bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Shear Bond Strength of Ceramic and Resin Denture Teeth on Different Acrylic Resin Bases
Authors: Corsalini Massimo , Venere Daniela Di , Pettini Francesco , Stefanachi Gianluca , Catapano Santo , Boccaccio Antonio , Lamberti Luciano , Pappalettere Carmine , Carossa Stefano
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this study is to compare the shear bond strength of different resin bases and artificial teeth made of ceramic or acrylic resin materials and whether tooth-base interface may be treated with aluminium oxide sandblasting.
Experimental measurements were carried on 80 specimens consisting of a cylinder of acrylic resin into which a single tooth is inserted. An ad hoc metallic frame was realized to measure the shear bond strength at the tooth-base interface. A complete factorial plan was designed and a three-way ANalysis Of VAriance (ANOVA) was carried out to investigate if shear bond strength is affected by the following factors: (i) tooth material (ceramic or resin); (ii) base material (self-curing or thermal-curing resin); (iii) presence or absence of aluminium oxide sandblasting treatment at the tooth-base interface. Tukey post hoc test was also conducted to evaluate any statistically significant difference between shear strength values measured for the dif-ferently prepared samples.
It was found from ANOVA that the above mentioned factors all affect shear strength. Furthermore, post hoc analysis indi-cated that there are statistically significant differences (p-value=0.000) between measured shear strength values for: (i) teeth made of ceramic material vs. teeth made of acrylic resin material; (ii) bases made of self-curing resin vs. thermal-curing resin; (iii) specimens treated with aluminium oxide sandblasting vs. untreated specimens. Shear strength values measured for acryl-ic resin teeth were on average 70% higher than those measured for ceramic teeth. The shear bond strength was maximized by preparing samples with thermal-curing resin bases and resin teeth submitted to aluminium oxide sandblasting.
Resin Infiltration into Differentially Extended Experimental Carious Lesions
Authors: Arnold Wolfgang H , Bachstaedter Lena , Benz Korbinian , Naumova Ella A
Published: January 2015

Resin infiltration of initial caries lesions is a novel method of caries therapy. However, it has some limitations. Therefore, further experimental studies are needed to improve resin infiltration. It was the aim of this investigation to study resin infiltra-tion into different experimental carious lesions. Caries-free extracted human molars and premolars were demineralized for 3, 6, 9 and 12 days and infiltrated with resin. Prior to infiltration, the teeth were incubated with sodium fluorescein. After em-bedding, serial sections were cut through the experimental lesions, and the penetration of the resin was measured with fluo-rescence microscopy. Two infiltrated teeth from each time interval were not embedded and cut. Infiltration of the resin was then studied with EDS element analysis. The results showed that with increasing demineralization time, the lesion expansion was also increasing, and the resin infiltration was always almost complete. From these results it can be concluded that artifi-cial standardized caries-like lesions are suitable for experimental studies of resin infiltration.
Experiences of Spirituality and Spiritual Values in the Context of Nursing – An Integrative Review
Authors: Rudolfsson Gudrun , Berggren Ingela , Silva António Barbosa da
Published: January 2015

Spirituality is often mistakenly equated with religion but is in fact a far broader concept. The aim of this integrative review was to describe experiences of the positive impact of spirituality and spiritual values in the context of nursing. The analysis was guided by Whittemore and Knafl’s integrative review method. The findings revealed seven themes: ‘Being part of a greater wholeness’, ‘Togetherness − value based relationships’, ‘Developing inner strength’, ‘Ministering to patients’, ‘Maintaining one’s sense of humanity’, ‘Viewing life as a gift evokes a desire to ‘give back’’ and ‘Achieving closure − life goes on’. It is difficult to draw definite conclusions, as spirituality involves many perspectives on various levels of awareness. However, spirituality was considered more inclusive, fluid and personal. Furthermore, it emerged that spirituality and spiritual values in the context of nursing are closely intertwined with the concept of caring.
The copper deposits of Bor, eastern Serbia: Geology and origin of the deposits
Authors: Antonijevic Ivan , Mijatovic Predrag
Published: January 2015

The copper deposits of Bor, volcanic activities in the area and relationship
of minerals through time are presented by formations within the
Cenomanian-Turonian range. Geology and age of the deposits are given in the
geological-time order based on superposition of the Timok mineral-ore
Formation and the underlying (Cenomanian) and fossiliferous overlying
(Senonian) strata. The concept of dating Bor deposits the Turonian is
discussed in this context. Bor deposits lie between the Cenomanian Krivelj
Formation and the Senonian epiclastic Metovnica Formation. Embedded between
the two formations is the Timok volcanogenic Formation. Described in this
paper are principal members of the Timok Formation strata: volcanogenic and
subvolcanogenic- intrusive rocks, a zone of hydrothermally altered rocks and
main types of the Bor ore deposits: (a) Deposits of massive sulphide coppers;
(b) Vein and stockwork-disseminated type of mineralisation; (c) Porphyry
mineralisation; and (d) Reworked ore-clasts of copper sulphides of the Novo
Okno deposit. Identified deposits, according to the Bor Geological Service
records and published works, are systematized and summarized into three
geographic units: (1) Group of deposits Severozapad (Brezanik); (2) Central
Bor Deposits (Tilva Ros, Coka Dulkan, Tilva Mika, Borska Reka, and Veliki
Krivelj) and many ore bodies; (3) Copper deposits Jugoistok (ore bodies X and
J) and olistostrome deposit Novo Okno. Information given in this paper, the
discussion on relative geologic age of the Bor deposit?s floor and roof in
particular, support our concept that the process ceased before the Upper
Turonian, and that age of the primary copper mineralization is Turonian.
In Vitro Effects of Resin Infiltration on Enamel Erosion Inhibition
Authors: Oliveira GC , Boteon AP , Ionta FQ , Moretto MJ , Honório HM , Wang L , Rios D
Published: January 2015

Resin-based materials that show promising effects for preventing the progression of erosion have been studied. This in vitro study evaluated the effects of applying resin-based materials, including resin infiltration, on previously eroded enamel subjected to erosive challenges. The influence of enamel surface etching prior to application of the material was also studied. Bovine enamel blocks were immersed in hydrochloric acid (HCl), 0.01 M (pH 2.3), for 30 seconds in order to form a softened erosion lesion. The blocks were then randomly divided into nine groups (n=12) and treated as follows: C = control without treatment; Hel = pit & fissure resin sealant (Helioseal Clear); Adh = two-step self-etching adhesive system (AdheSe); Tet = two-step conventional adhesive system (Tetric N-bond); and Inf = infiltrant (Icon). The Helno, Adhno, Tetno, and Infno groups received the same materials without (or with no) surface conditioning. The depth of the material's penetration into softened erosion lesions was qualitatively analyzed using reflection and fluorescence confocal microscopy. After application of the materials, the blocks were immersed in HCl for two minutes; this step was followed by immersion in artificial saliva for 120 minutes four times a day for five days (erosive cycling). Both the enamel alteration and material thickness were analyzed using profilometry, and the results were submitted to Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p>0.05). Images from the confocal microscopy showed minimal penetration of Adh/Adhno and deep penetration of Inf/Infno into the erosive lesions. The groups Hel, Adh, Inf, Tetno, and Infno resulted in the formation of a layer of material over the enamel, which was effective in inhibiting the progression of erosion. In conclusion, the infiltrant, with or without etching, was able to penetrate and protect the enamel against dental erosion. The other resin-based materials, except for the two-step conventional adhesive, were able to penetrate and inhibit the progression of erosive lesions only when they were applied after enamel etching.
Trichoderma spp. – application and prospects for use in organic farming and industry
Authors: Błaszczyk Lidia , Siwulski Marek , Sobieralski Krzysztof , Lisiecka Jolanta , Jędryczka Małgorzata
Published: January 2015

Fungi of the genus Trichoderma are a very large group of microorganisms that play a significant role in the environment.
They use a variety of mechanisms to colonise various ecological niches. Several Trichoderma spp. positively affect plants by stimulating
plant growth, and protecting plants from fungal and bacterial pathogens. They are used in biological plant protection as biofungicides
as well as in bioremediation. Members of the genus Trichoderma are also utilised in various industry branches – mainly in the
production of enzymes, antibiotics, and other metabolites, but also of biofuel. Moreover, the genus Trichoderma comprises edible and
medicinal mushrooms, but also the pathogens of humans. Currently, Trichoderma has entered the genomic era and parts of genome sequences
are publicly available. This is why, Trichoderma fungi have the potential to be used for human needs to an even greater extent
than before. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to increase the efficiency and safety of the application of these fungi.
Side effects of fungicides and insecticides on predatory mites, in laboratory conditions
Authors: Fiedler Żaneta , Sosnowska Danuta
Published: January 2015

Experiments were carried out on the toxicity of selected insecticides and fungicides to the predatory mites species:
Amblyseius swirskii, A. andersoni, and Phytoseiulus persimilis. Among the tested active substances: abamectin, hexytiazox,
and spinosad were safe to the predators. The mortality level of the tested predator was comparable to the control treatment,
seven days after application. The percentage values of these predatory mites’ mortality caused by these insecticides,
applied at one and a half of the recommended dose did not exceed a low toxicity – 25% (referring to International Organisation
for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC) classification on the toxicity to beneficial organisms). The results of the tests revealed
that imidaclopryd, lambda-cyhalothrin, and fenpyroksymat were highly toxic to the predatory mites. It was found
that toxicity of fungicides to the tested predatory mite species depended on the date of the chemical treatment and the date
the predators were introduced. The fungicide Topsin M 500 SC – thiophanate-methyl, appeared to be selective to the species
A. swirskii and it could be used in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs for greenhouse grown crops.
Temperature-dependent life history of Sipha maydis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on wheat
Authors: Tazerouni Zahra , Talebi Ali Asghar
Published: January 2015

Sipha maydis (Passerini) is a pest of Poaceae in many cereal-growing area of the world and Iran. The effects of temperature
on biology and life table were investigated at five constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30 and 32.5±1°C), 60±5% relative humidity (RH)
and a photoperiod of 16L : 8D h. The results indicated that aphids failed to complete development at 32.5°C. Developmental time
was ranged between 17.28 to 9.55 days at 15 and 30°C, respectively. The lower developmental threshold (T0) and thermal constant of
S. maydis were estimated to be –5.52°C and 332.22 degree-days, respectively. The Analytis-3/Briere-1 model (as non linear model) is
highly recommended for the description of temperature dependent development of S. maydis. The highest life expectancy of adults at
emergence was 33.35 days at 20°C. The mean adult longevity of females and nymphipositional period were the highest at 20°C. The
mean lifetime fecundity at 15, 20, 25 and 30°C were 21.24±1.97, 44.82±3.18, 22.25±2.33 and 16.39±1.15 nymphs/female, respectively.
The survivorship curves of S. maydis were type I at 20 and 25°C (H < 0.5) and type III at 15 and 30°C (H > 0.5). The highest and lowest
values of intrinsic rate of increase (rm) were observed at 20 (0.173±0.012 females/female/day) and 15°C (0.109±0.003 females/female/
/day), respectively. The growth index (GI) at 15, 20, 25 and 30°C were 0.033, 0.069, 0.062 and 0.038, respectively. According to this
research the optimum temperature for population growth of S. maydis was 20°C. Our findings provide fundamental information and
when this information is used in association with other ecological data, it may be valuable in development and implementation of
management programs of S. maydis.
Induction of systemic resistance and defense-related enzymes in tomato plants using Pseudomonas fluorescens CHAO and salicylic acid against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Sarafraz Nikoo Fatemeh , Sahebani Navazolah , Aminian Heshmatolah , Mokhtarnejad Lachin , Ghaderi Reza
Published: January 2015

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are the most economically important group of plant parasitic nematodes on many
crops worldwide. Resistance-based management is considered as one of the most sound and effective strategies against these pathogens.
Plant-mediated systemic resistance against the M. javanica in tomato cv. CALJN3 was triggered using salicylic acid (SA) and
Pseudomonas fluorescens CHAO as elicitors. The effect of each elicitor was assayed by (1) the calculation of nematode indices including
the number of nematode galls, egg masses and eggs/egg mass; (2) the analysis of changes in the concentration of reactive oxygen
species (ROS); and (3) monitoring the activities of their scavenging enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), and
catalase (CAT). The results indicated that SA/bacterial elicitors induced the removal of high concentrations of the toxic ROS via an
increase in the activity of their scavenging antioxidant enzymes, especially that of catalase. Moreover, pre- or post-treatment application
of the elicitors significantly reduced the number of galls, egg masses or eggs of M. javanica in infected tomato plants as compared
to the control. The results of the present study support the involvement of the elicitor-induced ROS and related scavenging enzymes
for stimulating plant defense reactions in a moderately resistant tomato challenged with M. javanica.
Patterns in the horizontal structure of litter invertebrate communities in windbreak plantations in the steppe zone of the Ukraine
Authors: Faly Ludmyla , Brygadyrenko Viktor
Published: January 2015

The article analyses the patterns in the horizontal structure of litter invertebrate communities in windbreak plantations in
the Steppe zone of the Ukraine. The number of invertebrate species shows statistically insignificant changes depending on the extent
of the litter horizon development. With an increase in litter mass from 300 to 900 g/m2 the number of invertebrate species increases.
An increase in the total number of macrofauna is observed in areas having a minimum and maximum thickness of the litter layer.
Maximum values in the Shannon diversity index were observed in areas with sparse litter (50–150 g/m2). An observed increase in the
variety of macrofauna species were seen where there was sparse grass cover in windbreak planted areas. The total number of litter
invertebrate individuals related to the percentage of projective cover of herbaceous plants shows a significant increase in plots with
20–28% cover, though this factor does not affect the number of Aranei, Carabidae, and Staphylinidae. There is a decrease in the number
of litter invertebrate species in areas with higher numbers of Lasius platythorax Seifert, 1991, while there is an insignificant change
in the overall numbers of macrofauna. The abundance of Myrmica scabrinodis Nylander, 1846 does not show a significant influence on
the number of litter macrofauna species. The minimum values of the Shannon biodiversity index for macrofauna were registered in
plots with maximum numbers of M. scabrinodis. With an increase in the abundance of ants, the abundance of litter saprophages and
phytophages decreases. There are also significant changes in the dominance structure of other taxonomic groups. Biotic factors have
greater significance for the horizontal structure of litter macrofauna of steppe plantations than abiotic factors.
“Would they not wish the feast might ever last?”: Strong Spice, Oral History and the Genesis of Globe to Globe
Authors: Quarmby Kevin
Published: January 2015

The 2012 Globe to Globe Festival proved a great success. Actors, directors, musicians, dancers, designers and technicians travelled from all over the world to perform on the Globe stage. Visitors to London’s Cultural Olympiad enjoyed six jam-packed weeks of Shakespeare, presented in an array of international languages. The Globe’s Artistic Director, Dominic Dromgoole, and his Festival Director, Tom Bird, had achieved what seemed, to many, the impossible. Nonetheless, filmed interviews with Dromgoole and Bird, conducted during the festival by the American documentary-maker Steve Rowland, offer tantalizing insights into the genesis of the festival venture. These candid interviews confirm the sometimes farcical, often exhausting, but invariably serendipitous truth behind the Globe to Globe Festival’s short, intense history. Although the Globe was “flying completely blind,” it still succeeded in hosting a glorious feast of Shakespearean delights, seasoned with the strong spice of multiculturality.
Shahr-I Sokhta and its Masonry Walls from Structural and Seismicity Standpoint
Authors: Masoumi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: January 2015

Shahr-I Sokhta, Burned City, located in the south of Zabol, Sistan where founded circa 3200 BCE and some part of the city was burnt. Marvelous finds such as the world's earliest known artificial eyeball, the first animation in the world, the oldest known backgammon, with its dice and so forth all in this city. Their expertise was merely not in handicrafts. In this work provided evidences which Burned City’s walls are highly resistance against seismic loads and has engineering aspects, a wall was simulated by a finite element software and seismically considerations was approve the walls minimal deformation even after circa five thousand years.
Uncertainty in Resistance Models for Steel Members
Authors: Nadolski Vitali , Sykora Miroslav
Published: January 2015

Resistance of steel structures is primarily dependent on material properties, geometry and uncertainties related to an applied model. While materials and geometry can be relatively well described, the uncertainties in resistance models are not yet well understood. In many cases significant efforts are spent to improve resistance models and reduce uncertainty associated with outcomes of the model. However, these achievements are then inadequately reflected in the values of partial factors. That is why the present paper clarifies a model uncertainty and its quantification. Initially a general concept of the model uncertainty is proposed. Influences affecting results obtained by tests and models and influences of actual structural conditions are overviewed. Statistical characteristics of the uncertainties in resistance of steel members are then provided. Simple engineering formulas, mostly based on the EN 1993-1-1 models, are taken into account. To facilitate practical applications, the partial factors for the model uncertainties are derived using a semiprobabilistic approach.
Multiple Imputation of Multilevel Missing Data—Rigor Versus Simplicity
Authors: Drechsler Jörg
Published: January 2015

Multiple imputation is widely accepted as the method of choice to address item-nonresponse in surveys. However, research on imputation strategies for the hierarchical structures that are typically found in the data in educational contexts is still limited. While a multilevel imputation model should be preferred from a theoretical point of view if the analysis model of interest is also a multilevel model, many practitioners prefer a fixed effects imputation model with dummies for the clusters since these models are easy to set up with standard imputation software. In this article, we theoretically and empirically evaluate the impacts of this simplified approach. We illustrate that the cluster effects that are often of central interest in educational research can be biased if a fixed effects imputation model is used. We show that the potential bias depends on three quantities: the amount of missingness, the intraclass correlation, and the cluster size. We argue that the bias for the random effects can be substantial while the bias for the fixed effects will be negligible in most real-data situations. We further illustrate this with an application using data from the German National Educational Panel Survey.
The Secret of Gambling with Irregular Dice: Estimating the Face Statistics of Polyhedra
Authors: Várkonyi Péter L.
Published: January 2015

This paper is devoted to the description of a new geometric algorithm to estimate the “face statistics” of an irregularly-shaped polyhedron, i.e. the probability that it rests on a given face after being dropped onto a horizontal surface. A recently  published paper of the author discussed existing and new methods to estimate this probability, together with a comparison of their reliability, and the challenges of benchmarking them against data obtained via computer simulation. The present work focuses on a new estimation algorithm, with computational complexity linearly proportional to the number of vertices. The main industrial application area of this result is automated assembly: the throughput of a part feeder is heavily influenced by the face statistics of the parts processed by the feeder.
The State of Play with iPSCs and Spinal Cord Injury Models
Authors: Hodgetts Stuart , Edel Michael , Harvey Alan
Published: January 2015

The application of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies in cell based strategies, for the repair of the central nervous system (with particular focus on the spinal cord), is moving towards the potential use of clinical grade donor cells. The ability of iPSCs to generate donor neuronal, glial and astrocytic phenotypes for transplantation is highlighted here, and we review recent research using iPSCs in attempts to treat spinal cord injury in various animal models. Also discussed are issues relating to the production of clinical grade iPSCs, recent advances in transdifferentiation protocols for iPSC-derived donor cell populations, concerns about tumourogenicity, and whether iPSC technologies offer any advantages over previous donor cell candidates or tissues already in use as therapeutic tools in experimental spinal cord injury studies.
The Effect of Indium Content on the Atomic Environment and Cluster Stability of GeSe4Inx=10,15 Glasses
Authors: Antipas Georgios , Mangiorou Eleni , Hristoforou Evangelos
Published: January 2015

The atomic environments of two chalcogenide glasses, with compositions GeSe4In10 and GeSe4In15, were studied via Reverse Monte Carlo and Density Functional Theory. Indium content demoted Ge–Se bonding in favor of Se-In while the contribution of Se–Se in the first coordination shell order was faint. Upon transition to the richer In glass, there was formation of rich Ge-centered clusters at radial distances further than 4 Å from the RMC box center, which was taken to signify a reduction of Ge–Se interactions. Cluster coordination by Se promoted stability while, very conclusively, In coordination lowered cluster stability by intervening in the Ge–Se and Se–Se networks.
TDAE Strategy in the Benzoxazolone Series: Synthesis and Reactivity of a New Benzoxazolinonic Anion
Authors: Nadji-Boukrouche Aïda , Khoumeri Omar , Terme Thierry , Liacha Messaoud , Vanelle Patrice
Published: January 2015

We describe an original pathway to produce new 5-substituted 3-methyl-6-nitro-benzoxazolones by the reaction of aromatic carbonyl and α-carbonyl ester derivatives with a benzoxazolinonic anion formed exclusively via the TDAE strategy.
Ginsenoside Rc Promotes Anti-Adipogenic Activity on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes by Down-Regulating C/EBPα and PPARγ
Authors: Yang Ji-Won , Kim Sung
Published: January 2015

Panax ginseng and its major components, the ginsenosides, are widely used in oriental medicine for the prevention of various disorders. In the present study, the inhibitory activity of ginsenoside Rc on adipogenesis was investigated using the 3T3-L1 cell line. The results obtained showed that Rc reduced the proliferation and viability of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with Rc decreased the number of adipocytes and reduced lipid accumulation in maturing 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, demonstrating an inhibitory effect on lipogenesis. Moreover, it was found that Rc directly induced lipolysis in adipocytes and down-regulated the expression of major transcription factors of the adipogenesis pathway, such as PPARγ and C/EBPα. These findings indicate that Rc is capable of suppressing adipogenesis and therefore they seem to be natural bioactive factors effective in adipose tissue mass modulation.
Modeling Aboveground Biomass in Dense Tropical Submontane Rainforest Using Airborne Laser Scanner Data
Authors: Hansen Endre , Gobakken Terje , Bollandsås Ole , Zahabu Eliakimu , Næsset Erik
Published: January 2015

Successful implementation of projects under the REDD+ mechanism, securing payment for storing forest carbon as an ecosystem service, requires quantification of biomass. Airborne laser scanning (ALS) is a relevant technology to enhance estimates of biomass in tropical forests. We present the analysis and results of modeling aboveground biomass (AGB) in a Tanzanian rainforest utilizing data from a small-footprint ALS system and 153 field plots with an area of 0.06–0.12 ha located on a systematic grid. The study area is dominated by steep terrain, a heterogeneous forest structure and large variation in AGB densities with values ranging from 43 to 1147 Mg·ha−1, which goes beyond the range that has been reported in existing literature on biomass modeling with ALS data in the tropics. Root mean square errors from a 10-fold cross-validation of estimated values were about 33% of a mean value of 462 Mg·ha−1. Texture variables derived from a canopy surface model did not result in improved models. Analyses showed that (1) variables derived from echoes in the lower parts of the canopy and (2) canopy density variables explained more of the AGB density than variables representing the height of the canopy.
Developing in situ Non-Destructive Estimates of Crop Biomass to Address Issues of Scale in Remote Sensing
Authors: Marshall Michael , Thenkabail Prasad
Published: January 2015

Ground-based estimates of aboveground wet (fresh) biomass (AWB) are an important input for crop growth models. In this study, we developed empirical equations of AWB for rice, maize, cotton, and alfalfa, by combining several in situ non-spectral and spectral predictors. The non-spectral predictors included: crop height (H), fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (FAPAR), leaf area index (LAI), and fraction of vegetation cover (FVC). The spectral predictors included 196 hyperspectral narrowbands (HNBs) from 350 to 2500 nm. The models for rice, maize, cotton, and alfalfa included H and HNBs in the near infrared (NIR); H, FAPAR, and HNBs in the NIR; H and HNBs in the visible and NIR; and FVC and HNBs in the visible; respectively. In each case, the non-spectral predictors were the most important, while the HNBs explained additional and statistically significant predictors, but with lower variance. The final models selected for validation yielded an R2 of 0.84, 0.59, 0.91, and 0.86 for rice, maize, cotton, and alfalfa, which when compared to models using HNBs alone from a previous study using the same spectral data, explained an additional 12%, 29%, 14%, and 6% in AWB variance. These integrated models will be used in an up-coming study to extrapolate AWB over 60 × 60 m transects to evaluate spaceborne multispectral broad bands and hyperspectral narrowbands.
Time-Frequency Feature Representation Using Multi-Resolution Texture Analysis and Acoustic Activity Detector for Real-Life Speech Emotion Recognition
Authors: Wang Kun-Ching
Published: January 2015

The classification of emotional speech is mostly considered in speech-related research on human-computer interaction (HCI). In this paper, the purpose is to present a novel feature extraction based on multi-resolutions texture image information (MRTII). The MRTII feature set is derived from multi-resolution texture analysis for characterization and classification of different emotions in a speech signal. The motivation is that we have to consider emotions have different intensity values in different frequency bands. In terms of human visual perceptual, the texture property on multi-resolution of emotional speech spectrogram should be a good feature set for emotion classification in speech. Furthermore, the multi-resolution analysis on texture can give a clearer discrimination between each emotion than uniform-resolution analysis on texture. In order to provide high accuracy of emotional discrimination especially in real-life, an acoustic activity detection (AAD) algorithm must be applied into the MRTII-based feature extraction. Considering the presence of many blended emotions in real life, in this paper make use of two corpora of naturally-occurring dialogs recorded in real-life call centers. Compared with the traditional Mel-scale Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) and the state-of-the-art features, the MRTII features also can improve the correct classification rates of proposed systems among different language databases. Experimental results show that the proposed MRTII-based feature information inspired by human visual perception of the spectrogram image can provide significant classification for real-life emotional recognition in speech.
Imaging of Fluoride Ion in Living Cells and Tissues with a Two-Photon Ratiometric Fluorescence Probe
Authors: Zhu Xinyue , Wang Jianxi , Zhang Jianjian , Chen Zhenjie , Zhang Haixia , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: January 2015

A reaction-based two-photon (TP) ratiometric fluorescence probe Z2 has been developed and successfully applied to detect and image fluoride ion in living cells and tissues. The Z2 probe was designed designed to utilize an ICT mechanism between n-butylnaphthalimide as a fluorophore and tert-butyldiphenylsilane (TBDPS) as a response group. Upon addition of fluoride ion, the Si-O bond in the Z2 would be cleaved, and then a stronger electron-donating group was released. The fluorescent changes at 450 and 540 nm, respectively, made it possible to achieve ratiometric fluorescence detection. The results indicated that the Z2 could ratiometrically detect and image fluoride ion in living cells and tissues in a depth of 250 μm by two-photon microscopy (TPM).
OPTIMIZATION ON THE CONTAINER LOADING SEQUENCE BASED ON HYBRID DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING
Authors: Bian Zhan , Shao Qianqian , Jin Zhihong
Published: January 2015

Retrieving export containers from a container yard is an important part of the ship loading process during which arranging the retrieving sequence to enhance port efficiency has become a vital issue. This paper presents a twophase hybrid dynamic algorithm aiming at obtaining an optimized container loading sequence for a crane to retrieve all the containers from the yard to the ship. The optimization goal is to minimize the number of relocation operations which has a direct impact upon container loading operation efficiency. The two phases of the proposed dynamic algorithms are designed as follows: at the first phase, a heuristic algorithm is developed to retrieve the containers subset which needs no relocation and may be loaded directly onto the ship; at the second phase, a dynamic programming with heuristic rules is applied to solve the loading sequence problem for the rest of the containers. Numerical experiments showed the effectiveness and practicability of the model and the algorithm by comparing with the loading proposals from an existing research and actual rules respectively.
COMPARISON OF ROUTING ALGORITHMS FOR STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL MECHANISM IN CYLINDRICAL AS/RS
Authors: Janilionis Vytautas V. , Bazaras Žilvinas , Janilionis Vytautas
Published: January 2015

The objective of this research is to propose new routing algorithms for the Storage and Retrieval Mechanism (SRM) in the Cylindrical Automated Storage and Retrieval System (C-AS/RS) and contribute to the system conceptualization by investigating the maximum achievable retrieval request rates for different routing algorithms and system parameters. For this purpose, flexible and detailed simulation model was developed and investigated for 2 SRM types, 3 routing algorithms and a feasible set of system movement and load transfer time parameters. Based on the simulation output, the regression models for different SRM types and routing algorithms were developed for predicting the maximum retrieval request rate. The differences of the average maximum retrieval request rate were evaluated for various system configurations and routing algorithms. The alternative to optimal routing algorithm was proposed, reducing the system performance only by 1.4÷2.4% on average, but requiring significantly less calculations when planning the SRM tour. In addition, the system analysis indicated that SRM vertical velocity and load transfer time have the highest impact on the system performance and for different SRM types the average maximum retrieval request rates differ by 22.2÷31.8%.
1914-1918, un avant-conflit en Indochine ? Effort de guerre français et revendications nationales
Authors: Grandhomme Francis
Published: January 2015

Pendant la Première Guerre mondiale, l’Indochine, épargnée par les belligérants, loin de constituer un fardeau pour la métropole, peut en revanche apporter une contribution non négligeable à l’effort de guerre de la France en argent, en matières premières et en hommes, révélant des potentialités insoupçonnées. En apparence affermi par l’épreuve, qui a aussi permis une répression plus sévère des mouvements révolutionnaires, le pouvoir colonial semble plutôt se figer, n’envisageant en retour qu’une évolution politique limitée à une meilleure mise en valeur coloniale, non pas une émancipation. L’évolution divergente entre politique coloniale et aspirations nationales annonce un conflit à venir bien plus âpre.
Macao et Timor. La souveraineté portugaise et l'incidence de la guerre de 1914-1918
Authors: Reis Célia
Published: January 2015

Macao et Timor n’ont pas participé directement à la Grande Guerre, mais son incidence a été ressentie dans leurs relations, particulièrement délicates, avec leurs voisins, respectivement la Chine et les Pays-Bas. Dans le contexte colonial, la guerre a constitué une période où le Portugal a cherché à affirmer sa souveraineté, ici en Asie, par la défense de ses possessions, en essayant même de résoudre des questions en suspens. Cette contribution analyse également d’autres aspects du conflit comme les problèmes de communications et les difficultés économiques qui ont affecté chacune des colonies.
Le Saint-Siège et les recompositions stratégiques politico-missionnaires en Asie-Pacifique (1914-1919)
Authors: Sibre Olivier
Published: January 2015

La place du Saint-Siège sur la scène internationale, et dans les réalités locales, est souvent négligée. Pourtant, grâce aux relais multiséculaires de l’Église catholique, et la nature hybride du Saint-Siège, la gouvernance pontificale intervient partout, en particulier en Asie-Pacifique. Les recompositions liées à la Première Guerre mondiale favorisent le développement de la représentation pontificale dans la région, et suscitent l’intervention romaine à l’échelle des négociations globales et multilatérales, en particulier sur la question des missions catholiques allemandes. Nous évoquerons les négociations en vue d’établir des relations permanentes avec la Chine et le Japon, ainsi que l’évaluation et les compromis signés concernant la reconnaissance de l’extension de l’Empire japonais, par le biais du dossier des missions catholiques allemandes et de l’extension de la juridiction de la délégation apostolique de Tokyo.
Les combattants irlandais et britanniques face au soulèvement de Dublin du 24 avril 1916
Authors: Destenay Emmanuel
Published: January 2015

Cet article traite de l’impact du soulèvement de Dublin du 24 avril 1916 sur les combattants irlandais du Corps Expéditionnaire britannique et des trois divisions irlandaises levées pour l’effort de guerre. Les nouvelles de l’insurrection fragilisent le moral des officiers et des soldats au front. Alors que la plupart des troupes condamnent unanimement la rébellion, les exécutions des meneurs du soulèvement suscitent des réactions variées au sein des unités. Les combattants irlandais unionistes se réjouissent de la répression alors que certains bataillons nationalistes s’indignent contre la politique des autorités britanniques en Irlande. Cette étude permet d’apprécier les conséquences d’un soulèvement national sur les combattants irlandais et d’aborder la question de la loyauté des troupes irlandaises.
Baisse de l'euro et désinflation compétitive
Authors: Ducoudré Bruno , Heyer Éric
Published: January 2015

Pendant près de 2 ans, entre le milieu de l’année 2012 et 2014, l’euro s’est apprécié face aux principales monnaies du monde. Depuis le mois de mai 2014, cette tendance s’est inversée : en quelques mois la monnaie européenne s’est notamment dépréciée de près de 10 % par rapport au dollar. Il s’agit dans cette étude d’anticiper les effets macroéconomiques (impact sur le PIB, sur les prix et sur l’emploi notamment) à attendre de cette dépréciation de l’euro. La relance de la croissance à court terme en zone euro via une dépréciation du taux de change effectif de l’euro permettrait en effet de lutter contre la déflation et de limiter les politiques non coopératives de désinflation compétitive menées dans le sud de l’Europe. Pour ce faire, nous présentons les résultats de la ré-estimation du bloc du commerce extérieur français (prix et volume des exportations et des importations) figurant dans le modèle macroéconomique emod.fr de l’OFCE. L’estimation conjointe des équations des volumes et des prix d’exportations et d’importations s’avère nécessaire et permet d’obtenir un effet bouclé d’une variation du taux de change effectif sur les volumes d’importations et d’exportations. La prise en compte des comportements de marge des importateurs et des exportateurs tend ainsi à limiter l’effet d’une variation du taux de change effectif sur les volumes d’importations et d’exportations lorsque ceux-ci ont un faible pouvoir de marché. Nous réitérons cette démarche sur les données de pays partenaires et concurrents de la France : l’Allemagne, l’Italie, l’Espagne, le Royaume-Uni et les États-Unis. Les élasticités obtenues sont cohérentes avec la littérature sur le sujet. Nous comparons ensuite l’incidence d’une dépréciation de l’euro sur les différentes économies étudiées en distinguant le commerce intra-zone et le commerce extra-zone euro, et nous présentons une analyse plus fine sur l’économie française grâce à l’utilisation du modèle emod.fr. Il ressort des simulations qu’au sein de la zone euro, l’Espagne aurait le plus à gagner à la fois d’une dépréciation du taux de change de l’euro face aux autres monnaies, mais aussi d’une politique de désinflation compétitive.
The Limitations of Traditional Non-Digital Occlusal Indicators When Compared to the T-Scan Computerized Occlusal Analysis Technology
Authors: Qadeer, BDS, MSD Sarah
Published: January 2015

The traditional occlusal indicators used in dental practice are articulation papers, shim-stock foils, elastomeric impression materials, and occlusal wax strips. These static dental materials have been widely believed to have occlusal force descriptive capability. However, modern material studies are challenging the widespread belief that occlusal indicator materials can measure differing occlusal force levels. This chapter evaluates the force reporting limitations of these static occlusal indicators and discusses how clinicians subjectively interpret their appearance characteristics to determine differing occlusal force levels. This chapter then compares these non-digital occlusal indicators to computerized occlusal analysis technology that records and displays precise, quantifiable, relative occlusal force variances and occlusal contact timing sequences. This digital data aids the clinician in making a more accurate occlusal analysis and can guide the clinician in the correction of occlusal contact force and timing abnormalities, thereby eliminating the subjectivity that is inherent in traditional occlusal indicator use.
Precision and Reliability of the T-Scan III System
Authors: Koos Bernd
Published: January 2015

Precise analysis of occlusal contacts and occlusal force is a problem in functional diagnostics that has not yet been satisfactorily resolved, despite the fact that the deleterious consequences of an unbalanced occlusion are widespread and can be severe. In clinical practice, the present-day analysis of the occlusion is reduced to depicting force with color-marking foils that leave ink marks upon the teeth. However, these foils only indicate the localization of contacts, but do not describe reliably the occlusal force relationships. Precise analysis that incorporates time resolution and plots the distribution of forces within the occlusion is not possible when employing the traditional occlusal indicator methods. A detailed occlusal force and timing analysis can only be provided by performing a computer-assisted analysis, using the T-Scan III system (Tekscan, Inc. S. Boston, MA, USA), which records changing relative occlusal force levels and real-time occlusal contact sequence data with High Definition (HD) recording sensors. This chapter demonstrates the accuracy and reliability of this computer-based occlusal measurement method that reliably describes the time-dependent distribution of occlusal force evolution.
Employing T-Scan Synchronized with Electromyography to Treat Chronic Occluso-Muscle Disorder
Authors: Kerstein, DMD Robert B.
Published: January 2015

This chapter discusses chronic Occluso-Muscle Disorder, which is a myogenous subset of Temporomandibular Disorder symptoms resultant from occlusally activated muscle hyperactivity. Published T-Scan-based research since 1991 has determined that a significant etiologic component of Occluso-Muscle Disorder is prolonged (in time) occlusal surface friction that occurs between opposing posterior teeth during mandibular excursions. This friction results in prolonged compressions of the Periodontal Ligament fibers of the involved teeth, which triggers excess muscle contractions within the masticatory muscles. This chapter describes the neuroanatomy of how the excursive friction induces masticatory muscle hyperactivity and illustrates the patient occlusal factors that promote prolonged occlusal surface friction. It explains the patient section criteria for determining if an Occluso-Muscle Disorder patient is a candidate for occlusal intervention, details the computer-guided Occluso-Muscle Disorder treatment known as Disclusion Time Reduction, and supports this measured occlusal treatment with the research studies that validate using this highly effective Occluso-Muscle Disorder therapy.
Orthodontic T-Scan Applications
Authors: Cohen-Levy, DDS, MS, PhD Julia
Published: January 2015

This chapter reviews T-Scan use in Orthodontics, defines normal T-Scan recordings for orthodontically treated subjects versus untreated subjects, and explains T-Scan use in the case-finishing process. After orthodontic appliance removal changes in the occlusion result from “settling,” because teeth can move freely within the periodontium. Despite a post treatment, visually “perfect” Angle's Class I relationship, ideal occlusal contacts often do not result solely from tooth movement. Creating simultaneous and equal contacts following fixed appliance removal can be accomplished using T-Scan data to optimize the end-result occlusal contact pattern. The software's force distribution and timing indicators (the 2 and 3-Dimensional ForceViews, force percentage per tooth and arch half, the Center of Force, and the Occlusion and Disclusion Times) aid in obtaining an ideal occlusal force distribution during case-finishing. Several case reports highlight combining lingual orthodontic treatment with Orthognathic surgery, where each presented case utilized T-Scan data during active treatment and retention.
Digitalized Implant Occlusion with the T-Scan System
Authors: Kim, DDS, MS, PhD Jinhwan
Published: January 2015

The relative occlusal force and real-time occlusal contact timing data provided by the T-Scan technology can be used to manage the insertion occlusal force design of implant prostheses, as their long-term survivability is tied directly to their installed occlusal function. This chapter discusses how in daily dental practice clinicians spend a great deal of time making corrective occlusal adjustments using solely articulating paper as their intended guide. However, current research shows that articulating paper markings do not measure occlusal force, such that implant occlusal force control is compromised, which can lead to peri-implant tissue loss, breakage of implant restorative components, and de-osseointegration. However, by using the T-Scan technology, the clinician eliminates the subjectivity involved in using articulating paper ensuring the occlusal design of newly installed implant prostheses are optimal improving prosthesis longevity. Examples are presented of how T-Scan force and time data can aid in implant restoration occlusal force control.
Computerized Occlusal Analysis in Occlusal Splint Therapy
Authors: Solow, DDS Roger
Published: January 2015

Occlusal splints are used to protect teeth, relieve orofacial pain, and preview the patient response to a simulated occlusal correction. This chapter outlines proper occlusal splint fabrication that employs T-Scan analysis to verify a therapeutic occlusion. The T-Scan provides objective relative occlusal force and timing data that guides the refinement of a splint's occlusal scheme. Therefore, this chapter explains adjusting an occlusal splint's contact pattern with ink ribbon followed by the T-Scan. It also addresses the controversy regarding the existence of, or lack thereof, a relationship between occlusal interferences and masticatory muscle dysfunction. The author postulates that the research studies that argue against the existence of a relationship are absent of occlusal measurement and lack a scientific basis to deny a relationship exists. Lastly, recommendations are made to include the T-Scan in Temporomandibular Disorder treatment studies with both occlusal splints and natural teeth, so that researchers might resolve this controversy for dental clinicians.