bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Damage assessment in concrete structures using piezoelectric based sensors
Authors: Narayanan A. , Subramaniam K. V. L.
Published: February 2017

Damage assessment in concrete structures using piezoelectric based sensorsABSTRACTPiezoelectric based PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate) smart sensors offer significant potential for continuously monitoring the development and progression of internal damage in concrete structures. Changes in the resonant behavior in the measured electrical conductance obtained from electro-mechanical (EM) response of a PZT bonded to a concrete substrate is investigated for increasing levels of damage. Changes in the conductance resonant signature from EM conductance measurements are detected before visible signs of cracking. The root mean square deviation of the conductance signature at resonant peaks is shown to accurately reflect the level of damage in the substrate. The findings presented here provide a basis for developing a sensing methodology using PZT patches for continuous monitoring of concrete structures.Keywords: PZT; electro-mechanical impedance; conductance; microcracks.Evaluación de daños en estructuras de concreto utilizando sensores piezoeléctricosRESUMENLos sensores inteligentes PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate) basados en piezoeléctricos ofrecen un potencial significativo para monitorear continuamente el desarrollo y la progresión de los daños internos en estructuras de concreto. Se investigan los cambios en el comportamiento resonante a través de la conductancia eléctrica medida, obtenida a partir de la respuesta electromecánica (EM) de un PZT unido a un sustrato de concreto para aumentar los niveles de daño. Los cambios en la resonancia de la conductancia EM se detectan antes de que aparezcan signos visibles de agrietamiento. La desviación cuadrática media de la raíz de la conductancia en los picos resonantes refleja con precisión el nivel de daño en el sustrato. Los hallazgos presentados aquí proporcionan una base para desarrollar una metodología de detección utilizando parches PZT para el monitoreo continuo de estructuras de concreto.Palabras clave: PZT; impedancia electromecánica; conductancia; microfisuras.Avaliação de danos em estruturas de concreto usando sensores piezoelétricos RESUMOOs sensores piezoelétricos inteligentes PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate) oferecem um potencial significativo para o monitoramento contínuo do desenvolvimento e progressão de danos internos em estruturas de concreto. As alterações de ressonância através da medida da condutância elétrica obtida a partir da resposta eletromecânica (EM) de um PZT ligado a um substrato de concreto é investigada para níveis crescentes de danos. As alterações no perfil de ressonância de condutância EM são detectadas antes de sinais visíveis de fissuras. O desvio quadrático médio da raiz do perfil de condutância nos picos ressonantes é mostrado para refletir com precisão o nível de dano no substrato. Os resultados aqui apresentados fornecem uma base para o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de detecção usando PZT para monitoramento contínuo de estruturas de concretoPalavras chave: PZT; impedância eletromecânica; condutância; microfissuras.
Industry and Academia Continue Working on Big Ideas for Nanotechnology
Authors: Jacobs Trent
Published: February 2017

The nanotechnologies enjoying commercial success in the oil field today are small in number, and for the most part, can be categorized as single-well applications. Examples include the dissolvable ball-drop systems used in horizontal well completions and the specialty additives operators are using to enhance drilling fluids.

The next big leap for this area of emerging technology will be the development of nanoparticles that work on larger scales, either in production operations or for fluid treatment.

Counted among the industry’s nanopioneers, Saudi Aramco is getting closer to the deployment of nanoparticles for a number of reservoir-wide applications. Others are working on creating nanoparticles that will improve the performance of waterflooding, and university researchers in Texas are developing a magnetic nanoparticle that aims to make offshore water treatment more efficient, and possibly more economic.

These concepts were presented at SPE’s Annual Technology Conference and Exhibition held last year in Dubai. Taken together, they offer a small, yet compelling, sample of the ideas still working their way through the pipeline.

Kirk Rainey, the vice president of A&I Ventures in Houston and a former chemical-enhanced oil recovery expert at Shell, has been involved with nanotechnology consortiums for more than 7 years. Speaking generally, he explained that the oil and gas industry is interested in nanoparticles partly because of the potential efficiencies they offer. It helps to think of nanoparticles from a chemical perspective; their collectively high-surface-area—typically where chemical reactions take place—means even relatively small volumes can make a big impact.

“The negatives include the fact that in many cases engineering these nanoparticles, or nanostructures, can be very costly,” said Rainey. “And while it may be easy to do on a small scale, learning how to scale something up to the oil field is going to take a lot of effort, and the ability to do that is sometimes unknown.”

That point about scale is very important, especially when discussing reservoir applications. Rainey emphasized that if large doses of nanoparticles are needed, then their cost must be relatively low to justify their use. He said the ability to strike such a balance will separate “laboratory curiosities” from viable commercial products.
Experimental and Numerical Studies of CO2 EOR in Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Wilson Adam
Published: February 2017

This article, written by Special Publications Editor Adam Wilson, contains highlights of paper SPE 179634, “Experimental and Numerical Studies of CO2 EOR in Unconventional Liquid Reservoirs With Complex Fracture Networks,” by Jianlei Sun, SPE, Amy Zou, and David Schechter, SPE, Texas A&M University, prepared for the 2016 SPE Improved Oil Recovery Conference, Tulsa, 11–13 April. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

This study investigates oil-production mechanisms from the matrix into the fracture by simulating two laboratory experiments as well as several field-scale studies and evaluates the potential of using carbon dioxide (CO2) huff ’n’ puff to enhance oil recovery in unconventional liquid reservoirs (ULRs) with nanodarcy-range matrix permeability and complex natural-fracture networks. This study explores the mechanisms contributing to oil recovery with numerical modeling of experimental work and investigates the effects of various parameters on oil recovery.

Introduction

CO2 injection has been recognized as one of the more important and successfully applied enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) processes in the US since the start of the first commercial CO2-injection project in 1972. Statistics show that, out of the 153 active CO2 EOR projects worldwide, 139 of them are in the US. CO2 flooding is the only EOR method in the US that has been consistent and economical since the drop in oil prices in the 1980s. One of the main advantages of CO2 injection is that CO2 can achieve miscibility with the resident hydrocarbon when minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) is attained.

Although CO2 flooding has demonstrated the potential of increasing oil production in conventional reservoirs, if this EOR process were to be applied to ULRs, the oil-recovery mechanism could not be considered the same as that during a conventional CO2 flooding because of the differences in reservoir petrophysical properties, fluid-phase behavior, and the fundamental mass-transfer mechanisms.

In general, diffusion during gas injection has been recognized as a critical mechanism that affects the oil recovery in fractured reservoirs. If the diffusive flow in the matrix is being neglected during simulation, the calculated result will underestimate productivity.

Furthermore, complex fracture geometry has been proposed for hydraulic fracturing because of the intersection between hydraulic fractures and in-situ natural fractures. Numerous simulation and experimental studies have evaluated production performance of complex fracture networks. However, there is no extensive work regarding the potential of CO2 huff ’n’ puff in complex fracture geometries.
Basic Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Liu Huaxin , Yang Jianwei , Kong Xiangqing , Xue Xuxu
Published: February 2017

In order to study the basic mechanical properties of basalt fiber reinforced recycled aggregate concrete, the concrete mix ratio, the length and the volume mixing ratio of chopped basalt fiber yarn are designed for changing factors. A total of 324 specimens have been completed for this investigation. The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, elastic modulus and axial compressive strength of basalt fiber recycled concrete have carried on the experimental study and theoretical analysis as 81 specimens, respectively. In all specimens, coarse aggregate were replaced by recycled aggregate with a replacement rate of 100%. Experimental results show that the failure process and failure pattern of basalt fiber recycled concrete and ordinary concrete are similar; With the improvement of concrete strength grade; When the volume mixing ratio of chopped basalt fiber yarn is 0.2%, the mechanic performance can effectively improve, and the length of chopped basalt fiber has less effect on the mechanical indexes; The conversion relation between common concrete mechanics index is no longer suitable for basalt fiber recycled concrete, new conversion formulas for basalt fiber recycled concrete between the mechanics index were presented through fitting experimental data.
PENINGKATAN SIKAP TANGGUNG JAWAB DAN KEMANDIRIAN BELAJAR MAHASISWA MELALUI METODE TUTORIAL DI JURUSAN PENDIDIKAN GEOGRAFI
Authors: Nursa’ban Muhammad
Published: February 2017

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan meningkatkan sikap tanggung jawab dan kemandirian mahasiswa menggunakan metode tutorial dengan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas. Subjek penelitian yaitu 60 mahasiswa kelas Nonreguler yang mengambil mata kuliah Strategi Pembelajaran Geografi tahun ajaran 2012/2013. Data dikumpulkan melalui angket dan observasi kemudian dianalisis secara univariat. Keberhasilan tindakan ditunjukkan oleh setidaknya 70% mahasiswa mengalami peningkatan sikap tanggung jawab dan kemandirian dalam kategori baik. Hasil diperoleh dari peningkatan persentase setiap aspek pada kondisi awal, siklus 1, dan siklus 2. Rata-rata sikap tanggung jawab yaitu 81% atau 49 mahasiswa dengan selisih 14% dari siklus 1 dan 39% dari kondisi awal. Hasil sikap kemandirian diperoleh rata-rata 79% atau 47 mahasiswa dengan selisih sebesar 16% dari siklus 1 dan 32% dari kondisi awal. Kata Kunci: tanggung jawab, kemandirian, tutorial, geografi IMPROVING STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY AND LEARNING AUTONOMY BY THE TUTORIAL METHOD AT DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the improvement of students’ responsibility and learning autonomy by the tutorial method using Classroom Action Research. The subjects were 60 non-regular students taking the Geography Learning Strategies course in the academic year of 2012/2013. The data were collected through questionnaires and observation and analyzed using univariate. The indicators of success were that at least 70% of the students improved their responsibility and autonomy into the good category. The findings showed an increase in the percentage of every aspect in the initial conditions, cycle 1 and cycle 2. The average attitude of responsibility was 81% or 49 students with a difference of 14% of cycle 1 and 39% of the initial conditions. The mean of learning autonomy was 79% or 47 students with a difference of 16% of cycle 1 and 32% of the initial condition. Keywords: responsibility, autonomy, tutorials, Geography
HUBUNGAN KONSEP DIRI, KOMITMEN, DAN MOTIVASI BERPRESTASI DENGAN PRESTASI RENANG GAYA BEBAS
Authors: Mulyana Boyke
Published: February 2017

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara konsep diri, komitmen, dan motivasi berprestasi dengan prestasi renang 100m gaya bebas. Metode penelitian yang digunakan survai. Sampel penelitiannya atlet renang Jawa Barat berjumlah 35 orang dan diambil melalui teknik random. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada hubungan yang signifikan antara: (1) konsep diri dan prestasi renang 100m gaya bebas; (2) komitmen dan prestasi renang 100m gaya bebas; (3) motivasi berprestasi dan prestasi renang 100m gaya bebas; dan (4) konsep diri, komitmen, dan motivasi berprestasi secara bersama-sama dengan prestasi renang 100m gaya bebas. Kata Kunci: konsep diri, komitmen, motivasi berprestasi, dan prestasi renang gaya bebas THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SELF-CONCEPT, COMMITMENT, AND ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION WITH FREESTYLE SWIMMING ACHIEVEMENT Abstract: The Study is aimed at finding out the relationship between self-concept, commitment, and achievement motivation with freestyle swimming achievement. The method used in this research is suevai method. The samples in this research is swimming atheletes consisted with 35 samples selected randomly. The result of the study indicated positive relationship between: (1) self-concept with freestyle swimming achievement; (2) commitment with freestyle swimming achievement; and (3) achievement motivation with freestyle swimming achievement. There is also a positive and significant correlation between slefconcept, commitment, and achievement motivation together with freestyle swimming achievement. Keywords: self concept, commitment, achievement motivation, freestyle swimming achievement
Электрофизические свойства и механизмы переноса в тонких пленках материалов фазовой памяти на основе халькогенидных полупроводников квазибинарного разреза GeTe-Sb-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-Te-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-
Authors: Шерченков А.А. , Козюхин С.А. , Лазаренко П.И. , Бабич А.В. , Богословский Н.А. , Сагунова И.В. , Редичев Е.Н.
Published: February 2017

Исследованы температурные зависимости удельного сопротивления и вольт-амперных характеристик тонких пленок материалов фазовой памяти на основе халькогенидных полупроводников квазибинарного разреза GeTe-Sb2Te3: Ge2Sb2Te5, GeSb2Te4 и GeSb4Te7. Изучено влияние изменения состава по линии квазибинарного разреза на электрофизические характеристики и механизмы переноса тонких пленок. Установлено наличие трех диапазонов с различной зависимостью между током и напряжением. Оценено положение и концентрация энергетических уровней, контролирующих перенос носителей. Полученные результаты показывают, что электрофизические свойства тонких пленок могут существенно изменяться при движении вдоль линии квазибинарного разреза GeTe-Sb2Te3, что важно для целенаправленной оптимизации технологии фазовой памяти. DOI: 10.21883/FTP.2017.02.44096.8270
Влияние баллистической утечки на температурную зависимость квантового выхода светодиодов на основе множественных квантовых ям InGaN/GaN
Authors: Прудаев И.А. , Копьев В.В. , Романов И.С. , Олейник В.Л.
Published: February 2017

В работе исследованы зависимости квантового выхода от температуры и уровня возбуждения для светодиодов на основе множественных квантовых ям InGaN/GaN. Эксперимент проводился для двух режимов возбуждения люминесценции. Сравнение результатов, полученных при фото- и электролюминесценции, показало, что в области высокой плотности тока наблюдаются дополнительные низкотемпературные потери (дополнительные к потерям, связанным с оже-рекомбинацией). Это обусловливает инверсию температурной зависимости квантового выхода при температурах меньше 220-300 K. В результате анализа установлено, что потери связаны с утечкой электронов из активной области светодиода. Для объяснения экспериментальных данных привлечена модель баллистической утечки. Результаты моделирования качественно согласуются с экспериментальными зависимостями квантового выхода от температуры и плотности тока. DOI: 10.21883/FTP.2017.02.44112.8251
Economic activity forecast in emerging markets
Authors: Carvalhal Andre , Murillo Miguel
Published: February 2017

This paper uses a forecasting model for real economic activity for a group of emerging economies (Brazil, India, Mexico and Russia) based on the information contained in their capital markets. We forecast the industrial production in emerging markets throughout different time horizons using information contained in stock and fixed-income markets. Our results suggest that fixed-income and stock markets do not reveal information regarding future economic growth in Brazil, Mexico and Russia. In the case of India, the yield spread explain part of the variation of the economic activity, but the stock market does not have predictive power.
Board structure and firm performance: Some evidence from malaysian government linked companies
Authors: Ming Tee Chwee , Chong Lee Lee
Published: February 2017

This paper examines the impact of Green Book high performing board reform on GLCs fim performance. Based on a sample of 220 firm-year observations of listed GLCs from 2006 till 2012, this study shows that (i) there is a positive association between multiple chairmanships and firm performance, (ii) total directorships is positively associated with higher firm performance and, (iii) board connectivity is positively associated with higher firm performance. Overall, our finding suggests that multiple chairmanship and directorship to a certain extent leads to better firm performance. We conjecture that interlocked chairman and director can maximize their good business connection and networking to add value to GLCs.
The two-tier board system and underpricing of initial public offerings: Evidence from Austria
Authors: Samarakoon Lalith P. , Kadapakkam Palani-Rajan
Published: February 2017

We study the relation between initial IPO underpricing and two-tier board structure in the Vienna Stock Exchange of Austria, where a two-tier board is mandatory for listed companies. The board ratio, defined as the size of the supervisory board to the management board, is used to capture the effect of two-tiered board on underpricing. The results show that the board ratio is negatively related with underpricing, consistent with the agency theory which predicts that more effective monitoring implied in a relatively larger supervisory board will lead to lower agency costs, and thus lower underpricing. The results are robust to the inclusion of control variables and suggest that firms seeking to raise external capital will be helped by adopting strong corporate governance standards.
The corporate response to the socially responsible investment (SRI) index of the Johannesburg stock exchange (JSE)
Authors: Ngwakwe Collins C , Netswera Fulufhelo G
Published: February 2017

This paper examines the trend in corporate response to the social responsible investing index (SRI) of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The motif of the paper is to discover how and if SRI drives corporates towards public declaration of their social responsible investments. The approach is archival with a descriptive and quantitative analysis of data drawn from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Descriptively, we charted a trend of the rate at which the JSE firms join the JSE SRI Index, and our findings indicate an upward trend from 2004 to 2013. Quantitatively, we examined the likely difference in corporate climate disclosure before and after the introduction of the Code for Responsible Investing in South Africa (CRISA). Our findings – using a T-Test of difference in means, indicate a significant difference in means, which apparently show that the CRISA may have added further impetus to corporate climate disclosure. In 2013, the JSE SRI deepened its stringency in measuring corporate responsible claims by assessing only the publicly available responsible information of corporations for inclusion in its SRI index. We thus evaluate possible difference in climate disclosure before and within the year of the new stringent criteria of measurement. Our second T-Test of difference in means also shows a significant difference in means, which signal that corporations exerted extra efforts in making the extent of their climate responsibility publicly available. We conclude that the JSE SRI, coupled with the CRISA motivates firms to improve on their public disclosure. We also conclude that the carbon disclosure project (CDP) is adding pragmatic momentum on the activities of JSE firms to strive towards their improvement in climate performance. Thus voluntary codes and indexes, in the absence of binding regulations, could spur corporate social and environmental initiative in a developing country
Competitive intelligence and firm competitiveness: an overview
Authors: Maune Alexander
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship that exists between competitive intelligence and firm competitiveness through literature review. This study is being done under the background of intense competition being experienced by firms globally. The methodology used for this article was a literature review of published electronic journal articles. The paper found the following two critical issues: there are varying perceptions of the relationship that exists between competitive intelligence and firm competitiveness; and that there is no universally accepted model of best practice for adoption and adaption. The findings from this research will assist business managers improve their CI outlook by understanding how CI is related to firm competitiveness and will be of great value to academics
The effect of fraud on risk management in not-for-profit organizations
Authors: Kummer Tyge-F. , Singh Kishore , Best Peter
Published: February 2017

Not-for-Profit (NFP) organizations have specific organizational characteristics as their objectives are ethically motivated and trust is indispensable. Additionally, NFP organizations are often small sized and do not have the expertise to prevent fraud. As a result, an effective risk management is of substantial importance. We use survey data from NFP organizations in Australia and New Zealand (N = 652) to identify factors that influence fraud prevention strategies. Our findings indicate that organizations that have not experienced fraud rely partially on ineffective prevention measures. The occurrence of fraud seems to trigger a learning process that leads to a more sophisticated understanding of internal controls and a more suitable risk management. Our results are applicable to support fraud prevention strategies and are highly relevant for practitioners
Employee perceptions of job characteristics and challenges of job rotation
Authors: Dhanraj Dayanath , Parumasur Sanjana Brijball
Published: February 2017

This study assesses employees’ level of satisfaction with the nature of work and specific job characteristics (task variety, challenge, remuneration, recognition and skills variety) and their perceived challenges of job rotation. Biographical influences on these were also assessed. The study was undertaken in an operations environment of a textile company in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The population includes 77 full time shift employees in the organization and due to the small population size consensus sampling was used. Data was collected using a self-developed, pre-coded, self-administered questionnaire whose reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results reflect some doubt regarding the potential for job rotation to reduce work pressure and stress and, indicate the potential of job rotation to disrupt work flow in the short-term and reduce productivity as a result of a reduction in motivation of those employees that are not rotating. Recommendations presented aim to enhance the implementation of job rotation as a work design such that its potential benefits may be realized.
Impact of corporate governance on financial disclosures: Evidence from India
Authors: Raithatha Mehul , Bapat Varadraj
Published: February 2017

The paper aims at identifying impact of corporate governance variables i.e. board structure (board size, board independence, board activity and board busyness) and ownership structure (foreign promoters holding, institutional shareholding and CEO duality) on financial disclosures made by the Indian firms. Using cross sectional data of 325 listed firms for the financial year 2009-10, we compute financial disclosure score (using 171 checklist points) based on disclosure requirements of accounting standards. We find average disclosure score of 73%, maximum and minimum being 100% and 46% respectively. Our finding support agency theory in terms of monitoring role of board since board size is found to be significant however we do not find any influence of board independence on the disclosures. The study also supports resource dependency theory in terms of outside directorship which might provide exposure to different corporate environment, brings diverse perspectives and knowledge to the directors and this in turn leads to improved disclosures. We also support the notion that having foreign promoter shareholding improves disclosures
Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis Affects Younger People, Too
Authors: Ackerman Ilana N. , Kemp Joanne L. , Crossley Kay M. , Culvenor Adam G. , Hinman Rana S.
Published: February 2017

Synopsis

Although osteoarthritis (OA) has traditionally been considered a disease of older age, hip and knee OA can and does affect younger adults, with a profound impact on psychosocial well-being and work capacity. Obesity and a history of traumatic knee injury (eg, anterior cruciate ligament rupture and/or meniscal tear) are key risk factors for the accelerated development of knee OA, while structural hip deformities (including those contributing to femoroacetabular impingement syndrome) are strong predictors of early-onset hip OA. In view of these associations, rising rates of obesity and sports injuries are concerning, and may signal a future surge in OA incidence among younger people. Assessment of hip and knee OA in younger people should focus on a patient-centered history, comprehensive physical examination, performance-based measures, and patient-reported outcome measures to enable monitoring of symptoms and function over time. Referral for imaging should be reserved for people presenting with atypical signs or symptoms that may indicate diagnoses other than OA. Nonpharmacological approaches are core strategies for the management of hip and knee OA in younger people, and these include appropriate disease-related education, activity modification (including for work-related tasks), physical therapist- prescribed exercise programs to address identified physical impairments, and weight control or weight loss. High-quality evidence has shown no benefit of arthroscopy for knee OA, and there are no published clinical trials to support the use of hip arthroscopy for OA. Referral for joint-conserving or joint replacement surgery should be considered when nonpharmacological and pharmacological management strategies are no longer effective. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2017;47(2):67–79. doi:10.2519/jospt.2017.7286
Malcolm Lowry'sUnder the Volcanoand the Drunken Discourse of Literary Solipsism
Authors: Butler Jonathan
Published: February 2017

Malcolm Lowry's 1947 novel, Under the Volcano, is a lyrically sublime fictional encapsulation of existential nightmares endured in a critical period of world history. While the existential element of the novel might well be downplayed in the decades following postmodernism's ascendancy in prescribing interpretive paradigms for fiction, this article proposes to explore further the existential model, if not as a wholly defensible interpretive strategy, then at least as a motif worth dwelling on and reading alongside (or against) a metarhetorical model more in keeping with a postmodern sensibility in order to see what insights might be generated to illuminate both the novel and Lowry's notoriously un-sober working life as a writer. The novel is thus read as an exemplary instance of what could be called drunken literary solipsism or, more elegantly, an exemplary instance of alcoholically transfigured “pure persuasion,” to borrow a term from Kenneth Burke.
The New Bhadramahila and the Reformed Bhadralok: Reconfiguration of Gender Relations in Rabindranath Tagore's “The Wife's Letter” (“Streer Patra”) and The Home and the World (Ghare Baire)
Authors: Mukherjee Reshmi
Published: February 2017

This article is about Rabindranath Tagore's construction of the new bhadramahila in “The Wife's Letter” (1914) and The Home and the World (1915). In particular, the arguments focus on the constitution of “independent” women subjects by three interrelated authorial strategies: first, the modification of the home to repurpose gender relations; second, the importance of the “Lotus feet” or charan in the reconstitution of the new bhadramahila, and, third, the establishment of the benevolent, reformed bhadralok as the saviour. In conclusion, the article states that even if Tagore considered “the women's question” in a pragmatic manner, he saw it more as a social, rather than as a political, problem. Therefore, he could not liberate the female protagonists completely. Instead, he reconstitutes the home as a “locus of the unconquered and uncompromised [space] under the tutelage of the reformed bhadralok and reaffirming women's subordinate position” (Mitra 247).
Enhanced Performance of Magnetic Graphene Oxide-Immobilized Laccase and Its Application for the Decolorization of Dyes
Authors: Chen Jing , Leng Juan , Yang Xiai , Liao Liping , Liu Liangliang , Xiao Aiping
Published: February 2017

In this study, magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) nanomaterials were synthesized based on covalent binding of amino Fe3O4 nanoparticles onto the graphene oxide (GO), and the prepared MGO was successfully applied as support for the immobilization of laccase. The MGO-laccase was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Compared with free laccase, the MGO-laccase exhibited better pH and thermal stabilities. The optimum pH and temperature were confirmed as pH 3.0 and 35 °C. Moreover, the MGO-laccase exhibited sufficient magnetic response and satisfied reusability after being retained by magnetic separation. The MGO-laccase maintained 59.8% activity after ten uses. MGO-laccase were finally utilized in the decolorization of dye solutions and the decolorization rate of crystal violet (CV), malachite green (MG), and brilliant green (BG) reached 94.7% of CV, 95.6% of MG, and 91.4% of BG respectively. The experimental results indicated the MGO-laccase nanomaterials had a good catalysis ability to decolorize dyes in aqueous solution. Compared with the free enzyme, the employment of MGO as enzyme immobilization support could efficiently enhance the availability and facilitate the application of laccase.
Un nouvel Hydrocanthus Say de Madagascar (Coleoptera Noteridae)
Authors: Bameul Franck
Published: February 2017

Description of Hydrocanthus (Sternocanthus ) fabiennae n. sp., new species of Noteridae from Madagascar belonging to the H. grandis group of species. A list of the known Hydrocanthus from the Old World is proposed.
Le non-recours à la mobilité internationale chez les jeunes avec moins d’opportunités
Authors: Labadie Francine , Talleu Clotilde
Published: February 2017

Si permettre à de jeunes avec moins d’opportunités d’accéder à la mobilité internationale hors de l’école est un objectif politique important au niveau européen et national, il ne semble pas encore atteint en France. Prenant appui sur une étude qualitative conduite par l’INJEP, cet article montre l’existence de freins – provenant de représentations, normes ou mécanismes institutionnels – présents dans les structures de l’insertion sociale et professionnelle, prescriptrices de première ligne de la mobilité de ces jeunes. Ces obstacles peuvent aboutir à des cas de « non-recours » par « non-proposition », ce qui est particulièrement regrettable au regard des significations que les jeunes accordent à ce type d’expérience : une opportunité de se construire en tant qu’êtres autonomes, libres de faire leurs propres choix et de décider de l’orientation de leur parcours.
Science, Technology, and University Outreach as a Tool for Regional Transformation
Authors: Narasimharao B. Pandu Ranga
Published: February 2017

The present day knowledge society is a result of the rapid progress made in science and technology. However, the development in most of the third world countries concentrated in urban areas in spite of large areas of rural and tribal areas. Universities and higher education institutions need to be educational enterprises for regional transformation. The chapter gives an outline of concepts and strategies that can be adopted for regional transformation through the use of science and technology developments and university outreach concept. It is argued that development should not be seen in narrow economic considerations but should be holistic covering body, mind and soul of individual, society, region or nation. Further the knowledge society should lead to ‘knowledge culture' and not merely knowledge economy at all levels (particularly rural, tribal and remote areas).
Data Literacy and Citizenship
Authors: Borges-Rey Eddy L.
Published: February 2017

This chapter explores the challenges that emerge from a narrow understanding of the principles underpinning Big data, framed in the context of the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics. This study considers the materiality of computerised data and examines how notions of data access, data sampling, data sense-making and data collection are nowadays contested by datafied public and private bodies, hindering the capacity of citizens to effectively understand and make better use of the data they generate or engage with. The study offers insights from secondary and documentary research and its results suggest that understanding data in less constraining terms, namely: a) as capable of secondary agency, b) as the vital fluid of societal institutions, c) as gathered or accessed by new data brokers and through new technologies and techniques, and d) as mediated by the constant interplay between public and corporate spheres and philosophies, could greatly enhance the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics in the framework of current efforts to advance data literacy.
Measurement Instruments to Motivate Scientific Learning by Conceptual Change
Authors: Monjardín Gopar Ana Marcela , Mendoza Meraz Gerónimo
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study was the development and adaptation of three instruments for the measurement of scientific reasoning, motivation and interest of students towards learning science. Sixteen students of the Bachelor in Aeronautical Engineering answered the questionnaires; they vary in age and gender. The first tool was a questionnaire to measure student motivation toward science learning (MAAC) obtained an overall Cronbach alpha of 0.771. A second instrument for measuring the scientific reasoning (PRC) obtained a Kuder-Richardson 20 formula estimate reliability of .751. The survey of student interest for issues related to science obtained a Cronbach alpha of .845. The study findings confirm the validity and reliability of all instruments. The implications of using these instruments as supports for measuring conceptual change in the students are discussed in the document.
Blogging as an Innovative Method of Peer-to-Peer Educational Sharing
Authors: Nedder Melanie M. , Levine Sharon A. , Galligan Caroline , Avery Kathleen Ryan , Eagan-Bengston Elizabeth , Reilly Karen M.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Nurses in the cardiac intensive care unit often attend professional education opportunities. However, it is difficult to share this information among nursing staff. Varying schedules, different shifts, and patient acuity limit the amount of time available for peer-to-peer sharing of educational information. A review of the literature revealed scant research on blogging for peer-to-peer education in general and particularly in nursing.

OBJECTIVES

To explore nurses’ perception of the effectiveness of using a blog as a forum to provide peer-to-peer sharing of relevant professional education.

METHODS

Using a simple, free blogging website, the unit’s nursing practice council developed a private blog for educational information sharing among the nursing staff. An online survey was administered to the unit’s staff 15 months after the blog was implemented.

RESULTS

Most respondents indicated that they thought the blog is an effective way to share professional education (86%), keeps them abreast of evidence-based practice (81%), and has led to practice change (59%). Nearly 80% of respondents agreed that they are more likely to attend professional conferences, and 62% would consider contributing blog posts.

CONCLUSION

The survey results suggest that blogging may be an effective method of peer-to-peer sharing of education, although more rigorous research is required in this area.
Evaluation of endometrial thickness in postmenopausal women by using 3.0-T MRI
Authors: Nakamura Junko , Yoshikawa Takeharu , Maeda Eriko , Akai Hiroyuki , Ohtsu Hiroshi , Hayashi Naoto , Ohtomo Kuni
Published: February 2017

Background: The accepted threshold for normal endometrial thickness is 5 mm; lesions with endometrial thickness < 5 mm are considered benign, whilst those > 5 mm areconsidered malignant. However, endometrium ≥ 5 mm on transvaginal ultrasonography inpostmenopausal woman is considered as asymptomatic endometrial thickening. However, recent studies suggest that asymptomatic endometrial thickness of even 8 mm – 11 mm in postmenopausal women may be normal.Objectives: The present study investigated the normal endometrial thickness range in 297 asymptomatic postmenopausal women using 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-weighted sagittal images measured retrospectively by a single radiologist.Method: The data were classified according to patient age and postmenopausal duration, and the medical records and follow-up MR images were reviewed to assess the clinical outcome.Results: The mean endometrial thickness was 2.4 ± 0.1 mm (range: 0.1–11.6). The endometriumin 21 of 297 subjects was ≥ 5 mm thick. Follow-up MR images were obtained in 17 of these 21 women, and their endometrial thickness was found to have decreased in all of them. To date,none of the subjects has been diagnosed with endometrial cancer.Conclusion: Although 5 mm is considered the conservative threshold of normal endometrial thickness on MRI of postmenopausal women, this figure should not, to avoid excessive false-positive diagnoses, be assumed as an indication of malignancy.
Juxta-articular myxoma of the wrist
Authors: Van den Heever Andrew J.
Published: February 2017

This case report describes a juxta-articular myxoma(JAM) in an uncommon location, demonstrating an unusually aggressive local growth pattern.
Расстояния между стационарными распределениями диффузий и разрешимость нелинейных уравнений Фоккера-Планка-Колмогорова
Authors: Bogachev Vladimir Igorevich , Kirillov Andrei Igorevich , Shaposhnikov Stanislav Valer'evich
Published: February 2017

В статье исследуются стационарные распределения диффузионных процессов. Получены оценки расстояний Канторовича, Прохорова и полной вариации между стационарными распределениями диффузий с различными матрицами диффузии и различными коэффициентами сноса. Даны применения к исследованию нелинейных стационарных уравнений Фоккера-Планка-Колмогорова, для которых найдены новые условия существования и единственности вероятностных решений, причем эти условия в определенном смысле оптимальны.
Предельные теоремы для обобщенных процессов восстановления
Authors: Bulinskaya Ekaterina Vadimovna , Sokolova Anna Il`inichna
Published: February 2017

Основная цель статьи - изучение асимптотического поведения периодических процессов восстановления с запаздыванием. Для них доказаны усиленный закон больших чисел, центральная предельная теорема и функциональная предельная теорема. Рассмотрены некоторые применения полученных результатов в теории управления запасами.
Electronic Sentinel Surveillance of Influenza-like Illness
Authors: Adnan Mehnaz , Peterkin Donald , Lopez Liza , Mackereth Graham
Published: February 2017

Background: Electronic reporting of Influenza-like illness (eILI) from primary care was implemented and evaluated in three general medical practices in New Zealand during May to September 2015.

Objective: To measure the uptake of eILI and to identify the system’s strength and limitations. Methods: Analysis of transactional data from the eILI system; comparative study of influenza-like illness cases reported using manual methods and eILI; questionnaire administered to clinical and operational stakeholders.

Results: Over the study period 66% of total ILI cases were reported using eILI. Reporting timeliness improved significantly compared to manual reporting with an average of 24 minutes from submission by the clinician to processing in the national database. Users found the system to be user-friendly.

Conclusion: eILI assists clinicians to report ILI cases to public health authorities within a stipulated time period and is associated with faster, more reliable and improved information transfer.
Validation of digital elevation models (DEMs) and comparison of
geomorphic metrics on the southern Central Andean Plateau
Authors: Purinton Benjamin , Bookhagen Bodo
Published: February 2017

Abstract. We validate and compare elevation accuracy and geomorphic metrics of the current generation of satellite-derived digital elevation models (DEMs) on the southern Central Andean Plateau. The plateau has an average elevation of 3.7 km, and is characterized by diverse topography and relief, lack of vegetation, and clear skies that create ideal conditions for remote sensing. At 30 m resolution, the SRTM-C, ASTER GDEM2, stacked ASTER L1A stereopair DEM, ALOS World 3D, and TanDEM-X have been analyzed. The higher resolution datasets include 12 m TanDEM-X, 10 m single-CoSSC TerraSAR-X / TanDEM-X DEMs, and 5 m ALOS World 3D. We assessed vertical accuracy by comparing standard deviations (SD) of the DEM elevation versus 307,509 differential GPS (dGPS) measurements across 4,000 m of elevation. Vertical SD for the 30 m DEMs were 9.48 m (ASTER GDEM2), 6.93 m (ASTER Stack), 3.33 m (SRTM-C), 2.81 m (ALOS World 3D), and 2.42 m (TanDEM-X). Values were generally lower for higher resolution DEMs at 2.02–3.83 m (10 m single-CoSSC TerraSAR-X / TanDEM-X), 1.97 m (12 m TanDEM-X), and 1.64 m (5 m ALOS World3D). Analysis of vertical uncertainty with respect to terrain elevation, slope, and aspect revealed the high performance across these attributes of the 30 m SRTM-C, 30 m and 12 m TanDEM-X, and 30 m and 5 m ALOS World 3D DEMs. Single-CoSSC TerraSAR-X / TanDEM-X 10 m DEMs and the 30 m ASTER GDEM2 displayed slight aspect biases, which were removed in their stacked counterparts (TanDEM-X and ASTER Stack). Based on high vertical accuracy and visual inspection of minimal hillslope artifacts alongside optical satellite data, we selected the 30 m SRTM-C, 12–30 m TanDEM-X, 10 m single-CoSSC TerraSAR-X / TanDEM-X, and 5 m ALOS World 3D for geomorphic metric comparison in a 66 km2 catchment with a distinct river knickpoint. For trunk channel profiles analyzed with chi plots, consistent m/n values of 0.49–0.57 were found regardless of DEM resolution or SD. Hillslopes were compared through slope and curvature calculations to assess basin-wide differences in their distributions and in the hillslope-to-valley transition related to the knickpoint feature. We find 0.1–0.2 m/m higher slopes downstream of the knickpoint, related to the over-steepened baselevel. While slope and hillslope length measurements vary little between datasets, curvature displays higher magnitude measurements with fining resolution. This is especially true for the optical 5 m ALOS World 3D DEM, which demonstrated high-frequency noise in 2–8 pixel steps through a Fourier frequency analysis. The improvements in accurate space-radar DEMs (e.g., TanDEM-X) for geomorphometry are promising, but airborne or terrestrial data is still necessary for meter-scale analysis.
eddy4R: A community-extensible processing, analysis and modeling framework for eddy-covariance data based on R, Git, Docker and HDF5
Authors: Metzger Stefan , Durden David , Sturtevant Cove , Luo Hongyan , Pingintha-Durden Natchaya , Sachs Torsten , Serafimovich Andrei , Hartmann Jörg , Li Jiahong , Xu Ke , Desai Ankur R.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. This study presents the systematic development of an open-source, flexible and modular eddy-covariance (EC) data processing framework. This is achieved through adopting a Development and Systems Operation (DevOps) philosophy, building on the eddy4R family of EC code packages in the R Language for Statistical Computing as foundation. These packages are community-developed via the GitHub distributed version control system and wrapped into a portable and reproducible Docker filesystem that is independent of the underlying host operating system. The HDF5 hierarchical data format then provides a streamlined mechanism for highly compressed and fully self-documented data ingest and output. This framework is applicable beyond EC, and more generally builds the capacity to deploy complex algorithms developed by scientists in an efficient and scalable manner. In addition, modularity permits meeting project milestones while retaining extensibility with time. The efficiency and consistency of this framework is demonstrated in the form of three application examples. These include tower EC data from first instruments installed at a National Ecological Observatory (NEON) field site, aircraft flux measurements in combination with remote sensing data, as well as a software intercomparison. In conjunction with this study, the first two eddy4R packages and simple NEON EC data products are released publicly. While this proof-of-concept represents a significant advance, substantial work remains to arrive at the automated framework needed for the streaming generation of science-grade EC fluxes.