bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processing of Metal Matrix AA2124 Aluminium Alloy Composites Reinforced by Alumina and Silicon Carbide by Powder Metallurgy Techniques
Authors: Alves Sérvulo José Ferreira , de Sousa Marcio Marcelo Sampaio , de Araújo Everthon Rodrigues , Filho Francisco Ambrozio , dos Santos Maurílio José , de Araújo Filho Oscar Olimpio
Published: January 2015

This work aims the processing of metal matrix AA2124 aluminium alloy composites reinforced by alumina (Al2O3) and silicon carbide (SiC). The composites were manufactured by powder metallurgy techniques, in a grinding using a ball mill spex type (high energy) at a ratio of balls/ powders of 10:1 and grinding time of 30 and 60 minutes using stearic acid (C18H36O2) as lubricant to each one of the samples. The fractions used in both reinforcements were 5, 10 and 15% in mass. The microstructural characterizations of AA2124 alloy powders with the reinforcements of alumina (Al2O3) and silicon carbide (SiC) powders were obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the particles sizes and distribuition of the particle sizes in powders produced were obtained by laser diffraction, whereas the sintered characterizations were obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical characterization of the sintered tests was achieved by Vickers hardness (HV). The composites were uniaxially cold compacted (room temperature), at a pressure of 7.0 t / cm2, thus forming small pellets that were sintered (at a temperature of 500 °C) in a vacuum furnace at IPEN (SP). There was observed the influence of the respective bulk fractions of reinforcement particles used in mechanical characteristics presented in the resulting composites.
Influence of Spatial Structures of 316L Stainless Steel on its Cavitation Erosion Resistance
Authors: Śniegocka Beata , Szkodo Marek , Chmiel Jarosław
Published: January 2015

Cavitation erosion performance of modified macroscopic internal structure 316L stainless steel was investigated. The samples processed by means of SLM method were subjected to cavitation erosion test. The scanning electron microscope Philips 30/ESEM was used to examine morphology of eroded surface.
Multi Parameter Sliding Test Result Evaluation for the Selection of Material Pair for Wear Resistant Components of a Hydraulic Motor Dedicated for Use with Environmentally Friendly Working Fluids
Authors: Łubiński Jacek , Śliwiński Paweł
Published: January 2015

In the paper the method and results are presented of the testing of tribological performance of a number of hard materials available commercially. The tests consisted in unidirectional sliding with liquid lubrication. The load and velocity regime chosen were similar to a standard four-ball lubricity test with constant velocity and load increasing over time. The regime was modified in such a way that over the initial part of the test both the velocity and load were linearly increased until a certain stable level of each input parameter was reached and the test was then continued till the termination due to chosen criteria. The materials used were high alloy tool steels and sintered carbides, normally used in working of metals by cutting. The lubricants environmentally inert or friendly fluids: water, mineral oil-in-water emulsion and vegetable oil. In the tests, typical sliding friction parameters were recorded, later evaluated on the basis of multiple parameters observable within the test such as e.g. maximum load and velocity reached, calculated maximum surface pressure or presence and amplitude of friction induced vibrations. In the group of material/material/lubricant combinations a ranking was created for each parameter in the assessment set by awarding points for performance. Best performance was granted the least amount of points. Overall performance was then judged by the accumulated number of points. The materials, which were evaluated as performing best have been chosen as input materials for the design and manufacture of a prototype motor for later laboratory and field testing.
A Critical Review of Existing Hydrogen Diffusion Models Accounting for Different Physical Variables
Authors: Toribio Jesús , Kharin Viktor
Published: January 2015

The present paper offers a continuum modelling of trap-affected hydrogen diffusion in metals and alloys, accounting for different physical variables of both macroscopic nature (i.e., related to continuum mechanics, e.g., stress and strain) and microscopic characteristics (material microstructure, traps, etc.). To this end, the model of hydrogen diffusion assisted by the gradients of both hydrostatic stress and cumulative plastic strain,stress-and-strain assisted hydrogen diffusion, proposed and frequently used by the authors of the present paper (Toribio & Kharin) is analysed in addition to other well-known models such as those proposed by (i) McNabb & Foster, (ii) Oriani, (iii) Leblond & Dubois, (iv) Sofronis & McMeeking, (v) Krom and Bakker, showing their physical and mathematical differences and similarities to account for different physical variables.
Effect of Surface Treatment of Titanium Elements on the Bond Strength to Zirconium Dioxide
Authors: Śmielak Beata , Gołębiowski Marcin , Klimek Leszek , Wołowiec Emilia
Published: January 2015

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of surface treatment of titanium elements on the bond strength to zirconium dioxide. Forty cylindrical titanium discs (Tritan CpTi 1) were divided into four groups (n=10) that were subject to: grinding (Group A), grinding and acid-etching with 5% HF (Group B), sandblasting with 60μm alumina particles (Group C) and sandblasting with 60μm alumina particles and acid-etching with 5% HF (Group D). Prepared materials were bonded to cylindrical discs made of zirconium dioxide (Ceramill Zi) by composite cement (Panavia F 2.0). The specimens were tested for the shear bond strength. The load was applied to the moment of the bond failure. Than the debonded specimens were vertically sectioned and the fractographic analysis of interfacial fractures under SEM as well as the analysis of chemical composition of the obtained fractures using radiographic spectrum were performed. The results were subject to the statistical analysis by using the analysis of variance. The highest values of bond strength were obtained for specimens whose surface was sandblasted and abraded. Fractographic investigation and the analysis of chemical composition of the cross-sections of the interfacial fractures revealed that the fracture occurred at the titanium-resin cement interface. Air abrasion treatment considerably improves the titanium and composite cement bonding and should be recommended for cementation of prosthodontic restorations constructed on titanium implants.
Role of Hydrogen in Cavitation Degradation of Iron in Water Solutions
Authors: Chmiel Jarosław , Łunarska Ellina
Published: January 2015

Hydrogen ingress into a metal has been observed at cavitation in distilled water and in 3% NaCl solution at open circuit potential. The measurements of hydrogen permeation rate have been made using an ultrasonic cavitation facility with an attached Devanathan-Stachurski double cell. Increase in vibration amplitude has been associated with the increase in amplitude of electrochemical voltage and current pulses and with the modification of hydrogen permeation rate. Hydrogen behavior within the metal has been affected by the cavitation induced dynamic stresses and metal deformation hardening, ascertained on the basis of the appearance of hydrogen permeation transients at cavitation in comparison with those recorded for the unstressed state. Metal damage has been a resultof associated effects of cavitation and hydrogen.
Microstructure Evolution of Aluminum Deformed by Combination of KoBo Extrusion and Differential Speed Rolling (DSR)
Authors: Brzostowicz Adelajda , Polkowski Wojciech
Published: January 2015

In the present paper results of a microstructure examination of aluminum deformed by a two step process composed of a combination of two continuous straining methods – the KoBo extrusion and a cold rolling have been shown. The cold rolling was conducted in two variants – with an equal speed of both rolls (ESR) and with a differentiation of the upper ad the lower roll speed (a differential speed rolling – DSR). Results of a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that applied processing strongly affects a microstructure of the examined material. It is shown that selected parameters of the KoBo extrusion allow obtaining a fine grained material with a grain size in the range of 1÷3 μm. Since a subsequent deformation of as KoBo extruded aluminum bars through the conventional rolling (ESR) leads to a formation of normally observed structural features (e.g. deformation bands), an application of the DSR methods results with a further grain refinement effect. It is found that, the KoBo extrusion combined with the DSR deformation allows obtaining aluminum plates that are characterized by a homogeneous structure with the grain size in the submicron range.
A new genus and species of mites of the family Caraboacaridae (Acari: Heterostigmata) associated withClivina ypsilon(Coleoptera: Carabidae) with notes on distribution and host range of the family
Authors: Katlav Alihan , Hajiqanbar Hamidreza , Talebi Ali Asghar
Published: January 2015

A new genus and species of mites of the family Caraboacaridae (Acari: Heterostigmata),Intercaraboacarus clivinusKatlav and Hajiqanbarnew genus,new species, associated withClivina ypsilonDejean, 1829 (Coleoptera: Carabidae), is described from Iran. It is the third genus of the family Caraboacaridae in the world. The new genus represents a combination of shared character states with the two previously described genera. An illustrated key to world genera of the family is provided. Differentiation of the new genus from other genera and distribution and host range of all known genera and species of the family are discussed.
Coastal geoscience field work near Iqaluit, Nunavut, 2009-2011
Authors: Hatcher S V , Forbes D L , Manson G K
Published: January 2015

This report describes data collected during five field trips to Koojesse Inlet, Nunavut, between 2009 and 2011. These trips have expedition numbers 2009306, 2010307, 2011303, and 2011307 (includes 2 trips). Koojesse Inlet is in the northwestern end of Frobisher
Bay on Baffin Island. Data were collected primarily on foot within the intertidal, but there are some boat-based datasets associated with expedition 2011307. Data collected include: RTK-GPS transects, sidescan sonar lines, single beam sonar lines, tide and wave recorder deployments, current profiler
deployments, surface and grab sediment samples, underwater drop camera lines, and shallow sub-bottom profile lines. Results
show a complex intertidal zone characterized by a higher slope beachface and ank face at the edge of the low-slope tidal at terrace, with varying concentrations of boulders. Sediment is a mixture of relict glaciomarine overlain by a shallow reworked sand/mud surficial layer. Sediment in the
nearshore varies from fine silts to cobble/gravel deposits in the more exposed areas. This study was unable to resolve significant amounts of erosion on the tidal at surface, but the geomorphological evidence is irrefutably indicative of an erosional landform.
Association of microalbuminuria with ischemic heart disease in non-diabetic Asian-Indians: A case control study
Authors: Naha Sowjanya , Naha Kushal , Pandit Vinay R , Balasubramanian R
Published: January 2015

Context: Microalbuminuria is a known indicator of atherosclerosis and its association with ischemic heart disease (IHD) has been extensively studied in the diabetic population. The significance of urine microalbumin in non-diabetics, however, is yet to be elucidated. Aim: To determine whether an independent association exists between microalbuminuria and IHD in non-diabetic Asian-Indians, and the level of microalbuminuria predictive of concomitant IHD. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted between July 2009 and June 2011. Non-diabetic patients undergoing evaluation for IHD were divided into cases and controls, based on the presence or absence of IHD, respectively. Fifty cases and 50 controls were included, and matched by age, sex, smoking habit, hypertension and body-mass index (BMI). Fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting lipid profile, and urine microalbumin were recorded for all patients. Results: Mean fasting glucose, mean low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and mean urine microalbumin were all significantly higher in cases compared to controls. Urine microalbumin was independently associated with IHD, and microalbumin greater than 12.6 mg/g was predictive of IHD (OR: 13.5; 95% CI, 4.6-39.9; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Urine microalbumin is independently associated with IHD in non-diabetics and levels greater than 12.6 mg/g are predictive of IHD.
Precipitating factors, outcomes, and recurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis at a university hospital in Damascus
Authors: Alourfi Zaynab , Homsi Hakam
Published: January 2015

Aims : To study precipitating factors, outcomes, and recurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at a University hospital at Damascus, the capital of Syria. Patients and Methods : Medical records between 2006 and 2012 were reviewed. One hundred and fifteen admissions for 100 patients with DKA were included. All fulfilled the American Diabetic Association DKA diagnostic criteria. Results: Of 115 admissions of DKA, there were 92 single admission and 23 recurrent admissions (eight patients). The order of precipitating factors of recurrent DKA or single admissions were the same with different percentage. The first and second factors were infection (74% and 48%) and treatment problems (17% and 24%), respectively.Complications rate was significantly higher in the intensive care unit (41.6%), compared to the ward admissions (14.2%). Overall in-hospital mortality rate was 11.3%. The severity of medical conditions that provoke DKA with aging, not the metabolic complications of hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis, were behind this high mortality rate. Patients who died were significantly (P = 0.004) older than patients who were discharged alive. Conclusion: Results concerning precipitating factor were similar to the results of many other studies. However, mortality rate was higher which might be explained by the severity of underlying precipitating illness.
Multi-Detector Coronary CT Imaging for the Identification of Coronary Artery Stenoses in a “Real-World” Population
Authors: Makaryus Amgad N. , Henry Sonia , Loewinger Lee , Makaryus John N. , Boxt Lawrence
Published: January 2015

Background

Multi-detector computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a modality for the non-invasive assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD). Prior studies have selected patients for evaluation and have excluded many of the “real-world” patients commonly encountered in daily practice. We compared 64-detector-CT (64-CT) to conventional coronary angiography (CA) to investigate the accuracy of 64-CT in determining significant coronary stenoses in a “real-world” clinical population.

Methods

A total of 1,818 consecutive patients referred for 64-CT were evaluated. CT angiography was performed using the GE LightSpeed VCT (GE® Healthcare). Forty-one patients in whom 64-CT results prompted CA investigation were further evaluated, and results of the two diagnostic modalities were compared.

Results

A total of 164 coronary arteries and 410 coronary segments were evaluated in 41 patients (30 men, 11 women, age 39-85 years) who were identified by 64-CT to have significant coronary stenoses and who thereafter underwent CA. The overall per-vessel sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy at the 50% stenosis level were 86%, 84%, 65%, 95%, and 85%, respectively, and 77%, 93%, 61%, 97%, and 91%, respectively, in the per-segment analysis at the 50% stenosis level.

Conclusion

64-CT is an accurate imaging tool that allows a non-invasive assessment of significant CAD with a high diagnostic accuracy in a “real-world” population of patients. The sensitivity and specificity that we noted are not as high as those in prior reports, but we evaluated a population of patients that is typically encountered in clinical practice and therefore see more “real-world” results.
A Case of Fetal Intestinal Volvulus without Malrotation Causing Severe Anemia
Authors: Nakagawa Tomoko , Tachibana Daisuke , Kitada Kohei , Kurihara Yasushi , Terada Hiroyuki , Koyama Masayasu , Sakae Yukari , Morotomi Yoshiki , Nomura Shiho , Saito Mika
Published: January 2015

Fetal intestinal volvulus without malrotation is a rare, life-threatening disease. Left untreated, hemorrhage from necrotic bowel tissue will lead to severe fetal anemia and even intrauterine death. We encountered a case of fetal intestinal volvulus causing severe anemia, which was diagnosed postnatally and successfully treated with surgical intervention.
Exploring Addiction-as-Occupation
Authors: Wasmuth Sally , Crabtree Jeffrey L , Scott Patricia J
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Despite advances in addiction research and practice, addiction remains a significant public health problem with strikingly high relapse rates and low treatment retention rates. This study explored whether the concept of addiction-as-occupation aligned with the experiences of ten persons with addiction(s), and suggests that further development of a model based on this concept may help to elucidate and address some barriers to addiction recovery services.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were performed to gain descriptions of the occupational lives and first-hand experiences of ten persons with addiction(s). Transcripts were analysed using a qualitative thematic analysis methodology.

Results

Seven themes were identified in the data: connection, locus of control, penetration, habituation, identity, motivation, and coping/escape. Participants in this study described their addictions using occupational terms, and addressed both the gains and harms of performing their addictions.

Conclusion

Further investigation of experiences of addiction-as-occupation could be useful for informing occupational therapy interventions for substance-related and addictive disorders. Potential implications and contributions of a conceptual model based on the notion of addiction-as-occupation, as well as areas for future research, are discussed.
Supporting Children with Visual Stress: The Development of a Web Resource for Parents and Professionals
Authors: Harries Priscilla , Perkins Lucy , Parker Clare , Fowler Lisa , Wignall Sharon , Mangalpara Esheeta , Harries Luke
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Visual stress is a condition which makes reading difficult. The use of coloured lenses in spectacles to alleviate the symptoms of visual stress has attracted increasing interest. The aim was to develop a web-based resource to centralize information about the condition and the processes for the screening, assessment, and provision of coloured lenses.

Method

Action research methods were employed. The exploratory phase used semi-structured interviews to gather parents' and professionals' views on the condition and their suggestions for the content and layout of a supporting web resource. The innovatory phase was used to design the prototype web resource. The evaluative phase was used to appraise and enhance the prototype website and collate data on website usage.

Results

Parents and professionals had some awareness of the condition but felt less sure of the evidence base for coloured lenses. Professionals valued research as evidence, whereas parents preferred testimonials. Suggestions for the content of a web resource to centralize information on the topic were clearly articulated by professionals, parents, and experts in the field. In the first year, over 7,500 individual web users visited the resource.

Conclusion

The first collaborative resource on the topic has been successfully produced, thereby offering a centralized information resource.
An Evaluation of the Well at Dell Health Management Program: Health Risk Change and Financial Return on Investment
Authors: Musich Shirley , McCalister Tre' , Wang Sara , Hawkins Kevin
Published: January 2015

Purpose.

To investigate the effectiveness of the Well at Dell comprehensive health management program in delivering health care and productivity cost savings relative to program investment (i.e., return on investment).

Design.

A quasi-experimental design was used to quantify the financial impact of the program and nonexperimental pre-post design to evaluate change in health risks.

Setting.

Ongoing worksite health management program implemented across multiple U.S. locations.

Subjects.

Subjects were 24,651 employees with continuous medical enrollment in 2010–2011 who were eligible for 2011 health management programming.

Intervention.

Incentive-driven, outcomes-based multicomponent corporate health management program including health risk appraisal (HRA)/wellness, lifestyle management, and disease management coaching programs.

Measures.

Medical, pharmacy, and short-term disability pre/post expenditure trends adjusted for demographics, health status, and baseline costs. Self-reported health risks from repeat HRA completers.

Analysis.

Propensity score–weighted and multivariate regression–adjusted comparison of baseline to post trends in health care expenditures and productivity costs for program participants and nonparticipants (i.e., difference in difference) relative to programmatic investment.

Results.

The Well at Dell program achieved an overall return on investment of 2.48 in 2011. Most of the savings were realized from the HRA/wellness component of the program. Cost savings were supported with high participation and significant health risk improvement.

Conclusion.

An incentive-driven, well-managed comprehensive corporate health management program can continue to achieve significant health improvement while promoting health care and productivity cost savings in an employee population.
Perceived Workplace Health Support is Associated with Employee Productivity
Authors: Chen Lu , Hannon Peggy A. , Laing Sharon S. , Kohn Marlana J. , Clark Kathleen , Pritchard Scott , Harris Jeffrey R.
Published: January 2015

Purpose.

To examine the relationship between perceived workplace health support and employee productivity.

Design.

A quantitative cross-sectional study.

Setting.

Washington State agencies.

Subjects.

A total of 3528 employees from six state agencies were included in this analysis.

Measures.

Perceived workplace health support was assessed by two questions that queried respondents on how often they felt supported by the workplace for healthy living and physical activity. The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire was used to measure health-related absenteeism and presenteeism in the past 7 days.

Analysis.

Multivariate linear regression was used to estimate the mean differences in productivity by levels of perceived health support.

Results.

Most participants were between 45 and 64 years of age and were predominantly non-Hispanic white. Presenteeism varied significantly by the level of perceived workplace health support, with those who felt least supported having higher presenteeism than those who felt most supported. The difference in presenteeism by perceived workplace support remained significant in models adjusting for sociodemographic and health characteristics (mean difference: 7.1% for support for healthy living, 95% confidence interval: 3.7%, 10.4%; 4.3% for support for physical activity, 95% confidence interval: 1.7%, 6.8%). Absenteeism was not associated with perceived workplace health support.

Conclusion.

Higher perceived workplace health support is independently associated with higher work productivity. Employers may see productivity benefit from wellness programs through improved perceptions of workplace health support.
The Impact of Incentives on Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motives for Fitness-Center Attendance in College First-Year Students
Authors: Pope Lizzy , Harvey Jean
Published: January 2015

Purpose.

A criticism of incentives for health behaviors is that incentives undermine intrinsic motivation. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of monetary incentive provision on participation motives for exercise in first-year college students at a northeastern public university.

Design.

Randomized-controlled trial.

Setting.

Public university in the Northeastern United States.

Subjects.

One hundred seventeen first-year college students.

Intervention.

Participants were randomized to one of three conditions: a control condition receiving no incentives for meeting fitness-center attendance goals; a discontinued-incentive condition receiving weekly incentives during fall semester 2011, and no incentives during spring semester 2012; or a continued-incentive condition receiving weekly incentives during fall semester, and incentives on a variable-interval schedule during spring semester.

Measures.

The Exercise Motivation Inventory 2 measured exercise participation motives at baseline, end of fall semester, and end of spring semester. Fitness-center attendance was monitored by using ID-card check-in/check-out records.

Analysis.

Repeated-measures analyses using linear mixed models with first-order autoregressive covariance structures were run to compare motive changes in the three conditions.

Results.

Participation motives of Enjoyment and Revitalization associated with intrinsic motivation did not decrease significantly over time in any of the conditions, F(4, 218) = 2.25, p = .065 and F(4, 220) = 1.67, p = .16, respectively.

Conclusion.

Intrinsically associated participation motives for exercise did not decrease with incentive provision. Therefore, incentives may encourage fitness-center attendance without negatively impacting participation motives for exercise.
Spatiotemporal variations of nitrogen isotopic records in the Arabian Sea
Authors: Kao S.-J. , Wang B.-Y. , Zheng L.-W. , Selvaraj K. , Hsu S.-C. , Sean Wan X. H. , Xu M. , Arthur Chen C.-T.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Available reports of dissolved oxygen, δ15N of nitrate (δ 15NNO3) and δ15N of total nitrogen (δ15Nbulk) for trap material and surface/downcore sediments from the Arabian Sea (AS) were synthesized to explore the AS' past nitrogen dynamics. Based on 25 μmol kg−1 dissolved oxygen isopleth at a depth of 150 m, we classified all reported data into northern and southern groups. By using δ15Nbulk of the sediments, we obtained geographically distinctive bottom-depth effects for the northern and southern AS at different climate stages. After eliminating the bias caused by bottom depth, the modern-day sedimentary δ15Nbulk values largely reflect the δ15NNO3 supply from the bottom of the euphotic zone. Additionally to the data set, nitrogen and carbon contents vs. their isotopic compositions of a sediment core (SK177/11) collected from the most southeastern part of the AS were measured for comparison. We found a one-step increase in δ15Nbulk starting at the deglaciation with a corresponding decrease in δ13CTOC similar to reports elsewhere revealing a global coherence. By synthesizing and reanalyzing all reported down core δ15Nbulk, we derived bottom-depth correction factors at different climate stages, respectively, for the northern and southern AS. The diffusive sedimentary δ15Nbulk values in compiled cores became confined after bias correction revealing a more consistent pattern except recent 6 ka. Such high similarity to the global temporal pattern indicates that the nitrogen cycle in the entire AS had responded to open-ocean changes until 6 ka BP. Since 6 ka BP, further enhanced denitrification (i.e., increase in δ15Nbulk) in the northern AS had occurred and was likely driven by monsoon, while, in the southern AS, we observed a synchronous reduction in δ15Nbulk, implying that nitrogen fixation was promoted correspondingly as the intensification of local denitrification at the northern AS basin.
Effects of CO2-driven ocean acidification on early life stages of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)
Authors: Mu J. , Jin F. , Wang J. , Zheng N. , Cong Y.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The potential effects of elevated CO2 level and reduced carbonate saturation state in marine environment on fishes and other non-calcified organisms are still poorly known. In present study, we investigated the effects of ocean acidification on embryogenesis and organogenesis of newly hatched larvae of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) after 21 d exposure of eggs to different artificially acidified seawater (pH 7.6 and 7.2, respectively), and compared with those in control group (pH 8.2). Results showed that CO2-driven seawater acidification (pH 7.6 and 7.2) had no detectable effect on hatching time, hatching rate, and heart rate of embryos. However, the deformity rate of larvae in pH 7.2 treatment was significantly higher than that in control treatment. The left and right sagitta areas did not differ significantly from each other in each treatment. However, the mean sagitta area of larvae in pH 7.6 treatment was significantly smaller than that in the control (p = 0.024). These results suggest that although marine medaka might be more tolerant of elevated CO2 than some other fishes, the effect of elevated CO2 level on the calcification of otolith is likely to be the most susceptibly physiological process of pH regulation in early life stage of marine medaka.
EMPOWER-1.0: an Efficient Model of Planktonic ecOsystems WrittEn in R
Authors: Anderson T. R. , Gentleman W. C. , Yool A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Modelling marine ecosystems requires insight and judgement when it comes to deciding upon appropriate model structure, equations and parameterisation. Many processes are relatively poorly understood and tough decisions must be made as to how to mathematically simplify the real world. Here, we present an efficient plankton modelling testbed, EMPOWER-1.0, coded in the freely available language R. The testbed uses simple two-layer "slab" physics whereby a seasonally varying mixed layer which contains the planktonic marine ecosystem is positioned above a deep layer that contains only nutrient. As such, EMPOWER-1.0 provides a readily available and easy to use tool for evaluating model structure, formulations and parameterisation. The code is transparent and modular such that modifications and changes to model formulation are easily implemented allowing users to investigate and familiarise themselves with the inner workings of their models. It can be used either for preliminary model testing to set the stage for further work, e.g., coupling the ecosystem model to 1-D or 3-D physics, or for undertaking front line research in its own right. EMPOWER-1.0 also serves as an ideal teaching tool. In order to demonstrate the utility of EMPOWER-1.0, we carried out both a parameter tuning exercise and structural sensitivity analysis. Parameter tuning was demonstrated for four contrasting ocean sites, focusing on Station India in the North Atlantic (60° N, 20° W), highlighting both the utility of undertaking a planned sensitivity analysis for this purpose, yet also the subjectivity which nevertheless surrounds the choice of which parameters to tune. Structural sensitivity tests were then performed comparing different equations for calculating daily depth-integrated photosynthesis, as well as mortality terms for both phytoplankton and zooplankton. Regarding the calculation of daily photosynthesis, for example, results indicated that the model was relatively insensitive to the choice of photosynthesis–irradiance curve, but markedly sensitive to the method of calculating light attenuation in the water column. The work highlights the utility of EMPOWER1.0, and simple models in general, as a means of comprehending, diagnosing and formulating equations for the dynamics of marine ecosystems.
The environmental balance of the Alta Val d'Agri: a contribution to the evaluation of the industrial risk and strategic sustainable development
Authors: Loperte S. , Cosmi C.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. This study presents the preliminary environmental balance of the Alta Val d'Agri (Basilicata Region, Southern Italy), an area of great naturalistic interest characterized by the presence of huge oil and gas fields. The DPSIR methodology has been used to outline the background in terms of environmental impacts mainly caused by the oil extraction activities, as well as existing potential responses. The study aims at providing stakeholders with an exhaustive framework to identify the existing data, the main sources of pollution, their potential impacts, the associated industrial risks and the existing policy strategies. Moreover, the DPSIR approach allows identifying the vulnerable areas and defining targeted actions for a sustainable development of the area.
Measuring county resilience after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Li X. , Lam N. , Qiang Y. , Li K. , Yin L. , Liu S. , Zheng W.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The catastrophic earthquake in 2008 has caused serious damage to Wenchuan County and the surrounding area in China. In recent years, great attention has been paid to the resilience of the affected area. This study applied a new framework, the Resilience Inference Measurement (RIM) model, to quantify and validate the community resilience of 105 counties in the affected area. The RIM model uses cluster analysis to classify counties into four resilience levels according to the exposure, damage, and recovery conditions, and then applies discriminant analysis to quantify the influence of socioeconomic characteristics on the county resilience. The analysis results show that counties located right at the epicenter had the lowest resilience, but counties immediately adjacent to the epicenter had the highest resilience capacities. Counties that were farther away from the epicenter returned to normal resiliency. The socioeconomic variables, including sex ratio, per capita GDP, percent of ethnic minority, and medical facilities, were identified as the most influential socio-economic characteristics on resilience. This study provides useful information to improve county resilience to earthquakes and support decision-making for sustainable development.
Carbon nanomaterials in clean and contaminated soils: environmental implications and applications
Authors: Riding M. J. , Martin F. L. , Jones K. C. , Semple K. T.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. The exceptional sorptive ability of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) for hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) is driven by their characteristically large reactive surface areas and highly hydrophobic nature. Given these properties, it is possible for CNMs to impact on the persistence, mobility and bioavailability of contaminants within soils, either favourably through sorption and sequestration, hence reducing their bioavailability, or unfavourably through increasing contaminant dispersal. This review considers the complex and dynamic nature of both soil and CNM physicochemical properties to determine their fate and behaviour, together with their interaction with contaminants and the soil microflora. It is argued that assessment of CNMs within soil should be conducted on a case-by-case basis and further work to assess the long-term stability and toxicity of sorbed contaminants, as well as the toxicity of CNMs themselves, is required before their sorptive abilities can be applied to remedy environmental issues.
The Impact of Culture on Innovation: the moderating role of Human Capital
Authors: Jan Muhammad Adil , Shah Syed Muhammad Amir , Khan Kashif Ullah
Published: January 2015

Innovation plays an important role in developing the economy, to expand and sustain the high performance of firms, to maintain competitive edge in industry and improved the standard living and in creating a better quality of life. In Adhocratic culture, openness provides to employees and no fear of doing faults or getting things wrong to be done, human capital are the creative peoples and if democratic organizational culture is provided to them the organization can be find more innovative. The focus of current study was on the link between organizational cultures and innovation. Although the literature suggests the relevance of culture in increasing innovation, there is a lack of empirical evidence supporting this relation, which this study has explored. Our findings provide support for this relation. Furthermore we found that the organization culture can enhance product innovation, but that it can also inhibit it depending on the values that culture fosters. In particular we found that product innovation is positively associated to adhocracy cultures and has a negative relation to the hierarchical cultures.
“Freedom-in-Covenant”
Authors: Beit-Halachmi Rachel Sabath
Published: January 2015

This article traces the intellectual biography and theological development of Eugene B. Borowitz (b. 1924), focusing on his early writings and the establishment of his theological lexicon. Outlining the central influences of Martin Buber and Franz Rosenzweig on Borowitz's thought, the article highlights the ways in which Borowitz attempted to create a new theological methodology.
Covenantal Ethics
Authors: Ochs Peter
Published: January 2015

When Eugene Borowitz's renews his community's Jewish covenant, he also illustrates a generalizable model of what I label “Covenantal Ethics.” The model has three features: (a) community-specific covenantal ethics: an account of the network of values that characterize some historically situated Jewish community; (b) the “neutral” space of modern public life: an account of how this community is both strengthened and weakened by the way it adapts to dominant features of its Western social environment; and (c) reparative covenantal ethics: suggestions for how the community might renew its Jewish covenant: uncovering Jewish sources of the community's strengths and enlisting them as resources for repairing its weaknesses.
Choosing a Sex Ethic, Then and Now
Authors: Teutsch David A.
Published: January 2015

Choosing a Sex Ethic is an important volume in the history of Jewish ethics. It has particular value for the effort to address issues of concern to Jews in language they can understand and with an approach that makes sense to those who do not consider themselves bound by halakha. The issues raised by the book's limits are highly instructive to those who are interested in constructive ethics.
Authority and Liberty: John Wesley's View of Medieval England
Authors: Smith Thomas W.
Published: January 2015

This article is the first detailed analysis of John Wesley's view of medieval England in his neglected Concise History of England (1776). Although tangled and sometimes contradictory, Wesley's views on medieval royal and ecclesiastical authority, representative government and liberty, were broadly coherent in their emphasis on the necessity of the monarchy to the preservation of freedom, and the requirement that popular uprisings be grounded in a just cause and not conducted against the king. It is argued that Wesley's views expressed in the History help to explain his rapid, and supposedly unexpected, shift in political views in 1775 from supporting the American rebellion to opposing it.
Secession and Revival: Louth Free Methodist Church in the 1850s
Authors: Bebbington D. W.
Published: January 2015

At Louth in Lincolnshire there emerged in the 1850s a Free Methodist Church. Wesleyans had been hugely successful in the area, but there was internal opposition to Methodist Conference policies. The corn merchant J. B. Sharpley led a secession from Wesleyanism, contributing ideas about the rights of lay leaders. The new denomination gathered support from tradesmen and shopkeepers, and made efforts to recruit waverers. Its members became keen on entire sanctification and turned ardently to revivalism, but eventually, in 1859, the difficulty of securing ministers dictated merger with the United Methodist Free Churches.
The Design of Nineteenth-Century Wesleyan Space Re-reading F. J. Jobson's Chapel and School Architecture
Authors: Mason Ruth
Published: January 2015

F. J. Jobson's Chapel and School Architecture as Appropriate to the Buildings of Nonconformists (1850) has conventionally been used to demonstrate the architectural patterns of nineteenth-century Wesleyan chapels. However, this emphasis has overlooked elements of its recommendations and motivations. This article proposes an alternative approach. Positioning Jobson's text within theories of space, it challenges the conventional importance given to his physical recommendations by discussing how the function and users of Wesleyan spaces also influenced his designs. Examining Jobson's designs for Sunday schools and vestries in addition to chapels, this article considers the relationship between Wesleyan theology and Jobson's proposed designs.
Evangelical Dissentients and the Defeat of the Anglican-Methodist Unity Scheme
Authors: Atherstone Andrew
Published: January 2015

During the ecumenical heyday of the 1960s and early 1970s, evangelicals within Methodism and Anglicanism played a major part in helping to defeat the proposed Anglican-Methodist reunion scheme. This article examines the rhetoric of two groups of dissentients, one from each denomination—the Voice of Methodism, and the Calvinist circle around Anglican theologian J. I. Packer. It demonstrates that although their objections to the scheme were broadly similar, focused upon its Catholic ecclesiology, they had less in common theologically than they assumed. Although they portrayed themselves as close allies, there was little dialogue across the denominational divide nor any agreement about the nature of the evangelicalism they reputedly shared.
A Note on John Wesley's Visit to Herrnhut in 1738
Authors: Dose Kai
Published: January 2015

In early August 1738 John Wesley travelled to Germany, specifically to see Herrnhut in Saxony, as he wished to experience the spiritual life of the Moravian congregation. Surprisingly, he described the burial of a child at length. This research discloses the father's (a tailor) and child's name. Moreover, it confirms that Wesley had been present in Herrnhut on 19 August 1738 (New Style/Gregorian calendar).
Bullying on the pixel playground: Investigating risk factors of cyberbullying at the intersection of children’s online-offline social lives
Authors: Seiler Steven J. , Navarro Jordana N.
Published: January 2015

Although cyberbullying as a serious social problem has received significant attention within the mass media as well as among researchers, experiences of cyberbullying among children in the U.S. are still occurring (Dean, 2012; Salazar, 2010). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between social factors (i.e., sociability, social networking site use, Internet use via cell phones), risky online behaviors (i.e., lying about age, sexting, and harassing others), children’s emotional attachment to interactions within SNS, and parental involvement in children’s online social lives on the likelihood of being victims of cyberbullying as well as offline bullying. We found that increased sociability and parental involvement decreased the likelihood of being both cyberbullied and being bullied offline; daily SNS use, Internet use via cell phones, emotional attachment to interactions within SNS, and engaging in risky online behaviors increased the likelihood of being both cyberbullied and bullied offline. The findings suggest (1) cyberbullying is not categorically distinct from offline bullying; (2) future research is necessary to explore the qualitative impact of various risky online behaviors on both online and offline bullying; and (3) research is necessary to further understand the qualitative dimensions of parental involvement and emotional investment in online social life in decreasing online and offline bullying.
Fortifying the Pipeline: A Quantitative Exploration of High School Factors Impacting the Information Literacy of First-Year College Students
Authors: Fabbi Jennifer L.
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between a sample of first-time college freshmen students’ high school experiences that are developmentally related to information literacy competency and their scores on the iSkills assessment. iSkills is an online evaluation developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which tests the range of Information and Communications Technology literacy (ICT literacy) skills aligned with nationally recognized Association of Colleges & Research Libraries (ACRL) standards. Through hierarchical multiple regression analysis, four variables predictive of a significantly higher score on the iSkills assessment at the p < .05 level were identified.
Lib-Value: Values, Outcomes, and Return on Investment of Academic Libraries, Phase III: ROI of the Syracuse University Library
Authors: Kingma Bruce , McClure Kathleen
Published: January 2015

This study measures the return on investment (ROI) of the Syracuse University library. Faculty and students at Syracuse University were surveyed using contingent valuation methodology to measure their willingness to pay in time and money for the services of the academic library. Their travel time and use of the online library was measured to determine the environmental value of the academic library. The economic and environmental value of the Syracuse University library show an ROI of $4.49 returned to the university for every $1.00 spent each year.
Maximizing Academic Library Collections: Measuring Changes in Use Patterns Owing to EBSCO Discovery Service
Authors: Calvert Kristin
Published: January 2015

Despite the prevalence of academic libraries adopting web-scale discovery tools, few studies have quantified their effect on the use of library collections. This study measures the impact that EBSCO Discovery Service has had on use of library resources through circulation statistics, use of electronic resources, and interlibrary loan requests. Additionally, the data were compared against data from similar academic libraries without discovery systems. Findings include a strong growth in e-journal use but a sharp decline in circulation statistics. Implications of discovery on use of the print collection are discussed along with suggestions for improving integration of book and article data.
Influence of Cobalt (II) Chloride Catalysed on the Thermal and Optical Characterization of PEO Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Chapi Sharanappa , Devendrappa H.
Published: January 2015

Solution-casting technique was employed for the preparation of solid polymer electrolyte based polyethylene oxide (PEO) with 0, 1, 3 and 5 weight percentage cobalt chloride (CoCl2) films were characterized by X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), Differrential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Ultra Violet-Visible (UV-Vis.) Spectroscopy methods. The optical band gaps, absorption band edges and Urbach energy shows decrease with increasing of Co+2 ion concentration in the polymer matrix because of the formation of free radicals or cluster. The Thermogravimetry (TG) and Derivative Thermogravimetry (DTG) were used to examine the thermal stability of the film and it was found that the stability of the complexes is higher than that of the pure PEO due to the addition of CoCl2. The wavelength position of a fluorescence emission band varied by increasing of a dopant wt % of salt.
Bokanmeldelse. Smart læring. Hvordan IKT og sosiale medier endrer læring
Authors: Haakonsen Peter
Published: January 2015

Arne Krokans Smart læring er en kortfattet, informativ og nyttig bok som slår et slag for hvorfor og hvordan vi kan og bør få mer bruk av IKT og digitale medier i skolen. Etter å ha gitt en generell oversikt over ulike læringsteorier og hvilke paradigmer undervisningen har støttet seg til i de siste tiårene (referert til som industrisamfunnet), diskuterer han hvordan lærings­potensialet i internett og sosiale medier ikke utnyttes fullt ut i skolen i dag. Krokan er opptatt av at IKT skal fungere på egne premisser, i stedet for å etterligne og erstatte operasjoner som har blitt foretatt analogt tidligere. En PC er mer enn en digital skrivemaskin, og dette er et poeng som brukes i diskusjonen om hvor fruktbart det kan være å legge mer til rette for at internett og sosiale medier kan og bør bli mer brukt i undervisning.