bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Model to Update Accounting Curricula for Emerging Technologies
Authors: Coyne Joshua G. , Coyne Emily M. , Walker Kenton B.
Published: January 2016

The prevailing model for accounting information systems (AIS) courses is decades old and needs to be modernized for cutting-edge technologies and demands for information services. New graduates in accounting require new perspectives and training to enter what is becoming an important subdiscipline in accounting that prepares accountants to serve effectively as data analysts, IT auditors, and participants in systems development. One hurdle preventing the adoption of these roles is a disconnect between AIS education and AIS practice. This article identifies relevant professional competencies and proposes some corresponding actions by the academy to combine accounting, management information systems, and computer technology.

JEL Classifications: M4; L8.
Shenfu injection provides protection for perinatal asphyxia in neonates
Authors: Jiang Yu , Zhang Rong-Rong , Yang Li-Juan , Wu Zhen , Chen Huai-Ping , Zhao Sai , Tian Zhao-Fang
Published: January 2016

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of shenfu injection for the protection of neonates with asphyxia. Eighty neonates with asphyxia were randomly divided into two groups, treatment group and control group (n=40). Both groups received interventions such as ventilation, oxygen, and circulation support. Treatment group was administrated with shenfu injection additionally. Serum levels of creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and neuron-specific enolase were significantly lower but the oxygenation index was significantly higher in treatment group on day 7 and day 14. The neurobehavioral score was significantly higher in treatment group than in control group. On the 14th day, the survival rate of treatment group (77.5%) was higher than that of control group (55%). Shenfu injection could protect the function of the brain, heart, lung, liver and kidney by attenuating ischemia reperfusion after severe asphyxia resuscitation, improve neurobehavioral ability and increase the survival of neonates.

 
Quality deterioration of mass reared offsprings of Bracon hebetor in successive generations
Authors: Alam MS , Alam MZ , Alam SN , Miah MRU , Mian MIH , Hossain MM
Published: January 2016

A study was undertaken to determine the generation-wise parasitizing efficiency of mass reared Bracon hebetor on wax moth (Galleria mellonella). Two experiments were conducted to achieve the objectives. In the first experiment, the host larvae and parasitoid were released in the field micro plot during first generation and reared in the laboratory in subsequent generations. In another experiment, all generations were developed in the laboratory. In the first experiment, generation showed significant variation on sex ratio of adult progeny production. The male sex ratio increased with the range of 62.89 to 74.58% and female sex ratio declined ranging from 39 to 25% with the advancement of generations. The percent parasitization and adult progeny production was not influenced appreciably with the progress of generation. In the second experiment parasitization and adult progeny production did not vary significantly in successive generations. However there was a decreasing trend in parasitization from 95 to 55% by Bracon hebetor and adult progeny production by 47.5 to 15.5 adultsfemale-110 larvae-1 over generation. The sex ratio of adult progeny was significantly influenced by inbreed generation in laboratory reared population. Female decrease in sex ratio from first to sixth generation was 39.25 to 16.88%.SAARC J. Agri., 13(2): 1-12 (2015)
Modern rice varieties adoption to raise productivity: a case study of two districts in Bhutan
Authors: Chhogyel N , Bajgai Y
Published: January 2016

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the main staple crops of Bhutan and is grown in all 20 districts of the country. Due to its key role in national food security, a number of development interventions like promotion of modern rice varieties is carried out. To assess the impact of such development interventions, this study investigated whether the farmers in two main rice growing districts, Punakha and Wangdue, have adopted the promoted rice varieties. Within a district, ten main rice growing geogs (administrative units) were chosen for the study. Representing the study area a questionnaire farming-household survey of 580 was carried out in 2014. The study found that the farming household level variety adoption rate was 68% and 62% in Wangdue and Punakha, respectively. The main modern varieties adopted by the surveyed farming households were IR-64, Khangma Maap, Bajo Maap, Bajo Kaap, No. 11 and IR- 20913. In terms of area coverage, 54.50% of the area in Wangdue was covered by improved varieties and that in Punakha was 56.71%. Among the adopted varieties, the most widely grown variety in both the districts was IR-64 that accounts for about 55% adoption. However, the least adopted variety was IR-20913 which stood at just 0.2% in Wangdue and 2% in Punakha. Yield increase due to improved varieties over local ones, 80% of households in Wangdue and 91% of households in Punakha reported achieving 25% and 33% increases together. In Wangdue 80% of the households reported yield increase and in Punakha it was 91%, which corresponded to 25% and 33% increases, respectively. This surveyed finding can be validated by crop-cut yield data which was greater than or equal to 26% yield increase, on an average, by improved varieties over local ones. In terms of farmers adoption rate of modern rice varieties and area covered by the modern varieties, the findings showed that there is a major impact of rice development interventions in Punakha-Wangdue valley to support food security of the farming households as well as for adding to the national food basket.SAARC J. Agri., 13(2): 34-49 (2015)
Effect of integrated nutrient management in boro rice cultivation
Authors: Roy B , Sarkar MAR , Paul SK
Published: January 2016

An experiment was carried out in the farmers field of village Boira under Kotoali Thana, District-Mymensingh in Boro season (Jannuary to May 2013) to find out the effect of integrated nutrient management in Boro rice cv. BRRI dhan29 cultivation. The experiment consisted of the following treatments- control (no manure and no fertilizer) (T1), recommended dose of prilled urea and PKSZn (T2), 50% of the recommended dose of prilled urea and PKSZn + cowdung 5 t ha-1 (T3), 50% of recommended dose of prilled urea and PKSZn + poultry manure 2.5 t ha-1(T4), 50% of recommended dose of prilled urea and PKSZn + cowdung 10 t ha-1 (T5), 50% of recommended dose of prilled urea and PKSZn + poultry manure 5 t ha-1 (T6), cowdung 10 t ha-1 (T7), poultry manure 5 t ha-1 (T8), full dose of USG (2.7g) + recommended dose of PKSZn (T9), full dose of USG (2.7g) + cowdung 10 t ha-1 (T10), full dose of USG (2.7g) + poultry manure 5 t ha-1 (T11), full dose of USG (2.7g) + cowdung 5 t ha-1 (T12), full dose of USG (2.7g) + poultry manure 2.5 t ha-1(T13), USG (1.8g) + poultry manure 5 t ha-1 (T14), USG (1.8g) + poultry manure 2.5 t ha-1 (T15) and farmers practice (Urea 250 kg ha-1, TSP 220 kg ha-1, MoP 130 kg ha-1, gypsum 130 kg ha-1) (T16). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results of the experiment showed that integrated nutrient management had significant effect on yield contributing characters and yield of BRRI dhan29. The tallest plant (93.33 cm) was found in T2 treatment (recommended dose of prilled urea and PKSZn), the highest number of total tillers hill-1(16.85) and effective tillers hill-1 (15.90) were obtained in T11 treatment (USG (2.7g) + poultry manure 5 t ha-1). The highest 1000-grain weight (22.40g), grain yield (7.19 t ha-1) and straw yield (8.08 t ha-1) were recorded in T10 treatment (full dose of USG (2.7g) + cowdung 10 t ha-1) and the lowest grain yield (4.43 t ha-1) and straw yield (5.21 t ha-1) were obtained in T7 treatment (cowdung 10 t ha-1). From the study, it can be concluded that inorganic fertilizer along with manure greatly influence the yield contributing characters and yield of Boro rice and full dose of USG (2.7g) with cowdung (10 t ha-1) appears as the promising combination for Boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan29) cultivation.SAARC J. Agri., 13(2): 131-140 (2015)
Impact of nitrogen nutrition on productivity and nutrient use efficiency of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) In an inceptisol of west Bengal, India
Authors: Banerjee H , Ray K , Sarkar S , Puste AM , Mozumder M , Rana L
Published: January 2016

The experiment was carried out at the District Seed Farm, Adisaptagram, Hooghly (West Bengal), India during two consecutive winter seasons of 2011-12 and 2012-13 to find out optimum N dose of potato cultivars for getting higher yield as well as to identity efficient potato cultivars regarding N use. Average yield of potato cultivars increased significantly with increase in N supply up to 225 kg N ha-1, then tended to decrease slightly as nitrogen levels increased further. Tuber yield of cultivars Kufri Shailja and Kufri Jyoti was increased significantly with increase in nitrogen level up to 225 kg N ha-1 and further addition of N decreased yield. Yield of Kufri Himalini was increased with increase in N level up to 300 kg N ha-1 but the yield increment from 225 kg N ha-1 to 300 kg N ha-1 was not significant. Application of less N decreased average potato tuber yield by 5.3, 18.7 and 65.1% with 150, 75 and 0 kg N ha-1 respectively, compared to 225 kg N ha-1. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) decreased towards higher N levels for all cultivars. NUE of Kufri Himalini was higher at all N levels. The results revealed that irrespective of cultivar 225 kg N ha-1 was the optimum for getting higher tuber yield of potato and cultivar Kufri Himalini was the most efficient in case of N use.SAARC J. Agri., 13(2): 141-150 (2015)
Dietary black cumin (Nizella sativa) seed meal on growth and meat yield performance of broilers
Authors: Jahan MS , Khairunnesa M , Afrin S , Ali MS
Published: January 2016

A total of 144, day old as hatched Cobb-500 broilers were fed adlibitum basis on a diet with 0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% of Black Cumin Seed Meal up to 35 days of age to compare the effect of BCSM as herbal growth promoters on growth performance, meat yield characteristics and profitability of broilers. The experimental diets consisted of broiler starter and broiler grower, which were fed from 0-16 and 17-35 days of age, respectively. Diets supplemented with 1.5% BCSM showed significant effect on live weight at 21, 28 and 35 days of old in broilers in various groups as compared to that of control group. Better feed conversion (2.02) also noticed at 1.5% level of BCSM at early stage (14 days of old) of broilers. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) among the average live weight, dressing yield, thigh meat, wing meat, heart, gizzard liver, at 0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% level of BCSM diet. But difference found within breast meat, drumstick meat, abdominal fat and skin of broilers at 1.5% level of BCSM diet. It may be concluded that supplementation of BCSM at 1.5% had the highest significant effect (P<0.01) on feed cost (Tk kg-1 b), production cost (Tk kg-1 b) and profit (Tk kg-1 b) and lower mortality. So that 1.5% BCSM in diets can be used for economic and efficient broiler production than 0.5% and 1.0 % level.SAARC J. Agri., 13(2): 151-160 (2015)
Screening sugarcane somaclones and their parent varieties against red rot (Colletotrichum falcatum) and assessment of Variability by RAPD and SSR markers
Authors: Mahmud Kuasha , Nasiruddin KM , Hossain MA , Hassan L
Published: January 2016

The experiment was conducted to find out red rot disease causing pathogenic reactions of somaclones (R0) and their respective parents at BSRI farm in the cropping season 2011-2012. A total number of sugarcane genotypes 24 including 4 sugarcane varieties viz. Isd 37, Isd 38, Isd 39 and also Isd 40 were inoculated to screen red rot resistant levels (R = Resistant, MR = Moderately Resistant) to susceptible levels (S = Susceptible, MS = Moderately Susceptible, HS = Highly Susceptible) after 7 months of planting. As a result, Isd 37 variety (source/parent) and its somaclones CC3712 and CC3786 were found to be resistant while 7 somaclones showed moderately resistant reaction. Furthermore, somaclones of Isd 38 variety viz. CC382 as moderately resistant, CC3810 as moderately susceptible and also CC11(38)8 as susceptible reaction were recorded while Isd 38 variety showed resistant reaction. On the other hand, Isd 39 and Isd 40 source varieties with their somaclones were found as resistant reaction against red rot pathogen. Some somaclones showed different reaction from their source varieties such as moderately resistant somaclones were obtained from resistant source variety Isd 37 while somaclones CC382 as moderately resistant, CC3810 as moderately susceptible and somaclone CC388 as susceptible were obtained from resistant source variety Isd 38 against red rot pathogens respectively. Besides, some somaclones showed similar reaction from their resistant source varieties Isd 37, Isd 39 and also Isd 40. It revealed that reaction against red rot pathogen, induced somaclones showed variation with their source varieties. Red rot resistance somaclones were isolated and assessed for the presence of variability through RAPD and SSR markers. Cluster and sub cluster formation verified the presence of variability in the red rot resistance somaclones with respect to the parent.SAARC J. Agri., 13(2): 173-182 (2015)
Soil fertility and productivity of sugarcane influenced by enriched pressmud compost with chemical fertilizers
Authors: Bokhtiar SM , Roksana S , Moslehuddin AZM
Published: January 2016

A field experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute, Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh to examine the effects of enriched compost with chemical fertilizers on soil fertility and productivity of sugarcane. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 16 treatments comprising four levels of inorganic fertilizers (100%, 75%, 50% and 0%) and four levels of pressmud (enriched by Trichoderma harzianum @ 7.5 t ha-1, T. viride @ 7.5 t ha-1, untreated raw pressmud @ 10 t ha-1 and control). It was observed that germination (90.34%), total chlorophyll content (2.58 mg g-1), leaf area index (5.00), dry matter (3.41 kg m-2), tiller (137.94 × 000 ha-1), millable cane stalk (99.15 × 000 ha-1) and yield (111.32 t ha-1) were found maximum in 100% recommended fertilizer (N150 P50 K90 S35 and Zn4 kg ha-1) with enriched pressmud which was statistically identical in comparison with 75% and 50% of recommended chemical fertilizers with enriched pressmud. The N (1.47%), K (1.24%) and S (0.17%) contents of leaf tissues were slightly increased with chemical fertilizers + enriched pressmud compared to chemical fertilizer alone. Soil Organic C, total N, P, K and S were higher with pressmud application compared to non pressmud application. Microbial enrichment of pressmud with Trichoderma sp. could save 2.5 t ha-1 of pressmud and 25% of recommended fertilizers. It can be concluded that enriched pressmud is more effective than raw pressmud in increasing sugarcane yield and maintain soil fertility in High Ganges River Floodplain soils.SAARC J. Agri., 13(2): 183-197 (2015)
A Physically—Based Geometry Model for Transport Distance Estimation of Rainfall-Eroded Soil Sediment
Authors: Zhang Qian-Gui , Huang Run-Qiu , Liu Yi-Xin , Su Xiao-Peng , Li Guo-Qiang , Nie Wen
Published: January 2016

Estimations of rainfall-induced soil erosion are mostly derived from the weight of sediment measured in natural runoff. The transport distance of eroded soil is important for evaluating landscape evolution but is difficult to estimate, mainly because it cannot be linked directly to the eroded sediment weight. The volume of eroded soil is easier to calculate visually using popular imaging tools, which can aid in estimating the transport distance of eroded soil through geometry relationships. In this study, we present a straightforward geometry model to predict the maximum sediment transport distance incurred by rainfall events of various intensity and duration. In order to verify our geometry prediction model, a series of experiments are reported in the form of a sediment volume. The results show that cumulative rainfall has a linear relationship with the total volume of eroded soil. The geometry model can accurately estimate the maximum transport distance of eroded soil by cumulative rainfall, with a low root-mean-square error (4.7–4.8) and a strong linear correlation (0.74–0.86).
Variation in Gas and Volatile Compound Emissions from Human Urine as It Ages, Measured by an Electronic Nose
Authors: Esfahani Siavash , Sagar Nidhi , Kyrou Ioannis , Mozdiak Ella , O’Connell Nicola , Nwokolo Chuka , Bardhan Karna , Arasaradnam Ramesh , Covington James
Published: January 2016

The medical profession is becoming ever more interested in the use of gas-phase biomarkers for disease identification and monitoring. This is due in part to its rapid analysis time and low test cost, which makes it attractive for many different clinical arenas. One technology that is showing promise for analyzing these gas-phase biomarkers is the electronic nose—an instrument designed to replicate the biological olfactory system. Of the possible biological media available to “sniff”, urine is becoming ever more important as it is easy to collect and to store for batch testing. However, this raises the question of sample storage shelf-life, even at −80 °C. Here we investigated the effect of storage time (years) on stability and reproducibility of total gas/vapour emissions from urine samples. Urine samples from 87 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus were collected over a four-year period and stored at −80 °C. These samples were then analyzed using FAIMS (field-asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry—a type of electronic nose). It was discovered that gas emissions (concentration and diversity) reduced over time. However, there was less variation in the initial nine months of storage with greater uniformity and stability of concentrations together with tighter clustering of the total number of chemicals released. This suggests that nine months could be considered a general guide to a sample shelf-life.
Feedback Regulation of Kinase Signaling Pathways by AREs and GREs
Authors: Vlasova-St. Louis Irina , Bohjanen Paul
Published: January 2016

In response to environmental signals, kinases phosphorylate numerous proteins, including RNA-binding proteins such as the AU-rich element (ARE) binding proteins, and the GU-rich element (GRE) binding proteins. Posttranslational modifications of these proteins lead to a significant changes in the abundance of target mRNAs, and affect gene expression during cellular activation, proliferation, and stress responses. In this review, we summarize the effect of phosphorylation on the function of ARE-binding proteins ZFP36 and ELAVL1 and the GRE-binding protein CELF1. The networks of target mRNAs that these proteins bind and regulate include transcripts encoding kinases and kinase signaling pathways (KSP) components. Thus, kinase signaling pathways are involved in feedback regulation, whereby kinases regulate RNA-binding proteins that subsequently regulate mRNA stability of ARE- or GRE-containing transcripts that encode components of KSP.
In situ Synchrotron X-ray Thermodiffraction of Boranes
Authors: Yot Pascal , Miele Philippe , Demirci Umit
Published: January 2016

Boranes of low molecular weight are crystalline materials that have been much investigated over the past decade in the field of chemical hydrogen storage. In the present work, six of them have been selected to be studied by in situ synchrotron X-ray thermodiffraction. The selected boranes are ammonia borane NH3BH3 (AB), hydrazine borane N2H4BH3 (HB), hydrazine bisborane N2H4(BH3)2 (HBB), lithium LiN2H3BH3 (LiHB) and sodium NaN2H3BH3 (NaHB) hydrazinidoboranes, and sodium triborane NaB3H8 (STB). They are first investigated separately over a wide range of temperature (80–300 K), and subsequently compared. Differences in crystal structures, the existence of phase transition, evolutions of unit cell parameters and volumes, and variation of coefficients of thermal expansion can be observed. With respect to AB, HB and HBB, the differences are mainly explained in terms of molecule size, conformation and motion (degree of freedom) of the chemical groups (NH3, N2H4, BH3). With respect to LiHB, NaHB and STB, the differences are explained by a stabilization effect favored by the alkali cations via M···H interactions with four to five borane anions. The main results are presented and discussed herein.
An Innovative Control Strategy to Improve the Fault Ride-Through Capability of DFIGs Based on Wind Energy Conversion Systems
Authors: Le Vandai , Li Xinran , Li Yong , Dong Tran , Le Caoquyen
Published: January 2016

An innovative control strategy is proposed for enhancing the low voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability of a doubly fed induction generator based on wind energy conversion systems (DFIG-WECS). Within the proposed control method, the current control loops of the rotor side converter (RSC) are developed based on passivity theory. The control scheme for the grid side converter (GSC) is designed based on a two-term approach to keep the DC-link voltage close to a given value. The first term based on the maximal voltage of GSC is introduced in the GSC control loops as a reference reactive current. The second one reflecting the instantaneous unbalanced power flow between the RSC and GSC is also introduced in the GSC control loops as a disturbance considering the instantaneous power of the grid filter to compensate the instantaneous rotor power. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified via time domain simulation of a 2.0 MW-575 V DFIG-WECS using PSCAD/EMTP. Simulation results show that the control of the DFIG with the proposed approach can improve the LVRT capability better than with the conventional one.
Characterizing the Phenotypic Responses of Escherichia coli to Multiple 4-Carbon Alcohols with Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Zu Theresah , Athamneh Ahmad , Senger Ryan
Published: January 2016

The phenotypic responses of E. coli cells exposed to 1.2% (v/v) of 1-butanol, 2-butanol, isobutanol, tert-butanol, and 1,4-butanediol were studied in near real-time using Raman spectroscopy. A method of “chemometric fingerprinting” was employed that uses multivariate statistics (principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis) to identify E. coli phenotypic changes over a 180 min post-treatment time-course. A toxicity study showed extreme variability among the reduction in culture growth, with 1-butanol showing the greatest toxicity and 1,4-butanediol showing relatively no toxicity. Chemometric fingerprinting showed distinct phenotype clusters according to the type of alcohol: (i) 1-butanol and 2-butanol (straight chain alcohols); (ii) isobutanol and tert-butanol (branched chain alcohols); and (iii) control and 1,4-butanediol (no terminal alkyl end) treated cells. While the isobutanol and tert-butanol treated cells led to similar phenotypic responses, isobutanol was significantly more toxic. In addition, the phenotypic response was found to take place largely within 60 min of culture treatment; however, significant responses (especially for 1,4-butanediol) were still occurring at 180 min post-treatment. The methodology presented here identified different phenotypic responses to seemingly similar 4-carbon alcohols and can be used to study phenotypic responses of virtually any cell type under any set of environmental conditions or genetic manipulations.
Musculoskeletal Disorders and Working Posture among Dental and Oral Health Students
Authors: Ng Andrew , Hayes Melanie , Polster Anu
Published: January 2016

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the dental professions has been well established, and can have detrimental effects on the industry, including lower productivity and early retirement. There is increasing evidence that these problems commence during undergraduate training; however, there are still very few studies that investigate the prevalence of MSD or postural risk in these student groups. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSD and conduct postural assessments of students studying oral health and dentistry. A previously validated self-reporting questionnaire measuring MSD prevalence, derived from the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire, was distributed to students. Posture assessments were also conducted using a validated Posture Assessment Instrument. MSD was highly prevalent in all student groups, with 85% reporting MSD in at least one body region. The neck and lower back were the most commonly reported. The final year dental students had the highest percentage with poor posture (68%), while the majority of students from other cohorts had acceptable posture. This study supports the increasing evidence that MSD could be developing in students, before the beginning of a professional career. The prevalence of poor posture further highlights the need to place further emphasis on ergonomic education.
Decreased Expression of BNC1 and BNC2 Is Associated with Genetic or Epigenetic Regulation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Yali , Zhang Xiaolei , Liu Yongzhen , Lu Fengmin , Chen Xiangmei
Published: January 2016

The aberrant expression of transcription factor Basonuclin (BNC) had been reported in different kinds of tumors. Here, we investigated the expression and methylation status of two Basonuclin homologs, BNC1 and BNC2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that the expression levels of both BNC1 and BNC2 were down-regulated in HCC cell lines and primary HCC tissues. The frequency and intensity of BNC1 promoter hypermethylation in tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent non-tumor tissues. 5-Aza-2’-Deoxycytidine treatment could significantly increase the BNC1 expression in the methylated HCC cell lines, which implicated that epigenetic modification contributed to the down-regulation of BNC1. In addition, BNC1 hypermethylation in tumor tissues was more likely to happen in female patients. No methylation of the BNC2 promoter was found in HCC tumor tissues. However, a frequent deletion of the BNC2 gene was observed, which indicated that the chromosomal loss of the BNC2 gene might be one important reason for its lower expression level in HCC. Our results suggested that BNC1 and BNC2 were down-regulated in HCC which may provide new insight into the tumorigenesis of HCC.
Mechanical Strength Improvements of Carbon Nanotube Threads through Epoxy Cross-Linking
Authors: Yu Qingyue , Alvarez Noe , Miller Peter , Malik Rachit , Haase Mark , Schulz Mark , Shanov Vesselin , Zhu Xinbao
Published: January 2016

Individual Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have a great mechanical strength that needs to be transferred into macroscopic fiber assemblies. One approach to improve the mechanical strength of the CNT assemblies is by creating covalent bonding among their individual CNT building blocks. Chemical cross-linking of multiwall CNTs (MWCNTs) within the fiber has significantly improved the strength of MWCNT thread. Results reported in this work show that the cross-linked thread had a tensile strength six times greater than the strength of its control counterpart, a pristine MWCNT thread (1192 MPa and 194 MPa, respectively). Additionally, electrical conductivity changes were observed, revealing 2123.40 S·cm−1 for cross-linked thread, and 3984.26 S·cm−1 for pristine CNT thread. Characterization suggests that the obtained high tensile strength is due to the cross-linking reaction of amine groups from ethylenediamine plasma-functionalized CNT with the epoxy groups of the cross-linking agent, 4,4-methylenebis(N,N-diglycidylaniline).
Two-Layer Microstructures Fabricated by One-Step Anisotropic Wet Etching of Si in KOH Solution
Authors: Lu Han , Zhang Hua , Jin Mingliang , He Tao , Zhou Guofu , Shui Lingling
Published: January 2016

Anisotropic etching of silicon in potassium hydroxide (KOH) is an important technology in micromachining. The residue deposition from KOH etching of Si is typically regarded as a disadvantage of this technology. In this report, we make use of this residue as a second masking layer to fabricate two-layer complex structures. Square patterns with size in the range of 15–150 μm and gap distance of 5 μm have been designed and tested. The residue masking layer appears when the substrate is over-etched in hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution over a threshold. The two-layer structures of micropyramids surrounded by wall-like structures are obtained according to the two different masking layers of SiO2 and residue. The residue masking layer is stable and can survive over KOH etching for long time to achieve deep Si etching. The process parameters of etchant concentration, temperature, etching time and pattern size have been investigated. With well-controlled two-layer structures, useful structures could be designed for applications in plasmonic and microfluidic devices in the future.
Detecting β-Casein Variation in Bovine Milk
Authors: Caroli Anna , Savino Salvatore , Bulgari Omar , Monti Eugenio
Published: January 2016

In bovine species, β-casein (β-CN) is characterized by genetic polymorphism. The two most common protein variants are β-CN A2 (the original one) and A1, differing from A2 for one amino acid substitution (Pro67 to His67). Several bioactive peptides affecting milk nutritional properties can originate from β-CN. Among them, β-casomorphin-7 (BCM7) ranging from amino acid 60 to 66 can be released more easily from β-CN variants carrying His67 (A1 type) instead of Pro67 (A2 type). Nowadays, “A2 milk” is produced in different countries claiming its potential benefits in human health. The aim of this study was to further develop and apply an isoelectric focusing electrophoresis (IEF) method to bulk and individual milk samples in order to improve its use for β-CN studies. We succeeded in identifying A2 milk samples correctly and quantifying the percentage of A2, A1, and B variants in bulk samples not derived from A2 milk as well as in individual milk samples. The method allows us to quantify the relative proportion of β-CN variants in whole milk without eliminating whey protein by acid or enzymatic precipitation of caseins. The aim of this study was also to study the different behavior of β-CN and β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) in the presence of trichloroacetic acid (TCA). The higher sensitivity of β-CN to TCA allows quantifying β-CN variants after TCA fixation because β-LG is not visible. Monitoring β-CN variation in cattle breeds is important in order to maintain a certain balance between Pro67 and His67 in dairy products. Overall, the debate between A1 and A2 milk needs further investigation.
Magnetically-Responsive Hydrogels for Modulation of Chondrogenic Commitment of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Popa Elena , Santo Vítor , Rodrigues Márcia , Gomes Manuela
Published: January 2016

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are attractive tools to overcome limitations of current regenerative medicine strategies, demonstrating potential to integrate therapeutic and diagnostic functionalities in highly controlled systems. In traditional tissue engineering (TE) approaches, the MNPs association with stem cells in a three-dimensional (3D) template offers the possibility to achieve a mechano-magnetic responsive system, enabling remote control actuation. Herein, we propose to study the role of MNPs integrated in κ-carrageenan (κC) hydrogels in the cellular response of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) aiming at cartilage TE applications. The results indicated that the concentration of MNPs in the κC hydrogels influences cellular behavior, tuning a positive effect on cell viability, cell content and metabolic activity of hASCs, with the most promising outcomes found in 5% MNP-κC matrices. Although hASCs laden in MNPs-free- and MNPs-κC hydrogels showed similar metabolic and proliferation levels, MNPs κC hydrogels under magnetic actuation evidenced an instructive effect on hASCs, at a gene expression level, towards chondrogenic phenotype even in basic medium cultures. Therefore, the MNPs-based systems developed in this study may contribute to advanced strategies towards cartilage-like engineered substitutes.
State Observer Design for Monitoring the Degree of Polymerization in a Series of Melt Polycondensation Reactors
Authors: Ling Chen , Kravaris Costas
Published: January 2016

A nonlinear reduced-order state observer is applied to estimate the degree of polymerization in a series of polycondensation reactors. The finishing stage of polyethylene terephthalate synthesis is considered in this work. This process has a special structure of lower block triangular form, which is properly utilized to facilitate the calculation of the state-dependent gain in the observer design. There are two possible on-line measurements in each reactor. One is continuous, and the other is slow-sampled with dead time. For the slow-sampled titration measurement, inter-sample behavior is estimated from an inter-sample output predictor, which is essential in providing continuous corrections on the observer. Dead time compensation is carried out in the same spirit as the Smith predictor to reduce the effect of delay in the measurement outputs. By integrating the continuous-time reduced-order observer, the inter-sample predictor and the dead time compensator together, the degree of polymerization is accurately estimated in all reactors. The observer performance is demonstrated by numerical simulations. In addition, a pre-filtering technique is used in the presence of sensor noise.
The Influence of Compatibilizer Addition and Gamma Irradiation on Mechanical and Rheological Properties of a Recycled WEEE Plastics Blend
Authors: Tostar Sandra , Stenvall Erik , Foreman Mark , Boldizar Antal
Published: January 2016

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is growing rapidly, and the plastics within WEEE have an important role in fulfilling the recovery and recycling targets defined in the European WEEE Directive. This study considers recycling of WEEE plastics by making a blend of the different plastics instead of separating them. The mechanical and thermal properties can be enhanced by adding a compatibilizer. It was found that one compatibilizer, a styrene-b(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene (SEBS) copolymer named Kraton® G1652 E, had a large impact on the ductility of the recycled WEEE plastics blend. By adding 2.5 weight % (wt%) of this copolymer, the elongation at break increased by more than five times compared with the non-compatibilized samples, with only a small decrease in stiffness and strength. The storage modulus (G’) decreased slightly with increasing compatibilizer amounts while the impact strength increased with increasing amounts of compatibilizer, from 2.1 kJ/m2 (reference material) to 3.6 kJ/m2 (5 weight % (wt%) compatibilizer). It was found that Kraton® FG1901 E (styrene-b(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene (SEBS) grafted with maleic anhydride (MAH)), Royaltuf® 372P20 (styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) modified with ethylene-propylene-diene elastomers (EPDM)) and Fusabond® P353 (polypropylene (PP) with a high degree of grafted MAH) were ineffective as compatibilizers to the blend. Gamma irradiation (50 kGy) did not improve the mechanical properties however: the impact strength of the gamma-irradiated samples was lower than that of the non-irradiated samples.
Multi-Channel Capacitive Sensor Arrays
Authors: Wang Bingnan , Long Jiang , Teo Koon
Published: January 2016

In this paper, multi-channel capacitive sensor arrays based on microstrip band-stop filters are studied. The sensor arrays can be used to detect the proximity of objects at different positions and directions. Each capacitive sensing structure in the array is connected to an inductive element to form resonance at different frequencies. The resonances are designed to be isolated in the frequency spectrum, such that the change in one channel does not affect resonances at other channels. The inductive element associated with each capacitive sensor can be surface-mounted inductors, integrated microstrip inductors or metamaterial-inspired structures. We show that by using metamaterial split-ring structures coupled to a microstrip line, the quality factor of each resonance can be greatly improved compared to conventional surface-mounted or microstrip meander inductors. With such a microstrip-coupled split-ring design, more sensing elements can be integrated in the same frequency spectrum, and the sensitivity can be greatly improved.
Evaluation of the Bitterness of Traditional Chinese Medicines using an E-Tongue Coupled with a Robust Partial Least Squares Regression Method
Authors: Lin Zhaozhou , Zhang Qiao , Liu Ruixin , Gao Xiaojie , Zhang Lu , Kang Bingya , Shi Junhan , Wu Zidan , Gui Xinjing , Li Xuelin
Published: January 2016

To accurately, safely, and efficiently evaluate the bitterness of Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs), a robust predictor was developed using robust partial least squares (RPLS) regression method based on data obtained from an electronic tongue (e-tongue) system. The data quality was verified by the Grubb’s test. Moreover, potential outliers were detected based on both the standardized residual and score distance calculated for each sample. The performance of RPLS on the dataset before and after outlier detection was compared to other state-of-the-art methods including multivariate linear regression, least squares support vector machine, and the plain partial least squares regression. Both R2 and root-mean-squares error (RMSE) of cross-validation (CV) were recorded for each model. With four latent variables, a robust RMSECV value of 0.3916 with bitterness values ranging from 0.63 to 4.78 were obtained for the RPLS model that was constructed based on the dataset including outliers. Meanwhile, the RMSECV, which was calculated using the models constructed by other methods, was larger than that of the RPLS model. After six outliers were excluded, the performance of all benchmark methods markedly improved, but the difference between the RPLS model constructed before and after outlier exclusion was negligible. In conclusion, the bitterness of TCM decoctions can be accurately evaluated with the RPLS model constructed using e-tongue data.
Probabilistic Forecasting of Drought Events Using Markov Chain- and Bayesian Network-Based Models: A Case Study of an Andean Regulated River Basin
Authors: Avilés Alex , Célleri Rolando , Solera Abel , Paredes Javier
Published: January 2016

The scarcity of water resources in mountain areas can distort normal water application patterns with among other effects, a negative impact on water supply and river ecosystems. Knowing the probability of droughts might help to optimize a priori the planning and management of the water resources in general and of the Andean watersheds in particular. This study compares Markov chain- (MC) and Bayesian network- (BN) based models in drought forecasting using a recently developed drought index with respect to their capability to characterize different drought severity states. The copula functions were used to solve the BNs and the ranked probability skill score (RPSS) to evaluate the performance of the models. Monthly rainfall and streamflow data of the Chulco River basin, located in Southern Ecuador, were used to assess the performance of both approaches. Global evaluation results revealed that the MC-based models predict better wet and dry periods, and BN-based models generate slightly more accurately forecasts of the most severe droughts. However, evaluation of monthly results reveals that, for each month of the hydrological year, either the MC- or BN-based model provides better forecasts. The presented approach could be of assistance to water managers to ensure that timely decision-making on drought response is undertaken.
SEARCH FOR LOW-MASS OBJECTS IN THE GLOBULAR CLUSTER M4. I. DETECTION OF VARIABLE STARS
Authors: Safonova M. , Mkrtichian D. , Hasan P. , Sutaria F. , Brosch N. , Gorbikov E. , Joseph P.
Published: January 2016

With every new discovery of an extrasolar planet, the absence of planets in globular clusters (GCs) becomes more and more conspicuous. Null detection of transiting hot Jupiters in GCs 47 Tuc, ω Cen, and NGC 6397 presents an important puzzle, raising questions about the role played by cluster metallicity and environment on formation and survival of planetary systems in densely populated stellar clusters. GCs were postulated to have many free-floating planets, for which microlensing (ML) is an established tool for detection. Dense environments, well-constrained distances and kinematics of lenses and sources, and photometry of thousands of stars simultaneously make GCs the ideal targets to search for ML. We present first results of a multisite, 69-night-long campaign to search for ML signatures of low-mass objects in the GC M4, which was chosen because of its proximity, location, and the actual existence of a planet. M4 was observed in R and I bands by two telescopes, 1 m T40 and 18-inch C18, of the Wise Observatory, Tel Aviv, Israel, from 2011 April to July. Observations on the 1 m telescope were carried out in service mode, gathering 12 to 48 20 s exposures per night for a total of 69 nights. C18 observations were done for about 4 hr a night for six nights in 2011 May. We employ a semiautomated pipeline to calibrate and reduce the images to the light curves that our group is developing for this purpose, which includes the differential photometry package DIAPL, written by Wozniak and modified by W. Pych. Several different diagnostics are employed for search of variability/transients. While no high-significance ML event was found in this observational run, we have detected more than 20 new variables and variable candidates in the M4 field, which we present here.
A Hybrid NIDS Model Using Artificial Neural Network and D-S Evidence
Authors: Lu Chunlin , Li Yue , Ma Mingjie , Li Na
Published: January 2016

Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), especially back-propagation (BP) neural network, can improve the performance of intrusion detection systems. However, for the current network intrusion detection methods, the detection precision, especially for low-frequent attacks, detection stability and training time are still needed to be enhanced. In this paper, a new model which based on optimized BP neural network and Dempster-Shafer theory to solve the above problems and help NIDS to achieve higher detection rate, less false positive rate and stronger stability. The general process of the authors' model is as follows: firstly dividing the main extracted feature into several different feature subsets. Then, based on different feature subsets, different ANN models are trained to build the detection engine. Finally, the D-S evidence theory is employed to integration these results, and obtain the final result. The effectiveness of this method is verified by experimental simulation utilizing KDD Cup1999 dataset.
Detection of Seam-Carving Image Based on Benford's Law for Forensic Applications
Authors: Sheng Guorui , Gao Tiegang
Published: January 2016

Seam-Carving is widely used for content-aware image resizing. To cope with the digital image forgery caused by Seam-Carving, a new detecting algorithm based on Benford's law is presented. The algorithm utilize the probabilities of the first digits of quantized DCT coefficients from individual AC modes to detect Seam-Carving images. The experimental result shows that the performance of proposed method is better than that of the method based on traditional Markov features and other existing methods.
Managing Virtuality in Enterprise Social Systems
Authors: Lee James J. , Imanaka Jessica Ludescher
Published: January 2016

This study has built on research on today's modern organizations with cloud computing to lay the foundations for a comprehensive and systematic theorization of Enterprise Social Systems. The trend toward virtuality marks a fundamental transformation in space-time parameters in communications. This is especially so in the context of rapid current advancements in IT such as cloud computing, as well as numerous other technological fronts. Current IT trends show that increased spatio-temporal plasticity heightens the effectiveness and the efficiency of predominantly Enterprise Social Systems in the cloud computing environment. In particular, subject oriented asynchronous communications experience greater inferred plasticity and event oriented synchronous communications experience greater referred plasticity. Finally, Enterprise Social Systems vary in their degree of virtuality based on the perspective of the relevant stakeholder group considered.
Success in the Web 2.0 Ecosystem
Authors: Wahi Ashok Kumar , Misra Rajnish Kumar
Published: January 2016

As Web 2.0 based systems and applications get adopted by organizations, it is imperative that they bring along both benefits and challenges. As users and beneficiaries of the new means of communication, all of us need to be sensitive to the different factors that could and do affect the success of major Web 2.0 applications and initiatives. This study tries to explore the determinants of success in converting a traditional business organization into an Enterprise 2.0 through defining the “external variables” in the Technology Acceptance Model of Davis (1989). This was done using a survey questionnaire in a wide variety of Indian business organizations. It attempts to verify the relationship of success in the Web 2.0 world with the awareness of IT tools and data analysis capabilities present in the organization, the approach taken by the organization and the departments that take the lead in the implementation of Web 2.0 initiatives. The paper concludes with suggestions and implications for organizations.
Information Technology Continuance Intention
Authors: Nabavi Ali , Taghavi-Fard Mohammad Taghi , Hanafizadeh Payam , Taghva Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2016

This article provides a systematic review of 191 research articles published on the Information Technology (IT) continuance intention between 2001 and 2014. The IT continuance intention literature was analyzed based on a series of dimensions including year of publication, journal, country, author, research methods, type of respondents, the theories and theoretical constructs utilized, and the contexts and technologies examined. Findings suggest that interest in the topic of IT continuance intention has been increasing steadily in recent years, and becomes an emerging area for academic research into the future. In order to improve research in IT continuance intention, future researchers could apply greater use of the theoretical and methodological approaches such as qualitative methods to investigate the continuance intention of information technology.
The History and Development of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSARs)
Authors: Dearden John C.
Published: January 2016

It is widely accepted that modern QSAR began in the early 1960s. However, as long ago as 1816 scientists were making predictions about physical and chemical properties. The first investigations into the correlation of biological activities with physicochemical properties such as molecular weight and aqueous solubility began in 1841, almost 60 years before the important work of Overton and Meyer linking aquatic toxicity to lipid-water partitioning. Throughout the 20th century QSAR progressed, though there were many lean years. In 1962 came the seminal work of Corwin Hansch and co-workers, which stimulated a huge interest in the prediction of biological activities. Initially that interest lay largely within medicinal chemistry and drug design, but in the 1970s and 1980s, with increasing ecotoxicological concerns, QSAR modelling of environmental toxicities began to grow, especially once regulatory authorities became involved. Since then QSAR has continued to expand, with over 1400 publications annually from 2011 onwards.