bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co‐researching with People who Have Intellectual Disabilities: Insights From a National Survey
Authors: O'Brien Patricia , McConkey Roy , García‐Iriarte Edurne 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundInclusive research with people with intellectual disabilities is growing internationally but with few studies examining its feasibility.MethodsIn undertaking a national study exploring what life was like in Ireland for people with intellectual disabilities, a community of practice was developed involving a core group of co‐researchers: five people with intellectual disabilities, four university researchers and three service support staff. An additional cadre of 15 co‐researchers with intellectual disabilities was recruited to undertake data gathering and analysis with 23 focus groups involving 168 participants. The research experience was documented through oral feedback, progress reports, minutes and a project review.Results and conclusionsThe key learning is documented arising from the setting up of an inclusive advisory group and implementation of each of six research steps. The study demonstrates feasibility and the added value of university co‐researchers recruiting and developing skills together with co‐researchers with intellectual disabilities. Topics for further research and development are identified.Accessible AbstractThis paper tells you about how people with intellectual disabilities worked with a group of university researchers. Both groups were called co‐researchers and together they ran 23 focus groups across Ireland. People with intellectual disabilities talked about their lives and what could make them better. They said they needed to have a good place to live; a job; enough money; relationships; and acceptance as respected citizens.The university co‐researchers wrote about what it was like doing research together and how people with intellectual disabilities joined the advisory group; decided on the questions; ran focus groups; and presented findings.Together they grew into a community of researchers where the university co‐researchers shared their research skills and people with intellectual disabilities shared what it was like living with a disability. They both saw great value in working together and plan to work more to make this type of research happen.
Molecular genetic diversity and genetic structure of Vietnamese indigenous pig populations
Authors: Pham L.D. , Do D.N. , Nam L.Q. , Van Ba N. , Minh L.T.A. , Hoan T.X. , Cuong V.C. , Kadarmideen H.N. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe study characterized genetic diversity and genetic structure of five indigenous pig populations (Ha Lang, Muong Te, Mong Cai, Lung and Lung Pu), two wild pig populations (Vietnamese and Thai wild pigs) and an exotic pig breed (Yorkshire) using FAO/ISAG recommended 16 microsatellite markers in 236 samples. All estimated loci were very polymorphic indicated by high values of polymorphism information content (from 0.76 in S0225 to 0.92 in Sw2410). Indigenous populations had very high level of genetic diversity (mean He = 0.75); of all indigenous breeds, Lung Pu showed highest mean number of alleles (MNA = 10.1), gene diversity (He = 0.82), allele richness (5.33) and number of private alleles (10). Thirteen percentage of the total genetic variation observed was due to differences among populations. The neighbour‐joining dendrogram obtained from Nei's standard genetic distance differentiated eight populations into four groups including Yorkshire, two wild populations, Mong Cai population and a group of four other indigenous populations. The Bayesian clustering with the admixture model implemented in Structure 2.1 indicated seven possible homogenous clusters among eight populations. From 79% (Ha Lang) to 98% (Mong Cai). individuals in indigenous pigs were assigned to their own populations. The results confirmed high level of genetic diversity and shed a new light on genetic structure of Vietnam indigenous pig populations.
Sex‐specific life history responses to nymphal diet quality and immune status in a field cricket
Authors: Kelly C. D. , Neyer A. A. , Gress B. E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIndividual fitness is expected to benefit from earlier maturation at a larger body size and higher body condition. However, poor nutritional quality or high prevalence of disease make this difficult because individuals either cannot acquire sufficient resources or must divert resources to other fitness‐related traits such as immunity. Under such conditions, individuals are expected to mature later at a smaller body size and in poorer body condition. Moreover, the juvenile environment can also produce longer‐term effects on adult fitness by causing shifts in resource allocation strategies that could alter investment in immune function and affect adult lifespan. We manipulated diet quality and immune status of juvenile Texas field crickets,Gryllus texensis, to investigate how poor developmental conditions affect sex‐specific investment in fitness‐related traits. As predicted, a poor juvenile diet was related to smaller mass and body size at eclosion in both sexes. However, our results also reveal sexually dimorphic responses to different facets of the rearing environment: female life history decisions are affected more by diet quality, whereas males are affected more by immune status. We suggest that females respond to decreased nutritional income because this threatens their ability to achieve a large adult body size, whereas male fitness is more dependent on reaching adulthood and so they invest in immunity and survival to eclosion.
National survey of Australian paediatricians' approach to infant crying
Authors: Rimer Romi , Hiscock Harriet 
Published: December 2013

AimPersistent crying in infancy (i.e. crying that lasts for more than 3 h a day for more than 3 days per week for at least 3 weeks) is widespread. Although there is no gold standard approach to its management, guidelines exist with common management principles. This study aims to document how Australian general paediatricians (i) assess and manage persistent crying compared with published guidelines; (ii) screen for and manage associated post‐natal depression; and (iii) rate their training in this area.MethodsOnline survey were administered to all 394 members of the Australian Paediatric Research Network in November 2011 to February 2012. Members are predominantly general paediatricians.ResultsA total of 168 paediatricians (45%) responded. The majority (n = 96 (69%)) take one session to assess infant crying and at least two sessions to manage it (n = 106 (79%)). Specific approaches are not always evidence based (e.g. use of antacids/simethicone by 8%) and do not follow available guidelines. Most paediatricians routinely asked about maternal (n = 120 (88%)) but not paternal (n = 51 (33%)) mental health. Paediatricians typically received training around this issue before rather than after gaining formal paediatric qualifications (61% vs. 37%, respectively) and rate their training as satisfactory (67%). Despite this, only 39% feel very confident in managing infant crying.ConclusionThe lack of a gold standard approach to managing persistent infant crying has likely contributed to a lack of uniform care among Australian general paediatricians. Given that most paediatricians do not feel very confident in dealing with this problem, there is a scope for further training supported by evidence‐based guidelines.
Detection and Molecular Variability of Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) in Shaanxi, China
Authors: Zhao Lei , Feng Chaohong , Hao Xingan , Wang Renrui , Hu Lingyun , Wang Qiaochun , Wu Yunfeng 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTurnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is one of the most devastating threats to oilseed rape by causing serious crop losses. A total of 86 leaf samples of oilseed rape from eight different locations in Shaanxi, China, were tested by RT‐PCR for TuMV; the results revealed an infection level of 43% by TuMV. The complete coat protein (CP) gene of 32 TuMV isolates was cloned and sequenced. Analysis of the CP gene with sequences from the database allowed the genetic classification of 170 TuMV isolates or sequences. Four genetic clusters were obtained: MB (mostly Brassica isolates), MR (mostly Radish isolates), IBR (mostly Intermediate between Brassica and Radish clusters) and OBR (mostly outside Brassica and Radish clusters). All subgroups were slightly related to the hosts, but unrelated to geographical origins. Most of Shaanxi TuMV isolates were on separate branches, compared with the 138 known isolates originating from other parts of the world. Our results help provide a better understanding of the genetic diversity of TuMV isolates infecting oilseed rape in Shaanxi, China.
Species delimitation and phylogeny in the genus Nasutitermes (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) in French Guiana
Authors: Roy Virginie , Constantino Reginaldo , Chassany Vincent , Giusti‐Miller Stephanie , Diouf Michel , Mora Philippe , Harry Myriam 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSpecies delimitation and identification can be arduous for taxa whose morphologic characters are easily confused, which can hamper global biodiversity assessments and pest species management. Exploratory methods of species delimitation that use DNA sequence as their primary information source to establish group membership and estimate putative species boundaries are useful approaches, complementary to traditional taxonomy. Termites of the genus Nasutitermes make interesting models for the application of such methods. They are dominant in Neotropical primary forests but also represent major agricultural and structural pests. Despite the prevalence, pivotal ecological role and economical impact of this group, the taxonomy of Nasutitermes species mainly depends on unreliable characters of soldier external morphology. Here, we generated robust species hypotheses for 79 Nasutitermes colonies sampled throughout French Guiana without any a priori knowledge of species affiliation. Sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II gene was coupled with exploratory species‐delimitation tools, using the automatic barcode gap discovery method (ABGD) and a generalized mixed Yule‐coalescent model (GMYC) to propose primary species hypotheses (PSHs). PSHs were revaluated using phylogenetic analyses of two more loci (mitochondrial 16S rDNA and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2) leading to 16 retained secondary species hypotheses (RSSH). Seven RSSHs, represented by 44/79 of the sampled colonies, were morphologically affiliated to species recognized as pests in the Neotropics, where they represent a real invasive pest potential in the context of growing ecosystem anthropization. Multigenic phylogenies based on combined alignments (1426–1784 bp) were also reconstructed to identify ancestral ecological niches and major‐pest lineages, revealing that Guyanese pest species do not form monophyletic groups.
Transcendental experiences during meditation practice
Authors: Travis Frederick 
Published: December 2013

This article explores transcendental experiences during meditation practice and the integration of transcendental experiences and the unfolding of higher states of consciousness with waking, dreaming, and sleeping. The subject/object relationship during transcendental experiences is characterized by the absence of time, space, and body sense—the framework that gives meaning to waking experiences. Physiologically, transcendental experiences during Transcendental Meditation practice are marked by slow inhalation, along with autonomic orientation at the onset of breath changes and heightened α1 (8–10 Hz) frontal coherence. The integration of transcendental experiences with waking, dreaming, and sleeping is also marked by distinct subjective and objective markers. This integrated state, called Cosmic Consciousness in the Vedic tradition, is subjectively marked by inner self‐awareness coexisting with waking, sleeping, and dreaming. Physiologically, Cosmic Consciousness is marked by the coexistence of α1 electroencephalography (EEG) with delta EEG during deep sleep, and higher brain integration, greater emotional stability, and decreased anxiety during challenging tasks. Transcendental experiences may be the engine that fosters higher human development.
Analysis of the mucosal immune responses induced by single and trickle infections with the bovine abomasal nematode Ostertagia ostertagi
Authors: Mihi B. , van Meulder F. , Vancoppernolle S. , Rinaldi M. , Chiers K. , van den Broeck W. , Goddeeris B. M. , Vercruysse J. , Claerebout E. , Geldhof P. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to provide more information on the kinetics of the immunological changes occurring in the abomasal mucosa after single and trickle infections with the bovine parasite Ostertagia ostertagi. The time course analysis of gene expression revealed that the major changes coincided with the emergence of adult worms from the gastric glands. These changes consisted of a simultaneous upregulation of Th1‐ and Th2‐type cytokines. In addition, a single O. ostertagi infection elicited an upregulation of the epithelial‐derived cytokine IL33, while TSLP expression levels were not impacted. Apart from the massive increase in inflammatory cytokines IL6, IL17 and IL21, O. ostertagi infection also elicited an upregulation of the immunosuppressors TGFB, IL10 and ARG1, as well as NK and γδ‐T cell markers. Furthermore, the cytotoxic factors granulysin, perforin and granzyme B were upregulated following an O. ostertagi infection. Analysis of cytokine transcript levels in animals receiving trickle infections for 60 days showed a similar trend as observed following a single infection except for IL33, IL6, GATA‐3, TBX21 and NCR1, which were no longer upregulated after trickle infections. Finally, the long trickle infections were associated with mucosal eosinophilia and mastocytosis.
Global governance of training standards in an outsourced labor force: The training double bind in seafarer license and certification assessments
Authors: Bloor Michael , Sampson Helen , Gekara Victor 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe shipping industry is among the most globalized of all industries and is characterized by complex modular supply chains, including a largely outsourced labor force of “just‐in‐time” casualized workers from developing countries and the transitionalEastEuropean states. Despite long‐standing efforts by international bodies to standardize and regulate the education and training of seafarers, variations in practices and standards persist. Employers exercise contradictory influences on education and training providers, on the one hand demanding the urgent provision of more recruits (encouraging corner‐cutting), and on the other complaining about the poor quality of recruits received (urging crackdowns on poor quality providers and more rigorous examinations) – the training double bind. This paper reflects on these issues through the study of the problematic use of computerized assessments in seafarer examinations, drawing upon findings from a study involving research in six different case study countries providing maritime labor and interviews with stakeholders.
Wind Solar Hybrid Power System Modeling and Analysis
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Krishna , Tyagi Himanshu , Randhawa Shahzada , Singh Manpreet 
Published: December 2013

India has always been victim of power failures or blackouts and the recent July 2012 countrywide blackout is a perfect example for it. It is expected that due to the widening gap between supply and demand, such instances of power failure would occur more regularly in future. Such blackouts are also be foreseen in other parts of the world. The electricity grids in many countries are highly centralized and are mostly dependent on fossil-fuel based energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas etc). Due to the rapid rise in the living standards of developing countries such as India and China, there is an increase in demand for electricity for running various appliances, as well as for heating and air-conditioning equipment. Such an increased in demand places tremendous strain on ailing centralized grid burning fossil fuel. The use of renewable energy sources (such as solar and wind) could potentially allow large amount of demand to be met though alternative means and offset the demand on the grid.
The advancement in technology has encouraged the implementation of renewable resources especially solar and wind. Hybrid power systems (HPS) that consist of these resources can significantly lower storage requirements. Furthermore, besides being cost-efficient, it is coherent to the weather conditions since solar and wind complement each other well. For highly efficient hybrid power systems to be developed, a significant degree of research must be applied to further their development. This includes tasks such as modeling these systems and applying proficient control algorithms to maximize efficiency. This paper focuses on simulation of an HPS consisting of a photovoltaic (PV) module, wind turbine (WT), and a lead acid battery through MATLAB/SIMULINK software. Moreover, a control algorithm is proposed, which leads to an efficient and autonomous operation of the HPS, along with maximizing power output from PV module and WT. The model and control system were tested using sample hourly solar radiation, temperature, and wind speed data to generate the power output from the PV module and WT, which was then processed through the proposed algorithm, to power a sample hourly load profile. The results indicate that a simple HPS can meet the type of load demand provided in an efficient and effective manner.
Investigating the Energy Content and Storability of Torrefied Corn Stover Based on Varying Reaction Time and Temperature
Authors: Gerometta Christina , Gent Stephen P. , Twedt Michael P. 
Published: December 2013

This study investigates the effects of torrefaction temperature and time on the energy content and storage stability of bio-char derived from corn stover feedstock. The batch torrefaction system in this study uses 91.4 cm × 25.4 cm diameter reactors with electrical heating elements to torrefy large samples of corn stover. The reactor is typically loaded with 0.5 kg samples of chopped corn stover (stalks, leaves, and cobs) with particle surface areas ranging from 0.5–2.4 cm2. The operating temperatures range from 230–340 degrees C, while the operating times range from 30–60 minutes. After each reaction trial, the energy content of the bio-char is quantified using the heat of combustion value obtained from bomb calorimeter tests on each of the samples. Values from these tests are compared to previous research to investigate the feasibility of larger-scale torrefaction reactions with mixed component stover. Temperature and time profiles are obtained from an Arduino output to investigate temperature behaviors during the reaction. The temperature and energy content can provide the basis for defining the phases of torrefaction.
The long-term goal of this research is to assess the viability of producing a high energy, storable bio-char as well as a usable biogas from the torrefaction process of corn stover feedstocks. Since compounds within the corn stover have different reaction rates, a composition analysis of samples at various stages in torrefaction will indirectly provide information on the usability of the biogas and behaviors of organic compounds in the reaction. Therefore, the torrefaction conditions must be specified before moving forward.
Thermal Testing of Organic Fluids for Supercritical Thermal Energy Storage Systems
Authors: Tse Louis A. , Stopin Antoine , Ganapathi Gani B. , Garcia-Garibay Miguel A. , Wirz Richard E. 
Published: December 2013

Concentrating solar power (CSP) continues to advance as worldwide interest in renewable energy continues to grow. CSP technologies, including parabolic troughs, power towers, and dish/engines, provide the unique potential for low-cost thermal energy storage that will ensure that renewable energy can become cost-competitive with traditional fossil fuel sources on a large scale and comprise a significant portion of the global energy portfolio.
The challenge is to develop cost-effective thermal energy storage to ensure that renewable energy can become a major part of the national and global energy supply. Storage fluid selection is a critical decision that must fulfill a number of criteria to not only provide long-term reliability, but also to remain cost-competitive in the power generation arena. The state-of-the-art thermal storage design uses a 2-tank molten salt configuration. However, most molten salt mixtures have a relatively high freezing temperature, which poses some system design issues. Additionally, the price of molten salt mixtures is steadily increasing. Current laboratory and industry research efforts have shifted focus to exploration of alternative storage fluids to significantly reduce costs.
In this study, several storage fluid candidates have been selected based on an attractive combination of thermodynamic properties, cost, and availability. In this paper, rapid screening of fluid candidates is reported, and an expanded series of thermal cycling and supercritical characterization experiments have been planned and are being implemented to determine the long-term durability of the fluid candidates over a range of operating temperatures for extended periods of time. Commercial-grade materials were used, and in the case of naphthalene and biphenyl, the testing procedure was carefully controlled to prevent sublimation of the sample. This paper presents the results of a study investigating the thermal stability of several organic fluids. Samples were extracted and chemical analyses such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography (GC) were conducted to observe degradation behavior and decomposition pathways. The rapid screening phase provided a timely and effective filter of the best-performing fluid candidates for supercritical thermal energy storage.
Novel Nano-Scale Au/α-Fe2O3 Catalyst for the Preferential Oxidation of CO in Biofuel Reformate Gas
Authors: Shodiya Titilayo , Peng Wen , Hotz Nico 
Published: December 2013

Au/α-Fe2O3 catalyst was synthesized using a modified co-precipitation method to generate an inverse catalyst model. The effects of introducing CO2 and H2O during preferential oxidation (PROX) of CO were investigated. The goal of this work was ≥99.8% CO conversion at 80°C. There was an increase in the conversion at all temperatures with the introduction of CO2 and 100% of the CO was converted at the target temperature of 80°C for any amount of CO2. Furthermore, there was an increase in conversion to 100% for water fractions ranging from 3% to 10%.
Finally, for realistic conditions of (bio-)fuel reforming, 24% CO2 and 10% water, 99.85% conversion was achieved. A long-term test of 200 hours showed no significant deactivation of the catalyst at a temperature of 80°C in presence of 24% CO2 and 3% water. The mechanism for PROX is not known definitively, however, current literature believes the gold particle size is the key. In contrast, we emphasize the tremendous role of the support particle size.