bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syntactic base positions for adjuncts? Psycholinguistic studies on frame and sentence adverbials
Authors: Störzer Melanie , Stolterfoht Britta
Published: May 2015

Syntactic approaches to the positioning of adjuncts (e.g., Frey and Pittner (1998), Maienborn (2001), Frey (2003), Pittner (2004), Steube (2006)) postulate base positions for frame as well as for sentence adverbials above the entire proposition. The question arises how these two adverbial types are positioned in relation to each other. Syntactic accounts respond differently to this question. Furthermore, the role of semantic and pragmatic factors for the positioning of adverbials is disputable. The current paper presents the results of two psycholinguistic experiments that provide evidence for a base position account of frame and sentence adverbials. Furthermore, a non-syntactic factor - namely the referentiality of frame adverbials - is shown to influence position preferences.
Benjamin in China, or the Silk Market Project: On the changing nature of the commodity
Authors: Archer Matthew
Published: May 2015

The nature of the commodity is changing in the face of the digitalization and financialization of capital and wealth. Using a counterfeit Louis Vuitton bag from Beijing’s Silk Road Market as a metaphor for the commodity in general, this paper applies theoretical insights from Walter Benjamin, Guy Debord, Jean Baudrillard, and others, to explore the role of perception and representation in new modes of value ascription. I also examine commodification in contemporary capitalism as an object-sign process, concluding with a brief discussion of the ways the “counterfeit” metaphor connects to other economic processes and theories.
Schémas des interactions sémiotiques dans la construction du sens délirant
Authors: Lepesqueur Marcus
Published: May 2015

Cet article vise à présenter la Sémiotique Cognitive comme un modèle de recherche capable de décrire une partie des processus cognitifs sous-jacents au sens délirant. Plus précisément, il est proposé ici que la reformulation théorique du modèle d’intégration conceptuelle proposée par Brandt et Brandt (2005) peut soutenir la description d’une partie du processus de signification délirante dans la schizophrénie. On a analysé des entrevues et des conversations spontanées d’une patiente souffrant de schizophrénie. Il s’agit d’un cas typique présentant des symptômes très semblables aux définitions traditionnelles et aux types communément trouvés dans la pratique clinique. L’étude de cas présentée ici suggère qu’une forme schématique d’interaction sémiotique compose le noyau des événements délirants de cette patiente. Ce noyau conceptuel est décrit comme une sorte d’interaction iconique entre un antagoniste et le sujet, tel que décrit par Brandt (2007). Ce schéma d’interaction est une forme élémentaire d’interprétation et d’organisation de l’expérience de la patiente. Une partie de la signification délirante peut être comprise à travers les processus d’intégration conceptuelle organisée par ces formes sémiotiques. En somme, ces formes sont comme des schémas de pertinence qui organisent l’interprétation délirante.
Semiotic analysis of the observer in relativity, quantum mechanics, and a possible theory of everything
Authors: Poythress Vern S.
Published: May 2015

Semiotic analysis of the role of the observer in the theory of relativity and in quantum mechanics shows the semiotic function of basic symmetries, such as symmetries under translation and rotation. How can semiotics be relevant to theories in physics? It is always human beings who form the theories. In the process of theory formation and communication, they rely on semiotic systems. Included among these systems is the semiotics involved in our pre-theoretical human understanding of space, time, and motion. Semiotic systems thereby have an influence on theories in physics. As a result, key concepts in fundamental physical theory have affinities with semiotics. In terms of Kenneth Pike’s tagmemic theory, applied as a theory of theories, all symmetries take the form of distributional constraints. The additional symmetry under Lorentz transformations introduced by the special theory of relativity fits into the same pattern. In addition, constraints introduced by the addition of general relativity suggest the form and limitations that might be taken by a “theory of everything” encompassing general relativity and quantum field theory.
Is a rose is a rose is a rose? Appropriating polysemy in film: The case of rose imagery in American Beauty
Authors: Zauderer Elizabeth
Published: May 2015

The issue of cultural appropriation is at the crux of adaptation studies with emphasis on what constitute cultural junctures in cinematic renditions of textual sources, rather than how formal processes facilitate contextual and intertextual overlap. This paper explores processes for the appropriation of textual polysemy in visual terms in film. Drawing on classical semiotics and film semiotics, I propose a theoretical model for reconstructing the effect of contextual complexity and overlap manifest in textual polysemy in terms of visual signification in film. The proposed model is applied in an analysis the recurrent rose imagery in American Beauty (Sam Mendes 1999).
Signs of probability: A semiotic perspective on the Heisenberg principle
Authors: Baker Baranna
Published: May 2015

Quantum physics describes a strange, but exquisitely beautiful world in which science and the philosophical discipline of semiotics come into a perfect union with one another. Quantum physics describes the underlying basis of the realities of our world’s physical foundations. Semiotics explains the way in which we interact with this world. It is only through a synthesis of these two ways of knowledge that we can possibly hope to know this marvelous, awe-inspiring, yet puzzling world we live in and how our interaction with it plays a part in its existence as we experience it. Heisenberg’s concept of probability is essential to an understanding of this process. Through the process of semiosis, we create an entire world out of probabilities. What quantum physics indicates about how we influence this world in a semiotic fashion is of prime importance in understanding who we are as semiotic animals, the only animals who consciously use signs.
The semiotic dimensions of vertical social (self)classification
Authors: Kapitány Ágnes , Kapitány Gábor
Published: May 2015

Through the empirical analysis of a concrete phenomenon (the traveler’s encounter with another culture), the authors attempt to describe what criteria people apply in everyday life to determine the place of a particular culture (their own culture and the foreign culture) within a (subjective) hierarchy. They distinguish nine dimensions of classification: according to their hypothesis travelers used a combination of these criteria to create their subjective notion of the hierarchy of different cultures. The authors find that we also use these same criteria for the formation of a vertical hierarchy in other areas of (socio)semiosis (for example, in forming the hierarchy of foods, or of social groups that distinguish themselves from each other on the basis of differences in linguistic usage). The authors assume that the analytical dimensions proposed can be applied uniformly in all cases when sociosemiotics wishes to describe the sign system of social hierarchies, vertical classifications, and self-classifications.
How do we understand the meaning of connotations? A cognitive computational model
Authors: Neuman Yair , Cohen Yochai , Assaf Dan
Published: May 2015

Denotation is the literal sense of a word, while connotation is its extended sense. The current paper presents a cognitive computational model of the adjective’s connotation (e.g., sweet baby). We tested the model by developing a novel algorithm – ConnoSense – that identifies the sense of an attribute’s connotation. More specifically, ConnoSense identifies the sense of an attribute such as in the case of a “sweet smile” where the attribute/adjective “sweet” is used in the sense of “friendly.” Tested on a multiple-choice test of identifying the sense of a connotation (e.g., “dark thoughts”) the algorithm gained 90% accuracy and outperforms two other models that are based on vectorial semantics. These results support the validity of our model. The paper points at the importance of fusing ideas from the semiotics interpretative tradition with experimental psychological knowledge and novel methodologies of computational semantics.
Physical Activity in Youth Dance Classes
Authors: Cain Kelli L. , Gavand Kavita A. , Conway Terry L. , Peck Emma , Bracy Nicole L. , Bonilla Edith , Rincon Patricia , Sallis James F.
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The majority of youth are not meeting the US Department of Health and Human Services physical activity guidelines. Dance is a popular activity, particularly for girls, and has the potential to increase physical activity for many youth. This study investigated physical activity of children and adolescents in 7 dance types: ballet, hip-hop, jazz, Latin-flamenco, Latin-salsa/ballet folklorico, partnered, and tap.

METHODS:

Data were collected in 17 private studios and 4 community centers in San Diego, California. A total of 264 girls from 66 classes participated (n =154 children; n = 110 adolescents). Physical activity was measured with accelerometers, and activity levels during class were calculated.

RESULTS:

Participants recorded an average of 17.2 ± 8.9 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (36% of class), but this varied by age and dance type. For children, dance type differences were observed with percent of class in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity ranging from 13.6% (Latin-flamenco) to 57% (hip-hop). For adolescents, there were no differences across dance types. Children were more active than adolescents in all types except ballet. Children and adolescents were more active in private compared with community center classes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Overall, physical activity in youth dance classes was low; 8% of children and 6% of adolescents met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 30-minute guideline for after-school physical activity during dance. To increase physical activity in dance classes, teaching methods could be employed to increase activity in all types, or emphasis could be placed on greater participation in more active dance types.
Vincristine for Successful Treatment of Steroid-Dependent Infantile Hemangiomas
Authors: Wasserman Jonathan D. , Mahant Sanjay , Carcao Manuel , Perlman Kusiel , Pope Elena
Published: May 2015

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common, although systemic therapy has been generally limited to circumstances of potential compromise of vital functions (airway, vision, feeding, or cardiac), risk of disfigurement, or bleeding. IHs have previously been shown to express high levels of type III deiodinase, which catabolizes active thyroid hormone, resulting in a state of severe hypothyroidism, termed “consumptive hypothyroidism.” We describe an infant with diffuse hepatic hemangiomas who developed consumptive hypothyroidism who was initially treated successfully with systemic glucocorticoids and β-blockers. Several efforts to wean her medications were unsuccessful. She subsequently developed severe growth restriction and treatment alternatives were sought. Although previously limited to treatment of life-threatening hemangiomas, a trial of vincristine was initiated. She was ultimately weaned from all systemic therapies, with recovery of a normal growth trajectory. This case highlights broader indications for vincristine as a safe and effective systemic therapy for treatment of IHs. It also stresses the importance of close anthropometric monitoring of infants and toddlers receiving glucocorticoid therapy and intervention when growth compromise becomes evident.
Sedentary Time in Late Childhood and Cardiometabolic Risk in Adolescence
Authors: Stamatakis Emmanuel , Coombs Ngaire , Tiling Kate , Mattocks Calum , Cooper Ashley , Hardy Louise L. , Lawlor Debbie A.
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

There is a paucity of prospective evidence examining the links between sedentary time (ST) and cardiometabolic outcomes in youth. We examined the associations between objectively assessed ST and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in childhood with cardiometabolic risk in adolescence.

METHODS:

The study included 4639 children (47% male) aged 11 to 12 years at baseline whose mothers were enrolled in ALSPAC (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) during their pregnancy in the early 1990s. A total of 2963 children had valid blood samples at age 15 to 16 years. Associations with baseline ST and MVPA were examined for BMI, waist circumference, body fat mass, lean body mass, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, and a clustered standardized cardiometabolic risk score (CMscore).

RESULTS:

Baseline ST was not associated deleteriously with any cardiometabolic markers. MVPA was beneficially associated with the 3 adiposity indicators, lean body mass, systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, insulin, HDL cholesterol, and CMscore; once the models were adjusted for baseline levels of these markers, these associations remained for body fat mass (mean difference per 10 minutes of MVPA: –0.320 [95% confidence interval (CI): –0.438 to –0.203]; P < .001), HDL cholesterol (0.006 logged mmol/L [95% CI: 0.001 to 0.011]; P = .028), insulin (–0.024 logged IU/L [95% CI: –0.036 to –0.013]; P < .001), and CMscore (–0.014 [95% CI: –0.025 to –0.004]; P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS:

We found no evidence linking ST in late childhood with adverse cardiometabolic outcomes in adolescence. Baseline MVPA was beneficially linked to broad cardiometabolic health in adolescence.
Moderación de la Relación Entre Tensión Laboral y Malestar de Profesores Universitarios: Papel del Conflicto y la Facilitación Entre el Trabajo y la Familia
Authors: Gómez Viviola , Perilla Toro Lyria Esperanza , Hermosa Rodríguez Angélica María
Published: May 2015

Se evaluó si el conflicto y la facilitación entre trabajo y familia moderan la relación entre tensión laboral y salud psicológica, y si los niveles de conflicto y facilitación varían según el sexo. Se realizó un estudio transversal con 302 profesores de universidades públicas y privadas de Bogotá, quienes respondieron cuestionarios que evaluaban tensión laboral, conflicto y facilitación trabajo-familia y familia-trabajo, ansiedad, depresión, síntomas psicosomáticos, adaptación social y burnout. Los resultados indicaron que el conflicto trabajo-familia modera la relación entre tensión laboral y burnout, mientras que el conflicto familia-trabajo modera la relación entre tensión laboral y depresión. En ambos casos, reportes más altos de tensión laboral y conflicto estuvieron vinculados con mayores experiencias de malestar.
Recognizing the Financial Burden of Cancer Patients in Clinical Trials
Authors: Nipp Ryan D. , Powell Elizabeth , Chabner Bruce , Moy Beverly
Published: May 2015

Clinical trials often represent an increasingly important option for patients with cancer, thus oncologists participating in clinical research need to consider and address the financial burden associated with trial participation. Future research efforts should focus on developing formal screening tools to identify and monitor for financial burden among clinical trial participants.
Application of the internal erosion toolbox to Rochdale canal dams. Part 2: Time for detection of internal erosion
Authors: Eddleston Malcolm , Reilly Nicholas , Rigby Pamela
Published: May 2015

This paper is the second part of two papers considering the application of the unified method of risk analysis (internal erosion toolbox) to early nineteenth century homogenous dams. Part 1 of the paper contained an introduction to the dams under consideration and the toolbox. It then considered how to overcome bias in estimation of the probability of initiation of internal erosion. This final part considers ways to assess the time for development and likely detection of internal erosion.
Tube-a-manchette grouting at Upper Rivington reservoir
Authors: Thompson Andrew
Published: May 2015

The Yarrow embankment was built in 1857 and comprises one of two embankments that form the Upper Rivington reservoir. The embankment is approximately 300 m long, 12 m high and is of Pennine type construction with a thin central puddle clay core extending 2 m into a cut-off trench. Following a major leak in 2002 and remedial grouting works, quantitative assessments were carried out by United Utilities (UU) using adapted methodologies referenced in the ‘Risk analysis for dam safety’ document. The assessment identified a significant risk of failure by internal erosion caused by erosion of the clay core within the fissured rock foundation. UU invested in a remedial solution comprising tube-a-manchette (TAM) grouting to supplement the previous 2002 works and methodologies. The grouting was undertaken within 2012 and comprised TAM holes along the crest at 1 m spacing both upstream and downstream of the clay core. During the works significant fracturing and erosion of the bedrock was recorded at various points and was accompanied by significant interconnectivity between the upstream and downstream TAM. The areas of high grout takes indicate a good correlation with the underlying geological conditions and the previous geophysical survey.
Meeting report: Emergency planning for reservoirs
Authors: Hope Ian
Published: May 2015

A brief report highlighting key points of interest arising from the Annual National Resilience Forum held in Derby in November 2013, which focused on emergency planning for reservoirs.
Llyn Alaw reservoir post-tensioned anchor installation
Authors: Vyse Christopher Henryk
Published: May 2015

As a result of leakage along the downstream face of the dam, a section 10 inspection carried out in February 2006 contained a recommendation for a study to be undertaken into the uplift pressures and stability of the concrete gravity dam impounding Llyn Alaw reservoir. The study was subsequently carried out and showed the dam to have inadequate factors of safety for stability during an extreme seismic event. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water awarded a contract to undertake the design and supervision of works to ensure the stability of the structure. The selected method of stabilising the structure was to install 44 no. post-tensioned strand anchors along the length of the dam, vertically through the crest and into the bedrock foundation. This paper describes the stages of the project from feasibility studies and design through to construction of the scheme, which was completed in mid-2013.
Meeting report: ICOLD 2013, Seattle, USA
Authors: Williamson Tracey
Published: May 2015

This paper summarises the technical tours, committee meetings, symposium sessions and workshops attended by a member of the British Dam Society in the international group of International Committee on Large Dams (ICOLD) 2013 attendees.
Analysis of embankment stability: a case study at Awaso mine, Ghana
Authors: Ben-Awuah Eugene , Baah-Frempong Emmanuel , Akayuli Charles F A
Published: May 2015

Ghana Bauxite Company Ltd operates an open cast bauxite mine at Awaso in the western region of Ghana. As part of its mining activities, a 36 000 m3 water storage facility has been constructed to store water for use in the processing plant. The facility consists of a 4 m high embankment built across a valley on a silty sandy gravel foundation. Seepage forces and pore pressures in the foundation and embankment have raised some stability concerns. The principal objective of this study is to carry out an assessment of the stability of the water storage facility embankment and foundation and propose measures to improve it. The stability assessment procedures include: (a) investigating the geological, geotechnical and engineering properties of the embankment and foundation material, (b) evaluating possible failure factors such as piping, erosion, sliding and seepage; and (c) reviewing operational parameters of the facility. From the qualitative and quantitative assessments, it was concluded that the embankment of the facility was susceptible to failure resulting from inadequate compaction, seepages and overgrown tree roots. The foundation, on the other hand, was found to be susceptible to failure resulting from seepages. Recommendations for improving the embankment integrity include the construction of a toe drain, implementation of a vegetation cover management scheme and documented periodic monitoring.
News: Honorary life membership for Michael Kennard, Andrew Charles, Iain Moffat and Paul Tedd
Authors: Hughes Andy
Published: May 2015

Michael Kennard and Andrew Charles received honorary life membership of the British Dam Society (BDS) on 8 October 2012, in recognition of their services to the Society and to the advancement of reservoir safety in the United Kingdom. In March 2014, Iain Moffat and Paul Tedd were also honoured by the BDS by awarding them life membership.
An algorithm for the evaluation of active thrust for backfill with irregular profile
Authors: Greco V. R.
Published: May 2015

This paper presents an algorithm for the calculation of the active thrust of backfill with an irregular profile acting on retaining walls. The problem is addressed with Coulomb's method, assuming that the slip surface delimiting the thrust wedge is linear in form and considering equilibrium of forces. The thrust is expressed as a non-linear function of the inclination of the slip surface and has corners, corresponding to the vertices of the piecewise linear surface describing the topographic profile of the backfill, and jumps in connection with the points where line surcharges are applied. The maximum thrust is obtained by differentiating the thrust inside each segment between two successive vertices and inspecting the function in the vertices.
Monoliths bearing hydrophilic surfaces forin vitrobiomedical samples analysis
Authors: Guerrouache Mohamed , Khalil Ahmed M. , Kebe SeydinaIbrahima , Le Droumaguet Benjamin , Mahouche-Chergui Samia , Carbonnier Benjamin
Published: May 2015

This contribution presents a condensed overview of strategies recently implemented to the synthesis of polymeric monoliths with well-defined surface characteristics with the aim to develop micro-sized permeable supports for flow-through separation applications in the context of life sciences. This review does not provide an exhaustive list of reported studies about the field, but it is rather intended to discuss about what caught our eyes in the literature within the last years. In this contribution, we present successively (a) what monoliths are and (b) the means to be implemented to evaluate their physico-chemical characteristics, (c) a discussion about hydrophilic and biocompatible monoliths, focusing on their preparation through both one step and multistep strategies together with their application as micro-column stationary phases for chromatography and electrochromatography. The type of separation modes expands from unique – hydrophilic interaction – to dual mixed-mode – involving a combination of hydrophilic interaction and ion-exchange. Finally, (d) future prospects relevant to the field are presented, exclusively considering nanoparticle-containing monoliths.
Biopelícula extrarradicular: reporte de un caso clínico
Authors: Colorado Vélez Carlos , Fernández Grisales Rafael
Published: May 2015

Resumen. La biopelícula es una población de células que crecen unidas a una superficie,envueltas por una matriz de exopolisacáridos que las protege del ataquede los antibióticos. Más del 60% de todas las infecciones microbianas son causadaspor biopelículas. El aumento de la resistencia de estas comunidades a losantimicrobianos involucra varios mecanismos, entre los que se incluyen: inactivaciónde los antibióticos por polímeros extracelulares, disminución de la tasade crecimiento por limitación de nutrientes y cambios fenotípicos en las célulasbacterianas, como resultado de la adquisición de genes de resistencia dentro de labiopelícula. El pronóstico para el tratamiento y la erradicación de las biopelículasno es el mejor. El desarrollo de nuevos medicamentos es necesario y urgente paracontrarrestar las infecciones en las que la biopelícula está involucrada. En este artículose presenta el caso de una mujer de 44 años que acude a consulta por doloren el 12, especialmente a la percusión vertical. Estos episodios tienen su causa enla endodoncia subextendida del 12 y en el material de obturación de conductos quese encuentra extrarradicularmente. Tras la evaluación radiográfica y la ejecuciónadecuada del plan de tratamiento, se pudieron detectar bacterias en forma de cocosdispuestas en biopelícula, las cuales originaban la infección que presentaba elpaciente.
Efectos de aplicación de ácido fosfórico y microarenado en adhesivos autograbadores de uno y dos pasos
Authors: Gómez Carreño Alba Lucía , Prada Espinosa Laura Isabel , Barrios Bastidas Henry Alexander , Peña Castillo Mauricio , López López Edgar Alexander , Mongruel Gomes Osnara María , Domínguez John Alexis
Published: May 2015

Resumen. Introducción: el objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la resistencia deunión a las fuerzas de microcizallamiento de dos adhesivos de autograbado: un solopaso y dos pasos en esmalte, previa aplicación de ácido y microarenado. Métodos:se utilizaron 40 terceros molares humanos, recientemente extraídos, fueronlijados con 600-2500 y divididos en dos grupos: 1) un paso (n = 20), 2) dos pasos(n = 20); a su vez, se subdividen en cuatro subgrupos, según el procedimiento (sa-sm:aplicación de adhesivo según fabricante, sa-m: previa aplicación de microarenadoy adhesivo, ca-sm: aplicación de ácido fosfórico 37% y aplicación de adhesivo,ca-m: aplicación de microarenado, ácido fosfórico 37% y adhesivo). Posteriormente,fueron colocados de dos a tres cuerpos de tygon en cada superficie. Fue llevado atest de microcizallamiento. Los datos fueron analizados en test de normalidadD’Agostino. Después, se realizó Anova de dos criterios y postest Bonferrini(α = 0,05). Resultados: para el adhesivo de dos pasos previa aplicación de ácidofosfórico 37% o microarenado, no presenta aumento significativo de los valores deresistencia de unión en esmalte (p = 0,678). La aplicación de ácido fosfórico al 37%en esmalte previo al adhesivo un paso presenta aumento de los valores de resistenciade unión (p = 0,001). Conclusiones: el microarenado previo al proceso de adhesiónno ayuda a aumentar los valores de resistencia de unión al esmalte; la aplicación deácido fosfórico ayuda al aumento de los valores de resistencia de unión en esmalte
Anomalías dentales y su relación con la malnutrición en la primera infancia: un análisis crítico de literatura
Authors: Torres Trujillo Luz Estella , Duque Cano Jessika Andrea , Granada Garcia Jakelyne , Serna Valencia Marianny , García Muñoz Rodrigo Andres
Published: May 2015

Resumen. El estado nutricional de la población, específicamente en la primera infancia,es un indicador de su calidad de vida, en cuanto refleja el desarrollo físico,intelectual y emocional de los individuos, íntimamente relacionados con su estadode salud y con factores alimentarios, socioeconómicos, ambientales y culturales,entre otros; por tanto, el estado nutricional juega un papel importante en el estadode la salud bucal. Por el contrario, la malnutrición, definida como cualquieralteración del estado nutricional, es decir, tanto las situaciones de alteración porexceso (sobrepeso y obesidad) como por defecto (desnutrición), puede afectar eldesarrollo de las estructuras bucales si se presenta a edad temprana. Debido a esto,se consideró importante conocer cuáles pueden ser los efectos de la malnutriciónen la salud bucal y sus posibles manifestaciones clínicas, intra y extra bucales, enlos niños con desnutrición. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la presencia delas anomalías dentales, posiblemente asociadas con la malnutrición infantil, medianteun análisis crítico de la literatura, con base en publicaciones de artículosoriginales en revistas indexadas nacionales e internacionales, correspondientes alperiodo 2000-2012.
Firm Dynamics and the Origins of Aggregate Fluctuations
Authors: Stella Andrea
Published: May 2015

What drives aggregate fluctuations? I test the granular hypothesis, according to which the largest firms in the economy drive aggregate dynamics, by estimating a dynamic factor model with firm-level data and controlling for the propagation of firm-level shocks using a multi-firm growth model. Each time series, the growth rate of sales of a specific firm, is decomposed in an unobserved common macroeconomic component and in a residual that I interpret as an idiosyncratic firm-level component. The empirical results suggest that, once I control for aggregate shocks, idiosyncratic shocks do not explain much of U.S. GDP growth fluctuations.
Global Leadership Communication: A Strategic Proposal
Authors: Lawrence Tom
Published: May 2015

Organizations face a myriad of challenges as the world interconnects through the process of globalization. In order to sustain viability and produce competitive advantage, organizations must develop a global communication strategy. Communication skills need to be developed at all levels of the organization, from a coherent mission statement to individual employee development. Organizations need global leaders, capable of moving in and through divergent cultural environments. Identifying and equipping these future leaders is an antecedent to success in the global marketplace. This paper offers an instructive model to guide organizations as they face increasingly complex, cross-cultural environments.
Revised test protocols for the identification of dispersive soils
Authors: Maharaj A , van Rooy L , Paige-Green P
Published: May 2015

Dispersive soils are prevalent in many areas of South Africa, and the presence of these soils has always posed a problem on road construction sites. The use of dispersive soils in roadway embankments and structures can lead to serious engineering problems if the soils are not accurately identified before use and appropriate mitigation measures taken. The current identification methods include the pinhole, double hydrometer, crumb and chemical tests, which are commonly used in combination to obtain the most reliable outcome. These laboratory tests, however, have not always been entirely consistent, whether used in combination or individually, and it is possible that the reason lies in the actual testing procedures. This paper discusses the observations made during a detailed investigation into the current methods used for testing and identification of dispersive soils. The test methods were thoroughly analysed and shortcomings identified. The differences resulting from different test techniques are examined and solutions to overcome the problems proposed. The paper concentrates mainly on the modification of the physical tests. The recommended solutions and process of identification are also proposed.
Structures subjected to startup and shutdown of rotating machinery
Authors: Elvin A , Elvin N
Published: May 2015

With the advent of fast computers and easy-to-use software, transient dynamic analysis of structures has apparently become easy to perform. The engineer usually enters the entire structure (even in three dimensions) and produces results and plots that are sophisticated in appearance. The simulation results are most probably accepted without asking the following questions: "Are the results correct?" and "What is the sensitivity of the results to the various parameters?" The approach in this paper is different and more traditional: the salient behaviour of transient machinery during startup and shutdown is presented after studying the response of a structure which has been reduced to a single degree of freedom. The two-dimensional forces generated by rotating machinery during startup/shutdown have been derived analytically. Normalised curves have been computed to show the maximum response of the structure. A wide range of damping ratios has been considered. The maximum structural deflections during startup/shutdown can be significantly greater than the steady-state response and thus cannot be ignored. The normalised curves show that common approaches to limit dynamic deflections by increasing stiffness and/or damping have to be carefully considered during the transient regime. Two examples of an unbraced and a braced portal frame have been presented to demonstrate the practical use of these normalised curves.
Cytogenetic effects of combination of tridecactide and met-enkephalin on lymphocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rakanovic-Todic Maida , Ibrulj Slavka , Burnazovic-Ristic Lejla , Catovic Amra , Aganovic-Musinovic Izeta , Kusturica Jasna
Published: May 2015

Introduction: The met-enkephalin (1-5 Adrenorphin) and tridecactide (alpha-corticotropin 1-13) combination is used in the multiple sclerosis (MS) immuno-modulatory treatment. A testing of cytogenetic effects of met-enkephalin resulted in reductions of lymphocytic aberrations in the in the lymphocytes of the peripheral blood (PBL) of patients with immune-mediated diseases. The aim of this research is to evaluate the in vitro effects of the combination of the met-enkephalin and tridecactide on the number and the type of chromosome aberrations in PBL of the MS patients.

Methods: We used blood samples from seven female patients with the diagnosis multiple sclerosis based on a McDonald Diagnostic Criteria. The tested combination, met-enkephalin and alpha-ACTH 1-13 was added at three different concentrations and constant volume.

Results: Results showed that the combination of tested substances did not reduce the number of structural aberrations, although the treatment did not result in severe aberrations such as ring, fragmented, and dicentric chromosomes. Furthermore, it elicited an increase in the number of numerical aberrations and aneuploidy after the treatment with the test combo.

Conclusion: As the changes in ploidy significantly change the DNA as well as the biochemical cell phenotype, we concluded that more research in this field should be conducted, including both toxicological as well as the pharmacodynamic considerations.
Pilot Study of Breastfeeding Support on the Night Shift
Authors: Ayers Betsy , Grassley Jane , Koprowski Kristen
Published: May 2015

Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life facilitates optimal health for mothers and their infants and is a hospital discharge perinatal core measure. The purpose of this study was to identify nurses’ experiences, perceptions, and practices of breastfeeding support on
the night shift; recognize barriers; and offer recommendations to maintain exclusive initial breastfeeding. Data were collected using an anonymous 14-item online questionnaire, developed from the literature. The results identified baby’s behavior and maternal fatigue as the biggest challenges
to breastfeeding support on the night shift. Our recommendations include education of families regarding normal nighttime behaviors and encouragement of mothers to nap when their newborn is napping. More research is needed with a larger, national, and more geographically representative sample
to validate these findings.
Hyperlactation Associated With Oral Contraception Use: A Case Report, Part 1
Authors: Powers Diane , Tapia Vicki
Published: May 2015

In this report, two women, whose infants were unable to transfer sufficient milk from the breast when solely breastfeeding, established and maintained their milk supplies using double electric breast pumps. After a delayed initiation of pumping, and without an infant influencing production,
these women experienced hyperlactation. Milk storage soon became problematic. Each woman attempted to downregulate her supply by pumping less often for fewer minutes each time, yet both experienced increased production after their infants were 1 month old. This case report investigates why,
with decreasing breast stimulus, their milk supplies increased. Commonality between these women was a shared history of long-term use of progestin-only birth control pills and/or injections, followed by infertility issues prior to getting pregnant. We’ve noted a potential association
between hyperlactation and the long-term use of progestin-only birth control in two women. This information may be significant in our understanding of basic lactation physiology and potential external ramifications previously not researched.
Growth Patterns in Infants Fed Human Milk via a Bottle: A Case Report, Part 2
Authors: Powers Diane , Tapia Vicki
Published: May 2015

In this report, 2 women, whose infants were unable to transfer sufficient milk from the breast when solely breastfeeding, established and maintained their milk supplies using double electric breast pumps. After a delayed initiation of pumping, and without an infant influencing production,
these women experienced hyperlactation. Milk storage soon became problematic. Each woman attempted to downregulate her supply by pumping less often for fewer minutes each time, yet both experienced increased production after their infants were 1 month old. This case report investigates why,
with decreasing breast stimulus, their milk supplies increased. Commonality between these women was a shared history of long-term use of progestin-only birth control pills and/or injections, followed by infertility issues prior to getting pregnant. We’ve noted a potential association between
hyperlactation and the long-term use of progestin-only birth control in two women. This information may be significant in our understanding of basic lactation physiology and potential external ramifications previously not researched.
Simulation and Application of Power System Stabilizer on Power System Transient Stability
Authors: Li Ang
Published: May 2015

This paper introduces the working principle and the mathematical model of additional power system excitation
control-Power System Stabilizer (PSS). Through established a typical single machine-infinite bus power system simulation
model, we simulate the synchronous generator’s transient operational characteristics following a severe disturbance.
The simulation results show that the PSS can not only effectively increase the system damping, but also improve operational
characteristics of the generator, considerably enhance power system dynamic and transient stability.
Super-Threshold Adiabatic FinFET Circuits Based on PAL-2N Operating in Medium Strong Inversion Regions
Authors: Hu Jianping , Han Chenghao , Zhang Yuejie , Qi Beibei , Ni Haiyan
Published: May 2015

Lowering supply voltage of FinFET circuits is an effective way to achieve low power dissipations. In this paper,
the super-threshold adiabatic FinFET circuits based on PAL-2N operating on medium strong inversion regions are addressed
in terms of energy consumption and operating frequency. The supply voltage of the super-threshold circuits is
much larger than the threshold voltage of the transistors, but it is lower than the normal standard supply voltage. The performance
of a mode-10 FinFET PAL-2N counter is investigated with different source voltages ranging from 0.2V to 1.0V.
All circuits are simulated with HSPICE at a PTM (Predictive Technology Model) 32nm FinFET technology. The simulation
results show that the adiabatic FinFET circuits based on PAL-2N achieve the minimum EDP in the supply voltages of
about 700mV - 800mV, the devices of which operate in medium strong inversion regions. The super-threshold adiabatic
FinFET logic circuits can attain low energy consumption with favorable performance, since FinFET devices can provide
better drive strength than bulk CMOS ones.
Antioxidant activity of pea protein hydrolysates produced by batch fermentation with lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Stanisavljevic Nemanja , Vukotic Goran , Pastor Ferenc , Suznjevic Desanka , Jovanovic Zivko , Strahinic Ivana , Fira Djordje , Radovic Svetlana
Published: May 2015

Nine Lactobacillus strains known for surface proteinase activity were chosen
from our collection and tested for their ability to grow in pea seed
protein-based medium, and to hydrolyze purified pea proteins in order to
produce peptides with antioxidant (AO) activity. Two strains, Lactobacillus
rhamnosus BGT10 and Lactobacillus zeae LMG17315, exhibited strong proteolytic
activity against pea proteins. The AO activity of the pea hydrolysate
fraction, MW <10 kDa, obtained by the fermentation of purified pea proteins
with Lactobacillus rhamnosus BGT10, was tested by standard spectrophotometric
assays (DPPH, ABTS, Fe3+-reducing capacity) and the recently developed direct
current (DC) polarographic assay. The low molecular weight fraction of the
obtained hydrolysate was separated using ion exchange chromatography, while
the AO activity of eluted fractions was determined by means of a sensitive DC
polarographic assay without previous concentration of samples. Results
revealed that the fraction present in low abundance that contained basic
peptides possessed the highest antioxidant activity. Based on the obtained
results, it can be concluded that Lactobacillus rhamnosus BGT10 should be
further investigated as a candidate strain for large-scale production of
bioactive peptides from legume proteins.
K-best max-margin approaches for sequence labeling
Authors: Mancev Dejan , Todorovic Branimir
Published: May 2015

Structured learning algorithms usually require inference during the training
procedure. Due to their exponential size of output space, the parameter
update is performed only on a relatively small collection built from the
?best? structures. The k-best MIRA is an example of an online algorithm which
seeks optimal parameters by making updates on k structures with the highest
score at a time. Following the idea of using k-best structures during the
learning process, in this paper we introduce four new k-best extensions of
max-margin structured algorithms. We discuss their properties and connection,
and evaluate all algorithms on two sequence labeling problems, the shallow
parsing and named entity recognition. The experiments show how the proposed
algorithms are affected by the changes of k in terms of the F-measure and
computational time, and that the proposed algorithms can improve results in
comparison to the single best case. Moreover, the restriction to the single
best case produces a comparison of the existing algorithms.
Inflation targeting challenges in emerging market countries: The case of Serbia
Authors: Soskic Dejan
Published: May 2015

In the past two decades Inflation targeting has been the monetary policy
framework of choice for many developed nations around the world. A
significant number of emerging market countries have gradually subscribed
to the same monetary regime, but with different levels of success. Certain
differences among emerging markets in terms of overall macroeconomic
environment, strength of basic monetary policy tools, and institutional
development have had an effect on the performance of inflation targeting.
This paper focuses on the fulfilment of basic preconditions for
implementation of inflation targeting in emerging market countries, and on
results and challenges of inflation targeting implementation in Serbia more
than six years after its introduction. Special attention is paid to high
dollarization (euroization), which poses a serious challenge for inflation
targeting, and to modification of the Taylor rule for dollarized economies.
For inflation targeting in Serbia to be more effective, a (gradual) decrease
in overall dollarization (euroization), fiscal discipline and sustainability,
and an increase in the independence and capacity of the central bank are
needed, among other things.
A hunt for sharp Lp-estimates and rank-one convex variational integrals
Authors: Astala Kari , Iwaniec Tadeusz , Prause István , Saksman Eero
Published: May 2015

Learning how to figure out sharp Lp-estimates of nonlinear differential
expressions, to prove and use them, is a fundamental part of the development
of PDEs and Geometric Function Theory (GFT). Our survey presents, among what
is known to date, some notable recent efforts and novelties made in this
direction. We focus attention here on the historic Morrey?s Conjecture and
Burkholder martingale inequalities for stochastic integrals. Some of these
topics have already been discussed by the present authors [5] and by Rodrigo
Ba?uelos [10]. Nevertheless, there is always something new to add.
Turán type inequalities for generalized inverse trigonometric functions
Authors: Baricz Árpád , Bhayo Ali , Vuorinen Matti
Published: May 2015

In this paper we study the inverse of the eigenfunction sinp of the
one-dimensional p-Laplace operator and its dependence on the parameter p, and
we present a Tur?n type inequality for this function. Similar inequalities
are given also for other generalized inverse trigonometric and hyperbolic
functions. In particular, we deduce a Tur?n type inequality for a series
considered by Ramanujan, involving the digamma function.
Radial growth and Hardy-Littlewood-type theorems on hyperbolic harmonic functions
Authors: Chen Shaolin , Su Zhenhua
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we first show that a result of Girela et al. on analytic
functions can be extended to hyperbolic-harmonic functions, and then we
establish Hardy-Littlewood-type theorems on hyperbolic harmonic functions.
Mechanical and physical properties of hybrid reinforced (Al/B4C/Ni(K)Gr) composite materials produced by hot pressing
Authors: Nas Engin , Gökkaya Hasan
Published: May 2015

In this study, the mechanical and physical properties of hybrid reinforced (Al/B4C/Ni(K)Gr) metal matrix composite (MMC) materials were investigated. The MMC materials were produced using the powder metallurgy (PM) production method of hot pressing (HP). The aluminum alloy Alumix 13 was used as matrix material and boron carbide (B4C) and nickel-coated graphite (Ni(K)Gr) as reinforcement elements. The microstructural characteristics, hardness, 3-point bending strength and density values of the produced hybrid reinforced MMC materials were determined. The reinforcement element B4C was kept at constant concentration of 8 wt.-%. Four different MMC materials were produced with the addition of 0, 3, 5 and 7 wt.-% Ni(K)Gr in the B4C. From the SEM images of the MMC materials produced by the HP technique, it was observed that the reinforcement element exhibited a uniform distribution. Moreover, the particles showed an approach to each other depending on the particle size and the amount (wt.-%) of the reinforcement element. With increasing graphite content in the structure density, hardness and 3-point bending test values decreased.
Effect of beam oscillation on borated stainless steel electron beam welds
Authors: RajaKumar Guttikonda , Janaki Ram G. D. , Koteswara Rao S. R.
Published: May 2015

Borated stainless steels are used in nuclear power plants to control neutron criticality in reactors as control rods, shielding material, spent fuel storage racks and transportation casks. In this study, bead on plate welds were made using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and electron beam welding (EBW) processes. Electron beam welds made using beam oscillation technique exhibited higher tensile strength values compared to that of GTA welds. Electron beam welds were found to show fine dendritic microstructure while GTA welds exhibited larger dendrites. While both processes produced defect free welds, GTA welds are marked by partially melted zone (PMZ) where the hardness is low. EBW obviate the PMZ failure due to low heat input and in case of high heat input GTA welding process failure occurs in the PMZ.