bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Learning Style Preferences of ODL Students Using VARK Model: Implications for Individualized Pedagogy and Student Success
Authors: Dey Binayak , Panda Bhujendra Nath
Published: April 2024

Aims: The study aims to assess the learning styles among ODL students in higher education, and propose practical strategies for integrating personalized learning approaches to enhance student engagement and educational outcomes.
Place and Duration of Study: Research was carried out among the higher education students who enrolled in different ODL programs under the dual-mode universities. Survey was administered during Personal Contact Programme (PCP) for the academic session of 2023-2024.
Methodology: Descriptive survey design was employed to gather quantitative data on higher education students learning styles under ODL mode of study and provides a deeper understanding of ODL students' learning preferences based on VARK model. The sample comprised of                      246 post-graduate ODL students from various disciplines. A simple random sampling           technique was employed to ensure representation from diverse academic backgrounds of ODL students.
Results: Study revealed significant variations in learning style preferences among the ODL students. There are 89 (36.18%) ODL students with single preference of learning style and 157 (63.82%) ODL students with multimodal preference of learning style. Statistically significant difference found between male and female ODL students concerning their learning styles. Visual learning style is the most preferred learning style, followed by aural, kinesthetic, and read/write learning style respectively. Majority of ODL students preferred to learn by multiple sensory modalities.
Conclusion: Integrating learning style assessments into distance learning practices holds immense promise for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of distance education. Designing course curriculum for distance education based on multiple sensory modalities is crucial for enhancing learning outcomes and student engagement. Incorporating various sensory channels such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and read/write, ODL professionals can cater to diverse learning styles and preferences, ultimately promoting a deeper understanding of the subject matter and academic success.
Synthesis and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Mahogany Fruit Shell (Khaya senegalensis) Impregnated with TiO2 Used in the Adsorption of Cadmium and Arsenic
Authors: Danbature Wilson Lamayi , Pindiga Nasiru Yahaya , Ibrahim Auwal Musa
Published: April 2024

In this Study, low-cost activated carbon impregnated with TiO2 (Ac/ TiO2) was prepared from mahogany fruit shell (Khaya senegalensis) by chemical activation using phosphoric acid, H3PO4. The resulting product was evaluated for the removal of Arsenic and Cadmium ions from aqueous solutions. The prepared activated carbon was characterized using SEM, FTIR and XRD. Operational parameters such as initial concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time, effects of pH and temperature were studied in a batch system. It was found that the percentage removal for arsenic and cadmium were around 98 and 97% respectively. Equilibrium of the adsorption processes were obtained by testing the adsorption data using two different isotherm models: Langmuir and Freundlich. The adsorption of arsenic fitted well with Freundlich with R2 value of 0.9106. The kinetic of adsorption process was tested through pseudo first order and pseudo second order models. The Pseudo Second Order Kinetic Model provides the best correlation for the experimental data of both the two metals studied. Thermodynamics parameters, such as ΔGo, ΔHo and ΔS0 were also calculated. This result shows that the process of adsorption for arsenic was spontaneous and exothermic, while that of cadmium was spontaneous and endothermic.
The Increased Prevalence of Precocious Puberty in Female Children and its Association with the Link to Increased Sexual Imbalances in Later Life
Authors: Eldohemy Maha Saied Ahmed , Eldohemy Medhat Saied Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Precocious puberty, the premature onset of secondary sexual characteristics before the age of 8 in girls, has emerged as a growing concern in pediatric endocrinology. The prevalence of precocious puberty has witnessed a noticeable rise in recent decades, attributed to various environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors. This surge in early maturation poses significant challenges not only to affected individuals and their families but also to healthcare systems worldwide.
Moreover, beyond the immediate physical changes, there exists a complex interplay between precocious puberty and future sexual imbalances. Studies suggest that early puberty may predispose females to a myriad of health issues, including increased risk of metabolic disorders, psychological challenges, and reproductive complications later in life. Furthermore, the societal implications of this trend cannot be overlooked, as it may exacerbate existing gender disparities and contribute to broader socio-cultural issues.
Understanding the link between precocious puberty and future sexual imbalances is crucial for developing effective preventive strategies and providing comprehensive care to affected individuals. This necessitates interdisciplinary research efforts encompassing endocrinology, psychology, genetics, and public health.
In conclusion, this review shall highlight the urgent need for continued investigation into the escalating prevalence of precocious puberty in female children and its far-reaching implications for sexual health and well-being across the lifespan. By elucidating the underlying mechanisms and risk factors, healthcare professionals can better address this growing public health concern and mitigate its long-term consequences on individuals and societies alike.
The Crespo Scale: Categorising 'Dangerous' Animal Species with Two Quantifiable Factors
Authors: Crespo David Duarte
Published: April 2024

Throughout our history, humanity and the kingdom Animalia have been in conflicts with both sides sharing countless casualties as the outcome. Among animals, adult female mosquitoes of the Anopheles genus are infamously labelled the deadliest to humans in terms of the number of deaths they cause each year. In this scientific paper, an analysis is given over what other direct and indirect factors can be considered when classifying a species of animal as 'dangerous'. It discusses and concludes exactly why they make it more of a danger to human health and safety than others. This is done utilising a brand-new, categoric scale — which has been dubbed the "Crespo scale" — created and designed to categorise all animal species from categories 1–5. One posing the least danger and five the most. The categorisation is performed by examining factors relevant to the animals themselves, which include the estimated Population Size (PS) and Mortality Rate (MR). The hypothesis is that species possessing a larger PS and a higher MR will be placed further up on the scale and thus are more likely to be a threat. Ultimately, both PS and MR are quantifiable factors that can be used to measure and categorise a species' level of danger in a less biased and more accurate, consistent way. However, the factor of MR can often be indirectly influenced by human-related factors that apply to the human development of a country and its general populace.
Development and Standardization of an Adaptation Index to Assess the Climate Resilient Practices by Paddy Growers
Authors: Yaminileela Asodi , Devy M. Rama , Nirmala G. , Jyothi V. , Rao V. Srinivasa , Kumar K. Nirmal Ravi
Published: April 2024

India is prominently recognized as the foremost producer of paddy, cultivating this crop over 47.83 million hectares and generating 135.75 million tonnes of paddy, thus playing a substantial role in the worldwide paddy output. However, there is an anticipated decline in paddy production yields due to the projected effects of climate change, estimated to range from 10% to 30% by 2030. In recent times, adaptation to climate change has become a major concern to farmers, policy makers and researchers. Climate resilient rice production practices need to be enhanced at the farm level in order to aid rural residents in improving their household food security. Against this backdrop, the proposed research seeks to fill this crucial knowledge gap by developing and constructing adaptation index tailored specifically for paddy growers in India. Through a literature review and discussions with experts, we have identified indicators and sub-indicators using the indicator approach method. These indicators will help us understand how paddy growers are adapting to climate change and implementing climate resilient practices. The relevancy rating score was obtained from 30 experts in the concerned area. Based on the relevancy score, 8 indicators and 23 sub-indicators of 0.80 and above were considered for inclusion in the adaptation index. To compute the index values for each of the identified indicators, their relative importance in the adaptation practices was worked out by assignment of index values to indicators through Principal component analysis (PCA) based on the high factor loadings exceeded 0.5 of sub-indicators were considered and the findings revealed that disease and management had highest index value of 3.461, followed by methods of paddy establishment (2.195), crop rejuvenation techniques (2.10), altered planting dates (2.049), water saving and management techniques (1.987), nursery management (1.562), paddy varieties (1.342) and spacing (1.214).
Evaluation of Anti-urolithiasis Activity by Nucleation Assay
Authors: Lolla Siddhartha , Peddinti Harika , Gojuvaka Sravanthi , Saba Samrin , Dasari Uma Devi , Pillalamarri Madhavi
Published: April 2024

Many causes, including the efficiency of plant medicines and their lower side effects when compared to contemporary medications, have contributed to the current rebirth of plant therapies. Given the current situation, basic scientific research on the therapeutic herbs utilized in indigenous systems is urgently needed. The purpose of this review is to provide information on current developments in the study of medicinal plants recognized for their antiurolithiatic properties. This could assist researchers in determining and creating suitable lead compounds or plant products that are advantageous in the treatment of urolithiasis. A series of physicochemical processes, including supersaturation, nucleation, growth, aggregation, and retention inside the kidneys, combine to form kidney stones. In developed nations, 10–12% of people suffer from urinary stones. There are very few places in the world where stone disease is uncommon, such as Germany and the coastal regions of Japan. Thus, the purpose of this review is to provide information about current developments in the study of medicinal plants recognized for their antiurolithiatic properties. Researchers may find this article useful in identifying the primary compounds or herbal products that exhibit urolithiatic activity.
Optimization of PD-1 / PD-L1 Blockade to Increase NK Cells Cytotoxicity in Killing Cancer Cells: Article Review”
Authors: Sentoso Joko Wibowo , Putra Agung , Alif Iffan
Published: April 2024

Anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 are therapies that have shown success in cancer treatment. However, while treating cancer with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade is similar, the clinical response rate is still low in certain cancers at around 40%. Therefore, therapeutic strategies are needed to increase PD-L1 expression and optimize PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy, so as to improve satisfactory therapeutic results. In tumors, IFNγ induces the expression of PD-L1 which is a cytokine secreted by Natural Killer cells. A study showed that PM21-NK cells induced large amounts of IFNγ and transfected PM21-NK cells adaptively induced PD-L1 expression. In in vitro experiments, anti-PD-L1 treatment had no direct effect on cytotoxicity or cytokine secretion by PD-1 negative PM21-NK cells in response to PD-L1+ targets. However, in vivo a significant increase in the antitumor effect of Natural Killer cells was found when combined with anti-PD-L1. PD-L1 blockade also resulted in increased persistence of Natural Killer cells in vivo and retention of their cytotoxic phenotype. These results support the use of anti-PD-L1 in combination with Natural Killer cell therapy regardless of baseline tumor PD-L1 status and suggest that Natural Killer cell therapy will likely increase the applicability of anti-PD-L1 treatment. In this review article, the author will discuss the method of optimizing PD-L1 blockade combined with Natural Killer cell therapy to increase the efficacy of treatment on cancer stem cells in the dormant phase.
Urban Development in Riyadh: Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 for Enhanced Quality of Life
Authors: Alharbi Hanadi A. K.
Published: April 2024

Saudi Urban Development is on the cards, It has been aligned with Vision 2030, since 2016, it refers to the United Nations agenda crafted to meet the needs not only for the present population, rather it guarantees optimum utilisation of resources and preserving them for future generations. The urban development in Saudi Arabia started with a comprehensive idea for tracking its progress on sustainable urban development. The sustainable urban development should be aligned with the Saudi vision 2030, so that the aim and objectives of the vision 2030 can be achieved and better quality of life in the cities can be provided to the residents. To understand this, there is a dire need to investigate the role of built environment on urban quality of life. Previous researches in this area were scarce, Therefore, there is a need to research the above-mentioned constructs in the context of Saudi vision 2030. The research design is cross sectional and collects the data from the population resides in the city of Riyadh (KSA). Responses (n=705) were collected in order to test the model with built environment as independent and urban quality of life as dependent construct. Being an empirical study, the analysis of measurement and structural model was undertaken. On the basis of the findings, implications for improving Quality of life through urban planning for better built environments were also presented. The research makes a contribution by suggesting methods for reducing noise, creating aesthetically beautiful structures and public areas according to the requirements and preferences of the locals, and lowering socio-spatial disparities while supporting housing and mobility for disadvantaged groups.
To Access the Knowledge of Community Science: A Fresh Perspective on B.Sc. Community Science Grade
Authors: Kumari Saloni , Kumari Punam , Prakash Satya , Maurya Rohit
Published: April 2024

Community Science formerly Known as Home Science is a profession and area of study that deals with the management and economics of the home and community. It is also referred to as family and consumer sciences, human ecology, and home economics. The present study was conducted during 2022-23 to measure the knowledge level of the B.Sc. Community Science graduates. To construct and standardize Knowledge scale the researcher outlined a scale and after that analyzing the content framed 600 items related to the course. After seeking the opinion of the experts some of the items were reframed. Finally, 450 items were considered to form initial stage for developing a standardized knowledge test. These items were subjected to item analysis. After which, a total 300 items were remained for the final study. The selected items sent to 15 State or central Agricultural Universities, 150 M.Sc. Community Science Students as respondents through Online google forms for the data collection. The result of the study revealed that there are 14% of the respondents had low level of Knowledge, majority of the respondents, 74% fall into the medium level of knowledge and 12% of the respondents had demonstrate a higher level of knowledge.
Structural Support of Aluminum Honeycomb on Cast PBX
Authors: Kim Seonghan , Lee Keundeuk , Park Haneul , Han Mingu
Published: April 2024

As the operating condition for the penetrating missile has been more advanced, the survivability of main charge has been strongly required when the warhead impacts the target. Lots of efforts to desensitize explosives such as the development of insensitive molecular explosives or optimizing plastic-bonded explosives(PBX) systems has been made to enhance the survivability of main charge. However, these efforts face their limits as the weapon system require higher performance. Herein, we suggest a new strategy to secure the survivability of main charge. We applied structurally supportable aluminum honeycomb(HC) structure to cast PBX. The aluminum HC structure reinforces the mechanical strength of cast PBX and helps it to withstand external pressure without the reaction like detonation. In this study, impact resistance character, shock sensitivity and internal blast performance of PBXs reinforced with HC structure were investigated according to the application of aluminum HC structure. The newly suggested aluminum HC structure applied to cast PBX was proved to be a promising manufacturing method available for high-tech weapon systems.
Large Animal Models for Stem and Progenitor Cell Analysis
Authors: Donahue Robert E. , Kuramoto Ken , Dunbar Cynthia E.
Published: April 2008

Extrapolation of an understanding regarding hematopoiesis and, in particular, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from rodent models or in vitro human cell models to applications in humans has proven very difficult. This is not surprising, given the differences between rodent and human hematopoietic physiology and the lack of true in vitro assays for HSCs. Therefore, translational preclinical development of genetic and cellular therapies is dependent on the utilization of practical and well‐defined large animal models. This chapter will introduce the most commonly used model species, including macaques, baboons, dogs, cats, and sheep, and explain the particular advantages and limitations of each. Specific protocols for the support of macaques through ablative cell and gene therapy procedures will be included to introduce investigators to the types of resources and support required to maintain a large animal facility dedicated to high‐intensity experimentation, and also to introduce investigators to the types of procedures that are possible.
Biosafety: Guidelines for Working with Pathogenic and Infectious Microorganisms
Authors: Coico Richard , Lunn George
Published: April 2008

This unit, in conjunction with local and national guidelines and regulations, provides the basic biosafety information needed to perform the procedures detailed in this manual. Topics discussed include routine precautions when working with biohazards, disinfectants, disposal of biohazards, biosafety levels (as established by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), animal facilities, and clinical laboratories. In addition, resources for more information are provided in the Literature Cited and Key References sections and in URLs given text and within the Internet Resources section.
Self‐reported illness and birth weight in the Philippines: Implications for hypotheses of adaptive fetal plasticity
Authors: Heinke Dominique , Kuzawa Christopher W.
Published: April 2008

It has been proposed that prenatal nutrition provides the fetus with a cue allowing it to adjust biological settings in anticipation of postnatal nutrition. To evaluate the reliability of fetal growth rate as a nutritional cue, this study assesses the extent to which a nonnutritional factor‐maternal illness symptoms during pregnancy‐predicts birth outcomes in a large, population‐based sample of Filipino women and their newborns (n = 2,887). Self‐reported illness symptoms were collected during pregnancy and used to predict weight, length, BMI, and gestational age at birth. Independent of potential confounders, number of reported symptoms predicted a significant dose‐response decrease in birth weight and BMI, but not length that reflected a combination of reduced fetal growth rate and reduced duration of gestation. These effects were comparable in male and female offspring, but tended to be stronger when reported closer to term. Among women interviewed at 32 weeks gestation or later, multiple symptoms predicted a 144 g birth weight reduction compared with no symptoms. These findings suggest an acute effect of maternal illness on fetal nutrition late in gestation when growth rate and fat deposition are most rapid. Although modest, the effect was larger than that of most pregnancy macronutrient supplementation trials. These findings using crosssectional, self‐reported illness symptoms highlight a nonnutritional maternal influence on fetal nutrition, which could attenuate its value as a cue of postnatal ecology. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in body composition and cardiovascular and Type 2 diabetes risk factors between migrant and British‐born British Pakistani women
Authors: Pollard Tessa M. , Unwin Nigel , Fischbacher Colin , Chamley Jagdip K.
Published: April 2008

There is a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes in people of South Asian origin living in affluent western countries. We do not know whether or how risk factors for these diseases change in subsequent generations born in the west. Findings that birth‐weight is inversely associated with abdominal obesity and risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes in later life suggest that those born in the west may have lower levels of risk than migrants. We assessed 30 migrants from Pakistan to the UK, 30 British‐born British Pakistani women, and 25 British‐born women of European origin. British‐born British Pakistani women were taller (P = 0.05), had a lower waist to hip ratio (P = 0.04), lower mean fasting glucose levels (P = 0.03), lower mean triglyceride levels (P = 0.03), and higher mean HDL levels (P < 0.001) than migrant British Pakistani women. Levels of fasting insulin, HOMA‐IR, and blood pressure were not significantly different in the two British Pakistani groups. Thus, we found healthier levels of several cardiovascular and Type 2 diabetes risk factors in British‐born British Pakistani women than in migrant British Pakistani women. These findings might be related to the effects of early environment or to other factors, such as differences in health behaviors. British‐born British Pakistani women also differed from British‐born European women, having a more adverse body composition, but healthier levels of HDL cholesterol and blood pressure. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of insoluble fibroin/collagen films without methanol treatment and the increase of its flexibility and cytocompatibility
Authors: Lv Qiang , Hu Kun , Feng Qingling , Cui Fuzhai
Published: April 2008

It is still a critical challenge to increase the flexibility of regenerated fibroin materials in dry and near dry states. In this study, a novel biocompatible and water‐stable film composed of fibroin and collagen was successfully prepared from aqueous fibroin solution without methanol treatment. The result of contact angle measurement indicates that hydrophilicity is evidently increased when collagen was added to fibroin film. The elongation at break in wet state is also increased because of the blending of collagen, which implied the improvement of flexibility. More importantly, the blend films containing 20% collagen become flexible when placed at above 65% humidity in atmosphere. It means that the blend films could be fabricated to different conformations easily through adjusting humidity in atmosphere. HepG2 cells were cultured on fibroin and fibroin/collagen films to investigate the cytocompatibility of these films. Scanning electron microscopy and MTT analysis demonstrated that the adding of collagen evidently improved HepG2 proliferation in over 10 days culture. The excellent cytocompatibility, the flexibility in the near dry state as well as the green preparation process of fibroin/collagen blend films make them become the promising biomaterials for different medical applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
“Ex situ” concept for toughening the RTMable BMI matrix composites, Part I: Improving the interlaminar fracture toughness
Authors: Cheng Qunfeng , Fang Zhengping , Yi Xiao‐Su , An Xuefeng , Tang Bangming , Xu Yahong
Published: April 2008

Aerospace‐grade bismaleimide matrix composites was toughened based on a novel ex situ resin transfer molding (RTM) technique using a special manufactured ES™ carbon fabrics. The toughening mechanism and toughening effect by the technique are studied using thermoplastic PAEK as toughener. Mode I fracture toughness (GIC) of the composites toughened by ex situ RTM technique increased up to three times higher than that of the control system, and Mode II fracture toughness (GIIC) increased two times higher as well. The composite without toughening was denoted as control system. The microstructure revealed that a reaction‐induced phase decomposition and inversion happened in the interlaminar region, which resulted in a particles morphology that showed the thermosetting particles were surrounded with the PAEK phase. The plastic deformation and rupture of the continuous PAEK phase are responsible to the fracture toughness improvement. And the influence of PAEK concentration on toughness improvement was also investigated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Miscibility, crystallization, and mechanical properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) and poly(propylene carbonate) biodegradable blends
Authors: Yang Dong Zhi , Hu Ping
Published: April 2008

Nine blends of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC), biodegradable polyester, and pure sample films were prepared with the ratio of PHB/PPC ranging from 90/10 to 10/90 by codissolving these two polyesters in chloroform and casting the mixture. The miscibility, crystallization, melting behavior, morphology, and mechanical properties of the blends have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), and scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The results indicated that PHB showed complete miscibility with PPC for PHB/PPC 30/70, 20/80, and 10/90, as evidenced by the only one composition‐dependent glass transitions (Tg) of blends, and the Tgs close to the values calculated using the Fox equation. However, PHB showed immiscibility with PPC for the other six blends, as shown by the existence of almost unchanged Tg of PHB at about 2°C. According to the DSC analysis, the crystallization of PHB was suppressed by blending with abundant PPC. This result is consistent with results obtained from X‐ray and POM results. Some interaction between the two macromolecules was confirmed by using FTIR analysis. SEM graphs showed that the blends containing PHB ≤ 30 wt % tend to form a more compact structure, and no obvious phase separation was found. The brittleness of PHB was improved apparently by blending with PPC. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Mechanical properties and morphologies of polypropylene composites synergistically filled by styrene‐butadiene rubber and silica nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Wei‐Zhi , Liu Tianxi
Published: April 2008

The mechanical properties and morphologies of PP/SBR/SiO2 nanocomposites have been studied using mechanical testing, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The mechanical properties of neat polypropylene can be considerably improved by synergistically filling with SiO2 and SBR nanoparticles, especially for the notched Izod impact strength. The results from the WAXD, POM, SEM, DSC, and TGA measurements reveal that: (i) the β‐phase crystal structure of PP is formed when SiO2 and SBR nanoparticles are synergistically filled with polypropylene and its formation plays a role for the enhancement of the impact strength for PP/SBR/SiO2 nanocomposites; (ii) the dispersion of SiO2 and SBR nanoparticles in PP/SBR/SiO2 composites is homogeneous, indicating that synergistic incorporating method decreases the aggregation of nanoparticles and thus increases the sites for dissipation of shock for impact energy in PP/SBR/SiO2 nanocomposites; (iii) the thermal analysis shows high thermal stability for the PP/SBR/SiO2 nanocomposites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
XPS and EXAFS characterization of Ziegler–Natta catalyst systems
Authors: da Silva Filho Adilson Arli , Martins Alves Maria do Carmo , dos Santos João Henrique Zimnoch
Published: April 2008

A series of Ziegler–Natta catalysts, with and without diisobutylphtalate as an internal donor, were modified with alkylaluminum (triethylaluminum or diethylaluminum chloride) and an external donor (diisopropyldimethoxysilane or methyltrimethoxysilane), in increasing complexity. The resulting catalysts were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure analysis (EXAFS) and evaluated in propylene polymerization. According to EXAFS oscillation, systems bearing diisobutylphtalate as an internal donor displayed a well‐defined pattern, suggesting a more ordered structure around the Ti atom. EXAFS data treatment provided two TiCl distances: ∼ 1.96 and 2.5 Å. The former was shown to have a linear dependence on the Ti (2p3/2) binding energy as the catalyst is modified with TEA or with external donors. Conversely, the longest distance is reduced as Ti (2p3/2) binding energy increases with catalyst modification. Correlations involving the catalyst activity, Ti (2p3/2) binding energy, and TiCl distances could be denoted. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Key biodiversity areas as globally significant target sites for the conservation of marine biological diversity
Authors: Edgar Graham J. , Langhammer Penny F. , Allen Gerry , Brooks Thomas M. , Brodie Juliet , Crosse William , De Silva Naamal , Fishpool Lincoln D. C. , Foster Matthew N. , Knox David H. , Mccosker John E. , Mcmanus Roger , Millar Alan J. K. , Mugo Robinson
Published: April 2008

Recent approaches to the planning of marine protected area (MPA) networks for biodiversity conservation often stress the need for a representative coverage of habitat types while aiming to minimize impacts on resource users. As typified by planning for the Australian South‐east Marine Region, this strategy can be manipulated by political processes, with consequent biased siting of MPAs. Networks thus created frequently possess relatively low value for biodiversity conservation, despite significant costs in establishment and maintenance.

Such biases can be minimized through application of the data‐driven and species‐based concept of key biodiversity areas (KBAs).

By mapping locations of threatened species and populations that are highly aggregated in time or space, the KBA process allows marine sites of global biodiversity significance to be systematically identified as priority conservation targets. Here, the value of KBAs for marine conservation planning is outlined, and guidelines and provisional criteria for their application provided.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic Performance of Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Sulfur‐Containing Pincer Complexes: Synthesis and Tandem Catalytic Activity of the First PCS‐Pincer Palladium Complex
Authors: Gagliardo Marcella , Selander Nicklas , Mehendale Nilesh C. , van Koten Gerard , Klein Gebbink Robertus J. M. , Szabó Kálmán J.
Published: April 2008

The synthesis and catalytic applications of a new aryl‐based unsymmetrical PCS‐pincer complex are reported. Preparation of the robust air‐ and moisture‐stable PCS‐pincer palladium complex 5[X] started from the symmetrical α,α′‐dibromo‐meta‐xylene and involved the selective substitution of one bromide by PPh2(BH3), followed by substitution of the second bromide by SPh and subsequent introduction of the palladium. The new PCS complexes (5[X]) were employed as catalysts in two important organic transformations. Firstly, complex 5[Cl] displays high catalytic activity in aldol reactions but enters the catalytic cycle as a precatalyst. Secondly, complex 5[BF4] displays tandem catalytic activity in the coupling of allyl chlorides with aldehydes and imines in the presence of hexamethylditin. In these tandem catalytic reactions the first process is the conversion of allyl chlorides into trimethylallyltin (and trimethyltin chloride) with Sn2Me6, which is followed by catalytic allylation of aldehyde and sulfonimine substrates. In addition, we present a new catalytic process for the one‐pot allylation of 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde with vinyloxirane. The catalytic performance of the novel PCS‐pincer palladium complex was compared to those of its symmetrical PCP‐ and SCS‐pincer complex analogues. It was concluded that the unsymmetrical PCS complex advantageously unifies the attractive catalytic features of the corresponding symmetrical pincer complexes including both (π‐) electron‐withdrawing (such as phosphorus) or (σ‐) electron‐donating (such as sulfur and nitrogen) heteroatoms. Thus, in the aldol reaction the PCS‐pincer palladium complex 5[X] provides a high turnover frequency, while in the tandem process both reactions are catalysed with sufficiently high activity.
The incidence of dyslexia among young offenders in Kuwait
Authors: Elbeheri Gad , Everatt John , Al Malki Mohammad
Published: April 2008

This paper investigates the incidence of dyslexia among young offenders in Kuwait. A total of 91 children/young adults from 8 juvenile delinquent welfare centres across Kuwait were interviewed and tested. A measure of non‐verbal reasoning ability was used to exclude those with low general ability. The remaining 53 participants were tested on their ability to identify alliteration and rhyme, retain and manipulate sequences of digit and letter names, decode novel letter strings and identify words within letter chains. Participants' reading accuracy, rate of reading, reading comprehension and ability to spell correctly dictated text were also assessed. These measures were used to determine those with indicators of dyslexia. The results indicated that the percentage of individuals presenting evidence of dyslexia was much larger (greater than 20%) in this population of young offenders than would be expected based on the national average (around 6%) of dyslexics in Kuwait derived from a nationwide study (A survey study of dyslexia in Kuwait, Kuwait Dyslexia Association: Kuwait City; 2002). These findings replicate previous evidence for an increased frequency of dyslexia among young offenders. The implications of such findings are discussed in terms of dyslexia awareness, socio‐cultural factors, education and intervention, particularly in Kuwait juvenile delinquent welfare centres. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of binge eating and associated factors in a Brazilian probability sample of midlife women
Authors: de Freitas Silvia Regina , Appolinario José Carlos , de Moura Souza Amanda , Sichieri Rosely
Published: April 2008

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence of binge eating (BE) and inappropriate behaviors of weight control in a population sample of Brazilian midlife adult women and to correlate the prevalence of BE with self‐rated health (SRH).

Method:

A household sample of 1,298 females aged 35 years or older answered a face‐to‐face interview including questions on eating behaviors and had their weight and height measured.

Results:

The prevalence of regular BE (twice or more episodes by week) and inappropriate methods of weight control was 11.5 and 10.2%, respectively. BE episodes were positively correlated with BMI and negatively correlated with age and SRH. These correlations persisted when mutually adjusted by BMI, age, and SRH.

Conclusion:

These findings show the relevance of BE on the overall health of women of this age group and emphasize the need for expanding research on eating disorders to beyond the populations more frequently assessed of teenagers and young adults. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Do adolescents with eating disorder not otherwise specified or full‐syndrome bulimia nervosa differ in clinical severity, comorbidity, risk factors, treatment outcome or cost?
Authors: Schmidt Ulrike , Lee Sally , Perkins Sarah , Eisler Ivan , Treasure Janet , Beecham Jeny , Berelowitz Mark , Dodge Liz , Frost Susie , Jenkins Mari , Johnson‐Sabine Eric , Keville Saskia , Murphy Rebecca , Robinson Paul , Winn Suzanne , Yi Irene
Published: April 2008

Objective:

We wanted to know whether adolescents with eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) differ from those with bulimia nervosa (BN) in clinical features, comorbidity, risk factors, treatment outcome or cost.

Method:

Adolescents with EDNOS (n = 24) or BN (n = 61) took part in a trial of family therapy versus guided self‐care. At baseline, eating disorder symptoms, risk factors, and costs were assessed by interview. Patients were reinterviewed at 6 and 12 months.

Results:

Compared with EDNOS, BN patients binged, vomited and purged significantly more, and were more preoccupied with food. Those with EDNOS had more depression and had more current and childhood obsessive‐compulsive disorder. 66.6% of EDNOS versus 27.8% of BN patients were abstinent from bingeing and vomiting at 1 year. Diagnosis did not moderate treatment outcome. Costs did not differ between groups.

Conclusion:

EDNOS in adolescents is not trival. It has milder eating disorder symptoms but more comorbidity than BN. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Service users' feedback on cognitive training in the treatment of anorexia nervosa: A qualitative study
Authors: Whitney Jenna , Easter Abigail , Tchanturia Kate
Published: April 2008

Objective:

There is little evidence to guide the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN). Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) may be helpful in reducing perfectionism and rigidity and preparing patients for involvement in later psychological interventions. The aim of this study was to examine service users' experiences of participating in CRT.

Method:

Written feedback, following 10 CRT sessions, from 19 AN patients wasanalyzed using grounded theory approach.

Results:

Patients' feedback was generally positive. They found CRT refreshing and appreciated that it did not revolve around food. Patients found CRT helpful in reducing perfectionism and rigidity. The majority expressed how they were able to implement skills in their real life. Some changes were suggested, these included varying levels of difficulty and more guidance in implementing skills.

Conclusion:

CRT is a promising component in the treatment of AN. Further research is being conducted to evaluate CRT. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Eating attitudes and weight concerns in female low birth weight adolescents
Authors: Blond Anna I. , Feldman Judith F. , Lorenz John M. , Whitaker Agnes H.
Published: April 2008

Objective:

Studies of clinically referred patients have implicated low birth weight (LBW) as a possible risk factor for eating disorders. This study examines eating attitudes and weight concerns in nonreferred LBW female adolescents.

Method:

274 LBW girls (mean age 15.9) belonging to a prospective regional LBW birth cohort completed the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT‐26) and items from the Eating Symptoms Inventory on weight perception and weight dissatisfaction.

Results:

Only 2.3% scored above threshold for eating disorder risk on the EAT‐26. A total of 25% perceived themselves as overweight and 18.7% perceived themselves as underweight, while 63.4% desired to lose and 17.7% desired to gain weight. Girls who perceived themselves as overweight or desired to lose weight had higher mean EAT scores than those who did not.

Conclusion:

Nonreferred adolescent girls born at LBW are not, as a whole, at risk for abnormal eating attitudes and negative perceptions of their weight. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Development of nonlinear predictor with a set of predicted points for continuation power flow
Authors: Kojima Takayuki , Mori Hiroyuki
Published: April 2008

In this paper, a new continuation power flow method is proposed to speed up computational time for drawing P– V curves in power systems. The continuation power flow calculation aims at successively evaluating power flow solutions in changing the nodal specified value of power flow calculation. The P– V curves are useful for static voltage instability. The conventional continuation power flow calculation methods are based on the predictor– corrector method. This paper proposes a new nonlinear predictor in the predictor– corrector method. The proposed method simultaneously evaluates a set of solution candidates through the nonlinear predictor. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated in sample systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 163(4): 30–41, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20297
Thermodynamic and transport properties of CO2, CO2–O2, and CO2–H2mixtures at temperatures of 300 to 30,000 K and pressures of 0.1 to 10 MPa
Authors: Tanaka Yasunori , Yamachi Nobuhiko , Matsumoto Shinji , Kaneko Shuhei , Okabe Shigemitsu , Shibuya Masatoyo
Published: April 2008

This paper provides the theoretical calculation results of thermodynamic and transport properties of CO2, CO2–O2mixture, CO2–H2mixture under thermal equilibrium condition at temperatures of 300 to 30,000 K and at pressures of 0.1 to 10 MPa. The gas CO2is one of the candidates for the environmentally benign arc‐quenching medium in a circuit breaker. Furthermore, the effect of additional gases O2and H2on the thermodynamic and transport properties of CO2was also investigated in this paper. The hydrogen atom included CO2is similar to the polymer ablated vapor in switching devices. First, equilibrium compositions of CO2, CO2–O2mixture, CO2–H2mixture were calculated through the Gibbs free energy minimization method. Second, thermodynamic properties were computed using the calculated composition. Finally, transport properties were calculated by the first‐order approximation of Chapman– Enskog method using the collision integrals between species. Inclusion of H2increases the electrical conductivity of CO2in the range 3000 to 6000 K because CHO molecules produced in this temperature range emit more electrons due to the lower ionization potential of CHO. It also increases the thermal conductivity of CO2especially due to dissociation reactions of H2around 3900 K and ionization of H around 15,000 K. These properties provided here can be used for CO2thermal plasma simulation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 163(4): 18–29, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience. wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20467
Study on electromagnetic force in the end portion of large‐capacity cylindrical synchronous generators: Improvement of reactance estimation and verification of electromagnetic force
Authors: Nagano Susumu , Tokumasu Tadashi , Fujita Masafumi , Ichimonji Masayuki , Sekito Shinobu , Hiramatsu Daisuke , Nagakura Ken , Nitta Tanzo
Published: April 2008

This paper describes the calculation of reactance based on the FEM method from the point of view of changing conditions of electrical frequency as being effective for considering various kinds of transient phenomena. Moreover, the electromagnetic force on the end‐winding of the stator is used to evaluate the strength of the stator end‐winding support system, especially for large‐capacity cylindrical synchronous generators, where the end‐winding portion is the longest and the electromagnetic force on that portion is the greatest of all rotating machinery. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 163(4): 67–77, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20649
Estimation of position and size of an object in a homogeneous medium by electrical and ultrasonic integrated sensor
Authors: Shimizu Toshihiko , Kimoto Akira , Shida Katsunori
Published: April 2008

In this paper, three parameters, the position and size of an object inserted between the sensor and the temperature in the equipment, are estimated by using an electrical and ultrasonic integrated sensor. The integrated sensor consists of a pair of piezoelectric ceramics. The propagation time is measured by a pair of piezoelectric ceramics, and the conductance between a pair of piezoelectric ceramics is also measured by an electrode on the piezoelectric ceramic surface. Therefore, the electrical and ultrasonic properties are obtained by the proposed sensor. In the experiment, a gypsum specimen was inserted between a pair of piezoelectric ceramics arranged inside a cylindrical vessel filled with saline water of 0.1% concentration, and the conductance and propagation time were measured by a pair of piezoelectric ceramics at temperatures of 20, 25, and 30°C. Three gypsum specimens, with diameters of 35, 50, and 65 mm, were prepared. The positions and diameters of the gypsum specimens and the temperature in the equipment were estimated from the propagation time and conductance measured by the integrated sensor. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 163(4): 42–47, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20664
Structural, Magnetic and Magnetotransport Properties of La0.7Pb0.3(Mn1–xNix)O3 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) CMR Manganites
Authors: Peña Alazne , Gutiérrez Jon , Campo Javier , Barandiarán Jose Manuel , Lezama Luis , Gil de Muro Izaskun , Rojo Teófilo
Published: April 2008

Structural and magnetic properties of La0.7Pb0.3(Mn1–xNix)O3 (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) manganites are reported. Samples were fabricated by the sol–gel low‐temperature method. At room temperature, the first structural characterization of all phases indicated the rhombohedral space group (R$\bar {3}$c). All compositions show ferromagnetic behaviour and magnetoresistance. The measured low‐temperature magnetic moment and the Curie temperature continuously decrease, with respect to the undoped composition, as Mn ions are substituted progressively by Ni. This is interpreted in terms of direct substitution of Mn3+ by low‐spin (LS) Ni3+ ions. The measured magnetoresistance reaches 46 % for the 10 % Ni‐doped composition and 28 % for the 30 % Ni‐doped one at the corresponding Curie temperature. The resistivity behaviour of all the studied compounds is fully determined by the intergrainconduction mechanism, with grain sizes in the range20–45 nm.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)