bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solutochromic Molecular Spectroscopy with a Reference Hydrogen-Bond Acid Dendrimer
Authors: McGill R. Andrew , Simonson Duane , Ta Julie H. , Nguyen Viet , Ozten Yasar , Kendziora Chris , Stievater Todd H.
Published: April 2012

A zeroth order dendritic carbosilane structure, SiFA4H with four hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) functional groups attached via propyl ligand arms to a central silicon atom, has been developed as a model hydrogen-bond (HB) acid sorbent coating and candidate reference HB acid. The HB donor interaction, through the hydroxyl of the HFIP moiety, with a solute HB base can be monitored by observing the hydroxyl stretching frequency through measurements of SiFA4H FTIR spectra before and during vapor exposure. HFIP hydroxyl stretch shifts, upwards of 700 cm-1 have been observed depending on the HB base. For a range of HB bases, the resulting hydroxyl stretch shifts correlate directly with the solute HB basicity scale, “B”, developed by Abraham et al [1]. A variety of techniques exist to measure solute HB basicity, however, the applicability to examine HB bases delivered as vapors or gases and the simplicity of the measurements described herein, with a reusable reference HB acid sorbent coating and standard FTIR spectrophotometer techniques is attractive for some applications including those with hazardous chemicals. Moreover, as an extension of this work we propose employing SiFA4H or related sorbents as molecular sensing coatings, where the semi-selective sorbent is examined by various infrared (IR) spectroscopic techniques to monitor and identify hazardous chemicals, taking advantage of molecular binding phenomena which occur in the sorbent [2].
Polymer/inorganic nanocomposites with tailored hierarchical structure as advanced dielectric materials
Authors: Manias Evangelos , Randall Clive A. , Tomer Vivek , Polizos Georgios
Published: April 2012

Most advances and commercial successes of polymer/inorganic nanocomposites rely only on the dispersion of nanoparticles in a polymer matrix. Such approaches leave untapped opportunities where performance can be improved by controlling the larger length-scale structures. Here, we review selected examples where the hierarchical structure (from millimeter to nanometer) is tailored to control the transport properties of the materials, giving rise to marked property enhancements, relevant to dielectric materials for power capacitors. These examples address composite structures that are self-assembled, both at the nm and the micron scales, and, thus, can be produced using standard industrial practices. Specifically, polyethylene (PE) blends or poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) copolymers are reinforced with nanofillers; these composites are designed with high filler orientation, which yielded marked improvements in electric-field breakdown strength and, consequently, large improvements in their recoverable energy densities.
Resource Notes
Authors: Volsing Kristian
Published: April 2012

The V&A holds the UK's national collection of live performance, and within this is the UK's only permanent collection of rock and pop related material. An early collector in this field, I have researched the history of the collection, why we collect the specific kinds of material that we do and how I would like to develop this in the future. The article includes case studies surrounding some of our most important collections and objects.
Catalysis in the Service of Green Chemistry: Nobel Prize-Winning Palladium-Catalysed Cross-Couplings, Run in Water at Room Temperature
Authors: Lipshutz Bruce H. , Taft Benjamin R. , Abela Alexander R. , Ghorai Subir , Krasovskiy Arkady , Duplais Christophe
Published: April 2012

Palladium-catalysed cross-couplings, in particular Heck, Suzuki-Miyaura and Negishi reactions developed over three decades ago, are routinely carried out in organic solvents. However, alternative media are currently of considerable interest given an increasing emphasis on making organic processes ‘greener’; for example, by minimising organic waste in the form of organic solvents. Water is the obvious leading candidate in this regard. Hence, this review focuses on the application of micellar catalysis, in which a ‘designer’ surfactant enables these award-winning coupling reactions to be run in water at room temperature.
Commercial Development of Palladium(0) Catalysts for Highly Selective Cross-Coupling Reactions
Authors: Colacot Thomas J.
Published: April 2012

Palladium-catalysed cross-coupling has huge importance for the synthesis of many organic molecules at both laboratory and industrial scale. A range of commercially available preformed (R3P)2Pd(0) catalysts have now been developed and are available from Johnson Matthey. Some unique and highly selective applications of these palladium catalysts for various cross-coupling reactions, including novel reactions such as carbohalogenation reactions, Negishi coupling of aryl chlorides and copper-free Sonogashira coupling, are highlighted in this review.
Water and nutrient simulations using the HYPE model for Sweden vs. the Baltic Sea basin – influence of input-data quality and scale
Authors: Arheimer Berit , Dahné Joel , Donnelly Chantal , Lindström Göran , Strömqvist Johan
Published: April 2012

Water resource management is often based on numerical models, and large-scale models are sometimes used for international strategic agreements. Sometimes the modelled area entails several political entities and river basins. To avoid methodological bias in results, methods and databases should be homogenous across political and geophysical boundaries, but this may involve fewer details and more assumptions. This paper quantifies the uncertainty when the same model code is applied using two different input datasets; a more detailed one for the country of Sweden (S-HYPE) and a more general one for the entire Baltic Sea basin (Balt-HYPE). Results from the two model applications were compared for the Swedish landmass and for two specific Swedish river basins. The results show that both model applications may be useful in providing spatial information of water and nutrients at various scales. For water discharge, most relative errors are <10% for S-HYPE and <25% for Balt-HYPE. Both applications reproduced the most mean concentration for nitrogen within 25% of the observed mean values, but phosphorus showed a larger scatter. Differences in model set-up were reflected in the simulation of both spatial and temporal dynamics. The most sensitive data were precipitation/temperature, agriculture and model parameter values.
Trends in snow water equivalent in Norway (1931–2009)
Authors: Skaugen Thomas , Stranden Heidi Bache , Saloranta Tuomo
Published: April 2012

Trends in time series of snow water equivalent (SWE) are analyzed for different time periods and as a function of elevation. Since 1914, hydropower companies have measured snow at the expected snow maximum. Most of the measurements are located at high elevations, 700–1,700 meters above sea level (masl), providing a unique dataset in areas poorly covered by meteorological stations. For single stations, significant positive and negative trends are found using the Mann–Kendall trend test. The trends depend on region, observation period and elevation. In southern Norway negative trends are found for sites below 1,350 masl for the periods 1931–1960 and 1991–2009, and below 850 masl for the period 1961–1990. Above these elevations, positive trends are found. For the entire period, 1931–2009, positive trends are found for stations located above 850 masl. These findings can be explained by varying trends in precipitation and temperature in winter and spring. For central and northern Norway, the pattern in trends is similar, although less pronounced. High and low values of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index correlate differently with SWE. High NAO index is positively correlated with SWE at high elevations and negatively at low elevations. Low NAO index is positively correlated with SWE at all elevations.
Evapotranspiration in high alpine catchments – an important part of the water balance!
Authors: Herrnegger Mathew , Nachtnebel Hans-Peter , Haiden Thomas
Published: April 2012

In this paper the third water balance component, the actual evapotranspiration (ETA), is analysed. Although evapotranspiration rates decrease with increasing altitude, it can be concluded that substantial quantitative differences are found among temperature and energy balance-based techniques for estimating the ETA. The objective of this study is to apply a distributed and continuous hydrological model and to utilise standard meteorological datasets with a high spatio-temporal resolution (1 km2 and 60 min) to estimate the evapotranspiration in high Alpine Austrian catchments. Compared with the Hargreaves and Thornthwaite methods the ASCE-Penman-Monteith approach yields substantially higher potential evapotranspiration (ETP) rates, with basin-values up to 24% higher compared with the temperature-based methods. The decrease of ETP with elevation ranges from 6 to 26 mm per 100 m. The ETA rates differ up to 15%, with a decrease of 18–28 mm per 100 m. About 30% of the annual precipitation is evaporated and this implies that even larger correction factors of precipitation are required to satisfy the runoff. The method is demonstrated in basins in the north central Austrian Alps.
Investigation of the use of ammonium acetate as an alternative lixiviant in the leaching of malachite ore
Authors: Künkül Asım , Gülezgin Abdulvahap , Demirkiran Nizamettin
Published: April 2012

The solutions containing ammonia allow for selective leaching of the copper
from a copper ore. In this study, the leaching and kinetics of malachite ore
were examined using ammonium acetate solutions as an alternative lixiviant.
The effects of some experimental parameters on the leaching of malachite ore
were investigated. A kinetic model to represent the effects of these
parameters on the leaching rate was developed. It was determined that the
leaching rate increased with increasing solution concentration, temperature
and stirring speed, and decreasing particle size and solid-to-liquid ratio.
It was found that the leaching reaction followed the mixed kinetic control
model. The activation energy of this leaching process was determined to be
59.6 kJmol-1. Consequently, it was determined that ammonium acetate solutions
could be used as an effective leaching agent for the copper extraction form
malachite ore.
Sustainable development, clean technology and knowledge from industry
Authors: Sokolovic Slobodan , Zavargo Zoltan , Sokolovic Dunja
Published: April 2012

Clean technology or clean production is the most important factor for the
economic growth of a society and it will play the main role not only in the
area of cleaner production, but also in sustainable development. The
development of clean technology will be the main factor of the company?s
strategy in the future. Each company, which wants to reach the competitive
position at the market and wants to be environmentally friendly, has to
accept the new approach in corporate management and the strategy of new clean
technology. The main principles of clean technology are based on the concept
of maximum resource and energy productivity and virtually no waste. This
approach may be limited by human resources and the level of their
environmental knowledge. Companies are committed to the development of the
workers? skills, and thus to the improvement of the company for the full
implementation of the environmental legislation and clean production concept.
Based on this commitment, one of Tempus projects is designed to improve the
university-enterprise cooperation in the process of creating sustainable
industry in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia. To achieve this goal, partner universities will create special
courses on sustainable industry and thus enhance the lifelong learning
process and cooperation between industry and universities in the Western
Balkan countries.
Influence Activities and Favoritism in Subjective Performance Evaluation: Evidence from Chinese State-Owned Enterprises
Authors: Du Fei , Tang Guliang , Young S. Mark
Published: April 2012

This study addresses the two-way process in which a subordinate and a superior engage in influence activities (bottom-up) and favoritism (top-down) in subjective Performance Evaluation. The research context is the Chinese government's evaluation of Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) by the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of China (SASAC). We analyze archival records of the government's evaluation scores, score adjustments, and evaluation ratings given to 63 SOEs between 2005 and 2007. These analyses are also interpreted based on insights gained from in-depth field interviews with SASAC officials and chief financial officers (CFOs) of SOEs. Results indicate that the political connection of SOE CFOs, the geographic proximity of SOE headquarters to the SASAC central office, and political rank of the firm affect the SASAC's evaluations.

Data Availability: Data used in this study cannot be made public due to a confidentiality agreement.
Application of Coupled Structural Acoustic Analysis and Sensitivity Calculations to a Tire Noise Problem
Authors: Aboutorabi H. M. R. , Kung L.
Published: April 2012

REFERENCE: H. M. R. Aboutorabi and L. Kung, “Application of Coupled Structural Acoustic Analysis and Sensitivity Calculations to a Tire Noise Problem,” Tire Science and Technology, TSTCA, Vol. 40, No. 1, January – March 2012, pp. 25–41.

ABSTRACT: Tire qualification for an original equipment (OE) program consists of several rounds of submissions by the tire manufacturer for evaluation by the vehicle manufacturer. Tires are evaluated both subjectively, where the tire performance is rated by an expert driver, and objectively, where sensors and testing instruments are used to measure the tire performance. At the end of each round of testing the evaluation results are shared and requirements for performance improvement for the next round are communicated with the tire manufacturer. As building and testing is both expensive and time consuming predictive modeling and simulation analysis that can be applied to the performance of the tire is of great interest and value.

This paper presents an application of finite element analysis (FEA) modeling along with experimental verification to solve tire noise objections at certain frequencies raised by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) account. Coupled structural-acoustic analysis method was used to find modal characteristics of the tire at the objectionable frequencies. Sensitivity calculations were then carried out to evaluate the strength of contribution from each tire component to the identified modes. Based on these findings changes to the construction were proposed and implemented that addressed the noise issue.
Corticospinal tract mapping in children with ruptured arteriovenous malformations using functionally guided diffusion-tensor imaging
Authors: Ellis Michael J. , Rutka James T. , Kulkarni Abhaya V. , Dirks Peter B. , Widjaja Elysa
Published: April 2012

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can lead to distortion or reorganization of functional brain anatomy, making localization of eloquent white matter tracts challenging. To improve the accuracy of corticospinal tract (CST) mapping, recent studies have examined the use of functional imaging techniques to help localize cortical motor activations and use these as seed points to reconstruct CSTs using diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI). The authors examined the role of pretreatment functionally guided DTI CST mapping in 3 children with ruptured AVMs. In 2 patients, magnetoencephalography motor activations were adjacent to the nidus and/or hemorrhagic cavity. However, in 1 child, functional MRI motor activations were detected in both hemispheres, suggestive of partial transfer of cortical motor function. In all children, quantitative analysis showed that fractional anisotropy values and fiber density indices were reduced in the CSTs of the hemisphere harboring the AVM compared with the unaffected side. In 2 children, CST caliber was slightly diminished, corresponding to no motor deficit in 1 patient and a temporary motor deficit in the other. In contrast, 1 child demonstrated marked reduction and displacement of the CSTs, correlating with severe motor deficit. Preoperative motor tractography data were loaded onto the intraoperative neuronavigation platform to guide complete resection of the AVM in 2 cases without permanent neurological deficits. These preliminary results confirm the feasibility of CST mapping in children with ruptured AVMs using functionally guided DTI tractography. Prospective studies are needed to assess the full value of this technique in the risk stratification, prognosis, and multimodality management of pediatric AVMs.
Is postresective intraoperative electrocorticography predictive of seizure outcomes in children?
Authors: Wray Carter D. , McDaniel Sharon S. , Saneto Russell P. , Novotny Edward J. , Ojemann Jeffrey G.
Published: April 2012

Object

Intraoperative electrocorticography (ECoG) is commonly used to guide the extent of resection, especially in lesion-associated intractable epilepsy. Interictal epileptiform discharges on postresective ECoG (post-ECoG) have been predictive of seizure recurrence in some studies, particularly in adults undergoing medial temporal lobectomy, frontal lesionectomy, or low-grade glioma resection. The predictive value of postresective discharges in pediatric epilepsy surgery has not been extensively studied.

Methods

The authors retrospectively examined the charts of all 52 pediatric patients who had undergone surgery with post-ECoG and had more than 1 year of follow-up between October 1, 2003, and October 1, 2009.

Results

Of the 52 pediatric patients, 37 patients showed residual discharges at the end of their resection and 73% of these patients were seizure free, whereas 15 patients had no residual discharges and 60% of them were seizure-free, which was not significantly different (p = 0.36, chi-square).

Conclusions

Electrocorticography-guided surgery was associated with excellent postsurgical outcome. Although this sample size was too small to detect a subtle difference, absence of epileptiform discharges on post-ECoG does not appear to predict seizure freedom in all pediatric patients referred for epilepsy surgery. Future studies with larger study samples would be necessary to confirm this finding and determine whether post-ECoG may be useful in some subsets of pediatric epilepsy surgery candidates.
Hyponatremia with intracranial malignant tumor resection in children
Authors: Williams Cydni , Simon Tamara D. , Riva-Cambrin Jay , Bratton Susan L.
Published: April 2012

Object

Intracranial neoplasms are the second most common childhood cancer, and lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Hyponatremia is a complication associated with neurosurgical procedures, but children undergoing intracranial tumor resection have not been selectively studied. In this study, the authors aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with hyponatremia among children undergoing intracranial neoplasm resection.

Methods

A retrospective cohort was compiled using the 2006 Kids' Inpatient Database to identify children younger than 21 years of age who underwent intracranial neoplasm resection. Hyponatremia was ascertained by diagnosis codes. Bivariate analyses were conducted using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-tests. Logistic regression models were developed to evaluate factors associated with hyponatremia in bivariate analyses.

Results

Hyponatremia occurred in 205 (8.7%) of 2343 annual weighted cases, and was independently associated with tumor location in the deep brain structures and ventricles compared with the cortical area (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.4; 95% CI 1.1–5.3). Hyponatremia was also associated with obstructive hydrocephalus (aOR 2.7; 95% CI 1.7–4.3) and emergency department admission (aOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1–2.4). Hyponatremia was significantly associated with mechanical ventilation, ventriculostomy placement, ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, and sepsis. Hyponatremia was also associated with a significantly longer average length of stay (24.6 vs 10.2 days), higher average charges ($191,000 vs $92,000), and a higher percentage of discharges to intermediate-care facilities.

Conclusions

Hyponatremia commonly occurs with resection of intracranial malignant tumors, especially for lesions located in the deep brain and in patients with obstructive hydrocephalus. Hyponatremia was associated with higher morbidity. Further research is needed to develop targeted monitoring and intervention strategies to decrease perioperative hyponatremia and to determine if this could decrease the number of complications in this specialized population.
Unruptured intracranial aneurysms in the Familial Intracranial Aneurysm and International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms cohorts: differences in multiplicity and location
Authors: Mackey Jason , Brown Robert D. , Moomaw Charles J. , Sauerbeck Laura , Hornung Richard , Gandhi Dheeraj , Woo Daniel , Kleindorfer Dawn , Flaherty Matthew L. , Meissner Irene , Anderson Craig , Connolly E. Sander , Rouleau Guy , Kallmes David F. , Torner James , Huston John , Broderick Joseph P.
Published: April 2012

Object

Familial predisposition is a recognized nonmodifiable risk factor for the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). However, data regarding the characteristics of familial IAs are limited. The authors sought to describe familial IAs more fully, and to compare their characteristics with a large cohort of nonfamilial IAs.

Methods

The Familial Intracranial Aneurysm (FIA) study is a multicenter international study with the goal of identifying genetic and other risk factors for formation and rupture of IAs in a highly enriched population. The authors compared the FIA study cohort with the International Study of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms (ISUIA) cohort with regard to patient demographic data, IA location, and IA multiplicity. To improve comparability, all patients in the ISUIA who had a family history of IAs or subarachnoid hemorrhage were excluded, as well as all patients in both cohorts who had a ruptured IA prior to study entry.

Results

Of 983 patients enrolled in the FIA study with definite or probable IAs, 511 met the inclusion criteria for this analysis. Of the 4059 patients in the ISUIA study, 983 had a previous IA rupture and 657 of the remainder had a positive family history, leaving 2419 individuals in the analysis. Multiplicity was more common in the FIA patients (35.6% vs 27.9%, p < 0.001). The FIA patients had a higher proportion of IAs located in the middle cerebral artery (28.6% vs 24.9%), whereas ISUIA patients had a higher proportion of posterior communicating artery IAs (13.7% vs 8.2%, p = 0.016).

Conclusions

Heritable structural vulnerability may account for differences in IA multiplicity and location. Important investigations into the underlying genetic mechanisms of IA formation are ongoing.
Relating ink solvent-coating component thermal properties to smearing and development of abrasion resistance in ink jet printing
Authors: Hartus Timo , Gane Patrick A.C.
Published: April 2012

The target of this study was to identify the interactions of the compounds of printing ink and paper coating colour and their effects on the inkjet print quality. Interactions between inkjet ink solvent components and their interaction with paper coating compounds are considered significant for the final print quality. Especially, ink solvent properties play an important role in inkjet ink drying. The methods used to study these interactions are thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and results are analysed for correlations with print quality. The experimental material consists of both commercial and model inkjet inks, paper coating colour compounds and commercial papers. To visualize the thermal data and to combine the TGA and DSC measurements in a single plot, a representation has been used, in which the specific gravimetric (TGA) and specific energy (DSC) ratios, m1/m2 and E1/E2, corresponding to the mass loss and energy consumed per unit mass of sample, in the temperature regions T < 100°C and 100°C < T < 220°C, respectively, are plotted against each other. The determined ratios differed greatly between different model solvents and ink series. The thermal behaviour of the solvents is seen to be relevant for predicting inkjet print quality.
Effect of coating formulations and drying methods on the coverage and smoothness of brown grade base papers
Authors: Lee Hak Lae , Kim Jin Doo , Lee Kyong Ho , Kim Chae Hoon , Youn Hye Jung
Published: April 2012

The Corrugated container industry asks papermakers to produce highly attractive linerboard with good multicolor printing properties to improve product appeal as much as possible at low cost to consumers. To meet this requirement, it is necessary to improve the visual appearance and printing properties of conventional linerboard which is made from recycled fibers for economic and environmental reasons. To meet this challenge, two new technologies, hot press drying and curtain coating, which make a strong combination as a method to produce high quality coated linerboard, were used. Hot press drying improved the smoothness of the linerboard and decreased the coating penetration, resulting in better surface smoothness after the coating process. The influence of the pigment composition on the brightness, gloss and smoothness of single or double coated linerboard was examined. Clay outperformed calcium carbonate by improving the brightness and gloss for coated linerboards, suggesting that the hiding power is more important than scattering characteristics when considering the pigment to be used in linerboard coating. The dynamic surface tension of the coating color decreased with the addition of a surfactant. It was shown that a surfactant that provides the curtain stability and less foaming should be used in the curtain coating. Mill experience from Dong-Il Paper Mfg. Co. started the twolayer curtain coating operation at the end of 2008 was described.
Modelling of fibre orientation probability distribution in the jet-to-wire impingement
Authors: Niskanen Heidi , Hämäläinen Jari
Published: April 2012

Fibre orientation distribution is essential factor affecting the properties of produced paper. The fibre orientation distribution is mainly determined by the fluid dynamics in the wet-end and in the wire-section of the paper machine. In this work the fibre orientation probability distribution in the paper machine jet-to-wire impingement is studied using modelling. The model used in this work is based on diffusion-convection equation. In addition to the transport of the fibres due to the mean flow, the model includes flow induced rotation of the fibres and randomising turbulence effects. Thus, the purpose of the model is to estimate the effect of the flow dynamics on the development of the fibre orientation probability distribution.
Guattari and Japan
Authors: Ueno Toshiya
Published: April 2012

Revisiting Guattari's visits to Japan in the 1980s during the country's ‘bubble economy’, this paper investigates from a personal perspective the Radio Homerun mini-FM station as well as other stops on Guattari's Tokyo ‘pilgrimage’. Guattari's reception and influence in Japan is contextualised through the writer Kõbõ Abe and philosopher Kiyoteru Hanada, in addition to the groundbreaking work of Tetsuo Kogawa, against the backdrop of the rise of postmodernism. Similarities between Guattari's sense of Japan and Brazil are then broached.
Go Fractalactic! A Brief Guide through Subjectivity in the Philosophy of Félix Guattari and Transversal Poetics
Authors: Bryx Adam , Reynolds Bryan
Published: April 2012

We adventure becomings-Merry Pranksters with Félix Guattari on Ken Kesey's magic bus to resonate the group's transversality that we already affect subjunctively, individually and plurally from which our subjectivities crystallise collectively and independently with intensive-extensions to go viscerallectric and fractalactic. Yet in-process, before our consciousnesses go motored, we swim with jet streams of both Guattari and transversal poetics to navigate subjective affects by which wilful parameterisations achieve desirable eventualisations.
Ion Beam Formation and Modification of Cobalt Nanoparticles
Authors: Sprouster David J. , Ridgway Mark C.
Published: April 2012

This article reviews the size-dependent structural properties of ion beam synthesized Co nanoparticles (NPs) and the influence of ion irradiation on the size, shape, phase and structure. The evolution of the aforementioned properties were determined using complementary laboratory- and advanced synchrotron-based techniques, including cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Combining such techniques reveals a rich array of transformations particular to Co NPs. This methodology highlights the effectiveness of ion implantation and ion irradiation procedures as a means of fine tuning NP properties to best suit specific technological applications. Furthermore, our results facilitate a better understanding and aid in identifying the underlying physics particular to this potentially technologically important class of nanomaterials.
“It Is Good for My Family’s Health and Cooks Food in a Way That My Heart Loves”: Qualitative Findings and Implications for Scaling Up an Improved Cookstove Project in Rural Kenya
Authors: Person Bobbie , Loo Jennifer D. , Owuor Mercy , Ogange Lorraine , Jefferds Maria Elena D. , Cohen Adam L.
Published: April 2012

The use of indoor, three-stone fire pits in resource–poor countries is a substantial burden on human health and the environment. We conducted a pilot intervention promoting the purchase and use of an improved cookstove in rural Kenya. The goals of this qualitative inquiry were to understand the motivation to purchase and use; perceived benefits and challenges of cookstove use; and the most influential promotion activities for scaling up future cookstove promotion. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 cookstove promoters and 30 cookstove purchasers in the Luo community. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were transcribed and a thematic analysis conducted. Women reported the need for less firewood, fuel cost savings, reduced smoke, improved cooking efficiency, reduced eye irritation, lung congestion and coughing as major benefits of the cookstove. Cost appeared to be a barrier to wider adoption. The most persuasive promotion strategies were interpersonal communication through social networks and cooking demonstrations. Despite this cost barrier, many women still considered the improved cookstove to be a great asset within their household. This inquiry provided important guidance for future cookstove implementation projects.
A Hybrid Thermopneumatic and Electrostatic Microvalve with Integrated Position Sensing
Authors: Potkay Joseph A. , Wise Kensall D.
Published: April 2012

This paper presents a low-power hybrid thermopneumatic microvalve with an electrostatic hold and integrated valve plate position sensing. This combination of actuators in a single structure enables a high throw and force actuator with low energy consumption, a combination that is difficult to otherwise achieve. The completed 7.5 mm × 10.3 mm × 1.5 mm valve has an open flow rate of 8 sccm at 600 Pa, a leak rate of 2.2 × 10−3 sccm at 115 kPa, a open-to-closed fluidic conductance ratio of nearly one million, an actuation time of 430 ms at 250 mW, and a required power of 90 mW while closed. It additionally requires no power to open, and has a built-in capacitive position sensor with a sensitivity of 9.8 fF/kPa. The paper additionally presents analytical models of the valve components, design tradeoffs, and guidelines for achieving an optimized device.
Cytotoxicity and Glycan-Binding Properties of an 18 kDa Lectin Isolated from the Marine Sponge Halichondria okadai
Authors: Matsumoto Ryo , Fujii Yuki , Kawsar Sarkar M. A. , Kanaly Robert A. , Yasumitsu Hidetaro , Koide Yasuhiro , Hasan Imtiaj , Iwahara Chihiro , Ogawa Yukiko , Im Chang Hun , Sugawara Shigeki , Hosono Masahiro , Nitta Kazuo , Hamako Jiharu , Matsui Taei , Ozeki Yasuhiro
Published: April 2012

A divalent cation-independent lectin—HOL-18, with cytotoxic activity against leukemia cells, was purified from a demosponge, Halichondria okadai. HOL-18 is a 72 kDa tetrameric lectin that consists of four non-covalently bonded 18 kDa subunits. Hemagglutination activity of the lectin was strongly inhibited by chitotriose (GlcNAcβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-4GlcNAc), fetuin and mucins from porcine stomach and bovine submaxillary gland. Lectin activity was stable at pH 4–12 and temperatures lower than 60 °C. Frontal affinity chromatography with 16 types of pyridylaminated oligosaccharides indicated that the lectin had an affinity for N-linked complex-type and sphingolipid-type oligosaccharides with N-acetylated hexosamines and neuramic acid at the non-reducing termini. The lectin killed Jurkat leukemia T cells and K562 erythroleukemia cells in a dose- and carbohydrate-dependent manner.
Single Laboratory Validation of A Ready-to-Use Phosphatase Inhibition Assay for Detection of Okadaic Acid Toxins
Authors: Smienk Henry G. F. , Calvo Dolores , Razquin Pedro , Domínguez Elena , Mata Luis
Published: April 2012

A phosphatase inhibition assay for detection of okadaic acid (OA) toxins in shellfish, OkaTest, was single laboratory validated according to international recognized guidelines (AOAC, EURACHEM). Special emphasis was placed on the ruggedness of the method and stability of the components. All reagents were stable for more than 6 months and the method was highly robust under normal laboratory conditions. The limit of detection and quantification were 44 and 56 µg/kg, respectively; both below the European legal limit of 160 µg/kg. The repeatability was evaluated with 2 naturally contaminated samples. The relative standard deviation (RSD) calculated was 1.4% at a level of 276 µg/kg and 3.9% at 124 µg/kg. Intermediate precision was estimated by testing 10 different samples (mussel and scallop) on three different days and ranged between 2.4 and 9.5%. The IC50 values of the phosphatase used in this assay were determined for OA (1.2 nM), DTX-1 (1.6 nM) and DTX-2 (1.2 nM). The accuracy of the method was estimated by recovery testing for OA (mussel, 78–101%; king scallop, 98–114%), DTX-1 (king scallop, 79–102%) and DTX-2 (king scallop, 93%). Finally, the method was qualitatively compared to the mouse bioassay and LC-MS/MS.
Facile isomerization of silyl enol ethers catalyzed by triflic imide and its application to one-pot isomerization–(2 + 2) cycloaddition
Authors: Inanaga Kazato , Ogawa Yu , Nagamoto Yuuki , Daigaku Akihiro , Tokuyama Hidetoshi , Takemoto Yoshiji , Takasu Kiyosei
Published: April 2012

A triflic imide (Tf2NH) catalyzed isomerization of kinetically favourable silyl enol ethers into thermodynamically stable ones was developed. We also demonstrated a one-pot catalytic reaction consisting of (2 + 2) cycloaddition and isomerization. In the reaction sequence, Tf2NH catalyzes both of the reactions.
On the attractiveness of social media for language learning: a look at the state of the art
Authors: Zourou Katerina
Published: April 2012

This paper sets the stage for the articles selected for the special issue "Language learning and social media: (r)evolution?". Starting with some definitions of mainstream terms like "social media", "web 2.0", "social web", "social networking sites (SNS)" and "web 2.0 language learning communities". The purpose is not to "reinvent the wheel" by suggesting new definitions, but to synthesize definitions of mainstream terms and juxtapose them to similar concepts from CALL literature. We then critically discuss three key features of web 2.0 technologies (user participation, openness and network effects). Despite the fact that these three features were present to some extent in technologies prior to social media, we examine whether they take on a radically different meaning in the social media era. Research insights are discussed in the last section of the paper.
The Children’s Digital Media Center @ Los Angeles
Authors: Subrahmanyam Kaveri , Manago Adriana
Published: April 2012

The Children’s Digital Media Center @ Los Angeles studies young people’s interactions with digital media – with a focus on the implications of these interactions for their offline lives and long-term development. Founded by Professor Patricia Greenfield, Distinguished Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA, the Center is a collaborative effort of researchers at the UCLA and the California State University, Los Angeles, USA. CDMC@LA researchers have been at the forefront of research on children’s and adolescents’ use of media ranging from early media forms such as television and video games to more recent ones including various applications on the Internet such as chat rooms, social networking sites, and YouTube. This entry presents an overview of the Center – its history, researchers and collaborators, research focus, and major contributions.
Cyber Behavior with Wikis
Authors: Varga-Atkins Tünde , Prescott Debbie , Dangerfield Peter
Published: April 2012

This entry summarizes research about cyber behavior with wikis. Wikis are collaborative websites allowing the easy creation of interlinked webpages using text editors. The first wiki tool was created by Ward Cunningham, and the first online wiki-based encyclopedia, Wikipedia, appeared in 2001. Currently, three types of wikis exist: public, organizational, and private/educational wikis. This article identifies six areas of wiki research and its leading researchers. These areas are: (1) the wiki way (wikis as part of the suite of Web2.0 tools), and Wikipedia; (2) wiki growth and contributor roles; (3) what motivates people to contribute to wikis; (4) how the authenticity of wiki articles is ensured; (5) the use of wikis in education; and finally (6) how researchers consider the way wikis have impacted on various aspects of human life. The entry closes with suggestions about possible future research directions on online behavior with wikis.
Virtual Interactions via Smartphones
Authors: Lee Jeongyoon , Rethemeyer R. Karl
Published: April 2012

The recent boom in the use of smartphones has led to an expansion of the concept of cyber behavior to include nearly perpetual virtual contact through mobile devices. This chapter addresses the issue of mobile cyber behavior by identifying key dimensions of virtual interactions through smartphones. While most prior studies focused on mobile technology from a technical perspective, this article takes a sociotechnical perspective, focusing on aspects of human behavior in the context of a new technical system (i.e., smartphones). The authors’ review of this literature suggests that mobile phone cyber behavior develops along three primary dimensions – the “3Cs” of: contextualization, customization, and convenience.
The Net Generation
Authors: Leung Louis , Zheng Cindy Pei
Published: April 2012

This article reviewed Net Generation attributes and examined how these attributes are linked to cyber behavior. Net Geners are global citizens and emotionally open. They believe deeply that they have rights and freedom to information and learning. Being technologically savvy, they are natural collaborators in school projects, entertainment, and work. Net Geners are also prosumers, which means that aside from being frequent consumers, they can co-produce, and co-create contents, products, and services with interested parties. The ability to customize and personalize a product or an application is important to the Net Generation. Net Geners expect speed and instant gratifications in everything they do and are good at multitasking. The Net Generation is impatient, and Net Geners think that e-mails are too slow, as they are asynchronous. How these attributes are linked to Net Geners’ learning, entertainment, and social relationships is discussed.
U.S. Children’s and Adolescents’ Internet Access, Use, and Online Behaviors
Authors: Gola Alice Ann Howard , Calvert Sandra L.
Published: April 2012

Technology has dramatically changed the frequency with which US youth access the Internet as well as what they are doing while they are online. In this entry, the authors first examine US children’s and adolescents’ Internet access and use by age, ethnicity, and device (e.g., mobile phone, computer). Next, they discuss how US youths’ earlier online behavior trends, such as visiting chat rooms, have been replaced with activities such as communicating and creating content via social-networking sites. Finally, the chapter examines emerging trends in US youths’ online behaviors that have yet to be researched and explored.
Cybermedia Use, Multitasking, and Academic Distractibility
Authors: Levine Laura E. , Waite Bradley M. , Bowman Laura L.
Published: April 2012

Cyber-media use creates opportunities to engage in immediate, multiple, concurrent activities. Research has demonstrated that cyber-media users commonly take advantage of these opportunities to multitask by performing two or more simultaneous discrete activities. This pattern of cyber-media use may create demands on users’ attentional resources that result in difficulty with tasks that require focused attention. This review will examine connections among cyber-media use, multitasking and related academic distractibility, attention, and performance. Research on cyber-media distractibility is considered within the historical and intellectual context of related research in media psychology and on divided attention. Results generally suggest that multitasking leads to the division of attention, greater distractibility and poorer task performance across a variety of domains. However, the possibility of enhanced performance in some domains (e.g., visual attention) and for some information processing styles (e.g., tasks emphasizing breadth rather than depth and focus) cannot be discounted.
Cyber Behaviors in Seeking Information
Authors: Yuan Xiaojun , Dumas Catherine
Published: April 2012

The emergence of rapidly developing Information Technologies, particularly the Internet and digital systems, provide people access to an overwhelming abundance of online resources. This, in turn, makes their information seeking process even more challenging. As an important research area in the field of information science and human computer interaction, human information seeking behavior has been researched for decades. In this entry, the authors focus on human information seeking behaviors in terms of their definition, the interactive, cognitive, contextual, and task aspects, and the intellectual knowledge and history. Since information seeking behaviors are a facet of the relatively new field of cyber behaviors, the chapter also discusses cyber behaviors in information seeking and the future research directions.
Recruitment and Selection Using Social Network Sites
Authors: Caers Ralf , Vigna Claudia , De Feyter Tim
Published: April 2012

This chapter looks at how social network sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter can be used for recruiting staff members within or outside the organization and during selection procedures. The authors present the opportunities and review scientific literature to analyze whether these opportunities are already used by organizations and what effects their use may have. It thereby becomes clear that although much work has already been done in this field, there is still a critical need for a more profound understanding of matters and for more international research worldwide.
Health-Related Online Support Communities
Authors: Coulson Neil S. , Malik Sumaira
Published: April 2012

In recent years, the Internet has provided new opportunities for individuals living with health-related problems to communicate with each other via online support communities. These communities offer many unique advantages, such as convenience, anonymity, and a diverse range of group members. However, there are potential disadvantages to their use, for example, misleading information. Within such communities, patients may talk about a range of issues and provide support to one another, particularly informational and emotional support. Through self-disclosure and empathic communication, members may feel able to share personal stories as well as help others. Whilst robust evidence for their effectiveness is lacking, there is much qualitative and cross-sectional evidence suggesting that participation in online support communities may be beneficial. However, there is a need for randomised controlled trials of pure peer-to-peer online support.
Peer Counseling Behaviors
Authors: Fukkink Ruben
Published: April 2012

Peers have been supporting one another in a range of internet support groups since the 1980s. A unique feature is the shared social identity among peers, which creates a feeling of solidarity. Three types of online setting can be identified: self-help support groups with similar peers and symmetrical communicative roles; moderated support groups with similar peers and asymmetrical roles; and support groups, which do not share similar experiences, and have asymmetrical roles. Content analyses of these different types of online support have shown that peers offer one another emotional support, esteem support, informational support, and network support. Future studies are needed to generate a greater understanding of the dynamics of peer support and the differences in peer counseling behaviors between the various members of Internet support groups.
Internet Sexuality
Authors: Döring Nicola M.
Published: April 2012

“Internet sexuality” is an umbrella term that refers to all sex-related content and activities observable on the internet. Six main categories of internet sexuality can be identified: (1) sexually explicit material (erotica and pornography), (2) sex education, (3) sexual contacts, (4) sexual subcultures, (5) sex shops, and (6) sex work. While online pornography is the most investigated and most controversial form of internet sexuality, online sex education is the most widely sought out type of sex-related content. All six areas of internet sexuality are associated with both opportunities and challenges for the sexual health of different groups of internet users.
Self-Disclosure Online
Authors: Attrill Alison
Published: April 2012

Self-disclosure (SD) refers to revealing personal information about the self to others (Cozby, 1973). SD occurs in cyberspace via synchronous Internet arenas such as instant messaging and asynchronous communication such as email. It has mainly been considered to be a reciprocal tit-for-tat type exchange of personal facts, thoughts, and emotions (Altman & Taylor, 1973) to develop and maintain relationships. Most research has focused on differences between online and offline SD, often demonstrating an accelerated disclosure of personal and intimate information online than offline (e.g., Wallace, 1999) due to a sense of anonymity (Baker, 2005) and reduced fear of social rejection (Pennebaker, 1989) in cyberspace. Recent research considers the many available Internet arenas that possibly promote differences in quality and quantity of online disclosures (Attrill & Jalil, 2011), and the need to consider voluntary and involuntary SD online along with associated privacy and security risks within a theoretical framework.