bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Factors/Ergonomics Contributions to Aerospace Systems, 1980–2012
Authors: Ludvigsen Jennifer , Mouloua Mustapha , Hancock Peter A.
Published: November 2015

We examined aerospace systems research trends in papers published in the Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting from 1980 to 2012. We categorized articles based on authors’ affiliation type, content area, population, sample size, apparatus, and nature and specification of outcome dependent variables. Our results, available at http://erg.sagepub.com/supplemental , revealed an increase in research interests related to cognition and pilot–cockpit systems interface design. Our findings are intended to guide students, educators, and researchers by providing an analysis of these trends and a searchable online database.
A Qualitative Analysis of Offenders’ Modus Operandi in Sexually Exploitative Interactions With Children Online
Authors: Kloess Juliane A. , Seymour-Smith Sarah , Hamilton-Giachritsis Catherine E. , Long Matthew L. , Shipley David , Beech Anthony R.
Published: November 2015

Transcripts of chat logs of naturally occurring, sexually exploitative interactions between offenders and victims that took place via Internet communication platforms were analyzed. The aim of the study was to examine the modus operandi of offenders in such interactions, with particular focus on the specific strategies they use to engage victims, including discursive tactics. We also aimed to ascertain offenders’ underlying motivation and function of engagement in online interactions with children. Five cases, comprising 29 transcripts, were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis with a discursive focus. In addition to this, police reports were reviewed for descriptive and case-specific information. Offenders were men aged between 27 and 52 years ( M = 33.6, SD = 5.6), and the number of children they communicated with ranged from one to 12 ( M = 4.6, SD = 4.5). Victims were aged between 11 and 15 ( M = 13.00, SD = 1.2), and were both female and male. Three offenders committed online sexual offenses, and two offenders committed contact sexual offenses in addition to online sexual offenses. The analysis of transcripts revealed that interactions between offenders and victims were of a highly sexual nature, and that offenders used a range of manipulative strategies to engage victims and achieve their compliance. It appeared that offenders engaged in such interactions for the purpose of sexual arousal and gratification, as well as fantasy fulfillment.
On harmonic plane wave propagation under fractional order thermoelasticity: an analysis of fractional order heat conduction equation
Authors: Tiwari Rakhi , Mukhopadhyay Santwana
Published: November 2015

In the present paper, we investigate the propagation of an harmonic plane wave propagating with assigned frequency by implementing the thermoelasticity theory based on a fractional order heat conduction law where the fractional order parameter [Formula: see text] satisfies [Formula: see text]. After formulating the problem, the exact dispersion relation solutions for the plane wave are determined analytically and asymptotic expressions of different characterization of the wave are analyzed in two special cases, namely for a high-frequency field and low-frequency field. We consider the case of longitudinal wave which is coupled with the thermal field and we ignore the transverse wave as it is observed to be independent to the thermal field. Two different modes: predominantly thermal and predominantly elastic mode longitudinal waves are found. Finally we compute wave characterizations for the intermediate values of frequency and verify our analytical results for the limiting cases of wave frequency. A detailed analysis is presented to highlight the effects of the fractional order parameter, [Formula: see text], on the wave fields. Several important points are highlighted and the most important point which we have found is that [Formula: see text] plays a very important role in the behavior of the wave. As [Formula: see text], the thermal mode wave behaves similarly as in the case of a classical thermoelastic model and the nature of the wave changes significantly as [Formula: see text] gets nearer to the value 1, behaving more similarly to the case of a generalized thermoelastic model (Lord–Shulman model).
The mathematical modeling for bulk acoustic wave propagation velocities in transversely isotropic piezoelectric materials
Authors: Abd-alladan Abo-el-nour N , Hamdan Abdelmonam M , Almarashi Adel A , Battista Antonio
Published: November 2015

The objective of this paper is to study the bulk acoustic wave (BAW) propagation velocities in transversely isotropic piezoelectric materials, aluminum nitride, zinc oxide, cadmium sulfide and cadmium selenide. The bulk acoustic wave velocities are computed for each direction by solving the Christoffel’s equation based on the theory of acoustic waves in anisotropic solids exhibiting piezoelectricity. These values are calculated numerically and implemented on a computer by Bisection Method Iterations Technique (BMIT). The modification of the bulk acoustic wave velocities caused by the piezoelectric effect are graphically compared with the velocities in the corresponding non-piezoelectric materials. The results obtained in this study can be applied to signal processing, sound systems and wireless communication in addition to the improvement of surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices and military defense equipment.
Machine-Learning-Based Prediction of a Missed Scheduled Clinical Appointment by Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Kurasawa Hisashi , Hayashi Katsuyoshi , Fujino Akinori , Takasugi Koichi , Haga Tsuneyuki , Waki Kayo , Noguchi Takashi , Ohe Kazuhiko
Published: November 2015

Background:

About 10% of patients with diabetes discontinue treatment, resulting in the progression of diabetes-related complications and reduced quality of life.

Objective:

The objective was to predict a missed clinical appointment (MA), which can lead to discontinued treatment for diabetes patients.

Methods:

A machine-learning algorithm was used to build a logistic regression model for MA predictions, with L2-norm regularization used to avoid over-fitting and 10-fold cross validation used to evaluate prediction performance. Data associated with patient MAs were extracted from electronic medical records and classified into two groups: one related to patients’ clinical condition (X1) and the other related to previous findings (X2). The records used were those of the University of Tokyo Hospital, and they included the history of 16 026 clinical appointments scheduled by 879 patients whose initial clinical visit had been made after January 1, 2004, who had diagnostic codes indicating diabetes, and whose HbA1c had been tested within 3 months after their initial visit. Records between April 1, 2011, and June 30, 2014, were inspected for a history of MAs.

Results:

The best predictor of MAs proved to be X1 + X2 (AUC = 0.958); precision and recall rates were, respectively, 0.757 and 0.659. Among all the appointment data, the day of the week when an appointment was made was most strongly associated with MA predictions (weight = 2.22).

Conclusions:

Our findings may provide information to help clinicians make timely interventions to avoid MAs.
Pain-related Somato Sensory Evoked Potentials: a potential new tool to improve the prognostic prediction of coma after cardiac arrest
Authors: Zanatta Paolo , Linassi Federico , Mazzarolo Anna Paola , Aricò Maria , Bosco Enrico , Bendini Matteo , Sorbara Carlo , Ori Carlo , Carron Michele , Scarpa Bruno
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Early prediction of a good outcome in comatose patients after cardiac arrest still remains an unsolved problem. The main aim of the present study was to examine the accuracy of middle-latency SSEP triggered by a painful electrical stimulation on median nerves to predict a favorable outcome.

Methods

No- and low-flow times, pupillary reflex, Glasgow motor score and biochemical data were evaluated at ICU admission. The following were considered within 72 h of cardiac arrest: highest creatinine value, hyperthermia occurrence, EEG, SSEP at low- (10 mA) and high-intensity (50 mA) stimulation, and blood pressure reactivity to 50 mA. Intensive care treatments were also considered. Data were compared to survival, consciousness recovery and 6-month CPC (Cerebral Performance Category).

Results

Pupillary reflex and EEG were statistically significant in predicting survival; the absence of blood pressure reactivity seems to predict brain death within 7 days of cardiac arrest. Middle- and short-latency SSEP were statistically significant in predicting consciousness recovery, and middle-latency SSEP was statistically significant in predicting 6-month CPC outcome. The prognostic capability of 50 mA middle-latency-SSEP was demonstrated to occur earlier than that of EEG reactivity.

Conclusions

Neurophysiological evaluation constitutes the key to early information about the neurological prognostication of postanoxic coma. In particular, the presence of 50 mA middle-latency SSEP seems to be an early and reliable predictor of good neurological outcome, and its absence constitutes a marker of poor prognosis. Moreover, the absence 50 mA blood pressure reactivity seems to identify patients evolving towards the brain death.
Non-volcanic crustal movements of the northernmost Philippine Sea plate detected by the GPS-acoustic seafloor positioning
Authors: Watanabe Shun-ichi , Ishikawa Tadashi , Yokota Yusuke
Published: November 2015

Repeatedly performing the GPS-acoustic seafloor positioning, we first succeeded in detecting non-volcanic seafloor movements on the Philippine Sea plate (PHS) subducting along the Sagami Trough. At a seafloor geodetic site on the northernmost part of the PHS off the Boso Peninsula, we detected significant eastward motion with respect to the central part of the PHS. This is unaccountable by the coupling between the Pacific plate and the PHS along the Izu-Bonin (Ogasawara) Trench because it would cause the westward elastic deformation at BOSS. It is rather consistent with the rigid motion of the tectonic block in the fore-arc along the Izu-Bonin Trench, associated with the back-arc rift. The other site on the western side of the Sagami Bay had moved toward the north relative to the Izu Peninsula. It suggests that the Izu microplate obviously moves relative to the northern PHS. The difference between the velocities of the Sagami Bay and the Izu Peninsula indicates the coupling on the boundary fault as well.
Strategy of Russian Constitutionalism: from Political Illusions to Legal Realism
Authors: Bondar Nikolay
Published: November 2015

The author justifies multifacetedness of the ‘constitutionalism’ category, which, in the author’s opinion, has its own legal content, as well as a non-legal one — economic, social, political and cultural. Besides, constitutionalism reflects universal values of modern civilization, that manifest themselves in regular patterns of democratic organization of the society and state on the basis of power, ownership and freedom, recognition and protection of rights and freedoms of man and citizen, supremacy of the law. On a structural level constitutionalism represents a special philosophiclegal theory, a system of political and legal ideas and concepts. At the same time this category embodies a system of legal positivism in unity with natural and legal sources. Constitutional and legal practice, including legislative, administrative and court practice, forms an essential component of constitutionalism. Constitutionalism is a form of social consciousness and serves as a pre-requisite for a new type of a legal form of reality. This vision is characterized as a constitutional ideology. The author argues in favor of politicization of constitutionalism. The author draws the conclusion that constitutionalism is an axiological, teleological and praxeological value that forms part of a global cultural legacy of mankind. The author also views constitutionalism as objectively emerging order of actual social relations. Stability and lack of contradictions between governance, property and freedom is the basis of constitutional rule of law. Genuine constitutionalism is also a moral and ethic phenomenon. Constitutional and judicial regulatory compliance verification serves as a guarantee of constitutionalism.
On Introduction in Russia of the Institute of Criminal Liability for Legal Persons (Corporations)
Authors: Vlasov Ilya
Published: November 2015

The number of European countries which have included into their national legislation the provision on criminal liability for legal persons (corporations) has been continuously growing. The following countries remain essential supporters of preserving criminal liability for individual guilt: Germany, Russia, Italy, and, may be, Poland, where after the adoption of the Law on Liability of Collective Entities for punishable offences, the Constitutional Tribunal in 1994 adopted the decision to consider this liability to be not criminal, but sui generis. Some Russian legal theorists were quick to support the tendency to recognize the practicability of introducing criminal liability for legal persons in spite of centuries-old traditions of liability for a personal guilt that is characteristic of the criminal law of the European continental countries. This can be explained by an excessive influence of the Anglo-Saxon common law countries, whose representatives went all out during the preparation of many international conventions to include into them the provisions that require establishing criminal liability for legal persons in national legislations of the European countries. But none of such conventions mentions the basis for criminal liability of legal persons. They fail to mention this fact, otherwise they would have to state that such liability suggests only strict liability. The author of the article tries to prove the irrelevancy of the above-mentioned type of liability in Russia with its rather effective administrative law and fairly solid provisions of the civil legislation which help to efficiently fight the damage incurred by legal persons (corporations) to different entities protected by the law. Introduction of the provisions on criminal liability for legal persons into the Russian criminal legislation touches upon the foundation on which all types of legal liability in this country are based on, as well as domestic centuries-old traditions, for it is not possible, without changing anything in the principal structure of the criminal responsibility, to simply include, without solid justification of the adopted changes, a new provision into the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, in which only a range of criminal acts for which legal persons may be liable would be outlined, without indicating grounds for their criminal liability, in contrast with the grounds for the liability of physical persons.
Russian Labor Law: System-Related Problems in its History and Modernity
Authors: Demidov Nikolay
Published: November 2015

The article analyzes system-related contradictions inherent to the development of the Russian labor law branch in XIX—XX. By means of historical-legal, comparative, dialectic methods the author investigates the roots of modern problems in law-making and law enforcement in legal regulation of hired labor relations. The author reveals negative factors in the development of the labor legislation, that are common for Russia and world leading countries. Among main evolutional problems in labor law, the author considers excessive centralization, a high degree of the right enforcement formalization, susceptibility of the branch to political environment, an important role of non-legal regulators of labor relations, low development level of security arrangements for labor rights, inadequate government supervision, a division of employees and employers’ interests, that is not always correct. The author draws the conclusion about the implicit, objective nature of the described defects and notes an essential impossibility to overcome them.
On Some Aspects of the New Rules on Land Plots Allotment
Authors: Lipski Stanislav
Published: November 2015

The article reviews new rules on allotment of land plots to citizens and legal persons. The State Duma included these rules into the Land Code of the Russian Federation in summer 2014. Now they have come into force. The article focuses on the following issues. 1. How do these rules affect the land legislation in general? 2. What are the changes in the powers of public authorities of subjects of the Russian Federation and bodies of local self-government in regulating the order of land plots’ allotment and in implementation of such allotment? 3. How justified is the fact that now auctions are the only possible form of a land tender? The author believes that it is necessary to preserve competitive bidding for cases when same agricultural land plots are allotted to citizens and legal entities. Also there remains a problem associated with the transfer of power on allotment of lands from local governments of municipal areas to the level of rural settlements.
Radical Repertoires: The Incidence and Impact of Corporate-Sponsored Social Activism
Authors: McDonnell Mary-Hunter
Published: November 2015

This article explores when and why firms participate in overt corporate-sponsored social activism. To shed light on this question, I empirically explore the emergence and implications of a new strategic phenomenon in nonmarket strategy—the corporate-sponsored boycott—in which firms voluntarily cooperate with contentious social movement organizations to sponsor boycotts that protest the contested social practices of other companies or entities at higher orders of market organization, such as industries, transnational regulators, or states. Using a longitudinal database that tracks the social movement challenges faced by 300 large companies between 1993 and 2007, I provide evidence that overt corporate-sponsored activism is used by companies that are chronically targeted and losing ground to activists, especially when those companies are facing a reputational deficit. Furthermore, I find that participation in overt corporate-sponsored activism is associated with significant decreases in the number of activist challenges targeting a firm in the future, suggesting that the tactic may effectively defend a firm from contentious threat by allowing firms to co-opt allies within the activist population. I discuss implications of these findings for social movement research, nonmarket strategy, and the study of corporate social responsibility.
Needs Assessment for A Childhood Obesity Intervention Program
Authors: Anderson Alex K. , Harper Kristin R. , Calkin Katie R. , Buffalo Julie R. , Mullis Rebecca M.
Published: November 2015

Objective: The purpose of the study was to conduct a needs assessment of families of obese children to guide the development of a childhood obesity intervention program.
Method: This was a cross-sectional design that used a structured questionnaire containing closed- and open-ended questions. Interviews for data collection were conducted over the telephone. Participants included 20 primary caregivers of obese children. Main outcome measures included selected nutritional and behavioral habits of obese children.
Results: All caregivers were the biological mother of the index child. Half of the children were males, and age range was 4-13 years. Spanish was reported to be the primary language in the homes of 75% of participants. The median fruits and vegetables intake was 2.8 servings/day and 1 cup/day of sugar-sweetened beverages. The children were reported to participate in a median of 35 minutes/day of active play and 60 minutes/day of screen time.
Conclusions: The data suggest a need for a culturally sensitive intervention program with emphasis on improving nutritional and behavioral habits of obese children while ensuring cultural relevancy.
Recurrent Rhinovirus Detections in Children Following a Rhinovirus-Induced Wheezing Exacerbation: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Hürdum Sofie Halmø , Zhang Guicheng , Khoo Siew-Kim , Bizzintino Joelene , Franks Kimberley Marie , Lindsay Katie , Keil Anthony David , Cox Desmond William , Goldblatt Jack , Bochkov Yury Alexandrovich , Gern James , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli , Souëf Peter Neils Le , Laing Ingrid Alisa
Published: November 2015

Introduction: It is unclear if children with a rhinovirus (RV)-induced wheezing exacerbation are more susceptible to viruses longitudinally, and whether a parental history of asthma and/or allergy impacts their susceptibility.
The objective of this study was to determine if RV, RV-A and RV-C related wheezing exacerbations in children were associated with prior or subsequent viral detections and investigate the role of parental history of asthma and allergy.
Materials and methods: Children presenting to hospital with acute wheeze were prospectively recruited and tested for respiratory viruses. Data on viruses detected in other respiratory samples (May 1997 to December 2012) were collected from hospital microbiology records and additional RV testing was performed on stored hospital respiratory samples (September 2009 to December 2012). A positive parental history was defined as either parent with self-reported asthma and/or allergy.
Results: At recruitment, RV was detected in 69.2% of samples from children with an acute wheezing episode (n=373, 0–16 years of age), with RV-C the most common virus (65.5%). Children with a history of parental asthma and/or allergy and RV at recruitment had a 14-fold increased incidence rate ratio (IRR) of subsequent RV detection (IRR 14.0, 95% CI 1.9–104.1; p=0.01) compared with children without RV at recruitment. Children without this parental history had a reduced incident rate ratio for samples assessed during this time (IRR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3–0.9; p=0.03).
Conclusion: Children with a parental history of asthma and/or allergy may become more susceptible to recurrent symptomatic RV infections.
Clinical, Hormonal and Metabolic Aspects of Some Forms of Stunting in Children
Authors: Markosyan Renata , Volevodz Natalya
Published: November 2015

The goal of the present research was to study the structure and clinical features of various clinical-pathogenetic forms of growth retardation in children, determine the variant of hormonal and metabolic changes in different forms of stunting. The present paper demonstrates heterogenicity of anthropometric, hormonal, radiological manifestations in various forms of stunting, which proves the necessity of differenciated approach to the problem of stunting.
A Change in Practice Protocol: Preformed Metal Crowns for Treating Non-Infected Carious Primary Molars in a General Practice Setting – A Service Evaluation
Authors: Taylor Greig D
Published: November 2015

Restoring non-infected carious primary molars can pose a challenge to the general dental practitioner. This paper aims to assess the effect on primary caries management and patient experience in a general dental practice setting, when restoring non-infected carious primary molars using a Hall preformed metal crown (PMC).
Club Policies for Mouth Protectors and Dental Emergency Cover in Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) Affiliated Junior Teams
Authors: Broad Mike , Welbury Richard
Published: November 2015

Aims

To determine whether club policies exist for junior players concerning the wearing of mouth protectors during training and playing, and whether dental emergency cover is present on both training and match days at Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) affiliated junior clubs.

Method

A self-reporting structured questionnaire, sent to all SRU affiliated clubs with junior playing members.

Results

Response rate was 77% (117 out of 151 clubs) showing a wide variation in policies and implementation. Exclusion was reported from training in 11% (13 out of 151) and from playing on match days in 17% (20 out of 151) of clubs if a mouth protector was not worn. The majority of clubs advocated that shop-bought protectors were satisfactory. First aiders were present at training at 86% (130 out of 151) and on match days at 95% (143 out of 151) of clubs. Fewer than 1% had a dentist and only 3% a doctor present at training. On match days fewer than 2% had a dentist and fewer than 20% a doctor present.

Conclusion

There is a wide variation in club policies and guidelines thus allowing parents, players and club staff considerable latitude in interpretation. A significant number of youngsters will be at increased risk of dental injury. First aiders are present in a significant number of clubs during training and playing.
Preformed Metal Crowns for the Permanent Dentition
Authors: Millar Lynsey M , Cairns Alison M , Fowler Lauren
Published: November 2015

Preformed metal crowns have a range of uses in paediatric dentistry in both the primary and permanent dentition. This article provides an overview of their use in permanent teeth, including teeth that have been affected by molar incisor hypomineralisation, caries, developmental defects and tooth surface loss. The indications for use are described, along with the clinical technique for placement.
Dental Care Professionals and Child Protection: Case Scenarios and Discussions
Authors: Park Christine
Published: November 2015

Any concerns about paediatric patients in general dental practice can be stressful for all involved. Barriers to the reporting of concerns by dental teams are known to exist. Anything that can help ease those situations can only be beneficial. In this article we look at three scenarios that could arise which I am often asked about during teaching and training sessions on safeguarding and child protection for dental teams. They can be discussed at team meetings and training, so that if they are ever to happen for real, everyone will know exactly what to do. This article cannot be completely prescriptive as there will be local variations, but it gives general guidance on issues raised by the scenarios. If you already have a child protection policy in your practice, make sure you know what it says; and if you don't this article will point the way to further resources for developing one.
Gene expression and enzyme activities of carbonic anhydrase and glutaminase in rat kidneys induced by chronic systemic hypoxia
Authors: Syarifin Andi N.K. , Jusman Sri W.A. , Sadikin Mohamad
Published: November 2015

Background: Hypoxia can cause acidosis. Kidney plays an essential role in maintaining acid-base balance, which involves the activities of carbonic anhydrase (CA) and glutaminase (GLS). This study is aimed to determine the expression and activities of the CA9 and GLS1 enzymes in relation to hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a transcription factor protein which is a marker of hypoxia.Methods: This study was an in vivo experimental study with coupled paralel design. used 25 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 150-200 g. Rats were divided into 5 groups: the control group (normoxic condition) and 4 treatment groups. The latter were kept in a hypoxic chamber (10% O2: 90% N2) for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. All rats were euthanized after treatment, kidneys excised, tissues homogenized and investigated for gene expression of CA9, GLS1 and HIF-1α. On protein level, total enzymatic activities of CA and GLS and protein of HIF-1α were also investigated. Data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA for significance, and as its alternative, used Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test.Results: Results showed that HIF-1α mRNA increased during hypoxia, but not HIF-1α protein. It seemed that acidosis occurs in kidney tissue, indicated by increased CA9 and GLS1 mRNA expression and specific activity of total CA and GLS1. Expression of CA9 and GLS1 mRNA both showed strong positive correlation with HIF-1α mRNA, but not with HIF-1α protein.Conclusion: It is suggested that during chronic systemic hypoxia, gene expression of CA9 and GLS1 and their enzyme activities were increased as a response to acidosis and related with the expression of HIF-1α mRNA.
Incidence and associated factors of posterior capsule opacification in pseudophakic patients at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital
Authors: Ayuningtyas Sita P. , Gondhowiardjo Tjahjono D.
Published: November 2015

Background: Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common postoperative consequence of cataract surgery which may cause visual acuity reduction, yet the incidence in Indonesia has not been reported. The objectives of this study were to evaluate three years cumulative incidence of PCO and factors associated with PCO formation at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta.Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study on patients with uneventful senile cataract surgery during year 2010. All related data were retrieved from medical records in year 2013, which included patient demographics, type of surgery, intraocular lens (IOL) characteristics (material, optic edge design and diameter). Moreover, time to first PCO diagnosis (month), and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) pre-operatively, at time PCO was diagnosed and two weeks after Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser were noted (decimal).Results: A total of 578 eyes (485 patients) were involved in this study. Three years cumulative incidence of the PCO was 8.82% (51 eyes). Phacoemulsification surgery was performed in 496 (85.8%) eyes. The median time to PCO diagnosis was 21 months (range 1 to 34 months), mean of BCVA was 0.50 ± 0.26. Age (<65 and >65 years old) was not associated to PCO. Higher incidence of PCO was found in patients using hydrophilic acrylic IOL (10.7%) than in hydrophobic acrylic (6.2%). After Nd:YAG laser was performed, BCVA was improved to 1.00.Conclusion: Three years cumulative incidence of PCO was 8.82% and there was no defined factor related to PCO formation, but higher percentage of PCO occured in patients using hydrophilic acrylic IOL than in hydrophobic acrylic.
The promise of stem cells as corneal-transplant substitute
Authors: Pawitan Jeanne A.
Published: November 2015

Abstract [not available]
Design of a New Concentration Series for the Orthogonal Sample Design Approach and Estimation of the Number of Reactions in Chemical Systems
Authors: Shi Jiajia , Liu Yuhai , Guo Ran , Li Xiaopei , He Anqi , Gao Yunlong , Wei Yongju , Liu Cuige , Zhao Ying , Xu Yizhuang , Noda Isao , Wu Jinguang
Published: November 2015

A new concentration series is proposed for the construction of a two-dimensional (2D) synchronous spectrum for orthogonal sample design analysis to probe intermolecular interaction between solutes dissolved in the same solutions. The obtained 2D synchronous spectrum possesses the following two properties: (1) cross peaks in the 2D synchronous spectra can be used to reflect intermolecular interaction reliably, since interference portions that have nothing to do with intermolecular interaction are completely removed, and (2) the two-dimensional synchronous spectrum produced can effectively avoid accidental collinearity. Hence, the correct number of nonzero eigenvalues can be obtained so that the number of chemical reactions can be estimated. In a real chemical system, noise present in one-dimensional spectra may also produce nonzero eigenvalues. To get the correct number of chemical reactions, we classified nonzero eigenvalues into significant nonzero eigenvalues and insignificant nonzero eigenvalues. Significant nonzero eigenvalues can be identified by inspecting the pattern of the corresponding eigenvector with help of the Durbin-Watson statistic. As a result, the correct number of chemical reactions can be obtained from significant nonzero eigenvalues. This approach provides a solid basis to obtain insight into subtle spectral variations caused by intermolecular interaction.
Combination of a Copper-Ion Selective Electrode and Fluorometric Titration for the Determination of Copper(II) Ion Conditional Stability Constants of Humic Substances
Authors: Chen Juan , Chen Hao , Zhang Xing-Wen , Lei Kun , Kenny Jonathan E.
Published: November 2015

A fluorescence quenching model using copper(II) ion (Cu2+) ion selective electrode (Cu-ISE) is developed. It uses parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) to model fluorescence excitation–emission matrices (EEMs) of humic acid (HA) samples titrated with Cu2+ to resolve fluorescence response of fluorescent components to Cu2+ titration. Meanwhile, Cu-ISE is employed to monitor free Cu2+ concentration ([Cu]) at each titration step. The fluorescence response of each component is fit individually to a nonlinear function of [Cu] to find the Cu2+ conditional stability constant for that component. This approach differs from other fluorescence quenching models, including the most up-to-date multi-response model that has a problematic assumption on Cu2+ speciation, i.e., an assumption that total Cu2+ present in samples is a sum of [Cu] and those bound by fluorescent components without taking into consideration the contribution of non-fluorescent organic ligands and inorganic ligands to speciation of Cu2+. This paper employs the new approach to investigate Cu2+ binding by Pahokee peat HA (PPHA) at pH values of 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0 buffered by phosphate or without buffer. Two fluorescent components (C1 and C2) were identified by PARAFAC. For the new quenching model, the conditional stability constants (logK1 and logK2) of the two components all increased with increasing pH. In buffered solutions, the new quenching model reported logK1 = 7.11, 7.89, 8.04 for C1 and logK2 = 7.04, 7.64, 8.11 for C2 at pH 6.0, 7.0, and 8.0, respectively, nearly two log units higher than the results of the multi-response model. Without buffer, logK1 and logK2 decreased but were still high (>7) at pH 8.0 (logK1 = 7.54, logK2 = 7.95), and all the values were at least 0.5 log unit higher than those (4.83 ∼ 5.55) of the multi-response model. These observations indicate that the new quenching model is more intrinsically sensitive than the multi-response model in revealing strong fluorescent binding sites of PPHA in different experimental conditions. The new model was validated by testing it with a mixture of two fluorescing Cu2+ chelating organic compounds, i.e., l-tryptophan and salicylic acid mixed with one non-fluorescent binding compound oxalic acid titrated with Cu2+ at pH 5.0.
High-Throughput Raman Spectroscopy Screening of Excipients for the Stabilization of Amorphous Drugs
Authors: Chen Xiaoyun , Stoneburner Kris , Ladika Mladen , Kuo Tzu-Chi , Kalantar Thomas H.
Published: November 2015

Low aqueous solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is an enduring problem in pharmaceutical development, and it is becoming increasingly prevalent among new drug candidates. It is estimated that about 40% of drugs in the development pipeline and approximately 60% of the drugs coming directly from discovery suffer from poor aqueous solubility and slow dissolution, thereby reducing their bioavailability and efficacy and thus preventing their commercialization. It is well known that utilizing the amorphous form of a drug can be a useful approach to improve the dissolution rate and solubility of poorly water-soluble APIs. Amorphous compounds are thermodynamically unstable, but they can be stabilized by combining them with a carrier polymer (excipient) to form a solid dispersion. High-throughput Raman spectroscopy was used in this study to identify excipients that promote formation and stabilization of the amorphous drug form in solid dispersions. Four model APIs were used as poorly soluble drug candidates: ketoprofen, danazol, griseofulvin, and probucol. The Raman signals of excipients were generally negligible, and therefore Raman bands from the drugs were used with minimal spectral pre-processing. By comparing Raman spectra collected from the APIs in the crystalline and molten state, appropriate spectral features and regions were identified for the development of semi-quantitative methods to determine the amorphous content for each API. It is demonstrated that methods based on peak intensity ratio, peak width, peak distance, and classical least squares can all be effective methods for the screening of excipients. Interesting excipient-dependent phase transformation behavior was also observed for probucol.
Evaluation of Lignocellulosic Biomass Degradation by Combining Mid- and Near-Infrared Spectra by the Outer Product and Selecting Discriminant Wavenumbers Using a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Rammal Abbas , Perrin Eric , Chabbert Brigitte , Bertrand Isabelle , Habrant Anouck , Lecart Brieuc , Vrabie Valeriu
Published: November 2015

Mid-infrared (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy provide useful information on the molecular composition of biological systems. Because they are sensitive to organic and mineral components, there is a growing interest in these techniques for the development of biomarkers that reflect intrinsic characteristics of plants and their mode of degradation. Due to their complexity and complementary nature, an important challenge is the combining of MIR and NIR information to identify discriminating wavenumbers in each wavenumber region, with the ultimate goal of assessing the biodegradation process of a lignocellulosic biomass at different time scales. This work investigates the potential of using the outer product to combine MIR and NIR spectra to highlight the connections between fundamental molecular vibrations and their combinations and bonds. Because this operation yields high-dimensional spectra, we propose to use a genetic algorithm to select the most discriminant wavenumbers within the degradation process. The results from two lignocellulosic biomasses with different biodegradation kinetics, miscanthus aerial parts and maize roots, confirm that the outer product combination of MIR and NIR spectral information allows a better discrimination of the biodegradation kinetic compared with the simple concatenation of MIR and NIR spectra or with the use of MIR or MIR spectral information separately. We show that the genetic algorithm selects wavenumbers that correspond to principal vibrations of chemical functional groups of compounds that undergo degradation/conversion during the biodegradation of the lignocellulosic biomass.
Optical Emission Spectroscopy of an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet during Tooth Bleaching Gel Treatment
Authors: Šantak Vedran , Zaplotnik Rok , Tarle Zrinka , Milošević Slobodan
Published: November 2015

Optical emission spectroscopy was performed during atmospheric pressure plasma needle helium jet treatment of various tooth-bleaching gels. When the gel sample was inserted under the plasma plume, the intensity of all the spectral features increased approximately two times near the plasma needle tip and up to two orders of magnitude near the sample surface. The color change of the hydroxylapatite pastille treated with bleaching gels in conjunction with the atmospheric pressure plasma jet was found to be in correlation with the intensity of OH emission band (309 nm). Using argon as an additive to helium flow (2 L/min), a linear increase (up to four times) of OH intensity and, consequently, whitening (up to 10%) of the pastilles was achieved. An atmospheric pressure plasma jet activates bleaching gel, accelerates OH production, and accelerates tooth bleaching (up to six times faster).
Curiosity over conformity: The Maker’s Palette – a case for hands-on learning
Authors: Blakey Sharon , McFadyen Jane
Published: November 2015

The Maker’s Palette is a creative model delivering hands-on learning and teaching. Devised in 2007 in response to increasingly risk-averse students within the Manchester School of Art, its craft centred approach empowers the individual to take ownership of their personal creative development. Informed by the creative thinking theories of J. P. Guilford and the professional practice of the author, the implementation of the model into the undergraduate curriculum resulted in unexpected impact beyond the university. Consciously designed with flexible parameters that enabled a variety of delivery modes it offered opportunities to address teacher development and the challenges of embedding process focused creative methodologies into the classroom. This article argues that the Maker’s Palette provides a compelling model for hands-on learning and offers evidence that could be further developed and used to support, validate and underpin an approach currently at threat within academic establishments at every level of education.
Undergraduate student involvement in Fashion and Textile research
Authors: Burbidge Helen
Published: November 2015

This work provides an insight into a functioning partnership between one academic member of staff and one student. The student was effectively paid to learn in an area that benefitted their interests and employability, as they undertook an internship and the academic acquired an extra pair of hands to carry out the tasks that they had difficulty finding the time to do. These tasks were the first stages of research enquiry, where the time intensity of their practical nature had meant the academic had failed to embark on their research journey sooner. This case study reviews the impact of taking on an undergraduate student as a paid intern to help an academic begin their research. The benefits and draw backs from the academic and student perspective are discussed, as are the difficulties found in establishing a foothold on the first steps to research. Whilst beginning research can be difficult, it is a requirement of the academic role. With much debate surrounding the quality of work nationally from Fashion and Textile (F&T) contributions, it could be seen as a level of judgment that is preferably avoided. Statistics discussed in the work show little involvement from F&T academics and this was felt to be a result of a lack of time and guidance. Where the internship was expected to free up the academic’s time there were unseen problems that hindered progress, but also benefits that helped to shape the direction of research. Student involvement in research helped to narrow the academic’s focus into an achievable outcome and has highlighted the benefit of working with others. The findings detail the partnership as a positive experience and raises awareness of areas that need to be addressed within Institutions, so that academics can be helped into beginning research, particularly in F&T subjects.
Paradox and potential: Fine Art employability and enterprise perspectives
Authors: Hjelde Katrine
Published: November 2015

This article explores the Fine Art curriculum in relation to the increasing focus on employability and enterprise within art and design institutions in the United Kingdom. The connection between the curriculum and enterprise and employability in the art school is under pressure from different fronts. On the one hand, the introduction of higher tuition fees in the United Kingdom has focused the student (but also staff and institutions) on the necessity to make a living after completing studies, and preferably enter into a career. The art school could be seen to have an ethical responsibility for their students here. On the other hand, within contemporary art practice there is an increased resistance towards current models of labour within neo-liberal capitalism; in particular, the idea of the ever-flexible portfolio worker, resilient and ideally adapted to an uncertain future (i.e., an artist), is increasingly being rejected as unsustainable and exploitative. The UK Fine Art curriculum is in flux, and questions have been asked about what exactly artists need to know and learn to prepare for their future. As a subject, Fine Art has not been consistently considered through a lens of employability and enterprise in the way more industryorientated design-based subjects have, but in the United Kingdom this is changing. This article asks: can art schools both prepare Fine Art graduates for a successful career in the arts to make them entrepreneurial and employable, and provide them with the critical tools to fundamentally question their place within this system (which some regard as a financially and environmentally unsustainable order)? It also considers whether this is a useful question and asks whether courses should perhaps make a choice and declare their position to potential students.
In front of and behind the camera: Media images from Northern Norway
Authors: Eira Stine Sand
Published: November 2015

Based on Bourdieu’s concept of ‘field’, and my own dual experience as a journalist and interviewee, I discuss ways in which editorial policies intervene in journalistic decision-making in documentaries included in the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation’s (NRK) Faktor series. The empirical material includes one documentary in which I was an interviewee, and two documentaries that I produced. In a reflexive way, I discuss two positions within the journalistic field, the journalist and the interviewee, and describe how journalistic intuition is required to comply with the NRK’s written guidelines and how, in addition, negotiations between the external producer and the NRK intervene in the film-making process. The article exemplifies these processes by analysing how certain polarizing representational practices become central to how interviewees are presented. The article deals with diversity and representations of the Sámi people and Northern Norway, and who gets to decide how this is expressed in documentary films.
Disrupted translations: Legibility and identity in the works of Nadia Myre
Authors: Flaherty Shannon
Published: November 2015

This article examines two series of work by contemporary Algonquin French Canadian artist Nadia Myre, Indian Act (2000–2002) and Journey of the Seventh Fire (2008–2009). These two bodies of work, which combine typed document or corporate logo with traditional techniques of beadwork, address issues of identity, history and historiography in modern Aboriginal culture and life. By defining these works as objects mired in the problems of translation, I argue that they operate as strategies of negotiation between languages, writing systems, and legal structures through which asymmetrical power relationships are defined. Appropriating the tools of settler government and capitalist authority, Myre reinscribes these objects into handbeaded colour fields, redefining that authority in relationship to the peoples, histories, and territories they displace and seek to control. Her works assert the shifting, relational quality of identity formation through melded yet contradictory techniques and require new modes of reading the resultant blended texts.
Is the trans child a queer child? Constructing normativity in Raising Ryland and I Am Jazz: A Family in Transition
Authors: Owen Gabrielle
Published: November 2015

While the gay child remains culturally unrepresentable, the last decade has seen an increasing number of representations of transgender children. In contrast to the incompatibility of sexuality and childhood presented by the gay child, I argue that normative conceptualizations of childhood are the very means by which the transgender child becomes available as a cultural representation. Situated at the intersections of queer theory, transgender studies and childhood studies, this article examines recent media representations of transgender children in the short documentary films Raising Ryland (Feeley, 2015) and I Am Jazz: A Family in Transition (Stocks, 2011) to discover which gendered ‘realities’ are representable as ‘real’ within the norms of language and culture, revealing how the idea of childhood itself governs possibilities for gendered being and becoming.