bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Optical Studies of Oxidation Kinetics of Ni/YSZ Cermet Anodes
Authors: Kirtley John , Eigenbrodt Bryan , Walker Robert
Published: April 2011

Vibrational Raman spectroscopy was used to monitor directly and in situ the kinetics of nickel particle surface oxidation and reduction at 715åC and 550åC. Reduction with hydrogen happens in a matter of seconds, but surface oxidation requires 5-10 minutes to reach an asymptotic limit. Ni oxidation kinetics are explored for samples prepared with three different Ni particle sizes (5-20 nm, 2-3 μm, and 3-7 μm). Data show that initial particle size is not a significant factor in controlling the pseudo-first order oxidation rates. Furthermore, water vapor by itself does not appear to oxidize the Ni particles in contrast to reports. However, humitidity does affect the susceptibility of Ni to subsequent oxidation when the H2O(g) is replaced with O2(g). Following exposure to water, Ni oxidation appears to follow two separate 1st order kinetic processes. This effect occurs only for the first oxidation cycle following exposure to water.
Characterization of the Electrochemical Oxidation of Glucose on Pt Nanoparticle Catalysts in pH Neutral Phosphate Buffer Solution
Authors: Blaesi Aron H. , Buie Cullen R.
Published: April 2011

Optimization and characterization of glucose electrooxidizing catalysts for electrochemical continuous glucose sensors and glucose fuel cells has been subject to numerous investigations. Currently, the most advanced catalyst technologies for glucose electrooxidation are enzyme supported. These catalysts show good selectivity and activity towards the oxidation of glucose, however they lack thermal and chemical stability. An alternative to enzyme supported oxidation of glucose is direct oxidation of glucose on abiotic catalysts. The most common abiotic catalysts to electrooxidize glucose are platinum and platinum alloys. Platinum has good thermal and chemical stability, however it is very sensitive to electrode poisoning for the oxidation of glucose at physiological temperatures. The nature of the Pt poisoning intermediates, and the glucose electrooxidation mechanism are not completely understood. This study presents chronoamperometric RDE studies of glucose electrooxidation on Pt nanoparticles at physiological pH. Results of this study help facilitate the design of glucose sensors with abiotic catalysts.
Crystal and Electronic Structures of CePO4-Based Proton-Electron Mixed Conductors by Using Synchrotron X-rays
Authors: Kitamura Naoto , Uchino Keitetsu , Idemoto Yasushi
Published: April 2011

We focused on monazite-type Ce(P,V)O4 as a proton-electron mixed conductor, and investigated electrical conduction properties, and crystal and electronic structures by synchrotron X-rays. From conductivity measurements, it was found that the electrical conductivity increased with increasing V content. As for the specimens, we performed X-ray absorption fine structure and synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements. The XANES spectra demonstrated that an electronic structure of Ce was varied by partially substituting V for P. The maximum entropy method using the diffraction data also indicated that an electron density between Ce and O was increased by the substitution. Such a change of the electronic structure might lead to the improvement of the electrical conduction property.
ISGP: Impedance Spectroscopy Analysis Using Evolutionary Programming Procedure
Authors: Hershkovitz Shany , Tomer Shiri , Baltianski Sioma , Tsur Yoed
Published: April 2011

Impedance spectroscopy measurement results in a complex function over several orders of magnitude of frequencies. The underlying physical phenomena are related to the relaxation times in the sample. The inverse problem of finding the distribution function of relaxation times is a demanding one. We have developed a modified Genetic Programming method for this task. The evolution force is composed of lowering the discrepancy between the model's prediction and the measured data, while keeping the model simple in terms of the number of free parameters. The program seeks distribution that has the form of a peak or a sum of several peaks, assuming the Debye kernel. All the peaks are known functions. By finding a functional form of the distribution, one may develop a physical model and examine its behavior. The different peaks, which can be related to different processes, can be analyzed separately.
Transition Metal Spinel Oxide Coatings for Reducing Chromium Poisoning in SOFCs
Authors: Fergus Jeffrey W. , Wang Kangli , Liu Yingjia
Published: April 2011

A challenge in the long term operation of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is minimizing degradation due to chromium poisoning of the cathode. One approach is to apply a ceramic coating to the interconnect to minimize chromium volatilization and the associated detrimental effect on fuel cell performance. In this work the long-term stability of spinel oxide coatings for use in SOFCs has been evaluated. In particular, results on the interaction between chromia and the coating materials will be presented. To evaluate the impact of the reaction layer on cell performance, bulk analogues of the relevant composition have been prepared to allow for measurement of the relevant properties, such as electrical conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion. The effect of changing the coating composition, in particular with the addition of iron or titanium, on the interaction and properties has also been evaluated. The results indicate that the performance of manganese cobalt oxide coatings can be improved with the addition of iron or titanium.
Dependence of Electrochemical Performance on Microstructure and Distribution for Ni/YSZ Anode with Y-Doped BaZrO3 in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Shimada Hiroyuki , Takami Eiji , Takei Chikara , Ohba Fuhito , Hagiwara Akifusa , Ihara Manabu
Published: April 2011

Distribution of proton conductor yttrium-doped barium zirconate (BZY) within a nickel (Ni)/yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anode was controlled using composite powder prepared by spray pyrolysis, and the dependence of electrode performance on this BZY distribution within the Ni/YSZ anode was investigated to clarify the role of BZY in improving the anode performance when humidified hydrogen or dry methane is the fuel. First, the effective thickness of the Ni/YSZ anode electrochemical reaction was determined, and then BZY was distributed to either the inside or the outside of the effective thickness. The BZY addition inside the effective thickness improved the anode performance and, in contrast, the BZY addition outside did not improve the anode performance, suggesting that the role of BZY is mainly to promote the electrochemical reactions occurring within the effective thickness.
Conductivity Measurements of Molten Bi2O3
Authors: Yarlagadda Venkata Raviteja , Nguyen Trung V.
Published: April 2011

Since Direct Carbon Fuel Cell (DCFC) requires a molten electrolyte in order to facilitate ionic contact between solid carbon fuel and electrolyte, conductivity and stability studies concerning molten bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) has been thoroughly investigated. These studies reveal that Bi2O3 exhibits high ionic conductivities at temperatures higher than 700åC and slight decrease in total conductivity under carbon dioxide environment. Also, to account for the instability under CO2 environment Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analysis has been done. EDX analysis revealed an increase in carbon content by 50 percent per one mole of bismuth that can be attributed to possible carbonate formation.
Fabrication of Nanotubular Membrane Electrode Assembly for a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Motoyama Munekazu , Chao Cheng-Chieh , Gür Turgut , Prinz Friedrich
Published: April 2011

This study describes the production method of arrays of hollow nanotubes with the closed end for a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). 50-nm-thick yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) is grown on surfaces of electrodeposited Ni nanowires by atomic layer deposition (ALD). By dissolving the Ni nanowires in a nitric acid solution, hollow YSZ tubes are made. As a result of the calculational analysis, a forty-fold increase in the surface area compared to a flat electrolyte membrane is expected.
Charging Temperature Dependence of the Fuel Utilization and Ratio of Residual Carbon after Power Generation in Rechargeable Direct Carbon Fuel Cells
Authors: Ohba Fuhito , Tagawa Yuki , Sakai Yu , Yabuki Akinori , Shimada Hiroyuki , Ihara Manabu
Published: April 2011

Rechargeable Direct Carbon Fuel Cells (RDCFC) with Ni/GDC-cermet anodes were developed. RDCFCs with a Ni/GDC (gadolinium-doped ceria) anode and 0.3-mm-thick ScSZ (scandia-stabilized zirconia) electrolyte charged with propane for 5 min at 600° exhibited a stable, maximum power density of 200 mW/cm2 for more than 1 h at operating temperature of 900°. The effect of charging temperature on the properties of charged carbon and on power generation was studied here. When the charging temperature was decreased from 900° to 750°, power generation time increased by more than a factor of 10, from 22 to 280 min. Based on the TG-DTA results, carbon charged at 600° could easily be oxidized, and CO supply by the Boudouard reaction was improved. This led to an improved power density and fuel utilization.
Rechargeable Direct Carbon Fuel Cells using Directly Supplied Carbon Black Fuel
Authors: Takei Chikara , Chen Ying , Jin Yongcheng , Fujimoto Yasuhiro , Oshima Kazunori , Ihara Manabu
Published: April 2011

Rechargeable Direct Carbon Fuel Cells (RDCFCs) using directly supplied carbon black (CB) fuels were successfully demonstrated. Three different supplying methods of CB fuel were investigated focusing on direct contact or non-contact between the CB fuel and the anode. A small amount of CB in contact with the anode effectively enhanced the performance, particularly during initial power generation. When the maximum power density was 33 mW/cm2 and 17.5 mW/cm2, the fuel utilization was 66% and 74%, respectively. High power density with high fuel utilization was achieved by RDCFCs at the current density where the CO supply rate equaled the electrochemical reaction rate. Increasing the amount of CB led to an improved maximum power density. As fuel, amorphous carbon with a large specific surface area was more suitable than graphite.
Aging Studies of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Noack Jens N. , Vorhauser Lorenz , Pinkwart Karsten , Tuebke Jens
Published: April 2011

A simple equivalent circuit based on a modified randles circuit has been developed and applied to assign different chemical and physical effects to a vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) and the materials such as electrode, membrane and current collector. After that the test cell has been studied at different failure modes by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Some of the studied failure modes were corrosion of the current collectors due to electro-migration of sulphuric acid through graphite electrodes, hydrogen and oxygen evolution at higher voltages and a cracked membrane. The results show the possibility for a model based diagnostic of a battery system.
High Temperature Electrolysis Using a Pilot-Scale Cathode-Supported Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Huang Kevin , Zhang Gong
Published: April 2011

A Siemens cathode-supported solid oxide fuel cell was explored in this study to operate as an electrolysis cell to produce H2 from steam. An in-situ oxygen sensor was implemented in the cell assembly to determine the oxide-to-fuel ratio in the effluent, from which the rate of H2 production and steam utilization were calculated. No H2 was added into the initial steam. The results showed that the rate of H2 production linearly increased with the applied current and the steam can be split into H2 at high utilization. After hundreds of hours' operation, no degradation was observed. However, it was found that the presence of mixed ionic-electronic conduction in the electrolyte/interconnection layers could lead to a lower rate of H2 production and reduced conversion efficiency.
Six-Membered-Ring Malonatoborate-Based Lithium Salts as Electrolytes for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Li , Zhang Hanjun , Driscoll Peter F. , Lucht Brett , Kerr John B.
Published: April 2011

A new class of lithium salts of malonatoborate anions has been synthesized. These six-membered-ring salts provided slightly lower ionic conductivity than that of LiBOB and LiBF4. Nevertheless, compared with LiBOB and LiPF6, the lowered ring strains in the malonatoborate structures and reduced numbers of fluorine atoms in the molecules was found to enhance the thermal and water stabilities and compatibilities of these salts with ether solvents. Small amount LiDMMDFB when used as an additive, was found to stabilize LiPF6 in carbonate electrolytes at 80oC for one month. Employing LiMDFB as the electrolyte in Li/Li cells and full cells, large interfacial impedances were observed on lithium metal and the cathode. The large impedances are at least partially attributed to the acidic hydrogen atoms in the malonate structure. This issue can be addressed by replacing the acidic atoms with methyl groups.
Metal-Dispersed Polyaniline Electrodes for the Anodes of the Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Yano Jun , Takatsuka Yushi , Harima Yutaka , Kitani Akira
Published: April 2011

To develop better and less expensive electrocatalysts for the oxidation of ethanol in direct ethanol fuel cells, several combinations of a conductive polymer polyaniline, dispersed Pt particles and pre-dispersed metal particles, such as Sn and Fe, were examined. The electrocatalytic activity of the Pt particles was remarkably enhanced when the particles were dispersed on PANI films. The activity strongly depended on the morphology and the electrical conductivity of the five PANI films with different dopant anions: SO42-, NO3- and Cl-. The highest activity was achieved for the SO42--doped PANI film. To reduce the dispersed amount of the expensive Pt particles, inexpensive base metal particles were pre-dispersed on the PANI film, and the Pt particles were then dispersed on the film. The highest activity was obtained with Sn particles. This meant that utilizing dispersed Sn particles could reduce the dispersed amount of the Pt particles needed.
Performance of Newly Developed Co Doped Sm0.95Ce0.05FeO3-δ as SOFC Anode Material
Authors: Bukhari Syed M. , Giorgi Javier
Published: April 2011

This work is a detail study of Co doped Sm0.95Ce0.05FeO3 materials as SOFC anode for dry methane and dry hydrogen oxidation. The cobalt doping improves the catalytic acitivity of these materials towards methane oxidation and enables to run SOFC at lower temperature without coke poisoning. The best performance under dry methane fuel is shown by 3% Co doped material.
The Effect of Channel Performance on a SOFC
Authors: Song Ke , Knickle Harold N.
Published: April 2011

In this paper we present a study of the of the steady state analysis of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance. We compare standard gas channels for air feeds to the same model with a porous channel for the air feed. The increased time constant on the air side has the potential to increase the efficiency of the SOFC. The current density, along the electrolyte, the oxygen concentration in the gas channel and the porous cathode, and the potential in the cathode and the electrolyte are compared for the two models. All the simulations are treated at isothermal conditions and applied using COMSOL software.
Hydrogen Bromine Laminar Flow Electrochemical Cell for High Power and Efficiency Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Braff William A. , Buie Cullen R.
Published: April 2011

We present a model for a novel fuel cell system incorporating hydrogen bromine electrochemistry into a laminar flow fuel cell architecture. The proposed system integrates the fast reaction kinetics of the bromine reduction reaction into a membrane-less device that relies on the fluid mechanics of laminar flow to maintain reactant separation. This design eliminates both the cross over losses and the hydration requirements that have limited the effectiveness of many previous proton exchange membrane-based hydrogen bromine fuel cells. A two dimensional model of the system predicts that the hydrogen bromine system will produce 1 W/cm2 at 90% efficiency, with a peak power output of 3.4 W/cm2.
Comparison of Numerical Predictions and Experimental Results of Water Percolation in PEM Fuel Cell Porous Transport Layers
Authors: Medici Ezequiel , Allen Jeffrey
Published: April 2011

A series of numerical simulation using a three dimensional version of the network model are presented. These numerical simulations are carried on in similar conditions occurring during a pseudo Hele-Shaw experimental setup. The numerical simulations using the network model are compared with experimental data through a new scaling of the water percolation in porous media which is based on the ratio dissipated energy. The morphology and wettability of the PTL are tuned to fitting the experiment by using the proposed scaling. Once the fitting between numerical and experimentally is obtained, such PTL structure information can be used in different types of simulations where the conditions are representative of the fuel cell operating conditions.
The Influence of Glucose Concentration on the Performance of an Ag Plated Fiber Anode by Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Bubis Eugenia , Faiger Hana , Tayyh Elyasaf , Schechner Pinchas
Published: April 2011

As part of the efforts to develop glucose fuelled Alkaline Fuel Cell with silver anodes, we studied the following aspects of the oxidation reaction of glucose: 1) The number of electrons delivered electrochemically by the glucose molecule; 2) The reversibility of the oxidation; and 3) The influence of glucose concentration on the current. Measurements were performed with the Cyclic Voltametric technique using solutions of glucose in 1 M KOH, with two kinds of silver electrodes. We found out that: 1) Two electrons are transferred; 2) The reaction is totally irreversible; and 3) The current has a maximum value at a glucose concentration of 0.4 M. An explanation to this maximum is given by arguing that at concentrations of glucose higher than 0.4 M the diffusion of glucose molecules towards the electrode, decreases.
Performance of Lithium Primary Cell Using a Hybrid Positive Electrode of LiV3O8 and CFx
Authors: Nagata Mikito , Yi Joice , Tomcsi Michael , Tsukamoto Hisashi
Published: April 2011

A Hybrid electrode of Li1.2V3O8 (LVO) and CFx for the improvement of performance at high rates and at low temperatures was studied. Li1.2V3O8 is a well known rechargeable positive electrode material and demonstrates high rate capabilities. The rate capabilities and low temperature performance of CFx chemistry was studied by mixing it with a high rate cathode material, Li1.2V3O8. Moreover, the higher potential of Li1.2+zV3O8 (0≤ z ≤ 2.8) can serve to eliminate the initial voltage drops observed in Li/CFx cells.
Electrochemical Investigation of the Novel LiVPO4F Cathode Material in Lithium Ion Cells
Authors: Huang Haitao , Faulkner Titus J.
Published: April 2011

LiVPO4F is a novel fluorophosphate cathode material that promises to deliver good rate capability, long cycle life, safety, high energy density, and high voltage, in lithium ion cells. As with phosphate cathode materials, in LiVPO4F the phosphate polyanion creates a strong inductive effect, while the strength of the P-O bonding limits availability of oxygen for exothermic reactions with electrolyte solvent. The addition of fluorine intensifies the inductive effect, enabling new structural possibilities with as yet unexplored redox couples: LiVPO4F crystallizes in the triclinic structure, analogous to amblygonite (LiAlPO4F, space group P .) With insertion potential at a voltage of 4.2V versus lithium, LiVPO4F merits further study as a candidate high voltage, high energy density cathode material. Our investigation studied the rate capability and cycling performance of LiVPO4F in lithium ion cells
Evaluation of Ta and Zr Compounds for Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Matsuzawa Koichi , Yamauchi Kyosuke , Igarashi Chikako , Aihara Masahiko , Mitsushima Shigenori , Ota Ken-ichiro
Published: April 2011

In order to reduce the cost of anode material for polymer electrolyte water electrolysis, the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of Ta and Zr compounds film was investigated in sulfuric acid. Both Ta and Zr compounds film on an etched Ti rod was prepared by the reactive sputtering under various conditions which partial pressure of oxygen and nitrogen, and base material temperature were varied. The parameter of peusdo-current density which was related to the active area was defined as i*(= i⋅QA-1), where QA was the anodic electric charge calculated from cyclic voltammogram, and applied for the pseudo-OER specific activity. As a result, the pseudo-OER activity of steady state (iSS.*) on Ta compounds film prepared under the optimal condition as same as that of IrO2. iSS.* of Zr compounds film prepared under optimal condition was higher than that of IrO2.
Regenerative Methanol Fuel Cells: Reduction of CO2 to Methanol on Oxidized Cu Electrodes
Authors: Ren Maoming , Le Minh , Zhang Ziyu , Sprunger Phillip T. , Flake J. C.
Published: April 2011

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 was performed via oxidized Cu electrodes in an aqueous KHCO3 solution saturated with CO2. Although the formal potentials for reducing Cu oxides are much higher (E = 0.522 V (SHE) for Cu+ and E = 0.340 V (SHE) for Cu2+) than CO2 reduction, CO2 reduction products are observed for short time periods (<10 minutes) in batch reactors. Electrodeposited Cu(I) electrodes showed the highest CH3OH yields near 43 µmol cm-2 hr-1 with Faradaic efficiencies near 38%. The work suggests oxide interfaces play a key role in product selectivity and lends insight into characteristics needed for stable electrocatalyts for direct CH3OH generation from CO2.
Trends in Mortality From All Causes and Cardiovascular Disease Among Hypertensive and Nonhypertensive Adults in the United States
Authors: Ford Earl S.
Published: April 2011

Background—

Little is known about trends in the mortality rate among people with hypertension in the United States. The objective of the present study was to examine the change in the all-cause mortality rate among people with and without hypertension in the United States and whether any such changes differed by sex or race.

Methods and Results—

Data from 10 852 participants aged 25 to 74 years of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) I Epidemiological Follow-Up Study (1971 to 1975) and of 12 420 participants of the NHANES III Linked Mortality Study (1988 to 1994) were used. The mean follow-up times were 17.5 and 14.2 years, respectively. In each cohort, the mortality rate was higher among hypertensive adults than nonhypertensive adults, among hypertensive men than hypertensive women, and among hypertensive blacks than hypertensive whites. Among all hypertensive participants, the age-adjusted mortality rate was 18.8 per 1000 person-years for NHANES I and 14.3 for NHANES III (13.3 and 9.1 per 1000 person-years for nonhypertensive participants, respectively). The reduction among hypertensive men (7.7 per 1000 person-years; 95 confidence interval, 5.2 to 10.2) exceeded that among hypertensive women (1.9 per 1000 person-years; 95 confidence interval, [−0.4 to 4.2]) (
P
<0.001), and the reduction among hypertensive blacks (5.4 per 1000 person-years; 95 confidence interval, [0.6 to 10.1]) exceeded that among hypertensive whites (4.4 per 1000 person-years; 95 confidence interval, [2.2 to 6.5]) (
P
=0.707).

Conclusions—

The mortality rate decreased among hypertensive adults, but the mortality gap between adults with and without hypertension remained relatively constant. Efforts are needed to accelerate the decrease in the mortality rate among hypertensive adults.
Time as an Expanding Labyrinth of Information
Authors: Halpern Paul
Published: April 2011

We propose a model of time in physics that combines the determinism of classical mechanics, the irreversibility of thermodynamics, and the ever-bifurcating strands of the Many Worlds Interpretation of quantum mechanics, by means of an expanding, labyrinthine information space. We speculate that the growth of this space is linked to the cosmological expansion of the universe from its initial dense state by means of a generalization of general relativity to include the information space.
The Possible Acceleration of Time
Authors: Tatom Frank B.
Published: April 2011

Time as a dimension or coordinate axis is a generally accepted concept, but it is not this concept itself that appears noteworthy, but instead the manner or rate at which the universe progresses along the time axis. Although the idea of the progression of time is not universally accepted, many authorities appear to favor such a view. Several experts have proposed non-uniform rates, with such rates linked to both gravity and the galactic red shift. If time is not only progressing, but also progressing at a variable rate, a number of significant points arises. Both increasing and decreasing rates have been suggested. Perhaps an experimental validation of this phenomenon appears feasible.
Time in the Art of Roman Opalka, Tatsuo Miyajima, and Rene Rietmeyer
Authors: De Jongh Karlyn
Published: April 2011

In the history of art, time is not frequently taken up as the artistic topic in itself. While time has been sporadically present in the work of certain single artists such as Claude Monet or within movements like Futurism, where speed and change were highlighted, only over the past several decades, has time become a more explicit topic in art. In this article, time is addressed by discussing the work and thoughts of three contemporary artists who have taken this concept as a guiding motif in their work: Roman Opalka, Tatsuo Miyajima, and Rene Rietmeyer. Their work makes clear that time in art is strongly related to actual and individual life-time and is concerned with creating an attentiveness to human existence in relation to time as a continuing entity.
News and Views Time Related Events: Future, Present and Past
Authors: Cordes John
Published: April 2011

This column contains descriptions of future and recent conferences and published works, Calls for Papers, and other events relating to the study of time. Available materials are cited directly from Internet sources. The listings are in chronological order by date of event. If you know of other time-related conferences or events, please forward your information to John Cordes at jcordes@cabrini.edu. Thank you very much.
The Chronology of the Qurān: A Stylometric Research Program
Authors: Sadeghi Behnam
Published: April 2011

I verify a chronology in which seven groups of passages represent consecutive phases. A proposed chronology is verified if independent markers of style vary over its phases in a smooth fashion. Four markers of style follow smooth trajectories over the seven phases: The first is average verse length. The second encompasses the 28 most common morphemes in the Qurān. The percentages of these morphemes in a text constitute its stylistic profile. The thus-defined stylistic profile is shown to vary in a smooth fashion over “time”, i.e. over the proposed chronological sequence of phases. Third, a similar thing holds for a profile based on the frequencies of 114 other common morphemes. Fourth, similar results are obtained for a list of 3693 relatively uncommon morphemes. In addition to establishing a relative chronology in seven phases, this essay demonstrates the stylistic unity of many large passages. It also shows that the Qurān has one author.
Les amours de Yazīd II b. Abd al-Malik et de Habāba Roman courtois, « fait divers » umayyade et propagande abbasside
Authors: Zakharia Katia
Published: April 2011

In most of the Abbassid sources, Yazīd II b. Abd al-Malik’s image is both that of a bad caliph, dedicating his time to illicit pleasures rather than to his duties, and that of a weeping lover, devastated by the sudden death of Habāba, his favourite qayna. This article traces so far as possible the twists and turns of these two discourses, the different phases of their development and the way they eventually precipitated into a legendary narrative subjected to the denigration by the Abbasids of their Umayyad predecessors. By doing so, it intermittently brings to light some fragments of a plausible reality and presents them with the mandatory reservations.
Educational Exchange in Post-Mao U. S.-China Relations: The Hopkins-Nanjing Center
Authors: Wheeler Norton
Published: April 2011

Founded in 1986, an educational joint venture between Johns Hopkins University and Nanjing University has survived the trials of culture, geopolitics, and nature. As it entered its third decade, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center for Chinese and American Studies offered the first ever Sino-U. S. joint master's degree. This article traces the evolution of this bi-national institution, exploring its role in international relations, cultural exchange, economic globalization, and China's postMao drive toward modernization. A risk-taking Chinese university president, his American counterpart, a Chinese-American scientist who served as cultural mediator, the Tiananmen crisis, the SARS epidemic, Chinese and American students seeking to advance careers and mutual understanding–all these factors play a role in the story. Though continuous in many ways with early twentieth-century exchanges, the Hopkins-Nanjing Center diverges from the former pattern by being an equal partnership. This difference reflects China's growing economic and political power as well as a different American sensibility. In addition to reflecting the state of bilateral relations, the Center has contributed to relations through the symbolism of its survival and hopes, over the long term, to contribute by training future leaders in the government, business, and civil society sectors of the two societies.
China's "Public Diplomacy" toward the United States before Pearl Harbor
Authors: Tsuchida Akio
Published: April 2011

After the outbreak of Sino-Japanese War in 1937, China sought support and sanctions against Japan from the international community, especially the United States. The government strategy encompassed both official diplomatic channels and non-state channels such as propaganda and private organizations. Drawing from materials in the United States and China, this article presents the evolution of China's "public diplomacy" toward the United States during the early years of the Sino-Japanese War. It argues: (1) China's "public diplomacy" was conducted through the International Department of Ministry of Information of the Chinese Nationalist Party under the direct control of Chiang Kai-shek. (2) Resident agents of China played an indispensable role in forming the American Committee for Non-Participation in Japanese Aggression, a private organization supporting China's cause. (3) The Committee carried out intensive campaigns to bring about pro-China policies and to promote an embargo against Japan. (4) The Chinese government and its agents supported the Committee financially and organizationally until its disbandment in 1941. This article thus demonstrates that wartime China was attempting to compensate for its military weakness by manipulating American public opinion to achieve its own diplomatic goals.
"For the Equality of Men – For the Equality of Nations": Anson Burlingame and China's First Embassy to the United States, 1868
Authors: Schrecker John
Published: April 2011

Anson Burlingame (1820-1870), often neglected or misunderstood today, was an ardently antislavery congressman from Boston whom Abraham Lincoln appointed minister to China in 1861. Burlingame developed a Cooperative Policy that advocated peaceful means while upholding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese government subsequently appointed him China's first envoy to the Western powers. The first stop of the so-called Burlingame Mission was America, from March to September 1868. is article focuses on three topics: (1) How the mission's reception reflected the partisan struggle over Reconstruction and the push for racial equality. Republicans, the party of Reconstruction, proved sympathetic to the mission and to China, while the opposition Democrats were hostile. (2) How Burlingame presented Americans with a strongly favorable image of China to emphasize treating it with full respect and as a normal nation. (3) The Burlingame Treaty, the first equal treaty between China and a Western power after the Opium War, which sought to place China on a full and equal status in international affairs and to place Chinese in America on an equal footing with immigrants from other nations. Burlingame's friend, Mark Twain, wrote supportive articles.
Wasted Lives: Internally Displaced Persons Living in Camps in Kenya
Authors: Abuya Edwin Odhiambo , Ikobe Charles
Published: April 2011

This article evaluates the protection that the Government of Kenya off ered to those who fled to camps in the wake of the post-election violence that gripped the country in 2007. It focuses on basic needs, social economic entitlements and the right to return one's pre-conflict home. The article contends that, overall, the Government failed to meet its obligations as required by national and international standards on the protection of internally displaced persons. To conclude, specific recommendations, which would ameliorate the suff ering that IDPs continue to face in transitional states such as Kenya, are made.
Human Rights, Positive Obligations, and Armed Conflict: Implementing the Right to Education in Occupied Territories
Authors: Horowitz Jonathan
Published: April 2011

In three cases, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has held that States must apply their human rights treaty obligations extraterritorially during times of occupation. International human rights law and international humanitarian law (IHL), under which occupation law exists, were not constructed in formal consultation with one another. But their ability to co-exist is logical enough, with human rights law emerging from, and IHL expanding after, World War II with the similar aim of committing governments to protect the most basic notions of humanity. Tensions between the two regimes do, however, exist. Occupation law largely works to restrict Occupying Powers from tampering with the laws and institutions of the occupied territory, whereas significant portions of human rights law press States to amend or change laws and develop infrastructure to accommodate the welfare of the population under their control. With a focus on the positive human rights obligations contained within the right to education, this article looks at the compatibility of these two regimes, points out tensions, and proposes ways for easing their co-existence.
Reclaiming Protection as a Humanitarian Goal: Fodder for the Faint-Hearted Aid-Worker
Authors: Mackintosh Kate
Published: April 2011

Humanitarian action is under pressure on two fronts. On one side, western nations seek to use aid as a foreign policy tool, threatening the neutral image of humanitarian actors and placing them under suspicion. On the other, and in partial reaction to this, host states are re-asserting sovereignty and imposing new limits on humanitarian action in their territory. In many contexts, organisations are being limited by law or practice from addressing abuse of the populations they seek to assist. This is not a surprising reaction from states whose actions are scrutinised; but it is making inroads on the confidence of humanitarian actors themselves. Some are beginning to question not only the feasibility but also the appropriateness of the protection work they have taken on since the 1990s. The article seeks to reinforce the importance and legitimacy of humanitarian protection by showing that both assistance and protection are key goals of humanitarian action as defined by international law. It urges organisations to fight for the space the law has granted, in order to most effectively help the victims of armed conflict.
El “vínculo” con los medios de transporte: instrumental, simbólico y afectivo
Authors: Sevillano Verónica , López-Sáez Mercedes , Mayordomo Sonia
Published: April 2011

La investigación en torno a los factores determinantes de la elección de un medio de transporte u otro ha puesto de relieve la importancia de la función instrumental de los mismos. El análisis cualitativo proveniente de 6 grupos de discusión (78 personas) llevados a cabo en Madrid, Bilbao y San Sebastián pone de manifiesto que tanto la función simbólica que cumplen los medios de transporte como el afecto asociado a su uso resultan relevantes, junto con la función instrumental, a la hora de elegir un medio de transporte concreto. De hecho, las referencias emocionales presentan una alta frecuencia de mención en relación con el transporte público. La evaluación de las diferencias entre el transporte público y privado, en relación con las funciones instrumental y simbólica, y el afecto asociado, sugiere que el transporte público es considerado pobre en cuanto a su función instrumental y de forma negativa en cuanto a su función simbólica, mientras que el transporte privado es valorado muy positivamente en cuanto a su función instrumental y simbólica. Finalmente, el aspecto afectivo es evaluado de forma más ambivalente en relación al transporte privado mientras que para el transporte público es fundamentalmente negativo.
La presentación del yo en el ciberespacio: un análisis de las autodefiniciones personales en blogs y redes socials
Authors: Escobar Modesto , Román Helena
Published: April 2011

En este artículo se presenta un análisis de las autodefiniciones que se realizan en 405 páginas webs personales extraídas de portales de identidad, en concreto, de redes sociales y bitácoras. Para este análisis se parte, por un lado, de una concepción interaccionista simbólica del sí mismo, que concibe una doble faceta de la persona: una activa y específica, denominada el yo, y otra reflexiva y social—el me—que emerge a partir de los roles que desempeñan los individuos en la sociedad. Por otro lado, también se contempla la perspectiva de los teóricos de la modernidad, que plantean que el proceso de individualización es tan intenso que los sujetos se enfrentan a la difícil tarea de construir una identidad estable y sólida en un marco social repleto de oportunidades, pero inestable y cargado de riesgos. Se llega a la conclusión de que los aspectos situacionales son los que marcan mayores diferencias en la estructura de la autodefinición, así como en la objetividad y el anclaje de los sujetos.
Desarrollo de una escala para la evaluación multifactorial de la identidad de género en población mexicana
Authors: Rocha-Sánchez Tania-Esmeralda , Díaz-Loving Rolando
Published: April 2011

Basándonos en la necesidad empírica y teórica de contar con una medida sensible de Identidad de Género, congruente con la propuesta de Spence, (1993), se desarrollaron cuatro escalas en español para medir: estereotipos de género, actitudes, roles de género y rasgos de masculinidad—feminidad de la población mexicana. Se realizaron dos estudios, el primero de ellos se llevo a cabo con la finalidad de construir y validar las escalas (el total de participantes fue de 454 hombres y 727 mujeres) y el segundo con el propósito de conocer cómo se relacionan entre sí los cuatro componentes de la identidad (el total de participantes fue de 221 hombres y 294 mujeres). Se desarrollaron los análisis psicométricos para cada escala mostrando una consistencia estadística y conceptual robusta. Los resultados muestran la relevancia teórica y empírica de los diferentes componentes para comprender la identidad de género de una persona.
Adaptación sociocultural de inmigrantes brasileños en el País Vasco: bienestar y aculturación
Authors: de Luca Sonia , Bobowik Magdalena , Basabe Nekane
Published: April 2011

Esta investigación ha examinado el proceso de adaptación sociocultural de los inmigrantes y su relación con la adaptación psicológica y las estrategias de aculturación. Se entrevistó a 91 inmigrantes brasileños en el País Vasco. Se midieron las dificultades de adaptación sociocultural a través de la escala SCAS, las dificultades socio-económicas, la afectividad (PNA), la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS-SF-12), la satisfacción con la vida, el control percibido, la confianza interpersonal, así como el apoyo social percibido respecto a las personas del país de origen y de acogida, y las estrategias de aculturación (conductas y actitudes). Se hallaron dos dimensiones de la adaptación sociocultural: el “aprendizaje cultural y comunicación”, y el “manejo de la distancia social”. Las dificultades socioculturales son mayores al inicio del proceso de adaptación, disminuyendo con el tiempo de estancia, y se asocian a las dificultades socio-económicas, al apoyo social, al bienestar hedónico y al control percibido. La separación conductual se relaciona con más problemas de adaptación sociocultural, mientras que a nivel actitudinal la marginación dificultaría el aprendizaje cultural y la comunicación. Se confirma la existencia de dos tipos básicos de dificultades de adaptación sociocultural, el rápido aprendizaje sociocultural, así como los factores protectores.
Amenazados y víctimas del entramado de ETA en Euskadi: un estudio desde la teoría de la exclusión moral
Authors: Martin-Peña Javier , Opotow Susan , Rodríguez-Carballeira Álvaro
Published: April 2011

Este estudio investiga la vivencia del acoso y violencia padecidos por las víctimas y los amenazados del entramado de ETA en Euskadi, utilizando el enfoque teórico de la exclusión moral. Para ello, se realiza un análisis de contenido sobre los testimonios de una muestra de personas amenazadas y víctimas de ETA en Euskadi (n = 85; Hombres = 76,50%; franja de edad40—49 años; sector público = 57,60%; actividad política como razón para el acoso = 51,80%; violencia psicológica = 55,29%). Concretamente, mediante las dimensiones de exclusión moral, 187 unidades de análisis fueron detectadas a partir del análisis de contenido. Los resultados mostraron las siguientes dimensiones de exclusión moral: a) un alcance social limitado a unos colectivos específicos amenazados por el entramado etarra (51,87%); b) unos comportamientos predominantemente de baja intensidad mediante estrategias de intimidación y amenaza, reforzadas por la potencial violencia física (21,14%); c) una participación pasiva de parte de la sociedad, que ha facilitado la indiferencia hacia las víctimas y en ocasiones su propia culpabilización (12,30%). Los coeficientes de estabilidad (k =.94) y reproducibilidad (k =.87) fueron adecuados. El estudio abarca aspectos que van más allá de las formas de violencia utilizadas y de sus efectos, aportándose algunos factores clave de la percepción de exclusión moral en amenazados y víctimas de ETA en Euskadi. Finalmente, se discuten los resultados, limitaciones e implicaciones de esta investigación.
Si merezco tener poder, ¿qué más puedo esperar?: Poder, Legitimidad y Optimismo
Authors: Willis Guillermo B. , Rodríguez-Bailón Rosa
Published: April 2011

Estudios recientes han mostrado que el estar en una posición de poder (vs. estar en una situación de bajo poder) tiene diversas consecuencias cognitivas. Una de ellas es que los poderosos desarrollan ciertos sesgos cognitivos que los hacen percibir las situaciones desde una perspectiva más optimista. Partiendo de esta idea, el presente trabajo tiene tres objetivos: a) Replicar estos resultados en una muestra española; b) Explorar el papel moderador de una variable psicosocial como la legitimidad sobre estos resultados; y c) Analizar el papel de la controlabilidad como mecanismo explicativo de la relación predicha entre poder y optimismo. Con objeto de probar los efectos del poder y su legitimidad sobre el optimismo se realizó un experimento en el que ambas variables se manipularon. Los resultados muestran que el estar en una situación de poder hace que las personas tiendan a ser más optimistas; sin embargo, esto sólo sucede si el poder se obtiene de manera legítima. Además, y de manera interesante, la controlabilidad de los eventos negativos que los participantes esperaban vivir en el futuro medió la relación entre poder y optimismo mostrada por los poderosos (vs. los no poderosos) en la condición legítima.
The Relationship between Tornadic and Nontornadic Convective Wind Fatalities and Warnings
Authors: Black Alan W. , Ashley Walker S.
Published: April 2011

A database of tornado fatalities, nontornadic convective wind fatalities, severe thunderstorm warnings, and tornado warnings was compiled for the period 1986–2007 to assess the spatial and temporal distribution of warned and unwarned fatalities. The time of fatality and location as reported in Storm Data was compared to tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings to determine if a warning was in effect when the fatality occurred. Overall, 23.7% of tornado fatalities were unwarned, while 53.2% of nontornadic convective wind fatalities were unwarned. Most unwarned tornado fatalities occurred prior to the mid-1990s—coinciding with modernization of the National Weather Service—while unwarned nontornadic convective wind fatalities remained at a relatively elevated frequency throughout the study period. Geographic locations with high numbers of unwarned tornado and nontornadic convective wind fatalities were associated with one high-magnitude event that was unwarned rather than a series of smaller unwarned events over the period. There are many factors that contribute to warning response by the public, and the issuance of a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning is an important initial step in the warning process. A better understanding of the characteristics of warned and unwarned fatalities is important to future reduction of unwarned fatalities.
A Proposed Model-Based Methodology for Feature-Specific Prediction for High-Impact Weather
Authors: Carley Jacob R. , Schwedler Benjamin R. J. , Baldwin Michael E. , Trapp Robert J. , Kwiatkowski John , Logsdon Jeffrey , Weiss Steven J.
Published: April 2011

A feature-specific forecasting method for high-impact weather events that takes advantage of high-resolution numerical weather prediction models and spatial forecast verification methodology is proposed. An application of this method to the prediction of a severe convective storm event is given.
Comments on “Influence of Location, Population, and Climate on Building Damage and Fatalities due to Australian Bushfire: 1925–2009”
Authors: Nicholls Neville
Published: April 2011

The absence of an upward trend in normalized building damage in Australian bushfires may reflect reduced vulnerability (due to improved weather forecasts and other factors) offsetting increases in the frequency or intensity of bushfires.
Mixed Germ Cell Tumor with Embryonal Carcinoma, Choriocarcinoma, and Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumor in the Ovary of a Cynomolgus Monkey
Authors: Yokouchi Y. , Imaoka M. , Sayama A. , Sanbuissho A.
Published: April 2011

A seven-year-old female cynomolgus monkey had a mass in the left ovary with metastasis to the lung and the right ovary. The mass of these organs showed three different characteristics, and its immunohistochemical profiles were consistent with embryonal carcinoma (EC), choriocarcinoma (CC), and epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT). The EC was characterized with sheets and glandlike structures with large pleomorphic, single-nucleated epithelial cells that were immunohistochemically positive for α-fetoprotein, octamer-4, and CD30, and with multinucleated giant cells resembling syncytiotrophoblasts. The CC also represented biphasic proliferation of the cytotrophoblast positive for cytokeratin 7 (CK7), which showed negative immunoreactivity for all three of the above antibodies, and it was syncytiotrophoblast positive for human chorionic gonadotropin. The ETT showed numerous floating cells in an abundant eosinophilic extracellular matrix with vacuolated or eosinophilic cytoplasm and was immunohistochemically positive for CK7, p63, and α-inhibin, which features nodule or cordlike structures. Collectively, this neoplasm was identified as a mixed germ cell tumor with EC, CC, and ETT. To our knowledge, this is the first report of EC in nonhuman primates as a component of mixed germ cell tumor.