bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The study of oral liquid microcrystallization in children with gastro-esophageal reflux disease
Authors: Spinei Aurelia , Picos Alina Monica , Romanciuc Ina , Berar Antonela , Mihailescu Ana Maria
Published: December 2014

Background and aim. Patients with disabilities have a higher prevalence of caries and dental erosions than general population. This particularity may be assessed by the study of microcrystallization of saliva. We investigated the oral liquid microcrystallization in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition associated with dental erosions. Material and methods. 54 children have been clinically examined: 27 children suffering from GERD with ages between 13 and 15, were included in the study group, and 27 healthy children - the control group. The study of crystallographic changes of the oral liquid was performed using the method developed by Shatohina, Razumov SN, Shabalin VN (2006) with the scanning electron microscope VEGA TESCAN TS 5130 MM. Results. The degree of microcrystalization of the oral liquid in children with GERD was considerably reduced, (1.73±0.11 points) and was lower than in children in the control group (3.22±0.16 points) (p<0.01, RR=2). The degree of micro-crystallization of oral liquid in children with GERD was 1.86 times lower than in healthy children. This was correlated with the duration of gastroesophageal reflux. Conclusion. The study of structural particularities of dehydrated droplet of oral liquid in children with GERD has elucidated a number of markers of the changes produced in the oral cavity. These can be used in the screening research in prevention of caries and dental erosions.
The Intension of Students' Entrepreneurship in State Polytechnic of Padang
Authors: Rusmadi Rusmadi
Published: December 2014

The objectives of this research were to identify the relationship between entrepreneur intention (Y) and information of entrepreneur intention (X1), model of parents' guidance to entrepreneur intention (X2), and the attitude of entrepreneur cooperation to entrepreneur intention (X3) in them. Besides, the study also seeks the correlation between information of entrepreneur intention (X1), model of parents’ guidance to entrepreneur intention (X2), and attitude of entrepreneur intention (X3). Questionnaires were used to investigate the model of parents' guidance, and attitude of entrepreneur cooperation to entrepreneur intention. The result showed that there were significant linear regression of entrepreneur information to entrepreneur intention (26,7%) and significant linear correlation among variables that are information, model of parents' guidance, and attitude of entrepreneur cooperation with entrepreneur intention (5,8%).
Multiple Intelligence of the Fourth Year English Department Students of STKIP Abdi Pendidikan Payakumbuh
Authors: Mahaputri Dwi Settya
Published: December 2014

Multiple Intelligence (MI) is very important to modern education because its main point is that every individual has eight intelligences and they all work together in a unique way. This research belongs to Descriptive research analyzing students’ MI of the fourth year English department of STKIP Abdi Pendidikan Payakumbuh. The data were collected through questionnaires which had been distributed to 20 students. Then it was analyzed by interpreting in each Intelligence. The finding shows that most of the students had good in Interpersonal Intelligence, Musical Intelligence, and Intrapersonal Intelligence. And they are good enough at Naturalist Intelligence, Bodily-kinesthetic Intelligence, and Spatial Intelligence. However, they are low at Linguistic Intelligence and Logical-mathematic Intelligence.
Stress engineering using AlN/GaN superlattices for epitaxy of GaN on 200 mm Si wafers
Authors: Su Jie , Armour Eric A. , Krishnan Balakrishnan , Lee Soo Min , Papasouliotis George D.
Published: December 2014

Stress control using AlN/GaN superlattices (SLs) for epitaxy of GaN on 200 mm Si (111) substrates is reported. Crack-free 2 μm GaN layers were grown over structures containing 50 to 100 pairs of 3-5 nm AlN/10-30 nm GaN SLs. Compressive and tensile stress can be precisely adjusted by changing the thickness of the AlN and GaN layers in the SLs. For a constant period thickness, the effects of growth conditions, such as growth rate of GaN, V/III ratio during AlN growth, and growth temperature, on wafer stress were investigated.
Using species co‐occurrence patterns to quantify relative habitat breadth in terrestrial vertebrates
Authors: Ducatez S. , Tingley R. , Shine R.
Published: December 2014

The breadth of habitats that a species uses may determine its vulnerability to environmental change, with habitat specialists at greater risk than generalists. To test that hypothesis, we need a valid index of habitat specialization. Existing indices require extensive data, or ignore the magnitude of differences among habitat categories. We suggest an index based on patterns of species co‐occurrence within each of the 101 habitat categories recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Using this metric, a species is allocated a quantitative score based on the diversity of other taxa with which it co‐occurs: a generalist species occurs in a range of habitat categories that vary considerably in species composition, whereas a specialist species is found only in habitats that contain a consistent suite of other species. We provide data on these scores for 22,230 vertebrate species and show that habitat breadth varies among Classes (amphibians > birds > mammals > reptiles). Within each Class, generalist species are less likely to be in decline or threatened with extinction. Because our index is continuous, based on biologically relevant parameters, and easily calculated for a vast number of taxa, its use will facilitate analyses of the evolution and consequences of habitat specialization.
Randomized Trial of Two Dissemination Strategies for a Skin Cancer Prevention Program in Aquatic Settings
Authors: Glanz Karen , Escoffery Cam , Elliott Tom , Nehl Eric J.
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We compared 2 strategies for disseminating an evidence-based skin cancer prevention program.

Methods. We evaluated the effects of 2 strategies (basic vs enhanced) for dissemination of the Pool Cool skin cancer prevention program in outdoor swimming pools on (1) program implementation, maintenance, and sustainability and (2) improvements in organizational and environmental supports for sun protection. The trial used a cluster-randomized design with pools as the unit of intervention and outcome. The enhanced group received extra incentives, reinforcement, feedback, and skill-building guidance. Surveys were collected in successive years (2003–2006) from managers of 435 pools in 33 metropolitan areas across the United States participating in the Pool Cool Diffusion Trial.

Results. Both treatment groups improved their implementation of the program, but pools in the enhanced condition had significantly greater overall maintenance of the program over 3 summers of participation. Furthermore, pools in the enhanced condition established and maintained significantly greater sun-safety policies and supportive environments over time.

Conclusions. This study found that more intensive, theory-driven dissemination strategies can significantly enhance program implementation and maintenance of health-promoting environmental and policy changes. Future research is warranted through longitudinal follow-up to examine sustainability.
Adolescents’ and Adults’ Experiences of Being Surveyed About Violence and Abuse: A Systematic Review of Harms, Benefits, and Regrets
Authors: McClinton Appollis Tracy , Lund Crick , de Vries Petrus J. , Mathews Catherine
Published: December 2014

The neuroscience and psychological literatures suggest that talking about previous violence and abuse may not only be beneficial, as previously believed, but may also be associated with risks. Thus, studies on such topics introduce ethical questions regarding the risk–benefit ratio of sensitive research. We performed a systematic review of participants’ experiences related to sensitive research and compared consequent harms, benefits, and regrets among victims and nonvictims of abuse. Thirty studies were included (4 adolescent and 26 adult studies). In adolescent studies, 3% to 37% of participants (median: 6%) reported harms, but none of these studies measured benefits or regrets. Among adults, 4% to 50% (median: 25%) reported harms, 23% to 100% (median: 92%) reported benefits, and 1% to 6% (median: 2%) reported regrets. Our results suggest that the risk–benefit ratio related to sensitive research is not unfavorable, but there are gaps in the evidence among adolescents.
The Role of Stigma and Medical Mistrust in the Routine Health Care Engagement of Black Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Eaton Lisa A. , Driffin Daniel D. , Kegler Christopher , Smith Harlan , Conway-Washington Christopher , White Denise , Cherry Chauncey
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We assessed how health care–related stigma, global medical mistrust, and personal trust in one’s health care provider relate to engaging in medical care among Black men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods. In 2012, we surveyed 544 Black MSM attending a community event. We completed generalized linear modeling and mediation analyses in 2013.

Results. Twenty-nine percent of participants reported experiencing racial and sexual orientation stigma from heath care providers and 48% reported mistrust of medical establishments. We found that, among HIV-negative Black MSM, those who experienced greater stigma and global medical mistrust had longer gaps in time since their last medical exam. Furthermore, global medical mistrust mediated the relationship between stigma and engagement in care. Among HIV-positive Black MSM, experiencing stigma from health care providers was associated with longer gaps in time since last HIV care appointment.

Conclusions. Interventions focusing on health care settings that support the development of greater awareness of stigma and mistrust are urgently needed. Failure to address psychosocial deterrents will stymie progress in biomedical prevention and cripple the ability to implement effective prevention and treatment strategies.
A Qualitative Content Analysis of Cigarette Health Warning Labels in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Authors: Haines-Saah Rebecca J. , Bell Kirsten , Dennis Simone
Published: December 2014

The legislation of health warning labels on cigarette packaging is a major focus for tobacco control internationally and is a key component of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This population-level intervention is broadly supported as a vital measure for warning people about the health consequences of smoking. However, some components of this approach warrant close critical inspection. Through a qualitative content analysis of the imagery used on health warning labels from 4 countries, we consider how this imagery depicts people that smoke. By critically analyzing this aspect of the visual culture of tobacco control, we argue that this imagery has the potential for unintended consequences, and obscures the social and embodied contexts in which smoking is experienced.
GPR Profiles of Glacial Till and its Transition to Bedrock: Interpretation of Water Content, Depth and Signal Loss from Diffractions
Authors: Arcone Steven , Campbell Seth , Pfeffer W. Tad
Published: December 2014

We discuss GPR reflection profiles that we recorded on glacial till and a colluvial diamict at several locations in New Hampshire, and from which we interpret water contents, depths and rates of signal loss. We used pulses centered from 150–200 MHz and 300–360 MHz. The boulder-rich sediments reside over granitic and metavolcanics, the horizons of which we recognize from the relative strengths and phase of their waveforms, underlying fractures, and well-developed diffraction asymptotes. The till produced an apparent dense distribution of diffractions with limited asymptotes and dispersion, and occasional minor stratification. We use these diffractions and moveout profiles to calculate relative dielectric permittivities between 17 and 27, values which suggest up to 30% volumetric water, and likely saturation within these over-consolidated sediments. The evidence for transitions from till to bedrock ranges from a simple horizon to complex horizon segments, all characterized by diffractions and amenable to single-layer migration. A gradational loss in diffraction strength with depth suggests gradational weathering or changes in grain size as the cause. Maximum profiled depths range from 4 m to at least 10 m, with estimated scattering attenuation rates of about 3.3 dB m−1. In contrast, one and possible two colluvial diamicts, which likely contained 3-m-size boulders, show short segments of stratification, rare diffraction asymptotes, allow more than 20-m penetration and provide scattering losses of about 0.5 dB m−1. We measured extremely low conductivity and calculated permittivities ranging from 9–12, which suggest high densities and volumetric water content of 4–12%. Low, single scattering loss and deep penetration in the till are consistent with evidence of ground waves traveling up to 40 m one way. The phase polarity of waveforms within till and colluvial events show they may originate from either high or low dielectric contrasts, likely related to water or large boulders, respectively.
Crosshole Radar Traveltime Tomographic Inversion using the Fast Marching Method and the Iteratively Linearized Scheme
Authors: Wang Fei , Liu Sixin , Qu Xinxin
Published: December 2014

Traditional straight ray- and curved ray-based tomography algorithms need to perform ray tracing to calculate travel times and construct the Jacobi matrix. We present a crosshole radar traveltime tomography algorithm that is based on the fast marching method (FMM) and the iteratively linearized scheme. The travel time is calculated using FMM and the Jacobi matrix is constructed using finite difference approximation, thus the traveltime tomography is carried out without raytracing. We test the suggested method on three synthetic models. In model 1, three types of model parameter weighting matrices are considered. In model 2, both first- and second-order FMM are tested. In model 3, we analyze three types of matrix inversion methods. The synthetic data tests show that the reconstruction using the Laplace operator, second-order FMM and LSQR simultaneously achieve the best result. To test the reconstruction ability of the proposed scheme on a realistic geological structure, we apply the algorithm to a field data set from Guizhou. For comparison, two traveltime tomography algorithms based on straight ray and curved ray are used. The comparisons indicate that our scheme can obtain a solution as good as the one resulting from a curved ray-based traveltime tomography algorithm.
Effects of the time of cuttings collection and IBA concentration on the rooting of softwood cuttings from elite trees of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) in Belgrade area
Authors: Markovic Marija , Skocajic Dragana , Grbic Mihailo , Djukic Matilda
Published: December 2014

In this study, the effect of concentration of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA)
(powder dip), cutting type as well as the time of taking cuttings on the
rooting of softwood cuttings of cornelian cherry was examined. Four types of
cuttings were used: basal cuttings, terminal cuttings, basal cuttings with
2-year-old wood and terminal cuttings with 2-year-old wood. The obtained
results showed that IBA concentration, cutting type and time of collecting
have significant effect on rooting. The best results were obtained using 1%
IBA and cuttings collected in the second term (in mid-July) had a higher
rooting percentage. Terminal cuttings treated with 1% IBA (powder dip) should
be used for optimum results. In that case the rooting percentage was very
high (over 90%) in both terms of cuttings collection.
Zappomniany przyjaciel czyli rzecz o Aleksandrze Jabłonowskim
Authors: Jakóbiec-Semkowowa Milica
Published: December 2014

Aleksander Jab?onowski (1829-1913) - wybitny polski historyk i etnolog, by? w
Belgradzie we wrze?niu 1860 roku, a relacj? z pobytu drukowa? dopiero w 1875
opatruj?c j? wsp??czesnym komentarzem. Autor opisuje miasto i jego
mieszka?c?w, szczeg?ln? uwag? po?wi?ca odwiedzinom u Vuka Karadzicia,
kt?rego darzy wielkim szacunkiem. Obszerna cz??c wspomnie? dotyczy ludowych
pie?ni epickich. Ca?y tekst odznacza si? ?yw? narracj? wzbogacon? o dialogi,
cz?sto konkretne obserwacje b?d? wydarzenia s? punktem wyj?cia do refleksji
naukowej.
Ornamentika Cetvorojevandjelja br. 25 i Trioda br. 24 u biblioteci Atonskog manastira svetog Pantelejmona
Authors: Rakic Zoran
Published: December 2014

nema
Taking Advantage of the Paradigmatic Crisis: Brazilian Everyday Life Studies as a New Epistemological Approach to the Understanding of Teachers' Work
Authors: Süssekind Maria Luiza
Published: December 2014

This article presents an epistemological overview of abyssal thinking and its impact on the field of education, particularly in relation to teachers' work, as it is done and understood. It argues that the clearest expression of abyssal thinking is the hegemony of science which explains two school phenomena: the historical subalternisation of the knowledge of experience and the contemporary global bias toward evaluating education based on evidence. In conclusion, the article discusses how the field can overcome this abyss with the replacement of theory with everyday life practices which reinforce the understanding of teachers and students as knowledge creators weaving nets from scientific, experiential, and other knowledges.
Teacher Education under Audit: Value-Added Measures, TVAAS, EdTPA and Evidence-Based Theory
Authors: Price Todd Alan
Published: December 2014

This article describes how evidence-based theory fuels an audit culture for teacher education in the USA, placing faculty under monitoring and surveillance, and severely constraining judgment, discretion, and professional decision-making. The national education reform efforts, Race to the Top and Common Core State Standards, demand fealty to evidence-based standards, while the Teacher Performance Assessment (EdTPA) requires teacher candidates to videotape their classroom lessons and submit the ‘evidence’ for review by external reviewers. The history of this theory, findings on the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS), a discussion between EdTPA and teacher education colleges, and examples of how faculty are expected to provide evidence of effectiveness, are all included in the article.
The Making of Careers in Academia: Split Career Movements in Education Science
Authors: Angervall Petra , Gustafsson Jan
Published: December 2014

In this article the authors discuss developments in the Europeanisation of higher education policy context of Sweden, and in particular certain changes within the field of education science. Detailed career narratives from 30 interviews have been produced and analysed. These narratives illustrate how research careers in education are formed and conditioned by institutional demands, forms of career capital and the actions of researchers. In the making of careers in academia, the authors point out how some researchers get access to resources that make them competitive and influential, and that those with an already strong research career capital tend accumulate more of this. They also point out that researchers with a background in teaching seem to find it harder to develop research careers as they seem to be bound to forms of career capital that are seen as more needed in teaching. Accordingly, two career profiles have been identified: the successful and the supportive researchers, respectively.
Auditor Industry Specialization and Evidence of Cost Efficiencies in Homogenous Industries
Authors: Bills Kenneth L. , Jeter Debra C. , Stein Sarah E.
Published: December 2014

This study examines the audit pricing effects when auditors specialize in industries conducive to transferable audit processes. Our results indicate that industry specialists charge incrementally lower fees in industries with homogenous operations, and particularly in industries with both homogenous operations and complex accounting practices. Moreover, we discover that audit quality is no lower for clients audited by these specialists offering fee discounts, consistent with a conclusion that the reduction in fees indicates cost efficiencies rather than lower-quality audits. Further analysis indicates that the shared economies of scale only occur in a subsample of client firms with relatively high bargaining power. When considered in conjunction with prior research using a survivorship approach, our study provides evidence that certain industries lend themselves to specialization because auditors generate cost-based competitive advantages without compromising service quality.

Data Availability: Data are publicly available from the sources identified in the paper.
Comparative Study of Glucose Homeostasis, Lipids and Lipoproteins, HDL Functionality, and Cardiometabolic Parameters in Modestly Severely Obese African Americans and White Americans With Prediabetes: Implications for the Metabolic Paradoxes
Authors: Healy Sara J. , Osei Kwame , Gaillard Trudy
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether modestly severe obesity modifies glucose homeostasis, levels of cardiometabolic markers, and HDL function in African Americans (AAs) and white Americans (WAs) with prediabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 145 subjects with prediabetes (N = 61 WAs, N = 84 AAs, mean age 46.5 ± 11.2 years, mean BMI 37.8 ± 6.3 kg/m2). We measured fasting levels of lipids, lipoproteins, and an inflammatory marker (C-reactive protein [CRP]); HDL functionality (i.e., levels of paraoxonase 1 [PON1]); and levels of oxidized LDL, adiponectin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6). We measured serum levels of glucose, insulin, and C-peptide during an oral glucose tolerance test. Values for insulin sensitivity index (Si), glucose effectiveness index (Sg), glucose effectiveness at zero insulin (GEZI), and acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg) were derived using a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (using MINMOD software).

RESULTS

Mean levels of fasting and incremental serum glucose, insulin, and C-peptide tended to be higher in WAs versus AAs. The mean Si was not different in WAs versus AAs (2.6 ± 2.3 vs. 2.9 ± 3.0 × 10−4 × min−1 [μU/mL]−1). Mean values for AIRg and disposition index as well as Sg and GEZI were lower in WAs than AAs. WAs had higher serum triglyceride levels than AAs (116.1 ± 55.5 vs. 82.7 ± 44.2 mg/dL, P = 0.0002). Mean levels of apolipoprotein (apo) A1, HDL cholesterol, PON1, oxidized LDL, CRP, adiponectin, and IL-6 were not significantly different in obese AAs versus WAs with prediabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Modestly severe obesity attenuated the ethnic differences in Si, but not in Sg and triglyceride levels in WAs and AAs with prediabetes. Despite the lower Si and PON1 values, AAs preserved paradoxical relationships between the Si and HDL/apoA1/triglyceride ratios. We conclude that modestly severe obesity has differential effects on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying glucose homeostasis and atherogenesis in obese AAs and WAs with prediabetes.
Modeling of the Propagation of Methane from the Longwall Goaf, Performed by Means of a Two-Dimensional Description
Authors: Krawczyk Jerzy , Janus Jakub
Published: December 2014

The paper presents results of a research on the migration of methane from goaf into an area of a longwall ventilated by means of the U-type ventilation system. Two-dimensional models of the area in question were prepared. The models encompassed longwalls whose length was 240 m, as well as segments of the main and tailgate whose length was minimum 50 m. The geometry of the models took into account the details that could make three-dimensional models too complex. These details include: the ribs of the arch support of the headings, frictional and hydraulic props, and the ribs of a section of the longwall powered roof support. Additionally, the presence of gaps between the support sections, by means of which an exchange of gases between the longwall and the adjacent goaf could take place - was taken into consideration. Using the 2D description method, an analysis of the flow of air in the area was carried out. The simulation results were shown as profiles of velocity and streamlines in surrounding of intersections of longwall. with main and tailgate Then, the grid depenadncy of numerical solutions was investigated. This was done by comparing results for three grid densities. The process of methane propagation was simulated for shearer located at two-thirds of the longwall length. The fields of methane concentrations for a steady inflow from goaf were calculated. Subsequently, the effects of a sudden inflow of methane along a segment comprising ten recently advanced roof support sections were computed. The results were presented as a sequence of concentration distributions for selected simulation moments.
Safe Vibrations of Spilling Basin Explosions at “Gotvand Olya Dam” Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Bakhshandeh Amnieh Hassan , Bahadori Moein
Published: December 2014

Ground vibration is an undesirable outcome of an explosion which can have destructive effects on the surrounding environment and structures. Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) is a determining factor in evaluation of the damage caused by an explosion. To predict the ground vibration caused by blasting at the Gotvand Olya Dam (GOD) spilling basin, thirty 3-component records (totally 90) from 19 blasts were obtained using 3 VIBROLOC seismographs. Minimum and the maximum distance from the center of the exploding block to the recording station were set to be 11 and 244 meters, respectively. To evaluate allowable safe vibration and determining the permissible explosive charge weight, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) was employed with Back Propagation (BP) and 3 hidden layers. The mean square error and the correlation coefficient of the network in this study were found to be 1.95 and 0.995, respectively, which compared to those obtained from the known empirical correlations, indicating substantially more accurate prediction. Considering the network high accuracy and precision in predicting vibrations caused by such blasting operations, the nearest distance from the center of the exploding block at this study was 11 m, and considering the standard allowable vibration of 120 mm/sec for heavy concrete structures, the maximum permissible explosive weight per delay was estimated to be 47.00 Kg. These results could be employed in subsequent safer blasting operation designs.
Evaluation and Management of the Gas and Rock Outburst Hazard in the Light of International Legal Regulations
Authors: Skoczylas Norbert , Wierzbicki Mirosław
Published: December 2014

As part of the present article, the Authors analyzed relevant legal rules that are in force in countries where the gas and coal outburst hazard occurs (Australia, the Czech Republic, China, Germany, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine). Similarities and differences between particular solutions were highlighted. As the subject of the analysis were the original legal standards, the article incorporates the parameter symbols and units adopted in the discussed regulations.
Permeability Changes of Coal Cores and Briquettes under Tri-Axial Stress Conditions
Authors: Wierzbicki Mirosław , Konečný Pavel , Kožušníková Alena
Published: December 2014

The paper is dealing with the permeability of coal in triaxial state of stress. The permeability of coal, besides coal’s methane capacity, is the main parameter determining the quantity of methane inflow into underground excavations. The stress in a coal seam is one of the most important factors influencing coal permeability therefore the permeability measurements were performed in tri-axial state of stress. The hydrostatic three-axial state of stress was gradually increased from 5 MPa with steps of 5 MPa up to a maximum of 30 MPa. Nitrogen was applied as a gas medium in all experiments.

The results of the permeability measurements of coal cores from the “Zofiówka” mine, Poland, and three mines from the Czech Republic are presented in this paper. As a “reference”, permeability measurements were also taken for coal briquettes prepared from coal dust with defined porosity.

It was confirmed that the decreasing porosity of coal briquettes affects the decreasing permeability. The advantage of experimentation on coal briquettes is its good repeatability.

From the experimental results, an empirical relation between gas permeability and confining pressure has also been identified. The empirical relation for coal briquettes is in good correspondence with published results. However, for coal cores, the character of change differs. The influence of confining pressure has a different character and the decrease in permeability is stronger due to the increasing confining pressure
Chemical bath deposition synthesis and electrochemical properties of MnO2 thin film: Effect of deposition time and bath temperature
Authors: Aref A. , Tang Y.
Published: December 2014

Manganese dioxide (MnO2) films with different nanostructures were deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) glasses by using chemical bath deposition (CBD). Deposition temperature and time were varied from 60 °C to 90 °C and from 2 h to 72 h, respectively. The samples have been characterized using an X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an electrochemical workstation. The films deposited at 60 °C for 8 h showed that obtained nanoflowers had an amorphous nature, while those deposited at higher temperatures of 70, 80 and 90 °C showed a well-developed nanowire and nanorod morphology. However, those which were deposited at 60 °C, showed the best electrochemical properties, including a higher specific capacitance, good rate of performance and a cycling stability (93 % loss of the initial value after 10,000 cycles).
On the mechanism of catalysis induced by mechano-activation of solid body
Authors: Kulczycki Andrzej , Kajdas Czesław , Liang Hong
Published: December 2014

The paper presents a new model of the mechanism of mechanocatalysis and tribocatalysis. The reason for the increase in heterogeneous catalysis effect after mechanical activation of a catalyst has not been fully understood yet. There is no known theory, which would explain the mechanism of the influence of mechanical energy introduced to catalyst particles on the rate of chemical reaction. All existing theories are based on Arrhenius equation and assume that catalysts increase reaction rate due to decreasing of activation energy E
a. We hypothesize that both for standard and catalyzed heterogeneous reactions the same E
a (real activation energy) is needed to trigger the reaction processes and the catalytic effect is the result of energy introduced to the reaction system, its accumulation by a catalyst and then emission of high flux of energy to the space near the catalyst particles. This energy emitted by molecules of reagents can reach a value equal to the value of E
a at lower ambient temperature than it would result from Arrhenius equation. This hypothesis is based on α
i model described in previous papers by Kajdas and Kulczycki as well as the results of tribochemical research described by Hong Liang et al., which demonstrate that the reaction rate is higher than that resulting from temperature.
Non-destructive characterization of superionic conductor: lithium nitride
Authors: Yadawa Pramod
Published: December 2014

Higher order elastic constants have been calculated in hexagonally structured superionic conductor Li3N at room temperature using the interaction potential model. The temperature variation of the ultrasonic velocities was evaluated along different angles with z axis (unique axis) of the crystal, using the second order elastic constants. The ultrasonic velocity decreased with the temperature along a particular orientation of the unique axis. Temperature variation of the thermal relaxation time and Debye average velocities was also calculated along the same orientation. The temperature dependency of ultrasonic properties was discussed in correlation with elastic, thermal and electrical properties. It has been found that the thermal conductivity is the main contributor to the behavior of ultrasonic attenuation as a function of temperature and the cause responsible for attenuation is phonon-phonon interaction. The mechanical properties of Li3N at low temperature are better than at high temperature because at low temperature it has low ultrasonic attenuation. Superionic conductor lithium nitride has many industrial applications, such as those used in portable electronic devices.
Magnetic properties of manganese doped PrAlO3 monocrystalline fibres
Authors: Guzik A. , Talik E. , Pajączkowska A. , Turczyński S. , Kusz J.
Published: December 2014

Monocrystalline fibres of undoped PrAlO3 and PrAlO3:0.1 Mn, have been grown by the pulling-down method under nitrogen atmosphere. The as-grown crystal doped with Mn had a visible brown core surrounded by a green ring, whereas this effect was weaker for the undoped PrAlO3. A coloration of the brown core was caused by a presence of Pr4+ ions. The presence of the Pr4+ ions was confirmed by XPS and magnetic studies. The XPS chemical analysis showed the increased concentration of oxygen in the crystals with the brown core. The most probable valency of manganese is Mn4+. It is located in Al3+ sites.
Chemical properties of hydroxyapatite deposited through electrophoretic process on different sandblasted samples
Authors: Gradinariu Irina , Stirbu Ioan , Gheorghe Cristina , Cimpoesu Nicanor , Agop Maricel , Cimpoesu Ramona , Popa Cristina
Published: December 2014

An implantable material based on titanium (Ti6Al4V) was sandblasted in order to be deposited with a thin film of hydroxyapatite. Two samples of the alloy, in a shape of a bar with 10 mm diameter and 20 mm length, were subjected to mechanical treatment. After deposition of the hydroxyapatite through electrophoresis process, the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The nature and chemical properties of thin films formed on Ti-based substrate were investigated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy based on the extremely high polarization resistance of the material. The results revealed the formation of a homogeneous layer on the surface of the metallic substrate. The layer composed of TiO2 and hydroxyapatite provided a high corrosion protection.
Effects of different Sn contents on formation of Ti2SnC by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis method in Ti-Sn-C and Ti-Sn-C-TiC systems
Authors: Sun Hong-Yan , Kong Xin , Sen Wei , Yi Zhong-Zhou , Wang Bao-Sen , Liu Gui-Yang
Published: December 2014

Effect of different Sn contents on combustion synthesis of Ti2SnC was studied using elemental Ti, Sn, C and TiC powders as raw materials in the Ti-Sn-C and Ti-Sn-C-TiC system, in which the molar ratio of Ti/C was set as 2:1. The reaction mechanism for the formation of Ti2SnC was also investigated. The results showed that the amount of Ti2SnC in combustion products firstly increased with increasing of Sn content (0.6 to 0.8 mol), and then decreased with further increasing of Sn content (1.0 to 1.2 mol). Upon addition of 15 % TiC instead of Ti and C, the optimum addition of Sn decreased to 0.7 mol and a higher purity of Ti2SnC was obtained. The Ti2SnC powders were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Further Development and Validation of the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development–Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS)
Authors: Caçola Priscila M. , Gabbard Carl , Montebelo Maria I.L. , Santos Denise C.C.
Published: December 2014

Background

Affordances in the home environment may play a significant role in infant motor development.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to further develop and validate the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development–Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS), an inventory that measures the quantity and quality of motor affordances in the home.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate criteria for content validity, reliability, internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects, and interpretability of the instrument.

Methods

A pilot version of the inventory with 5 dimensions was used for expert panel analysis and administered to parents of infants (N=419). Data were analyzed with Cronbach alpha, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), ceiling and floor effects, and item and dimension interpretability analyses for creation of a scoring system with descriptive categories for each dimension and total score.

Results

Average agreement among the expert panel was 95% across all evaluation criteria. Cronbach alpha values with the 41-item scale ranged between .639 and .824 for the separate dimensions, with a total value of .824 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]=.781, .862). The ICC values were .990 for interrater reliability and .949 for intrarater reliability. There was a ceiling effect on 3 questions for the Inside Space dimension and on 3 questions for the Variety of Stimulation dimension. These results demonstrated the need for reduction in total items (from 41 to 35) and the combination of space dimensions. After removal of questions, internal consistency was .766 (95% CI=.729, .800) for total score. Overall assessment categories were created as: less than adequate, moderately adequate, adequate, and excellent.

Limitations

The inventory does not determine specific use (time, frequency) of affordances in the home, and it does not account for infants' out-of-home activities.

Conclusions

The AHEMD-IS is a reliable and valid instrument to assess affordances in the home environment that promote infant motor development.
Does Perturbation-Based Balance Training Prevent Falls? Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Mansfield Avril , Wong Jennifer S. , Bryce Jessica , Knorr Svetlana , Patterson Kara K.
Published: December 2014

Background

Older adults and individuals with neurological conditions are at an increased risk for falls. Although physical exercise can prevent falls, certain types of exercise may be more effective. Perturbation-based balance training is a novel intervention involving repeated postural perturbations aiming to improve control of rapid balance reactions.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of perturbation-based balance training on falls in daily life.

Data Sources

MEDLINE (1946–July 2014), EMBASE (1974–July 2014), PEDro (all dates), CENTRAL (1991–July 2014), and Google Scholar (all dates) were the data sources used in this study.

Study Selection

Randomized controlled trials written in English were included if they focused on perturbation-based balance training among older adults or individuals with neurological conditions and collected falls data posttraining.

Data Extraction

Two investigators extracted data independently. Study authors were contacted to obtain missing information. A PEDro score was obtained for each study. Primary outcomes were proportion of participants who reported one or more falls (ie, number of “fallers”) and the total number of falls. The risk ratio (proportion of fallers) and rate ratio (number of falls) were entered into the analysis.

>Data Synthesis

Eight studies involving 404 participants were included. Participants who completed perturbation-based balance training were less likely to report a fall (overall risk ratio=0.71; 95% confidence interval=0.52, 0.96; P=.02) and reported fewer falls than those in the control groups (overall rate ratio=0.54; 95% confidence interval=0.34, 0.85; P=.007).

Limitations

Study authors do not always identify that they have included perturbation training in their intervention; therefore, it is possible that some appropriate studies were not included. Study designs were heterogeneous, preventing subanalyses.

Conclusions

Perturbation-based balance training appears to reduce fall risk among older adults and individuals with Parkinson disease.
Venture Capital Investments for Life Sciences Start-ups in Switzerland
Authors: Gantenbein Pascal , Herold Nils
Published: December 2014

Despite its economic and technological importance, the Swiss life sciences sector faces severe challenges in attracting enough venture capital for its own development. Although biotechnology and medical technology have been the most important areas of venture financing from 1999 through
2012 according to our own data, average investment volumes nevertheless remain on a low level of only 0.05 percent of Swiss GDP. After 2008, there was a pronounced shift away from early-stage financing. While business angels still play an important role at the early stage, venture capitalists
are the most important investor type by volumes having their main focus on expansion financing. The industry faces predominant challenges in securing capital availability for entrepreneurs, in transforming the highly skewed and back-loaded payoff profile of investments into a more stable return stream, and in defining appropriate business and collaboration models.
A large community outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal, October to November 2014
Authors: Shivaji T , Sousa Pinto C , San-Bento A , Oliveira Serra L A , Valente J , Machado J , Marques T , Carvalho L , Nogueira P J , Nunes B , Vasconcelos P
Published: December 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Burnup analysis of the VVER-1000 reactor using thorium-based fuel
Authors: Korkmaz M. E. , Agar O. , Büyüker E.
Published: December 2014

This paper aims to investigate 232Th/233U fuel cycles in a VVER-1000 reactor through calculation by computer. The 3D core geometry of VVER-1000 system was designed using the Serpent Monte Carlo 1.1.19 Code. The Serpent Code using parallel programming interface (Message Passing Interface-MPI), was run on a workstation with 12-core and 48 GB RAM. 232Th/235U/238U oxide mixture was considered as fuel in the core, when the mass fraction of 232Th was increased as 0.05–0.1–0.2–0.3–0.4 respectively, the mass fraction of 238U equally was decreased. In the system, the calculations were made for 3 000 MW thermal power. For the burnup analyses, the core is assumed to deplete from initial fresh core up to a burnup of 16 MWd/kgU without refuelling considerations. In the burnup calculations, a burnup interval of 360 effective full power days (EFPDs) was defined. According to burnup, the mass changes of the 232Th, 233U, 238U, 237Np, 239Pu, 241Am and 244Cm were evaluated, and also flux and criticality of the system were calculated in dependence of the burnup rate.
Identification of Network Sensor Locations for Estimation of Traffic Flow
Authors: Zhu Senlai , Cheng Lin , Chu Zhaoming , Chen Anthony , Chen Jingxu
Published: December 2014

This paper addresses the network sensor location problem (NSLP) for identifying the set of sensor locations that minimizes the variability in estimation of traffic flow given budget constraints. The trace of the covariance matrix is adopted as a measure of variability in traffic flow. On the basis of the trace of the covariance matrix in the posterior estimation of traffic flow conditional on a given set of sensor locations, the general form of the NSLP is derived. As an illustration, the multivariate normal distribution for the prior estimation of traffic flow is assumed. In this case, the actual value of the counted flows is not required. Furthermore, an incremental method that can avoid matrix inversion and give priorities of the identified sensor locations is presented to solve the NSLP. Finally, a numerical example based on the Nguyen–Dupuis network illustrates the NSLP approach and clarifies some of its implementation details.
Semiautomated Tool for Extraction of Microlevel Traffic Data from Videographic Survey
Authors: Munigety Caleb Ronald , Vicraman Vivek , Mathew Tom V.
Published: December 2014

Real-world traffic data collection, extraction, and analysis at a microscopic level is necessary for modeling various traffic and transportation phenomena. In developing countries such as India, where the traffic is characterized by different vehicle types and non-lane-based vehicle movement, an effective tool for vehicle data extraction and analysis is necessary. Development of a fully automated software tool for vehicle trajectory extraction is practically impossible because of the weak lane-based movement of vehicles and occlusion. For addressing these issues, a semiautomated tool, a traffic data extractor, was developed to extract the details of vehicle movements with good accuracy (0.1 s). A videographic survey followed by a camera calibration technique was used to obtain the real-world coordinates from two-dimensional image coordinates. The concept of a vanishing point–based camera calibration technique was used in this tool. The steps involved in handling the developed tool and its applications in microscopic traffic data extraction and analysis are presented.
Estimation of Annual Average Daily Bicycle Traffic with Adjustment Factors
Authors: Esawey Mohamed El
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this research was to investigate the estimation accuracy of annual average daily bicycle (AADB) traffic volumes when both daily and monthly adjustment factors (DFs and MFs, respectively) were used. Daily bicycle volume data for a full year were collected at 12 permanent count stations during 2010 in the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and used to calculate adjustment factors for bicycle traffic. The factors were applied to estimate the AADB traffic volumes at other count stations where data were available for most of the year. A comparison between the use of MFs and seasonal factors showed that the results supported the superiority of using MFs. Detailed error analyses showed that the lowest errors were attained when the developed factors were applied to the volume data of 2010, which was the same year of the development data. For estimating the AADB with only 1 day of bicycle volume data, daily bicycle volumes were multiplied by both DFs and MFs. A disaggregate error analysis estimated the amount of error attributable to the use of DFs versus MFs. Almost 15% of the estimation error of the AADB could be attributed to the use of DFs, whereas 11% was attributed to the use of MFs. Nevertheless, the overall error of using the two factors together was about 23%. The paper also provides insights on the days and months for collection of data on bicycle volumes. Those insights could improve the design of data collection programs for bicycle traffic.