bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructure, Texture Evolution and Magnetic Properties of Fe-6.5 wt. % Si and Fe-6.5 wt. % Si-0.5 wt. % Cu Alloys during Rolling and Annealing Treatment
Authors: Cheng Zhaoyang , Liu Jing , Zhu Jiachen , Xiang Zhidong , Jia Juan , Bi Yunjie
Published: February 2018

Sheets of Fe-6.5 wt. % Si and Fe-6.5 wt. % Si-0.5 wt. % Cu with the thickness of 0.3 mm have been produced by hot and warm rolling. The microstructure, texture evolution and magnetic properties of the two alloys were investigated. It was found that the addition of 0.5 wt. % Cu promoted the formation of shear bands during warm rolling, and enhanced the {110}<001> texture at surface layer and {111}<112> texture in the middle layer. After annealing treatment, a strong η fiber texture with a peak at {110}<001> was formed in the Fe-6.5 wt. % Si-0.5 wt. % Cu sample, while the Fe-6.5 wt. % Si sample was characterized by complex γ, η and λ fibers. The formation of dominating η fiber in the annealed Fe-6.5 wt. % Si-0.5 wt. % Cu sample is attributed to the shear bands formed in {111}<112> oriented grains. These shear bands in {111}<112> oriented grains acted as the nucleation sites of η oriented grains and promoted the growth of Goss oriented grains. The presence of strong η fiber with a peak at Goss in Fe-6.5 wt. % Si-0.5 wt. % Cu sample was the cause for the higher magnetic induction observed for this sample than for the Fe-6.5 wt. % Si sample.
Effect of the New Plant Growth Biostimulants Based on Amino Acids on Yield and Grain Quality of Winter Wheat
Authors: Popko Małgorzata , Michalak Izabela , Wilk Radosław , Gramza Mateusz , Chojnacka Katarzyna , Górecki Henryk
Published: February 2018

Field and laboratory experiments were carried out in 2012–2013, aimed at evaluating the influence of new products stimulating plant growth based on amino acids on crop yield, characteristics of grain and content of macro- and micronutrients in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The tests included two formulations produced in cooperation with INTERMAG Co. (Olkusz, Poland)—AminoPrim and AminoHort, containing 15% and 20% amino acids, respectively, and 0.27% and 2.1% microelements, respectively. Field experiments showed that the application of products based on amino acids influenced the increase of grain yield of winter wheat (5.4% and 11%, respectively, for the application of AminoPrim at a dose 1.0 L/ha and AminoHort at dose 1.25 L/ha) when compared to the control group without biostimulant. Laboratory tests showed an increase of technological characteristics of grain such as ash content, Zeleny sedimentation index and content of protein. The use of the tested preparations at different doses also contributed to the increase of the nutrients content in grains, in particular copper (ranging 31–50%), as well as sodium (35–43%), calcium (4.3–7.9%) and molybdenum (3.9–16%). Biostimulants based on amino acids, tested in the present study, can be recommended for an efficient agricultural production.
Enhanced Antitumor Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Targetable Cetuximab-Conjugated Polymeric Micelles for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chang Ming-Hsiang , Pai Chin-Ling , Chen Ying-Chen , Yu Hsiu-Ping , Hsu Chia-Yen , Lai Ping-Shan
Published: February 2018

Nanocarrier-based delivery systems are promising strategies for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and safety of toxic drugs. Photodynamic therapy (PDT)—a light-triggered chemical reaction that generates localized tissue damage for disease treatments—usually has side effects, and thus patients receiving photosensitizers should be kept away from direct light to avoid skin phototoxicity. In this study, a clinically therapeutic antibody cetuximab (C225) was conjugated to the surface of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactide) (mPEG-b-PLA) micelles via thiol-maleimide coupling to allow tumor-targetable chlorin e6 (Ce6) delivery. Our results demonstrate that more C225-conjugated Ce6-loaded polymeric micelles (C225-Ce6/PM) were selectively taken up than Ce6/PM or IgG conjugated Ce6/PM by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-overexpressing A431 cells observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), thereby decreasing the IC50 value of Ce6-mediated PDT from 0.42 to 0.173 μM. No significant differences were observed in cellular uptake study or IC50 value between C225-Ce6/PM and Ce6/PM groups in lower EGFR expression HT-29 cells. For antitumor study, the tumor volumes in the C225-Ce6/PM-PDT group (percentage of tumor growth inhibition, TGI% = 84.8) were significantly smaller than those in the Ce6-PDT (TGI% = 38.4) and Ce6/PM-PDT groups (TGI% = 53.3) (p < 0.05) at day 21 through reduced cell proliferation in A431 xenografted mice. These results indicated that active EGFR targeting of photosensitizer-loaded micelles provides a possible way to resolve the dose-limiting toxicity of conventional photosensitizers and represents a potential delivery system for PDT in a clinical setting.
Cost-Effectiveness of a Specialized Oral Nutritional Supplementation for Malnourished Older Adult Patients in Spain
Authors: Ballesteros-Pomar María , Martínez Llinàs Diana , Goates Scott , Sanz Barriuso Rebeca , Sanz-Paris Alejandro
Published: February 2018

Malnutrition has been related to prolonged hospital stays, and to increases in readmission and mortality rates. In the NOURISH (Nutrition effect On Unplanned Readmissions and Survival in Hospitalized patients) study, administering a high protein oral nutritional supplement (ONS) containing beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HP-HMB) to hospitalised older adult patients led to a significant improvement in survival compared with a placebo treatment. The aim of this study was to determine whether HP-HMB would be cost-effective in Spain. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System using time horizons of 90 days, 180 days, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years and lifetime. The difference in cost between patients treated with HP-HMB and placebo was €332.75. With the 90 days time horizon, the difference in life years gained (LYG) between both groups was 0.0096, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €34,700.62/LYG. With time horizons of 180 days, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years and lifetime, the respective ICERs were €13,711.68, €3377.96, €2253.32, €1127.34 and €563.84/LYG. This analysis suggests that administering HP-HMB to older adult patients admitted to Spanish hospitals during hospitalisation and after discharge could be a cost-effective intervention that would improve survival with a reduced marginal cost.
Application of Superabsorbent Spacer Fabrics as Exuding Wound Dressing
Authors: Yang Yadie , Hu Hong
Published: February 2018

Exuding wound care requires a dressing to quickly absorb exudates and properly manage moisture during the healing process. In this study, the superabsorbent spacer fabrics were designed and fabricated for application in exuding wound dressings. The fabric structure consists of three layers, including two outer hydrophobic layers made of polyester/spandex yarns and one superabsorbent middle layer made of superabsorbent yarns. In order to confirm the performance of these superabsorbent spacer fabrics, their dressing properties were tested and compared with two commercial foam dressings. The results showed that all the superabsorbent spacer fabrics had much faster wetting speeds (less than 2 s) than the foam dressings (6.04 s for Foam A and 63.69 s for Foam B). The absorbency of the superabsorbent spacer fabrics was at least twice higher than that of the foam dressings. The air permeability of the superabsorbent spacer fabrics (higher than 15 mL/s/cm2 at 100 Pa) was much higher than that of the foam dressings which had a too low permeability to be measured by the testing device. In addition, the water vapor permeability, thermal insulation, and conformability of superabsorbent spacer fabrics were comparable to foam dressings. The study indicates that the superabsorbent spacer fabrics are suitable for exuding wound dressing applications.
Special Resins for Stereolithography: In Situ Generation of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Taormina Gabriele , Sciancalepore Corrado , Bondioli Federica , Messori Massimo
Published: February 2018

The limited availability of materials with special properties represents one of the main limitations to a wider application of polymer-based additive manufacturing technologies. Filled resins are usually not suitable for vat photo-polymerization techniques such as stereolithography (SLA) or digital light processing (DLP) due to a strong increment of viscosity derived from the presence of rigid particles within the reactive suspension. In the present paper, the possibility to in situ generate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) starting from a homogeneous liquid system containing a well dispersed silver salt, which is subsequently reduced to metallic silver during stereolithographic process, is reported. The simultaneous photo-induced cross-linking of the acrylic resin produces a filled thermoset resin with thermal-mechanical properties significantly enhanced with respect to the unfilled resin, even at very low AgNPs concentrations. With this approach, the use of silver salts having carbon-carbon double bonds, such as silver acrylate and silver methacrylate, allows the formation of a nanocomposite structure in which the release of by-products is minimized due to the active role of all the reactive components in the three dimensional (3D)-printing processes. The synergy, between this nano-technology and the geometrical freedom offered by SLA, could open up a wide spectrum of potential applications for such a material, for example in the field of food packaging and medical and healthcare sectors, considering the well-known antimicrobial effects of silver nanoparticles.
Advantageous Microwave-Assisted Suzuki Polycondensation for the Synthesis of Aniline-Fluorene Alternate Copolymers as Molecular Model with Solvent Sensing Properties
Authors: Vázquez-Guilló Rebeca , Falco Alberto , Martínez-Tomé M. José , Mateo C. Reyes , Herrero María Antonia , Vázquez Ester , Mallavia Ricardo
Published: February 2018

Polymerization via Suzuki coupling under microwave (µW) irradiation has been studied for the synthesis of poly{1,4-(2/3-aminobenzene)-alt-2,7-(9,9-dihexylfluorene)} (PAF), chosen as molecular model. Briefly, µW-assisted procedures accelerated by two orders of magnitude the time required when using classical polymerization processes, and the production yield was increased (>95%). In contrast, although the sizes of the polymers that were obtained by non-conventional heating reactions were reproducible and adequate for most applications, with this methodology the molecular weight of final polymers were not increased with respect to conventional heating. Asymmetric orientation of the amine group within the monomer and the assignments of each dyad or regioregularity, whose values ranged from 38% to 95% with this molecule, were analysed using common NMR spectroscopic data. Additionally, the synthesis of a new cationic polyelectrolyte, poly{1,4-(2/3-aminobenzene)-co-alt-2,7-[9,9´-bis(6’’-N,N,N-trimethylammonium-hexyl)fluorene]} dibromide (PAFAm), from poly{1,4-(2/3-aminobenzene)-co-alt-2,7-[9,9´-bis(6’’-bromohexyl)fluorene]} (PAFBr) by using previously optimized conditions for µW-assisted heating procedures was reported. Finally, the characterization of the final products from these batches showed unkown interesting solvatochromic properties of the PAF molecule. The study of the solvatochromism phenomena, which was investigated as a function of the polarity of the solvents, showed a well-defined Lippert correlation, indicating that the emission shift observed in PAF might be due to its interaction with surrounding environment. Proven high sensitivity to changes of its environment makes PAF a promising candidate of sensing applications.
Estimation of Global Vegetation Productivity from Global LAnd Surface Satellite Data
Authors: Yu Tao , Sun Rui , Xiao Zhiqiang , Zhang Qiang , Liu Gang , Cui Tianxiang , Wang Juanmin
Published: February 2018

Accurately estimating vegetation productivity is important in research on terrestrial ecosystems, carbon cycles and climate change. Eight-day gross primary production (GPP) and annual net primary production (NPP) are contained in MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products (MOD17), which are considered the first operational datasets for monitoring global vegetation productivity. However, the cloud-contaminated MODIS leaf area index (LAI) and Fraction of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FPAR) retrievals may introduce some considerable errors to MODIS GPP and NPP products. In this paper, global eight-day GPP and eight-day NPP were first estimated based on Global LAnd Surface Satellite (GLASS) LAI and FPAR products. Then, GPP and NPP estimates were validated by FLUXNET GPP data and BigFoot NPP data and were compared with MODIS GPP and NPP products. Compared with MODIS GPP, a time series showed that estimated GLASS GPP in our study was more temporally continuous and spatially complete with smoother trajectories. Validated with FLUXNET GPP and BigFoot NPP, we demonstrated that estimated GLASS GPP and NPP achieved higher precision for most vegetation types.
Sensor Compromise Detection in Multiple-Target Tracking Systems
Authors: Ramirez-Paredes Juan-Pablo , Doucette Emily A. , Curtis Jess W. , Ayala-Ramirez Victor
Published: February 2018

Tracking multiple targets using a single estimator is a problem that is commonly approached within a trusted framework. There are many weaknesses that an adversary can exploit if it gains control over the sensors. Because the number of targets that the estimator has to track is not known with anticipation, an adversary could cause a loss of information or a degradation in the tracking precision. Other concerns include the introduction of false targets, which would result in a waste of computational and material resources, depending on the application. In this work, we study the problem of detecting compromised or faulty sensors in a multiple-target tracker, starting with the single-sensor case and then considering the multiple-sensor scenario. We propose an algorithm to detect a variety of attacks in the multiple-sensor case, via the application of finite set statistics (FISST), one-class classifiers and hypothesis testing using nonparametric techniques.
Experimental L-Band Airborne SAR for Oil Spill Response at Sea and in Coastal Waters
Authors: Jones Cathleen , Holt Benjamin
Published: February 2018

Satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is frequently used during oil spill response efforts to identify oil slick extent, but suffers from the major disadvantages of potential long latency between when a spill occurs and when a satellite can image the site and an inability to continuously track the spill as it develops. We show using data acquired with the Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle SAR (UAVSAR) instrument how a low noise, high resolution, L-band SAR could be used for oil spill response, with specific examples of tracking slick extent, position and weathering; determining zones of relatively thicker or more emulsified oil within a slick; and identifying oil slicks in coastal areas where look-alikes such as calm waters or biogenic slicks can confound the identification of mineral oil spills. From these key points, the essential features of an airborne SAR system for operational oil spill response are described, and further research needed to determine SAR’s capabilities and limitations in quantifying slick thickness is discussed.
A Novel Early Warning System Based on a Sediment Microbial Fuel Cell for In Situ and Real Time Hexavalent Chromium Detection in Industrial Wastewater
Authors: Zhao Shuai , Liu Pu , Niu Yongyan , Chen Zhengjun , Khan Aman , Zhang Pengyun , Li Xiangkai
Published: February 2018

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is a well-known toxic heavy metal in industrial wastewater, but in situ and real time monitoring cannot be achieved by current methods used during industrial wastewater treatment processes. In this study, a Sediment Microbial Fuel Cell (SMFC) was used as a biosensor for in situ real-time monitoring of Cr(VI), which was the organic substrate is oxidized in the anode and Cr(VI) is reduced at the cathode simultaneously. The pH 6.4 and temperature 25 °C were optimal conditions for the operation. Under the optimal conditions, linearity (R2 = 0.9935) of the generated voltage was observed in the Cr(VI) concentration range from 0.2 to 0.7 mg/L. The system showed high specificity for Cr(VI), as other co-existing ions such as Cu2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+ did not interfere with Cr(VI) detection. In addition, when the sediment MFC-based biosensor was applied for measuring Cr(VI) in actual wastewater samples, a low deviation (<8%) was obtained, which indicated its potential as a reliable biosensor device. MiSeq sequencing results showed that electrochemically active bacteria (Geobacter and Pseudomonas) were enriched at least two-fold on the biofilm of the anode in the biosensor as compared to the SMFC without Cr(VI). Cyclic voltammetry curves indicated that a pair of oxidation/reduction peaks appeared at −111 mV and 581 mV, respectively. These results demonstrated that the proposed sediment microbial fuel cell-based biosensor can be applied as an early warning device for real time in situ detection of Cr(VI) in industrial wastewaters.
Structural Designing of a MEMS Capacitive Accelerometer for Low Temperature Coefficient and High Linearity
Authors: He Jiangbo , Zhou Wu , Yu Huijun , He Xiaoping , Peng Peng
Published: February 2018

The low temperature coefficient and high linearity of the input-output characteristics are both required for high-performance microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) capacitive accelerometers. In this work, a structural designing of a bulk MEMS capacitive accelerometer is developed for both low temperature coefficient and high linearity. Firstly, the contrary effect of the wide-narrow gaps ratio (WNGR) on the temperature coefficient of the scale factor (TCSF) and linearity error is discussed. Secondly, the ability of an improved structure that can avoid the contrary effect is illustrated. The improved structure is proposed in our previous work for reducing the temperature coefficient of bias (TCB) and TCSF. Within the improved structure, both the TCSF and linearity error decrease with increasing WNGR. Then, the precise designing of the improved structure is developed for achieving lower TCB, TCSF, and linearity error. Finally, the precise structural designing is experimentally verified.
The Macroeconomic Determinants of International Casino Travel: Evidence from South Korea’s Top Four Inbound Markets
Authors: Suh Hyunduk , Kim Sung-Bum
Published: February 2018

This study investigates the macroeconomic determinants behind the number of foreign visitors to Korean casinos arriving from major source countries, namely Japan, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan. Using monthly data from 2006 to 2016, we utilized a Structural Vector Autoregression (SVAR) model to investigate the dynamic effects of macroeconomic factors on the number of casino visitors. Estimation results supported the conclusion that visitors from Japan and Mainland China—who account for approximately three quarters of the total number of foreign casino visitors—were affected by macroeconomic or financial indicators such as changes in oil prices, exports and exchange rates (Japan), exports and short-term interest rates (Mainland China). In contrast, visitors from Hong Kong SAR did not seem to be influenced by any of these factors. We also found that the MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak in Korea in 2015 had a significant adverse effect on casino visitors from all regions. Implications and suggestions for future studies are provided along with the results of this study.
Responses of Bed Morphology to Vegetation Growth and Flood Discharge at a Sharp River Bend
Authors: Kang Taeun , Kimura Ichiro , Shimizu Yasuyuki
Published: February 2018

In this study, we conducted simulations using a two-dimensional, depth-averaged river flow and river morphology model to investigate the effect of vegetation growth and degree of flow discharge on a shallow meandering channel. To consider the effects of these factors, it was assumed that vegetation growth stage is changed by water flow and bed erosion. The non-uniformity of the vegetation growth was induced by the non-uniform and unsteady profile of the water depth due to the irregular shape of the bed elevation and the unsteady flow model reliant on hydrographs to evaluate three types of peak discharges: moderate flow, annual average maximum flow, and extreme flow. To compare the effects of non-uniform growing vegetation, the change in channel patterns was quantified using the Active Braiding Index (ABI), which indicates the average number of channels with flowing water at a cross section and the Bed Relief Index (BRI), which quantifies the degree of irregularity of the cross-sectional shape. Two types of erosion were identified: local erosion (due to increased flow velocity near a vegetation area) and global erosion (due to the discharge approaching peak and the large depth of the channel). This paper demonstrated that the growth of vegetation increases both the ABI and BRI when the peak discharge is lower than the annual average discharge, whereas the growth of vegetation reduces the BRI when the peak discharge is extreme. However, under extreme discharge, the ABI decreases because global erosion is dominant. The conclusions from this study help to deepen the understanding of the interactions between curved river channels and vegetation.
Cyclodextrin-assisted synthesis of tailored mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Topuz Fuat , Uyar Tamer
Published: February 2018

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have sparked considerable interest in drug/gene delivery, catalysis, adsorption, separation, sensing, antireflection coatings and bioimaging because of their tunable structural properties. The shape, size and pore structure of MSNs are greatly influenced by the type of additives used, e.g., solvent and pore-templating agent. Here, we studied the influence of cyclodextrin (CD) molecules on the formation of MSNs. The nanoparticles over 100 nm in diameter were synthesized by surfactant-templated, hydrolysis–polycondensation reactions in the presence of pristine CD (β-CD) or hydroxypropyl-functionalized CDs (HP-γ-CD and HP-β-CD). Depending on the formulation conditions, differently shaped MSNs, such as bean-like, spherical, ellipsoid, aggregate and faceted were generated. The morphology and size of MSNs varied with the CD-type used. Generally, spherical particles were obtained with β-CD, while a faceted morphology was observed for the particles synthesized using HP-CDs. The particle size could be tuned by adjusting the amount of CD used; increasing the CD concentration led to larger particles. MSNs synthesized in the presence of β-CD displayed a smaller particle size than those produced with HP-functional CDs. FTIR, TGA and solid-state 13C NMR demonstrated the adsorption of CDs on the particle surfaces. The proposed concept allows for the synthesis of silica nanoparticles with control over particle shape and size by adjusting the concentration of additives in a simple, one-pot reaction system for a wide range of applications.
Distribution and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Aeromonas spp. from different aquatic environments in north Lebanon
Authors: Rafei Rayane , Al Kassaa Imad , Osman Marwan , Dabboussi Fouad , Hamze Monzer
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Bacteria of Aeromonas genus are ubiquitous organisms in aquatic environments. This work aims to explore the presence of four clinically relevant species in Lebanese waters and to study their susceptibility to antibiotics.

Methods: One hundred water samples are collected in northern Lebanon from different sources (river, springs, wells, ponds, sea, chlorinated water and sewage) and analyzed by culture methods. The isolates were identified at genus level by a PCR assay targeting gcat gene. The presence of four species (A. hydrophila, A. caviae, A. media and A. veronii) was investigated by a multiplex PCR. The antibiotic susceptibility was also studied.

Results: Aeromonas spp. was detected in 28% of investigated samples. In total, 38 isolates were identified as Aeromonas spp (10 out of 7 river water samples, 9 out of 35 spring, 9 among 26 wells, 5 out of 4 sewage samples, 2 out of 5 ponds, 2 out of 8 seawater samples and 1 out of 15 chlorinated water samples). Aeromonas hydrophila was the predominant species (19 isolates; 50%). The 3 other species were found to a lesser extent: A. caviae (3 isolates; 7.9%), A. veronii (2 isolates; 5.3%) and A. media (2 isolates; 5.3%). 12 other isolates (31.5%) remained unidentified by the used multiplex PCR technique. All isolates were resistant to more than one antibiotic. The most common resistance concerned beta-lactams.

Conclusion: This study has highlighted the interesting distribution of these species in aquatic biotopes in Lebanon and the threat of potential transmission of these resistant strains to humans.
Endosomal Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) mediate enhancement of IL-17A production triggered by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in mice
Authors: Shehab Marwa , Jammaz Rana , Salloum Noor , Rahal Elias A.
Published: February 2018

Introduction: EBV has long-been associated with autoimmune disorders. We have previously demonstrated that EBV DNA increases the production of IL-17A in mice. This property may play a role in the association of EBV with autoimmune diseases. The objective of this study was to elucidate mechanisms through which EBV DNA modulates IL-17A levels in mice.

Methodology: To study the potential role of endosomal receptors in detecting EBV DNA, chloroquine, an endosomal maturation inhibitor, was used to treat mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the presence or absence of EBV DNA. IL-17A levels were then assessed by ELISA. Subsequently, to determine whether TLR3, 7 or 9 played a role in this pathway, specific inhibitors were used for these TLRs both in mouse PBMCs and in vivo in BALB/c mice treated with the viral DNA; IL-17A levels were then similarly assessed.

Results: IL-17A production was enhanced from mouse PBMCs cultured with EBV DNA; pre-incubation of PBMCs with chloroquine significantly reduced its production. When cells were cultured with EBV DNA and a TLR3, 7 or 9 inhibitor, a significant decrease in IL-17A levels was detected. A similar decrease in the EBV DNA-triggered IL-17A production in mice was observed when animals were treated with the TLR inhibitors.

Conclusion: Endosomal TLRs appear to be involved in recognizing EBV DNA and subsequently triggering IL-17A production in mice. Targeting these receptors in EBV positive subjects with autoimmunity may be useful pending investigations assessing whether they play a similar role in humans.
Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C among intravenous drug abusers in the Lebanese population
Authors: Nakhoul Mary , Richa Carine , Jreij Afif , Abou Rached Antoine
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Injection drug users (IVDU) are prone to many blood born viral infections. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) constitute an important public health concern in this high-risk group. The aim of the study is to calculate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Lebanon.

Methodology: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study between June 2015 and June 2016 on PWIDs recruited through the Lebanese non-governmental organizations in collaboration with the Lebanese ministry of public health. The participants were tested for HBs Antigen and HCV antibody using rapid test kits. The prevalence of each virus was then calculated. The correlation between both infections and other possible risk factors was also analyzed.

Results: A total of 250 people were included in our study. 98% were males. Mean age was 31.9-year-old. The prevalence of HBV and HCV among PWID was 1.2% and 15.6%, respectively. Older age, longer duration of drug use, and the lack of awareness were found to be significantly correlated with higher rate of HCV infection. We noted a relatively high rate of sharing needles among PWIDs without significantly affecting the prevalence of both viruses.

Conclusion: IVDU remains a major public health concern in Lebanon, being one of the most prevalent subpopulations for chronic viral hepatitis namely the HCV. Appropriate screening strategies, targeted educational programs and adequate HBV vaccination are of extreme importance for further viral prevention among this high-risk group.
Implications of the CARE Act for Latino Caregivers
Authors: Caceres Billy A. , Perez Adriana
Published: February 2018

The Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act has the potential to make a positive impact in the lives of Latino older adults and their caregivers. As Latino individuals are the fastest growing older adult population, the number of Latino families and caregivers is also expected to grow, particularly among those providing care for someone with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Caregiving has been considered a culturally embedded value among Latino individuals. Although few studies have focused on caregiving in this population, those that exist suggest that Latino caregivers struggle to find bilingual and bicultural support and information and show higher levels of distress and health disparities. The purpose of the CARE Act is to help and support family caregivers when older adults are admitted to the hospital and during care transitions. The current article examines the potential implications of this state law, specifically on Latino individuals, including recommendations for policy implementation. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44
(3), 9–14.]
Courses de taureaux Lumière : une vue hors norme en 1898, chaînon essentiel dans la progression narrative du cinéma des premiers temps ?
Authors: Lecointe Thierry
Published: February 2018

La maison Lumière tourne en mai 1898 une Course de taureaux. Si le sujet de la vue peut paraître a priori banal, nous verrons d'abord que les moyens consentis pour le tournage furent hors normes. Cette vue scénarisée et constituée d'une dizaine de bobines eut dans sa diffusion un rayonnement très particulier en France comme à l'étranger. Considérée comme l'une des premières vues longues, nous montrerons qu'elle a préfigurée les prémices des longs métrages narratifs et a donc marquée une étape importante dans l'historiographie des premiers temps.
« Les projets d’ouvrages collectifs... c’est ce que je conteste le plus... »
Authors: Mitry Jean
Published: February 2018

Jean Mitry participe à l'entreprise d'Aristarco mais il n'y croit pas. Dans un entretien avec Marcel Oms il s'explique sur sa conception d'historien du cinéma individuel. Par ailleurs il rompt quelques lances méthodologiques avec Jacques Deslandes qui avait contesté sa démarche historiographique dans le cas d'une filmographie de Griffith.
Les pratiques cinéphiles au prisme de la programmation des ciné-clubs : du choix des animateurs aux goûts des adhérents
Authors: Souillés-Debats Léo
Published: February 2018

Au-delà de la constitution théorique, administrative et juridique des ciné-clubs, le milieu des années 1950 est l'occasion pour le mouvement d'établir un premier bilan de son impact sur les spectateurs qu'il cible depuis sa rencontre avec l'éducation populaire. Si les employés, les ouvriers et les paysans constituent une part effective des adhérents du mouvement après la Libération, ils demeurent en revanche absents de la direction des clubs. On peut y voir un premier échec dans l'entreprise de transmission et d'autogestion défendue par les représentants du mouvement ciné-clubs. Cette différentiation socioculturelle entre cadres et usagers, en effet, favorise le monopole de l'expertise cinématographique par les animateurs, et éclaire la géographie et la morphologie des ciné-clubs. Du choix de programmation des animateurs aux goûts des adhérents, se dessinent ainsi les contours d'une cinéphilie des spectateurs ordinaires dont les principaux points de repère se calquent en définitive sur un modèle de référence qui reste et demeure celui d'une cinéphilie légitimée par des situations professionnelles, des positions sociales et des postures intellectuelles bien spécifiques.
Mobile Phone Usage in Agricultural Extension in India
Authors: Panda Chandan Kumar
Published: February 2018

This chapter describes how the rural economy of India is basically agrarian in nature and agriculture is the life and livelihood of maximum number of rural people. As per Census 2011 of India there are about 95.8 million cultivators and out of which about 80 percent of farmers are marginal and small. Information asymmetry, ‘Information-haves' and ‘information-have-nots', digital divide was once major paradox of Indian Extension system. Through the mKisan platform, 152 crore SMSs have sent till date to the Indian farmers in the subjects of weather information, pest management, market price, quality seed, etc. In addition, the Kisan Call Centre (KCC) Service, the Buyer Seller Platform, and mobile apps viz. Kisan Suvidha, IFFCO Kisan Agriculture, Pusa Krishi, Krishi Gyan, Crop Insurance, AgriMarket, etc., are consistently supporting the farmers. In the future more farmers will be brought under this mobile-based service.
Revolutionizing Education
Authors: Raghunandan-Jack Nadira
Published: February 2018

The chapter discusses equity and educational reform as it relates to minority students in the United States. Historical information is presented along with a synopsis of the current state. Recommendations to equalize learning opportunities and reform education are presented. Students in schools all across America have been shortchanged. They are drowning in a bottomless ocean with the waves and currents pulling them further and further into the depth of a sea of confusion, a sense of hopelessness, and an emptiness that has shattered their dreams.
Sowing Seeds of Justice
Authors: Walls Tonya Evette , Cornejo Malayka Neith , Plachowski Tara J. , Reid Erica Kristina , Park Soo
Published: February 2018

Forming the basis for a provocative dialogue and written to illuminate teaching stories often pushed to the margins, this chapter provides a counter-narrative to the discourse surrounding leaky teacher-of-color pipelines and the national teacher crisis. Employing a critical race analytical lens, critical auto-ethnographic approach, and narrated through prose, five female educators committed to social justice share how they rely on unique and intersecting identities to sustain themselves in contested school spaces, while simultaneously exploring the cultural wealth they and their students bring into those spaces. Their collective stories reveal important lessons essential to our understanding of how to develop teachers for social justice. They also provide insight for those who teach in schools and classrooms meant to educate our most vulnerable and under-served students, and may answer the question, Why doesn't anyone want to teach anymore?
Infographics in Humanities
Authors: Osiński Zbigniew
Published: February 2018

The purpose of the chapter is to join in the discussion of digital humanists on whether data and information visualizations can be an efficient way of communicating information and knowledge about the specificity of the humanities. The basis is to examine the problem of whether a visual communication containing far more graphical elements than text can be something more to the abovementioned group of recipients than a complement to the principal text (as is the case with school handbooks). Can it be a dominant form of communication? In order to obtain research data, a series of didactic tests were administered to a handpicked group of several dozen students. They were students with predominantly humanistic competencies but for whom modern technology poses no barriers in the cognitive process. The test results showed the usefulness of infographics as a form of organization and presentation but only of detailed data and information. The visualization of information did not turn out to be a good foundation for making generalizations and conclusions.
Protein Classification Using N-gram Technique and Association Rules
Authors: Kabli Fatima , Hamou Reda Mohamed , Amine Abdelmalek
Published: February 2018

The knowledge extraction process from biological data is increasingly being considered, it addresses general issues such as grouping, classification and association; The Protein classification is an important activity for the biologist to respond to biological needs. For this reason, the authors present a global framework inspired by the knowledge extraction process from biological data to classified proteins from their primary structure based on the association rules. This framework has three main steps: The first one is, the pre-processing phase, consists of extracting descriptors by N-Gram technique. The second is the extraction of associations rules, applying the Apriori algorithm. The third step is selecting the relevant rules, and applied the classifier. The experiments of this technique were performed on five classes of protein, extracted from UniProt data bank and compared with five classification methods in the WEKA platform. The obtained results satisfied the authors' purpose to propose an effective protein classifier supported by the N-gram technique and the Apriori algorithm.
Life Cycle Assessment of Nickel Production in China
Authors: Deng Shu Ya , Gong Xian Zheng
Published: February 2018

Nickel is widely used in stainless steel and other industries, while there are a lot of energy consumption and environmental pollution in the process of nickel production. Based on the technical framework of life cycle assessment and evaluation model of ReCiPe, the aim of this paper is to find out the environmental hotspot and make suggestions for improvement by researching the environment inpact of nickel production from the process of mining, beneficiation, smelting and transportation. The result shows that: Smelting is the most important environmental effect stage in which the environmental impact load accounts for 52.18% of total environmental impact, because a lot of electricity is consumed in electrolysis process, while the Fossil Depletion Potential (FDP) is the largest environmental impact type, accounting for 42.32% of total environmental impact, which is due to the consumption of a number of fossil energy in the mining and smelting process of nickel ore. It is necessary to use advanced mining technology and mine backfill technology to reduce the consumption of auxiliary materials, which is of great significance for reducing energy consumption and emission.
Mechanical Properties of Self-Healing System in Cementitious Material with Microcapsule
Authors: Liang Peng , Mao Qian Jin , Wang Zi Ming , Cui Su Ping
Published: February 2018

In this paper, several urea–formaldehyde/epoxy microcapsules with different particle sizes were synthesized by in-situ polymerization. The chemical structure and compressive rupture load of microcapsule were characterized. The effect of microcapsule dosage, particle size and preload pressure on compressive strength of cementitious materials was studied. The result shows: when the particle size of microcapsule is 2 mm~2.5 mm, the rupture load of microcapsule is highest, more than 3N; When the microcapsule dosage is less than 2.5%, the strength loss of the matrix is relatively small; With the increase of the particle size of the capsule, the strength of the matrix decrease greatly; When the dosage of microcapsule is 2.5%, the particle size is 1.5 mm and the preload pressure is 30%~45%fmax, the compressive strength of the self-healing specimen is 8% higher than that of the non-preloaded specimens, which shows a certain self-healing performance.
Influence of Warm Deformation on Strain-Induced Martensite Behavior of 316L Stainless Steel
Authors: Zhang Da , Wu Hui Bin , Niu Gang , Tang Di , Gong Na
Published: February 2018

In order to control the ratio of nano/ultrafine structure grains of warm/cold rolled 316L stainless steel after annealing, the influence of deformation amount and temperature on martensite content and microstructure was investigated, and a model of the content of stain-induced martensite and deformation amount and temperature was established. Results showed that the content of stain-induced martensite was nonlinear with deformation amount, but with an incubation period. And it’s generally exponential. Martensitic transition occurred in large deformation stage. 58.23% strain-induced martensite was formed when deformation amount was 80% at 200°C. The content of martensite is the most significant factor that affects austenite grain size after annealing. With more strain-induced martensite, the average austenite grain size decreased, and the uniformity of grain size was improved, which was generally monotonous.
Microstructure and Oxidation Resistance of Y Modified Silicide Coatings Prepared on Zr-Ti-Al Alloy
Authors: He Jia Hua , Guo Xi Ping
Published: February 2018

Zr-20Ti-5Al (at. %) alloy used as substrates for Si-Y2O3co-deposition experiments was prepared by firstly vacuum non-consumable arc melting and then high frequency induction skull melting. The results showed that Y modified silicide coating prepared at 1250 °C for 4 h possessed a double-layer structure, mainly consisting of a thick (Zr, Ti)Si2outer layer and a 15 mm thick (Zr, Ti)Si inner layer. Meanwhile, the growth rate of ZrSi2phase changed with temperature, while the growth rate of ZrSi did not vary significantly with temperature. The growth of the coating as well as the two layers followed parabolic laws, and the co-deposition process was controlled by diffusion. ZrSi2was not appropriate as oxidation-resistant coatings to protect Nb based alloy from oxidation due to the lack of the formation of good quality glassy SiO2layer in the scale.
Wear Resistance of a Large Thick Fe Based Amorphous Composite Coating Deposited by Laser Cladding
Authors: Wang Yong Tian , Mo Jia Wei , Tao Lu Lu
Published: February 2018

A large thick Fe based amorphous composite coating was deposited on the carbon steel substrate by laser cladding method. The phase composition and microstructure are characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The results demonstrate that the large thick laser cladding coating has a typical layered structure mainly consisting of amorphous and nanocrystal phases. The wear resistance and microhardness property are tested by the Vickers hardness tester and MLS-225 type wet sand rubber wheel abrasion tester. The results show that the large thick laser cladding coating has excellent wear resistance and hardness.
Morphology and Microstructure of Tungsten Films by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Yu Jian Gang , Han Wen Jia , Sun Zhong Chao , Zhu Kai Gui
Published: February 2018

In this work, tungsten thin films were deposited on different substrates by magnetron sputtering and some of the films were then annealed at 1000°C for 1 hour in order to investigate the influence of different processing parameters on morphology and microstructure of films. Scanning electron microscope and x-ray diffraction were used to detect the morphology and microstructure of films. Under the same conditions, the thin films on different substrates showed different preferred grain orientations although the morphologies were similar. After thermal treatment, the morphology of films changed significantly and the total stress parallel to film surfaces dropped off sharply.
Effect of Sodium Citrate on Electrochemical Behaviour of Copper in Acid Bath
Authors: Ni Jia Qi , Han Ke Qing , Yu Mu Huo , Zhang Chen Yu
Published: February 2018

The initial stages of copper electrodeposition in acid copper sulphate/sodium citrate bath were investigated with varying copper and sodium citrate concentrations. Different electrochemical measurements, including linear sweep voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry were introduced to the study. The Scharifker-Hills model was introduced to identify the nucleation model with analysing current transients. It was observed that the increase of copper ions inhibited the cathodic polarization behaviour for the reduction of ions. On the contrary, sodium citrate promoted the cathodic polarization behaviour. The chronoamperometry results indicated that without the sodium citrate, the nucleation process corresponded to instantaneous nucleation and three-dimensional diffusion limited growth, although obvious deviations were observed. While the addition of sodium citrate changed the deviations and caused that the initial deposition kinetics followed well with the mechanism of instantaneous nucleation.
The Structural Evolution of Al-6Y-2P Master Alloy and its Influence on the Refinement of Mg2Si Phase in Mg2Si/Al Composites
Authors: Pan Lu Yao , Yu Hua Qian , Jiang Shan , Wang Lu Yao , Zuo Min
Published: February 2018

In this article, a novel Al–6Y–2P master alloy with YP particles was successfully synthesized. By means of the fracture surface observation, it was found that YP particles with an average size of 21.5 μm exhibit the cubic morphologies. With the addition of Al–6Y–2P master alloy, primary Mg2Si particles in Al–Mg2Si composites can be significantly refined to 21.2 μm and 20.3 μm after holding for 30 min and 120 min respectively. Meanwhile, the morphologies of eutectic Mg2Si alter from a flake-like to fine fibrous shape. The reason for the excellent refining performance of this master alloy was discussed based on the chemical kinetics theory. During the solidification process, P atoms distribute homogeneously in the Al melt and precipitate in the form of AlP, providing heterogeneous nucleation sites for primary Mg2Si.
Effect of Modified Diatomite on Crystallinity and Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene
Authors: Zhao Yu , Du Ming , Zhang Ke Xin , Gao Liang
Published: February 2018

The different coupling agent is used for diatomite modification. The diatomite with different content are melt and mixed with polypropylene to prepare diatomite/polypropylene composites. The modification effects of different coupling agent on diatomite and the influence of agent and diatomite contents on crystallization behavior of polypropylene and mechanical properties of composites are investigated. The results show that different coupling agents have the modification effects on diatomite influence crystallization of polypropylene but the aluminum agent is better than other agents. With the increase of the content of aluminum acid ester coupling agent, the size of bubble pore is uniform, and then the compressive strength reaches to a maximum when aluminum acid ester coupling agent content is 1%. With the increase of the content of diatomite, the porosity of bubble pore of diatomite/polypropylene composite material is gradually increases. The crystallinity of polypropylene and yield strength reach to a maximum (48.15% and 21.5%) when diatomite content is 30%. In addition, the diatomite/polypropylene composites have better compressive strength than the others.
First-Principles Study of the Effect of Cr Content on Interstitial Oxygen Solution Behavior in Nb-Cr Alloys
Authors: Wang Jin , Yu Li Ming , Liu Yong Chang , Liu Chen Xi , Li Hui Jun , Wu Jie Feng
Published: February 2018

The solution behavior of oxygen atom in Nb-Cr alloys was investigated by employing the density-functional theory. The solution behavior mainly depends on two factors, namely, the elastic and chemical interactions. We proposed a method to separate these two parts and applied it in Nb-Cr-O system to investigate the effect of alloying Cr concentration on the solution behavior of interstitial oxygen atoms. This method can be useful for understanding and predicting the solution behavior in ternary alloys which contain interstitial elements.