bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control Performance of Clear Damping Wall with Glass and Viscoelastic Material applied to Steel Frame Structure
Authors: Okuda Hirofuml
Published: July 2015

Clear Damping Wall is a novel vibration control system comprising a transparent glass wall and a viscoelastic material. It is effective in both architectural and structural designs because glass walls make the structure visually attractive and the viscoelastic material dissipates vibration energy produced by various external loads such as strong winds and large earthquakes. Clear Damping Wall was employed in the new guard station at the Obayashi Corporation Technical Research Institute as the tenth application of the system. Shaking tests of the building were conducted to confirm the vibration control performance. As results, installation of the Clear Damping Wall increased the modal stiffness of the fundamental mode by approximately 35%, with the acceleration response decreased by approximately 50%. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the dynamic characteristics such as the natural frequency and the damping ratio of the structure obtained by the shaking tests agreed well with that of the prospected values calculated by the design method of the Clear Damping Wall.
Vibration Control with Nonlinear Rotating Inertial Mass Device
Authors: Watanabe Koichi , Nakai Shoichi
Published: July 2015

The authors have been carrying out numerical studies on the effect of a passive nonlinear absorber containing a rotating inertial mass (N-RIM). In this paper, the performance of this proposed absorber system when used for the base isolation of a building against strong earthquakes is presented. The N-RIM system consists of a strongly nonlinear stiffness and a rotating inertial mass (RIM). The study reveals a number of interesting and complex dynamic phenomena over a broad frequency range, including pitchfork and quasi-periodic bifurcations as well as a saddle node. It is shown that the N-RIM system does not require a large amount of damping even if the mass ratio is large. Furthermore the N-RIM system suppresses the response amplitude over a relatively broad frequency range in the case of large input motion. In conclusion, the newly proposed N-RIM system reduces structural response quite effectively.
Static Loading Tests of Column Mid-height Uplift Mechanism with Steel Dampers
Authors: Midorikawa Mitsumasa , Kato Yuriko , Kawai Yoshimich , Ishihara Tadashi , Okazaki Taichiro , Asari Tetsuhiro
Published: July 2015

Observations from past earthquakes suggest that rocking motion can be beneficial for buildings to survive severe ground motions. Such observations motivated the development of rocking frames that are provided with a mechanism that allows column mid-height uplift (CMU). This paper describes an experimental study on the seismic performance of the CMU mechanism accompanied by dampers. The CMU mechanism behaved as expected, exhibiting sufficient stiffness and strength in shear while permitting free uplift motion. The dampers comprising honeycomb steel sheets exhibited excellent ductility and energy dissipation capacity.
Outline of 3Q Series and lntroduction of Projects Using 3Q Series
Authors: Tanaka Eiji , Mikami Tomohiro , Noguchi Teiko
Published: July 2015

Japan is under high risks to encounter big earthquakes and it has been shown that the existing buildings with a low performance of seismic resistance are likely to be severely damaged in case of big earthquakes. To save the lives and properties in these buildings, seismic retrofitting is obligatory on the owners of the buildings and the society. The retrofitting of a building usually involves noise, vibration and dust during the work which means the occupants are unable to stay in the building and are required to relocate. It has been a major reason to dissuade building owners from retrofitting the buildings. This paper introduces a series of retrofitting techniques called 3Q series. 3Q series minimise the impacts on occupants and allows retrofitting without relocation of occupants. This paper also introduces some retrofitting projects using 3Q series including the retrofitting of some historically valuable buildings.
Experimental studies on seismic behaviour of RC frame with different configuration of infills
Authors: Cancogni Fabio , Kuang J. S.
Published: July 2015

It is well known that the seismic effect of masonry infills is not fully considered on the reinforced concrete frame structures worldwide, though it has great influence on the overall structural behaviour during earthquakes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of masonry- infilled walls on the RC frame response under reversed cyclic load. To pursue this goal, three large- scaled infilled RC frame specimens have been tested.

Differences in results regarding stiffness, ductility and energy dissipation were obtained to evaluate the frame-to-infill interaction. These experiments focus especially on the enhancements gained by making use of masonry walls and failure modes, as compared to those of the bare frame. Conclusions are drawn by analysing hysteretic response and direct observation of the specimens.
Experimental Study on Low Cycle Fatigue and Hysteresis of Shear Panels with Low Yield Strength Steel under Dynamic Loading
Authors: Kato Masaki , Shinozaki Yozo , Narihara Hiroyuki , Sakata Hiroyasu , Kishiki Shoichi , Miyabara Takaaki
Published: July 2015

When comparing a static loading with a dynamic loading, for low yield strength steel used as damping members, it is known that there will be increased in the maximum stresses. In this experimental study, static and dynamic cyclic loading tests were conducted under the conditions of up to approximately 63%/s of shear strain rate, and approximately 2-10% of shear strain amplitude. The influences of strain rate on low cycle fatigue and hysteresis behavior were evaluated.
Damage Distribution based Energy-Dissipation Retrofit Method for Multi Story RC Building in Turkey
Authors: Fujishita Kazuhiro , Sutcu Fatih , Matsui Ryota , Takeuchi Toru
Published: July 2015

In recent years seismic response control technology with elasto-plastic dampers is widely applied for seismic retrofit of RC buildings in Japan. On this paper, design method for retrofit of Turkish RC buildings with elasto-plastic dampers and elastic steel frame focusing on damage distribution is proposed and the validity of proposed method is confirmed.
Analysis of Tower-Girder Transfer Pounding on the Yokohama-Bay Cable- Stayed Bridge during 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Siringoringo Dionysius M. , Takamoto Gotaro , Fujino Yozo
Published: July 2015

This paper presents an analysis of tower-girder transverse pounding of a cable-stayed bridge during an earthquake. The study is based on observation on pounding occurrence that involves wind-shoe, side bearing, and tower-link of the Yokohama-Bay Bridge during the March 11, 2011 earthquake. The pounding mechanism is modelled by a simplified structural model using linear contact spring to simulate the contact force between tower and girder at wind-shoe. The model is verified by comparing the simulated and identified time-history responses, spectra, natural frequencies and shapes of the transverse modes. Using the verified model, the amount of pounding force is quantified and the effect of pounding force on wind-shoe is investigated in more detailed. The study also investigates transverse pounding force effect on the structure in general for earthquakes larger than the 2011 Great-East Japan earthquake.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF COLLAPSE BEHAVIOR FOR STEEL MOMENT FRAMES
Authors: Mukaide Seiji , Tada Motohide
Published: July 2015

In this paper, parametric analyses are conducted with fishbone-shaped models considering the strength deterioration of members in order to investigate the complete-collapse behavior of steel moment frames. The column overstrength factor and width–thickness ratio are adopted as parameters. In most of the cases, the collapse mechanism varies from the total-collapse type to the story-collapse type due to strength deterioration by local buckling. The analytical results show that the collapse mechanism at the time of complete collapse affects the energy capacity.
You either have it or you don't: The impact of male circumcision status on sexual partners
Authors: Bossio Jennifer A. , Pukall Caroline F. , Bartley Katie
Published: July 2015

This study was an exploration of the impact of men's circumcision status on their sexual partners, focusing on sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, general preferences for circumcision status, and beliefs about circumcision status. A total of 196 individuals (168 women, 28 men) currently in a sexual relationship with a man were recruited for an online survey. Sexual functioning for female or male participants (assessed by the FSFI or IIEF-MSM, respectively) was not impacted by circumcision status, but women with intact partners reported higher levels of sexual satisfaction, while no differences were observed in the male sample. Women's responses indicated that circumcision status minimally impacted satisfaction with partner's genitals, while men with intact partners indicated significantly higher levels of satisfaction than those with circumcised partners. Overall, women and men rated high levels of satisfaction with their partner's circumcision status and did not wish for it to change. Women indicated a slight preference for circumcised penises for vaginal intercourse and fellatio, and held more positive beliefs about circumcised penises, while men indicated a strong preference toward intact penises for all sexual activities assessed and held more positive beliefs about intact penises. The current study demonstrates distinct gender differences in attitudes toward circumcision status but minimal impact of circumcision status on sexual functioning. Future research should further explore sexual correlates of circumcision status, with a focus on directionality of said correlates and the impact on couples, as well as replicating the findings with a larger sample, specifically with respect to the male sample.
The sexual side of castration narratives: Fiction written by and for eunuchs and eunuch “wannabes”
Authors: Handy Ariel B. , Wassersug Richard J. , Ketter James T. J. , Johnson Thomas W.
Published: July 2015

The Eunuch Archive is an online community of individuals with exceptional interest in castration and penectomy. Here we examine themes related to genital ablation in a sample of fictional stories posted by members of the Eunuch Archive. Similarities between the contents of these stories and members' demographic information were found, suggesting that these stories may reflect some of the members' life experiences or personal fears. Common themes in both stories and personal histories of voluntarily castrated men were homosexuality, childhood abuse, and threats of castration. We found that 83% of stories were explicitly sexual, which was defined as containing physical or mental sexual arousal; sexual acts such as masturbation, oral sex, or penetrative sex; or attainment of orgasm. Fifty-one percent of stories described forced castrations, 34% involved minors, and 24% described orgasms related to genital ablation. Writing these stories may be therapeutic for the authors, as some members have claimed that writing them has allowed them to work through their extreme castration ideations without acting on them. Clinicians should be aware that there are men who express profound interest in genital ablation and their interests and/or concerns should be taken seriously.
Does relationship status matter for sexual satisfaction? The roles of intimacy and attachment avoidance in sexual satisfaction across five types of ongoing sexual relationships
Authors: Birnie-Porter Carolyn , Hunt Mitchell
Published: July 2015

Are individuals more sexually satisfied in casual sexual relationships or more serious, long-term romantic ones? How are intimacy and attachment styles related to sexual satisfaction in different types of sexual relationships? The present study explored sexual satisfaction across five different types of ongoing sexual relationships: friends with benefits, casual dating, exclusive dating, engaged, and married. A sample of 475 individuals (24 males and 71 females in each group) completed online measures of sexual satisfaction, relationship intimacy, and attachment style. First, engaged individuals reported higher sexual satisfaction than all other relationship types except exclusive dating; no other significant differences emerged. Second, intimacy and sexual satisfaction were positively correlated within each relationship type; however, correlations were stronger for exclusive dating, engaged, and married relationships compared to friends with benefits and casual dating relationships. Third, attachment avoidance, but not attachment anxiety, emerged as a significant predictor for sexual satisfaction in all relationship types except casual dating. These results suggest that there may be different underlying processes involved in sexual satisfaction in different relationship types. Despite similar levels of sexual satisfaction across relationship types, there was variability in the roles of intimacy and attachment avoidance for sexual satisfaction. This variability, however, was not limited to “casual” vs. “serious” sexual relationships, as important differences also emerged between friends with benefits and casual dating relationships. Implications, limitations, and possible directions for future research are discussed.
Perceived emotional and sexual satisfaction across sexual relationship contexts: Gender and sexual orientation differences and similarities
Authors: Mark Kristen P. , Garcia Justin R. , Fisher Helen E.
Published: July 2015

Despite general perceptions of committed romantic relationships as the most satisfying context with which to engage in sexual activity, acceptance of casual sexual contexts has increased in recent years. Yet little research has examined sexual and emotional satisfaction outside of the committed relationship context. Further, most satisfaction research has focused exclusively on heterosexual samples. The present study aimed to investigate sexual and emotional satisfaction derived from seven sexual relationship contexts and note similarities or differences based on gender and sexual orientation. Data were drawn from an online survey of 6,955 sexually diverse participants. Sexual satisfaction was stronger than emotional satisfaction within casual sex contexts (one night stand, first date, sex with a friend, and hookups) than within more committed contexts (married, living together, committed unmarried relationship). Men found all contexts except for sex in a committed unmarried relationship significantly more sexually and emotionally satisfying than women. Emotional and sexual satisfaction were significantly different across sexual orientation groups in casual sexual relationship contexts but not in more committed relationship contexts. Gay men reported gaining the most sexual and emotional satisfaction out of casual sex contexts, with lesbian women reporting the least out of casual sexual contexts. Overall, this research found that a wide variety of relationship contexts, including casual sexual contexts, can be a source of both sexual and emotional satisfaction.
Understanding the phenomenon of sexual desire discrepancy in couples
Authors: Sutherland Siobhan E. , Rehman Uzma S. , Fallis Erin E. , Goodnight Jackson A.
Published: July 2015

Given that desire levels tend to fluctuate over time, discrepancies in sexual desire are an inevitable feature of sexual relationships. However, we know little about how such desire discrepancies relate to a couple's sexual satisfaction. Past studies that have examined the association between sexual desire discrepancy and sexual satisfaction in college/university samples have had inconsistent findings. Also, the results may not generalize to more established romantic relationships. The current study compared two different conceptualizations of sexual desire discrepancy; perceived sexual desire discrepancy was assessed by asking a participant to subjectively compare his/her own level of sexual desire to that of his/her partner. Actual desire discrepancy was computed by subtracting the female partner's score on a self-report measure of sexual desire from the male partner's score on the same measure. In Sample 1, we examined the relationship between actual sexual desire discrepancy and sexual satisfaction for 82 couples in committed long-term relationships. In Sample 2, we investigated the association between perceived sexual desire discrepancy and sexual satisfaction for 191 individuals in committed long-term relationships. Our results showed that higher perceived, but not actual, desire discrepancy was associated with lower sexual satisfaction. In addition, we found that perceived desire discrepancy outcomes differed when measured using different response scales. Findings highlight methodological issues to consider when measuring sexual desire discrepancy and extend the literature by showing that perceived sexual desire discrepancy is associated with sexual satisfaction for couples in committed long-term relationships. Limitations of the current study and implications for future research are discussed.
On the Importance of Taking End-of-Life Expenditures into Account when Projecting Health-Care Spending
Authors: Dao Ha , Godbout Luc , Fortin Pierre
Published: July 2015

This paper examines health-care spending projections when the interaction between end-of-life care expenditures and declining mortality is taken explicitly into account. Based on Quebec's historical public health-care spending data and mortality rates for 20 age groups over the period 1998 to 2009, an econometric model is developed with the aim of differentiating “ordinary” health-care spending from end-of-life care expenditures. Numerical simulations reveal that the average annual growth rate of future health-care spending projected over the period 2009–2056 diminishes by about 0.19 to 0.23 percentage points. This implies a cumulative health-care savings of about 8.4 to 10.3 percent in 2056, independent of other health-related factors.
Social Sustainability Requires Social Sustainability: Procedural Prerequisites for Reaching Substantive Goals
Authors: Boström Magnus , Vifell Åsa Casula , Klintman Mikael , Soneryd Linda , Hallström Kristina Tamm , Thedvall Renita
Published: July 2015

The synergies and trade-offs between the various dimensions of sustainable development are attracting a rising scholarly attention. Departing from the scholarly debate, this article focuses on internal relationships within social sustainability. Our key claim is that it is difficult to strengthen substantive social sustainability goals unless there are key elements of social sustainability contained in the very procedures intended to work toward sustainability. Our analysis, informed by an organizing perspective, is based on a set of case studies on multi-stakeholder transnational sustainability projects (sustainability standards). This article explores six challenges related to the achievement of such procedures that can facilitate substantive social sustainability. Three of these concern the formulation of standards and policies, and three the implementation of standards and policies. To achieve substantive social sustainability procedures must be set in motion with abilities to take hold of people's concerns, frames, resources, as well as existing relevant institutions and infrastructures.
Rare Exports: Irony about Northern Nature and Commercialized Culture
Authors: Lyytimäki Jari
Published: July 2015

How can humor illustrate critical trends related to social, economic, and ecological sustainability? This article is based on a case study that focused on the film Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) and two related short films—Rare Exports Inc. (2003) and Rare Exports: Official Safety Instructions (2005). These fantasy films employ irony and dark humor that reverse the popular impressions related to Santa Claus and his elves and, more generally, exotic northern nature and culture. By representing the gentle Santa Claus as a savage hybrid creature brutally punishing those not adhering to certain social norms, these films break several conventional dichotomies between good and evil, human and animal, and society and nature. The use of dark humor and irony may compromise attempts to create public understanding based on best available scientific knowledge, but it also opens up complementary and potentially fruitful ways to discuss sustainability issues. Irony provides opportunities to identify and criticize unsustainable trends and to challenge and disclose dichotomies that may otherwise remain unnoticed.
Perceptions of Water Quality in First Nations Communities: Exploring the Role of Context
Authors: Baird Julia , Plummer Ryan , Dupont Diane , Carter Blair
Published: July 2015

Drinking water quality problems are persistent and challenging for many of Canada's First Nations communities despite past and ongoing initiatives to improve the situation. These initiatives have often been employed without consideration for understanding the social context that is so critical for the development of appropriate water governance approaches. This article offers insights about the relationship between institutions for water governance and perceptions in three Ontario First Nations communities. Similarities among communities were particularly noticeable for gender where women valued water more highly and were less content with water quality. The findings presented here highlight potential impacts of displacement, gender, and water sources on perceptions of water quality and offer initial insights that indicate the need for further research to consider the potential for adaptive governance approaches that enhance fit between problem and social contexts.
Telling Stories of Ourselves in Places
Authors: Diehm Christian
Published: July 2015

Forrest Clingerman, Brian Treanor, Martin Drenthen, and David Utsler, eds. 2014. Interpreting Nature: The Emerging Field of Environmental Hermeneutics. New York: Fordham University Press.

A. James Wohlpart. 2013. Walking in the Land of Many Gods: Remembering Sacred Reason in Contemporary Environmental Literature. Athens: University of Georgia Press.
Design, Manufacturing and Test of a High Lift Secondary Flight Control Surface with Shape Memory Alloy Post-Buckled Precompressed Actuators
Authors: Sinn Thomas , Barrett Ron
Published: July 2015

The use of morphing components on aerospace structures can greatly increase the versatility of an aircraft. This paper presents the design, manufacturing and testing of a new kind of adaptive airfoil with actuation through Shape Memory Alloys (SMA). The developed adaptive flap system makes use of a novel actuator that employs SMA wires in an antagonistic arrangement with a Post-Buckled Precompressed (PBP) mechanism. SMA actuators are usually used in an antagonistic arrangement or are arranged to move structural components with linearly varying resistance levels similar to springs. Unfortunately, most of this strain energy is spent doing work on the passive structure rather than performing the task at hand, like moving a flight control surface or resisting air loads. A solution is the use of Post-Buckled Precompressed (PBP) actuators that are arranged so that the active elements do not waste energy fighting passive structural stiffnesses. One major problem with PBP actuators is that the low tensile strength of the piezoelectric elements can often result in tensile failure of the actuator on the convex face. A solution to this problem is the use of SMA as actuator material due to their tolerance of tensile stresses. The power consumption to hold deflections is reduced by approximately 20% with the Post-Buckled Precompressed mechanism. Conventional SMAs are essentially non-starters for many classes of aircraft due to the requirement of holding the flight control surfaces in a given position for extremely long times to trim the vehicle. For the reason that PBP actuators balance out air and structural loads, the steady-state load on the SMAs is essentially negligible, when properly designed. Simulations and experiments showed that the SMAPBP actuator shows tip rotations on the order of 45°, which is nearly triple the levels achieved by piezoelectric PBP actuators. The developed SMAPBP actuator was integrated in a NACA0012 airfoil with a flexible skin to carry out wind tunnel tests.
Nutrient Composition, Forage Parameters, and Antioxidant Capacity of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa, L.) in Response to Saline Irrigation Water
Authors: Ferreira Jorge , Cornacchione Monica , Liu Xuan , Suarez Donald
Published: July 2015

Although alfalfa is moderately tolerant of salinity, the effects of salinity on nutrient composition and forage parameters are poorly understood. In addition, there are no data on the effect of salinity on the antioxidant capacity of alfalfa. We evaluated four non-dormant, salinity-tolerant commercial cultivars, irrigated with saline water with electrical conductivities of 3.1, 7.2, 12.7, 18.4, 24.0, and 30.0 dS·m−1, designed to simulate drainage waters from the California Central Valley. Alfalfa shoots were evaluated for nutrient composition, forage parameters, and antioxidant capacity. Salinity significantly increased shoot N, P, Mg, and S, but decreased Ca and K. Alfalfa micronutrients were also affected by salinity, but to a lesser extent. Na and Cl increased significantly with increasing salinity. Salinity slightly improved forage parameters by significantly increasing crude protein, the net energy of lactation, and the relative feed value. All cultivars maintained their antioxidant capacity regardless of salinity level. The results indicate that alfalfa can tolerate moderate to high salinity while maintaining nutrient composition, antioxidant capacity, and slightly improved forage parameters, thus meeting the standards required for dairy cattle feed.
Sb Surface Modification of Pd by Mimetic Underpotential Deposition for Formic Acid Oxidation
Authors: Wang Long-Long , Cao Xiao-Lu , Wang Ya-Jun , Li Qiao-Xia
Published: July 2015

The newly proposed mimetic underpotential deposition (MUPD) technique was extended to modify Pd surfaces with Sb through immersing a Pd film electrode or dispersing Pd/C powder in a Sb(III)-containing solution blended with ascorbic acid (AA). The introduction of AA shifts down the open circuit potential of Pd substrate available to achieve suitable Sb modification. The electrocatalytic activity and long-term stability towards HCOOH electrooxidation of the Sb modified Pd surfaces (film electrode or powder catalyst) by MUPD is superior than that of unmodified Pd and Sb modified Pd surfaces by conventional UPD method. The enhancement of electrocatalytic performance is due to the third body effect and electronic effect, as well as bi-functional mechanism induced by Sb modification which result in increased resistance against CO poisoning.
An Improved Model for the Steric-Entropic Effect on the Retention of Rod-like Particles in Field-Flow Fractionation: Discussion of Aspect Ratio-Based Separation
Authors: Park Joontaek , Mittal Anand
Published: July 2015

We developed an improved model for predicting the steric-entropic effect on the separation behaviors of rod-like particles in flow field-flow fractionation. Our new model incorporates the “pole-vault” rotation of a rod-like particle near a wall under shear flow into the original model developed by Beckett and Giddings which considered only Brownian rotation. We investigated the effect of the aspect ratio on the retention ratios and the cross-sectional concentration distribution in the separation of rods in field-flow fractionation (FFF). Our analyses involved comparing the results predicted using the original model and those from the new model under various rod geometries and flow conditions. We found that the new model can show the aspect ratio-enhanced elution trend in certain flow conditions for the assumption of non-constant cloud thickness (ratio between the cross flow rate and the rod diffusivity). We also deducted that the flow conditions allowing for the aspect ratio-enhanced elution are related to the interplay among the axial flow rate, cloud thickness, and rod geometry. The new model can be viewed as a prototype to qualitatively show the aspect ratio-enhanced trend since its quantitative agreement with the experimental data must be improved for our future work.
Biofouling Prevention of Ancient Brick Surfaces by TiO2-Based Nano-Coatings
Authors: Graziani Lorenzo , D'Orazio Marco
Published: July 2015

Brick constitutes a significant part of the construction materials used in historic buildings around the world. This material was used in Architectural Heritage for structural scope, and even for building envelopes. Thus, components made of clay brick were subjected to weathering for a long time, and this causes their deterioration. One of the most important causes for deterioration is biodeterioration caused by algae and cyanobacteria. It compromises the aesthetical properties, and, at a later stage, the integrity of the elements. In fact, traditional products used for the remediation/prevention of biofouling do not ensure long-term protection, and they need re-application over time. The use of nanotechnology, especially the use of photocatalytic products for the prevention of organic contamination of building façades is increasing. In this study, TiO2-based photocatalytic nano-coatings were applied to ancient brick, and its efficiency towards biofouling was studied. A composed suspension of algae and cyanobacteria was sprinkled on the bricks’ surface for a duration of twelve weeks. Digital Image Analysis and colorimetric measurements were carried out to evaluate algal growth on specimens’ surfaces. Results show that photocatalytic nano-coating was able to inhibit biofouling on bricks’ surfaces. In addition, substrata (their porosity and roughness) clearly influences the adhesion of algal cells.
An Investigation of Turkish Pre-Service Teachers’ Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge
Authors: Cetin-Berber Duygu , Erdem Ali
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study is to investigate pre-service teachers’ technological, pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) in Turkey. By using the “Survey of Pre-service Teachers’ Knowledge of Teaching and Technology” developed by Schmidt et al. (2009), the study sought to determine if significant differences could be found in pre-service teachers’ perceptions of TPACK when examined by gender, age, educational program, year of study, kind of instruction (day or night education) and field experience. Regression analysis was also used to examine if technology knowledge (TK), pedagogical knowledge (PK) and content knowledge (CK) significantly contributed to pre-service teachers’ TPACK development. Participants of this study were 491 elementary pre-service teachers who attended the summer semester at Pamukkale University. The analysis of the collected data found a significant difference in pre-service teachers’ perceptions of the TPACK when examined across gender, program, year of study and field experience, but no significant differences were found regarding age and kind of instruction. Finally, our regression model showed that CK and PK contributed significantly to pre-service teachers’ TPACK development, but TK was not a significant predictor.
GHK-Cu may Prevent Oxidative Stress in Skin by Regulating Copper and Modifying Expression of Numerous Antioxidant Genes
Authors: Pickart Loren , Vasquez-Soltero Jessica , Margolina Anna
Published: July 2015

The copper binding tripeptide GHK (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine) is a naturally occurring plasma peptide that significantly declines during human aging. It has been established that GHK:Copper(2+) improves wound healing and tissue regeneration and stimulates collagen and decorin production. GHK-Cu also supports angiogenesis and nerve outgrowth, improves the condition of aging skin and hair, and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, it increases cellular stemness and secretion of trophic factors by mesenchymal stem cells. GHK’s antioxidant actions have been demonstrated in vitro and in animal studies. They include blocking the formation of reactive oxygen and carbonyl species, detoxifying toxic products of lipid peroxidation such as acrolein, protecting keratinocytes from lethal Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, and blocking hepatic damage by dichloromethane radicals. In recent studies, GHK has been found to switch gene expression from a diseased state to a healthier state for certain cancers and for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Broad Institute’s Connectivity Map indicated that GHK induces a 50% or greater change of expression in 31.2% of human genes. This paper reviews biological data demonstrating positive effects of GHK in skin and proposes interaction with antioxidant-related genes as a possible explanation of its antioxidant activity.
Endovascular Repair of Aortic Dissection in Marfan Syndrome: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Parisi Rosario , Secco Gioel , Di Eusanio Marco , Fattori Rossella
Published: July 2015

Over the last decades, improvement of medical and surgical therapy has increased life expectancy in Marfan patients. Consequently, the number of such patients requiring secondary interventions on the descending thoracic aorta due to new or residual dissections, and distal aneurysm formation has substantially enlarged. Surgical and endovascular procedures represent two valuable options of treatment, both associated with advantages and drawbacks. The aim of the present manuscript was to review endovascular outcomes in Marfan syndrome and to assess the potential role of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) in this subset of patients.
An Integrated Index for the Identification of Focal Electroencephalogram Signals Using Discrete Wavelet Transform and Entropy Measures
Authors: Sharma Rajeev , Pachori Ram , Acharya U.
Published: July 2015

The dynamics of brain area influenced by focal epilepsy can be studied using focal and non-focal electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. This paper presents a new method to detect focal and non-focal EEG signals based on an integrated index, termed the focal and non-focal index (FNFI), developed using discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and entropy features. The DWT decomposes the EEG signals up to six levels, and various entropy measures are computed from approximate and detail coefficients of sub-band signals. The computed entropy measures are average wavelet, permutation, fuzzy and phase entropies. The proposed FNFI developed using permutation, fuzzy and Shannon wavelet entropies is able to clearly discriminate focal and non-focal EEG signals using a single number. Furthermore, these entropy measures are ranked using different techniques, namely the Bhattacharyya space algorithm, Student’s t-test, the Wilcoxon test, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and entropy. These ranked features are fed to various classifiers, namely k-nearest neighbour (KNN), probabilistic neural network (PNN), fuzzy classifier and least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM), for automated classification of focal and non-focal EEG signals using the minimum number of features. The identification of the focal EEG signals can be helpful to locate the epileptogenic focus.
Neural Network Reorganization Analysis During an Auditory Oddball Task in Schizophrenia Using Wavelet Entropy
Authors: Gomez-Pilar Javier , Poza Jesús , Bachiller Alejandro , Gómez Carlos , Molina Vicente , Hornero Roberto
Published: July 2015

The aim of the present study was to characterize the neural network reorganization during a cognitive task in schizophrenia (SCH) by means of wavelet entropy (WE). Previous studies suggest that the cognitive impairment in patients with SCH could be related to the disrupted integrative functions of neural circuits. Nevertheless, further characterization of this effect is needed, especially in the time-frequency domain. This characterization is sensitive to fast neuronal dynamics and their synchronization that may be an important component of distributed neuronal interactions; especially in light of the disconnection hypothesis for SCH and its electrophysiological correlates. In this work, the irregularity dynamics elicited by an auditory oddball paradigm were analyzed through synchronized-averaging (SA) and single-trial (ST) analyses. They provide complementary information on the spatial patterns involved in the neural network reorganization. Our results from 20 healthy controls and 20 SCH patients showed a WE decrease from baseline to response both in controls and SCH subjects. These changes were significantly more pronounced for healthy controls after ST analysis, mainly in central and frontopolar areas. On the other hand, SA analysis showed more widespread spatial differences than ST results. These findings suggest that the activation response is weakly phase-locked to stimulus onset in SCH and related to the default mode and salience networks. Furthermore, the less pronounced changes in WE from baseline to response for SCH patients suggest an impaired ability to reorganize neural dynamics during an oddball task.
Entropy Generation through Deterministic Spiral Structures in a Corner Boundary-Layer Flow
Authors: Isaacson LaVar
Published: July 2015

It is shown that nonlinear interactions between boundary layers on adjacent corner surfaces produce deterministic stream wise spiral structures. The synchronization properties of nonlinear spectral velocity equations of Lorenz form yield clearly defined deterministic spiral structures at several downstream stations. The computational procedure includes Burg’s method to obtain power spectral densities, yielding the available kinetic energy dissipation rates within the spiral structures. The singular value decomposition method is applied to the nonlinear time series solutions yielding empirical entropies, from which empirical entropic indices are then extracted. The intermittency exponents obtained from the entropic indices allow the computation of the entropy generation through the spiral structures to the final dissipation of the fluctuating kinetic energy into background thermal energy, resulting in an increase in the entropy. The entropy generation rates through the spiral structures are compared with the entropy generation rates within an empirical turbulent boundary layer at several stream wise stations.
Measurement of the Relative Free Radical Content of Insulating Oils of Petroleum Origin
Authors: Fofana Issouf , Sabau John , Betie Amidou
Published: July 2015

Oil/paper insulation degradation in transformers involves chemical and physical changes in the materials. Some of the chemical reactions involve very reactive intermediates called free radicals. Free radicals play a major role in a wide variety of ageing processes. The detection of these reactive species in oil may, in principle, provide useful information for monitoring oil degradation. This manuscript details a laboratory technique, which determines the relative content of free radicals in insulating oils of petroleum origin by a spectrophotometric method. Free radicals may be formed in oils under operating or test conditions. The procedure enables the determination of the relative concentration of free radicals, which can act as the precursors of decay products such as charge carriers, oxidized molecules, as well as polymerization products. The technique involves using a reactive free radical reagent, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), added to oil to assess free radical concentration. This method is applicable to new, reclaimed, or used oils as well as naturally or artificially oxidized oil (the cause of aging can be chemical, physical, or electrical). In this contribution, free radicals were assessed following electrical discharge application in oil.
A Novel Grouping Method for Lithium Iron Phosphate Batteries Based on a Fractional Joint Kalman Filter and a New Modified K-Means Clustering Algorithm
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Song Kai , Wei Guo , Lu Rengui , Zhu Chunbo
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a novel grouping method for lithium iron phosphate batteries. In this method, a simplified electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) model is utilized to describe the battery characteristics. Dynamic stress test (DST) and fractional joint Kalman filter (FJKF) are used to extract battery model parameters. In order to realize equal-number grouping of batteries, a new modified K-means clustering algorithm is proposed. Two rules are designed to equalize the numbers of elements in each group and exchange samples among groups. In this paper, the principles of battery model selection, physical meaning and identification method of model parameters, data preprocessing and equal-number clustering method for battery grouping are comprehensively described. Additionally, experiments for battery grouping and method validation are designed. This method is meaningful to application involving the grouping of fresh batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and screening of aged batteries for recycling.
Chewing up the Wood-Wide Web: Selective Grazing on Ectomycorrhizal Fungi by Collembola
Authors: Kanters Clarisse , Anderson Ian , Johnson David
Published: July 2015

The mycelia of some symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungi form extensive networks—the so called “wood-wide web”—that have key roles in biogeochemical cycling. By interacting with myriad soil organisms such as collembola, the fungi directly affect the functioning of above- and below-ground multitrophic interactions in ecosystems. Here we tested whether the grazing activities of collembola affected the growth of ectomycorrhizal fungi in single or mixed species axenic cultures, and their impact on ectomycorrhizal diversity in litterbags in the field. We also used 14CO2 pulse-labelling to test the effects of collembola on respiratory losses of recent plant assimilate from external mycelium of ectomycorrhizal fungi in symbiosis with Scots pine or birch. We found that the effects of collembola varied across species, and caused a significant reduction in the amount of 14CO2 released from external mycorrhizal mycelium from three of the eight species combinations but increased it in one. Selective grazing also significantly affected the community structure of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Our findings demonstrate the importance of collembola in regulating ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity and activity and below-ground pathways of carbon flow.
Relationship Between Tobacco Retailers’ Point-of-Sale Marketing and the Density of Same-Sex Couples, 97 U.S. Counties, 2012
Authors: Lee Joseph , Goldstein Adam , Pan William , Ribisl Kurt
Published: July 2015

The reasons for higher rates of smoking among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people than among heterosexual people are not well known. Research on internal migration and neighborhood selection suggests that LGB people are more likely to live in neighborhoods where the tobacco industry has historically targeted their marketing efforts (lower income, more racial/ethnic diversity). We used multi-level models to assess the relationship between the rate of same-sex couples per 1000 coupled households and 2012 marketing characteristics of tobacco retailers (n = 2231) in 1696 census tracts in 97 U.S. counties. We found no evidence of tobacco marketing at retailers differing by same-sex couple rates in census tracts with the exception of three findings in the opposite direction of our hypotheses: a small, significant positive relationship for the rate of same-sex male couples and the price of Newport Green (mentholated) cigarettes. For male and female same-sex couples, we also found a small negative relationship between tobacco advertisements and same-sex household rate. Tobacco retailers’ tobacco marketing characteristics do not differ substantially by the rate of same-sex couples in their neighborhood in ways that would promote LGB health disparities. Further work is needed to determine if these patterns are similar for non-partnered LGB people.
Large-Scale Empirical Tests of the Markov Tree Model
Authors: Bhat Harish , Kumar Nitesh
Published: July 2015

The Markov Tree model is a discrete-time option pricing model that accounts for short-term memory of the underlying asset. In this work, we compare the empirical performance of the Markov Tree model against that of the Black-Scholes model and Heston’s stochastic volatility model. Leveraging a total of five years of individual equity and index option data, and using three new methods for fitting the Markov Tree model, we find that the Markov Tree model makes smaller out-of-sample hedging errors than competing models. This comparison includes versions of Markov Tree and Black-Scholes models in which volatilities are strike- and maturity-dependent. Visualizing the errors over time, we find that the Markov Tree model yields more accurate and less risky single instrument hedges than Heston’s stochastic volatility model. A statistical resampling method indicates that the Markov Tree model’s superior hedging performance is due to its robustness with respect to noise in option data.
Ethanol versus Phytochemicals in Wine: Oral Cancer Risk in a Light Drinking Perspective
Authors: Varoni Elena , Lodi Giovanni , Iriti Marcello
Published: July 2015

This narrative review aims to summarize the current controversy on the balance between ethanol and phytochemicals in wine, focusing on light drinking and oral cancer. Extensive literature search included PUBMED and EMBASE databases to identify in human studies and systematic reviews (up to March 2015), which contributed to elucidate this issue. Independently from the type of beverage, meta-analyses considering light drinking (≤1 drinks/day or ≤12.5 g/day of ethanol) reported relative risks (RR) for oral, oro-pharyngeal, or upper aero-digestive tract cancers, ranging from 1.0 to 1.3. One meta-analysis measured the overall wine-specific RR, which corresponded to 2.1. Although little evidence exists on light wine intake, phytochemicals seem not to affect oral cancer risk, being probably present below the effective dosages and/or due to their low bioavailability. As expected, the risk of oral cancer, even in light drinking conditions, increases when associated with smoking habit and high-risk genotypes of alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases.
Recent Breakthroughs in the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Morella and Myrica Species
Authors: Silva Bruno , Seca Ana , Barreto Maria , Pinto Diana
Published: July 2015

Oxidative stress is one of the risk factors for the development of several chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidants are therefore highly sought and can be seen as a type of preventive medicine against several diseases. Myrica and Morella genus (Myricaceae) are taxonomically very close and their species are trees or shrubs with edible fruits that exhibit relevant uses in traditional medicine, for instance in Chinese or Japanese folk medicine they are used to treat diarrhea, digestive problems, headache, burns and skin diseases. Nearly 36 compounds were isolated from different morphological parts of Myrica and/or Morella species and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities evaluated. Thirteen of these compounds exhibit greater effects than the positive controls used. Adenodimerin A was the most active compound reported (in a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay EC50= 7.9 ± 0.3 µM). These results are just one aspect of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory evaluations reported regarding Myrica and Morella species, so a comprehensive overview on the current status, highlighting the antioxidant health promoting effect of these species, their key antioxidant compounds as well as the compounds with protective effects against oxidative stress related diseases such as inflammation, is relevant.