bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green synthesis of gold nanoparticle–decorated graphene oxides that enhance the photocurrent in polymer solar cells
Authors: Chuang Ming-Kai , Chen Fang-Chung , Hsu Chain-Shu 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTMetal nanoparticle–decorated graphene oxides are promising materials for use in various optoelectronic applications because of their unique plasmonic properties. In this paper, a simple, environmentally friendly method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticle–decorated graphene oxide that can be used to improve the efficiency of organic photovoltaic devices (OPVs) is reported. Here, the amino acid glycine is empolyed as an environmentally friendly reducing reagent for the reduction of gold ions in the graphene oxide solutions. Furthermore, these nanocomposites are empolyed as the anode buffer layer in OPVs to trigger surface plasmonic resonance, which improved the efficiency of the OPVs. The results indicate that such nanomaterials appear to have great potential for application in OPVs.
Persistent Photoconductivity in Bulk Strontium Titanate
Authors: McCluskey Matthew D. , Corolewski Caleb D. , Poole Violet M. , Tarun Marianne C. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTStrontium titanate (SrTiO3) has novel properties, including a large temperature-dependent dielectric constant, and can be doped to make it metallic or even superconducting. The origin of conductivity observed at the SrTiO3/LaAlO3 interface is a topic of intense debate. In the present work, bulk single crystal SrTiO3 samples were heated at 1200°C, with the goal of producing cation vacancies. These thermally treated samples exhibited persistent photoconductivity (PPC) at room temperature. Upon exposure to sub-band-gap light (>2.9 eV), the free-electron density increases by over two orders of magnitude. This enhanced conductivity persists in the dark, at room temperature, for several days with essentially no decay. Light excites an electron from the vacancy to the conduction band, where it remains, due to a large recapture barrier. These observations highlight the importance of defects in determining the electrical properties of oxides and may point toward novel applications.
Winter Canola Yield and Survival as a Function of Environment, Genetics, and Management
Authors: Assefa Yared , Roozeboom Kraig , Stamm Michael 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTSuccessful winter canola (Brassica napus L.) production creates diversity and provides crop rotation alternatives for producers. Stand establishment and winter survival are among the main determinants of success in winter canola production. The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of environment, crop management, genetics and their interactions on canola stand establishment, survival, yield, and oil and protein content. Two datasets were analyzed: results from the National Winter Canola Variety Trials conducted from 2003 to 2012 and data from experiments conducted for 3 yr (2010–2012) in Manhattan, KS, to assess the impact of planting date, tillage, and cultivar on canola yield and survival. Canola has the potential to yield up to 7 Mg ha–1; however, actual yields were usually in the range of 0 to 4 Mg ha–1. The average oil content of canola seeds was 40%, but the potential extended to 47%. Environment, defined as a combination of year and location, was responsible for the majority of variation in yield, oil content, stand establishment, and survival of winter canola. Planting in mid to late August and early September benefited yield most of the time compared with planting late in September or October in the Great Plains and Midwestern United States. Only with extremely early or late planting did tillage improve winter survival and yield compared with no‐till. Crown height of canola was greater in no‐till treatments compared with conventional tillage treatments, but a significant relationship was not observed between crown height and winter survival or yield. Cultivars differed significantly in yield, survival, and crown height, but no cultivars were consistently superior in no‐till conditions or with plantings outside of the recommended time frame.
Statistical Analysis in the Safety Evaluation of Genetically‐Modified Crops: Equivalence Tests
Authors: Kang Qing , Vahl Christopher I. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTRisk assessment is an important step in the process of deregulating a genetically modified (GM) crop and its derived products for food and feed. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) evaluates safety by testing for the average equivalence between the GM crop and a group of commercial non‐GM reference varieties representing a population of crops with a history of safe use. This paper defines the equivalence tests described by EFSA in terms of parameters in the mixed model. A basic strategy for the equivalence tests is proposed. Generalized inference is employed to overcome two challenges in testing equivalences: the unconventional parameter of interest and the limited number of reference varieties. Balanced or partially balanced incomplete designs are recommended in equivalence testing. Simulation indicates this new method maintains the desired type I error rate and holds good power under practical designs. An illustrative data example is used to demonstrate the execution of the proposed method in SAS. Finally, issues associated with the equivalence tests and suggested topics for future research are discussed.
Adjusting Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion for Adipose Insulin Resistance: An Index of β-Cell Function in Obese Adults
Authors: Malin Steven K. , Kashyap Sangeeta R. , Hammel Jeff , Miyazaki Yoshi , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Kirwan John P. 
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVE
The hyperbolic relationship between insulin secretion and sensitivity has been used to assess in vivo β-cell function (i.e., the disposition index). The disposition index emphasizes the importance of taking into account both skeletal muscle and hepatic insulin resistance to depict insulin secretion. However, we propose that adipose tissue insulin resistance also needs to be accounted for when characterizing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) because elevated plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) impair β-cell function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
To characterize the adipose disposition index, we used [1-14C] palmitate infusion to determine basal FFA turnover rate/adipose insulin resistance and an oral glucose tolerance test to characterize the first (i.e., 0–30 min) and second phase (i.e., 60–120 min) of GSIS. We validated a simplified version of the tracer infusion calculation as the product of (1/plasma FFA concentration × plasma insulin concentration) × GSIS in 44 obese insulin-resistant subjects.

RESULTS
The plasma FFA and palmitate tracer infusion calculations of the first- and second-phase disposition index were strongly correlated (r = 0.86, P &lt; 0.000001 and r = 0.89, P &lt; 0.000001, respectively). The first- and second-phase adipose disposition index derived from plasma FFA also was tightly associated with fasting hyperglycemia (r = −0.87, P &lt; 0.00001 and r = −0.89, P &lt; 0.00001, respectively) and 2-h glucose concentrations (r = −0.86, P &lt; 0.00001 and r = −0.90, P &lt; 0.00001).

CONCLUSIONS
Adjusting GSIS for adipose insulin resistance provides an index of β-cell function in obese subjects across the glucose spectrum. Plasma FFA–derived calculations of β-cell function may provide additional insight into the role of adipose tissue in glucose regulation.
Diabetes Risk Among Overweight and Obese Metabolically Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Twig Gilad , Afek Arnon , Derazne Estela , Tzur Dorit , Cukierman-Yaffe Tali , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Tirosh Amir 
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVE
To determine diabetes incidence over time among obese young adults without metabolic risk factors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Incident diabetes during a median follow-up of 6.1 years was assessed among 33,939 young men (mean age 30.9 ± 5.2 years) of the Metabolic, Lifestyle and Nutrition Assessment in Young Adults cohort who were stratified for BMI and the number of metabolic abnormalities (based on the Adult Treatment Panel-III). Metabolically healthy (MH) obesity was defined as BMI ≥30 kg/m2 in the presence of normoglycemia, normal blood pressure, and normal levels of fasting triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol levels (n = 631).

RESULTS
A total of 734 new cases of diabetes were diagnosed during 210,282 person-years of follow-up. The incidence rate of diabetes among participants with no metabolic risk factors was 1.15, 2.10, and 4.34 cases per 1,000 person-years among lean, overweight, and obese participants, respectively. In a multivariable model adjusted for age, region of origin, family history of diabetes, physical activity, fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride level, HDL-cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and white blood cell count, a higher diabetes risk was observed among MH-overweight (hazard ratio [HR] 1.89 [95% CI 1.25–2.86]; P &lt; 0.001) and MH-obese (HR 3.88 [95% CI 1.94–7.77]; P &lt; 0.001) compared with MH-normal weight subjects. There was no interaction between BMI and the number of metabolic abnormalities at enrollment in predicting diabetes risk.

CONCLUSIONS
Healthy metabolic profile and the absence of diabetes risk factors do not protect young adults from incident diabetes associated with overweight and obesity.
Changes of the thermodynamic parameters in failure conditions of the micro-CHP cycle
Authors: Matysko Robert , Mikielewicz Jarosław , Ihnatowicz Eugeniusz 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The paper presents the calculations for the failure conditions of the ORC (organic Rankine cycle) cycle in the electrical power system. It analyses the possible reasons of breakdown, such as the electrical power loss or the automatic safety valve failure. The micro-CHP (combined heat and power) system should have maintenance-free configuration, which means that the user does not have to be acquainted with all the details of the ORC system operation. However, the system should always be equipped with the safety control systems allowing for the immediate turn off of the ORC cycle in case of any failure. In case of emergency, the control system should take over the safety tasks and protect the micro-CHP system from damaging. Although, the control systems are able to respond quickly to the CHP system equipped with the inertial systems, the negative effects of failure are unavoidable and always remain for some time. Moreover, the paper presents the results of calculations determining the inertia for the micro-CHP system of the circulating ORC pump, heat removal pump (cooling condenser) and the heat supply pump in failure conditions.
Pyrolysis of biomass and refuse-derived fuel performance in laboratory scale batch reactor
Authors: Kluska Jacek , Klein Marek , Kazimierski Paweł , Kardaś Dariusz 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
The results of pyrolysis of pine chips and refuse derived fuel fractions are presented. The experiments were carried out in a pilot pyrolysis reactor. The feedstock was analyzed by an elemental analyzer and the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to determine the elemental composition. To find out optimum conditions for pyrolysis and mass loss as a function of temperature the thermogravimetric analysis was applied. Gases from the thermogravimetric analysis were directed to the infrared spectrometer using gas-flow cuvette to online analysis of gas composition. Chemical composition of the produced gas was measured using gas chromatography with a thermal conductivity detector and a flame ionization detector. The product analysis also took into account the mass balance of individual products.
Entrepreneurial Attitudes Among Romanian Doctoral Students: An Empirical Study
Authors: Badulescu Alina , Badulescu Daniel 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe subject of entrepreneurial attitudes, orientation and potential of young students is one of great interest in approaching the way public policies can be designed in order to support and foster entrepreneurship among students. In addressing this need - with focus on doctoral students, and in the framework of other similar approaches in literature, we have conducted a survey in January 2012 and developed a sample-based study. The papers aims to present and defend the results of this study, by emphasizing Romanian doctoral students’ attitudes and facts concerning issues such as: entrepreneurial background, interest in entering entrepreneurship, on-going steps if any, factors and motivations driving the choice of an entrepreneurial career. There are also investigated some personal characteristics (age, gender, family status) in relation with entrepreneurial approaches and there are also presented concluding remarks and policy recommendations.
The Analysis Of The Traffic Noise, In An Area Densely Populated, With Gis Software Used In The Educational Process
Authors: Borza Sorin , Rotaru Ionela Magdalena , Codrea Sebastian 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn this paper we present how Geomedia Professional software is used to analyze the influence of urban transport noise in a densely populated area. This software, used in the educational process, allows for concrete measures in real time and long time, to reduce the harmful influence of noise on human factor. Noise maps presented are the result of measurements at the centre of Sibiu at various times of day, several days of the week. One of the objectives of this paper is to present a solution for the protection of citizens who live in an area with heavy traffic. Another objective of this paper is to present the advantages of using GIS products in the study of road transport.
Teaching Skills Across Disciplines – An Experience Report
Authors: Norbert Grünwald , Hartmut Domröse 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn the knowledge society, it is particularly important for professionals and managers to respond flexibly to changes and to be able to form cross-disciplinary networks. The European reference framework defined eight key competences for the purpose of lifelong learning. Special attention is given here to the multi- and interdisciplinary approach. The University of Wismar has, since 2009, developed and tested their model of an interdisciplinary Student research and development team. These teams consist of students from various disciplines who work together on an innovative product or service idea. The ideas always come from a regional company which also handles the technical support for the student team. In the triangle of research, teaching and innovation, cooperation with the local economy is of particular importance. The following paper is intended to highlight important aspects of the combination of innovative ideas from business and creative know-how from the university and to present the initial results.
Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Problem-Based Learning (Pbl) Implemented In The Textile Engineering Course - A Case Study On Ahsanullah University Of Science And Technology, Bangladesh
Authors: Baral Lal Mohan , Muhammad Ramzan , Kifor Claudiu Vasile , Bondrea Ioan 
Published: August 2014

AbstractProblem-based learning as a teaching tool is now used globally in many areas of higher education. It provides an opportunity for students to explore technical problems from a system-level perspective and to be self-directed life-long learner which is mandatory for equipping engineering students with the skill and knowledge. This paper presents a case study illustrating the effectiveness of implemented Problem-based learning (PBL) during five semesters in the undergraduate programs of Textile Engineering in Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST). An assessment has been done on the basis of feedback from the students as well as their employers by conducting an empirical survey for the evaluation of PBL impact to enhance the student's competencies. The Evaluations indicate that students have achieved remarkable competencies through PBL practices which helped them to be competent in their professional life.
Engineering Education To Develop Innovative And Self-Directed Engineers
Authors: Matsuishi Masakatsu , Takemata Kazuya , Nakamura Sumio 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe educational goal of the Kanazawa Institute of Technology (henceforth, KIT) is to develop innovative and selfdirected engineers. KIT developed a new curriculum, of which main pillars are engineering design education and engineering ethics education, and established an innovative facility “Factory for Dreams & Ideas” (henceforth, “Yumekobo”, which is the original Japanese name for the factory), to achieve its educational goal. Assessment of educational objectives and data are discussed in the paper. Students developed original, viable, and ethical design solutions in engineering design courses using either appropriate technology, advanced technology, or a suitable combination of both. Students' understanding and behaviour with regards to engineering design and engineering ethics advanced steadily during the courses. Students, who actively worked on Yumekobo projects, developed their technical competencies and professional skills.
Blast Furnace In Engineering Education
Authors: Petrescu Valentin , Popescu Florian , Gligor Alina 
Published: August 2014

AbstractUsing blended learning method, Blast Furnace subject was analysed inside the DidaTec Project. The analysed factors were the quality of presentation, quantity of information per page and human – computer interaction. The analysis shows the preference of students to work with different learning environments.
Study On Implementation Of Tablet Computers In Engineering Design Courses
Authors: Pusca Daniela , Eiliat Hoda 
Published: August 2014

AbstractRapid development and employment of modern technologies has changed humankind life style drastically. Education has always been an essential human virtue and a necessity for society. The question of how to engage technological tools in order to expand teaching benefits and increase learning capacity is on the rise. This paper is intended to contribute in assessing usage of stylus and tablet in place of traditional pencil and paper in design oriented engineering courses offered to undergraduate engineering students. The paper presents suggestions for how to use the tablet computers to deliver course material along with results of student surveys on how tablets are being used in class, their usefulness and effectiveness.
The Role Of Client – Centered Therapy Principles In Developing Praxiologic Competences Of Students In Rehabilitation Engineering Area
Authors: Raveica Gabriela , Mohora Cristina , Raveica Ionel – Crinel , Militaru Gheorghe 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe paper's purpose was to prove that teaching the principles of client – centred therapy on students from rehabilitation engineering area, is an important step in developing their praxiologic competences. The new qualification, supported by project TEORO - POSDRU/86/1.2/S/63545, “rehabilitation engineering” was developed in a new master degree program, in 3 universities from Romania, were the students are trained to adapt the environment to functional potential of persons with disabilities in order to facilitate their independence in daily activities. The research started from the observation that this kind of tools is not often found on the market. According to client – centred therapy principles, the person with disabilities should be the key point in the reasoning process, because it means that he/she will use the adjustment made by specialist. Our research was focused in the first session, on discovering the client point of view concerning the adapted equipment. The conclusion of this research confirms the hypothesis presented in the paper and from the teaching process perspective, all the students recognized as an important experience their involvement in the experimental research made by questionnaires, interview and results statistics.
Face To Face Intercultutral Workshops: Are They Worth The Money?
Authors: Temple Bryan , Orme Philip , Kälviäinen Mirja , Kurula Mervi , Silvan Tommi , Mantzalos Costas , Horký Emil , Stoklasa Michal , Silva Paulino , Da Silva Rui Filipe Pereira Bertuzi 
Published: August 2014

AbstractA series of two-week international workshops was held in Joensuu, Finland during February 2010, in Glasgow, Scotland in February 2011 and again in Nicosia, Cyprus during February 2012. Entitled “Intercultural Innovation Insight Workshop” (3EYES), they were sponsored by the European Lifelong Learning programme. Students from Portugal, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland and the United Kingdom were placed in multi-cultural teams of five. Each team had two product designers, one graphic designer, one financial and one marketing student. They were set the task of devising new product ideas for a local company and they had two weeks within which to do it. These intensive workshops comprised lectures and practical tutorials as well as ideation sessions for the new product ideas and represent one way in which international issues may be appreciated and accommodated. During the first innovation camp the students examined product futures for a fairly large Finnish ceramics company, the Glasgow workshop liaised with a micro-company and during the third 3EYES workshop, the Municipality of Nicosia was helped in its bid to become the European City of Culture 2017. All three events dealt with a completely different clientele: the first was a medium sized company, the second a micro company and the third a Municipal authority. The output of the first two was expected to be a physical product or product idea whereas the third did not need to be a product of any sort. The previous paper, which was delivered in the South African conference last year, compared the first two events and discussed issues of social responsiveness, shared goals and identity. Now that the third (and last) event has taken place, it is time to take stock. We conclude that the students gain greatly from both cultural and functional interaction on a way that cannot be reproduced by means of local teaching. This experience is attitude forming and can transform motivation. It also has the desired effect of increasing the desire to go on Erasmus placements in subsequent years. The perceptions from staff who attended are compared with similar reflections from staff who worked on a different, video conference based, approach. The differences in the financial sustainability of such projects are discussed and the benefits of each model evaluated.
Electronic Infrastructure Aimed At Improving Comunication And Education For Business And Academia
Authors: Agnola Liviu , Cofaru Ileana Ioana 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis paper will present an educational method that will help link academia and business. This method will help improve the relations between academia and business in the field of building and testing memory systems. We will provide the basic theoretical structure of our method, and will provide our readers with a case study of one particular testing method that can breach the barrier between academia and business. This method will help both parts in improving their production methods and testing techniques. Our method will promote extended communication by using electronic means (e.g. e-mail, electronic reports, etc.), which will help the two parties work together more efficiently. We will provide an electronic infrastructure that will ease the communication between the two parties. We will also provide a study on a particular example that will prove that there are significant improvements regarding communication and learning, while also reducing the time needed for the academia methods to be implemented in business.