bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tests for Waterproofing Materials, Made of Opuntia ficus-indica
Authors: Ortega Arturo Santamaría , Rubio Toledo Miguel Ángel , Neria Gerardo Hernández , Uribe Ricardo Victoria , Utrilla Cobos Sandra Alicia , García Albarrán Marco Antonio
Published: August 2018

Mexican cacti have captivated the scientific community due their extraordinary characteristics and benefits.This research established a new way to use this ancestral plant as a substitute for other construction materials that given their industrial and technological processes have-in several cases-skyrocketed their costs, besides of being a constant hazard for the environment. Thus, by looking back how ancestors used to solve their construction needs, it would ultimately allow us to find better ways to protect the environment. Production process is analyzed; experimented with it; and its prominent characteristics analyzed derived from Opuntia ficus-indica extract combined with other natural materials to be then used it as a waterproofing material.
Mechanical Analysis of Low and High Chromium Steels Used in Hot Strip Work Rolls
Authors: Benkhenafou Fethi , Pariente Ines Fernández , Belzunce F.Javier , Ziadi Abdelkader , Shi Ming Quan , Douadji Lyes
Published: August 2018

Microstructure, hardness and fracture toughness of low and high chromium high speed steel used in hot strip mills and subjected to conventional heat treatment have been examined. The influence of tempering temperatures on the mechanical properties of these products, determined using tensile and fracture toughness tests, was studied in this research work. The developed microstructures have been characterized by XRD, optical microscopy and SEM examinations. Macrohardness and microhardness of the specimens have been evaluated by Vickers indentation technique. The fracture toughness of these products was investigated using the rupture weight on 3 points bending specimens. The plane strain fracture toughness KIc and the fracture strength were measured for each alloy. The shell is high harness high speed steels, and the core is nodular cast iron. It was found that most fracture occurred in the eutectic carbides formed by the high content alloy element, such as Mo,V,Cr, but that for the alloys with a reduced volume fraction of eutectic carbides, a small amount of crack propagation occurred in the austenitic dendrites.
The last-mile logistical challenges of an omnichannel grocery retailer: A South African perspective
Authors: Weber Alicia N. , Badenhorst-Weiss J. A.
Published: August 2018

Background: The intense competition between grocery retailers to access new revenue streams has seen brick-and-mortar retailers broadening their services to offer consumers the option of ordering their groceries over the Internet. This is implemented through the implementation of different platforms such as their computer or mobile application − known as omnichannel retailing. Omnichannel grocery retailers are facing several challenges with the last mile of their online supply chain, especially with relation to the home delivery of groceries.Objectives: The purpose of the article was to gain an understanding of the nature of last-mile logistical challenges hindering the efficiency of an omnichannel grocery retailer in South Africa.Method: A qualitative methodology was employed; data were collected through an interview with the e-commerce operation manager of a well-known omnichannel grocery retailer in South Africa as well as through two focus group discussions conducted with consumers who regularly purchase items online and those who have never purchased any item online. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: The findings suggested that there are four major last-mile logistical challenges facing the South African omnichannel grocery retailer considered in this study. The challenges are reliable order fulfilment, cold distribution chain requirements, physical distribution and reverse logistics.Conclusion: The findings of this article suggest that many of the last-mile challenges experienced by the omnichannel grocery retailer stem from the inefficient management of information (data) along the supply chain. To alleviate the last-mile logistical challenges identified in this article, emphasis should be placed on implementing a fully integrated information sharing system.
Clinical comparison of the stain removal efficacy of two air polishing powders
Authors: Hongsathavij Rosalin , Kuphasuk Yosvimol , Rattanasuwan Kanyawat
Published: August 2018

Objectives:Air polishing with sodium bicarbonate powders with a grain size of 40 μm is recommended for patient comfort. However, the efficacy of small grain size on stain removal has not been adequately studied. This study aimed to compare the stain removal efficacy of sodium bicarbonatepowders with grain sizes of 65 and 40 μm and to evaluate patient acceptance and operator opinion after using both air polishing powders. Materials and Methods: A double-blind, randomized, split-mouth study was conducted with 35 participants with moderate to heavy dental staining on both sides of the upper teeth. Removal of dental stains on the index teeth was performed using sodium bicarbonate powders with a grain size of either 65 or 40 μm. The time taken to completely remove all dental stains was recorded. After treatment, a questionnaire was used to evaluate patient acceptance and the operator's opinion.Results: The average time for the removal of all stains by powder was 4.5 ± 3.6 min with a grain size of 65 μm and 4.4 ± 3.8 min with a grain size of 40 μm. The difference in the average time between the two groups was not significant (P = 0.461). The operator's opinions of the two powders were identical, and patient acceptance did not differ significantly between the two types of powders.Conclusions: The 40 μm sodium bicarbonate powder removed dental stains as efficiently as the 65-μm powder. Powder handling and patient acceptance were comparable between grain sizes of 65 and 40 μm.
Possible interaction between visfatin, periodontal infection, and other systemic diseases: A brief review of literature
Authors: Bayani Mojtaba , Pourali Mohammad , Keivan Mohammad
Published: August 2018

Gingivitis and periodontitis are common bacterial infections caused by a variety of microorganisms. Despite the microorganisms' roles as etiologic agents, inflammation-induced substances also have crucial parts in the loss of connective tissue and the supporting alveolar bone. Visfatin is a pleiotropic mediator, which acts as growth factor, cytokine, and pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor. A positive correlation was detected between the serum/plasma levels of visfatin and inflammatory disorders such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the visfatin level was higher in saliva and the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of subjects with periodontal disease. This review defined current, predictable patterns of possible interaction of visfatin with periodontal infection and other systemic diseases, using PubMed and Medline databases searching for articles written in English. Peer-reviewed articles were targeted using the following keywords: “visfatin,” “periodontal disease,” “inflammatory mediator,” and “biomarker.” Available full-text articles were read, and related articles were also scrutinized, while a hand search was also performed. Search was confined to human studies, and articles written in English and published between 1985 and 2016 were selected. It was concluded that periodontal infection and other systemic diseases could be related to the levels of visfatin in GCF, saliva, and serum as a biomarker of these diseases.
How to develop and validate a questionnaire for orthodontic research
Authors: Peter Elbe , Baiju R. M. , Varghese N. O. , Sivaraman Remadevi , Streiner David L.
Published: August 2018

The use of psychometric tools to assess various psychological aspects of malocclusion and treatment is increasing in orthodontics. Mere evaluation of an orthodontic patient with normative criteria is not enough; instead, the psychological status should be assessed using a questionnaire. Many generic and few condition-specific tools are available for assessing quality of life (QoL) in orthodontics. The steps involved in the development of such tools are complex and unknown to many. This article outlines the methodology involved in the development and validation of a psychometric tool for dental and orthodontic use. It also helps the clinician to translate and cross-culturally adapt an existing QoL tool to a different setting.
De zevenkoppige draak van ongelijkheid
Authors: van den Brink Marieke
Published: August 2018

Diversity in the workforce – in terms of social identity categories such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, and class – has become a prime concern for organisations in both the public and private sectors. Despite decades of equal-opportunities legislation and numerous initiatives, progress towards equality, diversity, and inclusion in organisations remains – at best – slow. Inequality in organisations seems to be an unbeatable seven-headed dragon that has a multitude of faces in different economic, social, and cultural contexts. In this essay, Marieke van den Brink questions whether we have the right swords or bravest heroines to beat this tenacious dragon of inequality. She proposes to unravel the complexity and polyvocality of change by distinguishing between inequality practices – the routinised organisational practices that produce inequality regimes – and equality practices – the planned change interventions aiming for gender equality. Greater insight into the ways that gender equality practices and gender practices interact with, conflict with, and anticipate each other can further our knowledge and understanding of the slow rate of change that gender equality policies have managed to achieve.
Climatology of mesopause region nocturnal temperature, zonal wind and sodium density observed by sodium lidar over Hefei, China (32° N, 117° E)
Authors: Li Tao , Ban Chao , Fang Xin , Li Jing , Wu Zhaopeng , Feng Wuhu , Plane John M. C. , Xiong Jiangang , Marsh Daniel R. , Mills Michael J. , Dou Xiankang
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The University of Science and Technology of China narrowband sodium
temperature and wind lidar, located in Hefei, China (32∘ N,
117∘ E), has made routine nighttime measurements since January 2012.
A total of 154 nights (∼ 1400 h) of vertical profiles of temperature,
sodium density, and zonal wind and 83 nights (∼ 800 h) of vertical
flux of gravity wave (GW) zonal momentum in the mesopause region
(80–105 km) were obtained during the period from 2012 to 2016. For
temperature, it is most likely that the diurnal tide dominates below 100 km
in spring, while the semidiurnal tide dominates above 100 km throughout the
year. A clear semiannual variation in temperature is revealed near 90 km, in
phase with the tropical mesospheric semiannual oscillation (MSAO). The
variability in sodium density is positively correlated with temperature below
95 km, suggesting that in addition to dynamics, the chemistry also plays an
important role in the formation of sodium atoms. The seasonal variability in
sodium density observed by both lidar and satellite generally agrees well
with a whole atmosphere model simulation using an updated meteoric input
function which includes different cosmic dust sources. For zonal wind, the
diurnal tide dominates in both spring and fall, while semidiurnal tide
dominates in winter. The observed semiannual variation in zonal wind near
90 km is out of phase with that in temperature, consistent with the tropical
MSAO. The lidar observations generally agree with satellite and meteor radar
observations as well as model simulations at similar latitude. The
50–70 % of zonal momentum flux is induced by short-period
(10 min–2 h) GWs. The large zonal momentum flux in summer and winter due
to short-period GWs is clearly anticorrelated with eastward zonal wind maxima
below 90 km, suggesting the filtering of short-period GWs by the SAO wind.
Technical Note: Approximate Bayesian Computation to improve long-return flood estimates using historical data
Authors: Griffin Adam , Shaw Luke , Stewart Elizabeth
Published: August 2018

Abstract. For the Generalised Logistic distribution as used in UK flood frequency analysis, one standard approach for parameter estimation is through maximum likelihood methods. However, there can be problems with convergence to final estimates in cases where the true parameter values are extreme. This paper applies Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC), a likelihood-free approach popularised in statistical genetics, which generates candidate parameters and compares data simulated from those candidates to the observed data. Candidates whose data have summary statistics (Partial Probability Weighted Moments, PPWM) sufficiently close to those of the observed data are accepted as draws from the posterior distribution. The ABC-PPWM approach is applied to new historical data points to estimate the flood frequency distribution for the River Severn at the Welsh Bridge in Shrewsbury, UK to improve the estimates of magnitudes of flood events with return period longer than the length of systematic records. Level data are derived from historical sources, and discharge estimates are obtained using data from upstream discharge gauging stations. When used in the ABC-PPWM approach, the results are at least as effective as the maximum likelihood methods, showing similar point estimates, and similar levels of variance. The estimates for the shape parameter for the GLO show some discrepancies, but this is known to be the most challenging to estimate given the availability of only censored historical data. Unlike maximum likelihood methods, for which the estimate may not be obtainable, the ABC-PPWM approach is always successful.
Diagnosing ice sheet grounding line stability from landform morphology
Authors: Simkins Lauren M. , Greenwood Sarah L. , Anderson John B.
Published: August 2018

Abstract. The resilience of a marine-based ice sheet is strongly governed by the stability of its grounding lines, which are in turn sensitive to ocean-induced melting, calving, and flotation of the ice margin. Since the grounding line is also a sedimentary environment, the constructional landforms that are built here may reflect elements of the processes governing this dynamic and potentially vulnerable environment. Here we analyse a large dataset (n =  6275) of grounding line landforms mapped on the western Ross Sea continental shelf from high-resolution geophysical data. The population is divided into two distinct morphotypes by their morphological properties: recessional moraines (consistently narrow, closely spaced, low amplitude, symmetric, and straight) and grounding zone wedges (broad, widely spaced, higher amplitude, asymmetric, sinuous, and highly variable). Landform morphotypes cluster with alike forms that transition abruptly between morphotypes both spatially and within a retreat sequence. Their form and distribution are largely independent of water depth, bed slope, and position relative to glacial troughs. Similarly, we find no conclusive evidence for morphology being determined by the presence or absence of an ice shelf. Instead, grounding zone wedge construction is favoured by a higher sediment flux and a longer-held grounding position. We propose two endmember modes of grounding line retreat: (1) an irregular mode, characterised by grounding zone wedges with longer standstills and accompanied by larger-magnitude retreat events, and (2) a steady mode, characterised by moraine sequences that instead represent more frequent but smaller-magnitude retreat events. We suggest that while sediment accumulation and progradation may prolong the stability of a grounding line position, progressive development of sinuosity in the grounding line due to spatially variable sediment delivery likely destabilises the grounding position by enhanced ablation, triggering large-magnitude retreat events. Here, the concept of stability is multifaceted and paradoxical, and neither mode can be characterised as marking fast or slow retreat. Diagnosing grounding line stability based on landform products should be considered for a wider geographic range, yet this large dataset of landforms prompts the need to better understand the sensitivity of marine-based grounding lines to processes and feedbacks governing retreat and what stability means in the context of future grounding line behaviour.
Corporate Entrepreneurship and Manufacturing Firms’ Performance
Authors: Eze Benneth Uchenna
Published: August 2018

The study evaluates the effect of corporate entrepreneurship (measured by innovation, proactiveness, risk-taking, strategic renewal and corporate venturing) on the non-financial performance of manufacturing firms in Nigeria (measured by market share and employees satisfaction). The study employed survey research design, through the administration of structured questionnaire to management staff of eight manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The findings revealed that innovation, risk taking, proactiveness, strategic renewal and corporate venturing are all significantly related with manufacturing firms’ non-financial performance. It can therefore be concluded that corporate entrepreneurship (CE) elements (risk-taking, innovation, corporate venturing, proactiveness and strategic renewal) enhance manufacturing firms’ non-financial performance (market share and employees’ satisfaction). It is recommended that manufacturing firms should employ CE elements towards the enhancement of their non-financial performance.
Motieven en overwegingen achter publiek-private samenwerking
Authors: Eversdijk Arno , Korsten Arno F.A.
Published: August 2018

Motieven en overwegingen achter publiek-private samenwerking

Achterliggende motieven en overwegingen van Nederlandse overheidsbesturen om dan wel en dan weer niet te kiezen voor publiek-private samenwerking (PPS) bij infrastructurele projecten bleven tot voor kort onduidelijk. Diverse kabinetten predikten sinds het midden van de jaren tachtig uit de vorige eeuw weliswaar publiek-private samenwerking, maar daarmee was PPS nog geen feit. Wisselende (macro-)motieven werden in nota’s opgevoerd om PPS onvermijdelijk te maken, waarbij financiële meerwaarde een constante was, maar dat bleek niet genoeg. Per project wisselende (micro-)motieven moesten de gewenste PPS-keuze rechtvaardigen, waaronder ook niet-politieke motieven. Het bereiken van financiële meerwaarde bleek wel een officieel doel of motief, maar was in de praktische besluitvorming lang niet altijd de enige relevante factor. Dit betekent dat de stelling dat financiële meerwaarde juist bepalend is, niet volledig blijkt te sporen met de PPS-praktijk. Sterker gesteld, bestuurlijke afwegingen blijken vaak bepalender voor keuzen pro of contra PPS bij rijksinfrastructurele projecten, of ook van grote invloed.
European Perspectives on Enforcement of Med-Arb Clauses and Med-Arb Awards
Authors: van Zelst Bas
Published: August 2018

European Perspectives on Enforcement of Med-Arb Clauses and Med-Arb Awards

In Europe, mediation has historically taken a facilitative approach. It is therefore no surprise that Med-Arb – a hybrid dispute resolution mechanism combining elements of mediation and arbitration – is not high on the agenda of European politicians, academics and practitioners.

As a result of this (apparent) lack of interest in Med-Arb, it remains unclear to what extent contractual clauses referring parties to Med-Arb (“Med-Arb Clauses”) and arbitral awards resulting from a Med-Arb procedure (“Med-Arb Awards”) are compliant with European standards on due process of law.

It is this void this article seeks to fill. It will discuss the American experiences with Med-Arb and the pros and cons of Med-Arb forwarded in that context (Section 2). Against this background, the feasibility of Med-Arb from the perspective of European standards on due process of law is assessed. It is concluded that from a European perspective, no overriding concerns of law exist that should call a halt to Med-Arb. Parties must, however, discount certain specific EU standards when agreeing on and conducting a Med-Arb procedure.
Het toezicht op de strafvorderlijke overheid: een modern artikel 359a Sv?
Authors: Samadi M.
Published: August 2018

Het toezicht op de strafvorderlijke overheid: een modern artikel 359a Sv?

In het kader van de modernisering van het Wetboek van Strafvordering heeft de wetgever zich ook gewaagd aan het veelbesproken thema van vormverzuimen en de strafprocessuele gevolgen van onrechtmatig strafvorderlijk overheidsoptreden. Deze bijdrage geeft een globale uiteenzetting van de voorgestelde wijzigingen van artikel 359a Sv en bespreekt deze wijzigingen in het licht van de in de literatuur geconstateerde problemen inzake de rechterlijke controle op vormverzuimen.
Limiting current density in electrochemical micromachining
Authors: Zhao Chuanjun , Xu Lizhong
Published: August 2018

In this paper, a method of calculating the diffusion current density on the electric pole in the electrochemical micromachining is proposed. Changes of the diffusion current with system factors are investigated from which a method of increasing the diffusion current density on the electric pole under small clearance between the hole and the tool is proposed. This is the electrochemical micromachining method using vibrating tool electrode. Using this method, an etching experiment on a steel plate is performed which shows that a reasonable machining speed and high machining accuracy are simultaneously obtained.
DIRECTIONS, SENSE AND PURPOSE OF PERSONAL INCOME TAXATION HARMONIZATION PROCESS ACROSS EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATES
Authors: Wołowiec Tomasz
Published: August 2018

The current taxation of personal incomes is a very complex phenomenon which should be analysed not only from the legal point of view, but also taking into account its social, cultural, economic, political and system aspects. We cannot isolate the economic sphere from the tax sphere, as income taxes directly affect the taxpayers function as well as their purchasing power; moreover, they determine labour costs for entrepreneurs and thus significantly influence the GDP growth rate. The issues of harmonizing taxation of incomes obtained by individuals who do not act as economic operators are practically absent in scientific literature. The only analysed issues are related to taxation of incomes from savings, transfers, capital gains, mergers and divisions. This is so because it is required by the nature of conducting economic operations within the common market.
DYSFUNCTIONAL USE OF DIGITAL SPACE BY THE YOUTH – PEDAGOGIC IMPLICATIONS OF ADDICTION TO E-ACTIVITIES
Authors: Kolek Agnieszka , Andrzejewski Adam
Published: August 2018

The publication relates to dysfunctional use of the digital space by the youth. It refers to the latest theories explaining the reasons of addictions to e-activities. It includes up-to-date review of the research on their access to the modern digital media and use of their functions. The authors present their own research performed on a group of young adults relating to the relationship between their style of coping with stress and addiction to the multimedia. The following issues have been presented in the publication:
1. Selected theories of risk of development of addictions to e-activities.
2. State of research on the issue of addictions to social networking platforms.
3. Pedagogic implications of addiction of the youth to e-activities.
4. Styles of young adults being addicted to the multimedia of coping with stress in the light of own research.
BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL OF COPING BEHAVIOR
Authors: Stanibula Stepan
Published: August 2018

The article considers the problem of coping behavior and, in particular, a critical analysis of coping behavior, its key models from the perspective of their values and weaknesses. Examines the major substantive categories of coping behavior, such as coping strategies and coping resources, categorical components are described from the perspective of biopsychosocial methodology that is singled out by biological, psychological and social components in these key categories of coping behavior, indicating that coping behavior is a biopsychosocial phenomenon. The theoretical components that are updated in this model allow us to look at coping behavior from the systemic perspective.
DEVELOPMENT OF SANOGENIC THINKING OF STUDENT
YOUTH THROUGH THE PRISM OF SOCIO-CULTURAL ADAPTATION
Authors: Handzilevska Halyna , Hilman Anna
Published: August 2018

The research deals with the problem of the formation of life scenarios of students-migrants and their sanogenic thinking through the prism of socio-cultural adaptation. The authors point out that the sanogenic thinking reduces internal conflicts, allows you to control emotions, needs and desires, and thus prevents diseases. The article is presented the model of the formation of students’ sanogenic thinking that can be a key way to restore individual wellbeing. The article proves that scenario decisions of students-migrants are unconscious, irrational mind sets for adapting to life. In this regard, the modality of students-migrants contact with socio-cultural surroundings which impacts the establishment of acculturation strategies has been predicted and featured. The authors established a correlation between certain types of socio-cultural adaptation and the prohibition of the scenario. The authors prove that the process of the development of the students’ sanogenic thinking through the prism of socio-cultural adaptation can enrich psychological theory and practice with new experience and become a means of support for the interested reader.
The (physically) wounded healer: The impact of a physical disability on training and development as a counselling psychologist: A case study
Authors: Ingham Esther
Published: August 2018

This case study investigates how physical disability might impact on the therapeutic training and development of a counselling psychologist. Discourse analysis of extracts and quotations from the author’s own reflexive journal reveals some potential implications of a subtly discriminatory environment that perpetuates societal negativity towards the physically disabled. A limited level of understanding of the experience of physical disability amongst peers/colleagues is seen as a potential issue for the profession to address as an ethical obligation for ambassadors of social justice, possibly through specific disability training and reflexive practice. The archetype of the ‘wounded healer’ in the helping professions is an affirmative perspective by which to view physical disability in training. The physically disabled trainee is encouraged to commit to personal reflexive work to develop his/her understanding of the various possible implications of their physicality on relationships, be they personal or professional. This can ultimately prove the experience of physical disability to be a useful tool which, when used skillfully, has the capacity to increase relational depth in therapeutic relationships.
Ordered arrangement of dendrites within a C. elegans sensory nerve bundle
Authors: Yip Zhiqi Candice , Heiman Maxwell G
Published: August 2018

Biological systems are organized into well-ordered structures and can evolve new patterns when perturbed. To identify principles underlying biological order, we turned to C. elegans for its simple anatomy and powerful genetics. We developed a method to quantify the arrangement of three dendrites in the main sensory nerve bundle, and found that they exhibit a stereotyped arrangement throughout larval growth. Dendrite order does not require prominent features including sensory cilia and glial junctions. In contrast, loss of the cell adhesion molecule (CAM) CDH-4/Fat-like cadherin causes dendrites to be ordered randomly, despite remaining bundled. Loss of the CAMs PTP-3/LAR or SAX-7/L1CAM causes dendrites to adopt an altered order, which becomes increasingly random as animals grow. Misexpression of SAX-7 leads to subtle but reproducible changes in dendrite order. Our results suggest that combinations of CAMs allow dendrites to self-organize into a stereotyped arrangement and can produce altered patterns when perturbed.
Fizzy-Related dictates A cell cycle switch during organ repair and tissue growth responses in the Drosophila hindgut
Authors: Cohen Erez , Allen Scott R , Sawyer Jessica K , Fox Donald T
Published: August 2018

Ploidy-increasing cell cycles drive tissue growth in many developing organs. Such cycles, including endocycles, are increasingly appreciated to drive tissue growth following injury or activated growth signaling in mature organs. In these organs, the regulation and distinct roles of different cell cycles remains unclear. Here, we uncover a programmed switch between cell cycles in the Drosophila hindgut pylorus. Using an acute injury model, we identify mitosis as the response in larval pyloric cells, whereas endocycles occur in adult pyloric cells. By developing a novel genetic method, DEMISE (Dual-Expression-Method-for-Induced-Site-specific-Eradication), we show the cell cycle regulator Fizzy-related dictates the decision between mitosis and endocycles. After injury, both cycles accurately restore tissue mass and genome content. However, in response to sustained growth signaling, only endocycles preserve epithelial architecture. Our data reveal distinct cell cycle programming in response to similar stimuli in mature vs. developmental states and reveal a tissue-protective role of endocycles.
A CPW - Fed Octagonal Ring Shaped Wide Band Antenna for Wireless Applications
Authors: Khanna P. , Sharma A. , Singh A. K. , Kumar A.
Published: August 2018

A CPW – Fed octagonal ring shaped antenna for wideband operation is presented. The radiating patch of proposed octagonal ring antenna consists of symmetrical slot in place of conventional annular ring microstrip antenna. The ground plane consists of two rectangular slots, while the radiator and the ground plane are on same plane that utilizes the space available around the radiator. The proposed antenna is simulated through Ansoft’s High Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS). Measured result shows balanced agreement with the simulated results. The prototype is taken with dimensions 47 mm × 47 mm × 1.6 mm that achieves good return loss, constant group delay and good radiation patterns over the entire operating bandwidth of 2.0 to 9.5 GHz (7.5 GHz). The proposed antenna achieves high impedance bandwidth of 130%. Thus, the proposed antenna is applicable for S and C band applications.
A High Gain Microstrip Patch Array for 5 GHz WLAN Applications
Authors: Ngobese B. W. , Kumar P.
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the design, fabrication and measurement of a high gain 4-elements linear patch array, which uses the corporate feed technique with inset for excitation resonating at 5.216 𝐺𝐻z.  is used as a dielectric substrate for the proposed array structure. The designed array is simulated and optimized by using CST microwave studio software. The element of the array is designed using the transmission-line model equations. The ground plane is made defective by incorporating slots and the reflective ground is utilized to enhance the gain of the array. The simulated and measured results for various parameters of the array are presented. The comparison between simulated and measured results show good agreement with little deviation. The optimized dimensions of the proposed design provides a maximum gain of 9.019 dB and a maximum directivity of 12.81 dBi. The antenna has been designed for the range  which is one of the ranges for  band for wireless local area networks (WLAN) applications as the  standard states.
Niśvāsatattvasaṃhitā: The Earliest Surviving Śaiva Tantra, vol. 1: A Critical and Annotated Translation of the Mūlasūtra, Uttarasūtra and Nayasūtra. Edited by Dominic Goodall in collaboration with Alexis Sanderson and Harunaga Isaacson with contr
Authors: Flood Gavin
Published: August 2018

The Niśvāsatattvasaṃhitā: The Earliest Surviving Śaiva Tantra, vol. 1: A Critical and Annotated Translation of the Mūlasūtra, Uttarasūtra and Nayasūtra. Edited by Dominic Goodall in collaboration with Alexis Sanderson and Harunaga Isaacson with contributions of NiraJan Kaflr, Diwakar Acharya, and others. Collection Indologie, no. 128, Early Tantra Series, no. 1. Pondichéry: institut Français de Pondichéry, Paris: École Française d’Extrême-Orient, Hamburg: Asien-Afrika-Institut, Universität Hamburg, 2015. Pp. 662. Rs. 1200, €52.
Prophet Like Moses: Prophecy, Law, and Israelite Religion. By Jeffrey Stackert
Authors: Erisman Angela Roskop
Published: August 2018

A Prophet Like Moses: Prophecy, Law, and Israelite Religion. By Jeffrey Stackert. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014. Pp. viii + 243. $74.
Medieval Damascus: Plurality and Diversity in an Arabic Library. The Ashrafīya Library Catalogue. By Konrad Hirschler
Authors: Auchterlonie Paul
Published: August 2018

Medieval Damascus: Plurality and Diversity in an Arabic Library. The Ashrafīya Library Catalogue. By Konrad Hirschler. Edinburgh Studies in Classical Islamic History and Culture. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2016. Pp. x + 525. $140, £85.
Ideology of Power and Power of Ideology in Early China. Edited by Yuri Pines, Paul R. Goldin, and Martin Kern
Authors: Olberding Garret
Published: August 2018

Ideology of Power and Power of Ideology in Early China. Edited by Yuri Pines, Paul R. Goldin, and Martin Kern. Sinica Leidensia, vol. 124. Leiden: Brill, 2015. Pp. viii + 348. €120, $152.
Südarabien im Altertum: Kommentierte Bibliographie der Jahre 1997 bis 2011. By Walter W. Müller
Authors: Yule Paul A.
Published: August 2018

Südarabien im Altertum: Kommentierte Bibliographie der Jahre 1997 bis 2011. By Walter W. Müller. Epigraphische Forschungen auf der Arabischen Halbinsel, vol. 6. Tübingen: Wasmuth, 2014. Pp. vii + 187. €19.80.
Front Matter
Authors: Editors
Published: August 2018

Front matter
Clinical Profile and Factors Determining the Final Visual Outcome of Patients Presenting with Ocular Trauma
Authors: Lavaju Poonam , Badhu Badri Prasad , Shah Sangeeta
Published: August 2018

Purpose:-

To determine the clinical profile and the factors affecting the visual outcome of patients with ocular trauma

Materials & Methods:-

A retrospective review of medical records of patients with ocular trauma presenting at a tertiary referral centre, Eastern Nepal, from January 2015 to December 2015. Different pre-operative variables were reviewed and analyzed with the final visual acuity (VA).

Results:-

The cohort consisted of 136 patients (138 eyes). The mean age was 16.09±15.89 years (3 months - 72 years) with male : female ratio of 3:1. Children < 15 years of age were predominantly affected (65%). Ninety nine (71.1%) sustained open globe injury (OGI) and 39 (28.3%) closed globe injury (CGI). Fifty one percent sustained injury while playing; wooden stick being the most common agent (36%). In this study, ocular injury was classified according to the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology and Ocular Trauma Classification System. Among OGI, zone I was more frequent (71.7%) followed by zone II (19 %) and zone III (9.09%). Contusion was the most common CGI (55.26%). On multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression, the factors affecting the final outcome were initial VA (p=0.004, OR 0.063, CI: 0.010-0.380), lens status (p=0.037, OR: 2.54, CI 1.05-6.148) secondary glaucoma (p=0.035, OR 6.44, CI: 1.13-36.44), group (OGI vs CGI, p=0.001) and hyphaema (p=0.020).

Conclusions:-

Children less than fifteen years and male patients were predominantly affected. Traumatic cataract, initial visual acuity, secondary glaucoma, group of injury and hyphaema adversely affected the final visual outcome.
Conjunctivolimbal Autograft versus Cadaveric Keratolimbal Allograft in Ocular Surface Disorder: A Comparison
Authors: Kaushik Jaya , Singh Parihar Jitendra Kumar , Jain Vaibhav Kumar , Mathur Vijay
Published: August 2018

Purpose:-

To compare the outcomes of conjunctivolimbal autograft (CLAU) and cadaveric keratolimbal allograft (KLAL) in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) with ocular surface disorders.

Materials & Methods:-

In this prospective randomized clinical study, 50 eyes of 50 patients with unilateral LSCD were divided into two groups based on the surgical intervention. Group 1 patients (25 eyes) had CLAU, whereas group 2 patients (25 eyes) underwent cadaveric KLAL. The outcome measures were functional vision (best corrected visual acuity ≥ 6/60), gain of ≥ 2 lines of Snellen's visual acuity, corneal neovascularisation, visually significant corneal opacity (Iris details poorly visible), fluorescein stain, Schirmer's ≥ 10 mm, tear break-up time (TBUT) ≥ 10 seconds.

Results:-

At 1 year of follow-up, both CLAU and cadaveric KLAL were comparable in terms of visual gain of ≥ 2 lines, functional vision, corneal neovascularisation, Schirmer's ≥ 10 mm, TBUT ≥ 10 seconds. The epithelisation was found to be early with CLAU as compared with cadaveric KLAL (p = 0.032). Patients with cadaveric KLAL had more recurrent epithelial defects (40%) as compared to CLAU (24%).

Conclusions:-

Both procedures are effective in terms of visual gain and ocular surface restoration. Cadaveric KLAL seems to be a good alternative whenever CLAU is not possible.
Optic Disc Oedema: Presentation and Causes at a Tertiary Centre in North Karnataka
Authors: Ijeri Raghavendra , Jyoti R.C.
Published: August 2018

Aim:-

Optic disc oedema is one of the important fundus findings seen in the eye. Many a times, it indicates a systemic pathology. In this study, we try to evaluate various causes of optic disc oedema and their presentation.

Materials & Methods:-

This observational study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in North Karnataka. This study was conducted from June 2015 to May 2017. Detailed ocular examination including visual acuity, slitlamp examination, detailed fundus evaluation using indirect ophthalmoscope and 90 Diopter lens, and fundus photography was done. Other investigations like blood examination, Visual field analysis and radiological investigations like Computed Tomography scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging were done when required.

Results:-

A total of 43 consecutive cases with optic disc oedema were enrolled in this study. Twenty were females and twenty three were males. Out of the 43 cases, 15 cases had papilloedema, 20 cases had optic neuritis, one had anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), 2 had diabetic papillopathy, 2 had Vogt Koyanagi Harada Syndrome (VKH), one had hemiretinal vein occlusion and 2 cases had neuroretinitis. A total of 34.9% patients had papilloedema, 46.5% had optic neuritis, 4.6% each had neuroretinitis, VKH and diabetic papillopathy, and 2.3% each had AION and hemi-retinal vein occlusion.

Conclusions:-

Optic neuritis was the commonest cause, followed by papilloedema, leading to optic disc oedema.
A Rare Case of Ankyloblepharon Filiforme Adnatum
Authors: Powar Rajesh , Kumar Nilesh , Yakkundi Arvind Y. , Niharika
Published: August 2018

Ankyloblepharon Filiforme Adnatum (AFA) is an extremely rare congenital anamoly occuring due to failure of separation of eyelids during fetal development. Despite its dramatic presentation, the treatment is bedside release of the adhesions and thus restoring vision and cosmesis. The hesitation on the part of treating physician or pediatrician can lead the child to amblyopia, and we report this case to add to the existing literature for a better understanding of the disease.
The amino‐terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ClpB protein plays a crucial role in its substrate disaggregation activity
Authors: Tripathi Prajna , Parijat Priyanka , Patel Virendra Kumar , Batra Janendra K.
Published: August 2018

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is known to persist in extremely hostile environments within host macrophages. The ability to withstand such proteotoxic stress comes from its highly conserved molecular chaperone machinery. ClpB, a unique member of the AAA+ family of chaperones, is responsible for resolving aggregates in Mtb and many other bacterial pathogens. Mtb produces two isoforms of ClpB, a full length and an N‐terminally truncated form (ClpB∆N), with the latter arising from an internal translation initiation site. It is not clear why this internal start site is conserved and what role the N‐terminal domain (NTD) of Mtb ClpB plays in its function. In the current study, we functionally characterized and compared the two isoforms of Mtb ClpB. We found the NTD to be dispensable for oligomerization, ATPase activity and prevention of aggregation activity of ClpB. Both ClpB and ClpB∆N were found to be capable of resolubilizing protein aggregates. However, the efficiency of ClpB∆N at resolubilizing higher order aggregates was significantly lower than that of ClpB. Further, ClpB∆N exhibited reduced affinity for substrates as compared to ClpB. We also demonstrated that the surface of the NTD of Mtb ClpB has a hydrophobic groove that contains four hydrophobic residues: L97, L101, F140 and V141. These residues act as initial contacts for the substrate and are crucial for stable interaction between ClpB and highly aggregated substrates.
Zwitterionic Nanohydrogel Grafted PVDF Membranes with Comprehensive Antifouling Property and Superior Cycle Stability for Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion Separation
Authors: Zhu Yuzhang , Wang Jinliang , Zhang Feng , Gao Shoujian , Wang Aqiang , Fang Wangxi , Jin Jian
Published: August 2018

Fouling caused by oil and other pollutants is one of the most serious challenges for membranes used for oil/water separation. Aiming at improving the comprehensive antifouling property of membranes and thus achieving long‐term cyclic stability, it is reported in this work the design of a kind of zwitterionic nanosized hydrogels grafted poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) microfiltration membrane (ZNG‐g‐PVDF) with superior fouling‐tolerant property for oil‐in‐water emulsion separation. Sulfobetaine zwitterionic nanohydrogels with the diameter of ≈50 nm are synthesized by an inverse microemulsion polymerization process. They are then grafted onto the surface of PVDF microfiltration membrane, endowing the membrane a superhydrophilic and nearly zero oil adhesion property. This ZNG‐g‐PVDF membrane exhibits great tolerance and resistance to salts pH, especially an excellent antifouling property to oil‐in‐water emulsions containing various pollutants such as surfactants, proteins, and natural organic materials (e.g., humic acid). The comprehensive antifouling property of the membrane gives rise to the cyclic stability of the membrane greatly improved. A nearly 100% recovery ratio of permeating flux is achieved during several cycles of oil‐in‐water emulsion filtration. The ZNG‐g‐PVDF membrane shows great potential in treating practical oily wastewater containing complicated components in the effluent.
Diatom Silica for Biomedical Applications: Recent Progress and Advances
Authors: Maher Shaheer , Kumeria Tushar , Aw Moom Sin , Losic Dusan
Published: August 2018

Diatoms are unicellular photosynthetic algae enclosed in porous 3D nanopatterned silica enclosures called “frustules.” The diatom frustules are made from biosilica self‐assembled into intricate porous shells that feature unique properties including high specific surface area, biocompatibility, tailorable surface chemistry, thermal stability, and high mechanical and chemical resistance. The ability to cultivate diatoms in artificial environments and their abundant availability of diatom frustules as mineable fossilized mineral deposits (diatomite or diatomaceous earth; DE) make diatom silica a promising natural alternative to synthetic porous silica for a broad range of biomedical, environmental, agricultural, and energy applications. This review article provides a comprehensive and current account of the use of natural DE silica materials in biomedical applications focused mainly on drug delivery with some highlights on biosensing, tissue engineering, and clotting agents. The article also covers some basic physical and chemical aspects of DE material such as purification, surface chemical functionalization, biocompatibility, and cellular uptake that are critical for the development of an efficient drug carrier.
Biomimetic Electronic Devices for Measuring Bacterial Membrane Disruption
Authors: Pitsalidis Charalampos , Pappa Anna‐Maria , Porel Mintu , Artim Christine M. , Faria Gregorio C. , Duong Duc D. , Alabi Christopher A. , Daniel Susan , Salleo Alberto , Owens Róisín M.
Published: August 2018

Antibiotic discovery has experienced a severe slowdown in terms of discovery of new candidates. In vitro screening methods using phospholipids to model the bacterial membrane provide a route to identify molecules that specifically disrupt bacterial membranes causing cell death. Thanks to the electrically insulating properties of the major component of the cell membrane, phospholipids, electronic devices are highly suitable transducers of membrane disruption. The organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) is a highly sensitive ion‐to‐electron converter. Here, the OECT is used as a transducer of the permeability of a lipid monolayer (ML) at a liquid:liquid interface, designed to read out changes in ion flux caused by compounds that interact with, and disrupt, lipid assembly. This concept is illustrated using the well‐documented antibiotic Polymixin B and the highly sensitive quantitation of permeability of the lipid ML induced by two novel recently described antibacterial amine‐based oligothioetheramides is shown, highlighting molecular scale differences in their disruption capabilities. It is anticipated that this platform has the potential to play a role in front‐line antimicrobial compound design and characterization thanks to the compatibility of semiconductor microfabrication technology with high‐throughput readouts.
Overall Water‐Splitting Electrocatalysts Based on 2D CoNi‐Metal‐Organic Frameworks and Its Derivative
Authors: Liu Mengjie , Zheng Weiran , Ran Sijia , Boles Steven T. , Lee Lawrence Yoon Suk
Published: August 2018

Efficient electrocatalysts composed of non‐precious elements are central to the development of overall water‐splitting system. Herein, it is demonstrated that 2D CoNi‐metal‐organic framework (CoNi‐MOF) array grown directly on a Cu substrate is a highly efficient and stable electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction with a low overpotential (265 mV at 10 mA cm−2) in alkaline medium. With the combination of in situ conducting atomic force microscopy and two‐point conductivity measurements, it is revealed that the electron transfer is facilitated along the Z‐axis better than the other directions, which can lead to an enhanced catalytic activity. In addition, a simple annealing treatment converts this 2D CoNi‐MOF to a hybrid nanoplate array of metallic nitrides on an amorphous carbon network, which catalyzes the hydrogen evolution reaction with a compatible overpotential of 120 mV (at 10 mA cm−2) and excellent stability. The overall water splitting using these 2D CoNi‐MOF‐based catalysts shows a 99% Faradaic efficiency at 1.64 V, suggesting a promising pathway forward for the commercial realization of complete water‐splitting systems.