bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluability assessment of a small NGO in water-based development
Authors: Lu Stephanie K. , Elliott Susan J. , Perlman Christopher M.
Published: April 2017

Small non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working in water-based development in low- and middle-income countries face unique challenges when it comes to evaluative practice. Few prioritize evaluation because they lack expertise and/or feel strongly about funding programs and not processes, given accountability to donors. To examine facilitators and barriers to evaluation in this context, we embarked on an organizational-level evaluation of H2O 4 ALL, a Canadian NGO with no prior evaluation experience. We first conducted an evaluability assessment, guided by Thurston and Potvin’s framework for social change programs, to understand evaluation priorities and needs. By triangulating findings from three qualitative sources of data – an environmental scan, a document review, and in-depth interviews – we demonstrated evaluability assessments’ applicability to water-based development and established a baseline for further research.
European handling of implicit and explicit government debt as an obstacle to the funding-type pension reforms
Authors: Banyár József
Published: April 2017

In light of an analysis of Hungarian experience and as a result of the lessons that can be learned from it, I show in this article that the terms of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP, the so-called ‘Maastricht criteria’) are barriers to a desirable reform of pay-as-you-go (PAYG) type pension systems. Following on from this, a proposal to modify these criteria so that this problem is eliminated is presented. The main problem with the SGP is that it only deals with explicit government debt and ignores implicit debt. Although it renders reforms politically palatable, it will increase overall debt in the curse of reducing the explicit one. I also review the rationale and possible types of funding of pension systems and propose a simple model for identifying the likely time-span of the transition from a PAYG system into a fully funded one.
Investigation on the vibration and flow instabilities induced by cavitation in a centrifugal pump
Authors: Lu Jiaxing , Yuan Shouqi , Parameswaran Siva , Yuan Jianping , Ren Xudong , Si Qiaorui
Published: April 2017

Numerical calculations and experimental measurements were carried out in a closed hydraulic test rig to investigate the vibration characteristics and instabilities induced by the development of cavitation in a centrifugal pump. The internal flow characteristics in the impeller and vibration signals at four different positions of the pump system were analyzed during the cavitation process. The results revealed that the occurrence and development of cavitation could be effectively detected by the sudden increase in the intensity of vibration at the testing points. Corresponding relationships were formulated between the occurrence and the development of cavitation and the intensification of the vibration at the measuring locations. It was found out that the virtual incipient for cavitation was much smaller than the traditional “critical” point.
Flight conflict resolution during low-altitude rescue operation based on ensemble conflict models
Authors: Zhang Ming , Yu Jue , Zhang Yifan , Wang Shuo , Yu Hui
Published: April 2017

In a low-altitude rescue operation, the safety and efficiency of the rescue can be guaranteed by adopting the conflict-avoidance mode of the collaboration type of flight rescue. In this article, we first introduce a protection zone model based on the visual flight separation standard, adopt resolution early warning time as a criterion, and divide the conflict into two modes, namely, two-aircraft (including fleet) and multiple-aircraft modes. Second, during each conflict mode, we distinguish different conflict scenarios based on the flight course of the conflict aircrafts and the tasks they carry out. Finally, we introduce a multi-agent system. We regard each aircraft as an independent agent that includes four modules. Each agent decides its own conflict resolution sequence based on the priority rules. By combining the relative movement trend, we select resolution strategies, such as adjusting the aircraft to fly higher, veering it off-course, or adjusting its speed. Finally, we draw the conflict-free flight track. We create a collaboration type of flight conflict resolution under different rescue priorities. Simulation examples show that this method can realize correction of the flight track and guarantee the safety and high efficiency of aircrafts according to the initial rescue flight track and under rescue priority.
A new test study on measurement of bias aircraft tire blowout
Authors: Wang Yaohua , Liu Guofeng , Wu Zhibin
Published: April 2017

Failure of aircraft tires is a common cause for aviation accidents, whose results range from abnormal taking-off and landing process to fatal air crashes. Those consequences should not be neglected; hence, an authentication of airworthiness is necessary for the development of new aircrafts. Failure of aircraft tires can be caused by numerous factors and can be categorized into various modes. The related tests are of great significance for newly developed aircrafts to pass the authentication system. However, failures of aircraft tires can be unexpected, drastic, and extremely dangerous, which adds to the difficulties in tests. Besides, the test methods used currently contain insurmountable defects. In this article, a new test apparatus is developed to research the blowout of bias aircraft tires, which is in accordance with the Joint Aviation Authorities standard, and a test scheme is designed. With the jet flow field formed by the test apparatus and the comparison between simulation results and test data, the reliability of the test apparatus is proved. Ergo, a new test method for the airworthiness authentication of tire failures has been developed.
Influencing factors and mechanisms of inter-organization collaboration obstacles in emergency rescue for urban rail transit
Authors: Zhang Yanchun , Zheng Junwei , Yi Moran , Ma Hongyu
Published: April 2017

The characteristics of urban rail transit emergencies include fast diffusion, wide-ranging influence and difficult handling. They require the coordination of multiple organizations. Previous studies have shown that the inter-organization collaboration efficiency is low. This article takes the subject of urban rail transit emergencies and studies the factors that influence inter-organization collaboration obstacles in emergency rescues, trying to reveal the formation path of inter-organization emergency collaboration obstacles. The 25 factors that influence inter-organization collaboration obstacles, which are determined using interviews and a survey, are grouped into five major elements (emergency organization obstacles, emergency information obstacles, emergency resource obstacles, emergency plan obstacles and emergency command obstacles). A hypothesis model of the relationship among these factors is established based on emergency management theory and organization collaboration theory, and then empirical research is conducted using a structural equation model combined with large-scale questionnaires. Then the dynamic causal model of inter-organization collaboration obstacles is established through system dynamics to explore the formation mechanism of such obstacles. The results indicate that the five elements interact with each other, and that eliminating these obstacles, especially those in the emergency organization obstacles and emergency plan obstacles groups, is essential for improving the efficiency of emergency command and inter-organization collaboration.
Memory-based passive control design for complex networked fuzzy delta operator systems
Authors: Zhao Yue , Yan Fei , Shen Yi
Published: April 2017

This article investigates the memory-based state-feedback control with strict passivity performance for nonlinear systems in delta domain. Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model of delta operator form is adopted as an approximator of the investigated nonlinear plant with system perturbations/exogenous disturbances. The nonlinear output of the plant, which is accompanied with complex exogenous disturbances, is formulated as the passive output satisfying a pre-designed strict passivity performance. The memory-based state-feedback controller is expressed with a known memory coefficient to significant the influence of the delayed states. The resulting closed-loop system is inferred as a time-varying delay system, of which the stability and passivity criterion is carried out via a general fuzzy Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional approach. Then, parametric gains of the desired strictly passive memory-based controller are designed subject to a set of solvable matrix inequalities. Finally, a numerical example shows the validity of the proposed memory-based passive control method.
What can the food and drink industry do to help achieve the 5% free sugars goal?
Authors: Gibson Sigrid , Ashwell Margaret , Arthur Jenny , Bagley Lindsey , Lennox Alison , Rogers Peter J , Stanner Sara
Published: April 2017

Aims:

To contribute evidence and make recommendations to assist in achieving free sugars reduction, with due consideration to the broader picture of weight management and dietary quality.

Methods:

An expert workshop in July 2016 addressed options outlined in the Public Health England report ‘Sugar reduction: The evidence for action’ that related directly to the food industry. Panel members contributed expertise in food technology, public heath nutrition, marketing, communications, psychology and behaviour. Recommendations were directed towards reformulation, reduced portion sizes, labelling and consumer education. These were evaluated based on their feasibility, likely consumer acceptability, efficacy and cost.

Results:

The panel agreed that the 5% target for energy from free sugars is unlikely to be achievable by the UK population in the near future, but a gradual reduction from average current level of intake is feasible. Progress requires collaborations between government, food industry, non-government organisations, health professionals, educators and consumers. Reformulation should start with the main contributors of free sugars in the diet, prioritising those products high in free sugars and relatively low in micronutrients. There is most potential for replacing free sugars in beverages using high-potency sweeteners and possibly via gradual reduction in sweetness levels. However, reformulation alone, with its inherent practical difficulties, will not achieve the desired reduction in free sugars. Food manufacturers and the out-of-home sector can help consumers by providing smaller portions. Labelling of free sugars would extend choice and encourage reformulation; however, government needs to assist industry by addressing current analytical and regulatory problems. There are also opportunities for multi-agency collaboration to develop tools/communications based on the Eatwell Guide, to help consumers understand the principles of a varied, healthy, balanced diet.

Conclusion:

Multiple strategies will be required to achieve a reduction in free sugars intake to attain the 5% energy target. The panel produced consensus statements with recommendations as to how this might be achieved.
Assessment of the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease among a group of patients on maintenance hemodialysis: A cross-sectional study from Cameroon
Authors: Ama Moor Vicky Jocelyne , Nansseu Jobert Richie N , Azingni Dastoresse Bijou T , Kaze François Folefack
Published: April 2017

Objective

To assess the 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease and potential impacting factors among patients undergoing hemodialysis in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Design

A cross-sectional study in January 2016.

Setting

Patients were recruited at the dialysis unit of the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital, Cameroon.

Participants

These were hemodialysis patients aged 20 years and above, dialyzing in the above unit since at least 3 months and volunteering to be enrolled in the study.

Main outcome measures

The risk of cardiovascular disease was assessed using the Framingham risk score.

Results

We included 44 patients. The risk of cardiovascular disease ranged from less than 1% to more than 30% with a median of 12.3% (interquartile range 4.9–24.4). Twenty hemodialysis patients (45.5%) had a low risk of cardiovascular disease (<10%), 10 (22.7%), a moderate risk (10–20%), and 14 (31.8%) presented a high risk of cardiovascular disease (>20%). In multivariable linear regression analysis, duration on dialysis (adjusted β = 0.11; p = 0.003), number of weekly sessions of physical activity (adjusted β = −1.35; p = 0.018), fasting serum glucose levels (adjusted β = 4.22; p = 0.022), serum triglycerides levels (adjusted β = 5.94; p = 0.033), and serum urea levels (adjusted β = −2.08; p = 0.039) were independently impacting our patients’ risk of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusion

Around 55% of our study population presented a moderate or high risk of cardiovascular disease. Duration on dialysis, number of physical activity sessions per week, fasting serum glucose, serum triglycerides, and serum urea levels may impact our hemodialysis patients’ risk of cardiovascular disease.
Electronic monitoring: The experience in Australia
Authors: Bartels Lorana , Martinovic Marietta
Published: April 2017

Electronic monitoring (EM) has been introduced in over 30 countries around the world. In most English-speaking countries, it has moved well beyond experimental status and become a regularly applied penal measure. Australia has been lagging behind this world trend, as EM has yet not become dominant in our correctional landscape. This is even though sanctions that utilise radio-frequency and/or global positioning systems (GPS) monitoring have existed in Australia for decades. This article critically examines overseas evaluative findings of EM in relation to recidivism, cost-effectiveness and net-widening, as well as some of the issues and concerns that are associated with EM. The article then summarises and explains the limited Australian EM experience to date. It predicts that increased application of EM in Australia seems likely and should be evidence-based. In this context, there is an urgent need for increased understanding about the use and impact of EM in Australia. The article concludes with some observations about the importance of comparative analysis in this context.
Electronic monitoring and supervision: A comparative perspective
Authors: Beyens Kristel
Published: April 2017

The use of electronic monitoring (EM) has grown rapidly in Europe and elsewhere and is likely to continue to do so. EM is a technological tool that allows to monitor the location of individuals via an electronic ankle tag, to track the movements of individuals either in real time or retrospectively. This special issue of the European Journal of Probation focuses on the relationship of EM with supervision in four jurisdictions (Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands and Scotland) and the question whether EM is mainly used as a stand-alone order or as an integrated measure; that is, alongside other supervisory conditions. It also contains a contribution with an initial round up of Australian experiences with EM.
Electronic monitoring and reintegration in Belgium
Authors: Beyens Kristel , Roosen Marijke
Published: April 2017

Electronic monitoring (EM) was introduced to Belgium in the late 1990s and ever since its use has been changing and expanding. The objectives and political discourse driving the introduction and expansion of EM have varied between encouraging (re)integration, solving the prison overcrowding and increasing the credibility of prison sentence execution. This article describes the evolution of EM and focuses on the shift from the EM-practice of balancing technical control and supervision towards the ever more expanding EM-use prioritising technical control. Where EM was formerly an individualised integrated measure in a broader rehabilitative framework, its use for a large number of prisoners has evolved towards the use of EM as a stand-alone measure. As such, we are witnessing a shift from ‘active’ to ‘passive’ reintegration for the majority of those being subjected to EM.
Cardiac Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor: Report of a Child and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rao Sanjay , Pavithra P. , Bhat Sunil , John Colin , D’Cruz Ashley J.
Published: April 2017

Cardiac tumors presenting as mediastinal masses in childhood are rare. This report describes the case of a 6-year-old girl who presented to us after a failed attempt at resection of a mass arising from the left atrial appendage. Computed tomography–guided biopsy suggested a perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa). Sirolimus was started in order to reduce the mass size. She subsequently underwent resection of the mass by midline sternotomy approach and cardiopulmonary bypass. Recovery was uneventful and the child is doing well at two-year follow-up. Contemporary literature is reviewed. Only seven cases, including two children, with mediastinal PEComa have been reported. Pathology and treatment options are discussed.
The Central Medical Store Fire Disaster: A Test for Institutional Compliance in Disaster Prevention in Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Sekyere Ebenezer , Adjuik Robert Yakubu , Wedam Emmanuel
Published: April 2017

Although Ghana has developed institutional frameworks and has enacted legislations which among other things seek to guarantee the cooperation and coordination of key stakeholders in disaster prevention, compliance is still a mirage. This has resulted in increased susceptibility of national assets to preventable disasters. This article discusses what might have caused the inferno that razed down one of West Africa’s largest medical storage facilities—the Central Medical Store (CMS). The disaster did not only manifest in property lost, basic medical supplies to neighboring countries were also severely interrupted. By exploring the responses of key stakeholders, the emerging evidence indicates that preventive measures that could have potentially averted the disaster or reduced its impact were not in place. The results further highlighted the apparent weak institutional arrangements toward disaster risk prevention, preparedness, and mitigation, viewed as cross-cutting themes in disaster management. The article argues that the scale of losses from this catastrophe epitomizes how the neglect for building risk reduction can consign an entire region to the mercy of disaster events.
Reverse time migration of multiples: Reducing migration artifacts using the wavefield decomposition imaging condition
Authors: Wang Yibo , Zheng Yikang , Xue Qingfeng , Chang Xu , Fei Tong W. , Luo Yi
Published: April 2017

In the implementation of migration of multiples, reverse time migration (RTM) is superior to other migration algorithms because it can handle steeply dipping structures and offer high-resolution images of the complex subsurface. However, the RTM results using two-way wave equation contain high-amplitude, low-frequency noise and false images generated by improper wave paths in migration velocity model with sharp velocity interfaces or strong velocity gradients. To improve the imaging quality in RTM of multiples, we separate the upgoing and downgoing waves in the propagation of source and receiver wavefields. A complex function involved with the Hilbert transform is used in wavefield decomposition. Our approach is cost effective and avoids the large storage of wavefield snapshots required by the conventional wavefield separation technique. We applied migration of multiples with wavefield decomposition on a simple two-layer model and the Sigsbee 2B synthetic data set. Our results demonstrate that the proposed approach can improve the image generated by migration of multiples significantly.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Contemporary Treatment in Early-Stage Hodgkin Lymphoma: Updated Analyses of the German Hodgkin Study Group HD7, HD8, HD10, and HD11 Trials
Authors: Sasse Stephanie , Bröckelmann Paul J. , Goergen Helen , Plütschow Annette , Müller Horst , Kreissl Stefanie , Buerkle Carolin , Borchmann Sven , Fuchs Michael , Borchmann Peter , Diehl Volker , Engert Andreas
Published: April 2017

Purpose

Combined-modality treatment is widely considered the standard of care in early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and treatment intensity has been reduced over the last years. Long-term follow-up is important to judge both efficacy and safety of the different therapies used.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed updated follow-up data on 4,276 patients treated within the German Hodgkin Study Group trials HD7 and HD10 for early-stage favorable HL and HD8 and HD11 for early-stage unfavorable HL between 1993 and 2003.

Results

In HD7 (N = 627; median follow-up, 120 months), combined-modality treatment was superior to extended-field radiotherapy (RT), with 15-year progression-free survival (PFS) of 73% versus 52% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.6; P < .001), without differences in overall survival (OS). In HD10 (N = 1,190; median follow-up, 98 months), noninferiority of two cycles of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (ABVD) plus 20 Gy involved-field (IF)–RT to more intensive four cycles of ABVD plus 30 Gy IF-RT was confirmed with 10-year PFS of 87% each (HR, 1.0; 95%, 0.6 to 1.5) and OS of 94% each (HR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.5 to 1.6), respectively. In both trials, no differences in second neoplasias were observed. In HD8 (N = 1,064; median follow-up, 153 months), noninferiority of involved-field RT to extended-field RT regarding PFS was confirmed (HR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.8 to 1.2). In HD11 (N = 1,395; median follow-up, 106 months), superiority of bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone at baseline over ABVD was not observed. After BEACOPPbaseline, 20 Gy IF-RT was noninferior to 30 Gy (10-year PFS, 84% v 84%; HR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.7 to 1.5). In contrast, PFS was inferior in ABVD-treated patients receiving 20 Gy instead of 30 Gy IF-RT (10-year PFS, 76% v 84%; HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.1). No differences in OS or second neoplasias were observed in in both trials.

Conclusion

Long-term follow-up data of the four randomized trials largely support the current risk-adapted therapeutic strategies in early-stage HL. Nevertheless, continued follow-up is necessary to assess the long-term safety of currently applied therapeutic strategies.
Early Maternal Thyroid Function During Gestation Is Associated With Fetal Growth, Particularly in Male Newborns
Authors: Vrijkotte Tanja G. M. , Hrudey E. Jessica , Twickler Marcel B.
Published: April 2017

Background:

Intrauterine growth patterns are influenced by maternal thyroid function during gestation and by fetal sex. It is unknown, however, whether the relationships between maternal thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels in early pregnancy and fetal growth outcomes are modified by fetal sex.

Design:

Data were obtained from a community-based cohort study of pregnant women living in Amsterdam (Amsterdam Born Children and Their Development study). TSH and fT4 levels were determined during the first prenatal screening at median 13 weeks (interquartile range, 12 to 14). Women with live-born singletons and no overt thyroid dysfunction were included (N = 3988). Associations between these maternal hormones and birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA) were analyzed separately for each sex.

Results:

After adjustments, 1 pmol/L increase in maternal fT4 levels was associated with a reduction in birth weight of 33.7 g (P < 0.001) in male newborns and 16.1 g (P < 0.05) in female newborns. Increased maternal fT4 was not associated with increased odds for SGA, but was associated with a decreased odds for LGA in boys [per 1 pmol/L; odds ratio (OR), 0.79; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69 to 0.90]. Maternal subclinical hypothyroidism in early pregnancy (TSH > 2.5 mU/L, 7.3%) was associated with increased odds for LGA in male newborns (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.22 to 3.11).

Conclusion:

Maternal fT4 in early pregnancy was observed to be inversely associated with birth weight, with a stronger relationship in males. Male infants also had increased odds for LGA in mothers with subclinical hypothyroidism. Sexual dimorphism appears to be present in the relationship between maternal thyroid metabolism and fetal intrauterine growth, with stronger associations in male infants.
The Possibility of Preemptive Forgiving
Authors: Cornell Nicolas
Published: April 2017

This essay defends the possibility of preemptive forgiving, that is, forgiving before the offending action has taken place. This essay argues that our moral practices and emotions admit such a possibility, and it attempts to offer examples to illustrate this phenomenon. There are two main reasons why someone might doubt the possibility of preemptive forgiving. First, one might think that preemptive forgiving would amount to granting permission. Second, one might think that forgiving requires emotional content that is not available prior to wrongdoing. If, however, preemptively forgiving is genuinely possible—as this essay hopes to illustrate—then this fact has implications for our understanding of both relational normativity and the nature of forgiveness.
“As Long as There Survives”: Contemplating the Wagner Act After Eighty Years
Authors: McCartin Joseph A.
Published: April 2017

In light of the current crisis afflicting the labor movement, historian Joseph McCartin revisits the 1935 National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act) eight decades after its passage and the Supreme Court ruling that upheld its constitutionality. That act constituted a “momentous shift in the nation’s jurisprudence,” but making it a living reality required American workers’ efforts on the ground. In this Up for Debate roundtable, McCartin poses critical questions: How should we evaluate the legacy of the Wagner Act? What did it mean in its time? How did it shape the course of US labor history? What significance does it hold for us in our present context? McCartin and three respondents—Craig Becker, Dorothy Sue Cobble, and Katherine Stone—address these questions and debate their responses, offering both historiographical assessments and historically informed suggestions about the labor movement’s path forward.
A double blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study to examine reduction of CD34+/CD117+/CD133+ lymphoma progenitor cells and duration of remission induced by neoadjuvant valspodar in dogs with large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Childress Michael , Mason Nicola , Winter Amber , O’Brien Timothy , Henson Michael , Borgatti Antonella , Lewellen Mitzi , Krick Erika , Stewart Jane , Lahrman Sarah , Rajwa Bartek , Scott Milcah C , Seelig Davis , Koopmeiners Joseph , Ruetz Stephan , Modiano Jaime
Published: April 2017

We previously described a population of lymphoid progenitor cells (LPCs) in canine B-cell lymphoma defined by retention of the early progenitor markers CD34 and CD117 and “slow proliferation” molecular signatures that persist in the xenotransplantation setting. We examined whether valspodar, a selective inhibitor of the ATP binding cassette B1 transporter (ABCB1, a.k.a., p-glycoprotein/multidrug resistance protein-1) used in the neoadjuvant setting would sensitize LPCs to doxorubicin and extend the length of remission in dogs with therapy naïve large B-cell lymphoma. Twenty dogs were enrolled into a double-blinded, placebo controlled study where experimental and control groups received oral valspodar (7.5 mg/kg) or placebo, respectively, twice daily for five days followed by five treatments with doxorubicin 21 days apart with a reduction in the first dose to mitigate the potential side effects of ABCB1 inhibition. Lymph node and blood LPCs were quantified at diagnosis, on the fourth day of neoadjuvant period, and 1-week after the first chemotherapy dose. Valspodar therapy was well tolerated. There were no differences between groups in total LPCs in lymph nodes or peripheral blood, nor in event-free survival or overall survival. Overall, we conclude that valspodar can be administered safely in the neoadjuvant setting for canine B-cell lymphoma; however, its use to attenuate ABCB1+ cells does not alter the composition of lymph node or blood LPCs, and it does not appear to be sufficient to prolong doxorubicin-dependent remissions in this setting.
Resonant ULF absorption at storm time conditions
Authors: Бадин Владимир , Badin Vladimir
Published: April 2017

The work deals with ULF radar observations of the high-latitude ionosphere. Doppler data from the Norwegian STARE instrument are analyzed for the moderate magnetic storm observed on December 31, 1999–January 01, 2000. Upon averaging the Doppler signals along radar beams, the spectral power of signals is determined for each beam as a function of frequency ranging from 1 to 10 mHz. Sharp drops (about 10 dB) of spectral powers with frequency are found for all radar beams. A variational analysis of spectral powers is carried out by least squares, with power drops being modeled by stepwise profiles constructed of mean spectral powers preceding and succeeding the drops. Using this variational analysis, the frequency of the power drop is determined for each radar beam. Being averaged over all beams, this frequency is 4.8±0.5 mHz. The results obtained are interpreted as resonant absorption of ultra-low-frequency (ULF) waves occurring on eigenfrequencies of magnetic field lines over wave propagation from the magnetopause deep into the magnetosphere.
Relativistic electrons of the outer radiation belt and methods of their forecast (review)
Authors: Потапов Александр , Potapov Alexander
Published: April 2017

The paper reviews studies of the dynamics of relativistic electrons in the geosynchronous region. It lists the physical processes that lead to the acceleration of electrons filling the outer radiation belt. As one of the space weather factors, high-energy electron fluxes pose a serious threat to the operation of satellite equipment in one of the most populated orbital regions. Necessity is emphasized for efforts to develop methods of forecasting the situation in this part of the magnetosphere, possible predictors are listed, and their classification is given. An example of a predictive model for forecasting relativistic electron flux with a lead time of 1–2 days is proposed. Some questions of practical organization of prediction are discussed; the main objectives of short-term, medium-term, and long-term forecasts are listed.
Siberian Radioheliograph: first results
Authors: Лесовой Сергей , Lesovoi Sergey , Алтынцев Александр , Altyntsev Alexander , Кочанов Алексей , Kochanov Aleksey , Гречнев Виктор , Grechnev Victor , Губин Алексей , Gubin Aleksey , Жданов Дмитрий , Zhdanov Dmitriy , Иванов Евгений , Ivanov Evgeniy , Уралов Аркадий , Uralov Arkadiy , Кашапова Лариса , Kashapova Larisa , Кузнецов Алексей , Kuznetsov Aleksey , Мешалкина Наталия , Meshalkina Nataliya , Сыч Роберт , Sych Robert
Published: April 2017

Regular observations of active processes in the solar atmosphere have been started using the first stage of the multiwave Siberian Radioheliograph (SRH), a T-shaped 48-antenna array with a 4–8 GHz operating frequency range and a 10 MHz instantaneous receiving band. Antennas are set on the central antenna posts of the Siberian Solar Radio Telescope. The maximum baseline is 107.4 m, and the angular resolution is up to 70ʹʹ. We present examples of observations of the solar disk at different frequencies, “negative” bursts, and solar flares. The sensitivity to compact sources reaches 0.01 solar flux units (≈10^{-4} of the total solar flux) with an accumulation time of 0.3 s. The high sensitivity of the SRH enables monitoring of solar activity and allows one to study active processes from characteristics of their microwave emission, including faint events, which could not be detected previously.
Can Unspanned Stochastic Volatility Models Explain the Cross Section of Bond Volatilities?
Authors: Joslin Scott
Published: April 2017

In fixed income markets, volatility is unspanned if volatility risk cannot be hedged with bonds. We first show that all affine term structure models with state space [Formula: see text] can be drift normalized and show when the standard variance normalization can be obtained. Using this normalization, we find conditions for a wide class of affine term structure models to exhibit unspanned stochastic volatility (USV). We show that the USV conditions restrict both the mean reversions of risk factors and the cross section of conditional yield volatilities. The restrictions imply that previously studied affine USV models are unlikely to be able to generate the observed cross section of yield volatilities. However, more general USV models can match the cross section of bond volatilities.

This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
Trade Credit in Competition: A Horizontal Benefit
Authors: Peura Heikki , Yang S. Alex , Lai Guoming
Published: April 2017

Trade credit is a widely adopted industry practice. Prior research has focused on how trade credit benefits firms by improving vertical supply chain relationships. This paper offers a novel perspective by examining whether trade credit benefits suppliers through a horizontal channel. Under the classic Bertrand competition framework, we analyze two competing firms’ price decisions with and without trade credit. We find that when the firms are financially constrained, trade credit softens horizontal price competition. Specifically, with trade credit, the firms will behave less aggressively in setting their prices for fear of incurring additional financing costs, resulting in equilibrium prices above the marginal cost, even if the products are perfect substitutes. Equilibrium profits under trade credit may thus be strictly higher than those under cash contracts. Furthermore, we find that with trade credit, a financially stronger firm may be able to exclude its weaker competitor from the market. We also investigate the relationship between the firms’ financial strength and their physical capacity in the competition with trade credit. We find that the horizontal benefit of trade credit over cash contracts increases as either the firms’ physical capacities increase or their financial status weakens. Therefore, with trade credit, firms’ financial constraints are a partial substitute for the role that physical capacity plays in price competition. Finally, we study the firms’ choice between offering trade credit and cash contracts. We find that trade credit is the equilibrium contract form if customers value trade credit, suggesting that the horizontal benefit of trade credit may complement its vertical roles.
The effect of numerical integration in mixed finite element approximation in the simulation of miscible displacement
Authors: Diogene Vianney Pongui ngoma , Germain Nguimbi , Rhoss Beaunheur Likibi Pellat
Published: April 2017

We consider the effect of numerical integration in finite elementÂ  procedures applied to a nonlinear system of two coupled partial differential equations describing the miscible displacement of one incompressible fluid by another in a porous meduim. We consider the use of the numerical quadrature scheme for approximating the pressure and velocity by a mixed method using Raviart - Thomas space of index Â and the concentration by a standard Galerkin method. We also give some sufficient conditions on the quadrature scheme to ensure that the order of convergence is unaltered in the presence of numerical integration. Optimal order estimates are derived when the imposed external flows are smoothly distributed.
Using ePortfolio-based Learning Approach to Facilitate Knowledge Sharing and Creation of College Students
Authors: Chang Chi-Cheng , Chou Pao-Nan , Liang Chaoyan
Published: April 2017

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of the ePortfolio-based learning approach (ePBLA) on knowledge sharing and creation with 92 college students majoring in electrical engineering as the participants. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) with a covariance of pretest on knowledge sharing and creation was conducted for examining differences in knowledge sharing and creation between an experimental group (a total of 47 participants using ePBLA) and a control group (a total of 45 participants not using ePBLA or creating eportfolio). A t-test was also performed for examining the differences in knowledge sharing and creation of the experimental group before and after using ePBLA. The results showed that: a) the experimental group had significantly better knowledge sharing and creation than the control group; and b) the experimental group had significantly better knowledge sharing and creation after using ePBLA. The results implied that ePBLA facilitated knowledge sharing and creation. Furthermore, relationships between knowledge sharing and creation were also enhanced by the use of ePBLA
Posterior Inferotemporal Cortex Cells Use Multiple Input Pathways for Shape Encoding
Authors: Ponce Carlos R. , Lomber Stephen G. , Livingstone Margaret S.
Published: April 2017

In the macaque monkey brain, posterior inferior temporal (PIT) cortex cells contribute to visual object recognition. They receive concurrent inputs from visual areas V4, V3, and V2. We asked how these different anatomical pathways shape PIT response properties by deactivating them while monitoring PIT activity in two male macaques. We found that cooling of V4 or V2|3 did not lead to consistent changes in population excitatory drive; however, population pattern analyses showed that V4-based pathways were more important than V2|3-based pathways. We did not find any image features that predicted decoding accuracy differences between both interventions. Using the HMAX hierarchical model of visual recognition, we found that different groups of simulated “PIT” units with different input histories (lacking “V2|3” or “V4” input) allowed for comparable levels of object-decoding performance and that removing a large fraction of “PIT” activity resulted in similar drops in performance as in the cooling experiments. We conclude that distinct input pathways to PIT relay similar types of shape information, with V1-dependent V4 cells providing more quantitatively useful information for overall encoding than cells in V2 projecting directly to PIT.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTConvolutional neural networks are the best models of the visual system, but most emphasize input transformations across a serial hierarchy akin to the primary “ventral stream” (V1 → V2 → V4 → IT). However, the ventral stream also comprises parallel “bypass” pathways: V1 also connects to V4, and V2 to IT. To explore the advantages of mixing long and short pathways in the macaque brain, we used cortical cooling to silence inputs to posterior IT and compared the findings with an HMAX model with parallel pathways.
Herding the Crowd: Using Automated Planning for Better Crowdsourced Planning
Authors: Manikonda Lydia , Chakraborti Tathagata , Talamadupula Kartik , Kambhampati Subbarao
Published: April 2017

One subclass of human computation applications are those directed at tasks that involve planning (e.g. tour planning) and scheduling (e.g. conference scheduling). Interestingly, work on these systems shows that even primitive forms of automated oversight on the human contributors helps in significantly improving the effectiveness of the humans/crowd. In this paper, we argue that the automated oversight used in these systems can be viewed as a primitive automated planner, and that there are several opportunities for more sophisticated automated planning in effectively steering crowdsourced planning. Straightforward adaptation of current planning technology is however hampered by the mismatch between the capabilities of human workers and automated planners. We identify and partially address two important challenges that need to be overcome before such adaptation of planning technology can occur: (i) interpreting inputs of the human workers (and the requester) and (ii) steering or critiquing plans produced by the human workers, armed only with incomplete domain and preference models. To these ends, we describe the implementation of AI-MIX, a tour plan generation system that uses automated checks and alerts to improve the quality of plans created by human workers.
Ecclesiastical Terminology in TÖRE BITIGI: ARÏ
Authors: Erk Kutluay
Published: April 2017

In this article the semantic field of the Armeno-Kipchak word arï/ari “holy, sacred” is examined on the basis of Töre Bitigi (Wrocław version), which is an Armeno-Kipchak version of the Old Armenian law code Datastanagirk’. This magistrative-juridical text was based in a large part on ecclesiastical prescriptions. Accordingly it is possible to see a group of religious terms in the text and the word of arï/ari is one of them. This significant term shows parallelism with other historical Turkic texts, which have been translated from the Holy Book.Daγï da ne üčün emdi klädik yazmaga törälärni, ya ne säbäptän teprändi esimiz bu iškä [...] bu vaχtlarda erinčekliktän üvrämägä klämäslär Eski u Yäŋï Törälärni ne markarẹlardan, ne Awedarandan, ki bolgaylar edi ari bitiklerniŋ küčündän bilmägä könü töräni. Anïŋ üčün klädik bu Törä bitiki bilä oyatmaga alarnï, nečik kimsäni yuχudan.Töre Bitigi/Ekinči, ne üčün yazdïq ya kimniŋ pričinasïndan 5r/160r
Posłuszeństwo oczekiwaną odpowiedzią Izraela na wierność Boga
Authors: Wajda Anna Maria
Published: April 2017

Miłość Boga, która trwa na tysiąc pokoleń, jest wiernością (por. Wj 34, 6–7). Prawda ta stanowi klucz do zrozumienia całego działania Boga w ramach biblijnej historii zbawienia, zarówno w odniesieniu do społeczności (narodu wybranego), jak i jednostek (np. Abrahama). Bóg daje się poznać przez swoje dzieła, przez moc, potęgę, wierność swoim obietnicom (por. Pwt 7, 7–9). W zamian wzywa do posłuszeństwa, które należy rozumieć jako dobrowolne przyjęcie Jego planów i wejście z Nim w dialog miłości. Biblijne posłuszeństwo nie ma bowiem nic wspólnego z wymuszoną uległością i biernym poddawaniem się silniejszemu i dzierżącemu jakąś władzę. Jest ono powierzeniem się z miłością i w całości Bogu, z własnej wolnej decyzji.
Posłannictwo rodziny w Kościele i świecie w świetle XIV Synodu Biskupów
Authors: Dyduch Jan
Published: April 2017

Synod biskupów opublikował owoc swych prac o powołaniu i misji rodziny w Kościele i świecie w dokumencie Relacja końcowa, skierowanym do papieża Franciszka. Dokument ten ukazuje sytuację małżeństw i rodzin we współczesnym świecie. Synod kontynuuje tradycyjną naukę Kościoła o małżeństwie i rodzinie, a także proponuje pewne rozwiązania trudności i zagrożeń trapiących małżeństwa i rodziny, odwołując się do Bożego miłosierdzia.
Śmierć dziecka i żałoba rodziców jako zagadnienie duszpasterskie
Authors: Kościelniak Janusz
Published: April 2017

Artykuł koncentruje się wokół zagadnień związanych ze śmiercią dziecka i okresem żałoby rodziców. Oprócz literatury dotyczącej tego tematu autor wykorzystuje własne doświadczenie zdobyte podczas spotkań z osieroconymi rodzicami w Sanktuarium Bożego Miłosierdzia w Krakowie­‑Łagiewnikach. Artykuł składa się z trzech części. W pierwszej omówiono zagadnienie straty bliskiej osoby i jej wpływu na życie osobiste i rodzinne, w następnej zagadnienie żałoby, a ostatnia część związana jest z pomocą osobom doświadczonym śmiercią dziecka.
Święty Jan Paweł II o duchowości chrześcijańskiego Wschodu
Authors: Zyzak Wojciech
Published: April 2017

Autor artykułu ukazuje główne linie nauczania św. Jana Pawła II na temat duchowości chrześcijańskiego Wschodu. Wskazuje na osobiste zainteresowania papieża kulturą, zwłaszcza filozofią i sztuką rozwijaną w kręgu prawosławia. Ukazuje również wysiłki ekumeniczne i związane z nimi trudności. Na szerszym fundamencie teologicznym autor rozwija główne elementy duchowości prawosławnej, na jakie zwracał uwagę słowiański papież w czasie swego długiego pontyfikatu.
Performance of buried HDPE pipes – part I: peaking deflection during initial backfilling process
Authors: Zhou M. , Du Y. J. , Wang F. , Liu M. D.
Published: April 2017

Peaking deflection caused by compacting the sidefill, referred to as the maximum change of the pipe diameter divided by the undeformed diameter, is an important parameter in the design and safety check of buried pipelines. However, quantitative equations on the deflection useful for engineering practice are very limited. In this paper, a two-dimensional finite element analysis is used to investigate the peaking deflection of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. In the analyses, the pipe–soil interaction is rationally modeled. A field trial is conducted and the finite-element modeling is evaluated by using the data measured in the field test. Parametric studies are also conducted to investigate the effects of pipe diameter, pipe stiffness, soil modulus, trench width, and compactor type on the peaking deflection of buried HDPE pipes. A new estimating tool is developed that considers the major influencing factors: pipe diameter, pipe stiffness, soil modulus, and compactor type (vibratory plate or rammer) to predict the peaking deflection of HDPE pipes, and the proposed method is finally verified by data reported in published studies. The comparison of the calculated and measured peaking deflections demonstrates a reasonably good prediction of the peaking deflection.
Effect of welding parameters on properties of HDPE geomembrane seams
Authors: Zhang L. , Bouazza A. , Rowe R. K. , Scheirs J.
Published: April 2017

The effect of various welding parameters of a dual-wedge welding technique on the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane seam specimens is examined. These seams were welded with sufficient heat, insufficient heat and excessive heat at specific speeds and nip pressures. The thickness of the fusion area and the width of the air channel provided an acceptable indication of the quality of the welding. Investigation of the seam specimens' mechanical properties showed that physical ageing had occurred. The impact of welding on antioxidants was evaluated using the standard oxidative induction time (Std-OIT) test method. The Std-OIT results showed that the outer edge of squeeze-out was greatly affected by the thermal welding. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed that the morphology of the outer edge of squeeze-out was altered after welding. However, the Std-OIT test on other locations of the seam specimens indicated that welding had an insignificant impact on the Std-OIT values for the particular geomembrane and welding parameters considered.
Stability analysis of geocell-reinforced retaining walls
Authors: Song F. , Liu H. , Chai H. , Chen J.
Published: April 2017

Geocell-reinforced retaining walls are widely used in engineering practice due to their advantages of light weight, simple construction, low environmental impact and aesthetics. However, limited studies can be found on the failure mechanisms and method of stability analysis for this type of earth structure. In this study, limit equilibrium analysis to predict the global stability of geocell-reinforced retaining walls is conducted. The results indicate that the classical Rankine and Coulomb theories of earth pressure are not suitable for analyzing the stability of geocell-reinforced retaining walls. Instead, the failure mechanisms of geocell-reinforced retaining walls are similar to those of slopes. The general limit equilibrium method, with an assumption of a polygonal failure surface and assisted by the improved Monte Carlo searching technique, may reproduce the critical failure surface. The analyzed factor of safety along the critical failure surface may be somewhat higher than the actual one; this difference is related to the soil density and progressive failure of soil along the critical failure surface. The effectiveness of the analytical approach is validated by two sets of model tests. It is shown that the stability of geocell-reinforced retaining walls may be analyzed by the general limit equilibrium method, provided that the apparent cohesion of geocell-reinforced soil is accurately estimated and the shape of the critical failure surface is properly assumed.