bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Facebook in Blended Course in Teacher Training College
Authors: Sari Milya
Published: December 2014

Future educational challenges are related to technology, especially information and communications technology (ICT). The ICT has a very big influence to the learners. Many students have already used social media ‘facebook’ and ‘twitter’, but not so with their teachers. The rapid globalization and ICT development requires a change in attitude and mindset of teachers and students, including in Teacher Training College (LPTK). A good approach is to integrate technology with education through blended learning models (BLM), that is learning that combines face-to-face learning activities and learning online through social media facebook. One of the advantages of BLM is to improve the interaction between learners, between learners and educators, and learners with different learning resources anytime and anywhere without being limited by space and time.
Changes of electronic properties of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs by surface treatment
Authors: Pletschen W. , Linkohr St. , Kirste L. , Cimalla V. , Müller S. , Himmerlich M. , Krischok S. , Ambacher O.
Published: December 2014

The impact of device processing and plasma treatments at different plasma conditions on the electronic transport properties of GaN/AlGaN/GaN heterostructures was investigated as well as annealing in nitrogen atmosphere at 425°C. The electrical properties are characterized by Hall-effect measurements while electron spectroscopy and X-ray measurements are used to investigate changes in the surface chemical composition and in the layer structure, respectively. It is demonstrated that these layer structures are quite sensitive even to non-plasma based processing. Furthermore, treatments in SF6 and N2 based plasmas strongly affect the 2DEG properties of the heterostructure due to altering of the surface barrier accompanied by thinning of the layer structure. Depending on the layer structure and the plasma conditions used the electronic properties may be recovered by annealing.
SWNT and MWNT from a Polymeric Electrospun Nanofiber Precursor
Authors: Lennhoff John D.
Published: December 2014

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are expected to revolutionize a range of technologies because of their unique mechanical and electrical properties. Using nanotubes in structural materials holds significant promise due to their extremely high modulus and tensile strength, however their cost, production rate and integration into a fiber form severely limit the current structural application opportunities. The high cost of CNT is tied to their slow, batch synthesis using vapor phase, vacuum processes. We report the investigation of the formation of carbon nanotubes from a polymeric precursor using an electrospinning production process. Electrospinning generates nanofibers at velocities up to 10 m/s from a single nozzle without a vacuum requirement, with the potential to generate CNT appropriate from structural and electrical applications. Our CNT formation concept is based upon Reactive Empirical Bond order calculations that show carbon nanofibers have a thermodynamic preference for the cylindrical graphite conformation. Simulations suggest that for small diameter carbon fibers, less than about 60 nm, the single wall and multi wall nanotubes (SWNT and MWNT) phases are thermodynamically favored relative to an amorphous or planar graphitic nanofiber structure. We have developed a novel process using continuous electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers as precursors to continuous SWNT and MWNT. The process for converting PAN nanofibers to SWNT's and MWNT's follows the process for typical carbon fiber manufacture. The PAN nanofibers, of 10 to 100 nm in diameter, are crosslinked by heating in air and then decomposed to carbon via simple pyrolysis in inert atmosphere. The pyrolyzed carbon nanofibers are then annealed to form the more energetically favorable SWNT or MWNT phase, depending upon the precursor diameter. We will discuss the process and characterization data.
Metodyka analizy łańcucha wartości przedsiębiorstwa
Authors: Walas-Trębacz Jolanta
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this paper is to present one of the ways to increase the value of a business by identifying and assessing the structure of its value chain. The article indicates conditions contributing to the need to increase research on the enterprise value chain. The main part of the article presents a methodology for analysing the value chain through the characteristics of its various stages. These include identifying the needs and expectations of clients, analysing the processes that make up an enterprise's value chain, analysing the costs of processes in the existing configuration of the value chain, evaluating resources and competences in the value chain and studying the relationships between companies in the value chain. An important aspect in the analysis of the value chain is to establish a set of criteria that will make it possible to assess three areas: how the existing model of the value chain in the enterprise functions from the point of view of satisfying customer needs, the value creation process as a cost, and the effectiveness of all taken action.
Kierunki badań w zakresie zarządzania strategicznego wobec wyzwań współczesności
Authors: Kafel Tomasz
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to present the development of the schools of strategic management and the diffusion of selected approaches to strategic management in Polish companies, as well as to determine the future direction of scientific research in this field. The study was based on research conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Economics in Poznań in 2010. The challenges faced by practitioners and theorists who have taken up the issue of strategic management are presented based on the analysis of domestic and foreign literature. The consequences of these challenges for the process of strategic management and the directions for further research in this field are set out.
Incarcerated Youths’ Perspectives on Protective Factors and Risk Factors for Juvenile Offending: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Barnert Elizabeth S. , Perry Raymond , Azzi Veronica F. , Shetgiri Rashmi , Ryan Gery , Dudovitz Rebecca , Zima Bonnie , Chung Paul J.
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We sought to understand incarcerated youths’ perspectives on the role of protective factors and risk factors for juvenile offending.

Methods. We performed an in-depth qualitative analysis of interviews (conducted October–December 2013) with 20 incarcerated youths detained in the largest juvenile hall in Los Angeles.

Results. The adolescent participants described their homes, schools, and neighborhoods as chaotic and unsafe. They expressed a need for love and attention, discipline and control, and role models and perspective. Youths perceived that when home or school failed to meet these needs, they spent more time on the streets, leading to incarceration. They contrasted the path through school with the path to jail, reporting that the path to jail felt easier. All of them expressed the insight that they had made bad decisions and that the more difficult path was not only better but also still potentially achievable.

Conclusions. Breaking cycles of juvenile incarceration will require that the public health community partner with legislators, educators, community leaders, and youths to determine how to make success, rather than incarceration, the easier path for disadvantaged adolescents.
Public Health, Science, and Policy Debate: Being Right Is Not Enough
Authors: Camargo Kenneth , Grant Roy
Published: December 2014

Public health is usually enacted through public policies, necessitating that the public engage in debates that, ideally, are grounded in solid scientific findings.

Mistrust in science, however, has compromised the possibility of deriving sound policy from such debates, partially owing to justified concerns regarding undue interference and even outright manipulation by commercial interests. This situation has generated problematic impasses, one of which is the emergence of an anti-vaccination movement that is already affecting public health, with a resurgence in the United States of preventable diseases thought to have been eradicated.

Drawing on British sociologist Harry Collins’ work on expertise, we propose a theoretical framework in which the paralyzing, undue public distrust of science can be analyzed and, it is hoped, overcome.
Labor Unions: A Public Health Institution
Authors: Malinowski Beth , Minkler Meredith , Stock Laura
Published: December 2014

Using a social–ecological framework, we drew on a targeted literature review and historical and contemporary cases from the US labor movement to illustrate how unions address physical and psychosocial conditions of work and the underlying inequalities and social determinants of health. We reviewed labor involvement in tobacco cessation, hypertension control, and asthma, limiting articles to those in English published in peer-reviewed public health or medical journals from 1970 to 2013. More rigorous research is needed on potential pathways from union membership to health outcomes and the facilitators of and barriers to union–public health collaboration. Despite occasional challenges, public health professionals should increase their efforts to engage with unions as critical partners.
Applying GPR and Laser Scanner Techniques to Monitor the Ossoue Glacier (Pyrenees)
Authors: del Río Mariano , Rico Ibai , Serrano Enrique , Tejado Juan J
Published: December 2014

The Ossoue glacier in the Vignemale massif (3,298 m) is currently the longest and second largest of the Pyrenees (1,400-m length, 50-ha area), and the only one presenting glacier tongue morphology. We describe 50 MHz ground penetrating radar (GPR) and laser scanner surveys from which we assess the current state and dynamics of the glacier. In 2011, nearly 1,900 m of GPR profiles over the upper half of Ossoue glacier yielded up to 45 m of depth, an average value of 30 m thickness of the subglacial layer, and internal structure and layering. We compare the results with those from a study in 2006 of the same glacier, showing similar bedrock morphology with slightly less overall ice thickness than in 2011. Laser scanner surveys at the snout showed thinning rates of 3.32 m between 2010 and 2011, 4.15 m between 2011 and 2012, and an average loss of 7.47 m between 2010 and 2012. Present-day changes in Ossoue glacier are characterized by extensive thinning caused by melting and collapse of the ice mass. If these thinning rates are maintained, Ossoue glacier will vanish within 35 yr.
Nitrogen Applications for Wheat Production across Tillage Systems in Alabama
Authors: Balkcom K. S. , Burmester C. H.
Published: December 2014

Alabama wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) farmers are changing management practices, which include using higher N fertilizer rates and planting wheat with no‐tillage or other conservation tillage systems to maximize yields. Experiments were conducted to (i) determine the level of tillage necessary to optimize wheat yields across different regions of Alabama and (ii) determine if N requirements change across tillage systems and regions in Alabama at four locations resulting in 9 site‐year comparisons. Each experiment consisted of a split‐plot design with tillage as the main plot and 12 N fertilizer treatments as subplots, replicated four times to compare Zadoks’ Growth Stage (GS)‐30 tiller densities, tiller N concentrations, tiller biomass, GS‐31 wheat biomass, biomass N concentration, wheat yields, and grain crude protein. Nitrogen treatments consisted of different rates across fall, GS‐30, and GS‐31 application times. Tillage systems had no effect on tiller density, tiller N concentration, or tiller biomass, but fall N increased tiller density 15% and tiller biomass 34% across Coastal Plain locations. Non‐inversion tillage increased wheat yields 13% on Coastal Plain soils compared to conventional tillage. Fall N increased wheat yields 10%, and N applied at GS‐30 improved yields 18% compared to delaying application until GS‐31, indicating application of fall N and applying total N by GS‐30 was imperative for successful wheat production on Coastal Plain soils. Neither tillage system nor N applications affected wheat production extensively across the Limestone Valley. Non‐inversion tillage or no‐tillage with current recommended N practices can be successfully used in Alabama wheat production.
Editorial
Authors: Ball Alexander
Published: December 2014

Alexander Ball, Production Editor, introduces Volume 9, Issue 2 (2014) of the International Journal of Digital Curation.
Horizontal mergers and weak and strong competition commissions
Authors: Ristic Bojan , Trifunovic Dejan
Published: December 2014

In this paper we analyse the horizontal merger of companies in an already
concentrated industry. The participants in mergers are obliged to submit
notification to the Competition Commission but they also have the option of
rejecting the merger. At the time of the notification submission the
participants do not know whether the Commission is strong or weak, and they
can complain to the Court if the Commission prohibits the merger. We model
the strategic interaction between Participants and Commission in a dynamic
game of incomplete information and determine weak perfect Bayesian
equilibria. The main finding of our paper is that Participants will base
their decision to submit notification on their belief in a weak Commission
decision and will almost completely ignore the possibility of a strong
Commission decision. We also provide a detailed examination of one case from
Serbian regulatory practice, which coincides with the results of our game
theoretical model.
Determination of the optimal production cycle length from the financial aspect in poplar plantations on meadow semigley
Authors: Keca Ljiljana
Published: December 2014

Due to the trends in the consumption of wood and particularly s oft
broadleaves, poplar cultivation gained importance in this country and
worldwide during the last decade of the twentieth century. Many countries,
primarily those with developed forestry (Canada, France, Italy, etc.), have
recognized the importance of poplar cultivation in terms of production,
economics and environmental protection. The aim of this study is to apply the
method of assessment and the method of calculating the optimal production
cycle length in order to determine the optimal production cycle length of
poplar plantations in the studied localities of Ravni Srem (FE ?Sremska
Mitrovica?) from an economic standpoint. The purpose of this research is to
provide guidelines for forestry practices aimed at the improvement of the
situation in the field of assessment of the optimal production cycle length
in poplar plantations. The research object a re: the number of trees, volume
of trees and other elements that will be quantified and numerically analyzed.
The initial hypothesis of the study was that the production cycle length of
poplar in the study area ranges from 10-20 years, depending on the soil type.
The production cycle length of poplar in the study area ranges from 15-19
years. It was calculated using three methods: Mo, M1 and M2. The assessment
based on the NPVs criterion determined a desired optimal production cycle
length of about 16 years on meadow semigley. When the optimum production
cycle length of Euro-American poplar is concerned, it is appropriate for the
analyses to use the maximization of the average net present value.
Radoje Domanovic e Dzejms Dzojs (James Joyce)
Authors: Ciric Slobodanka
Published: December 2014

La ricerca che qui si propone nasce nell?ambito di redazione della laurea
magistrale in Letterature e Culture Comparate. Muovendo dallo studio e
dall?analisi dell?opera Gente di Dublino di James Joyce e da alcuni racconti
di Radoje Domanovic che si potrebbero tranquillamente intitolare Gente di
Stradija, questo lavoro ha posto in evidenza elementi significativi di
confronto come il monologo interiore, la paralisi e l?epifania. Tale studio
- di natura comparatistica ed interculturale - ha richiesto, innanzitutto,
un approccio metodologico multidisciplinare in cui coesistano e
interagiscono conoscenze storiche, culturali e religiose dell?Irlanda e
della Serbia a cavallo dei secoli XIX e XX. Vengono, infine, studiati alcuni
aspetti del rapporto di Joyce e Domanovic con la tradizione dell?eredit?
eroica dei due paesi riflessa nel nazionalismo, ma anche la condizione di
immobilit?, passivit? e impotenza rispecchiata nelle loro opere. La novit?
pi? significativa emersa da questa ricerca ? la dimostrazione che Domanovic
ha sperimentato i sopracitati, innovativi metodi narrativi prima di Joyce.
Zlataric’s supplement to Osman
Authors: Petakovic Slavko
Published: December 2014

The specific similarity between the supplements to Osman rendered by Marin
Zlataric and Pjerko Sorkocevic point to the existence of a common poetic
plan. The joint concept could likely be the fruit of the cooperation between
editor Dzanluka Volantic and the supplementers. The storyline initiated in
the epic was organised by Zlataric into a plot which was to give a convincing
reconstruction of the dispersed threads in Osman. However, he did not
complete the supplement - it remained a sketch of the epic argument which he
later intended to enrich with lyrical passages. Sorkocevic?s supplement is
conceptually more diverse and artistically more mature, which has led most
literary historians to an unreliable conclusion that it originated earlier,
and that Zlataric composed his own looking up to his predecessor?s work.
Hitherto anonymous writer Hristina Petkovic
Authors: Djordjevic Bojan
Published: December 2014

?The Belgrade Paper?, the organ of the Military General Government for
Serbia, was issued from December 1915 to October 1918 and was the only
periodical in occupied Serbia. After an initial hesitation, even some Serbian
authors eventually accepted the cooperation with the journal, publishing
their poetry and prose in it. Certain renowned names include Isidora Sekulic,
Bora Stankovic, Milica Jankovic and Milorad Petrovic Seljancica. However, for
the most part, its contributors came from the ranks of the so-called minor
writers, and to some of them, the poems and short stories published in ?The
Belgrade Paper? were the only works that they printed. Among them is also
Hristina Petkovic, author of three short stories - Nina, Poverty and The
Confession. An analysis of these stories can reveal that they essentially
belong to the poetics of the so-called trivial literature, with pronouncedly
amatory and partly social topics, especially focusing on the fate of the
woman in collision with the patriarchal mentality. Owing to the archival
materials from the Archive of Serbia and the Austrian State Archive, the
paper demonstrates that the author is in fact the wife of Serbian poet
Vladislav Petkovic Dis.
Novi prepis Pesme smrti iz XVII veka
Authors: Vitic Zorica
Published: December 2014

nema
Pisac i diplomatija: Pisma Laze Kostica Jovanu Risticu
Authors: Opsenica Dragoslav
Published: December 2014

nema
Lakeview Hotel Investment Corp.
Authors: Pries Fred , Scott Sandra
Published: December 2014

Lakeview Hotel Investment Corp. (LHIC) is a publicly traded owner and operator of hotel properties located primarily within smaller centers in western Canada. The case provides students with the opportunity to develop research and analytical skills by investigating related party disclosures found within LHIC's financial statements. Students are asked to identify related parties and analyze the transactions between LHIC and its related parties. They are then directed to comment on the underlying value of the transactions. This case illustrates both how much can be learned by careful reading and analysis of related party transaction disclosures and also how many questions about related party transactions remain unanswered based on the information contained in financial statements. Although all information used in the case is publicly available, the degree of difficulty can be adjusted for use within undergraduate and graduate courses by varying the amount of information provided to students. This case is suitable for intermediate financial accounting, accounting theory, and financial statement analysis courses.
Assessment of Self-Heating Susceptibility of Indian Coal Seams – A Neural Network Approach
Authors: Panigrahi D.C. , Ray S.K.
Published: December 2014

The paper addresses an electro-chemical method called wet oxidation potential technique for determining the susceptibility of coal to spontaneous combustion. Altogether 78 coal samples collected from thirteen different mining companies spreading over most of the Indian Coalfields have been used for this experimental investigation and 936 experiments have been carried out by varying different experimental conditions to standardize this method for wider application. Thus for a particular sample 12 experiments of wet oxidation potential method were carried out. The results of wet oxidation potential (WOP) method have been correlated with the intrinsic properties of coal by carrying out proximate, ultimate and petrographic analyses of the coal samples. Correlation studies have been carried out with Design Expert 7.0.0 software. Further, artificial neural network (ANN) analysis was performed to ensure best combination of experimental conditions to be used for obtaining optimum results in this method.

All the above mentioned analysis clearly spelt out that the experimental conditions should be 0.2 N KMnO4 solution with 1 N KOH at 45°C to achieve optimum results for finding out the susceptibility of coal to spontaneous combustion. The results have been validated with Crossing Point Temperature (CPT) data which is widely used in Indian mining scenario.
Time dependence of the luminescence intensity in CdBr2: AgCl,PbBr2 crystals under N2-laser excitation at room temperature
Authors: Bolesta I. , Kalivoshka B. , Karbovnyk I. , Lesivtsiv V. , Novosad I. , Novosad S. , Rovetskyy I. , Velgosh S.
Published: December 2014

Results of optical-luminescence studies of polydoped photochromic CdBr2: AgCl,PbBr2 crystals are presented. It is shown that the luminescence decrease vs. time under N2-laser excitation in the range of A-band of Pb2+ absorption is due to photochemical reactions. The empirical model describing the decrease of the luminescence related to silver impurities due to photochemical processes is suggested. Model parameters (trapping cross-section — σ — and the amount of centres destroyed by irradiation — β) were determined using the comparative analysis of experimental and calculated luminescence decay curves.
Synthesis, effect of γ-ray and electrical conductivity of uranium doped nano LiMn2O4 spinels for applications as positive electrodes in Li-ion rechargeable batteries
Authors: El-Metwaly Fouad , Abou-Sekkina Morsi , Saad Fawaz , Khedr Abdalla
Published: December 2014

LiMn2O4 is an attractive candidate cathode material for Li-ion rechargeable batteries, but it suffers from severe capacity fading, especially at higher temperature (55 °C) during charging/discharging processes. Recently, many attempts have been made to synthesize modified LiMn2O4. In this work, a new study on the synthesis of pure and U4+-doped nano lithium manganese oxide [LiMn2−x
UxO4, (x = 0:00, 0.01, 0.03)] via solid-state method was introduced. The synthesized LiMn1:97U0:03O4 was irradiated by γ-radiation (10 and 30 kGy). The green samples and the resulting spinel products were characterized using thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. XRD and SEM studies revealed nano-sized particles in all prepared samples. Direct-current (DC) electrical conductivity measurements indicated that these samples are semiconductors and the activation energies decrease with increasing rare-earth U4+ content and γ-irradiation. ΔEa equals to 0.304 eV for LiMn1:99U0:01O4, ΔEa is 0.282 eV for LiMn1:97U0:03O4 and decreases to ΔEa = 0:262 eV for γ-irradiated LiMn1:97U0:03O4 nano spinel. The data obtained for the investigated samples increase their attractiveness in modern electronic technology.
Thermal evolution of the morphology of Ni/Ge(111)-c(2 × 8) surface
Authors: Tomaszewska Agnieszka , Li Jhen-Hao , Huang Xiao-Lan , Fu Tsu-Yi
Published: December 2014

The thermal evolution of the interface formed by room temperature (RT) deposition of Ni atoms (coverage 0.1, 0.5, 1.2 ML) onto a Ge(111)-c(2 × 8) surface has been studied with the use of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Atomically resolved STM images revealed that, at RT, the boundaries between the different c(2 × 8) domains acted as nucleation sites for Ni atoms. After annealing the surface with deposited material at 473 to 673 K the formation of nano-sized islands of NixGey compounds was observed. In addition, the occurrence of ring-like structures was recorded. Based on the dual-polarity images the latter were assigned to Ni atoms adsorbed on Ge adatoms.
Preparation and microstructural characterization of Si(100) Ce1−x
GdxO2−δ
thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition technique
Authors: Nagaraju P. , Vijayakumar Y. , Phase D. , Reddy V. , Ramana Reddy M.
Published: December 2014

Microstructural properties of Ce1-x
GdxO2-δ (x = 0 to 0.3) thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition technique were studied. The thin films were deposited on Si(100) substrate at a substrate temperature of 973 K at the oxygen partial pressure of 0.2 Pa using KrF excimer laser with energy of 220 mJ. The prepared thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the polycrystalline nature of the thin films. Crystallite size, strain and dislocation density were calculated. The Raman studies revealed the formation of Ce-O with the systematic variation of peak intensity and full width half maxima depending on concentration of gadolinium dopant. The thickness of the films was estimated using Talystep profiler. The surface roughness was estiamted based on AFM.
Combustion synthesis process for the rapid preparation of high-purity SrO powders
Authors: Granados-Correa Francisco , Bonifacio-Martínez Juan
Published: December 2014

A rapid, safe and simple technique for the production of high purity strontium oxide powders via a chemical combustion process is reported. The combustion reactions were performed to optimize the fuel to oxidizer ratios in the reaction mixtures required to obtain pure SrO powders by varying the molar ratio of chemical precursors and the temperature. The synthesized powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and N2-physisorption measurements. The results indicate that crystalline SrO was obtained using a 1:1 strontium nitrate: urea molar ratio at 1000 °C after 5 minutes. In addition, high-purity, homogeneous and crystalline SrO powders were easily produced in a short time via a chemical combustion process.
Factors influencing preparation of polyaniline doped with hydrochloric acid
Authors: Chuanyu Sun , Yu Wang
Published: December 2014

Factors influencing the reaction of chemical polymerization during aniline doping with hydrochloric acid (HCl) have been studied in this work. The optimal parameters for the preparation of polyaniline were determined as follows: aniline concentration - 4 mass %, molar ratios of oxidant (NH4)2S2O8:aniline - 1.2:1 and 1.3:1, the concentration of dopant - 1 mol/L. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was applied to characterize the structure of polyaniline.
Green synthesis and characterization of cuprous oxide nanoparticles in presence of a bio-surfactant
Authors: Behera M. , Giri G.
Published: December 2014

Herein, we report a facile green synthesis of Cu2O nanoparticles (NPs) using copper sulfate as precursor salt and hydrazine hydrate as reducing agent in presence of bio-surfactant (i.e. leaves extract of arka — a perennial shrub) at 60 to 70 °C in an aqueous medium. A broad band centered at 460 nm in absorption spectrum reveals the formation of surfactant stabilized Cu2O NPs. X-ray diffraction pattern of the surfactant stabilized NPs suggests the formation of only Cu2O phase in assistance of a bio-surfactant with the crystallite size of ∼8 nm. A negative zeta potential of −12 mV at 8.0 pH in surfactant stabilized Cu2O NPs hints non-bonding electron transfer from O-atom of saponin to the surface of NP. Red-shift in the vibrational band (Cu-O stretching) of Cu2O from 637 cm−1 to 640 cm−1 in presence of bio-surfactant suggests an interfacial interaction between NPs and O-atoms of -OH groups of saponin present in the plant (i.e. Calotropis gigantean) extract. From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra, a decrease in binding energy of both 2p3/2 and 2p1/2 bands in Cu2O with saponin molecules as compared to bulk Cu atom reveals a charge transfer interaction between NP and saponin surfactant molecules. Transmission electron microscopy images show crystalline nature of Cu2O NPs with an fcc lattice.
Life Sciences in the Ticino: Two Scientists – Two Stories
Authors: Fürst Susanne Lauber
Published: December 2014

Luca Varani, PhD, a group leader in Structural Biology at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, and Marco Brini, founder and CEO of EnvEve SA, in the Tecnopolo in Manno, describe their life sciences background, their careers and why they percieve their ideal situation
being a basic scientist who wants to remain in science, or being an entrepreneur respectively.
Activism, Legitimation, or Record: Towards a New Tripartite Typology of Academic Journals
Authors: Brienza Casey
Published: December 2014

Though it is widely accepted that academic publishing has both communication and credentialing functions, there have been no systematic attempts to categorize journals according to their various socio-political aims since Toby Miller's intervention in the early 2000s. Yet one-third of all peer-reviewed academic journals currently in print did not even exist at the time of his writing. This article takes these new journals into account in order to develop a systematic typology of academic journals based on their intended social purpose, both within and beyond the academy. After an overview of similar typologies and their strengths and limitations, the author proposes a tripartite typology for academic journals: journals of (1) record, (2) transformational activism, and (3) professional legitimation. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings for the symbiotic relationship between the academy and scholarly publishing and argues that, in the digital age, this relationship is as important as ever.
Investigation of (n,γ) reaction in hybrid reactor zones
Authors: Günay M.
Published: December 2014

In this study, the fluids were composed with increased mole fractions of a mixture of molten salt: heavy metals 99 – 95 % Li20Sn80−1 – 5 % SFG-Pu, 99 – 95 % Li20Sn80−1 – 5 % SFG-PuF4, 99 – 95 % Li20Sn80−1 – 5 % SFG-PuO2. In this study, the effect on conversion of each isotope (238–242Pu) in spent fuel grade plutonium by (n,γ) reactions was investigated in liquid first wall, blanket and shield zones of the designed hybrid reactor system. Beryllium (Be) is the neutron multiplier by (n,2n) reactions. The Be zone used was 3 cm thick. 9Cr2WVT, a ferritic steel, is used as structural material. Three-dimensional nucleonic calculations were performed by using the most recent versions of the MCNPX-2.7.0 Monte Carlo code and the nuclear data library ENDF/B-VII.0.
A study on empirical systematic for the (d,n) reaction cross sections at 8.6 MeV
Authors: Yiğit M. , Tel E.
Published: December 2014

Recently, many formalizations have been developed to explain some reaction mechanisms such as neutron or proton induced reactions. In this study, (d, n) reaction mechanism was investigated developing the cross-section systematic formula. The (d, n) cross sections at 8.6 MeV deuteron energy have been calculated using these formula for some target nuclei (A = 10∼123). The cross sections calculated are important for the development of fusion reactor technology. Obtained calculation results from the formula have been also compared and discussed with results calculated by the codes ALICE/ASH (equilibrium and pre-equilibrium theories) and TENDL-2012 (Talys-based), and with results of available experimental values. It is shown, that the suggested empirical equation at the 8.6 MeV deuteron energy works very well for a quick estimation of (d, n) nuclear cross sections.
Development of an educational nuclear research reactor simulator
Authors: Arafa A. , Saleh H. I. , Ashoub N.
Published: December 2014

This paper introduces the development of a research reactor educational simulator based on LabVIEW that allows the training of operators and studying different accident scenarios and the effects of operational parameters on the reactor behavior. Using this simulator, the trainee can test the interaction between the input parameters and the reactor activities. The LabVIEW acts as an engine implements the reactor mathematical models. In addition, it is used as a tool for implementing the animated graphical user interface. This simulator provides the training requirements for both of the reactor staff and the nuclear engineering students. Therefore, it uses dynamic animation to enhance learning and interest for a trainee on real system problems and provides better visual effects, improved communications, and higher interest levels. The benefits of conducting such projects are to develop the expertise in this field and save costs of both operators training and simulation courses.
Acoustic in-ice positioning in the Enceladus Explorer project
Authors: Eliseev Dmitry , Heinen Dirk , Helbing Klaus , Hoffmann Ruth , Naumann Uwe , Scholz Franziska , Wiebusch Christopher , Zierke Simon
Published: December 2014

The Enceladus Explorer project is a preparatory study for a future space mission to Saturn’s moon, Enceladus. Its ultimate goal is to probe liquid-water pockets below the ice surface of Enceladus for signatures of life. A probe could be based on the IceMole concept, which melts curved trajectories through the ice. In the Enceladus Explorer project, a specialized IceMole probe for a terrestrial test scenario is in development. The goal of this exploratory study is to probe water from a liquid crevasse close to Blood Falls at Taylor Glacier, Antarctica. To navigate such a probe it is essential to be able to determine its position and monitor its trajectory. Part of the navigation system is the in-ice acoustic positioning system. For this, the head of the IceMole is equipped with acoustic sensors, which receive signals from synchronized acoustic emitters situated at the ice surface. Based on the measured propagation times, the speed of sound in ice and the positions of the emitters at the surface, the position of the IceMole can be determined by trilateration techniques. Here we present the developed acoustic positioning system, which is designed to track the in-ice melting probe up to distances of 100 m in glacier ice. Results from full-system tests in water and a first field test on Morteratschgletscher, Switzerland, are discussed.
Why Did the Bear Cross the Road? Comparing the Performance of Multiple Resistance Surfaces and Connectivity Modeling Methods
Authors: Cushman Samuel , Lewis Jesse , Landguth Erin
Published: December 2014

There have been few assessments of the performance of alternative resistance surfaces, and little is known about how connectivity modeling approaches differ in their ability to predict organism movements. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of four connectivity modeling approaches applied to two resistance surfaces in predicting the locations of highway crossings by American black bears in the northern Rocky Mountains, USA. We found that a resistance surface derived directly from movement data greatly outperformed a resistance surface produced from analysis of genetic differentiation, despite their heuristic similarities. Our analysis also suggested differences in the performance of different connectivity modeling approaches. Factorial least cost paths appeared to slightly outperform other methods on the movement-derived resistance surface, but had very poor performance on the resistance surface obtained from multi-model landscape genetic analysis. Cumulative resistant kernels appeared to offer the best combination of high predictive performance and sensitivity to differences in resistance surface parameterization. Our analysis highlights that even when two resistance surfaces include the same variables and have a high spatial correlation of resistance values, they may perform very differently in predicting animal movement and population connectivity.
Facilitating Oak and Hickory Regeneration in Mature Central Hardwood Forests
Authors: Holzmueller Eric , Groninger John , Ruffner Charles
Published: December 2014

Advanced oak and hickory regeneration is often absent in mature oak-hickory forests in the Central Hardwood Region of the United States. Prescribed fire and thinning, alone and combined, are commonly prescribed silvicultural treatments that are recommended to initiate the regeneration process. This study examined the regeneration response in three mature oak stands following four treatments: (1) thin, (2) burn, (3) thinning and burning, or (4) no treatment (control). Ten years after initial treatment, results indicate that oak and hickory seedlings had greater height and diameter in the thinning and burning treatment compared to the control and that this treatment may help facilitate desirable regeneration in mature oak-hickory forests.
Purification of Recombinant Peanut Allergen Ara h 1 and Comparison of IgE Binding to the Natural Protein
Authors: Hurlburt Barry , McBride Jane , Nesbit Jacqueline , Ruan Sanbao , Maleki Soheila
Published: December 2014

Allergic reactions to food are on the rise worldwide and there is a corresponding increase in interest to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible. Peanut allergies are the most problematic because the reaction often persists into adulthood and can be as severe as anaphylaxis and death. The purpose of the work presented here was to develop a reproducible method to produce large quantities of pure recombinant Ara h 1(rAra h 1) that will enable standardization of immunological tests for patients and allow structural and immunological studies on the wild type and mutagenized forms of the protein. Ara h 1 is initially a pre-pro-protein which, following two endoproteolytic cleavages, becomes the mature form found in peanut. The mature form however has flexible regions that make it refractory to some structural studies including crystallography. Therefore, independent purification of the mature and core regions was desirable. Expression constructs were synthesized cDNA clones for each in a pET plasmid vector without tags. Codons were optimized for expression in E. coli. High-level expression was achieved in BL21 strains. Purification to near homogeneity was achieved by a combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation and ion exchange chromatography. The purified rAra h 1 was then compared with natural Ara h 1 for IgE binding. All patients recognized both the folded natural and rAra h 1, but the IgE binding to the rArah1 was significantly reduced in comparison to the natural allergen, which could potentially make it useful for immunotherapeutic purposes.
A Software Reference Architecture for Service-Oriented 3D Geovisualization Systems
Authors: Hildebrandt Dieter
Published: December 2014

Modern 3D geovisualization systems (3DGeoVSs) are complex and evolving systems that are required to be adaptable and leverage distributed resources, including massive geodata. This article focuses on 3DGeoVSs built based on the principles of service-oriented architectures, standards and image-based representations (SSI) to address practically relevant challenges and potentials. Such systems facilitate resource sharing and agile and efficient system construction and change in an interoperable manner, while exploiting images as efficient, decoupled and interoperable representations. The software architecture of a 3DGeoVS and its underlying visualization model have strong effects on the system’s quality attributes and support various system life cycle activities. This article contributes a software reference architecture (SRA) for 3DGeoVSs based on SSI that can be used to design, describe and analyze concrete software architectures with the intended primary benefit of an increase in effectiveness and efficiency in such activities. The SRA integrates existing, proven technology and novel contributions in a unique manner. As the foundation for the SRA, we propose the generalized visualization pipeline model that generalizes and overcomes expressiveness limitations of the prevalent visualization pipeline model. To facilitate exploiting image-based representations (IReps), the SRA integrates approaches for the representation, provisioning and styling of and interaction with IReps. Five applications of the SRA provide proofs of concept for the general applicability and utility of the SRA. A qualitative evaluation indicates the overall suitability of the SRA, its applications and the general approach of building 3DGeoVSs based on SSI.
When Isolated at Full Receptivity, in Vitro Fertilized Wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) Egg Cells Reveal [Ca2+]cyt Oscillation of Intracellular Origin
Authors: Pónya Zsolt , Corsi Ilaria , Hoffmann Richárd , Kovács Melinda , Dobosy Anikó , Kovács Attila , Cresti Mauro , Barnabás Beáta
Published: December 2014

During in vitro fertilization of wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.) in egg cells isolated at various developmental stages, changes in cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) were observed. The dynamics of [Ca2+]cyt elevation varied, reflecting the difference in the developmental stage of the eggs used. [Ca2+]cyt oscillation was exclusively observed in fertile, mature egg cells fused with the sperm cell. To determine how [Ca2+]cyt oscillation in mature egg cells is generated, egg cells were incubated in thapsigargin, which proved to be a specific inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+-ATPase in wheat egg cells. In unfertilized egg cells, the addition of thapsigargin caused an abrupt transient increase in [Ca2+]cyt in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that an influx pathway for Ca2+ is activated by thapsigargin. The [Ca2+]cyt oscillation seemed to require the filling of an intracellular calcium store for the onset of which, calcium influx through the plasma membrane appeared essential. This was demonstrated by omitting extracellular calcium from (or adding GdCl3 to) the fusion medium, which prevented [Ca2+]cyt oscillation in mature egg cells fused with the sperm. Combined, these data permit the hypothesis that the first sperm-induced transient increase in [Ca2+]cyt depletes an intracellular Ca2+ store, triggering an increase in plasma membrane Ca2+ permeability, and this enhanced Ca2+ influx results in [Ca2+]cyt oscillation.
Cultural Perceptions of Human Intelligence
Authors: Cocodia E.A.
Published: December 2014

This paper analyzes notions of culture and human intelligence. Drawing on implicit and explicit theory frameworks, I explore discourses about perceptions of intelligence and culture. These include cultural perceptions and meanings of intelligence in Asia, Africa and Western cultures. While there is little consensus on what intelligence really means from one culture to the next, the literature suggests that the culture or sub culture of an individual will determine how intelligence is conceived. In conclusion, the view is that culture and intelligence are interwoven.
Design of Chitosan and Its Water Soluble Derivatives-Based Drug Carriers with Polyelectrolyte Complexes
Authors: Wu Qing-Xi , Lin Dong-Qiang , Yao Shan-Jing
Published: December 2014

Chitosan, the cationic polysaccharide derived from the natural polysaccharide chitin, has been studied as a biomaterial for more than two decades. As a polycationic polymer with favorable properties, it has been widely used to form polyelectrolyte complexes with polyanions for various applications in drug delivery fields. In recent years, a growing number of studies have been focused on the preparation of polyelectrolyte complexes based on chitosan and its water soluble derivatives. They have been considered well-suited as biomaterials for a number of vital drug carriers with targeted/controlled release profiles, e.g., films, capsules, microcapsules. In this work, an overview highlights not only the favorable properties of chitosan and its water soluble derivatives but also the good performance of the polyelectrolyte complexes produced based on chitosan. Their various types of applications as drug carriers are reviewed in detail.
Validating the Remotely Sensed Geography of Crime: A Review of Emerging Issues
Authors: Kelly Alice , Kelly Nina
Published: December 2014

This paper explores the existing literature on the active detection of crimes using remote sensing technologies. The paper reviews sixty-one studies that use remote sensing to actively detect crime. Considering the serious consequences of misidentifying crimes or sites of crimes (e.g., opening that place and its residents up to potentially needless intrusion, intimidation, surveillance or violence), the authors were surprised to find a lack of rigorous validation of the remote sensing methods utilized in these studies. In some cases, validation was not mentioned, while in others, validation was severely hampered by security issues, rough terrain and weather conditions. The paper also considers the potential hazards of the use of Google Earth to identify crimes and criminals. The paper concludes by considering alternate, “second order” validation techniques that could add vital context and understanding to remotely sensed images in a law enforcement context. With this discussion, the authors seek to initiate a discussion on other potential “second order” validation techniques, as well as on the exponential growth of surveillance in our everyday lives.
Governing GMOs: The (Counter) Movement for Mandatory and Voluntary Non-GMO Labels
Authors: Bain Carmen , Dandachi Tamera
Published: December 2014

Since 2012 the anti-GMO (genetically modified organism) movement has gained significant grassroots momentum in its efforts to require mandatory GMO food labels through state-level ballot and legislative efforts. Major food and agriculture corporations are opposed to mandatory GMO labels and have successfully defeated most of these initiatives. Nevertheless, these battles have garnered significant media attention and re-energized the debate over GMO crops and foods. In this paper, we argue that one of the most significant outcomes of this fight is efforts by food retailers and value-based food companies to implement voluntary non-GMO labels and brands. We draw on the governance and political consumerism literature to explore (counter) movement efforts for mandatory labels and how these efforts are being institutionalized through private voluntary governance institutions. Our assessment is based on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with key informants from consumer and environmental organizations, agriculture and biotech companies, and government regulatory agencies, as well as a content analysis of food industry websites. A growing number of food retailers recognize the reputational and economic value that new niche markets for non-GMO foods can offer, while the anti-GMO movement views these efforts as a step in the direction of mandatory GMO labels. We conclude that voluntary labels may act to settle the labeling debate by mollifying agri-food industry concerns about mandatory labeling and meeting the desire of political consumers for greater choice and transparency but without addressing the broader social and environmental sustainability concerns that drives the anti-GMO movement in the first place.