Changes in oil content, lipid class and fatty acid composition of the microalga Chaetoceros calcitrans over different phases of batch culture

 Abstract
The diatom Chaetoceros calcitrans is a microalgal species used as food for larva in aquaculture for many species worldwide. Chaetoceros calcitrans is an important source of omega 3 long chain (C ≥ 20) polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC PUFA), chiefly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3). This article reports lipid content, lipid class composition and fatty acid profiles of each lipid class during the growth cycle of batch cultures of C. calcitrans. Total lipid content and the concentration of neutral lipid were highest in the late stationary growth phase (day 12). However, the amount of EPA was highest during the logarithmic growth phase (1.24 pg/cell on day 4). EPA was initially concentrated in the glycolipid fraction, but this fraction decreased during logarithmic growth, coinciding with the increase in neutral lipid. Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA) (0.91 pg/cell) was reported as a major fatty acid (>10 mg/100 g) in all lipid classes on day 1. DHA was depleted quickly from the neutral lipid and glycolipid classes, but at a slower rate from the polar lipid fraction. This work confirms that C. calcitrans is a good source of lipid, in particular EPA, for larval and adult filter feeders in aquaculture.

Degradation mechanisms of benzo[a]pyrene and its accumulated metabolites by biodegradation combined with chemical oxidation

A high degradation extent of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) should not be considered as the sole desirable criterion for the bioremediation of BaP-contaminated soils because some of its accumulated metabolites still have severe health risks to human. Two main metabolites of BaP, benzo[a]pyrene-1,6-quinone (BP1,6-quinone) and 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene (3-OHBP) were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with standards. This study was the first time that degradation of both BaP and the two metabolites was carried out by chemical oxidation and biodegradation. Three main phases during the whole degradation process were proposed.

Hydrogen peroxide–zinc (H₂O₂–Zn), the fungus – Aspergillus niger and the bacteria – Zoogloea sp. played an important role in the different phases. The degradation parameters of the system were also optimized, and the results showed that the effect of degradation was the best when fungus–bacteria combined with H₂O₂–Zn, the concentration range of BaP in the cultures was 30–120 mg/l, the initial pH of the cultures was 6.0. However, as co-metabolites, phenanthrene significant inhibited the degradation of BaP. This combined degradation system compared with the conventional method of degradation by domestic fungus only, enhanced the degradation extent of BaP by more than 20% on the 12 d. The highest accumulation of BP1,6-quinone and 3-OHBP were reduced by nearly 10% in the degradation experiments, which further proved that the combined degradation system was more effective as far as joint toxicity of BaP and its metabolites are concerned.

Three-dimensional atom probe analysis of solute distribution in thermomechanically processed TRIP steels

Complex multiphase microstructures were obtained in transformation induced plasticity C–Mn–Si–(Nb–Al–Mo) steels by simulated controlled thermomechanical processing. These microstructures were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and three-dimensional atom probe tomography (APT), which was used to determine the partitioning of elements between different phases and microconstituents. The measured carbon concentration (not, vert, similar0.25 at%) in the ferrite of carbide-free bainite was higher than expected from para-equilibrium between the austenite and ferrite, while the concentrations of substitutional elements were the same as in the parent austenite suggesting that incomplete bainite transformation occurred. In contrast, the distribution of substitutional elements between the ferrite lath and austenite in carbide-containing bainite indicated a complete bainite reaction. The average carbon content in the retained austenite (3.2 ± 1.6 at%) was somewhat higher than the T0 limit. On the basis of the APT measured composition, the calculated Ms temperatures for retained austenite were above room temperature, indicating its low chemical stability.

Building information modelling project decision support framework

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an information technology [IT] enabled approach to managing design data in the AEC/FM (Architecture, Engineering and Construction/ Facilities Management) industry. BIM enables improved interdisciplinary collaboration across distributed teams, intelligent documentation and information retrieval, greater consistency in building data, better conflict detection and enhanced facilities management. Despite the apparent benefits the adoption of BIM in practice has been slow. Workshops with industry focus groups were conducted to identify the industry needs, concerns and expectations from participants who had implemented BIM or were BIM “ready”. Factors inhibiting BIM adoption include lack of training, low business incentives, perception of lack of rewards, technological concerns, industry fragmentation related to uneven ICT adoption practices, contractual matters and resistance to changing current work practice. Successful BIM usage depends on collective adoption of BIM across the different disciplines and support by the client. The relationship of current work practices to future BIM scenarios was identified as an important strategy as the participants believed that BIM cannot be efficiently used with traditional practices and methods. The key to successful implementation is to explore the extent to which current work practices must change. Currently there is a perception that all work practices and processes must adopt and change for effective usage of BIM. It is acknowledged that new roles and responsibilities are emerging and that different parties will lead BIM on different projects. A contingency based approach to the problem of implementation was taken which relies upon integration of BIM project champion, procurement strategy, team capability analysis, commercial software availability/applicability and phase decision making and event analysis. Organizations need to understand: (a) their own work processes and requirements; (b) the range of BIM applications available in the market and their capabilities (c) the potential benefits of different BIM applications and their roles in different phases of the project lifecycle, and (d) collective supply chain adoption capabilities. A framework is proposed to support organizations selection of BIM usage strategies that meet their project requirements. Case studies are being conducted to develop the framework. The results of the preliminary design management case study is presented for contractor led BIM specific to the design and construct procurement strategy.

Thermodynamic and kinetic modelling hydrogenation of titanium particles and sheets

Use of hydrogen as a temporary alloying element in titanium alloys is an attractive approach to improve the mechanical properties of the materials, enhance processability and thereby reduce manufacturing costs. In this paper, the hydrogen diffusion process and the phase transformation both between titanium particles and in titanium sheets were computationally simulated to analyze the mechanism of hydrogen diffusion in different phases (α-Ti, β-Ti and TiHx). With the simulation based on the thermodynamics and kinetics, quantitative behaviors of the hydrogen diffusion and the phase transformation were analyzed. The simulation results provide an insight into the diffusion process and improve the fundamental understanding of the mechanism of diffusion and phase transformation.

Sporting clubs, alcohol and young people : enduring tensions and emerging possibilities

This paper examines data from a research project that investigated the cultural drivers of drinking in 14-24 year-old Australians, funded by Drinkwise Australia and the Department of Health and Ageing. At the same time that we were working on this project a moral panic about young people, risk and binge drinking had once more energised public debate. Prominent here was the highly politicised imputation of a strategic taxation levy on ready to drink products (alcopopos). This qualitative, interview-based project examined two separate but related aspects of young people's alcohol use: the roles played by sporting clubs, as community hubs, in shaping young people's use of alcohol: and young people's drinking biographies over different phases of their lives. This paper will focus on the sporting club study to discuss issues related to the positioning and serving of alcohol in the relation to young people. As part of the study, we conducted interviews with club administrators and young people in a range of sporting clubs. Insights from the study give rise to the potential for clubs to play an active and influential role in helping young people create positive/responsible approaches to alcohol consumption.

Learning the role : through the eyes of beginning principals

This study examines how first year principals learn their roles and provides the picture through their eyes. As there is no formal preparation requirement to become a principal in Victorian government schools, new principals must seek out and direct their own learning for the role. The study describes the informal and formal sources of learning that are sought by beginning principals to help them learn about their new role. The focus is on identifying what sources of learning were used through different phases of the study and how some became more critical than others in shaping and developing the role of a principal in the school. This thesis is a story of continuous professional socialization and learning of a group of seven beginning principals using case studies and interviews over four phases of learning in their first year in the role as they proceed from appointment, entry, establishment through to consolidation of the role. The process of socialization underpins the study and is conceived as a process of learning in which the participants actively direct and participate in their own socialization. However, greater emphasis is placed on the developing nature and reliance on learning in role development. Previous studies of professional socialization of beginning principals have identified licensure programs as significant in the preparation and ongoing development process, whereas this is not the case in Victoria where no such requirements exist. This study adds to existing studies through the finding that there are similarities in the stages of professional socialization process in the Australian context, but also explores new aspects about professional learning by identifying various phases and sources of learning for Victorian principals. These ranged from dependence upon an apprenticeship arrangement, through self-directed task learning, to that of becoming an independent learner within a professional community of equals. Some of the themes identified and explored in this study included examining phases of learning, sources of learning, and their effect on role development. The study was initially based on identifying and exploring some of the key issues and the significance of learning experiences suggested by the beginning principals rather than researching predetermined hypotheses. This grounded and qualitative approach involved data collection over four different time phases in the first year in the role and allowed flexibility in the construction of case studies and the cumulative development of data through the study. The greater part of the data were collected through interviews in each of the four phases of the study along with the collection of survey data for comparison and contrast in the first and final study phases. The research raises many issues that can serve as a basis for further exploration of the complexity of the role of learning within professional socialization for beginning principals. As well, it suggests a number of implications for the organization of professional learning and socialization in beginning principal socialization for the first year in the role.

Evolution of MgAl2O4 crystals in Al-Mg-SiO2 composites

The present study analyzes the morphological transformations of reaction products i.e., MgO, MgAl2O4 occurring during the reaction between SiO2 and Al-Mg alloy in Al-Mg-SiO2 composite processed by the liquid metallurgy technique. Different phases of platelet and hexagonal morphologies are detected and their composition analysis by EDS has confirmed them as being transition phases existing between MgO, MgAl2O4 and Al2O3. This study has also revealed the gradual transformation of (i) MgO needles to octahedral MgAl2O4 through Mg-Al-Si-O and Mg-Al-O transition phases having platelet morphologies and (ii) MgAl2O4 to Al2O3 through hexagonal transition phases on holding of Al-5Mg-SiO2 and Al-1Mg-SiO2 composites respectively at 1023K. Fully developed α-Al2O3 crystals are not observed under the present experimental conditions, wherein the Mg content is well above the equilibrium Mg content required for the formation of stable Al2O3 (<0.05 wt. %).

Thermodynamics approach to the hydrogen diffusion and phase transformation in titanium particles

The hydrogen diffusion and phase transformation in a titanium particle were studied based on thermodynamic calculation. The mechanisms of hydrogen diffusion in different phases (alpha-Ti, beta-Ti and TiHx) were analyzed. A mobility database was developed for titanium– hydrogen system based on the experimental works on hydrogen diffusion coefficient reported in literature and the fundamental of diffusion. To implement the calculation, a commercial software package for the simulation of diffusion-controlled phase transformation was used. The hydrogen diffusion process, hydrogen distribution, phase transformation and phase growth rate during hydrogenization of a titanium particle at temperatures of 560 K, 800K and 1000K were discussed. The thermodynamics and kinetics analysis provided quantitative insight into the diffusion process and improved the understanding of diffusion mechanism and phase transformation.

A human rights-based practice framework for sexual offenders

Human rights create a protective zone around people and allow them the opportunity to further their own valued personal projects without interference from others. In our view, the emphasis on community rights and protection may, paradoxically, reduce the effectiveness of sex offender rehabilitation by ignoring or failing to ensure that offenders' core human interests are met. In this paper we consider how rights-based values and ideas can be integrated into therapeutic work with sex offenders in a way that safeguards the interests of offenders and the community. To this end we develop a rights-based normative framework (the Offender Practice Framework: OPF) that is orientated around the three strands of justice and accountability, offender needs and risk, and the utilization of empirically supported interventions and strength-based approaches. We examine the utility of this framework for the different phases of sex offender practice.

Thermodynamic and kinetic modelling hydrogenation of titanium particles and sheets

Use of hydrogen as a temporary alloying element in Ti alloys is an attractive approach to improve the mechanical properties of the materials, enhance processability and thereby reduce manufacturing costs. In this paper, the hydrogen diffusion process and the phase transformation both between Ti particles and in Ti sheets were simulated to analyze the mechanism of hydrogen diffusion in different phases (α-Ti, β-Ti and TiHx). With the simulation based on the kinetics and thermodynamics, quantitative behaviors of the hydrogen diffusion and the phase transformation were analyzed. The simulation results provide an insight into the diffusion process and improve the fundamental understanding of the mechanism of diffusion and phase transformation.

Development of guidelines for caregivers of people with bipolar disorder : a Delphi expert consensus study

Objectives: Close family and friends are often a primary source of support for a person with bipolar disorder. However, there is a lack of
information for caregivers about ways to provide helpful support and take care of themselves. Rates of caregiver burden are high and increase the risk of caregiver depression and health problems. This study aimed to develop guidelines to assist caregivers of adults with bipolar disorder to be informed about bipolar disorder and to support the person without neglecting their own wellbeing.
Methods: The Delphi method was used to assess consensus between international expert panels of 45 caregivers, 47 consumers, and 51 clinicians about what information to include in the caregiver guidelines. Initial online survey items were based on the existing literature. Subsequent surveys included new or reworded items suggested by panel members and items that needed re-rating. Items endorsed by at least 80% of all three panels formed the content of the guidelines.
Results: Nearly 86% of the 626 survey items were endorsed. The items covered information on the illness, treatment, and suggestions on ways caregivers can provide support and take care of themselves in the different phases of illness and wellness, and information on dealing with specific real-life challenges. Although consensus rates were high, meaningful areas of difference between panels were found (e.g., collaboration issues).
Conclusions: The guidelines provide comprehensive introductory information, suggestions, and resources for caregivers. Access to relevant information may help caregivers to cope constructively with the person’s bipolar disorder and their caregiving situation. The content of the guidelines could be used to help formulate a stepped-care approach to supporting caregivers, ranging from basic information and pamphlets to brief training courses and specialized family or caregiver interventions based on need and accessibility.

Demographic and psychological factors related to sexual desire among heterosexual women in a relationship

This study examined demographic, psychological, and relationship factors that are associated with the experience of sexual desire in women. The contribution of other aspects of sexual function on sexual desire was also investigated. The participants were 741 partnered heterosexual women (mean age¼45.7 years), who completed the Female Sexual Desire Questionnaire online, which evaluated their levels of sexual desire, as well as a range of individual and dyadic variables. For each of the six aspects of sexual desire assessed, the number and frequency of problems in other aspects of women’s sexual functioning were the most common predictors. The results demonstrated that sexual desire was lower among older, postmenopausal women and those who had been in their current relationship for a longer period of time. Women who reported that their partner experienced a sexual dysfunction also obtained lower sexual desire scores. These findings demonstrate the strong interrelationship between the different phases of the sexual response cycle for women. Further, they suggest that sexual dysfunction in one partner is likely to be associated with sexual dysfunction in the other partner. The clinical implications of these findings in terms of the treatment for sexual dysfunction among women (and their partners) are discussed.

Development of a tool for evaluation of academic library spaces (TEALS) (0242)

The paper provides a brief description of the tool for evaluating the quality and utilisation of academic library spaces (TEALS). Supported by Deakin University Library, TEALS has been developed out of a research project in the School of Architecture and Building, Deakin University, Geelong Waterfront Campus. The tool is intended to establish the setting for evaluation of physical spaces at different phases of development of new academic library spaces and refurbishment of existing ones as well as throughout the life of buildings. The methodological framework of the tool consists of four key elements; establishing Criteria of Quality (CoQ), determining Quality Indicators, evaluating library spaces against QIs and interpreting results for future improvements. The characteristics that distinguish TEALS from existing evaluation models include adopting an approach that focus on people (students, faculty and library staff), acting as a “reflective” and “empowering” tool and being user-friendly, quick and easy to use.

Structure and transport properties of a plastic crystal ion conductor : Diethyl(methyl)(isobutyl)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate

Understanding the ion transport behavior of organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) is crucial for their potential application as solid electrolytes in various electrochemical devices such as lithium batteries. In the present work, the ion transport mechanism is elucidated by analyzing experimental data (single-crystal XRD, multinuclear solid-state NMR, DSC, ionic conductivity, and SEM) as well as the theoretical simulations (second moment-based solid static NMR line width simulations) for the OIPC diethyl(methyl)(isobutyl)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate ([P1,2,2,4][PF6]). This material displays rich phase behavior and advantageous ionic conductivities, with three solid–solid phase transitions and a highly “plastic” and conductive final solid phase in which the conductivity reaches 10–3 S cm–1. The crystal structure shows unique channel-like packing of the cations, which may allow the anions to diffuse more easily than the cations at lower temperatures. The strongly phase-dependent static NMR line widths of the 1H, 19F, and 31P nuclei in this material have been well simulated by different levels of molecular motions in different phases. Thus, drawing together of the analytical and computational techniques has allowed the construction of a transport mechanism for [P1,2,2,4][PF6]. It is also anticipated that utilization of these techniques will allow a more detailed understanding of the transport mechanisms of other plastic crystal electrolyte materials.