bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does the Ambience of Cafe Affect the Revisit Intention Among its Patrons? A S on the Cafes in Ipoh, Perak
Authors: AbuThahir Sharmeela-Banu Syed , Krishnapillai Gengeswari
Published: February 2018

Food service industry is growing rapidly as a result of the changing consumer lifestyle. The food service industry is highly competitive due to the increasing number of new entrants offering inventive food products and services. In order to be outstanding in such competitive industry, retailers nowadays opt to emphasize on their store environment. Past studies discovered that store environment stimulates emotions that significantly boost customer revisit intention. As a result, retailers attempt to differentiate their store by combining various environmental stimuli to create an attractive ambience that will in turn draw in the customers. Hence, this study attempts to investigate the impact of various café ambience factors on the patrons’ revisit intention. The patrons of cafes in Ipoh, Perak were selected using purposive sampling technique to be the respondents of this study. 250 questionnaires were collected and Partial Least Square technique was used to analyse the data collected. Findings show that all the five factors of café ambience namely lighting, music, decoration, cleanliness and layouts were significantly influencing the patrons’ revisit intention. Of these five factors, lighting was most influential while music was the least influential in affecting the patrons’ revisit intention. Accordingly, this study lists several recommendations for practitioners and academics with regards to the store environment and its impact on the repurchase intention.
A Conceptual Model of Folktale Classification as a Visual Guide to a Malaysian Folktale Classification System Development
Authors: Harun Harryizman , Jamaludin Zulikha
Published: February 2018

In a study to systematically preserve the Malaysian folktales as one of Malaysia’s intangible cultural heritage, a Malaysian Folktale Classification System (MFCS) is proposed to be developed as encouraged by UNESCO. Such a classification system is currently absent in Malaysia. In order to develop a comprehensive classification system, three folktale units are integrated and utilized: function, motif, and type. The use of the three folktale units ensures that the MFCS covers two important facets of folktale: structure and content. The integration of the classification system warrants a complicated classification process. Therefore, a conceptual model, which is central to this article, is constructed as a visual guide to assist the classification process. It illustrates a flow of analysis and all components required to classify namely the three folktale units and their guiding factors, and a primary classification method. A pictorial representation method is utilized to construct the conceptual model. With the conceptual model constructed, it is expected that the analysis of the Malaysian folktales toward the development of the MFCS becomes apparent and guided.
The Moderating Role of Risk Perception on The Relationship Between Satisfaction and Repurchase Intention of Bottled Water in Nigeria: A Research Proposition
Authors: Wahid N. Abdul , Mohaidin Z. , Ojatta D. O.
Published: February 2018

There has been a surge of bottled water consumption globally to date. This phenomenon requires investigation on why consumers intend to repeat purchase the product. While past literature has applied Oliver’s expectation disconfirmation theory (EDT) to explain the link between customer satisfactions (CS) and repurchase intention (RI), other studies have reported conflicting findings. Thus, this study argues that risk perception (RP) should be added as a moderating variable between CS-RI which should improve our understanding of the RI behaviour in the context of EDT, bottled water consumption, policy and marketing strategy research. A new framework is proposed to explain the role of RP in EDT, with the aim of stimulating further enquiry.
Enhancing Student’s Understanding in Entrepreneurship Through Business Plan Simulation
Authors: Guzairy M. , Mohamad N. , Yunus A.R.
Published: February 2018

Business Plan is an important document for entrepreneurs to guide them managing their business. Business Plan also assist the entrepreneur to strategies their business and manage future growth. That is why Malaysian government has foster all Higher Education Provider to set entrepreneurship education as compulsory course. One of the entrepreneurship education learning outcome is the student can write effective business plan. This study focused on enhancing student’s understanding in entrepreneurship through business plan simulation. This study also considers which of the factor that most facilitate the business simulation that help the student to prepare effective business plan. The methodology of this study using quantitative approach with pre-and post-research design. 114 students take part as respondent in the business simulation and answer quantitative survey pre-question and post question. The crucial findings of this study are student characteristic factor after playing the simulation contribute much on facilitate business plan learning. The result has shown that the business plan simulation can enhance undergraduate student in understanding entrepreneurship by preparing effective business plan before opening new startup.
The Effect of Brief Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Group Intervention on Self Esteem among Drug Users
Authors: Hussin Huzilil , Othman M.H. , Hussin Kamarudin , Alias N. S.
Published: February 2018

Self-esteem is related to the individuals understanding and accepting the existing character and attitude to themselves. Failure to understand and accept their own strengths and weaknesses and in the same time do not have the skills to cope with it will caused them to be classified in the group who have low levels of self esteem. The up and down in self esteem will seriously affect the person emotional development and their reasoning process. Thus, reforming self esteem is an important key to help the rehabilition of drug abuser. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Brief Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on self-esteem among drug users. The quasi experimental design with one treatment group and one control group and four measurements (Pre Test, Post 1, Post 2 and Post 3) were employed in this study. The sample of 108 drugs users was chosen using purposive sampling procedure. Data were collected using standardized psychometric instruments, including Internal Control Index (Patricia Duttweiler, 1984) and The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and were analysed using descriptive analysis. The findings shows the intervention of group Brief Cognitive Behavioural Therapy CBT (B) are succeed in increasing self-esteem mean score compared to control group in different time interval. As a conclusion, self-esteem among the subjects can be enhanced with an intervention of proper and systematic therapy instead of unplanned therapy sessions
Engineered nanostructures to carry the biological ligands
Authors: Gopinath Subash C.B. , Ramanathan Santheraleka , Hann Suk Koh , Ee Foo Mu , Anbu Periasamy , Uda M.N.A.
Published: February 2018

Different nanostructures were engineered with the nanoscale dimension lesser than 100 nm. These nanostructures include silver, cellulose nanoparticles and single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT). Biological ligands were obtained from the medicinally important herbal plants, such as Solanum trilobatum and Hempedu bumi and conjugated with the nanostructures silver nanoparticle and SWCNT, respectively. On the other hand, bio-ligands from cow urine were encapsulated in the cellulose nanoparticle. To confirm morphology these nanostructures, they were observed under Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope and the results displayed the uniformed nanostructures. Further, biological ligand carrying ability of these nanostructures was confirmed by the bacterial inhibition assay on the agar plate. This study provided the evidence on the capability of nanostructures to carry the biological ligands.
Design of Binary Coded Pulse Trains with Good Autocorrelation Properties for Radar Communications
Authors: Rosli Siti Julia , Rahim Hasliza , Ngadiran Ruzelita , Abdul Rani K. N. , Ahmad Muhammad Imran , Hoon Wee Fwen
Published: February 2018

Finite length of sequences that are modulated both in phase and amplitude and have an ideal autocorrelation function (ACF) consisting of merely a pulse have many applications in control and communication systems. They are widely applied in control and communication systems, such as in pulse compression systems for radar and deep-space ranging problems [1-5]. In radar design, the important part is to choose a waveform, which is suitable to be transmitted because the waveform controls resolution in clutter performance. In addition, it can solve a general signal problem particularly related to the digital processing. Energy ratio (ER), total side lobe energy (SLE), and peak sidelobe level (PSL) are three properties of such sequences interest. This paper presents a method using the Complementation, Cyclic Shift and Bit Addition for synthesizing and optimizing a binary sequence implemented to improve the sequences of a similar quality with the Barker sequence, particularly for lengths greater than 13. All of these methods are guided by the specific parameter with good characteristics in ACF (ER, SLE, and PSL) [6,7,8]. Such sequences can then be effectively used to improve the range and Doppler resolution of radars.
Design and Implementation of an Embedded Smart Intruder Surveillance System
Authors: Sabri Naseer , Salim M. S. , Fouad S. , Aljunid S. Alwee , AL-Dhief F.T , Rashidi C.B.M
Published: February 2018

Remote and scattered valuable and sensitive locations such as labs and offices inside university campus need efficient monitoring and warning system. As well as scattered area and belonging. This research presents a Real-Time intruder Surveillance System based on a single board computer (SBC). Thus the design and development of a cost effective surveillance management system based SBC that can be deployed efficiently in remote and scattered locations such as universities belonging. The fusion of embedded Python codes with SBC that attached to cameras, Long distance sensors, alerting circuitry and wireless module presents a novel integration based effective cost solution and enhances SBC of much flexibility of improvement and development for pervasive remote locations. The system proves the high integrity of smooth working with web application, it’s cost effective and thus can be deployed as many of units to seize and concisely covered remote and scattered area as well as university belonging and departments. The system can be administrated by a remote user sparsely or geographically away from any networked workstation. The proposed solution offers efficient stand alone, flexibility to upgrade and cheap development and installation as well as cost effective ubiquitous surveillance solution. In conclusion, the system acceptable boundaries of successful intruder recognition and warning alert are computed between 1m and 3m distance of intruder from system camera. Recognition rate of 95% and 83% are achieved and the successful warning alert were in the range of 86-97%.
The Effect of Aluminium Content on the Bioactivity Behaviour of Magnesium Alloys for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Adzali Nur Maizatul Shima , Ahmad Zaidi Nur Hidayah , Jamaludin Mohd Ashraf
Published: February 2018

AZ series alloy which consist of aluminium (Al) and zinc (Zn) with magnesium (Mg) as their base are the most investigated for biomedical applications among the Mg alloy. Al content plays a crucial part in differentiating the properties of Mg-based alloy for biomedical applications. Thus, this project picks up pure Mg and AZ31 (with 3% of Al) alloy and the effect of Al content has been investigated. In this study, Mg alloy has been fabricated via powder metallurgy method in order to investigate its bioactivity behaviour. Bioactivity test of pure Mg and AZ31 alloys were conducted by immersing the samples in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution up to 6 hours to observe the formation of apatite layer on the sample surface. The bioactivity behaviour of the samples has been observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. After bioactivity test, sample AZ31 showed the formation of more apatite layers compared to sample of pure Mg with the existence of new phases which were Mg(OH)2and MgO. This apatite layers might influence the ability of the Mg-based alloy to withstand the corrosive agent that will attack the alloy while being immersed in SBF.
The impact of monitoring and business assistance intensity on Malaysian ICT incubatees’ performance
Authors: Khalid Fararishah Abdul , Kayani Aminuddin Ahmad , Gilbert David
Published: February 2018

Business incubation has been known in the literature as an economic development tool. Around the world, and in the developing countries particularly, business incubation is deployed to stimulate the growth of small-to-medium sized enterprises or SMEs, which are the lifeblood for many countries. Malaysia’s business incubation system has been established since the 1980s and in line with the country’s aspirations to become a developed nation by year 2020, much has been done by the government to catalyse the growth of SMEs, particularly, ICT SMEs. Despite establishing numerous ICT incubators over the two decades, the process involved in assisting new entrepreneurs in the incubators remains fragmented. This paper examines a component critical to the business incubation process: monitoring and business assistance intensity and its impact on the performance of incubates. Quantitative method was deployed with a total of 118 incubatees from ICT incubators in Malaysia responding to an online survey questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that monitoring and business assistance intensity is statistically significant in predicting incubatee performance. The findings will provide valuable information for entrepreneurs, business incubator managers, and policy-makers on best practices of incubation management and benchmarking towards fourth-generation incubators. This paper fills the gap in the current incubation literature, contributing in several aspects including empirical data, methodology, and noteworthy findings regarding the Malaysian incubation phenomenon.
Development of Handheld Haptics Device for Driving System of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Shazali Syed Mohamad
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a research aimed at illustrating hydrodynamic force impact on the orientation of a Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV) operating underwater by providing kinaesthetic haptic feedback to its handheld steering device. To get more understanding on how this aim can be achieved, a literature review had been done on the haptic feedback which are available to ROV pilots and how it could be delivered through a handheld device. While some achievement were made in providing different cues to pilots on drag force and its influence on its speed, non-have been made to offer insight on how it had affected ROVs orientation through haptic feedback. This study found that currently available handheld haptic device, while successfully delivering tactile feedback, are not capable of providing kinaesthetic feedback at par with the grounded haptic device. To address this, a series of thrusters has been introduced as a new actuation technique in providing kinaesthetic feedback on a handheld device in all three axes. This would allow total illustration of ROV orientation through haptic feedback. This paper has summarized and discussed our findings in our literature review, followed by some details of the proposed method.
The Cascaded Enhanced k-Means and Fuzzy c-Means Clustering Algorithms for Automated Segmentation of Malaria Parasites
Authors: Abdul Nasir Aimi Salihah , Jaafar Haryati , Wan Mustafa Wan Azani , Mohamed Zeehaida
Published: February 2018

Malaria continues to be one of the leading causes of death in the world, despite the massive efforts put forth by World Health Organization (WHO) in eradicating it, worldwide. Efficient control and proper treatment of this disease requires early detection and accurate diagnosis due to the large number of cases reported yearly. To achieve this aim, this paper proposes a malaria parasite segmentation approach via cascaded clustering algorithms to automate the malaria diagnosis process. The comparisons among the cascaded clustering algorithms have been made by considering the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the segmented malaria images. Based on the qualitative and quantitative findings, the results show that by using the final centres that have been generated by enhanced k-means (EKM) clustering as the initial centres for fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering, has led to the production of good segmented malaria image. The proposed cascaded EKM and FCM clustering has successfully segmented 100 malaria images of Plasmodium Vivax species with average segmentation accuracy, sensitivity and specificity values of 99.22%, 88.84% and 99.56%, respectively. Therefore, the EKM algorithm has given the best performance compared to k-means (KM) and moving k-means (MKM) algorithms when all the three clustering algorithms are cascaded with FCM algorithm.
A Child with Unilateral Visual Impairment Caused by Neuroborreliosis
Authors: Coenders Alies , Portier Ruben P. , Geeraedts Felix , der Gaag Ellen J. van
Published: February 2018

This case report describes a 7-year-old male patient with painless unilateral visual impairment due to optic neuropathy confirmed by visual evoked potentials (VEP), which was found to be attributed to neuroborreliosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by applying both European (European Federation of Neurological Societies [EFNS]) and American (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]) criteria. Following intravenous treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, his vision gradually improved. This case report adds to the scarce evidence for an association between optic neuropathies and neuroborreliosis. It illustrates that, although uncommon, the clinician should be aware of the possibility of Lyme disease in patients with unilateral visual impairment due to optic neuropathy. Recognition is especially important because visual acuity can return to normal after adequate treatment. We reviewed the differences in criteria by the European EFNS guidelines and the American CDC criteria for making the diagnosis.
The Pituitary-Thyroid Axis and Prolactin Secretion in Hemodialysis Patients in Two Endemic Regions of Eastern Germany
Authors: Rasche Franz , Rettig Ronny , Frese Thomas , Rasche Wilma , Barinka Filip , Roesl Guenter , Keller Frieder , Lindner Tom , Schneider Jochen , Beige Joachim , Ebert Thomas , Schiekofer Stephan
Published: February 2018

Introduction Endocrine disorders of the pituitary axes are frequent in patients with hemodialysis (CKD5D). The aim of this multicenter study (Leipzig (L), Quedlinburg and Blankenburg in the Harz region (Hz)) in CKD5D patients was to evaluate influences of CKD5D related factors, morphological and biochemical parameters, and serum iodine and prolactin concentrations on the pituitary-thyroid axis.

Patients and Methods 170 patients (L n=58; Hz n=112) were included in this prospective, non-interventional, cross-sectional study. Mann-Whitney-U-test and bivariate correlation analyses with Spearman-Rho test (r correlation coefficient) were used in statistical analysis.

Results TSH was higher in patients with prolactin concentrations>370 mIU/l (p=0.013), in patients with high flux membranes (p=0.0013) and in patients with longer dialysis vintage (p=0.04). Median iodine serum concentrations were slightly elevated in the Leipzig cohort (p=0.001) and correlated with fT4 (p<0.001, r=0.43) and albumin (p=0.001, r=0.245) but not with morphological signs. Albumin was correlated with fT3 (p<0.001, r=0.339) and fT4 (p<0.001, r=0.421). Prolactin was correlated with residual excretion rate (p=0.001, r=- 0.303) and thyroid volume (p=0.027, r=0.217).

Conclusions In the assessment of the thyroid status in CKD5D patients, the synopsis of the clinical and nutritional status, comorbidities, ultrasound of the thyroid gland and laboratory results is necessary for further intervention with hormone replacement. Standardized reference values of the pituitary-thyroid axis should be critically evaluated and are still lacking in CKD5D.
Transparenz um jeden Preis: Phänomen Auge
Authors: Ghasemi Nikmanesh Forusan
Published: February 2018

Das Auge entsteht im Rahmen der Embryonalentwicklung als vorgeschobener Teil des Gehirns aus dem Ekto- und Mesoderm. Sklera, Gefäß- und Netzhaut sowie feinjustierte Druck- und Perfusionsverhältnisse sorgen für eine äußerst stabile Struktur und Funktion – und sind doch angreifbar. Nah- und Fernbeziehungen zu anderen Strukturen erklären, warum bei vielen neurologischen, intestinalen und immunologischen Erkrankungen das Auge mitbeteiligt ist.
Das Glaukom
Authors: Schmid Eva C.
Published: February 2018

Das Glaukom ist eine der häufigsten Erblindungsursachen in Deutschland. Es geht mit einer spezifischen Schädigung des Sehnervs einher, die verschiedene Ursachen haben kann. Häufig, aber nicht immer, besteht erhöhter Augeninnendruck. Man unterscheidet zwischen primären, sekundären, Offenwinkel- und Engwinkelglaukomen. Der akute Glaukomanfall stellt einen Notfall dar.
Myotone Dystrophien, nicht dystrophe Myotonien und periodische Paralysen
Authors: Schneider-Gold Christiane , Schoser Benedikt , Ellrichmann Gisa , Quasthoff Stefan , Lehmann-Horn Frank , Sinnreich Michael
Published: February 2018

In der Behandlung der myotonen Dystrophien, nicht dystrophen Myotonien und periodischen Paralysen haben sich in den letzten Jahren einige neue Aspekte ergeben, die in der aktualisierten Leitlinie zu myotonen Dystrophien, nicht dystrophen Myotonien und periodischen Paralysen zusammenfassend dargestellt sind.

Nach wie vor besteht eine europaweit nur sehr eingeschränkte Verfügbarkeit von Mexiletin, welches in Deutschland nur noch über die Auslandsapotheke aus z. B. Japan, den USA oder Kanada in einer Dosierung von 100 mg oder 200 mg bezogen werden kann, wenngleich die Wirksamkeit von Mexiletin bei myotoner Dystrophie Typ 1 in einer amerikanischen Studie erneut bestätigt wurde (Logigian et al., 2010).

In einer rezenten Studie konnte gezeigt werden, dass der Carboanhydrasehemmer Dichlorphenamid sowohl bei hypokaliämischer als auch bei hyperkaliämischer periodischer Paralyse die Attackenfrequenz senkt, allerdings war der Unterschied bei der hyperkaliämischen Lähmung nicht signifikant (Sansone et al., 2016). Bei dieser Studie handelt es sich um die Kombination zweier randomisierter Untersuchungen über 9 Wochen, kombiniert mit einer einjährigen Extensionsphase, bei der alle Teilnehmer Dichlorphenamid erhielten. Die Studie wurde gegen Placebo durchgeführt; der ursprünglich geplante Vergleich mit Acetazolamid wurde abgebrochen, weil die an der Studie teilnehmenden Patienten Dichlorphenamid aufgrund subjektiv besserer Wirksamkeit vorzogen und deshalb keine Gruppe für einen Vergleich Dichlorphenamid/Acetazolamid gebildet werden konnte. Die Hauptnebenwirkungen waren Parästhesien, Nierensteinbildung und eine Verlangsamung des Denkens. Die Studie erlaubte keine Rückschlüsse auf die Beziehung zwischen Wirksamkeit und Genotyp; die häufigste Mutation war T704 M (Nav1.4) bei der hyperkaliämischen Lähmung und R528H (Cav1.1) und R1239H (Cav1.1) bei der hypokaliämischen Lähmung. Ein Patient in der hypokaliämischen Gruppe mit der Mutation pR222 W (Nav1.4) verschlechterte sich. Dichlorphenamid ist inzwischen als Keveyis in den USA im Handel. In der Europäischen Union ist Dichlorphenamid (noch) nicht zugelassen; es hat aber den Status einer „orphan drug“ und ist somit verordnungsfähig.

In einer doppelblinden randomisierten placebokontrollierten Studie mit 22 Patienten mit nicht dystrophen Myotonien konnte gezeigt werden, dass Lamotrigin in einer Dosierung von 300 mg/d die myotone Symptomatik signifikant gegenüber dem Ausgangsbefund verbesserte (Anderson G et al., 2017).

Eine offene Behandlungsstudie mit Ranolazin, einem Piperazinderivat, in einer Dosierung von 2 × 500 mg bei 13 Patienten mit Chloridkanalmyotonie ergab eine signifikant reduzierte EMG-Myotonie, eine nach Patientenangaben signifikant reduzierte Muskelsteifigkeit und geringer auch reduzierte Muskelschwäche und eine reduzierte Myotonie in den klinischen Tests (Arnold WD et al., 2017).
The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Akbari Maryam , Ostadmohammadi Vahidreza , Lankarani Kamran , Tabrizi Reza , Kolahdooz Fariba , Heydari Seyed , Kavari Seyed , Mirhosseini Naghmeh , Mafi Alireza , Dastorani Majid , Asemi Zatollah
Published: February 2018

The current systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to summarize the effect of vitamin D supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science database were searched to identify related randomized-controlled articles (RCTs) published up to November 2017. Two researchers assessed study eligibility, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias of included RCTs, independently. To check heterogeneity Q-test and I2 statistics were used. Data were pooled by using the random-effect model and standardized mean difference (SMD) was considered as summary effect size. Seven RCTs were included into our meta-analysis. The findings showed that vitamin D supplementation in women with PCOS significantly decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (SMD −1.03; 95% CI, −1.58, −0.49; p <0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD −1.64, 95% CI −2.26 to −1.02, p <0.001), and significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (SMD 0.86, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.64, p=0.03). Vitamin D supplementation had no significant effect on nitric oxide (NO) (SMD 0.11, 95% CI −0.44 to 0.66, p=0.69) and total glutathione (GSH) levels (SMD 0.54, 95% CI −0.20 to 1.28, p=0.15). Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation to women with PCOS resulted in an improvement in hs-CRP, MDA and TAC, but did not affect NO and GSH levels.
Space micropropulsion systems for Cubesats and small satellites: From proximate targets to furthermost frontiers
Authors: Levchenko Igor , Bazaka Kateryna , Ding Yongjie , Raitses Yevgeny , Mazouffre Stéphane , Henning Torsten , Klar Peter J. , Shinohara Shunjiro , Schein Jochen , Garrigues Laurent , Kim Minkwan , Lev Dan , Taccogna Francesco , Boswell Rod W. , Charles Christine , Koizumi Hiroyuki , Shen Yan , Scharlemann Carsten , Keidar Michael , Xu Shuyan
Published: February 2018

Rapid evolution of miniaturized, automatic, robotized, function-centered devices has redefined space technology, bringing closer the realization of most ambitious interplanetary missions and intense near-Earth space exploration. Small unmanned satellites and probes are now being launched in hundreds at a time, resurrecting a dream of satellite constellations, i.e., wide, all-covering networks of small satellites capable of forming universal multifunctional, intelligent platforms for global communication, navigation, ubiquitous data mining, Earth observation, and many other functions, which was once doomed by the extraordinary cost of such systems. The ingression of novel nanostructured materials provided a solid base that enabled the advancement of these affordable systems in aspects of power, instrumentation, and communication. However, absence of efficient and reliable thrust systems with the capacity to support precise maneuvering of small satellites and CubeSats over long periods of deployment remains a real stumbling block both for the deployment of large satellite systems and for further exploration of deep space using a new generation of spacecraft. The last few years have seen tremendous global efforts to develop various miniaturized space thrusters, with great success stories. Yet, there are critical challenges that still face the space technology. These have been outlined at an inaugural International Workshop on Micropropulsion and Cubesats, MPCS-2017, a joint effort between Plasma Sources and Application Centre/Space Propulsion Centre (Singapore) and the Micropropulsion and Nanotechnology Lab, the G. Washington University (USA) devoted to miniaturized space propulsion systems, and hosted by CNR-Nanotec—P.Las.M.I. lab in Bari, Italy. This focused review aims to highlight the most promising developments reported at MPCS-2017 by leading world-reputed experts in miniaturized space propulsion systems. Recent advances in several major types of small thrusters including Hall thrusters, ion engines, helicon, and vacuum arc devices are presented, and trends and perspectives are outlined.
Kinetics of CO+ and CO2+ with N and O atoms
Authors: Tenewitz Jake E. , Lê Trí , Martinez Oscar , Ard Shaun G. , Shuman Nicholas S. , Sanchez Jenny C. , Viggiano Albert A. , Melko Joshua J.
Published: February 2018

We have measured reaction rate constants for CO+ and CO2+ reacting with N and O atoms using a selected ion flow tube apparatus equipped with a microwave discharge atom source. Experimental work was supplemented by molecular structure calculations. Calculated pathways show the sensitivity of kinetic barriers to theoretical methods and imply that high-level ab initio methods are required for accurate energetics. We report room-temperature rate constants of 1.0 ± 0.4 × 10−11 cm3 s−1 and 4.0 ± 1.6 × 10−11 cm3 s−1 for the reactions of CO+ with N and O atoms, respectively, and 8.0 ± 3.0 × 10−12 cm3 s−1 and 2.0 ± 0.8 × 10−11 cm3 s−1 for the reactions of CO2+ with N and O atoms, respectively. The reaction of CO2+ + O is observed to yield O2+ exclusively. These values help resolve discrepancies in the literature and are important for modeling of the Martian atmosphere.
Dependence of electron impact differential cross sections on the ionic charge to radius ratio for the Al3+(2p) and Be2+(1s) ions
Authors: Purohit G. , Kato D.
Published: February 2018

The triple differential cross sections (TDCSs) have been obtained for the electron impact ionization of ionic targets, Al3+(2p) and Be2+(1s), having nearly the same ratio of ionic charge to radius. In the first of this kind of study, the trends of cross sections have been found to match to a greater extent despite ionization taking place from the ionic targets having considerable difference in nuclear charges as well as the ionization taking place from different types of orbitals, p-orbital and s-orbital. The trends of TDCSs have not been found to agree considerably for the neutral Al (3p) and Be (2s) targets.
Thermal diffusivity of ferrofluids as a function of particle size determined using the mode-mismatched dual-beam thermal lens technique
Authors: Lenart V. M. , Astrath N. G. C. , Turchiello R. F. , Goya G. F. , Gómez S. L.
Published: February 2018

Ferrofluids are colloids of superparamagnetic nanoparticles that are envisaged for use in hyperthermia, which is based on nonradiative relaxation after interaction with a high-frequency magnetic field or light. For such applications, an important parameter is the thermal diffusivity. In this communication, we present an experimental study of the dependence of thermal diffusivity of ferrofluids on the size of the magnetite nanoparticles by employing the mode-mismatched thermal lens technique. The results show a huge enhancement of the thermal diffusivity by increasing the average size of the nanoparticles, while the number density of the nanoparticles is maintained as constant.
The temperature dependence of grain boundary free energy of solids
Authors: Cheng Tianbao , Fang Daining , Yang Yazheng
Published: February 2018

The grain boundary free energy of solids at elevated temperatures has been rarely reported because of the difficulty in determining it from the existing methods. In the present work, a theoretical model for the temperature-dependent grain boundary energy is proposed via an analytical approach from the energy view by relating its temperature dependence to that of specific heat at constant pressure. The accuracy of the model is validated on metals and ceramics. The study shows that the grain boundary energy first remains approximately constant and then decreases almost linearly as temperature changes from 0 K to melting point. Phase transformation can reduce the grain boundary energy. As an example of application, the “brittleness parameter” of solids at elevated temperatures is characterized quantitatively for the first time. The ductility of metals increases rapidly with temperature. The brittleness of ceramics almost holds up to the melting point.
A closed form, energy-based theory of dynamic fragmentation
Authors: Sweitzer Justin C. , Banish R. Michael
Published: February 2018

A statistical fragmentation model is presented, which predicts the average size and distribution in sizes of fragments emanating from an explosively driven, naturally fragmenting cylinder. The model builds on the energy-based fracture model of [Kipp and Grady, J. Mechanical Phys. Solids 33, 399 (1985)] by closing the calculation of average fragment size with the introduction of a crack velocity, which determines the time required for a newly initiated fracture to proceed to completion. Fracture energy is accounted for in the solution, resulting in a bimodal distribution function. Calculations are presented in comparison to experimental data for explosively driven metal sleeves and impact fragmentation. From comparison to existing fragmentation models and test data, we demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Isotopic equilibria in aqueous clusters at low temperatures: Insights from the MB-pol many-body potential
Authors: Videla Pablo E. , Rossky Peter J. , Laria Daniel
Published: February 2018

By combining path-integrals molecular dynamics simulations with the accurate MB-pol potential energy surface, we investigate the role of alternative potential models on isotopic fractionation ratios between H and D atoms at dangling positions in water clusters at low temperatures. Our results show clear stabilizations of the lighter isotope at dangling sites, characterized by free energy differences ΔG that become comparable to or larger than kBT for temperatures below ∼75 K. The comparison between these results to those previously reported using the empirical q-TIP4P/F water model [P. E. Videla et al., J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 5, 2375 (2014)] reveals that the latter Hamiltonian overestimates the H stabilization by ∼25%. Moreover, predictions from the MB-pol model are in much better agreement with measured results reported for similar isotope equilibria at ice surfaces. The dissection of the quantum kinetic energies into orthogonal directions shows that the dominant differences between the two models are to be found in the anharmonic characteristics of the potential energy surfaces along OH bond directions involved in hydrogen bonds.
A turbulent cascade model of bounce averaged gyrokinetics
Authors: Xu Shaokang , Morel P. , Gürcan Ö. D.
Published: February 2018

A shell model is derived for the description of nonlinear bounce averaged gyrokinetics, which is one of the simplest kinetic descriptions in magnetized plasmas. In order to validate the numerical implementation, detailed linear evolution of the system is compared with a linear benchmark based on solving the linear dispersion relation numerically. The resulting wave number spectrum, which extends over 3–4 decades, is shown to have a robust general structure to model parameters, such as dissipation or the ratio of linear energy injection to nonlinear transfer. In a range of wave numbers where the nonlinear transfer term is dominant, a power law spectrum, roughly of the form k−4, is observed for the spectral electrostatic potential energy density. The model, being fully kinetic, can be used to obtain the free energy spectra for ion and electron distribution functions as functions of E. This model constitutes the first numerical implementation of a kinetic shell model.
Measurement of the vacuum-ultraviolet absorption spectrum of low-k dielectrics using X-ray reflectivity
Authors: Choudhury F. A. , Nguyen H. M. , King S. W. , Lee C. H. , Lin Y. H. , Fung H. S. , Chen C. C. , Li W. , Benjamin D. , Blatz J. M. , Nishi Y. , Shohet J. L.
Published: February 2018

During plasma processing, low-k dielectrics are exposed to high levels of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation that can cause severe damage to dielectric materials. The degree and nature of VUV-induced damage depend on the VUV photon energies and fluence. In this work, we examine the VUV-absorption spectrum of low-k organosilicate glass using specular X-ray reflectivity (XRR). Low-k SiCOH films were exposed to synchrotron VUV radiation with energies ranging from 7 to 21 eV, and the density vs. depth profile of the VUV-irradiated films was extracted from fitting the XRR experimental data. The results show that the depth of the VUV-induced damage layer is a function of the photon energy. Between 7 and 11 eV, the depth of the damaged layer decreases sharply from 110 nm to 60 nm and then gradually increases to 85 nm at 21 eV. The maximum VUV absorption in low-k films occurs between 11 and 15 eV. The depth of the damaged layer was found to increase with film porosity.
Gas-phase chemistry and lasers characterize role of secondary electrons in DNA fragmentation
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: February 2018

Gas-phase iodide-thymine clusters exhibit similar fragmentation properties to uracil, one of RNA’s four bases, but iodide-cytosine clusters behave differently over the complex’s photodetachment energy.
Long-term potentiation expands information content of hippocampal dentate gyrus synapses
Authors: Bromer Cailey , Bartol Thomas M. , Bowden Jared B. , Hubbard Dusten D. , Hanka Dakota C. , Gonzalez Paola V. , Kuwajima Masaaki , Mendenhall John M. , Parker Patrick H. , Abraham Wickliffe C. , Sejnowski Terrence J. , Harris Kristen M.
Published: February 2018

Significance

Understanding plasticity processes in the hippocampus is critical to our understanding of the biological underpinnings of memory. By applying information theory to quantify information content at synapses, we demonstrate that induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) increases the storage capacity of synapses in hippocampal dentate gyrus. Nevertheless, even after LTP, the information storage capacity of dentate synapses was much lower than in a different part of the hippocampus, area CA1. This work lays a foundation for future studies elucidating the time course for increased information storage content as well as the basis for interregion variability in information storage capacity.
Coamplification of
miR-4728
protects
HER2
-amplified breast cancers from targeted therapy
Authors: Floros Konstantinos V. , Lochmann Timothy L. , Hu Bin , Monterrubio Carles , Hughes Mark T. , Wells Jason D. , Morales Cristina Bernadó , Ghotra Maninderjit S. , Costa Carlotta , Souers Andrew J. , Boikos Sosipatros A. , Leverson Joel D. , Tan Ming , Serra Violeta , Koblinski Jennifer E. , Arribas Joaquin , Prat Aleix , Paré Laia , Miller Todd W. , Dozmorov Mikhail G. , Harada Hisashi , Windle Brad E. , Scaltriti Maurizio , Faber Anthony C.
Published: February 2018

Significance

In
HER2
-amplified breast cancers, HER2 inhibitors have been very successful as adjuvant therapy but not as monotherapy. Here, we demonstrate that coamplification of a
HER2
intronic miRNA causes intrinsic resistance to HER2 inhibitors by indirectly down-regulating the pro-apoptotic NOXA. Importantly, coinhibition with MCL-1 inhibitors overcomes this resistance.
Overview of tourism in warm-water island destinations.
Authors: McLeod M. , Croes R.
Published: February 2018

This chapter presents a framework for the book including the terms and concepts regarding warm-water island tourism, a rationale for the book, and its structure. The chapter outlines island tourism management and island tourism research and suggests a refocus on issues of benefit, access and profitability as new areas of island tourism research.
Island hospitality, services and businesses.
Authors: Crick A.
Published: February 2018

This chapter considers the nature of hospitality services on Caribbean islands and the changing types of tourists that warrant new approaches to ensure business success. The chapter focuses on the emerging dynamic of both 'new tourists' and millennials and identifies the implications of these groups for small island hospitality businesses. The chapter contrasts this 'new tourism' with 'old tourism', which is characterized by the tenets of McDonaldization. This is followed by a discussion of the implications for the delivery of quality service and products to both sets of tourists. The roles for the public and private sector are then discussed and the chapter concludes with lessons learned and policy recommendations.
Tourism in the Seychelles: trends and experiences.
Authors: Seetaram N. , Joubert B.
Published: February 2018

This chapter first offers background information on tourism in the Seychelles, covering the country's tourism policy, its Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) ranking, the economic contribution of tourism, the trends in tourist arrivals, and destination's market mix. The chapter then presents the results of a netnographic analysis of discussion forums on TripAdvisor that was conducted in order to understand the consumers' perspective and their experience of Seychelles as a tourism destination. This is substantiated with the qualitative data from a National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) exit survey of tourists.
Music festivals in small island destinations.
Authors: Semrad K. J. , Rivera M. , Croes R.
Published: February 2018

This chapter explores the contribution of music festivals to tourism in small island destinations - in particular, in Aruba and Curacao. The chapter reviews the literature discussing the ability of music festivals to contribute to tourism development and economic growth by increasing the number of international tourist arrivals to small island destinations. In so doing, the chapter assesses the theoretical frameworks grounding the role and contribution of music festivals, and the empirical results stemming from these studies. The chapter discusses the gaps in the literature, followed by lessons learned from the literature in terms of promises and pitfalls of music festivals as an experience offering that can be used by small island destinations to enhance their brand equity and international tourist demand.
Developing a network analysis methodology for island tourism research.
Authors: McLeod M.
Published: February 2018

This chapter considers quantitative and qualitative methodologies that are relevant to island tourism management research. The chapter focuses on the network methodology and suggests a new approach to understand changes in island environments with dominant tourism products and services using social network analysis.
The Polish-Lithuanian borderlands, past and present: multicultural versus decolonial responses to local and state violence
Authors: Holc Janine
Published: February 2018

This article presents the case of the Suwałki Triangle region on the current Polish-Lithuanian border to demonstrate how local activists developed a “multicultural” interpretation of social relations to counter previously dominant nationalist narratives. It then contrasts this interpretation with a “decoloniality” framework to illustrate the limits of the multicultural approach. Decoloniality, developed by Walter Mignolo to theorize about Latin American historical experiences, finds continued hierarchies in the apparently plural social landscape, situates identity as a fluid response to these hierarchies, and privileges voices that are “delinked” from them. Decoloniality may explain the complex borderland identifications of the Suwałki Triangle – and potentially other territorialized communities – better than multiculturalism.
Genetic counselling: Psychological impact and concerns
Authors: Traynor Bryan J. , Chiò Adriano
Published: February 2018

Genetic counselling is the process by which the patients or relatives at risk of an inherited disorder are advised of the consequences and nature of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it, and the options open to them in clinical management of their disease and family planning. Genetic counselling centres on helping patients understand the implications of their genetic test results. Advances in sequencing technology are changing the scope and practice of genetic counselling. It is likely that the role of genomics in clinical medicine will continue to grow over the next decade, and may eventually dominate the practice of health care. Genetic counselling is an increasingly important aspect in the clinical care of patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis due to rapid advances in our understanding of the underlying genetics of this disorder.
Bulbar dysfunction in ALS: Psychological implications
Authors: Caga Jashelle , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: February 2018

Bulbar dysfunction typically manifests as speech and swallowing impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Timely assessment of changes in speech and swallowing is imperative, given its negative prognostic implication and impact on psychological well-being. The progressive loss of the ability to speak and swallow can also result in threats to the self-concept, which may compound issues with social interaction. The use of communication devices to accommodate loss of speech appears to be beneficial in reducing patient distress and caregiver burden. Implementation of interventions to manage problems eating secondary to swallowing impairment can also result in marked improvements in patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life. However, the success of these interventions depends on intact cognitive and behavioural functioning, which may be compromised in patients with bulbar dysfunction. Assessment of bulbar dysfunction should therefore be considered in the context of cognitive and behavioural change, to maximize patient and caregiver psychological well-being.
Providing holistic care for the individual with ALS: Research gaps and future directions
Authors: Pagnini Francesco , Simmons Zachary
Published: February 2018

Much progress has been made in understanding, measuring, and managing quality of life and psychological well-being in individuals with ALS, but there are gaps. Anxiety and depression have been carefully explored in the ALS literature, but coping, resilience, sexuality, intimacy, and end-of-life concerns require more attention. Psychological interventions have been under-explored. Further research on mindfulness, hypnosis, and on complementary and alternative medicines is needed, with particular attention to early evidence that psychological interventions may lead to physical as well as psychological benefits. Attention to the psychological consequences of cognitive dysfunction in ALS would greatly benefits patients and caregivers. The impact of technology needs further study. Rapid advances in genetics, brain-computer interfaces, and new treatments, communicated virtually instantaneously via the internet, will inevitably contrast with the slower pace of implementation, resulting in surges of hope and disappointment. Optimal care is holistic, incorporating both physical and psychological assessment and management.
Symptoms and signs
Authors: Provan Drew
Published: February 2018

Patients usually do not present with diseases, but rather with symptoms and signs. This initial chapter provides a patient-focused approach to diagnosis. By examining the signs and symptoms, the reader can then reach a working diagnosis or at least a differential diagnosis. By then reading the relevant sections of the book, the reader will then be able to come to a firm diagnosis.