bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies of the Impact of Occupational Exposure of Pharmaceutical Workers on the Development of Antimicrobial Drug Resistance
Authors: Sarker Md. Moklesur Rahman , Islam Kamrun Nahar , Huri Hasniza Zaman , Rahman Monzur , Imam Hasan , Hosen Md. Biplob , Mohammad Nur , Sarker Md. Zaidul Islam 
Published: June 2014

Studies of the Impact of Occupational Exposure of Pharmaceutical Workers on the Development of Antimicrobial Drug Resistance: Md. Moklesur Rahman SARKER, et al. Department of Pharmacy, School of Science, Primeasia University, Bangladesh—ObjectivesPharmaceutical workers involved with the production of antimicrobial drugs are exposed to various antimicrobial chemicals in different steps of manufacturing such as grinding, sieving, compression, granulation, mixing and filling. These exposures may lead to the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacteria. Scientific reports on the occupational health hazard of pharmaceutical workers involved in manufacturing antibiotics are scarce. The present study aimed to compare the degree of bacterial resistance in pharmaceutical workers in Bangladesh to that of individuals not involved in the pharmaceutical field.MethodsTwenty male workers from five local pharmaceutical companies and twenty male subjects not involved in the pharmaceutical field (non‐pharmaceutical subjects) were randomly selected. Nasal fluid, mucus/cough and stool specimens were collected from each subject and were cultured separately at 37°C for 24 hours to obtain bacterial growth. The cultured species were then identified, isolated and subjected to microbial sensitivity testing against 18 different antibiotics from eight different groups by the disk diffusion method. Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Escherichia coli were identified and isolated from the culture of nasal fluids, mucuses and stools, respectively.ResultsAll the isolated species of bacteria exhibited significant enhancement of the degree of MDR in pharmaceutical workers compared with non‐pharmaceutical subjects. Workers with a longer working history had greater degree of antibiotic resistance and vice versa. It can be certainly considered that the exposure of pharmaceutical workers to antibiotic agents resulted in a high incidence of multidrug resistance.ConclusionsEffective steps should be taken to minimize inherent exposure of pharmaceutical workers to antibiotics during work to prevent antimicrobial drug resistance.
Revealing the electronic band structure of quasi-free trilayer graphene on SiC(0001)
Authors: Coletti C. , Forti S. , Principi A. , Emtsev K.V. , Zakharov A.A. , Daniels K.M. , Daas B.K. , Chandrashekhar M.V.S. , MacDonald A.H. , Polini M. , Starke U. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTRecently, much attention has been devoted to trilayer graphene because it displays stacking and electric field dependent electronic properties well-suited for electronic and photonic applications [1-8]. Several theoretical studies have predicted the electronic dispersion of Bernal (ABA) and rhombohedral (ABC) stacked trilayers. However, a direct experimental visualization of a well-resolved band structure has not yet been reported. In this work, we obtain large area highly homogenous quasi-free trilayer graphene (TLG) on 6H-SiC(0001) and measure its electronic bands via angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). We demonstrate by low energy electron microscopy measurements that that trilayer domains on SiC extend over areas of tens of square micrometers. By fitting tight-binding bands to the experimental data we extract the interatomic hopping parameters for Bernal and rhombohedral stacked trilayers. For ABC stacks and in the presence of an electrostatic asymmetry, we detect the existence of a band-gap of about 120 meV. Notably our results suggest that on SiC substrates the occurrence of ABC-stacked TLG is significantly higher than in natural bulk graphite. Hence, growing TLG on SiC might be the answer to the challenge of controllably synthesizing ABC-stacked trilayer – an ideal material for the fabrication of a new class of gap-tunable devices.
Inkjet Printing Graphene-Based Transparent Conductive Films
Authors: He Pei , Derby Brian 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTGraphene is a strong contender as a material to replace indium tin oxide as the transparent conductor of choice for electronic applications due to its exceptional electrical and optical properties. In this work, we present a study of graphene oxide (GO) films produced by inkjet-printing. The printed GO films are reduced using hydriodic acid (HI) and acetic acid vapour at low temperature. The reduced GO (rGO) films displayed good optical and electrical properties with a sheet resistance 6.8 kΩ/□ at a transmittance of 80%. In addition, we show that the conductivity of rGO films is related to both the size of individual GO sheets in the ink and the thickness of printed films. The rGO films using large size GO sheets displayed a thickness-independent conductivity of ∼ 4 × 104S/m, while the rGO films using small size GO sheets showed a thickness-independent conductivity of ∼ 1.7 × 104S/m. These properties are comparable to graphene films produced by solvent exfoliation. In summary, we demonstrate a scalable and potentially low-cost technique to produce rGO transparent films and a route to improve the conductivity of rGO films by controlling size of GO sheets in the ink.
Image and color sensitive detector based on double p-i-n/p-i-n a-SiC:H photodiode
Authors: Vieira M. , Fernandes M. , Louro P. , Fantoni A. , Vygranenko Y. , Lavareda G. , Carvalho C.N. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractA two terminal image and color sensitive detector based on two stacked sensing/switching p-i-n a-SiC:H diodes is presented. The imaging is performed in a write-read simultaneous process: the write exposure, which converts the optical image into a localized packet of charges and the readout which performs the charge to current conversion by detecting the photocurrent generated by a light beam scanner. By sampling the absorption region at appropriated voltages it is possible to extract separately the RGB integrated information with a good rejection ratio. Readout of 1000 lines per second is achieved allowing continuous and fast color recognition and image detection. A trade-off between the sensing and the switching diodes thicknesses is established in order to enhance the green recognition. When it is used a thin a-SiC:H, optimized for red transmittance and blue collection, and a switching absorber thick enough to absorb most of the incoming green light,the detector behaves itself as a filter giving information about the wavelength and the position of the optical image.
Defining Sufficiency Levels of Nitrogen in Cool‐Season Turfgrass Lawns Using Macy's Concept
Authors: Geng Xingyuan , Guillard Karl , Mangiafico Salvatore S. , Morris Thomas F. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTFew correlation or calibration studies have been conducted to determine or validate sufficiency levels of N concentrations in the clippings of turfgrass for color and growth responses. In a series of field experiments conducted across six consecutive growing seasons (2007–2012) in Connecticut, clipping samples of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) lawns were used to estimate yields and then analyzed for N concentrations. Chlorophyll and normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) meters were used to quantify turf color before sampling. Macy's concept of three nutritional zones of plant tissue nutrient concentration was used to identify minimum and critical concentrations of N in the clippings that define sufficiency ranges for color and growth responses, in addition to luxury consumption. Averaged across all variables and seasons (spring, summer, and fall), the sufficiency ranges of N concentration in the clippings were estimated to be 32 to 46 g kg–1 for Kentucky bluegrass, and 28 to 42 g kg–1 for tall fescue. Differences in minimum and critical concentrations among seasons and between species were thought to be due to demand‐driven nutrient uptake. Luxury consumption of N was observed in both species. When used in context with local conditions, tissue analysis for N concentrations in cool‐season turfgrass clippings can provide an objective basis for guiding N fertilization.
Do Experiences Consistent With a Medical-Home Model Improve Diabetes Care Measures Reported by Adult Medicaid Patients?
Authors: Stevens Gregory D. , Shi Leiyu , Vane Christina , Peters Anne L. 
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVEThe patient-centered medical home has gained much traction. Little is known about the relationship between the model and specific health care processes for chronic diseases such as diabetes. This study assesses the impact of features of a medical home on diabetes care.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSA cross-sectional survey of 540 patients with Medicaid (Medi-Cal) health insurance and type 2 diabetes in Los Angeles County was performed. The Primary Care Assessment Tools was used to measure seven features of medical-home performance.RESULTSThe response rate of the patient survey was 68.9%. Patient-reported medical-home performance averaged a score of 2.85 ± 0.29 (on a 1–4 scale, with 4 equaling the best care). Patients who received more timely and thorough diabetes care reported higher medical-home performance in every feature except for the comprehensiveness-services available. For example, the first-contact access feature score was higher among patients who had an HbA1c test in the past 6 months versus those who did not (2.38 vs. 2.25; P &lt; 0.05). Before and after adjusting for sociodemographics and health status, total medical-home performance was positively associated with each diabetes care measure. A 1-point increase in total medical-home score was associated with 4.53 higher odds of an HbA1c test in the past 6 months and 1.88 higher odds of an eye exam in the past year.CONCLUSIONSFeatures consistent with higher medical-home performance are associated with improvements in patient-reported diabetes care process measures, even in this low socioeconomic status setting. The patient-centered medical-home model may help in caring for people with type 2 diabetes.
Intelligent Predicting System for Modeling of Flexurally – Strengthened Reinforced Concrete Beams with CFRP Laminates
Authors: Metwally Ibrahim M. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
In the last years, a great number of experimental tests have been performed to determine the ultimate strength of reinforced concrete (RC) beams retrofitted in flexure by means of externally bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP). Most of design proposals for flexural strengthening are based on a regression analysis from experimental data corresponding to specific configurations which makes it very difficult to capture the real interrelation among the involved parameters. To avoid this, an intelligent predicting system such as artificial neural network (ANN) has been developed to predict the flexural capacity of concrete beams reinforced with this method. An artificial neural network model was developed using past experimental data on flexural failure of RC beams strengthened by CFRP laminates. Fourteen input parameters cover the CFRP properties, beam geometrical properties and reinforcement properties; the corresponding output is the ultimate load capacity. The proposed ANN model considers the effect of these parameters which are not generally account together in the current existing design codes with the purpose of reaching more reliable designs. This paper presents a short review of the well-known American building code provisions (ACI 440.2R-08) for the flexural strengthening of RC beams using FRP laminates. The accuracy of the code in predicting the flexural capacity of strengthened beams was also examined with comparable way by using same test data. The study shows that the ANN model gives reasonable predictions of the ultimate flexural strength of the strengthened RC beams. Moreover, the study concludes that the ANN model predicts the flexural strength of FRPstrengthened beams better than the design formulas provided by ACI 440
A Study on High Strength Concrete with Moderate Cement Content Incorporating Limestone Powder
Authors: Rashad Alaa M. , Seleem Hosam.El Din H. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
This paper presents the results of an investigation to assess the validity of producing high strength concrete (HSC) using moderate cement content to reduce the consumption of the binders. Cement content is lowered from 500 kg/m3 to 400 kg/m3. The difference in cement content is compensated by the addition of fine limestone (LS) powder. Pozzolans were incorporated as an addition to cement. Different coarse aggregate types were employed. Workability, compressive strength, tensile strength, permeability and drying shrinkage were measured. Test results revealed that HSC with a compressive strength up to 79 MPa (at 90 days age) could be produced with moderate cement content. The mixtures consistency and drying shrinkage are greatly enhanced due to employing LS powder and the permeability is satisfactory. To provide better solution to some concrete disadvantages like cracking and drying shrinkage, using an economic rate for cement are believed to reduce these disadvantages.
Solar and Green Building Guidelines for Hot Arid Climate in India
Authors: Brar Tejwant Singh , Munoth Navneet 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
There are, presently, two schools of thought when it comes to designing buildings that promote sustainable development. One school emphasizes materials use and ‘‘green’’ buildings, while the other emphasizes energy use and energy efficient buildings. The promoters of ‘‘green’’ buildings often claim that the reduced energy use during operation of the low energy and solar buildings is counteracted by the increased embodied energy in these buildings. This paper gives categorical analysis of the technologies available for Low energy and green architecture and emphasizes the need to integrate both in residential buildings to of lower the energy use in operation during the lifetime in a residential building in hot arid climate. The results also show that there should be little difference between the approaches of the two schools of thought. The best buildings will generally be those that are both low energy, and ‘‘green’’. This paper also gives policy guidelines to integrate them in the building bye-laws for hot arid climate
Identification of Plasmodiophora brassicae Wor. isolate suppressing clubroot resistance in ‘Kilaxy’ F1 white cabbage
Authors: Wesołowska Maria 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was the evaluation of the pathogenicity of Plasmodiophora brassicae Wor. field isolates gathered from clubroot-infected white cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. f. alba plants grown in different areas of Poland. The virulence of seven isolates of the pathogen was tested. Breeding materials from white cabbage resistant and susceptible to P. brassicae were used as standard objects for isolate virulence screening. Cabbage seeds were infected by submerging them into a resting-spore suspension. A screening of plant resistance using a nine-degree scale based on root symptoms was carried out at the eight-week-old plantlets stage and at harvest time on afield infected by P. brassicae spores. Isolates from Pobiednik and Grębałów were defined as more virulent. The P isolate from Pobiednik also infested plants of the clubroot resistant ‘Kilaxy’ F1 cultivar, which indicated the suppression of clubroot resistance. Its reaction to the other six isolates confirmed the resistance of this cultivar. The susceptible HTM line was characterised by the highest infestation level. A difference in the susceptibility level was noticed between lines derived from those with resistant genes, i.e. Oregon123 and ‘Badger Shipper’. The Oregon123 line was less susceptible to the applied isolates. The effect of the isolates used for seed inoculation on the reaction of the dormant plants to the pathogen on the clubroot field was observed.
Numerical Evaluation of Grasslands Dominated by Sesleria Juncifolia Agg. in Serbia
Authors: Kabaš Eva , Vukojičić Snežana , Alegro Antun , Surina Boštjan , Kuzmanović Nevena , Šegota Vedran , Lakušić Dmitar 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Phytosociological and numerical analyses of grasslands dominated by Sesleria juncifolia s.l. in Serbia were performed in order to resolve their syntaxonomy and nomenclature. Twelve releves were sampled on Mt. Mučanj (western Serbia), which were then compared with similar releves from other parts of the Balkan Peninsula by means of numerical analyses. The releves were classified using cluster analysis, while the ordination was conducted using Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA). The results suggest the occurrence of two floristically well defined Dinaric associations in Serbia: Seslerio juncifoliae-Edraianthetum graminifolii ass. nova from Mt. Mokra Gora (Oxytropidion urumovii, Elyno-Seslerietea) and Diantho petraeae-Seslerietum juncifoliae ass. nova (Chrysopogono-Saturejion, Festuco-Brometea) from Mt. Mučanj.
Dry Grassland Types in the Prespa National Park (Nw Greece), Including the Southernmost Occurrence of the Priority Habitat Type “Pannonic Sand Steppes” (Code 6260)
Authors: Fotiadis Georgios , Vrahnakis Michael , Kazoglou Yannis , Tsiripidis Ioannis 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
A recently completed project on the Natura 2000 sites of Prespa National Park revealed that the area hosts 49 habitat types according to the EU classification, of which eight have a narrowly restricted distribution in Greece. The priority habitat type “*6260 Pannonic sand steppes” is reported here for the first time for Greece. The new locality represents its southernmost occurrence on the Balkan Peninsula. The aim of this paper therefore is to describe the Greek stands of this habitat type, investigate the factors affecting its occurrence and discuss the associated conservation issues. This is based on a total of 87 releves sampled for this study and 8 additional releves from the literature. The releves were classified by applying TWINSPAN and ordinated using Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA). Six vegetation units could be distinguished. One of these corresponds to the habitat type *6260 and was found exclusively on inland sand dunes. Syntaxonomically, we assigned this unit to the alliance Sileno conicae-Cerastion semidecandri s.l. of the class Koelerio-Corynephoretea. Its occurrence in the study area seems to be determined by climatic factors, as well as by the sandy substrate, while anthropogenic disturbances such as grazing also appear to be beneficial to some degree. Apart from the Koelerio-Corynephoretea, another five grassland classes were distinguished in the national park, namely the Thero-Brachypodietea, Stellarietea mediae, Festuco-Brometea, Daphno-Festucetea and Juncetea trifidi.
Tiso Adjustable Filter with Controllable Controlled–Gain Voltage Differencing Current Conveyor
Authors: Jerabek Jan , Sotner Roman , Vrba Kamil 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The main aim of this paper is to present solution of triple-input single-output (TISO) filter with independently adjustable pole frequency, quality factor, bandwidth and also gain. Filter is universal, operates in current mode and includes only one active element - the so-called Controlled-Gain Voltage Differencing Current Conveyor (CG-VDCC) with two controllable parameters: transconductance (gm) and gain of output currents (BX ). Implementation of CG-VDCC element in 0.18 μm CMOS technology is also included and this model is used in proposed filter simulations.
Application of a Chaotic Oscillator in an Autonomous Mobile Robot
Authors: Tlelo-Cuautle Esteban , Ramos-López Hugo C. , Sánchez-Sánchez Mauro , Pano-Azucena Ana D. , Sánchez-Gaspariano Luis A. , Núñez-Pérez José C. , Camas-Anzueto Jorge L. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Terrain exploration robots can be of great usefulness in critical navigation circumstances. However, the challenge is how to guarantee a control for covering a full terrain area. That way, the application of a chaotic oscillator to control the wheels of an autonomous mobile robot, is introduced herein. Basically, we describe the realization of a random number generator (RNG) based on a double-scroll chaotic oscillator, which is used to guide the robot to cover a full terrain area. The resolution of the terrain exploration area is determined by both the number of bits provided by the RNG and the characteristics of step motors. Finally, the experimental results highlight the covered area by painting the trajectories that the robot explores.
A Runway Surface Monitor using Internet of Things
Authors: Troiano Amedeo , Pasero Eros 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The monitoring of runway surfaces, for the detection of ice formation or presence of water, is an important issue for reducing maintenance costs and improving traffic safety. An innovative sensor was developed to detect the presence of ice or water on its surface, and its repeatability, stability and reliability were assessed in different simulations and experiments, performed both in laboratory and in the field. Three sensors were embedded in the runway of the Turin-Caselle airport, in the north-west of Italy, to check the state of its surface. Each sensor was connected to a GPRS modem to send the collected data to a common database. The entire system was installed about three years ago, and up to now it shows correct work and automatic reactivation after malfunctions without any external help. The state of the runway surface is virtual represented in an internet website, using the Internet of Things features and opening new scenarios.
Cost–Efficient Phase Noise Measurement
Authors: Perić Ana , Bjelica Milan 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
In this paper, an automated system for oscillator phase noise measurement is described. The system is primarily intended for use in academic institutions, such as smaller university or research laboratories, as it deploys standard spectrum analyzer and free software. A method to compensate the effect of instrument intrinsic noise is proposed. Through series of experimental tests, good performances of our system are verified and compliance to theoretical expectations is demonstrated.
Pounding Effects on the Earthquake Response of Adjacent Reinforced Concrete Structures Strengthened by Cable Elements
Authors: Liolios Angelos , Liolios Asterios , Hatzigeorgiou George , Radev Stefan 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
A numerical approach for estimating the effects of pounding (seismic interaction) on the response of adjacent Civil Engineering structures is presented. Emphasis is given to reinforced concrete (RC) frames of existing buildings which are seismically strengthened by cable-elements. A double discretization, in space by the Finite Element Method and in time by a direct incremental approach is used. The unilateral behaviours of both, the cable-elements and the interfaces contact-constraints, are taken strictly into account and result to inequality constitutive conditions. So, in each time-step, a non-convex linear complementarity problem is solved. It is found that pounding and cable strengthening have significant effects on the earthquake response and, hence, on the seismic upgrading of existing adjacent RC structures.
Nonlinear Analysis of a Functionally Graded Beam Resting on the Elastic Nonlinear Foundation
Authors: Arefi M. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
This paper evaluates the nonlinear responses of a function- ally graded (FG) beam resting on a nonlinear foundation. After derivation of fundamental nonlinear differential equation using the Euler-Bernouli beam theory, a semi analytical method has been used to study the response of the problem. The responses can be evaluated for both linear and nonlinear isotropic and FG beams individually. Adomians Decomposition and successive approximation methods have been used for solution of nonlinear differential equation. As numerical investigation, the beams with simply supported ends and linear and nonlinear foundations have been analyzed using this method.