bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of the Initial English Language Learner Classification on Students’ Later Academic Outcomes
Authors: Shin Nami
Published: November 2017

Despite federal and state laws and regulations that require states and local districts to provide English language learners (ELLs) with support services, prior research has indicated that ELLs are, in general, lagging behind non-ELLs in academic achievement. An unanswered question is whether the initial designation of students as ELL influences their later academic achievement and how. Using a regression discontinuity design, this study compares the outcomes for students near the cutoff for being initially classified as ELL and initially fluent English proficient (IFEP) students. Among students near the cutoff, the classification had significant positive effects on ELLs’ academic achievement in elementary grades and, to some extent, in the later grades.
Effect of Catheter Gauge on the Success of Intravenous Catheter Placement by Veterinary Students
Authors: Hofmeister Erik H. , Quandt Jane
Published: November 2017

The purposes of this study were to determine if senior veterinary students find it easier to place a smaller-bore catheter, and to relate patient variables with student success in catheter placement. For dogs between 10 kg and 20 kg, the catheter size options were 20 gauge or 22 gauge. For dogs larger than 20 kg, the catheter size options were 18 gauge or 20 gauge. Variables recorded included time for catheter placement, number of catheterization attempts, number of catheters used, number of legs used, difficulty of catheterization, student success, and patient characteristics including signalment, weight, body condition score, premedication drugs given, tentative diagnosis, and procedure. If the student could not place an IV catheter after three attempts, it was graded as a student catheter placement failure. For the 55 students participating in the study over 28 months, we recorded 192 individual catheterization attempts. In small patients, students were successful in 19/20 attempts with 22-gauge catheters and in 24/30 with 20-gauge catheters. In large patients, students were successful in 59/68 attempts with 20-gauge catheters and 61/74 with 18-gauge catheters. The overall success rate was 164/192 (85%). Students were more likely to be successful when attempting placement in those dogs receiving acepromazine than in those not receiving acepromazine (p=.02). There were no significant differences among any of the other variables for difficulty, placement time, number of attempts, or student success. Clinicians and educators may select a size catheter for the patient without concern for the effects on student catheter placement success.
Clinical Reasoning by Veterinary Students in the First-Opinion Setting: Is It Encouraged? Is It Practiced?
Authors: Humm Karen R. , May Stephen A.
Published: November 2017

A mixed-methods study was performed to investigate the perceived importance and efficacy of teaching clinical reasoning (CR) skills among students and faculty in a university first-opinion veterinary practice, as this has not previously been described. Qualitative analysis of interview data, discussing objectives and factors considered important for effective learning and the understanding of CR, was performed alongside quantitative analysis of the Preceptor Thinking-Promotion Scale (PTPS) and the Learner Thinking-Behavior Scale (LTBS) (assessing the level of CR encouraged by clinicians and displayed by students) in peri-consultation discussions. Themes that emerged from analysis of the interviews regarding objectives included the desire to develop data acquisition and the need to improve data manipulation and CR. Themes associated with effective learning were a positive student-centered learning environment and feedback. Type II CR was fairly well described, but recognition of the importance of type I CR was poor among clinicians and students and, in some instances, was deemed to be inappropriate. Although many clinicians and students expressed a desire to develop student CR, there was little evidence of this actually occurring in the interactions analyzed, with low PTPS and LTBS scores achieved. There was also poor understanding of whether effective teaching of CR had occurred, demonstrated by a lack of correlation between LTBS and the interaction score for development of student CR. Further training of clinicians and students of the value of type I CR in first-opinion practice is required, as well as clinician education in how best to support the development of CR in students.
Virtual Microscopy in Histopathology Training: Changing Student Attitudes in 3 Successive Academic Years
Authors: Bertram Christof A. , Firsching Theresa , Klopfleisch Robert
Published: November 2017

Several veterinary faculties have integrated virtual microscopy into their curricula in recent years to improve and refine their teaching techniques. The many advantages of this recent technology are described in the literature, including remote access and an equal and constant slide quality for all students. However, no study has analyzed the change of perception toward virtual microscopy at different time points of students' academic educations. In the present study, veterinary students in 3 academic years were asked for their perspectives and attitudes toward virtual microscopy and conventional light microscopy. Third-, fourth-, and fifth-year veterinary students filled out a questionnaire with 12 questions. The answers revealed that virtual microscopy was overall well accepted by students of all academic years. Most students even suggested that virtual microscopy be implemented more extensively as the modality for final histopathology examinations. Nevertheless, training in the use of light microscopy and associated skills was surprisingly well appreciated. Regardless of their academic year, most students considered these skills important and necessary, and they felt that light microscopy should not be completely replaced. The reasons for this view differed depending on academic year, as the perceived main disadvantage of virtual microscopy varied. Third-year students feared that they would not acquire sufficient light microscopy skills. Fifth-year students considered technical difficulties (i.e., insufficient transmission speed) to be the main disadvantage of this newer teaching modality.
Instandhaltungsmanagement für die Fabrik der Zukunft
Authors: März Markus
Published: November 2017

Kurzfassung

Die Anlagenintensität nimmt zu, Maschinen und Roboter bestimmen gemeinsam mit den Menschen die industrielle Wertschöpfung. Das erhöht auch den Stellenwert der Instandhaltung. Der vorliegende Beitrag „Maintenance 4.0 – Instandhaltungsmanagement für die Fabrik der Zukunft“ zeigt, wie eine weiterentwickelte Instandhaltung zur technischen Basis und zum Effizienzmotor in der Industrieproduktion wird. Er beleuchtet dabei die Handlungsfelder Predictive Maintenance, Mobile Instandhaltung und Asset Innovation.
Work-by-Inclusion – Inklusives Informationssystem für die Kommissionierung mittels Datenbrille
Authors: vom Stein Antti Matthias , Günthner Willibald A.
Published: November 2017

Kurzfassung

Die Kommissionierung ist eine der zentralen Aufgaben der Logistik. In der manuellen Kommissionierung erhält der Arbeiter über das Informationssystem als Teilkomponente des Kommissioniersystems notwendige Arbeitsanweisungen. Bei der am Lehrstuhl für Fördertechnik Materialfluss Logistik (fml) der Technischen Universität München (TUM) entwickelten Technologie Pick-by-Vision werden dem Kommissionierer relevante Informationen mittels einer Datenbrille direkt im Blickfeld zur Verfügung gestellt. Im mittlerweile dritten Forschungsprojekt zu der Technologie, Work-by-Inclusion, wird nun neben dem Praxiseinsatz ein Fokus auf die Inklusion von hörbehinderten Mitarbeitern gesetzt.
Smart Factory Assessment (SFA)
Authors: Rößler Markus Philipp , Haschemi Mehdiyar
Published: November 2017

Kurzfassung

Eine zielgerichtete Verbesserung von Produktions- und Logistiksystemen in Richtung der sogenannten Smarten Fabrik erfordert zunächst eine strukturierte Erfassung, Bewertung und Darstellung des Ist-Zustands hinsichtlich Lean und Industrie 4.0. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde das Smart Factory Assessment (SFA) entwickelt, an zahlreichen globalen Fertigungsstandorten angewandt und validiert. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die Methodik, Auszüge eines Praxisbeispiels sowie erzielte Erkenntnisse vorgestellt und reflektiert. Das aus zwölf Kategorien bestehende Experten-Assessments ermöglicht die Definition konkreter Verbesserungspfade in Richtung Lean- und Industrie-4.0-Exzellenz – ein Wegbereiter für die Smarte Fabrik.
Gute digitale Assistenz in der Produktion
Authors: Keller Thimo , Metternich Joachim
Published: November 2017

Kurzfassung

Mit der zunehmenden Digitalisierung ändern sich auch in industriellen Produktionsumgebungen die Arbeitsinhalte und das Arbeitsumfeld der Beschäftigten. Unter Berücksichtigung der Mitarbeiterbedürfnisse und der betrieblichen Interessen stellt sich die Frage, wie eine leistungsförderliche Arbeitsplatzgestaltung aussehen soll. In Zusammenarbeit zwischen Forschung und Industrie entwickelt und erprobt das Forschungsprojekt IntAKom konstruktive Ansätze guter digitaler Assistenz in der Produktion.
Zero Inventory – ein überholtes Konzept?
Authors: Heim Edgar , Miszak Frederik , Lustenberger Michael
Published: November 2017

Kurzfassung

Das ‚Zero Inventory‘-Konzept postuliert, dass Unternehmen mit tiefen Lagerbeständen bessere finanzielle Ergebnisse erzielen. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht insgesamt 5.735 Geschäftsjahre mitteleuropäischer Industrieunternehmen auf den Zusammenhang zwischen Lagerbestand und Unternehmenserfolg. Die Resultate widersprechen dem ‚Zero Inventory‘-Konzept und zeigen, dass Unternehmen mit tiefen Lagerbeständen signifikant schlechtere finanzielle Ergebnisse erwirtschaften, als Unternehmen mit mittlerem und hohem Lagerbestand.
Fracture of an Industrial Steam Turbine Horizontal Joint Nut Upon Tightening
Authors: Fischer B. , Giller M. , Neidel A. , Riesenbeck S.
Published: November 2017

The nut of a horizontal joint fastener cracked upon tightening during assembly in an industrial steam turbine factory. It was previously used in an over-pressure test, but was otherwise not yet used in service. Nut and bolt were made of the nickel-based superalloy Nimonic 80A, a precipitation-hardenable wrought high-strength alloy with excellent creep and corrosion properties. Such alloys usually get a complex heat treatment after hot-rolling, comprising homogenizing and multiple ageing cycles. The subject nut failed due to an extreme case of mixed grain size which detrimentally affected mechanical properties and was attributed to an insufficient degree of deformation during hot rolling.
Carless or Car Later?: Declining Car Ownership of Millennial Households in the Puget Sound Region, Washington State
Authors: Zhong Laitian , Lee Bumsoo
Published: November 2017

Driving has been declining since the mid-2000s after six decades of constant growth, and millennials are allegedly leading the trend. This study investigates the decline of car mobility by using vehicle ownership data in the Puget Sound region of Washington State, where transit ridership is increasing faster than in most other large metropolitan areas. Poisson regression and simple simulation results show that millennial-specific impacts such as changing location and mobility preferences were associated with about 15% to 32% of the reduction in car ownership by young adults between 2002 and 2014; this impact is comparable to the effect of sociodemographic shifts (20% to 28%) and the impact of lowering income and employment (16% to 24%). The combination of the increasing influence of urban form and the increasing share of young adults living in compact neighborhoods was associated with the remaining 6% to 7% of the change. These findings suggest that declining car mobility observed in the past decade or so is likely to persist in coming decades, and the trend will be reinforced where smart growth policies to make more livable and sustainable cities receive further momentum.
Estimation of New Monetary Valuations of Travel Time, Quality of Travel, and Safety for Singapore
Authors: Hess Stephane , Murphy Paul , Le Henry , Leong Wai Yan
Published: November 2017

A large-scale study in Singapore estimated new monetary valuations for travel time, quality of travel, and safety covering different modes and journey components. A wide-ranging stated-choice survey was conducted on a large, representative sample. The empirical work pushed the boundaries of the international state of the practice in choice modeling by relying on mixed logit models with all model components being random and a full covariance matrix being estimated. Detailed results are presented, and the values are contrasted with those from the previous study, conducted in 2008.
Short-term Variations in Strain and Surface Tilt on Storglaciären, Kebnekaise, Northern Sweden
Authors: Jansson Peter , Hooke Roger LeB.
Published: November 2017

Tiltmeters that can detect changes in slope of a glacier surface as small as 0.1 μ rad have been used on Storglaciären. The records obtained to date have been from the upper part of the ablation area, where the bed of the glacier is overdeepened. A total of 82 d of records has been obtained for various time periods between early June and early September.

There is generally a gradual change in inclination of the glacier surface over periods of several days, but these changes do not appear to be systematic. In particular, they are not consistent with vertical movements of stakes located 2–3 ice thicknesses away from the tiltmeters. This suggests that the tiltmeters are sensing disturbances over areas with diameters comparable to the local ice thickness.

Superimposed on these trends are diurnal signals suggesting rises and falls of the surface just up-glacier from the riegel that bounds the overdeepening on its down-glacier end. These may be due to waves of high water pressure originating in a crevassed area near the equilibrium line. If this interpretation is correct, the waves apparently move down-glacier at speeds of 20–60 m h−1 and become sufficiently focused, either by the bed topography or by conduit constrictions, to result in local uplift of the surface. Also observed are abrupt tilts towards the glacier center line shortly after the beginning of heavy rainstorms. These appear to be due to longitudinal stretching as the part of the glacier below the riegel accelerates faster than that above. Water entering the glacier by way of a series of crevasses over the riegel is believed to be responsible for this differential acceleration. In June 1987, a dramatic event was registered, probably reflecting the initial summer acceleration of the glacier.
Ruyer and Simondon on Technological Inventiveness and Form Outlasting its Medium
Authors: Gagnon Philippe
Published: November 2017

A summary is provided of Ruyer's important contribution, a reversal from some conclusions held in his secondary doctoral dissertation, about the limits inherent in technological progress, and an attempt is made to show the coherence of this position with Ruyer's metaphysics. Simondon's response is also presented, and subsequently analysed especially as it culminates in a concept of concretisations. As Simondon indicated, and with a displacement in Ruyer's limiting framework on unconditional growth, we end up searching for what represents the category of the ultimate for those two philosophers of the cyberworld.
Phytotoxicity and Chemical Characterization of Compost Derived from Pig Slurry Solid Fraction for Organic Pellet Production
Authors: Pampuro Niccolò , Bisaglia Carlo , Romano Elio , Brambilla Massimo , Foppa Pedretti Ester , Cavallo Eugenio
Published: November 2017

The phytotoxicity of four different composts obtained from pig slurry solid fraction composted by itself (SSFC) and mixed with sawdust (SC), woodchips (WCC) and wheat straw (WSC) was tested with bioassay methods. For each compost type, the effect of water extracts of compost on seed germination and primary root growth of cress (Lepidium Sativum L.) was investigated. Composts were also chemically analysed for total nitrogen, ammonium, electrical conductivity and heavy metal (Cu and Zn). The chemicals were correlated to phytotoxicity indices. The mean values of the germination index (GI) obtained were 160.7, 187.9, 200.9 and 264.4 for WSC, WCC, SC and SSFC, respectively. Growth index (GrI) ranged from the 229.4%, the highest value, for SSFC, followed by 201.9% for SC, and 193.1% for WCC, to the lowest value, 121.4%, for WSC. Electrical conductivity showed a significant and negative correlation with relative seed germination at the 50% and 75% concentrations. A strong positive correlation was found for water-extractable Cu with relative root growth and germination index at the 10% concentration. Water-extractable Zn showed a significant positive correlation with relative root growth and GI at the 10% concentration. These results highlighted that the four composts could be used for organic pellet production and subsequently distributed as a soil amendment with positive effects on seed germination and plant growth (GI > 80%).
Mechatronic Solutions for the Safety of Workers Involved in the Use of Manure Spreader
Authors: Cecchini Massimo , Monarca Danilo , Laurendi Vincenzo , Puri Daniele , Cossio Filippo
Published: November 2017

An internationally acknowledged requirement is to analyze and provide technical solutions for prevention and safety during the use and maintenance of manure spreader wagons. Injuries statistics data and specific studies show that particular constructive criticalities have been identified on these machines, which are the cause of serious and often fatal accidents. These accidents particularly occur during the washing and maintenance phases—especially when such practices are carried out inside the hopper when the rotating parts of the machine are in action. The current technical standards and the various safety requirements under consideration have not always been effective for protecting workers. To this end, the use of SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) allowed us to highlight critical and positive aspects of the different solutions studied for reducing the risk due to contact with the rotating parts. The selected and tested solution consists of a decoupling system automatically activated when the wheels of the wagon are not moving. Such a solution prevents the contact with the moving rotating parts of the machine when the worker is inside the hopper. This mechatronic solution allowed us to obtain a prototype that has led to the resolution of the issues related to the use of the wagon itself: in fact, the system guarantees the stopping of manure spreading organs in about 12 s from the moment of the wheels stopping.
Perceptions of Hunting and Hunters by U.S. Respondents
Authors: Byrd Elizabeth , Lee John , Widmar Nicole
Published: November 2017

Public acceptance of hunting and hunting practices is an important human dimension of wildlife management in the United States. Researchers surveyed 825 U.S. residents in an online questionnaire about their views of hunting, hunters, and hunting practices. Eighty-seven percent of respondents from the national survey agreed that it was acceptable to hunt for food whereas 37% agreed that it was acceptable to hunt for a trophy. Over one-quarter of respondents did not know enough about hunting over bait, trapping, and captive hunts to form an opinion about whether the practice reduced animal welfare. Chi-square tests were used to explore relationships between perceptions of hunters and hunting practices and demographics. Those who knew hunters, participated in hunting-related activities, visited fairs or livestock operations, or were males who had more favorable opinions on hunting. A logistic regression model showed that not knowing a hunter was a statistically significant negative predictor of finding it acceptable to hunt; owning a pet was statistically significant and negative for approving of hunting for a trophy.
Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies to CD146: Thirty Years of Research on Its Potential for Detection and Treatment of Tumors
Authors: Stalin Jimmy , Nollet Marie , Dignat-George Françoise , Bardin Nathalie , Blot-Chabaud Marcel
Published: November 2017

CD146 (MCAM, MUC18, S-Endo1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to both CAM and mucin families. It exists as different splice variants and is cleaved from the membrane by metalloproteases to generate a soluble form. CD146 is expressed by numerous cancer cells as well as being one of the numerous proteins expressed by the vascular endothelium. It has also been identified on smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and some immune cells. This protein was initially described as an actor involved in tumor growth and metastatic dissemination processes. Some recent works highlighted the role of CD146 in angiogenesis. Interestingly, this knowledge allowed the development of therapeutic and diagnostic tools specifically targeting the different CD146 variants. The first anti-CD146 antibody designed to study the function of this molecule, MUC18, was described by the Pr. J.P. Jonhson in 1987. In this review, we will discuss the 30 following years of research focused on the detection, study, and blocking of this protein in physiological and pathological processes.
Predicting Project’s Uncertainty Risk in the Bidding Process by Integrating Unstructured Text Data and Structured Numerical Data Using Text Mining
Authors: Lee JeeHee , Yi June-Seong
Published: November 2017

The construction bidding process takes place in the early stages of a construction project. The bidding process involves many uncertainties since the construction risk factors are predicted and reflected in the bid price before construction commences. Therefore, bidders should thoroughly understand the uncertainty factors of the project before make bidding decisions. The uncertainty risk of construction projects is determined by the content that is contained in the bidding document. If the information provided in the bidding document is not accurate and is unclear, the uncertainty of the projects increases. Thus, this study is performed to predict risks in the bidding process of construction projects by analyzing the uncertainty of the bidding document and using it as factors to predict a project’s bidding risk. To achieve this, bidding risk prediction modeling was conducted using the pre-bid clarification information of each project. In addition, text mining on pre-bid RFI documents, which are in an unstructured text data format, was performed and the results of text mining were used as major influencing factors for the risk prediction models. As a result, the accuracy of the risk prediction model including text data was improved (72.92%) when compared to the prediction model using only numeric data (52.08%). The results of this study are expected to strengthen the possibility of further similar studies in the future since it enhances the predictive accuracy by incorporating the uncertainty of the bidding document, which is rarely considered in previous studies.
Effect of Control Measures on Wheel/Rail Noise When the Vehicle Curves
Authors: Han Jian , He Yuanpeng , Xiao Xinbiao , Sheng Xiaozhen , Zhao Guotang , Jin Xuesong
Published: November 2017

This paper developed a time domain simplified model to study the effect of control measures on wheel/rail noise when the vehicle curves. The time domain model consists of two parts, one being a vehicle-track coupling dynamic model for wheel/rail interaction, the other being a transient finite element and boundary element domain model for vibration and sound radiation. Wheel/rail noise under wheel/rail lateral creep force is predicted for a narrowly curved section of a conventional underground railway, and compared with measurement. Based on the developed model, the effect of wheel/rail friction modification on squeal noise is investigated. In addition, effectiveness of resilient wheel and embedded track to control curve squeal noise are also assessed.
Models of Emission-Line Profiles and Spectral Energy Distributions to Characterize the Multi-Frequency Properties of Active Galactic Nuclei
Authors: La Mura Giovanni , Berton Marco , Chen Sina , Chougule Abhishek , Ciroi Stefano , Congiu Enrico , Cracco Valentina , Frezzato Michele , Mordini Sabrina , Rafanelli Piero
Published: November 2017

The spectra of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are often characterized by a wealth of emission lines with different profiles and intensity ratios that lead to a complicated classification. Their electromagnetic radiation spans more than 10 orders of magnitude in frequency. In spite of the differences between various classes, the origin of their activity is attributed to a combination of emitting components, surrounding an accreting supermassive black hole (SMBH), in the unified model. Currently, the execution of sky surveys, with instruments operating at various frequencies, provides the possibility to detect and to investigate the properties of AGNs on very large statistical samples. As a result of the spectroscopic surveys that allow the investigation of many objects, we have the opportunity to place new constraints on the nature and evolution of AGNs. In this contribution, we present the results obtained by working on multi-frequency data, and we discuss their relations with the available optical spectra. We compare our findings with the AGN unified model predictions, and we present a revised technique to select AGNs of different types from other line-emitting objects. We discuss the multi-frequency properties in terms of the innermost structures of the sources.
Assessing the Impact of Closure Type on Wine Ratings and Mood
Authors: Spence Charles , Wang Qian
Published: November 2017

We report on a preliminary study designed to assess the impact of the sound of the closure on the taste of wine. Given that people hold certain beliefs around the taste/quality of wines presented in bottles having different closure types, we expected that the sound of opening might influence people’s wine ratings. In particular, if participants hear a cork being pulled vs. the sound of a screw-cap bottle being opened then these two sounds will likely set different expectations that may then affect people’s judgment of the taste/quality of the wine that they are rating. In order to test this hypothesis, 140 people based in the UK (and of varying degrees of wine expertise) rated two wine samples along four scales, three relating to the wine and one relating to celebratory mood. The results demonstrated that the sound of a bottle being opened did indeed impact ratings. In particular, the quality of the wine was rated as higher, its appropriateness for a celebratory occasion, and the celebratory mood of the participant was also higher following the sound of the cork pop. These results add to the literature demonstrating that the sounds of opening/preparation of food and beverage products can exert a significant influence over the sensory and hedonic aspects of people’s subsequent tasting experience.
Advances in Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Production
Authors: Koller Martin
Published: November 2017

This editorial paper provides a synopsis of the contributions to the Bioengineering special issue “Advances in Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Production”. It illustrates the embedding of the issue’s individual research articles in the current global research and development landscape related to polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The article shows how these articles are interrelated to each other, reflecting the entire PHA process chain including strain selection, metabolic and genetic considerations, feedstock evaluation, fermentation regimes, process engineering, and polymer processing towards high-value marketable products.
Role of LFA-1 and ICAM-1 in Cancer
Authors: Reina Manuel , Espel Enric
Published: November 2017

The lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) (also known as CD11a/CD18 and αLβ2), is just one of many integrins in the human body, but its significance is derived from its exclusive presence in leukocytes. In this review, we summarize the studies relating LFA-1 and its major ligand ICAM-1 (or CD54) with cancer, through the function of lymphocytes and myeloid cells on tumor cells. We consider how LFA-1 mediates the interaction of leukocytes with tumors and the role of ICAM-1 in tumor dynamics, which can be independent of its interaction with LFA-1. We also offer a more detailed examination of the role of LFA-1 within B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Finally, we discuss the role that exosomes harboring LFA-1 play in tumor growth and metastasis.
Biodegradable Ceramics Consisting of Hydroxyapatite for Orthopaedic Implants
Authors: Monsees Thomas , Ak Azem Funda , Cotrut Cosmin , Braic Mariana , Abdulgader Radwan , Pana Iulian , Birlik Isil , Kiss Adrian , Booysen Robin , Vladescu Alina
Published: November 2017

This study aims to analyze hydroxyapatite (HAP) coatings enriched with Mg and Ti prepared by a magnetron sputtering technique on Ti6Al4V substrate. For preparation of the coatings, three magnetron targets (HAP, MgO and TiO2) were simultaneously co-worked. The concentration of Mg added was varied by modifying the power applied to the MgO target. In all coatings, the Ti concentration was maintained constant by keeping the same cathode power fed during the whole deposition. The influence of different Mg dopant contents on the formation of phase, microstructure and morphology of the obtained Ti-doped HAP coatings were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Moreover, the effects of Mg addition upon corrosion, mechanical and biological properties were also investigated. Mg- and Ti-doped HAP coating obtained at low radio-frequency (RF) power fed to the MgO target provided material with high corrosion resistance compared to other coatings and bare alloy. A slight decrease in hardness of the coatings was found after the Mg addition, from 8.8 to 5.7 GPa. Also, the values of elastic modulus were decreased from 87 to 53 GPa, this being an advantage for biomedical applications. The coatings with low Mg concentration proved to have good deformation to yielding and higher plastic properties. Biological test results showed that the novel surfaces exhibited excellent properties for the adhesion and growth of bone cells. Moreover, early adherent vital cell numbers were significantly higher on both coatings compared to Ti6Al4V, suggesting that Mg ions may accelerate initial osteoblast adhesion and proliferation.
Role of Phase Composition of PEO Coatings on AA2024 for In-Situ LDH Growth
Authors: Serdechnova Maria , Mohedano Marta , Bouali Anissa , Höche Daniel , Kuznetsov Boris , Karpushenkov Sergey , Blawert Carsten , Zheludkevich Mikhail
Published: November 2017

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is an environmentally friendly anodizing technique leading to the formation of a ceramic-like coatings under high-voltage discharges. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were grown directly on γ, α, and amorphous Al2O3 powders, respectively, in order to investigate the phase responsible for in-situ LDH growth on PEO coating. Furthermore, it is shown that LDH growth is limited by the high tortuosity of the PEO layer and the accessibility of Al ( OH ) 4 − anions from the substrate covered with thin amorphous aluminum oxide, through the pores.
Friction and Wear Behavior of an Ag–Mo Co-Implanted GH4169 Alloy via Ion-Beam-Assisted Bombardment
Authors: Zhu Jiajun , Xu Meng , Yang Wulin , Li Deyi , Zhou Lingping , Fu Licai
Published: November 2017

Ag, Mo, and Ag–Mo were respectively implanted into GH4169 alloy substrates without heating via ion-beam-assisted bombardment technology (IBAB). In addition, the wear performance under low sliding speed and applied load were researched at room temperature (RT). A small amount silver molybdate phase could be detected on the surface of the co-implanted GH4169 alloy bombarded by a high-energy ion beam. The average friction coefficients under the steady wear state had almost no change at all. Compared with the un-implanted GH4169 alloys, the wear rate of the GH4169 alloys with co-implantation of Ag and Mo was reduced by 75%. A large amount of the silver molybdate phase could be generated due to the tribo-reaction on the worn surface during sliding. It benefits the formation of continuous oxide layers as lubrication and protected layers, leading to the change in the predominant wear mechanism from abrasion and adhesion wear to oxidation wear.
Towards the Genomic Basis of Local Adaptation in Landraces
Authors: Corrado Giandomenico , Rao Rosa
Published: November 2017

Landraces are key elements of agricultural biodiversity that have long been considered a source of useful traits. Their importance goes beyond subsistence agriculture and the essential need to preserve genetic diversity, because landraces are farmer-developed populations that are often adapted to environmental conditions of significance to tackle environmental concerns. It is therefore increasingly important to identify adaptive traits in crop landraces and understand their molecular basis. This knowledge is potentially useful for promoting more sustainable agricultural techniques, reducing the environmental impact of high-input cropping systems, and diminishing the vulnerability of agriculture to global climate change. In this review, we present an overview of the opportunities and limitations offered by landraces’ genomics. We discuss how rapid advances in DNA sequencing techniques, plant phenotyping, and recombinant DNA-based biotechnology encourage both the identification and the validation of the genomic signature of local adaptation in crop landraces. The integration of ‘omics’ sciences, molecular population genetics, and field studies can provide information inaccessible with earlier technological tools. Although empirical knowledge on the genetic and genomic basis of local adaptation is still fragmented, it is predicted that genomic scans for adaptation will unlock an intraspecific molecular diversity that may be different from that of modern varieties.
A Connection Entropy Approach to Water Resources Vulnerability Analysis in a Changing Environment
Authors: Pan Zhengwei , Jin Juliang , Li Chunhui , Ning Shaowei , Zhou Rongxing
Published: November 2017

This paper establishes a water resources vulnerability framework based on sensitivity, natural resilience and artificial adaptation, through the analyses of the four states of the water system and its accompanying transformation processes. Furthermore, it proposes an analysis method for water resources vulnerability based on connection entropy, which extends the concept of contact entropy. An example is given of the water resources vulnerability in Anhui Province of China, which analysis illustrates that, overall, vulnerability levels fluctuated and showed apparent improvement trends from 2001 to 2015. Some suggestions are also provided for the improvement of the level of water resources vulnerability in Anhui Province, considering the viewpoint of the vulnerability index.
Inequality and Poverty When Effort Matters
Authors: Ravallion Martin
Published: November 2017

On the presumption that poorer people tend to work less, it is often claimed that standard measures of inequality and poverty are overestimates. The paper points to a number of reasons to question this claim. It is shown that, while the labor supplies of American adults have a positive income gradient, the heterogeneity in labor supplies generates considerable horizontal inequality. Using equivalent incomes to adjust for effort can reveal either higher or lower inequality depending on the measurement assumptions. With only a modest allowance for leisure as a basic need, the effort-adjusted poverty rate in terms of equivalent incomes rises.
Sliding Mode and Neural Network Control of Sensorless PMSM Controlled System for Power Consumption and Performance Improvement
Authors: Wang Ming-Shyan , Tsai Tse-Ming
Published: November 2017

This paper deals with the design of sliding mode control and neural network compensation for a sensorless permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) controlled system that is able to improve both power consumption and speed response performance. The position sensor of PMSM is unreliable in harsh environments. Therefore, the sensorless control technique is widely proposed in industry. A sliding mode observer can estimate the rotor angle and has the robustness to load disturbance and parameter variations. However, the sliding mode observer is not conducive to standstill and low speed conditions because the amplitude of the back EMF is almost zero. As a result, this paper combines an iterative sliding mode observer (ISMO) and neural networks (NNs) as an angle compensator to improve the above problems. A dsPIC30F6010A-based PMSM sensorless drive system is implemented to validate the proposed algorithm. The simulation and experimental results prove its effectiveness.
An Innovative Approach for Gob-Side Entry Retaining in Thick Coal Seam Longwall Mining
Authors: He Manchao , Gao Yubing , Yang Jun , Gong Weili
Published: November 2017

Gob-side entry retaining (GER) is a popular non-pillar mining technique regarding how to reserve a gateroad for the use of next panel mining. When used in thick coal seams, the conventional entry retaining method requires a huge amount of filling materials and may cause entry (gateroad) accidents. Thus, an innovative non-pillar longwall mining approach is introduced. First, structural and mechanical models were built to explore the mechanism of the new approach. The modeling results indicate that effective bulking of the gob roof and reasonable support of the entry roof were key governing factors in improving entry stabilities and reducing roof deformations. Accordingly, a directional roof fracturing technique was proposed to contribute to gob roof caving, and a constant resistance and large deformation anchor (CRLDA) cable was used to stabilize the entry roof. Subsequently, the evolutionary laws of the roof structure and stresses were explored using numerical simulation. It was found that the structure of the surrounding rocks around the retained entry changed significantly after roof fracturing. The stress-bearing center was transferred to the gob area, and the entry roof was in a low stress environment after adopting the approach. Finally, the approach was tested on a thick coal seam longwall mining panel. Field monitoring indicates that the retained entry was in a stable state and the index of the retained entry met the requirement of the next mining panel. This work provides an effective and economical approach to non-pillar longwall mining in thick coal seams.
Growth and Its Relationship to Individual Genetic Diversity of Mountain Hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) at Alpine Treeline in Alaska: Combining Dendrochronology and Genomics
Authors: Johnson Jeremy , Chhetri Parveen , Krutovsky Konstantin , Cairns David
Published: November 2017

Globally, alpine treelines are characterized as temperature-limited environments with strong controls on tree growth. However, at local scales spatially heterogeneous environments generally have more variable impacts on individual patterns of tree growth. In addition to the landscape spatial heterogeneity there is local variability in individual tree genetic diversity (level of individual heterozygosity). It has been hypothesized that higher individual heterozygosity will result in more consistent patterns of growth. In this article, we combine genomics and dendrochronology to explore the relationship between individual genetic diversity and tree growth at a mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana Bong. Carr) alpine treeline on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, USA. We correlated average observed individual heterozygosity with average tree-ring width and variance in tree-ring width within individuals to test the hypothesis that trees with higher individual heterozygosity will also have more consistent growth patterns, suggesting that they may be more resilient to climate and environmental fluctuations at the alpine treeline. Our results showed that there was no significant relationship between tree growth and individual heterozygosity. However, there was a significant positive relationship between average tree-ring width and variance in tree-ring width implying that overall, fast growing trees in stressful environments, such as the alpine treeline, grow unstably regardless of the level of individual heterozygosity.
Effects of Reforestation and Site Preparation Methods on Early Growth and Survival of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in South-Eastern Poland
Authors: Aleksandrowicz-Trzcińska Marta , Drozdowski Stanisław , Wołczyk Zbigniew , Bielak Kamil , Żybura Henryk
Published: November 2017

Successful tree regeneration is a key process in ensuring forest sustainability and one of the most crucial investments made in silviculture. This study compared the effects of three reforestation methods (planting, direct seeding, and natural regeneration) and three mechanical site preparation methods (double mould-board forest plough (FP); active plough (AP); and forest mill (FM)) on biometric parameters, survival, and density of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings in the first 4 years of growth in a clear-cut area in south-eastern Poland. Planted seedlings were higher, thicker in root collar, and had higher survival rates after the fourth growing season than trees from natural regeneration and direct seeding. Site preparation methods did not affect the density of planted seedlings. After natural regeneration and direct seeding, seedling density was lower and less homogeneous (plots with no seedlings) in FM soil preparation in comparison to other methods. The survival of pines in all reforestation methods was not affected significantly by site preparation methods. Our results indicate that the best mechanical site preparation method for planting is FM, as this is the one that least disturbs the soil environment. For direct seeding the best results were achieved after AP preparation. Natural regeneration of Scots pine was most effective after FP use, and in relatively wet years also after AP use.
Soil Preferences in Germination and Survival of Limber Pine in the Great Basin White Mountains
Authors: Smithers Brian
Published: November 2017

In the Great Basin, limber pine is a sub-alpine tree species that is colonizing newly available habitat above treeline in greater numbers than treeline-dominating Great Basin bristlecone pine, especially on dolomite soil, where few plants are able to grow and where limber pine adults are rare. To examine the role of soil type on germination and establishment of limber pine, I sowed limber pine seeds in containers of the three main White Mountains soil types in one location while measuring soil moisture and temperature. I found that dolomite soil retains water longer, and has higher soil water content, than quartzite and granite soils and has the coolest maximum growing season temperatures. Limber pine germination and survival were highest in dolomite soil relative to quartzite and granite where limber pine adults are more common. While adult limber pines are rare on dolomite soils, young limber pines appear to prefer them. This indicates that limber pine either has only recently been able to survive in treeline climate on dolomite or that bristlecone pine has some long-term competitive advantage on dolomite making limber pine, a species with 1500 year old individuals, an early succession species in Great Basin sub-alpine forests.
Understanding the Digital Marketing Environment with KPIs and Web Analytics
Authors: Saura José Ramón , Palos-Sánchez Pedro , Cerdá Suárez Luis Manuel
Published: November 2017

In the practice of Digital Marketing (DM), Web Analytics (WA) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can and should play an important role in marketing strategy formulation. It is the aim of this article to survey the various DM metrics to determine and address the following question: What are the most relevant metrics and KPIs that companies need to understand and manage in order to increase the effectiveness of their DM strategies? Therefore, to achieve these objectives, a Systematic Literature Review has been carried out based on two main themes (i) Digital Marketing and (ii) Web Analytics. The search terms consulted in the databases have been (i) DM and (ii) WA obtaining a result total of n = 378 investigations. The databases that have been consulted for the extraction of data were Scopus, PubMed, PsyINFO, ScienceDirect and Web of Science. In this study, we define and identify the main KPIs in measuring why, how and for what purpose users interact with web pages and ads. The main contribution of the study is to lay out and clarify quantitative and qualitative KPIs and indicators for DM performance in order to achieve a consensus on the use and measurement of these indicators.
Radiative Signatures of Parsec-Scale Magnetised Jets
Authors: Fromm Christian , Porth Oliver , Younsi Ziri , Mizuno Yosuke , De Laurentis Mariafelica , Olivares Hector , Rezzolla Luciano
Published: November 2017

Relativistic jets are launched from the immediate vicinity of black holes and can reach kilo-parsec scales. During their evolution from the smallest to the largest scales, they encounter different physical conditions (e.g., ambient configurations and magnetic fields) which can modify their morphology and dynamics. Using state-of-the-art relativistic magneto-hydrodynamical simulations and ray-tracing algorithms, we model the dynamics of jets along with their radiation microphysics, investigating the impact of magnetisation on the jet dynamics and the observed emission. During the post-processing procedure we account for the properties of the observing array (sparse uv-plane) and the imaging algorithm, enabling a more direct comparison between simulations and ground-or space-based very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations. The different jet models can be distinguished from the reconstructed radio images.
Polyampholyte Hydrogels in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Haag Stephanie , Bernards Matthew
Published: November 2017

Polyampholytes are a class of polymers made up of positively and negatively charged monomer subunits. Polyampholytes offer a unique tunable set of properties driven by the interactions between the charged monomer subunits. Some tunable properties of polyampholytes include mechanical properties, nonfouling characteristics, swelling due to changes in pH or salt concentration, and drug delivery capability. These characteristics lend themselves to multiple biomedical applications, and this review paper will summarize applications of polyampholyte polymers demonstrated over the last five years in tissue engineering, cryopreservation and drug delivery.
Prognostic Factors for the Survival of Elderly Patients Who Were Hospitalized in the Medical Ward of Our Hospital in Japan
Authors: Abe Shuichi
Published: November 2017

It has been a long time since there were many elderly people in Japan. The medical care and costs for the elderly are enormous, and research to lower the mortality rate of the elderly is needed. We retrospectively investigated the prognostic factors for the survival of elderly patients who were hospitalized in the medical ward of our hospital. In total, 277 patients who were hospitalized between 1 January 2014 and 31 May 2017, were included in the retrospective study. Univariate and multivariate analyses of items (vital signs, laboratory data, and so on) were performed, and significant differences between the survival group and death group were subjected to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Serum urea nitrogen levels and serum albumin levels provided a relatively high area under the curve (AUC). However, there was no item for which AUC exceeded 0.70, and setting the cutoff value in this study was difficult. For treating the elderly, it is important to carefully evaluate each patient’s prognostic factors, including the demented state, renal function, and nutritional state; personalized treatment of each patient is also important.