bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injecting Charter School Best Practices into Traditional Public Schools: Evidence from Field Experiments
*
Authors: Fryer Roland G.
Published: May 2014

This study examines the impact on student achievement of implementing a bundle of best practices from high-performing charter schools into low-performing, traditional public schools in Houston, Texas, using a school-level randomized field experiment and quasi-experimental comparisons. The five practices in the bundle are increased instructional time, more effective teachers and administrators, high-dosage tutoring, data-driven instruction, and a culture of high expectations. The findings show that injecting best practices from charter schools into traditional Houston public schools significantly increases student math achievement in treated elementary and secondary schools—by 0.15 to 0.18 standard deviations a year—and has little effect on reading achievement. Similar bundles of practices are found to significantly raise math achievement in analyses for public schools in a field experiment in Denver and program in Chicago.
Luteococcus
sediminum sp. nov., isolated from deep subseafloor sediment of the South Pacific Gyre
Authors: Fan Xiaoyang , Zhang Zenghu , Li Zhao , Zhang Xiao-Hua
Published: May 2014

A Gram-stain-positive, strictly aerobic, coccus-shaped, non-motile, yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated strain XH208T, was isolated from a deep subseafloor sediment sample collected from the South Pacific Gyre (41° 58′ S 163° 11′ W) during the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expedition 329. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain XH208T belonged to the genus

Luteococcus

and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with

Luteococcus peritonei

CCUG 38120T (96.9 %),

Luteococcus japonicus

DSM 10546T (95.4 %) and

Luteococcus sanguinis

CCUG 33897T (95.2 %). The DNA G+C content of strain XH208T was 66.9 mol%. The cell wall of strain XH208T possessed a type A3γ peptidoglycan (ll-diaminopimelic acid–glycine), and ribose, glucose and galactose as the major whole-cell sugars. The major fatty acids were C17 : 1ω8c, C17 : 1ω6c, and C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c (summed feature 3). The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone MK-9(H4). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. On the basis of data from the polyphasic analysis, strain XH208T is considered to represent a novel species in the genus

Luteococcus

, for which the name Luteococcus
sediminum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XH208T ( = DSM 27277T = JCM 19259T).
Thiophaeococcus fuscus sp. nov., isolated from a lagoon
Authors: Divyasree B. , Lakshmi K. V. N. S. , Sasikala Ch. , Ramana Ch. V.
Published: May 2014

A brown-coloured bacterium, designated strain JA633T, was purified from a photoheterotrophic enrichment culture obtained from black sand of a lagoon. Cells of strain JA633T were coccoid–spherical, Gram-stain-negative and motile by means of polar flagella. Strain JA633T had an obligate requirement for NaCl and could tolerate up to 4 % (w/v) NaCl. Internal photosynthetic membranes were present as vesicles. Photo-organoheterotrophy was the only growth mode observed. Strain JA633T contained bacteriochlorophyll a and a major (>85 %) unidentified carotenoid of the spirilloxanthin series. Thiamine and p-aminobenzoic acid were required for growth. Major fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphotidylcholine and an unknown aminophospholipid were the major polar lipids in strain JA633T. The DNA G+C content of strain JA633T was 64.5 mol%. Strain JA633T shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the type strains of

Thiorhodococcus kakinadensis

(96.9 %),

Thiophaeococcus mangrovi

(96.3 %) and

Thiorhodococcus bheemlicus

(96.2 %), which belonged to the class

Gammaproteobacteria

. However, phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JA633T formed a separate clade along with

Thiophaeococcus mangrovi

JA304T whereas the members of the genus

Thiorhodococcus

remained as two distinct phylogenetic lineages. Based on morphological, physiological, chemotaxonomic and molecular evidence, strain JA633T was significantly different from the type strain of

Thiophaeococcus mangrovi

of the family

Chromatiaceae

. It is thus proposed that the strain be classified as a representative of a novel species, for which the name Thiophaeococcus fuscus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JA633T ( = KCTC 15337T = NBRC 109958T).
Enterococcus olivae sp. nov., isolated from Spanish-style green-olive fermentations
Authors: Lucena-Padrós Helena , González Juan M. , Caballero-Guerrero Belén , Ruiz-Barba José Luis , Maldonado-Barragán Antonio
Published: May 2014

Six strains of a hitherto unknown, Gram-stain-positive coccus were recovered from samples of Spanish-style green-olive fermentations. The 16S rRNA gene sequences from these isolates shared 98.7 % and 98.5 % of their nucleotide positions with those from

Enterococcus saccharolyticus subsp. taiwanensis

812T and from

E. saccharolyticus subsp. saccharolyticus

ATCC 43076T, respectively. The sequence of the rpoA gene in the isolates was 95 % similar to that of

E. saccharolyticus

CECT 4309T ( = ATCC 43076T). The 16S rRNA and rpoA gene phylogenies revealed that the isolates grouped in a statistically well-supported cluster separate from

E. saccharolyticus

. Enzyme activity profiles as well as fermentation patterns differentiated the novel bacteria from other members of the

Enterococcus

genus. Finally, phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data supported the identification of a novel species of the genus

Enterococcus

, for which the name Enterococcus olivae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IGG16.11T ( = CECT 8063T = DSM 25431T).
Descriptions of Roseiarcus fermentans gen. nov., sp. nov., a bacteriochlorophyll a-containing fermentative bacterium related phylogenetically to alphaproteobacterial methanotrophs, and of the family Roseiarcaceae fam. nov.
Authors: Kulichevskaya Irina S. , Danilova Olga V. , Tereshina Vera M. , Kevbrin Vadim V. , Dedysh Svetlana N.
Published: May 2014

A light-pink-pigmented, microaerophilic bacterium was obtained from a methanotrophic consortium enriched from acidic Sphagnum peat and designated strain Pf56T. Cells of this bacterium were Gram-negative, non-motile, thick curved rods that contained a vesicular intracytoplasmic membrane system characteristic of some purple non-sulfur alphaproteobacteria. The absorption spectrum of acetone/methanol extracts of cells grown in the light showed maxima at 363, 475, 505, 601 and 770 nm; the peaks at 363 and 770 nm are characteristic of bacteriochlorophyll a. However, in contrast to purple non-sulfur bacteria, strain Pf56T was unable to grow phototrophically under anoxic conditions in the light. Best growth occurred on some sugars and organic acids under micro-oxic conditions by means of fermentation. The fermentation products were propionate, acetate and hydrogen. Slow chemo-organotrophic growth was also observed under fully oxic conditions. Light stimulated growth. C1 substrates were not utilized. Strain Pf56T grew at pH 4.0–7.0 (optimum pH 5.5–6.5) and at 15–30 °C (optimum 22–28 °C). The major cellular fatty acids were 19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and 18 : 1ω7c; quinones were represented by ubiquinone Q-10. The G+C content of the DNA was 70.0 mol%. Strain Pf56 displays 93.6–94.7 and 92.7–93.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to members of the families

Methylocystaceae

and

Beijerinckiaceae

, respectively, and belongs to a large cluster of environmental sequences retrieved from various wetlands and forest soils in cultivation-independent studies. Phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics of strain Pf56T suggest that it represents a novel genus and species of bacteriochlorophyll a-containing fermentative bacteria, for which the name Roseiarcus fermentans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. Strain Pf56T ( = DSM 24875T = VKM B-2876T) is the type strain of Roseiarcus fermentans, and is also the first characterized member of a novel family within the class

Alphaproteobacteria

, Roseiarcaceae fam. nov.
Impact of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on demand for microbiology gastrointestinal diagnostic services at the Public Health Laboratory London
Authors: Williams K. , Sinclair C. , McEwan R. , Fleet K. , Balasegaram S. , Manuel R.
Published: May 2014

Planning for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the Public Health Laboratory London was based on the requirement to meet potential increased demand with scalable capacity. The aim of this study was to determine the impact on demand for microbiology gastrointestinal diagnostic services during the Games period. Retrospective cross-sectional time-series data analysis was used to assess the number of gastrointestinal specimens received in the laboratory and the number of positive results. There was no increase in the number of gastrointestinal specimens received during the Games period, thus the Games had no impact on demand for microbiology gastrointestinal diagnostic services at the laboratory. There was a decrease in the number of public health specimens received for culture [incidence rate ratio = 0.34, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.13–0.86,P = 0.02] and a decrease in the number of culture positive community specimens (odds ratio = 0.59, 95 % CI = 0.40–0.85,P = 0.005), suggesting a decrease in gastrointestinal illness during the Games period. As previous planning assumptions were not based on actual specimen activity, the results of this study may modify the extent of additional planning for microbiological services required for mass gatherings.
Application of Global Transcriptome Data in Gene Ontology Classification and Construction of a Gene Ontology Interaction Network
Authors: Fruzangohar Mario , Ebrahimie Esmaeil , Adelson David L
Published: May 2014

Gene Ontology (GO) classification of statistically significant over/under expressed genes is a commonly used to interpret transcriptomics data in functional genomic analysis. In this approach, all significant genes contribute equally to the final GO classification regardless of their actual expression levels. However, the original level of gene expression can significantly affect protein production and consequently GO term enrichment, and genes with low expression levels can participate in the final GO enrichment through cumulative effects. In addition, GO terms have regulatory relationships that allow the construction of a regulatory network that incorporates gene expression levels to better study biological mechanisms. In this report, we have used gene expression levels in bacteria to determine GO term enrichments. This approach provided the opportunity to enrich GO terms across the entire transcriptome (instead of a subset of differentially expressed genes). In the second part, we show a dynamically developed enriched interaction network between Biological Process GO terms for any gene samples. This type of network presents regulatory relationships between GO terms and their genes. We then demonstrate the efficiency of these methods using public data from two important bacterial pathogens as models. We also explain how these methods help us understand potential pathogenesis mechanisms employed by these bacteria.
Nucleosome repositioning links DNA (de)methylation and differential CTCF binding during stem cell development
Authors: Teif Vladimir B. , Beshnova Daria A. , Vainshtein Yevhen , Marth Caroline , Mallm Jan-Philipp , Höfer Thomas , Rippe Karsten
Published: May 2014

During differentiation of embryonic stem cells, chromatin reorganizes to establish cell type-specific expression programs. Here, we have dissected the linkages between DNA methylation (5mC), hydroxymethylation (5hmC), nucleosome repositioning, and binding of the transcription factor CTCF during this process. By integrating MNase-seq and ChIP-seq experiments in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) and their differentiated counterparts with biophysical modeling, we found that the interplay between these factors depends on their genomic context. The mostly unmethylated CpG islands have reduced nucleosome occupancy and are enriched in cell type-independent binding sites for CTCF. The few remaining methylated CpG dinucleotides are preferentially associated with nucleosomes. In contrast, outside of CpG islands most CpGs are methylated, and the average methylation density oscillates so that it is highest in the linker region between nucleosomes. Outside CpG islands, binding of TET1, an enzyme that converts 5mC to 5hmC, is associated with labile, MNase-sensitive nucleosomes. Such nucleosomes are poised for eviction in ESCs and become stably bound in differentiated cells where the TET1 and 5hmC levels go down. This process regulates a class of CTCF binding sites outside CpG islands that are occupied by CTCF in ESCs but lose the protein during differentiation. We rationalize this cell type-dependent targeting of CTCF with a quantitative biophysical model of competitive binding with the histone octamer, depending on the TET1, 5hmC, and 5mC state.
Single-cell genomics for dissection of complex malaria infections
Authors: Nair Shalini , Nkhoma Standwell C. , Serre David , Zimmerman Peter A. , Gorena Karla , Daniel Benjamin J. , Nosten François , Anderson Timothy J.C. , Cheeseman Ian H.
Published: May 2014

Most malaria infections contain complex mixtures of distinct parasite lineages. These multiple-genotype infections (MGIs) impact virulence evolution, drug resistance, intra-host dynamics, and recombination, but are poorly understood. To address this we have developed a single-cell genomics approach to dissect MGIs. By combining cell sorting and whole-genome amplification (WGA), we are able to generate high-quality material from parasite-infected red blood cells (RBCs) for genotyping and next-generation sequencing. We optimized our approach through analysis of >260 single-cell assays. To quantify accuracy, we decomposed mixtures of known parasite genotypes and obtained highly accurate (>99%) single-cell genotypes. We applied this validated approach directly to infections of two major malaria species, Plasmodium falciparum, for which long term culture is possible, and Plasmodium vivax, for which no long-term culture is feasible. We demonstrate that our single-cell genomics approach can be used to generate parasite genome sequences directly from patient blood in order to unravel the complexity of P. vivax and P. falciparum infections. These methods open the door for large-scale analysis of within-host variation of malaria infections, and reveal information on relatedness and drug resistance haplotypes that is inaccessible through conventional sequencing of infections.
GENFIT: software for the analysis of small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering data of macromolecules in solution
Authors: Spinozzi Francesco , Ferrero Claudio , Ortore Maria Grazia , De Maria Antolinos Alejandro , Mariani Paolo
Published: May 2014

Many research topics in the fields of condensed matter and the life sciences are based on small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering techniques. With the current rapid progress in source brilliance and detector technology, high data fluxes of ever-increasing quality are produced. In order to exploit such a huge quantity of data and richness of information, wider and more sophisticated approaches to data analysis are needed. Presented here isGENFIT, a new software tool able to fit small-angle scattering data of randomly oriented macromolecular or nanosized systems according to a wide list of models, including form and structure factors. Batches of curves can be analysed simultaneously in terms of common fitting parameters or by expressing the model parametersviaphysical or phenomenological link functions. The models can also be combined, enabling the user to describe complex heterogeneous systems.
Integration of neutron time-of-flight single-crystal Bragg peaks in reciprocal space
Authors: Schultz Arthur J. , Jørgensen Mads Ry Vogel , Wang Xiaoping , Mikkelson Ruth L. , Mikkelson Dennis J. , Lynch Vickie E. , Peterson Peter F. , Green Mark L. , Hoffmann Christina M.
Published: May 2014

The intensity of single-crystal Bragg peaks obtained by mapping neutron time-of-flight event data into reciprocal space and integrating in various ways is compared. These methods include spherical integration with a fixed radius, ellipsoid fitting and integration of the peak intensity, and one-dimensional peak profile fitting. In comparison to intensities obtained by integrating in real detector histogram space, the data integrated in reciprocal space result in better agreement factors and more accurate atomic parameters. Furthermore, structure refinement using integrated intensities from one-dimensional profile fitting is demonstrated to be more accurate than simple peak-minus-background integration.
In-house simultaneous collection of small-angle X-ray scattering, wide-angle X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering data from polymeric materials
Authors: Hirose Raita , Yoshioka Taiyo , Yamamoto Hiroko , Reddy Kummetha Raghunatha , Tahara Daisuke , Hamada Kensaku , Tashiro Kohji
Published: May 2014

An in-house X-ray scattering system, which can simultaneously measure small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) data, as well Raman scattering data, has been developed to study the phase transitions of polymeric materials. To date, these types of measurements have been limited to synchrotron radiation. The present system is an in-house SAXS system combined with a WAXD detector and a Raman spectrometer. A rotating-anode X-ray generator and multilayer optic are employed to provide a high-flux X-ray beam. Two two-dimensional hybrid pixel detectors are utilized for the rapid-scan time-resolved SAXS and WAXD measurements. The Raman unit consists of a compact probe with a near-infrared excitation laser operating at a wavelength of 1064 nm. This long-wavelength laser produces less fluorescence than conventional excitation lasers with wavelengths of 532 or 785 nm. The performance of this system was tested by investigating the thermally induced ferroelectric phase transition of vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene (VDF-TrFE) copolymers. It has been demonstrated that the combination of SAXS, WAXD and Raman techniques gives useful information for revealing the relationship between the structural change in the crystal lattice and the morphological change in the lamellar stacking mode in polymer samples of complicated hierarchical structure.
Analysis of crystalline perfection of pure and Mo-doped KTP crystals on different growth planes by high-resolution X-ray diffraction
Authors: Rajeev Gandhi Jayavelu , Rathnakumari Muthian , Muralimanohar Pandarinathan , Sureshkumar Palanivel , Bhagavannarayana Godavarthi
Published: May 2014

Single crystals of pure and molybdenum (Mo)-doped potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) crystals were grown by the high-temperature solution growth technique. The presence of dopant ions in the grown crystal was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Grown crystals, cut along various growth planes such as (100), (011) or (201), were analysed for crystalline perfection using high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD). Although the HRXRD study showed that the crystalline perfection of most of the crystals was quite good without any structural defects, structural grain boundaries were observed in some of the crystals chosen for study. The observed structural defects are probably due to mechanical or thermal fluctuations occurring during the growth process.
Overproduction, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray characterization of the family 46 carbohydrate-binding module (CBM46) of endo-β-1,4-glucanase B (CelB) fromBacillus halodurans
Authors: Venditto Immacolata , Santos Helena , Ferreira Luís M. A. , Sakka Kazuo , Fontes Carlos M. G. A. , Najmudin Shabir
Published: May 2014

Plant cell-wall polysaccharides offer an abundant energy source utilized by many microorganisms, thus playing a central role in carbon recycling. Aerobic microorganisms secrete carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) that catabolize this composite structure, comprising cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, into simple compounds such as glucose. Carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) enhance the efficacy of associated CAZYmes. They are organized into families based on primary-sequence homology. CBM family 46 contains more than 40 different members, but has yet to be fully characterized. Here, a recombinant derivative of the C-terminal family 46 CBM module (BhCBM46) ofBacillus haloduransendo-β-1,4-glucanase B (CelB) was overexpressed inEscherichia coliand purified by immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography. Preliminary structural characterization was carried out onBhCBM46 crystallized in different conditions. The crystals ofBhCBM46 belonged to the tetragonal space groupI4122. Data were collected for the native form and a selenomethionine derivative to 2.46 and 2.3 Å resolution, respectively. TheBhCBM46 structure was determined by a single-wavelength anomalous dispersion experiment usingAutoSolfrom thePHENIXsuite.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of carboxyl-terminal region 4 of SigR fromStreptomyces coelicolorA3(2)
Authors: Kim Keon Young , Kim Sunmin , Park Jeong Kuk , Song HyoJin , Park SangYoun
Published: May 2014

Full-length SigR fromStreptomyces coelicolorA3(2) was overexpressed inEscherichia coli, purified and submitted to crystallization trials using either polyethylene glycol 3350 or 4000 as a precipitant. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.60 Å resolution under cryoconditions using synchrotron X-rays. The crystal packs in space groupP43212, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 42.14,c= 102.02 Å. According to the Matthews coefficient, the crystal asymmetric unit cannot contain the full-length protein. Molecular replacement with the known structures of region 2 and region 4 as independent search models indicates that the crystal contains only the −35 element-binding carboxyl-terminal region 4 of full-length SigR. Mass-spectrometric analysis of the harvested crystal confirms this, suggesting a crystal volume per protein weight (VM) of 2.24 Å3 Da−1and 45.1% solvent content.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of the ArsI C–As lyase fromThermomonospora curvata
Authors: Nadar S. Venkadesh , Yoshinaga Masafumi , Kandavelu Palani , Sankaran Banumathi , Rosen Barry P.
Published: May 2014

Arsenic is a ubiquitous and carcinogenic environmental element that enters the biosphere primarily from geochemical sources, but also through anthropogenic activities. Microorganisms play an important role in the arsenic biogeochemical cycle by biotransformation of inorganic arsenic into organic arsenicals andvice versa. ArsI is a microbial nonheme ferrous-dependent dioxygenase that transforms toxic methylarsonous acid to the less toxic inorganic arsenite by C–As bond cleavage. An ArsI ortholog from the thermophilic bacteriumThermomonospora curvatawas expressed, purified and crystallized. The crystals diffracted to 1.46 Å resolution and belonged to space groupP43212 or its enantiomerP41212, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 42.2,c= 118.5 Å.
Workplace stress in libraries: a case study
Authors: Farler Liz , Broady‐Preston Judith
Published: May 2014

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyse the results of a case study conducted in 2008/2009 investigating workplace stress in a further education college library service.

Design/methodology/approach

Results from questionnaires and a series of semi‐structured interviews held with library staff are analysed and discussed in the paper.

Findings

Librarians reported that interaction with students can be stressful or enjoyable, depending on context. The need to control noise levels, modify student behaviour and balance the needs of different user groups are cited as stressors. The results also show that the library staff exhibit a degree of humour and self‐awareness in their work and employ a range of methods to cope with stress.

Research limitations/implications

Repeating the study more widely amongst a range of differing library services would add credibility to the findings.

Practical implications

This study shows that positive stress may motivate librarians to engage actively with students and thus create job satisfaction. Negative stress may be managed by measures such as zoning and flexible governance.

Originality/value

The study contributes to knowledge and understanding of stress in the library profession by contributing a case study of stress in the college sector.
Living and lurking on LiveJournal
Authors: Kate Merry Sarah , Simon Anoush
Published: May 2014

Purpose

This paper aims to report on research investigating the benefits of membership of the online community LiveJournal, for both active and non‐active participants (lurkers). It also aims to build on and develop previous research on this topic in a new context and to present some alternative perspectives on how lurking is understood by both active participants and lurkers themselves.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered using an online questionnaire made available to members of two different LiveJournal communities.

Findings

The data indicate that both active participants and lurkers receive similar benefits from their membership of LiveJournal in terms of their sense of community and satisfaction with experience of the community. The percentage of lurkers who felt a sense of community and high levels of satisfaction was lower than that of the respondents who posted regularly to the community, but nonetheless represented the majority of the lurkers. The majority of overall respondents said that lurkers are members of the community, in contrast to earlier research in this area.

Social implications

The research contributes to an understanding of the fast‐developing world of online communities, including individuals' reasons for joining and participating in communities.

Originality/value

The research builds on an earlier research in a new context; the findings present a different, developing understanding of how non‐active participants are viewed as part of the community of LiveJournal.
Analysis of effective parameters on ablative PPT performance
Authors: Rezaeiha Abdolrahim , Schönherr Tony
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review most of the significant works ever done worldwide to study the effects of essential parameters on pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) performance and to analyze the effects of each parameter on PPT performance.

Design/methodology/approach

All the important works studying PPT performance are categorized by the parameter they have studied and its effect on the thruster performance, and their works have been reviewed to analyze the influence of each parameter.

Findings

The analysis leads to elucidation of the effects of different geometrical parameters including aspect ratio, electrode width, electrode spacing, electrode shape, electrode length, and flare angle, in addition to the effects of other parameters such as electrode material, propellant type, propellant temperature, spark distance from propellant, pulse repetition frequency, discharge energy, capacitance, and hood angle on PPT performance.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis is mainly focused on parallel‐rail breech‐fed PPTs and side‐fed PPTs and does not deal with co‐axial PPTs.

Originality/value

The paper reviews and analyses many of the considerable works ever done to contribute to clarify the effects of different parameters on PPT performance. The results of the current analysis can be of invaluable assistance in PPT design and optimization procedure and help the designer to develop a system with better performance characteristics.
Dynamics analysis of satellite cluster non‐coplanar orbit transfer based on geometric method
Authors: Zhang Wei , Deng Zhongmin , Li Jingsheng
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose strategies for satellite cluster non‐coplanar orbit transfer to reduce fuel cost of formation maintenance and orbit maneuver.

Design/methodology/approach

This research tries to use geometric method model to describe the relative motion of satellites in the cluster non‐coplanar orbit transfer, and genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the proposed maneuver strategies.

Findings

Compared with the C‐W equations, the geometric method model is found to be more precise. Three strategies are proposed and optimized to maintain the relative orbit and a strategy of indefinite phase and non‐synchronous costs least fuel.

Practical implications

Geometric method model can be used to describe the relative motion of satellite cluster, especially on elliptical orbits considering the effects of perturbation, with a simple form and good accuracy. Fuel cost minimization is one of the most important issues in formation flight mission.

Originality/value

This paper provides dynamics analysis about formation non‐coplanar orbit transfer, which is involved in minor researches.
Optimal virtual center selection for formation flying maintenance
Authors: Wang Jihe , Cao Xibin , Zhang Jinxiu
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a fuel‐optimal virtual centre selection method for formation flying maintenance in the J2 perturbed environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the relative orbital elements (ROE) theory, the J2 perturbed relative motions between different satellites in the formation are analyzed, and then the fuel‐optimal virtual centre selection issue for formation flying maintenance are parameterized in terms of ROE. In order to determine the optimal virtual centre, two theories are proposed in terms of ROE.

Findings

Numerical simulations demonstrate that the fuel‐optimal virtual centre selection method is valid, and the control of the ROE of each satellite with respect to a virtual optimal centre of the formation is more efficient regarding the fuel consumption than the control of all satellites with respect to a satellite belonging to the formation.

Research limitations/implications

The fuel‐optimal virtual centre selection method is valid for formation flying mission whose member satellite in circular or near circular orbit.

Practical implications

The fuel‐optimal virtual centre selection approach can be used to solve formation flying maintenance problem which involves multiple satellites in the formation.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a fuel‐optimal virtual centre selection method in terms of ROE, and shows that keeping the formation with respect the optimal virtual centre is more fuel efficient.
Corrosion resistance and electrodeposition behavior of electrodeposited nickel‐cobalt‐iron alloys
Authors: Abou‐Krisha M.M. , Assaf F.H. , Khodari M. , Elkady E.M.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the corrosion resistance and the electrodeposition behavior of electrodeposited nickel‐cobalt‐iron alloys. Also, to compare the electrodeposition of ternary nickel‐cobalt‐iron alloy from acidic sulfate bath onto a steel substrate with the characteristics of Co‐Fe electrodeposits.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation of electrodeposition was carried out using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic techniques, while potentiodynamic polarization resistance and anodic linear sweep voltammetry techniques were used for corrosion study. The phase structure was characterized by means of X‐ray diffraction analysis. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the deposits were examined by using scanning electron microscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy, respectively.

Findings

The obtained results revealed that the Ni‐Co‐Fe alloys consisted of a mixture of iron (Fe10.8Ni) and (FeCo) phases. It was found that the obtained Ni‐Co‐Fe alloy exhibited a more‐preferred surface appearance and better corrosion resistance, compared to the Co‐Fe alloy that was electrodeposited under similar conditions.

Practical implications

Ni‐Co‐Fe alloy was successfully electroplated from a sulfate bath. This alloy showed better anticorrosion properties compared to Co‐Fe deposits. The Ni‐Co‐Fe alloy could be used advantageously in industry, e.g. the automotive industry. The coating also has particular interest due to it is ability to exhibit stable magnetic properties.

Originality/value

The paper evaluates the effect of electrodeposition of the ternary alloy on the corrosion behavior of electroplated steel. To date, there has been little research on this issue. It was found that the presence of Ni could increase the corrosion resistance of steel.
Socio‐emotional support of apprentices during the school‐to‐work transition
Authors: Du Plessis Karin , Corney Tim , Broadbent Robyn , Papadopoulos Theo
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to locate the role of social and emotional support during the school‐to‐work transitions of apprentices, within the Australian vocational education and training context.

Design/methodology/approach

The research reported here is based on an independent evaluation of an apprentice suicide prevention and support program. This program has been implemented in rural and regional Australia, and findings highlight the program's retention of key messages in the long‐term (i.e. 6 months to 2 years post‐completion). The work is based on both quantitative questionnaires from 119 apprentices as well as 18 face‐to‐face interviews.

Findings

The research showed that apprentices’ resilience to face school‐to‐work transitional challenges can be enhanced by increasing knowledge of suicide risk factors and sources of social and emotional support had increased. Findings indicate that a number of apprentices had made significant changes in their lives as a result of participating in the program. While 10 per cent of apprentices identify as “socially isolated”, it was encouraging to note that peer support, as a result of the program, can be considered an informal referral point to formal help‐provision and support.

Research limitations/implications

While the program has been successfully applied to building and construction industry apprentices, there is overlap in school‐to‐work transition issues of other types of apprenticeships/traineeships; this merits consideration of wider application of apprentice support programs within the Australian vocational education sector.

Originality/value

This paper draws together a focus on school‐to‐work vulnerabilities and social‐emotional support (similar to that found in youth development programs) as it can be applied to the vocational education and training sector.
Robots for space exploration
Authors: Bogue Robert
Published: May 2014

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a technical description of the robots that have been deployed in space, primarily on the Moon and Mars.

Design/methodology/approach

Following an introduction, this paper describes the robotic devices that have been deployed on the Moon and Mars. It also considers the latest Mars robot mission, the humanoid robot recently deployed on the International Space Station and robotic developments for use during proposed future planetary missions. It concludes with a brief consideration of the impact of space robots on terrestrial robotic technology.

Findings

The paper shows that robots have been developed which can withstand the hostile environment of space. They have made a significant contribution to lunar and Martian science and some of the technology has had an impact on terrestrial robots.

Originality/value

This paper provides a technical insight into the robots that have operated on the surfaces of the Moon and Mars.
RFID tag localization by using adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference for mobile robot applications
Authors: Cicirelli Grazia , Milella Annalisa , Di Paola Donato
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the use of passive RFID technology for the development of an autonomous surveillance robot. Passive RFID tags can be used for labelling both valued objects and goal‐positions that the robot has to reach in order to inspect the surroundings. In addition, the robot can use RFID tags for navigational purposes, such as to keep track of its pose in the environment. Automatic tag position estimation is, therefore, a fundamental task in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a supervised fuzzy inference system to learn the RFID sensor model; Then the obtained model is used by the tag localization algorithm. Each tag position is estimated as the most likely among a set of candidate locations.

Findings

The paper proves the feasibility of RFID technology in a mobile robotics context. The development of a RFID sensor model is first required in order to provide a functional relationship between the spatial attitude of the device and its responses. Then, the RFID device provided with this model can be successfully integrated in mobile robotics applications such as navigation, mapping and surveillance, just to mention a few.

Originality/value

The paper presents a novel approach to RFID sensor modelling using adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference. The model uses both Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) and tag detection event in order to achieve better accuracy. In addition, a method for global tag localization is proposed. Experimental results prove the robustness and reliability of the proposed approach.
Formulation and procedure to treat a discrete particle model as a continuum
Authors: del Olmo D. , Serrano A.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to continue the path opened by previous researches that focused on the stress and deformation behaviour of discrete particle models, along with mechanical and morphological analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

This work presents a formulation that allows the study of discrete particle models as if they were continuum. By knowing forces, torques, displacements and rotations that occur inside a particle media whenever a force is loading it, this formulation permits to obtain the stress, the torque, strain and rotation tensors of the media.

Findings

These tensors are equivalent to the ones that would have been obtained by treating a discrete media as if it were a continuum. In addition, a procedure to apply the formulas to a numerical model has been detailed in the text. Finally, these formulas are compared to the one obtained from an energy balance approach to establish a connection between the forces and the increase of the energy produced inside the media.

Originality/value

This paper presents a proposal of formulation to calculate the stress, torque, deformation and curvature tensor for discrete particle medias, welded or non‐welded, in order to study them as if they were continuous.
Organizational learning and the effective management of complexity
Authors: Reyes Alfonso
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show, through a case study, the relationship between organizational learning and the need to improve the organization's management of complexity.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is used.

Findings

The case study illustrates both how organizational learning needs a requisite structure to occur and how learning loops contribute to the viability of a project.

Originality/value

This case study shows that designing learning loops requires setting up the structural conditions for a Human Communication System in the organization.
Governance and inclusive democracy
Authors: Bula German , Espejo Raul
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a research agenda to improve on representative, participatory and deliberative forms of democracy. It argues for an inclusive democracy built upon a cybernetic understanding of governance and organization structure.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on complexity management strategies, the paper offers a conceptual construction of governance and democracy. The case of Colombia over the past 60 years is used to illustrate these strategies; it makes apparent that in spite of good intentions, the cybernetics of the country and its cities has faltered over this period, hindering its democracy. To learn how to overcome this weakness and support the evolution towards an inclusive democracy, the authors propose a research agenda aimed at studying the viability of cities.

Findings

The paper indicates that there is a broad field to apply management cybernetic tools in the political domain, as for example the classic archetypes that inhibit the emergence of effective structural recursion and people's local participation in global issues, restricting their social inclusion.

Research limitations/implications

In many Colombian cities and towns people live in very difficult conditions and to survive they often fall into corruption, but others display apparent resiliency, solidarity, communitarian organization and so forth. Learning about good practices should help visualise strategies towards democratic inclusion and good governance.

Social implications

The main question supporting the whole research could be expressed as, how is it possible to reduce power imbalances that inhibit and restrict the effective participation of its citizens? The corresponding answer will imply improving citizen's quality of life beginning with democratic structures to live in and to practice active citizenship.

Originality/value

The paper offers insights about inclusion and effective governance; it argues that “connecting” a local person's views and actions to global policies is feasible and that this is necessary for effective inclusion.
Adaptation of fuzzy cognitive maps by migration algorithms
Authors: Vaščák Ján
Published: May 2014

Purpose

Conventional rule‐based systems are insufficient for description of complex dynamic systems requiring nontrivial decision procedures. Fuzzy cognitive maps seem to be convenient to overcome these limitations. However, they lack ability of self‐learning and therefore some adaptation approaches are needed. The purpose of this paper is both to show the use of fuzzy cognitive maps for such systems and to present migration algorithms as convenient adaptation means.

Design/methodology/approach

Some problems of a complex dynamic system description by knowledge‐based means are discussed. Fuzzy cognitive maps are presented as a possible way to solve these problems followed by description of migration algorithms as their adaptation means. Their use is clarified on an example of the so‐called parking problem based on path planning using a graph search algorithm and a traffic simulation system.

Findings

After series of simulations the reality of the proposed system and selected methods with their modifications was proved. It has shown the robustness of the presented solution under circumstances of uncertainty, too.

Research limitations/implications

The paper points to stability investigation of the proposed approach introducing uncertainties into the traffic simulation system to take into account, e.g. unexpected events. Further, a possibility of developing a linguistic information retrieval system is mentioned.

Practical implications

The proposed approach can find various implementations not only in planning tasks but also in robotic navigation and multi‐agent applications in general. In addition, it suggests possibilities of knowledge‐based systems, directly using human‐like approaches, to areas of decision making under uncertainties and contradictories.

Originality/value

An new modification of migration algorithms for adaptation of parameters for fuzzy cognitive maps is introduced and compared to other known self‐learning methods. Further, the concept of a traffic simulation system for path planning is presented.
Convergence of sinc approximation for Fredholm integral equation with degenerate kernel
Authors: Maleknejad K. , Alizadeh M. , Mollapourasl R.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a numerical method for solving Fredholm integral equations of the first kind with degenerate kernels and convergence of this numerical method.

Design/methodology/approach

By using sinc collocation method in strip, the authors try to estimate a numerical solution for this kind of integral equation.

Findings

Some numerical results support the accuracy and efficiency of the stated method.

Originality/value

The paper presents a method for solving first kind integral equations which are ill‐posed.
Unconventional computing
Authors: Andrew Alex M.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review computational techniques that differ from the familiar “von Neumann” or “Turing” model. The review is prompted by an issue of ERCIM News in which a variety of current projects is reviewed, but attention is also given to earlier computational schemes that were important in the development of cybernetic ideas. The early work was aimed at simulation of biological mechanisms, but accepting neurons as complete entities. The current projects now reviewed fall under two headings, one relating to biology, but differing from the earlier studies in giving attention to internal cellular mechanisms. The other heading is quantum computing, which at first sight seems distinct from the first. Attention is drawn to a paper by Ball in 2011that narrows this apparent gap by indicating important connections between quantum physics and biology.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is to review developments on the internet, especially those of general cybernetic interest.

Findings

The material from the special issue of ERCIM News refers to ongoing research that offers, in the biological context, new computing paradigms with capacity for adaptation and self‐organisation, and in the quantum context super‐fast computing and security.

Practical implications

In addition to the above, two‐way interaction is claimed to give fresh insight into biological mechanisms.

Originality/value

It is hoped this is a valuable periodic review.
Marketing the library with content management systems: a case study of Blackboard
Authors: Shapiro Steven
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe one library's experience in using Blackboard to market library services and resources, in order to draw conclusions for other institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses the case study of Montclair State University in developing a strategy for using Blackboard as a library promotional tool; also included are examples from other institutions.

Findings

It is found that Blackboard (and other Course Management Systems platforms) can be used successfully in library marketing efforts.

Practical implications

With a modest commitment of time and staff, libraries can increase their presence and visibility in Course Management Systems such as Blackboard.

Originality/value

The paper highlights some of Sprague Library's unique efforts in deploying Blackboard as a marketing tool, which included creating a library community.
Comparison of student and faculty technology use
Authors: Ruleman Alice B.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of some of the similarities or differences in use of social media and technology between faculty and students on a state university campus.

Design/methodology/approach

A web‐based quantitative survey format, utilizing multiple choice and matrix type questions, was utilized for this research. It was delivered through the campus e‐mail system.

Findings

Both faculty and students are active users of technology. Analysis indicated there are some distinct demographic differences but they did not always match expectations.

Originality/value

Libraries generally serve several differing populations and on an academic campus, the predominant groups are faculty and students. As we continue to develop more technologically‐oriented services, it is beneficial to understand how these groups are using technology.