bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BSDB: A New Consistent Designation Scheme for Identifying Objects in Binary and Multiple Stars
Authors: Kovaleva D. A. , Malkov O. Yu. , Kaygorodov P. V. , Karchevsky A. V. , Samus N. N.
Published: February 2017

The new consistent scheme for designation of objects in binary and multiple systems, BSDB, is described. It was developed in the frame of the Binary star DataBase, BDB (http://www.inasan.ru), due to necessity of a unified and consistent system for designation of objects in the database, and the name of the designation scheme was derived from that of the database. The BSDB scheme covers all types of observational data. Three classes of objects introduced within the BSDB nomenclature provide correct links between objects and data, what is especially important for complex multiple stellar systems. The final stage of establishing the BSDB scheme is compilation of the Identification List of Binaries, ILB, where all known objects in binary and multiple stars are presented with their BSDB identifiers along with identifiers according to major catalogues and lists.
Star Formation and Galaxy Dynamo Equations with Random Coefficients
Authors: Mikhailov E. A. , Modyaev I. I.
Published: February 2017

We study the influence of star formation on magnetic field in galaxies. Two approaches have been used to describe this mechanism. The first one uses some averaged approximate kinematic characteristics that appear in the galactic dynamo equations. We use the so-called no-z model that takes into account the fact that galactic disks are quite thin and hence we can consider only the field components that are parallel to the plane of the galaxy. We also use the equation that describes the evolution of magnetic helicity, which can be important for galaxies with intensive star formation. The second approach uses the dynamo equations with random coefficients, which are useful for describing magnetic fields in galaxies with rapidly changing kinematic parameters. Both methods yield similar results: if the surface star formation rate is small, the magnetic field evolution does not change very much. If the surface star formation rate is more than five times higher than in the Milky Way, the field decays.
Stochasticity of Galactic Orbits of Star Clusters
Authors: Smirnova L. V.
Published: February 2017

The Lyapunov, Lagrange and Poincaré criteria are tested for orbits of 461 open clusters in an axisymmetric potential. Lyapunov exponents and Poincaré sections are computed, and all of the trajectories are found to be stable according to the Lagrange and Poincaré stability criteria. At the same time, some trajectories appear to exhibit minor instability according to the Lyapunov stability criterion.
Optics for Nano-Satellite X-Ray Monitor
Authors: Tichý Vladimír , Burrows David N. , Prieskorn Zachary , Hudec René
Published: February 2017

The Schmidt lobster eye design for a grazing incidence X-ray optics provides a field of view of the order of many degrees, for this reason it can be a convenient approach for the construction of space X-ray monitors. It is possible to assemble Schmidt lobster eye telescopes with the dimensions and focal lengths acceptable for nano-class satellites. In this paper, a draft of nano-class space mission providing monitoring of specific sky areas is presented. A preliminary optical design study for such mission is performed. Two of possible optical designs are presented, for which the field of view, the effective input area and other basic optical parameters are calculated. Examples of the observed images are also presented.
A Young Star Cluster in the Leo a Galaxy
Authors: Stonkutė R. , Narbutis D. , Bridžius A. , Leščinskaitė A. , Vansevičius V.
Published: February 2017

We report a serendipitous discovery of a star cluster in the dwarf irregular galaxy Leo A. Young age (~28 Myr) and low mass (~510 M
⊙) estimates are based on the isochrone fit assuming a metallicity derived for HII regions (Z = 0.0007). The color-magnitude diagrams of the stars, located in and around the cluster area, and the results of aperture photometry of the cluster itself are presented.
Artificial Star Test for Crowded Field CCD Photometry
Authors: Stonkutė R. , Vansevičius V.
Published: February 2017

A new method of performing an artificial star test (AST) for crowded field stellar CCD photometry is proposed. This AST method is superior in the cases when it is necessary to account for varying photometric quality across the study field, arising due to crowding variations. For this purpose, the color-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of AST stars with statistically reliable error estimates, as well as completeness maps, can be generated at a required spatial resolution.
Ultraviolet and Infrared Correlation Studies in Orion
Authors: Bose Lakshmi S. , Sujatha N. V. , Narayanankutty K.
Published: February 2017

We have studied the variation of diffuse ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the northern part of the Orion constellation using a set of eight areas of the GALEX All-Sky Imaging Survey in the far and near UV. Different components of diffuse UV radiation, like dust scattered emission and H2 fluorescence, were quantified and separated after removing the point sources and the foreground emission in each of the fields. Then the dependence of the individual UV components on the infrared 100 μm dust emission was studied. We did not find any positive correlation between the diffuse-UV and IR-100 micron intensities, probably due to the high optical depth of the region or the entire dust column not contributing to the diffuse UV radiation. However, in the far UV we noticed the presence of an excess emission in addition to the dust scattered radiation, which is clearly absent in the near UV. This excess emission, identified as the H2 fluorescence, is produced by the Trapezium stars in the surrounding molecular clouds. We also compare our results with those of previous studies in the region, based on Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) observations.
Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Investigation of HU Aqr and AN UMa with the Data from HST and IUE
Authors: Sanad M. R.
Published: February 2017

We present ultraviolet spectroscopic study of two polar systems, HU Aqr and AN UMa, observed with the Hubble Space Telescope’s Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) and Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) and with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) during the period 1979–2003, to diagnose the ultraviolet fluxes of CIV 1550 Å and He II 1640 Å emission lines originating in an accretion stream during different orbital phases. The reddening of two systems is determined from the 2200 Å absorption feature. Different spectra for both systems, showing the variations in line fluxes at different orbital phases, are presented. We concentrated on calculating the line fluxes of CIV and He II emission lines. From HST and IUE data, we derived accretion luminosities and accretion rates for the two systems. The average temperature of the accretion stream for HU Aqr and AN UMa is about 5000 K and 6000 K, respectively. Our results show that there are variations in line fluxes, accretion luminosities and accretion rates with time for the two systems. These modulations are attributed to the variations of both density and temperature as a result of a changing rate of mass transfer from the secondary star to the primary star. These results from the HST and IUE observations support the irradiation model producing sufficient ultraviolet flux for orbital modulations.
Statistical Analysis of a Comprehensive List of Visual Binaries
Authors: Kovaleva D. , Malkov O. , Yungelson L. , Chulkov D. , Yikdem G. M.
Published: February 2017

Visual binary stars are the most abundant class of observed binaries. The most comprehensive list of data on visual binaries compiled recently by cross-matching the largest catalogues of visual binaries allowed a statistical investigation of observational parameters of these systems. The dataset was cleaned by correcting uncertainties and misclassifications, and supplemented with available parallax data. The refined dataset is free from technical biases and contains 3676 presumably physical visual pairs of luminosity class V with known angular separations, magnitudes of the components, spectral types, and parallaxes. We also compiled a restricted sample of 998 pairs free from observational biases due to the probability of binary discovery. Certain distributions of observational and physical parameters of stars of our dataset are discussed.
Equilibrium Figures inside the Dark-Matter Ring and the Shapes of Elliptical Galaxies
Authors: Kondratyev B. P. , Trubitsyna N. G. , Kireeva E. N.
Published: February 2017

We solve the general problem of the theory of equilibrium figures and analyze two classes of liquid rotating gravitating figures residing inside a gravitating ring or torus. These figures form families of sequences of generalized oblate spheroids and triaxial ellipsoids, which at the lower limit of the tidal parameter
Astronomical Data Resources for Binary and Multiple Stars
Authors: Kovaleva D.
Published: February 2017

Binary stars form a significant part of stellar population. They are registered and observed by a number of methods. This is the reason for variety of present-day resources of astronomical data dealing with binaries and multiples. The review of observational types of binary stars and of basic data resources for them is presented. The properties of stars within these types and possible relationships between them are discussed. The Binary star DataBase, BDB (http://bdb.inasan.ru), is presented as the resource joining data for all observational types of binaries. The problem of correct cross-identification of objects within binary and multiple stars is being solved in the frame of the Identification List of Binaries (ILB).
Archives of Astronomical Spectral Observations and Atomic/Molecular Databases for their Analysis
Authors: Ryabchikova T. , Pakhomov Yu.
Published: February 2017

We present a review of open-source data for stellar spectroscopy investigations. It includes lists of the main archives of medium-to-high resolution spectroscopic observations, with brief characteristics of the archive data (spectral range, resolving power, flux units). We also review atomic and molecular databases that contain parameters of spectral lines, cross-sections and reaction rates needed for a detailed analysis of high resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio stellar spectra.
Local Tendencies in Urban Design Viewed Through the Case Study of Contemporary Development Design in Context of Traditional Architecture
Authors: Grbić Mirko , Tomanović Dušan , Gabrijelčič Peter
Published: February 2017

Villages with significant artistic and cultural value have been developed throughout centuries of turbulent past of Montenegrin coastal and hinterland area. Today, these settlements represent a valuable source of information and are a common subject of research and inspiration to many architects. Through the example of recently designed development, this research aims to show the methods and advantages of contemporary design in traditional context. The review of the traditional architecture and urban design gives insight into qualitative and functional characteristics of building styles that witness centuries of experience and are therefore considered as sustainable. Methodological reference to the traditional building construction considers all the influencing factors that determine the qualitative and functional advantages of local ways of construction. The aim of the research is to implement the research process and to initiate the revival of traditional settlements in order to regain the significance they used to have, in contrast to the presently failed urban attempts. There is a tendency to give preference of designing in context of traditional architecture, considering the advantage of such constructions.
The Intermedial and the Transmedial across Samuel Beckett’s Artistic Practices
Authors: Mendelyté Aténé
Published: February 2017

The essay offers a brief overview of famous Irish playwright Samuel Beckett’s intermedial practices. By exploring a number of artistic media (drama, theatre, novel, television play, film) the artist tried to get at the essentials of each medium by virtue of his minimalist and media-conscious aesthetics. As a result of this gesture he uncovered certain transmedial properties such as musical rhythm and structure, montage, black and white film and photography aesthetics and tenebrism situated at the core of supposed media-specificity. Moreover, it is argued that Beckettian intermediality has a pronounced meta-referential dimension as defined by Werner Wolf. Most, if not all, of Beckett’s artworks include a medial self-reference of sorts such as the comment on the disembodiment of speech in radio plays or on the formative powers of lighting in theatre and film. What they also do is make the spectator aware of the fact of mediation and of what it entails. Therefore, the essay ultimately aims to show the immense significance of Beckett to intermediality studies not simply as an artist and a case study but as a media and intermediality theorist as well.
The Phenomenology of Trauma. Sound and Haptic Sensuality inSon of Saul
Authors: Vincze Teréz
Published: February 2017

The winner of many prestigious prizes (Oscar for the best foreign language film, Grand Prize of the Cannes Film Festival, and the Golden Globe among them), the Hungarian film,Son of Saul– according to most critics – represents the Holocaust trauma in a completely new and intriguing way. The filmmakers have invented a special form in order to tackle the heroic task of showing the unwatchable, representing the unthinkable. In this essay I analyse the representational strategy of the film from a phenomenological point of view, and position it in the theoretical framework of haptic sensuality formulated by Vivian Sobchack and Laura U. Marks, among others. I mainly focus on the use of sound, in particular the role of sound design in the creation of haptic space. With the help of the analysis of the representation and artistic invocation of the different bodily senses in the film, I demonstrate how traditional artistic formal elements (characteristic of highly artistic, even experimental productions) are combined with high impact effects often present in popular film forms. I argue that the successful combination of these two factors makes the film an example of artistic immersive cinema.1
Correlated mutations in hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases family
Authors: Żyźniewska Agata , Leluk Jacek , Żaroffe Gabriela
Published: February 2017

Background

Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes belong to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) superfamily and aldo-keto reductases (AKRs). SDR is involved in the metabolism of many compounds (hormones, lipids, etc.) and is present in almost all studied genomes. Two hundred members of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases have been analysed in terms of natural mutational variability. The second superfamily comprises AKR superfamily group enzymes whose function is catalysing the oxidation and reduction of many substrates by binding NAD(P)H as a cofactor. This kind of study is the first approach for the hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase family. This information grants practical meaning to designing potential specific drugs to fight specific diseases caused by mutations.

Methods

In the research, amino acid sequences of representatives of the hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase family were extracted from the UniProt database. In total, the analysed 200 sequences with the highest degree of similarity were shown by BLAST searches. In the sequence analyses, we used the following software: ClustalX (multiple sequence alignment), Consensus Constructor (creating consensus sequence), and CORM (finding correlated mutations).

Results

The CORM program identified potential sites of correlated mutations in hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. This program generated 18 tables of results that contain the amino acid positions of mutations. Seven of these are presented in this paper.

Conclusions

The primary structure of the hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase family shows high variation.
Effects of the nasal passage on forced oscillation lung function measurements
Authors: Ngo Chuong , Krüger Karl , Vollmer Thomas , Winter Stefan , Penzlin Bernhard , Lehmann Sylvia , Leonhardt Steffen , Misgeld Berno
Published: February 2017

The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a non-invasive pulmonary function test which is based on the measurement of respiratory impedance. Recently, promising results were obtained by the application of FOT on patients with respiratory failure and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). By using a nasal mask instead of a mouthpiece, the influences of the nasal passage and upper shunt alter the measured mechanical impedance. In this paper, we investigated the effects of the nasal passage and mask on FOT measurements from eight healthy subjects. A method for flow correction has been developed, which contains a pressure-flow characteristics compensation of the undetermined flow leakage at the face-mask interface. Impedance calculation and parameter estimation were performed in the frequency domain using fast Fourier transform (FFT). Average nasal parameters were
Nonlinear robust control for single-machine infinite-bus power systems with input saturation
Authors: Wan Y.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a new control scheme is proposed to achieve stability for a single-machine infinite-bus power system. A power system model simultaneously considering input saturation and time-varying uncertainties is presented. A sufficient condition for the system convergence is given and based on this result, a switching excitation control law with auxiliary system is designed. The stability analysis and simulation results all show that the developed controller is effective.
Scheduling of unit-length jobs with bipartite incompatibility graphs on four uniform machines
Authors: Furmańczyk H. , Kubale M.
Published: February 2017

In the paper we consider the problem of scheduling n identical jobs on 4 uniform machines with speeds s1 ≥ s2 ≥ s3 ≥ s4, respectively. Our aim is to find a schedule with a minimum possible length. We assume that jobs are subject to some kind of mutual exclusion constraints modeled by a bipartite incompatibility graph of degree Δ, where two incompatible jobs cannot be processed on the same machine. We show that the general problem is NP-hard even if s1 = s2 = s3. If, however, Δ ≤ 4 and s1 ≥ 12s2, s2 = s3 = s4, then the problem can be solved to optimality in time O(n1.5). The same algorithm returns a solution of value at most 2 times optimal provided that s1 ≥ 2s2. Finally, we study the case s1 ≥ s2 ≥ s3 = s4 and give a 32/15-approximation algorithm running also in O(n1.5) time.
Observer-based leader-following formation control of uncertain multiple agents by integral sliding mode
Authors: Qian D.W. , Tong S.W. , Li C.D.
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates the formation control problem of multiple agents. The formation control is founded on leader-following approaches. The method of integral sliding mode control is adopted to achieve formation maneuvers of the agents based on the concept of graph theory. Since the agents are subject to uncertainties, the uncertainties also challenge the formation-control design. Under a mild assumption that the uncertainties have an unknown bound, the technique of nonlinear disturbance observer is utilized to tackle the issue. According to a given communication topology, formation stability conditions are investigated by the observer-based integral sliding mode formation control. From the perspective of Lyapunov, not only is the formation stability guaranteed, but the desired formation of the agents is also realized. Finally, some simulation results are presented to show the feasibility and validity of the proposed control scheme through a multi-agent platform.
Comparative analysis of selected classifiers in posterior cruciate ligaments computer aided diagnosis
Authors: Zarychta P. , Badura P. , Pietka E.
Published: February 2017

A study on computer aided diagnosis of posterior cruciate ligaments is presented in this paper. The diagnosis relies on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. During the image analysis stage, the ligament region is automatically detected, localized, and extracted using fuzzy segmentation methods. Eight geometric features are defined for the ligament object. With a clinical reference database containing 107 cases of both healthy and pathological cases, a Fisher linear discriminant is used to select 4 most distinctive features. At the classification stage we employ five different soft computing classifiers to evaluate the feature vector suitability for the computerized ligament diagnosis. Among the classifiers we introduce and specify the particle swarm optimization based Sugeno-type fuzzy inference system and compare its performance to other established classification systems. The classification accuracy metrics: sensitivity, specificity, and Dice index all exceed 90% for each classifier under consideration, indicating high level of the proposed feature vector relevance in the computer aided ligaments diagnosis.
Analytical performance and diagnostic accuracy of six different faecal calprotectin assays in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Oyaert Matthijs , Boel An , Jacobs Julie , Van den Bremt Stefanie , De Sloovere Maxime , Vanpoucke Hilde , Van Hoovels Lieve
Published: February 2017

Background:

We evaluated the analytical performance of six different faecal calprotectin immunoassays together with their diagnostic accuracy in the discrimination between functional and organic bowel disorders.

Methods:

The faecal samples were obtained from inflammatory bowel disease patients (n=27) at the time of diagnosis [Crohn’s disease (n=15), colitis ulcerosa (n=12)], gastroenterologic disease control patients (n=52) and rheumatologic disease control patients (n=26). All individuals included in the study underwent a concurrent ileocolonoscopy. Analytical performance (imprecision, accuracy, carry-over, correlation and agreement) and diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios) of the different assays were evaluated.

Results:

All methods demonstrated good analytical performance, but within-run and total imprecision varied depending on the assay methodology used. Using Passing Bablok and Bland-Altman analyses, low quantitative agreement was observed between the assays. All assays showed excellent diagnostic accuracy, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) ranging from 0.974 to 0.998. The AUCs were not significantly different between assays (p>0.05). Diagnostic sensitivity at the cut-off at a fixed specificity of 75% ranged from 95.2% to 100%. Introduction of multiple result intervals increased the clinical interpretation of all the assays.

Conclusions:

Analytical and diagnostic performance of the evaluated faecal calprotectin assays is good, but numerical values differ substantially between the assays necessitating the use of different clinical cut-offs. Introduction of multiple result intervals aids in clinical decision-making.
From a Text to Practice and Back Again. Making Knowledge(s) Work for Participatory Budgeting in Poland
Authors: Koltun Aleksandra
Published: February 2017

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into practices of producing and translating knowledge that is intended to improve the work of participatory budgeting in Poland. From the onset, the knowledge processes described are no flat or transparent accounts. Rather, they should be perceived as profoundly performative, that is, entailing several translations of various types of knowledge together with the very conditions in which they are supposed to operate. The initially launched know ledges are supposed to eventually turn into a fairly coherent, non-imposing, well-embedded framework for thinking and acting. The success is then largely dependent on how know ledges are being inscribed, enacted and embodied in a complex and dynamic environment.
Five things to know about diagnostic error
Authors: Yermak Darya , Cram Peter , Kwan Janice L.
Published: February 2017

Diagnostic error represents an important patient safety issue. Herein, we summarize five important things to know about this topic. (1) At least 1 in 20 adults are affected by diagnostic errors annually. (2) The root causes for diagnostic errors are typically multifactorial. (3) Cognitive errors are found in the majority of cases. (4) Most missed diagnoses involve common conditions. (5) Advancements in policy, education, and health information technologies hold promise for improving diagnostic safety.
Intense blue light therapy during the night-time does not suppress the rhythmic melatonin biosynthesis in a young boy
Authors: Stebelova K. , Kosnacova J. , Zeman M.
Published: February 2017

Objective. Melatonin is a hormone predominantly synthesized and secreted during the night by the pineal gland. Artificial light at night, especially its blue part, acutely suppresses the melatonin production. Th e aim of the present study was to find out, whether an intense blue light phototherapy of severe hyperbilirubinemia, may suppress the melatonin production during the night when the eyes will be properly protected by a sleep mask.

Methods. The main melatonin metabolite, 6-sulphatoxymelatonin was measured in urine in a nine-year old boy suffering from the Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I. The boy was treated during the sleep period with an intense blue light (to 1800 lx) 10 h/day, since his birth. During the phototherapy, his eyes were protected with a sleep mask. The concentration of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin was determined in the first morning urine and urine collected afternoon during the six days. The patient was exposed to phototherapy for three nights, two nights without and the last one with the treatment. The control urine samples were obtained from 8 healthy nine-year old boys. The level of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin was measured by radioimmunoassay and the data were normalized to urinary creatinine.

Results. A distinct melatonin production rhythm was found and 6-sulphatoxymelatonin concentration in urine of the patient was comparable with the values obtained by the control group. No differences in 6-sulphatoxymelatonin levels were found between the nights with and without the phototherapy applied.

Conclusions. We conclude that the whole night treatment of hyperbilirubinemia with intense blue light has negligible side effect on the rhythmic melatonin production, when the eyes are sufficiently protected by the sleep mask.
Contemporary Aspects of Correlation between Agriculture and Rural Development
Authors: Rodoljub Topić , Boris Spasojević
Published: February 2017

In most countries, agriculture represents a strategic economic sector. In developed countries, the share of agriculture in GDP amounts only to 2-3%, but this industry assists in development of other sectors as well: trade, tourism, chemical and mechanical/machine industry, etc. Nowadays, great attention is paid to environmental protection and production of quality products. Sustainability has become a key determinant of agricultural production. Modern agriculture is focused onto productive and intensive production, but also towards multifunctional development of rural areas. Implementation of integral rural development and new regional concept of development sublimates several objectives: economic and social progress, demographic stability, environmental and cultural heritage protection, etc. This development model is mainly introduced in developed countries, but also in developing countries. A greater scope of social problems, in addition to the production, is resolved by doing so,. However, the results of the rural development policy differ from one country to another. Today, methods for measurement of rurality have been developed. Agriculture and rural development are in constant interaction, but the advocates of direct support for agriculture continue to oppose territorial approach and subsidies for rural development.
Low Interest Rates do they Revise Household Saving Motives in the Euro Area?
Authors: Kochaniak Katarzyna
Published: February 2017

This paper presents the impact of decreasing MFI interest rates on household deposits and saving goals in 12 Monetary Union member countries in the years 2009-2015. It analyses tendencies in household deposits (overnight, with agreed maturity and redeemable at notice), and attempts to link them with certain household saving motives (target, retirement and precautionary). The paper identifies those deposit categories which appeared as sensitive to declining interest rates and indicates the Eurozone countries whose populations are expected to revise their savings plans. Precise implications are drawn for target saving motives of households in Austria, Cyprus and Malta. However, in the case of two other motives, the analysis does not conclude on the impact of decreasing MFI interest rates.
Ownership and Capital Structure of Pakistani Non Financial Firms
Authors: Shoaib Khan , Yasushi Suzuki
Published: February 2017

Existing literature has not yet defined a clear-cut relationship between ownership structure and capital structure. This study aims to contribute to this controversial argument by examining the impact of internal (managerial) ownership and external ownership on financing preferences using the case of non-financial firms listed on Karachi stock exchange during the period of 2008-2012. Our results suggest that the external ownership has a significant effect on capital structure in accordance with the presence of blockholders. In contrast, the internal ownership has a complicated effect; it shows significant positive and negative relationship to leverage at lower and certain higher proportion of managerial shareholding respectively. Besides, the combined analyses suggest that the presence of blockholders negates the impact of managerial ownership on capital structure. This implies that the presence of large and dominant shareholders in Pakistani firms may have caused a bias for debt financing to protect their voting power and returns.
The Development of Payment Services as an Example of Disintermediation in the Financial System
Authors: Alińska Agnieszka , Czepirska Izabela
Published: February 2017

The reasons for disintermediation in the financial systems can be found on both sides of supply and demand. This progressing phenomenon is a result of numerous changes in the post-crisis financial sector landscape. In this article, the authors analyse the underlying causes of the shift away from formal financial institutions in the area of financial services as well as present the Polish payment services market as an example of banks’ receding role in the traditional intermediation between market players.
The Impact of The Tax System Structure on The Narrowing of Income Disparities in OECD Countries
Authors: Mazurek-Chwiejczak Małgorzata
Published: February 2017

Social disparities have a common and consistent character in the vast majority of contemporary countries. The level of income inequality in OECD countries has grown in the past 30 years and is still rising. Taxes and tax systems, aside from social transfers, are fiscal instruments widely used in compensation policy.

The aim of the article is to define the optimal structure of tax systems (i.e. the share of different tax categories in tax revenues) in terms of narrowing income disparities. To achieve this aim, scatter diagrams have been used. For the purpose of the article a tentative hypothesis has been formulated that the optimal tax system in terms of narrowing income disparities is characterised by a relatively large share of Personal Income Tax and at the same time a relatively low share of consumption taxes in tax revenues. The detailed analysis is focused on the countries for which the full data is available. The group of countries covers some “old” member states of the European Union (Austria, Belgium, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom), the South- -East European countries (the Czech Republic, Estonia, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia) as well as non-EU countries (Canada and Iceland). These countries represent different levels of socio-economic development and, as a result, the variety of situations concerning the distribution of income.
On Sylow permutable subgroups of finite groups
Authors: Ballester-Bolinches Adolfo , Heineken Hermann , Spagnuolo Francesca
Published: February 2017

A subgroup H of a group G is called Sylow permutable, or S-permutable, in G if H permutes with all Sylow p-subgroups of G for all primes p.
A group G is said to be a PST-group if Sylow permutability is a transitive relation in G.
We show that a group G which is factorised by a normal subgroup and a subnormal PST-subgroup of odd order is supersoluble.
As a consequence, the normal closure

S
G

{S^{G}}

of a subnormal PST-subgroup S of odd order of a group G is supersoluble, and the subgroup generated by subnormal PST-subgroups of G of odd order is supersoluble as well.
An Update of a Simulation Study of Passively Heated Residential Buildings
Authors: Ooi Koon Beng , Abdullah Mohammad Omar , Noguchi Masa
Published: February 2017

“A simulation study of passively heated residential buildings” published in Procedia Engineering 2015 showed how circulating 15-17°C water from a 50-m deep U-tube to a floor radiator and solar-heated water from a 30 evacuated tube solar collector and a 2-m3 indoor tank to a wall radiator could keep a 30-m2 Melbourne, Australia house thermally comfortable. This paper presents a summary of the ongoing review of publications together with three updates: - (1) Report on that water heated by a 100-metre deep U-tube is 22-24°C, i.e., 2-4 °C warmer than thermal comfort temperature. (2) May 2016 experimental validations of the simulated results which show that when the outdoors is below 10°C, the temperature of the floor radiator is 2-4°C less than the 15-17°C water heated by a 50-m deep U-tube and 25 W fish tank pumps could circulate the waters. (3) Simulations with the addition of phase change materials (PCM) to inside faces show that though a PCM halves the diurnal indoor temperature variations, it confirms that such PCM does not significantly increase the 20°C temperature in a 2-m3 storage tank at the end of winter. Therefore, the size of intersessional thermal storage would be a problem for family-sized houses. German Guidelines indicate that 1-2 boreholes could provide enough heat for family-sized houses. The heat extracted in winter can be replenished in summer. Thus the geothermal heat from about 100-m deep boreholes with 22-24°C bottom temperature could sustainably keep residential buildings in cool climates similar to Melbourne's cool temperate thermally comfortable.
Investigation of Observed Changes in Treated Hemp Hurds
Authors: Schwarzová Ivana
Published: February 2017

The effort to achieve sustainable development using renewable materials instead of limited ones is the current trend in the construction industry. Need for the development of environmentally friendly products is related to industrial interest in using natural plant fibres as reinforcement in composites. The combination of organic filler and inorganic matrix creates high-quality products such as fibre boards and composites. Industrial hemp fibres are one of the mostly used natural fibres and due to their unique mechanical, thermal insulation, acoustic and antiseptic properties have a great potential in composite materials. However, improving the interfacial bond between fibre and matrix is an important factor in fibre-reinforced composites. Optimizing the adhesion between fibre and inorganic matrix is related to surface treatment processes. This paper deals with morphology characterization, study changes in the chemical composition and structure of hemp fibres using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) before and after physico-chemical treatment.
Development of the Laboratory Anaerobic Bioreactor for Wet and Dry Digestion Processes
Authors: Rusín Jiří , Chamrádová Kateřina , Kašáková Kateřina
Published: February 2017

This article presents partial results of the laboratory development of an anaerobic bioreactor designed for the physical modelling of (semi)continuous dry or wet anaerobic digestion processes. A horizontal cylindrical tank reactor of 0.4 m3 total capacity has been developed. The reactor allows the continuous stirring of a liquid batch or the intermittent stirring of a solid batch. The bioreactor has been used as a lab-scale digestor in the research project dealing with high-solids (dry) anaerobic co-digestion organic fraction of mixed municipal solid waste. The first experiment was performed on the mixture of MSW with corn silage (1:1) with the weight of 300 kg.
Characterizing spatial distribution of the adsorbed water in wood cell wall of Ginkgo biloba L. by μ-FTIR and confocal Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Xin , Wu Yiqiang , Yan Ning
Published: February 2017

The adsorbed water influences significantly, the physical and mechanical properties of wood. In the present paper, the spatial distribution of adsorbed water in wood cell walls has been studied by μ-Fourier transform infrared (μ-FTIR) and confocal Raman spectroscopy. In situ μ-FTIR spectra were collected from three randomly selected areas in different cell wall regions, which were exposed to an environment with 0% to 96% relative humidity (RH). The water adsorption sites were easily detectable based on OH, C=O, and C-O group vibrations and it was shown that the adsorbed water concentration was not uniform in different regions. Confocal Raman spectroscopy images were collected from the cell corner (CC) and middle layer of the secondary wall (S2) and the non-uniformity of water distribution could also be confirmed by this approach. It was demonstrated that both μ-FTIR and confocal Raman spectroscopy provide valuable information about the spatial distribution of adsorbed water in morphologically distinct cell wall regions.
Ethnic Russian Minority in Estonia
Authors: Włodarska-Frykowska Agata
Published: February 2017

The article examines the position of Russians in Estonia and their relation with ethnic Estonians. The author analyzes models of the society integration introduced by Tallinn after 1991. The results raise questions regarding language education in Estonia, the proficiency level of Estonian is getting widely known by Russians, but on the other hand, there is still a significant part of the population that cannot communicate in Estonian. Those who have a good command of Estonian tend to be better integrated and to coexist with both Estonians and Russians. Russians living in Estonia are supposed to be equally involved in social and political life of the state. The potential of all residents has to be effectively and considerably used, especially when the number of population is decreasing. The position of Russians in Estonia is a major domestic and bilateral issue in the relations with the Russian Federation.
Monadic Printing Revisited
Authors: Grzanek Konrad
Published: February 2017

Expressive and clear implementation of monadic printing requires an amount of work to define and design proper abstractions to rely upon when performing the actual programming works. Our previous realization of tree printing library left us with a sense of lack with respect to these considerations. This is why we decided to re-design and re-implement the library with core algorithms based upon new, effective and expressive text printing and concatenation routines. This paper presents the results of our work.
Sub-chronic indomethacin treatment and its effect on the male reproductive system of albino rats: possible protective role of black tea extract
Authors: Bagoji Ishwar B. , Hadimani Gavishiddappa A. , Yendigeri Saeed M. , Das Kusal K.
Published: February 2017

Background:

Indomethacin is commonly used as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to treat inflammation, arthritis and joint pains. Unfortunately, it has a wide range of adverse effects on the physiological system, including gonads. This study aimed to assess possible beneficial effects of black tea extract (BTE) against indomethacin-induced alteration of gonadal hormone levels in male rats.

Methods:

Adult male rats were divided into Group I (control), Group II (indomethacin, 5 mg/kg body weight [bwt.]; i.p., 21 days), Group III (BTE, 2.5 g tea leaf/dL of water, i.e. 2.5% of aqueous BTE, orally, 21 days) and Group IV (indomethacin+BTE, 21 days). Sperm count and motility, serum luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone, along with histopathology of testes were studied. One-way ANOVA, followed by post-hoc t-test were conducted.

Results:

Indomethacin-treated rats showed significant decrease in testicular weight, sperm count, sperm motility, serum gonadotropins and testosterone concentrations. Histopathology of the testes showed tortuous and distorted seminiferous tubules, marked thickening of the tubular basement membrane, reduced spermatogenesis process (>30%) and marked decrease in the number of interstitial cells of Leydig in indomethacin-treated rats. Interestingly, rats supplemented with BTE showed remarkable improvements in testicular weight gain, sperm count and motility, serum gonadotropins and testosterone concentrations, along with testicular histopathology.

Conclusions:

The results suggest that BTE might have potential ameliorative effects against sub-chronic indomethacin-induced alteration of gonadal hormone levels in male albino rats.
Functions of Uni- and Multi-citations: Implications for Weighted Citation Analysis
Authors: Zhao Dangzhi , Cappello Alicia , Johnston Lucinda
Published: February 2017

Purpose

(1) To test basic assumptions underlying frequency-weighted citation analysis: (a) Uni-citations correspond to citations that are nonessential to the citing papers; (b) The influence of a cited paper on the citing paper increases with the frequency with which it is cited in the citing paper. (2) To explore the degree to which citation location may be used to help identify nonessential citations.

Design/methodology/approach

Each of the in-text citations in all research articles published in Issue 1 of the Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology (JASIST) 2016 was manually classified into one of these five categories: Applied, Contrastive, Supportive, Reviewed, and Perfunctory. The distributions of citations at different in-text frequencies and in different locations in the text by these functions were analyzed.

Findings

Filtering out nonessential citations before assigning weight is important for frequency-weighted citation analysis. For this purpose, removing citations by location is more effective than re-citation analysis that simply removes uni-citations. Removing all citation occurrences in the Background and Literature Review sections and uni-citations in the Introduction section appears to provide a good balance between filtration and error rates.

Research limitations

This case study suffers from the limitation of scalability and generalizability. We took careful measures to reduce the impact of other limitations of the data collection approach used. Relying on the researcher’s judgment to attribute citation functions, this approach is unobtrusive but speculative, and can suffer from a low degree of confidence, thus creating reliability concerns.

Practical implications

Weighted citation analysis promises to improve citation analysis for research evaluation, knowledge network analysis, knowledge representation, and information retrieval. The present study showed the importance of filtering out nonessential citations before assigning weight in a weighted citation analysis, which may be a significant step forward to realizing these promises.

Originality/value

Weighted citation analysis has long been proposed as a theoretical solution to the problem of citation analysis that treats all citations equally, and has attracted increasing research interest in recent years. The present study showed, for the first time, the importance of filtering out nonessential citations in weighted citation analysis, pointing research in this area in a new direction.
Insight into the Disciplinary Structure of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Authors: Luan Chunjuan , Porter Alan L.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to gain an insight into the disciplinary structure of nanoscience & nanotechnology (N&N): What is the disciplinary network of N&N like? Which disciplines are being integrated into N&N over time? For a specific discipline, how many other disciplines have direct or indirect connections with it? What are the distinct subgroups of N&N at different evolutionary stages? Such critical issues are to be addressed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

We map the disciplinary network structure of N&N by employing the social network analysis tool, Netdraw, identifying which Web of Science Categories (WCs) mediate nbetweenness centrality in different stages of nano development. Cliques analysis embedded in the Ucinet program is applied to do the disciplinary cluster analysis in the study according to the path of “Network-Subgroup-Cliques,” and a tree diagram is selected as the visualizing type.

Findings

The disciplinary network structure reveals the relationships among different disciplines in the N&N developing process clearly, and it is easy for us to identify which disciplines are connected with the core “N&N” directly or indirectly. The tree diagram showing N&N related disciplines provides an interesting perspective on nano research and development (R&D) structure.

Research limitations

The matrices used to draw the N&N disciplinary network are the original ones, and normalized matrix could be tried in future similar studies.

Practical implications

Results in this paper can help us better understand the disciplinary structure of N&N, and the dynamic evolution of N&N related disciplines over time. The findings could benefit R&D decision making. It can support policy makers from government agencies engaging in science and technology (S&T) management or S&T strategy planners to formulate efficient decisions according to a perspective of converging sciences and technologies.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in mapping the disciplinary network structure of N&N clearly, identifying which WCs have a mediating effect in different developmental stages (especially analyzing clusters among disciplines related to N&N, revealing close or distant relationships among distinct areas pertinent to N&N).