bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE SASAKAWA AFRICA FUND FOR EXTENSION EDUCATION INITIATIVE IN MALI
Authors: KANTE Assa , EDWARDS Michael Craig , BLACKWELL Cindy
Published: October 2015

The performance of extension agents and agencies in Africa has been questioned. Calls to provide more professional development are pervasive. This study assessed the views of extension agents who had completed the SAFE training program regarding their experiences with Supervised Enterprise Projects (SEPs) as a tool for serving clients. Semi-structured, focus group interviews were used to collect data. The graduates' concerns in regard to difficulties and constraints associated with the SEPs included cost, supervisory practices, project scope, and standards for project reporting and thesis writing. The SEPs needed systematic financial support, more effective supervision, a standardized reporting format, and networking with potential funders.
APPLICATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURE BY EXTENSION PERSONNEL
Authors: Verma S. R. , Sharma F. L.
Published: October 2015

Information and communication technology (ICT) can modernize agriculture extension system of India and ICT can play an important role for improving the quality life of farmers. Looking to the importance and scope of ICT application in agriculture the present study was carried out in Udaipur district of Rajasthan state. A total of 160 extension personnel (80 from Governmental Organizations and 80 from NGOs) were selected. To investigate ICT application in agriculture, five commonly used ICT tools- namely computer, Internet, mobile phone, kisan call center and information kiosks were selected. Data were collected through face to face interviews with the help of a developed instrument. The findings of the study show that application of computer, Internet and mobile phone is higher by the NGOs personnel than by GO personnel. Whereas, the uses of kisan call center and information kiosks by GO and NGOs personnel are almost the same in the study area.
STRENGTHENING LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS OF COOPERATIVE EXTENSION AND RESEARCH FACULTY
Authors: WALKER Jane , GRAY Benjamin , WALKER Martha A. , THOMAS Terrence
Published: October 2015

There is an ongoing need for community leadership development programs particularly in rural communities. Cooperative Extension leadership programs have focused on building leadership skills to enhance the capacity of communities to address the challenges of the postmodern era and the demands of a globalized world. To justify the resources needed to meet the leadership development needs, extension must demonstrate the effectiveness of leadership development programs. The Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) developed by researchers at North Carolina A&T State University in collaboration with Virginia Polytechnic Institute State University will provide extension practitioners with a valid and reliable instrument to assess the performance of leadership development programs.
EUROCENTRISM AND AGRICULTURE ATAU.S. LAND GRANT UNIVERSITY
Authors: ROUSE Lauren , BIELECKI Christopher , MCGUCKEN Anne , WINGENBACH Gary , RUTHERFORD Tracy , PRATT Orry , BALINAS And Melanie
Published: October 2015

Eurocentrism is the idea that European culture, beliefs, and practices are superior to other cultures' attributes; it may be manifested in American culture. The purpose of this study was to determine if selected U.S. students had Eurocentric attitudes about North American/European agriculture. A stratified random sample of college undergraduates completed an online questionnaire measuring their attitudes on 16 Eurocentric propositions regarding North American/European agriculture. Students had Eurocentric attitudes about agriculture, agreeing with 14 of the 16 Eurocentric propositions. Significant differences existed when analyzed by race and college. The U.S. agricultural industry, academia, and government want employees with workforce-ready intercultural skills.
IMPACT OF KVK TRAINING PROGRAMMES ON KNOWLEDGE AND ADOPTION OF CHICKPEA PRODUCTION INNOVATIONS IN MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA
Authors: MEENA L. K. , SIROHIYA Lokesh , KANT S. , BAIRWA S. L. , JHAJHARIA A.
Published: October 2015

Chickpea is an important pulse crop in India. Its production is stagnating and its variability is increased in the past three decades. The present study is an attempt to examine the impact of KVK Training programmes on knowledge and adoption of Chickpea production technology among participating and non- participating farmers of Sihora block of Jabalpur District Madhya Pradesh. The mean knowledge scores of participating and non-participating respondents about chickpea practices were 23.53 and 16.03 indicating that through training imparted by the KVK, the participating respondents have shown better results over non- participating respondents. Comparatively higher percentages of non- participating respondents were observed in medium and low level of adoption. Overall mean adoption score indicates that respondents have not fully adopted the recommended practices of chickpea crop. Difference in extent of adoption between participating and non-participating respondents was highly significant.
Comparative study on the heat stability of goat milk and cow milk
Authors: Wang Cunfang , Zhu Yuying , Wang Jianmin
Published: October 2015

We investigated differences between goat and cow milk by exploring the factors influencing milk stability by testing the heat coagulation time. Heat-stable milk samples were characterized by a higher pH, a lower heating temperature, a lower calcium concentration, a higher concentrations of EDTA-2Na, phosphate and citrate. However the sucrose concentration caused different patterns of heat stability. The heat stability of milk increased as the sucrose concentration increased from 10% to 30%, then decreased as it rose above 30%. Compared with cow milk, goat milk is less stable to heat treatments being affected by pH, heating temperature, and the addition of calcium chloride, disodium EDTA, disodium hydrogen phosphate, and sucrose. After adding sodium citrate, the heat stability of goat milk was better than that of cow milk, with ANOVA results indicating a statistically significant difference.
HOUSING AS AN EXPRESSION OF SELF-IDENTITY IN CONTEMPORARY ALGERIA: THE WORK OF EL-MINIAWY BROTHERS
Authors: Bellal Tahar
Published: October 2015

This paper tries to shed light on post-traditional environment in Algeria in a post global civilisation era. Some chosen projects implemented in some parts of the country are dealt with in relation to the expression of self identity through housing architecture. The focus of the work is on methods, achievements and implications of the projects. As from the seventies of the last century Algeria witnessed dramatic changes in its physical environment. The cities became the focus of international construction activities and many internationally renowned architects competed for large scale projects (Oscar Niemeyer, Ricardo Boffil, Kenzo Tang, etc). The projects chosen in this paper all deal with housing and include a housing scheme in Maadher near Msila, the second example in El Oued, the third is a housing project in Ouled Djellal. All of these projects by El Miniawy brothers disciples of the late Hassan Fathy, address critical aspects of the built environment. Yet one can consider these projects as representative of architectural thinking and activity in the country. This working paper reveals general aspects to gain comprehensive understanding, rather than statistical knowledge of Algerian built environment.
IMPLEMENTATION OF HIJAB CONCEPT IN ARAB HOUSE PASAR KLIWON SURAKARTA
Authors: Putri Ria Hapsari
Published: October 2015

Abstract

The research was motivated by the existence of the Arab settlement in Pasar Kliwon which is a heteroginity settlement, composed of Arab,   Javanese and Chinese with the Arab community is larger than the Chinese community. The multicultural life happens at Arab settlement in Pasar Kliwon  will directly affect the process of inter-ethnic interaction. Islam is a way of life in the Arab culture. The house of arab is an islamic architecture product which applies hijab and estimated retained. Therefore, in this study will be assessed the extent of the implementation of the hijab in Arab house in Pasar Kliwon. This study used the rationalistic paradigm and purposive sampling method of data collection which Arab house aged over 50 years. Analysis of the data using the parameters: (1) the physical hijab is permanent physical elements (walls, doors, windows and mashrabbiya) and non permanent physical elements (furniture and plants) and (2) non physical hijab is non physical elements (behavioral or user activity) .The results showed that the concept of hijab in Arab house in Pasar Kliwon is symbolized by: (1) the physical hijab is spatial zone that separates public and private space, and (2) non physical hijab is behavior or etiquette of visiting the implementing Islamic culture.

Keywords:  : islamic architecture, arab house, hijab

 

 

Abstrak

Penelitian ini dimotivasi oleh kehadiran perkampungan Arab di Pasar Kliwon yang merupakan permukiman yang heterogen, terdiri dari Arab, Jawa, dan Cina dengan komunitas Arab lebih besar daripada komunitas Cina. Kehidupan multikultural yang terjadi di permukiman Arab di Pasar Kliwon akan secara langsung mempengaruhi proses  interaksi  antar  etnis.  Islam  merupakan  jalan  hidup  budaya Arab.  Rumah Arab  merupakan  produk arsitektur Islam yang mengaplikasikan hijab dan perhitungan pertahanan. Karena itulah dalam tulisan ini akan diperkirakan luasnya implementasi hijab pada rumah Arab di Pasar Kliwon. Kajian ini menggunakan paradigma rasionalistik dan metode sampling purposif dari pengumpulan data pada rumah Arab yang berusia di atas 50 tahun. Analisis data menggunakan parameter: (1) fisik hijab merupakan elemen fisik permanen (dinding, pintu, jendela, dan mashrabbiya) dan elemen fisik non permanen (perabot dan tanaman) serta (2) hijab non fisik merupakan elemen non fisik (tingkah laku atau aktivitas pengguna). Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa konsep hijab pada rumah Arab di Pasar Kliwon disimbolkan dengan: (1) hijab fisik merupakan zonal ruang yang memisahkan publik dan private, serta (2) hijab non fisik merupakan tingkah laku atau etika berkunjung yang mengimplementasi budaya islam.

Kata kunci: arsitektur islam, rumah arab, hijab
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTERISTICS STUDY ON COMMUNITY MOSQUES IN PRIANGAN 1900 – 1942
Authors: Istiqomah Esti , Budi Bambang Setia
Published: October 2015

Abstract

Priangan was a region with a distinctive historical background and administrative unity. The region consisted of 7 regencies in present West Java Province. There were some old community mosques in the region. The aim of this paper is to formulate architectural characteristics of Priangan old community mosques and their overall development.  The  mosques  are  no  longer  observable  today.  Therefore,  the  study  is  referring  to  old documentations. The oldest available documentations of such mosques were presented in the form of photos from Dutch colonial era, after the ethical policy. Therefore, the study is limited from the year 1900 to 1942. Based on the photos, the mosques were resketched by outlining the intended variables, which are building mass, transitional space, and roof. There were some common architectural characteristics that can be concluded from Priangan  old  community mosques. The  common characters are  single  mass,  surrounding verandah, and two stacked pyramidal roof. On the overall development, the mosques showed the peak of architectural characteristics variations on the photos that were taken in the year 1925.

Keywords:  mosque, Priangan, colonial, characteristic, architecture

 

 

Abstrak

Priangan  merupakan  suatu  wilayah  yang  memiliki kesamaan  latar  historis  dan  pernah  memiliki kesatuan administrasi. Wilayah ini meliputi 7 kabupaten di Provinsi Jawa Barat saat ini. Di wilayah tersebut terdapat masjid-masjid komunitas lama. Makalah ini bertujuan untuk merumuskan karakteristik arsitektural masjid- masjid komunitas lama yang ada di Priangan serta kecenderungan perkembangan keseluruhannya. Masjid- masjid tersebut saat ini sudah tidak dapat diamati lagi di lapangan. Oleh karena itu, studi karakteristik dilakukan melalui sumber dokumentasi bersejarah. Dokumentasi masjid-masjid tersebut mulai muncul pada masa kolonial Belanda setelah politik etis dalam bentuk foto. Oleh karena itu, kurun waktu kajian dibatasi antara tahun 1900 hingga tahun 1942. Dari foto-foto tersebut, masjid kemudian di sketsa ulang untuk memperjelas  variabel-variabel  yang  akan  dianalisis,  yaitu  massa,  ruang,  dan  atap.  Dari  hasil  analisis, didapatkan karakteristik arsitektural masjid komunitas lama di Priangan yang umum, yaitu memiliki massa tunggal, selasar keliling, dan atap tumpang 2 tumpuk. Kemudian dalam foto masjid-masjid yang diambil tahun

1925, karakter arsitektural masjid menjadi semakin beragam.

 

 

Kata kunci: masjid, Priangan, kolonial, karakteristik, arsitektur

 
MIND MAPPING: A BRAIN-BASED WRITING STRATEGY
Authors: Ningrum Ary Setya Budhi
Published: October 2015

In EFL context, it is believed that developing writing skills is more complicated than developing other language skills. In order to be able to write well, the foreign language learners need to be equipped with early and continued writing experiences. Thus, the teacher’s task to develop the students’ writing skill is more complicated than the other skills. One of the most current issues to deal with such phenomena is to ferret out the writing strategy that is able to enhance the students’ writing ability as well as to reinforce their critical thinking in writing by maximizing the use of both sides of the brain (the left and the right hemispheres). In response to such issues, this paper takes into account mind mapping as a strategy in writing and elaborates the theoretical review of mind mapping for better understanding.
Keywords: Mind Mapping, Writing
Regional variation in stand structure and development in forests of Oregon, Washington, and inland Northern California
Authors: Reilly Matthew J. , Spies Thomas A.
Published: October 2015

Despite its importance to biodiversity and ecosystem function, patterns and drivers of regional scale variation in forest structure and development are poorly understood. We characterize structural variation, create a hierarchical classification of forest structure, and develop an empirically based framework for conceptualizing structural development from 11,091 plots across 25 million ha of all ownerships in Oregon, Washington, and inland Northern California, USA. A single component related to live tree biomass accounted for almost half of the variation in a principal components analysis of structural attributes, but components related to live tree density and size, dead wood, and understory vegetation together accounted for as much additional variation. These results indicate that structural development is more complex than a monotonic accumulation of live biomass as other components may act independently or emerge at multiple points during development. The classification revealed the diversity of structural conditions expressed at all levels of live biomass depending on the timing and relative importance of a variety of ecological processes (e.g., mortality) in different vegetation zones. Low live biomass structural types (<25 Mg/ha) illustrated the diversity of early‐seral conditions and differed primarily in density of live trees and abundance of snags and dead wood. Moderate live biomass structural types (25–99 Mg/ha) differed in tree size and density and generally lacked dead wood, but some structurally diverse types associated with partial stand‐replacing disturbance had abundant live and dead legacies. High live biomass structural types (>100 Mg/ha) substantiated the diversity of later developmental stages and exhibited considerable variation in the abundance of dead wood and density of big trees. Most structural types corresponded with previously described stages of development, but others associated with protracted early development, woodland/savannah transitions, and partial stand‐replacing disturbance lacked analogs and indicated alternative pathways of development. We propose a conceptual framework that distinguishes among families of pathways depending on the range of variation along different components of structure, the relative importance of different disturbances, and complexity of pathways. Our framework is a starting point for developing more comprehensive models of structural development that apply to a wider variety of vegetation zones differing in environment and disturbance regimes.
Improving Internet Searches for Community Resources by Persons Diagnosed With Mental Disorders
Authors: Wong Stephen E. , Vakharia Sheila P.
Published: October 2015

This study assisted clients in a locked facility for persons with mental disorders and substance abuse problems to explore the communities into which they were to be discharged using the Internet. Four patients with either the diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia were provided Internet access with instructions to search for any of 6 categories of resources (i.e., potential housing, employment, public services, shops and restaurants, recreational facilities, and social or religious organizations) in their prospective communities. For 3 out of 4 patients, initial instructions to search for any of 6 categories of resources lead to very few relevant websites being visited. When patients were instructed to choose one of these 6 categories to explore and to give their reasons for selecting that category, the number of relevant websites visited increased severalfold. Narrowing search instructions and reviewing personal goals can be helpful in overcoming the numerous distractions on the Internet and allowing clients to obtain needed information from this vast communication network.
Crítica de libro: Cómo Afrontar una Fiscalización Laboral
Authors: Lora Álvarez Germán
Published: October 2015

Crítica del libro Cómo Afrontar una Fiscalización Laboral de Ludmin Jiménez Coronado, Clotilde Atahuaman Sumarán, Ana Hilario Melgarejo, Graciela Hurtado Cruz.

Critique of the book Cómo Afrontar una Fiscalización Laboral

Critique of the book Cómo Afrontar una Fiscalización Laboral by Ludmin Jiménez Coronado, Clotilde Atahuaman Sumarán, Ana Hilario Melgarejo, Graciela Hurtado Cruz.
Influence of Environmental Policies on China’s Lead-Acid Battery Industry
Authors: Zhang Rongbo , Cheng Zuo , Zhao Ruirui , Chen Hongyu , Shu Yuehong
Published: October 2015

Frequently occurred “lead poisoning cases” in China have made the rapidly developing lead-acid battery
industry a huge environmental harm in these years. Meanwhile, a series of related policies have been introduced by the
Chinese government to inhibit the increasingly expanded effect by this industry on the environment. In this paper, the
status of the lead-acid battery industry, including the demand, yield and growth rate, is discussed, along with the
environmental regulation policies in this field as well as the secondary lead industry. Besides, this work also analyzes and
discusses the specific content of the policies developed for environmental protection requirements and provides
information on how enterprises can be properly prepared for the inspections and enter into compliance with the new
regulations.
The Future Architects’ Attitude towards Innovations in the Context of Sustainable Development
Authors: Artemeva Veronika
Published: October 2015

The architectural innovations are becoming more and more important in the economic and social development and in the quality improvement of people’s lives. Sometimes, however, the implementation of innovative projects can lead to negative consequences. The development of any innovation should be based on a comprehensive analysis of their implementation’s consequences. Therefore, developing a responsible of the future architects’ attitude to innovations is extremely important for achieving a qualitatively new level of training of future architects to ensure sustainable development. This article presents the results of a research that investigated the social values of future architects and their attitude towards innovation.
One Step ahead in Cell Cultivation – International Advanced Training Course at ZHAW Waedenswil
Authors: Heinzelmann Elsbeth
Published: October 2015

At ZHAW Waedenswil, students from all over the world meet to gain an insight into the laboratories and learn the latest processes in cell cultivation to produce drugs, vaccines and cosmetics. Under the guidance of Professor Regine Eibl, head of cell culture technology, they follow lectures,
get to know how to handle insect, hamster and tobacco cells as part of a traineeship and visit industrial research labs – a unique opportunity to build up a network for the future.
2015 AERA Distinguished Lecture
Authors: Lagemann Ellen Condliffe
Published: October 2015

This essay describes the economic, social, and civic benefits of college in prison. Turning to history, it describes the unfortunate 1994 decision to eliminate Pell Grant eligibility for people in prison and argues that the time is now right to reverse that policy. Finally, it describes several ways in which scholars of education can contribute to efforts to restore equal rights to financial aid and therefore to education for the 2.2 million men and women living behind bars.
Does Foreign Aid Accelerate Corruption? The Case of the Palestinian National Authority
Authors: Shehada Yusif
Published: October 2015

This article critically analyses the contribution of foreign aid policy to the spread of political corruption in the context of the Palestinian-Israeli peace process. The argument is that the extent of the politicisation of aid and the disparagement of normative behaviour create opportunities to exploit resources and to strengthen political and personal gains of the political elite in the receiving country. Thus when examining the relationship between the extent of the politicisation of the process of assistance and the acceleration of corruption during the rule of Yasser Arafat (1994–2004) the case study shows that political considerations caused the main donors to ignore or disregard corrupt behaviour.
‘Everybody's Scottish at the end of the day’: Nationalism and Social Justice Amongst Young Yes Voters
Authors: Breeze Maddie , Gorringe Hugo , Jamieson Lynn , Rosie Michael
Published: October 2015

In the wake of the diverse mobilization for Yes in the 2014 Independence Referendum and unprecedented SNP gains in the 2015 General Election, a number of commentators deployed a rhetoric of ‘dangerous nationalism’ by way of explanation and criticism. Such an interpretation is refuted by survey evidence and complicated by sociologies of nationalism and national identity. This short article joins these debates, and presents analysis of ten explorative interviews conducted with young Yes voters between the Referendum and the General Election. There is no simple narrative of ‘nationalism’ in these young people's accounts. Some explicitly distanced themselves from nationalist sentiment, emphasising a commitment to social justice as their key motivation for Yes. Others shared this primary concern but expressed it as overlapping with a national(ist) identity in complex ways. While disavowals of ‘romantic’ or ‘narrow’ nationalism occur on both sides of the independence debate, this study points to how more banal, and nuanced discourses of national(ist) identity underpin respondents’ explanations for voting Yes.
Principles of Designing and Implementing Agricultural Extension Programs for Reducing Post-harvest Loss
Authors: McNamara Paul , Tata Joyous
Published: October 2015

Post-harvest losses represent a significant threat to food security and farmer incomes worldwide. It is an inefficiency in the global food production system that is avoidable. In deducing principles of designing and implementing agricultural extension programs to reduce post-harvest losses, valuable lessons can be gleaned from the handful of previous extension projects and programs addressing post-harvest loss. Abstracting principles from previous experiences and using this to inform future post-harvest loss prevention programs is an evidence-based approach to arrive at solutions to this problem. This paper reviews extension programs for post-harvest loss prevention, before presenting key principles abstracted from the review that should be taken into consideration for future post-harvest loss prevention programs. This paper aims to contribute to knowledge on the role of agricultural extension in the design of post-harvest loss reduction efforts in developing countries.
The RNA Splicing Response to DNA Damage
Authors: Shkreta Lulzim , Chabot Benoit
Published: October 2015

The number of factors known to participate in the DNA damage response (DDR) has expanded considerably in recent years to include splicing and alternative splicing factors. While the binding of splicing proteins and ribonucleoprotein complexes to nascent transcripts prevents genomic instability by deterring the formation of RNA/DNA duplexes, splicing factors are also recruited to, or removed from, sites of DNA damage. The first steps of the DDR promote the post-translational modification of splicing factors to affect their localization and activity, while more downstream DDR events alter their expression. Although descriptions of molecular mechanisms remain limited, an emerging trend is that DNA damage disrupts the coupling of constitutive and alternative splicing with the transcription of genes involved in DNA repair, cell-cycle control and apoptosis. A better understanding of how changes in splice site selection are integrated into the DDR may provide new avenues to combat cancer and delay aging.
Adolescent Alcoholism and Drug Addiction: The Experience of Parents
Authors: Choate Peter
Published: October 2015

Alcoholism and drug addiction have marked impacts on the ability of families to function. Much of the literature has been focused on adult members of a family who present with substance dependency. There is limited research into the effects of adolescent substance dependence on parenting and family functioning; little attention has been paid to the parents’ experience. This qualitative study looks at the parental perspective as they attempted to adapt and cope with substance dependency in their teenage children. The research looks into family life and adds to family functioning knowledge when the identified client is a youth as opposed to an adult family member. Thirty-one adult caregivers of 21 teenagers were interviewed, resulting in eight significant themes: (1) finding out about the substance dependence problem; (2) experiences as the problems escalated; (3) looking for explanations other than substance dependence; (4) connecting to the parent’s own history; (5) trying to cope; (6) challenges of getting help; (7) impact on siblings; and (8) choosing long-term rehabilitation. Implications of this research for clinical practice are discussed.
Distribution Function of the Atoms of Spacetime and the Nature of Gravity
Authors: Padmanabhan Thanu
Published: October 2015

The fact that the equations of motion for matter remain invariant when a constant is added to the Lagrangian suggests postulating that the field equations of gravity should also respect this symmetry. This principle implies that: (1) the metric cannot be varied in any extremum principle to obtain the field equations; and (2) the stress-tensor of matter should appear in the variational principle through the combination Tabnanb where na is an auxiliary null vector field, which could be varied to get the field equations. This procedure uniquely selects the Lanczos–Lovelock models of gravity in D-dimensions and Einstein’s theory in D = 4. Identifying na with the normals to the null surfaces in the spacetime in the macroscopic limit leads to a thermodynamic interpretation for gravity. Several geometrical variables and the equation describing the spacetime evolution acquire a thermodynamic interpretation. Extending these ideas one level deeper, we can obtain this variational principle from a distribution function for the “atoms of spacetime”, which counts the number of microscopic degrees of freedom of the geometry. This is based on the curious fact that the renormalized spacetime endows each event with zero volume, but finite area!
Enhanced Visibility of MoS2, MoSe2, WSe2 and Black-Phosphorus: Making Optical Identification of 2D Semiconductors Easier
Authors: Rubio-Bollinger Gabino , Guerrero Ruben , De Lara David , Quereda Jorge , Vaquero-Garzon Luis , Agraït Nicolas , Bratschitsch Rudolf , Castellanos-Gomez Andres
Published: October 2015

We explore the use of Si3N4/Si substrates as a substitute of the standard SiO2/Si substrates employed nowadays to fabricate nanodevices based on 2D materials. We systematically study the visibility of several 2D semiconducting materials that are attracting a great deal of interest in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics: MoS2, MoSe2, WSe2 and black-phosphorus. We find that the use of Si3N4/Si substrates provides an increase of the optical contrast up to a 50%–100% and also the maximum contrast shifts towards wavelength values optimal for human eye detection, making optical identification of 2D semiconductors easier.
Non-Seasonal Variation of Airborne Aspergillus Spore Concentration in a Hospital Building
Authors: Oberle Michael , Reichmuth Markus , Laffer Reto , Ottiger Cornelia , Fankhauser Hans , Bregenzer Thomas
Published: October 2015

Nosocomial fungal infections are gaining increased attention from infectiologists. An adequate investigation into the levels of airborne Aspergillus and other fungal spores in hospital settings, under normal conditions, is largely unknown. We monitored airborne spore contamination in a Swiss hospital building in order to establish a seasonally-dependent base-line level. Air was sampled using an impaction technique, twice weekly, at six different locations over one year. Specimens were seeded in duplicate on Sabouraud agar plates. Grown colonies were identified to genus levels. The airborne Aspergillus spore concentration was constantly low throughout the whole year, at a median level of 2 spores/m3 (inter-quartile range = IQR 1–4), and displayed no seasonal dependency. The median concentration of other fungal spores was higher and showed a distinct seasonal variability with the ambient temperature change during the different seasons: 82 spores/m3 (IQR 26–126) in summer and 9 spores/m3 (IQR 6–15) in winter. The spore concentration varied considerably between the six sampling sites in the building (10 to 26 spores/m3). This variability may explain the variability of study results in the literature.
Regional Risk Evaluation of Flood Disasters for the Trunk-Highway in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Qi Hong-Liang , Tian Wei-Ping , Li Jia-Chun
Published: October 2015

Due to the complicated environment there are various types of highway disasters in Shaanxi Province (China). The damages caused are severe, losses are heavy, and have rapidly increased over the years, especially those caused by flood disasters along the rivers in mountainous areas. Therefore, research on risk evaluations, which play important roles in the prevention and mitigation of highway disasters are very important. An evaluation model was established based on the superposition theory of regional influencing factors to highway flood disasters. Based on the formation mechanism and influencing factors of highway flood disasters, the main influencing factors were selected. These factors include rainstorms, terrain slopes, soil types, vegetation coverage and regional river density, which are based on evaluation indexes from climate conditions and underlying surface of the basin. A regional risk evaluation of highway flood disasters in Shaanxi was established using GIS. The risk index was divided into five levels using statistical methods, in accordance with the regional characteristics of highway flood disasters. Considering the difference in upfront investments, road grade, etc, between expressways and trunk-highways in China, a regional risk evaluation of trunk-highway flood disasters was completed. The evaluation results indicate that the risk evaluation is consistent with the actual situation.
Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles via Biological Entities
Authors: Shah Monaliben , Fawcett Derek , Sharma Shashi , Tripathy Suraj , Poinern Gérrard
Published: October 2015

Nanotechnology is the creation, manipulation and use of materials at the nanometre size scale (1 to 100 nm). At this size scale there are significant differences in many material properties that are normally not seen in the same materials at larger scales. Although nanoscale materials can be produced using a variety of traditional physical and chemical processes, it is now possible to biologically synthesize materials via environment-friendly green chemistry based techniques. In recent years, the convergence between nanotechnology and biology has created the new field of nanobiotechnology that incorporates the use of biological entities such as actinomycetes algae, bacteria, fungi, viruses, yeasts, and plants in a number of biochemical and biophysical processes. The biological synthesis via nanobiotechnology processes have a significant potential to boost nanoparticles production without the use of harsh, toxic, and expensive chemicals commonly used in conventional physical and chemical processes. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of recent trends in synthesizing nanoparticles via biological entities and their potential applications.
Purification and Characterization of Cathepsin B from the Muscle of Horse Mackerel Trachurus japonicus
Authors: Yoshida Asami , Ohta Megumi , Kuwahara Koichi , Cao Min-Jie , Hara Kenji , Osatomi Kiyoshi
Published: October 2015

An endogenous protease in fish muscle, cathepsin B, was partially purified and characterized from horse mackerel meat. On SDS-PAGE of the purified enzyme under reducing conditions, main protein bands were detected at 28 and 6 kDa and their respective N-terminal sequences showed high homology to heavy and light chains of cathepsin B from other species. This suggested that horse mackerel cathepsin B formed two-chain forms, similar to mammalian cathepsin Bs. Optimum pH and temperature of the enzyme were 5.0 and 50 °C, respectively. A partial cDNA encoding the amino acid sequence of 215 residues for horse mackerel cathepsin B was obtained by RT-PCR and cloned. The deduced amino acid sequence contains a part of light and heavy chains of cathepsin B. The active sites and an N-glycosylation site were conserved across species. We also confirmed that the modori phenomenon was avoided by CA-074, a specific inhibitor for cathepsin B. Therefore, our results suggest that natural cysteine protease inhibitor(s), such as oryzacystatin derived from rice, can apply to thermal-gel processing of horse mackerel to avoid the modori phenomenon. Meanwhile, this endogenous protease may be used for food processing, such as weaning meal and food for the elderly.
CFD Modelling of Flow and Solids Distribution in Carbon-in-Leach Tanks
Authors: Wadnerkar Divyamaan , Pareek Vishnu , Utikar Ranjeet
Published: October 2015

The Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) circuit plays an important role in the economics of a gold refinery. The circuit uses multiphase stirred tanks in series, in which problems such as dead zones, short-circuiting, and presence of unsuspended solids are detrimental to its efficiency. Therefore, the hydrodynamics of such a system is critical for improving the performance. The hydrodynamics of stirred tanks can be resolved using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). While the flow generated by the impellers in the CIL tanks is complex and modelling it in the presence of high solid concentration is challenging, advances in CFD models, such as turbulence and particle-fluid interactions, have made modelling of such flows feasible. In the present study, the hydrodynamics of CIL tanks was investigated by modelling it using CFD. The models used in the simulations were validated using experimental data at high solid loading of 40 wt. % in a lab scale tank. The models were further used for examining the flow generated by pitched blade turbine and HA-715 Mixtec impellers in lab scale CIL tanks with 50 wt. % solids. The effect of design and operating parameters such as off-bottom clearance, impeller separation, impeller speed, scale-up, and multiple-impeller configuration on flow field and solid concentrations profiles was examined. For a given impeller speed, better solids suspension is observed with dual impeller and triple impeller configurations. The results presented in the paper are useful for understanding the hydrodynamics and influence of design and operating parameters on industrial CIL tanks.
Reduction of Friction of Metals Using Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Nanostructures
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Zhao Quanzhong , Wang Chengwei
Published: October 2015

We report on the effect of femtosecond-laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on the tribological properties of stainless steel. Uniform periodic nanostructures were produced on AISI 304L (American Iron and Steel Institute steel grade) steel surfaces using an 800-nm femtosecond laser. The spatial periods of LIPSS measured by field emission scanning electron microscopy ranged from 530 to 570 nm. The tribological properties of smooth and textured surfaces with periodic nanostructures were investigated using reciprocating ball-on-flat tests against AISI 440C balls under both dry and starved oil lubricated conditions. The friction coefficient of LIPSS covered surfaces has shown a lower value than that of the smooth surface. The induced periodic nanostructures demonstrated marked potential for reducing the friction coefficient compared with the smooth surface.
The Fringe-Capacitance of Etching Holes for CMOS-MEMS
Authors: Wang Yi-Ta , Hu Yuh-Chung , Chu Wen-Chang , Chang Pei-Zen
Published: October 2015

Movable suspended microstructures are the common feature of sensors or devices in the fields of Complementary-Metal-Oxide-Semiconductors and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems which are usually abbreviated as CMOS-MEMS. To suspend the microstructures, it is commonly to etch the sacrificial layer under the microstructure layer. For large-area microstructures, it is necessary to design a large number of etching holes on the microstructure to enhance the etchant uniformly and rapidly permeate into the sacrificial layer. This paper aims at evaluating the fringe capacitance caused by etching holes on microstructures and developing empirical formulas. The formula of capacitance compensation term is derived by curve-fitting on the simulation results by the commercial software ANSYS. Compared with the ANSYS simulation, the deviation of the present formula is within ±5%. The application to determine the capacitance of an electrostatic micro-beam with etching holes is demonstrated in a microstructure experiment, which agrees very well with the experimental data, and the maximum deviation is within ±8%. The present formula is with simple form, wide application range, high accuracy, and easy to use. It is expected to provide the micro-device designers to estimate the capacitance of microstructures with etching holes and predominate in the device characteristics.
An Investigation of the Acute Effects of Oligofructose-Enriched Inulin on Subjective Wellbeing, Mood and Cognitive Performance
Authors: Smith Andrew , Sutherland David , Hewlett Paul
Published: October 2015

Inulin is a natural food component found in many plants that are part of the human diet (e.g., leeks, onions, wheat, garlic, chicory and artichokes). It is added to many foods and is used to increase dietary fibre, replace fats or carbohydrates, and as a prebiotic (a stimulant of beneficial bacteria in the colon). Oligofructose, which is also present in these foods, produces similar effects and most research has used a combination of these products. A previous study (Smith, 2005) investigated the effects of regular consumption of oligofructose-enriched inulin on wellbeing, mood, and cognitive performance in humans. The results showed that oligofructose-enriched inulin had no negative effects but that it did not improve wellbeing, mood, or performance. The aim of the present study was to examine the acute effects of oligofructose-enriched inulin (5 g) over a 4 h period during which the participants remained in the laboratory. A double blind placebo (maltodextrin) controlled study (N = 47) was carried out with the order of conditions being counterbalanced and the two sessions a week apart. On each test day mood and cognitive performance were assessed at baseline (at 8:00) and then following inulin or placebo (at 11:00). Prior to the second test session (at 10:30) participants completed a questionnaire assessing their physical symptoms and mental health during the test morning. The inulin and placebo were provided in powder form in 5 g sachets. Volunteers consumed one sachet in decaffeinated tea or decaffeinated coffee with breakfast (9:00). Questionnaire results showed that on the day that the inulin was consumed, participants felt happier, had less indigestion and were less hungry than when they consumed the placebo. As for performance and mood tasks, the most consistent effects were on the episodic memory tasks where consumption of inulin was associated with greater accuracy on a recognition memory task, and improved recall performance (immediate and delayed). Further research is required to identify the mechanisms that underlie this effect with glucose metabolism being one candidate.
Effects of Fructans from Mexican Agave in Newborns Fed with Infant Formula: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: López-Velázquez Gabriel , Parra-Ortiz Minerva , Mora Ignacio , García-Torres Itzhel , Enríquez-Flores Sergio , Alcántara-Ortigoza Miguel , Angel Ariadna , Velázquez-Aragón José , Ortiz-Hernández Rosario , Cruz-Rubio José , Villa-Barragán Pablo , Jiménez-Gutiérrez Carlos , Gutiérrez-Castrellón Pedro
Published: October 2015

Background: The importance of prebiotics consumption is increasing all over the world due to their beneficial effects on health. Production of better prebiotics from endemic plants raises possibilities to enhance nutritional effects in vulnerable population groups. Fructans derived from Agave Plant have demonstrated their safety and efficacy as prebiotics in animal models. Recently, the safety in humans of two fructans obtained from Agave tequilana (Metlin® and Metlos®) was demonstrated. Methods: This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy as prebiotics of Metlin® and Metlos® in newborns of a randomized, double blind, controlled trial with a pilot study design. Biological samples were taken at 20 ± 7 days, and three months of age from healthy babies. Outcomes of efficacy include impact on immune response, serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, bone metabolism, and gut bacteria changes. Results: There were differences statistically significant for the groups of infants fed only with infant formula and with formula enriched with Metlin® and Metlos®. Conclusions: Our results support the efficacy of Metlin® and Metlos® as prebiotics in humans, and stand the bases to recommend their consumption. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT 01251783.
Oxide-Free Bonding of III-V-Based Material on Silicon and Nano-Structuration of the Hybrid Waveguide for Advanced Optical Functions
Authors: Pantzas Konstantinos , Itawi Ahmad , Sagnes Isabelle , Patriarche Gilles , Le Bourhis Eric , Lupu Anatole , Benisty Henri , Talneau Anne
Published: October 2015

Oxide-free bonding of III-V-based materials for integrated optics is demonstrated on both planar Silicon (Si) surfaces and nanostructured ones, using Silicon on Isolator (SOI) or Si substrates. The hybrid interface is characterized electrically and mechanically. A hybrid InP-on-SOI waveguide, including a bi-periodic nano structuration of the silicon guiding layer is demonstrated to provide wavelength selective transmission. Such an oxide-free interface associated with the nanostructured design of the guiding geometry has great potential for both electrical and optical operation of improved hybrid devices.
Cross-National Investigation of Health Indicators among Sexual Minorities in Norway and the United States
Authors: Watson Ryan , Wheldon Christopher , Wichstrøm Lars , Russell Stephen
Published: October 2015

A cross-national study of young adult sexual minorities was conducted in order to explore the associations between sexual orientation and measures of depression, suicidality, and substance use. Two nationally representative data sets were explored from the United States (N = 14,335) and Norway (N = 2423). Results indicated that sexual minorities experienced multiple health disparities (depression, suicidality, and substance use) compared to their heterosexual counterparts. We found similar patterns of depression, suicidality, and substance use for sexual minorities in both the United States and Norway. The highest odds of substance use were among heterosexual-identified Norwegian youth who reported same-sex sexual activity, and the highest odds of suicidality were found for bisexual young adults in Norway. These findings have implications for how we consider culture and social policy as barriers and/or opportunities for sexual minorities.
Therapeutic Effects of CTLA4Ig Gene-Transduced Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation on Established Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Choi Eun Wha , Lee Jung Min , Lee Hee Woo , Yang Jehoon , Youn Hwa Young
Published: October 2015

This study aimed to identify the beneficial effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) and ASCs that overexpress the CTLA4Ig gene (CTLA4Ig-ASCs) on established autoimmune thyroiditis and to examine changes in clinical chemistry parameters and the presence of humoral responses upon repeated long-term administration of autologous ASCs. This study also aimed to acquire desirable results in a preclinical study by using large-sized lab animals and applying ASCs that overexpress therapeutic genes. Experimental autoimmune thyroiditis was induced by immunization with thyroglobulin. Experimental dogs were divided into five groups: (i) ASC IT + IV, (ii) ASC IV, (iii) CTLA4Ig-ASC IT + IV, (iv) CTLA4Ig-ASC IV, and (v) control IT + IV (saline only), and they received intrathyroidal (IT; 10 million cells/250 μl saline per thyroid) administration one time or intravenous (IV; 20 million cells/5 ml) administration seven times within a 101-day period. Blood samples were collected every week, and thyroids were harvested on days 104-106. After serial ASC or CTLA4Ig transplantation, the levels of canine thyroglobulin autoantibodies (TgAA) in serum and the infiltration of T-lymphocytes between the follicles of the thyroid glands were decreased. The expression of FoxP3 in submandibular lymph nodes was significantly increased. Repeated long-term administration of autologous ASCs or CTLA4Ig-ASCs did not generate changes in clinical chemistry parameters or humoral responses. The TgAA test can detect autoimmune thyroiditis years before clinical signs of hypothyroidism occur. Thus, ASC and CTLA4Ig-ASC transplantation in that period can be attractive candidates to ameliorate autoimmune thyroiditis and prevent the development of hypothyroidism.