bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enabling engineering students to become successful innovators and entrepreneurs
Authors: Kelessidis Vassilios C.
Published: May 2014

Engineering students are educated to become problem solvers. We teach them the art of analysis and synthesis. During their time at the university they acquire abilities for analyzing problems by breaking them down into smaller problems, they identify and implement solutions and then synthesize them. In most countries this is not enough if they want to become successful entrepreneurs and innovators. Higher engineering education, however, should be the ideal environment for nesting highly advanced technological and scientific entrepreneurship. Little success has been reported of engineer entrepreneurs coming right after school, mainly because of relatively low motivation amongst students and teachers but also due to social, cultural and legal barriers.

In today's world, enterprise sustainability and employability are uncertain, thus the task of successfully creating a new enterprise requires the best knowledge, application of good practices and the mastery of the most advanced methodologies in enterprise management and development. It becomes essential to develop abilities and skills and to deliver tools, adequate to the necessities of these entrepreneurs. Better prepared engineering graduates with appropriate training are more eager to start their own business, which can spur economic development. Training, however, should be more than teaching courses; hands on prototype development and support via simulation has proved effective in exposing students to the entrepreneurial world and in enhancing skills and knowledge.

In this paper we present tools we have developed and practices we have implemented to motivate our engineering students to become innovators, to develop their ideas and to establish their own businesses. The first tool is the Nursery of Ideas, which enables students who have an innovative idea to proceed, under guidance from mentors to utilize laboratory equipment of the University, and to build a prototype, which can prove or disprove their idea. Formal support is given to the student in terms of monetary assistance for building their prototype and with mentoring through the whole process. The second tool is the utilization of a virtual environment, which integrates four training platforms that altogether aim toward providing entrepreneurship training based on business simulation.
The Acantelys project: Development of a model of e-university “open and free” for the formation of Latin American researchers and professionals in computing, telecommunications and technology management
Authors: Martinez Juan , Aviles Karina , Abello Jesús , Figueroa Magaly , Molina Jose
Published: May 2014

This paper tries to give a simple answer for a complex question: why we do not “publish” in scientist congress? In this paper, we present the project of e-university “Acantelys” (www.acantelys.org, with more than 250 Latin-American students online), and we describe the practical methodology (with 8 critical phases), used successfully in eight world congresses and twenty international conferences of computer Engineering, telecommunications and IT management. Here, we show too a description of why the need for access to programs of high-tech training to low-income students from Latin America and how to get it; describes the minimum objectives and the management model should meet Institutions established for this purpose, outlines the methodological structure and educational tools currently used by Acantelys cooperative association, as a practical solution for these projects, and finally we sharing the results obtained so far and the goals future of this organization.
Problem-Based Learning (PBL): How to implement, strategize, and infuse PBL in an engineering program?
Authors: Akili Waddah
Published: May 2014

This paper focuses on the implementation of problem–based learning (PBL) in an engineering program, and argues that implementation of problem-based learning needs to be placed in a context and must be developed with careful consideration of the social, economic, and ethnic diversity of the student population and the university academic culture and prevailing norms. The paper includes a brief history, selected PBL models, strategies to infuse PBL in an engineering program, and suggestions for redesigning classes and courses to catalyze change in the classroom environment through students' engagement. The paper also addresses the potential difficulties that could arise during implementation of PBL, particularly when instructors are new to this instructional method.
Using the case method to transform engineering education
Authors: Towhidnejad Massood , Hilburn Thomas B. , Salamah Salamah
Published: May 2014

One of the primary objectives of most undergraduate engineering programs is to prepare graduates for engineering practice. Advances in engineering methods and technology, modern system complexity, and the need to work across cultures and time zones have influenced significant change in the practice of engineering. Unfortunately, there has been little change in engineering education to accommodate these changes. In this paper, we propose that engineering educators alter the typical lecture style and instructional activities focused on the individual, and use a team-based case method approach to transform their programs, so that throughout a curriculum teams of students engage in realistic engineering practice activities, centered around a comprehensive life-cycle engineering case study. The authors illustrate this approach with a life-cycle software engineering case study.
The role of internships in a higher education institute
Authors: Vairis Achilles , Loulakakis Kostas , Petousis Markos
Published: May 2014

Industrial placement or internship is becoming part of an increasing number of higher education courses, ranging from engineering to accounting and social work, in the past decade. The paper analyses internship practice at a technological university in the island of Crete, in the south of Greece, where internships are part of every undergraduate course offered, and documents this experiential-learning process for students, academics and business managers alike. This work details the goals and structural elements of internships and its characteristics relating to employment conditions, and procedures for the academic institution and company alike, and lists the assessment tools of students and the process itself. It also describes the different approach to internships for each of the three stakeholders involved: students, managers and university academic staff, based on the long experience of academic internship supervisors of the institute. The findings of this paper are based on an enhanced internship project that the Greek institute is running and reports preliminary results of this programme. In addition, suggestions are made for future development and monitoring of internship programmes to achieve beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders.
Training future engineers to be committed to safety
Authors: Véchot Luc N. , Casson Valeria , Olewski Tomasz
Published: May 2014

History has shown at multiple occasions that major incidents in the process industry have the potential to affect the world in different aspects: loss of life and economic losses and environmental disasters. Can the occurrence of major preventable incidents be seriously decreased by investing in better education and research in process safety? This paper will share ideas on how to convey safety as a value to engineering students. Emphasis with be put on making them participants and actors of process safety related activities at early stages of their education in order to work at the development of their safety culture well before the start of their professional life. These activities include their involvement in current research, laboratory activities using specific equipment, long term projects on the study of incident that defined process safety. The integration of process safety principles in other regular engineering courses will also be discussed.
Fourteen grand challenges and skills for engineers in 2020
Authors: Badiru Adedeji B.
Published: May 2014

The fourteen grand challenges of engineering, compiled by the US National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in 2008, have implications for the future of engineering education and practice. Engineers in 2020 will need diverse skills to tackle the multitude of issues and factors involved in adequately and successfully addressing the challenges. Extract from the NAE document on the 14 grand challenges reads – “In sum, governmental and institutional, political and economic, and personal and social barriers will repeatedly arise to impede the pursuit of solutions to problems. As they have throughout history, engineers will have to integrate their methods and solutions with the goals and desires of all society's members”. This statement emphasizes the relevance of a holistic systems thinking approach in solving the multi-faceted global problems that we face now and will face in the future. This presentation will discuss the critical skills that engineers must have in the 2020 timeframe in order to contribute to devising sustainable solutions to our global problems, problems that affect everyone in every corner of the world. Project management skills will be the cornerstone for integrating the multiple skills across geographical boundaries as well as across cultural divides. This presentation will demonstrate how project management skills, tools, and techniques can be brought to bear on solving 2020 engineering challenges. Using a socio-technical systems framework, this presentation will Illustrate the application of project management to bring about new products, services, and results efficiently within cost and schedule constraints to address the 14 grand challenges. With the recommendations of this presentation, positive outcomes of multinational projects can be achieved so that we can improve the global quality of life. Engineering educators must come together to develop robust curricula to adequately prepare students for the challenges that lie ahead. This World Congress is a good starting point.
On certain subclass of p-valent meromorphically starlike functions with alternating coefficients
Authors: Rizqan Bakr Hussein , Darwish H.E. , Lashin A.Y.
Published: May 2014

A certain subclass Bm(p,α,λ,ℓ,A,B) consisting of meromorphic p-valent functions with alternating coefficient in U∗={z:z∈C:0<|z|<1} is introduced. In this paper we obtain coefficient inequalities, distortion theorem, closure theorems and class preserving integral operators for functions in the class Bm(p,α,λ,ℓ,A,B) are obtained .
Saúde, doença e cura no pensamento de Paul Tillich: reflexões teológicas e pastorais
Authors: Higuet Etienne Alfred
Published: May 2014

O presente artigo está organizado em cinco partes. Na primeira, retomamos os pressupostos ontológicos da relação entre saúde, doença e cura nos processos vitais. Na segunda, aprofundamos a relação entre a doença e a consciência angustiada da finitude e da alienação. A terceira parte é propriamente teológica e se dedica à relação da cura com o Novo Ser em Cristo e a Presença do Espírito divino. As quarta e quinta partes, de cunho mais pastoral, analisam as relações entre as diversas funções de cura e seus agentes, especialmente entre psicoterapia e aconselhamento pastoral. Destacamos aí o conceito profundamente teológico de aceitação.
“I don't want financial support but verbal support.” How do caregivers manage children's access to and retention in HIV care in urban Zimbabwe?
Authors: Busza Joanna , Dauya Ethel , Bandason Tsitsi , Mujuru Hilda , Ferrand Rashida A
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Children living with HIV experience particular challenges in accessing HIV care. Children usually rely on adult caregivers for access to care, including timely diagnosis, initiation of treatment and sustained engagement with HIV services. The aim of this study was to inform the design of a community‐based intervention to support caregivers of HIV‐positive children to increase children's retention in care as part of a programme introducing decentralized HIV care in primary health facilities.

Methods

Using an existing conceptual framework, we conducted formative research to identify key local contextual factors affecting children's linkages to HIV care in Harare, Zimbabwe. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 15 primary caregivers of HIV‐positive children aged 6–15 years enrolled at a hospital clinic for at least six months, followed by interviews with nine key informants from five community‐based organizations providing adherence support or related services.

Results

We identified a range of facilitators and barriers that caregivers experience. Distance to the hospital, cost of transportation, fear of disclosing HIV status to the child or others, unstable family structure and institutional factors such as drug stock‐outs, healthcare worker absenteeism and unsympathetic school environments proved the most salient limiting factors. Facilitators included openness within the family, availability of practical assistance and psychosocial support from community members.

Conclusions

The proposed decentralization of HIV care will mitigate concerns about distance and transport costs but is likely to be insufficient to ensure children's sustained retention. Following this study, we developed a package of structured home visits by voluntary lay workers to proactively address other determinants such as disclosure within families, access to available services and support through caregivers’ social networks. A randomized controlled trial is underway to assess impact on children's retention in care over two years.
Responses of the lower thermospheric temperature to the 9 day and 13.5 day oscillations of recurrent geomagnetic activity
Authors: Jiang Guoying , Wang Wenbin , Xu Jiyao , Yue Jia , Burns Alan G. , Lei Jiuhou , Mlynczak Martin G. , Rusell James M.
Published: May 2014

Responses of the lower thermospheric temperature to the 9 day and 13.5 day oscillations of recurrent geomagnetic activity and solar EUV radiation have been investigated using neutral temperature data observed by the TIMED/SABER (Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics/Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry) instrument and numerical experiments by the NCAR‐TIME‐GCM (National Center for Atmospheric Research–thermosphere‐ionosphere‐mesosphere electrodynamics–general circulation model). The TIMED/SABER data analyzed were for the period from 2002 to 2007 during the declining phase of solar cycle 23. The observations show that the zonal mean temperature in the lower thermosphere oscillated with periods of near 9 and 13.5 days in the height range of 100–120 km. These oscillations were more strongly correlated with the recurrent geomagnetic activity than with the solar EUV variability of the same periods. The 9 day and 13.5 day oscillations of lower thermospheric temperature had greater amplitudes at high latitudes than at low latitudes; they also had larger amplitudes at higher altitudes, and the oscillations could penetrate down to ~105 km, depending on the strength of the recurrent geomagnetic activity for a particular time period. The data further show that the periodic responses of the lower thermospheric temperature to recurrent geomagnetic activity were different in the two hemispheres. In addition, numerical experiments have been carried out using the NCAR‐TIME‐GCM to investigate the causal relationship between the temperature oscillations and the geomagnetic activity and solar EUV variations of the same periods. Model simulations showed the same periodic oscillations as those seen in the observations when the real geomagnetic activity index, Kp, was used to drive the model. These numerical results show that recurrent geomagnetic activity is the main cause of the 9 day and 13.5 day variations in the lower thermosphere temperature, and the contribution from solar EUV variations is minor. Furthermore, we also found that consecutive coronal mass ejection events could cause long‐duration enhancements in the lower thermospheric temperature that strengthen the 9 day and 13.5 day signals, and this kind of phenomenon mostly occurred between 2002 and 2005 during the declining phase of solar cycle 23.
Multisatellite observations of an intensified equatorial ionization anomaly in relation to the northern Sumatra earthquake of March 2005
Authors: Ryu K. , Lee E. , Chae J. S. , Parrot M. , Oyama K.‐I.
Published: May 2014

Here we report multisatellite observations of ionospheric disturbances in relation to the occurrence of the M8.7 northern Sumatra earthquake of 28 March 2005. The DEMETER (Detection of Electro‐Magnetic Emissions Transmitted from Earthquake Regions) and CHAMP (Challenging Minisatellite Payload) satellite data were investigated to find possible precursory and postevent phenomena. It was found that EIA (equatorial ionization anomaly) strength expressed in the apex height, derived from the CHAMP plasma density profile, was intensified along the orbits whose longitudes were close to the epicenter within about a week before and after occurrence of the earthquake. Increases in electron and O+ density along the orbits close to the epicenter were also observed in the DEMETER measurements. The normalized equatorial plasma density derived from the DEMETER measurements showed intensification about a week before and after the earthquake reaching maximum the day after the shock and afterward disappearing. In addition, similar behavior of the EIA enhancements related to the M8.0 Pisco earthquake of 15 August 2007 was observed. Surveys of space weather and geomagnetic activities excluded the possibility that these fluctuations were caused by changes in space weather or by a geomagnetic storm. Statistical analyses of the longitudinal variation revealed that the EIA was enhanced in the west of the epicenter and reduced in the east of the epicenter, and this fits the “increased conductivity” model. Based on these observations, we proposed a revised view of seismo‐ionospheric coupling in the region of the geomagnetic equator, to explain the EIA features observed in this study.
Comprehensive observation and modeling of earthquake and temperature‐related seismic velocity changes in northern Chile with passive image interferometry
Authors: Richter Tom , Sens‐Schönfelder Christoph , Kind Rainer , Asch Günter
Published: May 2014

We report on earthquake and temperature‐related velocity changes in high‐frequency autocorrelations of ambient noise data from seismic stations of the Integrated Plate Boundary Observatory Chile project in northern Chile. Daily autocorrelation functions are analyzed over a period of 5 years with passive image interferometry. A short‐term velocity drop recovering after several days to weeks is observed for the Mw 7.7 Tocopilla earthquake at most stations. At the two stations PB05 and PATCX, we observe a long‐term velocity decrease recovering over the course of around 2 years. While station PB05 is located in the rupture area of the Tocopilla earthquake, this is not the case for station PATCX. Station PATCX is situated in an area influenced by salt sediment in the vicinity of Salar Grande and presents a superior sensitivity to ground acceleration and periodic surface‐induced changes. Due to this high sensitivity, we observe a velocity response of several regional earthquakes at PATCX, and we can show for the first time a linear relationship between the amplitude of velocity drops and peak ground acceleration for data from a single station. This relationship does not hold true when comparing different stations due to the different sensitivity of the station environments. Furthermore, we observe periodic annual velocity changes at PATCX. Analyzing data at a temporal resolution below 1 day, we are able to identify changes with a period of 24 h, too. The characteristics of the seismic velocity with annual and daily periods indicate an atmospheric origin of the velocity changes that we confirm with a model based on thermally induced stress. This comprehensive model explains the lag time dependence of the temperature‐related seismic velocity changes involving the distribution of temperature fluctuations, the relationship between temperature, stress and velocity change, plus autocorrelation sensitivity kernels.
A model of energy budgets over water, snow, and ice surfaces
Authors: Wang Jingfeng , Bras Rafael L. , Nieves Veronica , Deng Yi
Published: May 2014

The recently formulated maximum entropy production (MEP) model over land surfaces has been generalized to water‐snow‐ice surfaces. Analytical solutions of energy budget in terms of the partition of surface radiative fluxes into (turbulent and/or conductive) heat fluxes at the earth‐atmosphere interface are derived as functions of surface temperature (e.g., sea surface temperature). The MEP model does not require data of wind speed, air temperature‐humidity, and surface roughness. Test of the MEP model using observations from several field experiments is encouraging. Potential applications of the proposed model for understanding long‐term trends in surface heat fluxes and for closing global surface energy budget at the Earth's atmosphere are suggested.
Suomi NPP VIIRS Imagery evaluation
Authors: Hillger Donald , Seaman Curtis , Liang Calvin , Miller Steven , Lindsey Daniel , Kopp Thomas
Published: May 2014

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) combines the best aspects of both civilian and military heritage instrumentation. VIIRS has improved capabilities over its predecessors: a wider swath width and much higher spatial resolution at swath edge. The VIIRS day‐night band (DNB) is sensitive to very low levels of visible light and is capable of detecting low clouds, land surface features, and sea ice at night, in addition to light emissions from both man‐made and natural sources. Imagery from the Suomi National Polar‐orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP) satellite has been in the checkout process since its launch on 28 October 2011. The ongoing evaluation of VIIRS Imagery helped resolve several imagery‐related issues, including missing radiance measurements. In particular, near‐constant contrast imagery, derived from the DNB, had a large number of issues to overcome, including numerous missing or blank‐fill images and a stray light leakage problem that was only recently resolved via software fixes. In spite of various sensor issues, the VIIRS DNB has added tremendous operational and research value to Suomi NPP. Remarkably, it has been discovered to be sensitive enough to identify clouds even in very low light new moon conditions, using reflected light from the Earth's airglow layer. Impressive examples of the multispectral imaging capabilities are shown to demonstrate its applications for a wide range of operational users. Future members of the Joint Polar Satellite System constellation will also carry and extend the use of VIIRS. Imagery evaluation will continue with these satellites to ensure the quality of imagery for end users.
The influence of Nunataks on atmospheric boundary layer convection during summer in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica
Authors: Stenmark Aurora , Hole Lars Robert , Voss Paul , Reuder Joachim , Jonassen Marius O.
Published: May 2014

The effects of nunataks on temperature profiles and wind patterns are studied using simulations from the Weather Research and Forecasting model. Simulations are compared to hourly observations from an automatic weather station located at the Troll Research Station in Dronning Maud Land. Areas of bare ground have been implemented in the model, and the simulations correspond well with meteorological measurements acquired during the 4 day simulation period. The nunataks are radiatively heated during daytime, and free convection occurs in the overlying atmospheric boundary layer. The inflow below the updraft forces strong horizontal convergence at the surface, whereas weaker divergence appears aloft. In a control run with a completely ice‐covered surface, the convection is absent. In situ observations carried out by a remotely controlled balloon and a small model airplane compare well with model temperature profiles, but these are only available over the ice field upwind to the nunatak.
Climate change, water rights, and agriculture: A case study in Idaho
Authors: Balcerak Ernie
Published: May 2014

Water supply is important to agriculture and other consumptive uses in the arid and semiarid climate zones, but it has become increasingly uncertain under a changing climate. More important, how agricultural output will be affected may depend on how water resources are allocated based on the dominant sharing rule, according to Xu et al., who conducted a case study in Idaho.
Importance of river inputs to Arctic coastal food webs
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: May 2014

Nutrients transported from land to sea by rivers are essential to the health and productivity of coastal food webs, yet there are many places in the world where understanding of river inputs to the ocean remains limited. This is particularly true in the Arctic, where river water flow and chemistry data are scarce.
A 106 year monthly coral record reveals that the East Asian summer monsoon modulates winter PDO variability
Authors: Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Kawamura Takashi , Yamazaki Atsuko , Murayama Masafumi , Yamano Hiroya
Published: May 2014

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) is a dominant climate mode in the Pacific Ocean and thought to be related to seasonal to decadal changes in sea surface conditions. Colonies of long‐living Porites coral, widely used to reconstruct monthly to century‐scale tropical sea surface temperature and sea surface salinity records, were discovered near Koshiki Island, Japan (31°N, 129°E). A monthly resolved, 106 year δ18O record revealed that distinct decadal‐scale variability was significantly correlated with the PDO index. Our comparison showed 1 to 3 years lead‐lag correlation of summer coral δ18O with the winter PDO index, suggesting that the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) may act as the driving force of winter PDO variability over the last 100 years. Cross‐spectral analysis between the winter PDO index and summer coral δ18O suggested that recent and future global warming may lead to a more frequent and/or stronger teleconnection between EASM and PDO.
Dominant seismic noise sources in the Southern Ocean and West Pacific, 2000–2012, recorded at the Warramunga Seismic Array, Australia
Authors: Reading Anya M. , Koper Keith D. , Gal Martin , Graham Leon S. , Tkalčić Hrvoje , Hemer Mark A.
Published: May 2014

Seismic noise is important in determining Earth structure and also provides an insight into ocean wave patterns and long‐term trends in storm activity and global climate. We present a long‐duration study of seismic noise focused on the Southern Ocean using recordings from the Warramunga Seismic Array, Northern Territory, Australia. Using high‐resolution analysis, we determine the seismic slowness and back azimuth of observed seismic noise, microseisms, at hourly intervals through over a decade (2000–2012). We identify three dominant sources of body wave (P) noise in the Southern Ocean which we interpret to originate from a South Atlantic source propagating as PP waves, and Kerguelen Island and Philippine Sea sources propagating as P waves. We also identify surface waves from around the Australian coast. All sources show distinct seasonality and a low, but discernable, interannual variability.
Active back thrust in the eastern Taiwan suture revealed by the 2013 Rueisuei earthquake: Evidence for a doubly vergent orogenic wedge?
Authors: Chuang Ray Y. , Johnson Kaj M. , Kuo Yu‐Ting , Wu Yih‐Min , Chang Chien‐Hsin , Kuo Long‐Chen
Published: May 2014

Rapid exhumation of 3–10 mm/yr of the Taiwan metamorphic range is often explained as the unroofing of the retrowedge of a doubly vergent mountain belt. Yet, to date, the Central Range fault forming the boundary of the retrowedge has displayed no definitive evidence for recent seismic activity and no unambiguous geomorphic expression over much of the fault. The 2013 M6.4 Rueisuei reverse‐faulting earthquake nucleated at the eastern boundary of the retrowedge and appears to illuminate the west dipping Central Range fault. We estimate the fault geometry and coseismic slip distribution using a uniform stress drop slip inversion and surface displacements derived from GPS and strong‐motion data. We identify a ~42° dipping blind reverse fault, consistent with the previously proposed buried Central Range fault beneath the highly active Longitudinal Valley fault. This earthquake may be the first indication that rapid exhumation and uplift occur along a distinct fault structure bounding the eastern margin of the Taiwan retrowedge.
Influence of the Atlantic zonal mode on monsoon depressions in the Bay of Bengal during boreal summer
Authors: Pottapinjara Vijay , Girishkumar M. S. , Ravichandran M. , Murtugudde R.
Published: May 2014

The influence of the Atlantic Zonal Mode (AZM) or the Atlantic Niño on monsoon depressions in the Bay of Bengal during the boreal summer (June–August) is studied. Our analysis shows that there is a statistically significant difference in the number of monsoon depressions in the Bay of Bengal between the warm and cold phases of the AZM; more (fewer) monsoon depressions form during the cold (warm) phase of AZM. It also shows that there are differences in spatial pattern of trajectories of monsoon depressions; during the cold phase of AZM, the tracks are relatively long and seem to cluster along the axis of core monsoon region compared to the warm phase of AZM. The analysis indicates an increase (a reduction) in low‐level cyclonic vorticity and midtropospheric humidity but a reduction (an increase) in vertical wind shear due to anomalous circulation pattern. All of these changes are favorable for the enhancement (suppression) of monsoon depressions during the cold (warm) phase of the AZM. Our analysis further shows a teleconnection pathway by which the AZM can influence the remote Indian Ocean. This could have implications for enhancing monsoon prediction skill, especially during non‐El Niño–Southern Oscillation years.
The Who, What, and Why of Human Intelligence Gathering: Self‐Reported Measures of Interrogation Methods
Authors: Redlich Allison D. , Kelly Christopher E. , Miller Jeaneé C.
Published: May 2014

A great deal of research in the past two decades has been devoted to interrogation and interviewing techniques. This study contributes to the existing literature using an online survey to examine the frequency of use and perceived effectiveness of interrogation methods for up to 152 military and federal‐level interrogators from the USA. We focus on the who (objective and subjective interrogator characteristics), the what (situational and detainee characteristics), and the why (intended goal of interrogation). Results indicate that rapport and relationship‐building techniques were employed most often and perceived as the most effective regardless of context and intended outcome, particularly in comparison to confrontational techniques. In addition, context was found to be important in that depending on the situational and detainee characteristics and goal, interrogation methods were viewed as more or less effective. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Precision, Electrochemical Detection of Reversible Binding of Recombinant Proteins on Wide Bandgap GaN Electrodes Functionalized with Biomembrane Models
Authors: Frenkel Nataliya , Wallys Jens , Lippert Sara , Teubert Jörg , Kaufmann Stefan , Das Aparna , Monroy Eva , Eickhoff Martin , Tanaka Motomu
Published: May 2014

We report a novel hybrid charge sensor realized by the deposition of phospholipid monolayers on highly doped n‐GaN electrodes. To detect the binding of recombinant proteins with histidine‐tags, lipid vesicles containing chelator lipids were deposited on GaN electrodes pre‐coated with octadecyltrimethoxysilane monolayers. Owing to its optical transparency, GaN allows the confirmation of the fluidity of supported membranes by fluorescence recovery after photo‐bleaching (FRAP). The electrolyte‐(organic) insulator‐semiconductor (EIS) setup enables one to transduce variations in the surface charge density ΔQ into a change in the interface capacitance ΔC
p and, thus, the flat‐band potential ΔU
FB. The obtained results demonstrate that the membrane‐based charge sensor can reach a high sensitivity to detect reversible changes in the surface charge density on the membranes by the formation of chelator complexes, docking of eGFP with histidine tags, and cancellation by EDTA. The achievable resolution of ΔQ ≥ 0.1 μC/cm2 is better than that obtained for membrane‐functionalized p‐GaAs, 0.9 μC/cm2, and for ITO coated with a polymer supported lipid monolayer, 2.2 μC/cm2. Moreover, we examined the potential application of optically active InGaN/GaN quantum dot structures, for the detection of changes in the surface potential from the photoluminescence signals measured at room temperature.
A Phosphine‐Catalyzed Regioselective [3+2] Cycloaddition of Ethyl 5,5‐Diarylpenta‐2,3,4‐trienoate with Aromatic Aldehydes and α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Wang Lu‐Feng , Cao Xiao‐Ping , Shi Zi‐Fa , An Peng , Chow Hak‐Fun
Published: May 2014

Tributylphosphine‐catalyzed regioselective [3+2] cycloadditions between ethyl 5,5‐diarylpenta‐2,3,4‐trienoate 1 and various aromatic aldehydes 2 to produce a wide variety of polysubstituted 2,5‐dihydrofurans 3, and between 1 and β‐unsubstituted α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds 5 to give polysubstituted cyclopentenes 6 with a quaternary carbon center, are reported. In both cases the reaction partners approach each other via the sterically less hindered orientation to afford the target products in excellent regioselectivity. The reaction mechanism involved first the generation of a zwitterionic intermediate between the butatriene 1 and PBu3. For the formation of 2,5‐dihydrofurans 3, the preferred cyclization mode encompassed the nucleophilic attack of the α‐position of butatriene to the aldehydic carbon of 2, followed by the ring closure between the aldehydic oxygen of 2 and the γ‐position of butatriene, which is the first report of a normal [3+2] cycloaddition between cumulenes and aldehydes. For the formation of cyclopentenes 6, the reaction involved attack of the γ‐position of the butatriene to the electron‐deficient β‐position of the α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds 5, followed by the ring closure between the α‐position of 5 and the α‐position of butatriene, which shows a different regioselectivity to the previously reported [3+2] cycloadditions between butatriene and olefins.

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Copper Pincer Complexes as Advantageous Catalysts for the Heteroannulation of ortho‐Halophenols and Alkynes
Authors: Moure María Jesús , SanMartin Raul , Domínguez Esther
Published: May 2014

A new, non‐symmetrical copper(II) pincer complex catalyzes much more efficiently the formation of benzofuran by the reaction between ortho‐iodophenols and alkynes. The lowest catalyst loadings are realized for this reaction, and bromo‐ and chlorophenols are heteroannulated for the first time. Strong evidence for hydrophenoxylation and intramolecular halogen atom‐transfer steps catalyzed by this remarkably active, recyclable homogeneous catalyst is provided.

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Practical Methods for the Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated Alkynes: Oxidative Trifluoromethylation of Copper Acetylides and Alkynes
Authors: Tresse Cédric , Guissart Céline , Schweizer Stéphane , Bouhoute Yassine , Chany Anne‐Caroline , Goddard Mary‐Lorène , Blanchard Nicolas , Evano Gwilherm
Published: May 2014

Two practical and complementary methods are reported for the synthesis of trifluoromethylated alkynes. The first one, a mix‐and‐stir process, is based on the oxidative trifluoromethylation of readily available and bench‐stable copper acetylides while the second one, which displays a broad substrate scope and has several advantages over existing procedures, is based on the oxidative copper‐catalyzed direct trifluoromethylation of terminal alkynes. Both reactions provide user‐friendly processes for the synthesis of trifluoromethylated acetylenes which can be easily obtained from readily available starting materials.

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Citrate‐Assisted Growth of NiCo2O4 Nanosheets on Reduced Graphene Oxide for Highly Reversible Lithium Storage
Authors: Gao Guoxin , Wu Hao Bin , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: May 2014

Hybrid nanostructures based on graphene and transition metal oxides hold great promise as high‐performance electrode materials for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries. In this work, the rational design and fabrication of NiCo2O4 nanosheets supported on reduced graphene oxide (denoted as rGO/NiCo2O4) is presented as a novel anode material for highly efficient and reversible lithium storage. A solution method is applied to grow Ni‐Co precursor nanosheets on rGO, in which the addition of trisodium citrate is found crucial to guide the formation of uniform Ni‐Co precursor nanosheets. Subsequent thermal treatment results in formation of crystalline NiCo2O4 nanosheets on rGO without damaging the morphology. The interconnected NiCo2O4 nanosheets form hierarchically porous films on both sides of rGO. Such a hybrid nanostructure would effectively promote the charge transport and withstand volume variation upon prolonged charge/discharge cycling. As a result, the rGO/NiCo2O4 nanocomposite demonstrates high reversible capacities of 954.3 and 656.5 mAh g–1 over 50 cycles at current densities of 200 and 500 mA g–1 respectively, and remarkable capacity retention at increased current densities.
The Assembly‐Disassembly‐Organization‐Reassembly Mechanism for 3D‐2D‐3D Transformation of Germanosilicate IWW Zeolite
Authors: Chlubná‐Eliášová Pavla , Tian Yuyang , Pinar Ana B. , Kubů Martin , Čejka Jiří , Morris Russell E.
Published: May 2014

Hydrolysis of germanosilicate zeolites with the IWW structure shows two different outcomes depending on the composition of the starting materials. Ge‐rich IWW (Si/Ge=3.1) is disassembled into a layered material (IPC‐5P), which can be reassembled into an almost pure silica IWW on treatment with diethoxydimethylsilane. Ge‐poor IWW (Si/Ge=6.4) is not completely disassembled on hydrolysis, but retains some 3D connectivity. This structure can be reassembled into IWW by incorporation of Al to fill the defects left when the Ge is removed.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of [4]Cyclo‐2,7‐pyrenylene: Effects of Cyclic Structure on the Electronic Properties of Pyrene Oligomers
Authors: Iwamoto Takahiro , Kayahara Eiichi , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Suzuki Toshiyasu , Yamago Shigeru
Published: May 2014

A cyclic tetramer of pyrene, [4]cyclo‐2,7‐pyrenylene ([4]CPY), was synthesized from pyrene in six steps and 18 % overall yield by the platinum‐mediated assembly of pyrene units and subsequent reductive elimination of platinum. The structures of the two key intermediates were unambiguously determined by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. DFT calculations showed that the topology of the frontier orbitals in [4]CPY was essentially the same as those in [8]cycloparaphenylene ([8]CPP), and that all the pyrene units were fully conjugated. The electrochemical analyses proved the electronic properties of [4]CPY to be similar to those of [8]CPP. The results are in sharp contrast to those obtained for the corresponding linear oligomers of pyrene in which each pyrene unit was electronically isolated. The results clearly show a novel effect of the cyclic structure on cyclic π‐conjugated molecules.
Partitioning of monobutyl itaconate and β‐carboxyethyl acrylate between organic and water phases
Authors: Fang Cheng , Wang Yuanyuan , Lin Zhongxiang , Daniels Eric S. , Klein Andrew
Published: May 2014

Unsaturated carboxylic acids are usually used as functional monomers at low concentrations in emulsion polymerization to improve the colloidal stability and the mechanical properties of the films prepared from the corresponding latexes. These acids are distributed between the aqueous and organic phases to different extents due to their various water solubilities. The partitioning behavior of two new vinyl acids, monobutyl itaconate (MBI) and β‐carboxyethyl acrylate (β‐CEA), between n‐butyl methacrylate (BMA) and the water phases was studied in this work. In addition, the partitioning of commonly used acrylic acid (AA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) was also determined as a benchmark. It was found that the partition coefficients (D) of MBI and β‐CEA depended to a large extent on the acid concentration in the total comonomer mixture; the same trends were observed for AA and MAA. With the variation in monomer to water ratio (M/W), the D value of lipophilic acid MBI changed significantly, while for hydrophilic acid β‐CEA, the D value changed very little. Furthermore, the values of the partition coefficient of MBI and β‐CEA were very strong functions of pH, decreasing rapidly as the pH is increased. On the other hand, temperature has little effect on the partition coefficients for vinyl acids under typical emulsion polymerization reaction conditions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40868.
Needleless emulsion electrospinning for scalable fabrication of core–shell nanofibers
Authors: Zhou Zhengping , Wu Xiang‐Fa , Ding Yichun , Yu Meng , Zhao Youhao , Jiang Long , Xuan Chengluan , Sun Chengwen
Published: May 2014

This article reports a new needleless emulsion electrospinning method for scale‐up fabrication of ultrathin core–shell polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) fibers. These core–shell fibers can be incorporated at the interfaces of polymer composites for interfacial toughening and self‐repairing due to polymerization of IPDI triggered by environmental moisture. The electrospinnable PAN/IPDI emulsion was prepared by blending PAN/N,N‐dimethylformamide and IPDI/N,N‐dimethylformamide solutions (with the solute mass fraction of 1 : 1). The electrospinning setup consisted of a pair of aligned metal wires as spinneret (positive electrode) to infuse the PAN/IPDI emulsion and a rotary metal disk as fiber collector (negative electrode). The formed ultrathin core–shell PAN/IPDI fibers were collected with the diameter in the range from 300 nm to 3 μm depending on the solution concentration and process parameters. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the core–shell nanostructures. Dependencies of the fiber diameter on the PAN/IPDI concentration, wire spacing, and wire diameter were examined. Results show that needleless emulsion electrospinning provides a feasible low‐cost manufacturing technique for scalable, continuous fabrication of core–shell nanofibers for potential applications in self‐repairing composites, drug delivery, etc. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40896.
Synthesis, antimicrobial activity, and release of tetracycline hydrochloride loaded poly(vinyl alcohol)/soybean protein isolate/zirconium dioxide nanofibrous membranes
Authors: Wang Hualin , Li Yanan , Jiang Suwei , Zhang Peng , Min Sun , Jiang Shaotong
Published: May 2014

Tetracycline hydrochloride loaded poly(vinyl alcohol)/soybean protein isolate/zirconium (Tet–PVA/SPI/ZrO2) nanofibrous membranes were fabricated via an electrospinning technique. The average diameter of the PVA/soybean protein isolate (SPI)/ZrO2 nanofibers used as drug carriers increased with increasing ZrO2 content, and the nanofibers were uneven and tended to stick together when the ZrO2 content was above 15 wt %. The Tet–PVA/SPI/ZrO2 nanofibers were similar in morphology when the loading dosage of the model drug tetracycline hydrochloride was below 6 wt %. The PVA, SPI, and ZrO2 units were linked by hydrogen bonds in the hybrid networks, and the addition of ZrO2 improved the thermostability of the polymer matrix. The Tet–PVA/SPI/ZrO2 nanofibrous membranes exhibited good controlled drug‐release properties and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The results of this study suggest that those nanofibrous membranes were suitable for drug delivery and wound dressing. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40903.
Highly selective removal of organic dyes from aqueous solutions with chitin beads entrapping rectorite
Authors: Li Guoxiang , Lu Daichan , Shi Xindan , Cai Mingyue
Published: May 2014

By blending chitin with rectorite and organic rectorite in an 8 wt % NaOH/4 wt % urea aqueous solution, we successfully fabricated millimeter‐scale chitin/rectorite composite beads (BCRs) and chitin/organic rectorite beads (BCO), respectively, via an optimal dropping technology. The adsorption of the organic dyes on the BCRs and BCOs were investigated to evaluate the selective removal of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) of different charges. Adsorption kinetics experiments were carried out, and the data fit a pseudo‐second‐order equation well. The results reveal that the BCR and BCO sorbents efficiently and selectively adsorbed MO and MB, respectively, from wastewater. The adsorption capacity (Qe) and removed percentage of MB by BCR were 0.1978 mg/g and 98.90%. The Qe and R values of MO by BCO were 0.3988 mg/g and 99.70%. Therefore, in this study, we dealt with the development of a clean and safe process for water pollution remediation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40905.
Synthesis and application of acrylic colloidal unimolecular polymers as a melamine thermoset system
Authors: Mistry Jigar K. , Natu Ameya M. , Van De Mark Michael R.
Published: May 2014

Acrylic polymers were synthesized with a ratio of 1 : 7 or 1 : 8 of acrylic acid to acrylic ester monomers to produce an acid‐rich resin. The polymers were water reduced and solvent was stripped to produce colloidal unimolecular polymers (CUPs). These particles were typically 3–9 nm in diameter depending on the molecular weight. They were then formulated into a clear coating with melamine as the crosslinker with thermal curing. Compared to commercial latex films, these melamine‐cured acrylic CUPs had a distinct advantage of having a near‐zero volatile organic compound, better availability of surface functional groups, and improved water resistance. The coatings were evaluated for their methyl ethyl ketone resistance, adhesion, hardness, gloss, flexibility, abrasion, and impact resistance properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40916.
Programmable‐logical‐controllers Synthesis for Automated‐guided‐vehicle Systems Using Ordinary Petri Nets
Authors: Luo Jiliang , Ni Huijuan
Published: May 2014

An ordinary Petri‐net (PN) based approach is proposed to design the programmable logical controller (PLC) for preventing collisions between vehicles in an automated guided vehicles (AGV) system. First, method is proposed to model an AGV system as an ordinary PN, called the plant PN. Second, for collision prevention in an AGV system, module control methods are proposed to design the PN supervisor (the closed‐loop PN) by augmenting the plant PN. In detail, three modules are defined the line, divide, and merge modules, in the plant PN, and the control module methods are presented for each of these three modules. As a result, the closed‐loop PN of an AGV system is obtained and can be analyzed using the PN theory. Finally, method is proposed to translate a closed‐loop PN into a ladder diagram. Consequently, the PN supervisor is implemented by a PLC using these proposed methods. A laboratory AGV system is used to illustrate this approach.