bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Substrate Effect on Well-Aligned ZnO Nanorods Growth Using a Low Temperature Solution Method
Authors: Rouhi J. , Mamat M.H. , Eswar Kevin Alvin , Fadzilah Suhaimi Mohd Husairi , Alrokayan Salman A.H. , A. Khan Haseeb , Rusop M.
Published: June 2015

The effect of various substrates on the morphology of ZnO nanorods synthesized by a low temperature solution method has been investigated. ZnO seed layers on the substrates were prepared by radio-frequency sputtering. ZnO nanorods have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM. FESEM results showed that hexagon-shaped ZnO nanorods with a diameter in the range of 30 nm to 80 nm and a length of about 1 μm were formed. The sharp (0002) peak in the XRD spectra indicates that the synthesized nanorods are single crystalline, grown along the [0001] direction. These findings have shown that the morphology of ZnO nanorods strongly depend on the substrate.
Vertical Growth of ZnO Nanocone Arrays on Polycarbonate Substrate by Voltage-Assisted Chemical Bath Deposition
Authors: Rouhi J. , Fadzilah Suhaimi Mohd Husairi , Eswar Kevin Alvin , Alrokayan Salman A.H. , A. Khan Haseeb , Rusop M.
Published: June 2015

In this study, ZnO nanocone arrays were grown on polycarbonate (PC) substrate using a voltage-assisted chemical bath deposition in a Zn (NO3)2 aqueous solution. To optimize the properties of ZnO nanorods grown on the PC substrate, the effects of current density were examined with respect to the morphological, structural, and photoluminescence properties of the nanorods. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectrum confirmed that ZnO nanorod arrays were vertically aligned with highly c-axis oriented, and the sample treated at 0.05 mA had the best crystallization among all samples. Based on the combined results of this study, the vertical ZnO nanocons produced on the PC substrate hold great promise for use in the development of flexible solar cell and other applications.
Influence of Annealing on the Morphological and Optical Properties of Mg Doped ZnO Thin Film
Authors: Mohamed Ruziana , Khusaimi Zuraida , Abdullah Nurul Afaah , Aziz Aadila , Asib N.A.M. , Shafura A.K. , Eswar Kevin Alvin , Mamat Mohamad Hafiz , Alrokayan Salman A.H. , A. Khan Haseeb , Rusop M.
Published: June 2015

Sol gel immersion method has been used to synthesize magnesium doped zinc oxide (Mg:ZnO) thin film on glass substrate. The morphological of annealed thin film was study using atomic force microscopy (AFM) while UV-Visible spectroscopy was used to examine the optical transmittance properties. The optical band gap was estimated by using Tauc’s method. From the results, the surface roughness was change as annealing temperature increases. The increasing of annealing temperature also affects the transmittance spectra which are shifted to lower wavelength. The optical band gaps of the thin film were varied due to different annealed temperature.
Effect of Dopant Concentration on Electrical and Optical Properties of Sn-Doped ZnO Thin Films Deposited by Sol-Gel Immersion Method
Authors: Karim Shafura , Mohd Noor Uzer , Mamat Mohamad Hafiz , Abu Bakar Ahmad Shuhaimi , Alrokayan Salman A.H. , A. Khan Haseeb , Rusop Mohamad
Published: June 2015

Tin-doped Zinc Oxide (Sn-doped ZnO) thin films were prepared using zinc acetate dehydrate as a starting material by sol-gel immersion method. The doping concentrations were varied at 0 at.%, 0.5 at.%, 1.0 at.%, 2.0 at.%, 3.0 at.% and 4.0 at.%. The synthesized samples were characterized by current-voltage (I-V) measurement and UV-VISS spectrometer.
Effect of Various Tin Doping Percentages on the Electrical and Structural Properties of Nanostructured Zinc Oxide Thin Films Deposited Using Sol-Gel Immersion Method for Gas Sensing Application
Authors: Karim Shafura , Ismail Syukriyah , Ishak Saurdi , Ahmed Azhar Najwa Ezira , Mohamed Ruziana , Mohd Noor Uzer , Mamat Mohamad Hafiz , Abu Bakar Ahmad Shuhaimi , Alrokayan Salman A.H. , A. Khan Haseeb , Rusop Mohamad
Published: June 2015

Tin-doped Zinc Oxide (Sn-doped ZnO) thin films were prepared using zinc nitrate hexahydrate as a starting material by sol-gel immersion method. Then the synthesized samples were characterized by current-voltage (I-V) measurement and FESEM. The Sn doping concentration were varied at 0.2 at.%, 0.4 at.%, 0.6 at.%, 0.8 at.% and 1.0 at.%. The result suggests that the optimum value for Sn doping concentration was 0.8 at.% which exhibited the highest conductive sample with value of 3.00 ×10-6 S/cm.
Structural Properties of Sn-Doped ZnO Thin Films Deposited on Glass Substrate Using Sol-Gel Immersion Method
Authors: Karim Shafura , Mohd Noor Uzer , Mamat M.H. , Abu Bakar Ahmad Shuhaimi , Alrokayan Salman A.H. , A. Khan Haseeb , Rusop M.
Published: June 2015

Tin-doped Zinc Oxide (Sn-doped ZnO) thin films were prepared using zinc acetate dehydrate as a starting material by sol-gel immersion method. The doping concentrations were varied at 0 at.%, 1.0 at.%, 2.0 at.% and 3.0 at.%. The synthesized samples were characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM).
Effect of Oxygen Annealing on the Electrical and Optical Properties of Zinc Oxide Thin Film
Authors: Zainol Mohd Nizar , Shariffudin Shafinaz , Mamat Mohamad Hafiz , Rusop Mohamad
Published: June 2015

This paper presents on the effect of oxygen annealing on the electrical properties and optical properties. Sol gel spin coating is used to deposit zinc oxide thin films on glass substrates to obtain the uniform thin films. Here, the ZnO thin films were annealed in oxygen environment with various oxygen concentration of 20 to 40 sccm. This metal oxide has shown its ability as a very high optical transmittance which at 20 sccm thin films give the highest transmittance that is 97.44% and at 40 sccm thin films give the lowest transmittance that is 87.61%. Next, this metal oxide also has shown its ability in fairly good electrical properties which the lowest resistivity at 40 sccm thin films is 1.61× 104 Ωcm-1.
UV-Vis and Raman Characterization Multilayer of PMMA Films Spin Coated onto Substrate by Sol-Gel Spin-Coating Method
Authors: Aziz Aadila , Asib N.A.M. , Abdullah Nurul Afaah , Mohamed Ruziana , Rusop M. , Khusaimi Zuraida
Published: June 2015

Different layers of PMMA spin coated onto substrate were successful prepared by sol-gel spin-coating method. PMMA was dissolved in toluene solvent and was aged for 24 hours to produce the homogeneous solution. The films were then characterized by Raman Spectroscopy and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy studied reveals the 7 layers of PMMA film exhibit the strong and sharp intense peak at observed band around 810 cm-1 that is due to the symmetric CC4 stretching. The UV-Vis measurement present 7 layers of PMMA film have good absorption due to the small size of particles and uniform surface of the film.
Mass Production of Carbon Nanotubes and its Future Applications: A Review
Authors: Jusoh Norhafizah , Abu Bakar Suriani , Alfarisa Suhufa , Md Disa Nurhafizah , Jaafar Rosly , Mohamed Azmi , Md Isa Illyas , Hashim Norhayati , Kamari Azlan , Rusop Mahmood Mohamad
Published: June 2015

This paper reviews the mass production of carbon nanotubes via chemical vapor deposition method using conventional and bio-hydrocarbon precursors. Its applications in nanocomposite material and energy storage are also briefly reviewed.
Effects of Compatibilizer on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of PLA/NR Blends
Authors: Abdullah Sani Nur Syazana , Arsad Agus , Rahmat Abdul Razak , Mohammad Nor Nisa Balqis
Published: June 2015

The aim of the research is to study the effects of compatibilizer on thermal and mechanical properties ofbiopolymer poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and natural rubber (NR) blends. PLA was blended with NR in the composition of 95/5 weight percentage with present of compatibilizer. The compatibilizers, PLA grafted maleic anhydride (MA) (PLA-g-MA) and NR grafted MA (NR-g-MA) were synthesized in a composition of 9 phr of MA by using internal mixer in presence of benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The formulations of PLA/NR blended with the compatibilizer were in the range of 1, 3, 5 and 10 wt.% of PLA-g-MA and NR-g-MA, respectively. Blending process was conducted using twin screw extruder then were pelletized and hot pressed before characterized. The mechanical (tensile, flexural, impact) and thermal properties of the blends was investigated and from the results, the addition of PLA-g-MA in PLA/NR blendimproved the impact strength and elongation at break of the blends as compared with neat PLA and PLA/NR blend without compatibilizer and for thermal stability, it only had a slight influence on the blends. Addition of NR-g-MA on contrary did not give improvement on mechanical properties but increasing in thermal stability.
Effect of Solution Treatment Temperature on Tensile Strength of Al-Mg-Si Alloy
Authors: Jamaludin Shamsul Baharin , Abdullah Mohd Hanif , Mazlee Mohd Noor , Hussin Kamarudin
Published: June 2015

This work examines the effect of solution heat treatment temperature on the tensile strength of Al-Mg-Si aluminum alloy. All samples were machined according to the ASTM B557. The samples were solution treated at 450°C and 530°C and followed by ageing at 160°C for 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 hours. Tensile test was carried out on the samples after heat treatment. The results showed that the highest tensile strengths (201.69 MPa) was given by the sample solution heat treated at 530 °C for 5 hours followed by 20 hours aging at 160 °C. Whereas, the lowest tensile strength (98.52MPa) was given by the sample solution treated at 450°C for 20 hours. Tensile strength was increased with ageing process and decreased for over-aged samples.
Sandwich mapping of schistosomiasis risk in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Hu Yi , Bergquist Robert , Lynn Henry , Gao Fenghua , Wang Qizhi , Zhang Shiqing , Li Rui , Sun Liqian , Xia Congcong , Xiong Chenglong , Zhang Zhijie , Jiang Qingwu
Published: June 2015

Schistosomiasis mapping using data obtained from parasitological surveys is frequently used in planning and evaluation of disease control strategies. The available geostatistical approaches are, however, subject to the assumption of stationarity, a stochastic process whose joint probability distribution does not change when shifted in time. As this is impractical for large areas, we introduce here the sandwich method, the basic idea of which is to divide the study area (with its attributes) into homogeneous subareas and estimate the values for the reporting units using spatial stratified sampling. The sandwich method was applied to map the county-level prevalence of schistosomiasis japonica in Anhui Province, China based on parasitological data collected from sample villages and land use data. We first mapped the county-level prevalence using the sandwich method, then compared our findings with block Kriging. The sandwich estimates ranged from 0.17 to 0.21% with a lower level of uncertainty, while the Kriging estimates varied from 0 to 0.97% with a higher level of uncertainty, indicating that the former is more smoothed and stable compared to latter. Aside from various forms of reporting units, the sandwich method has the particular merit of simple model assumption coupled with full utilization of sample data. It performs well when a disease presents stratified heterogeneity over space.
The spatial distribution of Schistosoma mansoni infection in four regions of western Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Assaré Rufin K. , Lai Ying-Si , Yapi Ahoua , Tian-Bi Yves-Nathan T. , Ouattara Mamadou , Yao Patrick K. , Knopp Stefanie , Vounatsou Penelope , Utzinger Jürg , N'Goran Eliézer K.
Published: June 2015

Schistosomiasis poses a considerable public health burden in sub- Saharan Africa and a sound understanding of the spatial distribution facilitates to better target control interventions. The objectives of this study were i) to assess the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni among school-aged children in four regions of western Côte d’Ivoire; ii) to determine demographic, climatic and environmental factors that influence the distribution of S. mansoni; and iii) to map and predict the distribution of S. mansoni in non-sampled locations. Parasitological surveys were carried out in 264 schools from June to December 2011. In each school, we aimed to examine 50 children for S. mansoni infection using duplicate Kato-Katz thick smears. Schools were georeferenced using a hand-held global positioning system receiver. Demographic data were obtained from readily available school lists, while climatic and environmental data were extracted from open-access remote sensing databases. Multivariable, binary non-spatial models and a Bayesian geostatistical logistic regression model were used to identify demographic, climatic and environmental risk factors for S. mansoni infection. Risk maps were developed based on observed S. mansoni prevalences and using Bayesian geostatistical models to predict prevalences at non-sampled locations. Overall, 12,462 children provided a sufficiently large stool sample to perform at least one Kato-Katz thick smear. The observed overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 39.9%, ranging from 0 to 100% at the unit of the school. Bayesian geostatistical analysis revealed that age, sex, altitude and difference between land surface temperature at day and night were significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. The S. mansoni risk map presented here is being been used by the national schistosomiasis control programme for spatial targeting of praziquantel and other interventions.
Evaluation et intégration de la sensibilité intrinsèque des milieux récepteurs dans une méthodologie d'évaluation des performances environnementales
Authors: Cikankowitz Anne , Raymond Gaëlle , Piatyszek Eric , Laforest Valérie
Published: June 2015

http://www.pro-environnement.com/fr/pages/sommaire.aspx?tp=3

Les textes réglementaires incitant à tenir compte de la sensibilité du milieu local foisonnent au niveau français et européen. Cependant, ces textes ne proposent pas de cadre méthodologique pour l'évaluation de la sensibilité du milieu. Parallèlement à cela, les outils d'évaluation des impacts environnementaux des entreprises se formalisent et se multiplient,mais comment évaluer l'impact d'une activité et caractériser la sensibilité de son contexte local ? Cet article propose de combler ce manque, en apportant une méthode d'évaluation de la sensibilité du milieu récepteur. Cette méthode est basée sur la définition, l'identification et l'organisation des thèmes caractérisant cette sensibilité (thèmes statiques : eaux souterraines, eaux superficielles, sol superficiel et air ; thèmes dynamiques : caractéristiques des milieux biologiques et humains). L'approche proposée est une approche qualitative basée sur un questionnaire simple et rapide. La sensibilité est évaluée selon une échelle à quatre niveaux allant de peu sensible à très sensible. L'objectif final est l'intégration de la sensibilité du milieu dans une méthodologie globale d'évaluation des performances environnementales de techniques en vue de les comparer puis de les valider « meilleures techniques disponibles ». L'article présente un exemple d'application de cette méthode.
Traitement des margines par électrocoagulation
Authors: Sadif N. , Mountadar M. , Hanafi F.
Published: June 2015

Les pays méditerranéens sont très concernés par les problèmes de pollution causés par la production des margines, qui sont les effluents provenant de la production d'huile d'olive. Pour y faire face, les recherches scientifiques se multiplient pour proposer des alternatives au déversement direct de ces effluents dans le milieu naturel.Dans cette étude, nous nous intéressons au traitement des margines par voie électrochimique. Les paramètres opératoires étudiés sont le pH, le temps d'électrolyse et le courant imposé. Les résultats obtenus ont permis d'obtenir des taux de décoloration pouvant atteindre 95 % pour un pH égal à 7, un temps d'électrolyse de 15 minutes et un courant impose égal à 0,5 A. Ces conditions ont permis également des abattements importants de la DCO.
Schéma de valorisation des grignons d'olives produits par les maâsras marocaines
Authors: Sebban A. , Bahloul A. , Saadoune M. , Ait Kassi A. , Berrada M. , Pineau J.L. , Kitane S.
Published: June 2015

In Morroco little olive mills called “maâra” release a great quantity of olive cake in environment after extracting olive oil because there is no regulation. The chemical composition of olive cake and the important quantity released lead to environmental pollution, not acceptable with respect to the principle of sustainable development. To remedy the problem we propose a valorisation flowsheet including production of glycerin as made in other countries, and production of furfural which Morocco imports to produce lubrication oil.

Au Maroc, les petites huileries artisanales appelées maâsras, après avoir extrait l'huile des olives, rejettent de grande quantité de déchets solides ou grignons dans le milieu environnemental parce qu'il n'y a pas de réglementation. La composition chimique des grignons et le fort tonnage rejeté constituent une pollution pour des régions fragiles, incompatible avec le principe du développement durable. Pour y remédier nous proposons un schéma de valorisation des grignons avec la production de glycérine qui est déjà appliquée dans d'autres pays et la production de furfural qui sert à la fabrication des huiles lubrifiantes que le Maroc importe.
Les agents de la bioremédiation des sols pollués par les hydrocarbures polycycliques aromatiques
Authors: Verdin Anthony , Lounès-Hadj Sahraoui Anissa , Durand Roger
Published: June 2015

Soil PAHs contamination is now becoming of great concern. This pollution has a negative impact on activities directly or indirectly related to the soil, but it has also potential consequences for human health and the quality of the ecosystem. Indeed, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent an important class of environmental pollutants, of which some are known to be mutagenic and carcinogenic. Consequently, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has listed some PAHs among the priority pollutants to be monitored in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Bioremediation, the use of organisms for the treatment of soil pollution, have received considerable interest in recent years because of its ecological aspect and because of potential cost savings compared to conventional non biological techniques. The objective of this paper is to review findings concerning the potential of the organisms used for bioremediation of soils polluted with PAHs. At present, numerous organisms (bacteria, fungi, algae and plants) are reported to metabolise PAHs. The several enzymatic mechanisms known to be involved in the PAHs degradation by the different biological systems will be underlined.

Parmi les techniques de dépollution et de réhabilitation des sols (physiques, chimiques et biologiques), la bioremédiation (détoxification ou minéralisation d'un polluant par les organismes vivants) des sols in situ semble être une méthode d'intérêt d'un point de vue économique et écologique. Contrairement aux autres procédés (incinération, lessivage du sol…) où les polluants sont souvent transférés et non détruits, la biodégradation peut permettre la minéralisation du xénobiotique, et donc sa disparition. De plus, cette technique est particulièrement adaptée pour le traitement des hydrocarbures polycycliques aromatiques (HPAs), contaminants comptant parmi les plus récalcitrants et les plus toxiques (pouvoirs cancérigène et mutagène). Il a été démontré que de nombreux organismes, procaryotes ou eucaryotes (algues, bactéries, champignons, plantes), possèdent la capacité à dégrader les HPAs. La présente revue a pour but de faire le point sur l'état actuel des connaissances concernant les organismes utilisés en tant qu'agents biologiques efficaces de dépollution des sols contaminés par les HPAs. Les systèmes enzymatiques impliqués dans la dégradation des HPAs chez ces différents systèmes biologiques seront décrits.
Valorisation des déchets de démolition comme granulats pour bétons
Authors: Arabi Nourredine , Berredjem Layachi
Published: June 2015

The demolished materials recycling responds to concerns conserve or to economize natural aggregates for the requirements to functioning of building sites. The project aim is also to protect environment by reducing uncontrolled dump sites of rubble. Nevertheless, the use of this kind of aggregates may cause problems, due to their high porosity which resulting an absorption of mixing water (difficulty to control of concrete fresh proper ties) and consequently a decrease the strength and durability of concrete.This experimental work is conducted in order to recover aggregates resulting from demolished concretes. Tests of physical and mechanical characterization of recycled aggregates (sand and gravel), were performed in order to set up compliance to the standardization. Concretes of different granular combinations (natural/recycled) with and without addition of superplasticizer are composed, as well as application of various ratios (gravel/sand).Also, the proper ties of these kinds of concretes were tested in fresh and hardened forms. The application of the recycled aggregates resulted in an evidence that they can be providing a concrete with resisting characteristic of 28 days quite higher than 20 MPa. The combinations of natural/recycled aggregates can be considered for certain applications without major risk.

Le recyclage des matériaux de démolition répond aux soucis de préserver ou d’économiser les granulats naturels pour les besoins de fonctionnement des chantiers. Cette entreprise va aussi dans le sens de la promotion du respect de l’environnement par l’élimination des décharges sauvages de gravats. Cependant, leur utilisation en tant que granulats pour le béton pose problème du fait de leur forte porosité qui se traduit par une absorption d’eau de gâchage (contrôle des propriétés du béton frais délicate) et par voie de conséquence diminution de la résistance et la pérennité du béton.L’intérêt de ce travail expérimental est de valoriser les granulats issus des bétons de démolition. Des tests de caractérisations physiques et mécaniques sur les granulats recyclés (sable et gravier) comme granulats de substitution ont été effectués pour la mise en conformité avec la norme. Des compositions de bétons ont été testées avec différentes compositions (naturels/recyclés) différents rapports gravier/sable avec ou sans fluidifiant. Les propriétés des bétons frais et durcis sont déterminées. Les granulats recyclés peuvent fournir un béton de résistance caractéristique à 28 jours nettement supérieure à 20 MPa. Le choix de béton incluant des combinaisons en granulats (naturels/recyclés) est proposé pour certaines applications.
Biodétérioration microbienne des déchets : définitions, principes et méthodes d'évaluation
Authors: Gourdon Rémy , Bayard Rémy , Valla G.
Published: June 2015

During their re-utilization or after disposal, wastes may undergo various agressions of microbial origins, even when the scenario of disposal or utilization is designed to reduce them. The mechanisms of biodeterioration may be direct (when micro-organisms metabolize the constituents of the waste), or undirect (when the metabolites are responsible for the deterioration). Biodeterioration may have significant effects when the waste or its environment contains or provides such substances as organic matter, sulfur - or nitrogen - containing substances, or iron. It may be partly or totally inhibited under unfavorable physical-chemical conditions such as low water content, high pH and poor oxygenation. The methods of evaluation are based on accelerated assays designed to improve the contact between waste constituents and micro-organisms, and simulation tests designed to reproduce the conditions of disposal or utilization.

Lors de leur stockage ou de leur valorisation, les déchets peuvent être soumis à des agressions d'origine microbienne, même lorsque les conditions de stockage ou valorisation sont destinées à les réduire. Les mécanismes de biodétérioration peuvent être directs lorsque les micro-organismes transforment les constituants des déchets, ou indirects lorsque ce sont leurs métabolites qui sont agressifs. La biodétérioration peut s'avérer significative lorsque le déchet ou son environnement contient ou apporte des substances telles que matière organique, composés soufrés, composés azotés, fer. Elle peut être ralentie ou empêchée par des conditions physico-chimiques défavorables, notamment de faible teneur en eau, pH très alcalin et mauvaise oxygénation. Les méthodes d'évaluation reposent sur des essais accélérés qui tentent d'optimiser le contact déchet/micro-organismes, et des tests de simulation visant à reproduire le scénario de stockage ou utilisation envisagé.
Challenges Associated with Management of Buruli Ulcer/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection in a Treatment Center in Ghana: A Case Series Study
Authors: Tuffour Joseph , Owusu-Mireku Evelyn , Ruf Marie-Therese , Aboagye Samuel , Kpeli Grace , Akuoku Victor , Pereko Janet , Paintsil Albert , Bonney Kofi , Ampofo William , Pluschke Gerd , Yeboah-Manu Dorothy
Published: June 2015

The synergy between Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is well established but not so in Buruli ulcer (BU). We screened confirmed BU cases for HIV infection and followed seven BU/HIV-coinfected patients. Management of BU/HIV was based on the World Health Organization guidelines and patient condition. The HIV positivity among BU patients (8.2%; 11/134) was higher compared with that of general patients attending the facility (4.8%; 718/14,863; P = 0.07) and that of pregnant women alone (2.5%; 279/11,125; P = 0.001). All seven BU/HIV-coinfected cases enrolled in the study presented with very large (category III) lesions with four having multiple lesions compared with 54.5% of category III lesions among HIV-negative BU patients. During the recommended BU treatment with streptomycin and rifampicin (SR) all patients developed immune infiltrates including CD4 T cells in their lesions. However, one patient who received antiretroviral therapy (ART) 1 week after beginning SR treatment developed four additional lesions during antibiotic treatment, while two out of the four who did not receive ART died. Further evidence is required to ascertain the most appropriate time to commence ART in relation to SR treatment to minimize paradoxical reactions.
Mefloquine Versus Sulfadoxine–Pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy: A Joint Analysis on Efficacy and Tolerability
Authors: Briand Valérie , Escolano Sylvie , Journot Valérie , Massougbodji Achille , Cot Michel , Tubert-Bitter Pascale
Published: June 2015

Since there is no ideal candidate to replace sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) for intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp), alternatives need to be evaluated on basis of their benefit–risk ratio. We reanalyzed the first Beninese trial on mefloquine (MQ) versus SP for IPTp using a multiple outcome approach, which allowed the joint assessment of efficacy and tolerability. Overall superiority of MQ to SP was defined as superiority on at least one efficacy outcome (low birth weight [LBW], placental malaria, or maternal anemia), non-inferiority on all of them as well as on tolerability defined as cutaneous or neuropsychiatric adverse events (AEs) or low compliance with the treatment. The analysis included 1,601 women. MQ was found to be overall superior to SP (P = 0.004). Performing several sensitivity analyses to handle both missing data and stillbirths provided similar results. Using MQ for IPTp as an example, we show that a multiple outcome analysis is a pragmatic way to assess the benefits/disadvantages of one drug compared with another. In the current context of a lack of antimalarials that could be used for IPTp, such a statistical approach could be widely used by institutional policy makers for future recommendations regarding the prevention of malaria in pregnancy (MiP).
Plasma Leptin Levels in Children Hospitalized with Cholera in Bangladesh
Authors: Falkard Brie , Uddin Taher , Rahman M. Arifur , Franke Molly F. , Aktar Amena , Uddin Muhammad Ikhtear , Bhuiyan Taufiqur Rahman , Leung Daniel T. , Charles Richelle C. , Larocque Regina C. , Harris Jason B. , Calderwood Stephen B. , Qadri Firdausi , Ryan Edward T.
Published: June 2015

Vibrio cholerae, the cause of cholera, induces both innate and adaptive immune responses in infected humans. Leptin is a hormone that plays a role in both metabolism and mediating immune responses. We characterized leptin levels in 11 children with cholera in Bangladesh, assessing leptin levels on days 2, 7, 30, and 180 following cholera. We found that patients at the acute stage of cholera had significantly lower plasma leptin levels than matched controls, and compared with levels in late convalescence. We then assessed immune responses to V. cholerae antigens in 74 children with cholera, correlating these responses to plasma leptin levels on day 2 of illness. In multivariate analysis, we found an association between day 2 leptin levels and development of later anti-cholera toxin B subunit (CtxB) responses. This finding appeared to be limited to children with better nutritional status. Interestingly, we found no association between leptin levels and antibody responses to V. cholerae lipopolysaccharide, a T cell–independent antigen. Our results suggest that leptin levels may be associated with cholera, including the development of immune responses to T cell–dependent antigens.
Analysis of the Influence of a Strategy-led Planning Approach on Successful Construction Project Implementation
Authors: Rotimi James Olabode Bamidele , Ramanayaka Chamila
Published: June 2015

This paper presents arguments for the development of a strategy-led approach to planning and implementation of construction projects. It takes the position that there are deficiencies in traditional planning algorithms, which make them inefficient to cope with the unique character of construction projects. Thus a combination of construction project strategies crafted from experiential knowledge (reflective practice methodologies) and traditional planning algorithms are needed for successful construction project planning and implementation. To confirm the argument, the study investigates the influence of strategies on 35 critical success factors which were identified through literature. It uses a combination of data collected through a questionnaire survey of 40 NZIOB Excellence award recipients for the period 2001 to 2011, and interviews with three subject matter experts to validate the influence of the strategy-led approach towards some selected critical success factors. A correlation analysis shows that there is a positive relationship between increasing project complexity and the use of strategies. Further, content analysis of study information collected suggests that complementary approaches herein referred to as the strategy-led approach is needed to achieve successful project outcomes.
Dusk-to-nighttime enhancement of mid-latitude NmF2 in local summer: inter-hemispheric asymmetry and solar activity dependence
Authors: Chen Y. , Liu L. , Le H. , Wan W. , Zhang H.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. In this paper ionosonde observations in the East Asia–Australia sector were collected to investigate dusk-to-nighttime enhancement of mid-latitude summer NmF2 (maximum electron density of the F2 layer) within the framework of NmF2 diurnal variation. NmF2 were normalized to two solar activity levels to investigate the dependence of the dusk-to-nighttime enhancement on solar activity. The dusk-to-nighttime enhancement of NmF2 is more evident at Northern Hemisphere stations than at Southern Hemisphere stations, with a remarkable latitudinal dependence. The dusk-to-nighttime enhancement shows both increasing and declining trends with solar activity increasing, which is somewhat different from previous conclusions. The difference in the dusk-to-nighttime enhancement between Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere stations is possibly related to the offset of the geomagnetic axis from the geographic axis. hmF2 (peak height of the F2 layer) diurnal variations show that daytime hmF2 begins to increase much earlier at low solar activity level than at high solar activity level at northern Akita and Wakkanai stations where the dusk-to-nighttime enhancement is more prominent at low solar activity level than at high solar activity level. That implies neutral wind phase is possibly also important for nighttime enhancement.
Contemporary Issues In Critical Race Theory: The Implications Of Race As Character Evidence In Recent High-Profile Cases
Authors: Carodine Montré D.
Published: June 2015

None.
EX SITU DEGRADATION OF SILICONE RUBBERS WITH DIFFERENT HARDNESS IN A CATHODE OUTLET SOLUTION OF PEMFC
Authors: Li Ke , Zhang Haining , Pan Mu
Published: June 2015

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) require gaskets and seals in each cell to keep the reactant gas and liquid within their respective regions. The durability of sealing materials is crucial to the operating life as well as the electrochemical performance of fuel cell stacks. In this study, the aging process of silicone rubbers, often used as gasket materials for fuel cells, with hardnesses of 30, 40, and 50 (Shore A) in a solution collected from the cathode of PEMFC is investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer are used to study the chemical composition of the samples before and after exposure to the test environment over time. It is suggested that the degradation of silicone rubbers is attributed to the chemical decomposition of silicon-based backbone and the leaching of fillers. Although the silicone rubber with higher hardness loses more weight due to its larger amount of fillers, it seems more stable and durable in mechanical properties and surface morphology.
Programma Aanpak Stikstof ter inzage
Authors: van der Feltz G.C.W. (Godert)
Published: June 2015

Programma Aanpak Stikstof ter inzage. Spanning tussen natuur en economie

Van 10 januari tot 20 februari jl. lagen voor zienswijzen ter inzage: het ontwerp voor het Programma Aanpak Stikstof (het PAS, te onderscheiden van de programmatische aanpak stikstof, de PAS), het bijbehorend plan-MER, inclusief passende beoordeling (met enkele achtergrondrapporten) en de gebiedsanalyses van alle Natura 2000-gebieden waar sprake is van (bedreiging van) habitats die gevoelig zijn voor stikstof (‘de gebiedsanalyses’). Tegelijkertijd zijn openbaar gemaakt: de ontwerpen voor het Besluit grenswaarden programmatische aanpak stikstof en de Regeling programmatische aanpak stikstof (ieder met een eigen toelichting), de Overeenkomst generieke maatregelen in verband met het programma aanpak stikstof en een groot aantal achtergronddocumenten. In deze bijdrage bespreek ik het systeem van de PAS en de bouwstenen ervan, de ter inzage gelegde documenten, op hun juridische merites. De kernvraag luidt of Nederland met de PAS, zoals geconcretiseerd in het PAS en gebiedsanalyses, in overeenstemming handelt met (art. 6 van) de Habitatrichtlijn.
A Bumper Crop of Ideas: Library Gardens Offer Many Teachable Programs, Moments
Authors: Kallunki Sandy
Published: June 2015

Tomatoes, herbs, berries, and sunflowers are cropping up in sometimes-surprising settings in cities and suburbs across the country as advocates turn to the age-old practice of gardening as a fresh way to promote healthier diets, fight hunger and poverty, sustain environmental health, inspire a sense of community, and provide outdoor learning experiences for all ages.
Research Roundup: Conferences to Expand Your Horizons
Authors: Prendergast Tess , Diamant-Cohen Betsy
Published: June 2015

Children’s librarians and other staff who work in children’s and school library services have much professional development experience to both offer and receive at conferences.
SPICE ISLAND STEW: CREOLIZATION OF FOODWAYS ON COLONIAL ERA NUTMEG PLANTATIONS, MALUKU PROVINCE, INDONESIA
Authors: Jordan Amy
Published: June 2015

The Banda Islands, in modern Indonesia’s Maluku Province, were the world’s sole source of nutmeg in the 16th Century. Control over the spice trade was a major goal for European powers. Consequently, the Banda Islands were a location of early disputes and colonial experimentation.  After eradicating most of the indigenous population, the Dutch East India Company established a plantation system in 1621 on the islands.  The plantation system fundamentally altered the lifeways of all inhabitants of the Banda Islands but there is little evidence regarding how the alterations and adaptations occurred or why.  Excavations at three nutmeg plantations reveal that the inhabitants engaged with multiple strategies of both subsistence and trade. By examining multiple lines of evidence including ceramic, faunal, and starch grain analysis, a more comprehensive understanding of social adaptations to colonialism can be demonstrated.
PRE-CONTACT FOODWAYS IN THE MARIANA ISLANDS
Authors: Moore Darlene R
Published: June 2015

Recent archaeological technical reports and publications and the historic literature contain considerable information about the  subsistence of the people of the Mariana Islands prior to and shortly after European Contact in 1521.  Drawing from these resources, I compile a more complete understanding of the diet and food-related behaviors prior to Contact.
Foibe literature: documentation or victimhood narrative?
Authors: Zamparutti Louise
Published: June 2015

This essay analyses the literature on the foibe to illustrate a political use of human
remains. The foibe are the deep karstic pits in Istria and around Trieste where
Yugoslavian Communist troops disposed of Italians they executed en masse during World War
II. By comparing contemporary literature on the foibe to a selection of archival reports
of foibe exhumation processes it will be argued that the foibe literature popular in Italy
today serves a political rather than informational purpose. Counterpublic theory will be
applied to examine how the recent increase in popular foibe literature brought the
identity of the esuli, one of Italy‘s subaltern counterpublics, to the national stage. The
paper argues that by employing the narrative structure of the Holocaust, contemporary
literature on the foibe attempts to recast Italy as a counterpublic in the wider European
public sphere, presenting Italy as an unrecognised victim in World War II.
MAF1 represses CDKN1A through a Pol III-dependent mechanism
Authors: Lee Yu-Ling , Li Yuan-Ching , Su Chia-Hsin , Chiao Chun-Hui , Lin I-Hsuan , Hsu Ming-Ta
Published: June 2015

MAF1 represses Pol III-mediated transcription by interfering with TFIIIB and Pol III. Herein, we found that MAF1 knockdown induced CDKN1A transcription and chromatin looping concurrently with Pol III recruitment. Simultaneous knockdown of MAF1 with Pol III or BRF1 (subunit of TFIIIB) diminished the activation and looping effect, which indicates that recruiting Pol III was required for activation of Pol II-mediated transcription and chromatin looping. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation analysis after MAF1 knockdown indicated enhanced binding of Pol III and BRF1, as well as of CFP1, p300, and PCAF, which are factors that mediate active histone marks, along with the binding of TATA binding protein (TBP) and POLR2E to the CDKN1A promoter. Simultaneous knockdown with Pol III abolished these regulatory events. Similar results were obtained for GDF15. Our results reveal a novel mechanism by which MAF1 and Pol III regulate the activity of a protein-coding gene transcribed by Pol II.
Propagation Characteristics of Multilayer Hybrid Insulator-Metal-Insulator and Metal-Insulator-Metal Plasmonic Waveguides
Authors: Talafi Noghani M. , Vadjed Samiei M. H.
Published: June 2015

Propagation characteristics of symmetrical and asymmetrical multilayer hybrid insulator-metal-insulator (HIMI) and metal-insulator-metal (HMIM) plasmonic slab waveguides are investigated using the transfer matrix method. Propagation length (Lp) and spatial length (Ls) are used as two figures of merit to qualitate the plasmonic waveguides. Symmetrical structures are shown to be more performant (having higher Lp and lower Ls), nevertheless it is shown that usage of asymmetrical geometry could compensate for the performance degradation in practically realized HIMI waveguides with different substrate materials. It is found that HMIM slab waveguide could support almost long-range subdiffraction plasmonic modes at dimensions lower than the spatial length of the HIMI slab waveguide.
InSAR measurement of the deformation around Siling Co Lake: Inferences on the lower crust viscosity in central Tibet
Authors: Doin Marie‐Pierre , Twardzik Cédric , Ducret Gabriel , Lasserre Cécile , Guillaso Stéphane , Jianbao Sun
Published: June 2015

The Siling Co Lake is the largest endorheic lake in Central Tibet. Altimetric measures, combined with lake contours, show that in 1972–1999 its water level remained stable, while it increased by about 1.0 m/yr in the period 2000–2006. The increased rate gradually stepped down to 0.2 m/yr in 2007–2011. The ground motion associated with the water load increase is studied by interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) using 107 ERS and Envisat SAR images during the period 1992–2011. The deformation amplitude closely follows the lake level temporal evolution, except that subsidence continues in 2008–2011, while the lake level stagnated. This temporal evolution suggests a non elastic relaxation process taking place at a decade timescale. Phase delay maps are used to constrain possible layered viscoelastic rheological models. An elastic model could partly explain the observed subsidence rate if elastic moduli are about twice lower than those extracted from VP/VS profiles. The surface deformation pattern is also extracted by projecting the phase delay maps against the best fit model temporal behavior. It shows that deep relaxation in the asthenosphere is negligible at the decade timescale and favors the existence of a ductile channel in the deep crust above a more rigid mantle. Overall, the best fit model includes a ductile lower crust, with a viscosity of 1–3 × 1018 Pa s between 25 and 35 km and the Moho (at 65 km), overlying a rigid mantle.
Bottom‐Up Synthesis of Necklace‐Like Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Schwab Matthias Georg , Narita Akimitsu , Osella Silvio , Hu Yunbin , Maghsoumi Ali , Mavrinsky Alexey , Pisula Wojciech , Castiglioni Chiara , Tommasini Matteo , Beljonne David , Feng Xinliang , Müllen Klaus
Published: June 2015

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) with an unprecedented “necklace‐like” structure were synthesized through a bottom‐up chemical approach, based on the oxidative cyclodehydrogenation of tailor‐made polyphenylene precursors. A polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of 84 sp2 carbons (C84) was also synthesized and characterized as a model compound. Characterizations by a combination of MALDI‐TOF MS and FTIR, Raman, and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy validated the formation of the necklace‐like GNRs. The absorption spectrum and DFT calculations revealed a bandgap of approximately 1.4 eV for this novel GNR system, which has not been attained with other GNR structures, enabling further fine‐tuning of GNR bandgaps by structural modulation.
Low glucose depletes glycan precursors, reduces site occupancy and galactosylation of a monoclonal antibody in CHO cell culture
Authors: Villacrés Carina , Tayi Venkata S. , Lattová Erika , Perreault Hélène , Butler Michael
Published: June 2015

Controlled feeding of glucose has been employed previously to enhance the productivity of recombinant glycoproteins but there is a concern that low concentrations of glucose could limit the synthesis of precursors of glycosylation. Here we investigate the effect of glucose depletion on the metabolism, productivity and glycosylation of a chimeric human‐llama monoclonal antibody secreted by CHO cells. The cells were inoculated into media containing varying concentrations of glucose. Glucose depletion occurred in cultures with an initial glucose ≤5.5 mM and seeded at low density (2.5 × 105 cells/mL) or at high cell inoculum (≥2.5 × 106 cells/mL) at higher glucose concentration (up to 25 mM). Glucose‐depleted cultures produced non‐glycosylated Mabs (up to 51%), lower galactosylation index (GI <0.43) and decreased sialylation (by 85%) as measured by mass spectrometry and HPLC. At low glucose a reduced intracellular pool of nucleotides (0.03–0.23 fmoles/cell) was measured as well as a low adenylate energy charge (<0.57). Low glucose also reduced GDP‐sugars (by 77%) and UDP‐hexosamines (by 90%). The data indicate that under glucose deprivation, low levels of intracellular nucleotides and nucleotide sugars reduced the availability of the immediate precursors of glycosylation. These results are important when applied to the design of fed‐batch cultures.
The satisfaction and stress of being a market maven: A social network perspective
Authors: Lee Seung Hwan (Mark) , Leizerovici Gail , Zhang Shuoyang
Published: June 2015

Compared with the average consumer, market mavens possess a unique set of characteristics including a greater depth of knowledge of the marketplace and its products, as well as a strong social network. Based on a field study of an emerging social network of Canadian undergraduate students (N = 71), we examine the level of satisfaction and stress that market mavens experience as a result of their network participation. First, market mavens (versus non‐mavens) are more satisfied with their network if they occupy central network positions. Simultaneously, however, mavens incur more stress if they occupy these central positions. Further, market mavens have a lower rate of network growth and build a more a selective network of like‐minded others over time. This suggests that market mavens seek to interact with other market mavens more so than with non‐mavens about product‐related and market‐related information. Together, we provide new insights into the personal outcomes of market mavens' network positions and their networking behavior. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Faraday Rotation of Overdense Magnetized Plasma
Authors: Rajaei L. , Miraboutalebi S. , Nejati M.
Published: June 2015

In this study, we investigate Faraday rotation of electromagnetic waves that are anomalously transmitted through an over‐dense magnetized plasma layer. Here, magnetized plasma indicates that the plasma layer is immersed in a uniform magnetic field. Firstly, normally opaque over‐dense magnetized plasma is shown to be transparent to obliquely incident electromagnetic waves. This high transparency can be achieved by providing conditions for resonant excitations of plasmonic modes. The resonant characteristics of the transmission coefficient of the considered structure are determined and discussed. The conditions under which the magnetized plasma behaves as a complete reflector are also obtained. Faraday rotation is shown to be enhanced under high transparency conditions. The reflected wave also exhibits Faraday rotation and is enhanced under total reflection conditions. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Creativity as a Sociocultural Act
Authors: Glăveanu Vlad Petre
Published: June 2015

The present article introduces, develops, and illustrates a perspectival framework for the creative process drawing on current developments within the cultural psychology of creativity and the social theory of George Herbert Mead. The creative process is conceptualized as a form of action by which actors, materially and symbolically, alone and in collaboration with others, move between different positions and, in this process, imaginatively construct new perspectives on their course of action which afford greater reflexivity and the emergence of novelty. The article begins by locating this approach within a broader conception of distributed creativity and the role of difference—social, material, and temporal—for creative expression. It then outlines four key premises of the perspectival framework before illustrating it with the help of a subjective camera study of a painter's creative activity. In the end, some important questions are raised concerning the theoretical and practical implications of this new model.