bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Starch Loading on the Thermo-Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Polyurethane Composites
Authors: Gaaz Tayser Sumer , Sulong Abu Bakar , Ansari M. N. M. , Kadhum Abdul Amir H. , Al-Amiery Ahmed A. , Nassir Mohamed H.
Published: July 2017

The advancements in material science and technology have made polyurethane (PU) one of the most important renewable polymers. Enhancing the physio-chemical and mechanical properties of PU has become the theme of this and many other studies. One of these enhancements was carried out by adding starch to PU to form new renewable materials called polyurethane-starch composites (PUS). In this study, PUS composites are prepared by adding starch at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt.% to a PU matrix. The mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of PU and PUS composites were investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of PU and PUS fractured surfaces show cracks and agglomeration in PUS at 1.5 wt.% starch. The thermo-mechanical properties of the PUS composites were improved as starch content increased to 1.5 wt.% and declined by more starch loading. Despite this reduction, the mechanical properties were still better than that of neat PU. The mechanical strength increased as starch content increased to 1.5 wt.%. The tensile, flexural, and impact strengths of the PUS composites were found to be 9.62 MPa, 126.04 MPa, and 12.87 × 10−3 J/mm2, respectively, at 1.5 wt.% starch. Thermal studies showed that the thermal stability and crystallization temperature of the PUS composites increased compared to that of PU. The loss modulus curves showed that neat PU crystallizes at 124 °C and at 127 °C for PUS-0.5 wt.% and rises with increasing loading from 0.5 to 2 wt.%.
Fabrication of Nanosized Island-Like CdO Crystallites-Decorated TiO2 Rod Nanocomposites via a Combinational Methodology and Their Low-Concentration NO2 Gas-Sensing Behavior
Authors: Liang Yuan-Chang , Xu Nian-Cih , Wang Chein-Chung , Wei Da-Hua
Published: July 2017

TiO2–CdO composite rods were synthesized through a hydrothermal method and sputtering thin-film deposition. The hydrothermally derived TiO2 rods exhibited a rectangular cross-sectional crystal feature with a smooth surface, and the as-synthesized CdO thin film exhibited a rounded granular surface feature. Structural analyses revealed that the CdO thin film sputtered onto the surfaces of the TiO2 rods formed a discontinuous shell layer comprising many island-like CdO crystallites. The TiO2–CdO composite rods were highly crystalline, and their surfaces were rugged. A comparison of the NO2 gas-sensing properties of the CdO thin film, TiO2 rods, and TiO2–CdO composite rods revealed that the composite rods exhibited superior gas-sensing responses to NO2 gas than did the CdO thin film and TiO2 rods, which can be attributed to the microstructural differences and the formation of heterojunctions between the TiO2 core and CdO crystallites.
Analytical Techniques and Pharmacokinetics of Gastrodia elata Blume and Its Constituents
Authors: Wu Jinyi , Wu Bingchu , Tang Chunlan , Zhao Jinshun
Published: July 2017

Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata), commonly called Tianma in Chinese, is an important and notable traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has been used in China as an anticonvulsant, analgesic, sedative, anti-asthma, anti-immune drug since ancient times. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the abundant efforts of scientists in developing analytical techniques and performing pharmacokinetic studies of G. elata and its constituents, including sample pretreatment methods, analytical techniques, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) and influence factors to its pharmacokinetics. Based on the reported pharmacokinetic property data of G. elata and its constituents, it is hoped that more studies will focus on the development of rapid and sensitive analytical techniques, discovering new therapeutic uses and understanding the specific in vivo mechanisms of action of G. elata and its constituents from the pharmacokinetic viewpoint in the near future. The present review discusses analytical techniques and pharmacokinetics of G. elata and its constituents reported from 1985 onwards.
Plasma Homocysteine and Serum Folate and Vitamin B12 Levels in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Ma Fei , Wu Tianfeng , Zhao Jiangang , Ji Lu , Song Aili , Zhang Meilin , Huang Guowei
Published: July 2017

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a risk factor for brain atrophy, cognitive impairment, and dementia. Vitamin B12 and folate are cofactors necessary for the methylation of Hcy. However, there is some debate regarding the differing levels of plasma Hcy and serum folate and vitamin B12 among healthy controls, patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to evaluate how the levels of plasma Hcy and its biological determinants, folate and vitamin B12, are related to MCI and AD in older Chinese adults. This is a case-control study including 112 subjects with MCI, 89 AD patients and 115 healthy controls. Diagnosis of AD was made according to the NINCDS-ADRDA and MCI with modified Petersen’s criteria. Serum folate and vitamin B12 concentrations were analyzed by radioimmunoassay, and plasma Hcy was assessed by a high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence method. Multivariate analysis of regression was used to examine the odds ratio (OR) of MCI or AD with Hcy or vitamin levels. Results have shown that serum folate and vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower, but the plasma Hcy level was higher, in patients with MCI and AD than in healthy controls. Multivariate regression analyses showed that subjects in the lowest folate tertile had significantly higher adjusted ORs for MCI (OR: 3.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12, 8.07) and AD (3.42; 95% CI: 1.15, 8.34) compared to subjects in the highest tertile. The highest Hcy tertile was significantly associated with MCI (adjusted OR: 2.81; 95% CI: 1.15, 4.73) and AD (adjusted OR: 3.64; 95% CI: 1.13, 9.04) compared to the lowest tertile. No association existed between low vitamin B12 levels and AD or MCI (p > 0.05). Low blood levels of folate and vitamin B12 and elevated Hcy levels were associated with MCI and AD in older Chinese adults, and the association was stronger for AD.
Effect of Soy Isoflavones on Growth of Representative Bacterial Species from the Human Gut
Authors: Vázquez Lucía , Flórez Ana , Guadamuro Lucía , Mayo Baltasar
Published: July 2017

The present work aimed to assess the susceptibility of dominant and representative bacterial populations from the human gut to isoflavones and their metabolites. To do so, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of isoflavone glycosides, isoflavone aglycones, and equol to 37 bacterial strains was determined by broth microdilution. Additionally, for 10 representative strains, growth curves, growth rate (μ), and optical density (OD600 nm) of the cultures at 24 h were also determined. MICs of daidzin, genistin, daidzein, and genistein were >2048 μg mL−1 for all strains assayed, while that of equol ranged from 16 μg mL−1 for Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis to >2048 μg mL−1 for Enterobacteriaceae strains. Changes in growth curves, μ, and final OD were observed among the species in the presence of all tested compounds. Genistein reduced μ of Bacteroides fragilis, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, and Slackia equolifaciens, while both genistein and equol increased that of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Compared to controls, lower final OD in the presence of aglycones and equol were recorded for some strains but were higher for others. Altogether, the results suggest that isoflavone-derived compounds could modify numbers of key bacterial species in the gut, which might be associated with their beneficial properties.
Dietary Natural Products for Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Ya , Li Sha , Meng Xiao , Gan Ren-You , Zhang Jiao-Jiao , Li Hua-Bin
Published: July 2017

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females worldwide. Several epidemiological studies suggested the inverse correlation between the intake of vegetables and fruits and the incidence of breast cancer. Substantial experimental studies indicated that many dietary natural products could affect the development and progression of breast cancer, such as soy, pomegranate, mangosteen, citrus fruits, apple, grape, mango, cruciferous vegetables, ginger, garlic, black cumin, edible macro-fungi, and cereals. Their anti-breast cancer effects involve various mechanisms of action, such as downregulating ER-α expression and activity, inhibiting proliferation, migration, metastasis and angiogenesis of breast tumor cells, inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and sensitizing breast tumor cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This review summarizes the potential role of dietary natural products and their major bioactive components in prevention and treatment of breast cancer, and special attention was paid to the mechanisms of action.
Dietary Vitamin C, E and β-Carotene Intake Does Not Significantly Affect Plasma or Salivary Antioxidant Indices and Salivary C-Reactive Protein in Older Subjects
Authors: Gawron-Skarbek Anna , Guligowska Agnieszka , Prymont-Przymińska Anna , Godala Małgorzata , Kolmaga Agnieszka , Nowak Dariusz , Szatko Franciszek , Kostka Tomasz
Published: July 2017

It is not clear whether habitual dietary intake influences the antioxidant or inflammatory status. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of antioxidative vitamins C, E, and β-carotene obtained from daily food rations on plasma and salivary Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), uric acid and salivary C-reactive protein (CRP). The study involved 80 older subjects (66.9 ± 4.3 years), divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 43) with lower and group 2 (n = 37) with higher combined vitamins C, E and β-carotene intake. A 24-h dietary recall was obtained from each individual. TAC was assessed simultaneously with two methods in plasma (Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma—FRAP, 2.2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl—DPPH) and in saliva (FRAS and DPPHS test). Lower vitamin C intake corresponded to higher FRAS. There were no other correlations between vitamins C, E or β-carotene intake and antioxidant indices. Salivary CRP was not related to any antioxidant indices. FRAS was decreased in group 2 (p < 0.01) but no other group differences for salivary or for plasma antioxidant parameters and salivary CRP were found. Habitual, not extra supplemented dietary intake does not significantly affect plasma or salivary TAC and salivary CRP.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Citric Acid-Treated Wheat Germ Extract in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Macrophages
Authors: Jeong Hee-Yeong , Choi Yong-Seok , Lee Jae-Kang , Lee Beom-Joon , Kim Woo-Ki , Kang Hee
Published: July 2017

Until recently, fermentation was the only processing used to improve the functionality of wheat germ. The release of 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DMBQ) from hydroquinone glycosides during the fermentation process is considered a marker of quality control. Here, we treated wheat germ extract with citric acid (CWG) to release DMBQ and examined the anti-inflammatory activity of this extract using a lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophage model. Treatment of wheat germ with citric acid resulted in detectable release of DMBQ but reduced total phenolic and total flavonoid contents compared with untreated wheat germ extract (UWG). CWG inhibited secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12 and the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2, while UWG only decreased IL-12 production. CWG and UWG induced high levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and heme oxygenase-1. CWG specifically inhibited phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and p38 kinase at 15 min after LPS stimulation. Our study showed that citric acid treatment enhanced the anti-inflammatory activity of wheat germ extract.
The Polyketide Components of Waxes and the Cer-cqu Gene Cluster Encoding a Novel Polyketide Synthase, the β-Diketone Synthase, DKS
Authors: Von Wettstein-Knowles Penny
Published: July 2017

The primary function of the outermost, lipophilic layer of plant aerial surfaces, called the cuticle, is preventing non-stomatal water loss. Its exterior surface is often decorated with wax crystals, imparting a blue–grey color. Identification of the barley Cer-c, -q and -u genes forming the 101 kb Cer-cqu gene cluster encoding a novel polyketide synthase—the β-diketone synthase (DKS), a lipase/carboxyl transferase, and a P450 hydroxylase, respectively, establishes a new, major pathway for the synthesis of plant waxes. The major product is a β-diketone (14,16-hentriacontane) aliphatic that forms long, thin crystalline tubes. A pathway branch leads to the formation of esterified alkan-2-ols.
Leaf Area Index Estimation Using Chinese GF-1 Wide Field View Data in an Agriculture Region
Authors: Wei Xiangqin , Gu Xingfa , Meng Qingyan , Yu Tao , Zhou Xiang , Wei Zheng , Jia Kun , Wang Chunmei
Published: July 2017

Leaf area index (LAI) is an important vegetation parameter that characterizes leaf density and canopy structure, and plays an important role in global change study, land surface process simulation and agriculture monitoring. The wide field view (WFV) sensor on board the Chinese GF-1 satellite can acquire multi-spectral data with decametric spatial resolution, high temporal resolution and wide coverage, which are valuable data sources for dynamic monitoring of LAI. Therefore, an automatic LAI estimation algorithm for GF-1 WFV data was developed based on the radiative transfer model and LAI estimation accuracy of the developed algorithm was assessed in an agriculture region with maize as the dominated crop type. The radiative transfer model was firstly used to simulate the physical relationship between canopy reflectance and LAI under different soil and vegetation conditions, and then the training sample dataset was formed. Then, neural networks (NNs) were used to develop the LAI estimation algorithm using the training sample dataset. Green, red and near-infrared band reflectances of GF-1 WFV data were used as the input variables of the NNs, as well as the corresponding LAI was the output variable. The validation results using field LAI measurements in the agriculture region indicated that the LAI estimation algorithm could achieve satisfactory results (such as R2 = 0.818, RMSE = 0.50). In addition, the developed LAI estimation algorithm had potential to operationally generate LAI datasets using GF-1 WFV land surface reflectance data, which could provide high spatial and temporal resolution LAI data for agriculture, ecosystem and environmental management researches.
Polar Grid Navigation Algorithm for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Yan Zheping , Wang Lu , Zhang Wei , Zhou Jiajia , Wang Man
Published: July 2017

To solve the unavailability of a traditional strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS) for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) in the polar region, a polar grid navigation algorithm for UUVs is proposed in this paper. Precise navigation is the basis for UUVs to complete missions. The rapid convergence of Earth meridians and the serious polar environment make it difficult to establish the true heading of the UUV at a particular instant. Traditional SINS and traditional representation of position are not suitable in the polar region. Due to the restrictions of the complex underwater conditions in the polar region, a SINS based on the grid frame with the assistance of the OCTANS and the Doppler velocity log (DVL) is chosen for a UUV navigating in the polar region. Data fusion of the integrated navigation system is realized by a modified fuzzy adaptive Kalman filter (MFAKF). By neglecting the negative terms, and using T-S fuzzy logic in the adaptive regulation of the noise covariance, the proposed filter algorithm can improve navigation accuracy. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the polar grid navigation algorithm can effectively navigate a UUV sailing in the polar region.
A Smartphone-Based Automatic Measurement Method for Colorimetric pH Detection Using a Color Adaptation Algorithm
Authors: Kim Sung Deuk , Koo Youngmi , Yun Yeoheung
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes a smartphone-based colorimetric pH detection method using a color adaptation algorithm for point-of-care applications. Although a smartphone camera can be utilized to measure the color information of colorimetric sensors, ambient light changes and unknown built-in automatic image correction operations make it difficult to obtain stable color information. This paper utilizes a 3D printed mini light box and performs a calibration procedure with a paper-printed comparison chart and a reference image which overcomes the drawbacks of smartphone cameras and the difficulty in preparing for the calibration procedure. The color adaptation is performed in the CIE 1976 u’v’ color space by using the reference paper in order to stabilize the color variations. Non-rigid u’v’ curve interpolation is used to produce the high-resolution pH estimate. The final pH value is estimated by using the best-matching method to handle the nonlinear curve properties of multiple color patches. The experimental results obtained using a pH indicator paper show that the proposed algorithm provides reasonably good estimation of pH detection. With paper-printed accurate color comparison charts and smart color adaptation techniques, superior estimation is achieved in the smartphone-based colorimetric pH detection system for point-of-care application.
Is Customer Orientation of Employees Sustainable? A Moderated Mediation Analysis
Authors: Cai Junya , Feng Taiwen , Jiang Wenbo , Li Jiapei
Published: July 2017

While existing literature has addressed the benefits of customer orientation, less is known about its negative outcomes. This study investigates the mediating effect of emotional dissonance on the relationship between customer orientation and unethical decision-making, and whether this mediating effect is moderated by occupation. A sample of 727 doctors and nurses from three Chinese hospitals completed anonymous questionnaires regarding customer orientation, emotional dissonance, and unethical decision-making. Our findings reveal that the positive relationship between customer orientation and unethical decision-making is fully mediated by emotional dissonance. Furthermore, the mediating effect of emotional dissonance is moderated by occupation, which suggests that the mediating effect of emotional dissonance is stronger for doctors. This study contributes to our understanding of how and for whom customer orientation results in unethical decision-making, and suggests the need to take occupation into account in preventing the negative outcomes of customer orientation.
A review of demodulation techniques for amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy
Authors: Ruppert Michael G , Harcombe David M , Ragazzon Michael R P , Moheimani S O Reza , Fleming Andrew J
Published: July 2017

In this review paper, traditional and novel demodulation methods applicable to amplitude-modulation atomic force microscopy are implemented on a widely used digital processing system. As a crucial bandwidth-limiting component in the z-axis feedback loop of an atomic force microscope, the purpose of the demodulator is to obtain estimates of amplitude and phase of the cantilever deflection signal in the presence of sensor noise or additional distinct frequency components. Specifically for modern multifrequency techniques, where higher harmonic and/or higher eigenmode contributions are present in the oscillation signal, the fidelity of the estimates obtained from some demodulation techniques is not guaranteed. To enable a rigorous comparison, the performance metrics tracking bandwidth, implementation complexity and sensitivity to other frequency components are experimentally evaluated for each method. Finally, the significance of an adequate demodulator bandwidth is highlighted during high-speed tapping-mode atomic force microscopy experiments in constant-height mode.
FISCAL DECENTRALIZATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SELECTED EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: SLAVINSKAITĖ Neringa
Published: July 2017

The paper analyses the fiscal decentralization effects on economic growth in unitary countries of European Union for the period 2005–2014. The empirical analysis was based on the multiple regression method. The fixed effect panel model was used as framework for the analysis. In order to examine the different impact of fiscal decentralization, the same analysis was applied to subsets of countries categorized into two groups according to countries’ level of economic development. This further analysis found that there is positive relationship between fiscal decentralization and economic growth in low level of economically developing countries and no relationship in high level of economically developed countries. These results suggested that fiscal decentralization is not always instrument for promotion of economic growth, which means that country’s economic development level is an important factor when introducing reform of fiscal decentralization. The originality of this article – new fiscal decentralization index and evaluated fiscal decentralization level influence for countries economic growth.
Determining H0 with the Latest H ii Galaxy Measurements
Authors: Wang Deng , Meng Xin-He
Published: July 2017

We use the latest H ii galaxy measurements to determine the value of H
0 by adopting a combination of model-dependent and model-independent methods. By constraining five cosmological models, we find that the obtained values of H
0 are more consistent with the recent local measurement by Riess et al. at the 1σ confidence level. For the first time, we implement the model-independent Gaussian processes using the H ii galaxy measurements, and confirm the correctness of H
0 values obtained by the model-dependent method at the 1σ confidence level.
Sagittarius
A
*
High-energy X-Ray Flare Properties during NuStar Monitoring of the Galactic Center from 2012 to 2015
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Baganoff Frederick K. , Ponti Gabriele , Neilsen Joseph , Tomsick John A. , Dexter Jason , Clavel Maïca , Markoff Sera , Hailey Charles J. , Mori Kaya , Barrière Nicolas M. , Nowak Michael A. , Boggs Steven E. , Christensen Finn E. , Craig William W. , Grefenstette Brian W. , Harrison Fiona A. , Madsen Kristin K. , Stern Daniel , Zhang William W.
Published: July 2017

Understanding the origin of the flaring activity from the Galactic center supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* is a major scientific goal of the NuSTAR Galactic plane survey campaign. We report on the data obtained between 2012 July and 2015 April, including 27 observations on Sgr A*, with a total exposure of

≃
1

Ms. We found a total of 10 X-ray flares detected in the NuSTAR observation window, with luminosities in the range of

L

3
–
79

keV

∼
(
0.2

–

4.0
)
×

10

35

erg

s

−
1

. With this largest hard X-ray Sgr A* flare data set to date, we studied the flare spectral properties. Seven flares are detected above

5
σ

significance, showing a range of photon indices (Γ ∼ 2.0–2.8) with typical uncertainties of ±0.5 (90% confidence level). We found no significant spectral hardening for brighter flares, as indicated by a smaller sample. The accumulation of all of the flare spectra in 1–79 keV can be well fit with an absorbed power-law model with

Γ
=
2.2
±
0.1

, and does not require the existence of a spectral break. The lack of variation in the X-ray spectral index with luminosity would point to a single mechanism for the flares and is consistent with the synchrotron scenario. Lastly, we present the quiescent-state spectrum of Sgr A*, and derive an upper limit on the quiescent luminosity of Sgr A* above 10 keV to be

L

Xq
,
10
–
79

keV

≤
(
2.9
±
0.2
)
×

10

34

erg s−1.
New Models of Psychiatric Consultation in the General Medical Hospital: Liaison Psychiatry Is Back
Authors: Desan Paul H. , Lee Hochang B. , Zimbrean Paula , Sledge William
Published: July 2017

Recent work has shown improved outcomes with new models of psychiatric consultation in the general medical hospital. Classic studies demonstrated that psychiatric consultation can improve hospital length of stay. New models emphasize proactive consultation in which all patients are screened for needed care, embedded consultation where providers interact closely with the medical team, and multidisciplinary consultation that uses the skill sets of different types of providers efficiently. The latest work has expanded the consultative role further, emphasizing coordination with outpatient care, other hospital services, and diagnosis-specific pathways. Similar trends are evidenced in geriatric medical consultation in hospitals. New collaborative and integrated care approaches will transform hospital consultation. These new approaches re-emphasize the traditional “liaison” component of consultation-liaison psychiatry.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2017;47(7):355–361.]
Présentation d'un modèle dédié à l’évaluation d’activités ludo-pédagogiques et retours d’expériences
Authors: Alvarez Julian , Chaumette Pascal
Published: July 2017

Ce texte présente dans un premier temps l’élaboration du modèle CEPAJe qui se destine à évaluer une activité ludo-pédagogique de manière réflexive ou non. Cette élaboration, fondée sur une approche hypothético-déductive, se base notamment sur l’enrichissement d’une grille proposée par Sara de Freitas et Martin Oliver en 2006, croisée avec les trois temps pédagogiques de Nicole Tremblay. En parallèle, nous convoquons le système ESAR de Denise Garon datant de 1985. Dans un second temps, CEPAJe est décrit pour expliquer sa structure et ses différentes dimensions. Enfin, il est proposé dans une troisième partie de présenter comment CEPAJe a fait l’objet d’une utilisation concrète sur le terrain dans le cadre d’une formation opérée par l’association ID6, sans concertation préalable avec les auteurs du modèle CEPAJe. Ce retour d’expérience sera l’occasion de sortir de la seule approche hypothético-déductive en recensant une première instrumentalisation concrète du modèle, de l’éprouver et d’ouvrir des perspectives d’amélioration.
Simulation d’entretien d’embauche dans un cours de français des affaires : retour sur l’expérience du jeu de rôle enregistré
Authors: Kis Zsuzsa
Published: July 2017

Le jeu, sous ses formes diverses, permet aux étudiants d’acquérir des compétences professionnelles. L’IAE Lyon accueille des étudiants internationaux en master de gestion préparant un double diplôme. Un stage en entreprise complète leur formation au deuxième semestre. Ces étudiants doivent acquérir dans le cours de « français des affaires » les connaissances et les savoir-faire nécessaires pour postuler dans une entreprise en France en tant que stagiaires. La méthode de la simulation globale, jeu de rôle en entreprise, est un moyen ludique, permettant aux étudiants d’acquérir ces compétences. Cette fiche pédagogique explique la séance de l’entretien d’embauche, composée de deux cours de deux heures. La simulation de l’entretien est complétée par l’enregistrement vidéo de ces entretiens, qui assure une mise à distance et une prise de conscience par les apprenants de leur degré d’assimilation de la situation. Cette fiche s’appuie sur la présentation de l’expérience pédagogique avec une réflexion théorique sur l’importance de l’enregistrement et de son analyse.
Développer l’interaction orale dans le secteur Lansad : un exemple en anglais à l’université du Littoral Côte d’Opale
Authors: Sournin Sophie Dufossé
Published: July 2017

Dans cette fiche pédagogique, nous allons expliquer comment nous avons développé l'interaction orale en cours d'anglais en licence, à l’université du Littoral Côte d’Opale (secteur Lansad), par la mise en place d'exercices systématiques, de type CLES2 et une tâche finale appliquée au domaine professionnel des étudiants, dans le cadre d'une approche communicative à visée actionnelle. Les scénarii proposés ont favorisé un apprentissage par l'action et la création d’automatismes recommandés par le CECRL indispensables aux étudiants les plus fragiles en langues vivantes.
Enjeux de l’improvisation théâtrale en cours de langues
Authors: Vazquez De Castro Isabel
Published: July 2017

Cette fiche pédagogique présente les « Ateliers bilingues d’expression théâtrale » mis en place à l’université de Paris-Est Créteil depuis la rentrée 2013. Ces ateliers bénéficient du soutien IDEA - Initiative d’excellence ANR et ils sont insérés dans la formation du DELCIFE (FLE) et des options transversales proposées pour l’ensemble des étudiants, dont certains suivent un cursus en IUT. Le succès de cette expérience nous permet de préconiser des pratiques semblables en IUT pour l’enseignement apprentissage de langues vivantes. En effet, les ateliers ont permis une aisance suffisante aux étudiants pour pouvoir interagir entre eux autour d’un projet commun de mini-spectacle public final, résultat des tâtonnements produits lors des improvisations successives. Le travail des compétences transversales, de compréhension, expression, médiation linguistique et pragmatique des discours, sans pour autant oublier le travail accompli autour du corps dans l’espace scénique, du geste et de la voix, a permis d’obtenir des améliorations notables -au dire des étudiants- aussi bien en ce qui concerne les résultats académiques que la maîtrise de la langue en situation de communication.
RESISTÊNCIA AOS ANTIMICROBIANOS EM Staphylococcus spp. ASSOCIADOS À MASTITE BOVINA
Authors: Moritz Fábio , Moritz Cristiane Mengue Feniman
Published: July 2017

A mastite é a principal afecção do gado leiteiro brasileiro, constituindo um fator limitante na produtividade das propriedades rurais. A mastite é causada principalmente por bactérias e consiste em um processo infeccioso e inflamatório da glândula mamária, acarretando em modificação da composição do leite in natura com aumento da contagem de células somáticas. A adoção de boas práticas para uma ordenha higiênica é apontado como método eficaz e de baixo custo para o controle e prevenção da mastite. No entanto, para o tratamento clínico é importante a identificação do agente patogênico e o monitoramento de sua resistência aos antimicrobianos nos casos de mastite subclínica. O uso incorreto e indiscriminado de antimicrobianos tem acarretado na ocorrência de agentes patogênicos multirresistentes, tornando-se um risco a saúde humana e animal.
Influence of Hydrothermal Nanosilica on Mechanical Properties of Plain Concrete
Authors: Makarova Natalya Valentinovna , Potapov Vadim V. , Kozin Andrey V. , Chusovitin Evgeniy Anatolievich , Amosov Andrey V. , Nepomnyaschiy A.V.
Published: July 2017

The production of nanosilica (NS) from natural hydrothermal solution is an alternative to the existing commercial fabrication methods because of the lower energy requirements. Here we provide a detailed characterization of the main properties of NS samples (e.g., shape and particle size) by different methods. The produced NS has a specific surface area between 60 m2/g and 500 m2/g and nanoparticles sizes between 5 nm and 135 nm. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the effect of the natural NS on compressive strengths of plain concrete. For this purpose, eight series of concrete specimens with different volume fraction of NS are studied. Experimental results reveal that with adding of NS, the concrete strength can be increased by 35% after 28 days, whereas strength characteristics of such concrete can be increased up to 84% after 3 days, and 93% after 7 days compared with a control concrete without NS.
Predicting Compressive Strength of Sustainable Self-Consolidating Concrete Using Random Forest
Authors: Mohamed Osama Ahmed , Ati Modafar , Najm Omar Fawwaz
Published: July 2017

This paper demonstrates the application of Random Forest (RF) algorithm for prediction of compressive strength of sustainable self-consolidating concrete (SCC) in which significant amount of cement was replaced with minerals such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and silica fume. SCC improves the quality of the finished concrete product and is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional concrete. RF proved capable of predicting compressive strength with high accuracy. The ability of RF algorithm to predict compressive strength established confidence on the experimental data itself which can be used for further studies on properties of self-consolidating concrete. The high level of accuracy in predicting essential engineering properties of concrete through RF algorithms offers important opportunities to enhance quality in ready mix production industry.
Study and Application on Cold Blended Epoxy Asphalt Mixture for Steel Bridge Deck Pavement
Authors: Chen Fei , Ma Rong , Sheng Xiao Jun
Published: July 2017

New cold blended epoxy asphalt material and ERS pavement structure were used for steel deck pavement of Zhijiang bridge. In this paper, the material and structural performance were evaluated by laboratory tests. For the cold blended epoxy asphalt, the optimum composition ratio, construction time and temperature requirements were determined through viscosity and tensile performance test. The road performance of epoxy asphalt mixture was evaluated by high temperature rutting test, low temperature bending test and moisture damage test. Through 45 ° oblique shear test and composite beam fatigue test. The structural properties such as interlayer bonding state and fatigue performance were evaluated. The experimental results showed that the new type of cold blended epoxy asphalt had high breaking elongation, high tensile strength and loose construction time under normal temperature;RA05 mixture had excellent road performance; The shear strength of ERS waterproof adhesive layer reached 5MPa at 25°C and 2MPa at 70°C; RA05 and SMA10 had close bonding，good cooperative performance and great fatigue property to resist large deformation. Overall, ERS material and structure had excellent road performance and mechanical properties. The effect of the application in Zhijiang bridge was great.
An Amended 8-Chain Model for Rubber-Like Materials
Authors: Fu Bin , Yang Xiao Xiang , Wang Lu
Published: July 2017

A new constitutive equation for rubber-like materials model was proposed. The model is based on the Arruda-Boyce (AB) 8-chain non-Gaussian molecular network to which two new terms were added. Taking into account the effects of molecular chain entanglement and the topological constraint on the transverse motions of a single chain, the new added components combine the phenomenological theory of elasticity for rubber vulcanizates at large deformation and the tube theory for topological constraint. The new model contains five parameters which are obtained by fitting the uniaxial Treloar extension data, the predictions from the proposed model for equi-biaxial extension and pure shear are in good agreement with test data. Moreover, compared with some available models, the proposed model is more suitable for characterization of the uniaxial tension mechanical behavior of carbon black particles filled rubber material.
Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Basalt-Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Jalal Asif , Shafiq Nasir , Nikbakht Ehsan , Kumar Rabinder , Zahid Muhammad
Published: July 2017

This study focuses on the study of the mechanical behavior of non-metallic hybrid Basalt-PVA fiber reinforced concrete. Total five mixes were investigated with one control plain concrete and four with fiber volume fraction of 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9% and 1.2%. Basalt and PVA were used in same quantity. Fiber decreased workability, therefore superplasticizer was used to maintain workability constant. The increase in superplasticizer and fiber content decreased compression, split tensile and flexure strengths because of formation of big size pores. Whereas fiber enhanced the post peak load zone in the load-deflection curve. Fiber improved the bridging action by increasing energy absorption. Fiber vanished the brittle behavior of high strength concrete and increased first crack toughness, flexure toughness and also maximum deflection. 0.3% volume fraction of fiber was found to be optimum with the negligible decrease in compression, split tensile and flexure strength while caused the considerable increase in first crack toughness, flexure toughness, and maximum deflection.
New Application of Chitosan Film as a Water Vapor Cell
Authors: Nasution Tulus Ikhsan , Balyan Muhammad , Nainggolan Irwana
Published: July 2017

This study is aimed at finding a new application of chitosan film in energy conversion material. A water vapor cell in a single chip form which consists of chitosan film on the top layer, patterned gold layer in the middle and isolator substrate in the bottom layer was manufactured and used to convert water vapor into electrical power by direct chemical interaction. When the water vapor was exposed onto chitosan film surface, the chitosan film resistance changed and as a consequence, the output voltage and current could be measured. The electrical power was significantly increased by combining several cells, namely twenty cells in series, twenty cells in parallel, twenty cells in series-parallel and twenty cells in parallel-series. It was found that twenty cells in series have the highest electrical power. Furthermore, the lifetime of a water vapor cell under water vapor exposure maintained until eight months. Therefore, chitosan film has evidenced a huge potential as energy conversion material to produce a water vapor panel in future.
Synthesis and X-Ray Analysis of Complex Ferrites
Authors: Mataev Mukhametkali Musagalievich , Abdraimova M.R. , Saxena S.M. , Nuketaeva D.Zh. , Zheksembieva B.T.
Published: July 2017

Ferrite with mixed complex oxides BiNaFe2O5, BiKFe2O5 was synthesized by high temperature solid state reaction. The structure of the ferrites, type of syngony, parameters of the unit cells, radiographic and pycnometric densities were determined by X-ray phase analysis for a first time: BiNaFe2O5 – а=5,577, с=13,86 Å, γ=120º, Vun.cell. = 373,9 Å3, Z=4, ρrad.= 7,5262 г/см3, ρpicn.=7,5271 г/см3, BiKFe2O5 –а=5,545, с=13,65 Å, γ=120º, Vun.cell.= 363,45Å3, Z=6, ρrad.= 8,0367, ρpicn.=8,0375 г/см3. A comparative analysis of the relationship between crystal lattice parameters with parameters of the crystal lattice of initial oxides and complex ferrites has been performed. Research dependence of the magnetic moment of the complex ferrite BiNaFe2O5 of the applied magnetic field at a constant temperature T = 6.1405 K showed a paramagnetic shift in the structure.
Development of Transparent Electrodes Using Graphene Nano-Ink and Post-Consumer PET Bottles for Electrochromic Application
Authors: Buasri Achanai , Ongmali Duangamol , Sriboonpeng Pongsatorn , Prompanut Sarinee , Loryuenyong Vorrada
Published: July 2017

Electrochromism refers to the reversible change of color of thin films due to a small change in the voltage. This is important for smart windows and display applications. The color change takes place because of intercalation and deintercalation of ions, which is controlled by voltage applied between transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers. In this research, the use of graphene nano-ink and post-consumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottles as the flexible electrochromic windows was reported. PET film was coated with graphene ink by spin coating method. The sheet resistance value of PET/graphene electrode was 19 W/sq. The polypyrrole (PPy) also was electroactive and had good adhesion towards transparent substrate. Our results primarily indicated that the novel PET/graphene/PPy/graphene/PET electrochromic device offered an optical modulation, in which the color of the device switched from the black color to the yellow color under the applied potential at ± 2.0 V. The graphene in the electrochromic device demonstrated a potential for replacing indium tin oxide (ITO) in flexible electrochromic windows.
Improving the Sweeping Efficiency of Amendment by Using Polymer
Authors: Liu Yun Song , Chen Jia Jun , Wei Meng , Shi Lan Xiang
Published: July 2017

Effective delivery of remedial amendment to the subsurface contamination zone is a challenge when the source zone is either in an aquifer or in a vadose zone. Polymer solutions are shear thinning fluids which can be used as delivery media to improve the distribution of remedial amendments injected into heterogeneous subsurface environments by increasing the viscosity and decreasing the velocity of the flooding solution. In this study, combinations of polymer (xanthan) and common remediation agent (potassium permanganate) were used for sweep efficiency-enhanced. This study utilized 2-D flow-tank experiments to examine the SE used by xanthan with KMnO4. Two different experimental models (Multi-layer and Surrounding models) were studied. They simulated the different flushing mode. The results showed that SE improved 13.5% and 21.3% for model 1 and model 2, respectively. Moreover, the lower concentration (500 mg/L) is the best choice in our experiment. Our work found that some advantages such as high viscosity retention, moderate remediation agent demand make xanthan/remediation agent become the most compatible for polymer-enhanced sweep efficiency. This will be used further experiments.
Cracking Tendency of Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Crumb Rubber as Fine Aggregate
Authors: Younis Khaleel H. , Naji Harth S. , Najim Khalid B.
Published: July 2017

The utilization of crumb rubber particles extracted from waste tires in the production of self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a decent and sustainable solution to mitigate the impacts of such waste on environment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cracking tendency of SCC with different content of crumb rubber extracted from waste tires. Five SCC mixtures were prepared. The reference mix was made with natural sand while the other four mixes were made with crumb rubber in which the natural sand was volumetrically replaced by crumb rubber at ratios of 10 %, 20 %, 30 % and 40 %, respectively. The results show that the addition of crumb rubber delays the cracking of concrete. The cracking time increases with the increase of the rubber content. The results also reveal that the addition of rubber particles not only increases the cracking time but also reduces the initial and final crack width.
Detection of Crack Evolution in Plain Concrete by Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry
Authors: Chen Hong Niao , Chen Jia Jian , Su Ray Kai Leung
Published: July 2017

In order to study crack evolution in concrete, Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (ESPI) technique was applied to measure full-field displacement of concrete beam subjected to three-point bending. Basic principles of ESPI technique were introduced. Mid-span deflection and crack mouth opening displacement were measured by linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) and clip gauge, respectively. Typical load-displacement curves measured by different methods were compared and analyzed. Analysis results indicated that ESPI results were in good agreement with that measured by LVDT (clip gauge), verifying the validity and accuracy of ESPI measurement. From displacement contours, crack evolution including its initiation and propagation was observed. Furthermore, strain profiles near the crack at different loading levels were determined. Strain profile was nearly linear before crack initiation and became nonlinear with crack growth.
Of Mice, Dirty Mice, and Men: Using Mice To Understand Human Immunology
Authors: Masopust David , Sivula Christine P. , Jameson Stephen C.
Published: July 2017

Mouse models have enabled breakthroughs in our understanding of the immune system, but it has become increasingly popular to emphasize their shortcomings when translating observations to humans. This review provides a brief summary of mouse natural history, husbandry, and the pros and cons of pursuing basic research in mice versus humans. Opportunities are discussed for extending the predictive translational value of mouse research, with an emphasis on exploitation of a “dirty” mouse model that better mimics the diverse infectious history that is typical of most humans.
Pulmonary miliary papillary/micropapillary adenocarcinoma manifesting as carcinomatous encephalitis
Authors: Vaideeswar P , Nayak SS , Verma A , Goel NA
Published: July 2017

The histological pattern and the associated molecular aberrations have an important bearing in the prognosis of pulmonary adenocarcinomas. Papillary and micropapillary growth patterns with mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma kinase rearrangements have an aggressive clinical course. We report one such cancer in a 49-year-old woman, where it assumed a miliary pattern in the lungs, and the patient presented with neurological symptoms related to carcinomatous encephalitis, an infrequent metastatic manifestation.
On the limits of Köhler activation theory: how do collision and coalescence affect the activation of aerosols?
Authors: Hoffmann Fabian
Published: July 2017

Abstract. Activation is necessary to form a cloud droplet from an aerosol, and it is widely accepted that it occurs as soon as a wetted aerosol grows beyond its critical radius. Traditional Köhler theory assumes that this growth is driven by the diffusion of water vapor. However, if the wetted aerosols are large enough, the coalescence of two or more particles is an additional process for accumulating sufficient water for activation. This transition from diffusional to collectional growth marks the limit of traditional Köhler theory and it is studied using a Lagrangian cloud model in which aerosols and cloud droplets are represented by individually simulated particles within large-eddy simulations of shallow cumuli. It is shown that the activation of aerosols larger than 0. 1 µm in dry radius can be affected by collision and coalescence, and its contribution increases with a power-law relation toward larger radii and becomes the only process for the activation of aerosols larger than 0. 4–0. 8 µm depending on aerosol concentration. Due to the natural scarcity of the affected aerosols, the amount of aerosols that are activated by collection is small, with a maximum of 1 in 10 000 activations. The fraction increases as the aerosol concentration increases, but decreases again as the number of aerosols becomes too high and the particles too small to cause collections. Moreover, activation by collection is found to affect primarily aerosols that have been entrained above the cloud base.
A CF data model and implementation
Authors: Hassell David , Gregory Jonathan , Blower Jon , Lawrence Bryan N. , Taylor Karl E.
Published: July 2017

Abstract. The CF (Climate and Forecast) metadata conventions are designed to promote the creation, processing and sharing of climate and forecasting data using Network Common Data Form (netCDF) files and libraries. The CF conventions provide a description of the physical meaning of data and of their spatial and temporal properties, but they depend on the netCDF file encoding which can currently only be fully understood and interpreted by someone familiar with the rules and relationships specified in the conventions documentation. To aid in development of CF-compliant software and to capture with a minimal set of elements all of the information contained in the CF conventions, we propose a formal data model for CF which is independent of netCDF and describes all possible CF-compliant data. Because such data will often be analysed and visualised using software based on other data models, we compare the CF data model with the ISO 19123 coverage model, the Open Geospatial Consortium CF netCDF standard and the Unidata Common Data Model. To demonstrate that the CF data model can in fact be implemented, we present cf-python, a Python software library that conforms to the model and can manipulate any CF-compliant dataset.