bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the Interface/Bonding of Boron Nitride (BN) Nanocomposites
Authors: Morales-Cruz Angel L. , Hurst Janet , Santiago Diana
Published: March 2015

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), an analogue of carbon nanotube (CNT) is one of the most used non-metallic materials in high technology applications related to thin film fabrications. Taking advantage of their unique properties such as electrically non-conductive, thermally conductive, and high hardness, it has been used in high-temperature electronic devices, multifunctional aerospace materials, and structures and electric and aerospace systems. The main goal of this project was to use BNNTs in the fabrication of nano epoxycomposites to enhance their thermal and mechanical properties to use it for applications in aerospace constituents. In order to accomplish this goal, BNNTs were functionalized with isopherone diisocyante (IPDC). Surface analysis techniques were employed to ensure the modification BNNTs and study the interface of the reinforced composites before and after the modification. Mechanical and thermal conductivity testing was performed in order to understand the quality of the composites. Three different nanocomposites were accomplished with hBN and BNNTs using two different epoxy polymers and three curing agents. The systems EPON 862/Curing Agent W/ (hBN or BNNTs) have Tgs and tan deltas higher compared with those fabricated at the same conditions without nanoparticles. The fabricated BN composites showed improved physical properties due to their particle dispersion and boron nitrite intermolecular interactions with the epoxy polymer.
Contact hole shrink and multiplication by directed self-assembly of block copolymers: from material to integration
Authors: Tiron Raluca , Chevalier Xavier , Gharbi Ahmed , Argoud Maxime , Pimenta-Barros Patricia , Maret Mireille , Gergaud Patrice , Terlier Tanguy , Barnes Jean-Paul , Navarro Christophe , Fleury Guillaume , Hadziioannou Georges
Published: March 2015

Density multiplication of patterned templates by directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCP) stands out as a promising alternative to overcome the limitation of conventional lithography. Using the 300mm pilot line available in LETI and Arkema’s materials, the main objective is to integrate DSA directly into the conventional CMOS lithography process in order to achieve high resolution and pattern density multiplication at a low cost. Thus we investigate the potential of DSA to address contact and via level patterning by performing either CD shrink or contact multiplication. Our approach is based on the graphoepitaxy of PS-b-PMMA block copolymers. Lithographic performances of block copolymers are evaluated both for contact shrink and contact doubling. Furthermore, advanced characterization technics are used to monitor in-film self-assembly process. These results show that DSA has a high potential to be integrated directly into the conventional CMOS lithography process in order to achieve high resolution contact holes.
Buckwheat Species as Summer Cover Crops for Weed Suppression in No-Tillage Vegetable Cropping Systems
Authors: Bulan Mary T. Saunders , Stoltenberg David E. , Posner Joshua L.
Published: March 2015

Buckwheat is a broadleaved annual species that is often used as a summer cover crop for its quick growth, weed suppressive ability, and ease of management. Tartary buckwheat is a species related to buckwheat, with many of the same traits valued in buckwheat as a cover crop. However, Tartary buckwheat has been reported to grow more vigorously than buckwheat, especially in cool conditions, which might fill a unique niche for vegetable farmers in Wisconsin and other northcentral states. Our research objectives were to determine the effectiveness of Tartary buckwheat relative to buckwheat for weed suppression, both during the cover-cropping phase and after cover-crop termination during cabbage production, and quantify weed suppression, soil compaction, soil nitrogen availability, and cabbage yield in no-tillage (roller-crimped or sickle-bar mowed) and conventional-tillage (rototilled) systems. Across three site-years, we found that buckwheat emerged earlier and produced 64% more shoot dry biomass than Tartary buckwheat. Pretermination weed shoot biomass (predominantlyAmaranthusandSetariaspp.) in Tartary buckwheat treatments was approximately twice that of buckwheat, and did not differ from weed shoot biomass in a control fallow treatment. Cabbage yield did not differ between cover crop species nor did yield differ between conventional-tillage cover cropped and control fallow treatments. However, weed biomass was greater, and cabbage yield was reduced, in no-tillage compared to conventional-tillage treatments. We also found evidence of greater soil compaction and less nitrate–nitrogen (NO3–N) availability in no-tillage than conventional-tillage treatments. These results suggest that Tartary buckwheat is not a suitable summer cover crop alternative to buckwheat for weed suppression prior to cabbage production.
ECONOMIC SECURITY IN THE SYSTEM OF TRANSFORMATION OF THE WORLD FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Bauer V. P. , Avdiyskiy V. I.
Published: March 2015

Transformation of world financial architecture (WFA) is offered to be carried out with use of model of the geostrategy formed within the limits of a triad of institutes «geopolitics-geoeconomy-geonomika». On the basis of sovereign funds and national riches of the countries-participants new WFA it is offered to realize the concept of the national rent and to create new metacurrency. It is given reason, that resistance of transformation it will be possible to expect in spheres of a national competition, stability of development and safety. Transformation threats are resulted, the indicators, allowing to estimate economic safety of these countries are offered.
INSTRUMENTS FOR RISING INTEGRATION PROCESS EFFICIENCY
Authors: Dzhioev M. V.
Published: March 2015

A motivating factor for performing amalgamation and merger is synergetic effect, creation of new opportunities for business development, increase in compatibility and financial viability of a new organization. However, up to 70% of all transactions are not efficient and lead to splitting of the united company. The article examines new instruments used in conducting such transactions. The principles of rising integration process efficiency are rationalized.
THE STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION OF AN INNOVATIVE ENTERPRISE IN CRISIS
Authors: Sherbakov D. S.
Published: March 2015

The paper contains analysis of some recent theoretical and methodological problems in the transformation of innovative enterprises in a crisis. The main subject of study elected transformation governance of innovative production systems of macro-and micro-level. On the basis of project-process approach the author proposed a concept of managing an anti-crisis strategy in the innovation business, which is experiencing profound transformational processes.
ADAPTATION TO CHANGES IN CONDITIONS CHANGE LIFE-CYCLE PHASES СORPORATION
Authors: Ushanov P. V.
Published: March 2015

The concept of life cycle and corporations K.Adizes studied through the prism of Elliott Wave Theory and the theory of meridians. The features of the phases, the premise of constructive and destructive transition from one life cycle phase to another. Proposed clarifying the concept of the life cycle of the corporation, consisting of 10 phases.
RISK PREVENTION AS A CONDITION OF A COMPANY STABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Emeljanov А. N.
Published: March 2015

The analysis of risks of industrial production of biofuel is presented. Various classifica-tions of risks are described, definition of innovative risk is made. The technique of an estimation of risks of placing of manufacture of biofuel is resulted and calculation on Open Society example “Cheremnovsky sugar factory” in Altay territory is made.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTEGRATED BUSINESS GROUPS AS A FACTOR IN UPGRADING INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX
Authors: Iakubanis N. V.
Published: March 2015

Formation and development of integrated corporate business structures is one of the indicators of the dynamics of growth and production efficiency. At the same time created a business structure must have not only efficiency, but also of strategic stability in the long run. Key strategies to achieve sustainability by corporate interests on the basis of an integration mechanism has been developed on practice.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTEGRATED BUSINESS GROUPS AS A FACTOR IN UPGRADING INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX
Authors: Novikov A. V.
Published: March 2015

In the article the main questions of crisis management associated with evolutionary factors in economy are being explored. The current state of economics evolutionary theory is being re-viewed. The main attention is paid to mobility of production systems as a property that allows the companies to overcome the difficulties of evolutionary struggle very fast and with low costs.
Using Fatigue-Failure Envelope for Cement-Sheath-Integrity Evaluation
Authors: Shadravan Arash , Schubert Jerome , Amani Mahmood , Teodoriu Catalin
Published: March 2015

Tensile and shear failures are two common cement-sheath failure criteria. Tensile failure occurs when a stress on the cement surpasses the tensile strength of the cement, and shear failure happens when a stress exceeds the shear strength of the cement. The objective of this study is to introduce a laboratory method that investigates the effects of fatigue (cyclical loading) on the cement sheath. Chances of cement-sheath failure also increase when the application involves high-pressure/high-temperature conditions; therefore, this test setup is rated to 25,000 psi and 450°F. In this method, fatigue-failure cycle and stress magnitude could reveal the extent of the fatigue tolerance of different slurry designs relative to each other. One could program and adjust casing pressure (Pi), pore pressure (PP), temperature, cycle intervals, and ramp rates to conduct a cyclical-loading test automatically.

Failures caused by thermal and stress loading may occur as a result of temperature and pressure-induced stresses created by well events such as hydraulic fracturing, cyclic steam injection, steam-assisted gravity drainage, production, completion, or remedial treatments. Thermal and stress cycles could impose a risk to zonal isolation and lead to a delay in hydrocarbon production. Studying such effects could be helpful in developing a better understanding of the cement-sheath-failure threshold and, in fact, could be complementary to mechanical-properties measurement. The cement sheath fails after a certain number of cycles when reaching its fatigue-endurance limit. This research showcases examples in which the fatigue-failure cycles were identified for 1,000-, 2,000-, and 5,000-psi pressure differentials between the pore pressure (exposed to the outside of the sheath) and the casing pressure. For these experiments, the pore pressure and temperature were held constant at 15,000 psi and 330°F whereas the casing pressure varied cyclically between 15,000 and 16,000 psi (Set A), 17,000 psi (Set B), and 20,000 psi (Set C).
Challenges in Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment for Shale Development
Authors: Boyd Heather
Published: March 2015

The rapid pace of shale development in the United States raises a number of environmental concerns such as habitat fragmentation, loss of biodiversity, depletion of water resources and degradation of water resources and air quality. A Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) was completed for shale development activities in a North American shale play. The SEIA focused on environmental impacts associated with the proponent's current and future operations over a five-year period.

The objectives of the study were to establish environmental baseline through desktop research and GIS mapping and to assess environmental impacts to physical, biological and cultural resources at a high level and independent of regulatory context. Recommendations for avoidance or mitigation were integrated into a management plan.

The SEIA addressed a range of activities including construction, drilling and completions and operations. A series of environmental hazard identification (ENVID) workshops were held to aid in the identification and assessment of environmental impacts.

Applying a strategic EIA approach to full field development posed some challenges and lessons learned, but has ultimately come to serve as an important tool in helping to shape environmental management programs for operations across a widespread area with the potential to impact a number of sensitive resources. The approach could be applied to other shale operations to define an environmental footprint, characterize baseline conditions, assess impacts, and develop strategic recommendations for proactive environmental management as well as planning for future development and operational decisions.
Geomechanics of Lost-Circulation Events and Wellbore-Strengthening Operations
Authors: Mehrabian Amin , Jamison Dale E. , Teodorescu Sorin Gabriel
Published: March 2015

Lost circulation, a major complication of drilling operations, is commonly treated by adding materials of various types, shapes, and particle-size distributions to the drilling mud. Generally known as wellbore strengthening, this technique often helps the operator to drill with higher mud gradients compared with that suggested by the conventional fracture-gradient or borehole-fracture-limit analysis. The underlying mechanisms through which a wellbore is strengthened, however, are not yet fully understood.

This study explores these wellbore-strengthening mechanisms through an analytical solution to the related solid-mechanics model of the wellbore and its adjacent fractures. The provided solution is generic in that it takes into account the mechanical interaction of multiple fractures between one another and the wellbore under an arbitrary state of in-situ stress anisotropy. An additional generality in this solution arises from its unification and quantification of some solid-mechanics aspects of the previous hypotheses that have been published on the subject—i.e., stress cage, as well as the tip isolation and its effect on the fracture-propagation resistance.

In relation to the stress-cage theory, the study investigates the wellbore-hoop-stress enhancement upon fracturing. The findings indicate that the induced hoop stress is significant at some regions near the wellbore, especially in the general vicinity of the fracture(s). However, given the strong dependency of wellbore stress on the mechanical and geometrical parameters of the problem, generalizing these results to the entire region around the wellbore may not always be trivial. The study also examines tip isolation, a common feature of fracture-closure and propagation-resistance hypotheses, through the analysis of partially reduced fracture pressures and a breakdown criterion, defined by the critical stress-intensity factor of the formation rock.
Numerical Modeling of In-Situ Relative Permeability and Capillary Pressure from Inversion of Wireline Formation Tester Data
Authors: Cig Koksal , Ayan Cosan , Kristensen Morten , Mackay Eric
Published: March 2015

Measuring relative permeabilities and capillary pressures on core samples in the laboratory is both a lengthy and costly process. Wireline formation testers (WFT) are routinely used in the field to measure pressures and collect fluid samples. Commonly available data from WFT operations carry information about the multiphase flow properties of the formation. By utilizing in-situ WFT measurements together with a flow model and an optimization engine, we propose in this paper a new methodology for estimation of relative permeability and capillary pressure (PC).

The proposed methodology consists of a numerical forward model describing the mud filtrate invasion and fluid sampling processes while accurately accounting for WFT tool geometry and internal tool storage and fluid segregation effects. The forward model is embedded in an optimization workflow where relative permeabilities, capillary pressures, damage skin, and depth of mud filtrate invasion are estimated by minimizing a misfit function between measured and modeled pressures and water-cuts. The relative permeability and PC curves are parameterized using industry accepted models. The optimization workflow uses a distribution function of response parameters where the entire parameter range is included in the numerical runs, thus ensuring that a global optimum is found. Initial parameter estimates are determined from open-hole logs, such as resistivity, dielectric, nuclear magnetic resonance, as well as from pressure transient analysis.

The methodology developed in this paper is validated by application to a synthetic dataset with a known solution, and it is subsequently demonstrated on actual field data from a WFT sampling operation. The results of this paper demonstrate that it is possible to reliably estimate multiphase flow properties from WFT sampling data. The key contributions of this study are to show the capability of estimating a variety of multiphase flow properties from in-situ WFT cleanup measurements and to establish an automated approach, including a novel inversion methodology, to reduce the turnaround time.
Analysis of effects of climate change on runoff in an urban drainage system: a case study from Seoul, Korea
Authors: Jung M. , Kim H. , Mallari K. J. B. , Pak G. , Yoon J.
Published: March 2015

Both water quantity and quality are impacted by climate change. In addition, rapid urbanization has also brought an immeasurable loss of life and property resulting from floods. Hence, there is a need to predict changes in rainfall events to effectively design stormwater infrastructure to protect urban areas from disaster. This study develops a framework for predicting future short duration rainfall intensity and examining the effects of climate change on urban runoff in the Gunja Drainage Basin. Non-stationarities in rainfall records are first analysed using trend analysis to extrapolate future climate change scenarios. The US Environmental Protection Agency Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) was used for single event simulation of runoff quantity from the study area. For the 1-hour and 24-hour durations, statistically significant upward trends were observed. Although the 10-minute duration was only nearly significant at the 90% level, the steepest slope was observed for this short duration. Moreover, it was observed that the simulated peak discharge from SWMM increases as the short duration rainfall intensity increases. The proposed framework is thought to provide a means to review the current design of stormwater infrastructures to determine their capacity, along with consideration of climate change impact.
Acetic acid recovery from a hybrid biological–hydrothermal treatment process of sewage sludge – a pilot plant study
Authors: Andrews J. , Dare P. , Estcourt G. , Gapes D. , Lei R. , McDonald B. , Wijaya N.
Published: March 2015

A two-stage process consisting of anaerobic fermentation followed by sub-critical wet oxidation was used to generate acetic acid from sewage sludge at pilot scale. Volatile fatty acids, dominated by propionic acid, were produced over 4–6 days in the 2,000 L fermentation reactor, which also achieved 31% solids reduction. Approximately 96% of the carbon was retained in solution over the fermentation stage. Using a 200 L wet oxidation reactor operating in batch mode, the second stage achieved 98% volatile suspended solids (VSS) destruction and 67% total chemical oxygen demand (tCOD) destruction. Acetic acid produced in this stage was recalcitrant to further degradation and was retained in solution. The gross yield from VSS was 16% for acetic acid and 21% for volatile fatty acids across the process, higher than reported yields for wet oxidation alone. The pilot plant results showed that 72% of the incoming phosphorus was retained in the solids, 94% of the nitrogen became concentrated in solution and 41% of the carbon was converted to a soluble state, in a more degradable form. Acetic acid produced from the process has the potential to be used to offset ethanol requirements in biological nutrient removal plants.
Sequential recovery of copper and nickel from wastewater without net energy input
Authors: Cai Wen-Fang , Fang Xiao-Wen , Xu Meng-Xi , Liu Xiao-He , Wang Yun-Hai
Published: March 2015

A novel bioelectrochemical system (BES) was designed to recover copper and nickel from wastewater sequentially. The BES has two chambers separated by a bipolar membrane and two cathodes. Firstly, the copper ions were reduced on a graphite cathode with electricity output, and then with an additional bias-potential applied, the nickel ions were recovered sequentially on a copper sheet with electricity input. In this design, nickel and copper can be recovered and separated sequentially on two cathodes. By adjusting the molar ratio of copper and nickel ions to 2.99:1 in wastewater, 1.40 mmol Cu2+ could be recovered with 143.78 J electricity outputs, while 50.68 J electricity was input for 0.32 mmol nickel reduction. The total energy output of copper recovery was far more than the electricity input of nickel reduction. The present technology provides a potential method for heavy metal ion separation and recovery.
Fenton oxidation of gallic and p-coumaric acids in water assisted by an activated carbon cloth
Authors: Fontecha-Cámara María A. , Álvarez Miguel A. , López-Ramón Victoria , Moreno-Castilla Carlos
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the presence of an activated carbon cloth (ACC) during the degradation and removal of gallic acid (GA) and p-coumaric acid (pCA) by Fenton oxidation using H2O2 and FeSO4 as catalyst. Removal of GA or pCA by Fenton oxidation was much higher than that of total organic carbon (TOC), indicating that a large proportion of GA or pCA degradation products was not mineralized. The presence of ACC increased the concentration of hydroxyl radicals generated in the FeSO4 + H2O2 system. The presence of ACC during Fenton oxidation largely increased TOC and GA removal, attributable to the adsorption of GA and its degradation products and the increased generation of OH• radicals that mineralize them. In the Fenton oxidation of pCA, the presence of ACC produced the same effects as for GA, but now the increased removal of pCA was due to adsorption on the activated carbon and not to the increased generation of hydroxyl radicals, due to the greater affinity of pCA for the carbon surface and its more difficult mineralization in comparison to GA.
The Research of Trusted Attribute Based on Model-Driven of MDA
Authors: He Kemeng , Sun Yushan , Qin Zhang , Sun Yuqiang , Gu Yuwan
Published: March 2015

The research methods of trusted attribute based on model-driven for credibility problems in the development
process of model-driven software proposed in the paper. An overall analysis for software requirements is carried out, considering
the business specification and the need to achieve the function, testing the Integrity and accuracy of model in the
PIM phase. Then, is a need to achieve the necessary component services in the concrete platform for implementing the
business logic of PIM, studying the symmetry and reliability of model in the PSM phase. Finally, the use of transformation
method of element mark to achieve the conversion of platform model, testing the transfer ratio of model in the phase
of PIM transformed to PSM. The research of trusted attribute based on model-driven of MDA has effectively improved
reliability and developing efficiency of software.
Based on the Structural Mechanics of Dump Truck Chassis Frame of Design Improvement
Authors: Wei ZhanGuo , Zhou ZhuoXian
Published: March 2015

EQ3090 dump truck in the basis of EQ1090 modification and become, the chassis choose EQ1090 chassis. The
modification of the main frame, including the main frame of the drilling and welding, the main frame of extension design,
main frame of reinforcing plate design. Auxiliary frame modified, include the auxiliary frame of the cross section shape
and size, reinforcing plate decorate, deputy frame front shape and installation location, rail and beam connection design,
auxiliary frame and the main frame connection design, and finally, the auxiliary frame in intensity. The refit vehicle meet
the using performance and achieve the anticipated goal.
Assessing the Evidence for e-Resources for Mental Health Self-Management: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Karasouli Eleni , Adams Ann
Published: March 2015

Background

In a climate which recognizes mental health as a key health improvement target, but where mental health services are increasingly over-stretched, self-management e-resources can play a potentially important role in helping to ensure people get the care and support they need. They have the potential to enable individuals to learn more about, and to exercise active involvement in, their care, and thus we see a growing interest in this area for both research and practice. However, for e-resources to become important adjuncts to clinical care, it is necessary to understand if and how they impact on patients and care outcomes.

Objective

The objective of this study was to review systematically the research evidence for theory-driven and evidence-based mental health self-management e-resources; and make recommendations about strengthening the future evidence base.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was conducted. No limits to study design were applied. We did not restrict the types of Web-based technologies included, such as websites and mobile applications, so long as they met the study inclusion criteria. A narrative synthesis of data was performed to elaborate both the development and effectiveness of online resources.

Results

In total, 2969 abstracts were identified. Of those, 8 papers met the inclusion criteria. Only one randomized controlled trial was identified. The e-resources were aimed at self-management of bipolar disorder, depression, or general mental health problems. Some of the e-resources were intended to be used as prevention aids, whereas others were recovery orientated.

Conclusions

Mental health self-management e-resources have the potential to be widely effective, but our review shows it is early days in terms of development of the evidence base for them. To build robust evidence, clear guidelines are needed on the development and reporting of e-resources, so that both developers and researchers maximize the potential of a new, but rapidly evolving area.
Floristic and phytocoenological research of segetal plant communities in cultivated areas of southern Srem
Authors: Jaric Snezana , Karadzic Branko , Vrbnicanin Sava , Mitrovic Miroslava , Kostic Olga , Pavlovic Pavle
Published: March 2015

Segetal vegetation was studied in the cultivated areas of southern Srem with
the aim of analyzing its taxonomy, phytocoenology, syntaxonomy and
phytogeography, as well as determining to what extent ecological factors
influenced the differentiation of segetal plant communities among row crops,
small grain crops and in alfalfa fields. Segetal flora was comprised of 124
plant species, classified into 38 families, of which Asteraceae (28),
Fabaceae (10) and Poaceae (10) contained the greatest number of species.
Three associations were selected based on phytocoenological analysis:
Polygonetum convolvulo-avicularis, Consolido-Polygonetum avicularis and
Lolio-Plantaginetum majoris, as well as five lower syntaxa (subassociations
and facies). Crop type, moisture, habitat acidity (pH), temperature and
anthropogenic factors had the greatest impact on the ecological
differentiation of the studied vegetation. The significant presence of
non-native species (18) was another consequence of the anthropogenic effects
and geographic position of southern Srem, and these, as coenobionts of
segetal plant communities and undesirable species, had a significant impact
on crop yield.
Edible mycorrhizal species Lactarius controversus Pers. 1800 as a source of antioxidant and cytotoxic agents
Authors: Novakovic Aleksandra , Karaman Maja , Milovanovic Ivan , Belovic Miona , Raseta Milena , Radusin Tanja , Ilic Nebojsa
Published: March 2015

The aim of this work was to study chemical profile and antioxidant and
cytotoxic activities of ethanol and water extracts of Lactarius controversus
(Pers.) 1800 mushroom species growing in eastern Serbia. The chemical
characterization of phenolic compounds performed by HPLC-MS/MS demonstrated
the presence of quinic acid among others. Determination of antioxidant
activity, including radical scavenging effects on DPPH?, NO?, OH? and SOA
radicals and ferric reducing ability was investigated. The highest DPPH
radical scavenging effect was obtained for water extract (LcAq) while ethanol
extract (LcEtOH) demonstrated the highest FRAP activity. Hexane extract
applied in antibacterial assay against three pathogenic strains demonstrated
antibacterial effect only against S. aureus ATCC25922. Anti-proliferative
properties against estrogen dependent MCF 7 breast cancer cell lines using
MTT showed higher activity for ethanolic extract.
Nucleus-independent chemical shift profiles along the intrinsic distortion path for Jahn-Teller active molecules. Study on cyclopentadienyl radical and cobaltocene
Authors: Andjelkovic Ljubica , Peric Marko , Zlatar Matija , Gruden-Pavlovic Maja
Published: March 2015

The aromatic/antiaromatic behavior of the cyclopentadienyl anion (Cp-),
bis(?5-cyclopentadienyl)iron(II) (Fe(Cp)2), as well as of the Jahn-Teller
(JT) active cyclopentadienyl radical (Cp?) and
bis(?5-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt(II) (Co(Cp)2) has been investigated using
Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of the Nuclear Independent
Chemical Shifts (NICS). According to the NICS values, pentagon ring in
Fe(Cp)2 is more aromatic than isolated Cp-. The NICS parameters have been
scanned along the Intrinsic Distortion Path (IDP) for Cp? and Co(Cp)2 showing
antiaromaticity, which decreases with increasing deviation from high symmetry
D5h to low symmetry (LS) C2v. Changes in the NICS values along the IDP
revealed that Co(Cp)2 in the LS nuclear arrangement has aromatic character,
in contrast to the case of Cp?
Interplay of Rhizome and Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Tillmanns Tanja , Holland Charlotte , Lorenzi Francesca , McDonagh Pierre
Published: March 2015

One of the central challenges within education for sustainable development (ESD) is in empowering learners to reframe mindsets, particularly those that result in unsustainable behaviours and/or actions. This paper introduces the concept of rhizome articulated by Deleuze and Guattari (1987) and proposes that it can act as a framework for re-conceptualising processes of ESD. Key constructs within the rhizome, such as assemblages, nomadism, war machines and lines of flights, are discussed to highlight their relevance to ESD. The principles of the rhizome (connection, heterogeneity, multiplicity, signifying rupture, cartography and decalcomania) are then examined in the context of six processes necessary for effective ESD outlined by Tilbury (2011), namely, collaboration, dialogue, ‘whole system’ engagement, innovation within curricula, teaching and learning and active and participatory learning. The final section critically considers how this weaving of rhizomatic principles with the processes of ESD impacts on educating for sustainability. The rhizome has the potential to inspire educators and learners alike to become more critically aware of the interconnectivity and disruptive influences within sustainability. In this regard, the discussion ends by concluding that the reconceptualisation of ESD as rhizome or rhizomatic can foster an ontological shift towards perceiving the nature of reality as complex interconnected multiplicities.
Envisioning the Future: Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Students’ Perspectives
Authors: Iliško Dzintra , Skrinda Astrīda , Mičule Ilona
Published: March 2015

Education is a future-facing activity. Therefore, universities need to engage students in building alternative and preferable future scenarios and reveal features of unsustainability, as well as open spaces for students to participate in discussions and negotiate new meanings. This paper reveals the future visions bachelor’s and master’s degree students from one of the regional universities in eastern Latvia have of education and focuses on a sustainability analysis (sustainable and unsustainable) of societal aspects and education. The authors conclude that thinking about preferred futures make students more aware of the positive changes that could be made and their personal responsibility to contribute to these changes. In this connection, the need to take a broad, integrated and holistic view of the future and its social and personal significance is of utmost importance.
A Link between Nano- and Classical Thermodynamics: Dissipation Analysis (The Entropy Generation Approach in Nano-Thermodynamics)
Authors: Lucia Umberto
Published: March 2015

The interest in designing nanosystems is continuously growing. Engineers apply a great number of optimization methods to design macroscopic systems. If these methods could be introduced into the design of small systems, a great improvement in nanotechnologies could be achieved. To do so, however, it is necessary to extend classical thermodynamic analysis to small systems, but irreversibility is also present in small systems, as the Loschmidt paradox highlighted. Here, the use of the recent improvement of the Gouy-Stodola theorem to complex systems (GSGL approach), based on the use of entropy generation, is suggested to obtain the extension of classical thermodynamics to nanothermodynamics. The result is a new approach to nanosystems which avoids the difficulties highlighted in the usual analysis of the small systems, such as the definition of temperature for nanosystems.
Metriplectic Algebra for Dissipative Fluids in Lagrangian Formulation
Authors: Materassi Massimo
Published: March 2015

The dynamics of dissipative fluids in Eulerian variables may be derived from an algebra of Leibniz brackets of observables, the metriplectic algebra, that extends the Poisson algebra of the frictionless limit of the system via a symmetric semidefinite component, encoding dissipative forces. The metriplectic algebra includes the conserved total Hamiltonian H, generating the non-dissipative part of dynamics, and the entropy S of those microscopic degrees of freedom draining energy irreversibly, which generates dissipation. This S is a Casimir invariant of the Poisson algebra to which the metriplectic algebra reduces in the frictionless limit. The role of S is as paramount as that of H, but this fact may be underestimated in the Eulerian formulation because S is not the only Casimir of the symplectic non-canonical part of the algebra. Instead, when the dynamics of the non-ideal fluid is written through the parcel variables of the Lagrangian formulation, the fact that entropy is symplectically invariant clearly appears to be related to its dependence on the microscopic degrees of freedom of the fluid, that are themselves in involution with the position and momentum of the parcel.
Climate Adaptation in Swedish Forestry: Exploring the Debate and Policy Process, 1990–2012
Authors: Ulmanen Johanna , Swartling Åsa , Wallgren Oskar
Published: March 2015

This paper explores how climate change adaptation concerns were integrated into the Swedish forestry debate and policy process during the period of 1990–2012, and draws lessons on barriers and opportunities identified in this process. Using a framework focusing on “advocacy coalitions”, we analyze how the adaptation debate in the forestry sector evolved over the period; who the main advocates for and against adaptation were; and which main arguments and processes affected the debate and policy. The results show that academics advocating climate change adaptation, aided by outside influences, such as political pressure for adaptation responses and the negative impacts of the 2005 storm Gudrun, contributed to an increased general awareness and understanding of adaptation issues amongst forestry stakeholders. Nonetheless, the strong dominance of actors arguing for increased forest production and the limited number and relatively poor organization of adaptation advocates have acted as barriers to mainstreaming adaptation concerns into forestry policy and practice. The dominant coalitions and their values have also determined the direction of debate and policy. The main conclusions for policymakers aiming to further this integration process are the importance of stimulating adaptation coalitions and the value of creating arenas for multiple stakeholder learning about adaptation.
Interventions to Reduce Harm from Smoking with Families in Infancy and Early Childhood: A Systematic Review
Authors: Brown Nicola , Luckett Tim , Davidson Patricia , Di Giacomo Michelle
Published: March 2015

Exposure to adult smoking can have deleterious effects on children. Interventions that assist families with smoking cessation/reduction and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) avoidance can improve child health outcomes and reduce the risk of smoking initiation. The purpose of this review was to describe the state of the science of interventions with families to promote smoke-free home environments for infants and young children, including parent smoking reduction and cessation interventions, ETS reduction, and anti-smoking socialisation interventions, using the socio-ecological framework as a guide. A systematic review of peer-reviewed articles identified from journal databases from 2000 to 2014 was undertaken. Of 921 articles identified, 28 were included in the review. Considerable heterogeneity characterised target populations, intervention types, complexity and intensity, precluding meta-analysis. Few studies used socio-ecological approaches, such as family theories or concepts. Studies in early parenthood (child age newborn to one year) tended to focus on parent smoking cessation, where studies of families with children aged 1–5 years were more likely to target household SHSe reduction. Results suggest that interventions for reduction in ETS may be more successful than for smoking cessation and relapse prevention in families of children aged less than 5 years. There is a need for a range of interventions to support families in creating a smoke free home environment that are both tailored and targeted to specific populations. Interventions that target the social and psychodynamics of the family should be considered further, particularly in reaching vulnerable populations. Consideration is also required for approaches to interventions that may further stigmatise families containing smokers. Further research is required to identify successful elements of interventions and the contexts in which they are most effective.
Perceived and Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Time among South Asian Women in the UK
Authors: Curry Whitney , Duda Joan , Thompson Janice
Published: March 2015

Introduction: Limited self-report data suggest that South Asian (SA) women fail to meet physical activity (PA) recommendations. Recent research using objective measures reveals SA women living in the UK have higher PA levels than previously reported, and a pattern of under-reporting PA and sedentary time (ST). There is limited research on SA women’s understanding and experiences of PA/ST, and the cultural contexts and conditions within which they occur. Therefore the aims of this mixed-methods study were to compare perceived PA and ST to objectively measured data and explore PA- and ST-specific contexts, experiences, and sources of PA and ST amongst SA women in the UK. Methods: 24 women were purposively sampled to participate in a semi-structured interview from a larger study of 140 women who wore an accelerometer for 7 days. Demographic and anthropometric data were also collected. Results: Notable qualitative themes on contextualisation were of adequate PA as “keeping busy” or “being healthy”, and of ST as “lazy” or “resting in old age”. Few participants reported being sedentary, and most believed they were sufficiently physically active. Objectively measured PA/ST indicated that 66% women were less active than perceived (with regard to duration and intensity), with none able to estimate duration of ST. Discussion: Findings suggest that overall, SA women have contextualisations of PA/ST that may not coincide with those of researchers, health professionals and policy makers, and lack awareness of the intensity of PA in which they engage and the health risks of high levels of ST. These findings highlight the need for objective measures of PA and ST in this population combined with in-depth qualitative assessments to provide more accurate assessments of these behaviours. This information can subsequently be used to develop health promotion messages and interventions focusing on increasing duration and/or intensity levels of daily activities (e.g., walking, housework) and reducing ST in this population.
New Developments in Biomarkers for Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Thijs Judith , Van Seggelen Wouter , Bruijnzeel-Koomen Carla , De Bruin-Weller Marjolein , Hijnen DirkJan
Published: March 2015

The application of biomarkers in medicine is evolving. Biomarkers do not only give us a better understanding of pathogenesis, but also increase treatment efficacy and safety, further enabling more precise clinical care. This paper focuses on the current use of biomarkers in atopic dermatitis, new developments and future perspectives. Biomarkers can be used for many different purposes, including the objective determination of disease severity, confirmation of clinical diagnosis, and to predict response to treatment. In atopic dermatitis, many biomarkers have been investigated as a marker for disease severity. Currently serum thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) is the superior biomarker for assessing disease severity. However, we have recently shown that the use of a panel of serum biomarkers is more suitable for assessing disease severity than an individual biomarker. In this overview, we will discuss alternative sources for biomarkers, such as saliva and capillary blood, which can increase the user friendliness of biomarkers in atopic dermatitis (AD). Both methods offer simple, non-invasive and cost effective alternatives to venous blood. This provides great translational and clinical potential. Biomarkers will play an increasingly important role in AD research and personalized medicine. The use of biomarkers will enhance the efficacy of AD treatment by facilitating the individualization of therapy targeting the patients’ specific biological signature and also by providing tools for predicting and monitoring of therapeutic response.
On the Characteristics of Misaligned Journal Bearings
Authors: Jang Joon , Khonsari Michael
Published: March 2015

Journal bearing misalignment arise generally from the shaft deformation under load, deflection of the shaft, manufacturing and assembly errors, improper installation, and asymmetric loading. During operations, misalignment has a considerable effect on the static and dynamic performances. It could cause wear, vibration and even system failure. In this article, a literature review of misalignment of the journal bearings is presented. The basic theory for the misalignment and some results for the circular journal bearing are also presented to show the general trends of the misalignment.
Twistor Interpretation of Harmonic Spheres and Yang–Mills Fields
Authors: Sergeev Armen
Published: March 2015

We consider the twistor descriptions of harmonic maps of the Riemann sphere into Kähler manifolds and Yang–Mills fields on four-dimensional Euclidean space. The motivation to study twistor interpretations of these objects comes from the harmonic spheres conjecture stating the existence of the bijective correspondence between based harmonic spheres in the loop space \(\Omega G\) of a compact Lie group \(G\) and the moduli space of Yang–Mills \(G\)-fields on \(\mathbb R^4\).
Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of the Essential Oil of Skimmia laureola Leaves
Authors: Barkatullah  , Ibrar Muhammad , Muhammad Naveed , De Feo Vincenzo
Published: March 2015

The composition of the essential oil from leaves of Skimmia laureola was determined by GC and GC-MS. Twenty-eight components were identified, accounting for 93.9% of the total oil. The oil is mainly composed of monoterpenes (93.5%), of which monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes represent 11.0% and 82.5%, respectively. Sesquiterpenes constitute only 0.3% of the total oil. Linalyl acetate is the main component (50.5%), with linalool (13.1%), geranyl acetate (8.5%) and cis-p-menth-2-en-1-ol (6.2%) as other principal constituents. The essential oil showed a significant antispasmodic activity, in a dose range of 0.03–10 mg/mL. The essential oil also possesses antibacterial and antifungal activities against some pathogenic strains. The phytotoxic and cytotoxic activities were also assessed.
Protective Effects of Labisia pumila var. alata on Biochemical and Histopathological Alterations of Cardiac Muscle Cells in Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction Rats
Authors: Dianita Roza , Jantan Ibrahim , Amran Athirah , Jalil Juriyati
Published: March 2015

The study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of the standardized aqueous and 80% ethanol extracts of Labisia pumila var. alata (LPva) in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. The extracts were administered to Wistar rats orally for 28 days with three doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight) prior to ISO (85 mg/kg)-induced MI in two doses on day 29 and 30. The sera and hearts were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis after the rats were sacrificed 48 h after the first induction. The main components of the extracts, gallic acid, alkylresorcinols and flavonoids were identified and quantitatively analyzed in the extracts by using a validated reversed phase HPLC method. The extracts showed significant protective effects as pretreated rats showed a significant dose-dependent decrease (p < 0.05) in cardiac enzyme activities, i.e., cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), when compared with ISO-control rats. There were significant rises (p < 0.05) in the activity of oxidase enzymes, i.e., glutathione peroxide (GPx), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of the pretreated rats, when compared with ISO-control group. Histopathological examination showed an improvement in membrane cell integrity in pre-treated rats compared to untreated rats. The major components of LPva extracts can be used as their biomarkers and contributed to the cardioprotective effects against ISO-induced MI rats.
Cyclic Comonomers for the Synthesis of Carboxylic Acid and Amine Functionalized Poly(l-Lactic Acid)
Authors: Heiny Markus , Shastri V.
Published: March 2015

Degradable aliphatic polyesters such as poly(lactic acid) are widely used in biomedical applications, however, they lack functional moieties along the polymer backbone that are amenable for functionalization reactions or could be the basis for interactions with biological systems. Here we present a straightforward route for the synthesis of functional α-ω epoxyesters as comonomers for lactide polymerization. Salient features of these highly functionalized epoxides are versatility in functionality and a short synthetic route of less than four steps. The α-ω epoxyesters presented serve as a means to introduce carboxylic acid and amine functional groups into poly(lactic acid) polymers via ring-opening copolymerization.