nishiyama Katsuhiko
Published: March 2017

The fluctuations in Arg111, a significantly fluctuating residue in cathepsin K, were locally regulated by modifying Arg111 to Gly111. The binding properties of 15 dipeptides in the modified protein were analyzed by molecular simulations, and modeled as decision trees using artificial intelligence. The decision tree of the modified protein significantly differed from that of unmodified cathepsin K, and the Arg-to-Gly modification exerted a remarkable effect on the peptide binding properties. By locally regulating the fluctuations of a protein, we may greatly alter the original functions of the protein, enabling novel applications in several fields.
Feasibility evaluation of a pilot scribe-training program in an Australian emergency department
Authors: Walker Katherine , Johnson Matthew , Dunlop William , Staples Margaret , Rodda Hamish , Turner Ian , Ben-Meir Michael
Published: March 2017

Objective
Medical scribes have an emerging and expanding role in health, particularly in Emergency Medicine in the US. Scribes assist physicians with documentation and clerical tasks at the bedside while the physician consults with his or her patient. Scribes increase medical productivity. The aim of the present study was to examine the feasibility of a pilot hospital-administered scribe-training program in Australia and to evaluate the ability of an American training course (Medical Scribe Training Systems) to prepare trainee scribes for clinical training in an emergency department in Australia.

Methods
The present study was a pilot, prospective, observational cohort study from September 2015 to February 2016 at Cabrini Emergency Department, Melbourne. Scribe trainees were enrolled in the pre-work course and then trained clinically. Feasibility of training scribes and limited efficacy testing of the course was undertaken.

Results
The course was acceptable to users and demand for training exists. There were many implementation tasks and issues experienced and resources were required to prepare the site for scribe implementation. Ten trainees were enrolled for preclinical training. Six candidates undertook clinical training, five achieved competency (required seven to 16 clinical shifts after the preclinical course). The training course was helpful and provided a good introduction to the scribe role. The course required adaptation to a non-US setting and the specific hospital setting. In addition, it needed more detail in some common emergency department topics.

Conclusion
Training scribes at a hospital in Australia is feasible. The US training course used can assist with preclinical training. Course modification is required.

What is known about the topic?
Scribes increase emergency physician productivity in Australia. There is no previous work on how to train scribes in Australia.

What does this paper add?
We show that implementing a scribe-training program is feasible and that a training package can be purchased from the US to train scribes in Australia and that it is useful. We also show the adaptation that the course may require to meet Australian emergency department needs.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Scribes could become an additional member of the emergency department team in Australia and can be trained locally.
Patient satisfaction of telephone or video interpreter services compared with in-person services: a systematic review
Authors: Joseph Corey , Garruba Marie , Melder Angela
Published: March 2017

Objective
This review was conducted to identify and synthesise the evidence around the use of telephone and video interpreter services compared with in-person services in healthcare.

Methods
A systematic search of articles published in the English language was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), Joanna Briggs, Google Scholar and Google. Search terms included ‘interpreter’, ‘patient satisfaction’, ‘consumer satisfaction’ and ‘client satisfaction’. Any study that did not compare in-person interpreter services with either telephone or video interpreter services was excluded from analysis. Studies were screened for inclusion or exclusion by two reviewers, using criteria established a priori. Data were extracted via a custom form and synthesised.

Results
The database search yielded 196 studies, eight of which were included in the present review. The search using an Internet search engine did not identify any relevant studies. Of the studies included, five used telephone and three used video interpreter services. All studies, except one, compared levels of satisfaction regarding in-person interpretation and telephone or video interpretation. One study compared satisfaction of two versions of video interpretation. There is evidence of higher satisfaction with hospital-trained interpreters compared with ad hoc (friend or family) or telephone interpreters. There is no difference in satisfaction between in-person interpreting, telephone interpreting or interpretation provided by the treating bilingual physician. Video interpreting has the same satisfaction as in-person interpreting, regardless of whether the patient and the physician are in the same room. Higher levels of satisfaction were reported for trained telephone interpreters than for in-person interpreters or an external telephone interpreter service.

Conclusions
Current evidence does not suggest there is one particular mode of interpreting that is superior to all others. This review is limited in its translational capacity given that most studies were from the US and in a Spanish-speaking cohort.

What is known about the topic?
Access to interpreters has been shown to positively affect patients who are not proficient in speaking the local language of the health service.

What does this paper add?
This paper adds to the literature by providing a comprehensive summary of patient satisfaction when engaging several different types of language interpreting services used in healthcare.

What are the implications for practitioners?
This review provides clear information for health services on the use of language interpreter services and patient satisfaction. The current body of evidence does not indicate a superior interpreting method when patient satisfaction is concerned.
Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LFB112 in the diet on growth of broilers and on the quality and fatty acid composition of broiler meat
Authors: Wei Xubiao , Liao Xiudong , Cai Jun , Zheng Zhaojun , Zhang Lulu , Shang Tingting , Fu Yu , Hu Cong , Ma Lei , Zhang Rijun
Published: March 2017

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LFB112 in the diet on growth of broilers and on the quality and fatty acid composition of broiler meat. 440 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five dietary treatments with eight replicates in a completely randomised design for 42 days. The treatments were as follows: basal diet (control) or the basal diet supplemented with 107 colony-forming units (CFU) B. amyloliquefaciens/kg (B7), 108 CFU B. amyloliquefaciens/kg (B8), 109 CFU B. amyloliquefaciens/kg (B9) or 40 mg aureomycin/kg (antibiotic). The results showed that B. amyloliquefaciens-supplemented groups had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain during Days 1 to 21, Days 22 to 42 and Days 1 to 42, and improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion rate during Days 1 to 42 compared with the control. Broilers in the B7 and B9 groups had higher (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake than those in the control group in all experimental phases. Broilers fed either B. amyloliquefaciens or antibiotic diet showed higher (P < 0.05) a* value, b* value and lower L* value in the breast muscle than those in the control group. Dietary B. amyloliquefaciens supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the contents of C14:1, C16:1c, C18:1t, C18:1c, C20:1n-9, total monounsaturated fatty acids, C18:2c, C18:3n-3, C20:2n-6, C20:3n-6, C20:3n-3, C20:4n-6, C20:5n-3, C22:6n-3 and total polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids in breast muscle and the concentrations of C17:1, C20:1n-9, C18:2t-9, t-12, C20:2n-6, C20:3n-6, C20:3n-3, C20:4n-6, C20:5n-3 and C22:6n-3 in thigh muscle of broilers. The results indicated that B. amyloliquefaciens improved broilers’ growth performance, meat quality and fatty acid composition.
Stable isotope ecology of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: DeSantis L. R. G. , Hedberg C.
Published: March 2017

Australia has undergone significant climate change, both today and in the past. Koalas, due to their restricted diet of predominantly eucalyptus leaves and limited drinking behaviour may serve as model organisms for assessing past climate change via stable isotopes of tooth enamel. Here, we assess whether stable carbon and oxygen isotopes from tooth enamel record known climate variables, including proxies of relative aridity (e.g. mean annual precipitation, mean annual maximum temperature, and relative humidity). The results demonstrate significant negative relationships between oxygen isotope values and both relative humidity and mean annual precipitation, proxies for relative aridity. The best model for predicting enamel oxygen isotope values incorporates mean annual precipitation and modelled oxygen isotope values of local precipitation. These data and the absence of any relationship between modelled oxygen isotope precipitation values, independently, suggest that koalas do not track local precipitation values but instead record relative aridity. The lack of significant relationships between carbon isotopes and climate variables suggests that koalas may instead be tracking the density of forests and/or their location in the canopy. Collectively, these data suggest that koalas are model organisms for assessing relative aridity over time – much like kangaroos.
Liquid-phase separation of immiscible CrCuxFeMoyNi high-entropy alloys
Authors: Peng Z. , Liu N. , Zhang S. Y. , Wu P. H. , Wang X. J.
Published: March 2017

Taking into consideration the large positive mixing enthalpy of Cu–Mo, in this work, the relative content of Cu and Mo elements was adjusted to investigate the solidification process and microstructure formation of CrCu xFeMo yNi high-entropy alloys. For CrCu0.5FeMoyNi ( y = 0.5, 1) high-entropy alloys, many Cu-rich spheres were observed in the as-solidified microstructures, while macroscopic phase separation structures were obtained in CrCuFeMo yNi ( y = 0.5, 1) alloys. Liquid-phase separation occurred in high-entropy alloys when the enthalpy of mixing (Δ Hmix）was positive, the valence electron concentration (VEC) was in a range of 8.09–8.44 and the difference in atomic radii ( δ) was between 3.39 and 4.25. For lower positive Δ Hmix, Cu-rich spheres were observed, while for higher positive Δ Hmix, macroscopic phase-separated structures were obtained.
Study of CoFe2O4/NiFe2O4 nanocomposite ferrite film
Authors: Rahman Atikur , Jayaganthan R.
Published: March 2017

Electroless nanostructured films of hard ferrite (CoFe2O4), soft ferrite (NiFe2O4) and composite ferrite CoFe2O4/NiFe2O4 (hard/soft ferrite) were deposited on soda lime glass. The structures and magnetic properties of samples were characterised by X-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID, MPMSXL). The results of magnetic properties revealed that the saturation magnetisation ( Ms), remanent magnetisation ( Mr), coercivity ( Hc) and Mr/ Ms ratio of composite ferrite film (CoFe2O4/NiFe2O4) were higher than those of a single hard ferrite film (CoFe2O4) and soft ferrite film (NiFe2O4). The enhancement in magnetic properties of composite ferrite film (CoFe2O4/NiFe2O4) may be attributed to the exchange coupling interaction between hard magnetic and soft magnetic materials. The mean crystallite size of soft ferrite (NiFe2O4), hard ferrite (CoFe2O4) and composite ferrite films (CoFe2O4/NiFe2O4) was found to be in the range of 20–40 nm. The exchange-spring interaction mechanism was discussed.
Inflammatory monocytes require type I interferon receptor signaling to activate NK cells via IL-18 during a mucosal viral infection
Authors: Lee Amanda J. , Chen Branson , Chew Marianne V. , Barra Nicole G. , Shenouda Mira M. , Nham Tina , van Rooijen Nico , Jordana Manel , Mossman Karen L. , Schreiber Robert D. , Mack Matthias , Ashkar Ali A.
Published: March 2017

The requirement of type I interferon (IFN) for natural killer (NK) cell activation in response to viral infection is known, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that type I IFN signaling in inflammatory monocytes, but not in dendritic cells (DCs) or NK cells, is essential for NK cell function in response to a mucosal herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection. Mice deficient in type I IFN signaling,Ifnar−/−andIrf9−/−mice, had significantly lower levels of inflammatory monocytes, were deficient in IL-18 production, and lacked NK cell–derived IFN-γ. Depletion of inflammatory monocytes, but not DCs or other myeloid cells, resulted in lower levels of IL-18 and a complete abrogation of NK cell function in HSV-2 infection. Moreover, this resulted in higher susceptibility to HSV-2 infection. AlthoughIl18−/−mice had normal levels of inflammatory monocytes, their NK cells were unresponsive to HSV-2 challenge. This study highlights the importance of type I IFN signaling in inflammatory monocytes and the induction of the early innate antiviral response.
Designing the Rashba spin texture by adsorption of inorganic molecules
Authors: Friedrich Rico , Caciuc Vasile , Bihlmayer Gustav , Atodiresei Nicolae , Blügel Stefan
Published: March 2017

Using the physisorption and chemisorption of inorganic molecules on BiAg2/Ag(111) we demonstrate from first principles that the spin–orbit splitting and the spin direction of surface Rashba-split states can be manipulated selectively. Although NH3 is physisorbed, it nevertheless leads to a slight enhancement of the outward buckling of the surface Bi that increases the magnitude of the Rashba splitting. On the other hand, the weakly chemisorbed BH3 determines a strong inward relaxation of the surface Bi such that the occupied Rashba state shifts into Ag bulk states while a new unoccupied one is induced. Importantly, for the BH3–BiAg2/Ag(111) system the size of the out-of-plane spin polarization is significantly larger than the in-plane one at variance with the clean surface case.
Effect of Aqueous Impregnation of Rice Kernels with Gum Arabic and Xanthan on Storage Stability of Frozen Rice Cakes
Authors: Park Eun Young , Yoo Jae Hun , Lim Seung‐Taik
Published: March 2017

Rice kernels were steeped (10°C, 5 h) in an aqueous solution containing gum arabic (0.36%) and xanthan (0.24%) and then drained, wet‐milled, and steamed to prepare rice cakes. The cakes were then frozen (–40°C for 50 min). The effect of the gum addition on the textural properties of the cakes during storage for 46 h at 25°C after being thawed was examined. Using the combination of gum arabic and xanthan mitigated the quality deterioration of rice cakes such as aggregation of rice flour, which had been induced by xanthan alone. Also, the increase in hardness during storage was substantially reduced by soaking rice kernels in the gum arabic/xanthan solution. Overall results revealed that the steeping in the gum solution improved the storage stability of rice cakes.
Baking Quality of Bread Wheat Cultivars Damaged by Nysius simulans
Authors: Moiraghi Malena , Sciarini Lorena S. , Gil Franco , Galván Gabriel , Pérez Gabriela T.
Published: March 2017

Wheat grain may be attacked by different insect species. Among them, some Heteroptera species (e.g., Aelia spp. and Eurygaster spp.) reduce wheat breadmaking quality; others, such as Nysius simulans, commonly extract water and nutrients from soy plants. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of N. simulans infestation on breadmaking quality of different bread wheat cultivars. Twelve wheat cultivars (damaged and undamaged by N. simulans) were studied. Infested grain percentage varied between 51 and 78%, depending on cultivar. Protein and gluten quantity and quality were significantly reduced in damaged flours, as shown by gluten index, solvent retention capacity, and SDS sedimentation index. SDS‐PAGE from water‐extractable proteins evidenced an important proteolytic activity in damaged samples. Dough rheological properties showed a reduced dough viscoelasticity in damaged samples. Microbread specific volume changed from 3.26 cm3/g for samples made with undamaged flour to 2.77 cm3/g for bread made with damaged flour. No evidence for modification in starch properties was found. The infestation by N. simulans reduced wheat breadmaking quality in all cultivars studied, as a result of proteolytic activity occurring after dough hydration. Results suggest that the presence of N. simulans should be considered as a factor affecting wheat crops, mainly those located next to soy crop areas, which is the usual host for this insect.
Micro-Scale Transport Processes for Advanced Healthcare and Point of Care Diagnostics
Authors: Priye Aashish
Published: March 2017

Recent outbreaks like Zika and Ebola highlights the challenges associated with pathogen diagnostics in the developing world. With the outbreak in Africa, and isolated cases on other continents, the need for an affordable, rapid and portable diagnostic solution has been repeatedly stressed and is one of the most critical issues confronting global health. Unfortunately, the current conventional PCR instrumentation needed to perform gold standard DNA-based diagnostic tests is bulky, slow, and expensive, making it unsuitable for resource-limited settings in developing countries where dedicated laboratory facilities are not available. Advances in micro-fluidics and smartphone based technology has paved way for novel implementations of traditional molecular diagnostic techniques. We present a series of advances in molecular diagnostic techniques by harnessing convective flow to actuate biochemical reactions.
Maintaining their genetic distance; limited gene flow between widely hybridising species ofGeumwith contrasting mating systems
Authors: Jordan Crispin Y. , Lohse Konrad , Turner Frances , Thomson Marian , Gharbi Karim , Ennos Richard A.
Published: March 2017

Mating system transition from outcrossing to selfing frequently gives rise to sister lineages with contrasting outcrossing rates. The evolutionary fate of such lineages depends on the extent to which they exchange genes. We measured gene flow between outcrossingGeum rivaleand selfingG. urbanum, two sister species derived by mating system transition, which frequently hybridise. A draft genome was generated forG. urbanumand used to develop dd-RAD data scorable in both species. Coalescent analysis of RAD data from allopatric populations indicated that the two species diverged 2-3 Mya, and that long term gene flow between them has been very low (M=0.04).G. rivaleshowed greater genetic diversity in sympatry than allopatry, but genetic divergence between species was no lower in sympatry than allopatry, providing little evidence for recent introgression. Clustering of genotypes revealed that, apart from four early generation hybrids, individuals in sympatric populations fell into two genetically distinct groups with <1% admixture that corresponded exactly to their morphological species classification. Although our data suggest limited gene flow, we observed joint segregation of two putatively introgressed SNPs inG. urbanumpopulations that was associated with significant morphological variation; this provides tentative evidence for rare introduction of novel genetic diversity by interspecific gene flow. Our results indicate that despite frequent hybridisation, genetic exchange betweenG. rivaleandG. urbanumhas been very limited throughout their evolutionary history.
Gentle, fast and effective crystal soaking by acoustic dispensing
Authors: Collins Patrick M. , Ng Jia Tsing , Talon Romain , Nekrosiute Karolina , Krojer Tobias , Douangamath Alice , Brandao-Neto Jose , Wright Nathan , Pearce Nicholas M. , von Delft Frank
Published: March 2017

The steady expansion in the capacity of modern beamlines for high-throughput data collection, enabled by increasing X-ray brightness, capacity of robotics and detector speeds, has pushed the bottleneck upstream towards sample preparation. Even in ligand-binding studies using crystal soaking, the experiment best able to exploit beamline capacity, a primary limitation is the need for gentle and nontrivial soaking regimens such as stepwise concentration increases, even for robust and well characterized crystals. Here, the use of acoustic droplet ejection for the soaking of protein crystals with small molecules is described, and it is shown that it is both gentle on crystals and allows very high throughput, with 1000 unique soaks easily performed in under 10 min. In addition to having very low compound consumption (tens of nanolitres per sample), the positional precision of acoustic droplet ejection enables the targeted placement of the compound/solvent away from crystals and towards drop edges, allowing gradual diffusion of solvent across the drop. This ensures both an improvement in the reproducibility of X-ray diffraction and increased solvent tolerance of the crystals, thus enabling higher effective compound-soaking concentrations. The technique is detailed here with examples from the protein target JMJD2D, a histone lysine demethylase with roles in cancer and the focus of active structure-based drug-design efforts.
An efficient technique to retrieve information from a damaged near-field communication tag
Authors: Saeed Dawer , Iqbal Razi
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a technique of restoring data from a broken/damaged near-field communication (NFC) tag whose coil is damaged and seems unrecoverable.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper discusses a method to restore data from damaged NFC tags by designing a coil that matches the technical specification of NFC for restoring information. In this paper, an NFC tag with a broken antenna coil and its operational NFC chip is used for restoring data by making an external loop antenna for the same chip.

Findings

If the NFC tag is damaged, the information stored on the tag can be lost and can cause serious inconvenience. This research provides an excellent mechanism for retrieving all the information accurately from a damaged NFC tag provided the NFC chip is not damaged.

Research limitations/implications

One of the major limitations of this research is that the NFC chip remains intact without any damages. Data can only be recoverable if just the antenna of the NFC tag is damaged; any damage to the NFC chip would make it impossible for the data to be recoverable.

Practical implications

The research is carried out with limited resources in an academic institute and hence cannot be compared to antenna designs of the industry. Furthermore, industry vendors are using aluminum to design the coil; however, in this study a copper coil is used for coil design since it is far less expensive than aluminum coil.

Originality/value

NFC is a rather new short-range wireless technology and not much work is done in this field as far as antenna study is concerned. This study brings a technique to design a coil antenna for a damaged NFC tag to retrieve all the information without losing even a single bit of sensitive information.
A novel approach based on utility mining for store layout: a case study in a supermarket
Authors: Altuntas Serkan
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel approach based on utility mining for store layout.

Design/methodology/approach

A utility mining-based data mining algorithm is utilized in this paper.

Findings

A real-life case study in a supermarket is conducted to illustrate the proposed approach. The findings show that the proposed approach can be used easily and efficiently to arrange store layout.

Research limitations/implications

There are two limitations to this study. First, space allocation to each product family is not considered. Second, product placement in each product family is not taken into account in the proposed approach.

Originality/value

In this paper, a novel approach is proposed for business intelligence in retail business. The proposed approach uses a utility-based data mining approach, namely, the high-utility itemset mining (HUIM) algorithm, to rearrange store layout and to determine the relations among product families. The quantities and prices of items purchased corresponding to product families are taken into account in the proposed approach to address the needs in practice. Business intelligence software is also developed as an integral part of the proposed approach to utilize the HUIM algorithm.
Application of an improved Apriori algorithm in a mobile e-commerce recommendation system
Authors: Guo Yan , Wang Minxi , Li Xin
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make the mobile e-commerce shopping more convenient and avoid information overload by a mobile e-commerce recommendation system using an improved Apriori algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

Combined with the characteristics of the mobile e-commerce, an improved Apriori algorithm was proposed and applied to the recommendation system. This paper makes products that are recommended to consumers valuable by improving the data mining efficiency. Finally, a Taobao online dress shop is used as an example to prove the effectiveness of an improved Apriori algorithm in the mobile e-commerce recommendation system.

Findings

The results of the experimental study clearly show that the mobile e-commerce recommendation system based on an improved Apriori algorithm increases the efficiency of data mining to achieve the unity of real time and recommendation accuracy.

Originality/value

The improved Apriori algorithm is applied in the mobile e-commerce recommendation system solving the limitation of the visual interface in a mobile terminal and the mass data that are continuously generated. The proposed recommendation system provides greater prediction accuracy than conventional systems in data mining.
Measuring student engagement in UK higher education: do surveys deliver?
Authors: Maskell Emma Charlotte , Collins Lorna
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a general review of “student engagement” with a focus on the measurement of student engagement in UK higher education. A wide variation in how the construct is measured has made it difficult for institutional researchers to compare findings across studies. This study seeks to understand more about the measurement of student engagement by examining the reliability and validity of three national student surveys: National Survey of Student Engagement, National Student Survey and UK Engagement Survey.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a narrative review of literature, each survey method is examined to identify the strands of student engagement they can be applied, to determine to what extent survey results can be benchmarked across institutions, and to explore their potential use in institutional led research. Kahu’s (2013) four perspectives of engagement are adopted as a framework for analysis as they represent student engagement as a fluid, multifaceted and, at times, abstract construct.

Findings

Findings support the notion that a single instrument cannot examine all facets of this complex construct and that student surveys currently collect information on limited and discrete perspectives of engagement. The use of these three surveys provides a depth and breadth of information about student engagement; however, institutions need to maintain an open dialogue about the construct to ensure its validity, and how to measure and understand it.

Originality/value

Student engagement as a construct continues to evolve and change. This paper adds to the call for institutional researchers to continue to engage in debate about the validity of the construct. The need to maintain essential knowledge of the construct and its many facets is necessary, as is the need to incorporate such knowledge into ongoing work to provide accurate, actionable data to guide improvement and enhancement research.
Strategic account management as a value co-creation selling model in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Pilon Francois , Hadjielias Elias
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This study aims to explore the dynamics enabling strategic account management (SAM) to function as a value co-creation selling model in the pharmaceutical industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an inductive qualitative research design, data are collected within 11 industry customers in Canada. This work focuses on hospitals as strategic accounts of pharmaceutical companies, exploring SAM value co-creation in the “hospital-pharmaceutical company” relationship.

Findings

The findings suggest the presence of two key dimensions that can enable a value co-creation SAM model in the hospital-pharmaceutical relationship: “customer-tailored value-added initiatives” and “relationship enhancers”. Customer-tailored value-added initiatives explain the activities that are central to the hospital-pharmaceutical company relationship and can lead to the provision of value added that is unique to the hospital. Relationship enhancers explain the activities that can help strengthen hospital-pharmaceutical company relations in the pursuit of enhanced value-added interactions between the two parties. The research demonstrates a cyclical relationship between “customer-tailored value-added initiatives” and “relationship enhancers”, leading to value co-creation through a SAM model.

Practical implications

The study informs pharmaceutical industry practitioners on how to improve their value proposition through new, more sustainable selling practices. It offers information on implementing a value co-creation SAM model, which can enable pharmaceutical companies to sustain long-lasting value-added relationships with key accounts such as hospitals.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the field of SAM by conceptualizing SAM as a value co-creation system. It introduces new knowledge in pharmaceutical marketing by offering empirical insight on the applicability and use of SAM in the hospital-pharmaceutical company dyad.