bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Referendum in the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Authors: Kużelewska Elżbieta
Published: January 2015

For more than 80 years the Czechs and the Slovaks have been functioning within one political. economic and social system. Various political and economic circumstances resulted in the division of Czechoslovakia to the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Ever since the political systems of both countries became different. These various political systems inspired me to examine the people's participation in the political life of those countries.

The aim of this paper is to analyse and compare the most common form of direct democracy -a referendum - in both the Czech and Slovak political systems. It will be compared on two levels. The first one will deal with general constitutional background of a referendum and its procedures, as well as with a comparison of regulations in the respective countries. The second one will concern the practice of referendum in the analysed countries.
The Golden Age of Citizen Journalism
Authors: Mirvajová Viktória
Published: January 2015

Citizen journalism has never been as strong as it is now. New technology and the Internet have influenced it a lot. The differences between the citizen and the professional journalism - or coopera-tion of these two elements - have become a discussed topic. There are two different views to the issue. Certain experts say it is impossible to compare the professional journalism to the citizen one. But some cases show that the citizen journalism is important part of current media.
Позиція офіційної Канади та етнічних організацій щодо виборчого… процесу в Україні
Authors: Макар Віталій
Published: January 2015

У даній статті висвітлюється процес моніторингу виборів до Верховної Ради України 28 жовтня 2012 р. з боку канадських урядових кіл, а також представників етнічних організацій, зокрема Конґресу українців Канади, представники якого спостерігали за виборчими баталіями у складі Світового конґресу українців. Від канадської сторони була представлена найбільша у її історії місія за спостереженням виборчого процесу в Україні. Це пов’язано перш за все з тими історичними зв’язками, які поєднують обидві держави, а головно, наявність у Канаді потужної, з точки зору лобізму українських інтересів, етнічної групи. Канада достатньо багато зробила, або ж намагається зробити для утвердження в Україні демократичних цінностей. Попередній, загальний висновок Канадської місії говорить про те, що парламентські вибори 28 жовтня мали порушення, які ставлять під сумнів їх справедливість. Очевидно, що всі спостерігачі чекають на початок роботи Верховної Ради України нового скликання, щоб оцінити можливість подальшої співпраці з українською державою.
Імідж України в контексті парламентських виборів 2012
Authors: Галина Піскорська
Published: January 2015

Формування позитивного іміджу України в світі розглядається за умови повернення краї- ни на шлях демократичного розвитку. Проведення чесних і прозорих парламентських виборів є однією з головних передумов для позитивної оцінки іміджу України на Заході, подолання кризи євроінтеграції та відновлення конструктивної взаємодії України з Європейським Союзом.
Possibilities and limitations of weed management in fruit crops of the temperate climate zone
Authors: Lisek Jerzy
Published: January 2015

This manuscript contains information on the species composition of weed communities in orchards in Poland and other
countries of the temperate climate zone. The manuscript deals with the influence of weeds on crops and the interaction between the
weeds and other living organisms. The main methods of weed regulation are described. Characteristics of the particular crops – fruit
trees and small fruits – and solutions that are either objects of study or have already been introduced into practice, are presented.
Advantages and disadvantages of different methods of weed control are discussed, such as soil cultivation and tillage, cover crops,
mulches, herbicide use, and flame burning.
Modes of transmission and stability of Rice yellow mottle virus
Authors: Uke Ayaka , Tibanyendela Naswiru , Ikeda Ryoichi , Fujiie Azusa , Natsuaki Keiko Teresa
Published: January 2015

Rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) is the most important rice virus in Africa. We examined RYMV transmission via soil and
water contaminated with RYMV-infected rice plants and by serial cutting with RYMV-contaminated scissors. Transmission of RYMV
via dried rice straw kept at 27°C was also examined. The results showed the virus could be transmitted via soil and water, and by
scissors. Rice straw that was RYMV-infected was not infective if it was dried and was kept longer than 42 days. By insect transmission
experiments and ELISA, long-horned grasshoppers (Conocephalus spp.) were found to be a possible vector of RYMV in Uganda.
The biological effect of cage design corrected for reductions in spray penetration
Authors: Fritz Bradley Keith , Hoffmann Wesley Clint , Bonds Jane Annalise Sara , Haas Keith , Czaczyk Zbigniew
Published: January 2015

In-field measures of physical spray concentration do not tend to correlate well with caged insect mortality data. This is
partly due to the reduced penetration of the spray into the cage. Spray penetration is hindered by the structure of the cage. Wind tunnel
studies were conducted to investigate the accuracy of those calculations developed to correct for filtration levels in caged mosquito
bioassays. Zenivex E20 (Etofenprox) was applied at rates ranging from an LD10 to an LD90. Three cage types were used, each with different
penetration levels. The dose approaching the cage was converted to the dose entering the cage using cage penetration data from
previous research. The penetration conversion factor returned a data set that directly correlated dose with mosquito mortality (R2 =
= 0.918). The mortality percent was a function of the dose within the cage. The mesh type acted as a regulator. Although the conversion
factor was effective, the differences between cages was not always significant due to within-group variation.
The effect of psychrotrophic bacteria isolated from the root zone of winter wheat on selected biotic and abiotic factors
Authors: Przemieniecki Sebastian Wojciech , Kurowski Tomasz Paweł , Korzekwa Karol , Karwowska Anna
Published: January 2015

The roots of winter wheat plants, cv. Mikon, grown in 45-year monoculture, were analysed in the study. Twenty-two bacterial
isolates obtained from the rhizosphere, rhizoplane, and endorhizosphere that were capable of growth at 8°C and at 28°C, were selected
for further analysis. The isolated psychrotrophs accounted for 25% of all bacteria present in the wheat rhizosphere and capable
of growth at 8°C. Psychrotrophic bacteria were analysed at a temperature of 10°C and 28°C to determine their ability to inhibit the
growth of pathogenic fungi, solubilise mineral phosphates, and to determine their ability to degrade chitin and cellulose. Similarity
between the isolates was determined by Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus – Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR)
and Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA – Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR). The majority of isolated psychrotrophs
inhibited the growth of pathogenic fungi and solubilised mineral phosphates at both incubation temperatures. Psychrotrophic bacteria
exerted a two-fold stronger inhibitory effect on mycelial growth at 10°C than at 28°C. The growth of Fusarium culmorum and
F. oxysporum was inhibited to the highest extent at 10°C and at 28°C, respectively. Phosphate solubilisation rates were higher at 28°C,
particularly in the rhizosphere. Regardless of temperature, the bacteria exhibited low chitin-degrading potential, and none of the isolates
was capable of degrading cellulose. A high similarity between the selected psychrotrophs was revealed by ERIC-PCR and RAPD-
-PCR analyses. Based on RAPD-PCR, the analysed population was divided into a group of isolates obtained from the rhizosphere,
and two groups comprising representatives of both the rhizoplane and the endorhizosphere. Due to their ability to grow over a wide
temperature range and increase phosphorus availability to plants, and their antagonism against pathogens, psychrotrophic bacteria
can be used to improve the growth and yield of cereal crops.
Elbe River Waterway – Economic and Social Benefits
Authors: Bínová Helena
Published: January 2015

For a very long time the river Labe belongs to the transport ways with an unmistakable impact. Along the river Labe as well as along other inland water ways the commerce was spread and the towns lying on the river of Labe got the state of Hanza towns.. In the first half of the 19th century the railways transport in corridor Hamburg - Berlin - Dresden - Ústí nad Labem - Praha began competing with the water transport in this relation. So far the water cargo transport in this relation did not have competition. At present the water transport is on the edge of interest from the side of the government, investors and transporters. The reasons are clear. That is why that the infrastructure quality does not respond the transport requirements for the 21th century, the highway and railway networks are not finished, the trimodal reloading terminals absence. Usually that is why the inland water transport is not included into the logistic processes
Deterministic and Probabilistic Analysis of NPP Communication Bridge Resistance Due to Extreme Loads
Authors: Králik Juraj , Králik Juraj
Published: January 2015

This paper presents the experiences from the deterministic and probability analysis of the reliability of communication bridge structure resistance due to extreme loads - wind and earthquake. On the example of the steel bridge between two NPP buildings is considered the efficiency of the bracing systems. The advantages and disadvantages of the deterministic and probabilistic analysis of the structure resistance are discussed. The advantages of the utilization the LHS method to analyze the safety and reliability of the structures is presented
Computer Aided Design – Comparative Analysis of Widely Available Software with Analytical Method
Authors: Major Maciej , Major Izabela
Published: January 2015

In this article a comparative analysis was performed between analytical method and widely available computer programs employed in beam design like: ADINA, Robot Structural Analysis, Intersoft R2D2 and RM-WIN. In the analysis a simple case of a simply supported beam and uniformly distributed load over the length of the span was assumed. The conclusions from analysis are presented at the end of the study.
Estimate of the total volume of Svalbard glaciers, and their potential contribution to sea-level rise, using new regionally based scaling relationships
Authors: Martín-Español A. , Navarro F.J. , Otero J. , Lapazaran J.J. , Błaszczyk M.
Published: January 2015

We present a set of new volume scaling relationships specific to Svalbard glaciers, derived from a sample of 60 volume–area pairs. Glacier volumes are computed from ground-penetrating radar (GPR)-retrieved ice thickness measurements, which have been compiled from different sources for this study. The most precise scaling models, in terms of lowest cross-validation errors, are obtained using a multivariate approach where, in addition to glacier area, glacier length and elevation range are also used as predictors. Using this multivariate scaling approach, together with the Randolph Glacier Inventory V3.2 for Svalbard and Jan Mayen, we obtain a regional volume estimate of 6700 ± 835 km3, or 17 ± 2 mm of sea-level equivalent (SLE). This result lies in the mid- to low range of recently published estimates, which show values as varied as 13 and 24 mm SLE. We assess the sensitivity of the scaling exponents to glacier characteristics such as size, aspect ratio and average slope, and find that the volume of steep-slope and cirque-type glaciers is not very sensitive to changes in glacier area.
Glycemic Status and Renal Function among Type 2 Diabetics
Authors: Singh Priti , Khan Salman , Mittal Rabindra Kumar
Published: January 2015

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by some specific complications including diabetic nephropathy. Urea & creatinine are useful parameters to diagnose the renal function, despite some limitations. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effect of hyperglycemic condition on the renal function parameters like serum urea and serum creatinine. Methods: It was a cross sectional study. To determine the incidence of kidney dysfunction in type 2 diabetics in Nepalgunj Medical College and Hospital, Nepalgunj, Nepal. Random blood samples were taken from 100 diabetic subjects and 100 non-diabetic controls between the period 1st February, 2012 to 31st January, 2013 for investigation of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood urea and serum creatinine. These biochemical parameters were determined by using a fully automated clinical chemistry analyzer. The comparison was done by using Student t test. Results: Our findings showed that the level of blood urea (P<0.0128 Diabetic male and P?0.0082 Diabetic female) and serum creatinine (P<0.0001 Diabetic male and P?0.0187 Diabetic female) were significantly higher in type 2 diabetics as compared to non-diabetics in both male and female. There was no significant difference between diabetic male and female. High serum creatinine level was seen in males than females. Conclusion: In our study there was an increase of blood urea level in type 2 DM. Good control of blood glucose level is absolute requirement to prevent progressive renal impairment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i4.20586 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(4) 2014 p.406-410
Tsallis Distribution Decorated with Log-Periodic Oscillation
Authors: Wilk Grzegorz , Włodarczyk Zbigniew
Published: January 2015

In many situations, in all branches of physics, one encounters the power-like behavior of some variables, which is best described by a Tsallis distribution characterized by a nonextensivity parameter q and scale parameter T. However, there exist experimental results that can be described only by a Tsallis distributions, which are additionally decorated by some log-periodic oscillating factor. We argue that such a factor can originate from allowing for a complex nonextensivity parameter q. The possible information conveyed by such an approach (like the occurrence of complex heat capacity, the notion of complex probability or complex multiplicative noise) will also be discussed.
Cellular Disulfide Bond Formation in Bioactive Peptides and Proteins
Authors: Patil Nitin , Tailhades Julien , Hughes Richard , Separovic Frances , Wade John , Hossain Mohammed
Published: January 2015

Bioactive peptides play important roles in metabolic regulation and modulation and many are used as therapeutics. These peptides often possess disulfide bonds, which are important for their structure, function and stability. A systematic network of enzymes—a disulfide bond generating enzyme, a disulfide bond donor enzyme and a redox cofactor—that function inside the cell dictates the formation and maintenance of disulfide bonds. The main pathways that catalyze disulfide bond formation in peptides and proteins in prokaryotes and eukaryotes are remarkably similar and share several mechanistic features. This review summarizes the formation of disulfide bonds in peptides and proteins by cellular and recombinant machinery.
Specificity Protein 1 Regulates Gene Expression Related to Fatty Acid Metabolism in Goat Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Zhu Jiangjiang , Sun Yuting , Luo Jun , Wu Min , Li Jianhua , Cao Yanhong
Published: January 2015

Specificity protein 1 (SP1) is a ubiquitous transcription factor that plays an important role in controlling gene expression. Although important in mediating the function of various hormones, the role of SP1 in regulating milk fat formation remains unknown. To investigate the sequence and expression information, as well as its role in modulating lipid metabolism, we cloned SP1 gene from mammary gland of Xinong Saanen dairy goat. The full-length cDNA of the SP1 gene is 4376 bp including 103 bp of 5'UTR, 2358 bp of ORF (HM_236311) and 1915 bp of 3'UTR, which is predicted to encode a 786 amino acids polypeptide. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that goat SP1 has the closest relationship with sheep, followed by bovines (bos taurus, odobenus and ceratotherium), pig, primates (pongo, gorilla, macaca and papio) and murine (rattus and mus), while the furthest relationship was with canis and otolemur. Expression was predominant in the lungs, small intestine, muscle, spleen, mammary gland and subcutaneous fat. There were no significant expression level differences between the mammary gland tissues collected at lactation and dry-off period. Overexpression of SP1 in goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs) led to higher mRNA expression level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and lower liver X receptor α (LXRα) mRNA level, both of which were crucial in regulating fatty acid metabolism, and correspondingly altered the expression of their downstream genes in GMECs. These results were further enhanced by the silencing of SP1. These findings suggest that SP1 may play an important role in fatty acid metabolism.
Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes and Ion-Jelly® Membranes with [BMIM][DCA]: Comparison of Its Performance for CO2 Separation
Authors: Couto Ricardo , Neves Luísa , Simões Pedro , Coelhoso Isabel
Published: January 2015

In this work, a supported ionic liquid membrane (SILM) was prepared by impregnating a PVDF membrane with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([BMIM][DCA]) ionic liquid. This membrane was tested for its permeability to pure gases (CO2, N2 and O2) and ideal selectivities were calculated. The SILM performance was also compared to that of Ion-Jelly® membranes, a new type of gelled membranes developed recently. It was found that the PVDF membrane presents permeabilities for pure gases similar or lower to those presented by the Ion-Jelly® membranes, but with increased ideal selectivities. This membrane presents also the highest ideal selectivity (73) for the separation of CO2 from N2 when compared with SILMs using the same PVDF support but with different ionic liquids.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Paeonol Derivatives as Potential Multifunctional Agents for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhou An , Wu Hongfei , Pan Jian , Wang Xuncui , Li Jiaming , Wu Zeyu , Hui Ailing
Published: January 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder characterized by memory loss, language impairment, personality changes and intellectual decline. Taking into account the key pathological features of AD, such as low levels of acetylcholine, beta-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation, oxidative stress and dyshomeostasis of biometals, a new series of paeonol derivatives 5a–5d merging three different functions, i.e., antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, metal chelating agents for AD treatment have been synthesized and characterized. Biological assays revealed that compared with paeonol (309.7 μM), 5a–5d had a lower DPPH IC50 value (142.8–191.6 μM). 5a–5d could significantly inhibit hydrogen peroxide-induced neuronal PC12 cell death assessed by MTT assay in the concentration range of 5–40 μM. AChE activity was effectively inhibited by 5a–5d, with IC50 values in the range of 0.61–7.04 μM. 5a–5d also exhibited good metal-chelating ability. All the above results suggested that paeonol derivatives may be promising multifunctional agents for AD treatment.
Possible Roles of Plant Sulfurtransferases in Detoxification of Cyanide, Reactive Oxygen Species, Selected Heavy Metals and Arsenate
Authors: Most Parvin , Papenbrock Jutta
Published: January 2015

Plants and animals have evolved various potential mechanisms to surmount the adverse effects of heavy metal toxicity. Plants possess low molecular weight compounds containing sulfhydryl groups (-SH) that actively react with toxic metals. For instance, glutathione (γ-Glu-Cys-Gly) is a sulfur-containing tripeptide thiol and a substrate of cysteine-rich phytochelatins (γ-Glu-Cys)2–11-Gly (PCs). Phytochelatins react with heavy metal ions by glutathione S-transferase in the cytosol and afterwards they are sequestered into the vacuole for degradation. Furthermore, heavy metals induce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which directly or indirectly influence metabolic processes. Reduced glutathione (GSH) attributes as an antioxidant and participates to control ROS during stress. Maintenance of the GSH/GSSG ratio is important for cellular redox balance, which is crucial for the survival of the plants. In this context, sulfurtransferases (Str), also called rhodaneses, comprise a group of enzymes widely distributed in all phyla, paving the way for the transfer of a sulfur atom from suitable sulfur donors to nucleophilic sulfur acceptors, at least in vitro. The best characterized in vitro reaction is the transfer of a sulfane sulfur atom from thiosulfate to cyanide, leading to the formation of sulfite and thiocyanate. Plants as well as other organisms have multi-protein families (MPF) of Str. Despite the presence of Str activities in many living organisms, their physiological role has not been clarified unambiguously. In mammals, these proteins are involved in the elimination of cyanide released from cyanogenic compounds. However, their ubiquity suggests additional physiological functions. Furthermore, it is speculated that a member of the Str family acts as arsenate reductase (AR) and is involved in arsenate detoxification. In summary, the role of Str in detoxification processes is still not well understood but seems to be a major function in the organism.
An Alkaloid and a Steroid from the Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Liang Zizhen , Zhang Tiantian , Zhang Xiaoqian , Zhang Jia , Zhao Changqi
Published: January 2015

Two new compounds, fumitremorgin 12-methoxy-13-[5'-hydroxy-2'-(1''-hydroxy-3''-methoxy-5''-methylbenzoyl)-3'-methoxy]benzoic acid methyl ester (fumitremorgin D, 1) and 4,8,10,14-tetramethyl-6-acetoxy-14-[16-acetoxy-19-(20,21-dimethyl)-18-ene]-phenanthrene-1-ene-3,7-dione (2) were isolated from the cultured endophytic isolated fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, together with fourteen known compounds. Their structures were elucidated by 1-D and 2-D NMR analyses. The cytotoxicity profile of the compound against the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 was evaluated by MTT antiproliferative assays.
Estimating Land Development Time Lags in China Using DMSP/OLS Nighttime Light Image
Authors: Zhang Li , Qu Ge , Wang Wen
Published: January 2015

The Chinese real estate industry has experienced rapid growth since China’s economic reform. Along with a booming industry, a third of purchased lands were left undeveloped in the last decade. Knowledge of real estate development time lags between land being purchased and property being occupied can enable policymakers to produce more effective policies and regulations to guide the real estate industry and sustain economic development and social welfare. This paper presents an innovative method to estimate provincial land development time lags in China using DMSP/OLS NTL imagery and real estate statistical data. The results showed that real estate development time lag was common in China during 2000–2010. More than half of the study sites showed development time lags of three years or longer. An Increment of Developed Pixels (IDP) index was established to outline yearly land development completions in China between 2000 and 2010. A Comprehensive Real Estate Price Index (CREPI) was created to explore the causes of the time lags. A strong and positive correlation was found between the real estate development time lags and CREPI values (with r = 0.619, n = 31, p < 0.0005). The results indicated that the land development time lag during the study period was positively correlated to the activity of the local real estate market, the price trend of land and housing properties, and the local economic situation. The results also proved that with the support of statistical data the DMSP/OLS NTL image could offer an economically efficient and reliable solution to estimate the time lag of real estate development.
Kinect as a Tool for Gait Analysis: Validation of a Real-Time Joint Extraction Algorithm Working in Side View
Authors: Cippitelli Enea , Gasparrini Samuele , Spinsante Susanna , Gambi Ennio
Published: January 2015

The Microsoft Kinect sensor has gained attention as a tool for gait analysis for several years. Despite the many advantages the sensor provides, however, the lack of a native capability to extract joints from the side view of a human body still limits the adoption of the device to a number of relevant applications. This paper presents an algorithm to locate and estimate the trajectories of up to six joints extracted from the side depth view of a human body captured by the Kinect device. The algorithm is then applied to extract data that can be exploited to provide an objective score for the “Get Up and Go Test”, which is typically adopted for gait analysis in rehabilitation fields. Starting from the depth-data stream provided by the Microsoft Kinect sensor, the proposed algorithm relies on anthropometric models only, to locate and identify the positions of the joints. Differently from machine learning approaches, this solution avoids complex computations, which usually require significant resources. The reliability of the information about the joint position output by the algorithm is evaluated by comparison to a marker-based system. Tests show that the trajectories extracted by the proposed algorithm adhere to the reference curves better than the ones obtained from the skeleton generated by the native applications provided within the Microsoft Kinect (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond,WA, USA, 2013) and OpenNI (OpenNI organization, Tel Aviv, Israel, 2013) Software Development Kits.
Design of Surface Modifications for Nanoscale Sensor Applications
Authors: Reimhult Erik , Höök Fredrik
Published: January 2015

Nanoscale biosensors provide the possibility to miniaturize optic, acoustic and electric sensors to the dimensions of biomolecules. This enables approaching single-molecule detection and new sensing modalities that probe molecular conformation. Nanoscale sensors are predominantly surface-based and label-free to exploit inherent advantages of physical phenomena allowing high sensitivity without distortive labeling. There are three main criteria to be optimized in the design of surface-based and label-free biosensors: (i) the biomolecules of interest must bind with high affinity and selectively to the sensitive area; (ii) the biomolecules must be efficiently transported from the bulk solution to the sensor; and (iii) the transducer concept must be sufficiently sensitive to detect low coverage of captured biomolecules within reasonable time scales. The majority of literature on nanoscale biosensors deals with the third criterion while implicitly assuming that solutions developed for macroscale biosensors to the first two, equally important, criteria are applicable also to nanoscale sensors. We focus on providing an introduction to and perspectives on the advanced concepts for surface functionalization of biosensors with nanosized sensor elements that have been developed over the past decades (criterion (iii)). We review in detail how patterning of molecular films designed to control interactions of biomolecules with nanoscale biosensor surfaces creates new possibilities as well as new challenges.
An X-Band Radar System for Bathymetry and Wave Field Analysis in a Harbour Area
Authors: Ludeno Giovanni , Reale Ferdinando , Dentale Fabio , Carratelli Eugenio , Natale Antonio , Soldovieri Francesco , Serafino Francesco
Published: January 2015

Marine X-band radar based systems are well tested to provide information about sea state and bathymetry. It is also well known that complex geometries and non-uniform bathymetries provide a much bigger challenge than offshore scenarios. In order to tackle this issue a retrieval method is proposed, based on spatial partitioning of the data and the application of the Normalized Scalar Product (NSP), which is an innovative procedure for the joint estimation of bathymetry and surface currents. The strategy is then applied to radar data acquired around a harbour entrance, and results show that the reconstructed bathymetry compares well with ground truth data obtained by an echo-sounder campaign, thus proving the reliability of the whole procedure. The spectrum thus retrieved is then analysed to show the evidence of reflected waves from the harbour jetties, as confirmed by chain of hydrodynamic models of the sea wave field. The possibility of using a land based radar to reveal sea wave reflection is entirely new and may open up new operational applications of the system.
Output Effect Evaluation Based on Input Features in Neural Incremental Attribute Learning for Better Classification Performance
Authors: Wang Ting , Guan Sheng-Uei , Man Ka , Park Jong , Hsu Hui-Huang
Published: January 2015

Machine learning is a very important approach to pattern classification. This paper provides a better insight into Incremental Attribute Learning (IAL) with further analysis as to why it can exhibit better performance than conventional batch training. IAL is a novel supervised machine learning strategy, which gradually trains features in one or more chunks. Previous research showed that IAL can obtain lower classification error rates than a conventional batch training approach. Yet the reason for that is still not very clear. In this study, the feasibility of IAL is verified by mathematical approaches. Moreover, experimental results derived by IAL neural networks on benchmarks also confirm the mathematical validation.
Critical connections: personal learning environments and information literacy
Authors: Hicks Alison , Sinkinson Caroline
Published: January 2015

Personal learning environments (PLEs) and critical information literacies (CILs) are two concepts that have been presented as responses to the challenges of the rich and complex information landscape. While both approaches support learners’ critical engagement with new information environments, each was developed within a different field. This paper connects and contrasts PLEs and CILs in order to explore the design of pedagogical responses to the information environment. Through a careful examination of PLE and CIL literature, the paper demonstrates that information literacy education intersects with the concepts and goals of PLEs. As such, the authors suggest that PLE scholarship informed by CIL scholarship, and vice versa, will yield a deeper understanding of modern learning contexts as well as a more holistic and responsive learner framework. The example of the research assignment will be used to demonstrate the viability of this approach. With these propositions, the authors invite educators, librarians and information technologists to engage in a dialogue about these concepts and the potential for pedagogical change.Keywords: personal learning environments; information literacy; information landscape; self-directed learningCitation: Research in Learning Technology 2015, 23: 21193 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v23.21193
Exclusivismo político y religioso de los Eupátridas en Atenas arcaica
Authors: Valdés Guía Miriam
Published: January 2015

L'exclusivité politique et religieuse des Eupatrides dans l'Athènes archaïque.

Les Eupatrides sont un groupe de familles aristocratiques attachées, pendant la période archaïque, à une portion du territoire de l’Attique constituée par l’asty/Pedion. Ils sont définis comme étant ceux qui sont rattachés à la maison du basileus (Anecd. Gr. I, 257 Bekker). Dans cet article, il s’agit d’explorer les voies de la consolidation de leur pouvoir politique et religieux dans le cadre d’une concurrence avec d’autres groupes aristocratiques d’Attique, alors qu’ils exercent de manière exclusive des cultes et des rites importants (comme les sacerdoces acropolitains par exemple), qu’ils contrôlent certaines institutions politiques et certains rituels liés aux pratiques funéraires au VIIe s. av. J.-C. Il s’agit, en outre, d’explorer les indices de changement au début du VIe s. à travers une certaine diversification dans la pratique religieuse et dans l’intégration de nouveaux agents. C’est dans cette perspective que l’on peut comprendre la tentative de Solon d’ouvrir le pouvoir politique et religieux à d’autres aristocrates tout en conservant aux Eupatrides certains privilèges alors que la pratique religieuse s’institutionnalise, devient publique et civique et s’ouvre au démos.
La représentation de la pantomime dans les romans grecs et latins : les exemples de Longus et d’Apulée
Authors: Robert Fabrice
Published: January 2015

The representation of the pantomime in the Greek and Roman novels: the exemples of Longus and Apuleius.

Longus’ Daphnis and Chloe and Apuleius’ Metamorphoses contain two descriptions of pantomimes. The study of these episodes aims to show that the many distortions between these novelistic representations and the reality of the pantomimic shows are not meaningless. Indeed they respond to literary stakes and reveal the intentions of the authors : the original elements can be explained within the narrative framework and contribute to the construction of the meaning that should be given to the episodes themselves and to the destiny of the characters.
Colonisation et structures agraires dans l’Italie républicaine : autour du transfert des Ligures Apuani (181 av. J.-C.)
Authors: Pagé Marie-Michelle
Published: January 2015

Colonisation and agrarian structures in Republican Italy: about the transfer of the Ligurians Apuani (181 B.C.).

In 181 B. C., the Roman power decided to transfer 47 000 Ligurians Apuani in the Samnium area. This article focuses mainly on the idea that this move was in some way a type of Roman colonisation and, based on this point of view, will explore the questions of land occupation and exploitation, as well as the transformations of the general organisation of the city of the Ligures Baebiani, created after such relocation. The general analysis mostly shows the agrarian structures of that city, like the types of resources management it had put into light, have been adapted to a particular colonial context, linked in that case to a compelled movement of population, and have somewhere succeeded to last.
Religion étrusque et droit romain d’après le bureau central des géomètres de la dynastie valentino-théodosienne
Authors: Peyras Jean
Published: January 2015

Etruscan religion and Roman law according to the land surveyors' central office during the Valentino-Theodosian dynasty.

The documents from the Land surveyors’ Central Office at Rome are an important source in order to know the influence of the Disciplina Etrusca on Roman law and Land surveyors’ practice. They are more accurate than other evidence because they give information which can be dated (Vegoia’s Prophety against the Gracchian politics, constitution of types of limites between Italy and the ager Gallicus, establishment of very ancient colonies) and situated (types and evolution of limites in such and such colonial space). They show that the Disciplina Etrusca

was at the origin of the holiest limites, which are connected with Rome and Roman citizens’ colonies. They affirm it instructed that temples and limites should be facing west, that possessiones were made sacred since they came from a divine property or had their origin in a sacred wood.
Increasing throughput of AFM-based single cell adhesion measurements through multisubstrate surfaces
Authors: Yu Miao , Strohmeyer Nico , Wang Jinghe , Müller Daniel J , Helenius Jonne
Published: January 2015

Mammalian cells regulate adhesion by expressing and regulating a diverse array of cell adhesion molecules on their cell surfaces. Since different cell types express distinct sets of cell adhesion molecules, substrate-specific adhesion is cell type- and condition-dependent. Single-cell force spectroscopy is used to quantify the contribution of cell adhesion molecules to adhesion of cells to specific substrates at both the cell and single molecule level. However, the low throughput of single-cell adhesion experiments greatly limits the number of substrates that can be examined. In order to overcome this limitation, segmented polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) masks were developed, allowing the measurement of cell adhesion to multiple substrates. To verify the utility of the masks, the adhesion of four different cell lines, HeLa (Kyoto), prostate cancer (PC), mouse kidney fibroblast and MDCK, to three extracellular matrix proteins, fibronectin, collagen I and laminin 332, was examined. The adhesion of each cell line to different matrix proteins was found to be distinct; no two cell lines adhered equally to each of the proteins. The PDMS masks improved the throughput limitation of single-cell force spectroscopy and allowed for experiments that previously were not feasible. Since the masks are economical and versatile, they can aid in the improvement of various assays.
CLUSTER APPROACH IN ORGANIZATION OF TRANSPORTATION IN THE BALTIC SEA REGION
Authors: Nežerenko Olga , Koppel Ott , Tuisk Tarmo
Published: January 2015

The urgency of the issues discussed in this paper stems from the fact that cross-border collaboration is an essential part of commercial transportation today. With the extension of multimodal transportation concept, the efficiency and performance of not only national but also of regional transport systems depend on a synergy which occurs as a result of cooperation between transport enterprises and different modes of transport. The present study analyses the situation of transportation field in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) in the period 2004–2011. The methodology used is based on Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), correlation analysis, Bayesian analysis and affinity analysis, which help to identify countries with similar trends in the field of transportation and the common reasons and factors which have led to the emergence of these clusters.
Un entretien avec Louis G. Castonguay. L'évaluation en psychothérapie
Authors: Lambrette Grégory
Published: January 2015

Depuis plusieurs décennies, la question de l’évaluation de la psychothérapie agite le monde de la recherche. Des études menées jusqu’à ce jour, un certain nombre de conclusions et de prospectives se dégagent. Louis Georges Castonguay, professeur au Département de Psychologie de la Penn State University (Université d’Etat de Pennsylvanie), est l’une des grandes figures de ce champ heuristique. Il travaille depuis plusieurs années maintenant à la mise au jour et à l’évaluation des processus psychothérapeutiques et des principes qui les sous-tendent. Il nous présente, dans l’interview que nous proposons, les principales données appréhendées par la communauté scientifique et devant inspirer le psychothérapeute d’aujourd’hui et de demain.
Occlusal Considerations in the Hypersensitive Dentition
Authors: Yiannios, DDS Nick
Published: January 2015

In the literature, Dentinal Hypersensitivity (DH) is considered to arise from exposed dentin and patent dentinal tubules. However, clinical observation of recurrent DH sensitivity indicates it can occur in the presence or absence of exposed dentin. Quantified occlusal contact force and timing parameters have been ignored in studies assessing hypersensitive teeth. This chapter introduces a novel occlusal concept: Frictional Dental Hypersensitivity (FDH). Clinical evidence from combining computerized occlusal analysis and electromyography is presented linking opposing posterior tooth friction and muscular hyperactivity to Dentin Hypersensitivity. This chapter proffers how occlusion, muscular TMD symptoms, and frictional Dentin Hypersensitivity are all related. Lastly, a Pilot Study is presented that used a Visual Numerical Analog scale to quantify Dentin Hypersensitivity resolution observed in symptomatic patients who underwent the Immediate Complete Anterior Guidance Development (ICAGD) coronoplasty. This computer-guided occlusal adjustment eliminated pretreatment FDH symptomatology, further supporting that Dentinal Hypersensitivity has an occlusally-based, frictional etiology.
T-Scan as a Patient Education Tool
Authors: Droter, DDS John R.
Published: January 2015

The T-Scan is an effective patient education tool for illustrating existing occlusal pathology. It presents complex occlusal information in a visual format that is easily understood. The T-Scan applies to all stages of the teaching/learning process because its recorded data forms the framework upon which a doctor/patient discussion can begin regarding the patient's occlusal disease manifestations, the potential benefit of treatments, and the risks of not undergoing corrective treatment. When used as part of an educational strategy, the T-Scan can lead the patient to accept procedures that would benefit their long-term dental health. This chapter outlines the four stages of creating optimum dental health, the steps required to perform effective teaching and learning, the differing styles of teaching and learning utilized in educational forums, and how to best employ the technique of Feature, Function, and Benefit. A case study illustrates how T-Scan data can educate a patient about their own occlusal problems.
Improving Supply Chain Delivery Performance Using Lean Six Sigma
Authors: Guiffrida Alfred L. , Weeks Kelly O. , Chen Lihua
Published: January 2015

Models for evaluating and improving delivery performance play an important role in the management of supply chains. A review of supply chain delivery models that use Six Sigma methodologies indicate that the models are limited to only make-to-order supply chains where improvement in delivery performance occurs at a fixed (static) point in time. In this chapter, the authors present a generalized delivery performance model that overcomes these limitations. The model presented here can be used to measure delivery performance in both make-to-order and make-to-stock supply chains and supports improvement in delivery performance over a planned time horizon with definable milestones for attaining targeted levels of improvement. Numerical illustrations of the model are presented.
Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare
Authors: Aboelmaged Mohamed Gamal
Published: January 2015

The chapter clarifies emerging aspects and trends of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in healthcare through the systematic examination of 162 peer-reviewed articles in business, management, and healthcare disciplines that have been published over a ten-year period from 2004 to January 2014. Every article is analyzed using a scheme of six distinct dimensions including year of publication, journal, applications areas, tools and techniques, benefits and improvements, and research type. The chapter provides significant insights into the state of the art of LSS in healthcare research and clarifies confusion in the literature as to what constitutes LSS role in improving healthcare context.
Knowledge Sharing, Social Relationships, and Contextual Performance
Authors: Peng Jianping , Quan Jing , Zhang Guoying , Dubinsky Alan J.
Published: January 2015

A firm's core competitiveness results primarily from its ability to innovate. Knowledge sharing plays an important role in promoting sustained innovation. This research examines two factors that enable employee knowledge sharing. Using responses from a questionnaire that was distributed to professionals in a research and development (R&D) department of a Chinese commercial elevator firm, the investigation examines whether social relationships and contextual performance influence knowledge sharing through the moderating effect of employee IT competence. Study findings reveal that social relationships—which include both the degree of centrality of the employee's social network and frequency of interpersonal interaction—and employee contextual performance have a significant positive impact on knowledge sharing. This association, however, is found to be positively moderated by employee IT competence. The findings provide managerial and future research insights pertaining to promoting knowledge sharing by enhancing employee social relationships, rewarding contextual performance, and providing regular IT training for employees.
Invasive Fungal Infections in Endogenous Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Selbach Scheffel Rafael , Dora José Miguel , Schwerz Weinert Letícia , Aquino Valério , Maia Ana Luiza , Canani Luis Henrique , Goldani Luciano Z.
Published: January 2015

Cushing’s syndrome is a condition characterized by elevated cortisol levels that can result from either augmented endogenous production or exogenous administration of corticosteroids. The predisposition to fungal infections among patients with hypercortisolemia has been noted since Cushing’s original description of the disease. We describe here a patient with endo-genous Cushing’s syndrome secondary to an adrenocortical carcinoma, who developed concomitant disseminated cryptococcosis and candidiasis in the course of his disease.
Diagnosis of Clostridium difficile Infection: Comparison of Four Methods on Specimens Collected in Cary-Blair Transport Medium and tcdB PCR on Fresh Versus Frozen Samples
Authors: Brown Noah A. , Lebar William D. , Young Carol L. , Hankerd Rosemary E. , Newton Duane W.
Published: January 2015

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) caused by toxigenic strains of C. difficile is primarily a nosocomial infection with increasing prevalence. Stool specimens are typically collected in Cary-Blair transport medium to maximize culture-based detection of common stool pathogens. The goal of this study was to establish an analytically accurate and efficient algorithm for the detection of CDI in our patient population using samples collected in Cary-Blair transport medium. In addition, we wished to determine whether the sensitivity and specificity of PCR was affected by freezing samples before testing. Using 357 specimens, we compared four methods: enzyme immunoassay for the antigen glutamate dehydrogenase (Wampole™ C. DIFF CHEK-60 Assay, GDH), toxin A and B enzyme immunoassay (Remel ProSpecT™ C. difficile Toxin A/B Microplate Assay, Toxin EIA), cell culture cytotoxicity neutralization assay (Bartels™ Cytotoxicity Assay, CT), and real-time PCR targeting the toxin B gene (BD GeneOhm™ Cdiff Assay, PCR). The analytic sensitivity and specificity of each as determined using a combined gold standard were as follows: GDH, 100% and 93.2%; Toxin EIA, 82.9% and 82.9%; CT, 100% and 100%; PCR (performed on frozen specimens) 74.3% and 96.6%; respectively. However, the sensitivity and specificity of PCR improved to 100% when performed on 50 fresh stool samples collected in Cary-Blair. While CT remains a sensitive method for the detection of CDI, GDH offers an excellent initial screening method to rule out CDI. While the performance of each assay did not appear to be affected by collection in Cary-Blair medium, PCR performed better using fresh specimens.
The First Reported Case of Bartonella Endocarditis in Thailand
Authors: Pachirat Orathai , Kosoy Michael , Bai Ying , Prathani Sompop , Puapairoj Anucha , Zeidner Nordin , Peruski Leonard F. , Baggett Henry , Watt George , Maloney Susan A.
Published: January 2015

Bartonella species have been shown to cause acute, undifferentiated fever in Thailand. A study to identify causes of endocarditis that were blood culture-negative using routine methods led to the first reported case in Thailand of Bartonella endocarditis A 57 year-old male with underlying rheumatic heart disease presented with severe congestive heart failure and suspected infective endocarditis. The patient underwent aortic and mitral valve replacement. Routine hospital blood cultures were negative but B. henselae was identified by serology, PCR, immunohistochemistry and specific culture techniques.