bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ride Index Structure and Development Methodology
Authors:   Vehicle Dynamics Standards Committee
Published: February 2017

This recommended practice defines methods for the measurement of periodic, random and transient whole-body vibration. It indicates the principal factors that combine to determine the degree to which a vibration exposure will cause discomfort. Informative appendices indicate the current state of knowledge and provide guidance on the possible effects of motion and vibration on discomfort. The frequency range considered is 0.5 Hz to 80 Hz. This recommended practice also defines the principles of preferred methods of mounting transducers for determining human exposure. This recommended practice is applicable to light passenger vehicles (e.g., passenger cars and light trucks). This recommended practice is applicable to motions transmitted to the human body as a whole through the buttocks, back and feet of a seated occupant, as well as through the hands of a driver.

This recommended practice offers a method for developing a ride performance index but does not specifically describe how to apply this index to assessment or comparison of specific vehicles.
Use Cases for Plug-in Vehicle Communication as a Distributed Energy Resource
Authors:   Hybrid - EV Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE Information Report establishes use cases for a Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) communicating with an Energy Management System (EMS) as a Distributed Energy Resource (DER). The primary purpose of SAE J2836/3™ is to define use cases which must be supported by SAE J2847/3. This document also provides guidance for updates to SAE J2847/2 to allow an inverter in an EVSE to use the PEV battery when operating together as a distributed energy resource (DER).
Communication for Plug-in Vehicles as a Distributed Energy Resource
Authors:   Hybrid - EV Committee
Published: February 2017

This document applies to a Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) which is equipped with an onboard inverter and communicates using the Smart Energy Profile 2.0 Application Protocol (SEP2). It is a supplement to the SEP2 Standard, which supports the use cases defined by J2836/3™. It provides guidance for the use of the SEP2 Distributed Energy Resource Function Set with a PEV. It also provides guidance for the use of the SEP2 Flow Reservation Function Set, when used for discharging. It is not intended to be a comprehensive guide to the use of SEP2 in a PEV.
Truck and Bus Aerodynamic Device and Concept Terminology
Authors:   Truck and Bus Aerodynamics and Fuel Economy Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE J2971 Recommended Practice Truck and Bus Aerodynamic Device Terminology document describes a standard naming convention of aerodynamic devices and technologies used to control aerodynamic forces on truck and buses weighing more than 10,000 pounds (including trailers).
Small Diameter Fuel Line Permeation Test Procedure
Authors:   Small Engine and Powered Equipment Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE Recommended Practice is intended for the determination of the losses of hydrocarbon fluids by permeation through small diameter fuel hose typically 4.75mm ID or less and typically used on Small Off-Road Engines (SORE) less than 19 kW as regulated under 40 CFR Part 1054.
Spark Plug Installation Sockets
Authors:   Ignition Standards Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE Standard applies to spark plug installation sockets of the long length type which are to be used for installing spark plugs of the most commonly used sizes for the North American market.
Reliability Program Handbook
Authors:   G-41 Reliability
Published: February 2017

This handbook provides “how to” guidance to industry and government for the reliability Activities and Methods contained in ANSI/GEIA-STD-0009 for developing reliable products and systems, successfully demonstrating them during test and evaluation, and sustaining them throughout the system/product life cycle.

ANSI/GEIA-STD-0009 requires the developers and customer/users working as a team to plan and implement a reliability program that provides systems/products that satisfy the user’s requirements and expectations using a systems engineering approach. The four Objectives of ANSI/GEIA-STD-0009 are listed below:

Objective 1: Understand Customer/User Requirements and constraints. The team (developer, customer, and user), includes the Activities necessary to ensure that the user’s requirements and product needs are fully understood and defined, so that a comprehensive design specification and Reliability Program Plan are generated.

Objective 2: Design and redesign for reliability. The developer implements a set of engineering Activities so that the resulting system/product satisfies the customer’s documented requirements and needs.

Objective 3: Produce reliable systems/products. The developer performs the Activities that assure the customer that the reliability requirements and product needs have been satisfied.

Objective 4: Monitor and assess user reliability. The team establishes a closed-loop feedback method for continuous monitoring of reliability trends and incorporation of recommended improvements (corrective actions).

ANSI/GEIA-STD-0009 and this Handbook define a systematic approach to engineering a system/product, incorporating best practices that have evolved considerably in recent years.

Figure 1.1-1 shows the four objectives, defined in Section 1.4.2 of ANSI/GEIA-STD-0009, and is a defense industry example of the interaction of the Objectives, supporting Activities and Methods, and strategies for reliable system design in the acquisition cycle.

The four Objectives in ANSI/GEIA-STD-0009 have Activities associated with them. These Activities are further developed in this Handbook as shown in Figure 1.1-2. The four objectives of the standard are shown on the left and the derived activities in the handbook are on the right.
Vertical distribution of aerosols over the Maritime Continent during El Nino
Authors: Cohen Jason Blake , Ng Daniel Hui Loong , Lim Alan Wei Lun , Chua Xin Rong
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The vertical distribution of aerosols over Southeast Asia, a critical factor of aerosol lifetime, and impact on radiative forcing and precipitation, is examined for the 2006 post El-Nino fire burning season. Additionally, through analysis of measurements and modeling, we have reconfirmed the hypothesis that fire radiative power is underestimated. Our results are significantly different from what others are using. The horizontally constrained Maritime Continent’s fire plume median height, using the maximum variance of satellite observed Aerosol Optical Depth as the spatial and temporal constraint, is found to be 2.17 ± 1.53 km during the 2006 El Nino season. This is 0.96 km higher than random sampling and all other past studies, with 62 % of particles in the free troposphere. The impact is that the aerosol lifetime will be significantly longer, and that the aerosols will disperse in a direction different from if they were in the boundary layer. Application of a simple plume rise model using measurements of fire properties underestimates the median plume height by 0.34 km and more in the bottom-half of the plume. The center of the plume can be reproduced when fire radiative power is increased by 20 % (range from 0 % to 100 %). However, to reduce the biases found, improvements are required in terms of measurements of fire properties when cloud covered, representation of small scale convection, and inclusion of aerosol direct and semi-direct effects. The results provide the unique aerosol signature of fire under El-Nino conditions.
Mediterranean Outflow Water variability during the Early Pleistocene climate transition
Authors: Kaboth Stefanie , Grunert Patrick , Lourens Lucas J.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Gaining insights into the evolution of Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) during the Early Pleistocene climate transition has been so far hampered by the lack of available paleoclimatic archives. Here we present the first benthic foraminifera stable oxygen and carbon isotope records and grain-size data from IODP Expedition 339 Site U1389 presently located within the upper core of the MOW in the Gulf of Cadiz for the time interval between 2.6 and 1.8 Ma. A comparison with an intermediate water mass record from the Mediterranean Sea strongly suggest an active MOW supplying Site U1389 on glacial-interglacial timescales during the Early Pleistocene. We also find indication that the increasing presence of MOW in the Gulf of Cadiz during the investigated time interval aligns with the progressive northward protrusion of Mediterranean sourced intermediate water masses into the North Atlantic, possibly modulating the intensification of the North Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation at the same time. Additionally, our results suggest that MOW flow strength was already governed by precession and semi-precession cyclicity during the Early Pleistocene against the background of glacial-interglacial variability dominated by the obliquity cycle of Earth`s inclination axis.
Weigh(t)ing the dimensions of social vulnerability based on a
regression analysis of disaster damages
Authors: Heß Vincent David Corvin
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Social vulnerability determines how natural hazards can turn into social disasters. However, large uncertainties remain on how to quantify social vulnerability in a compact and comprehensive way. A principle component analysis (PCA) combines many social indicators, such as population density or the level of education, into a single vulnerability index. Whether the individual indicators increase or decrease vulnerability is usually based on consequential reasoning or derived from previous studies. These assumptions are rarely tested for their applicability to the study area. In a case study for the Austrian federal state of Styria we observe no correlation between disaster damages and an initial vulnerability index which was based on literature-derived assumptions about the influence of each indicator and following best practices for the PCA. We show that a regression analysis of past damages can improve the interpretation of social indicators by better representing the local situation. With the results from the regression-based analysis we can improve the PCA approach and only the updated vulnerability index correlates with observed damages. This indicates that the use of a PCA-based vulnerability index requires a thorough understanding about the regionally specific influence of each indicator on social vulnerability to explain differences in disaster damages.
Frontal destabilization of Stonebreen, Edgeøya, Svalbard
Authors: Strozzi Tazio , Kääb Andreas , Schellenberger Thomas
Published: February 2017

Abstract. In consideration of the strong atmospheric warming that has been observed since the 1990s in polar regions there is a need to quantify mass loss of Arctic ice caps and glaciers and their contribution to sea level rise. In polar regions a large part of glacier ablation is through calving of tidewater glaciers driven by ice velocities and their variations. The Svalbard region is characterized by glaciers with rapid dynamic fluctuations of different types, including irreversible adjustments of calving fronts to a changing mass balance and reversible, surge-type activities. For large areas, however, we do not have much past and current information on glacier dynamic fluctuations. Recently, through frequent monitoring based on repeat optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite data, a number of zones of velocity increases have been observed at formerly slow-flowing calving fronts on Svalbard. Here we present the dynamic evolution of the southern lobe of Stonebreen on Edgeøya. We observe a slowly steady retreat of the glacier front from 1971 until 2011, followed by a strong increase in ice surface velocity along with a decrease of volume and frontal extension since 2012. The considerable losses in ice thickness could have made the tide-water calving glacier, which is grounded below sea level some 6 km inland from the 2014 front, more sensitive to surface meltwater reaching its bed and/or warm ocean water increasing frontal ablation with subsequent strong multi-annual ice-flow acceleration.
Quantifying irreversible movement in steep, fractured bedrock permafrost on Matterhorn (CH)
Authors: Weber Samuel , Beutel Jan , Faillettaz Jérome , Hasler Andreas , Krautblatter Michael , Vieli Andreas
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Understanding rock slope kinematics in steep, fractured bedrock permafrost is a challenging task. Recent laboratory studies have provided enhanced understanding of rock fatigue and fracturing in cold environments but were not successfully confirmed by field studies. This study presents a unique time series of fracture kinematics, rock temperatures and environmental conditions at 3500 m a. s. l.  on the steep, strongly fractured Hörnligrat of the Matterhorn (Swiss Alps). Thanks to 8 years of continuous data, the longer-term evolution of fracture kinematics in permafrost can be analyzed with an unprecedented level of detail. Evidence for common trends in spatiotemporal pattern of fracture kinematics could be found: a partly reversible seasonal movement can be observed at all locations, with variable amplitudes. In the wider context of rock slope stability assessment, we propose separating reversible (elastic) components of fracture kinematics, caused by thermoelastic strains, from the irreversible (plastic) component due to other processes. A regression analysis between temperature and fracture displacement shows that all instrumented fractures exhibit reversible displacements that dominate fracture kinematics in winter. Furthermore, removing this reversible component from the observed displacement enables us to quantify the irreversible component. From this, a new metric – termed index of irreversibility – is proposed to quantify relative irreversibility of fracture kinematics. This new index can identify periods when fracture displacements are dominated by irreversible processes. For many sensors, irreversible enhanced fracture displacement is observed in summer and its initiation coincides with the onset of positive rock temperatures. This likely indicates thawing-related processes, such as meltwater percolation into fractures, as a forcing mechanism for irreversible displacements. For a few instrumented fractures, irreversible displacements were found at the onset of the freezing period, suggesting that cryogenic processes act as a driving factor through increasing ice pressure. The proposed analysis provides a tool for investigating and better understanding processes related to irreversible kinematics.
Saint Clare of Assisi: “May You Go Forward Securely”
Authors: Molesky-Poz Jean
Published: February 2017

This article asks how Saint Clare and the early San Damiano community in Assisi, 1212–53, might cast light on a cultural moment when our concerns of interreligious dialogue and collegiality are at risk and the urgent task of restoring the fragmented church is so great. At San Damiano, Saint Clare, with the Poor Ladies and Lesser Brothers, developed a relational spirituality of mutual respect and equality in which contemplation, service to one another, and reconciliation were at the core. As we look for pathways to ecclesial and interfaith dialogue and reconciliation, I draw parallels between the community of San Damiano and the Assisi gathering and offer three insights from Saint Clare’s life and writings to consider: cultivating mutual love and peace, the praxis of presence as a way to a transformed consciousness, and being “an example and a mirror.”
The Church: Towards a Common Vision. A View from the Asian Churches
Authors: Phan Peter C.
Published: February 2017

The article examines the key ideas of the World Council of Churches’ document The Church: Towards a Common Vision and critiques them from the perspectives of Christian churches in Asia. While the document is an informative summary of Western ecclesiologies in the last two decades, it needs to be revised substantially to meet the challenges facing Asian Christianity.
Kant on the Power and Limits of Pathos: Toward a “Critique of Poetic Rhetoric”
Authors: Stoner Samuel
Published: February 2017

This article gives an account of the nature and purpose of Kant's poetic rhetoric in Dreams of a Spirit-Seer Elucidated by Dreams of Metaphysics. I argue that Kant employs a poetic mode of rhetoric in order to provoke a passionate, enthusiastic response in his audience. I go on to show that Kant became increasingly skeptical of poetic rhetoric's pathetic power after publishing Dreams. Ultimately, I demonstrate that Kant's confrontation with the Sturm und Drang led him to formulate a moral critique of poetic rhetoric and its tendency to undermine its audience's rational autonomy. I conclude by highlighting the significance of this critique in and for the development of Kant's mature rhetorical theory.
Percepción de las mujeres miskitas sobre el Liwa en Wasla, Waspam, río Coco
Authors: Lampson Benk Rosalía , Balderramos Rojas Melva , Espinoza Blanco Serafina
Published: February 2017

En este estudio se ha determinado la percepción que tienen las mujeres indígenas miskitas sobre el Liwa o espíritu de las aguas en la comunidad de Wasla. Es un estudio cualitativo sustentado en diseño etnografíco donde aplicó una entrevista a 30 mujeres del grupo étnico miskito pertenecientes a la comunidad Wasla, Waspam. Entre los hallazgos más importantes se destacan que las mujeres creen en la existencia del Liwa y este afecta la salud de las personas, más en mujeres embarazadas y niños; y los malestares más frecuentes que presentan las mujeres son: dolor en bajo vientre, sangrado transvaginal, picazón y flujo vaginal, manchas en la piel y aborto prematuro. Se concluye, que es necesario el reconocimiento de la de la medicina tradicional y la articulación con la medicina occidental para mejorar la calidad de la atención en salud del municipio.
Prólogo Vol.17(2)
Authors: Perera Lumbí Juan Francisco
Published: February 2017

No Resumen
Evaluando la calidad en la Maestría Internacional en Comunicación Intercultural con enfoque de Género, de la Red de Universidades Indígenas Interculturales y Comunitarias de Abya Yala (RUIICAY)
Authors: Malespín Gretta Paiz
Published: February 2017

Esta evaluación ha analizado la manera en que el programa de Maestría Internacional en Comunicación Intercultural con enfoque de Género, hace uso de distintos recursos pedagógicos y organizativos para promover la calidad, la pertinencia y la equidad en el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje, como una estrategia de formación dirigida a profesionales indígenas, afrodescendientes y mestizos, articulada por instituciones indígenas, comunitarias e interculturales en América Latina.Es una evaluación donde se ha discutido el currículo, hasta las herramientas pedagógicas y didácticas que la maestría utilizó durante el proceso de formación de comunicadores interculturales. En definitiva, busca poder consignar con qué bases teóricas, conceptuales, metodológicas y prácticas esta maestría sustenta la calidad. Es en este contexto, en el que se evalúa uno de los programas de formación más emblemáticos en los últimos tiempos en Abya Yala (Latinoamérica).
Spread of odontogenic infections in the elderly: Prevalence and characteristic multidetector CT findings
Authors: Ogura Ichiro , Iizuka Norihito , Ishida Marie , Sawada Eri , Kaneda Takashi
Published: February 2017

Purpose: To analyze spread of odontogenic infections in the elderly, especially the prevalence and characteristic multidetectorcomputed tomography (MDCT) findings.Materials and methods: Ninety-seven patients with odontogenic infection who underwent 64-row MDCT were evaluated inthis study. The study patients comprised 31 elderly patients (60 years) and 66 adults (< 60 years). Age, gender, location ofcausal tooth, and spread of odontogenic infections with MDCT were analyzed.Results: The elderly patients (74.2%) had higher ratio with female compared to the adults (57.6%). The buccal space (93.5%)was the most common spread of odontogenic infections for the elderly patients, followed by the masticator space (54.8%) andsubmandibular space (45.2%), whereas the buccal space (97.0%) was the most common spread of odontogenic infections for theadults, followed by submandibular space (65.2%) and masticator space (51.5%). Logistic multivariate regression analysis forodontogenic infections in the elderly demonstrated that the gender (odds ratio = 3.462, P = .024) and submandibular space (oddsratio = 0.168, P = .013) were significant variable.Conclusions: The study showed the prevalence and characteristic MDCT findings of spread of odontogenic infections in theelderly.
Overactive bladder in children
Authors: Ramsay Sophie , Bolduc Stéphane
Published: February 2017

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent disorder in the pediatric population. This condition is especially troublesome for pediatric patients and their families when associated with incontinence, since it negatively affects self-esteem and impairs children’s development. From the patient’s perspective, urgency and urge incontinence can have a significant impact, negatively affecting their quality of life. For a therapy to have true benefit, changes must not only be statistically significant, but must also be perceived as meaningful by the patient. A stepwise approach is favoured to treat this pathology, starting with behavioural therapy, followed by medical management, and eventually more invasive procedures.Antimuscarinic agents are the mainstay of medical treatment for OAB. Oxybutynin is the most commonly used antimuscarinic in the pediatric population. However, some patients have a suboptimal response to antimuscarinics and many experience bothersome side effects, which have been documented with all antimuscarinics to a significantly higher degree than placebo. Although there have been reports about the use of tolterodine, fesoterodine, trospium, propiverine, and solifenacin in children, to date, only oxybutynin has been officially approved for pediatric use by medical authorities in North America.This review will address alternative treatment options for pediatric patients presenting with OAB, from conservative measures to more invasive therapies.
The transition process of spina bifida patients to adult-centred care: An assessment of the Canadian urology landscape
Authors: Wajchendler Amy , Anderson Peter , Koyle Martin A.
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Due to medical advances over the past three decades, the vast majority of children with spina bifida (SB) now survive into adulthood. As a result, there is a need to implement a well-defined urological transition process for these patients from the pediatric to adult environment. The objective of this study was to identify and analyze the current medical practices employed and the attitudes regarding transition by Canadian pediatric urologists caring for the SB population.Methods: A survey consisting of 14 questions pertaining to physician demographics, current practice, and attitudes towards the transition process of SB patients was distributed at the 2015 annual Pediatric Urologists of Canada (PUC) conference. The survey respondents remained anonymous, and the data were collected and analyzed.Results: A total of 28 surveys were collected from urologists across Canada (25 full-time pediatric, three also providing adult care), representing a >75% response rate. The transition process wassuggested to begin at the age of 18 or older by 43% (12/28) of pediatric urologists. The majority, 86% (24/28), do not currently use a questionnaire or a checklist to determine transition readiness of patients. Forty-six percent (13/28) of pediatric urologists do not provide ongoing urological care to their patients after referral has been made to adult-centred care. In the province of Ontario, in which 39% (11/28) of the pediatric urologists practice, 82% (9/11) are full-time pediatric urologists and 78% (7/9) do not provide ongoing care to SB patients after the age of 18.Conclusions: A significant minority of Canadian pediatric urologists perceive that the transition process should begin at the age of 18 or older. As such, it can be inferred that transfer of care and transitionare synonymous, not independent. Simplistically, this suggests that transition represents an event rather than a longitudinal process. The fact there is no defined ongoing urological care as a component of this process, suggests the potential for substandard quality of care after these patients graduate to the adult sector. Different provincial healthcare systems and funding plans may further hinder this transition of care by denying provider continuity based on reimbursement plans.
Varicoceles in the pediatric population: Diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes
Authors: De los Reyes Thomas , Locke Jennifer , Afshar Kourosh
Published: February 2017

Varicocele is commonly encountered in adolescents. There are still many controversies regarding pathophysiology, health effects, clinical significance, and optimum treatment of this condition. This article reviews the current evidence pertaining to children and adolescents with varicocele. This group present a unique and somehow challenging situation, since they are still going through pubertal changes that may confound the effects of the disease and its treatment on the developing testes.
Bladder and bowel dysfunction in children: An update on the diagnosis and treatment of a common, but underdiagnosed pediatric problem
Authors: Dos Santos Joana , Lopes Roberto I. , Koyle Martin A.
Published: February 2017

Bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) describes a spectrum of lower urinary symptoms (LUTS) accompanied by fecal elimination issues that manifest primarily by constipation and/or encopresis. This increasingly common entity is a potential cause of significant physical and psychosocial burden for children and families. BBD is commonly associated with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), which at its extreme may lead to renal scarring and kidney failure. Additionally, BBD is frequently seen in children diagnosed with behavioural and neuropsychiatric disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Patients with concomitant BBD and neuropsychiatric disorders have less favourable treatment outcomes. Early diagnosis and treatment of BBD are critical to avoid secondary comorbidities that can adversely impact children’s kidney and bladder function, and psychosocial well-being. The majority of patients will improve with urotherapy, adequate fluid intake, and constipation treatment. Pharmacological treatment must only be considered if no improvement occurs after intensive adherence to at least six months of urotherapy ± biofeedback and constipation treatment. Anticholinergics remain the mainstay of medical treatment. Selective alpha-blockers appear to be effective for improving bladder emptying in children with non-neurogenic detrusor overactivity (DO), incontinence, recurrent UTIs, and increased post-void residual (PVR) urine volumes. Alpha-1 blockers can also be used in combination with anticholinergics when overactive bladder (OAB) coexists with functional bladder outlet obstruction. Minimally invasive treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA bladder injections, and recently neurostimulation, are promising alternatives for the management of BBD refractory to behavioural and pharmacological treatment.In this review, we discuss clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and indications for behavioural, pharmacological, and surgical treatment of BBD in children based on a thorough literature review. Expert opinion will be used when scientific evidence is unavailable.
Prepuce health and childhood circumcision: Choices in Canada
Authors: Abara Emmanuel O.
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Worldwide, almost 100% of boys are born with penises with a “hood” called prepuce or foreskin. In the course of the boy’s life, the prepuce can be circumcised, can become affected by diseased (e.g., phimosis), or a can become infected and hurt the neonate (and his sexual partner) in adulthood. The objectives of this report are to: 1) review the state, function, fate, and care of the prepuce in childhood, with focus on the neonate, in Canada; 2) understand the current practice of childhood male circumcision in terms of age, indications, performers, techniques, outcomes, and education; and 3) consider ways to sustain a good healthcare professional-parental dialogue for safe practices that are accessible, acceptable, and culturally sensitive in the care of the prepuce.Methods: A literature review was carried out in the English language through the major databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection, LILAC, WHO/UNAIDS, Clinical Trials (www.clinicaltrials.gov), Google Scholar, and grey literature. Search words included: prepuce, diseases of prepuce, prepuce in the neonate, prepuce in the neonate in Canada, male circumcision, childhood male circumcision, neonatal circumcision, neonatal circumcisionin Canada, complications of neonatal circumcision in Canada, and circumcision adverse events.Results: From 1970‒1999, three of 10 Canadian newborn males were circumcised for religious, cultural, and medical reasons. The rest of the neonates, if alive, are living with their prepuce; <4% expected to require treatment for afflictions of the prepuce at some point. There are several providers of circumcision with different levels of training and competencies and using a diversity of devices and techniques. Neonatal and childhood circumcision in Canada is carried out to fulfill parental wishes, as well as for medical, religious, and cultural reasons. Appropriate informed consent and education regarding choices of care of the neonatal prepuce and genitals are vital.Conclusions: Going by current prevalent rate of circumcision in Canada, most Canadian newborn males are likely to live out their lives with an intact prepuce. Despite the age-old debate, childhoodcircumcision is likely to remain. There is need for careful and proper discussion of the potential risks and benefits, including alternatives, costs, and personal/psychological factors. Acceptance, access, andjudicious choices in a culturally sensitive environment will offer the Canadian neonate desirable care of the prepuce for life.
Model of Melting and Heat Transfer in Metals
Authors: Filippov E. S.
Published: February 2017

Volumetric relationships under the thermal expansion of metals are analyzed. It is shown that the metals with the bcc structure possess a two-step structural change at the melting point: first, the transformation of the bcc structure to a fcc one takes place and then, liquid phase clusters with K = 12 are formed. The hexagonally packed (6 + 6) layered Cd and Zn change their structure from K=6 to K = 8 before melting. For the polymorphic transformations fcc (hcp) -- bcc, the value of thermal expansion was sufficient to change K = 12 for K = 8 long before the melting point. It is assumed that at high temperatures, thermal energy transfer is associated with the exchange fluctuations: higher electron density +K lambda  and low electron density –K lambda  over the coordinate of interatomic distances, wher lambda = h/mc and K is the number of nearest neighbors.
The Nature of Time
Authors: Self Sydney Baldwin
Published: February 2017

I.    Special relativity does not address the fact that time must exist on lifeless worlds. It only addresses time that is observed, which requires that observers be present.II.    The time that exists on lifeless worlds can be termed physical time.III.    The failure to recognize the existence of physical time has resulted in a view of time that is contrived, overly simplistic and contains irrational conclusions which are not experimentally supported.IV.    On worlds where conscious life exists, both physical time and observed time exist. The characteristics of physical time and of observed time are very different.V.    Physical time has the following attributes:a.    Each physical event is associated with physical time.b.    The attributes of absolute time, ‘now’ and time dilation are associated with every physical event.c.    All physical events occur during ‘now’. d.    A physical event results in a change to physical reality.e.    The frame of reference associated with a physical event is universal.f.    In order to be observed, a physical event must have an associated observed event.VI.    Observed time has the following attributes.a.    Every observed event is associated with observed time.b.    An observed event can only occur as the result of a physical event.c.    Multiple observations can be associated with a single physical event.d.    The attribute of ‘now’ and a frame of reference are associated with every observed event.VII.    The duration of physical ‘now’ is a Planck time which is also the unit of measure for absolute time and time dilation.VIII.    Time dilation is computed using the Lorentz transformation.IX.    The statement regarding time dilation “When two observers are in relative uniform motion and uninfluenced by any gravitational mass, the point of view of each will be that the other's (moving) clock is ticking at a slower rate than the local clock” is mathematically, experimentally and logically wrong.X.    During physical ‘now’ a particle may move through space or it may move through time; which it does is a probability based on the speed of the particle expressed as a percentage of the speed of light.
Morphology and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry of PMMA Thin Films
Authors: El-Nasser H. M.
Published: February 2017

The morphology and optical properties of PMMA thin films deposited on silicon substrates were investigated. The spin coated films were characterized by atomic force microscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry. Regardless that, the samples were deposited at different coating speeds, the surface structures of all PMMA thin films were consistent, and found to be relatively smooth, with a mean grain size in the range of 13-25 nm. The refractive index as well as the extinction coefficient of the films was determined using spectroscopic ellipsometry data over the wavelength range 380-750 nm. For this purpose, we used the Cauchy dispersion relation in order to represent PMMA layers, and then models were built by adding a roughness layer, which simply corrects any possible deviation from planarity. Besides, the thicknesses of all four films were calculated simultaneously based on multiple sample analysis method. By using this method, optical properties were coupled in such way that, the optical constants for all samples were assumed to be identical.
The Influence of Transformational Leadership Behaviours on Oman Public Employees’ Work Performance
Authors: Al Zefeiti Salim Musabah Bakhit
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of transformational leadership behaviors work performance in the context of Omani governmental organizations. The research emphasizes that transformational leadership is a crucial element to enhance employees' performance. Transformational leadership Inventory was used to measure transformational leadership behaviors. Contextual and task performance were used to measure work performance. Quantitative survey method was applied and a sample of 335 middle-level managers of Omani public civil service organizations was selected to answer the instrument. Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) was utilized to analyse the collected data and test the research questions, and hypotheses. The techniques of data analysis comprised descriptive statistics, a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis. The empirical results indicate that transformational leadership behaviours (core transformational leadership, providing individualized supports, intellectual stimulation, and setting high performance expectation) have a significant impact on contextual performance. Whereas, core transformational leadership and providing individualized supports have a significant impact on task performance. k'>. Cronbach's Alpha was 0.885. The finding revealed that nurses supply, mostly from Secondary School (84%). A critical demand for more nurses 30%-40% in certain units due to high work load. Most of the nurses were not satisfied about monitory compensation, participation in decision making and inadequate supplies.
The Gap between the Returns that Calculated by Capital Asset Pricing Model and the Actual Returns in Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX): Evidence from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al-Qudah Anas Ali
Published: February 2017

This study aimed to compare the Historical Returns (Rit) in companies listed in Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) with the return which calculated by Capital Asset Pricing Model (E(Rit)) for the same companies and periods, and trying to figure out the level of dispersion, distortions and differences between them, and trying to figure out the strengths and weaknesses for the CAPM to explain the variances which happened in the Annual Return.The researcher used the time series analysis to achieve the target of this study, using Microsoft Office Excel software to introduce some figure and graphs which considered as output from Scatter charts, which are often used to find out if there's a relationship between variable X and Y to make judgment on the gap between the variables mentioned before.The researcher found that in the most of the study sample firms the capital asset pricing model could not to predict the returns were generated by companies in Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), except in the banking sector, the result was amazing because the graphs which output from the time series analysis show the ability of CAPM to predict the Historical Returns, they were very closed and they Walking in the same direction without volatility.After the results appear in the time-series analysis researcher can says that there are weaknesses in the ability of CAPM to predict the returns in the financial markets which consistent with the (Fama & French, 1992) and with most studies conducted in this regard, but the model shows high ability to predict the returns in the banking sector. Therefore, the researchers can generalization this result on the financial markets in the United Arab Emirates. uage:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA'>A critical demand for more nurses 30%-40% in certain units due to high work load. Most of the nurses were not satisfied about monitory compensation, participation in decision making and inadequate supplies.
The Association between E-Services Web Portals Information Quality and ICT Competence in the Jordanian Universities
Authors: Khwaldeh Sufian M , Al-Hadid Issam , Masa’deh Ra’ed , Alrowwad Ala'aldin
Published: February 2017

The rapid growth of Internet has given extraordinary opportunities to organizations and business to provide services via the Internet (E-services). Moreover, E-services became a key aspect of any organization competitiveness. In Jordan, most of the universities provide different e-services portals to their students. This paper aims to investigate and explore the association between e-services web portals information quality and ICT competence in the Jordanian universities. The current research conducted by using survey questionnaires on a large population from Jordanian Universities. Specifically, 428post and undergraduate students answered the survey from different faculties at the Jordanian Universities. Results found a positive relationship between e-services web portals information quality and ICT competence. Results of T-test indicated that there is no significant difference in the relationship between information quality and ICT competence in the Jordanian universities due to gender and faculty type respectively; whereas the results as found a significant difference in the relationship between information quality and ICT competence due to university type. Also, results of ANOVA test indicated that there is no significant difference in the relationship between information quality and ICT competence in the Jordanian universities that can be attributed to academic year level, and academic degree level.
Does Better Physical Function Make People Happier?
Authors: Budidharma Imam , Wahyuni Heni
Published: February 2017

The objective of this paper is analyzing the impact of health status on the subjective well-being. The study uses the recent data from Indonesian Family Life Survey and the physical function index as a proxy for health status. Ordered Logit regression is performed to estimate the impact of the physical function on the subjective well-being. The study employs an instrumental variable approach to address the endogeneity issue of the physical function. After controlling for socioeconomic and demographic factors, it is found that the physical function has a positive effect on the subjective well-being. On average, an increase in 1 percent of an individual physical function will increase a probability of being very happy by 1.5 percent. However, this impact is decreased after including mental health on the regression model. Since the magnitude of the coefficient in IV-Ordered Logit is larger than in ordinary Ordered Logit, we interpret that there is no existence of a reversed causality. Then, it can be concluded that the physical function is a predictor for the subjective well-being.
A Questionnaire-based Study on Chinese University Students’ Demotivation to Learn English
Authors: Li Chili , Zhou Ting
Published: February 2017

This paper, adopting questionnaire survey method, investigated 367 non-key local university English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ demotivation to learn English. The collected data revealed that there were two main categories of demotivators: internal factors (lack of intrinsic interest, experience of failure and lack of confidence, and unclear study goal) and external factors (teaching material, teaching process and teaching content, significant others, teachers’ teaching competence and attitude of teachers, the relationship between teachers and students, teaching facilities and teaching environment). External factors are found to be more influential than internal ones in the participants’ demotivation to learn English. The current study adds to the literature in that unclear study goal is an important demotivator in Chinese local non-key university EFL students’ English study. The findings of this study will enrich the research of demotivation to learn English, and to provide an empirical basis for the needs analysis in English class and curriculum reform, as well as to provide reference for implementing central and local education policies.
A Classroom Approach to Illustrate Transformation and Bootstrap Confidence Interval Techniques Using the Poisson Distribution
Authors: Andersson Per Gösta
Published: February 2017

The Poisson distribution is here used to illustrate transformation and bootstrap techniques in order to construct a confidence interval for a mean. A comparison is made between the derived intervals and the Wald  and score confidence intervals. The discussion takes place in a classroom, where the teacher and the students have previously discussed and evaluated the Wald and score confidence intervals. While step by step  interactively getting acquainted  with new techniques,  the students will learn about the effects of e.g. bias and asymmetry and ways of dealing with such phenomena. The primary purpose of this teacher-student communication is therefore not to find the  best possible interval estimator for this particular case, but rather to provide a study displaying a teacher and her/his students interacting with each other in an efficient and rewarding way. The teacher has a strategy of encouraging the students to take initiatives. This is accomplished by providing the necessary background of the problem and some underlying theory after which the students are confronted with questions and problem solving. From this the learning process starts. The teacher has to be flexible according to how the students react.  The students are supposed to have studied mathematical statistics for at least two semesters.
Developing Achievement Test: A Research for Assessment of 5th Grade Biology Subject
Authors: Sener Nilay , Tas Erol
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this study is to prepare a multiple-choice achievement test with high reliability and validity for the “Let’s Solve the Puzzle of Our Body” unit. For this purpose, a multiple choice achievement test consisting of 46 items was applied to 178 fifth grade students in total. As a result of the test and material analysis performed during the test development process, difficulty, distinctiveness, and item-total correlation coefficients of the materials were calculated. For the validity study, a table of specifications was prepared and the Content Validity Index (CVI) was found to be 0.95 by taking an expert opinion. As a result of the analysis, 8 items were removed from the test and the KR-20 reliability coefficient of the final test consisting of 38 items was calculated as 0.87. As a result of the item analyses, while item difficulty indices were valued between 0.30 and 0.74, item distinctiveness indeces were valued between 0.31 and 0.71. The average difficulty of the test was calculated as moderate (0.56) and its distinctiveness was calculated as very good (0.49).
Global existence and quenching for a damped hyperbolic MEMS equation with the fringing field
Authors: Miyasita Tosiya
Published: February 2017

We study a damped hyperbolic MEMS equation with the fringing field.It arises in the Micro-Electro Mechanical System(MEMS) devices. We give some criteria for global existence and quenching of the solution.First we establish a time-local solution by a contraction mapping theorem. This procedure is standard.Next we show that there exists a global solution for the small parameter and initial value. Finally, we deal with the quenching result for the large parameter.
The Content of Mucin MUC-2, -3 and -4 Antigens in the Bronchial Mucosa Membrane of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients during Acute Exacerbation—Initial Report
Authors: Kovalenko Svetlana , Dorofieiev Andrey
Published: February 2017

Introduction: Changes in mucin production and dyscrinia are common features of inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Immunohistochemical assessment of MUC-2, MUC-3, MUC-4 expression in the integumentary epithelium, goblet cells, the epithelium of mucous glands and stroma fusiform cells of the bronchial mucosa of COPD patients during an infectious and noninfectious exacerbation was performed. Material and methods: 30 patients with stage III COPD were enrolled to the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A—14 patients with non-infectious acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and group B—16 patients with infectious AECOPD. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FBS) and in vivo bronchial biopsy of bronchial mucosa were implemented to determine the extent and nature of bronchial inflammation. The optical density of specific color in bronchial structures was assessed using immunohistochemical staining to MUC-2, -3 and -4 antigens by means of primary monoclonal antibodies to these proteins, and visualization system Dako EnVision + System, Peroxidase (AEC). Results and conclusions: We detected that in different types of bronchial mucosa epithelial cells, during acute infectious exacerbation, a decrease of antigens MUC-2 and MUC-3 expression of a various degree may occur. This phenomenon in the stroma fusiform cells in AECOPD may be a sign of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, that may play a role in the development of an inflammatory process and progression of fibrosis in COPD.