bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical chemistry of WC-12 %Co coatings deposited by thermal spraying at different standoff distances
Authors: Afzal Muhammad , Ahmed Furqan , Khan Aamer Nusair , Anwar Muhammad Yousaf , Ali Liaqat , Ajmal Muhammad
Published: May 2015

In the present research, WC-12 %Co cermet coatings were deposited on AISI–321 stainless steel substrate using air plasma spraying. During the deposition process, the standoff distance was varied from 80 to 130 mm with 10 mm increments. Other parameters such as current, voltage, time, carrier gas flow rate and powder feed rate etc. were kept constant. The objective was to study the effects of spraying distance on the microstructure of as-sprayed coatings. The microscopic analyses revealed that the band of spraying distance ranging from 90 to 100 mm was the threshold distance for optimum results, provided that all the other spraying parameters were kept constant. In this range of threshold distance, minimum percentages of porosity and defects were observed. Further, the formation of different phases, at six spraying distances, was studied using X-ray diffraction, and the phase analysis was correlated with hardness results.
Dietitians’ Perspectives on Interventions to Enhance Adherence to Dietary Advice for Chronic Diseases in Adults
Authors: Desroches Sophie , Lapointe Annie , Deschênes Sarah-Maude , Bissonnette-Maheux Véronique , Gravel Karine , Thirsk Jayne , Légaré France
Published: May 2015

Purpose: To assess dietitians’ perspectives on the importance and applicability of interventions to enhance adherence to dietary advice for preventing and managing chronic diseases in adults in the Canadian context.

Methods: Based on a Cochrane systematic review, we identified 8 promising interventions for enhancing adherence to dietary advice: behavioural contracts, exchange lists, feedback based on self-monitoring, individualized menu suggestions, multiple interventions, portion size awareness, telephone follow-up, and videos. Thirty-two dietitians then completed a 3-round Delphi study by responding to an electronic questionnaire asking them to rate the importance and applicability in their practice of the 8 interventions on a 7-point Likert scale.

Results: Using a ≥75% level of agreement, 4 interventions showed strong consensus: multiple interventions, feedback based on self-monitoring, portion size awareness, and videos. Among these, the most significant were (means ± SD for importance and applicability, respectively) feedback based on self-monitoring (6.97 ± 0.18 and 6.72 ± 0.46), portion size awareness (6.69 ± 0.54 and 6.75 ± 0.51), and multiple interventions (6.94 ± 0.25 and 6.81 ± 0.40).

Conclusions: These findings can guide the development of educational training sessions for dietitians to help them provide practice-relevant interventions that will increase the likelihood that patients adhere to their advice regarding prevention and management of chronic diseases.
Initial experience of coronary angiogram through trans ulnar route in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University
Authors: Salim Md Abu , Ahsan Syed Ali , Siddique Md Abu , Banerjee Sajal Krishna , Rahman AKM Fazlur , Ahmed CM , Hoque Harisul , Shafiuddin Md , Zaman SM Mustafa , Habib Ahsan , Adhikary Dipal Krishna , Arju Jahanara , Parvin Tanjima , Mahmood Manzoor
Published: May 2015

For performing Coronary angiogram and PCI Trans ulnar route is a feasible alternate access. It has got all the advantages of transradial route. Beside that by this approach radial artery can be spared to be used as a conduit for subsequent surgical revascularization. The hardware used for both transulnar and transradial routes are similar. In our study technical success rate is 93.99% through transulnar route, 6.66% case was postponed due to failure to canulate the ulnar artery. The complications such as local hematoma, significant swelling, access site bleeding, ulnar artery perforation and reversible parasthesia was nil (0% of patients). Post procedure asymptomatic ulnar artery occlusion did not occur.University Heart Journal Vol. 9, No. 2, July 2013; 80-82
Cornary microvascular dysfunction: an under- appreciatwed segment of coronary artery disease
Authors: Khaled Md Fakhrul Islam , Banerjee Sajal Krishna , Parvin Tanjima , Adhikary Dipal Krishna , Ahmed CM , Siddique Md Abu , Kabir Mohammad Faisal Ibn , Hossain Muhammad Mobarock , Rahman Mohammad Abdur , Islam Lohani M Tajul , Hasan ATM Iqbal
Published: May 2015

Abstract not availableUniversity Heart Journal Vol. 9, No. 2, July 2013; 107-111
Ventricular septal rupture following acute myocardial infarction - a rare complication
Authors: Hossain Muhammad Mobarock , Zaman SM Mostafa , Khaled Fakhrul Islam , Kabir Mohammad Faisal Ibn , Mohammad Noor , Rahman Mohammad Abdur , Joarder Ariful Islam , Islam Anita Marium , Hoque Harisul
Published: May 2015

Abstract not availableUniversity Heart Journal Vol. 9, No. 2, July 2013; 121-123
The Role ofLe Balet Comiquein Forging the Stuart Masque: Part 2 Continuation
Authors: Daye Anne
Published: May 2015

Following the discussion in Part 1 (Dance Research 32.2 2014, 185–207) of the use made by the Jacobean court of Le Balet Comique ( McGowan 1982 ) to frame innovation in the masque, this article will explore two further examples of the continuing use of the text. The overt adoption of features of Le Balet Comique for Tempe Restored (1632, Aurelian Townshend and Inigo Jones) brought French practice into play once more for the Caroline masque. Following in his father's footsteps, Charles 1 was able to bring to the masque his personal skill as a dancer and the participation of his young and beautiful French queen Henrietta Maria. From the re-launch of the court masque in 1631, until the break-up of the Whitehall court in 1640, both retrospective and innovative practices were pursued. Although this was a new reign, a strong element of continuity prevailed in the court personnel serving the masque. Acting as artistic director, Inigo Jones was now firmly in control of masque concepts, pursuing a design process of imaginative imitation based on Renaissance practice. In collaboration with individuals among the music and dance artists, Jones had been intimately involved in adapting features of the ballet in devising The Masque of Queens of 1609. 1 That Le Balet Comique formed the basis for Tempe Restored is made very plain in the published text. The influence of the 1581 ballet on A Masque presented at Ludlow Castle 1634 (known as Comus) by John Milton can only be discerned by analysing the performance conditions of a work that is now published as a poem. Once again the Circe persona takes the stage, this time in masculine form as Comus. I argue here that the link between the two is the personnel of Tempe Restored. An analysis of the original performance of Comus draws on understanding of elite dance practice of the day leading to new insights into this innovative masque.
Fusion-Related Ionization and Recombination Data for Tungsten Ions in Low to Moderately High Charge States
Authors: Müller Alfred
Published: May 2015

Collisional processes and details of atomic structure of heavy many-electron atoms and ions are not yet understood in a fully satisfying manner. Experimental studies are required for guiding new theoretical approaches. In response to fusion-related needs for collisional and spectroscopic data on tungsten atoms in all charge states, a project has been initiated in which electron-impact and photon-induced ionization as well as photorecombination of Wq+ ions are studied. Cross sections and rate coefficients were determined for charge states q ranging from q = 1 to q = 5 for photoionization, for q = 1 up to q = 19 for electron-impact ionization and for q = 18 to q = 21 for electron-ion recombination. An overview, together with a critical assessment of the methods and results is provided.
Simple and Rapid Determination of Ethanol Content in Beer Using an Amperometric Biosensor
Authors: Polan Vojtěch , Eisner Aleš , Vytřas Karel
Published: May 2015

An alcohol dehydrogenase-based biosensor was prepared and tested for its use to determine ethanol in beer. The biosensor is based on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) modified by rhodium dioxide and immobilized with a biocatalytic layer containing the enzyme. Function of the enzyme biosensor was tested in model ethanol samples, in which it showed a linear range of 15–120 g∙L−1 with a detection limit of 3.3 g∙L−1 (established as 3σ) and response time of 19 s. In a potential window from –0.2 to +0.45 V, interferences of both ascorbic and uric acids were negligible. Several types of marketed beers of Czech provenance were selected and subjected to measurements under optimized conditions but without any pretreatment of real samples. When compared with the reference method (gas chromatography), the results were in quite good agreement for beers of the pale lager type but higher contents of ethanol were indicated in the samples of dark lager beers.
Undergraduate Research Involving Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students in Interdisciplinary Science Projects
Authors: Pagano Todd , Ross Annemarie , Smith Susan
Published: May 2015

Scientific undergraduate research in higher education often yields positive outcomes for student and faculty member participants alike, with underrepresented students often showing even more substantial gains (academic, professional, and personal) as a result of the experience. Significant success can be realized when involving deaf and hard-of-hearing (d/hh) undergraduate students, who are also vastly underrepresented in the sciences, in interdisciplinary research projects. Even d/hh Associate degree level students and those in the first two years of their postsecondary careers can contribute to, and benefit from, the research process when faculty mentors properly plan/design projects. We discuss strategies, including the dissemination/communication of research results, for involving these students in research groups with different communication dynamics and share both findings of our research program and examples of successful chemical and biological research projects that have involved d/hh undergraduate students. We hope to stimulate a renewed interest in encouraging diversity and involving students with disabilities into higher education research experiences globally and across multiple scientific disciplines, thus strengthening the education and career pipeline of these students.
Temporal and Spatial Variations in Provincial CO2 Emissions in China from 2005 to 2015 and Assessment of a Reduction Plan
Authors: Deng Xuankai , Yu Yanhua , Liu Yanfang
Published: May 2015

This study calculated the provincial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in China, analyzed the temporal and spatial variations in emissions, and determined the emission intensity from 2005 to 2015. The total emissions control was forecasted in 2015, and the reduction pressure of the 30 provinces in China was assessed based on historical emissions and the 12th five-year (2011–2015) reduction plan. Results indicate that CO2 emissions eventually increased and gradually decreased from east to west, whereas the emission intensity ultimately decreased and gradually increased from south to north. By the end of 2015, the total control of provincial emissions will increase significantly compared to the 2010 level, whereas the emission intensity will decrease. The provinces in the North, East, and South Coast regions will maintain the highest emission levels. The provinces in the Southwest and Northwest regions will experience a rapid growth rate of emissions. However, the national emission reduction target will nearly be achieved if all provinces can implement reduction targets as planned. Pressure indices show that the South Coast and Northwest regions are confronted with a greater reduction pressure of emission intensity. Finally, policy implications are provided for CO2 reductions in China.
Experimental Results of a DC Bus Voltage Level Control for a Load-Controlled Marine Current Energy Converter
Authors: Forslund Johan , Lundin Staffan , Thomas Karin , Leijon Mats
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates three load control methods for a marine current energy converter using a vertical axis current turbine (VACT) mounted on a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). The three cases are; a fixed AC load, a fixed pulse width modulated (PWM) DC load and DC bus voltage control of a DC load. Experimental results show that the DC bus voltage control reduces the variations of rotational speed by a factor of 3.5 at the cost of slightly increased losses in the generator and transmission lines. For all three cases, the tip speed ratio \(\lambda\) can be kept close to the expected \(\lambda_{opt}\). The power coefficient is estimated to be 0.36 at \(\lambda_{opt}\); however, for all three cases, the average extracted power was about \(\sim 19\)\%. A maximum power point tracking (MPPT) system, with or without water velocity measurement, could increase the average extracted power.
Fast Charging Battery Buses for the Electrification of Urban Public Transport—A Feasibility Study Focusing on Charging Infrastructure and Energy Storage Requirements
Authors: Rogge Matthias , Wollny Sebastian , Sauer Dirk
Published: May 2015

The electrification of public transport bus networks can be carried out utilizing different technological solutions, like trolley, battery or fuel cell buses. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how and to what extent existing bus networks can be electrified with fast charging battery buses. The so called opportunity chargers use mainly the regular dwell time at the stops to charge their batteries. This results in a strong linkage between the vehicle scheduling and the infrastructure planning. The analysis is based on real-world data of the bus network in Muenster, a mid-sized city in Germany. The outcomes underline the necessity to focus on entire vehicle schedules instead on individual trips. The tradeoff between required battery capacity and charging power is explained in detail. Furthermore, the impact on the electricity grid is discussed based on the load profiles of a selected charging station and a combined load profile of the entire network.
Comparative Cytotoxicity Study of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) in a Variety of Rainbow Trout Cell Lines (RTL-W1, RTH-149, RTG-2) and Primary Hepatocytes
Authors: Connolly Mona , Fernandez-Cruz Maria-Luisa , Quesada-Garcia Alba , Alte Luis , Segner Helmut , Navas Jose
Published: May 2015

Among all classes of nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have potentially an important ecotoxicological impact, especially in freshwater environments. Fish are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of silver ions and, with knowledge gaps regarding the contribution of dissolution and unique particle effects to AgNP toxicity, they represent a group of vulnerable organisms. Using cell lines (RTL-W1, RTH-149, RTG-2) and primary hepatocytes of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) as in vitro test systems, we assessed the cytotoxicity of the representative AgNP, NM-300K, and AgNO3 as an Ag+ ion source. Lack of AgNP interference with the cytotoxicity assays (AlamarBlue, CFDA-AM, NRU assay) and their simultaneous application point to the compatibility and usefulness of such a battery of assays. The RTH-149 and RTL-W1 liver cell lines exhibited similar sensitivity as primary hepatocytes towards AgNP toxicity. Leibovitz’s L-15 culture medium composition (high amino acid content) had an important influence on the behaviour and toxicity of AgNPs towards the RTL-W1 cell line. The obtained results demonstrate that, with careful consideration, such an in vitro approach can provide valuable toxicological data to be used in an integrated testing strategy for NM-300K risk assessment.
Estimating the Dietary Intake of Breastfeeding Preterm Infants
Authors: Greenslade Sarah , Miller Jacqueline , Tonkin Emma , Marshall Peter , Collins Carmel
Published: May 2015

Aim: To determine how accurately the daily prescribed feed volume (mL/day) estimates the actual intake of breastfeeding preterm infants and to characterise the volume taken during a breastfeed at differing gestational and postmenstrual ages. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on preterm infants born <37 weeks gestation from two Australian neonatal units. To determine the volume taken in a 24-h period infants were weighed before and after each breastfeed. This volume was added to the charted intake to determine the total intake and then compared to the prescribed feed volume. Bland Altman analyses were used to assess the level of agreement between the two methods. Results: Fifty six infants were studied on 206 breastfeeding occasions. There was a small bias (27 mLs/day) but large 95% limits of agreement (–76 to 130 mL/day). The volume taken during a single breastfeed ranged from 0 to 101 mL (median 23 mL, IQR 9 to 31 mL) and was greater in more mature infants. Conclusions: Using the prescribed feed volume to estimate total intake has limited clinical utility for the individual infant, however the relatively small bias means that it may be useful within a population or for comparison between groups in which population means are compared. There was a large variation in volume taken during a breastfeed across all gestational and postmenstrual ages.
Characterization of Black Spot Zones for Vulnerable Road Users in São Paulo (Brazil) and Rome (Italy)
Authors: Machado Cláudia , Giannotti Mariana , Neto Francisco , Tripodi Antonino , Persia Luca , Quintanilha José
Published: May 2015

Non-motorized transportation modes, especially cycling and walking, offer numerous benefits, including improvements in the livability of cities, healthy physical activity, efficient urban transportation systems, less traffic congestion, less noise pollution, clean air, less impact on climate change and decreases in the incidence of diseases related to vehicular emissions. Considering the substantial number of short-distance trips, the time consumed in traffic jams, the higher costs for parking vehicles and restrictions in central business districts, many commuters have found that non-motorized modes of transportation serve as viable and economical transport alternatives. Thus, local governments should encourage and stimulate non-motorized modes of transportation. In return, governments must provide safe conditions for these forms of transportation, and motorized vehicle users must respect and coexist with pedestrians and cyclists, which are the most vulnerable users of the transportation system. Although current trends in sustainable transport aim to encourage and stimulate non-motorized modes of transportation that are socially more efficient than motorized transportation, few to no safety policies have been implemented regarding vulnerable road users (VRU), mainly in large urban centers. Due to the spatial nature of the data used in transport-related studies, geospatial technologies provide a powerful analytical method for studying VRU safety frameworks through the use of spatial analysis. In this article, spatial analysis is used to determine the locations of regions that are characterized by a concentration of traffic accidents (black zones) involving VRU (injuries and casualties) in São Paulo, Brazil (developing country), and Rome, Italy (developed country). The black zones are investigated to obtain spatial patterns that can cause multiple accidents. A method based on kernel density estimation (KDE) is used to compare the two cities and show economic, social, cultural, demographic and geographic differences and/or similarities and how these factors are linked to the locations of VRU traffic accidents. Multivariate regression analyses (ordinary least squares (OLS) models and spatial regression models) are performed to investigate spatial correlations, to understand the dynamics of VRU road accidents in São Paulo and Rome and to detect factors (variables) that contribute to the occurrences of these events, such as the presence of trip generator hubs (TGH), the number of generated urban trips and demographic data. The adopted methodology presents satisfactory results for identifying and delimiting black spots and establishing a link between VRU traffic accident rates and TGH (hospitals, universities and retail shopping centers) and demographic and transport-related data.
Biomolecules Electrochemical Sensing Properties of a PMo11V@N-Doped Few Layer Graphene Nanocomposite
Authors: Fernandes Diana , Nunes Marta , Carvalho Ricardo , Bacsa Revathi , Mbomekalle Israel-Martyr , Serp Philippe , De Oliveira Pedro , Freire Cristina
Published: May 2015

A novel hybrid nanocomposite, PMo11V@N-doped few layer graphene, was prepared by a one-step protocol through direct immobilization of the tetrabutylammonium salt of a vanadium-substituted phosphomolybdate (PMo11V) onto N-doped few layer graphene (N-FLG). The nanocomposite characterization by FTIR and XPS confirmed its successful synthesis. Glassy carbon modified electrodes with PMo11V and PMo11V@N-FLG showed cyclic voltammograms consistent with surface-confined redox processes attributed to Mo-centred reductions (MoVI→MoV) and a vanadium reduction (VV→VIV). Furthermore, PMo11V@N-FLG modified electrodes showed good stability and well-resolved redox peaks with high current intensities. The observed enhancement of PMo11V electrochemical properties is a consequence of a strong electronic communication between the POM and the N-doped few layer graphene. Additionally, the electro-catalytic and sensing properties towards acetaminophen (AC) and theophylline (TP) were evaluated by voltammetric techniques using a glassy carbon electrode modified with PMo11V@N-FLG. Under the conditions used, the square wave voltammetric peak current increased linearly with AC concentration in the presence of TP, but showing two linear ranges: 1.2 × 10−6 to 1.2 × 10−4 and 1.2 × 10−4 to 4.8 × 10−4 mol dm−3, with different AC sensitivity values, 0.022 A/mol dm−3 and 0.035 A/mol dm−3, respectively (detection limit, DL = 7.5 × 10−7 mol dm−3).
Design of Chitosan-Grafted Carbon Nanotubes: Evaluation of How the –OH Functional Group Affects Cs+ Adsorption
Authors: Yang Shubin , Shao Dadong , Wang Xiangke , Hou Guangshun , Nagatsu Masaaki , Tan Xiaoli , Ren Xuemei , Yu Jitao
Published: May 2015

In order to explore the effect of –OH functional groups in Cs+ adsorption, we herein used the low temperature plasma-induced grafting method to graft chitosan onto carbon nanotubes (denoted as CTS-g-CNTs), as raw-CNTs have few functional groups and chitosan has a large number of –OH functional groups. The synthesized CTS-g-CNT composites were characterized using different techniques. The effect of –OH functional groups in the Cs+ adsorption process was evaluated by comparison of the adsorption properties of raw-CNTs with and without grafting chitosan. The variation of environmental conditions such as pH and contact time was investigated. A comparison of contaminated seawater and simulated groundwater was also evaluated. The results indicated that: (1) the adsorption of Cs+ ions was strongly dependent on pH and the competitive cations; (2) for CNT-based material, the –OH functional groups have a positive effect on Cs+ removal; (3) simulated contaminated groundwater can be used to model contaminated seawater to evaluate the adsorption property of CNTs-based material. These results showed direct observational evidence on the effect of –OH functional groups for Cs+ adsorption. Our findings are important in providing future directions to design and to choose effective material to remedy the removal of radioactive cesium from contaminated groundwater and seawater, crucial for public health and the human social environment.
Formation of Polymeric Hollow Microcapsules and Microlenses Using Gas-in-Organic-in-Water Droplets
Authors: Yoon Dong , Hasegawa Kenta , Kaneko Yuji , Arakawa Takahiro , Go Jeung , Sekiguchi Tetsushi , Shoji Shuichi
Published: May 2015

This paper presents methods for the formation of hollow microcapsules and microlenses using multiphase microdroplets. Microdroplets, which consist of a gas core and an organic phase shell, were generated at a single junction on a silicon device without surface treatment of the fluidic channels. Droplet, core and shell dimensions were controlled by varying the flow rates of each phase. When the organic solvent was released from the organic phase shell, the environmental conditions changed the shape of the solidified polymer shell to either a hollow capsule or a microlens. A uniform solvent release process produced polymeric capsules with nanoliter gas core volumes and a membrane thickness of approximately 3 μm. Alternatively physical rearrangement of the core and shell allowed for the formation of polymeric microlenses. On-demand formation of the polymer lenses in wells and through-holes polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structures was achieved. Optical properties of the lenses were controlled by changing the dimension of these structures.
Recent Advances in Click Chemistry Applied to Dendrimer Synthesis
Authors: Arseneault Mathieu , Wafer Caroline , Morin Jean-François
Published: May 2015

Dendrimers are monodisperse polymers grown in a fractal manner from a central point. They are poised to become the cornerstone of nanoscale devices in several fields, ranging from biomedicine to light-harvesting. Technical difficulties in obtaining these molecules has slowed their transfer from academia to industry. In 2001, the arrival of the “click chemistry” concept gave the field a major boost. The flagship reaction, a modified Hüisgen cycloaddition, allowed researchers greater freedom in designing and building dendrimers. In the last five years, advances in click chemistry saw a wider use of other click reactions and a notable increase in the complexity of the reported structures. This review covers key developments in the click chemistry field applied to dendrimer synthesis from 2010 to 2015. Even though this is an expert review, basic notions and references have been included to help newcomers to the field.
Complex Interplay of Hormonal Signals during Grape Berry Ripening
Authors: Fortes Ana , Teixeira Rita , Agudelo-Romero Patricia
Published: May 2015

Grape and wine production and quality is extremely dependent on the fruit ripening process. Sensory and nutritional characteristics are important aspects for consumers and their development during fruit ripening involves complex hormonal control. In this review, we explored data already published on grape ripening and compared it with the hormonal regulation of ripening of other climacteric and non-climacteric fruits. The roles of abscisic acid, ethylene, and brassinosteroids as promoters of ripening are discussed, as well as the role of auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, jasmonates, and polyamines as inhibitors of ripening. In particular, the recently described role of polyamine catabolism in grape ripening is discussed, together with its putative interaction with other hormones. Furthermore, other recent examples of cross-talk among the different hormones are presented, revealing a complex interplay of signals during grape development and ripening.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Water-Soluble Poly-(ethylene glycol)-10-hydroxycamptothecin Conjugates
Authors: Guo Na , Jiang Du , Wang Luyao , You Xing , Teng Yu-Ou , Yu Peng
Published: May 2015

In order to improve the antitumor activity and water solubility of 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT), a series of novel HCPT conjugates were designed and synthesized by conjugating polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the 10-hydroxyl group of HCPT via a valine spacer. The in vitro stability of these synthesized compounds was determined in pH 7.4 buffer at 37 °C, and the results showed that they released HCPT at different rates. All the compounds demonstrated significant antitumor activity in vitro against K562, HepG2 and HT-29 cells. Among them, compounds, 4a, 4d, 4e and 4f, exhibited 2–5 times higher potency than HCPT. The stability and antitumor activity of these conjugates were found to be closely related to the length of PEG and the linker type, conjugates with a relatively short PEG chain and carbamate linkages (compounds 4a and 4f) exhibited controlled release of HCPT and excellent antitumor in vitro activity.
A Negative Index Metamaterial-Inspired UWB Antenna with an Integration of Complementary SRR and CLS Unit Cells for Microwave Imaging Sensor Applications
Authors: Islam Mohammad , Islam Md. , Samsuzzaman Md. , Faruque Mohammad , Misran Norbahiah
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a negative index metamaterial incorporated UWB antenna with an integration of complementary SRR (split-ring resonator) and CLS (capacitive loaded strip) unit cells for microwave imaging sensor applications. This metamaterial UWB antenna sensor consists of four unit cells along one axis, where each unit cell incorporates a complementary SRR and CLS pair. This integration enables a design layout that allows both a negative value of permittivity and a negative value of permeability simultaneous, resulting in a durable negative index to enhance the antenna sensor performance for microwave imaging sensor applications. The proposed MTM antenna sensor was designed and fabricated on an FR4 substrate having a thickness of 1.6 mm and a dielectric constant of 4.6. The electrical dimensions of this antenna sensor are 0.20 λ × 0.29 λ at a lower frequency of 3.1 GHz. This antenna sensor achieves a 131.5% bandwidth (VSWR < 2) covering the frequency bands from 3.1 GHz to more than 15 GHz with a maximum gain of 6.57 dBi. High fidelity factor and gain, smooth surface-current distribution and nearly omni-directional radiation patterns with low cross-polarization confirm that the proposed negative index UWB antenna is a promising entrant in the field of microwave imaging sensors.
Entropy-Based TOA Estimation and SVM-Based Ranging Error Mitigation in UWB Ranging Systems
Authors: Yin Zhendong , Cui Kai , Wu Zhilu , Yin Liang
Published: May 2015

The major challenges for Ultra-wide Band (UWB) indoor ranging systems are the dense multipath and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) problems of the indoor environment. To precisely estimate the time of arrival (TOA) of the first path (FP) in such a poor environment, a novel approach of entropy-based TOA estimation and support vector machine (SVM) regression-based ranging error mitigation is proposed in this paper. The proposed method can estimate the TOA precisely by measuring the randomness of the received signals and mitigate the ranging error without the recognition of the channel conditions. The entropy is used to measure the randomness of the received signals and the FP can be determined by the decision of the sample which is followed by a great entropy decrease. The SVM regression is employed to perform the ranging-error mitigation by the modeling of the regressor between the characteristics of received signals and the ranging error. The presented numerical simulation results show that the proposed approach achieves significant performance improvements in the CM1 to CM4 channels of the IEEE 802.15.4a standard, as compared to conventional approaches.
ZnO Nanostructure-Based Intracellular Sensor
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Danielsson Bengt , Willander Magnus
Published: May 2015

Recently ZnO has attracted much interest because of its usefulness for intracellular measurements of biochemical species by using its semiconducting, electrochemical, catalytic properties and for being biosafe and biocompatible. ZnO thus has a wide range of applications in optoelectronics, intracellular nanosensors, transducers, energy conversion and medical sciences. This review relates specifically to intracellular electrochemical (glucose and free metal ion) biosensors based on functionalized zinc oxide nanowires/nanorods. For intracellular measurements, the ZnO nanowires/nanorods were grown on the tip of a borosilicate glass capillary (0.7 µm in diameter) and functionalized with membranes or enzymes to produce intracellular selective metal ion or glucose sensors. Successful intracellular measurements were carried out using ZnO nanowires/nanorods grown on small tips for glucose and free metal ions using two types of cells, human fat cells and frog oocytes. The sensors in this study were used to detect real-time changes of metal ions and glucose across human fat cells and frog cells using changes in the electrochemical potential at the interface of the intracellular micro-environment. Such devices are helpful in explaining various intracellular processes involving ions and glucose.
Modeling of Acoustic Emission Signal Propagation in Waveguides
Authors: Zelenyak Andreea-Manuela , Hamstad Marvin , Sause Markus
Published: May 2015

Acoustic emission (AE) testing is a widely used nondestructive testing (NDT) method to investigate material failure. When environmental conditions are harmful for the operation of the sensors, waveguides are typically mounted in between the inspected structure and the sensor. Such waveguides can be built from different materials or have different designs in accordance with the experimental needs. All these variations can cause changes in the acoustic emission signals in terms of modal conversion, additional attenuation or shift in frequency content. A finite element method (FEM) was used to model acoustic emission signal propagation in an aluminum plate with an attached waveguide and was validated against experimental data. The geometry of the waveguide is systematically changed by varying the radius and height to investigate the influence on the detected signals. Different waveguide materials were implemented and change of material properties as function of temperature were taken into account. Development of the option of modeling different waveguide options replaces the time consuming and expensive trial and error alternative of experiments. Thus, the aim of this research has important implications for those who use waveguides for AE testing.
A Lightweight White-Box Symmetric Encryption Algorithm against Node Capture for WSNs
Authors: Shi Yang , Wei Wujing , He Zongjian
Published: May 2015

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are often deployed in hostile environments and, thus, nodes can be potentially captured by an adversary. This is a typical white-box attack context, i.e., the adversary may have total visibility of the implementation of the build-in cryptosystem and full control over its execution platform. Handling white-box attacks in a WSN scenario is a challenging task. Existing encryption algorithms for white-box attack contexts require large memory footprint and, hence, are not applicable for wireless sensor networks scenarios. As a countermeasure against the threat in this context, in this paper, we propose a class of lightweight secure implementations of the symmetric encryption algorithm SMS4. The basic idea of our approach is to merge several steps of the round function of SMS4 into table lookups, blended by randomly generated mixing bijections. Therefore, the size of the implementations are significantly reduced while keeping the same security efficiency. The security and efficiency of the proposed solutions are theoretically analyzed. Evaluation shows our solutions satisfy the requirement of sensor nodes in terms of limited memory size and low computational costs.
Analysis on the Relationship between Green Accounting and Green Design for Enterprises
Authors: Tu Jui-Che , Huang Hsieh-Shan
Published: May 2015

Green design is advocated and developed in response to the increasingly deteriorating global environment, but its implementation is only based on the morality of the entrepreneurs, without economic incentive and legal restraint. As a result, green design has not been widely adopted. In recent years, the European countries, the U.S., Japan, the UN and Taiwan have successively promoted environmental accounting guidelines and required enterprises to disclose environmental improvement information, so as to improve the environment through production that will unavoidably impact product manufacturing. How product design should respond to this trend is a concern of this study. This study adopted the KJ (Kawakita Jiro) method and the meta-research method to analyze the influence factors. Then, it was discussed whether green design is feasible. The results showed that the requirements of green accounting include: expanding corporate social responsibility, production cannot be exempted from environmental protection, the manufacturing of clean products can generate pollution, the external production cost should be internalized, the redesign to improve the product production process and packaging, reducing resource waste and implementing the (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse) 3R policy, lifecycle assessment for all assessments and developing environmentally-friendly products, which can be solved with green design.
Copper ion salts of arylthiotetrathiafulvalenes: synthesis, structure diversity and magnetic properties
Authors: Ma Longfei , Sun Jibin , Lu Xiaofeng , Zhang Shangxi , Qi Hui , Liu Lei , Shao Yongliang , Shao Xiangfeng
Published: May 2015

The combination of CuBr2 and arylthio-substituted tetrathiafulvalene derivatives (1–7) results in a series of charge-transfer (CT) complexes. Crystallographic studies indicate that the anions in the complexes, which are derived from CuBr2, show diverse configurations including linear [Cu(I)Br2]–, tetrahedral [Cu(II)Br4]2–, planar [Cu(II)2Br6]2–, and coexistence of planar [Cu(II)Br4]2– and tetrahedral [Cu(II)Br3]– ions. On the other hand, the TTFs show either radical cation or dication states that depend on their redox potentials. The central TTF framework on most of TTFs is nearly planar despite the charge on them, whereas the two dithiole rings on molecule 4 in complex 4·CuBr4 are significantly twisted with a dihedral angle of 38.3°. The magnetic properties of the complexes were elucidated. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility of complex 5·Cu2Br6 shows the singlet–triplet transition with coupling constant J = −248 K, and that of 3·(CuBr4)0.5·CuBr3·THF shows the abrupt change at 270 K caused by the modulation of intermolecular interactions. The thermo variation of magnetic susceptibility for the other complexes follows the Curie–Weiss law, indicating the weak antiferromagnetic interaction at low temperature.
EVIDENCE FOR ECONOMIC CONVERGENCE IN THE EU: THE ANALYSIS OF PAST EU ENLARGEMENTS
Authors: STRIELKOWSKI Wadim , HÖSCHLE Felix
Published: May 2015

This paper discusses the evidence of economic convergence in the European Union during the past several decades and consecutive EU enlargements. We cluster different member states of the European Union by groups representing countries that joined the EU together and analyze whether these clusters converge against each other. In addition, we analyse whether there is a convergence within different groups of countries. We employ real GDP per capita in its seasonally adjusted version as the measure of convergence. Our results reveal that there is not much evidence about the existence of economic convergence within the European Union.
Comparing the EU and Russia engagements in Central Asia
Authors: Juraev Shairbek
Published: May 2015

Cet article étudie l’engagement de l’Union européenne et de la Fédération russe en Asie centrale. Tous deux sont parmi les principaux acteurs externes dans la région – avec les États-Unis et la Chine – et sont engagés dans des relations suivies avec les États d’Asie centrale, tant sur le plan politique et économique que de le domaine de la sécurité. Considérant les dynamiques en cours dans les relations euro-russes face à la crise ukrainienne, cet article cherche à comprendre comment Bruxelles et Moscou définissent leurs intérêts dans cette partie de l’ancienne Union soviétique, et jusqu’à quel point leurs objectifs et politiques en Asie centrale peuvent être considérés comme concurrents. L’article conclut que l’Union européenne et la Russie attribuent un niveau différent de priorité à l’Asie centrale dans leurs politiques étrangères. Par ailleurs, bien que promouvant des valeurs politiques opposées et ayant les intérêts énergétiques concurrents, aucun des deux acteurs n’est soumis au risque d’une forte confrontation avec l’autre dans aucun domaine dans la région.
European Convention on Human Rights in Russia
Authors: Kovler Anatoly I.
Published: May 2015

Le 5 mai 1998, la Fédération de Russie a mis en application la Convention pour la protection des droits de l’homme et des libertés fondamentales. Cependant, on a pu trouver des affaires qui démontrent une incompréhension quant au caractère obligatoire des décisions de la Cour, qui sont parfois prises pour de simples recommandations. Cet article analyse l’application russe de la Convention en étudiant certaines affaires des 15 dernières années. L’article passe en revue les amendements législatifs qui devraient contribuer à la mise en œuvre de la Convention au niveau national. Par ailleurs, cet article analyse la structure législative de la Fédération de Russie par rapport à la Convention, en y incluant la cour constitutionnelle, la cour suprême, la cour commerciale suprême, le procureur général, et le ministère de la Justice. Parmi les problèmes du système législatif russe, on peut inclure la difficulté à mettre en œuvre les jugements de la Cour européenne et la lenteur des procédures. L’article conclut que bien qu’il y ait une vraie reconnaissance de la Convention par la Russie, avec des résultats significatifs, il reste encore de nombreuses lacunes en ce qui concerne la mise en œuvre des lois directement issues de la Convention.
Identification et aliénation
Authors: Diet Emmanuel
Published: May 2015

Aux identifications structurantes s’opposent les identifications aliénantes destructrices des sujets et des liens. Après un rappel des conditions générales de construction de l’identité, et des modalités de sa destruction qui rendent possible l’imposition de l’aliénation par la désubjectivation, l’analyse des processus et mécanismes qui permettent de la mettre en place ouvre à la compréhension de la violence opératoire des sujets et des groupes telle qu’elle se déchaîne à différents niveaux de la vie politique et sociale.
L’identité en état-limite : les destins de la tautologie… identitaire et la fonction instituante de l’intrus
Authors: Duez Bernard
Published: May 2015

Cet article s’appuie sur l’analyse clinique d’une situation institutionnelle à partir de laquelle l’auteur montre le lien originaire de l’identité avec le jugement d’attribution. Il confronte le travail d’identification avec la construction de l’identité en logique formelle. Il fait apparaître les liens entre identité et vérité, et comment l’affirmation identitaire tend vers une tautologie qui a pour but d’effacer la conflictualité psychique mais qui a aussi une fonction de délimitation psychique. Cette tautologie, selon l’auteur, révèle la persistance silencieuse de l’identité de perception dans le lien du sujet à l’autre et plus d’un autre. À partir de ces hypothèses, l’auteur réexamine la clinique de deux textes de J. Lacan : le complexe de l’intrusion et le stade du miroir. Il montre comment l’intrus a une fonction structurante en permettant au sujet de lui destiner ses pulsions, en particulier les avatars de la pulsion de mort, et de les métaboliser dans un rapport à l’Autre et plus d’un autre. L’échec de ce travail entraîne les sujets états-limites dans un processus de vengeance généralisée.
Remaniements identitaires familiaux à partir du transgénérationnel
Authors: Durastante Richard , Dubois Fanny , Dumet Nathalie
Published: May 2015

L’identité est façonnée par le transgénérationnel en fonction du processus suivant : les traumatismes de l’histoire familiale se transmettent d’une génération à l’autre sans possibilité de symbolisation. Cette transmission contient un noyau mélancolique, reliquat de deuils qui n’ont pu être faits et dont il revient à la génération suivante d’en atténuer, voire de transformer les effets mortifères, en force de vie et en assises identitaires nouvelles. Les mécanismes qui se mettent en place, figure de l’intrus, scènes brutes, sont des modalités d’expression en deçà des mots de ce qui se porte et se montre, à l’insu des protagonistes, sans pouvoir s’introjecter. Cela concerne ce qui provoque de la souffrance dans la groupalité originaire de la cellule familiale (psyché pure, groupes internes). La pulsion d’interliaison rythmique, par le maillage des psychés qui s’opère constitue une voie de dégagement, dans l’espace thérapeutique qui s’ouvre. Un exemple clinique viendra illustrer ces propos.
A Review of the Guidelines for the Evaluation and Treatment of Congenital Syphilis
Authors: Kwak Jieun , Lamprecht Catherine
Published: May 2015

Congenital syphilis (CS) is a disease that continues to persist in the United States despite its preventable nature. Mother-to-child transmission of CS can be avoided with appropriate maternal diagnosis and treatment during the pregnancy. Diagnosing CS and determining the therapeutic course can be challenging. This review covers the recent guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of CS and the various factors that affect management decisions. These factors include the mother’s antenatal management, the infant’s clinical presentation and results, laboratory and serologic testing, and more.[Pediatr Ann. 2015;44(5):e108–e114.]
Neonatal Tuberculosis
Authors: Obringer Emily , Heald-Sargent Taylor , Hageman Joseph R.
Published: May 2015

Tuberculosis remains a prevalent disease worldwide, with approximately 9 million cases diagnosed annually. The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis has proven to be a challenging international public health issue. In the United States, however, the incidence of tuberculosis has been decreasing since 1992. There were just over 9,500 reported cases in 2013, and almost 500 of those were in children younger than age 15 years. Foreign-born persons are a high-risk group and account for 65% of new cases annually. Other high-risk groups include ethnic minorities, HIV-infected patients, and people living in low-socioeconomic urban areas.

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Pediatr Ann.
2015;44(5):e126–e130.]
Green Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Sima Violeta , Gheorghe Ileana Georgiana
Published: May 2015

This chapter aims to identify those factors that determine green consumer satisfaction, having as the emerging point the definition of consumer behavior and the concept of sustainable development. The authors propose a new approach of the dimensions of the evaluation model for customer satisfaction including a new one, called The Green Dimension. An important goal is identifying the drivers of the consumer purchasing. The authors identify three main specific levels of the green dimension of customer satisfaction. They are related to: Company, Product/Service, and Price. Then some considerations regarding an integrated approach of strategic mix from a ‘green' perspective are presented. According to the U.S. consultancy Boston Consulting Group, in order to obtain a Green Advantage, companies should enhance their strategic mix, taking into consideration green planning, green processes, green product and green promotion. The authors add two more elements, namely people and eco-efficiency, resulting “The Green Strategy Mix”.
New Approaches to Regional Branding through Green Production and Utilization of Existing Natural Advantages
Authors: Trukhachev Alexander
Published: May 2015

The chapter aims at the identification of existing natural, environmental, and rural resources that have worked together to promote the individual brand of Stavropol Region as a producer of green agricultural commodities and food, as well as a resort area, attractive by its unique environmental conditions. The perspectives of the development of green production are accessed in order to exploit existing regional resources in the long term, encourage local/regional producers and stimulate their economies, which is vital to quality of life in the countryside and a balanced development of rural and urban areas. Special attention is paid to the elaboration of possible ways to increase effectiveness of natural management as an approach to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of rural economies whilst at the same time opening up alternative employment opportunities for rural people.