bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design for safety: theoretical framework of the safety aspect of BIM system to determine the safety index
Authors: Teo Ai Lin Evelyn , Ofori George , Tjandra Imelda Krisiani , Kim Hanjoon
Published: December 2016

Despite the safety improvement drive that has been implemented in the construction industry in Singapore for many years, the industry continues to report the highest number of workplace fatalities, compared to other industries. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the theoretical framework of the safety aspect of a proposed BIM System to determine a Safety Index. An online questionnaire survey was conducted to ascertain the current workplace safety and health situation in the construction industry and explore how BIM can be used to improve safety performance in the industry. A safety hazard library was developed based on the main contributors to fatal accidents in the construction industry, determined from the formal records and existing literature, and a series of discussions with representatives from the Workplace Safety and Health Institute (WSH Institute) in Singapore. The results from the survey suggested that the majority of the firms have implemented the necessary policies, programmes and procedures on Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) practices. However, BIM is still not widely applied or explored beyond the mandatory requirement that building plans should be submitted to the authorities for approval in BIM format. This paper presents a discussion of the safety aspect of the Intelligent Productivity and Safety System (IPASS) developed in the study. IPASS is an intelligent system incorporating the buildable design concept, theory on the detection, prevention and control of hazards, and the Construction Safety Audit Scoring System (ConSASS). The system is based on the premise that safety should be considered at the design stage, and BIM can be an effective tool to facilitate the efforts to enhance safety performance. IPASS allows users to analyse and monitor key aspects of the safety performance of the project before the project starts and as the project progresses.
Book Review - Understanding Construction Law
Authors: Grey Janet
Published: December 2016

Understanding Construction LawCoggins,J., Davie,T., Ears,T., and Evans, P. (2016). Understanding Construction Law. Chatwood NSW, Australia: LexisNexis Butterworths.
Genetic diversity and distance of Iranian goat breeds (Markhoz, Mahabadi and Lori) compared to the Beetal breed using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers
Authors: Simaei-Soltani Leila , Abdolmohammadi Alireza , Zebarjadi Alireza , Foroutanifar Saheb
Published: December 2016

Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity and structure in three Iranian native goat breeds (Markhoz, Mahabadi and Lori) and the Beetal imported breed using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers and also to investigate ISSR markers' potential in order to genetically separate single (S) and twin-birth (T) subpopulations. Blood samples were collected from 210 animals for this purpose. In total, 16 primers were used, and finally 5 primers were selected based on the number of clear bands and the level of polymorphisms. The result of this study showed that 76 of 86 observed fragments were polymorphic. Genetic diversity for each breed ranged from 0.23 in the Beetal breed to 0.26 in the Markhoz breed; this represents a relatively similar genetic diversity in these breeds. An unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram based on the Nei's standard genetic distance between the breeds studied showed that three Iranian goat breeds (Mahabadi, Lori and Markhoz) were clustered closer together, while the Beetal breed formed a separate cluster. In the constructed dendrogram of the subpopulations, the S and T subpopulations of each breed were clustered together. The constructed dendrogram of the Beetal breed and the S and T subpopulations of all breeds studied showed a separate cluster for the Beetal breed as an imported breed and another cluster for the S and T subpopulations as Iranian native breeds. The current study showed that the ISSR markers studied had no potential to genetically separate S and T subpopulations. On the other hand, these ISSR markers can be used for the clustering of distinct populations.
Editorial: Geographie als Geisteswissenschaft – Geographie in den Geisteswissenschaften
Authors: Korf Benedikt , Verne Julia
Published: December 2016

Abstract. This editorial provides the intellectual background for a themed issue that argues for a (re)consideration of human geography as a "Geisteswissenschaft". Engaging with the question of how a geography anchored in the arts and humantities might look like today, it tries to unsettle the kind of "theory-driven", post-structuralist research that has come to dominate human geography following the "cultural turn". In proposing a more thorough engagement with the potential of intrepretative, hermeneutic and phenomenological approaches, we conceptualise a "geisteswissenschaftliche" human geography as a much-needed irritation of the social scientific mainstream.
Advantages of using a fast urban boundary layer model as compared to a full mesoscale model to simulate the urban heat island of Barcelona
Authors: García-Díez Markel , Lauwaet Dirk , Hooyberghs Hans , Ballester Joan , De Ridder Koen , Rodó Xavier
Published: December 2016

Abstract. As most of the population lives in urban environments, the simulation of the urban climate has become a key problem in the framework of the climate change impact assessment. However, the high computational power required by high-resolution (sub-kilometre) fully coupled land–atmosphere simulations using urban canopy parameterisations is a severe limitation. Here we present a study on the performance of UrbClim, an urban boundary layer model designed to be several orders of magnitude faster than a full-fledged mesoscale model. The simulations are evaluated with station data and land surface temperature observations from satellites, focusing on the urban heat island (UHI). To explore the advantages of using a simple model like UrbClim, the results are compared with a simulation carried out with a state-of-the-art mesoscale model, the Weather Research and Forecasting Model, which includes an urban canopy model. This comparison is performed with driving data from ERA-Interim reanalysis (70 km). In addition, the effect of using driving data from a higher-resolution forecast model (15 km) is explored in the case of UrbClim. The results show that the performance of reproducing the average UHI in the simple model is generally comparable to the one in the mesoscale model when driven with reanalysis data (70 km). However, the simple model needs higher-resolution data from the forecast model (15 km) to correctly reproduce the variability of the UHI at a daily scale, which is related to the wind speed. This lack of accuracy in reproducing the wind speed, especially the sea-breeze daily cycle, which is strong in Barcelona, also causes a warm bias in the reanalysis driven UrbClim run. We conclude that medium-complexity models as UrbClim are a suitable tool to simulate the urban climate, but that they are sensitive to the ability of the input data to represent the local wind regime. UrbClim is a well suited model for impact and adaptation studies at city scale without high computing requirements, but does not replace the need for mesoscale atmospheric models when the focus is on the two-way interactions between the city and the atmosphere.
Early School Withdrawals and Underperformance as Indicators of Poor Attention to Learner’s Welfare: Botswana in 50 Years of Self-Rule
Authors: Marumo Boipuso B. , Pansiri Nkobi O.
Published: December 2016

September 30th 2016 was Botswana’s 50th birthday. Botswana, a deeply impoverished country in 1966 was on that day an upper-middle income country in the world rankings. Its education expenditure was one of the highest in the world, at around 9% of the GDP. It was on record to have provided more than 90% of universal and free primary education. Guided by the 1977 and 1994 education policies, the country committed itself to the universal declaration that education is a fundamental human right. It adopted a priority of reducing the growing percentages of non-enrolled school age children, let alone working around the clock to increase access to basic education schooling. Despite these good policies and sound financial resources, it has not escaped global challenges of unequal access which has denied some learners the opportunity to complete their education programmes. It also faced huge challenges of low school retention rates, particularly in the basic education programme, that is primary and secondary school systems. This article considers these challenges as critical indicators of lack of attention to learner’s welfare in public schools. It argues that in the 50 years of self-rule, the basic education program remained trapped in a culture of moral indifference and silent exclusion. The article argues that post 50th birthday, Botswana needs to begin a new chapter, developing an education system that cares about learner’s education welfare more than ever before.
Undergraduate Arab International Students' Adjustment to U.S. Universities
Authors: Rabia Hazza M. Abu
Published: December 2016

The adjustment process and issues of 16 Arab international students enrolled at two universities in the Northeast of the United States were examined through this qualitative, exploratory study. The participants were from Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and United Arab Emirates and had been in the US for 2 to 5 years. In-depth interviews were employed to document and analyze the experiences and challenges of these students on U.S. campuses. One-on-one interviews with the participants revealed multiple factors obstructed Arab international students' academic success and limited their socialization within the context of their postsecondary institution, their host community, and their host nation. Several prevailing themes were discovered among the participants, including culture shock, language barrier, cultural differences, and isolation. While further research is needed, these findings suggest that specific programming and outreach by U.S higher education institutions could be implemented to assist Arab international students' adjustment to the academic and social environment of their host campus.
Re-Shaping the Faculty: Emergence and Development of “Permanent-Contingent” Roles through the Lens of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory
Authors: Tkachenko Oleksandr , Louis Karen Seashore
Published: December 2016

This study retrospectively examines the emergence and development of a new class of full-time non-tenure track employees in a large land grant research university in the U.S., which created the employment category in 1980. We employ cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) to explore how this class of employees became institutionalized within the university organizational structure and within the university’s consultative and decision-making processes. The study advances the understanding of how broad academic personnel strategies emerge in higher education. Given that there are few longitudinal studies examining the way personnel strategies are made in higher education, we hope that this paper will provide a useful frame of reference for developing research on institutions of higher education as work environments. By utilizing CHAT in a higher education setting, our inquiry also contributes an alternative perspective to the stream of research on organizational change in higher education.
Quantitative exploration of the barriers and facilitators to nurse-patient communication in Saudia Arabia
Authors: Albagawi Bander S. , Jones Linda K.
Published: December 2016

Nurses with effective communication skills play a critical role in minimising the stress associated with hospitalisation for both patients and their families. Effective communication has become increasingly reported as a key component in effective health care outcomes, which is even more crucial in countries such as Saudi Arabia with a large foreign healthcare workforce. The presence of a large expatriate workforce with a different language from the host society and the ensuing complexity of sociocultural linguistic and heath beliefs systems has been poorly researched. This study aimed to investigate barriers and facilitators of nurse-patient communication in Saudi Arabia using the Nurses’ Self-Administered Communication Survey. The survey was distributed to a random sample of 291 nurses working in medical and surgical departments at five hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The results indicate that the Philippine and Saudi Arabian nurses perceived greater barriers to communication with respect to personal/social characteristics, job specifications and environmental factors then nurses of other nationalities. In addition, nurses with shorter experience in Saudi Arabia perceived greater barriers to communication with respect to the clinical situation of patient and environmental factors than the nurses with longer experience. Lastly, nurses who had not attended specialist courses on communication skills acquisition perceived greater barriers to communication with respect to personal characteristics and job specifications than nurses who had attended such courses. This study highlights the need to better prepare expatriate nurses before they enter the workforce in Saudi Arabia on cultural competence and language skills.
Effect of Drip Irrigation on Growth, Physiology, Yield and Water Use of Rice
Authors: Parthasarathi Theivasigamani , Vanitha Koothan , Mohandass Sendass , Vered Eli , Meenakshi Varadaraju , Selvakumar Dharmalingam , Surendran Arumugam , Lazarovitch Naftali
Published: December 2016

The field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of drip irrigation treatments such as three lateral distances (0.6 m, 0.8 m or 1.0 m lateral distance) on growth parameters physiological characters, yield and water use of rice under two discharge rates drippers (0.6 or 1.0 litre per hour emitters). Among the lateral distances, 0.8 m lateral distance adjudged as optimum spacing for its better performance in growth, physiological and yield attributes than rest of the lateral distances. Between two-discharge rates, 1.0 lph drippers out performed 0.6 lph drippers in grain yield. Interactively, laterals spaced at 0.8 m with 1.0 lph drippers exhibited better performance by way of growth parameters (such as plant height, tiller density, root biomass, total dry matter accumulation), physiological attributes (such as Yw, Chlorophyll content, Catalase activity and Malondialdehyde content), yield and its components (such as productive tillers, spikelet numbers, filled grain percentage, Harvest Index) along with water productivity. Drip irrigation confirms to increase in water productivity in the present study with water saving of 27.4% over the conventional aerobic rice cultivation. Enhanced physiological activities showed increased growth and yield in rice under 0.8 m lateral distance drip irrigation which is a viable tool for balanced source sink relation. Our results indicated that the lateral spacing of 0.8 m with 1.0 lph drippers is best for rice cultivation in enhancing the growth, physiology, grain yield and water productivity.
Development of Traditional Jordanian Low Sodium Dairy Products
Authors: Haddad Moawiya A. , Al-Qudah Maisa M. , Abu-Romman Saeid M. , Obeidat Maher , El-Qudah Jafar
Published: December 2016

The present study aimed to develop new healthy traditional Jordanian dairy products including pasteurized white cheese and labaneh. This aim was achieved by partial replacement of NaCl with KCl salt at 0%, 50% and 75% in pasteurized white cheese and labaneh during processing. Results shows a slight increase in pH values and a decrease in acidity in cheese kept in brine solution that contained higher KCl compared with control. There is a significant difference in pH and acidity between control and KCl treatments in both pasteurized white cheese and labaneh. No significant difference in moisture of pasteurized white cheese and labaneh at 50% KCl salt replacement but a significant difference was found between control and 75% KCl salt replacement. There is a significant difference in taste and overall acceptability between control and KCl salt replacement starts at 75% KCl, but no significant difference between control and 50% KCl salt replacement was seen for pasteurized white cheese and labaneh for the same two attributes. KCl may give similar organoleptic effect of NaCl on Jordanian pasteurized white cheese and labaneh.
SHAPE ANALYSIS OF FINE AGGREGATES USED FOR CONCRETE
Authors: He Huan , Courard Luc , Pirard Eric , Michel Frederic
Published: December 2016

Fine aggregate is one of the essential components in concrete and significantly influences the material properties. As parts of natures, physical characteristics of fine aggregate are highly relevant to its behaviors in concrete. The most of previous studies are mainly focused on the physical properties of coarse aggregate due to the equipment limitations. In this paper, two typical fine aggregates, i.e. river sand and crushed rock, are selected for shape characterization. The new developed digital image analysis systems are employed as the main approaches for the purpose. Some other technical methods, e.g. sieve test, laser diffraction method are also used for the comparable references. Shape characteristics of fine aggregates with different origins but in similar size ranges are revealed by this study. Compared with coarse aggregate, fine grains of different origins generally have similar shape differences. These differences are more significant in surface texture properties, which can be easily identified by an advanced shape parameter: bluntness. The new image analysis method is then approved to be efficient for the shape characterization of fine aggregate in concrete.
Optical polarization control of photo-pumped stimulated emissions at 238 nm from AlGaN multiple-quantum-well laser structures on AlN substrates
Authors: Lachab Mohamed , Sun WenHong , Jain Rakesh , Dobrinsky Alex , Gaevski Mikhail , Rumyantsev Sergey , Shur Michael , Shatalov Max
Published: December 2016

We demonstrate the capability to control the optical polarization of room-temperature stimulated emissions (SEs) at 238–239 nm from optically pumped AlGaN multiple-quantum-well (MQW) heterostructures on bulk AlN. The results of structural and optical characterizations provided evidence that altering the strain state in the pseudomorphically grown MQW laser structures enabled the switching of the polarization direction of the SE from predominantly transverse electric (TE) at 238 nm to predominantly transverse magnetic (TM) at 239 nm. The SE observed at 238 nm represents the shortest peak wavelength with TE polarization yet reported for AlGaN materials grown on any type of substrate.
Bamboo tea: reduction of taxonomic complexity and application of DNA diagnostics based onrbcLandmatKsequence data
Authors: Horn Thomas , Häser Annette
Published: December 2016

Background

Names used in ingredient lists of food products are trivial and in their nature rarely precise. The most recent scientific interpretation of the term bamboo (Bambusoideae,Poaceae) comprises over 1,600 distinct species. In the European Union only few of these exotic species are well known sources for food ingredients (i.e., bamboo sprouts) and are thus not considered novel foods, which would require safety assessments before marketing of corresponding products. In contrast, the use of bamboo leaves and their taxonomic origin is mostly unclear. However, products containing bamboo leaves are currently marketed.

Methods

We analysed bamboo species and tea products containing bamboo leaves using anatomical leaf characters and DNA sequence data. To reduce taxonomic complexity associated with the term bamboo, we used a phylogenetic framework to trace the origin of DNA from commercially available bamboo leaves within the bambusoid subfamily. For authentication purposes, we introduced a simple PCR based test distinguishing genuine bamboo from other leaf components and assessed the diagnostic potential ofrbcLandmatKto resolve taxonomic entities within the bamboo subfamily and tribes.

Results

Based on anatomical and DNA data we were able to trace the taxonomic origin of bamboo leaves used in products to the generaPhyllostachysandPseudosasafrom the temperate “woody” bamboo tribe (Arundinarieae). Currently availablerbcLandmatKsequence data allow the character based diagnosis of 80% of represented bamboo genera. We detected adulteration by carnation in four of eight tea products and, after adapting our objectives, could trace the taxonomic origin of the adulterant toDianthus chinensis(Caryophyllaceae), a well known traditional Chinese medicine with counter indications for pregnant women.
AMP‐activated protein kinase‐mediated expression of heat shock protein beta 1 enhanced insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscle
Authors: Yuan Hairui , Wang Tianyi , Niu Yanmei , Liu Xiaolei , Fu Li
Published: December 2016

Activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been viewed as an important target for the treatment of insulin resistance. Here, by proteomic analysis, we found that expression of heat shock protein beta‐1 (HSPB1) was induced by the AMP analog 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide 1‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside in palmitate‐induced insulin‐resistant cells. Overexpression of AMPKα2, or activation of AMPKα via acute/chronic exercise training, increased HSPB1 expression in the skeletal muscle. In AMPKα2−/− mice, HSPB1 expression was downregulated in the quadriceps muscles. Exercise did not increase HSPB1 expression in AMPKα2−/− mice. Moreover, overexpression of HSPB1 enhanced insulin sensitivity in palmitate‐induced insulin‐resistant cells and restored metabolic phenotypes associated with defective AMPK. Finally, HSPB1 was required for AMPK‐mediated activation of the class IIa histone deacetylases and glucose uptake in the skeletal muscle. Our results demonstrate that AMPK‐mediated HSPB1 expression enhanced insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscle.
Interhemispheric transport of light neutral species in the thermosphere
Authors: Sutton Eric K.
Published: December 2016

A mechanistic description of neutral species transport is presented, reconciling two long‐standing yet ostensibly incompatible interpretations of the “wind‐induced diffusion” of thermospheric constituents. Regarding the creation and sustainment of anomalous winter distributions of light species (e.g., atomic oxygen or helium), the theory of Reber and Hays (1973) cites vertical advection as the main cause while Mayr et al. (1978) cite horizontal transport—both in the presence of a diffusively separated atmosphere. We demonstrate that these theories are not at odds with each other. Instead, they describe two coherent aspects of a single process: convergent (divergent) horizontal motion increases downwelling (upwelling), thereby transporting light constituents both horizontally and vertically simultaneously. Such a connection between horizontal and vertical transport is straightforward and well established for the mass‐averaged circulation. Yet this connection has remained obscure for a single minor species entrained within the flow, in part due to the appearance of the composition equation when expressed in a Eulerian frame of reference. Concrete evidence is presented in terms of model equations and diagnostics, establishing a direct link between the horizontal and vertical transport of an atmospheric constituent. Consequently, we are able to show that winter accumulations of light species arise from an interhemispheric migration operating on seasonal timescales, rather than from their redistribution within the vertical column. This new understanding has implications for the timescales at play in both the F region ionosphere and lower exosphere, two regions profoundly impacted by light neutral species.
Dust detection in space using the monopole and dipole electric field antennas
Authors: Ye S.‐Y. , Kurth W. S. , Hospodarsky G. B. , Averkamp T. F. , Gurnett D. A.
Published: December 2016

During the grand finale of the Cassini mission, the Radio and Plasma Wave Science instrument will be used to assess the risk involved in exposing the instruments to the dusty environment around the F and D rings. More specifically, the slope of the size distribution and the dust density will be determined based on the signals induced on the electric antennas by dust impacts. To reduce the uncertainties in the generation mechanism of the dust impact signals and the resulting dust properties based on the interpretation of data, we designed and carried out experiments in late 2015, when we switched antenna mode from monopole to dipole at the ring plane crossings. Comparison of the data collected with these two antenna setups provides valuable hints on how the dust impact signals are generated in each antenna mode.
Spatial distribution and energy release of nonvolcanic tremor at Parkfield, California
Authors: Staudenmaier Nadine , Edwards Benjamin , Tormann Thessa , Zechar J. Douglas , Wiemer Stefan
Published: December 2016

Nonvolcanic tremors (NVTs) are observed in transition zones between freely slipping and locked sections of faults and normally occur below the seismogenic zone. Based on NVT recordings in the Parkfield region of the San Andreas Fault, we provide a novel approach to assess the energy release of these events and assign magnitudes (Me) that are compatible with size estimates of small earthquakes in the same region. To assess the energy magnitude of a detected tremor, we refine the estimate of its duration and perform a spectral analysis that accounts for local attenuation. For the 218 NVTs that we were able to process, we resolve Me values in the range of −0.67 to 0.84. For events, which we could not process using the spectral analysis technique, we propose a statistical model to estimate Me values using observable characteristics, such as peak amplitude, spectral velocity at the source corner frequency, and duration. We furthermore provide seismic moment and moment magnitude estimates and calculate stress drops in a range of 3–10 kPa. As a result of our spectral analyses, we find strong indications regarding the ongoing debate about potential NVT location hypotheses: the Parkfield NVTs have a higher probability to be located in the proposed three‐dimensional cloud‐like cluster than in any other suggested location distribution.
Magnetic Levitation and Transportation
Authors: Hull John R.
Published: December 2016

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

Magnetic Levitation: Principles and Methods

Maglev Ground Transport

Clean‐Room Application

Air and Space Launch
AC
Losses and Numerical Modeling of Superconductors
Authors: Grilli Francesco , Sirois Frederic
Published: December 2016

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

General Features of
AC
Loss Characteristics

Measuring
AC
Losses

Computing
AC
Losses
Fundamentals of Superconducting Magnets
Authors: Wilson Martin N.
Published: December 2016

The article contains sections titled:

Windings to Produce Different Field Shapes

Current Supply

Load Lines, Degradation, and Training

Cryogenic Stabilization

Mechanical Disturbances and Minimum Quench Energy

Screening Currents and the Critical State Model

Magnetization and Flux Jumping

Filamentary Wires and Cables

AC
Losses

Quenching and Protection
High‐Temperature Superconducting (
HTS
) Leads
Authors: Kalsi Swarn Singh
Published: December 2016

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

High‐Field Magnets

Low‐Field Magnets

Outlook
Surrogate Outcome Measures of In Vitro Osteoclast Resorption of β Tricalcium Phosphate
Authors: Clarke Susan A. , Martin Joanne , Nelson John , Hornez Jean‐Christophe , Bohner Marc , Dunne Nicholas , Buchanan Fraser
Published: December 2016

Introduction of porosity to calcium phosphate scaffolds for bone repair has created a new challenge when measuring bioresorption in vitro, rendering traditional outcome measures redundant. The aim of this study is to identify a surrogate endpoint for use with 3D scaffolds. Murine RAW 264.7 cells are cultured on dense discs of β‐tricalcium phosphate in conditions to stimulate osteoclast (OC) formation. Multinucleated OCs are visible from day 6 with increases at days 8 and 10. Resorption pits are first observed at day 6 with much larger pits visible at days 8, 10, and 12. The concentration of calcium ions in the presence of cells is significantly higher than cell‐free cultures at days 3 and 9. Using linear regression analysis, Ca ion release could account for 35.9% of any subsequent change in resorption area. The results suggest that Ca ion release is suitable to measure resorption of a beta‐tricalcium phosphate ceramic substrate in vitro. This model could replace the more accepted resorption pit assay in circumstances where quantification of pits is not possible, e.g., when characterizing 3D tissue engineered bone scaffolds.
Oxygenated CdS Buffer Layers Enabling High Open‐Circuit Voltages in Earth‐Abundant Cu2BaSnS4 Thin‐Film Solar Cells
Authors: Ge Jie , Koirala Prakash , Grice Corey R. , Roland Paul J. , Yu Yue , Tan Xinxuan , Ellingson Randy J. , Collins Robert W. , Yan Yanfa
Published: December 2016

Earth‐abundant Cu2BaSnS4 (CBTS) thin films exhibit a wide bandgap of 2.04–2.07 eV, a high absorption coefficient > 104 cm−1, and a p‐type conductivity, suitable as a top‐cell absorber in tandem solar cell devices. In this work, sputtered oxygenated CdS (CdS:O) buffer layers are demonstrated to create a good p–n diode with CBTS and enable high open‐circuit voltages of 0.9–1.1 V by minimizing interface recombination. The best power conversion efficiency of 2.03% is reached under AM 1.5G illumination based on the configuration of fluorine‐doped SnO2 (back contact)/CBTS/CdS:O/CdS/ZnO/aluminum‐doped ZnO (front contact).
Preparation and characterization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes decorated with silver nanoparticles through ultraviolet irradiation reduction
Authors: Chen Shuyun , Wei Yizhe , Zou Liming , Lu Hongwei , Xu Yongjing , Hua Jianbing , Sun Hong , Peng Xianyang , Liu Bo
Published: December 2016

A facile, green and efficient approach was applied to synthesize multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) decorated with silver nanoparticles (MWNT‐Ag) for further potential application. Oxidized MWNTs were decorated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) via a method combining ultraviolet irradiation‐induced reduction and conventional silver mirror reaction without any reducing agent. The obtained product was characterized using various methods. X‐ray diffraction proved that the Ag NPs were synthesized successfully. Moreover, Ag NPs with a diameter of 80 nm, attached onto MWNTs, could be clearly observed in field emission scanning electron microscopy images, which also confirmed Ag NPs. Energy‐dispersive spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy also indicated the presence of Ag NPs. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis was used to measure the content of Ag NPs in MWNT‐Ag, the result indicating that the weight content of Ag NPs was up to 31.88%. UV–visible absorption spectroscopy was adopted to evaluate the dispersion property of MWNT‐Ag. The result illustrated that MWNT‐Ag had a good dispersibility and stability in water. Characterization was also carried out through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis.
Zinc cation supported on carrageenan magnetic nanoparticles: A novel, green and efficient catalytic system for one‐pot three‐component synthesis of quinoline derivatives
Authors: Keshavarzipour Fariba , Tavakol Hossein
Published: December 2016

This is the first report of supporting zinc cation on ƛ‐carrageenan/Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles. The structural and magnetic properties of this hybrid (Zn2+/ƛ‐carrageenan/Fe3O4 nanoparticles) were identified using various techniques. This green and efficient catalytic system was applied in the synthesis of biologically important quinolines. The products were obtained in good to high yields (52–95%) from a one‐pot reaction procedure involving aromatic aldehydes, enolizable aldehydes and aniline derivatives. Our method has many advantages such as mild reaction conditions, easy work‐up, use of a reusable magnetic catalyst and high yields of products.
Outsmarted by nootropics? An investigation into the thermal degradation of modafinil, modafinic acid, adrafinil, CRL‐40,940 and CRL‐40,941 in the GC injector: formation of 1,1,2,2‐tetraphenylethane and its tetra fluoro analog
Authors: Dowling Geraldine , Kavanagh Pierce V. , Talbot Brian , O’Brien John , Hessman Gary , McLaughlin Gavin , Twamley Brendan , Brandt Simon D.
Published: December 2016

2‐[(Diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide (modafinil) is commonly prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy. Increasing popularity and off‐label use as a cognitive enhancer has resulted in a reputation as an intelligence boosting ‘wonder drug'. Common alternatives available from online shops and other retail outlets include 2‐[(diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]‐N‐hydroxyacetamide (adrafinil), 2‐{[bis(4‐fluorophenyl)methyl]sulfinyl}acetamide (CRL‐40,940), 2‐{[bis(4‐fluorophenyl)methyl]sulfinyl}‐N‐hydroxyacetamide (CRL‐40,941), and N‐methyl‐4,4‐difluoro‐modafinil (modafiendz), respectively. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) is a common tool used in forensic and clinical analysis but there is a potential for inducing analysis‐related ambiguities. This study reports on the thermal degradation of modafinil, modafinic acid, adrafinil, CRL‐40,940, and CRL‐40,941 due to exposure to the heated GC injection port dissolved in a variety of solvents. Key degradation products common to modafinil, modafinic acid, and adrafinil analysis included diphenylmethanol and 1,1,2,2‐tetraphenylethane (TPE), the latter of which was verified by its synthesis and characterization by x‐ray crystallography. The investigated compounds were also characterized by 1H and 13C NMR. Diphenylmethane and thiobenzophenone were also identified in some instances. TPE formation was suggested to involve the generation of a benzhydrylium ion and its reaction with the sulfoxide oxygen of the parent compound to give an oxysulfonium intermediate. Correspondingly, the fluorinated TPE analogue was formed during heat‐induced degradation of modafiendz, CRL‐40,940 and CRL‐40,941, respectively. When a mixture of modafinil (non‐fluorinated) and modafiendz (fluorinated) were subjected to GC analysis, 4,4'‐(2,2‐diphenylethane‐1,1‐diyl)bis(fluorobenzene) was detected as a third cross reaction product in addition to the two expected TPE analogues. These observations served as a reminder that the seemingly straightforward implementation of GC‐MS analysis can lead to challenges during routine analysis.
Experimental determination of the effective thermal conductivity of Vacuum Insulation Panels at fire temperatures
Authors: Kontogeorgos Dimos A. , Semitelos Georgios K. , Mandilaras Ioannis D. , Caps Roland , Founti Maria A.
Published: December 2016

In this study, the effective thermal conductivity of a commercial Vacuum Insulation Panel (VIP) at temperatures up to 900 °C is experimentally determined. An experimental setup, based on the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus (HFMA) method, is designed and realized. Two commercially available VIPs (each 20 mm thick) are joined together to form a specimen, which is subjected to fire conditions from one side, while the other side is at ambient conditions. The temperatures on both sides of the specimen and the heat flux on the unexposed side are recorded. The experimental data are coupled with a numerical model, which takes into account the one dimensional steady state heat transfer through the thickness of the specimen and the detailed heat transfer mechanisms for the effective thermal conductivity of the VIP. Gas, solid and radiation conduction mechanisms are considered and their parameters are defined through an optimization technique. The defined optimized values are found to lie between the respective values reported in the literature. The contribution of each heat transfer mechanism to the overall effective thermal conductivity is also discussed. The paper provides a generalized methodology for the estimation of the effective thermal conductivity of VIPs from ambient to fire temperatures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnesepin, 1,4‐dimagnesocin, 1,4,7‐trimagnesonin, and their C6H6Mgn, n=1‐3, isomers: A density functional computational investigation
Authors: Tabares Annette A. , Zoellner Robert W.
Published: December 2016

The seven‐, eight‐, and nine‐membered magnesium‐containing heterocycles magnesepin, C6H6Mg, 1,4‐dimagnesocin, C6H6Mg2, and 1,4,7‐trimagnesonin, C6H6Mg3, have been examined computationally at the density functional B3LYP/6‐311++G** level of theory. The MgH‐substituted benzene isomers of these heterocycles [C6H5MgH; 1,2‐; 1,3‐; and 1,4‐C6H4(MgH)2; and 1,2,3‐; 1,2,4‐; and 1,3,5‐C6H3(MgH)3], the mono‐ and di‐MgH‐substituted magnesepins [2‐; 3‐; and 4‐C6H5Mg(MgH) and 2,3‐; 2,4‐; 2,5‐; 2,6‐; 2,7‐; 3,4‐; 3,5‐; 3,6‐; and 4,5‐C6H4Mg(MgH)2], and the mono‐MgH‐substituted 1,4‐dimagnesocins [2‐; 5‐; and 6‐C6H5Mg2(MgH)] have also been investigated for comparative purposes. Magnesepin optimizes as a planar heterocyclic triene with no significant aromatic character, while both 1,4‐dimagnesocin and 1,4,7‐trimagnesonin optimize as nonplanar, twisted molecules. In all cases, the isomeric MgH‐substituted benzene systems were found to contain planar rings and were more stable than the isomeric magnesium‐containing heterocycles, but the nonplanar mono‐MgH‐substituted magnesepins were found to be less stable than 1,4‐dimagnesocin, and the nonplanar di‐MgH‐substituted 1,4‐dimagnesocins were generally less stable than the mono‐MgH‐substituted magnesepins and were more stable than 1,4,7‐trimagnesonin. Evidence for intramolecular, unsymmetrical μ2‐bridging hydrogen atoms was observed in those molecules containing adjacent MgH substituents.
Changing Relationship between Unemployment and Mortality in South Korea
Authors: Lee Chulhee , Kim Kyeongbae
Published: December 2016

Over the period from 1989 to 2012, total mortality in South Korea shifted from being weakly procyclical or unrelated to the economy to strongly countercyclical in the early 2000s. Cancers played a significant role in changing the direction of the effects of unemployment on mortality. The overall pattern of the effects of macroeconomic conditions on mortality in South Korea roughly follows the corresponding changes observed in the United States. We have provided evidence that the sudden change in the relationship between economic conditions and mortality was driven by diseases with higher and rapidly rising treatment costs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation of HIV‐1 gag virus‐like particles from vesicular particles impurities by hydroxyl‐functionalized monoliths
Authors: Steppert Petra , Burgstaller Daniel , Klausberger Miriam , Kramberger Petra , Tover Andres , Berger Eva , Nöbauer Katharina , Razzazi‐Fazeli Ebrahim , Jungbauer Alois
Published: December 2016

The downstream processing of enveloped virus‐like particles is very challenging because of the biophysical and structural similarity between correctly assembled particles and contaminating vesicular particles present in the feedstock. We used hydroxyl‐functionalized polymethacrylate monoliths, providing hydrophobic and electrostatic binding contributions, for the purification of HIV‐1 gag virus‐like particles. The clarified culture supernatant was conditioned with ammonium sulfate and after membrane filtration loaded onto a 1 mL monolith. The binding capacity was 2 × 1012/mL monolith and was only limited by the pressure drop. By applying either a linear or a step gradient elution, to decrease the ammonium sulfate concentration, the majority of double‐stranded DNA (88–90%) and host cell protein impurities (39–61%) could be removed while the particles could be separated into two fractions. Proteomic analysis and evaluation of the p24 concentration showed that one fraction contained majority of the HIV‐1 gag and the other fraction was less contaminated with proteins originated from intracellular compartments. We were able to process up to 92 bed volumes of conditioned loading material within 3 h and eluted in average 7.3 × 1011 particles per particle fraction, which is equivalent to 730 vaccination doses of 1 × 109 particles.
Enhancing Connectivity Index to Assess the Effects of Land Use Changes in a Mediterranean Catchment
Authors: Lizaga Ivan , Quijano Laura , Palazón Leticia , Gaspar Leticia , Navas Ana
Published: December 2016

In the Mediterranean region, the long history of cultivation is associated with significant changes in the original landscape. Agricultural intensification and subsequent land abandonment and reforestation have significantly affected the hydrological behaviour and connectivity patterns of hydrological systems. Thus, information on the spatial distribution of land use/cover is essential for monitoring the runoff response to interpret catchment hydrology. A medium‐sized catchment of the central part of the Ebro Basin (NE Spain), representative of Mediterranean mountain agroecosystems, was selected to assess the effect of land use/cover changes during the last few decades on the hydrological network of the catchment. To this end, a topography‐based index, the ‘index of connectivity’, was applied to assess the effects of land use changes from 1957 to 2010. The sediment connectivity was estimated by using a geomorphometric approach to simulate how connectivity changes due to the different land covers. To improve this index, we used a combination of C‐factor, rugosity index and the novel application of a total aerial biomass equation over pine‐reforested areas as a weighting factor. A high‐resolution (1 × 1 m) digital elevation model was created by filtering and applying a multiscale curvature classification algorithm. The connectivity values show a decrease directly related to ~71% decrease of agricultural land. Understanding landscape patterns, changes and interactions of human activities is essential for land management in Mediterranean agroecosystems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil Organic Carbon Accumulation in Abandoned Croplands on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Chang Xiaofeng , Chai Qinglin , Wu Gaolin , Zhu Yuanjun , Li Zhongwu , Yang Yanfen , Wang Guojie
Published: December 2016

The Grain to Green Program in China which began in 1999 led to the conversion of 0.64 million ha of cropland to grassland on steep sloping landscapes. However, the pattern of natural vegetation succession following cropland has not been well represented in previous regional syntheses of land use change effects on soil organic carbon (SOC). A chronosequence study focusing on the vegetation succession and soil carbon stocks was conducted in the center of the Loess Plateau. The chronosequence included fields of 0, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15 and 25 years of self‐restoration after cropland abandonment, as well as a natural grassland reference. Plant coverage, species richness and plant biomass increased significantly with time of cropland abandonment. Over time, the species composition more nearly resembled a natural grasslands community. Cropland abandonment replenished SOC stocks by 3.6 kg C m−2 during the 25‐year self‐restoration, but the SOC accumulation was restricted to the upper soil profiles (0–60 cm). SOC accumulation rate was 88 g C m−2 y−1 in 0–30 cm and 55 g C m−2 y−1 in 30–60 cm soil depth, respectively. These carbon stocks were still significantly lower than those found in the natural grassland soil. Our results suggest that the recovery of plant communities and SOC stocks appears to be slow in this semiarid environment without revegetation effort along with appropriate field management, although the post‐agricultural soils have a high potential for carbon sequestration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polarization‐controlled surface plasmon holography
Authors: Xu Quan , Zhang Xueqian , Xu Yuehong , Ouyang Chunmei , Tian Zhen , Gu Jianqiang , Li Jensen , Zhang Shuang , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Weili
Published: December 2016

The ability of generating arbitrary surface plasmon (SP) profiles in a controllable manner is of particular interest in designing plasmonic imaging, lithography and forcing devices. During the past decades, holography has gained enormous interest and achievements in free‐space three‐dimensional displays. Here, by applying a two‐dimensional version of holography, we experimentally demonstrate a generic method to control the SP profiles. Through controlling the orientation angles of two separated slits under circular polarization incidence, the amplitude and phase of the excited SPs can be freely manipulated, which allows direct generation of the desired SP profiles. A series of controllable SP holography schemes are theoretically and experimentally demonstrated, where the holographic SP profiles with high imaging quality can be dynamically modulated by varying the circular polarization handedness or orientation angle of linear polarization. The universality and simplicity of the proposed design strategies would offer promising opportunities for practical plasmonic applications.

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Precise Synthesis and Surface Characterization of End‐Functionalized Polystyrene with Perfluoroalkyl Group via Ionic Bond Formation of Diethylamino End‐Group with Perfluoroalkylcarboxylic Acid
Authors: Sugiyama Kenji , Yamada Takeshi
Published: December 2016

Well‐defined polystyrene end‐functionalized with N,N‐diethylamino group (PS‐NEt2) is prepared by a living anionic polymerization of styrene, followed by an end‐capping reaction with a 1,1‐diphenylethylene derivative bearing with the corresponding functional group. The PS‐NEt2 is applied for the reaction with C8F17COOH in order to introduce the ionic‐bonded C8F17 group, i.e., C8F17COO−N+H(C2H5)2 at the polymer chain end. Surface characterization of the resulting polymer film is performed by an X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and a contact angle measurement. These results clearly show that the C8F17COO−N+H(C2H5)2 end‐group concentrates at the top of film surface similar to the original C8F17 group. The ionic‐bonded C8F17COOH is found to be removed by a treatment of the film surface with methanol. Moreover, the C8F17COO−N+H(C2H5)2 end‐group that remained inside film appears at the top of film surface by annealing the methanol‐treated film, indicating the surface reconstruction by environmental changes.

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Analytic structure of weighted shifts on directed trees
Authors: Budzyński P. , Dymek P. , Ptak M.
Published: December 2016

We show that a weighted shift on a directed tree is related to a multiplier algebra of coefficients of analytic functions. We use this relation to study spectral properties of the operator in question.