bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Depth Analysis on the Excitation Spectrum of SrS: Eu2+, Dy3+
Authors: Duan Xiao Xia , Huang Shi Hua , Yi Li Xin , Wei Wen Chao
Published: April 2015

The long persistent phosphor SrS: Eu2+, Dy3+ was prepared by hydrothermal method. The crystalline structure was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The experimental excitation spectrum was carried out with Flurolog-3 fluorescent spectrometer. The results show that there are seven sharp sub-peaks on the wide band spectrum. This paper focuses on the origin of the seven peaks. Rhodamine B standard solution was used to confirmed that these peaks correspond to the light source (Xe lamp) emission in Flurolog-3 fluorescent spectrometer. The excitation spectrum of Eu2+ in SrS: Eu2+, Dy3+ was corrected with Rhodamine B. It was found that the corrected spectrum was quite different from the experimental spectrum.
Research on the Dark Fiber Causes and Variety of the Acidic Fiber Imaging Bundle
Authors: Zhou De Chun , Qiao Zhong Liang , Bai Xue Mei
Published: April 2015

The paper carried out a research on the dark fiber shape and genetic mechanism of the acidic fiber imaging bundle. The Dirac delta function is firstly used to analyze the probability distribution variety of the dark silk. The experimental results for the detection of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and resolution show that the genetic ratio of the dark fiber is proportionate to length of the bundle and inversely proportional to the monofilament diameter. However, the monofilament diameter should be decreased to increase the resolution. The technique and the structure should be improved to meet the requirements of both high resolution and low dark silk rate. Therefore, solutions and effective measurements for reducing even if avoiding the dark silk are proposed in the paper. The research will guide the preparation and application of the high-resolution fiber imaging bundle.
SPH Analysis for Transient Thermal Stress of FGMs with Temperature-Dependent Properties
Authors: Rong Gui Ming , Kisu Hiroyuki
Published: April 2015

A formulation using the deviatoric stress and the continuity equation is extended to the analysis of the dynamic response of functionally graded materials (FGMs) subjected to a thermal shock by smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), in which temperature dependent properties of materials are considered. Several dynamic thermal stress problems are analyzed to investigate the fluctuation of thermal stress at the initial stage under three types of thermal conditions, with the addition of two kinds of mechanical boundary conditions.
The Formaldehyde Removal by Commercial Activated Carbons at Room Temperature
Authors: Feng Li Li , Han Xiao , Li Jin Ge , Zhang Peng Yi , Ren Yi
Published: April 2015

The adsorption performance of commercial activated carbon (AC) for formaldehyde at room temperature was investigated. The BET surface area of AC is 805 m2/g, and the average pore diameter of AC was found to be 2.9 nm by the nitrogen adsorption method. The result of the adsorption capacity of AC showed that the removal ratio of formaldehyde was obviously increased with adsorption time in the first 5 hours and then was almost unchanged. The highest removal ratio of formaldehyde by AC is ~92%. The cycle test of the formaldehyde removal by AC indicated that the highest removal ratio of formaldehyde declined slightly with cycles and kept unchanged after 4 cycles. The lowest removal ratio of formaldehyde by commercial AC at room temperature still reached 80%.
Effect of Cutting Speed during Turning of Low Carbon Steel on Mechanical Properties and Surface Roughness
Authors: Boumerzoug Zakaria , Remli Fethi , Delaunois Fabienne
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this paper is to study the cutting speed effect on mechanical and surface roughness (Ra) of XC18 steel. Scanning electron microscopy, hardness and roughness tests were used. We have found that the cutting speed affects the surface layer of a workpiece, induces hardening of the surface, and increases the surface roughness.
Influence of Liner Material on Formation of Multiple Explosively Formed Projectiles Warhead Parameters
Authors: Zhao Chang Xiao , Qian Fang , Zhang Huai Zhi , Ji Chong , Lv Yong , Xie Quan Min
Published: April 2015

The law of influenced material of liner is researched by numerical simulation.Multiple explosively formed projectiles (MEFP) forming process is numerically simulated with different liner material,such as copper, aluminum, iron and so on.The law that the formation parameters of MEFP such as velocity, length-diameter ratio and radial dispersion angle,influenced by the density and ductility of liner material is educed.It reaches the conclusion that the velocity and radial dispersion angle of projectiles decreases 58% and 56% with the increasing density of the liner material; the length-diameter ratio of central projectile increases276%with the increasing ductility of the liner material, so in order to acquire good formation of MEFP parameters, the appropriate density and higher ductility should be chosen.
Effect of Accurate Dimension Part during Transfer Die Technology
Authors: Kumjing Sanya
Published: April 2015

This research aimed to apply the transfer die technology together with the forming simulation by using finite element method to assist the analysis and the design of a high-precision continuous forming die for the panel auto part forming, which was made from 1.4 mm thick steel JFS A3001. The outcome of the finite element simulation of a specimen could be applied in forming a specimen without any specimen damage. Therefore, the high-precision continuous forming die was designed based on the results and factors from the forming simulation. After the design, the high-precision continuous forming die was manufactured and the specimen stamping test was conducted to satisfy the customer’s specifications. The results from the testing shown that the specimens obtained from the forming process are similar to the sample provided from the customer. Only minor forming die modification was required. In addition, the results of specimens inspection according to the inspection location using measuring tools shown that the size and the circumference of the specimens were in an acceptable range with more than 0.05 significance level of P-value (P-Value >α) and 95% statistical confidence level. As a result, die manufacturers can effectively save time, reduce cost and minimize risk occurred from errors in the die manufacturing.
Preparation, Damping and Thermal Properties of Castor Oil-Based Polyurethane/Poly(Methyl Methacrylate-Butyl Methacrylate-Styrene) Grafted Interpenetrating Polymer Networks
Authors: Fang Zhou , Dong Qing Zhi
Published: April 2015

A series of castor oil-based polyurethane (PU)/poly (methyl methacrylate-butyl methacrylate-styrene) (PA) grafted interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were prepared. The effect of composition of the IPNs on the damping, thermal and mechanical properties were studied systematically. PU/PA (60:40, weight ratio) IPNs with methyl methacrylate/butyl methacrylate/styrene (MMA/BMA/St = 80/10/10, weight ratio). In the paper castor oil (CO) was used as PU’s branch units, the damping properties affected by the branch units ratio (ρ) were studied. Mechanical tests showed the tensile strength of the IPNs was improved after increasing the ρ value and PA content. The thermal stability was improved by incorporating heterocyclic imide rings into the PU molecular chains using isocyanate reacting with pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA). It was found that the IPN composition with ρ value = 0.2 and PU/PA = 60:40 would be useful as structural damping materials, having tanδ values higher than 0.3 for a temperature range of 102°C (5.0-106.9°C).
Synthesis of N749 Dimer and its Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Xue , Jiang Lei , Sun Lei , Du Chao Feng , Deng Wei Qiao , Huang Nian Yu
Published: April 2015

Dye-sensitized solar cells are attracted much interest in the fields of clean energy. In this work, a novel ruthenium terpyridine dimeric complex (N749 dimer) was designed and synthesized through the coordination of 4,4',4"-tricarboxy-2,2':6',2"-terpyridine with ruthenium trichloride, bridging with 4,4'-bipyridine and basic hydrolysis. The calculated and experimental UV-vis absorption spectrums for N749 dimer were compared to those of the commercial black dye N749. The results showed that N749 dimer exhibits wider spectrum absorption range and higher molar extinction coefficient. Dye sensitized solar cells were fabricated based on the N749 dimer. The cell efficiency could reach 2.9% battery efficiency under simulated sunlight irradiation of 100 mW/cm2 power AM1.5G ruthenium. The results provide a new direction for designing the ruthenium dyes.
Research of Mixed BTSPA and VTAS Silane Films Applied on the Steel
Authors: Feng Ying Ning , Zhu Xiao Fei , Li Tian Yi
Published: April 2015

Silane film technology is an energy saving and environment-friendly metal surface treatment technology.The best hydrolysis condition of mixed Bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]amine(BTSPA) and Vinyltriethoxysilane(VTAS) are studied by orthogonal experiments in this paper.The corrosion resistance of the film formed under optimum conditions in 0.5M NaCl solution was studied by Potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.The studies show that the optimal hydrolysis conditions: silane content is 8ml, alcohol -water ratio is 80:15, pH value is 4.0, hydrolysis temperature is 25 °C.Silane film formed on cold-rolled steel has good corrosion resistance in 0.5M NaCl solution.
The New Study Based on a Dual Ion Implantation PSD Structure
Authors: Li Qian , Li Tian Ze , Chen Xiang Peng
Published: April 2015

In the analysis of semiconductor position sensitive detector (PSD) based on the traditional structure, using dual ion implantation method to studying the new type of PSD structure. The new structure of the n-type silicon substrate by implanting a high dose, low energy boron ions and another high energy boron ion, Which subsequent annealing of 2h at 1050 °C in an ambient of dry O2to form a shallow and a low doped p-n junction. Experimental results show that the new structure of PSD can obtained high position resolution, smaller errors and nonlinear response time.
Mesoporous CexZr1-xO2 Mixed Oxides Supported Cr-V-O Nanocatalysts for Dehydrogenation of Propane to Propene
Authors: Agula Bao , Dalai Si Qin
Published: April 2015

The mesoporous CexZr1-xO2mixed oxides with different Ce/Zr ratio were prepared via a surfactant-assisted method of nanoparticle assembly, CTAB was used as surfactant. The CexZr1-xO2mixed oxides were used as the supports for preparing Cr-V-O/ CexZr1-xO2catalysts by the wetness impregnation method, and the catalytic activities of the results catalysts for dehydrogenation of propane to propene were studied. The prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD and N2adsorption techniques.The Cr-V-O/ CexZr1-xO2catalysts exhibiting high activity and selectivity for dehydrogenation of propane to propene. The molar ratio of Ce/Zr ratio showed remarkable influence on the activity of the catalysts. The optimistic catalyst was Cr-V-O/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2the highest yield of 20.0% was obtained, the corresponding conversion of propane was 20.9% and selectivity to propene was 95.9% at 550 °C.
Effect of Loading Rate on the Properties of Asphalt Concrete Using Three-Point Bending Test
Authors: Md Rashadul Islam , Mohiuddin Ahmad , Rafiqul A. Tarefder
Published: April 2015

This study investigates the effect of loading rate on Asphalt Concrete (AC) in the laboratory using Three-Point Bending test. As a first step, beam samples were prepared using kneading compactor and final shape of the sample was obtained by laboratory saw. The samples were then subjected to bending loading at different deformation rates at room temperature of 20 °C. The initial stiffness, failure stress (tensile strength) and failure strain were monitored. Results show that the stiffness and the failure stress-strain increase with the increase in loading rate. The findings of the study are expected to be useful to understand the performance of AC due to slow loading such as slow cooling.
Annealing Time Influence on Optical Characteristic of Beta-FeSi2 Thin Film
Authors: Xiong Xi Cheng , Kang Shuang Shuang , Chen Qian , Huang Jin , Xie Quan , Zhang Jin Min
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we have prepared the beta-FeSi2 thin film on Si substrate through the direct current magnetron sputtering technology. We have tested the samples by XRD, optical digital microscope (ODM), spectrophotometer, and SEM. Under the same annealing temperature at 1153 K, the annealing time has important influence on the optical characteristic of beta-FeSi2 thin film. More the thickness of the beta-FeSi2 thin film is thinner, and more the absorptivity of photo is higher. We should use the thinner beta-FeSi2 thin film with appropriate value of the thickness and must adopt the anti-reflection layer to fabricate the solar cell.
Analysis of the Mechanical Behavior of Gravure Inks: Comparing Experiment and Numerical Methods
Authors: Naskar Shilpi , Paul Kanai Chandra , Pal Arun Kiran
Published: April 2015

Gravure inks are frequently applied in multiple layers as prints on packaging materials. The mechanical load exerted on to the combination of the coatings of gravure ink and the package base due to loading, unloading and transportation may develop stresses. The colored inks generally used onto package for printing are white, yellow, magenta, cyan and black consecutively. The primary purpose of the ink layer is visualization of product information and the secondary purpose is to protect the product from change in ambient conditions. These ink coatings are not long-lasting. If the system is not properly designed, these may lead to failure of the coating layers due to mechanical stress. In the present investigation, mechanical properties of free films of different colored inks are measured individually to design proper ink layers on the package. The measured mechanical properties are modulus of elasticity and poisson’s ratio. The mechanical strains developed in the coating layers are also determined by using finite element method. The numerical results are compared with the experimental findings. The main objective of the investigation is to provide better protection of the packaged product leading extended shelf-life of the product.
Simulation and Analysis of Light Scattering by Air Bubble in Optical Glass
Authors: Zhang Sai , Wang Kai Wei , He Fan , Zhou Bin
Published: April 2015

Mie scattering theory is used in this paper to analyze the forward scattered light intensity distribution of an air bubble in the subsurface of optical glass, shining by a monochrome laser with a wavelength of 632.8um. The scattering process can be classified as uncorrelated single scattering .according to the properties of optical media. The finite difference time domain (FDTD) software is used to establish a 3-d simulation model to calculate for forward scattered intensity distribution of different sized air bubbles. Moreover, according to the relationship between Mie scattering intensity pattern and the size of bubbles, the size of bubbles are figured out with the help of neural network algorithm. The errors are lower than 10%. The simulation results can improve the precision of defects detection in optical glass.
Mass Transfer Modeling into Disk Spaces of Heat Turbomachines
Authors: Lazarovski Nikolay , Novakov Paskal , Yangyozov Anastas
Published: April 2015

The thermal aerodynamic analysis of the processes in thermal turbomachinery is of great importance when it comes their design and operation in order to achieve reliable and trouble-free operation in the required turbo-power range. The distribution of kinematic and thermodynamic parameters of the working medium around heavy loaded working disks and labyrinth seals has a significant influence on heat-mass exchange and energy transformation processes. Object of this work is thermo-aerodynamic research of mass exchange processes associated with the movement of the working medium in typical complex clearances between the rotor and stator of the steam turbines of disk type and determining axial forces in the rotor. Results based on one-dimensional and two-dimensional formulations of the problem are analyzed and compared with the results of field experiment of turbine P12-90 / 18, which before the reconstruction had problems with unstable axial loading during operation in wide power range. After proper reconstruction the turbine is in a sustainable balance throughout the whole range of operation modes. There is consistency in the results in quantitative and qualitative terms regarding the extreme conditions of axial loading. There is a three-dimensional approach to solving the problem of distribution of axial loading on the structural elements of the rotor, whose advantage is the obtaining of a detailed picture of the passing fluid in the clearances between the rotor and stator of the aggregate and diaphragm-disk spaces, and a detailed presentation of the uneven distribution of the axial forces on the front surfaces. The applied thermal aerodynamic approach allows to predict the main characteristics of steam turbines at different axial and radial clearances, changing during the operation in case of wear of the the crest of the labyrinth seals. This approach can serve as a thermo-aerodynamic diagnosis of the condition of the flow part of different thermal turbomachinery and in variable working modes.
Sensitivity Analysis of Temperature Field in Domain of Skin Tissue with Respect to Perturbations of Protective Clothing Parameters
Authors: Mochnacki Bohdan , Majchrzak Ewa
Published: April 2015

The aim of considerations is the numerical modeling of thermal processes proceeding in the system external heat source - protective clothing - air gap - human skin and next the application of sensitivity analysis methods to study the impact of clothing parameters on the transient temperature field in domain of skin tissue. From the mathematical point of view the problem is described by the system of Fourier and Pennes equations determining the transient temperature field in the successive sub-domains. This system is supplemented by the appropriate boundary and initial conditions. Taking into account the geometrical properties of the domain considered, the 1D solution seems to be sufficiently exact (e.g. chest or back). The sensitivity model is constructed on the basis of the so-called direct approach. The equations creating the mathematical model of the process considered are differentiated with respect to selected parameter. At the stage of numerical modeling the 1st scheme of the boundary element method for parabolic equations has been used.
Sensitivity Analysis and Inverse Problems in Microscale Heat Transfer
Authors: Majchrzak Ewa , Dziatkiewicz Jolanta , Turchan Łukasz
Published: April 2015

In the paper the selected problems related to the modeling of microscale heat transfer are presented. In particular, thermal processes occurring in thin metal films exposed to short-pulse laser are described by two-temperature hyperbolic model supplemented by appropriate boundary and initial conditions. Sensitivity analysis of electrons and phonons temperatures with respect to the microscopic parameters is discussed and also the inverse problems connected with the identification of relaxation times and coupling factor are presented. In the final part of the paper the examples of computations are shown.
Prediction of Process-Induce Distortions and Residual Stresses of Ancomposite Suspension Blade
Authors: Hein Robert , Wille Tobias , Gabtni Khalil , Dias Jean Paul
Published: April 2015

This paper deals with a universal simulation strategy for the calculation of process-induceddistortions and residual stresses of a composite part. The mechanical material behavior is describedby a viscoelastic material model depending on temperature and degree of cure . The required materialparameters are derived by dynamic mechanical analyses. For the description of the reaction kinetic aphenomenological based model considering chemical and diffusion-controlled reactions is introduced.The reaction model parameters are fitted to isothermal and dynamic DSC measurements via globaland local optimization. The thermal expansion and chemical shrinkage are characterized by thermalmechanical analysis and using the contact angle measurement method. The simulation strategy isdemonstrated for a GFRP suspension blade for the automobile industry. Based on a sequential coupledtemperature-displacement analysis thermal hot spots, temperature and degree of cure distributions aswell as the final corresponding process-induced distortions and residual stresses are calculated andanalyzed. The development of the stiffness and the correlated stress during the curing process arediscussed in more detail. Furthermore, the effect of a degree of cure dependent stiffness on the stressesis investigated.
Experimental Study on Nanofluid Flow in a Porous Cylinder: Viscosity, Permeability and Inertial Factor
Authors: Miguel Antonio Ferreira
Published: April 2015

Knowledge of fluid rheology and flow characteristics is important when studying nanofluid flow in porous media. In this study, an experimental investigation is presented to determine the nanofluid viscosity, the permeability and the inertial (non-Darcy) parameter of a porous cylinder made of several capillary tubes. The applicability of the Darcy-Forchheimer equation for power-law fluids to estimate pressure drop through the porous material is discussed. The occurrence of particle losses from the base fluid (deposition) is also verified.Experiments are completed in two steps. In the first step, physical properties of nanofluids consisting of deionized water and different volume concentrations of Al2O3 nanoparticles is measured. In the second step, Al2O3-deionized water nanofluids are pumped through a porous cylinder (porosity 0.249) to evaluate hydraulic and intrinsic permeabilities, and the inertial parameter. The effect of Al2O3 volume fraction on these flow properties is studied, and the void morphology changes within the porous cylinder via deposition of nanoparticles are analyzed.
Mixed Convection Flow of Viscoelastic Fluid over a Sphere under Convective Boundary Condition Embedded in Porous Medium
Authors: Kasim Abdul Rahman Mohd , Jiann Lim Yeou , Rawi N.A. , Ali A. , Shafie Sharidan
Published: April 2015

The investigation on mixed convection boundary layer of a viscoelastic fluid over a sphere which is embedded in porous medium under convective boundary condition is carried out in this paper. The boundary layer equations of viscoelastic fluid are an order higher than Newtonian (viscous) fluid and the adherence boundary conditions are insufficient to determine the solution of these equations completely. Hence, the augmentation on extra boundary conditions is needed in order to solve this problem. The governing partial differential equations are first transformed into non-dimensional forms and then solved numerically using the Keller-box method by augmenting extra boundary conditions at infinity. The numerical results obtained for limiting case are comparing with related outcomes in order to validate the present results. Results on the effects of the viscoelastic parameter in the presence of porosity and mixed convection on the skin friction and heat transfer as well as velocity and temperature profile have been discussed.
IL-33 Enhances Host Tolerance to Candida albicans Kidney Infections through Induction of IL-13 Production by CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Tran Vuvi G. , Kim Hye J. , Kim Juyang , Kang Sang W. , Moon U J. , Cho Hong R. , Kwon Byungsuk
Published: April 2015

Susceptibility to systemic Candida albicans infection is determined by immune resistance, as well as by the ability to control Candida-induced immunopathologies. We showed previously that exogenous IL-33 can increase resistance to peritoneal C. albicans infection by regulating multiple steps of the neutrophil anti-Candida response. In this study, using a mouse model of systemic candidiasis, we observed that IL-33 administration limited fungal burden and inflammation and increased survival. In kidneys, IL-33 seemed to directly act on neutrophils and CD4+ T cells: IL-33 administration enhanced fungal clearance by increasing neutrophil phagocytic activity without which Candida proliferation was uncontrollable. In contrast, IL-33 stimulated CD4+ T cells to produce IL-13, which, in turn, drove the polarization of macrophages toward the M2 type. Furthermore, the absence of IL-13 abolished IL-33–mediated polarization of M2 macrophages and renal functional recovery. In addition, IL-33 and IL-13 acted synergistically to increase M2 macrophage polarization and its phagocytic activity. Overall, this study identifies IL-33 as a cytokine that is able to induce resistance and tolerance and suggests that targeting resistance and tolerance simultaneously with therapeutic IL-33 may benefit patients with systemic candidiasis.
Effect of Compression Ratio on Perception of Time Compressed Phonemically Balanced Words in Kannada and Monosyllables
Authors: Prabhu Prashanth , Sujan Mirale Jagadish , Rakshith Satish
Published: April 2015

The present study attempted to study perception of time-compressed speech and the effect of compression ratio for phonemically balanced (PB) word lists in Kannada and monosyllables. The test was administered on 30 normal hearing individuals at compression ratios of 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% and 80% for PB words in Kannada and monosyllables. The results of the study showed that the speech identification scores for time-compressed speech reduced with increase in compression ratio. The scores were better for monosyllables compared to PB words especially at higher compression ratios. The study provides speech identification scores at different compression ratio for PB words and monosyllables in individuals with normal hearing. The results of the study also showed that the scores did not vary across gender for all the compression ratios for both the stimuli. The same test material needs to be compared the clinical population with central auditory processing disorder for clinical validation of the present results.
Apogeotropic Posterior Semicircular Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: Some Clinical and Therapeutic Considerations
Authors: Vannucchi Paolo , Pecci Rudi , Giannoni Beatrice , Di Giustino Fabio , Santimone Rossana , Mengucci Arianna
Published: April 2015

We lately reported the cases of patients complaining positional vertigo whose nystagmic pattern was that of a peripheral torsional vertical positional down beating nystagmus originating from a lithiasis of the non-ampullary arm of the posterior semicircular canal (PSC). We considered this particular pathological picture the apogeotropic variant of PSC benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Since the description of the pilot cases we observed more than 150 patients showing the same clinical sign and course of symptoms. In this paper we describe, in detail, both nystagmus of apogeotropic PSC BPPV (A-PSC BPPV) and symptoms reported by patients trying to give a reasonable explanation for these clinical features. Moreover we developed two specific physical therapies directed to cure A-PSC BPPV. Preliminary results of these techniques are related.
The influence of emotional intelligence and trust on servant leadership
Authors: Du Plessis Marieta , Wakelin Zani , Nel Petrus
Published: April 2015

Orientation: Constructs were explored from a positive organisational behaviour (POB)paradigm. The aim of POB constructs is to develop and improve employees’ psychological strengths, well-being and performance.Research purpose: The objective of this research was to investigate the relationships between servant leadership, emotional intelligence and trust in the manager. A model depicting a sequential process of interrelationships amongst the constructs was proposed.Motivation for the study: Organisations worldwide acknowledge the role that leadership and emotions play in psychological and physical well-being, as well as job performance of employees. Therefore, organisations need valid and workable interventions to assist their employees to function optimally in the work environment. By understanding the sequential relationships between servant leadership, emotional intelligence and trust, suggestions for such interventions were put forward.Research approach, design and method: Both survey and statistical modelling methodologies were employed to guide the investigation. Standardised questionnaires were used to measure the three different constructs, based on the responses of 154 employees on a composite questionnaire.Main findings: A high level of reliability was found for all the measurement scales utilised.The results of the structural equation model indicated that emotional intelligence and trust in the manager affected servant leadership.Practical/managerial implications: Emotional intelligence training should form part of a necessary component in the development of servant leaders. Sufficient time should also be given to aspirant servant leaders to build relationships when coaching and mentoring their subordinates in order to build trust.Contribution/value-add: The model of sequential relationships between the constructs assists in understanding the antecedents of servant leadership in the work environment.
Periodontal health knowledge of nonmedical professionals and their oral hygiene behavior in a teaching hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Umeizudike Kehinde Adesola , Onajole Adebayo Temitayo , Ayanbadejo Patricia Omowunmi
Published: April 2015

Background: The awareness of periodontal diseases is generally poor among Nigerians. Working within the hospital environment should give an edge to nonmedical professionals, who could help to promote periodontal health awareness in countries with an inadequate number of dental health professionals. This study aimed to determine the awareness, knowledge of periodontal diseases and oral hygiene behavior of nonmedical professionals within a hospital setting. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 302 nonmedical professionals in a teaching hospital in Nigeria. Pretested, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaires were utilized for data collection on sociodemography, number of years of work experience in the hospital, work cadre, awareness and knowledge of periodontal diseases, oral self-care and dental attendance pattern. Results: The awareness of periodontal disease was relatively high (60.2%) in the nonmedical professionals. However, only 29.8% had adequate knowledge of periodontal diseases. Their knowledge was significantly associated with male gender (P = 0.042), higher education (P = 0.006) and nonYoruba ethnicity (P = 0.015). Their duration of work within the hospital premises did not significantly affect their periodontal health knowledge. Less than half (42.7%) practiced twice or more daily brushing while only 11.9% used interdental floss for interproximal plaque removal. Their dental attendance pattern was mostly (83.5%) problem-oriented rather than preventive. Conclusion: The nonmedical professionals had fairly high awareness but inadequate periodontal health knowledge and oral hygiene practices. These findings may make their role as oral health promoters a questionable one, unless, this is addressed urgently.
Tunnel preparation: A survey of practice among Palestinian dentists
Authors: Rabi Tarek H.
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Conservative tooth preparation has been increasingly accepted and practiced among dentist, especially when treating small sized tooth decay. This includes tunnel preparation for simple class II caries or those carious lesions located only on the proximal surface of a posterior tooth with the adjacent noncarious tooth. This study attempted to determine the practice of tooth tunnel preparations among dentists of the Palestinian Dental Association. Methods: Three hundred dentists from the Palestinian Dental Association were randomly selected and received an online questionnaire. Informed consent was also obtained. Frequency and percentage were computed for qualitative variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS Inc. Released 2009. PASW Statistics for Windows, Version 18.0. Chicago: SPSS Inc. Results: Of the 193 dentists who answered the surveys, 154 (79.8%) participants said that they were familiar with tunnel restorations. However, only 107 (55.4%) did actual cases. Most of them have been practicing dentistry for >10 years. Glass-ionomer high viscosity cement and flowable composites were usually used as filling material for this technique. Compared with class II composite restorations, tunnel restoration has more clinical success and longevity for the 74 (69.2%) of the 107 dentists, who perform the technique. Conclusion: Half of the participants with >10 years of experience perform tunnel restorations in their practice. More than half agreed that it had better clinical result than conventional class II composite restorations.
Dental care knowledge and practices among secondary school adolescents in Ibadan North Local Government Areas of Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunrinde Tunde Joshua , Oyewole Oyediran Emmanuel , Dosumu Oluwole Olukunle
Published: April 2015

Objective: To assess the dental care knowledge, and practice of secondary school adolescents in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Methodology: Four hundred and twelve secondary school adolescents were assessed using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data on dental care knowledge and practice obtained through the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with level of significance set at 5%. Result: Consumption of sticky, sugary and chocolaty food items was perceived by a majority (81.8%) as unhealthy to dental health and 66.3% perceived consumption of fruits and vegetables as healthy to the teeth. Vertical brushing technique was mentioned by 69.7% of respondents as the best method of brushing the teeth, and 89.6% stated that teeth should be brushed twice daily. Majority 57.0% of respondents open caps of soft drink bottles with their teeth and 74.3% used toothpicks to remove food trapped in between teeth. Majority (82.8%) perceived that dentist should be visited for check-up once in 6 months, however, only 31.6% of respondents had visited dentists before. There was a statistically significant relationship between tooth brushing technique and type of school attended by the respondents (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Majority of the respondents have good oral health knowledge but poor dental health practice.
Trichinellosis in Vietnam
Authors: Van De Nguyen , Thi Nga Vu , Dorny Pierre , Vu Trung Nguyen , Ngoc Minh Pham , Trung Dung Do , Pozio Edoardo
Published: April 2015

Trichinellosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease with a worldwide distribution. The aim of this work was to describe the epidemiological and clinical data of five outbreaks of trichinellosis, which affected ethnic minorities living in remote mountainous areas of northwestern Vietnam from 1970 to 2012. Trichinellosis was diagnosed in 126 patients, of which 11 (8.7%) were hospitalized and 8 (6.3%) died. All infected people had consumed raw pork from backyard and roaming pigs or wild boar at wedding, funeral, or New Year parties. The short incubation period (average of 9.5 days), the severity of the symptoms, which were characterized by diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, myalgia, edema, weight loss, itch, and lisping, and the high mortality, suggest that patients had ingested a high number of larvae. The larval burden in pigs examined in one of the outbreaks ranged from 70 to 879 larvae/g. These larvae and those collected from a muscle biopsy taken from a patient from the 2012 outbreak were identified as Trichinella spiralis. Data presented in this work show that the northern regions of Vietnam are endemic areas for Trichinella infections in domestic pigs and humans.
Persistent Strongyloidiasis Complicated by Recurrent Meningitis in an HTLV Seropositive Peruvian Migrant Resettled in Italy
Authors: Zammarchi Lorenzo , Montagnani Francesca , Tordini Giacinta , Gotuzzo Eduardo , Bisoffi Zeno , Bartoloni Alessandro , De Luca Andrea
Published: April 2015

We describe a case of persistent strongyloidiasis complicated by recurrent meningitis, in a human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) seropositive Peruvian migrant adult resettled in Italy. He was admitted with signs and symptoms of acute bacterial meningitis, reporting four other meningitis episodes in the past 6 years, with an etiological diagnosis of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecium in two cases. He had been previously treated with several antihelmintic regimens not including ivermectin, without eradication of strongyloidiasis, and he had never been tested for HTLV before. During the described episode, the patient was treated for meningitis with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and 200 μg/kg/dose oral ivermectin once daily on day 1, 2, 15 and 16 with full recovery and no further episodes of meningitis. The presented case underlines several critical points concerning the management of poorly known neglected diseases such as strongyloidiasis and HTLV infection in low-endemic areas. Despite several admissions for meningitis and strongyloidiasis, the parasitic infection was not adequately treated and the patient was not previously tested for HTLV. The supply of ivermectin and the choice of treatment scheme was challenging since ivermectin is not approved in Italy and there are no standardized guidelines for the treatment of severe strongyloidiasis in HTLV seropositive subjects.
The Post-2015 Development Agenda: Keeping Our Focus on the Worst Off
Authors: Sharp Daniel , Millum Joseph
Published: April 2015

Non-communicable diseases now account for the majority of the global burden of disease and an international campaign has emerged to raise their priority on the post-2015 development agenda. We argue, to the contrary, that there remain strong reasons to prioritize maternal and child health. Policy-makers ought to assign highest priority to the health conditions that afflict the worst off. In virtue of how little healthy life they have had, children who die young are among the globally worst off. Moreover, many interventions to deal with the conditions that cause mortality in the young are low-cost and provide great benefits to their recipients. Consistent with the original Millennium Development Goals, the international community should continue to prioritize reductions in communicable diseases, neonatal conditions, and maternal health despite the shifts in the global burden of disease.
Monitoring Customer Perceived Service Quality and Satisfaction during the Construction Process
Authors: Forsythe Perry
Published: April 2015

Service quality has been studied across many construction related disciplines but little has been done concerning how it effects customer satisfaction during the day-to-day dynamics of onsite construction services. The research explores this setting in Australian housing construction projects. A highly detailed single case study methodology was used with a view to facilitating theory development for a targeted customer type displaying service quality oriented expectations, high involvement, but low construction experience. Gaps scores for perceived service quality and customer satisfaction were systematically monitored during construction. Concurrently, interviews were used to obtain incident data linked to the scoring data. It was found that service incidents, service quality and customer satisfaction were linked at each stage of construction. Related aspects included the ratio between positive and negative incidents; a saturation point regarding negative incidents; and an end of process/product realisation factor. The importance of identifying active service quality dimensions during construction was identified (especially reliability and care in execution of work). An incident coding structure was developed whereby frequently recurring incident features included spontaneous situations, site observations, personal interaction, subcontractor involvement, progressive product quality, progressive construction activity and defensive customer action. The research recommends that construction contractors aim to control the above features by creating orchestrated incidents and controlling exposure to perceptions via fast and seamless onsite construction.Paper type: Research article
Detection of anthropogenic dust using CALIPSO lidar measurements
Authors: Huang J. , Liu J. , Chen B. , Nasiri S. L.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Anthropogenic dusts are those produced by human activities on disturbed soils, which are mainly cropland, pasture, and urbanized regions and are a subset of the total dust load which includes natural sources from desert regions. Our knowledge of anthropogenic dusts is still very limited due to a lack of data on source distribution and magnitude, and on their effect on radiative forcing which may be comparable to other anthropogenic aerosols. To understand the contribution of anthropogenic dust to the total global dust load and its effect on radiative transfer and climate, it is important to identify them from total dust. In this study, a new technique for distinguishing anthropogenic dust from natural dust is proposed by using Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) dust and planetary boundary layer (PBL) height retrievals along with a land use dataset. Using this technique, the global distribution of dust is analyzed and the relative contribution of anthropogenic and natural dust sources to regional and global emissions are estimated. Results reveal that local anthropogenic dust aerosol due to human activity, such as agriculture, industrial activity, transportation, and overgrazing, accounts for about 25% of the global continental dust load. Of these anthropogenic dust aerosols, more than 53% come from semi-arid and semi-wet regions. Annual mean anthropogenic dust column burden (DCB) values range from 0.42 g m−2 with a maximum in India to 0.12 g m−2 with a minimum in North America. A better understanding of anthropogenic dust emission will enable us to focus on human activities in these critical regions and with such knowledge we will be better able to improve global dust models and to explore the effects of anthropogenic emission on radiative forcing, climate change and air quality in the future.
Effects of climate variability on savannah fire regimes in West Africa
Authors: N'Datchoh E. T. , Konaré A. , Diedhiou A. , Diawara A. , Quansah E. , Assamoi P.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The main objective of this work is to investigate at regional scale the variability in burned areas over the savannahs of West Africa and their links with the rainfall and the large-scale climatic indexes such as the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI), North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and sea surface temperature gradient (SSTG). Daily satellite products (L3JRC) of burned areas from the SPOT Vegetation sensor at a moderate spatial resolution of 1 km x 1 km between 2000 and 2007 were analyzed over the West African savannah in this paper. Results from seasonal analysis revealed a large increase in burned areas from November to February, with consistent peaks in December at the regional scale. In addition, about 30% of the pixels are burned at least four times within the 7-year period. Positive correlations were found between burned areas and rainfall values obtained from the TRMM satellite over savannahs located above 8° N, meaning that a wet rainfall season over these regions was favorable to biomass availability in the next dry season and therefore may induce an increase in burned areas in this region. Moreover, our results showed a nonlinear relationship between the large-scale climatic indexes SOI, MEI, NAO and SSTG and burned-area anomalies. Positive (negative) correlations between burned areas and SOI (MEI) were consistent over the Sahel and Sudano-Sahelian areas. Negative correlations with Atlantic SSTG were significant over the Guinea subregion. Correlations between burned areas over Sudano-Guinean subregion and all the large-scale indexes were weak and may be explained by the fact that this subregion had a mean rainfall greater than 800 mm yr−1 with permanent biomass availability and an optimal amount of soil moisture favorable to fire practice irrespective of the climate conditions. The teleconnection with NAO was not clear and needed to be investigated further.
Brutus Jones's Remains:
Authors: Johnson Katie N.
Published: April 2015

Jules Bledsoe, one of the great African American singers, composers, actors, and activists in twentieth-century US culture, is often missing from historical reports of his time. Yet he originated the role of Joe in Show Boat, performed in the first European tour of the operatic version of The Emperor Jones, and composed and arranged important operas, spirituals, and an “Ode to America,” dedicated to President Roosevelt. In spite of these accomplishments, Jules Bledsoe has not been given the attention he deserves as an artist of talent, determination, and indomitable spirit. This article seeks to write Bledsoe back into the historical record more broadly and into O'Neill studies in particular. In so doing, I show that the role of Brutus Jones haunted Bledsoe throughout his career, from his rise to stardom abroad as an opera singer to his untimely death at the age of forty-three. In excavating the Emperor's remains, it becomes clear that Bledsoe was a key figure in the rise of modern American theater, opera, and in the struggle for racial equality.
Githa Sowerby's Before Breakfast:
Authors: Casper Vivian
Published: April 2015

Until now Eugene O'Neill's Before Breakfast was thought to have had two main sources: August Strindberg's very short play The Stronger and the autobiographical influence of O'Neill's experience during his brief marriage to Kathleen Jenkins. This essay argues for a third major inspiration, the 1912 one-act comedy by Githa Sowerby with the same title, written a few years before O'Neill's one-act tragedy. Both plays present misalliances: Sowerby's play is told from the viewpoint of a young, upper-class English gentleman who narrowly avoids a marital misalliance with a lower-class actress, and O'Neill's play flips the viewpoint to present that of a lower-class wife, who has made a tragically unhappy marriage with an American writer who is above her in social class. Extended monologue is used importantly in all three plays. How O'Neill may have become aware of Sowerby's play is carefully examined, and factors are explained that account for its heretofore unrecognized influence on O'Neill.
Probabilistic Analysis of Balancing Scores for Causal Inference
Authors: Wijayatunga Priyantha
Published: April 2015

Propensity scores are often used for stratification of treatment and control groups of subjects in observational data to remove confounding bias when estimating of  causal effect of the treatment on an outcome in so-called potential outcome causal modeling framework. In this article, we try to get some insights into basic behavior of  the propensity scores in a probabilistic sense. We do a simple analysis of their usage confining to the case of discrete confounding covariates and outcomes. While making clear about behavior of the propensity score our analysis shows how the so-called prognostic score can be derived simultaneously. However the prognostic score is derived in a limited sense in the current literature whereas our derivation is more general and shows all possibilities of having the score. And we call it outcome score. We argue that application of both the propensity score and the outcome score is the most efficient way for  reduction of dimension in the confounding covariates as opposed to current belief that the propensity score alone is the most efficient way.
Editorial Board Thoughts: A&I Databases--The Next Frontier to Discover
Authors: Dehmlow Mark
Published: April 2015

Editorial Board Thoughts: A&I Databases--The Next Frontier to Discover