bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges of implementing sustainable health care delivery in Nigeria under environmental uncertainty
Authors: Emmanuel Anyika N.
Published: October 2014

Introduction: The increasing cost of health care in developed and developing economies has called for a change in the way health activities are implemented. Nigeria is faced with fundamental health care related challenges coupled with recent security issues. Uncertainty prevails as health system dynamics unfolds. Objectives: To explore the relationship between environmental uncertainty and health care delivery system in Nigeria. The study aims at reviewing the dynamics of health care delivery in some developed economies and Nigeria with regard to methods of adaptation of health care under uncertainty, and developing a framework for sustainable health care delivery. Methods: Databases were searched for relevant literatures using the following keywords: environmental and health uncertainty, Nigerian health care system, Nigerian primary health care, health care financing and sustainability. Other keywords used include: US, Europe and China health care dynamics, among others. Scientific databases obtained from the Internet were used including online journals, which were sourced mainly from the Google. Relationships if any were established and a framework for sustainability developed. Results: Environmental uncertainty has a multiplicity of interactions with different aspects of health care system, resulting in poor infrastructural development, inadequate government funding, absence of integrated system for disease prevention and surveillance, policy reversals, security challenges, and unimpressive health indicators in Nigeria. A framework for implementing sustainable health care delivery under uncertainty is proposed. Discussion and conclusion: Uncertainty abounds in the Nigerian health care delivery system; causing further distortion in development of the health sector. Effective mobilization of health care professionals, use of sustainable care plans by government, use of integrated medical intelligence and surveillance systems, accountability, commitment, and above all quality leadership - will minimize uncertainty factors and enhance health care performance and sustainability in Nigeria.
Stiffness Model of a 3-DOF Parallel Manipulator with Two Additional Legs
Authors: Yu Guang , Wu Jun , Wang Liping
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates the stiffness modelling of a 3-DOF parallel manipulator with two additional legs. The stiffness model in six directions of the 3-DOF parallel manipulator with two additional legs is derived by performing condensation of DOFs for the joint connection and treatment of the fixed-end connections. Moreover, this modelling method is used to derive the stiffness model of the manipulator with zero/one additional legs. Two performance indices are given to compare the stiffness of the parallel manipulators with two additional legs with those of the manipulators with zero/one additional legs. The method not only can be used to derive the stiffness model of a redundant parallel manipulator, but also to model the stiffness of non-redundant parallel manipulators.
Analyses of Mentoring Expectations, Activities, and Support in Canadian Academic Libraries
Authors: Harrington Marni R. , Marshall Elizabeth
Published: October 2014

Mentoring expectations, activities, and support in Canadian college and university libraries were investigated by surveying 332 recent MLIS graduates, practicing academic librarians, and library administrators. Findings indicate that the presence of a mentoring program will help attract new librarians, retain them, and aid in restructuring efforts that are currently facing many academic libraries. Preferred mentoring activities include those belonging to psychosocial support, career guidance, and role modeling themes. Other results find that librarians who were mentored as new librarians, have more than 10 years of experience, and work in large academic institutions are significantly more likely to mentor others. Although currently not well-supported by academic administrators, this research shows that mentoring programs could be sustainable. Mentoring improves the professional experience for librarians who are more satisfied and engaged with their careers, which in turn benefits the organization with less turnover. Practical information from this research will guide academic library practitioners in current mentoring relationships, and library leaders can extrapolate results to support planning and implementation of mentoring programs. Implications for LIS education are also discussed.
Writing Abstracts for MLIS Research Proposals Using Worked Examples: An Innovative Approach to Teaching the Elements of Research Design
Authors: Ondrusek Anita L. , Thiele Harold E. , Yang Changwoo
Published: October 2014

The authors examined abstracts written by graduate students for their research proposals as a requirement for a course in research methods in a distance learning MLIS program. The students learned under three instructional conditions that involved varying levels of access to worked examples created from abstracts representing research in the LIS field. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) detected significantly higher scores in areas related to fluency in describing the research design and the required elements of a research proposal in the groups with more exposure to worked examples, while the rhetorical skills necessary to compose a succinct abstract and to relate a proposal to implications in the field were not affected.
The Whole Student: Cognition, Emotion, and Information Literacy
Authors: Matteson Miriam L.
Published: October 2014

Information literacy skill acquisition is a form of learning that is influenced by cognitive, emotional, and social processes. This research studied how two emotional constructs (emotional intelligence and dispositional affect) and two cognitive constructs (motivation and coping skills) interacted with students’ information literacy scores. Two studies were carried out with a group of undergraduate students. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that emotional intelligence and motivation significantly predicted students’ information literacy scores. Instruction librarians may consider incorporating greater awareness of the emotional and cognitive aspects of information literacy skill acquisition in their instructional content and delivery.
A Influência Interpessoal em Redes Sociais Virtuais e as Decisões de Consumo
Authors: Abbade Eduardo Botti , Della Flora Andiara , Noro Greice De Bem
Published: October 2014

This study aimed to analyze the attitude of college students regarding to interpersonal influence in virtual social networks related to consume decisions. It was conducted a survey with 200 college students from an Institution of Higher Education located in Santa Maria/RS. The sample was obtained through voluntary adhesion and the data collection instrument was applied in a virtual environment. Scales were adapted to measure and evaluate the propensity of students to influence and be influenced by their virtual contacts. The results suggest that the scales adapted are satisfactory to measure what they intend to do. The study also found that men are more able to influence the opinions of their virtual social contacts. On the other hand, the time dedicated to access the Internet positively and significantly influences the propensity of users to be influenced by their virtual social contacts. The correlation between the ability to influence the propensity to be influenced is significant and positive.
Análise comparativa dos cursos de graduação em administração na Alemanha, no Brasil e nos Estados Unidos da América
Authors: Weise Andreas Dittmar , Quadros Juliane Do Nascimento de , Rocha Rudimar Antunes da , Trierweiller Andréa Cristina , Peixe Blênio César Severo , Barcellos Jaqueline Dill
Published: October 2014

The development of a country is closely linked to its education system. Thus the aim of this article is to present the methods adopted for selection, evaluation and curriculum of the courses of administration in Germany, Brazil and United States of America (USA). This study was conducted through a literature search, where were consulted websites of the Ministry of Education and universities of these countries that served as a reference for this research. The focus of this article is the comparison of admin s interaction with studied fact, it was used for the case study. It was made a critical analysis of the istration courses in these three countries, which were explored aspects of the environment that ha material collected, with the limitations of geographical character, because was approached the administration course in only three countries. It was observed that the course presents different qualifications as the curricular structure in the studied countries. Thus, it was found that the universities have the challenges related to compliance of the curricular structure with charges of the market, where it seeks to adapt to the needs of the economy and rapid adaptation to changing scenarios.
Corpos docentes empreendem conjuntamente ou “o corpo ainda é pouco” para tanto?
Authors: Silveira Flavio De Amorim , Loureiro Julio Cesar Souza , Nicolini Alexandre Mendes
Published: October 2014

The aim of the paper is to investigate teachers' perceptions of an undergraduate course at an university in Rio de Janeiro on the possible existence of a joint enterprise. This particular course was chosen because it was highly evaluated in terms of infrastructure, teaching staff and pedagogical organization by the educational authorities in Brazil, and had good results in learning standardized tests at ENADE (Exame Nacional de Desempenho). The first part of the paper presents the contribution of authors working with communities of practice and joint enterprises. The second session describes the methodology employed. The concluding session shows the analysis and the categories that contribute to affirm the existence of the joint enterprise, like knowledge dissemination and academic update. This study expects to contribute to future researchers to confirm existence of communities of practice among teachers.
Hydraulic fracturing overview: How, where, and its role in oil and gas
Authors: Koplos Jonathan , Tuccillo Mary Ellen , Ranalli Brent
Published: October 2014

Although hydraulic fracturing has a long history, technical improvements made fracturing an industry game‐changer in the early 2000s. This article provides an overview of the present‐day process and where and how it is used.
Produced water and salinity management: The desalination frontier
Authors: Alspach Brent
Published: October 2014

Innovations in salinity management currently being cultivated by the unconventional oil and gas industry may ultimately be a significant benefit to municipal water treatment.
Direct and indirect challenges for water quality from the hydraulic fracturing industry
Authors: Long Sharon C.
Published: October 2014

This article describes proactive water‐quality monitoring approaches that are useful for water utilities and suppliers concerned with the increased use of hydraulic fracturing in the production of domestic oil and gas.
Regulation of hydraulic fracturing operations at the federal and state levels
Authors: Hertzler Patricia Carroll
Published: October 2014

Despite the abundance of federal and state legislation intended to regulate hydraulic fracturing, numerous studies indicate that there are gaps in these efforts.
Why Water Agencies Need Reserves
Authors: Gaur Sanjay , Cruz Johnathan , Atwater ew
Published: October 2014

Water utilities that are operated as enterprise funds must ensure that all aspects of operations, maintenance, and capital investments are addressed in a financially independent and self‐sufficient manner. Water services are capital‐intensive by nature and are expected to provide uninterrupted services that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Because assets tend to be underground or in other hard‐to‐service areas, the repair costs associated with system failures may be very high and may vary dramatically among assets. To reflect this variability, the risks associated with system failures must be evaluated on an individual basis. These risk assessments must consider not only the cost of repairing the asset, but also the consequences of interrupted service.
Trade Openness-Government Size Nexus: Compensation Hypothesis Considered for Nigeria
Authors: Aregbeyen Omo , Ibrahim Taofik Mohammed
Published: October 2014

Over the years, substantial theoretical and empirical studies have been carried out on the trade openness-government size nexus. While a strand of the literature reported positive linkage, the other suggests otherwise. This study contributes to the debate by examining this relationship for Nigeria using the bounds testing approach to cointegration within an ARDL framework proposed by Pesaran et al. (2001). Empirical evidence reveals that government size measured by percentage share of total government expenditure in GDP and share (percent) of recurrent expenditure in GDP significantly affects trade openness in the long run but percentage share of capital expenditure in GDP as a measure of government size does not impact on trade openness in the long run. The results of the standard causality test corroborate these findings. However, the three measures of government size considered significantly affect trade openness in the short run. The major implication for our study therefore is that compensation hypothesis holds for Nigeria. Thus, the government need to continue to expand its expenditure in order to cushion the effect of increase in risk caused by rising trade openness.
Yield Curve Forecasts and the Predictive Power of Macro Variables in a VAR Framework
Authors: Vereda Luciano , Lopes Hélio , Kubrusly Jessica , Pizzinga Adrian
Published: October 2014

Recent macro-finance papers have documented the importance of adding information from macro variables in order to improve out-of-sample forecasting performance of bond yields. This paper aims at investigating the reasons for this success. We use Diebold and Li's dynamic version of the Nelson and Siegel exponential approximation of the yield curve to estimate the factors that govern its dynamics. Factors and macro variables are modeled simultaneously in a VAR framework, which is then used to forecast the factors. Our main conclusions are (i) this framework is useful in forecasting slope and curvature factors, but not the level factor; and (ii) to get good results in forecasting the level factor, one needs a macro model which incorporates variables related to long-run trends and expectations.
Réflexions critiques sur le crime transnational et les services de police transnationaux1
Authors: Sheptycki2 James W. E.
Published: October 2014

Le présent article cherche à établir un lien entre les phénomènes du crime transnational et les services de police transnationaux, par l’entremise d’une discussion critique des termes employés pour les décrire. Il soutient que les discours autorisés au sujet du crime transnational sont sélectifs et incomplets, donnant naissance à deux types d’échecs. Il s’agit d’un échec positif dans la mesure où l’augmentation du pouvoir des services policiers en réaction à la panique suscitée par le crime à l’échelle mondiale s’effectue au détriment des libertés civiles et des droits de la personne. Il s’agit également d’un échec négatif, car la capacité des services de police transnationaux qui a été mise au point n’est pas en mesure de réagir aux conséquences criminologiques qui constituent un véritable, quoique négatif, aspect de la mondialisation. D’un point de vue sociologique, l’assemblage de surveillance du complexe de sécurité, dont la police, à l’échelle mondiale, représente un pouvoir terrifiant et injustifiable, légitimé sur la base des menaces évoquées par des « démons populaires » désignés. Or, et en dépit du prétendu succès de ce complexe de sécurité policier, notamment dû à la couverture qu’en ont faite les médias, cet assemblage demeure capricieux du fait de ses pathologies internes et de sa fragmentation institutionnelle. En conclusion, l’auteur affirme que l’examen critique des concepts qui composent le crime transnational et les services policiers contribue de façon déterminante à la compréhension sociologique du système mondial et de sa gouvernance.
La criminalité environnementale transnationale : aux grands maux, les grands remèdes ?
Authors: Manirabona1 Amissi M.
Published: October 2014

Cette étude propose la façon dont la communauté internationale devrait traiter la criminalité environnementale transnationale. Pour y arriver, l’auteur définit d’abord ce phénomène et discute de son ampleur. La démarche consiste à faire comprendre cette forme de criminalité afin d’amener les parties intéressées à envisager les moyens appropriés pour la combattre. Ensuite, l’article rappelle l’inexistence des moyens de lutte à la hauteur de la gravité de ce fléau et soutient par la suite que l’ampleur et les caractéristiques de celui-ci méritent que la communauté internationale se mobilise dans son ensemble. Plus précisément, l’auteur soutient qu’en dehors du renforcement des mécanismes de lutte sur le plan national, de l’amélioration de la coopération judiciaire et de la reconnaissance mutuelle des décisions de justice, la création d’un tribunal international pénal pour l’environnement serait une option idéale.
La régulation du cybercrime comme alternative à la judiciarisation
Authors: Dupont12 Benoît
Published: October 2014

Les botnets, ou réseaux d’ordinateurs compromis par des pirates informatiques, représentent à l’heure actuelle la menace criminelle la plus sérieuse, servant de support à la fraude bancaire, aux attaques distribuées par déni de service (DDoS), ou encore à la fraude au clic. Au cours des dernières années, deux approches distinctes ont été privilégiées pour combattre ces botnets : d’une part, les services de police ont procédé à l’arrestation fortement médiatisée de quelques pirates de haut vol et au démantèlement de leurs infrastructures de commandement et de contrôle. D’autre part, dans certains pays, et notamment au Japon, en Corée du Sud, en Australie, mais aussi en Hollande ou en Allemagne, les gouvernements ont favorisé l’émergence de partenariats public-privé impliquant des fournisseurs d’accès et des entreprises de sécurité informatique. Dans une démarche régulatoire, ces initiatives visent à identifier les ordinateurs infectés, à notifier leurs propriétaires et à aider ces derniers à nettoyer leur machine. Cet article a donc pour objectif de comparer les deux approches (judiciarisation vs régulation), en essayant notamment d’évaluer les effets produits par chacune d’elles sur le niveau général de sécurité de l’écosystème numérique.
Synthèse des connaissances sur les facteurs de protection liés à la délinquance1
Authors: Ouellet2 Frédéric , Hodgins Sheilagh
Published: October 2014

La plupart des enfants et des adolescents qui commettent des actes délinquants ne persistent pas dans la criminalité une fois à l’âge adulte. Ainsi, on conçoit qu’il y a dans l’environnement immédiat des facteurs qui protègent les enfants et les adolescents à risque. Or, la documentation sur les facteurs de protection montre des lacunes. Notamment, très peu d’études nous renseignent sur les fondements conceptuels et méthodologiques qui encadrent l’examen de ces facteurs. Cet article synthétise les connaissances sur la base de travaux empiriques sur les facteurs de protection associés aux comportements antisociaux et criminels et propose d’examiner les considérations conceptuelles, méthodologiques et les limites des études sélectionnées susceptibles d’influencer les facteurs découverts. Les résultats montrent qu’un grand nombre de facteurs de protection ont été identifiés. Le manque d’uniformité dans les résultats reflète le caractère exploratoire des études, mais aussi la quasi-absence de validation des facteurs découverts. Parmi les questions méthodologiques abordées, l’importance des caractéristiques de la population est mise en évidence. Sur la base de nos résultats, des pistes de recherche sont proposées, notamment de considérer l’hétérogénéité des populations qui affichent des risques élevés de criminalité à l’âge adulte. Les connaissances sur des facteurs de protection sont nécessaires pour éclairer les décisions politiques concernant l’investissement dans les programmes visant à prévenir la criminalité dès la petite enfance.
Échelle auto-rapportée de psychopathie de Levenson : adaptation française et validation
Authors: Savard1 Claudia , Lussier Yvan , Sabourin Stéphane
Published: October 2014

L’échelle auto-rapportée de psychopathie de Levenson (LSRP ; Levenson, Kiehl & Fitzpatrick, 1995) est un instrument visant à évaluer les traits de personnalité psychopathiques au sein de la population générale. Il conceptualise la psychopathie en deux facteurs distincts, mais interreliés, appelés psychopathie primaire et secondaire. La validité de l’instrument dans son format original est bien démontrée, mais aucune donnée n’est disponible en ce qui a trait à l’adaptation francophone de l’instrument. L’étude vise donc à évaluer la structure factorielle et la validité convergente de la version française auprès d’une population de jeunes adultes. Un échantillon de 2529 participants âgés de 15 à 26 ans remplissent l’échelle auto-rapportée de psychopathie, le NEO-FFI et répondent aussi à des questions sur leurs habitudes à l’égard de la consommation de substances psychoactives. Les résultats des analyses factorielles exploratoires et confirmatoires montrent que l’adaptation francophone respecte la structure en deux facteurs, avec des coefficients de saturation et de consistance interne pour les deux échelles se comparant à ceux de la version originale anglaise. Les modèles de mesure pour les hommes et les femmes se sont avérés partiellement invariants ; les hommes obtiennent des résultats supérieurs à ceux des femmes aux échelles de psychopathie primaire et totale. Enfin, le LSRP démontre de bons indices de validité convergente.
Continental breakup and UHP rock exhumation in action: GPS results from the Woodlark Rift, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Wallace Laura M. , Ellis Susan , Little Tim , Tregoning Paul , Palmer Neville , Rosa Robert , Stanaway Richard , Oa John , Nidkombu Edwin , Kwazi John
Published: October 2014

We show results from a network of campaign Global Positioning System (GPS) sites in the Woodlark Rift, southeastern Papua New Guinea, in a transition from seafloor spreading to continental rifting. GPS velocities indicate anticlockwise rotation (at 2–2.7°/Myr, relative to Australia) of crustal blocks north of the rift, producing 10–15 mm/yr of extension in the continental rift, increasing to 20–40 mm/yr of seafloor spreading at the Woodlark Spreading Center. Extension in the continental rift is distributed among multiple structures. These data demonstrate that low‐angle normal faults in the continents, such as the Mai'iu Fault, can slip at high rates nearing 10 mm/yr. Extensional deformation observed in the D'Entrecasteaux Islands, the site of the world's only actively exhuming Ultra‐High Pressure (UHP) rock terrane, supports the idea that extensional processes play a critical role in UHP rock exhumation. GPS data do not require significant interseismic coupling on faults in the region, suggesting that much of the deformation may be aseismic. Westward transfer of deformation from the Woodlark Spreading Center to the main plate boundary fault in the continental rift (the Mai'iu fault) is accommodated by clockwise rotation of a tectonic block beneath Goodenough Bay, and by dextral strike slip on transfer faults within (and surrounding) Normanby Island. Contemporary extension rates in the Woodlark Spreading Center are 30–50% slower than those from seafloor spreading‐derived magnetic anomalies. The 0.5 Ma to present seafloor spreading estimates for the Woodlark Basin may be overestimated, and a reevaluation of these data in the context of the GPS rates is warranted.
Influence of majorite on hot plumes
Authors: Ichikawa Hiroki , Kameyama Masanori , Senshu Hiroki , Kawai Kenji , Maruyama Shigenori
Published: October 2014

The influence of MgSiO3 majorite on mantle convection has been investigated via 2‐D numerical simulations that incorporate the stability field of majorite. According to a recent first principles study, wadsleyite decomposes into an assemblage of majorite plus periclase with a large negative Clapeyron slope. Since the stability field of majorite is limited to be greater than ~2200 K in a depth range of 500–660 km for Mg2SiO4, very hot upwelling plumes are expected to be strongly influenced by the phase transitions related to majorite. These hot upwellings are occasionally observed in simulations, even though the average temperature of hot plumes is far less than the stability field of majorite. The dynamics of these upwellings are controlled by the release and the absorption of latent heat induced by majorite's phase transitions as well as by the interruption of currents due to the large negative Clapeyron slope related to majorite.
Using an explicit emission tagging method in global modeling of source‐receptor relationships for black carbon in the Arctic: Variations, sources, and transport pathways
Authors: Wang Hailong , Rasch Philip J. , Easter Richard C. , Singh Balwinder , Zhang Rudong , Ma Po‐Lun , Qian Yun , Ghan Steven J. , Beagley Nathaniel
Published: October 2014

We introduce an explicit emission tagging technique in the Community Atmosphere Model to quantify source‐region‐resolved characteristics of black carbon (BC), focusing on the Arctic. Explicit tagging of BC source regions without perturbing the emissions provides a physically consistent and computationally efficient approach to establish source‐receptor relationships and transport pathways. Our analysis shows that the contributions of major source regions to the global BC burden are not proportional to the respective emissions due to strong region‐dependent removal rates and lifetimes, while the contributions to BC direct radiative forcing show a near‐linear dependence on their respective contributions to the burden. Arctic BC concentrations, deposition, and source contributions all have strong seasonal variations. Eastern Asia contributes the most to the wintertime Arctic BC burden, but has much less impact on lower‐level concentrations and deposition. Northern Europe emissions are more important to both surface concentration and deposition in winter than in summer. The largest contribution to Arctic BC in the summer is from Northern Asia. Although local emissions contribute less than 10% to the annual mean BC burden and deposition within the Arctic, the per‐emission efficiency is much higher than for non‐Arctic sources. The interannual variability (1996–2005) due to meteorology is small in annual mean BC burden and radiative forcing but is significant in yearly seasonal means over the Arctic. When a slow aging treatment of BC is introduced, the increase of BC lifetime and burden is source dependent. Global BC forcing‐per‐burden efficiency also increases primarily due to changes in BC vertical distributions.
Ionospheric Sounding Using Real‐Time Amateur Radio Reporting Networks
Authors: Frissell N. A. , Miller E. S. , Kaeppler S. R. , Ceglia F. , Pascoe D. , Sinanis N. , Smith P. , Williams R. , Shovkoplyas A.
Published: October 2014

Amateur radio reporting networks, such as the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN), PSKReporter, and the Weak Signal Propagation Network, are powerful tools for remote sensing the ionosphere. These voluntarily constructed and operated networks provide real‐time and archival data that could be used for space weather operations, forecasting, and research. The potential exists for the study of both global and localized effects. The capability of one such network to detect space weather disturbances is demonstrated by examining the impacts on RBN‐observed HF propagation paths of an X2.9 class solar flare detected by the GOES 15 satellite. Prior to the solar flare, the RBN observed strong HF propagation conditions between multiple continents, primarily Europe, North America, and South America. Immediately following the GOES 15 detection of the solar flare, the number of reported global RBN propagation paths dropped to less than 35% that of prior observations. After the flare, the RBN showed the gradual recovery of HF propagation conditions.
Lightweight Front Suspensions: A Comparison
Authors: Chang Ming‐Yen
Published: October 2014

The requirement for weight reduction was impelled by the growing environmental awareness of automobile consumers. Reducing energy consumption is one of the most important goals for future automobile industry development.

There are different possibilities for decreasing the weight of car. The weight of an automobile is due mainly to the body structure, power train, and the suspension. Furthermore, reducing unsprung mass of the suspension has a positive effect on comfort and dynamic driving behavior; therefore, weight reduction of the suspension is significant. This chapter concentrates on the front suspensions of different automobile classes.

The development of a systematized methodology to optimize front suspension systems will be introduced in this chapter. In search of the possibility to reduce the weight of front suspension, a comprehensive benchmarking has been conducted first, in order to study the commonly used suspension systems and to determine the design requirements. At the same time, design concepts have been developed and different weight optimized parts have been simulated. The simulations of different suspension systems are mainly done by MBS (multibody simulation, e.g., ADAMS/car). QFD (quality function deployment) is later employed as a method for estimation. The optimized front suspension systems of different automobile classes can be generated by this methodology. The Benz vehicle “Smart” is the basic model as an example in this chapter, and the CAD and FEM models were built and analyzed.
Air Conditioning Electronic Control Systems
Authors: Wakata Hideo
Published: October 2014

Car air conditioning systems started with a heating function that used the engine coolant as a heat source. Modern systems have evolved to also include cooling and dehumidification functions. The purpose of recent systems is not simply to cool or heat the vehicle occupants. Mainstream air conditioning systems aim to enhance occupant comfort while saving energy, and their control systems have evolved in line with this role. This chapter describes the basic functions, concepts, and components of general air conditioning control systems.
Reaction pathways in the liquid phase alkylation of biomass‐derived phenolic compounds
Authors: González‐Borja Miguel Ángel , Resasco Daniel E.
Published: October 2014

Alkylation is a promising reaction for the upgrading of bio‐oil because it maximizes the retention of carbon in the liquid product. The alkylation of m‐cresol with isopropanol and HY zeolite was studied in a liquid phase system. The experimental results were fitted with two conventional surface kinetic models, Langmuir–Hinshelwood and Eley–Rideal, from which adsorption and rate constants were estimated. Two types of alkylation reactions were observed: C‐alkylation with formation of a CC bond with the ring and O‐alkylation with formation of an ether bond with the hydroxyl group. It was concluded that O‐alkylation products do not undergo intramolecular rearrangement but first decompose into the corresponding phenolic. Alkylation occurs from both isopropanol and propylene, both of them yielding O‐and C‐alkylation to different extents. Isopropanol favors O‐alkylation while propylene favors C‐alkylation. Rate constants for multiple alkylation steps were progressively lower, suggesting the presence of steric hindrance during incorporation of additional isopropyl groups. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 598–609, 2015
Self‐assembly micelles from novel tri‐armed star C3‐(PS‐b‐PNIPAM) block copolymers for anticancer drug release
Authors: Xu Feng , Xu Jing‐Wen , Zhang Bi‐Xia , Yan‐Ling Luo
Published: October 2014

Novel tri‐armed star polystyrene‐block‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) block copolymers with trimesic acid as central molecules were synthesized by successive two‐step atom transfer radical polymerization, and confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectra, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, and laser light scattering gel chromatography system. The copolymers could self‐assemble into spherical core‐shell micelles in aqueous media independent on drug loading. Physicochemical properties of the blank and drug‐loaded micelles were examined by surface tension, fluorescence spectroscopy, UV‐vis, transmission electron microscope, and dynamic light scattering measurements. The copolymer micelles exhibited thermo‐triggered phase transition, with low critical solution temperature of 33.7 and 34.6°C, varying with copolymer compositions. The critical aggregate concentrations were 11.62 and 47.61 mg L−1, and hydrodynamic diameters from 200 to 220 nm. Water‐insoluble 10‐hydroxycamptothecine was encapsulated into the micelle aggregates to investigate the change in the resulting physicochemical parameters, thermo‐triggered in vitro drug release, and the applicability as drug targeting release carriers. MTT assays were carried out to uncover cytotoxicity of the newly developed micelle‐based drug formulations. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 35–45, 2015
Musculoskeletal pain among Midwest farmers and associations with agricultural activities
Authors: Fethke Nathan B. , Merlino Linda A. , Gerr Fredric , Schall Mark C. , Branch Cassidy A.
Published: October 2014

Background

Although agricultural workers experience a high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain, associations between specific agricultural activities and musculoskeletal pain are not well characterized.

Methods

Among 518 regional farmers, responses to a mailed questionnaire were used to estimate (i) the 2‐week prevalence of low back, neck/shoulder, and elbow/wrist/hand pain, and (ii) associations between the average hours per week performing common agricultural activities and musculoskeletal pain.

Results

The low back was the most common location of musculoskeletal pain (33.2%), followed by the neck/shoulder (30.8%) and elbow/wrist/hand (21.6%). Statistically significant adjusted associations were observed between performing equipment repair and maintenance and low back pain; milking animals and neck/shoulder pain; and manual material handling and elbow/wrist/hand pain, among others.

Conclusions

The observed prevalence estimates are consistent with previous literature, and the associations between agricultural activities and musculoskeletal pain provide an initial basis for targeted intervention research. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:319–330, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrafast Extraction of Proteins from Tissues Using Desorption by Impulsive Vibrational Excitation
Authors: Kwiatkowski Marcel , Wurlitzer Marcus , Omidi Maryam , Ren Ling , Kruber Sebastian , Nimer Refat , Robertson Wesley D. , Horst Andrea , Miller R. J. Dwayne , Schlüter Hartmut
Published: October 2014

A picosecond IR laser (PIRL) can be used to blast proteins out of tissues through desorption by impulsive excitation (DIVE) of intramolecular vibrational states of water molecules in the cell in less than a millisecond. With PIRL‐DIVE proteins covering a range of a few kDa up to several MDa are extracted in high quantities compared to conventional approaches. The chemical composition of extracted proteins remains unaltered and even enzymatic activities are maintained.
Synthesis and structure control of l‐lactic acid–glycolic acid copolymer by homo‐copolymerization
Authors: Yin Huihui , Wang Rui , Ge Huan , Zhang Xiuqin , Zhu Zhiguo
Published: October 2014

A two‐step direct melt copolymerization process of l‐lactic acid (L‐LA)/glycolic acid (GA) was developed: poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) with different molecular weight was first synthesized respectively by binary catalyst (tin chloride/p‐toluenesulfonic or tin chloride); and then poly(l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (b‐PLGA) was produced by melt polymerization of the as‐prepared PLLA and PGA, wherein the composition and chain structure of b‐PLGA copolymers could be controlled by the molecular weight of PLLA. The chain structure and thermal properties of copolymers were studied by Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. In comparison with the random PLGA (r‐PLGA) synthesized by one‐step direct melt polymerization, the average l‐lactic blocks length (LLA) in b‐PLGA was longer while the average glycolic blocks length (LGA) in b‐PLGA was shorter which further resulted in the improved crystallinity and thermostability. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41566.
Geometric Morphometrics of Hominoid Infraspinous Fossa Shape
Authors: Green David J. , Serrins Jesse D. , Seitelman Brielle , Martiny Amy R. , Gunz Philipp
Published: October 2014

Recent discoveries of early hominin scapulae from Ethiopia (Dikika, Woranso‐Mille) and South Africa (Malapa) have motivated new examinations of the relationship between scapular morphology and locomotor function. In particular, infraspinous fossa shape has been shown to significantly differ among hominoids. However, this region presents relatively few homologous landmarks, such that traditional distance and angle‐based methods may oversimplify this three‐dimensional structure. To more thoroughly assess infraspinous fossa shape variation as it relates to function among adult hominoid representatives, we considered two geometric morphometric (GM) approaches—one employing five homologous landmarks (“wireframe”) and another with 83 sliding semilandmarks along the border of the infraspinous fossa. We identified several differences in infraspinous fossa shape with traditional approaches, particularly in superoinferior fossa breadth and scapular spine orientation. The wireframe analysis reliably captured the range of shape variation in the sample, which reflects the relatively straightforward geometry of the infraspinous fossa. Building on the traditional approach, the GM results highlighted how the orientation of the medial portion of the infraspinous fossa differed relative to both the axillary border and spine. These features distinguished Pan from Gorilla in a way that traditional analyses had not been able to discern. Relative to the wireframe method, the semilandmark approach further distinguished Pongo from Homo, highlighting aspects of infraspinous fossa morphology that may be associated with climbing behaviors in hominoid taxa. These results highlight the ways that GM methods can enhance our ability to evaluate complex aspects of shape for refining and testing hypotheses about functional morphology. Anat Rec, 298:180–194, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detection of mercury(II) by DNA templated gold nanoclusters based on forming thymidine–Hg2+–thymidine duplexes
Authors: Zhu Shanshan , Zhuo Yan , Miao Hong , Zhong Dan , Yang Xiaoming
Published: October 2014

We have successfully synthesized gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) templated with DNA (5′‐CCCCCCCCCCCCTTTTTT‐3′), and subsequently employed the fluorescent DNA‐AuNCs as a novel probe for sensitive detections of mercury ions (Hg2+). Basically, the procedure is due to the formation of thymidine–Hg2+–thymidine duplexes between DNA‐AuNCs and Hg2+, thus leading to aggregations of DNA‐AuNCs described here occurring, and facilitating their fluorescence decrease. Significantly, this decrease of fluorescent signals permitted sensitive detection of Hg2+ in a linear range of 0.1–100 µmol L−1, with a detection limit of 0.083 µmol L−1 at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3. Additionally, the practicality of this probe for assaying Hg2+ in human urine and lake water samples was further validated, and showed various advantages including simplicity, selectivity, sensitivity and low cost, demonstrating its potential to broaden ways for assaying Hg2+ in real samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between serious psychological distress and health care use and expenditures by cancer history
Authors: Han Xuesong , Lin Chun Chieh , Li Chunyu , de Moor Janet S. , Rodriguez Juan L. , Kent Erin E. , Forsythe Laura P.
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Serious psychological distress (SPD) is associated with adverse health outcomes such as poor quality of life and shorter survival in cancer survivors, but to the authors' knowledge, the relationship between SPD and health care use and medical expenditures is not clear.

METHODS

A total of 4326 cancer survivors and 57,109 noncancer participants were identified from the 2008 through 2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a nationwide population‐based survey, and their psychological distress was assessed with the 6‐item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (SPD defined by a score ≥13). The association between SPD and use and medical expenditures of various types of health care (office‐based, outpatient, hospital inpatient, emergency department, dental, and prescriptions) was examined using a 2‐part modeling approach that adjusted for demographic, personal, and comorbidity factors. The marginal effects of SPD on health care use and expenditures were calculated for cancer survivors and were compared with those of noncancer participants.

RESULTS

The weighted prevalence of SPD in cancer survivors was 8.2% compared with 4.8% in the noncancer participants. SPD was significantly associated with higher use of all care types except dental care in cancer survivors. Cancer survivors with SPD spent $4431 (95% confidence interval, $3419‐$5443) more than survivors without SPD on medical services each year, whereas this extra expenditure associated with SPD for participants without cancer was $2685 (95% confidence interval, $2099‐$3271).

CONCLUSIONS

In a national representative sample of cancer survivors, SPD was found to be associated with higher health care use and medical expenditures. Distress screening and psychosocial care in cancer survivors may help reduce the economic burden of cancer in the United States. Cancer 2015;121:614–622. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Spiroimines by Asymmetric Decarboxylative Alkylation/Isomerization/[3+2]‐Cycloaddition Reaction of Azidoalkenes
Authors: Rambla Matt , Duroure Leslie , Chabaud Laurent , Guillou Catherine
Published: October 2014

The synthesis of chiral spiroimines, one of the pharmacophores of the marine neurotoxin gymnodimine A is described. The approach relies on a three‐step sequence that includes a palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative alkylation, an isomerization and a [3+2]‐cycloaddition reaction of an azidoalkene to build the imine.
Seismic performance of a 1 : 15‐scale 25‐story RC flat‐plate core‐wall building model
Authors: Lee Han Seon , Hwang Kyung Ran , Kim Youn Ho
Published: October 2014

Earthquake simulation tests were conducted on a 1 : 15‐scale 25‐story building model to verify the seismic performance of high‐rise reinforced‐concrete flat‐plate core‐wall building structures designed per the recent seismic code KBC 2009 or IBC 2006. The following conclusions can be drawn from the test results: (1) The vertical distribution of acceleration during the table excitations revealed the effect of the higher modes, whereas free vibration after the termination of the table excitations was governed by the first mode. The maximum values of base shear and roof drift during the free vibration are either similar to or larger than the values of the maximum responses during the table excitation. (2) With a maximum roof drift ratio of 0.7% under the maximum considered earthquake in Korea, the lateral stiffness degraded to approximately 50% of the initial stiffness. (3) The crack modes appear to be a combination of flexure and shear in the slab around the peripheral columns and in the coupling beam. Energy dissipation via inelastic deformation was predominant during free vibration after the termination of table excitation rather than during table excitation. Finally, (4) the walls with special boundary elements in the first story did not exhibit any significant inelastic behavior, with a maximum curvature of only 21% of the ultimate curvature, corresponding to an ultimate concrete compressive strain of 0.00638 m/m intended in the displacement‐based design approach. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on the high‐temperature behavior and rehydration characteristics of hardened cement paste
Authors: Wang Guiming , Zhang Chao , Zhang Bin , Li Qiu , Shui Zhonghe
Published: October 2014

The high‐temperature behavior and rehydration characteristics of the hardened cement paste and their mechanisms have been studied in this paper. X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetry are used to establish the effect of elevated temperatures on the mineralogical changes that occurred in the hardened cement paste. The change of microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that with the temperature increased, the compressive strength of hardened cement paste first increased and then decreased. According to micromeasurements, at 400°C, the porosity and average pore diameter of hardened cement paste increased slightly, while at 800°C, the porosity and average pore diameter of hardened cement paste increased sharply. When hardened cement paste was cured after exposing to 400°C, its pore structure and phase composition had no change, while when hardened cement paste was cured after exposing to 800°C, there are new hydration products, and its pore structure may be finer, but it cannot fully recover to the original state. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electric Generation: Hydropower an Integral Part of Renewables, Has Growth Prospects
Authors: Young Kevin , Ciocci Linda Church
Published: October 2014

For well over a century, hydropower has been a reliable, low‐cost, clean component of the US electricity portfolio. Hydropower helped get the nation through the Great Depression and helped fuel our war effort during World War II.
Electric Generation: Elements of Determining Site Suitability
Authors: MacDonald John
Published: October 2014

Concerning important elements in site selection, this article will identify key screening‐level assessment investigations. The article will focus on key components of the Site Suitability Assessment (SSA) and discuss recommendations for additional information in the SSA. See Exhibit 1.
NERC and Enforcement Issues: NERC's Enforcement Authority Weakened, Other Recent Developments
Authors: Carpentier Deborah
Published: October 2014

Section 215 of the Federal Power Act (FPA) gave substantial authority to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and to the Electric Reliability Organization for the United States, which is the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), to promulgate and enforce reliability standards, including the authority to impose penalties for noncompliance.
Natural Gas & Electricity Pricing: Shale's Big Impact on US Manufacturing: Boom or Bust?
Authors: Bodell Tanya
Published: October 2014

Shale, the new source of natural gas and oil supply, is having a substantial growth effect on infrastructure from wellhead to burner‐tip required to bring supply to market.