bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the Catalytic Activity of Acidic Ionic Liquid in the Synthesis of Methyl Oleate
Authors: Bo Yang
Published: March 2015

Four kinds of Brønsted-acidic ionic liquids were synthesized with netrogen-contained chemical groups and different anions,and were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared spectrum (IR). On this basic, when the mole ratio of catalyst quantity to oleic acid was 0.019, that of alcohol to acid was 2, the reaction temperature was 150°C and the reaction time was 5 hours,the esterification of oleic and methanol were studied and the catalytic activities of ionic liquids for the esterification were investigated. The results showed their catalytic activities were associated with the structures of nitrogen-contained chemical groups, anionic acid strength and acid volume. Under the coaction of anions and cations, ionic liquids ([MPy]HSO4) had the best catalysis activity. Meanwhile the conversion rate of oleic acid could reach 88.21% .
Equivalent Circuit for EIS Study on Rusted Marine Cast Iron Artifacts
Authors: Ouyang Wei Zhen
Published: March 2015

EIS technique was employed to study corrosion of the rusted cast iron artifacts in seawater. The impedance spectra show characteristic of diffusion in the complex plane. At low frequencies, the complex impedance data trace out straight lines with less slopes with increasing immersion time. Equivalent circuit provides useful information that the rusted iron undergoes severe corrosion in seawater in the presence of porous scale. SEM results reveal the morphologies of the three main iron oxyhydroxides.
The Effect of Dry Granulating Machine Spindle Eccentricity on the Granulation
Authors: Wu Nan Xing , Zhan Tian Tian , Liao Da Hai
Published: March 2015

For the dispersity of particles in the process of ceramics dry granulating, simulating the effect of spindle eccentricity on it based on the Euler-Euler model. Simulation results show that the volume fraction of particles in the granulating chamber were 52%, 53%, 51% when the spindle eccentricity were 15mm, 25mm, 35mm. For particles distribute in the region of packing density above 0.4kg/m3 , the volume fraction in the granulating chamber were 11%, 3%, 7%. Therefore, spindle eccentricity has little effect on the whole the volume fraction of particles, but the effect on particles distribute in the region of packing density above 0.4kg/m3 is larger .Particles dispersity is best in the process of granulating when spindle eccentricity is 30mm.
Study on Abutment Pressure Distribution Law of Fully-Mechanized Sublevel Caving Face in Extra-Thickness
Authors: Yu Lei
Published: March 2015

Based on field observation, analogy simulation and theoretical analysis, the abutment pressure distribution law of fully-mechanized sublevel caving face with extra-thickness was studied. The results showed that: Different instability type of the structure ‘Combined cantilever beam-articulated rock beam’ in fully-mechanized sublevel caving roof led to cyclical changes of abutment pressure; with an invariable coal seam thickness and increasing cutting height, abutment pressure peak value tended to stabilize after reaching the maximum, but as the working face advancing its location transferred to the front of coal wall working face and the influence region of abutment pressure increased; with an invariable cutting height and increasing once mining thickness, abutment pressure peak value decreased, and the distance between peak point and coal wall and the influence region increased. The results of the study would have some guiding role in extra-thickness fully mechanized mining’s safety and efficiency.
Using Microorganisms to Facilitate Phytoremediation in Mine Tailings with Multi Heavy Metals
Authors: Cao Xiu Feng , Liu Li Ping
Published: March 2015

During mining activities, a large amount of wastes in the form of mine tailings were discharged, leading to a global problem in soil and water contamination. Phytoremediation was considered to be a potential method for remediation of mine wastes as vegetation can promote remediation for sustainable development of mine waste sites. Recently, studies were conducted to utilize microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting bacteria, or filamentous fungi to facilitate phytoremediation by increasing the plant biomass production, bioavailability of heavy metals (HMs), enhancing the plant uptake of HMs or reduce toxicity of HMs to plants. Some species of microorganisms can be beneficial to phytoremediation in the mine tailings contaminated with HMs.
High-Efficiency Cut Blasting with Shell Radial Shaped Charge in Laboratory-Scale Blasting
Authors: Chen Wei , Ma Hong Hao , Shen Zhao Wu , Wang De Bao
Published: March 2015

Due to the inefficiency problem of the cut blasting in rock excavation and rock breaking, a shell radial shaped charge device was proposed based of the ideal of ‘cutting to slotting’ and it was validated through experiments. For this device, the shell materials are used to be shaped materials and multiple shaped ring is designed on the circular tube. It can not only reduce charge quantity but also raise the utilization ratio of explosive energy. After explosion, multiple radial shaped charge jets can be formed along the axial line in sequence and then the surrounding rock mass would be cracked. The crack network will be formed along with the further extension of the fraction under the action of quasi static loading of detonation gas. The shell radial shaped charge device was tested through the cut blasting model experiment. Experimental results show that the utilization ratio of blasting hole nearly approaches 98% with this device. The blasting efficiency and cyclical footage can be improved effectively and the cost of drifting can also be reduced.
Spray Car Workbench Racks of Modal Analysis
Authors: He Yu Jing , Shen Jiang Feng , Li Xiang Fu
Published: March 2015

The author designed a intelligential spray car of fruit tree, this support frame of worktable support the whole spraying arm in the course, its dynamic properties is important to determine the product quality and life. On the basis of three-dimensional modeling, The modal of dynamic that support frame was analysis and the first ten modal parameters (natural frequencies and mode shapes) was calculated by using ANSYS finite element of analysis software. Compared with Modal parameters by method and experimental modal analysis obtained, summarizes the higher modes of dynamic structure, and proposed modifications for the structure.
The Computer Simulation of the Dynamic Buckling of Cyclindrical Shells under Pulse Load
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Xiao Jun , Han Zhi Jun , Lu Guo Yun
Published: March 2015

The computer simulation of the dynamic buckling on the cylindrical shell subjected to pulse load was carried out by ABAQUS/Expliect. The value of the rectangle and triangle pulse load is the same and the shape is different, and they are applied on the impact end of the cyclindrical shell. The influence of the load amplitude, the shape of load and the effect of the stress wave on the critical buckling time of cylindrical shell were discussed. The radial displacement curve was obtained which indicates that stress wave propagate along the length of the cylindrical shells, and the curve of strain time history is also acquired which is used to judge bifurcation and give the critical time.
Numerical Simulation of Lamb Wave Propagation in Isotropic Materials with Different Plate Thicknesses
Authors: Elgamal Hamada M. , Yang Zai Lin , Zhang Jian Wei
Published: March 2015

Understanding the characteristics of Lamb waves is very important for developing a structural health monitoring system. The propagation characteristics of Lamb waves are described in the form of dispersion curves, which are plots of phase/group velocities versus the product offrequency-thicknessgenerated by solving the Lamb wave equations. This paper presents a numerical modeling of Lamb waves’ amplitude behaviors for isotropic aluminum plate (Al 2024-T3). The numerical simulations were carried out using ANSYS by exciting the Lamb wave at the plate end in the frequency range of 150-200 kHz for different plate thicknesses.
Preparation of Sulfur-Free Exfoliated Graphite in the Graphite-HClO4-CH3COOH Systerms
Authors: Zhou Guo Jiang , Feng Xiao Tong , Lv Guang Chao
Published: March 2015

The sulfur-free exfoliated graphite(EG) was prepared by chemical oxidation method using the mixture of HClO4 and CH3COOH as reaction medium, the 100 orders natural flake graphite(NG) as raw material, and KMnO4 as oxidant. The effects of influence factors on the exfoliation volume(EV) were analyzed by single factor experiments and orthogonal experiments, the structure of NG and EG were characterized by X-ray diffraction. Results show that the optimum preparation conditions were as follows: graphite(g): KMnO4(g): the mixed acid (mL) = 1:0.35:4, HClO4 (mL):CH3COOH (mL) = 3:1, reaction temperature at 35°C for 90 minutes, the maximum EV of up to 500mL/g. The influence factors are governed the descending order: the volume ratio of HClO4 :CH3COOH, reaction temperature, the dosage of mixed acid, the dosage of KMnO4, reaction time.
Gold Catalysts on TiO2-Modified Silica Gel for the Selective Cyclopentane Oxidation to Cyclopentanone
Authors: Xu Li Xin , Sun Chuan Feng , Li Jie , Chen Guang Yuan
Published: March 2015

Amorphous silica gel was modified by titania via an impregnation-surface hydrolysis approach and used as the support for preparing gold catalysts through an direct anion exchange method. These supported gold catalysts were characterized by XRD and TEM, and applied for the catalytic cyclopentane oxidation to cyclopentanone using oxygen in the absence of any solvent and initiator. The catalyst with a loading of 0.1wt.% gold and 10wt.% TiO2 exhibited 7.2% cyclopentane conversion and 77.4% selectivities (including cyclopentanone and cyclopentanol) under the reaction conditions of 145°C, 2.0 MPa and 3 h. All the gold catalysts studied are very active in selective cyclopentane oxidation, and their high activities can be attributed to well dispersion and nanometer effect of gold particles within the catalysts.
Preparation and Visible-Light Catalytic Activities of Fe-TiO2 Loaded on Activated Carbon Fiber Felts
Authors: Li Min , Zhao Wen Xia , Kang Hui , Liu Juan
Published: March 2015

Fe-TiO2 loaded on activated carbon fiber felts (ACFF) composite photocatalysts were prepared by dipping ACFF in the Fe-TiO2 sol using tetrabutyl titanate (TBT) as precursors and FeCl3•6H2O as dopant, followed by calcination at 500 °C in N2 atmosphere. The composites were characterized by XRD, UV-vis absorbance spectra, SEM and BET. The photocatalytic activities under visible-light irradiation were investigated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO). The results showed that the absorption wavelengths of Fe-TiO2 composites were extended to 610 nm, the absorption edge had a pronounced ‘red shift’. Fe-TiO2 nanoparticles were evenly loaded on the surface of ACFs. Because of the synergy action of adsorption and photocatalysis, the degradation rate of MO with Fe-TiO2/ACFs was about 20% higher than that of ACFs, when irradiated for 180 min under visile-light.
Effect of Grafting Conditions on NR-s-g-HFMA Copolymer and its Thermal Stability
Authors: Zhao Fu Chun , Liao Shuang Quan , Wu Chun Ping
Published: March 2015

Skim natural rubber (NR-s) is solidified by skim natural rubber latex. NR-s is often evaluated to low grade natural rubber because of its many bad properties such as poor resistance to aging. In order to improve the NR-s comprehensive property, fluorinated groups were incorporated into NR-s molecular chain by grafting via solution polymerization method. The grafted copolymer was characterized and the effects of conditions on grafting ratio and grafting efficiency were investigated. The thermal stability are also examined.
Polypropylene/Wood Flour Composites Prepared by Solid State Shear Milling
Authors: Shi Hao , Guo Li , Zeng Ying , Liu Yuan Bo , Zhu Juan
Published: March 2015

In this paper, solid state shear milling method was successfully employed to prepare polypropylene/wood flour composites (WPC) and their structure and performances were investigated. The experimental results showed through solid state shear milling, the aggregates of wood fiber were broken down and polymer closely adhered to wood fiber, which improved the dispersion of wood fiber and the interfacial interaction between PP and wood fiber. As a result, the performances of WPCs in this way were more excellent than that of WPCs by the conventional method. This study could provide a novel approach to resolve the problems of the dispersion, stabilization and compositing of wood flour with polymer matrix and prepare WPC with higher performances.
A revision of the New World species of theAleiodes compressorspecies group (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Rogadinae)
Authors: Shimbori Eduardo M. , Shaw Scott R. , Penteado-Dias Angélica M.
Published: March 2015

Species of theAleiodes compressor(Herrich-Schaeffer) species group (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Rogadinae) from the New World are revised. Two new species are described (Aleiodes mantiqueirensisnew speciesandAleiodes marinoniinew species) and geographical range of the species group is extended into the Neotropical Region. Both new species are known only from the type locality in Brazil. Including the current descriptions, there are six species within theAleiodes compressorspecies group, four of them from the New World. Some new diagnostic characters for the group are proposed such as the relative length of antenna and the shape of ovipositor sheaths. The males of this group are difficult to distinguish from males of theAleiodes gastritor-circumscriptusspecies group because most diagnostic features are found only in females.
Long-term real-time chemical characterization of submicron aerosols at Montsec (southern Pyrenees, 1570 m a.s.l.)
Authors: Ripoll A. , Minguillón M. C. , Pey J. , Jimenez J. L. , Day D. A. , Sosedova Y. , Canonaco F. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Querol X. , Alastuey A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Real-time measurements of inorganic (sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, chloride and black carbon (BC)) and organic submicron aerosols (particles with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 1 μm) from a continental background site (Montsec, MSC, 1570 m a.s.l.) in the western Mediterranean Basin (WMB) were conducted for 10 months (July 2011–April 2012). An aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) was co-located with other online and offline PM1 measurements. Analyses of the hourly, diurnal, and seasonal variations are presented here, for the first time, for this region. Seasonal trends in PM1 components are attributed to variations in evolution of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) height, air mass origin, and meteorological conditions. In summer, the higher temperature and solar radiation increases convection, enhancing the growth of the PBL and the transport of anthropogenic pollutants towards high altitude sites. Furthermore, the regional recirculation of air masses over the WMB creates a continuous increase in the background concentrations of PM1 components and causes the formation of reservoir layers at relatively high altitudes. The combination of all these atmospheric processes results in a high variability of PM1 components, with poorly defined daily patterns, except for the organic aerosols (OA). OA was mostly composed (up to 90%) of oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA), split in two types: semivolatile (SV-OOA) and low-volatility (LV-OOA), the rest being hydrocarbon-like OA (HOA). The marked diurnal cycles of OA components regardless of the air mass origin indicates that they are not only associated with anthropogenic and long-range-transported secondary OA (SOA) but also with recently produced biogenic SOA. Very different conditions drive the aerosol phenomenology in winter at MSC. The thermal inversions and the lower vertical development of the PBL leave MSC in the free troposphere most of the day, being affected by PBL air masses only after midday, when the mountain breezes transport emissions from the adjacent valleys and plains to the top of the mountain. This results in clear diurnal patterns of both organic and inorganic concentrations. OA was also mainly composed (71%) of OOA, with contributions from HOA (5%) and biomass burning OA (BBOA; 24%). Moreover, in winter sporadic long-range transport from mainland Europe is observed. The results obtained in the present study highlight the importance of SOA formation processes at a remote site such as MSC, especially in summer. Additional research is needed to characterize the sources and processes of SOA formation at remote sites.
Soil organic carbon in the Sanjiang Plain of China: storage, distribution and controlling factors
Authors: Mao D. H. , Wang Z. M. , Li L. , Miao Z. H. , Ma W. H. , Song C. C. , Ren C. Y. , Jia M. M.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The accurate estimation of soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and determination of its pattern-controlling factors is critical to understanding the ecosystem carbon cycle and ensuring ecological security. The Sanjiang Plain, an important grain production base in China, is typical of ecosystems, yet its SOC storage and pattern has not been fully investigated because of insufficient soil investigation. In this study, 419 soil samples obtained in 2012 for each of the three soil depth ranges 0–30, 30–60, and 60–100 cm and a geostatistical method are used to estimate the total SOC storage and density (SOCD) of this region. The results give rise to 2.32 Pg C for the SOC storage and 21.20 kg m−2 for SOCD, which is higher than the mean value for the whole country. The SOCD shows notable changes in lateral and vertical distribution. In addition, vegetation, climate, and soil texture, as well as agricultural activities, are demonstrated to have remarkable impacts on the variation in SOCD of this region. Soil texture has stronger impacts on the distribution of SOCD than climate in the Sanjiang Plain. Specifically, clay content can explain the largest proportion of the SOC variations (21.2% in the top 30 cm) and is the most dominant environmental controlling factor. Additionally, the effects of both climate and soil texture on SOCD show a weakening with increasing soil layer depth. This study indicates that reducing the loss of SOC requires effective conservation and restoration efforts of wetlands and forestlands, as well as sensible fertilization. The results from this study provide the most up-to-date knowledge on the storage and pattern of SOC in the Sanjiang Plain and have important implications for the determination of ecosystem carbon budgets and understanding ecosystem services.
Massive and permanent decline of symbiont bearing morozovellids and δ13C perturbations across the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum at the Possagno section (Southern Alps of northeastern Italy)
Authors: Luciani V. , Backman J. , Fornaciari E. , Giusberti L. , Agnini C. , D'Onofrio R.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO) records the highest prolonged global temperatures over the past 70 Ma. Understanding the causes and timing of Eocene climate change remains a major challenge in Cenozoic paleoceanography, which includes the biotic response to climate variability and the changes among planktic foraminiferal assemblages across the EECO. The symbiont bearing and shallow dwelling genera Morozovella and Acarinina were important calcifiers in the tropical-subtropical early Paleogene oceans but almost completely disappeared at about 38 Ma, near the Bartonian/Priabonian boundary. We show here that morozovellids record a first critical step across the EECO through a major permanent decline in relative abundance from the Tethyan Possagno section and ODP Site 1051 in the western subtropical North Atlantic. Possible causes may include increased eutrophication, weak water column stratification, changes in ocean chemistry, loss of symbiosis and possible complex interaction with other microfossil groups. Relative abundances of planktic foraminiferal taxa at Possagno parallel negative shifts in both δ13C and δ18O of bulk sediment from Chron C24r to basal Chron C20r. The post-EECO stable isotopic excursions towards lighter values are of modest intensity. Significant though ephemeral modifications in the planktic foraminiferal communities occur during these minor isotopic excursions. These modifications are marked by pronounced increases in relative abundance of acarininids, in a manner similar to their behaviour during pre-EECO hyperthermals in the Tethyan settings, which suggest a pronounced biotic sensitivity to climate change of planktic foraminifera even during the post-EECO interval.
Numerical modelling of glacial lake outburst floods using physically based dam-breach models
Authors: Westoby M. J. , Brasington J. , Glasser N. F. , Hambrey M. J. , Reynolds J. M. , Hassan M. A. A. M. , Lowe A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The instability of moraine-dammed proglacial lakes creates the potential for catastrophic glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in high-mountain regions. In this research, we use a unique combination of numerical dam-breach and two-dimensional hydrodynamic modelling, employed within a generalised likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) framework, to quantify predictive uncertainty in model outputs associated with a reconstruction of the Dig Tsho failure in Nepal. Monte Carlo analysis was used to sample the model parameter space, and morphological descriptors of the moraine breach were used to evaluate model performance. Multiple breach scenarios were produced by differing parameter ensembles associated with a range of breach initiation mechanisms, including overtopping waves and mechanical failure of the dam face. The material roughness coefficient was found to exert a dominant influence over model performance. The downstream routing of scenario-specific breach hydrographs revealed significant differences in the timing and extent of inundation. A GLUE-based methodology for constructing probabilistic maps of inundation extent, flow depth, and hazard is presented and provides a useful tool for communicating uncertainty in GLOF hazard assessment.
Construction of an Eulerian atmospheric dispersion model based on the advection algorithm of M. Galperin: dynamic cores v.4 and 5 of SILAM v.5.5
Authors: Sofiev M. , Vira J. , Kouznetsov R. , Prank M. , Soares J. , Genikhovich E.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The paper presents dynamic cores v.4 and v.5 of the System for Integrated modeLling of Atmospheric coMposition SILAM v.5.5 based on the advection algorithm of Michael Galperin. This advection routine, so far weakly presented in international literature, is non-diffusive, positively defined, stable with regard to Courant number significantly above one, and very efficient computationally. For the first time, we present a rigorous description of its original version, along with several updates that improve its monotonicity and allow applications to long-living species in conditions of complex atmospheric flows. The other extension allows the scheme application to dynamics of aerosol spectra. The scheme is accompanied with the previously developed vertical diffusion algorithm, which encapsulates the dry deposition process as a boundary condition. Connection to chemical transformation modules is outlined, accounting for the specifics of transport scheme. Quality of the advection routine is evaluated using a large set of tests. The original approach has been previously compared with several classic algorithms widely used in operational models. The basic tests were repeated for the updated scheme, along with demanding global 2-D tests recently suggested in literature, which allowed positioning the scheme with regard to sophisticated state-of-the-art approaches. The model performance appeared close to the top of the list with very modest computational costs.
Equilibrium temperature distribution and Hadley circulation in an axisymmetric model
Authors: Tartaglione N.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The impact of the equilibrium temperature distribution, θE, on the Hadley circulation simulated by an axisymmetric model is studied. The θE distributions that drive the model are modulated here by two parameters, n and k, the former controlling the horizontal broadness and the latter controlling the vertical stratification of θE. In the present study, variations in the θE distribution mimic changes in the energy input of the atmospheric system, leaving as almost invariant the Equator–poles θE difference. Both equinoctial and time-dependent Hadley circulations are simulated and the results compared. The results give evidence that concentrated θE distributions enhance the meridional circulation and jet wind speed intensities, even with a lower energy input. The meridional circulation and the subtropical jet stream widths are controlled by the broadness of horizontal θE rather than by the vertical stratification, which is important only when θE distribution is concentrated at the Equator. The jet stream position does not show any dependence with n and k, except when the θE distribution is very wide (n = 3) and, in such a case, the jet is located at the mid-latitudes and the model temperature clamps to forcing θE. Using n = 2 and k = 1, we have the formulation of the potential temperature adopted in the classical literature. A comparison with other works is performed, and our results show that the model running in different configurations (equinoctial, solstitial and time dependent) yields results similar to one another.
Plantas epífitas e parasitas das árvores de rua do bairro do Ahu, Curitiba, Paraná (Brasil)
Authors: Dunaiski Junior Antonio , Roderjan Carlos Velloso , Vieira Renan de Silos
Published: March 2015

Plantas epífitas e parasitas das árvores de rua do bairro do Ahu, Curitiba, Paraná (Brasil)
Economies of scale in cardiac surgery
Authors: Lillrank Paul , Chaudhuri Atanu , Torkki Paulus
Published: March 2015

Objective: The objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of scale of surgical units on the productivity of patient processes.Methods: The context, intervention, mechanism, output (CIMO) model of Evaluation research is used. The scale–performance mechanisms are examined through resource intensity and throughput time per patient. The productivity of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery in a very large and a smaller hospital are compared.Results: While the large hospital performed 5.1 times more CABG surgeries per year than the smaller hospital, in terms of total resource consumption per patient it was 13% less productive. The large hospital had a 5% efficiency advantage in Operating Theatres (OTs), but it was 30% less efficient in ward care.Conclusions: Economies of scale are not found at the patient process level. Operating policies seem to assume more importance than scale.
Robot Path Optimization Based on a Reference Model and Sigmoid Functions
Authors: Rairan Jose Danilo
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study is to minimize the arc length for the path described by the model of a robot platform when the path is constrained to have smooth transitions given by sigmoid functions. The optimization required a proof of stability for the resulting control law, the selection of the best sigmoid function among ten functions, and the definition of two gains necessary to parameterize the control law. The optimization was carried out by simulating the system under several kinematic and dynamical conditions, and the best sigmoid function was a hyperbolic tangent. Thus, the motion control first implied the simulation of a reference model to define an optimal path, and later the control of an actual robot platform, which followed the optimal path. The use of the optimized path reduced the complexity of the controller while allowing natural and intuitive paths for the robot platform.
MULTIMODALITY IN ACADEMIC LANGUAGE: ASPECTS OF THE LEXICOGRAMMAR OF PRESENTATION SLIDES
Authors: Zapletalová Gabriela
Published: March 2015

The paper approaches academic talks or conference presentations (CPs) as a researchprocess genre which is based on the interplay of the written and spoken modes. The aim of the study is twofold: (1) it attempts to present an in-depth overview of research on multimodality in relation to academic language, and (2) it offers a (mostly quantitative) analysis of slides from PowerPoint presentations. The slides are approached as a platform for the study of so-called visual lexicogrammar. The research is rooted in Halliday’s systemic-functional framework involving the concept of language functions; it also draws on the genre-based approach to discourse analysis (Bhatia 1993, Martin 1997, Swales 1990, 2004) and multimodal theory as elaborated by Iedema (2003), Kress and van Leeuwen (2006) and O’Halloran and Smith (2011). The findings suggest that the visual lexicogrammar is realized through the interplay of visual and scriptural images; scriptural images dominate over visual images, primarily performing a discourse-structuring role in the slides by signalling the ‘IMRAD’ stages.
Diocleziano e i «poveri» di Alessandria: sulla donazione del panis castrensis (marzo 302)
Authors: Roberto Umberto
Published: March 2015

There is an evident link between the preamble of the

(November-December 301) and the grain dole in Alexandria (winter 302), attested by different sources. After the revolt and the siege in 298, Diocletian decided to reconcile the city of Alexandria with the imperial government. During his stay in Alexandria in winter 302, Diocletian granted the grain dole to support this reconciliation. On the other hand, it was a necessary measure to help a huge population threatened by poverty. According to the preamble of the Edict, this was a main task for the emperors to preserve peace and order in the empire.
The Impact of Cardiac Coherence on Executive Functioning in Children with Emotional Disturbances
Authors: Kenien Nicholas
Published: March 2015

Objective:

We used archival data originally collected using a quasi-experimental design to analyze inhibition, emotional regulation, working memory, and cognitive flexibility before and after an intervention of a coherence training program incorporating heart rate variability biofeedback.

Method:

Sixty-three participants, ages 7 to 14 years, were involved in the study: 30 in the treatment group and 33 in the control group. Split-plot analysis of variance (SPANOVA) was used to assess the impact of the intervention for the 4 dependent variables.

Results:

SPANOVA yielded no significant differences among inhibition, emotional regulation, working memory, and cognitive flexibility in response to the coherence training intervention.

Conclusions:

Future research in this area would benefit from the use of more objective measures of executive functioning. Qualitative assessment of child-reported symptomatology and treatment acceptability on the part of students and staff would also be an area for future research.
Medication-free Alternatives for Long-term Maintenance of Bipolar Disorder: A Case Series
Authors: Gurevich Michael I. , Robinson Cassandra L.
Published: March 2015

Psychopharmacological treatment has been the mainstay in long-term maintenance of bipolar disorder (BD) patients for the last 60 years. Conventionally accepted treatment options are primarily based on expert opinion rather than on well-executed, independently funded research. Investigation of maintaining patients without medications using treatment alternatives has been neglected. This clinical case series examines the outcomes of 7 BD patients who experienced a poor response or significant side effects with conventional treatment modalities. Patients were gradually and safely withdrawn from all medications. Treatment strategies were based on an individualized holistic approach using herbs, nutritional supplements, vitamins, amino acids, acupuncture, dietary recommendations, and behavioral modifications. Multiple treatment modalities were combined addressing the etiological causes for BD symptoms. Upon withdrawal from psychotropic medications, patients were free of medication-induced side effects and obtained psychiatric stability for at least 10 months. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term outcomes of BD treatment modalities based on well-defined successful outcome criteria, such as reduction in symptoms, improvement in quality of life, overall health outcomes, and cost effectiveness.
Another Pill, Another Test, and Another Procedure: One Resident's Reflection on Healthcare Cost Containment
Authors: Chertoff Jason
Published: March 2015

In the United States, healthcare expenditures have continued to rise at alarming rates despite numerous strategies to contain costs. One area of focus that is underappreciated is doctor-patient communication about expectations of treatment. Studies have shown that clinicians’ misperceptions of assumptions about patients’ expectations are an essential component to our nation's healthcare overuse problem. Strategies to address these misperceptions and assumptions as a method of reducing costs and providing higher-quality care to our patients are warranted.
Linking traits based on their shared molecular mechanisms
Authors: Oren Yael , Nachshon Aharon , Frishberg Amit , Wilentzik Roni , Gat-Viks Irit
Published: March 2015

There is growing recognition that co-morbidity and co-occurrence of disease traits are often determined by shared genetic and molecular mechanisms. In most cases, however, the specific mechanisms that lead to such trait–trait relationships are yet unknown. Here we present an analysis of a broad spectrum of behavioral and physiological traits together with gene-expression measurements across genetically diverse mouse strains. We develop an unbiased methodology that constructs potentially overlapping groups of traits and resolves their underlying combination of genetic loci and molecular mechanisms. For example, our method predicts that genetic variation in the Klf7 gene may influence gene transcripts in bone marrow-derived myeloid cells, which in turn affect 17 behavioral traits following morphine injection; this predicted effect of Klf7 is consistent with an in vitro perturbation of Klf7 in bone marrow cells. Our analysis demonstrates the utility of studying hidden causative mechanisms that lead to relationships between complex traits.
Social networks predict gut microbiome composition in wild baboons
Authors: Tung Jenny , Barreiro Luis B , Burns Michael B , Grenier Jean-Christophe , Lynch Josh , Grieneisen Laura E , Altmann Jeanne , Alberts Susan C , Blekhman Ran , Archie Elizabeth A
Published: March 2015

Social relationships have profound effects on health in humans and other primates, but the mechanisms that explain this relationship are not well understood. Using shotgun metagenomic data from wild baboons, we found that social group membership and social network relationships predicted both the taxonomic structure of the gut microbiome and the structure of genes encoded by gut microbial species. Rates of interaction directly explained variation in the gut microbiome, even after controlling for diet, kinship, and shared environments. They therefore strongly implicate direct physical contact among social partners in the transmission of gut microbial species. We identified 51 socially structured taxa, which were significantly enriched for anaerobic and non-spore-forming lifestyles. Our results argue that social interactions are an important determinant of gut microbiome composition in natural animal populations—a relationship with important ramifications for understanding how social relationships influence health, as well as the evolution of group living.
Impact Assessment
Authors: Lawrence David P.
Published: March 2015

The field of impact assessment (IA) is very important to the chemical industry and to industries using chemical technologies. Such industries are sometimes directly subject to IA requirements. Industrial decision making (eg, locations and management practices) can be affected directly by IA requirements, documents, and methodology and indirectly through the actions of regulatory agencies and government bodies responsible for chemically related policies and programs. IA also has much to offer in terms of effective methods and procedures directly relevant to sound environmental planning and management. It is a sound practice to be aware of this well‐established, but still rapidly evolving, field and of its implications for the chemical industry. It starts with understanding the meaning, origins, and types of IA. It entails appreciating IA institutional arrangements, as reflected in IA legislation, regulations, and guidelines. It requires awareness of IA processes (activities and process design choices) and methods (for activities and for IA specialties). It means recognizing new IA directions and emerging priorities. It underscores the need to know where to go to obtain detailed and up‐to‐date information and insights about IA requirements, theory, and practice.
Method of Moments: As Applied to the Solution of Electromagnetic Integral Equations
Authors: Dault Daniel , Shanker Balasubramaniam
Published: March 2015

Integral equation‐based techniques are one of the primary solution approaches for analysis of electromagnetic systems. Most electromagnetic integral equations cannot be solved analytically, and numerical methods are therefore required. The most common numerical solution technique for these types of equations is the moment method. Over the past few decades, several bottlenecks in terms of accuracy and cost of the moment method have been solved, so much so that analysis of problems in excess of millions of degrees of freedom is now almost routine. Given the ubiquity of these numerical methods, and because the moment method and the formulation of integral equations are inextricably linked, this article presents a gentle introduction to some common classes of electromagnetic integral equations and accompanying moment method formulations to numerically solve them. Recent progress and unsolved and open problems in moment methods are also presented.
Moment Invariants for Object Recognition
Authors: Flusser Jan
Published: March 2015

The article reviews various moment invariants (invariants to rotation, scaling, affine transform, and convolution/blurring) that can be used as features for automatic object recognition.
Shielding Analysis of Microwave Circuits
Authors: Bolz Thomas , Beyer Adalbert
Published: March 2015

Because of the trend toward higher operating frequencies, the problem of electromagnetic coupling between components of microwave circuits and parasitic resonances of metal packages becomes an important aspect in microwave circuit design.

The goal of this work is to give the circuit designer a physical insight into these coupling mechanisms to handle this problem in the early stage of circuit design.
Piezoelectric Tactile Sensors
Authors: Dahiya Ravinder
Published: March 2015

“Smart materials” such as piezoelectrics are important class of materials needed to execute sophisticated functions in many applications. These materials are distinguished by their ability to react actively to changing stimuli as a result of converting mechanical to electrical energy and vice versa. This article focuses on the piezoelectric material‐based tactile sensors. The article begins by discussing why piezoelectric transduction is important for tactile sensing. A brief overview of some historical milestones, such as the discovery of the piezoelectric effect and the utilization of piezoelectric materials in various applications, has been presented. The piezoelectric effect has been explained with basic mathematical formulations based on the intermingling of electric and elastic phenomena. A simple explanation of the piezoelectric phenomenon has been presented to help understand how this phenomenon is exploited in various piezoelectric material‐based sensors. Finally, some examples of piezoelectric tactile sensors are presented.
Gesture and Sign Language Recognition Methods
Authors: Caridakis George
Published: March 2015

This article deals with automatic gesture and sign language recognition from multiple viewpoints and attempts to critically review most of the work in this wide, cross‐disciplinary, and recently extremely active research area. Challenges involved in gesture and sign language recognition are presented, while different aspects of the overall recognition chain and proposed ways to tackle these challenging issues are also discussed. Numerous approaches are reviewed, not merely listing the characteristics of each work, but rather confronting critically each aspect of automatic gesture and sign language recognition attempting to deal with every challenge involved in this rapidly evolving, cross‐disciplinary research area.
Transparent Antennas
Authors: Lim Eng Hock , Wa Leung Kwok , Fang Xiaosheng , Pan Yongmei
Published: March 2015

This article introduces different types of transparent antennas to the readers. To begin, the electrical and optical properties of some of the commonly seen transparent dielectrics and transparent conducting thin films are discussed. Focus will be given to their microwave characteristics. Two types of transparent antennas, namely, conductive and nonconductive antennas, are covered in this article. In the first part, transparent antennas that are made of conducting thin film and meshed conductor are presented. The conductive thin‐film antenna usually has low antenna radiation efficiency because its film thickness, which is usually less than skin depth, causes the electron conductivity to reduce. Meshed antenna also experiences efficiency deterioration due to metal removal. The design issues and compromises for both types of conductive transparent antennas are discussed. In the second part, the transparent dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is explored. Regardless of its shape and thickness, the transparent DRA can have good radiation efficiency and optical transparency at the same time. Additional advantages such as using the antenna as a decorative art piece or as a multifunctional component are also possible with the transparent DRA. The optical and antenna performances will be studied. We have prepared this article in a language comprehensible to both antenna and microwave engineers.
Polymeric Foams
Authors: Ruiz‐Herrero Jose Luis , Rodríguez‐Perez Miguel Angel
Published: March 2015

This review covers key aspects related to the production, structure, properties, and applications of polymeric foams. These important man‐made materials are currently used in almost any sector and are continuously increasing their market due to a very specific combination of properties, the possibility of tailoring the properties in a simple way, their low cost in comparison with other materials, and the environmental benefits that can be obtained when they substitute solid plastics. The paper covers general aspects associated with the science and technology of these materials and also summarizes the new trends and new polymeric foams that are currently under development.
X‐Ray Diffraction by Polymers
Authors: Roe Ryong‐Joon
Published: March 2015

This article introduces X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques as applicable to structural characterization of macromolecules. General XRD principles and instrumentation are presented. Special attention is put on the analysis of small‐ and wide‐angle scattering data of polymers forming crystalline or amorphous structures. For each type of XRD experiment and specimen type (eg, powder, fiber, thin film, and dispersed particles) representative data analysis are presented including, for example, crystallite size and orientation, polymer chain conformation, and density fluctuations.
Polymer Aerogels
Authors: Schiraldi David A.
Published: March 2015

Polymer aerogels can be produced using two very different processes. The supercritical carbon dioxide process follows that originally devised for producing silica aerogels, retaining the wet gel structure to produce aerogels that allows for nanometer‐scale features. Significant amounts of solvent handling, relatively high expenses, and potentially significant environmental concerns are associated with the supercritical processing method. The alternative, freeze‐drying process generates morphologies from the freezing step itself, reflecting the gel structure to a lesser extent than is seen with supercritical processing. Aerogel structures are more tunable with freeze drying, but the available morphological features are generally on the micrometer scale, resulting in thermal and mechanical properties more like those of traditional polymer foams. Regardless of the process employed, polymer aerogels are low density materials that offer a wide and increasing range of available properties with which to design products.
Energetic electron precipitation associated with pulsating aurora: EISCAT and Van Allen Probe observations
Authors: Miyoshi Y. , Oyama S. , Saito S. , Kurita S. , Fujiwara H. , Kataoka R. , Ebihara Y. , Kletzing C. , Reeves G. , Santolik O. , Clilverd M. , Rodger C. J. , Turunen E. , Tsuchiya F.
Published: March 2015

Pulsating auroras show quasi‐periodic intensity modulations caused by the precipitation of energetic electrons of the order of tens of keV. It is expected theoretically that not only these electrons but also subrelativistic/relativistic electrons precipitate simultaneously into the ionosphere owing to whistler mode wave‐particle interactions. The height‐resolved electron density profile was observed with the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) Tromsø VHF radar on 17 November 2012. Electron density enhancements were clearly identified at altitudes >68 km in association with the pulsating aurora, suggesting precipitation of electrons with a broadband energy range from ~10 keV up to at least 200 keV. The riometer and network of subionospheric radio wave observations also showed the energetic electron precipitations during this period. During this period, the footprint of the Van Allen Probe‐A satellite was very close to Tromsø and the satellite observed rising tone emissions of the lower band chorus (LBC) waves near the equatorial plane. Considering the observed LBC waves and electrons, we conducted a computer simulation of the wave‐particle interactions. This showed simultaneous precipitation of electrons at both tens of keV and a few hundred keV, which is consistent with the energy spectrum estimated by the inversion method using the EISCAT observations. This result revealed that electrons with a wide energy range simultaneously precipitate into the ionosphere in association with the pulsating aurora, providing the evidence that pulsating auroras are caused by whistler chorus waves. We suggest that scattering by propagating whistler simultaneously causes both the precipitations of subrelativistic electrons and the pulsating aurora.