bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of a piezo‐composite generating element for harvesting wind energy in an urban region
Authors: Minh Tri Tien Cam , Seo Goo Nam 
Published: November 2014

PurposeCurrent technology uses large windmills that operate in remote regions and have complex generating mechanisms such as towers, blades gears, speed controls, magnets, and coils. In a city, wind energy that would otherwise be wasted can be claimed and stored for later use. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a small‐scale windmill that can work in urban areas.Design/methodology/approachThe device uses a piezo‐composite generating element (PCGE) to generate the electric power. The PCGE is composed of layers of carbon/epoxy, lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic, and glass/epoxy cured at an elevated temperature. Previous work by the authors had proved that the PCGE can produce high performance energy harvesting.FindingsIn the prototype, the PCGE performed as a secondary beam element. One end of the PCGE is attached to the frame of the device. Additionally, the fan blade rotates in the direction of the wind and hits the other end of the PCGE. When the PCGE is excited, the effects of the beam's deformation enable it to generate electric power. The power generation and battery charging capabilities of the proposed device were tested, and the results show that the prototype can harvest energy in urban regions using minor wind movement.Originality/valueThe paper presents a prototype that uses a PCGE for harvesting wind energy in urban areas. The PCGE has the potential of being used as a generator for harvesting energy from sources such as machine vibration, body motion, wind, and ocean waves. The PCGE design is flexible: the ply orientation and the size of the prepreg layers can be changed. Generating elements with a specific stacking sequence can be used for scavenging energy in a wide range of applications such as network sensors, portable electronics, and microelectromechanical systems.
Outdoor experiential training as a catalyst for success
Authors: Goel Alok Kumar , Rana Geeta , Krishnan Chitra 
Published: November 2014

Subject area
Human resource management, Training and development, Competency development and team spirit.

Study level/applicability
The case is intended for MBA/PGDM level students as part of a human resource management curriculum. The case is more diagnostic in nature and should be discussed in the same spirit. The case is suitable for developing conceptual thinking and community orientation of professionals aspiring or pursuing a career in the area of human resource management.

Case overview
The case examines the imperatives behind Sterling Tools Limited (STL), a leading fasteners manufacturing Indian company's decision and strategy adopted to inculcate team spirit through outdoor experiential training (OET). The case explores in detail the process undertaken to execute the OET at STL. The case also briefly mentions the tangible benefits of OEL. The case is structured to enable readers to: understand the basic objectives of OET; understand the innovative approach adopted by STL; and understand how an organization responds to changes and challenges in the external environment.

Expected learning outcomes
This case is structured to enable students to: understand the meaning and significance of outdoor experiential training (OET); analyze the challenges faced by HR managers in modern day organizations; learn the conceptual framework and understand the principles of OET; examine the measures that can be taken by management to ensure a smooth induction and socialization process of employees; and understand the need of inculcating team spirit among employees.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available.
Fatty acid compositions of triglycerides and free fatty acids in sebum depend on amount of triglycerides, and do not differ in presence or absence of acne vulgaris
Authors: Akaza Narifumi , Akamatsu Hirohiko , Numata Shigeki , Matsusue Miyuki , Mashima Yasuo , Miyawaki Masaaki , Yamada Shunji , Yagami Akiko , Nakata Satoru , Matsunaga Kayoko 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTo clarify the influence of the fatty acid composition of sebum in acne vulgaris, we investigated the amounts and fatty acid compositions of triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA), and the amounts of cutaneous superficial Propionibacterium acnes in acne patients and healthy subjects. The foreheads of 18 female patients, 10 male patients, 10 healthy females and 10 healthy males were studied in a Japanese population. There were significant differences in the amounts of sebum, TG and cutaneous superficial P. acnes, as well as the fatty acid compositions of TG and FFA between acne patients and healthy subjects in females. Their fatty acid compositions were correlated with the amount of TG with or without acne. It was clarified that the fatty acid compositions of TG and FFA depended on the amount of TG, and there were no differences in the fatty acid composition in the presence and absence of acne.
Heterogeneous Consumer Preferences for Nanotechnology and Genetic‐modification Technology in Food Products
Authors: Yue Chengyan , Zhao Shuoli , Kuzma Jennifer 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis study investigates heterogeneous consumer preferences for nanofood and genetically‐modified (GM) food and the associated benefits using the results of choice experiments with 1,117 US consumers. We employ a latent class logit model to capture the heterogeneity in consumer preferences by identifying consumer segments. Our results show that nano‐food evokes fewer negative reactions compared with GM food. We identify four consumer groups: ‘Price Oriented/Technology Adopters’, ‘Technology Averse’, ‘Benefit Oriented’, and ‘New Technology Rejecters’. Each consumer group has a distinctive demographic background, which generates deeper insights into the diversified public acceptance of nano‐food and GM food. Our results have policy implications for the adoption of new food technologies.
Infrared Decontamination of Oregano: Effects on Bacillus cereus Spores, Water Activity, Color, and Volatile Compounds
Authors: Eliasson Lovisa , Libander Patrik , Lövenklev Maria , Isaksson Sven , Ahrné Lilia 
Published: November 2014

AbstractInfrared (IR) heating, a novel technology for decontaminating oregano, was evaluated by investigating the reduction of inoculated Bacillus cereus spores and the effect on water activity (aw), color, and headspace volatile compounds after exposure to IR treatment. Conditioned oregano (aw 0.88) was IR‐treated in a closed heating unit at 90 and 100 °C for holding times of 2 and 10 min, respectively. The most successful reduction in B. cereus spore numbers (5.6 log units) was achieved after a holding time of 10 min at 90 °C, while treatment at 100 °C for the same time resulted in a lower reduction efficiency (4.7 log units). The lower reduction at 100 °C was probably due to a reduced aw (aw 0.76) during IR treatment or possibly to the alteration or loss of volatile compounds possessing antimicrobial properties. The green color of oregano was only slightly affected, while the composition of volatile compounds was clearly altered by IR heating. However, two of the key aroma compounds, carvacrol and thymol, were only slightly affected, compared to the effect on the other studied compounds, indicating that the typical oregano aroma can likely be preserved. In conclusion, IR heating shows potential for the successful decontamination of oregano without severe alteration of its color or the key aroma compounds, carvacrol and thymol.
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment of Black Peppercorns Inoculated with Salmonella and Held Under Controlled Storage
Authors: Sun Shengqian , Anderson Nathan M. , Keller Susanne 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSpices, including black pepper, are a source of microbial contamination and have been linked to outbreaks of salmonellosis when added to products that undergo no further processing. Traditional thermal processing employed to reduce microbial contamination can lead to losses of heat‐sensitive compounds. Thus, alternative processes such as atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) are desirable. The purpose of this research was to determine the efficacy of APP in the destruction of Salmonella inoculated on the surface of peppercorns. Secondarily, we examined the effect of storage on the subsequent inactivation of Salmonella on the surfaces of black peppercorns by APP. Black peppercorns inoculated with a cocktail of Salmonella enterica serotypes Oranienburg, Tennessee, Anatum, and Enteritidis were stored at 25 °C, 33% relative humidity (RH); 25 °C, 97% RH; and, 37 °C, 33% RH for 10 d and additionally at 25 °C, 33% RH for 1 and 30 d then treated with APP. Results showed that Salmonella populations decreased significantly (P < 0.05) with respect to the treatment time, but where not related to previous storage conditions (P > 0.05). Approximately a 4.5‐ to 5.5‐log10 reduction in population was achieved after 60 to 80 s treatment. A combination of treatments, storage and 80 s of plasma, may achieve a total reduction on the order of 7‐log10CFU/g. These findings support the potential of APP to decontaminate Salmonella on the surfaces of black peppercorns and other dry foods and illustrate that a multiple hurdle approach may prove effective for achieving significant reductions of Salmonella in many low‐moisture foods.
Predicting functional communication ability in children with cerebral palsy at school entry
Authors: Coleman Andrea , Weir Kelly , Ware Robert S , Boyd Roslyn 
Published: November 2014

AimTo explore the value of demographic, environmental, and early clinical characteristics in predicting functional communication in children with cerebral palsy (CP) at school entry.MethodData are from an Australian prospective longitudinal study of children with CP. Children assessed at 18 to 24 and 48 to 60 months corrected age were included in the study. Functional communication was classified at 48 to 60 months using the Communication Function Classification System (CFCS). Predictive variables included communication skills at 18 to 24 months, evaluated using the Communication and Symbolic Behavioural Scales Developmental Profile (CSBS‐DP) Infant‐Toddler Checklist. Early Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System, and motor type and distribution were evaluated by two physiotherapists. Demographic and comorbid variables were obtained through parent interview with a paediatrician or rehabilitation specialist.ResultsA total of 114 children (76 males, 38 females) were included in the study. At 18 to 24 months the mean CSBS‐DP was 84.9 (SD 19.0). The CFCS distribution at 48 to 60 months was I=36(32%), II=25(22%), III=20(18%), IV=19(17%), and V=14(12%). In multivariable regression analysis, only CSBS‐DP (p<0.01) and GMFCS (p<0.01) at 18 to 24 months were predictors of functional communication at school entry.InterpretationBody structure and function and not environmental factors impact functional communication at school entry in children with CP. This provides valuable guidance for early screening, parent education, and future planning of intervention programs to improve functional communication.
Dynamic Compressive Behavior of ZrB2‐Based Ceramic Composites at Room Temperature and 1073 K
Authors: Wang Lingling , Liang Jun , Fang Guodong 
Published: November 2014

The dynamic compressive behaviors of ZrB2‐based ceramic composites were investigated through the convenient and high‐temperature Splitting Hopkinson Pressure Bars. The effects of strain rate on dynamic compressive strength, stress–strain relationship and fracture mechanisms were discussed in detail. Moreover, the influence of pre‐oxidation on dynamic strength was also studied at 1073 K. The results indicate that the relationship between dynamic compressive stress and strain for ZrB2‐SiC‐graphite composite is strong nonlinear at room temperature and 1073 K. Dynamic compressive strength increases linearly with the increase of strain rate. The pre‐oxidation effect results in the enhancement of dynamic compressive strength at 1073 K in comparison with the room temperature strength. Based on the microstructures, the dominant intergranular fracture and pull‐out of graphite flake are observed at low strain rates, whereas the transgranular fracture and cutting of graphite flake are found at high strain rates. Fracture mechanisms play a crucial role on the changes of dynamic compressive strength and critical strain with strain rate.
No Safe Haven: Locations of Harassment and Bullying Victimization in Middle Schools
Authors: Perkins H. Wesley , Perkins Jessica M. , Craig David W. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDGiven that adolescent bullying victimization is a significant concern for secondary education and adolescent development, identifying school contexts in which victimization is most likely to occur is salient.METHODSAn anonymous online survey assessed the prevalence of being harassed or bullied in various locations within 20 middle schools (grades 5‐9) in New Jersey and New York (N = 10,668). Seven types of bullying‐related victimization (teased in an unfriendly way, called hurtful names, physically abused, excluded from a group to hurt feelings, belongings taken/damaged, threatened to be hurt, and negative rumors spread) were examined in 7 locations where each type of victimization could occur (classroom, lunchroom, hallways, gym, playground, bus, or bathroom).RESULTSPrevalence of victimization types ranged from 4% to 38% depending on location. Prevalence of overall victimization was equal or greater in classrooms compared with other school locations (highest prevalence rates in hallways, classrooms, and lunchrooms), regardless of school demographic characteristics. Victimization in classrooms compared with other school settings was most highly associated with feelings of being unsafe.CONCLUSIONSVigilant attention to bullying is needed across all school environments and especially in the classroom context, which may mistakenly be perceived as a more protected area. Indeed, middle school classrooms are not safe havens.
School Social Capital and Body Mass Index in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health
Authors: Richmond Tracy K. , Milliren Carly , Walls Courtney E. , Kawachi Ichiro 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSocial capital in neighborhoods and workplaces positively affects health. Less is known about the influence of school social capital on student health outcomes, in particular weight status. We sought to examine the association between individual‐ and school‐level social capital and student body mass index (BMI).METHODSAnalyzing data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a nationally representative sample of adolescents in grades 7‐12 (N = 13,428), we used principal components analysis to define 3 school social capital factors: “connectedness” (feel part of/close to people/safe in school), “treatment” (get along with teachers/students, teachers treat students fairly), and “parental involvement” (school administrator reported percent family/parent self‐reported participation in Parent Teacher Organization, average daily school attendance). We examined the associations between individual‐ and school‐level social capital and individual BMI using multilevel modeling techniques.RESULTSIn girls, both feeling connected to one's school (β = −0.06, p < .05) and attending schools with overall high connectedness (b = −0.43, p < .01) were associated with lower BMIs. In boys only attending a school with high “treatment” was inversely associated with BMI (b = −0.61, p < .01), adjusting for individual and school demographics.CONCLUSIONSAlthough further studies are needed, our findings suggest enhancing school social capital as a novel approach to addressing student obesity.
Psychological Impact and Sexual Dysfunction in Men with and without Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Cobo Cuenca Ana I. , Sampietro-Crespo Antonio , Virseda-Chamorro Miguel , Martín-Espinosa Noelia 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Introduction
The World Health Organization recognizes sexual health as a fundamental right that should be guaranteed to all individuals. Sexual dysfunction affects various aspects in the lives (physical, psychic, and social) of affected persons.

Aims
To assess the different types of sexual dysfunction, the quality of life (QOL), depression, anxiety, and levels of self-esteem observed in 165 men with sexual dysfunction, both with and without spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods
Case control study of 85 men with SCI and sexual dysfunction, and 80 men without SCI that have sexual dysfunction.

Main Outcomes Measures
The Sexual Health Evaluation Scale, the Fugl-Meyer Life Satisfaction Questionnaire scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Evaluation of the Sexual Health Scale, and Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale were all used for data collection.

Results
Of the members in group A (with SCI), 89.4% (76) showed erectile dysfunction, and 75.2% (64) reported anejaculation. In group B (without SCI), 75 (96.8%) showed erectile dysfunction, and 58.7% (47) had disorders of sexual desire. In group A, 16.47 % (14) showed signs of depression, and 35.3% (30) had signs of anxiety. In group B, 30% (24) had elevated scores regarding depression, and 48.75% (39) had high scores for anxiety. All of the participants reported a high general QOL and a high satisfaction with their QOL but reported that their satisfaction with their sexual lives was only at the acceptable level. Social QOL is significantly higher in the SCI group (t Student P = 0.031). The QOL, self-esteem, and anxiety and depression levels are significantly correlated.

Conclusions
Men with sexual dysfunction strive to adapt to their situations, with the relationship between the type of sexual dysfunction and the QOL, mood (depression), and self-esteem all being important considerations. Sexuality and employment status are the areas where men with spinal cord injuries report less satisfaction.
Periodontal innate immune mechanisms relevant to atherosclerosis
Authors: Amar S. , Engelke M. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryAtherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease in the USA where it is a leading cause of illness and death. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause for heart attack and stroke. Most commonly, people develop atherosclerosis as a result of diabetes, genetic risk factors, high blood pressure, a high‐fat diet, obesity, high blood cholesterol levels, and smoking. However, a sizable number of patients suffering from atherosclerosis do not harbor the classical risk factors. Ongoing infections have been suggested to play a role in this process. Periodontal disease is perhaps the most common chronic infection in adults with a wide range of clinical variability and severity. Research in the past decade has shed substantial light on both the initiating infectious agents and host immunological responses in periodontal disease. Up to 46% of the general population harbors the microorganism(s) associated with periodontal disease, although many are able to limit the progression of periodontal disease or even clear the organism(s) if infected. In the last decade, several epidemiological studies have found an association between periodontal infection and atherosclerosis. This review focuses on exploring the molecular consequences of infection by pathogens that exacerbate atherosclerosis, with the focus on infections by the periodontal bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis as a running example.
Mucins Suppress Virulence Traits of Candida albicans
Authors: Kavanaugh Nicole L. , Zhang Angela Q. , Nobile Clarissa J. , Johnson Alexander D. , Ribbeck Katharina 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Candida albicans
is the most prevalent fungal pathogen of humans, causing a variety of diseases ranging from superficial mucosal infections to deep-seated systemic invasions. Mucus, the gel that coats all wet epithelial surfaces, accommodates
C. albicans
as part of the normal microbiota, where
C. albicans
resides asymptomatically in healthy humans. Through a series of
in vitro
experiments combined with gene expression analysis, we show that mucin biopolymers, the main gel-forming constituents of mucus, induce a new oval-shaped morphology in
C. albicans
in which a range of genes related to adhesion, filamentation, and biofilm formation are downregulated. We also show that corresponding traits are suppressed, rendering
C. albicans
impaired in forming biofilms on a range of different synthetic surfaces and human epithelial cells. Our data suggest that mucins can manipulate
C. albicans
physiology, and we hypothesize that they are key environmental signals for retaining
C. albicans
in the host-compatible, commensal state.

IMPORTANCE
The yeast
Candida albicans
causes both superficial infections of the mucosa and life-threatening infections upon entering the bloodstream. However,
C. albicans
is not always harmful and can exist as part of the normal microbiota without causing disease. Internal body surfaces that are susceptible to infection by
C. albicans
are coated with mucus, which we hypothesize plays an important role in preventing infections. Here, we show that the main components of mucus, mucin glycoproteins, suppress virulence attributes of
C. albicans
at the levels of gene expression and the corresponding morphological traits. Specifically, mucins suppress attachment to plastic surfaces and human cells, the transition to cell-penetrating hyphae, and the formation of biofilms (drug-resistant microbial communities). Additionally, exposure to mucins induces an elongated morphology that physically resembles the mating-competent opaque state but is phenotypically distinct. We suggest that mucins are potent antivirulence molecules that have therapeutic potential for suppressing
C. albicans
infections.
Release of Nonstop Ribosomes Is Essential
Authors: Feaga Heather A. , Viollier Patrick H. , Keiler Kenneth C. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Bacterial ribosomes frequently translate to the 3′ end of an mRNA without terminating at a stop codon. Almost all bacteria use the transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA)-based
trans
-translation pathway to release these “nonstop” ribosomes and maintain protein synthesis capacity.
trans
-translation is essential in some species, but in others, such as
Caulobacter crescentus
,
trans
-translation can be inactivated. To determine why
trans
-translation is dispensable in
C. crescentus
, a Tn-seq screen was used to identify genes that specifically alter growth in cells lacking
ssrA
, the gene encoding tmRNA. One of these genes,
CC1214
, was essential in Δ
ssrA
cells. Purified CC1214 protein could release nonstop ribosomes
in vitro
. CC1214 is a homolog of the
Escherichia coli
ArfB protein, and using the CC1214 sequence, ArfB homologs were identified in the majority of bacterial phyla. Most species in which
ssrA
has been deleted contain an ArfB homolog, suggesting that release of nonstop ribosomes may be essential in most or all bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
Genes that are conserved across large phylogenetic distances are expected to confer a selective advantage. The genes required for
trans
-translation,
ssrA
and
smpB
, have been found in >99% of sequenced bacterial genomes, suggesting that they are broadly important. However, these genes can be deleted in some species without loss of viability. The identification and characterization of
C. crescentus
ArfB reveals why
trans
-translation is not essential in
C. crescentus
and suggests that many other bacteria are likely to use ArfB to survive when
trans
-translation is compromised.