bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study of rheological behavior for refined rapeseed oil
Authors: Stanciu Ioana
Published: October 2013

The refined rapeseed oil were carefully studied in recent years because they may constitute a raw material for biodegradable lubricants getting organic. These oils are an alternative to synthetic mineral oils. This article presents rheological behavior of refined rapeseed oil. The dynamic viscosity of refined rapeseed oil was determined at temperatures range between 313 - 363 K and shear rates range from 3.3 - 120 s-1. For temperature ranging between 313 - 363 K refined rapeseed oil has a Bingham fluid behavior.
Development of Aloe vera based edible coating for tomato
Authors: Athmaselvi K.A. , Sumitha P. , Revathy B.
Published: October 2013

The effect of formulated Aloe vera based edible coating on mass loss, colour, firmness, pH, acidity, total soluble solid, ascorbic acid and lycopene on the coated tomato was investigated. The tomato in control showed a rapid deterioration with an estimated shelf life period of 19 days, based on the mass loss, colour changes, accelerated softening and ripening. On the contrary, the coating on tomatoes delayed the ripening and extended the shelf life up to 39 days. The physiological loss in weight was 7.6 and 15.1%, firmness was 36 and 46.2 N on 20th day for control and coated tomatoes, respectively. From the results, it was concluded that the use of Aloe vera based edible coating leads to increased tomato shelf-life.
Physicochemical and grinding characteristics of dragonhead seeds
Authors: Dziki D. , Miś A. , Gładyszewska B. , Laskowski J. , Kwiatkowski S. , Gawlik-Dziki U.
Published: October 2013

The results of investigations on the physicochemical and grinding characteristics of Moldavian dragonhead seeds are presented. The data obtained showed that the physical properties (average size, sphericity, surface area, 1 000 seed mass, dynamic angle of repose, coefficient of static friction, and bulk and true densities) of the white and blue form of dragonhead seeds were not significantly different. Both forms of dragonhead showed similar levels of protein (average of 21%), whereas the blue form of dragonhead had a lower fat content (average of 23.1%) and higher mucilage content (13.35%) in comparison to the blue form of seed (24.6 and 9.95%, respectively). Antioxidant capacity of dragonhead seeds was comparable for both forms and averaged about 40%, which corresponded to EC50 values of 0.12 and 0.13 mgml-1 for the white and blue forms, respectively. The grinding material showed similar particle size distribution of ground material for both forms of dragonhead seeds. The lowest values of specific grinding energy were obtained for the white form of dragonhead seeds, those for the blue form were significantly higher. Grinding of dragonhead seeds using a screen 2.0 mm mesh size caused screen hole clogging. This problem did not occur when dragonhead seeds were mixed with wheat grain.
Evapotranspiration and simulation of soil water movement in small area vegetation
Authors: Paraskevas C. , Georgiou P. , Ilias A. , Panoras A. , Babajimopoulos C.
Published: October 2013

In Greece, crops are frequently cultivated in small isolated areas in close proximity to roads and bare soils and therefore evapotranspiration is affected by local advection. Under these circumstances, oasis effect conditions are present and evapotranspiration is higher than what is expected. In this paper, the evapotranspiration and soil water dynamics of a cotton crop cultivated in small areas under the oasis effect is studied. To this end, two isolated free-drainage lysimeters cultivated with cotton in the year 2007 were used. Soil moisture of the soil profile of both the lysimeters was monitored with two capacitance water content probes. The soil water balance method was used to estimate crop evapotranspiration and corresponding crop coefficients in one of the two lysimeters. These coefficients were 75% larger than the FAO-56 crop coefficients at the mid-season stage. The FAO-56 and the derived crop coefficients were used for the simulation of the water dynamics in the second lysimeter by the SWBACROS model. The derived crop coefficients for these conditions produced much better results than the FAO-56 crop coefficients. The results were improved when crop coefficient value equal to 2.5 was used for the mid-season stage.
Eliminating Knowledge Bottlenecks Using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Zajec Maja , Kofjač Davorin , Roblek Matjaž
Published: October 2013

In the formation of new processes, innovations generated by people possessing the right knowledge and talent play a crucial role. Our starting point was the fact that every new change in processes can alter the knowledge structure of a work position or work role. This means that a person can become a knowledge bottleneck in the process. If this person is found on a critical path, the process cannot produce the output in a desired form, extent or quality, unless the bottleneck is removed. For this reason, we developed a decision model founded on fuzzy logic. The result of the fuzzy model is knowledge estimation based on deviation between the required and actual knowledge. For faster decision making, we made a presentation of allocated people on desired roles using the heat map technique. Therefore, the employers make better decisions on actual knowledge allocation, acquiring missing knowledge, or defining knowledge required for the future, which makes them more competitive.
Competency Management in Central Europe: A Comparison of Czech, Hungarian and Slovenian Competency Needs
Authors: Mühlbacher Jürgen , Kovač Jure , Novotny Adam , Putnová Anna
Published: October 2013

After a strong focus on transition processes in Central East European countries (CEE), this topic has been displaced by more dramatic merger and reorganization processes or the recent financial crisis. This obscures the fact that we know almost nothing about the management competencies in these countries, which is an important building or stumbling block for future development. Therefore, we will examine the individual competencies of almost 300 top and middle managers in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovenia, and we will compare the different sets of competencies and interpret them according to the given economic situation in these countries
Personality: Blessing or Curse? The Entrepreneur’s Path from Personal to Leadership Competencies
Authors: Forster Michael , Parrer Philipp , Wöss Nina Maria
Published: October 2013

This paper is based on a study which investigates the relevance of management competencies in Austrian organizations, focusing on start-ups. The study as well as the existing literature confirms that personal competencies such as ambition, selfconfidence or assertiveness are perceived as more important by start-ups than by established companies. However, further results of the paper show that especially leadership competencies play a major role in developing a growing start-up whereas personal competencies fade into the background and can even have a negative impact on turnover growth. In general, the paper discusses special characteristics of competence classes for start-ups and examines differences and similarities in comparison to established companies. As it has already been indicated, the evidence leads to different and surprising considerations for entrepreneurs and growing start-ups.
Management Competencies and Organizational Performance in CEE: A Comparison of Slovenia and Austria
Authors: Šparl Petra , Žnidaršič Anja , Kasper Helmut , Mühlbacher Jürgen , Kovač Jure
Published: October 2013

Today management competencies are seen as the only long-term strategic advantage of any company. However, from corporate experience we know that only 10 % of the knowledge acquired is transferred into entrepreneurial practice. Current trends in management development often overemphasize individual learning and ignore the missing fit between individual behavior and organizational performance. To meet these demands, we collected competency attributions of managers attending executive courses in Austria and Slovenia. A questionnaire with closed and open question will help to explore and compare the relation between organizational performance and current management competencies in these countries. The results confirm our predictions to a lesser extent. However, they represent a basis for further examination of the relationship between managerial competencies and organizational performance.
Sport and Philosophy of Hospitality: Three Questions on How to Rethink Contemporary Sport Education in Light of Gift and Peace
Authors: Isidori Emanuele , Echazarreta Rafael Ramos
Published: October 2013

The ancient Olympic Games were held in spaces and places consecrated for hospitality, to xénia, a Greek word that means “gifts” but also something that refers to and belongs to strangers and foreigners. Foreigners from every part of Greece met in Olympia to celebrate the agón. In this place, a stranger or a foreigner (hostis in Latin), probably a former enemy, became a friend because he was both guest and host (hospes in Latin) in the sanctuary-town, which belonged to the gods and to all of the Greeks, who recognized themselves in its spirit. This mechanism of hospitality formed the basis of the Olympic peace system and was the fundamental prerequisite for the celebration of agón. The practice of the agón was therefore made possible by a “gift” but also by “for-giveness” that allowed people to meet and compete. We can conclude that at the base of the Olympic (and Greek) ethics there was the concept of hospitality. Olympia was then the common home of all Greeks, the place where ethics were carried out, were put into practice, and concretely exercised. It is not a pure coincidence that the Greek word “ethics” is linked to the word éthos, which means “house”, “home”. For this reason, ethics can be thought as the art of hosting somebody in our own home and trusting him/her, just as it happened in ancient Olympia during the Olympic Games, which demonstrated that ethics was always a home’s ethics. Therefore, taking into account this cultural and philosophical framework, this study will develop a methodological approach, derived from deconstructionism, which will be applied to concepts that are both ambiguous and semantically rich in meaning, such as “gift”, “forgiveness”, xénos, hostis, and hospes. The first objective of this study is to reflect upon the connection between “gift” and “sport” and show the deep interconnection between the two concepts. The second is to use the model of Greek hospitality at the Olympic Games to deeply rethink sport and contemporary philosophy of sport education in terms of peace and multiculturalism.
Rhumb-Line Sailing by Computation
Authors: Morgaś Wacław , Kopacz Zdzisław
Published: October 2013

Proposals of algorithms for solving Navigation faculty’s problems regarding navigation along rhumb line (loxodrome), for officer trainees and civil students of Faculty of Navigation and Naval Weapons and for deck seamen on operational level, are presented in this paper. Proposals of calculation algorithms given in the article cover simple mathematical totting based on plane sailing (navigational) triangle and Mercator triangle (Mercator sailing). The algorithms refer to traditional methods of solving problems and they do not cover solutions applicable in automated (integrated) navigational systems.

The formulas enable to solve the tasks with a use of electronic calculator and application of traditional methods on plane and sphere, and they also take the Earth’s ellipsoidal shape into consideration.
On the origin of space
Authors: Herrmann Richard
Published: October 2013

Within the framework of fractional calculus with variable order the evolution of space in the adiabatic limit is investigated. Based on the Caputo definition of a fractional derivative using the fractional quantum harmonic oscillator a model is presented, which describes space generation as a dynamic process, where the dimension d of space evolves smoothly with time in the range 0 ≤ d(t) ≤ 3, where the lower and upper boundaries of dimension are derived from first principles. It is demonstrated, that a minimum threshold for the space dimension is necessary to establish an interaction with external probe particles. A possible application in cosmology is suggested.
Carbon-Supported PtRuMo Electrocatalysts for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells
Authors: Martínez-Huerta María , Tsiouvaras Nikolaos , García Gonzalo , Peña Miguel , Pastor Elena , Rodriguez José , Fierro José
Published: October 2013

The review article discusses the current status and recent findings of our investigations on the synthesis and characterization of carbon-supported PtRuMo electrocatalysts for direct alcohol fuel cells. In particular, the effect of the carbon support and the composition on the structure, stability and the activity of the PtRuMo nanoparticles for the electrooxidation of CO, methanol and ethanol have been studied. Different physicochemical techniques have been employed for the analysis of the catalysts structures: X-ray analytical methods (XRD, XPS, TXRF), thermogravimetry (TGA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as a number of electrochemical techniques like CO adsorption studies, current-time curves and cyclic voltammetry measurements. Furthermore, spectroscopic methods adapted to the electrochemical systems for in situ studies, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS) and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), have been used to evaluate the oxidation process of CO, methanol and ethanol over the carbon-supported PtRuMo electrocatalysts.
The Nervous System Cytoskeleton under Oxidative Stress
Authors: Gardiner John , Overall Robyn , Marc Jan
Published: October 2013

Oxidative stress is a key mechanism causing protein aggregation, cell death and neurodegeneration in the nervous system. The neuronal cytoskeleton, that is, microtubules, actin filaments and neurofilaments, plays a key role in defending the nervous system against oxidative stress-induced damage and is also a target for this damage itself. Microtubules appear particularly susceptible to damage, with oxidative stress downregulating key microtubule-associated proteins [MAPs] and affecting tubulin through aberrant post-translational modifications. Actin filaments utilise oxidative stress for their reorganisation and thus may be less susceptible to deleterious effects. However, because cytoskeletal components are interconnected through crosslinking proteins, damage to one component affects the entire cytoskeletal network. Neurofilaments are phosphorylated under oxidative stress, leading to the formation of protein aggregates reminiscent of those seen in neurodegenerative diseases. Drugs that target the cytoskeleton may thus be of great use in treating various neurodegenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress.
An Innovative Hybrid 3D Analytic-Numerical Approach for System Level Modelling of PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: Tavčar Gregor , Katrašnik Tomaž
Published: October 2013

The PEM fuel cell model presented in this paper is based on modelling species transport and coupling electrochemical reactions to species transport in an innovative way. Species transport is modelled by obtaining a 2D analytic solution for species concentration distribution in the plane perpendicular to the gas-flow and coupling consecutive 2D solutions by means of a 1D numerical gas-flow model. The 2D solution is devised on a jigsaw puzzle of multiple coupled domains which enables the modelling of parallel straight channel fuel cells with realistic geometries. Electrochemical and other nonlinear phenomena are coupled to the species transport by a routine that uses derivative approximation with prediction-iteration. A hybrid 3D analytic-numerical fuel cell model of a laboratory test fuel cell is presented and evaluated against a professional 3D computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation tool. This comparative evaluation shows very good agreement between results of the presented model and those of the CFD simulation. Furthermore, high accuracy results are achieved at computational times short enough to be suitable for system level simulations. This computational efficiency is owed to the semi-analytic nature of its species transport modelling and to the efficient computational coupling of electrochemical kinetics and species transport.
The Kinetic Signature of Toxicity of Four Heavy Metals and Their Mixtures on MCF7 Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Egiebor Egbe , Tulu Adam , Abou-Zeid Nadia , Aighewi Isoken , Ishaque Ali
Published: October 2013

This study evaluated the kinetic signature of toxicity of four heavy metals known to cause severe health and environmental issues—cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) lead (Pb) arsenic (As)—and the mixture of all four metals (Mix) on MCF7 cancer cells, in the presence and absence of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH). The study was carried out using real time cell electronic sensing (RT-CES). RT-CES monitors in real time the electrical impedance changes at the electrode/culture medium interface due to the number of adhered cells, which is used as an index of cell viability. Cells were seeded for 24 h before exposure to the metals and their mixtures. The results showed that in the presence and absence of cellular glutathione, arsenic was the most cytotoxic of all five treatments, inducing cell death after 5 h of exposure. Lead was the least cytotoxic in both scenarios. In the presence of cellular GSH, the cytotoxic trend was As > Cd > MIX > Hg > Pb, while in the absence of GSH, the cytotoxic trend was As > Hg > MIX > Cd > Pb. The findings from this study indicate the significance of glutathione-mediated toxicity of the metals examined—particularly for mercury—and may be clinically relevant for disorders such as autism spectrum disorder where decreased glutathione-based detoxification capacity is associated with increased mercury intoxication.
Computing Power and Sample Size for Informational Odds Ratio
Authors: Efird Jimmy
Published: October 2013

The informational odds ratio (IOR) measures the post-exposure odds divided by the pre-exposure odds (i.e., information gained after knowing exposure status). A desirable property of an adjusted ratio estimate is collapsibility, wherein the combined crude ratio will not change after adjusting for a variable that is not a confounder. Adjusted traditional odds ratios (TORs) are not collapsible. In contrast, Mantel-Haenszel adjusted IORs, analogous to relative risks (RRs) generally are collapsible. IORs are a useful measure of disease association in case-referent studies, especially when the disease is common in the exposed and/or unexposed groups. This paper outlines how to compute power and sample size in the simple case of unadjusted IORs.
Crosstalk between Delta Opioid Receptor and Nerve Growth Factor Signaling Modulates Neuroprotection and Differentiation in Rodent Cell Models
Authors: Sen Dwaipayan , Huchital Michael , Chen Yulong
Published: October 2013

Both opioid signaling and neurotrophic factor signaling have played an important role in neuroprotection and differentiation in the nervous system. Little is known about whether the crosstalk between these two signaling pathways will affect neuroprotection and differentiation. Previously, we found that nerve growth factor (NGF) could induce expression of the delta opioid receptor gene (Oprd1, dor), mainly through PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling in PC12h cells. In this study, using two NGF-responsive rodent cell model systems, PC12h cells and F11 cells, we found the delta opioid neuropeptide [D-Ala2, D-Leu5] enkephalin (DADLE)-mediated neuroprotective effect could be blocked by pharmacological reagents: the delta opioid antagonist naltrindole, PI3K inhibitor LY294002, MAPK inhibitor PD98059, and Trk inhibitor K252a, respectively. Western blot analysis revealed that DADLE activated both the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways in the two cell lines. siRNA Oprd1 gene knockdown experiment showed that the upregulation of NGF mRNA level was inhibited with concomitant inhibition of the survival effects of DADLE in the both cell models. siRNA Oprd1 gene knockdown also attenuated the DADLE-mediated neurite outgrowth in PC12h cells as well as phosphorylation of MAPK and Akt in PC12h and F11 cells, respectively. These data together strongly suggest that delta opioid peptide DADLE acts through the NGF-induced functional G protein-coupled Oprd1 to provide its neuroprotective and differentiating effects at least in part by regulating survival and differentiating MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in NGF-responsive rodent neuronal cells.
A Non-Parametric and Entropy Based Analysis of the Relationship between the VIX and S&P 500
Authors: Allen David , McAleer Michael , Powell Robert , Singh Abhay
Published: October 2013

This paper features an analysis of the relationship between the S&P 500 Index and the VIX using daily data obtained from the CBOE website and SIRCA (The Securities Industry Research Centre of the Asia Pacific). We explore the relationship between the S&P 500 daily return series and a similar series for the VIX in terms of a long sample drawn from the CBOE from 1990 to mid 2011 and a set of returns from SIRCA’s TRTH datasets from March 2005 to-date. This shorter sample, which captures the behavior of the new VIX, introduced in 2003, is divided into four sub-samples which permit the exploration of the impact of the Global Financial Crisis. We apply a series of non-parametric based tests utilizing entropy based metrics. These suggest that the PDFs and CDFs of these two return distributions change shape in various subsample periods. The entropy and MI statistics suggest that the degree of uncertainty attached to these distributions changes through time and using the S&P 500 return as the dependent variable, that the amount of information obtained from the VIX changes with time and reaches a relative maximum in the most recent period from 2011 to 2012. The entropy based non-parametric tests of the equivalence of the two distributions and their symmetry all strongly reject their respective nulls. The results suggest that parametric techniques do not adequately capture the complexities displayed in the behavior of these series. This has practical implications for hedging utilizing derivatives written on the VIX.
Assessment of Dual Life Stage Antiplasmodial Activity of British Seaweeds
Authors: Spavieri Jasmine , Allmendinger Andrea , Kaiser Marcel , Itoe Maurice , Blunden Gerald , Mota Maria , Tasdemir Deniz
Published: October 2013

Terrestrial plants have proven to be a prolific producer of clinically effective antimalarial drugs, but the antimalarial potential of seaweeds has been little explored. The main aim of this study was to assess the in vitro chemotherapeutical and prophylactic potential of the extracts of twenty-three seaweeds collected from the south coast of England against blood stage (BS) and liver stage (LS) Plasmodium parasites. The majority (14) of the extracts were active against BS of P. falciparum, with brown seaweeds Cystoseira tamariscifolia, C. baccata and the green seaweed Ulva lactuca being the most active (IC50s around 3 μg/mL). The extracts generally had high selectivity indices (>10). Eight seaweed extracts inhibited the growth of LS parasites of P. berghei without any obvious effect on the viability of the human hepatoma (Huh7) cells, and the highest potential was exerted by U. lactuca and red seaweeds Ceramium virgatum and Halopitys incurvus (IC50 values 14.9 to 28.8 μg/mL). The LS-active extracts inhibited one or more key enzymes of the malarial type-II fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS-II) pathway, a drug target specific for LS. Except for the red seaweed Halopitys incurvus, all LS-active extracts showed dual activity versus both malarial intracellular stage parasites. This is the first report of LS antiplasmodial activity and dual stage inhibitory potential of seaweeds.
Synthesis of Laboratory Ultrasound Contrast Agents
Authors: Park Jingam , Park Donghee , Shin Unchul , Moon Sanghyub , Kim Chihyun , Kim Han , Park Hyunjin , Choi Kiju , Jung Bongkwang , Oh Jaemin , Seo Jongbum
Published: October 2013

Ultrasound Contrast Agents (UCAs) were developed to maximize reflection contrast so that organs can be seen clearly in ultrasound imaging. UCAs increase the signal to noise ratio (SNR) by linear and non-linear mechanisms and thus help more accurately visualize the internal organs and blood vessels. However, the UCAs on the market are not only expensive, but are also not optimized for use in various therapeutic research applications such as ultrasound-aided drug delivery. The UCAs fabricated in this study utilize conventional lipid and albumin for shell formation and perfluorobutane as the internal gas. The shape and density of the UCA bubbles were verified by optical microscopy and Cryo SEM, and compared to those of the commercially available UCAs, Definity® and Sonovue®. The size distribution and characteristics of the reflected signal were also analyzed using a particle size analyzer and ultrasound imaging equipment. Our experiments indicate that UCAs composed of spherical microbubbles, the majority of which were smaller than 1 um, were successfully synthesized. Microbubbles 10 um or larger were also identified when different shell characteristics and filters were used. These laboratory UCAs can be used for research in both diagnoses and therapies.
Non-Classical Transformation of Benzendiazonium Hydrogen Sulfates. Access to 1,3-Dimethylisochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-5(1H)-one, a Potential Benzodiazepine Receptor Ligand
Authors: Maggio Benedetta , Raffa Demetrio , Raimondi Maria , Daidone Giuseppe
Published: October 2013

The compound 2-((1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)(methyl)carbamoyl)benzene-diazonium hydrogen sulfate (10) was reacted with copper sulfate and sodium chloride, in the presence of ascorbic acid as reducing agent, to afford a mixture of the chlorinated epimers 4′-chloro-2,2′,5′-trimethyl-2′,4′-dihydrospiro[isoindoline-1,3′-pyrazol]-3-one (18) and (19), the epimers 4′-hydroxy-2,2′,5′-trimethyl-2′,4′-dihydrospiro[isoindoline-1,3′-pyrazol]-3-one (20) and (21), and N-(1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)benzamide (22). Under the foregoing conditions, diazonium salt 10 affords neither the 2-chloro-N-(1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)-N-methylbenzamide (23) nor the tricyclic derivative 24, the classical products of the Sandmeyer and Pschorr reactions, respectively. Finally, by heating 20 at 210 °C the compound 1,3-dimethylisochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-5(1H)-one (24) was obtained. The transformation under the above conditions of 2-((4-chloro-3-methyl-1-phenyl- 1H-pyrazol-5-yl)(methyl)carbamoyl)benzendiazonium hydrogen sulphate (11) afforded 4′,4′-dichloro-2,5′-dimethyl-2′-phenyl-2′,4′-dihydrospiro[isoindoline-1,3′-pyrazol]-3-one (29) as the sole reaction product.
Development of Anodic Titania Nanotubes for Application in High Sensitivity Amperometric Glucose and Uric Acid Biosensors
Authors: Lee Hsiang-Ching , Zhang Li-Fan , Lin Jyh-Ling , Chin Yuan-Lung , Sun Tai-Ping
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this study was to develop novel nanoscale biosensors using titania nanotubes (TNTs) made by anodization. Titania nanotubes were produced on pure titanium sheets by anodization at room temperature. In this research, the electrolyte composition ethylene glycol 250 mL/NH4F 1.5 g/DI water 20 mL was found to produce the best titania nanotubes array films for application in amperometric biosensors. The amperometric results exhibit an excellent linearity for uric acid (UA) concentrations in the range between 2 and 14 mg/dL, with 23.3 (µA·cm−2)·(mg/dL)−1 UA sensitivity, and a correlation coefficient of 0.993. The glucose biosensor presented a good linear relationship in the lower glucose concentration range between 50 and 125 mg/dL, and the corresponding sensitivity was approximately 249.6 (µA·cm−2)·(100 mg/dL)−1 glucose, with a correlation coefficient of 0.973.
Pedagogies to Achieve Sustainability Learning Outcomes in Civil and Environmental Engineering Students
Authors: Bielefeldt Angela
Published: October 2013

The civil and environmental engineering disciplines have identified the levels of knowledge about sustainability that are desirable for students to achieve as they graduate with a bachelor’s degree, as well as sustainability-related competencies to be obtained during a master’s degree, and on-the-job, prior to professional licensure. Different pedagogies are better suited to help students attain these levels of cognitive ability, while also developing affective outcomes. This paper provides examples of different methods that have been used at one institution to educate engineering students about sustainability, supported with data that indicates whether the method successfully achieved the targeted learning outcomes. Lectures, in-class active learning, readings, and appropriately targeted homework assignments can achieve basic sustainability knowledge and comprehension by requiring students to define, identify, and explain aspects of sustainability. Case studies and the application of software tools are good methods to achieve application and analysis competencies. Project-based learning (PBL) and project-based service-learning (PBSL) design projects can reach the synthesis level and may also develop affective outcomes related to sustainability. The results provide examples that may apply to a wider range of disciplines and suggest sustainability outcomes that are particularly difficult to teach and/or assess.
Wine Tourism Experience Effects of the Tasting Room on Consumer Brand Loyalty
Authors: Bruwer Johan , Coode Michael , Saliba Anthony , Herbst Frikkie
Published: October 2013

This study's overall purpose was to contribute to the wine tourism knowledge base regarding the impact of the winery tasting room experience on consumer wine brand loyalty. A total of 108 surveys were conducted at wineries in the Barossa Wine Region in South Australia in an exploratory
study. The study's main contribution is the development of three scales to operationalize the research, namely, Wine Brand Loyalty, Winery Tasting Room Initial Perception, and Winery Tasting Room Actual Experience Scales, and to determine what influence initial perceptions combined with the
actual tasting room experiences have on brand attitudes and eventually on brand loyalty. The brand loyalty scale returned a Cronbach's alpha of 0.802. It was confirmed that wine quality has a significant impact on brand attitudes. A higher level of perceived wine value increased brand attitudes,
whereas positive brand attitudes increase the likelihood of future purchase intentions. The overall tasting room experience is significantly correlated to brand attitudes. There is a strong correlation between the winery tasting room experience and brand loyalty, proving that consumers who
have an enjoyable and memorable experience are more likely to buy the wine again and/or promote the wine brand to others.
New hybrid materials based on poly(ethyleneoxide)-grafted polysilazane by hydrosilylation and their anti-fouling activities
Authors: Nguyen Thi Dieu Hang , Perrin François-Xavier , Nguyen Dinh Lam
Published: October 2013

The objective of this work was to develop new coating materials based on poly(ethyleneoxide) (PEO), which was grafted onto polysilazane (PSZ) by hydrosilylation. Three types of PEO with different molecular weights (350, 750, 2000 g/mol) were studied. The kinetics and yields of this reaction have been surveyed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The PEO grafting-density onto PSZ by hydrosilylation increases with a reduction of the S–H/allyl ratio and a decrease of the PEO chain-length. The PEO-graft-PSZ (PSZ-PEO) hybrid coatings, which can be used to prevent the adhesion of marine bacteria on surfaces, were applied by moisture curing at room temperature. The anti-adhesion performance, and thus the anti-fouling activity, of the coatings against three marine bacteria species, Clostridium sp. SR1, Neisseria sp. LC1 and Neisseria sp. SC1, was examined. The anti-fouling activity of the coatings depends on the grafting density and the chain length of PEO. The shortest PEO(350 g/mol)-graft-PSZ with the highest graft density was found to have the best anti-fouling activity. As the density of grafted PEO(750 g/mol) and PEO(2000 g/mol) chains onto the PSZ surface is approximately equal, the relative effectiveness of these two types of PEO is controlled by the length of the PEO chain. The PEO(2000 g/mol)-graft-PSZ coatings are more efficient than the PEO(750 g/mol)-graft-PSZ coatings for the bacterial anti-adhesion.
RESEARCH INTO NI-CR-SI-B COATING SPRAYED ONTO ALUMINIUM SUBSTRATE USING THE METHOD OF PLASMA SPRAY / NI-CR-SI-B DANGOS, UŽPURKŠTOS ANT ALIUMINIO SUBSTRATO PLAZMINIO PURŠKIMO BŪDU, TYRIMAS
Authors: Lukauskaitė Raimonda , Valiulis Algirdas Vaclovas , Černašėjus Olegas , Škamat Jelena
Published: October 2013

The article deals with Ni base coatings deposited on aluminium substrate applying the method of plasma spray. The purpose of the conducted research is to improve the physical and mechanical properties of coatings on the surface of aluminium alloy work pieces. Spraying on aluminium alloys encounters serious problems, and therefore this work analyses the ways to make the situation more favourable. Before spraying, the surfaces of substrates were modified employing chemical and mechanical pre-treatment methods. The aim of pre-treating aluminium alloys was to remove oxide layers from the aluminium surface. Coating microstructures and porosity were characterised applying optical microscopy. Differences in the roughness of pre-treated surfaces have been determined referring to profilometry. The paper investigates the influence of the adhesion of plasma spray coatings on aluminium surface pretreatment. Microhardness technique was applied for measuring the hardness of coatings. The study also describes and compares the mechanical properties of Ni base coatings deposited on different pre-treated aluminium substrates using plasma spray.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje nagrinėjamas Ni-Cr-Si-B dangos dengimas ant aliuminio substratų plazminiu purškimo būdu. Tyrimo tikslas – sukurti aliuminio lydinių paviršiuje geresnių fizinių ir mechaninių savybių dangas. Aliuminio lydinių terminį purškimą apsunkina tanki, aukštos lydymosi temperatūros oksido plėvelė substrato paviršiuje. Aliuminio substratų paviršiai prieš purškimą buvo apdorojami cheminiais ir mechaniniais apdorojimo būdais. Pagrindinis aliuminio lydinių apdorojimo tikslas buvo pašalinti oksidų sluoksnį nuo aliuminio paviršiaus ir paveikti substrato paviršiaus šiurkštumą. Aliuminio paviršiaus šiurkštis po apdorojimų buvo tiriamas profilometru. Dangų mikrostruktūra ir porėtumas buvo nagrinėjami optinės mikroskopijos būdu taikant fazių ir morfologijos analizės programą. Buvo nustatyta plazminio purškimo dangų adhezijos reikšmių priklausomybė nuo aliuminio paviršiaus apdorojimo būdų. Eksperimentinių tyrimų metu buvo analizuojama purškimo proceso technologinių parametrų įtaka užpurkštų dangų porėtumui ir kietumui.
RESEARCH ON VIBRATION ISOLATION SYSTEMS USED IN LASER AND NANOTECHNOLOGIES / VIBROIZOLIACINIŲ SISTEMŲ, NAUDOJAMŲ LAZERINĖSE IR NANOTECHNOLOGIJOSE, TYRIMAI
Authors: Kuncė Justinas , Jurevičius Mindaugas
Published: October 2013

The paper discusses the efficiency of a vibration isolation system made of the optical table and two negative-stiffness tables and considers excitation referring to harmonic and nonharmonic methods in the frequency range of 0,2–110 Hz. The article reviews the types and sources of vibrations and types of vibration isolation systems, including those of negative-stiffness. The paper also presents the methodology of experimental tests and proposes research on vibration transmissibility. A composite system consisting of two vibration isolation table having negative stiffness and an air table has been tested. The results and conclusions of experimental analysis are suggested at the end of the article.

Santrauka

Nagrinėjama vibroizoliacinės sistemos, sudarytos iš optinio stalo ir dviejų neigiamo standumo staliukų, efektyvumas žadinant harmoniniu ir neharmoniniais būdais 0,2–110 Hz diapazone. Aprašyta eksperimentinių tyrimų atlikimo metodika ir atlikti virpesių perduodamumo tyrimai. Ištirta sudėtinė sistema, sudaryta iš dviejų neigiamo standumo virpesių izoliavimo staliukų ir optinio stalo. Nustatytos vibracijų slopinimo charakteristikos. Pateikti eksperimentų metu gauti rezultatai ir išvados.
Natural antioxidants of the Jaffna variety of Moringa Oleifera seed oil of Indian origin as compared to other vegetable oils
Authors: Bhatnagar A. S. , Gopala Krishna A. G.
Published: October 2013

The Moringa oleifera crop is grown all over India for its nutritious pods, leaves and seeds. M. oleifera seeds are endowed with a high oil content (~39%) which resembles olive oil because of its high oleic acid content (~65-75%). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the natural antioxidants of crude seed kernel oil from the Jaffna variety of M. oleifera (MSO). Natural antioxidants like tocopherols and phenolics as well as minor compounds such as sterols and carotenoids present in MSO and its radical scavenging activity were measured in comparison to dried coconut kernel (copra) crude oil (CNO), crude sesame oil (SESO), crude niger seed oil (NSO), crude palm oil (CPO), crude rice bran oil (RBO) and commercially refined groundnut oil (GNO). MSO contained 88 ppm of total tocopherols with α- tocopherol (56.2 ppm) being the major tocopherol. MSO also contained 117.9 ppm of total phenolics with gallic acid (48.5 ppm) being the major phenolic. MSO contained fair amounts of sterols (1700.8 ppm) and carotenoids (17.9 ppm). MSO showed an IC50 value of 35.5 mg mL–1. This study indicates that MSO has antioxidant characteristics which are better than CNO and comparable to those of GNO.
Characterization of Acorn Fruit Oils Extracted from Selected Mediterranean Quercus Species
Authors: Al-Rousan W. M. , Ajo R. Y. , Al-Ismail K. M. , Attlee A. , Shaker R. R. , Osaili T. M.
Published: October 2013

The present study is aimed to identifying the acorn fruit oil composition of three Mediterranean white oak group species, Quercus aegilops (QA), Quercus infectoria (QI), and Quercus calliprinus (QC). Samples were estimated for the oil contents of acorn fruits, oil chemical and physical constants, fatty acid profile, tocopherols, phenolic compounds, and sterols.The oil content, expressed as dry weight, was found to be 3.40-7.51%. The physical and chemical constants included specific gravity 0.912-0.922, refractive index 1.4529-1.4645, specific extinction at 232 nm 2.497-2.536 and at 270 nm 1.495-2.037, iodine value 75.2-87.6, and saponification value 192.6-219.4. The fatty acid compositions were determined by GC as methyl esters. The most abundant fatty acids were oleic (53.3-56.1%), linoleic 21.3-23.4%, palmitic 17.8-18.7%, linolenic 1.5-1.6% and stearic acid 1.02-1.60%. The Tocopherol content was high in the range of 1440-1783 mg kg-1, γ-tocopherol constituted 84-91% of total tocopherols. Phenolic compounds were in remarkable amounts in all the three species 84-109 mg gallic acid kg-1 oil. Total sterol contents were between 2040-2480 mg kg-1 oil, with β-sitosterol being the main component comprising of 77.20-84.61%, followed by ∆5-avenasterol (5.8-11.4%), campesterol (3.6-4.5%), and stigmasterol (2.6-3.8). The cholesterol content was relatively high (0.42-0.55%).
Optimization of the protein concentration process from residual peanut oil-cake
Authors: Gayol M. F. , Pramparo M. C. , Nepote V. , Fernandez H. , Grosso N. R.
Published: October 2013

The objective of this study was to find the best process conditions for preparing protein concentrate from residual peanut oil-cake (POC). The study was carried out on POC from industrial peanut oil extraction. Different protein extraction and precipitation conditions were used: water/ flour ratio (10:1, 20:1 and 30:1), pH (8, 9 and 10), NaCl concentration (0 and 0.5 M), extraction time (30, 60 and 120 min), temperature (25, 40 and 60 °C), extraction stages (1, 2 and 3), and precipitation pH (4, 4.5 and 5). The extraction and precipitation conditions which showed the highest protein yield were 10:1 water/flour ratio, extraction at pH 9, no NaCl, 2 extraction stages of 30 min at 40 °C and precipitation at pH 4.5. Under these conditions, the peanut protein concentrate (PC) contained 86.22% protein, while the initial POC had 38.04% . POC is an alternative source of protein that can be used for human consumption or animal nutrition. Therefore, it adds value to an industry residue.
From microbes to macrofauna: an integrated study of deep benthic communities and their response to environmental variables along the Malta Escarpment (Ionian Sea)
Authors: Baldrighi Elisa , Aliani Stefano , Conversi Alessandra , Lavaleye Marc , Borghini Mireno , Manini Elena
Published: October 2013

A comparative study for abundance, biomass and diversity was carried out for the prokaryote, meiofauna and macrofauna communities at three depth stations (1200, 1800 and 2100 m) along the Malta Escarpment (Mediterranean Sea). Our investigation showed a two-fold increase with depth in prokaryote abundance; the contribution of prokaryote biomass to the total benthic biomass was predominant at all depths. Bacteria were the dominant prokaryote component and Archaea formed a considerable fraction (20%-30%) of the prokaryote assemblages. The meio- and macrofauna abundances and meiofauna biomass did not decrease significantly with depth but macrofauna biomass did. The α diversity did not follow a clear bathymetric trend for both nematode and macrofauna species. Probably because of the large number of eurybathic nematode genera, nor did the turnover diversity in nematode composition change down the depth gradient. Conversely, for the macrofauna there was a perceptible change in community composition between the shallowest station and the two deeper stations. Food availability affected only the macrobenthic component. The increase in the prokaryote organisms with depth and the dominance of nematodes and macrofauna deposit feeders suggest active grazing by the two benthic components on microbes. This would transfer energy to the higher trophic levels through the microbial compartment.
The evolution of the molluscan biota of Sabaudia Lake: a matter of human history
Authors: Macali Armando , Conde Anxo , Smriglio Carlo , Mariottini Paolo , Crocetta Fabio
Published: October 2013

The evolution of the molluscan biota in Sabaudia Lake (Italy, central Tyrrhenian Sea) in the last century is hereby traced on the basis of bibliography, museum type materials, and field samplings carried out from April 2009 to September 2011. Biological assessments revealed clearly distinct phases, elucidating the definitive shift of this human-induced coastal lake from a freshwater to a marine-influenced lagoon ecosystem. Records of marine subfossil taxa suggest that previous accommodations to these environmental features have already occurred in the past, in agreement with historical evidence. Faunal and ecological insights are offered for its current malacofauna, and special emphasis is given to alien species. Within this framework, Mytilodonta Coen, 1936, Mytilodonta paulae Coen, 1936 and Rissoa paulae Coen in Brunelli and Cannicci, 1940 are also considered new synonyms of Mytilaster Monterosato, 1884, Mytilaster marioni (Locard, 1889) and Rissoa membranacea (J. Adams, 1800). Finally, human-driven environmental changes and cumulative anthropogenic pressures proved to be the whole driver of the constitution of the human-induced malacofauna studied, casting doubts on the correct use of the definition of “native fauna”.
Discovering the Nexus between Market Orientation and Open Innovation
Authors: Denktas-Sakar Gul , Karatas-Cetin Cimen , Saatcioglu Omur Yasar
Published: October 2013

The global marketplace is characterized by various changes taking place in social, economic, natural, and technological areas. As these changes occur both at the organizational and market levels, innovations act as the main processes that accelerate the adaptation of these changes to the services/products of the organizations. Considering the involvement of many stakeholders and the partners within the dynamic business environment of the organizations, an increasing need for the cooperation and the coordination of such actors in the development of service innovations is observed. As topical research areas of both the marketing and management disciplines, this chapter focuses on discovering the relationship between market orientation and the open innovation by pursuing a grounded theory methodology in combination with a specific case study of a leading container shipping company. The originality of the research lies on the investigation of the unexplored research field of open innovation from the perspective of the grounded theory methodology as well as the generation of an emergent theory by the use of an inductive approach.
Self-Driving Cars
Authors: Poorsartep Mohammad
Published: October 2013

The United Kingdom passed a series of acts to control the use of mechanically propelled vehicles on public highways. The Locomotive Act 1865 (Red Flag Act) limited the speed of self-propelled vehicles to six (6) km/hr in the country and three (3) km/hr in towns while requiring a crew of three. Since then, much progress has been made to adopt these mechanically propelled vehicles and build our lives and societies around them. Personal vehicles have become the dominant mode for transportation in many developed and developing countries. However, this fact begs the question of what the next evolution for the transportation industry is, and the answer is currently before us. Some may refer to it as self-driving, automated, autonomous, or even driverless cars that are capable of driving themselves from point A to point B with minimal or no human intervention. While admittedly the technology is not currently advanced adequately to safely and reliably accomplish the aforementioned task, this chapter aims to provide context and familiarize the reader with some of the necessary background information and then examine the challenges and possibilities that will be provided by this technology in a not so distant future.
How Marketing Capabilities Create Competitive Advantage in Turkey
Authors: Kamasak Rifat
Published: October 2013

Marketing capabilities have been identified as major determinants of firm performance because they address the so-called VRIN (Valuable, Rare, Imitable, Non-substitutable) criteria of strategic assets. However, considerably less attention has been paid to marketing capabilities and their effects on the creation of competitive advantage in the literature of strategic marketing. This study investigates the effects of marketing capabilities on firm performance through an empirical study conducted in the large emerging market of Turkey. The relative effects of Specialized Marketing Capabilities (SMC), Architectural Marketing Capabilities (AMC), and Market Information Processing Capabilities (MIPC) on sales turnover, market share, and profitability are explored on a sample of 198 Turkish firms operating in different industries. The findings reveal that all capabilities have positive and significant effects on firm performance, although SMC is seen as the most influential capability. The other capabilities of MIPC and AMC follow it, respectively. Therefore, the study suggests that with respect to resource allocation and investment decisions, priority should be given to specialized marketing capabilities such as innovativeness, brand reputation, corporate image, and creative advertising, which are positively and significantly associated with firm performance in the study.