bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Chemical Treatment on Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) Fiber on Water Absorption and Tensile Properties of OPEFB Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite
Authors: Hassan Cik Suhana , Chellaiah Nagavaindraa Rao , Sahari Barkawi , Salit Mohd Sapuan , Abdul Aziz Nuraini
Published: July 2016

Natural fibers have proved to be an excellent reinforcement material for various polymers. In this study, oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber was incorporated in epoxy and an investigation on water absorption and tensile characteristics has been carried out. A fiber surface modification utilizing alkaline treatment with 2% sodium hydroxide solution was used in order to increase the fiber matrix bond in the composite. The investigation was carried out for 0.5% and 1% short and random fiber loading with fiber length range between 3mm to 5mm and diameter of 300μm. Result showed that surface modifications upon treatment changed the strength on the fiber matrix bond and the composites water absorption behavior. Alkaline treatment reduced overall water uptake and increased the tensile strength of the composites. However, increased in fiber loadings has resulted in increased amount of water absorbed and reduced the overall tensile strength.
Shear Resistance Enhancement of Oil-Contaminated Railtrack Ballast with Rubber Circular Patch Formulation
Authors: Johan Siti Farhanah S.M. , Chan Chee Ming
Published: July 2016

Railtrack ballast is a component in the track’s substructure. It plays the important role of transmitting and distributing the wheel load to the deeper track section, i.e. subgrade. The cause of ballast breakage is often due to repeated impact by the passing trains. Mostly the breakage occurs at the sharp corners of ballast. Oil contamination can also contribute to track deterioration. In this manner, caused by fuel leaking from the rolling stock and maintenance works of trains. Therefore, it results in shear strength reduction of the ballast layer as the ballast loose frictional resistance due to the oil contamination. In this study, a series of direct shear test were conducted in a shear box measuring 60 mm x 60 mm x 25 mm. The rubber inclusion of circular patches (dia. 15 mm) was derived from the inner rubber tube of motorcycles tyres. Gravels of suitable sizes were sieved and used as representative samples of the ballast. Prior to the test, the gravels were soaked with lubricant oil for 14 days to simulate the contamination. Shear strength of dry and oil contamination ballast, with or without circular patches were then compared. The test results indicated that contact between rubber and ballast when the circular patches exposed to the oil-contaminated gravels (lubricant oil) could improve the shear resistance and have a better deformation. It was observed that the deformation of the oil-contaminated with circular patches was reduced compared to the ballast without circular patches. The improvement of shear resistance is due to the increased ductility of composite and breakage control. It is with nothing that the present study were conducted is static in a scaled down model. Therefore, it is necessary for the future research to be conducted with full-scale test under dynamic loading to mimics the actual rail traffic.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (f-MWCNTs)-Polyaniline (PANi)
Authors: Fahdil Solehah , Khalid Siti Hajar , Mohamad Yusof Azmi , Mokhtar Marina , Alias Ahmad Nazib , Zaine Intan Syaffinazzilla
Published: July 2016

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is a technique that uses electric field to deposit particles onto a conductive substrate. In this study, EPD technique has been utilized for fabrication of acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) and polyaniline (PANi) or denoted as (f-MWCNTs-PANi) nanocomposite film. The nanocomposite was prepared using ex-situ synthesis. This study revealed that the f-MWCNTs and protonated PANi in dimethyl formamide (DMF) can be well dispersed with addition of magnesium nitrate hexahydrate, Mg (NO3)2.6H2O. The fabricated films were characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Their surface morphologies were characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). FT-IR results indicate the presence of carboxyl groups in f-MWCNTs spectrum. The presence of PANi was detected in the spectrum of f-MWCNTs-PANi nanocomposite. These results were further supported by FESEM and TEM results that show the morphology of f-MWCNTs and PANi coating around their sidewalls. The use of Mg (NO3)2.6H2O as dispersant for f-MWCNTs and protonated PANi allowed efficient EPD of their nanocomposite film fabrication. The fabricated f-MWCNTs-PANi composite thin film has future application in the development of supercapacitor device.
Primary and secondary aerosols in Beijing in winter: sources, variations and
processes
Authors: Sun Yele , Du Wei , Fu Pingqing , Wang Qingqing , Li Jie , Ge Xinlei , Zhang Qi , Zhu Chunmao , Ren Lujie , Xu Weiqi , Zhao Jian , Han Tingting , Worsnop Douglas R. , Wang Zifa
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Winter has the worst air pollution of the year in the megacity of Beijing. Despite extensive winter studies in recent years, our knowledge of the sources, formation mechanisms and evolution of aerosol particles is not complete. Here we have a comprehensive characterization of the sources, variations and processes of submicron aerosols that were measured by an Aerodyne high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer from 17 December 2013 to 17 January 2014 along with offline filter analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Our results suggest that submicron aerosols composition was generally similar across the winter of different years and was mainly composed of organics (60 %), sulfate (15 %) and nitrate (11 %). Positive matrix factorization of high- and unit-mass resolution spectra identified four primary organic aerosol (POA) factors from traffic, cooking, biomass burning (BBOA) and coal combustion (CCOA) emissions as well as two secondary OA (SOA) factors. POA dominated OA, on average accounting for 56 %, with CCOA being the largest contributor (20 %). Both CCOA and BBOA showed distinct polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) spectral signatures, indicating that PAHs in winter were mainly from coal combustion (66 %) and biomass burning emissions (18 %). BBOA was highly correlated with levoglucosan, a tracer compound for biomass burning (r2 = 0.93), and made a considerable contribution to OA in winter (9 %). An aqueous-phase-processed SOA (aq-OOA) that was strongly correlated with particle liquid water content, sulfate and S-containing ions (e.g. CH2SO2+) was identified. On average aq-OOA contributed 12 % to the total OA and played a dominant role in increasing oxidation degrees of OA at high RH levels (> 50 %). Our results illustrate that aqueous-phase processing can enhance SOA production and oxidation states of OA as well in winter. Further episode analyses highlighted the significant impacts of meteorological parameters on aerosol composition, size distributions, oxidation states of OA and evolutionary processes of secondary aerosols.
Spatiotemporal variability and contribution of different aerosol types to the Aerosol Optical Depth over the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Georgoulias Aristeidis K. , Alexandri Georgia , Kourtidis Konstantinos A. , Lelieveld Jos , Zanis Prodromos , Pöschl Ulrich , Levy Robert , Amiridis Vassilis , Marinou Eleni , Tsikerdekis Athanasios
Published: July 2016

Abstract. This study characterizes the spatiotemporal variability and relative contribution of different types of aerosols to the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) over the Eastern Mediterranean as derived from MODIS Terra (3/2000–12/2012) and Aqua (7/2002–12/2012) satellite instruments. For this purpose, a 0.1°×0.1° gridded MODIS dataset was compiled and validated against AERONET sunphotometric observations. The high spatial resolution and long temporal coverage of the dataset allows for the determination of local hot spots like megacities, medium sized cities, industrial zones, and power plant complexes, seasonal variabilities, and decadal averages. The average AOD at 550 nm (AOD550) for the entire region is ~ 0.22 ± 0.19 with maximum values in summer and seasonal variabilities that can be attributed to precipitation, photochemical production of secondary organic aerosols, transport of pollution and smoke from biomass burning in Central and Eastern Europe, and transport of dust from the Sahara Desert and the Middle East. The MODIS data were analyzed together with data from other satellite sensors, reanalysis projects and a chemistry-aerosol-transport model using an optimized algorithm tailored for the region and capable of estimating the contribution of different aerosol types to the total AOD550. The spatial and temporal variability of anthropogenic, dust and fine mode natural aerosols over land and anthropogenic, dust and marine aerosols over the sea is examined. The relative contribution of the different aerosol types to the total AOD550 exhibits a low/high seasonal variability over land/oceanic areas, respectively. Overall, anthropogenic aerosols, dust and fine mode natural aerosols account for ~ 51 %, ~ 34 % and ~ 15 % of the total AOD550 over land, while, anthropogenic aerosols, dust and marine aerosols account ~ 40 %, ~ 34 % and ~ 26 % of the total AOD550 over the sea, based on MODIS Terra and Aqua observations.
An Improved, Automated Whole-Air Sampler and Gas Chromatography
Mass Spectrometry Analysis System for Volatile Organic Compounds in
the Atmosphere
Authors: Lerner Brian M. , Gilman Jessica B. , Aikin Kenneth C. , Atlas Elliot L. , Goldan Paul D. , Graus Martin , Hendershot R. , Isaacman-VanWertz Gabriel A. , Koss Abigail , Kuster William C. , Lueb Richard A. , McLaughlin Richard J. , Peischl Jeff , Sueper Donna , Ryerson Thomas B. , Tokarek Travis W. , Warneke Carsten , Yuan Bin , de Gouw Joost A.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Volatile organic compounds were quantified during two aircraft-based field campaigns using highly-automated, whole air samplers with expedited post-flight analysis via a new custom-built, field-deployable gas chromatography – mass spectrometry instrument. During flight, air samples were pressurized with a stainless steel bellows compressor into electropolished stainless steel canisters. The air samples were analyzed using a novel gas chromatograph system designed specifically for field-use which eliminates the need for liquid nitrogen. Instead, a Stirling cooler is used for cryogenic sample pre-concentration at temperatures as low as −165 °C. The analysis system was fully automated on a 20-minute cycle to allow for unattended processing of an entire flight of 72 sample canisters within 30 hours, thereby reducing typical sample residence times in the canisters to less than three days. The new analytical system is capable of quantifying a wide suite of C2 to C10 organic compounds at part-per-trillion sensitivity. This manuscript describes the sampling and analysis systems, along with the data analysis procedures which includes a new peak-fitting software package for rapid chromatographic data reduction. Instrument sensitivities, uncertainties and system artifacts are presented for 35 trace gas species in canister samples. Comparisons of reported mixing ratios from each field campaign with measurements from other instruments are also presented.
A 150-year record of phytoplankton community succession controlled by hydroclimatic variability in a tropical lake
Authors: Yamoah Kweku Afrifa , Callac Nolwenn , Chi Fru Ernest , Wohlfarth Barbara , Wiech Alan , Chabangborn Akkaneewut , Smittenberg Rienk H.
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Climate and human-induced environmental change promote biological regime shifts between alternate stable states, with implications for ecosystem resilience, function, and services. While these effects have been shown for present-day ecosystems, the long-term response of microbial communities has not been investigated in detail. This study assessed the decadal variations in phytoplankton communities in a ca. 150 year long sedimentary archive of Lake Nong Thale Prong (NTP), southern Thailand using a combination of bulk geochemical analysis, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and lipid biomarkers techniques including compound-specific hydrogen isotope analysis as a proxy for precipitation. Relatively drier and by inference warmer conditions from ca. 1857 to 1916 Common Era (CE) coincided with a dominance of the green algae Botryococcus braunii, indicating lower nutrient levels in the oxic lake surface waters, possibly related to lake water stratification. A change to higher silica (Si) input around 1916 CE was linked to increased rainfall and concurs with an abrupt takeover by diatom blooms lasting for 50 years. These were increasingly outcompeted by cyanobacteria from the 1970s onwards, most likely because of increased levels of anthropogenic phosphate and a reduction in rainfall. Our results showcase that the multi-proxy approach applied here provides an efficient way to track centennial-scale limnological, geochemical and microbial change, as influenced by hydroclimatic and anthropogenic forcing.
Sources and Transformations of Anthropogenic Nitrogen along an Urban River-Estuarine Continuum
Authors: Pennino Michael J. , Kaushal Sujay S. , Murthy Sudhir , Blomquist Joel , Cornwell Jeff , Harris Lora
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Urbanization has altered the fate and transport of anthropogenic nitrogen (N) in rivers and estuaries globally. This study evaluates the capacity of an urbanizing river-estuarine continuum to transform N inputs from the world's largest advanced (e.g. phosphorus and biological N removal) wastewater treatment facility. Effluent samples and surface water were collected monthly along the Potomac River Estuary from Washington D.C. to the Chesapeake Bay over 150 km. In conjunction with box model mass balances, nitrate stable isotopes and mixing models were used to trace the fate of urban wastewater nitrate. Nitrate concentrations and δ15N-NO3− values were higher down-estuary from the Blue Plains wastewater outfall in Washington D.C. (2.25 ± 0.62 mg l−1 and 25.7 ± 2.9 ‰, respectively) compared to upper-estuary concentrations (1.0  ± 0.2 mg l−1 and 9.3 ± 1.4 ‰, respectively). Nitrate concentration then decreased rapidly within 30 km down-estuary (to 0.8 ± 0.2 mg l−1) corresponding with an increase in organic nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon, suggesting biotic uptake and organic transformation. TN loads declined down-estuary (from an annual average of 48,000 ± 5,000 kg day−1 at the sewage treatment plant outfall to 23,000 ± 13,000 kg day−1 at the estuary mouth), with the greatest percentage decrease during summer and fall. 4–71 % of urban wastewater TN inputs were exported to the Chesapeake Bay, with the greatest contribution of wastewater TN loads during the spring. Our results suggest that biological transformations along the urban river-estuary continuum can significantly transform wastewater N inputs from major cities globally, but more work is necessary to evaluate the potential of organic nitrogen to contribute to eutrophication and hypoxia.
Palaeoceanographic changes in Hornsund Fjord (Spitsbergen, Svalbard) over
the last millennium: new insights from ancient DNA
Authors: Pawłowska Joanna , Zajączkowski Marek , Łącka Magdalena , Lejzerowicz Franck , Esling Philippe , Pawlowski Jan
Published: July 2016

Abstract. This paper presents a reconstruction of climate-driven environmental changes over the last millennium in Hornsund Fjord (Svalbard), based on sedimentological and micropalaeontological records. Our palaeo-investigation was supported by an analysis of foraminiferal ancient DNA (aDNA), focusing on the non-fossilized monothalamous species. The main climatic fluctuations during the last millennium were the Medieval Warm Period (MWP, AD 1000–1600), the Little Ice Age (LIA, AD 1600–1900) and the modern warming (MW, AD 1900 to present). Our study indicates that the environmental conditions in Hornsund during the MWP and the early LIA (before ∼ AD 1800) were relatively stable. The beginning of the LIA (∼ AD 1600) was poorly evidenced by the micropalaeontological record but was well marked in the aDNA data by an increased proportion of monothalamous foraminifera, especially Bathysiphon sp. The early LIA (∼ 1600 to ∼ AD 1800) was marked by an increase in the abundance of sequences of Hippocrepinella hirudinea and Cedhagenia saltatus. In the late LIA (after ∼ AD 1800), the conditions in the fjord became glacier-proximal and were characterized by increased meltwater outflows, high sedimentation and a high calving rate. This coincided with an increase in the percentages of sequences of Micrometula sp. and Vellaria pellucidus. During the MW, the major glacier fronts retreated rapidly to the inner bays, which limited the iceberg discharge to the fjord's centre and caused a shift in the foraminiferal community that was reflected in both the fossil and aDNA records. The palaeoceanographic changes in the Hornsund fjord over the last millennium were driven mainly by the inflow of shelf-originated water masses and glacial activity. However, the environmental changes were poorly evidenced in the micropalaeontological record, but they were well documented in our aDNA data. We considerably increased the number of potential proxy species by including monothalamous foraminifera in the palaeoecological studies.
Boreal fire records in Northern Hemisphere ice cores: A review
Authors: Legrand Michel , McConnell Joseph , Fischer Hubertus , Wolff Eric W. , Preunkert Susanne , Chellman Nathan , Leuenberger Daiana , Maselli Olivia , Sigl Michael , Schüpbach Simon , Flannigan Mike
Published: July 2016

Abstract. Here we review different attempts made since the early 1990s to reconstruct past forest fire activity using chemical signals recorded in ice cores extracted from the Greenland ice sheet and at a few mid-northern latitude, high-elevation glaciers. We first examined the quality of various inorganic (ammonium, nitrate, potassium) and organic (black carbon, various organic carbon compounds including levoglucosan and numerous carboxylic acids) species proposed as fire proxies in ice, particularly in Greenland. We discuss limitations in their use with respect to the considered time period (recent versus pre-industrial times), their atmospheric lifetime, and the relative importance of other non-biomass burning sources. Different high-resolution records obtained at several Greenland drill sites and covering various timescales, including the last century and Holocene, are discussed. We explore the extent to which atmospheric transport can modulate the record of boreal fires from Canada as recorded in Greenland ice. Ammonium, organic fractions (black carbon as well as organic carbon), and organic compounds like formate and vanillic acid are found to be good proxies for tracing past boreal fires in Greenland ice. We show that use of other species – potassium, nitrate, and carboxylates (except formate) – is complicated by either post-depositional effects or existence of large non-biomass-burning sources. The quality of levoglucosan with respect to other proxies is not addressed here because of the present lack of high-resolution profiles for this species, which does not allow for a fair comparison. Several Greenland ice records of ammonium consistently indicate changing fire activity in Canada in response to past climatic conditions that occurred during the last millennium and since the last large climatic transition. Based on this critical review, we make recommendations for further study to increase reliability of the reconstructed history of forest fires occurring in a given region.
Tectonothermal evolution in the core of an arcuate fold and thrust belt: the
south-eastern sector of the Cantabrian Zone (Variscan belt, north-western Spain)
Authors: Valín María Luz , García-López Susana , Brime Covadonga , Bastida Fernando , Aller Jesús
Published: July 2016

Abstract. The tectonothermal evolution of an area located in the core of the Ibero-Armorican Arc (Variscan belt) has been determined by using the conodont colour alteration index (CAI), Kübler index of illite (KI), the Árkai index of chlorite (AI) and the analysis of clay minerals and rock cleavage. The area is part of the Cantabrian Zone (CZ), which represents the foreland fold and thrust belt of the orogen. It has been thrust by several large units of the CZ, what resulted in the generation of a large number of synorogenic Carboniferous sediments. CAI, KI and AI values show an irregular distribution of metamorphic grade, independent of stratigraphic position. Two tectonothermal events have been distinguished in the area. The first one, poorly defined, is mainly located in the northern part. It gave rise to very-low-grade metamorphism in some areas and it was associated with a deformation event that resulted in the emplacement of the last large thrust unit and development of upright folds and associated cleavage (S1). The second tectonothermal event gave rise to low-grade metamorphism and cleavage (S2) crosscutting earlier upright folds in the central, western and southern parts of the study area. The event continued with the intrusion of small igneous rock bodies, which gave rise to contact metamorphism and hydrothermal alteration. This event was linked to an extensional episode due to a gravitational instability at the end of the Variscan deformation. This tectonothermal evolution occurred during the Gzhelian–Sakmarian. Subsequently, several hydrothermal episodes took place and local crenulation cleavage developed during the Alpine deformation.
Facultad por Facultad. Origen familiar y empleo de los licenciados en CCSS y Humanidades de la UCM en el año 2003
Authors: Carabaña Morales Julio , De la Fuente Blanco Gloria
Published: July 2016

Muchos estudios encuentran un efecto del origen social sobre la ocupación y el salario incluso tras controlar la educación. Este efecto, que suele ser pequeño, puede ser un artificio resultante del deficiente control de la educación. Este trabajo examina la importancia de controlar en detalle la educación desagregando las carreras universitarias. Estudiamos el clasismo del mercado de trabajo para una promoción de titulados en Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) en los seis años entre su graduación en 1997 y 2003. Esta es la fecha de la encuesta gracias a la cual podemos medir la influencia del status social de los padres sobre las oportunidades de empleo de los hijos no con título universitario en general, sino con el mismo título universitario. Encontramos que la influencia del origen social sobre la clase profesional y los ingresos disminuye mucho cuando se controlan las titulaciones, y que no se observa en la mayor parte de ellas, pero sí en algunas, en concreto Políticas y Sociología y Económicas. Esta concreción allana el camino para investigar las vías por las que esta influencia se produce.
Dificultades del profesorado para planificar, coordinar y evaluar competencias claves. Un análisis desde la Inspección de Educación.
Authors: Vazquez Cano Esteban
Published: July 2016

Este artículo presenta una investigación en la que se analizan las dificultades del profesorado para planificar, coordinar y evaluar competencias claves en una muestra de 23 centros educativos. El tema tiene hondas repercusiones ya que una mala praxis educativa de las competencias claves puede conculcar uno de los derechos fundamentales del alumnado a ser evaluado de forma objetiva (LODE: Art.6b y RD 732/1995: Art. 13.1) y poder superar las pruebas de evaluación consideradas necesarias para la obtención del título académico mínimo que otorga el estado español. La investigación se ha desarrollado desde una doble perspectiva metodológica; en primer lugar, es una investigación descriptiva en la que presentamos las características fundamentales de las competencias claves y la normativa básica para su desarrollo y evaluación. En segundo lugar,  aplicamos un procedimiento de análisis con una doble vertiente cualitativa mediante el empleo del programa Atlas-Ti y del enfoque reticular-categorial del análisis de redes sociales con la aplicación de UCINET y el visor yED Graph Editor para abordar el análisis de las principales dificultades y obstáculos detectados. Los resultados muestran que existen serias dificultades en las tres dimensiones analizadas: "planificación", "coordinación" y "evaluación" de competencias clave; especialmente en la necesidad de formación del profesorado, en la evaluación de las competencias, en la metodología para su desarrollo y en los procesos de coordinación interna para su consecución en los centros educativos.
Estudiantes de primera generación en Chile: una aproximación cualitativa a la experiencia universitaria
Authors: Soto Hernández Valentina Javiera
Published: July 2016

El propósito de este artículo es analizar la experiencia universitaria de un grupo de estudiantes de primera generación de tres universidades ubicadas en Concepción, Chile. En un contexto de fuerte masificación de la educación superior, la experiencia de los estudiantes cuyos padres completaron como máximo la educación secundaria, se ha transformado en un ámbito de incipiente interés. En función de los objetivos, la investigación fue abordada desde el paradigma constructivista y diseñada de acuerdo al método biográfico, cuya principal técnica de recolección de datos fueron las entrevistas semi-estructuradas. Los resultados de esta investigación, de carácter exploratorio, revelan que la construcción de un proyecto de estudios universitarios se encuentra notablemente influenciado por los padres, quienes se transforman en una fuente fundamental de apoyo. Asimismo, los estudiantes configuran tres significaciones a su experiencia universitaria: la movilidad social ascendente, la vocación y la retribución a los padres. Finalmente, se discuten los resultados a partir de los cuales se proponen nuevos interrogantes.
Educación superior y competencias para el empleo. El punto de vista de los empresarios
Authors: Bartual Figueras M. Teresa , Turmo Garuz Joaquín
Published: July 2016

La relevancia del conocimiento como input del proceso productivo ha aumentado la complejidad de la contratación en el mercado de trabajo cualificado. Como consecuencia de ello, se ha generado un proceso de reflexión sobre la adecuación de la acreditación universitaria a las necesidades del mercado de trabajo. Académicos, gerentes y expertos en el mercado de trabajadores altamente cualificados han tenido parte en esta reflexión durante mucho tiempo. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo la identificación de las competencias profesionales con mayor relevancia en la empleabilidad de los graduados en Economía y Empresa. El análisis se basa en una investigación cualitativa que toma como fuentes de información las opiniones de los empleadores. La información para el estudio ha sido obtenida mediante entrevistas en profundidad y la realización de un grupo de discusión. En este proceso han participado empresarios, responsables del servicio de prácticas de la Universidad de Barcelona, expertos y responsables de empresa de colocación, representantes de organizaciones empresariales y profesores universitarios. La atención se centra en la percepción que los entrevistados tienen del requerimiento de conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes, en el grado en que los desarrollan y en los cambios que se necesitarían para lograr una mejor correspondencia entre las competencias adquiridas por los graduados y las requeridas por el mercado de trabajo. A partir de la clasificación de las competencias profesionales (proyecto Tuning), el estudio pone de relieve la importancia otorgada por los empleadores a de las competencias genéricas. No obstante, se observan diferencias valorativas según la tipología de empresas. Asimismo, se evidencian déficits en algunos aspectos relevantes, como la formación práctica y la capacidad de iniciativa, de análisis o de organización. Por último, de las opiniones recogidas también se constata la necesidad de aproximar la universidad al sistema productivo, al menos en el campo económico-empresarial.
Inclusión digital de los estudiantes adultos que acceden a la universidad: análisis de sus actitudes y competencias digitales
Authors: Padilla-Carmona M. Teresa , Suárez-Ortega Magdalena , Sánchez-García María Fe
Published: July 2016

Esta investigación se propone identificar las actitudes y competencias de los estudiantes adultos en relación con el uso de las TIC, con especial atención al uso de plataformas digitales de aprendizaje y redes sociales (Web 2.0). Asimismo, evalúa la incidencia de algunas variables sociodemográficas (género y edad) en el uso estas herramientas y en la autopercepción de los estudiantes sobre sus competencias digitales. Se ha realizado un estudio tipo encuesta con una muestra de 382 estudiantes que acceden a la Universidad de Sevilla a través de las vías establecidas para mayores de 25, de 40 y 45 años. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto una actitud generalmente positiva ante las TIC que puede calificarse como de pragmática, ya que estas herramientas se valoran positivamente en función de sus potenciales beneficios en los procesos de aprendizaje. Se constata a la vez que no han recibido formación específica en el uso de las TIC. El nivel de competencia que este alumnado percibe tener en el uso de estos recursos es medio-bajo. Además, el grupo de estudiantes mayores de 45 años se considera menos competente que los mayores de 25 y de 40 años. En consecuencia, se realizan algunas propuestas para mejorar la participación de los estudiantes maduros en la enseñanza universitaria.
Posicionamento cirúrgico: cuidados de enfermagem no transoperatório
Authors: Miranda Amanda Braz , Fogaça Amanda Rosa , Rizzetto Mariane , Cuvello Lopes Laura Cristina
Published: July 2016

Durante a atuação em centro cirúrgico observou-se que a enfermagem não atuava no posicionamento do paciente na mesa cirúrgica, o que nos incentivou a investigar sobre o tema. Objetivo: Identificar os cuidados de enfermagem no posicionamento, relatando as complicações. Método: Trata-se de revisão integrativa da literatura, com busca nos bancos de dados LILACS (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde) e SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), no período de agosto de 2004 a setembro de 2014. Resultados: Foram encontrados 20 artigos e selecionados 10 conforme critérios. Conclusão: O posicionamento pode ocasionar complicações, sendo a úlcera por pressão a mais frequentemente apontada. As intervenções eficazes são aquelas que aliviam as pressões durante a permanência na mesa. O enfermeiro é o responsável pelos cuidados de enfermagem e juntamente com a equipe deve promover ações que garantam a segurança do paciente, considerando as particularidades e os recursos disponíveis. Palavras-chave: Posicionamento do paciente. Cuidados de enfermagem. Úlcera por pressão.
Putting the Brit into Eurohorror: Exclusions and Exchanges in the History of European Horror Cinema
Authors: Hutchings Peter
Published: July 2016

British horror cinema is often excluded from critical work dealing with European horror cinema or, as it is frequently referred to, Eurohorror. This article argues that such exclusion is unwarranted. From the 1950s onwards there have been many exchanges between British and continental European-based horror production. These have involved not just international co-production deals but also creative per- sonnel moving from country to country. In addition, British horror films have exerted influence on European horror cinema and vice versa. At the same time, the exclusion of British horror from the Eurohorror category reveals limitations in that category, particularly its idealisation of continental European horror production.
Integration of light and metabolic signals for stem cell activation at the shoot apical meristem
Authors: Pfeiffer Anne , Janocha Denis , Dong Yihan , Medzihradszky Anna , Schöne Stefanie , Daum Gabor , Suzaki Takuya , Forner Joachim , Langenecker Tobias , Rempel Eugen , Schmid Markus , Wirtz Markus , Hell Rüdiger , Lohmann Jan U
Published: July 2016

A major feature of embryogenesis is the specification of stem cell systems, but in contrast to the situation in most animals, plant stem cells remain quiescent until the postembryonic phase of development. Here, we dissect how light and metabolic signals are integrated to overcome stem cell dormancy at the shoot apical meristem. We show on the one hand that light is able to activate expression of the stem cell inducer WUSCHEL independently of photosynthesis and that this likely involves inter-regional cytokinin signaling. Metabolic signals, on the other hand, are transduced to the meristem through activation of the TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN (TOR) kinase. Surprisingly, TOR is also required for light signal dependent stem cell activation. Thus, the TOR kinase acts as a central integrator of light and metabolic signals and a key regulator of stem cell activation at the shoot apex.
Experimental study of time-dependent dielectric breakdown in tri-gate nanowire transistor
Authors: Ota Kensuke , Tanaka Chika , Numata Toshinori , Matsushita Daisuke , Saitoh Masumi
Published: July 2016

We systematically investigate the size dependence of the time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) in a tri-gate nanowire transistor (NW Tr.). It is newly found that TDDB reliability is degraded in NW Tr. as compared with that in a planar transistor owing to the locally enhanced electric field at the NW corner. Moreover, in the region with a width (W) less than 40 nm, nanowire width reduction leads to a shorter time to gate dielectric breakdown indicating additional degradation of TDDB reliability in NW Tr. with smaller W. Although TDDB in three-dimensional (3D) MOS structures such as a trench MOS capacitor has already been reported, the size dependence of TDDB in scaled NW Tr. is firstly discussed in this paper since a trench capacitor is different from recent NW Tr. in structure, device size, gate dielectric thickness, and scaling effect on TDDB.
Strong middepth warming and weak radiocarbon imprints in the equatorial Atlantic during Heinrich 1 and Younger Dryas
Authors: Weldeab Syee , Friedrich Tobias , Timmermann Axel , Schneider Ralph R.
Published: July 2016

We present a benthic foraminiferal multiproxy record of eastern equatorial Atlantic (EEA) middepth water (1295 m) covering the last deglacial. We show that EEA middepth water temperatures were elevated by 3.9 ± 0.5°C and 5.2 ± 1.2°C during Heinrich event 1 (H1) and Younger Dryas (YD), respectively. The radiocarbon content of the EEA middepth during H1 and YD is relatively low and comparable to the values of the pre‐H1 episode and Bølling‐Allerød, respectively. A transient Earth system model simulation, which mimics the observed deglacial Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) history, qualitatively reproduces the major features of the EEA proxy records. The simulation results suggest that fresh water‐induced weakening of the AMOC leads to a vertical shift of the horizon of Southern Ocean‐sourced water and a stronger influence of EEA sea surface temperatures via mixing. Our findings reaffirm the lack of a distinctive signature of radiocarbon depletion and therefore do not support the notion of interhemispheric exchanges of strongly radiocarbon‐depleted middepth water across the tropical Atlantic during H1 and YD. Our temperature reconstruction presents a critical zonal and water depth extension of existing tropical Atlantic data and documents a large‐scale and basin‐wide warming across the thermocline and middepth of the tropical Atlantic during H1 and YD. Significant difference in the timing and pace of H1 middepth warming between tropical Atlantic and North Atlantic likely points to a limited role of the tropical Atlantic middepth warming in the rapid heat buildup in the North Atlantic middepth.
Simple semantic enhancement of instructional hypertext
Authors: Jovanović Martin
Published: July 2016

This paper proposes a simple enhancement of current e‐learning systems by reducing the learner's need to deviate from the linear path through instructional content. This approach enables the learner to drag a chosen word from the text and drop it onto another word in order to query the text for any relations between the notions denoted by these two words. The aim of the approach is to facilitate the memorization of complex concepts by providing partial information, that is, relations between particular notions that form the concept, on the spot, eliminating the need to browse back through the instructional content to review these relations that were probably given earlier and may have not been memorized when read. Firstly, the user experience and the structural aspects of the approach are given. Secondly, the evaluation design and results are discussed. Finally, lessons learned and directions of further development and research are presented. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:799–812, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21755
A Novel Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Sulfated Type 2 Tumor‐Associated Carbohydrate Antigens by Transglycosylation of Sulfated Lewis X Oxazoline Catalyzed by Keratanase II
Authors: Yamazaki Yuji , Sezukuri Kyohei , Takada Junko , Kimura Shunsaku , Ohmae Masashi
Published: July 2016

Sulfated type 2 carbohydrate chains are known tumor‐associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs). Many reports on cancer vaccines employing TACAs as specific antigens have been published, but structurally specified sulfated TACAs have not been used because of the low natural abundance and difficulties in chemical synthesis. We demonstrate for the first time the synthesis of the sulfated type 2 TACAs with an l‐fucose branch by keratanase‐II‐catalyzed transglycosylation of the sulfated Lewis X (Galβ(1→4)[Fucα(1→3)]GlcNAc(6‐OSO3−); su‐Lex) oxazoline derivative. Two keratanase IIs (from Bacillus sp. Ks36 and Bacillus circulans KsT202) efficiently catalyzed the transglycosylation reaction of the su‐Lex oxazoline derivative, thereby giving the su‐Lex dimer as the main product in good yields. Structural analysis of the oligomers confirmed exclusive formation of the β(1→3) glycosidic bond.
An Efficient Multi‐Component Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Calix[4]arenes with Pronounced Binding Affinity toward β‐Lactoglobulin
Authors: Zadmard Reza , Akbari‐Moghaddam Peyman , Darvishi Shukufe , Mirza‐Aghayan Maryam
Published: July 2016

A facile and convenient approach for the synthesis of multi‐functionalized calix[4]arenes through multi‐component reactions is described. A series of five new calix[4]arene‐hexaamide derivatives were synthesized, and their structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic data. The value of this method lies in its operational simplicity, mild reaction conditions, structural diversity of products, and good yields. Furthermore, fluorescence studies demonstrated considerable binding affinity of these new calix[4]arenes toward β‐lactoglobulin protein.
Synthesis of New Imino Containing Tetrahydrochromeno[2,3‐d]pyrimidines
Authors: Ameli Shohreh , Davoodnia Abolghasem , Pordel Mehdi , Behmadi Hossein
Published: July 2016

Some new derivatives of 3,5‐diaryl‐4‐imino‐5,7,8,9‐tetrahydro‐3H‐chromeno[2,3‐d]pyrimidine have been prepared through a condensation reaction of 2‐amino‐4‐aryl‐3‐cyano‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans with triethyl orthoformate in boiling acetic anhydride followed by cyclization with primary aryl amines in the presence of a few drops triethylamine as catalyst in refluxing ethanol. The products were characterized on the basis of IR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectral and microanalytical data.
Evaluation of an amide‐based stationary phase for supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Borges‐Muñoz Amaris C. , Colón Luis A.
Published: July 2016

A relatively new stationary phase containing a polar group embedded in a hydrophobic backbone (i.e., ACE®C18‐amide) was evaluated for use in supercritical fluid chromatography. The amide‐based column was compared with columns packed with bare silica, C18 silica, and a terminal‐amide silica phase. The system was held at supercritical pressure and temperature with a mobile phase composition of CO2 and methanol as cosolvent. The linear solvation energy relationship model was used to evaluate the behavior of these stationary phases, relating the retention factor of selected probes to specific chromatographic interactions. A five‐component test mixture, consisting of a group of drug‐like molecules was separated isocratically. The results show that the C18‐amide stationary phase provided a combination of interactions contributing to the retention of the probe compounds. The hydrophobic interactions are favorable; however, the electron donating ability of the embedded amide group shows a large positive interaction. Under the chromatographic conditions used, the C18‐amide column was able to provide baseline resolution of all the drug‐like probe compounds in a text mixture, while the other columns tested did not.
Effects of chronicl-theanine administration in patients with major depressive disorder: an open-label study
Authors: Hidese Shinsuke , Ota Miho , Wakabayashi Chisato , Noda Takamasa , Ozawa Hayato , Okubo Tsutomu , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: July 2016

Objective

l-theanine, an amino acid uniquely contained in green tea (Camellia sinensis), has been suggested to have various psychotropic effects. This study aimed to examine whetherl-theanine is effective for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) in an open-label clinical trial.

Methods

Subjects were 20 patients with MDD (four males; mean age: 41.0±14.1 years, 16 females; 42.9±12.0 years).l-theanine (250 mg/day) was added to the current medication of each participant for 8 weeks. Symptoms and cognitive functions were assessed at baseline, 4, and 8 weeks afterl-theanine administration by the 21-item version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-21), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Stroop test, and Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS).

Results

HAMD-21 score was reduced afterl-theanine administration (p=0.007). This reduction was observed in unremitted patients (HAMD-21>7;p=0.004) at baseline. Anxiety-trait scores decreased afterl-theanine administration (p=0.012) in the STAI test. PSQI scores also decreased afterl-theanine administration (p=0.030) in the unremitted patients at baseline. Regarding cognitive functions, response latency (p=0.001) and error rate (p=0.036) decreased in the Stroop test, and verbal memory (p=0.005) and executive function (p=0.016) were enhanced in the BACS test afterl-theanine administration.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that chronic (8-week)l-theanine administration is safe and has multiple beneficial effects on depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbance and cognitive impairments in patients with MDD. However, since this is an open-label study, placebo-controlled studies are required to consolidate the effects.
Genesis and implications of the Late Jurassic Hailesitai granites in the northern Greater Khingan Range: evidence from zircon U–Pb dating and Hf isotope
Authors: ZHU PINGPING , CHENG QIUMING , ZHANG ZHENJIE , WANG ZIYE
Published: July 2016

The tectonic setting and geodynamic model of the Greater Khingan Range (GKR) is highly controversial due to the lack of reliable geological, isotopic and geochronological evidence. In the current study, the Hailesitai pluton, located at the west of the suture between the northern and southern GKR in the east of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, is selected to address this issue. These granites of the high potassium calc-alkaline series belong to the A1-type granites with typical geochemical characteristics including high contents of Al2O3, extremely low contents of Ti, P, enriched LREE, LILE, depleted HFSE, and a medium Eu negative anomaly. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) zircon U−Pb dating indicates that the granites can be divided into two stages: c. 152 and c. 161 Ma. The intrusion of A1-type granites at ~161 Ma implies that intra-plate orogenesis of the northern GKR started at c. 161 Ma at latest. The Hailesitai pluton has relatively homogeneous Hf isotope compositions with a εHf (t) value (+6.0 − +9.0), and two-stage depleted mantle model ages of 579−738 Ma show that the original magma is a mixture of juvenile and crustal source rocks. Extensional collapse of the Mongol−Okhotsk belt between the Siberia block and the northern GKR resulted in the formation of late Jurassic A1-type granites in the northern GKR. The Hailesitai pluton formed in response to post-orogenic extensional collapse of the Mongol–Okhotsk belt, coupled with back-arc extension related to Palaeo-Pacific plate subduction.
Board Structure and Firm Performance: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Bonn Ingrid
Published: July 2016

The influence of corporate governance on firm performance has been discussed for a number of years, but mainly in a United States and European business context. This article investigates the composition of boards of directors in large Australian firms and analyses whether board structure has an impact on performance, as measured by return on equity and market-to-book value ratio. The results showed that outsider ratio and female director ratio were positively associated with firm performance, whereas board size and directors' age had no influence on firm performance.
Energy harvesting from human motion: materials and techniques
Authors: Invernizzi F. , Dulio S. , Patrini M. , Guizzetti G. , Mustarelli P.
Published: July 2016

Energy harvesting from human motion is a research field under rapid development.
Drugging Ras GTPase: a comprehensive mechanistic and signaling structural view
Authors: Lu Shaoyong , Jang Hyunbum , Gu Shuo , Zhang Jian , Nussinov Ruth
Published: July 2016

In this review we overview current advances in Ras structural knowledge and the signaling pathways that can be co-targeted along with Ras to mitigate drug resistance.
Core/shell Ag@silicate nanoplatelets and poly(vinyl alcohol) spherical nanohybrids fabricated by coaxial electrospraying as highly sensitive SERS substrates
Authors: Chiu Chih-Wei , Lin Po-Hsien
Published: July 2016

A novel flexible, freestanding, large-scale, and disposable SERS substrate of core/shell Ag@silicate and poly(vinyl alcohol) spherical nanohybrids, fabricated by coaxial electrospray, allows for the high-efficiency detection of adenine from DNA.
Etching treatment of vertical WO3 nanoplates as a photoanode for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Zhao Zhefei , Butburee Teera , Lyv Miaoqiang , Peerakiatkhajohn Piangjai , Wang Songcan , Wang Lianzhou , Zheng Huajun
Published: July 2016

An innovative etching method was developed to increase surface voids, active crystal facets and surface groups, which led to improved photocurrent performance.
High yield synthesis of amine functionalized graphene oxide and its surface properties
Authors: Chakraborty Souvik , Saha Saikat , Dhanak V. R. , Biswas Kallolmay , Barbezat Michel , Terrasi Giovanni P. , Chakraborty Amit K.
Published: July 2016

High yield amination of GO showing improved dispersion in epoxy resin.
Harnessing the maximum reinforcement of graphene oxide for poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanocomposites via polydopamine assisted novel surface modification
Authors: Roy Sunanda , Das Tanya , Zhang Liying , Hu Xiao Matthew
Published: July 2016

Sequential modification of graphene oxide through mussel-inspired chemistry, thiol-ene chemistry and Michael addition reaction.
Development of a novel Brønsted acid UiO-66 metal–organic framework catalyst by postsynthetic modification and its application in catalysis
Authors: Miao Zongcheng , Qi Chao , Wensley Allison M. , Luan Yi
Published: July 2016

A novel Brønsted acid UiO-66 metal–organic framework catalyst has been developed and utilized for efficient acetalization and MBH reaction.