bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Offshore Deployments of Wave Energy Converters by Seabased Industry AB
Authors: Chatzigiannakou Maria , Dolguntseva Irina , Leijon Mats
Published: March 2017

Since 2008, Seabased Industry AB (SIAB) has manufactured and deployed several units of wave energy converters (WECs) of different design. The WECs are linear generators with point absorber buoy systems that are placed on the seabed, mounted on a gravitation concrete foundation. These deployments have taken place in different areas, using different deployment vessels. Offshore deployments of WECs and underwater substations have so far been complicated procedures, that were both expensive and time-consuming. The focus of this paper is to discuss these deployments in terms of economy and time efficiency, as well as safety. Because seven vessels have been used to facilitate the deployments, an evaluation on the above basis is carried out for them. The main conclusions and certain solutions are presented for the various problems encountered during these deployments and the vessel choice is discussed. It is found that the offshore deployment process can be optimized in terms of cost, time efficiency and safety with a careful vessel choice, use of the latest available technologies and detailed planning and organizing.
Do Community-Managed Forests Work? A Biodiversity Perspective
Authors: Terborgh John , Peres Carlos A.
Published: March 2017

Community-managed reserves (CMRs) comprise the fastest-growing category of protected areas throughout the tropics. CMRs represent a compromise between advocates of nature conservation and advocates of human development. We ask whether CMRs succeed in achieving the goals of either. A fixed reserve area can produce only a finite resource supply, whereas human populations exploiting them tend to expand rapidly while adopting high-impact technologies to satisfy rising aspirations. Intentions behind the establishment of CMRs may be admirable, but represent an ideal rarely achieved. People tied to the natural forest subsist on income levels that are among the lowest in the Amazon. Limits of sustainable harvesting are often low and rarely known prior to reserve creation or respected thereafter, and resource exhaustion predictably follows. Unintended consequences typically emerge, such as overhunting of the seed dispersers, pollinators, and other animals that provide services essential to perpetuating the forest. CMRs are a low priority for governments, so mostly operate without enforcement, a laxity that encourages illegal forest conversion. Finally, the pull of markets can alter the “business plan” of a reserve overnight, as inhabitants switch to new activities. The reality is that we live in a hyperdynamic world of accelerating change in which past assumptions must continually be re-evaluated.
Artesunate Enhances the Cytotoxicity of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Based Sonodynamic Therapy against Mouse Mammary Tumor Cells In Vitro
Authors: Osaki Tomohiro , Uto Yoshihiro , Ishizuka Masahiro , Tanaka Tohru , Yamanaka Nobuyasu , Kurahashi Tsukasa , Azuma Kazuo , Murahata Yusuke , Tsuka Takeshi , Itoh Norihiko , Imagawa Tomohiro , Okamoto Yoshiharu
Published: March 2017

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) kills tumor cells through the synergistic effects of ultrasound (US) and a sonosensitizer agent. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has been used as a sonodynamic sensitizer for cancer treatment. However, studies have shown that 5-ALA-based SDT has limited efficacy against malignant tumors. In this study, we examined whether artesunate (ART) could enhance the cytotoxicity of 5-ALA-based SDT against mouse mammary tumor (EMT-6) cells in vitro. In the ART, ART + US, ART + 5-ALA, and ART + 5-ALA + US groups, the cell survival rate correlated with ART concentration, and decreased with increasing concentrations of ART. Morphologically, many apoptotic and necrotic cells were observed in the ART + 5-ALA + US group. The percentage of reactive oxygen species-positive cells in the ART + 5-ALA + US group was also significantly higher than that in the 5-ALA group (p = 0.0228), and the cell death induced by ART + 5-ALA + US could be inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. These results show that ART offers great potential in enhancing the efficacy of 5-ALA-based SDT for the treatment of cancer. However, these results are only based on in vitro studies, and further in vivo studies are required.
Harnessing Solute Carrier Transporters for Precision Oncology
Authors: Nyquist Michael D. , Prasad Bhagwat , Mostaghel Elahe A.
Published: March 2017

Solute Carrier (SLC) transporters are a large superfamily of transmembrane carriers involved in the regulated transport of metabolites, nutrients, ions and drugs across cellular membranes. A subset of these solute carriers play a significant role in the cellular uptake of many cancer therapeutics, ranging from chemotherapeutics such as antimetabolites, topoisomerase inhibitors, platinum-based drugs and taxanes to targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. SLC transporters are co-expressed in groups and patterns across normal tissues, suggesting they may comprise a coordinated regulatory circuit serving to mediate normal tissue functions. In cancer however, there are dramatic changes in expression patterns of SLC transporters. This frequently serves to feed the increased metabolic demands of the tumor cell for amino acids, nucleotides and other metabolites, but also presents a therapeutic opportunity, as increased transporter expression may serve to increase intracellular concentrations of substrate drugs. In this review, we examine the regulation of drug transporters in cancer and how this impacts therapy response, and discuss novel approaches to targeting therapies to specific cancers via tumor-specific aberrations in transporter expression. We propose that among the oncogenic changes in SLC transporter expression there exist emergent vulnerabilities that can be exploited therapeutically, extending the application of precision medicine from tumor-specific drug targets to tumor-specific determinants of drug uptake.
Nutrition Assessment of B-Vitamins in Highly Active and Sedentary Women
Authors: Woolf Kathleen , Hahn Nicole L. , Christensen Megan M. , Carlson-Phillips Amanda , Hansen Christine M.
Published: March 2017

Background: Female athletes and active women require adequate nutrition for optimal health and performance. Nutrition assessments are needed to identify potential nutrients of concern. Folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 function in important pathways used during physical activity and female athletes may be at risk for poor status of these micronutrients. This cross-sectional study described a comprehensive nutrition assessment of the B-vitamins (folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12) using both dietary (food and dietary supplements) and biochemical assessments among highly active and sedentary women. Methods: Highly active (n = 29; age 20 ± 2 years; body mass index (BMI) 23.8 ± 3.5 kg/m2) and sedentary (n = 29; age 24 ± 3 years; BMI 22.6 ± 3.0 kg/m2) women were recruited for this study. Participants completed 7-day weighed food records and a fasting blood draw. Results: Although the highly active women reported higher intakes of energy (p < 0.01), folate (p < 0.01), vitamin B6 (p < 0.01), and vitamin B12 (p < 0.01), no significant differences were found between the groups for biomarkers of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. All of the highly active women had biomarkers within the desired reference ranges, suggesting good status. In general, most participants were able to meet the 1998 Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) from food alone. For the women that reported using dietary supplements, micronutrient intakes met the 1998 RDA and in some cases, exceeded the Tolerable Upper Intake Level. Conclusion: This nutrition assessment documented good status for folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 in the highly active women. Similar assessment approaches (food, dietary supplements, and biomarkers) should to completed with other nutrients of concern for the female athlete.
Impact of Novel Sorghum Bran Diets on DSS-Induced Colitis
Authors: Ritchie Lauren , Taddeo Stella , Weeks Brad , Carroll Raymond , Dykes Linda , Rooney Lloyd , Turner Nancy
Published: March 2017

We have demonstrated that polyphenol-rich sorghum bran diets alter fecal microbiota; however, little is known regarding their effect on colon inflammation. Our aim was to characterize the effect of sorghum bran diets on intestinal homeostasis during dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 20/diet) were provided diets containing 6% fiber from cellulose, or Black (3-deoxyanthocyanins), Sumac (condensed tannins) or Hi Tannin Black (both) sorghum bran. Colitis was induced (N = 10/diet) with three separate 48-h exposures to 3% DSS, and feces were collected. On Day 82, animals were euthanized and the colon resected. Only discrete mucosal lesions, with no diarrhea or bloody stools, were observed in DSS rats. Only bran diets upregulated proliferation and Tff3, Tgfβ and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) transporter expression after a DSS challenge. DSS did not significantly affect fecal SCFA concentrations. Bran diets alone upregulated repair mechanisms and SCFA transporter expression, which suggests these polyphenol-rich sorghum brans may suppress some consequences of colitis.
SmartFluo: A Method and Affordable Adapter to Measure Chlorophyll a Fluorescence with Smartphones
Authors: Friedrichs Anna , Busch Julia , Van der Woerd Hendrik , Zielinski Oliver
Published: March 2017

In order to increase the monitoring capabilities of inland and coastal waters, there is a need for new, affordable, sensitive and mobile instruments that could be operated semi-automatically in the field. This paper presents a prototype device to measure chlorophyll a fluorescence: the SmartFluo. The device is a combination of a smartphone offering an intuitive operation interface and an adapter implying a cuvette holder, as well as a suitable illumination source. SmartFluo is based on stimulated fluorescence of water constituents such as chlorophyll a. The red band of the digital smartphone camera is sensitive enough to detect quantitatively the characteristic red fluorescence emission. The adapter contains a light source, a strong light emitting diode and additional filters to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio and to suppress the impact of scattering. A novel algorithm utilizing the red band of the camera is provided. Laboratory experiments of the SmartFluo show a linear correlation (R 2 = 0.98) to the chlorophyll a concentrations measured by reference instruments, such as a high-performance benchtop laboratory fluorometer (LS 55, PerkinElmer).
An Effective Terrain Aided Navigation for Low-Cost Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Zhou Ling , Cheng Xianghong , Zhu Yixian , Dai Chenxi , Fu Jinbo
Published: March 2017

Terrain-aided navigation is a potentially powerful solution for obtaining submerged position fixes for autonomous underwater vehicles. The application of terrain-aided navigation with high-accuracy inertial navigation systems has demonstrated meter-level navigation accuracy in sea trials. However, available sensors may be limited depending on the type of the mission. Such limitations, especially for low-grade navigation sensors, not only degrade the accuracy of traditional navigation systems, but further impact the ability to successfully employ terrain-aided navigation. To address this problem, a tightly-coupled navigation is presented to successfully estimate the critical sensor errors by incorporating raw sensor data directly into an augmented navigation system. Furthermore, three-dimensional distance errors are calculated, providing measurement updates through the particle filter for absolute and bounded position error. The development of the terrain aided navigation system is elaborated for a vehicle equipped with a non-inertial-grade strapdown inertial navigation system, a 4-beam Doppler Velocity Log range sensor and a sonar altimeter. Using experimental data for navigation performance evaluation in areas with different terrain characteristics, the experiment results further show that the proposed method can be successfully applied to the low-cost AUVs and significantly improves navigation performance.
Electrodes for Semiconductor Gas Sensors
Authors: Lee Sung
Published: March 2017

The electrodes of semiconductor gas sensors are important in characterizing sensors based on their sensitivity, selectivity, reversibility, response time, and long-term stability. The types and materials of electrodes used for semiconductor gas sensors are analyzed. In addition, the effect of interfacial zones and surface states of electrode–semiconductor interfaces on their characteristics is studied. This study describes that the gas interaction mechanism of the electrode–semiconductor interfaces should take into account the interfacial zone, surface states, image force, and tunneling effect.
Rapid and Low-Cost CRP Measurement by Integrating a Paper-Based Microfluidic Immunoassay with Smartphone (CRP-Chip)
Authors: Dong Meili , Wu Jiandong , Ma Zimin , Peretz-Soroka Hagit , Zhang Michael , Komenda Paul , Tangri Navdeep , Liu Yong , Rigatto Claudio , Lin Francis
Published: March 2017

Traditional diagnostic tests for chronic diseases are expensive and require a specialized laboratory, therefore limiting their use for point-of-care (PoC) testing. To address this gap, we developed a method for rapid and low-cost C-reactive protein (CRP) detection from blood by integrating a paper-based microfluidic immunoassay with a smartphone (CRP-Chip). We chose CRP for this initial development because it is a strong biomarker of prognosis in chronic heart and kidney disease. The microfluidic immunoassay is realized by lateral flow and gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric detection of the target protein. The test image signal is acquired and analyzed using a commercial smartphone with an attached microlens and a 3D-printed chip–phone interface. The CRP-Chip was validated for detecting CRP in blood samples from chronic kidney disease patients and healthy subjects. The linear detection range of the CRP-Chip is up to 2 μg/mL and the detection limit is 54 ng/mL. The CRP-Chip test result yields high reproducibility and is consistent with the standard ELISA kit. A single CRP-Chip can perform the test in triplicate on a single chip within 15 min for less than 50 US cents of material cost. This CRP-Chip with attractive features of low-cost, fast test speed, and integrated easy operation with smartphones has the potential to enable future clinical PoC chronic disease diagnosis and risk stratification by parallel measurements of a panel of protein biomarkers.
Minimized Bolus-Type Wireless Sensor Node with a Built-In Three-Axis Acceleration Meter for Monitoring a Cow’s Rumen Conditions
Authors: Nogami Hirofumi , Arai Shozo , Okada Hironao , Zhan Lan , Itoh Toshihiro
Published: March 2017

Monitoring rumen conditions in cows is important because a dysfunctional rumen system may cause death. Sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is a typical disease in cows, and is characterized by repeated periods of low ruminal pH. SARA is regarded as a trigger for rumen atony, rumenitis, and abomasal displacement, which may cause death. In previous studies, rumen conditions were evaluated by wireless sensor nodes with pH measurement capability. The primary advantage of the pH sensor is its ability to continuously measure ruminal pH. However, these sensor nodes have short lifetimes since they are limited by the finite volume of the internal liquid of the reference electrode. Mimicking rumen atony, we attempt to evaluate the rumen condition using wireless sensor nodes with three-axis accelerometers. The theoretical life span of such sensor nodes depends mainly on the transmission frequency of acceleration data and the size of the battery, and the proposed sensor nodes are 30.0 mm in diameter and 70.0 mm in length and have a life span of over 600 days. Using the sensor nodes, we compare the rumen motility of the force transducer measurement with the three-axis accelerometer data. As a result, we can detect discriminative movement of rumen atony.
Intelligent Diagnosis Method for Rotating Machinery Using Dictionary Learning and Singular Value Decomposition
Authors: Han Te , Jiang Dongxiang , Zhang Xiaochen , Sun Yankui
Published: March 2017

Rotating machinery is widely used in industrial applications. With the trend towards more precise and more critical operating conditions, mechanical failures may easily occur. Condition monitoring and fault diagnosis (CMFD) technology is an effective tool to enhance the reliability and security of rotating machinery. In this paper, an intelligent fault diagnosis method based on dictionary learning and singular value decomposition (SVD) is proposed. First, the dictionary learning scheme is capable of generating an adaptive dictionary whose atoms reveal the underlying structure of raw signals. Essentially, dictionary learning is employed as an adaptive feature extraction method regardless of any prior knowledge. Second, the singular value sequence of learned dictionary matrix is served to extract feature vector. Generally, since the vector is of high dimensionality, a simple and practical principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to reduce dimensionality. Finally, the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm is adopted for identification and classification of fault patterns automatically. Two experimental case studies are investigated to corroborate the effectiveness of the proposed method in intelligent diagnosis of rotating machinery faults. The comparison analysis validates that the dictionary learning-based matrix construction approach outperforms the mode decomposition-based methods in terms of capacity and adaptability for feature extraction.
Trust Model of Wireless Sensor Networks and Its Application in Data Fusion
Authors: Chen Zhenguo , Tian Liqin , Lin Chuang
Published: March 2017

In order to ensure the reliability and credibility of the data in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), this paper proposes a trust evaluation model and data fusion mechanism based on trust. First of all, it gives the model structure. Then, the calculation rules of trust are given. In the trust evaluation model, comprehensive trust consists of three parts: behavior trust, data trust, and historical trust. Data trust can be calculated by processing the sensor data. Based on the behavior of nodes in sensing and forwarding, the behavior trust is obtained. The initial value of historical trust is set to the maximum and updated with comprehensive trust. Comprehensive trust can be obtained by weighted calculation, and then the model is used to construct the trust list and guide the process of data fusion. Using the trust model, simulation results indicate that energy consumption can be reduced by an average of 15%. The detection rate of abnormal nodes is at least 10% higher than that of the lightweight and dependable trust system (LDTS) model. Therefore, this model has good performance in ensuring the reliability and credibility of the data. Moreover, the energy consumption of transmitting was greatly reduced.
Urban Policies and Mobility Trends in Italian Smart Cities
Authors: Pinna Francesco , Masala Francesca , Garau Chiara
Published: March 2017

This study uses indicators to evaluate the progress made by Italian cities in the smart mobility sector, in order to understand how these cities have approached the new guidelines imposed by the European Union, and how they have implemented the European changes. Specifically, this study analyses the evolution of public transportation systems, using a sample of twenty-two Italian cities for three successive time periods (2005, 2010, and 2015). The outcomes identified are then linked to funding provided for the implementation of projects related to smart mobility in the cities studied, in order to verify possible correlations between the growth of these services and European and national financial investments. The data analysis shows remarkable progress in the field of sustainable mobility, especially between 2010 and 2015 as well as how this progress is linked to significant financial support that favours the realization of projects related to smart mobility.
E-Waste Supply Chain in Mexico: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Management
Authors: Cruz-Sotelo Samantha , Ojeda-Benítez Sara , Jáuregui Sesma Jorge , Velázquez-Victorica Karla , Santillán-Soto Néstor , García-Cueto O. , Alcántara Concepción Víctor , Alcántara Camilo
Published: March 2017

Electronic waste is a widespread environmental problem. From all waste streams, e-waste is registering one of the largest growing rates (between 3% and 5%). In Mexico, the e-waste recovery system comprises a mix of formal and informal sectors not well known to date. The goal of this article was to analyze electronic waste in Mexico through the active actors in the recovery chain. This article presents the evolution of studies on electronic waste in Mexico. The legal regulations and public policies were analyzed, as were the existing practices of electronic waste handling, and some challenges facing this country for waste flow management. A management model is proposed which highlights components that must be considered in the model and the opportunities and challenges to transition from an unbundled handling, which still has practices that lack environmental and technical support, to sustainable management.
Structure and Superstructures in Complex Social Systems
Authors: Nescolarde-Selva Josué Antonio , Usó-Doménech José Luis , Gash Hugh
Published: March 2017

In classical sociology, there is a sharp separation between the superstructure reflecting cultural ideals and the concrete Structural Base (SB). The authors hypothesize a Doxical Superstructure (DS) in its own space at a higher level, containing concepts such as completeness, necessity and possibility associated with abstract concepts like beliefs, ethics, knowledge, relations and science. The DS or image (DS-image) is defined as the “explanation” (for the Subject-agent) of the Structural Base. A Mythical Superstructure (MS) is defined as a third superstructure. An analysis is carried out on the Structural Base. Concepts or denotative significances (d-significances) are defined for SB deontic relations. Alethic properties (existence, completeness, possibility and necessity) and deontic properties (permission, obligation and choice) of deontic relations are introduced, defined, and examined in relation to the Ideological Doxical Superstructure (IDS), including Meinong objects (thoughts, feelings and desires).
The Not So Simple Globular Cluster ω Cen. I. Spatial Distribution of the Multiple Stellar Populations∗
Authors: Calamida A. , Strampelli G. , Rest A. , Bono G. , Ferraro I. , Saha A. , Iannicola G. , Scolnic D. , James D. , Smith C. , Zenteno A.
Published: March 2017

We present a multi-band photometric catalog of ≈1.7 million cluster members for a field of view of ≈2° × 2° across ω Cen. Photometry is based on images collected with the Dark Energy Camera on the 4 m Blanco telescope and the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the Hubble Space Telescope. The unprecedented photometric accuracy and field coverage allowed us, for the first time, to investigate the spatial distribution of ω Cen multiple populations from the core to the tidal radius, confirming its very complex structure. We found that the frequency of blue main-sequence stars is increasing compared to red main-sequence stars starting from a distance of ≈25′ from the cluster center. Blue main-sequence stars also show a clumpy spatial distribution, with an excess in the northeast quadrant of the cluster pointing toward the direction of the Galactic center. Stars belonging to the reddest and faintest red-giant branch also show a more extended spatial distribution in the outskirts of ω Cen, a region never explored before. Both these stellar sub-populations, according to spectroscopic measurements, are more metal-rich compared to the cluster main stellar population. These findings, once confirmed, make ω Cen the only stellar system currently known where metal-rich stars have a more extended spatial distribution compared to metal-poor stars. Kinematic and chemical abundance measurements are now needed for stars in the external regions of ω Cen to better characterize the properties of these sub-populations.
Spectral Energy Distribution and Radio Halo of NGC 253 at Low Radio Frequencies
Authors: Kapińska A. D. , Staveley-Smith L. , Crocker R. , Meurer G. R. , Bhandari S. , Hurley-Walker N. , Offringa A. R. , Hanish D. J. , Seymour N. , Ekers R. D. , Bell M. E. , Callingham J. R. , Dwarakanath K. S. , For B.-Q. , Gaensler B. M. , Hancock P. J. , Hindson L. , Johnston-Hollitt M. , Lenc E. , McKinley B. , Morgan J. , Procopio P. , Wayth R. B. , Wu C. , Zheng Q. , Barry N. , Beardsley A. P. , Bowman J. D. , Briggs F. , Carroll P. , Dillon J. S. , Ewall-Wice A. , Feng L. , Greenhill L. J. , Hazelton B. J. , Hewitt J. N. , Jacobs D. J. , Kim H.-S. , Kittiwisit P. , Line J. , Loeb A. , Mitchell D. A. , Morales M. F. , Neben A. R. , Paul S. , Pindor B. , Pober J. C. , Riding J. , Sethi S. K. , Shankar N. Udaya , Subrahmanyan R. , Sullivan I. S. , Tegmark M. , Thyagarajan N. , Tingay S. J. , Trott C. M. , Webster R. L. , Wyithe S. B. , Cappallo R. J. , Deshpande A. A. , Kaplan D. L. , Lonsdale C. J. , McWhirter S. R. , Morgan E. , Oberoi D. , Ord S. M. , Prabu T. , Srivani K. S. , Williams A. , Williams C. L.
Published: March 2017

We present new radio continuum observations of NGC 253 from the Murchison Widefield Array at frequencies between 76 and 227 MHz. We model the broadband radio spectral energy distribution for the total flux density of NGC 253 between 76 MHz and 11 GHz. The spectrum is best described as a sum of a central starburst and extended emission. The central component, corresponding to the inner 500 pc of the starburst region of the galaxy, is best modeled as an internally free–free absorbed synchrotron plasma, with a turnover frequency around 230 MHz. The extended emission component of the spectrum of NGC 253 is best described as a synchrotron emission flattening at low radio frequencies. We find that 34% of the extended emission (outside the central starburst region) at 1 GHz becomes partially absorbed at low radio frequencies. Most of this flattening occurs in the western region of the southeast halo, and may be indicative of synchrotron self-absorption of shock-reaccelerated electrons or an intrinsic low-energy cutoff of the electron distribution. Furthermore, we detect the large-scale synchrotron radio halo of NGC 253 in our radio images. At 154–231 MHz the halo displays the well known X-shaped/horn-like structure, and extends out to ∼8 kpc in the z-direction (from the major axis).
What Lists of Subscribers Can Tell Us: the Cases of Giacob Basevi Cervetto’s Opp. 1 and 2
Authors: Talbot Michael
Published: March 2017

The Veronese cellist and composer Giacob (Jacob) Basevi Cervetto (c.1690–1783), was the first musician of Jewish birth to achieve success in Britain after the Resettlement of the seventeenth century. The subscription lists for his first two published collections (c. 1740 and 1748, respectively) illustrate the strategies by which he won acceptance within and beyond his adoptive country. Included in the article is a discussion of the nature and significance of publishing music by subscription in eighteenth-century Britain.
Georg Knoff’s Collection in Gdańsk: Remarks on Collecting and Disseminating Printed Music
Authors: Gancarczyk Paweł
Published: March 2017

Georg Knoff, a patrician from Gdańsk, amassed towards the end of the sixteenth century a collection of 267 music prints, the majority of them originating from Venice. The author puts forward the hypothesis that Knoff obtained the editions by making use of direct contacts with Italy. The aim of the collection was not so much to provide repertory for performance as to emphasize Knoff’s social status.
Following the Trail of Musical Manuscripts and Prints
Authors: Koter Darja
Published: March 2017

The paper focuses on issues concerned with the heritage of historical music manuscripts and prints, along with their use and dissemination in the wider European area, as well as the activities and musical mission of
the Dominican and Minorite monasteries in Ptuj (Pettau, Petovio). Both monastic orders were once exceptionally important and maintained
strong connections with European spiritual movements. They preserved works on music theory, liturgical books and some sheet music, which has enabled a more detailed insight into the musical culture of monastic communities and into the transcultural influences that resulted from the multi-directional migrations of friars among various European monasteries in the past.
The Effect of Switching the Order of Experimental Teaching in the Study of Simple Gravity Pendulum – A Study with Junior High-school Learners
Authors: Tsihouridis Charilaos , Vavougios Dennis , Ioannidis George
Published: March 2017

The present study focuses on the educational value of lab work while teaching and learning Physics. Specifically, it investigates and compares the learning outcomes between three different experimental groups, in the study of the Simple Gravity Pendulum in the lower secondary school, using a sample of 61 students aged 14-15. The first group comprising 25 students practiced first on virtual and then on real lab, while the second group of 24, first on real and then on virtual lab (change of order in the tasks).An additional third group, involving 12 students, used sensors and data loggers during experimental practice. The educationally optimum order of use of such labs is investigated herein. The learners exploited the capabilities of the lab equipment, in that they themselves designed, constructed, and analysed the simple gravity pendulum. The focus in the teaching and learning of the pendulum was on examining subject relevance in the context of everyday applications, the independency of the period from the mass of the bob, or the amplitude, and the dependence of the period from the pendulum length, and the local acceleration of gravity. The research tools used were a stabilised questionnaire, with 16 closed-type questions and 7 questions asking for a justifying answer, in addition to a semi-structured interview. Data were taken and were appropriately analysed and compared, and conclusions are presented herein. The results confirmed that concerning some teaching objectives, learners’ understanding is positively affected by the order the real and the virtual labs are used in teaching. This result applies when addressing this age-group, and when teaching the simple gravity pendulum
diffMOOC: Differentiated Learning Paths Through the Use of Differentiated Instruction within MOOC
Authors: Tahiri Jihane Sophia , Bennani Samir , Khalidi Idrissi Mohamed
Published: March 2017

Diversifying learning practices and situations helps learners to better regulate their learning with deep understanding, which improves learning outcomes. Accordingly, this paper presents our vision of a differentiation system of learning paths within MOOC. Promising beginning point for this vision would be to determine new factors that directly affect the success rate. Then, we introduce the theoretical framework of differentiated instruction, which represents the key component of the proposed system. Finally, we implement some key concepts in differentiation and some techniques for assigning learners into groups in order to differentiate learning paths. The main purpose of the proposed contribution is to optimize learning situations of each learner according to his needs. As a result reducing the proportion of learners in a situation of failure and thereby improving the success rate.
Ethics
Authors: Ivascu Natalia S. , Tabaie Sheida , Meltzer Ellen C.
Published: March 2017

In all areas of medicine physicians are confronted with a myriad ethical problems. It is important that intensivists are well versed on ethical issues that commonly arise in the critical care setting. This chapter will serve to provide a review of common topics, including informed consent, decision-making capacity, and surrogate decision-making. It will also highlight special circumstances related to cardiac surgical critical care, including ethical concerns associated with emerging technologies in cardiac care.
Diversifying Clinical Research Participants
Authors: Akhtar Saliha , Israel Cynthia , D'Abundo Michelle Lee
Published: March 2017

The diversification of clinical trial participants to include women and minorities is one of the biggest challenges for the clinical research industry. The lack of diversity in clinical trials prevents the tailoring of healthcare interventions specifically for women and minorities. The purpose of this chapter is to explore how health information technology and online strategies can be applied in the clinical trial research process to increase the recruitment and retention of women and minorities in clinical trials. By examining this issue from both the individual (participant) and clinical stakeholder perspective, appropriate strategies utilizing available technology are proposed. In the health care environment, strategies to diversify clinical trial participants include the secondary use of Electronic Health Records, and disease registries, as well as e-learning to raise awareness and train health professionals and clinical trial staff. In order to recruit diverse participant populations, the use of online advertising, social media, e-newsletters, tablets, smartphones, and apps are detailed. Lessons from previous use of technology in recruitment are outlined as well as future trends. In summary, while there are recognized challenges to implementation, the current health information technology and online strategies available seem promising as methods of increasing the participation of women and minorities in clinical trials.
Privacy-Friendly Management of Electronic Health Records in the eHealth Context
Authors: Milutinovic Milica , De Decker Bart
Published: March 2017

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are becoming the ubiquitous technology for managing patients' records in many countries. They allow for easier transfer and analysis of patient data on a large scale. However, privacy concerns linked to this technology are emerging. Namely, patients rarely fully understand how EHRs are managed. Additionally, the records are not necessarily stored within the organization where the patient is receiving her healthcare. This service may be delegated to a remote provider, and it is not always clear which health-provisioning entities have access to this data. Therefore, in this chapter the authors propose an alternative where users can keep and manage their records in their existing eHealth systems. The approach is user-centric and enables the patients to have better control over their data while still allowing for special measures to be taken in case of emergency situations with the goal of providing the required care to the patient.
The Value of Measuring Patient Engagement in Healthcare
Authors: Graffigna Guendalina , Barello Serena
Published: March 2017

The concept of patient engagement offers a unique opportunity to inform our understanding of patients' ability to be active in managing their care. However, unless promoting the active role of patients is today identified as a priority to promote care quality, a wide debate still exists on how to translate this principle into practice and how to assess initiatives aimed at increasing the level of patient participation in their care. Measuring patient engagement along the care course might ensure that the medical care truly serves patients' needs, priorities, and preferences. Unless the measurement of patient engagement is today a big issue for policy makers and healthcare practitioners, only few scientifically validated assessment tools currently exist to identify patients' level of involvement in their healthcare. In this chapter authors review the main validated tools currently available in the scientific community devoted to assess the patients' ability and availability to be actively engaged in their care, with a particular focus on the recently developed Patient Health Engagement Scale, specifically designed to assess the emotional and psychological adaptation of patients along their care process and their level of engagement in the healthcare management.
Enhancing Intercultural Competency Though Co-Curricular Activities in Higher Education
Authors: Green Wendy M. , De Cruz Valerie
Published: March 2017

In response to increasing student diversity, universities have begun to implement programs that provide experiences so that students may expand their understanding of cultural differences. This chapter focuses on the implementation of inter-cultural programming in a large university in the northeastern United States. The university is highly-selective, draws students globally, and diversity is evident across racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, national, and religious identities. This chapter focuses on three signature programs and examines the programs' underlying theoretical frameworks, program implementation, and program outcomes. Each program is presented as a case and program evaluation data is utilized to understand the learning process. The advocacy group is the subject of a mixed methods research project and preliminary data will be presented. The chapter includes a discussion of best practices and links theoretical approaches to practice.
L'hexagone?
Authors: Train Sue , Wilks Catherine
Published: March 2017

In this chapter the authors seek to investigate how undergraduates in French translation classes can be taught to identify and move beyond their own individual cultural identities to improve intercultural and linguistic competences. Language students must “reflect on the world and themselves through the lens of another language and culture” (MLA, 2007). The authors confirm their observations, that students are unaware of cultural assumptions made when transferring lexical items from one language to another, through a series of studies. These documented studies inform strategies they develop to help students attain the high level of intercultural and linguistic competences expected. The authors discuss how the diversity of student identity has an impact on cultural approaches to translation. The authors draw on Iceberg theory (Hall, 1976) and Byram, Kramsch and Olk's work. They review methodologies including the translation of specific lexical items and also back translation. They analyse the resulting data and conclude with further points for reflection and potential methodologies.
Effect of Molding Pressure on Densification of Al2O3/Al Cermet Materials
Authors: Wang Rui Hua , Wang Xiu Qin , Dong Shuang , Niu Ning , Chang Du Juan , Yu Chun Feng , Song Jie Guang , Li Shi Bin
Published: March 2017

Cermet materials is a important new engineering materials with the advantages of ceramics and metal materials. The Al2O3/Al cermet materials is prepared via the powder metallurgy method, the effect of sintering technology on properties of Al2O3/Al cermet materials is researched in this paper, which lay the base for preparing the high performance cermet materials. The results are shown through the study, the denstity of cermet is increased with an increasing moliding pressure, the sample density is 2.084g/cm3 as the pressure for 40MPa and the sintering temperature at 600¡æ, the density is higher, that is to say it is highest performance, the distribution of aluminum and alumina is most uniform. When the sintering temperature is higher, howerver, the molding pressure is lower, the lower density of the sample is shown, the aluminum is easier to overflow the surface of the sample.
Effect of Auxiliary on the Dispersibility of ZrB2 Powder in the Liquid
Authors: Song Jie Guang , Wang Xiu Qin , Liu Long Tao , Li Zhi Hui , Deng Ru Xin , Zhao Shuo , Zhou Qiu Min , Li Shi Bin , Chen Lin
Published: March 2017

The composite ZrB2 powder coated A12O3-Y2O3 prepared by co-precipitation method were densified via the spark plasma sintering (SPS) and then researched the oxidation resistance at high temperature. ZrB2 powder must have the better dispersibility during the coating processing for obtaining the better coating effect. Effect of dispersant on the dispersibility of ZrB2 powder in the liquid is researched in this paper, the results show ZrB2 powder have the better dispersibility as the dispersant for PMAA and the content for 2vol%, which lay foundation for synthsising the better coating effect coated A12O3-Y2O3-ZrB2 composite powder.
Effect of Annealing on Valence Electronic States Related to Mn Ions of La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 Films
Authors: Pan Rui Kun , Li Yang , Fang Fan , Cao Wan Qiang , He Yun Bin
Published: March 2017

La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) films were prepared on SrTiO3 single-crystal substrates by the pulsed laser deposition method. X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) were measured for the LSMO films as-prepared and annealed in vacuum, respectively. Multiple peak fitting for Mn 2p3/2 XPS spectra shows that Mn3+ and Mn4+ proportionally decrease on the surface of the LSMO film annealed in vacuum compared with the as-prepared film. And the saturation magnetization (Ms) slightly decreases. Analysis indicates that a small amount of Mn2+, as surface defects of LSMO films, hardly changed after vacuum annealing. The total of Mn3+, Mn4+ and the low-binding energy peak (LEP) remains unchanged before and after annealing in vacuum, which suggests that LEP should be related with Mn3+ and Mn4+ when the magnetic properties are considered.
Growth of Single Crystalline TiO2 Nanorods as a Photoanode for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Kim Chang Woo , Ji So Hyun , Kang Dong In , Kang Young Soo
Published: March 2017

Single crystal TiO2 nanorod (TNR), aligned vertically and packed with the length up to 10 μm on the surface of FTO glass, are prepared hydrothermal method, without any surfactant materials. By adjusting reaction time and concentration of titanium precursor solution, the morphology of TNRs is controlled and result in 20-50 nm of diameters, 4-10 μm length and the inter-distance between TNRs are approximately 3.8 nm. Morphology-controlled TNR arrays are applied to a photoanode in photovoltaic cell. photo-conversion efficiency of Packed TNRs with 10 μm length reached 4.2%.
Luminescent Properties and Thermometry of CaWO4:Nd3+ in Near Infrared Region
Authors: Wang Rong Xue , Luo Xiao Bing
Published: March 2017

CaWO4: xNd3+ (x = 0.005, 0.008, 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025 0.03) powders have been synthesized by high-temperature solid state reaction. The results of the XRD indicate that Nd3+ ions have entered into the crystal lattice in all compounds successfully. The reflectance spectra show that the matrix has strong absorption. The emission spectra, excitation spectra and different lifetimes between CaWO4 and CaWO4: 0.5% Nd3+ indicate that efficient energy transfer occurs from WO42- cluster to Nd3+ ions. On the basis of the above work, the dependence of fluorescent spectra on temperature was studied. It turned out that, not only the excitation spectra appeared red shift with increasing temperature, but also the dependence of the near infrared fluorescent intensity on temperature is fitting with a linear function. It might be served as a promising phosphor for temperature sensor device.
Correlation of Steel Yield Stress and Ultimate Strength - Monte Carlo Simulation via Non-Gaussian Random Variables
Authors: Konečný Petr
Published: March 2017

This paper describes a Monte Carlo simulation of the correlated steel characteristics of yield stress and ultimate strength of steel S235 grade from Northern Moravia region in the Czech Republic. Their joint distribution is described by a correlation index and frequency histograms. The paper step-by-step describes simulation process of the transformation of a correlated Gaussian joint distribution to a general joint distribution, because the yield stress as well as ultimate steel strength random parameters do not follow a Gaussian distribution. Their marginal distribution can be easily described by a suitable parametric distribution or frequency histogram suitable for use with the Simulation-based Reliability Assessment method (SBRA). Describing joint distributions of non-Gaussian processes is overcome by application of fractile correlation.
Casting of Clad Strip of Al-SiCp, Magnesium Alloy Hard-Brittle Light Material by a Twin Roll Caster
Authors: Haga Toshio , Okamura Kentaro , Watari Hisaki , Nishida Shinichi
Published: March 2017

Casting of clad strip consisting of Al-30vol%SiCp and 1070 aluminum alloy, and clad strip consisting of AM60 magnesium alloy and AZ121 magnesium alloy was carried out in an oxidizing atmosphere by two types of twin roll casters. One was the vertical type twin roll caster equipped with a scraper and the other was the melt drag type vertical type twin roll caster, both operating at a speed of 30 m/min and a roll load of 0.2 kN/mm. The clad strip of the aluminum alloys could be cast by both twin roll casters. The clad strip of the magnesium alloys could be cast only by the vertical caster equipped with a scraper. The clad strips were bonded strongly at the interface in spite of the high roll speed and the low roll load.
Researches on the Temperature Field during the Process of Reparation by Laser Cladding through Simulation and Experiments
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Fu Wei , Deng Qi Lin
Published: March 2017

During the laser cladding process, temperature field is an issue worth thorough research. An optimized temperature field can not only ensure the high metallurgical bonding strength between the cladding layer and the substrate, but also can produce relatively mild thermal deformation for the parts to be repaired. This work theoretically analyzes the temperature field during the cladding process and validate the analysis through the microstructure of the cladding layer.
Properties Analysis of CIIR/HBP-OMMT Damping Composites
Authors: Nan Zi Jing , Li Zhi Jie , Wang Jin Cheng
Published: March 2017

With the rapid development of modern technology and industry, new high-damping materials with comprehensive performance were expected to be invented. Initially, the stress relaxing performance of CIIR/HBP-OMMT composites was investigated. Then, the solvent resistance, crosslinking density, and anti-aging properties of these composites were tested and analyzed. Results demonstrated that this organoclay may improve the damping together with other physical properties of these composites.
Fabrications of Black Aesthetic Zirconia Ceramics Using Perovskite Pigment
Authors: Qiu Ling Yu , Du Kai Xuan , Wang Ling , Xiong Yan
Published: March 2017

A novel perovskite-structured black pigment was synthesized for the fabrication of black aesthetic zirconia ceramics. The influences of pigment content and sintering parameters on the density, mechanical strength and chroma of final black zirconia ceramics were investigated. The results showed that the doping content of black agent should be not less than 2.5 wt.% to yield sufficient blackness. The optimal sintering temperatures for the fabrication of black zirconia were 1400~1450 °C. Higher sintering temperatures would result in the decomposing black agent, consequently decreasing the density, chroma and mechanical strength of final products. The black zirconia ceramics with 2.5 wt.% doping agent prepared at 1450 °C yielded the final density of 6.02 g/cm3 and bending strength of 960±30 MPa. The L, a and b values of the black zirconia were 48, -0.12 and 0.25, respectively.