bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using a Standardized Client Encounter in the Veterinary Curriculum to Practice Veterinarian–Employer Discussions about Animal Cruelty Reporting
Authors: Englar Ryane E.
Published: October 2018

Animal cruelty is the antithesis of animal welfare. Because veterinarians take an oath to protect animal welfare, they are professionally obligated to report animal cruelty. Several US states have mandatory reporting laws for veterinarians, and both the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association support reporting. Some state veterinary practice acts, such as Arizona's, also require reporting. Despite this, animal cruelty is not always emphasized in veterinary curricula. As a result, not all veterinary students and graduates feel comfortable recognizing signs of animal cruelty and may not be aware of the resources that are available to them when considering reporting. AVMA suggests that practices develop their own protocols for identifying signs that patients may have been victims of cruelty and consulting on cases with senior colleagues with regard to when to report. To enhance student comfort with these conversations, Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine developed a standardized client encounter titled “Grizabella's Final Fight.” I hope that other colleges of veterinary medicine will adapt this teaching tool to allow students the opportunity to practice discussions surrounding animal cruelty reporting in the context of state-specific legislation that guides their code of professional conduct.
Exploring the Social Determinants of Animal Health
Authors: Card Claire , Epp Tasha , Lem Michelle
Published: October 2018

An understanding of the One Health and EcoHealth concepts by students is dependent on medical pedagogy and veterinary medical pedagogy having similarities that allow a common discourse. Medical pedagogy includes a focus on the social, political, and economic forces that affect human health, while this discourse is largely absent from veterinary medical pedagogy. There is, however, a gradient in health that human and animal populations experience. This health gradient in human populations, which runs from low to high according to the World Health Organization, is largely explained by “the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age.”1 , 2Regarding the human health gradient, other authors have broadened the list of conditions to include access to health care systems used to prevent disease and treat illness, and the distribution of power, money, and resources, which are shaped by social, economic, and political forces.1 , 2In human medicine, these conditions are collectively termed the social determinants of health (SDH). Veterinarians who work with the public encounter people and their animals at both the low and the high end of the health gradient. This article explores the concept of the parallel social determinants of animal health (SDAH) using examples within urban, rural, and remote communities in North America as well as abroad. We believe that in order to understand the One Health paradigm it is imperative that veterinary pedagogy include information on, and competence in, SDH and SDAH to ultimately achieve improvements in human, animal, and environmental health and wellbeing.
Effect of Different Instructional Methods on Contamination and Personal Protective Equipment Protocol Adherence among Veterinary Students
Authors: Christmann Undine , Vroegindewey Gary , Rice Meredith , Williamson Julie A. , Johnson Jason W. , Dascanio John J. , Werre Stephen R. , Pierson F. William
Published: October 2018

Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial to prevent disease spread. Recent studies in human medicine have shown disconcerting inconsistencies in the use of PPE in hospital wards. In this study, we compared the effect of three instructional methods for PPE use on contamination and protocol adherence among veterinary students. Students were divided into three groups according to the instructional method to which they had access (instructional video, wall chart, or both). They underwent an isolation exercise consisting of donning, patient examination (mock patient prepared with contamination marker), and doffing. Student contamination after the exercise was evaluated using UV light. Videos of student performance were reviewed for errors committed. Results showed that the number of students with contamination was higher in the group who only had access to video instruction than in the two other groups. The number of students with contamination on forearms, hands, and wrists was higher in the group who only had access to charts. Disinfecting gloves between doffing steps was the most frequently omitted step. The number of students who touched the environment with unprotected areas of their bodies was higher in the group who only had access to video instruction than in the other two groups. In conclusion, video instruction was less effective in achieving PPE protocol adherence among veterinary students than was instruction with a chart or chart–video combination. Incorporating video instruction as part of the instructions may be valuable to reinforce individual steps of donning and doffing.
Evaluation of Two Training Methods for Teaching the Abdominal Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma Technique (A-FAST) to First- and Second-Year Veterinary Students
Authors: Davy Rachel B. , Hamel Philip E. , Su Yu , Berry Clifford R. , Conner Bobbi J.
Published: October 2018

Ultrasound techniques, including focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) examinations, are commonly used in veterinary practice, making inclusion of ultrasound in veterinary curricula increasingly important. The best approach for teaching ultrasound techniques in veterinary medicine has not been evaluated. This study compared the results of two training techniques, live-animal training and online video instruction, on students’ performance during abdominal FAST (A-FAST) examinations. Thirty-eight first- and second-year veterinary students were randomly assigned to learn A-FAST via a live-animal laboratory or an instructional video. The live-animal group received one-on-one instruction in A-FAST techniques during a single laboratory. The video group received a link to an instructional video demonstrating A-FAST techniques, allowing unlimited viewing opportunities over a two-week period. Both groups were also provided written instructional information. All participants were assessed on their ability to find and correctly name the four A-FAST quadrants on a live animal. We found a significant difference between the two groups in the students’ ability to identify the diaphragmatic-hepatic (DH) view, but for the other three views (hepatorenal, splenorenal, and cystocolic), training method did not affect performance. Results suggest the potential for using a multi-modal instructional approach to teach ultrasound techniques to veterinary students.
Highlighting The Role Of Critical Thinking And Giving More Importance To Its Role In English Language Teaching Field
Authors: Arfaolrafiei Nafiseh
Published: October 2018

The importance role of critical thinking in education has been investigated for some time. In this study, the role and importance of applying critical thinking in the educational system has been studied. Considering the importance of critical thinking in the world of science today, its benefits are discussed. The lack of the use of cognitive thinking in many of the English language classes and the lack of success will make the role more meaningful. In this article, first, attention is paid to the role and importance of critical thinking, and then benefits of applying a course as critical thinking in English language Teaching Field are discussed
A Study On Work-Life Balance In Working Women
Authors: Lakshmi N. , Prasanth V. Sai
Published: October 2018

The purpose of working women has changed throughout the creation due to economic shifts and social needs. This has resulted in a scenario in which working women have tremendous pressure to develop a career as robust as their male counterparts while nourishing active engagement in personal life. The ever-increasing workload is bringing a plaster bandage on the working women leaving them with less time for themselves. The increasing responsibilities on the personal front with the technological blessings like advanced mobile phones, notepads, etc. that keeps work life integrated with personal life also creates stress on personal and professional fronts in this knowledge age
About the implicit variant of the affix of the third person of the category of possession of nouns in the Chuvash language
Authors: Vinogradov Yuriy Mikhailovich
Published: October 2018

The article deals with the spelling of nominal word combinations in the Chuvash language, the components of which are connected by an implicit version of the affix of the third person. The work points to the contradiction in the orthography of similar word combinations: кĕреке пуçĕ "toast-master", вăйă пуçĕ "head of the game", кĕтÿ пуçĕ "leader of the pack" (separately) – пирĕн çулпуç "our leader", гений çулпуç "brilliant leader" (in one word). The modern spelling dictionaries do not include a number of word combinations, which are identical in structure with the syntagmas represented in dictionaries in the joined-up writing. The author proves that a separate spelling corresponds to the orthography of all nominal syntagmas.
Association Between Usage of Social Media and Depression Among Young Adults
Authors: Waqas Ali , Khurshid Zamurd , Ali Mohsin , Khaliq Habiba
Published: October 2018

Purpose of the Study

Technology revolution have made the communication and information sharing quite easy and approachable around the world. Such technology platforms comes under the category of social media. However, social media bring the ease of the communication and information sharing along with negative effects on health in case of extreme usage. Especially, youngsters have encounter with negative effects of the social media platforms like bad academics performance and health (Murray et al., 2012). Therefore, increase in the number of the psychiatrist patients has occur especially of young age including college and university students. This negative effect of extreme use of  social media on society cannot be ignored. Thus, current study examines the association of social media usage with depression among the collge students.

Methodology 

The correlational study design are used  and data was getheared through self administered questionnaire. Respondents were selected through simple random sampling and questionnaire were distributed to 155 students of Nisa girls college and Nursing College, Allama Iqbal Medical College through . SPSS version 21 apply the tests of frequency distribution, reliability and validiy, correlation and regression.

Findings

The results reveal that there exists positive and significant relationship between social media usage and depression (P<0.000) among the college students. It is the responsibility of  the parents and management of educational institutes to spread the awareness and focus on the measures to avoid its extensive usage among the young adults.

Significance

The increase of depression among the young adults have severe damages to the society and raise the concens of the parents. This study will enhance the knowledge of parents that extreme usage of social media can cause problems of health to their childeren. Likewise, educational institutes can take the benefits of these findings to avoid such technology at their campus. Meanwhile, the policy makers of governement can take the guide while designing the regulatory policies for institutes and awareness compaigns. Future directions and limitations are provided at the end of the this study.

 

Key Words:  Social Media Usage, Depreesion, Young adults.
Web based Approach to overcome the Market Information Gap between poultry farmers and potential buyers in Tanzania.
Authors: Mambile Cesilia , Machuve Dina
Published: October 2018

Poultry farming is very important sector in Tanzania because it improves the human health and when sold provides income, it supports the livelihoods of 3.7 million households in Tanzania. Poultry farming sector is facing a challenge of lack of market information, also absence of well-coordinated system which is harmonized between stakeholders. Both poultry farmers and buyers rely on informal market information. The findings form this study shows that key market information required by poultry farmers and buyers are price, buyer or farmer location, Poultry kilograms, amount of poultry needed by buyers, amount of poultry products needed by buyers, types of poultry needed by buyers and kind of poultry products needed by buyers. This paper discusses this key market information required by poultry farmers and buyers, also the challenges faced due to lack of market information. In order to disseminate the identified market information requirements and to overcome the mentioned challenges the web based platform has been proposed as a solution to overcome the market information gap.
Registration of ‘Erisman’ Soft Red Winter Wheat
Authors: Krill Allison M. , Smith Norman J. , Handal Elias A. , Kolb Frederic L.
Published: October 2018

‘Erisman’ (Reg. No. CV‐1147, PI 687222) is an early‐maturing soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) adapted to Illinois and surrounding states. It was developed by the University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 2017. Erisman was tested as IL10‐19516, with the pedigree ‘Bess’/IL00‐8530//IL00‐8530. Erisman has superior yield and test weight under both conventional and organic conditions. Over 36 trials, grain yield of Erisman averaged 5337 kg ha−1 compared with 4835 kg ha−1 for Bess and 4986 kg ha−1 for IL00‐8530. In organic trials, Erisman averaged 4371 kg ha−1 compared with 3762 kg ha−1 for ‘Kaskaskia’. Erisman averages 1.2 cm taller than Bess and is prone to lodging under high N in conventional farming systems, but not under organic farming systems. It is resistant to Fusarium head blight (FHB), stripe rust, Septoria tritici blotch, and Soil‐borne wheat mosaic virus (SBMV). Erisman was tested in multi‐location replicated yield trials, a five‐state cooperative nursey, a FHB disease nursery, a SBMV disease nursery, and on a certified organic farm. Erisman does not carry the Fhb1 resistance allele but does carry an allele on chromosome 5A associated with FHB resistance in ‘Ernie’. Erisman was chosen for release on the basis of its superior performance in both organic and conventional farming systems.
Registration of ‘Focus’ Hard Red Spring Wheat
Authors: Glover K. D. , Kleinjan J. L. , Jin Y. , Osborne L. E. , Ingemansen J. A. , Turnipseed E. B. , Dykes L.
Published: October 2018

Grower and end‐user acceptance of new hard red spring wheat (HRSW; Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars is heavily influenced by agronomic performance, end‐use quality potential, and disease resistance. The objective of this research was to release a new HRSW cultivar with competitive agronomic performance, end‐use quality, and disease resistance to serve as a replacement for ‘Brick’, a HRSW cultivar that has been very popular in South Dakota. ‘Focus’ (Reg. No. CV‐1148; PI 675337) HRSW was developed at South Dakota State University and released by the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station in early 2015. The cross SD3943‐21/‘Brick’ was completed during fall 2007, and the resulting population was advanced via an early‐generation bulk‐testing program, where F4:6 seed from the 2010 growing season was included in the 2011 preliminary yield trial, and the line was designated as SD4362. This line was also was tested in the advanced yield trial from 2012 through 2014. Focus was released primarily for its yield potential, high grain volume weight, early maturity, and good level of resistance to Fusarium head blight.
Enhancing Entrepreneurship Education in a Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering: A Project-Based Learning Approach
Authors: Arias Enrique , Barba-Sánchez Virginia , Carrión Carmen , Casado Rafael
Published: October 2018

New master’s degrees in computer engineering, designed according to Spanish government requirements, include both technical and business subjects to provide advanced knowledge compared to undergraduate studies. In spite of acquiring this advanced knowledge, our students are not always aware of the significant added value and the positive elements the master’s degree provides for their future professional careers. Moreover, we have observed that students regard the different subjects as isolated blocks of knowledge. To tackle these problems, we have carried out a learning experience based on the creation of a technology-based enterprise (TBE) through the development of a common project (CP). Drawing on project-based learning (PBL) methodology, the CP consists of the identification, development, and final oral presentation of a business model. It aims to utilize sensor data and analysis in different domains. The experience has been highly positive, reducing the gap between studies and business practice, and increasing coordination among teachers. A key issue is that all the subjects of the master’s degree are involved in this learning experience. In addition, results show a high level of satisfaction with the master’s degree, compared to other similar courses.
The Development of an Ordinary Least Squares Parametric Model to Estimate the Cost Per Flying Hour of ‘Unknown’ Aircraft Types and a Comparative Application †
Authors: Lappas Ilias , Bozoudis Michail
Published: October 2018

The development of a parametric model for the variable portion of the Cost Per Flying Hour (CPFH) of an ‘unknown’ aircraft platform and its application to diverse types of fixed and rotary wing aircraft development programs (F-35A, Su-57, Dassault Rafale, T-X candidates, AW189, Airbus RACER among others) is presented. The novelty of this paper lies in the utilization of a diverse sample of aircraft types, aiming to obtain a ‘universal’ Cost Estimating Relationship (CER) applicable to a wide range of platforms. Moreover, the model does not produce absolute cost figures but rather analogy ratios versus the F-16’s CPFH, broadening the model’s applicability. The model will enable an analyst to carry out timely and reliable Operational and Support (O&S) cost estimates for a wide range of ‘unknown’ aircraft platforms at their early stages of conceptual design, despite the lack of actual data from the utilization and support life cycle stages. The statistical analysis is based on Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, conducted with R software (v5.3.1, released on 2 July 2018). The model’s output is validated against officially published CPFH data of several existing ‘mature’ aircraft platforms, including one of the most prolific fighter jet types all over the world, the F-16C/D, which is also used as a reference to compare CPFH estimates of various next generation aircraft platforms. Actual CPFH data of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) have been used to develop the parametric model, the application of which is expected to significantly inform high level decision making regarding aircraft procurement, budgeting and future force structure planning, including decisions related to large scale aircraft modifications and upgrades.
Effects of Short Transport and Prolonged Fasting in Beef Calves
Authors: Bravo Viviana , Gallo Carmen , Acosta-Jamett Gerardo
Published: October 2018

Marketing is a stressful process for beef calves, because they are removed from their environment, often weaned just before loading, loaded, transported, and unloaded. It also involves extended periods without food and water and mixing with unfamiliar animals in an unknown environment. Some studies have shown that calves sold through markets are exposed to extended fasting periods even when they undergo only short transportation times. The aim of this controlled study was to determine the consequences for beef calves of a short transportation time followed by a prolonged time without food and water on their tympanic temperature (TT), maximum eye temperature (MET), blood variables related to stress, and live weight. Ten calves were transported for 3 h and then kept in an outdoor pen for 21 h, completing a 24 h fasting period. Sampling took place before loading, after transport and unloading, and then after completing 24 h without food and water. TT, MET, blood glucose, and creatine kinase (CK) increased significantly after transportation. Live weight decreased across sample times (mean of 10 kg per calf after 24 h of fasting), which was consistent with the higher concentration of β-HB found after fasting. Further studies to measure the actual consequences of true, commercial marketing on calf welfare and productivity are needed.
“I Feel Sorry for Them”: Australian Meat Consumers’ Perceptions about Sheep and Beef Cattle Transportation
Authors: Buddle Emily A. , Bray Heather J. , Ankeny Rachel A.
Published: October 2018

Concern for livestock welfare is significantly increasing in many parts of the world. One area of concern is the transportation of livestock. Using qualitative research methods, this research explores the concerns of Australian meat consumers related to livestock transportation practices, both on land by truck and on sea by ship. Participants were predominantly concerned about animals being “crammed” into trucks and ships, and the long distances over which livestock were transported. Likely contributors to these reactions are the high visibility of truck transport in urban areas, and recent media and political attention to the live-export issue in Australia. We argue that participants’ concerns about transport are arising for a variety of reasons, including anthropomorphic tendencies, genuine concern for the welfare of farm animals, and emotional responses related to the discomfort experienced by meat consumers when they are reminded of the meat-animal connection. Given the importance of transport to the red-meat production industry, these results suggest that the sector may need to reconsider some of their practices and increase transparency and communication about the practices, which they utilise to ensure good animal welfare.
Oxidative Stress in the Male Germline: A Review of Novel Strategies to Reduce 4-Hydroxynonenal Production
Authors: Walters Jessica L. H. , De Iuliis Geoffry N. , Nixon Brett , Bromfield Elizabeth G.
Published: October 2018

Germline oxidative stress is intimately linked to several reproductive pathologies including a failure of sperm-egg recognition. The lipid aldehyde 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE) is particularly damaging to the process of sperm-egg recognition as it compromises the function and the stability of several germline proteins. Considering mature spermatozoa do not have the capacity for de novo protein translation, 4HNE modification of proteins in the mature gametes has uniquely severe consequences for protein homeostasis, cell function and cell survival. In somatic cells, 4HNE overproduction has been attributed to the action of lipoxygenase enzymes that facilitate the oxygenation and degradation of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Accordingly, the arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) enzyme has been intrinsically linked with 4HNE production, and resultant pathophysiology in various complex conditions such as coronary artery disease and multiple sclerosis. While ALOX15 has not been well characterized in germ cells, we postulate that ALOX15 inhibition may pose a new strategy to prevent 4HNE-induced protein modifications in the male germline. In this light, this review focuses on (i) 4HNE-induced protein damage in the male germline and its implications for fertility; and (ii) new methods for the prevention of lipid peroxidation in germ cells.
Effect of Natural Food Antioxidants against LDL and DNA Oxidative Changes
Authors: Kiokias Sotirios , Proestos Charalampos , Oreopoulou Vassilki
Published: October 2018

Radical oxygen species formed in human tissue cells by many endogenous and exogenous pathways cause extensive oxidative damage which has been linked to various human diseases. This review paper provides an overview of lipid peroxidation and focuses on the free radicals-initiated processes of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidative modification and DNA oxidative damage, which are widely associated with the initiation and development of atherosclerosis and carcinogenesis, respectively. The article subsequently provides an overview of the recent human trials or even in vitro investigations on the potential of natural antioxidant compounds (such as carotenoids; vitamins C and E) to monitor LDL and DNA oxidative changes.
Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Rosa rugosa Depending on Degree of Ripeness
Authors: Al-Yafeai Ahlam , Bellstedt Peter , Böhm Volker
Published: October 2018

Maturity stage affects the bioactive compounds as well as the antioxidant capacity in the fruit. This study was designed to identify and quantify carotenoids, as well as to evaluate vitamin E, vitamin C, antioxidant capacity and total phenolic compounds of Rosa rugosa hips at different degrees of ripeness. HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) analysis showed different types of carotenoids at different stages of maturity of R. rugosa hips with significant differences (p ˂ 0.05), where the maximum concentration was observed at late harvesting. In the hips investigated, only α-tocopherol was detected, the maximum concentration of both vitamin E and vitamin C was obtained in the orange hips with significant difference (p ˂ 0.05). On the other hand, the highest hydrophilic and lipophilic TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) values, as well as total phenolic contents, were determined in the mature hips (red colour) with significant difference (p < 0.0001) and (p < 0.001) respectively, whereas ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) showed lower activity in the mature hips with significant difference (p ˂ 0.05). Late harvesting is recommended if a high content of carotenoids is desired, while harvesting should be carried out earlier if a higher vitamin E and vitamin C content is desired, which in turn affects the antioxidants capacity.
The Influence of Quantum Confinement on Third-Order Nonlinearities in Porous Silicon Thin Films
Authors: Wu Rihan , Collins Jack , Canham Leigh T. , Kaplan Andrey
Published: October 2018

We present an experimental investigation into the third-order nonlinearity of conventional crystalline (c-Si) and porous (p-Si) silicon with Z-scan technique at 800-nm and 2.4- μ m wavelengths. The Gaussian decomposition method is applied to extract the nonlinear refractive index, n 2 , and the two-photon absorption (TPA) coefficient, β , from the experimental results. The nonlinear refractive index obtained for c-Si is 7 ± 2 × 10 − 6 cm 2 /GW and for p-Si is − 9 ± 3 × 10 − 5 cm 2 /GW. The TPA coefficient was found to be 2.9 ± 0.9 cm/GW and 1.0 ± 0.3 cm/GW for c-Si and p-Si, respectively. We show an enhancement of the nonlinear refraction and a suppression of TPA in p-Si in comparison to c-Si, and the enhancement gets stronger as the wavelength increases.
LPV Model Based Sensor Fault Diagnosis and Isolation for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator in Wind Energy Conversion Systems
Authors: Yang Zhimin , Chai Yi , Yin Hongpeng , Tao Songbing
Published: October 2018

This paper deals with the current sensor fault diagnosis and isolation (FDI) problem for a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) based wind system. An observer based scheme is presented to detect and isolate both additive and multiplicative faults in current sensors, under varying torque and speed. This scheme includes a robust residual generator and a fault estimation based isolator. First, the PMSG system model is reformulated as a linear parameter varying (LPV) model by incorporating the electromechanical dynamics into the current dynamics. Then, polytopic decomposition is introduced for H ∞ design of an LPV residual generator and fault estimator in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The proposed gain-scheduled FDI is capable of online monitoring three-phase currents and isolating multiple sensor faults by comparing the diagnosis variables with the predefined thresholds. Finally, a MATLAB/SIMULINK model of wind conversion system is established to illustrate FDI performance of the proposed method. The results show that multiple sensor faults are isolated simultaneously with varying input torque and mechanical power.
Influence of Illumination Polarization and Target Structure on Measurement Sensitivity of Through-Focus Scanning Optical Microscopy
Authors: Qu Yufu , Peng Renju , Hao Jialin , Pan Hui , Niu Jiebin , Jiang Jie
Published: October 2018

Unlike the optical information taken from a single in-focus image of general optical microscopy, through-focus scanning optical microscopy (TSOM) involves scanning a target through the focus and capturing of a series of images. These images can be used to conduct three-dimensional inspection and metrology with nanometer-scale lateral and vertical sensitivity. The sensitivity of TSOM strongly depends on many mechanical and optical factors. In this study, how illumination polarization and target structure affect the sensitivity of TSOM is analyzed. Firstly, the complete imaging procedure of the polarized light is investigated. Secondly, through-focus scanning results of different targets with two illumination polarizations are simulated using the finite-difference time-domain method. Thirdly, a few experiments are performed to verify the influence of illumination polarization and target structures on the sensitivity of TSOM. Both the results of the simulation and experiments illustrate an apparent influence of polarization on the sensitivity of inspecting the targets with center asymmetric structures. For enhanced sensitivity, illumination polarization should be perpendicular to the target texture. This conclusion is meaningful to adjust illumination polarization purposefully for different structure characteristics and improve the sensitivity of metrology.
Cracking and Toughening Mechanisms in Nanoscale Metallic Multilayer Films: A Brief Review
Authors: Zhou Qing , Ren Yue , Du Yin , Hua Dongpeng , Han Weichao
Published: October 2018

Nanoscale metallic multilayer films (NMMFs) have captured scientific interests on their mechanical responses. Compared with the properties of monolithic films, multilayers possess unique high strength as the individual layer thickness reduces to the nanoscale, which is benefited from the plentiful hetero-interfaces. However, NMMFs always exhibit a low fracture toughness and ductility, which seriously hinders their practical applications. While there have been reviews on the strengthening and deformation mechanisms of microlaminate, rapid developments in nanotechnology have brought an urgent requirement for an overview focused on the cracking and toughening mechanisms in nanoscale metallic multilayers. This article provides an extensive review on the structure, standard methodology and fracture mechanisms of NMMFs. A number of issues about the crack-related properties of NMMFs have been displayed, such as fracture toughness, wear resistance, adhesion energy, and plastic instability. Taken together, it is hoped that this review will achieve the following two purposes: (1) introducing the size-dependent cracking and toughness performance in NMMFs; and (2) offer a better understanding of the role interfaces displayed in toughening mechanisms. Finally, we list a few questions we concerned, which may shed light on further development.
Review of Recent Advances in QEPAS-Based Trace Gas Sensing
Authors: Ma Yufei
Published: October 2018

Quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) is an improvement of the conventional microphone-based photoacoustic spectroscopy. In the QEPAS technique, a commercially available millimeter-sized piezoelectric element quartz tuning fork (QTF) is used as an acoustic wave transducer. With the merits of high sensitivity and selectivity, low cost, compactness, and a large dynamic range, QEPAS sensors have been applied widely in gas detection. In this review, recent developments in state-of-the-art QEPAS-based trace gas sensing technique over the past five years are summarized and discussed. The prospect of QEPAS-based gas sensing is also presented.
Energy Efficient Transceiver Design for NOMA VLC Downlinks with Finite-Alphabet Inputs
Authors: Wang Zhen-Yu , Yu Hong-Yi , Wang Da-Ming
Published: October 2018

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is considered as a promising technique in visible light communication (VLC) systems for performance enhancement. In order to improve the system’s energy efficiency, we carry out transceiver design for an NOMA VLC system. We develop an optimal power allocation scheme for the system based on finite-alphabet inputs, and we propose a joint detection and decoding (JDD) algorithm for signal detection. Comprehensive simulation results demonstrate that our proposed NOMA strategy can achieve significant performance gains over the time division multiple access (TDMA) scheme, and our designed JDD algorithm outperforms the conventional successive interference cancellation (SIC) algorithm for NOMA.
Extending Battery Lifetime by Avoiding High SOC
Authors: Wikner Evelina , Thiringer Torbjörn
Published: October 2018

The impact of ageing when using various State of Charge (SOC) levels for an electrified vehicle is investigated in this article. An extensive test series is conducted on Li-ion cells, based on graphite and NMC/LMO electrode materials. Lifetime cycling tests are conducted during a period of three years in various 10% SOC intervals, during which the degradation as function of number of cycles is established. An empirical battery model is designed from the degradation trajectories of the test result. An electric vehicle model is used to derive the load profiles for the ageing model. The result showed that, when only considering ageing from different types of driving in small Depth of Discharges (DODs), using a reduced charge level of 50% SOC increased the lifetime expectancy of the vehicle battery by 44–130%. When accounting for the calendar ageing as well, this proved to be a large part of the total ageing. By keeping the battery at 15% SOC during parking and limiting the time at high SOC, the contribution from the calendar ageing could be substantially reduced.
Garish Luxury and the “Constructed Landscape”: Transcending the Colour of Opals in the Griffins’ Capitol Theatre
Authors: Condello Annette
Published: October 2018

Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin synthesized a modern crystallized interior within their Capitol Theatre design (1920–24) in Melbourne. The Capitol’s auditorium, a mine-like cavity, houses a constructed landscape, elucidating the link between architecture and geological references. Ornamented with prefabricated stepped plasterwork, the auditorium is inserted with opal-coloured light technologies. Through the concept of the “constructed landscape”, this article traces the garish luxury elements found within the Griffins’ Capitol auditorium to understand the design associations between Paul Scheerbart’s Expressionist writings on crystal-glass iconography and William Le Baron Jenney’s symbolic crystal cave. The Griffins’ architectural contribution to the Australian entertainment industry conveys both Jugendstil garden effects and Mesoamerican echoes through its elaborative prismatic ridges. Owing to its transcendental opal allusions, the Capitol’s auditorium shows a constructed landscape model and constitutes a form of garish luxury, exemplifying early Australian glamour.
Effects of Atmospheric Dry Deposition on External Nitrogen Supply and New Production in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Chen Hung-Yu , Huang Shih-Zhe
Published: October 2018

The South China Sea (SCS) is one of the world’s largest oligotrophic marginal seas. Increases in biomass and primary production in the surface layer of the northern SCS are affected by anthropogenic aerosol use among north Asian peoples. The seasonal variation of dry deposition and its contribution to new production in the ocean are vital to determining the effect that such dry deposition has on the biogeochemical cycle of the SCS. This study collected 240 samples of total suspended particles at Dongsha Island in the northern SCS from April 2007 to March 2009; the major ions and water-soluble nitrogen species in the samples were analyzed. The analysis results indicated that the concentration distributions of major water-soluble ions and nitrogen species in total suspended particles exhibited significant seasonal (source) variation. The north-east monsoon seasons (autumn to spring) brought relatively high concentrations because most air masses during this period arrived from the northern continental region. We found that the concentration of nitrogen species shows a latitude distribution, gradually decreasing from north to south. In addition, this study also discovered that the ratio of organic nitrogen to total dissolved or water-soluble nitrogen also varies in a similar manner, resulting in a concentration of <20% for locations north of 30° N and >30% for those south of 30° N. Aerosols at Dongsha Island mainly comprised sea salt; however, significant chloride depletion was observed during the north-east monsoon season. The molar ratio of NH4+ to non–sea salt (NSS) sulfate (nss-SO42−) was 0.8, indicating that the amount of artificially produced NH4+ in the region was insufficient for reaction with nss-SO42−. Therefore, NH4+ was mainly present in the form of NH4HSO4. The fluxes of water-soluble inorganic nitrogen (WSIN) and water-soluble organic nitrogen (WSON) within the region were 23 ± 13 and 27 ± 15 mmol m−2 y−1, respectively. The new production converted from atmospheric water-soluble nitrogen species in the northern SCS was estimated to be 0.52–0.81 mmol C m−2 d−1. This flux made about 5.6–8.7% (the global average was about 3.5%) contribution to the primary production (9.24 mmol C m−2 d−1) of the SCS surface water. This result indicates that the ocean’s external nitrogen supply, provided by anthropogenic aerosols, is vital for the biogeochemical cycle in Asian marginal seas, particularly the northern SCS.
Milieu for Endothelial Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Clark Kendra , Janorkar Amol
Published: October 2018

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) have been shown to differentiate down many lineages including endothelial lineage. We hypothesized that hASCs would more efficiently differentiate toward the endothelial lineage when formed as three-dimensional (3D) spheroids and with the addition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Three conditions were tested: uncoated tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) surfaces that induced a 2D monolayer formation; elastin-like polypeptide (ELP)-collagen composite hydrogel scaffolds that induced encapsulated 3D spheroid culture; and ELP-polyethyleneimine-coated TCPS surfaces that induced 3D spheroid formation in scaffold-free condition. Cells were exposed to endothelial differentiation medium containing no additional VEGF or 20 and 50 ng/mL of VEGF for 7 days and assayed for viability and endothelial differentiation markers. While endothelial differentiation media supported endothelial differentiation of hASCs, our 3D spheroid cultures augmented this differentiation and produced more von Willebrand factor than 2D cultures. Likewise, 3D cultures were able to uptake LDL, whereas the 2D cultures were not. Higher concentrations of VEGF further enhanced differentiation. Establishing angiogenesis is a key factor in regenerative medicine. Future studies aim to elucidate how to produce physiological changes such as neoangiogenesis and sprouting of vessels which may enhance the survival of regenerated tissues.
The Laboratory Definition of the Thermal Resistance of Growing Media for Green Roofs: New Experimental Setups
Authors: Barozzi Benedetta , Bellazzi Alice , Maffè Claudio , Meroni Italo
Published: October 2018

Green roofs are one of the most extensively investigated roofing technologies. Most of the bibliographical studies show results of researches focused on the analysis of different configurations of green roofs, but only few researches deal with the calculation of the growing media thermal resistance using laboratory tests. From 2009 to 2013, ITC-CNR, the Construction Technologies Institute of the National Research Council of Italy, carried out a first laboratory experimental campaign focused on the definition of thermal performances curves of growing media for green roofs as a function of both density and percentage of internal moisture. During this campaign, the experimental results underlined some existing gaps, such as the absence of specific standards concerning the sample laboratory preparation, the absence of shared references concerning the compaction level reached by samples in real working conditions and the evaluation of the internal moisture content of growing media exposed to atmospheric agents. For this reason, the ITC-CNR has set up a second experimental campaign focused on the solution of the gaps underlined by the first phase concerning the preparation of samples for the laboratory calculation of the thermal resistance of growing media for green roofs. This paper proposes and presents methodological approaches, methods and new test devices implemented to solve these gaps, and the results obtained.
The Synergistic Effect of Pyridinic Nitrogen and Graphitic Nitrogen of Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots for Enhanced TiO2 Nanocomposites’ Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Li Fei , Li Ming , Luo Yi , Li Ming , Li Xinyu , Zhang Jiye , Wang Liang
Published: October 2018

In this study, nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) and a TiO2 nanocomposite were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal route. Ammonia water was used as a nitrogen source to prepare the N-GQDs. When optically characterized by UV-vis, N-GQDs reveal stronger absorption peaks in the range of ultraviolet (UV) light than graphene quantum dots (GQDs). In comparison with GQDs/TiO2 and pure TiO2, the N-GQDs/TiO2 have significantly improved photocatalytic performance. In particular, it was found that, when the added amount of ammonia water was 50 mL, the content of pyridinic N and graphitic N were as high as 22.47% and 31.44%, respectively. Most important, the photocatalytic activity of N-GQDs/TiO2-50 was about 95% after 12 min. The results illustrated that pyridinic N and graphitic N play a significant role in photocatalytic performance.
Effective Concentration of Ionic Liquids for Enhanced Saccharification of Cellulose
Authors: Tanimura Kazuhiko , Ooe Yoshiko , Suga Keishi , Umakoshi Hiroshi
Published: October 2018

In an aqueous enzymatic saccharification using cellulase, the dissolution of crystalline cellulose is one of the rate-limiting steps. Insoluble cellulose powder was preliminarily heat-treated with ionic liquids (ILs), such as [Bmim][Cl] (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride) and [Amim][Cl] (1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride), which enable the production of soluble cellulose. On the other hand, the presence of ILs leads to a denaturation of enzymes. Using cellulase from Trichoderma viride, the effects of [Bmim][Cl] and [Amim][Cl] in the enzymatic saccharification were compared. The production of glucose was optimized with 5 wt%-ILs, both for [Bmim][Cl] and for [Amim][Cl]. The significant inhibiting effects of ILs (IL concentration >10 wt%) could be due to the denaturation of cellulase, because the peak shifts of intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence were observed in the presence of 7.5 wt%-ILs. To analyze kinetic parameters, the Langmuir adsorption model and the Michaelis-Menten model were employed. The investigation suggests that [Amim][Cl] can provide soluble cellulose more efficiently, and can promote enzymatic saccharification in the IL concentration below 5 wt%.
Evolution of Spin-Crossover Transition in Hybrid Crystals Involving Cationic Iron Complexes [Fe(III)(3-OMesal2-trien)]+ and Anionic Gold Bis(dithiolene) Complexes Au(dmit)2 and Au(dddt)2
Authors: Spitsyna Nataliya G. , Shvachko Yuri N. , Starichenko Denis V. , Lahderanta Erkki , Komlev Anton A. , Zorina Leokadiya V. , Simonov Sergey V. , Blagov Maksim A. , Yagubskii Eduard B.
Published: October 2018

Hybrid ion-pair crystals involving hexadentate [Fe(III)(3-OMesal2-trien)]+ spin-crossover (SCO) cationic complexes and anionic gold complexes [Au(dmit)2]− (1) (dmit = 4,5-dithiolato-1,3-dithiole-2-thione) and [Au(dddt)2]− (2) (dddt = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiin-2,3-dithiolate) were synthesized and studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, P-XRD, and SQUID magnetometry. Our study shows that both complexes have similar 1:1 stoichiometry but different symmetry and crystal packing. Complex 1 has a rigid structure in which the SCO cations are engaged in strong π-interplay with molecular surrounding and does not show SCO transition while 2 demonstrates a reversible transition at Tsco = 118 K in a much “softer”, hydrogen-bonded structure. A new structural indicator of spin state in [Fe(sal2-trien)]+ complexes based on conformational analysis has been proposed. Aging and thermocycling ruined the SCO transition increasing the residual HS fraction from 14 to 41%. Magnetic response of 1 is explained by the AFM coupled dimers S = 5/2 with J1 = −0.18 cm−1. Residual high-spin fraction of 2, apart from a contribution of the weak dimers with J12 = J34 = −0.29 cm−1, is characterized by a stronger interdimer coupling of J23 = −1.69 cm−1, which is discussed in terms of possible involvement of neutral radicals [Au(dddt)2].
Glycogen Storage Disease Ib and Severe Periodontal Destruction: A Case Report
Authors: Ma Rui , Moein Vaziri Fardad , Sabino Gregory J. , Sarmast Nima D. , Zove Steven M. , Iacono Vincent J. , Carrion Julio A.
Published: October 2018

Background: Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are genetic disorders that result from defects in the processing of glycogen synthesis or breakdown within muscles, liver, and other cell types. It also manifests with impaired neutrophil chemotaxis and neutropenic episodes which results in severe destruction of the supporting dental tissues, namely the periodontium. Although GSD Type Ib cannot be cured, associated symptoms and debilitating oral manifestations of the disease can be managed through collaborative medical and dental care where early detection and intervention is of key importance. This objective of the case report was to describe a child with GSD Ib and its associated oral manifestations with microbial, immunological and histological appearances. Case Presentation: An eight-year-old Hispanic male with a history of GSD type Ib presented with extensive intraoral generalized inflammation of the gingiva, ulcerations and bleeding, and intraoral radiographic evidence of bone loss. Tannerella forsythia was readily identifiable from the biofilm samples. Peripheral blood neutrophils were isolated and a deficient host response was observed by impaired neutrophil migration. Histological evaluation of the soft and hard tissues of the periodontally affected primary teeth showed unaffected dentin and cementum. Conclusions: This case illustrates the association between GSD Ib and oral manifestations of the disease. A multi-disciplinary treatment approach was developed in order to establish healthy intraoral conditions for the patient. Review of the literature identified several cases describing GSD and its clinical and radiographic oral manifestations; however, none was identified where also microbial, immunological, and histological appearances were described.