bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student-led development and evaluation of a community pharmacy-based cardiovascular risk assessment
Authors: Filion-Murphy Christine , Hands Lyndsey , Hockham Lyndsey , Kirkpatrick Laura , McNamara Sinead , Strath Alison , Rowe Iain , Vosper Helen
Published: May 2016

Robert Gordon University’s key strength is employability (reflecting close liaison with the professions) and courses must therefore offer opportunities for work-based learning, which can be challenging in the current financial climate. This is a particular problem for Pharmacy: opportunities for placement are extremely limited and tend to be focused on the later years of the course. This ‘late and limited’ exposure to practice is thought to be responsible for significant failures in the ability of students and newly-qualified pharmacists to take their knowledge of science and medicines and apply it in the context of solving clinical problems. Furthermore, a lack of engagement with practice makes it difficult for the theoretical learning (especially the underpinning science) to be effectively contextualised, leading to an artificial segregation of the science and practice sections of the course. While pharmacists must be technically capable, success depends on a broader range of non-technical skills, including communication and empathy as well the ability to deal with the unexpected.  Simulation is used as a partial alternative to the practice environment, but there are often vast differences between these highly-managed scenarios and the real situations encountered in practice.  Since there is no ‘ideal’ setting for a pharmacist, students should be educated and trained with an understanding, at the forefront of their minds, of human factors - something which challenges existing course design. Teaching and learning activities must allow students to explore the differences between the ‘ideal’ and ‘real’ clinical environments and to recognise when deviations from the ideal are likely to affect patient safety. This paper discusses a piece of action research by MPharm undergraduate students, exploring ways in which such activities may be developed.  These new activities are based upon an existing cardiovascular risk assessment, currently used to deliver scientific theory and develop technical skills, and involving the identification of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors and the use of these to calculate the ten-year risk of cardiovascular disease.The approach involved the building of two simulated scenarios, one representing an ‘ideal’ risk assessment and the other reflecting adverse outcomes arising as a result of practice-based problems.  Developing the simulations required an in-depth analysis of factors contributing to outcomes, and a combination of interviews with healthcare professionals and peer-peer focus groups were used to explore this. This paper discusses the challenges and learning points arising from this work, as well as an evaluation of the ways in which the work was used to enhance teaching in the academic session 2013-14.
The case for the ''usual suspects''
Authors: Negrea Theodora Petra
Published: May 2016

This opinion piece puts forward an idea that has generally been rejected in the context of student engagement. Whilst the majority of change agents would target the entire student population in encouraging staff-student partnerships, this short article presents an opposing idea: harnessing the commitment of some already engaged students can result in a domino effect of social learning and peer-motivated engagement. Examples from the field of marketing and psychology are used to support this idea, as well as the author's own student experience.
Improving student writing: working in partnership to develop the Student Academic Literacy Tool (SALT). (Project Report)
Authors: Becker Sue , Kennedy Luke , Shahverdi Holly , Spence Nadine
Published: May 2016

Developing an effective academic writing style can be a crucial determinant for degree success in undergraduate programmes which rely almost exclusively on written assessments to measure academic ability. The SALT project has brought together academic staff and students to develop an accessible and useful tool to enable students to recognise the characteristics of academic writing which need to be developed in order to be successful in written assessments. Crucial to the success of the project so far has been the involvement of student research partners as co-creators and owners of the tool. This report describes the development of the project and presents a model of partnership working in academic research which recognises the importance of students as owners of co-created research outputs and intellectual property.
Who owns the student voice?
Authors: Dickinson Lauren , Fox Antonia
Published: May 2016

This research, undertaken by Student Fellows (a scheme managed by both the University of Winchester and Winchester Student Union), aims to evaluate students’ perceptions of student voice at the University and to raise awareness of the opportunities available. Through the mixed-method approach of concept mapping, focus groups and surveys, the hope is to target the gap in the literature of this field. Having a personal connection with this project gave us a powerful insight into the students’ mindset and therefore allowed us to address the issue directly, particularly with regard to the decrease in engagement with student activities from school to university.
Open Badges to Encourage Class Representatives’ Reflection and Achievement-Sharing: A Case Study from Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA)
Authors: Lubicz-Nawrocka Tanya
Published: May 2016

This case study describes how Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) worked in partnership with the University of Edinburgh’s Information Services division to implement one of the first Open Badge schemes used in the UK higher education sector. Based on student feedback, EUSA developed an effective Open Badge model to recognise and reward students’ work as Class Representatives. The paper describes EUSA’s model of badges, badge criteria and implementation, before focusing on qualitative examples of the positive impact of this pilot project for both individual students and for the Students’ Association. It provides examples of how students reflected thoughtfully about the impact of their work as Class Representatives to develop skills in negotiation, problem solving, diplomacy, leadership, and change management. EUSA’s Open Badge scheme now rewards students for sharing their achievements. In turn, students’ Open Badge blog posts have helped EUSA to gain more meaningful insights into the broad work of Class Representatives and how students benefit when they engage fully with the role.
Transforming the relationship between staff and students to effect change
Authors: Hassan Iman , Hayes Sarah
Published: May 2016

This opinion piece argues for the necessity of student-staff partnerships that go beyond the common rhetoric of ‘student engagement’, achieving a richer student and staff dialogue which results in more meaningful change in policy and practice. In particular, attention is drawn to the need for such partnerships when determining technology applications that are often missed out from, or treated in isolation from, the curriculum design process. This piece cites, as an example, a student-led taught day on the Post Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching at Aston University in July 2015. There was clear evidence that the staff participants designed their assessments with student partners in mind. It is therefore proposed that a partnership relationship offers an effective means of moving forward from common practices where technology simply replicates, or supplements, traditional activities.
A creative approach to engaging students as partners at Faculty level of the institution
Authors: Lees Becky , Garner Wendy , Flectcher Matthew , Gradwell Naomi , Harris Megan , Heathcote Mike , Lawrence Kerry , Medlock Bethan , Wright Emily
Published: May 2016

This case study identifies an effective model developed by the faculty of Education and Children’s Services at the University of Chester to further student engagement at faculty level of the institution during the academic year 2014/15. The initiative aimed to encourage and facilitate staff and students to work in partnership in order to bring about enhancements to the learning experience of students within a shared academic community. Seven students involved with the initiative share their projects, the outcomes of these and personal reflections of their student engagement journey in the faculty. The paper concludes by outlining key factors to consider when developing a partnership approach with students through the lens of student engagement.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Septic Systems in New York State
Authors: Truhlar Allison M. , Rahm Brian G. , Brooks Rachael A. , Nadeau Sarah A. , Makarsky Erin T. , Walter M. Todd
Published: May 2016

Onsite septic systems use microbial processes to eliminate organic wastes and nutrients such as nitrogen; these processes can contribute to air pollution through the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Current USEPA estimates for septic system GHG emissions are based on one study conducted in north‐central California and are limited to methane; therefore, the contribution of these systems to the overall GHG emission budget is unclear. This study quantified and compared septic system GHG emissions from the soil over leach fields and the roof vent, which are the most likely locations for gas emissions during normal septic system operation. At each of eight septic systems, we measured fluxes of CH4, CO2, and N2O using a static chamber method. The roof vent released the majority of septic system gas emissions. In addition, the leach field was a significant source of N2O fluxes. Comparisons between leach field and vent emissions suggest that biological processes in the leach field soil may influence the type and quantity of gas released. Overall, our results suggest that (i) revisions are needed in USEPA guidance (e.g., septic systems are not currently listed as a source of N2O emissions) and (ii) similar studies representing a wider range of climatic and geographic settings are needed. The total vent, sand filter, and leach field GHG emissions were 0.17, 0.045, and 0.050 t CO2–equivalents capita−1 yr−1, respectively. In total, this represents about 1.5% of the annual carbon footprint of an individual living in the United States.

Core Ideas

The GHG emissions of septic systems are not well quantified.

We provide the first measurements of GHG emissions over the septic leach field.

Leach field N2O emissions are significantly greater than control lawn emissions.

The majority of septic GHG emissions are released from the roof vent.

Septic GHG emissions equal about 1.5% of an American's annual carbon footprint.
A Cross-Cultural Validation of a Quality of Life Measure Using the Simple Measure of the Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters (SMILEY©) among Filipino Pediatric Lupus Patients
Authors: Punzalan Jemely M. , Canonigo Beatrice B. , Cabansag Maria Rosario F. , Flores Dennis S. , Galutira Paul Joseph T. , Bernal Christine B. , Chan Remedios D.
Published: May 2016

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most common autoimmune disorders in women of childbearing age. Simple Measure of Impact of Lupus Erythematosus in Youngsters (SMILEY) is the only health related quality of life (HRQOL) tool for pediatric SLE, which has been translated into many languages but is not yet available in Filipino.

Objective:

The primary objective of this study was to develop a Filipino translation of the SMILEY and to test the validity and reliability of this translation.

Methodology:

The SMILEY was translated into Filipino by a bilingual individual and back-translated by another bilingual individual blinded from the original English version. The translation was evaluated for content validity by a panel of experts and subjected to pilot testing. In the pilot, the SMILEY, together with the previously validated Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDSQL) 4.0 Generic Core Scale were administered to pediatric lupus patients and their parents on two separate occasions: a baseline and a re-test seven to fourteen days apart. Tests for convergent validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were performed.

Results:

A total of fifty children and their parents were recruited. The mean age was 15.38±2.62 years (range 8-18 years), mean education level was high school. The mean duration of SLE was 28 months (range 1-81 months). Subjects found the questionnaires to be relevant, easy to understand and to answer. The validity of the SMILEY was demonstrated in terms of content validity, convergent validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Age, socioeconomic status and educational attainment did not significantly impact the scores. The difference between scores reported by children and parents was significant with SMILEY Total (p=0.0214), effect on Social Life (p=0.0000), and PEDSQL Physical Function (p=0.0460), with children reporting higher scores for these domains compared to their parents.

Conclusion:

SMILEY is a brief, easy to understand, valid and reliable tool for assessing specific HRQOL in pediatric SLE. It will be useful in providing better care, understanding and may offer critical information regarding the effect of SLE in the quality of life of our pediatric lupus patients. It will help physician understands the needs of their patient not only on treatment of the specific disease but as well as the impact of the treatment on their daily lives.
Partnering Patterns and Sexual Behavior Among Korean Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Jung Minsoo
Published: May 2016

This qualitative study investigates the different methods for selecting sex partners by Korean homosexuals considering factors related to homosexual identity and sexual behavior. We take the approach of the grounded theory to examine the issue of sexual partnering of men who have sex with men (MSM). In-depth interviews of urban MSM and bisexual men were conducted. The snowball sampled through a MSM portal web site. Three key informants from the several areas were collected through a MSM portal website, and then, participants were gradually recruited with the snowball samplings in South Korea, 2011 (n=32). The results of coding the interviews based on the grounded theory approach identified three types of partnering: 1) MSM who do not prefer anal intercourse, but pursue safe sex in long-term relationships with fixed partners; 2) those who have fixed partners and perform anal sex, a category into which both MSM and bisexuals fall; and 3) those engaged in anal sex, but enjoy a concurrent sexual relationship without having fixed partners, which was common among bisexuals. The findings from this study elucidate several MSM and bisexual partnering types practice safe sex. This diversity in MSM partnering may increase the vulnerability of some MSM to HIV infection as safe-sex practices remain a matter of individual choice. Changes in Korean societal policies are necessary to enhance capacity building and encourage the practice of safe sex at the community level.
Peer-review process in journals dealing with chemistry and related subjects published in Serbia
Authors: Dekanski Aleksandar , Drvenica Ivana , Nedic Olgica
Published: May 2016

A survey was conducted among editors of journals publishing in the field of
chemistry, chemical technology and related topics in Serbia, aiming to
collect information on their experience, problems and difficulties during
peer-review process. Editors from 22 journals out of 27 which regularly
published during 2015 replied. General data on journals were collected from
responses obtained from editors-in-chief, whereas all editors (including
sub-editors and section editors) participated in a questionnaire concerning
peer-review procedure. Additionally, they were asked to evaluate quality of
reports and attitude of reviewers, discuss present situation and suggest
measures to improve peer-review process. Greatest problems encountered by
editors in peer-review process can be summarized as follows: low rate of
acceptance to review, low quality of reports, sometimes due to reviewer?s
bias or his/her inability to properly understand review process. A method
used to search for reviewers does not substantially influence quality of
reports. Editors agree that introduction of On-Line process and creation of
precise instructions for reviewers, education of potential reviewers, as well
as social, public and professional recognition and appreciation of reviewers?
work, are the most important measures to improve quality of peer-review
process and, consecutively, quality of published articles and journals.
Xanthan production on wastewaters from wine industry
Authors: Roncevic Zorana , Bajic Bojana , Vucurovic Damjan , Dodic Sinisa , Grahovac Jovana , Dodic Jelena
Published: May 2016

Wine industry generates large volumes of wastewaters resulting from numerous cleaning operations that occur during the different stages of winemaking. Disposal of these effluents in the environment causes huge problems due to their high organic and inorganic load and seasonal variability. The bioconversion of winery wastewaters in valuable product, such as xanthan, is an important alternative to overcome environmental problems. In this research, the possibility of xanthan production using Xanthomonas campestris on blended wastewaters from different stages of white and rose wine production with initial sugar content of 50 g/L was investigated. In addition to the media parameters (content of sugars, total and assimilable nitrogen, phosphorus, total dissolved salts and apparent viscosity), raw xanthan yield and degree of sugar conversion into product were determined in order to examine the success of xanthan biosynthesis. In applied experimental conditions, xanthan yield of 20.92 and 30.64 g/L and sugar conversion into product of 40.23 and 60.73% were achieved on wastewaters from white and rose wine production, respectively. The results of these experiments suggest that winery wastewaters, after additional optimization of the process in terms of the substrate composition and the cultivation conditions, may be a suitable raw material for industrial xanthan production.
Determination of multi-class herbicides in soil by liquid-solid extraction coupled with headspace solid phase microextraction method
Authors: Djurovic-Pejcev Rada , Djordjevic Tijana , Bursic Vojislava
Published: May 2016

A method is described for simultaneous determination of five herbicides
(metribuzin, acetochlor, clomazone, oxyfluorfen and dimethenamid) belonging
to different pesticides groups in soil samples. Developed headspace solid
phase microextraction method (HS-SPME) in combination with liquid-solid
sample preparation (LS) was optimized and applied in the analysis of some
agricultural samples. Optimization of microextraction conditions, such as
temperature, extraction time and sodium chloride (NaCl) content was
perfor-med using 100 ?m polydimethyl-siloxane (PDMS) fiber. The extraction
effi-ciencies of methanol, methanol:acetone=1:1 and methanol:acetone:hexane=
=2:2:1 and the optimum number of extraction steps during the sample
prepa-ration, were tested, as well. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
(GC-MS) was used for detection and quantification, obtaining relative
standard deviation (RSD) below 13%, and recovery values higher than 83% for
multiple analyses of soil samples fortified at 30 ?g kg-1 of each herbicide.
Limits of detection (LOD) were less than 1.2 ?g kg-1 for all the studied
herbicides.
Haemoconcentration as a predictor of severity in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Bohara Tanka Prasad , Karki Dimindra , Parajuli Anuj , Rupakheti Shail , Joshi Mukund Raj
Published: May 2016

Background: Acute pancreatitis is usually a mild and self-limiting disease. About 25 % of patients have severe episode with mortality up to 30%. Early identification of these patients has potential advantages of aggressive treatment at intensive care unit or transfer to higher centre. Several scoring systems are available to predict severity of acute pancreatitis but are cumbersome, take 24 to 48 hours and are dependent on tests that are not universally available. Haematocrit has been used as a predictor of severity of acute pancreatitis but some have doubted its role.Objectives: To study the significance of haematocrit in prediction of severity of acute pancreatitis.Methods: Patients admitted with first episode of acute pancreatitis from February 2014 to July 2014 were included. Haematocrit at admission and 24 hours of admission were compared with severity of acute pancreatitis. Mean, analysis of variance, chi square, pearson correlation and receiver operator characteristic curve were used for statistical analysis.Results: Thirty one patients were included in the study with 16 (51.61%) male and 15 (48.4%) female. Haematocrit at 24 hours of admission was higher in severe acute pancreatitis (P value 0.003). Both haematocrit at admission and at 24 hours had positive correlation with severity of acute pancreatitis (r: 0.387; P value 0.031 and r: 0.584; P value 0.001) respectively.Area under receiver operator characteristic curve for haematocrit at admission and 24 hours were 0.713 (P value 0.175, 95% CI 0.536 - 0.889) and 0.917 (P value 0.008, 95% CI 0.813 – 1.00) respectively.Conclusion: Haematocrit is a simple, cost effective and widely available test and can predict severity of acute pancreatitis.Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 4(1) 2015, 3-7
Comparison of the tribological and mechanical performance for nano and micro filler epoxy composites
Authors: Özsoy Iskender , Mimaroglu Abdullah , Unal Huseyin
Published: May 2016

In this investigation, the tribological and mechanical performance of 10 wt.-% filled nano and micro epoxy composites were studied and compared. Nano fillers are Al2O3, TiO2 and clay and micro fillers are Al2O3, TiO2 and fly ash. Mechanical and wear tests were carried out. Wear tests were performed on pin-on-disc arrangement. Test conditions were 5, 10, 15 N applied load values, sliding speed of 0.8 m × s−1, 2000 m sliding distance under dry atmospheric conditions. The results show that the mechanical and tribological performance of micro filler filled epoxy composites are better than those of the nano filler filled composites.
Prevalence and Genetic Profile of Duchene and Becker Muscular Dystrophy in Puerto Rico
Authors: Ramos Edwardo , Conde José G. , Berrios Rafael Arias , Pardo Sherly , Gómez Omar , Mas Rodríguez Manuel F.
Published: May 2016

Background: Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy (DMD and BMD, respectively), are common forms of inherited muscle disease. Information regarding the epidemiology of these conditions, including genotype, is still sparse.

Objective: To establish the prevalence and genetic profile of DMD and BMD in Puerto Rico.

Methods: We collected data from medical records in all Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) clinics in Puerto Rico in order to estimate the prevalence of DMD and BMD and to describe the genotypic profile of these patients. Patients selected for data analysis matched “definite”, “probable” and “possible” case definitions as established by MD STARnet.

Results: A total of 141 patients matched the inclusion criteria, with 64.5% and 35.5% being categorized into DMD and BMD, respectively. DMD and BMD prevalence in Puerto Rico was estimated at 5.18 and 2.84 per 100,000 males, respectively. Deletion was the most common form of mutation (66.7%) in the dystrophin gene, with exons in segment 45 to 47 being the most frequently affected.

Conclusions: This is the first report of the prevalence and genetic profile characteristics of DMD and BMD in Puerto Rico. Prevalence of DMD was similar to that reported worldwide, while prevalence of BMD was higher. Genetic profile was consistent with that reported in the literature.
Investigation of Structural Dynamics of Enzymes and Protonation States of Substrates Using Computational Tools
Authors: Chang Chia-en , Huang Yu-ming , Mueller Leonard , You Wanli
Published: May 2016

This review discusses the use of molecular modeling tools, together with existing experimental findings, to provide a complete atomic-level description of enzyme dynamics and function. We focus on functionally relevant conformational dynamics of enzymes and the protonation states of substrates. The conformational fluctuations of enzymes usually play a crucial role in substrate recognition and catalysis. Protein dynamics can be altered by a tiny change in a molecular system such as different protonation states of various intermediates or by a significant perturbation such as a ligand association. Here we review recent advances in applying atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate allosteric and network regulation of tryptophan synthase (TRPS) and protonation states of its intermediates and catalysis. In addition, we review studies using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) methods to investigate the protonation states of catalytic residues of β-Ketoacyl ACP synthase I (KasA). We also discuss modeling of large-scale protein motions for HIV-1 protease with coarse-grained Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations.
The Hagfish Gland Thread Cell: A Fiber-Producing Cell Involved in Predator Defense
Authors: Fudge Douglas , Schorno Sarah
Published: May 2016

Fibers are ubiquitous in biology, and include tensile materials produced by specialized glands (such as silks), extracellular fibrils that reinforce exoskeletons and connective tissues (such as chitin and collagen), as well as intracellular filaments that make up the metazoan cytoskeleton (such as F-actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments). Hagfish gland thread cells are unique in that they produce a high aspect ratio fiber from cytoskeletal building blocks within the confines of their cytoplasm. These threads are elaborately coiled into structures that readily unravel when they are ejected into seawater from the slime glands. In this review we summarize what is currently known about the structure and function of gland thread cells and we speculate about the mechanism that these cells use to produce a mechanically robust fiber that is almost one hundred thousand times longer than it is wide. We propose that a key feature of this mechanism involves the unidirectional rotation of the cell’s nucleus, which would serve to twist disorganized filaments into a coherent thread and impart a torsional stress on the thread that would both facilitate coiling and drive energetic unravelling in seawater.
Synthesis and 3D Network Architecture of 1- and 16-Hydrated Salts of 4-Dimethylaminopyridinium Decavanadate, (DMAPH)6[V10O28]·nH2O
Authors: Sánchez-Lara Eduardo , Pérez-Benítez Aarón , Treviño Samuel , Mendoza Angel , Meléndez Francisco , Sánchez-Mora Enrique , Bernès Sylvain , González-Vergara Enrique
Published: May 2016

Two hybrid materials based on decavanadates (DMAPH)6[V10O28]·H2O, (1) and (DMAPH)6[V10O28]·16H2O, (2) (where DMAPH = 4-dimethylaminopyridinium) were obtained by reactions under mild conditions at T = 294 and 283 K, respectively. These compounds are pseudopolymorphs, which crystallize in monoclinic P 2 1 / n and triclinic P 1 ¯ space groups. The structural analysis revealed that in both compounds, six cations DMAPH+ interact with decavanadate anion through N-H∙∙∙Odec hydrogen bonds; in 2, the hydrogen-bonding association of sixteen lattice water molecules leads to the formation of an unusual network stabilized by decavanadate clusters; this hydrogen-bond connectivity is described using graph set notation. Compound 2 differs basically in the water content which in turn increases the π∙∙∙π interactions coming from pyridinium rings. Elemental and thermal analysis (TGA/DSC) as well as FT-IR, FT-Raman, for 1 and 2 are consistent with both structures and are also presented.
A Multi-Point Method Considering the Maximum Power Point Tracking Dynamic Process for Aerodynamic Optimization of Variable-Speed Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Yang Zhiqiang , Yin Minghui , Xu Yan , Zhang Zhengyang , Zou Yun , Dong Zhao
Published: May 2016

Due to the dynamic process of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) caused by turbulence and large rotor inertia, variable-speed wind turbines (VSWTs) cannot maintain the optimal tip speed ratio (TSR) from cut-in wind speed up to the rated speed. Therefore, in order to increase the total captured wind energy, the existing aerodynamic design for VSWT blades, which only focuses on performance improvement at a single TSR, needs to be improved to a multi-point design. In this paper, based on a closed-loop system of VSWTs, including turbulent wind, rotor, drive train and MPPT controller, the distribution of operational TSR and its description based on inflow wind energy are investigated. Moreover, a multi-point method considering the MPPT dynamic process for the aerodynamic optimization of VSWT blades is proposed. In the proposed method, the distribution of operational TSR is obtained through a dynamic simulation of the closed-loop system under a specific turbulent wind, and accordingly the multiple design TSRs and the corresponding weighting coefficients in the objective function are determined. Finally, using the blade of a National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 1.5 MW wind turbine as the baseline, the proposed method is compared with the conventional single-point optimization method using the commercial software Bladed. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Hybridization of Chaotic Quantum Particle Swarm Optimization with SVR in Electric Demand Forecasting
Authors: Huang Min-Liang
Published: May 2016

In existing forecasting research papers support vector regression with chaotic mapping function and evolutionary algorithms have shown their advantages in terms of forecasting accuracy improvement. However, for classical particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms, trapping in local optima results in an earlier standstill of the particles and lost activities, thus, its core drawback is that eventually it produces low forecasting accuracy. To continue exploring possible improvements of the PSO algorithm, such as expanding the search space, this paper applies quantum mechanics to empower each particle to possess quantum behavior, to enlarge its search space, then, to improve the forecasting accuracy. This investigation presents a support vector regression (SVR)-based load forecasting model which hybridizes the chaotic mapping function and quantum particle swarm optimization algorithm with a support vector regression model, namely the SVRCQPSO (support vector regression with chaotic quantum particle swarm optimization) model, to achieve more accurate forecasting performance. Experimental results indicate that the proposed SVRCQPSO model achieves more accurate forecasting results than other alternatives.
Olivine-Based Blended Compounds as Positive Electrodes for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Julien Christian , Mauger Alain , Trottier Julie , Zaghib Karim , Hovington Pierre , Groult Henri
Published: May 2016

Blended cathode materials made by mixing LiFePO4 (LFP) with LiMnPO4 (LMP) or LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC) that exhibit either high specific energy and high rate capability were investigated. The layered blend LMP–LFP and the physically mixed blend NMC–LFP are evaluated in terms of particle morphology and electrochemical performance. Results indicate that the LMP–LFP (66:33) blend has a better discharge rate than the LiMn1−yFeyPO4 with the same composition (y = 0.33), and NMC–LFP (70:30) delivers a remarkable stable capacity over 125 cycles. Finally, in situ voltage measurement methods were applied for the evaluation of the phase evolution of blended cathodes and gradual changes in cell behavior upon cycling. We also discuss through these examples the promising development of blends as future electrodes for new generations of Li-ion batteries.
Characterization of an Amorphous Titanium Oxide Film Deposited onto a Nano-Textured Fluorination Surface
Authors: Li Pei-Yu , Liu Hua-Wen , Chen Tai-Hong , Chang Chun-Hao , Lu Yi-Shan , Liu Day-Shan
Published: May 2016

The photocatalytic activity of an amorphous titanium oxide (a-TiOx) film was modified using a two-step deposition. The fluorinated base layer with a nano-textured surface prepared by a selective fluorination etching process acted as growth seeds in the subsequent a-TiOx deposition. A nanorod-like microstructure was achievable from the resulting a-TiOx film due to the self-assembled deposition. Compared to the a-TiOx film directly deposited onto the untreated base layer, the rate constant of this fluorinate-free a-TiOx film surface for decomposing methylene blue (MB) solution that was employed to assess the film’s photocatalytic activity was markedly increased from 0.0076 min−1 to 0.0267 min−1 as a mechanism for the marked increase in the specific surface area.
Optimizing the Pore Structure of Bio-Based ACFs through a Simple KOH–Steam Reactivation
Authors: Huang Yuxiang , Ma Erni , Zhao Guangjie
Published: May 2016

Highly microporous bio-based activated carbon fibers (ACFs) were prepared through a simple reactivation method. Sawdust, as the starting material, was liquefied and melt-spun to produce the precursor fibers. Then, the precursor fibers were activated by KOH and reactivated by steam. By varying the conditions of the two activation processes, the formation mechanism of the pore structure was studied, and the result showed that steam reactivation has a positive effect on the development of microporosity. The sample with the optimal condition exhibited the highest specific surface area of 2578 m2·g−1 as well as the largest pore volume of 1.425 cm3·g−1, where micropores contributed 70.3%. Due to its excellent texture properties, the ACF exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 1934 mg/g for iodine.
Geoenvironmental Characterisation of Heap Leach Materials at Abandoned Mines: Croydon Au-Mines, QLD, Australia
Authors: Parbhakar-Fox Anita
Published: May 2016

Heap leaching is a well-established metallurgical technology which allows metal recovery (e.g., Au, Cu, U) from low-grade ores. However, spent heap leach materials remaining at abandoned or historic mine sites may represent a potential source of contamination. At the Croydon Au-mines, heap leaching operations (1984–1985) were performed on mineralized rhyolites hosting sulphides including pyrite, galena, arsenopyrite and minor sphalerite. Characterization of spent heap leach materials (n = 14) was performed using established geochemical and mineralogical techniques, supplemented by automated mineralogical evaluations. Whilst these materials contained low sulphide-sulphur (0.08 to 0.41 wt %) and returned innocuous paste pH values (pH 5.1 to 8.6), they were classified uncertain by net acid producing potential/net acid generating criteria. This was likely due to the reaction of secondary mineral phases (i.e., beudantite, hidalgoite, kintoreite and Fe-As-Pb oxides) during these tests. It is hypothesised that during heap leaching, gangue sulphides have differentially reacted with the cyanide lixiviant, pre-conditioning the formation of these complex secondary phases during surficial oxidation, after heap leaching termination. These materials are considered to represent a moderate geoenvironmental risk as dissolved Pb in basal leachates is in excess of the World Health Organization (WHO 2006) guideline values. Considering this, these materials should be included in ongoing rehabilitation works at the site.
Dendrimer Prodrugs
Authors: Da Silva Santos Soraya , Igne Ferreira Elizabeth , Giarolla Jeanine
Published: May 2016

The main objective of this review is to describe the importance of dendrimer prodrugs in the design of new drugs, presenting numerous applications of these nanocomposites in the pharmaceutical field. Therefore, the use of dendrimer prodrugs as carrier for drug delivery, to improve pharmacokinetic properties of prototype, to promote drug sustained-release, to increase selectivity and, consequently, to decrease toxicity, are just some examples of topics that have been extensively reported in the literature, especially in the last decade. The examples discussed here give a panel of the growing interest dendrimer prodrugs have been evoking in the scientific community.
Monotonic and Cyclic Bond Behavior of Deformed CFRP Bars in High Strength Concrete
Authors: Akbas T. , Celik Oguz , Yalcin Cem , Ilki Alper
Published: May 2016

Composite reinforcing bars (rebars) that are used in concrete members with high performance (strength and durability) properties could have beneficial effects on the behavior of these members. This is especially vital when a building is constructed in an aggressive environment, for instance a corrosive environment. Although tension capacity/weight (or volume) ratios in composite rebars (carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), etc.) are very high when compared to steel rebars, major weaknesses in concrete members reinforced with these composite rebars may be the potential consequences of relatively poor bonding capacity. This may even be more crucial when the member is subjected to cyclic loading. Although monotonic bond tests are available in the literature, only limited experimental studies exist on bond characteristics under cyclic loading conditions. In order to fill this gap and propose preliminary design recommendations, 10 specimens of 10-mm-diameter ribbed CFRP rebars embedded in specially designed high strength concrete (f’c = 70 MPa) blocks were subjected to monotonic and cyclic pullout tests. The experimental results showed that cyclically loaded CFRP rebars had less bond strength than those companion specimens loaded monotonically.
Engineering Porous Poly(lactic acid) Scaffolds with High Mechanical Performance via a Solid State Extrusion/Porogen Leaching Approach
Authors: Yin Hua-Mo , Qian Jing , Zhang Jin , Lin Zai-Fu , Li Jian-Shu , Xu Jia-Zhuang , Li Zhong-Ming
Published: May 2016

A knotty issue concerning the poor mechanical properties exists in the porogen leaching approach to porous scaffolds, despite its advantage in tuning pore structure. To address this hurdle, solid state extrusion (SSE) combined with porogen leaching was utilized to engineer porous scaffolds of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Advances introduced by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) caused the PLA ductile to be processed and, on the other hand, enabled the formation of interconnected pores. Thus, a well-interconnected porous architecture with high connectivity exceeding 97% and elevated porosity over 60% was obtained in the as-prepared PLA scaffolds with the composition of NaCl higher than 75.00 wt % and PEG beyond 1.25 wt %. More strikingly, the pore walls of macropores encompassed countless micropores and rough surface topography, in favor of transporting nutrients and metabolites as well as cell attachment. The prominent compressive modulus of the PLA scaffolds was in the range of 85.7–207.4 MPa, matching the normal modulus of human trabecular bone (50–250 MPa). By means of alkaline modification to improve hydrophilicity, biocompatible porous PLA scaffolds exhibited good cell attachment. These results suggest that the SSE/porogen leaching approach provides an eligible clue for fabricating porous scaffolds with high mechanical performance for use as artificial extracellular matrices.
Hyperspectral Unmixing via Double Abundance Characteristics Constraints Based NMF
Authors: Liu Rong , Du Bo , Zhang Liangpei
Published: May 2016

Hyperspectral unmixing aims to obtain the hidden constituent materials and the corresponding fractional abundances from mixed pixels, and is an important technique for hyperspectral image (HSI) analysis. In this paper, two characteristics of the abundance variables, namely, the local spatial structural feature and the statistical distribution, are incorporated into nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) to alleviate the non-convex problem of NMF and enhance the hyperspectral unmixing accuracy. An adaptive local neighborhood weight constraint is proposed for the abundance matrix by taking advantage of the spatial-spectral information of the HSI. The spectral information is utilized to calculate the similarities between pixels, which are taken as the measurement of the smoothness levels. Furthermore, because abrupt changes may appear in transition areas or outliers may exist in spatially neighboring regions, any inappropriate smoothness constraint on these pixels is removed, which can better express the local smoothness characteristic of the abundance variables. In addition, a separation constraint is used to prevent the result from over-smoothing, preserving the inner diversity of the same kind of material. Extensive experiments were carried out on both simulated and real HSIs, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Characterisation of Phosphate Accumulating Organisms and Techniques for Polyphosphate Detection: A Review
Authors: Tarayre Cédric , Nguyen Huu-Thanh , Brognaux Alison , Delepierre Anissa , De Clercq Lies , Charlier Raphaëlle , Michels Evi , Meers Erik , Delvigne Frank
Published: May 2016

Phosphate minerals have long been used for the production of phosphorus-based chemicals used in many economic sectors. However, these resources are not renewable and the natural phosphate stocks are decreasing. In this context, the research of new phosphate sources has become necessary. Many types of wastes contain non-negligible phosphate concentrations, such as wastewater. In wastewater treatment plants, phosphorus is eliminated by physicochemical and/or biological techniques. In this latter case, a specific microbiota, phosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs), accumulates phosphate as polyphosphate. This molecule can be considered as an alternative phosphate source, and is directly extracted from wastewater generated by human activities. This review focuses on the techniques which can be applied to enrich and try to isolate these PAOs, and to detect the presence of polyphosphate in microbial cells.
Response to Peter Mantle. Comments on “Mycobiota and Mycotoxins in Traditional Medicinal Seeds from China. Toxins 2015, 7, 3858-3875”—Rigour in Attributing Ochratoxin A Biosynthesis within the Genus Penicillium Occurring on Natural Agricultural Produce
Authors: Gao Weiwei
Published: May 2016

My colleagues and I appreciate the comments and constructive suggestions on our manuscript “Mycobiota and Mycotoxins in Traditional Medicinal Seeds from China”.[...]
Cloning the Horse RNA Polymerase I Promoter and Its Application to Studying Influenza Virus Polymerase Activity
Authors: Lu Gang , He Dong , Wang Zengchao , Ou Shudan , Yuan Rong , Li Shoujun
Published: May 2016

An influenza virus polymerase reconstitution assay based on the human, dog, or chicken RNA polymerase I (PolI) promoter has been developed and widely used to study the polymerase activity of the influenza virus in corresponding cell types. Although it is an important member of the influenza virus family and has been known for sixty years, no studies have been performed to clone the horse PolI promoter or to study the polymerase activity of equine influenza virus (EIV) in horse cells. In our study, the horse RNA PolI promoter was cloned from fetal equine lung cells. Using the luciferase assay, it was found that a 500 bp horse RNA PolI promoter sequence was required for efficient transcription. Then, using the developed polymerase reconstitution assay based on the horse RNA PolI promoter, the polymerase activity of two EIV strains was compared, and equine myxovirus resistance A protein was identified as having the inhibiting EIV polymerase activity function in horse cells. Our study enriches our knowledge of the RNA PolI promoter of eukaryotic species and provides a useful tool for the study of influenza virus polymerase activity in horse cells.
Prevalence of Escherichia coli adhesion-related genes in neonatal calf diarrhea in Uruguay
Authors: Umpiérrez Ana , Acquistapace Sofía , Fernández Sofía , Oliver Martín , Acuña Patricia , Reolón Eduardo , Zunino Pablo
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD), one of the most important diseases of neonatal dairy and beef calves in Uruguay, has become relevant in association with intensive systems. This disease generates substantial economic losses every year worldwide as a result of increased morbidity and mortality. Escherichia coli, one of the pathogens associated with NCD, can express several fimbrial and afimbrial adhesins. The objective of this study was to assess the presence of clpG, f5, f17A, f17G(II), and f17G(I) genes that encode three important adhesins expressed in diarrheagenic E. coli: F5, F17 and CS31A, isolated from feces of calves in Uruguay. Methodology: Feces of 86 (70 diarrheic and 16 healthy) calves, from 15 animal facilities in Uruguay, were collected between 2012 and 2013. Biochemical and molecular identification were performed to finally obtain 298 E. coli isolates. Partial amplification of adhesion-related genes was performed by polymerase chain reaction. Results: The most prevalent gene was f17A (31.2%), followed by f17G(II), clpG, f17G(I) and f5 (25.8%, 17.5%, 3.7% and 0.7%, respectively). All genes were present in diarrheic and healthy animals except f5 and f17G(I); these genes were present only in affected calves, although in low numbers. Conclusions: This is the first report of the presence of F5, F17, and CS31A genes in E. coli strains from NCD cases in Uruguay. Prevalence values of the genes, except f5, were in accordance with regional findings. It is expected that further characterization of locally transmitted strains will contribute to control a problem of regional and international magnitude.
Mortality risk factors show similar trends in modern and historic populations exposed to plague
Authors: Rubini Mauro , Gualdi-Russo Emanuela , Manzon Vanessa S. , Rinaldo Natascia , Bianucci Raffaella
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Plague has been responsible for two major historic pandemics (6th–8th century CE; 14th–19th century CE) and a modern one. The recent Malagasy plague outbreaks raised new concerns on the deadly potential of the plague-causing bacteria Yersinia pestis. Between September 2014 and April 2015, outbreaks of bubonic and pneumonic plague hit the Malagasy population. Two hundred and sixty-three cases, including 71 deaths, have been reported in 16 different districts with a case fatality rate of 27%. The scope of our study was to ascertain whether the risk factors for health in modern-day populations exposed to plague and in ancient populations that faced the two historic pandemics varied or remained substantially unaltered. Methodology: The risk of mortality of the Malagasy population with those obtained from the reconstruction of three samples of European populations exposed to the historic pandemics was contrasted. Results: The evidence shows that the risks of death are not uniform across age neither in modern nor in historic populations exposed to plague and shows precise concentrations in specific age groups (children between five and nine years of age and young adults). Conclusions: Although in the post-antibiotic era, the fatality rates have drastically reduced, both modern and historic populations were exposed to the same risk factors that are essentially represented by a low standard of environmental hygiene, poor nutrition, and weak health systems.