bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Physicochemical and Nutritional Characteristics of Waste Mushroom Substrate Biochar under Various Pyrolysis Temperatures and Times
Authors: Sarfraz Rubab , Li Siwei , Yang Wenhao , Zhou Biqing , Xing Shihe
Published: January 2019

The prime objective of biochar production is to contribute to nutrients recycling, reducing waste and converting useful bio-wastes into carbon rich products in the environment. The present study was intended to systematically evaluate the effect of pyrolysis conditions and characteristics of feedstock influencing the generation of biochar. The study revealed the nutritional importance of waste mushroom substrate (WMS) biochar which may elevate soil nutritional status and soil quality. The results showed that the yields and properties of WMS biochar depended principally on the applied temperature where pyrolysis at higher temperatures, that is, 600 °C and 700 °C produced biochar having high ash, P and K contents. Moreover, numerous useful macro and micro nutrients such as Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn were observed to positively correlate with the increase in temperature. The WMS biochar in our study is highly alkaline which can be used to rectify acidic soil pH. Overall our results suggest that WMS biochar being a rich source of nutrients can be the best remedy to maintain and further enhance the soil nutritional status. Thus by interpreting biochar feedstock characteristics and pyrolysis conditions, the regulation of tailored WMS biochar manufacturing and application in soil can be facilitated.
Physico-Mechanical and Thermodynamic Properties of Mycelium-Based Biocomposites: A Review
Authors: Girometta Carolina , Picco Anna Maria , Baiguera Rebecca Michela , Dondi Daniele , Babbini Stefano , Cartabia Marco , Pellegrini Mirko , Savino Elena
Published: January 2019

Reducing the use of non-renewable resources is a key strategy of a circular economy. Mycelium-based foams and sandwich composites are an emerging category of biocomposites relying on the valorization of lignocellulosic wastes and the natural growth of the living fungal organism. While growing, the fungus cements the substrate, which is partially replaced by the tenacious biomass of the fungus itself. The final product can be shaped to produce insulating panels, packaging materials, bricks or new-design objects. Only a few pioneer companies in the world retain a significant know-how, as well as the ability to provide the material characterization. Moreover, several technical details are not revealed due to industrial secrecy. According to the available literature, mycelium-based biocomposites show low density and good insulation properties, both related to acoustic and thermal aspects. Mechanical properties are apparently inferior in comparison to expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is the major synthetic competitor. Nevertheless, mycelium-based composites can display an enormous variability on the basis of: fungal species and strain; substrate composition and structure; and incubation conditions. The aim of the present review is to summarize technical aspects and properties of mycelium-based biocomposites focusing on both actual applications and future perspectives.
Hawai‘i in Focus: Navigating Pathways in Global Biocultural Leadership
Authors: Chang Kevin , Winter Kawika B. , Lincoln Noa Kekuewa
Published: January 2019

As an introduction to the special issue on “Biocultural Restoration in Hawai‘i,” this manuscript provides background for term ‘biocultural restoration,’ and contextualizes it within the realms of scholarship and conservation. It explores two key themes related to the topic. First, “Earth as Island, Island as Earth,” scales up an island-borne concept of sustainability into a global context. Second, “Hawai‘i as a Biocultural Leader,” examines the reasons behind the global trend of looking to the most isolated landmass on the planet for solutions to global sustainability issues. We conclude by summarizing the content of the special issue and pointing out the historic nature of its publication. It is the largest collection to date of scientific papers authored by Native Hawaiians and kama‘āina (Hawai‘i-grown) scholars, and more than 50% of both lead and total authorship are women. This Special Issue, therefore, represents a big step forward for under-represented demographics in science. It also solidifies, as embodied in many of the papers in this Special Issue, indigenous methodologies that prioritize working relationships and practical applications by directly involving those on the front lines of biocultural conservation and restoration.
Evaluating Energy Sustainability Using the Pressure-State-Response and Improved Matter-Element Extension Models: Case Study of China
Authors: Li Shuyu , Li Rongrong
Published: January 2019

Most existing studies on energy sustainability have focused on qualitative research. Few studies have applied quantitative methods, and there has not been a systematic review of energy sustainability. To fill this gap, this study first developed a sustainable energy evaluation index system consisting of 20 indicators across the three dimensions of economy, energy, and environment based on the pressure-state-response (PSR) model. The weights of these indicators were then determined in conjunction with the weighting method. Finally, the matter-element extension method was improved to quantify energy sustainability. The proposed method was applied to evaluate China’s energy sustainability status from 2000 to 2015. The results show that China’s status continued to improve; however, it remained at a low level. To improve China’s energy sustainability, more efforts are needed in the economic, energy, and environmental dimensions.
Can We Shape Trait Professional Skepticism through University Accounting Programs? Evidence from Polish University
Authors: Ciołek Maciej , Emerling Izabela
Published: January 2019

This paper examines whether it is possible to shape trait professional skepticism of accounting students through undergraduate and graduate university programs. Using Hurtt’s Professional Skepticism Scale (HPSS), we surveyed 432 students of the Poznań University of Economics, who follow either one of the accounting programs or the management program. Comparing the mean scores of first-year undergraduates from each program, who have been studying only for two weeks (initial level of skepticism), with the mean scores of the final-year students as proxies for the entry-level auditors (audit assistants), we calculated the change in the mean scores of students’ trait skepticism over four years of study. The results show that only the ACCA-accredited (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) accounting program significantly increased the level of trait skepticism of the accounting students in comparison to the control group and students who followed the standard accounting program. The robustness analysis shows that independent variables, such as age, the future job that subjects wish to occupy, and the length of professional experience, have no significant impact on the results obtained. However, that both gender and professional experience have a significant impact on the mean scores may be considered as variables supporting the change of professional skepticism within the four years of study.
Water Supply and Energy in Residential Buildings: Potential Savings and Financial Profitability
Authors: Barberán Ramón , Colás Diego , Egea Pilar
Published: January 2019

This article examines the suitability of water supply installations in residential buildings for the pressure conditions of the main water network, and evaluates the energy saving possibilities associated with pumping water into homes. It assesses the situation and the options for renovation in a sample of 151 buildings in the city of Zaragoza (Spain), estimating the savings in electric power and the possible financial returns that could be obtained. The results show that in half the buildings, the installations are inadequate and lead to inefficient energy use, which could be avoided by renovation. However, they also show that in many cases, this type of retrofitting would not be profitable for the building owners, meaning that technically viable solutions may not necessarily be financially viable. To mitigate or avoid the energy inefficiency in question, the public sector could step in by informing and financing support for building owners and regulating in the areas of town planning and construction.
Shewhart Attribute and Variable Control Charts Using Modified Multiple Dependent State Sampling
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Khan Nasrullah , Albassam Mohammed
Published: January 2019

In this article, modified multiple dependent (or deferred) state sampling control charts for the attribute and the variable quality characteristics are presented. The proposed control charts are designed using the symmetry property of the normal distribution. The control chart coefficients are estimated through simulation at different levels of the parameters using the normal distribution. The proposed control chart scheme is evaluated by calculating the in-control average run lengths and out-of-control average run lengths. Tables are constructed for the selection of parameters for different control limit coefficients under several shift levels for the attribute data as well as the variable data. Examples are included for the practical application of the proposed control chart schemes. The proposed control chart scheme is also compared with the existing control charts. It has been observed that the proposed schemes are better in quick detection of the out-of-control processes.
New Analytic Solutions of Queueing System for Shared–Short Lanes at Unsignalized Intersections
Authors: Tanackov Ilija , Dragić Darko , Sremac Siniša , Bogdanović Vuk , Matić Bojan , Milojević Milica
Published: January 2019

Designing the crossroads capacity is a prerequisite for achieving a high level of service with the same sustainability in stochastic traffic flow. Also, modeling of crossroad capacity can influence on balancing (symmetry) of traffic flow. Loss of priority in a left turn and optimal dimensioning of shared-short line is one of the permanent problems at intersections. A shared–short lane for taking a left turn from a priority direction at unsignalized intersections with a homogenous traffic flow and heterogeneous demands is a two-phase queueing system requiring a first in–first out (FIFO) service discipline and single-server service facility. The first phase (short lane) of the system is the queueing system M(pλ)/M(μ)/1/∞, whereas the second phase (shared lane) is a system with a binomial distribution service. In this research, we explicitly derive the probability of the state of a queueing system with a short lane of a finite capacity for taking a left turn and shared lane of infinite capacity. The presented formulas are under the presumption that the system is Markovian, i.e., the vehicle arrivals in both the minor and major streams are distributed according to the Poisson law, and that the service of the vehicles is exponentially distributed. Complex recursive operations in the two-phase queueing system are explained and solved in manuscript.
Methods for Multiple-Attribute Group Decision Making with q-Rung Interval-Valued Orthopair Fuzzy Information and Their Applications to the Selection of Green Suppliers
Authors: Wang Jie , Gao Hui , Wei Guiwu , Wei Yu
Published: January 2019

In the practical world, there commonly exist different types of multiple-attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems with uncertain information. Symmetry among some attributes’ information that is already known and unknown, and symmetry between the pure attribute sets and fuzzy attribute membership sets, can be an effective way to solve this type of MAGDM problem. In this paper, we investigate four forms of information aggregation operators, including the Hamy mean (HM) operator, weighted HM (WHM) operator, dual HM (DHM) operator, and the dual-weighted HM (WDHM) operator with the q-rung interval-valued orthopair fuzzy numbers (q-RIVOFNs). Then, some extended aggregation operators, such as the q-rung interval-valued orthopair fuzzy Hamy mean (q-RIVOFHM) operator; q-rung interval-valued orthopairfuzzy weighted Hamy mean (q-RIVOFWHM) operator; q-rung interval-valued orthopair fuzzy dual Hamy mean (q-RIVOFDHM) operator; and q-rung interval-valued orthopair fuzzy weighted dual Hamy mean (q-RIVOFWDHM) operator are presented, and some of their precious properties are studied in detail. Finally, a real example for green supplier selection in green supply chain management is provided, to demonstrate the proposed approach and to verify its rationality and scientific nature.
EWMA Control Chart Using Repetitive Sampling for Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels in Type-II Diabetes Patients
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Rao Gadde Srinivasa , Khan Nasrullah , Al-Abbasi Fahad A.
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we discuss the application of the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart for the monitoring blood glucose in type-II diabetes patients. We present tables for the practical use in healthcare. From the simulation results and a real example, the efficiency of the proposed chart in detecting a shift in diabetic level is compared with the existing chart. It is found that the proposed chart provides a strict method to monitor the diabetic levels in diabetes patients. From the simulation results and a real example, it is concluded that the use of the proposed chart in health care issues may reduce the risk of heart disease by monitoring diabetic levels in an effective way.
Vertical Bone Construction with Bone Marrow-Derived and Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Carrera-Arrabal Thaiz , Calvo-Guirado José Luis , Passador-Santos Fabricio , Sorgi da Costa Carlos Eduardo , Teles Costa Frank Róger , Aloise Antonio Carlos , Napimoga Marcelo Henrique , Aragoneses Juan Manuel , Pelegrine André Antonio
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study was to conduct a histomorphometric analysis of bone marrow-derived and adipose tissue-derived stem cells, associated with a xenograft block, in vertical bone constructions in rabbit calvaria. Ten rabbits received two xenograft blocks on the calvaria, after decortication of the parietal bone. The blocks were fixed with titanium screws. The blocks were combined with the bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) group (right side of the calvaria) or with the adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the adipose tissue stem cell (ATSC) group (left side of the calvaria). After 8 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and their parietal bones were fixed in 10% formalin for the histomorphometric analysis. The following parameters were evaluated—newly formed bone (NFB), xenogeneic residual particles (XRP), and non-mineralized tissue (NMT). The histomorphometric analysis revealed 11.9 ± 7.5% and 7.6 ± 5.6% for NFB, 22.14 ± 8.5% and 21.6 ± 8.5% for XRP, and 65.8 ± 10.4% and 70.8 ± 7.4% for NMT in groups BMSC and ATSC, respectively, with statistically significant differences in the NFB and the NMT between the groups, but no differences in the XRP. Therefore, it can be concluded that the bone marrow-derived stem cells seem to have more potential for the bone formation than do the adipose tissue-derived stem cells when used in combination with the xenogenous blocks in the vertical bone construction.
Investigations of Novel High-Temperature Resistant Polymers for Electro-Optical Applications in Signal Processing Systems
Authors: Prelipceanu Otilia-Sanda , Prelipceanu Marius , Paraschiv Nicolae , Popa Alexandru , Geman Oana
Published: January 2019

In this paper the novel high-temperature resistant polymers with nonlinear optical properties have been synthesized, characterized and tested for use in electro-optical components with high bit rate optical signal processing systems and for dynamic holography. The characterization that has been reported include the measurement of second-order nonlinear susceptibility by second harmonic generation, UV-VIS spectroscopy, XRD measurement dielectric relaxation, glass transition temperature and molecular weight distribution before and after artificial ageing. Also, we have done AFM investigations and profilometry measurements for stamp patterning layers. The application of the new polyimides for electro-optic devices has been evaluated by creation of thin oriented polymer films on various substrates and preparation of planar and strip waveguides.
Optimal Subsidies for Green Products: A Maximal Policy Benefit Perspective
Authors: Zhao Liming , Chen Yanqing
Published: January 2019

Replacing traditional products with green products has become a key way to achieve decoupling between economic development and environmental pollution. As an incentive mechanism, subsidies can be provided by a government to facilitate the popularization and acceptance of green products. Subsidies play a significant role in encouraging the development of green products. We explored the proper optimal subsidy mechanism for green products from the angle of maximizing the net policy return, which cannot only encourage the development of green products but also do not aggravate financial burden for the government. In order to explore the optimal subsidy level for green products from the perspective of net policy benefit maximization, this paper established the optimal subsidy principal-agent models and a numerical example was presented to verify the effectiveness of the model we constructed. The results show that improving investors’ preference and eliminating asymmetric information contribute to reduce subsidy cost savings. Additionally, improving consumer environmental awareness, promoting the development and application of green technology, and reducing market risk reduce subsidy costs. This article provides policymakers with an effective subsidy scheme to accelerate the development of green products and achieve sustainable development goals.
Exposing Video Compression History by Detecting Transcoded HEVC Videos from AVC Coding
Authors: Bian Shan , Li Haoliang , Gu Tianji , Kot Alex Chichung
Published: January 2019

The analysis of video compression history is one of the important issues in video forensics. It can assist forensics analysts in many ways, e.g., to determine whether a video is original or potentially tampered with, or to evaluate the real quality of a re-encoded video, etc. In the existing literature, however, there are very few works targeting videos in HEVC format (the most recent standard), especially for the issue of the detection of transcoded videos. In this paper, we propose a novel method based on the statistics of Prediction Units (PUs) to detect transcoded HEVC videos from AVC format. According to the analysis of the footprints of HEVC videos, the frequencies of PUs (whether in symmetric patterns or not) are distinguishable between original HEVC videos and transcoded ones. The reason is that previous AVC encoding disturbs the PU partition scheme of HEVC. Based on this observation, a 5D and a 25D feature set are extracted from I frames and P frames, respectively, and are combined to form the proposed 30D feature set, which is finally fed to an SVM classifier. To validate the proposed method, extensive experiments are conducted on a dataset consisting of CIF ( 352 × 288 ) and HD 720p videos with a diversity of bitrates and different encoding parameters. Experimental results show that the proposed method is very effective at detecting transcoded HEVC videos and outperforms the most recent work.
Factors Associated with Systemic Bleeding in Bothrops Envenomation in a Tertiary Hospital in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Oliveira Sâmella S. , Alves Eliane C. , Santos Alessandra S. , Pereira João Pedro T. , Sarraff Lybia Kássia S. , Nascimento Elizandra F. , De-Brito-Sousa José Diego , Sampaio Vanderson S. , Lacerda Marcus V.G. , Sachett Jacqueline A.G. , Sano-Martins Ida S. , Monteiro Wuelton M.
Published: January 2019

Bothrops snakebites usually present systemic bleeding, and the clinical–epidemiological and laboratorial factors associated with the development of this manifestation are not well established. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of Bothrops snakebites with systemic bleeding reported at the Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, in Manaus, Amazonas State, Brazil, and the clinical–epidemiological and laboratorial factors associated with systemic bleeding. This is an observational, cross-sectional study carried out between August, 2013 and July, 2016. Patients who developed systemic bleeding on admission or during hospitalization were considered cases, and those with non-systemic bleeding were included in the control group. Systemic bleeding was observed in 63 (15.3%) of the 442 Bothrops snakebites evaluated. Bothrops snakebites mostly occurred in males (78.2%), in rural areas (89.0%) and in the age group of 11 to 30 years old (40.4%). It took most of the patients (59.8%) less than 3 h to receive medical assistance. Unclottable blood (AOR = 3.11 (95% CI = 1.53 to 6.31; p = 0.002)) and thrombocytopenia (AOR = 4.52 (95% CI = 2.03 to 10.09; p < 0.001)) on admission were independently associated with systemic bleeding during hospitalization. These hemostatic disorders on admission increase the chances of systemic bleeding during hospitalization. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the pathophysiology of systemic bleeding in Bothrops snakebites in the Amazon region.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease in 2018
Authors:   TropicalMed Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing. [...]
Co-Circulation and Excretion Dynamics of Diverse Rubula- and Related Viruses in Egyptian Rousette Bats from South Africa
Authors: Mortlock Marinda , Dietrich Muriel , Weyer Jacqueline , Paweska Janusz T. , Markotter Wanda
Published: January 2019

The Egyptian rousette bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) has previously been implicated as the natural host of a zoonotic rubulavirus; however, its association with rubulaviruses has been studied to a limited extent. Urine, spleen, and other organs collected from the R. aegyptiacus population within South Africa were tested with a hemi-nested RT-PCR assay targeting a partial polymerase gene region of viruses from the Avula- and Rubulavirus genera. Urine was collected over a 14-month period to study the temporal dynamics of viral excretion. Diverse rubulaviruses, including viruses related to human mumps and parainfluenza virus 2, were detected. Active excretion was identified during two peak periods coinciding with the host reproductive cycle. Analysis of additional organs indicated co-infection of individual bats with a number of different putative rubulaviruses, highlighting the limitations of using a single sample type when determining viral presence and diversity. Our findings suggest that R. aegyptiacus can harbor a range of Rubula- and related viruses, some of which are related to known human pathogens. The observed peaks in viral excretion represents potential periods of a higher risk of virus transmission and zoonotic disease spill-over.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Vaccines in 2018
Authors:   Vaccines Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing. [...]
Modeling of Hydrodynamics and Dilution in Coastal Waters
Authors: Inan Asu
Published: January 2019

Sea outfall systems are preferred to refinery systems because of the assimilation capacity of the sea as an economical choice. If sea outfall systems are chosen, the location of the sea outfall is critical for preventing the return of wastewater to the coastal zone and recovery back into an ecosystem. On the basis of the regulation of water pollution control, bacterial concentration needs to be below a certain value in the protected area. The primary effects on dilution are coastal currents generated by wind and transport of wastewater in closed or semi-closed coastal regions, as found in Turkey. Accurate predictions of wind and wave climates and currents are critical in sea outfall planning. In this study, the wind climate is determined from the data provided by the Edremit and Ayvalık Meteorological Stations and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts operational archive at the coordinates of 39.50° N–26.90° E. Wind, wave, and current roses are prepared by HYDROTAM-3D. CORMIX was used for the near-field dilution, and HYDROTAM-3D, a three-dimensional hydrodynamic transport model, was used for the far-field dilution of the pollutant. The results of near-field and far-field dilution modeling show that the sea outfall of Edremit–Zeytinli meets the legal regulations.
Development of an Ice Jam Flood Forecasting System for the Lower Oder River—Requirements for Real-Time Predictions of Water, Ice and Sediment Transport
Authors: Lindenschmidt Karl-Erich , Carstensen Dirk , Fröhlich Wolfgang , Hentschel Bernd , Iwicki Stefan , Kögel Michael , Kubicki Michał , Kundzewicz Zbigniew W. , Lauschke Cornelia , Łazarów Adam , Łoś Helena , Marszelewski Włodzimierz , Niedzielski Tomasz , Nowak Marcin , Pawłowski Bogusław , Roers Michael , Schlaffer Stefan , Weintrit Beata
Published: January 2019

Despite ubiquitous warming, the lower Oder River typically freezes over almost every year. Ice jams may occur during freeze-up and ice cover breakup phases, particularly in the middle and lower reaches of the river, with weirs and piers. The slush ice and ice blocks may accumulate to form ice jams, leading to backwater effects and substantial water level rise. The small bottom slope of the lower Oder and the tidal backflow from the Baltic Sea enhance the formation of ice jams during cold weather conditions, jeopardizing the dikes. Therefore, development of an ice jam flood forecasting system for the Oder River is much needed. This commentary presents selected results from an international workshop that took place in Wrocław (Poland) on 26–27 November 2018 that brought together an international team of experts to explore the requirements and research opportunities in the field of ice jam flood forecasting and risk assessment for the Oder River section along the German–Polish border. The workshop launched a platform for collaboration amongst Canadian, German and Polish scientists, government officials and water managers to pave a way forward for joint research focused on achieving the long-term goal of forecasting, assessing and mitigating ice jam impacts along the lower Oder. German and Polish government agencies are in need of new tools to forecast ice jams and assess their subsequent consequences and risks to communities and ship navigation along a river. Addressing these issues will also help research and ice flood management in a Canadian context. A research program would aim to develop a modelling system by addressing fundamental issues that impede the prediction of ice jam events and their consequences in cold regions.
New micro/mesoporous nanocomposite material from low-cost sources for the efficient removal of aromatic and pathogenic pollutants from water
Authors: Unuabonah Emmanuel I , Nöske Robert , Weber Jens , Günter Christina , Taubert Andreas
Published: January 2019

A new micro/mesoporous hybrid clay nanocomposite prepared from kaolinite clay, Carica papaya seeds, and ZnCl2 via calcination in an inert atmosphere is presented. Regardless of the synthesis temperature, the specific surface area of the nanocomposite material is between ≈150 and 300 m2/g. The material contains both micro- and mesopores in roughly equal amounts. X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy suggest the formation of several new bonds in the materials upon reaction of the precursors, thus confirming the formation of a new hybrid material. Thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis and elemental analysis confirm the presence of carbonaceous matter. The new composite is stable up to 900 °C and is an efficient adsorbent for the removal of a water micropollutant, 4-nitrophenol, and a pathogen, E. coli, from an aqueous medium, suggesting applications in water remediation are feasible.
Do modals take propositions or sets of propositions? Evidence from Japanese darou
Authors: Uegaki Wataru , Roelofsen Floris
Published: January 2019

The Japanese modal particle darou can take either a declarative or an interrogative prejacent (Hara 2006; Hara & Davis 2013). We point out, however, that its interrogative-embedding use cannot be reduced to its declarative-embedding use. This is problematic under the standard assumption that modal operators always apply to propositions, but not under more recent proposals which take modal op- erators to apply to sets of propositions. We develop a detailed account of darou, capturing its non-reductive nature as well as its puzzling interaction with intonation (Hara 2015).
MINI-UAV REMOTE CONTROL: A CASE STUDY AT POLITECNICO DI TORINO
Authors: Chiesa Sergio , Corpino Sabrina , Viola Nicole , Cernusco Alberto , Gaglione Davide , Pluciński Krzysztof
Published: January 2019

Recent development of modern micro and nano technologies allows aerospace vehicles extremely small size to be constructed. Wide availability and mass production of small dimension components drastically reduce the price of such vehicles. This fact allows them to be constructed by Universities and it makes them useful for education.
CROSS-PLY BENDING EQUATION AND APPLICATION FOR COMPRESSED ROD WITH CRACK
Authors: Pavelko Igor , Pavelko Vitaly
Published: January 2019

The aim of this paper is the analysis of rod cross‐ply bending and stability of rod systems in the presence of cracks. The power concept (its theoretical base is Maxwell's theorem about the reciprocity of displacements) and linear fracture mechanics methods for research of mechanical properties of rod systems in the presence of cracks nave been used. The main equation of the rod cross‐ply bending and the common solution of this equation were obtained. The expression of the relationship between rod deflection and the disturbing cross‐force was obtained. Some transcendental equation allows defining the inferior boundary of critical force of rod with a crack.
The Optical Afterglow of GW170817 at One Year Post-merger
Authors: Lamb G. P. , Lyman J. D. , Levan A. J. , Tanvir N. R. , Kangas T. , Fruchter A. S. , Gompertz B. , Hjorth J. , Mandel I. , Oates S. R. , Steeghs D. , Wiersema K.
Published: January 2019

We present observations of the optical afterglow of GRB 170817A, made by the Hubble Space Telescope, between 2018 February and August, up to one year after the neutron star merger GW170817. The afterglow shows a rapid decline beyond 170 days, and confirms the jet origin for the observed outflow, in contrast to more slowly declining expectations for “failed-jet” scenarios. We show here that the broadband (radio, optical, X-ray) afterglow is consistent with a structured outflow where an ultra-relativistic jet, with a Lorentz factor of Γ ≳ 100, forms a narrow core (∼5°) and is surrounded by a wider angular component that extends to ∼15°, which is itself relativistic (Γ ≳ 5). For a two-component model of this structure, the late-time optical decline, where F ∝ t
−α
, is α = 2.20 ± 0.18, and for a Gaussian structure the decline is α = 2.45 ± 0.23. We find the Gaussian model to be consistent with both the early ∼10 days and late ≳290 days data. The agreement of the optical light curve with the evolution of the broadband spectral energy distribution, and its continued decline, indicates that the optical flux is arising primarily from the afterglow and not any underlying host system. This provides the deepest limits on any host stellar cluster with a luminosity ≲4000 L
⊙ (M
F606W ≳ −4.3).
Nebular Spectroscopy of Kepler’s Brightest Supernova
Authors: Dimitriadis G. , Rojas-Bravo C. , Kilpatrick C. D. , Foley R. J. , Piro A. L. , Brown J. S. , Guhathakurta P. , Quirk A. C. N. , Rest A. , Strampelli G. M. , Tucker B. E. , Villar A.
Published: January 2019

We present late-time (∼240–260 days after peak brightness) optical photometry and nebular (+236 and +264 days) spectroscopy of SN 2018oh, the brightest supernova (SN) Ia observed by the Kepler telescope. The Kepler/K2 30 minute cadence observations started days before explosion and continued past peak brightness. For several days after explosion, SN 2018oh had blue “excess” flux in addition to a normal SN rise. The flux excess can be explained by the interaction between the SN and a Roche-lobe filling non-degenerate companion star. Such a scenario should also strip material from the companion star that would emit once the SN ejecta become optically thin, imprinting relatively narrow emission features in its nebular spectrum. We search our nebular spectra for signs of this interaction, including close examination of wavelengths of hydrogen and helium transitions, finding no significant narrow emission. We place upper limits on the luminosity of these features of 2.6, 2.9 and 2.1 × 1037 erg s−1 for Hα, He i
λ5875, and He i
λ6678, respectively. Assuming a simple model for the amount of swept-up material, we estimate upper mass limits for hydrogen of 5.4 × 10−4
M
⊙ and helium of 4.7 × 10−4
M
⊙. Such stringent limits are unexpected for the companion-interaction scenario consistent with the early data. No known model can explain the excess flux, its blue color, and the lack of late-time narrow emission features.
Exploration of phylogeography of Monacha cantiana s.l. continues: the populations of the Apuan Alps (NW Tuscany, Italy) (Eupulmonata, Stylommatophora, Hygromiidae)
Authors: Pieńkowska Joanna R. , Manganelli Giuseppe , Giusti Folco , Barbato Debora , Hallgass Alessandro , Lesicki Andrzej
Published: January 2019

Two new lineages CAN-5 and CAN-6 were recognised in four populations ofMonachacantiana(Montagu, 1803) s.l. from the Italian Apuan Alps by joint molecular and morphological analysis. They are different from otherM.cantianalineages known from English, Italian, Austrian and French populations, i.e. CAN-1, CAN-2, CAN-3 and CAN-4, as well as from the other ItalianMonachaspecies used for comparisons (M.parumcinctaandM.cartusiana). Although a definite taxonomic and nomenclatural setting seems to be premature, we suggest that the name or names for these new lineages as one or two species should be found among 19thcentury names (HelixsobaraMabille, 1881,H.ardesaMabille, 1881,H.apuanicaMabille, 1881,H.carfaniensisDe Stefani, 1883 andH.spallanzaniiDe Stefani, 1884).
Use of the Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory in Critical Care Orientation
Authors: Smith-Blair Nan , Neighbors Marianne
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

In the current health care environment it is imperative that orientation programs be effective and efficient in the preparation of nurses entering critical care nursing. Institutions strive to develop orientation programs that use the least amount of resources necessary to achieve the desired outcome. The desired outcome of the critical care orientation process is for nurses to use critical thinking skills to make sound clinical judgments based on scientific knowledge of critical care nursing. Identifying areas of strengths and deficits in critical thinking could prove beneficial in assisting educators to individualize nursing orientation programs using critical thinking skills in practice. The purpose of this article is to describe a method used to measure nurses' dispositions toward critical thinking and the application of the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) in critical care orientation programs.
Measurement Issues in Promoting Continued Competence
Authors: Waddell Donna L
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Promoting continued competence in nursing practice has always been of concern to staff development and continuing education educators. Recently it has reached new levels of significance. As a result of the proposals made by the Pew Commission Taskforce on Health Care Workforce Regulation and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, the profession is re-examining the question, "How do we promote and assure continued competence?" The purpose of this article is to examine the measurement issues related to answering this question.

Findings: The nursing literature provides several definitions of competence, but none are operational. To measure a concept it must be operationalized. Mandatory continuing education, peer review, and practice or process audits have been used to assess continued competence. The measurement issues involved in assessing competence include selecting an appropriate measurement paradigm, selecting accurate measurement instruments, and interpreting the measurement data.

Implications: Staff development educators and nurse managers should collaborate in the establishment of standards of practice, the identification of essential competencies specific to the setting, and the development of appropriate methods of measurement of these competencies.
RN Students' Ratings and Opinions Related to the Importance of Certain Clinical Teacher Behaviors
Authors: Viverais-Dresler Gloria , Kutschke Myrtle
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Clinical teachers make a necessary and valuable contribution to clinical nursing courses with nonRN learners. This contribution is often not considered necessary in degree nursing programs with an RN student population. This study describes the perceptions oi RN students and the importance they attach to certain clinical teacher behaviors. Fifty-six participants in a distance education baccalaureate nursing program completed a questionnaire, including a rating scale and open-ended questions. Based on the mean values, items were ranked in importance. Sample quotes were provided to elaborate on the highest and lowestranked items. Participants rated the four categories in descending order of importance: Evaluation, Professional Competence, Interpersonal Relationships, and Teaching Ability. The top items gave the profile of a teacher who is approachable, fair, open, honest, and who creates mutual respect. The findings support a clinical teacher for RN learners. The data also reflect similarities and differences with findings of studies with non-RN student participants. The findings of this study provide information, not available in the literature, regarding clinical teacher behaviors of significance to RN students.
A Comparison of Computer-based and Instructor-led Training for Long-term Care Staff
Authors: Harrington Susan S , Walker Bonnie L
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Nursing facility administrators must find new and innovative ways to meet the training needs of their staff. The authors faced the challenge of teaching nursing facility staff about fire safety using computer-based training that had been adapted from a print-based/instructor-led (IL) program. This article discusses the effectiveness of the computer-based (CB) training as compared to the effectiveness of the traditional IL format. The CB and IL versions of a fire safety training program were presented to staff of a nursing facility. The 141 participants were randomly assigned to the CB, IL, or control groups. The control group completed a pretest and posttest, but received no training until the study was completed. Both the CB and IL groups significantly increased their knowledge scores from pretest to posttest and both significantly outperformed the control group. How the participants responded to the CB training was also important. Staff reported they enjoyed the CB training and had no difficulty using the computers. Computer-based training can be an effective alternative training technique for this population.
Rural-Urban Partnering in Continuing Education
Authors: Malay Michael E , Moore Jayne F
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Background: One urban center provided an Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course to a rural hospital using a minimum of on-site instructors.

Method: Interactive television (ITV) conferencing was used to educate health care providers in a hospital more than 100 miles away.

Results: Nurses and physicians from a small rural hospital in northern Nevada were able to "attend" a full-scale ACLS course without having to leave their hospital, resulting in minimal cost to the agency.

Conclusion: Rural and urban hospitals can partner to provide high-quality, cost-effective education to nurses and other health care providers through the use of ITV conferencing.
Publication Syndicates: In Support of Nursing Scholarship
Authors: McVeigh Carol , Moyle Kadie , Forrester Kim , Chaboyer Wendy , Patterson Elizabeth , St John Winsome
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACT

Background: Within the university sector, one's corporate worth is, to a great extent, measured by research output, including refereed publications. Currently, only 7% of nurse academics publish each year. If nurses are to be competitive in the university arena and close the research-practice gap, they must be encouraged to publish.

Method: This article examines publication rates within nursing, explores the role publication syndicates can play in supporting manuscript development, and offers a case study on the development of a publication syndicate within a School of Nursing at Griffith University, Australia.

Results: Syndicate members increased their publication rates two-fold, engaged in additional collaborative ventures, and demonstrated a renewed interest in writing for publication.

Discussion: Case study results confirmed that publication syndicates can decrease manuscript development time, increase the quality of work, influence productivity, and support collaborative faculty activities.
Semiotic Landscape in Cyprus
Authors: Papadima Aspasia , Kourdis Evangelos
Published: January 2019

The scope of this article is the semiotic study of the verbal, visual and spatial discourses as they are depicted on commercial signs in the city of Limassol, Cyprus that use modified verbal signs and verbo-cultural palimpsests for the purpose of commercial communication. It is widely believed that the marketplace of every city constitutes an aggregation of signs that form the image of the city. The contribution of this study lies in the fact that it focuses on the verbo-cultural palimpsests used on private signs, a special type of communication that scholars who study commercial communication have not yet paid much attention to.
Preparation of Groundwater Sediment/Titanium Dioxide for Decomposition of Agricultural Residues
Authors: Soavakon Chaluay , Muangphan Plaifon , Sakprasertsiri Sunisa , Chomkitichai Weerasak , Ketwaraporn Jiraporn , Sangswang Opat , Jansanthea Pongthep
Published: January 2019

In this paper, the groundwater sediment/titanium dioxide (Gs/TiO2) were prepared via a conventional calcination process using groundwater sediment from natural resource at Pasao, Uttaradit province, Thailand and commercial TiO2 as starting materials. The as–prepared were characterized by X–ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The photocatalytic activity toward the decomposition of agricultural residues (diazinon) at 247 nm was demonstrated under visible light irradiation for 120 min. The maximum experimental decomposition efficiency was 73.6% with the rate constant of 0.0102 min–1 for prepared Gs/TiO2 photocatalyst.
Dye Mixtures Degradation by Multi-Phase BiVO4 Photocatalyst
Authors: Chomkitichai Weerasak , Pama Jiraporn , Jaiyen Pimchanok , Pano Sila , Ketwaraporn Jiraporn , Pookmanee Pusit , Phanichphant Sukon , Jansanthea Pongthep
Published: January 2019

The objective of this research was to prepare multi–phase bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) powder using the solvothermal method to be used as a photocatalyst. In the preparation step, bismuth nitrate and ammonium vanadate were used as the precursors with a mole ratio of 1:1. The mixed solution was diluted to 0.025 M with acetic acid and heated at 200 °C for 2 h in a Teflon–lined stainless steel autoclave vessel. Multi–phase BiVO4was obtained without calcination step. Multi–phase BiVO4was characterized by X–ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The efficiency of multi–phase BiVO4for photocatalytic degradation of the mixed dye of methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) solution under UV light irradiation was studied. The concentration of the mixed dye solution was measured by UV–Vis spectrophotometry (UV–Vis). The effect of concentration of catalyst and pH of solution was studied. The optimum conditions for photocatalytic degradation of mixed dye solution were obtained at 0.8 g/L for concentration of multi–phase BiVO4and 7.78 for initial pH of the mixed dye solution.
Protein Biomarkers from Physiological Disorder Syndrome in Leave, Peel and Seed of Longan on Fruit Growth Using One-Dimension Electrophoresis Technique Followed by Protein Identification with LC-MS/MS
Authors: Threenet Ekawit , Kleawkla Achara , Kaewkalong Yossaporn , Wiriyaalongkorn Winai , Joomwong Adisak , Kleawkla Theerawee , Kleawkla Thritsanat
Published: January 2019

Proteomic investigation of leaves, peels and seeds on longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour. cv. Daw) at Maejo University’s farm in Chiang Mai province, Thailand. There were comparisons between normal and physiological disorder syndromes in longan on fruit growth (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 weeks fruition, respectively) by one dimensional electrophoresis (1-D gel) technique at a concentration of 12.5% gel in reducing condition with Coomassie brilliant blue R-250 staining coupling on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The research showed that vegetative storage protein (25.2 KDa), a storage protein in plants, was expressed in leaves, peels and seeds on before and after physiological disorder syndrome occurring. A protein involved on photosynthesis, the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (48.3 KDa), was represented only on leaves at 30 weeks after fruition but not in peels and seeds of longan. Two proteins, the BnaC01g20210 (35.8 KDa) and predicted protein (40.11 KDa), which could not be identified the type and function of the metabolism, were decreased in diseased longan. These proteins may be important protein in part of the recovery process of abnormal longan. Therefore, advanced technique will be used for further proteomic studies.
Synthesis of Indium Sulfide/Zinc Oxide Composites Films and their Photocatalytic Activities
Authors: Boonprakob Natkritta , Masa-Ad Anchalee
Published: January 2019

Indium sulfide and zinc oxide (In2S3-ZnO) films have successfully synthesized by doctor blading method coupling with low temperature precipitation-reflux rout. The weight ratio of In2S3 was varied from 0-70 wt.%. Physical characterization results obtained from various analytical techniques exhibit the well crystallinity phase of cubic β-In2S3 and wurtzite ZnO structure from XRD patterns. TEM micrograph of 35% In2S3-ZnO sample showed the small ZnO particles are embedded into β-In2S3. The obtained results exhibited the phase well crystallinity of cubic β-In2S3. A strong adsorption spectra shifted toward visible light region and the narrower optical band gap results of In2S3-ZnO composite films suggesting that synthesized samples could be used as the visible-light-driven photocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity of rhodamine B had been investigated over entire composite films under visible light illumination. It can be seen that the entire In2S3-ZnO composite catalyst films revealed degradation of rhodamine B performance obviously higher than pure ZnO and pure In2S3. Moreover, the highest photocatalytic activity was found from 35% wt. In2S3-ZnO film which showed 69.5% degradation within 4 h under visible light irradiation.