bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Objectives of preparation of future specialists in technological education from the standpoint of a competence-based approach
Authors: Yezhova O. , Gryn D.
Published: February 2019

The article is devoted to the actual problem of formulating the goals of education of future masters of technological education from the standpoint of competence approach. The competence-based approach, the SMART approach, and the theory of taxonomy are applied in the study. The structure of the competence of the technology teacher is as follows: integral competence, general competencies, and professional competencies. The list of program competencies of masters of education by the specialty 014 Secondary educations, subject specialization 014.10 Secondary educations (Labor training and technologies) is established. The concept of "integrated competence" interpreted in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework. The general competencies are defined: knowledge and understanding of the subject area, ability to act on the basis of ethical motives, act socially responsible and consciously, work in the team, find and analyze information, apply acquired knowledge in practical situations, learn, communicate in the state language, use the knowledge of a foreign language in educational activities. The professional competences are defined: ability to realize the presence of integration processes; knowledge of general engineering and production issues; the ability to investigate the relationship of science with new phenomena and processes in production; ability to research and creative activities; the ability to use information technology, knowledge of modern equipment and technology; the ability to determine the properties and to select materials for the manufacture of products; the ability to organize work in a school workshop; ability to adhere to the requirements for labor protection, fire safety, environmental protection; the ability to control and assess the level of academic achievement of students; apply modern methods and educational technologies. The educational professional program of the second (master's) level of higher education is developed on the basis of definite program competencies and implemented in the V. Vynnychenko Central Ukrainian State Pedagogical University.
The mediation by reproductions of artistic canvases in the deep knowledge of the psyche
Authors: Yatsenko T. , Halushko L.
Published: February 2019

The training of specialists, whose profession is related to direct contact with other people, requires attention in the aspect of their personal psycho-correction. In our time, the most common are social studies, which are oriented to the development of certain forms and behavioral skills. In the context of the psychodynamic approach (developed by a group of Ukrainian researchers), the center of attention are the cognitive preconditions of communication, which are influenced both by the conscious and the unconscious sphere. The study's orientation on the knowledge of the psyche in its integrity requires consideration of the fact of the functional asymmetry of the conscious and unconscious. The research is based on the possibility of uniting these two spheres in the addition in the process of deep knowledge of the objectified means (which are close to the language of the unconscious) and providing a dialogic interaction between the psychologist and the respondent. The content of the article proves that, under the above conditions, the procedural diagnostics, in accordance with the portions and multilevelness of the dialogic «pas» of the psychologist with the respondent, is provided in the groups of the ASPK. The empirical material represents the possibility to verify the dynamics of the entrance of the external world's factors in the inner. The next stage relates to the translation of the representation plot, which is revealed in a dialogical form, through the use of residual traces, that acquire a semantic (motivational) activity. Dialogical psychoanalysis (presented in the article) confirms the effectiveness of diagnostic-correctional work through the drawings.
Implementation of the optimization program for the development of social expectations of personality (Illustrated by an example of the project «Leader’s School»)
Authors: Popovych I.
Published: February 2019

The article presents the full cycle from development and implementation to the complete coverage and analysis of the results of the program of optimization of the development and psychocorrection of social expectations of personality, by an example of the project «Leader’s School» for the first time. A retrospective and comparative analysis of the project implementation experience is presented. The essence of stages of program development is revealed, psychological content parameters of social expectations of personality are investigated. A considerable amount of psychological content parameters, related to the motivational structure of the personality, sense of life orientations, subject control and exspectometric features has been analyzed. The program has been implemented, which has contributed to the positive dynamic changes in cognitive and behavioral readiness for the intended course of events, which in turn allowed the participants of the project group to be able to assess the future perspective, comprehend the content and organizational peculiarities of future professional activity, «take on the role of future work», which made adjustments to social expectations of the subjects, and affected the design of the expected future model. It was assumed that a significant proportion of students turned out to be unprepared to rapidly change their status, which was reflected on the level of social psychological peculiarities of the expected attitude of the individual towards participants in interpersonal interaction (Tp=16,00; Tn=44,00; p≥0,05). It is established that the process of formation of emotional readiness requires long-term external interventions.
The author’s position is that the developed program for optimization of development and psychocorrection of social expectations of personality has become an effective, guided tool for solving a number of important social economic problems of the present, which lie in the sphere of interaction «institution of higher education – professional activity».
The adaptation directions in the structure of the personality potential
Authors: Lytvynenko O.
Published: February 2019

The article is devoted to the results of an empirical study of the structure of the potential of the individual. The basic approaches of psychological science to the understanding of the potential sphere of the personality and its connection with the basic personal and social characteristics are revealed. In science, there is no single approach to the semantic filling of the category of "potential": human capacity includes ability to work, ability to work, special abilities, activity and practical experience, ontogenetic reflexion, temporal organization of personality, peculiarities of its psychological health. A separate place is the study of individual psychological and socio-psychological resources in the structure of the personality potential.

In the context of the study, the adaptive potential is considered as a complex system of psychological, socio-psychological and psychological properties and qualities that are actualized by the individual to create and implement new behavioral programs in changed conditions of life.

There are three separated levels of interaction of adaptation directions: individual, personal and behavioral.

The individual level reflects the natural layer of the psychological properties of the individual as the basis for the development of character and personality development, and the differential and holistic influence of personal psychological properties on the psychological peculiarities of the adaptive potential, reproduced in the form of volitional, emotional, self-actualizing and physical potentials, is considered on a personal level. Influence of the personal level on behavioral, demonstrates the result of the manifestation and development of certain potentials on socio-psychological peculiarities
The concept of life chances as representation of personality internal transformation: context of war’ discourse
Authors: Karavanova I.
Published: February 2019

The concept of life perspectives as a display of internal transformations of personality, the rethinking of values and the potential for further development in conjunction with the way in which war is represented in the discourse of the subject and society as a whole is analyzed in this article.

We come to the conclusion that the perspective is how a person can see or consider the future from a particular position from a certain point.  In another language, the perspective can be interpreted as an individual way of dealing with the future and experiencing the future, according to what we propose, to consider the concept of life prospects as an intermediary, a tool for rethinking the experience of war, in terms of the availability of the following main components.  Along with the fact that the realization of life prospects can be understood through the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional level, this, including the unconscious process.  In shaping our life perspectives, we rely on a purely subjective experience of a person, which usually determines its election and model in the present and future, but the importance becomes the understanding that the formation of the subject is an endless, permanent process.

A person who is infinitely constituted builds his subjectivity in interaction with others, which means that we cannot understand a person without a social context.
Stranding trends of Steller sea lions Eumetopias jubatus 1990-2015
Authors: Esquible J , Atkinson S
Published: February 2019

Distinct population segments of Steller sea lion (SSL)Eumetopias jubatushave experienced different population trends over the last 5 decades, rendering the need for retrospective study. By identifying long-term stranding trends of SSLs we can develop a better understanding of factors contributing to mortality that may affect SSL population dynamics. We characterized spatial and temporal trends of SSL strandings (n = 1507) in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, USA, over a 25 yr period. Stranding reports were obtained from the Alaska and Northwest Region’s Marine Mammal Stranding Networks. Temporal trends were assessed by identifying seasonal patterns across all years (1990-2015), analyzing sex, age class, body length, and characterizing signs of human interaction including factors contributing to mortality. An apparent increase in strandings occurred after 2000, likely due to increased stranding response effort resulting from increased federal grant awards. Adult males were the most frequently stranded sex and age class in the Alaska (AK) and Northwest (NW) Regions. Clear seasonality trends were evident, with the greatest reported stranding occurrences during the spring and summer. Gunshot wounds and fishery interactions accounted for a large proportion (90%) of human interaction cases. In Alaska, the southeast region had the highest number of strandings. In the NW Region, Oregon had the highest documented strandings. Despite caveats associated with stranding data, our findings suggest rapid timing of continued stranding response is imperative for a better understanding of cause-specific mortality trends and other factors contributing to stranding events.
Analisis Kinerja Keuangan Perusahaan Sektor Pertambangan Antara PMA dan PMDN Di Bursa Efek Indonesia
Authors: Fadillah Ismi , Basyith Abdul
Published: February 2019

This study aims to compare the financial performance between foreign and domestic mining firms in Indonesia for a period of 2012-2016. Not only comparing the financial performance, this study is also aimed at analyzing the impact of liquidity ratio, solvability ratio and activity ratio on financial performance and at analyzing which ratio provides the highest contribution on the financial performance of foreign and domestic mining firms in Indonesia for a period of 2012-2016. The total sample employed is 15 foreign firms (PMA) and 15 domestic firms (PMDN). The independent variable used is liquidity ratio, solvability ratio and activity ratio in which each proxies used are current ratio (CR), debt to equity ratio (DER) dan total assets turnover (TATO). Meanwhile the dependent variable used is profitability ratio in which proxies used are return on assets (ROA) dan return on equity (ROE). The analysis technique used in this study is independent samples t-test and multiple regression equation. The results reveal that: (1) There is no significance difference of variance value for all variables (CR, DER, TATO, ROA dan ROE) between foreign and domestic firms; (2) Apart from CR, TATO, ROA and ROE, only debt to equity ratio (DER) shows a significance difference for foreign and domestic firms; (3) CR, DER, TATO, ROA and ROE for foreign firms is better than domestic firms; (4)Ccurrent ratio (X1), debt to equity ratio (X2), and total assets turnover (X3) have a positive and significant impact simultaneously on the financial performance for both return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) for foreign and domestic firms; (5) Total assets turnover (X3) is the only variable providing the highest contribution to the improvement of financial performance for both return on assets and return on equity for foreign and domestic firms.
Effects of White Lupin and Groundnut on Fractionated Rhizosphere Soil P of Different P-Limited Soil Types in Japan
Authors: Imai Kaoru , Sugihara Soh , Wasaki Jun , Tanaka Haruo
Published: February 2019

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for crop production, while most soil P is the less labile P associated with Aluminum (Al) and Iron (Fe) in acidic soils of Japan. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of two contrasting P-efficient legumes (white lupin, WL (Lupinus albus L.); and groundnut, GN (Arachis hypogaea L.)) on rhizosphere soil P dynamics in different soil types of Japan, such as Al-rich volcanic-soil, Fe-rich red-yellow-soil, and sandy-soil, with or without historical fertilization managements (3 soil types × 2 managements = 6 soil samples). We conducted a 56-day pot experiment, and analyzed the plant P uptake and fractionated P of rhizosphere and bulk soils, based on the Hedley-fractionation method. We observed that GN P uptake was generally larger than that in WL in most soil types and managements. WL significantly decreased the labile P in most soils and also decreased the less labile inorganic P (Pi) and organic P (Po) in fertilized Red-yellow-soil, which has much crystalline Fe, though GN did not. In contrast, both WL and GN significantly decreased the less labile Pi in fertilized volcanic-soil, which has much non-crystalline Al. These results indicate that (1) characteristics of less labile P uptake by P efficient legumes were different between the soil types and managements, and (2) WL efficiently solubilized the less labile P than GN in fertilized red-yellow soil, while GN efficiently absorbed the larger amount of P than WL, especially in volcanic- and sandy-soil.
Integrated Nutrient Management in Rice–Wheat Cropping System: An Evidence on Sustainability in the Indian Subcontinent through Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sharma Sheetal , Padbhushan Rajeev , Kumar Upendra
Published: February 2019

Over years of intensive cultivation and imbalanced fertilizer use, the soils of the Indian subcontinent have become deficient in several nutrients and are impoverished in organic matter. Recently, this region has started emphasizing a shift from inorganic to organic farming to manage soil health. However, owing to the steadily increasing demands for food by the overgrowing populations of this region, a complete shift to an organic farming system is not possible. The rice–wheat cropping system (RWCS) is in crisis because of falling or static yields. The nations of this region have already recognized this problem and have modified farming systems toward integrated nutrient management (INM) practices. The INM concept aims to design farming systems to ensure sustainability by improving soil health, while securing food for the population by improving crop productivity. Therefore, this paper was synthesized to quantify the impact and role of INM in improving crop productivity and sustainability of the RWCS in the context of the Indian subcontinent through meta-analysis using 338 paired data during the period of 1989–2016. The meta-analysis of the whole data for rice and wheat showed a positive increase in the grain yield of both crops with the use of INM over inorganic fertilizers only (IORA), organic fertilizers only (ORA), and control (no fertilizers; CO) treatments. The increase in grain yield was significant at p < 0.05 for rice in INM over ORA and CO treatments. For wheat, the increase in grain yield was significant at p < 0.05 in INM over IORA, ORA, and CO treatments. The yield differences in the INM treatment over IORA were 0.05 and 0.13 Mg ha−1, respectively, in rice and wheat crops. The percent yield increases in INM treatment over IORA, ORA, and CO treatments were 2.52, 29.2, and 90.9, respectively, in loamy soil and 0.60, 24.9, and 93.7, respectively, in clayey soil. The net returns increased by 121% (INM vs. CO) in rice, and 9.34% (INM vs. IORA) and 127% (INM vs. CO) in wheat crop. Use of integrated nutrient management had a positive effect on soil properties as compared to other nutrient management options. Overall, the yield gain and maintenance of soil health due to INM practices over other nutrient management practices in RWCS can be a viable nutrient management option in the Indian subcontinent.
Hyperoxidation of Peroxiredoxin 6 Induces Alteration from Dimeric to Oligomeric State
Authors: Shahnaj Sharifun , Chowhan Rimpy Kaur , Meetei Potshangbam Angamba , Kakchingtabam Pushpa , Herojit Singh Khundrakpam , Rajendrakumar Singh Laishram , Nongdam Potshangbam , Fisher Aron B. , Rahaman Hamidur
Published: February 2019

Peroxiredoxins(Prdx), the family of non-selenium glutathione peroxidases, are important antioxidant enzymes that defend our system from the toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). They are thiol-based peroxidases that utilize self-oxidation of their peroxidatic cysteine (Cp) group to reduce peroxides and peroxidized biomolecules. However, because of its high affinity for hydrogen peroxide this peroxidatic cysteine moiety is extremely susceptible to hyperoxidation, forming peroxidase inactive sulfinic acid (Cys-SO2H) and sulfonic acid (Cys-SO3H) derivatives. With the exception of peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6), hyperoxidized sulfinic forms of Prdx can be reversed to restore peroxidase activity by the ATP-dependent enzyme sulfiredoxin. Interestingly, hyperoxidized Prdx6 protein seems to have physiological significance as hyperoxidation has been reported to dramatically upregulate its calcium independent phospholipase A2 activity. Using biochemical studies and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation, we investigated the roles of thermodynamic, structural and internal flexibility of Prdx6 to comprehend the structural alteration of the protein in the oxidized state. We observed the loosening of the hydrophobic core of the enzyme in its secondary and tertiary structures. These changes do not affect the internal dynamics of the protein (as indicated by root-mean-square deviation, RMSD and root mean square fluctuation, RMSF plots). Native-PAGE and dynamic light scattering experiments revealed the formation of higher oligomers of Prdx6 under hyperoxidation. Our study demonstrates that post translational modification (like hyperoxidation) in Prdx6 can result in major alterations of its multimeric status.
Investigation of the Internal Structure of Fiber Reinforced Geopolymer Composite under Mechanical Impact: A Micro Computed Tomography (µCT) Study
Authors: Samal Sneha , Kolinova Marcela , Rahier Hubert , Dal Poggetto Giovanni , Blanco Ignazio
Published: February 2019

The internal structure of fiber reinforced geopolymer composite was investigated by microfocus X-ray computed tomography (µCT) under mechanical impact. µCT is a non-destructive, multi approach technique for assessing the internal structures of the impacted composites without compromising their integrity. The three dimensional (3D) representation was used to assess the impact damage of geopolymer composites reinforced with carbon, E-glass, and basalt fibers. The 3D representations of the damaged area with the visualization of the fiber rupture slices are presented in this article. The fiber pulls out, and rupture and matrix damage, which could clearly be observed, was studied on the impacted composites by examining slices of the damaged area from the center of the damage towards the edge of the composite. Quantitative analysis of the damaged area revealed that carbon fabric reinforced composites were much less affected by the impact than the E-glass and basalt reinforced composites. The penetration was clearly observed for the basalt based composites, confirming µCT as a useful technique for examining the different failure mechanisms for geopolymer composites. The durability of the carbon fiber reinforced composite showed better residual strength in comparison with the E-glass fiber one.
Smart-Grid-Aware Load Regulation of Multiple Datacenters towards the Variable Generation of Renewable Energy
Authors: Luo Peicong , Wang Xiaoying , Jin Hailong , Li Yuling , Yang Xuejiao
Published: February 2019

Recently, as renewable and distributed power sources boost, many such resources are integrated into the smart grid as a clean energy input. However, since the generation of renewable energy is intermittent and unstable, the smart grid needs to regulate the load to maintain stability after integrating the renewable energy source. At the same time, with the development of cloud computing, large-scale datacenters are becoming potentially controllable loads for the smart grid due to their high energy consumption. In this paper, we propose an appropriate approach to dynamically adjust the datacenter load to balance the unstable renewable energy input into the grid. This could meet the demand response requirements by taking advantage of the variable power consumption of datacenters. We have examined the scenarios of one or more datacenters being integrated into the grid and adopted a stochastic algorithm to solve the problem we established. The experimental results illustrated that the dynamic load management of multiple datacenters could help the smart grid to reduce losses and thus save operational costs. Besides, we also analyzed the impact of the flexibility and the delay of datacenter actions, which could be applied to more general scenarios in realistic environments. Furthermore, considering the impact of the action delay, we employed a forecasting method to predict renewable energy generation in advance to eliminate the extra losses brought by the delay as much as possible. By predicting solar power generation, the improved results showed that the proposed method was effective and feasible under both sunny and cloudy/rainy/snowy weather conditions.
Predicting the Extreme Loads in Power Production of Large Wind Turbines Using an Improved PSO Algorithm
Authors: Liao Caicai , Shi Kezhong , Zhao XiaoLu
Published: February 2019

Predicting the extreme loads in power production for the preliminary-design of large-scale wind turbine blade is both important and time consuming. In this paper, a simplified method, called Particle Swarm Optimization-Extreme Load Prediction Model (PSO-ELPM), is developed to quickly assess the extreme loads. This method considers the extreme loads solution as an optimal problem. The rotor speed, wind speed, pitch angle, yaw angle, and azimuth angle are selected as design variables. The constraint conditions are obtained by considering the influence of the aeroelastic property and control system of the wind turbine. An improved PSO algorithm is applied. A 1.5 MW and a 2.0 MW wind turbine are chosen to validate the method. The results show that the extreme root load errors between PSO-ELPM and FOCUS are less than 10%, while PSO-ELPM needs much less computational cost than FOCUS. The distribution of flapwise bending moments are close to the results of FOCUS. By analyzing the loads, we find that the extreme flapwise bending moment of the blade root in chord coordinate (CMF_ROOT) is largely reduced because of the control system, with the extreme edgewise bending moment of the blade root in chord coordinate (CME_ROOT) almost unchanged. Furthermore, higher rotor speed and smaller pitch angle will generate larger extreme bending moments at the blade root.
Kinetics of a Phonon-Mediated Laser-Driven Structural Phase Transition in Sn2P2Se6
Authors: Kubli Martin , Savoini Matteo , Abreu Elsa , Burganov Bulat , Lantz Gabriel , Huber Lucas , Neugebauer Martin J. , Boie Larissa , Esposito Vincent , Bothschafter Elisabeth M. , Parchenko Sergii , Grübel Sebastian , Porer Michael , Rittmann Jochen , Beaud Paul , Staub Urs , Yabashi Makina , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Katayama Tetsuo , Togashi Tadashi , Kohutych Anton A. , Vysochanskii Yulian M. , Johnson Steven L.
Published: February 2019

We investigate the structural dynamics of the incommensurately modulated phase of Sn 2 P 2 Se 6 by means of time-resolved X-ray diffraction following excitation by an optical pump. Tracking the incommensurable distortion in the time domain enables us to identify the transport effects leading to a complete disappearance of the incommensurate phase over the course of 100 ns. These observations suggest that a thin surface layer of the high-temperature phase forms quickly after photo-excitation and then propagates into the material with a constant velocity of 3.7 m/s. Complementary static structural measurements reveal previously unreported higher-order satellite reflection in the incommensurate phase. These higher-order reflections are attributed to cubic vibrational terms in the Hamiltonian.
Analytical Solutions for the Propagation of UltraShort and UltraSharp Pulses in Dispersive Media
Authors: Granot Er’el
Published: February 2019

Ultrashort pulses are severely distorted even by low dispersive media. While the mathematical analysis of dispersion is well known, the technical literature focuses on pulses, Gaussian and Airy pulses, which keep their shape. However, the cases where the shape of the pulse is unaffected by dispersion is the exception rather than the norm. It is the objective of this paper to present a variety of pulse profiles, which have analytical expressions but can simulate real-physical pulses with great accuracy. In particular, the dynamics of smooth rectangular pulses, physical Nyquist-Sinc pulses, and slowly rising but sharply decaying ones (and vice versa) are presented. Besides the usage of this paper as a handbook of analytical expressions for pulse propagations in a dispersive medium, there are several new findings. The main findings are the analytical expressions for the propagation of chirped rectangular pulses, which converge to extremely short pulses; an analytical approximation for the propagation of super-Gaussian pulses; the propagation of the Nyquist-Sinc Pulse with smooth spectral boundaries; and an analytical expression for a physical realization of an attenuation compensating Airy pulse.
A Review of Germanium-Antimony-Telluride Phase Change Materials for Non-Volatile Memories and Optical Modulators
Authors: Guo Pengfei , Sarangan Andrew M. , Agha Imad
Published: February 2019

Chalcogenide phase change materials based on germanium-antimony-tellurides (GST-PCMs) have shown outstanding properties in non-volatile memory (NVM) technologies due to their high write and read speeds, reversible phase transition, high degree of scalability, low power consumption, good data retention, and multi-level storage capability. However, GST-based PCMs have shown recent promise in other domains, such as in spatial light modulation, beam steering, and neuromorphic computing. This paper reviews the progress in GST-based PCMs and methods for improving the performance within the context of new applications that have come to light in recent years.
Comparison of Element Concentrations (Ba, Mn, Pb, Sr, Zn) in the Bones and Teeth of Wild Ruminants from the West Carpathians and the Tian-Shan Mountains as Indicators of Air Pollution
Authors: Ballová Zuzana , Janiga Marián , Hančinský Richard
Published: February 2019

Through analyzing the concentrations of selected heavy metals (Ba, Mn, Pb, Sr, Zn) in the bones and teeth of wild living and ecologically equivalent ruminants from the Tian-Shan (Capra sibirica and Ovis ammon polii) and the West Carpathians (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica) we compared the environmental pollution levels of these two mountain ranges. The samples were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence. Significantly higher contents of Zn and Mn as well as a higher frequency of measurable occurrences of Mn, Ba, and Pb in samples from the West Carpathians confirmed the results of our previous study, that the West Carpathians are relatively more polluted by heavy metals than the Tian-Shan Mountains. The most probably contamination sources are mining and smelting as well as traffic emissions, which can reach remote mountain ranges through long distance atmospheric transport.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of the Dominant Modes of Surface Air Temperature Interannual Variations over South China during the Spring-to-Summer Transition
Authors: Wang Fen , Li Yaokun , Li Jianping
Published: February 2019

The surface air temperature (SAT) interannual variability during the spring-to-summer transition over South China (SC) has been decomposed into two dominant modes by applying empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. The first EOF mode (EOF1) is characterized by homogenous SAT anomalies over SC, whereas the second EOF mode (EOF2) features a dipole SAT anomaly pattern with opposite anomalies south and north of the Yangtze River. A regression analysis of surface heat flux and advection anomalies on the normalized principle component time series corresponding to EOF1 suggests that surface heat flux anomalies can explain SAT anomalies mainly by modulating cloud-shortwave radiation. Negative cloud anomalies result in positive downward shortwave radiation anomalies through the positive shortwave cloud radiation effect, which favor warm SAT anomalies over most of SC. For EOF2, the distribution of advection anomalies resembles the north–south dipole pattern of SAT anomalies. This suggests that wind-induced advection plays an important role in the SAT anomalies of EOF2. Negative SAT anomalies are favored by cold advection from northerly wind anomalies over land surfaces in high-latitude regions. Positive SAT anomalies are induced by warm advection from southerly wind anomalies over the ocean in low-latitude regions.
Techno-Functional Role of Exopolysaccharides in Cereal-Based, Yogurt-Like Beverages
Authors: Ripari Valery
Published: February 2019

This review describes the technical and functional role of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) in cereal-based, yogurt-like beverages. Many microorganisms produce EPSs as a strategy for growing, adhering to solid surfaces, and surviving under adverse conditions. In several food and beverages, EPSs play technical and functional roles. Therefore, EPSs can be isolated, purified, and added to the product, or appropriate bacteria can be employed as starter cultures to produce the EPSs in situ within the matrix. The exploitation of in situ production of EPSs is of particular interest to manufacturers of cereal-base beverages aiming to mimic dairy products. In this review, traditional and innovative or experimental cereal-based beverages, and in particular, yogurt-like beverages are described with a particular focus in lactic acid bacteria (LAB’s) EPS production. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the current knowledge of exopolysaccharides produced by lactic acid bacteria, and their presence in cereal-based, yogurt-like beverages.
A High Coordination of Cross-Links Is Beneficial for the Strength of Cross-Linked Fibers
Authors: Shabbir Huzaifa , Dellago Christoph , Hartmann Markus A.
Published: February 2019

The influence of the coordination of (reversible) cross-links on the mechanical properties of aligned fiber bundles is investigated. Two polymeric systems containing cross-links of different coordination (two- and three-fold coordination) but having the same binding energy are investigated. In particular, the response to loading of these systems is compared. Mechanical parameters (strength, stiffness and work-to-fracture) are obtained by computational loading tests. The influence of coordination is studied for simple test systems with pre-defined topologies that maximize strength as well as for more realistic fiber bundles containing nine chains. The results show that a higher coordination of cross-links has a beneficial effect on the strength and the stiffness of the systems, while the work-to-fracture was found larger for the system having a smaller coordination of cross-links. It can be concluded that controlling the coordination of cross-links is a versatile tool to specifically tailor the mechanical properties of polymeric structures.
A Brief Report of Sexual Violence among Universities with NCAA Division I Athletic Programs
Authors: Wiersma-Mosley Jacquelyn D. , Jozkowski Kristen N.
Published: February 2019

Violence against women on college campuses continues to be a pervasive public health problem with approximately one in five women experiencing sexual assault and one in nine women experiencing rape while in college. The current study examined relationship and sexual violence among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I universities. Based on previous research, Division I universities seem to report higher rates of sexual assault, but within-group differences have yet to be examined. The data include 1422 four-year private and public institutions with at least 1000 students who submitted Clery data (2014) on rape, domestic and dating violence, and stalking. Division I campuses reported significantly higher reports of violence against women compared to Division II, III, and universities with no athletic programs. There were no differences in violence reported across the three subdivisions within Division I, however, certain conferences reported significantly higher relationship and sexual violence within the football bowl and football championship subdivisions. These findings have important implications for targeting higher risk campuses, such as the Big 10, Big 12, Ivy League, Pac-12, and SEC with much needed sexual assault prevention programs.
Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Two Dimensional SnO2-Decorated Graphene Oxide as an Effective Counter Electrode in the DSSC
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed S. , Motlak Moaaed , Barakat Nasser A. M.
Published: February 2019

SnO2-decorated graphene oxide (SnO2/GO) was synthesized by the modified Hummers’s method, followed by a chemical incorporation of SnO2 nanoparticles. Then, the nanocomposite was used as anon-precious counter electrode in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Although GO has a relatively poor electrical conductivity depending essentially on the extent of the graphite oxidation, presence of SnO2 enhanced its structural and electrochemical properties. The Pt-free counter electrode exhibited a distinct catalytic activity toward iodine reduction and a low resistance to electron transfer. Moreover, the decorated GO provided extra active sites for reducing I3− at the interface of the CE/electrolyte. In addition, the similarity of the dopant in the GO film and the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate promoted a strong assimilation between them. Therefore, SnO2-decorated GO, as a counter electrode, revealed an enhanced photon to electron conversion efficiency of 4.57%. Consequently, the prepared SnO2/GO can be sorted as an auspicious counter electrode for DSSCs.
Continuous-Flow Hydrogenation of Methyl Levulinate Promoted by Zr-Based Mesoporous Materials
Authors: Lázaro Noelia , Franco Ana , Ouyang Weiyi , Balu Alina M. , Romero Antonio A. , Luque Rafael , Pineda Antonio
Published: February 2019

Several Zr-based materials, including ZrO2 and Zr-SBA-15, with different silicon/zirconium molar ratios, and ZrO2/Si-SBA-15 (where SBA-15 stands for Santa Barbara Amorphous material no. 15), have been prepared as hydrogenation catalysts. The materials were characterized using different characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT) of pyridine adsorption and the pulsed chromatographic method using pyridine and 2,6-dimethylpyridine as probe molecules, mainly, have been employed for the characterization of the structural, textural, and acidic properties of the synthesized materials, respectively. The catalysts have been evaluated in the hydrogenation reaction of methyl levulinate using 2-propanol as hydrogen donor solvent. The reaction conditions were investigated and stablished at 30 bar system pressure with a reaction temperature of 200 °C using around 0.1 g of catalyst and a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min flow rate of a 0.3 M methyl levulinate solution in 2-propanol. All catalysts employed in this work exhibited good catalytic activities under the investigated conditions, with conversion values in the 15–89% range and, especially, selectivity to Υ-valerolactone in the range of 76–100% (after one hour time on stream). The highest methyl levulinate conversion and selectivity was achieved by ZrO2/Si-SBA-15 which can be explained by the higher dispersion of ZrO2 particles together with a highest accessibility of the Zr sites as compared with other materials such as Zr-SBA-15, also investigated in this work.
Performance and Stability of Metal (Co, Mn, Cu)-Promoted La2O2SO4 Oxygen Carrier for Chemical Looping Combustion of Methane
Authors: Cimino Stefano , Mancino Gabriella , Lisi Luciana
Published: February 2019

Oxygen carrier materials based on La2O2SO4 and promoted by small amounts (1% wt.) of transition metals, namely Co, Mn and Cu, have been synthesized and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Temperature-programmed reduction/oxidation (TPR/TPO) and thermogravimetry-mass-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (TG-MS-FTIR) experiments under alternating feeds in order to investigate their potential use for the Chemical Looping Combustion process using either hydrogen or methane as the fuel. The chemical looping reactivity is based on the reversible redox cycle of sulfur from S6+ in La2O2SO4 to S2− in La2O2S and entails a large oxygen storage capacity, but it generally requires high temperatures to proceed, challenging material stability and durability. Herein we demonstrate a remarkable improvement of lattice oxygen availability and activity during the reduction step obtained by cost-effective metal doping in the order Co > Mn > Cu. Notably, the addition of Co or Mn has shown a significant beneficial effect to prevent the decomposition of the oxysulfate releasing SO2, which is identified as the main cause of progressive deactivation for the unpromoted La2O2SO4.
Metal Chalcogenides on Silicon Photocathodes for Efficient Water Splitting: A Mini Overview
Authors: Joe Jemee , Yang Hyunwoo , Bae Changdeuck , Shin Hyunjung
Published: February 2019

In the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting (WS) reactions, a photon is absorbed by a semiconductor, generating electron-hole pairs which are transferred across the semiconductor/electrolyte interface to reduce or oxidize water into oxygen or hydrogen. Catalytic junctions are commonly combined with semiconductor absorbers, providing electrochemically active sites for charge transfer across the interface and increasing the surface band bending to improve the PEC performance. In this review, we focus on transition metal (di)chalcogenide [TM(D)C] catalysts in conjunction with silicon photoelectrode as Earth-abundant materials systems. Surprisingly, there is a limited number of reports in Si/TM(D)C for PEC WS in the literature. We provide almost a complete survey on both layered TMDC and non-layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMC) co-catalysts on Si photoelectrodes, mainly photocathodes. The mechanisms of the photovoltaic power conversion of silicon devices are summarized with emphasis on the exact role of catalysts. Diverse approaches to the improved PEC performance and the proposed synergetic functions of catalysts on the underlying Si are reviewed. Atomic layer deposition of TM(D)C materials as a new methodology for directly growing them and its implication for low-temperature growth on defect chemistry are featured. The multi-phase TM(D)C overlayers on Si and the operation principles are highlighted. Finally, challenges and directions regarding future research for achieving the theoretical PEC performance of Si-based photoelectrodes are provided.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Ceramics in 2018
Authors:   Editorial Office
Published: February 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the cornerstone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Multisensory Gas Chromatography for Field Analysis of Complex Gaseous Mixtures
Authors: Dobrokhotov Vladimir , Larin Alexander
Published: February 2019

A novel approach to analysis of complex gaseous mixtures is presented. The approach is based on the utilization of a compact gas chromatograph in combination with an array of highly integrated and selective metal oxide (MOX) sensors. Thanks to the implementation of a multisensory detector, the device collects multiple chromatograms in a single run. The sensors in the integrated MEMS platform are very distinct in their catalytic properties. Hence, the time separation by chromatographic column is complemented by catalytic separation by a multisensory detector. Furthermore, the device can perform the analysis in a broad range of concentrations, from ppb to hundreds of ppm. Low ppb and even sub-ppb levels of detection for some analytes were achieved. As a part of this effort, nanocomposite gas sensors were synthesized for selective detection of hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, alcohols, ketones, and heavy hydrocarbons.
Nondestructive Interface Morphology Characterization of Thermal Barrier Coatings Using Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy
Authors: Ye Dongdong , Wang Weize , Huang Jibo , Lu Xiang , Zhou Haiting
Published: February 2019

In this work, a terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) system was used to measure the thickness of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) and characterize the interface morphology of TBCs after erosion. Reflection mode, with an angle of incidence of 0, was used for inspection before and after erosion. The refractive index, thickness, and internal structure evolution tendency of the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) top coat were estimated under consideration of the interaction between the pulsed THz waves and the TBCs. The surface roughness of the top coat surface was considered for the errors analysis in the refractive index and thickness measurement. To reduce the errors introduced by the refractive index change after erosion, two mathematical models were built to assess the thickness loss. Then, the thickness loss was compared with results estimated by the micrometer inspection method. Finally, the basic erosion sample profile with Ra roughness was obtained, and the broadening of THz pulses were suggested as a possible measure for the top coat porosity change, showing that THz waves can be a novel online non-destructive and non-contact evaluation method that can be widely utilized to evaluate the integrity of TBCs applied to gas turbine blades.
Preparation of Orthorhombic WO3 Thin Films and Their Crystal Quality-Dependent Dye Photodegradation Ability
Authors: Liang Yuan-Chang , Chang Che-Wei
Published: February 2019

Direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering deposited WO3 films with different crystalline qualities were synthesized by postannealing at various temperatures. The in-situ DC sputtering deposited WO3 thin film at 375 °C exhibited an amorphous structure. The as-grown WO3 films were crystallized after annealing at temperatures of 400–600 °C in ambient air. Structural analyses revealed that the crystalline WO3 films have an orthorhombic structure. Moreover, the crystallite size of the WO3 film exhibited an explosive coarsening behavior at an annealing temperature above 600 °C. The density of oxygen vacancy of the WO3 films was substantially lowered through a high temperature annealing procedure. The optical bandgap values of the WO3 films are highly associated with the degree of crystalline quality. The annealing-induced variation of microstructures, crystallinity, and bandgap of the amorphous WO3 thin films explained the various photoactivated properties of the films in this study.
Coating of Polyetheretherketone Films with Silver Nanoparticles by a Simple Chemical Reduction Method and Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Cruz-Pacheco Andrés , Muñoz-Castiblanco Deysi , Gómez Cuaspud Jairo , Paredes-Madrid Leonel , Parra Vargas Carlos , Martínez Zambrano José , Palacio Gómez Carlos
Published: February 2019

The coating of polymeric substrate polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was carried out by a wet chemical route at room temperature. The coating process was developed from the Tollens reagent and D-glucose as reducing agent. The resulting composite exhibited antimicrobial activity. The PEEK films were coated with a single layer and two layers of silver nanoparticles in various concentrations. The crystallographic properties of the polymer and the silver nanoparticles were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) show the interaction between the silver nanoparticles with the polymeric substrate. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images confirmed the obtaining of metallic nanoparticles with average sizes of 25 nm. It was possible to estimate the amount of silver deposited on PEEK with the help of thermogravimetric analysis. The morphology and shape of the AgNPs uniformly deposited on the PEEK films was ascertained by the techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), evidencing the increase in the amount of silver by increasing the concentration of the metal precursor. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the films coated with Ag in Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens and Bacillus licheniformis was evaluated, evidencing that the concentration of silver is crucial in the cellular replication of the bacteria.
Ultrathin Al2O3 Coating on LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Cathode Material for Enhanced Cycleability at Extended Voltage Ranges
Authors: Zhu Wenchang , Huang Xue , Liu Tingting , Xie Zhiqiang , Wang Ying , Tian Kai , Bu Liangming , Wang Haibo , Gao Lijun , Zhao Jianqing
Published: February 2019

Ni-rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 oxide has been modified by ultrathin Al2O3 coatings via atomic layer deposition (ALD) at a growth rate of 1.12 Å/cycle. All characterizations results including TEM, SEM, XRD and XPS together confirm high conformality and uniformity of the resultant Al2O3 layer on the surface of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 particles. Coating thickness of the Al2O3 layer is optimized at ~2 nm, corresponding to 20 ALD cycles to enhance the electrochemical performance of Ni-rich cathode materials at extended voltage ranges. As a result, 20 Al2O3 ALD-coated LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode material can deliver an initial discharge capacity of 212.8 mAh/g, and an associated coulombic efficiency of 84.0% at 0.1 C in a broad voltage range of 2.7–4.6 V vs. Li+/Li in the first cycle, which were both higher than 198.2 mAh/g and 76.1% of the pristine LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 without the Al2O3 protection. Comparative differential capacity (dQ/dV) profiles and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) recorded in the first and 100th cycles indicated significant Al2O3 ALD coating effects on suppressing phase transitions and electrochemical polarity of the Ni-rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 core during reversible lithiation/delithiation. This work offers oxide-based surface modifications with precise thickness control at an atomic level for enhanced electrochemical performance of Ni-rich cathode materials at extended voltage ranges.