bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROPERTIES AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF CEMENT PASTE INCLUDING RECYCLED CONCRETE POWDER
Authors: Topič Jaroslav , Prošek Zdenek
Published: March 2017

The disposal and further recycling of concrete is being investigated worldwide, because the issue of complete recycling has not yet been fully resolved. A fundamental difficulty faced by researchers is the reuse of the recycled concrete fines which are very small (< 1 mm). Currently, full recycling of such waste fine fractions is highly energy intensive and resulting in production of CO2. Because of this, the only recycling methods that can be considered as sustainable and environmentally friendly are those which involve recycled concrete powder (RCP) in its raw form. This article investigates the performance of RCP with the grain size < 0.25 mm as a potential binder replacement, and also as a microfiller in cement-based composites. Here, the RCP properties are assessed, including how mechanical properties and the microstructure are influenced by increasing the amount of the RCP in a cement paste (≤ 25 wt%).
1D HERMITE ELEMENTS FOR C1-CONTINUOUS SOLUTIONS IN SECOND GRADIENT ELASTICITY
Authors: Liebold Christian , Müller Wolfgang H.
Published: March 2017

We present a modified strain gradient theory of elasticity for linear isotropic materials in order to account for the so-called size effect. Additional material length scale parameters are introduced and the problem of static beam bending is analyzed. A numerical solution is derived by means of a finite element approach. A global C1-continuous displacement field is applied in finite element solutions because the higher-order strain energy density additionally depends on second gradients of displacements. So-called Hermite finite elements are used that allow for merging gradients between elements. The element stiffness matrix as well as the global stiffness matrix of the problem is developed. Convergence, C1-continuity and the size effect in the numerical solution is shown. Experiments on bending stiffnesses of different sized micro beams made of the polymer SU-8 are performed by using an atomic force microscope and the results are compared to the numerical solution.
UHPC SANDWICH STRUCTURES WITH COMPOSITE COATING UNDER COMPRESSIVE LOAD
Authors: Markowski Jan , Lohaus Ludger
Published: March 2017

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) sandwich structures with composite coating serve as multipurpose load-bearing elements. The UHPC’s extraordinary compressive strength is used in a multi-material construction element, while issues regarding the concrete’s brittle failure behaviour are properly addressed. A hollow section concrete core is covered by two steel tubes. The outer steel tube is wrapped in a composite material. By this design, UHPC is used in a material- and shape-optimised way with a low dead weight ratio[1] concerning the load-bearing capacity and stability[2]. The cross-section’s hollow shape optimises the construction’s buckling stability while saving self-weight. The composite coating on the column’s outside functions both as a layer increasing the construction’s durability and as a structural component increasing the the maximum and the residual load capacity. Investigations on the construction’s structural behaviour were performed.
PARAMETERS AFFECTING THE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF A TUNNEL STRUCTURE EXPOSED TO FIRE
Authors: Pouran Omid , Harte Reinhard , Peter Carsten
Published: March 2017

Behaviour of cut-and-cover tunnels exposed to fire should be analysed by using a realistic structural model that takes account of mechanical and thermal effects on the structure. This has been performed with the aid of Finite Element (FE) software package called SOFiSTiK in parallel, for two types of elements as a scope of research project financed by the German Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen BAST. Since the stiffness of the structure at elevated temperatures is highly affected, a realistic model of structural behaviour of the tunnel could be only achieved by considering the nonlinear analysis of the structure. This has been performed for a 2–cell cut and cover tunnel by taking account of simultaneous reduction of stiffness and strength and the time-dependent increasing indirect effects due to axial constraints and temperature gradients induced by elevated temperatures. The thermal analyses have been performed and the effects were implemented into the structural model by the multi-layered strain model. The stress–strain model proposed by EN 1992-1-2 is implemented for the elevated temperature. Since there was sufficient amount of Polypropylene fibres in the concrete mixtures, modelling of spalling was excluded from the analysis. The critical corresponding stresses and material behaviour are compared and interpreted at different time stages. The main parameters affecting the accuracy and convergence of the results of structural analysis for the used model are identified: defining a realistic fire action, using concrete material model fulfilling the requirements of fire situation in tunnels, defining appropriate time intervals for load implementations. These parameters along with other parameters, which influence the results to a lesser degree, are identified and investigated in this paper.
Economic evaluation of type 2 diabetes mellitus burden and its main cardiovascular complications in the Russian Federation
Authors: Dedov Ivan I. , Koncevaya Anna V. , Shestakova Marina V. , Belousov Yuriy B. , Balanova Julia A. , Khudyakov Mikhail B. , Karpov Oleg I.
Published: March 2017

Background. Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DMT2) is a complex medical and social problem in the world and in the Russian Federation also due to prevalence and probability of cardio-vascular complications (CVC).Aim. Economic burden evaluation of DMT2 in the Russian Federation.Methods. Complex analysis of expenditures (direct and non-direct costs) based on epidemiological, pharmacoeconomics and clinical investigations, population and medical statistics data.Results. Calculated expenditures for DMT2 are 569 bln RUR per year, that is correspond to 1% of the Russian GDP, and 34,7% of that are expenditures for main CVC (ischemic heart disease, cardiac infarction, stroke). Main part of expenses are non-medical (losses GDP) due to temporary and permanent disability, untimely mortality – 426,7 bln RUR per year. Expenditures in estimated group of patients with non-diagnosed DMT2 but with already having CVC were at least 107 bln per year (18,8% from total cost). Relationship between cost of DMT2 and degree of it’s control was found in the Russian conditions. Estimated cost for compensated patient (HbA1c6,5%) per year was 88 982 RUR, in the same time cost of non-control patient (HbA1c9,5%) was in 2,8 times higher due to more often main CVC in this group.Conclusion. DMT2 diagnosis improvement as well as effective treatment of early stages of illness can decrease probability of CVC and social economic expenditures.
Globaler Süden, Kapitalismus und die Zukunft von Degrowth
Authors: Lange Steffen
Published: March 2017

Große Fragen wie ‚Postwachstum für den Globalen Süden?‘ und ‚Degrowth im Kapitalismus?‘ standen im Mittelpunkt der fünften Degrowth-Konferenz. Neben den inhaltlichen Diskussionen ist nun auch eine Debatte über die Zukunft der Degrowth- Bewegung entbrannt.
Mythos monetärer Wachstumszwang: Am Gelde hängt doch alles?
Authors: Schindler Harry , Strunz Sebastian , Bartkowski Bartosz
Published: March 2017

Im Postwachstumsdiskurs erfreuen sich Theorien eines monetären Wachstumszwangsgroßer Popularität. Jedoch stellt die Vielschichtigkeit des sozialen Phänomens Geld einseitige Kausalitäten infrage. Welche Bedeutung kommt dem Geld system wirklich zu?
Beim Umbau des Geldsystems stehen wir erst am Anfang
Authors: Loske Reinhard
Published: March 2017

Seit einigen Jahren wird versucht, das an anderer Stelle sehr fruchtbare Konzept der „Wende“ auch auf geldpolitische Aspekte anzuwenden. Doch wie müsste eine Geldwende aussehen, die den Zielen einer nachhaltigen Entwicklung entspricht?
Lehren aus dem regionalen Emissionshandel in Nordamerika
Authors: Rudolph Sven , Morotomi Toru , Kawakatsu Takeshi , Lerch Achim
Published: March 2017

Um die immensen Herausforderungen zu bewältigen, muss das Pariser Klimaabkommenauf allen Regulierungsebenen konkretisiert werden. Lokale und regionale Emissionshandelssysteme bieten gerade in Situationen nationalen Politikversagens Chancen für den Klimaschutz von unten.
CLARA KARYA SENO GUMIRA AJIDARMA DALAM KAJIAN STILISTIKA
Authors: Christine Resnitriwati .
Published: March 2017

Abstract People can express their feelings by using several ways –orally or in written.Orally means when they speak their feelings directly in front of other people, but when they express their feelings by writing them down in a novel, plag, poem or letter, we call it as in written. Seno Gumira Ajidarma expressed his feeling in Clara in written. He protested the humiliation of Chinese women in 1998 by unknown people in Indonesia.The purpose in this paper is to analyze the way how Seno expressed his feeling in Clara.The writen used stylistic method to understand what the author will say in that story, the exthetic elements and special effects that we can get in Clara by using this method.The results show that the stylistic method using in Clara can express clearly the author’s ideology about the misery of Chinese woman named Clara who was raped brutally in Mei 1998. Keywords:  Cina, perkosa, gaya bunyi, gaya kata, gaya kalimat
THE PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF DAIRY CATTLE BUSINESS ON THE GROUP OF DAIRY FARMERS IN WEST UNGARAN DISTRICT SEMARANG REGENCY
Authors: Dolewikou R. L. , Sumekar W. , Setiadi A.
Published: March 2017

The objective of the study was to determine the profitability of dairy cattle business on the group of dairy farming in District of West Ungaran, Semarang Regency. This research was conducted from February to March 2016 through a survey method. Respondents in this study were lactating dairy farmers on the group of dairy farmers in District of West Ungaran. Then, location was determined by using purposive sampling. Further, respondents were determined by using census method for 40 people; those were 11 respondents of Mardi Mulyo farmer group members, 4 respondents of Sumber Hasil members, and 25 respondents of Ngudi Makmur members. Then, data were analyzed by employing the analysis of income and profitability. The result of study indicated that the average income over the cash cost was as much as IDR. 34,708,139.20 per year or IDR.2,892,344.93 per month, and the average income over the total cost was as much as IDR.4,867,808.92 per year or IDR. 405,650.74 per month. The profitability was 10.34% greater than the bank interest for farming business loans for 5% per year. It could be concluded that dairy cattle business on the group of dairy farmers in West Ungaran was profitable.
DAMPAK RANGKAIAN SEL ELEKTRODA AL-C DALAM ELEKTROKIMIAUNTUK MENDEGRADASI LIMBAH TEKSTIL
Authors: Wiratini Ni Made , Kartowasono Ngadiran
Published: March 2017

Abstract IMPACT OF AL-C ELECTRODE CELL CIRCUIT IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY FOR TEXTILES WASTE DEGRADATION. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact circuit of Al-C electrode cell in electrochemical to degrade textile waste. To achieve these goals, 1) cells that were developed using 3 electrode by varying the electrochemical cell circuit  such as: cell circuit 1(anode: Al-C series, cathode C), cell circuit 2 ( anode: Al-C parallel, cathode C), cell circuit 3(anode: Al-C series, cathode: Al), and cell circuit 4 ( anode: Al-C parallel, cathode: Al); 2) varying the electrode spacing, ie: 3, 6, 9 and 12 cm; and 3) varying the voltage, which is 3, 6, 9, and 13, 5 V. BOD, DO, COD, pH, and absorbance were  measured before and after degradation in every varying cell circuit, electrode spacing, and voltage.  The results showed: black textile waste, odor, COD 2540 mg / L, DO 0 mg / L, BOD 0 mg / L, pH 11, and the absorbance was 0.92. While  best cells circuit is cell circuit 2 (anode: Al-C parallel and c in cathodes), best electrode spacing for processing textile waste is 3 cm, and the best voltage to degrade textile waste is 13.5 V. Key words: degradation, electrochemical, set of cells, textile waste Abstrak Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengetahui dampak rangkaian sel elektroda Al-C dalam elektrokimia untuk mendegradasi limbah tekstil. Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut, 1) sel yang dikembangkan menggunakan 3 elektroda dengan memvariasikan rangkaian sel elektrokimia  yaitu: rangkaian 1 (anoda: Al-C seri, katoda C), rangkaian 2(anoda: Al-C paralel, katoda C), rangkaian 3( anoda: Al-C seri, katoda: Al), dan rangkaian 4( anoda: Al-C paralel, katoda: Al); 2) memvariasikan jarak elektroda, yaitu: 3,6, 9, dan 12 cm; dan 3) memvariasikan voltase, yaitu 3, 6, 9, dan 13, 5 V. BOD, DO, COD, pH dan absorbansi diukur sebelum dan sesudah degradasi pada setiap variasi rangkaian sel, jarak, dan voltase. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: limbah tekstil berwarna hitam, berbau, COD 2540 mg/L, DO 0 mg/L, BOD 0 mg/L, pH 11, dan absorbansi 0,92. Sedangkan rangkaian sel yang paling baik adalah rangkaian sell 2 (anoda: Al-C parallel dan katoda: C), jarak elektroda terbaik untuk pengolahan limbah tekstil adalah 3 cm, dan voltase yang terbaik untuk mendegradasi limbah tekstil 13,5 V. Kata-kata kunci: degradasi, elektrokimia, limbah tekstil,  rangkaian sel
Practical use of High-Resolution 20 MHz Ultrasonography in Dermatovenerology
Authors: Kozarova A , Minarikova E , Pappova T
Published: March 2017

High-frequency skin ultrasonography using Dermascan C, manufactured by Cortex Technology, is an important part of modern diagnostic procedure of various skin diseases. It has been used in dermatology since 1979, when it was first used for the measurement of cutaneous thickness. Ultrasonography is a universal, painless, low-risk and non-invasive procedure that can easily be performed and repeated. It provides real-time visual information about the processes in the skin. This technique has grown to become frequent imaging method in dermatology.

Skin ultrasonography is usually applied in the assessment of skin tumours, inflammatory or fibrosing skin diseases. The main application of ultrasonography in dermatovenerology is a preoperative thickness measurement of malignant melanoma. There is an excellent correlation between ultrasonographic and histological measurements of melanomas thickness. Moreover, information about the lesion quality and the inner structure can be obtained. In this article authors present the possibility of using high-frequency 20 MHz ultrasonography in dermatovenerology.
Screening of Patients with Psoriasis for Psoriatic Arthritis in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Urbancek S , Sutka R , Kmecova Z , Salkovska J , Vano I , Pecova T , Rovensky J
Published: March 2017

Global prevalence of psoriasis is ranging from 0.91 % to 8.5 % [1]. Exact numbers are missing for Slovakia. 1-5% range is the most probable while 2 % is also mentioned as an average prevalence for the European population. There is approximately 110 thousand patients suffering from psoriasis when extrapolating from total population of 5.5 million [2]. Extracutaneous manifestation is observed in 11–30 % of patients after years of solely skin symptoms presentation [3, 4, 5, 6].

Objective: To estimate prevalence of psoriatic arthritis among psoriatic patients population visiting dermatology out-patient irrelevant of the disease duration and the treatment regimen. To compare the sensitivity of both tests (ToPAS and PASE) used, evaluate possible PsA risk factors.

Methods: This was a prospective, non-interventional, epidemiological, observational study conducted using a survey administered to psoriatic patients by their dermatologists. 10–20 consequent outpatients with psoriasis in each center in 43 regional dermatology officies were screened for the presence of extra-cutaneous symptoms (i.e. joint pain, enthesitis, dactylitis, nail involvement) using questionnaire, developed specificaly for this study, and by the PASE and ToPAS questionnaires. Patients without personal history of PsA and „positivity“ of PASE and/or ToPAS were sent to the center for confirmation / exclusion of the diagnosis by applying CASPAR criteria. Outcomes were statistically processed.

Results: 177 (21.8 %) of total of 831 psoriatic patients had PsA. 9 of 177 (5.35 %) has been newly diagnosed. There was almost equal number of men (50.5 %) and women (49.5 %).

Plaque psoriasis has been most frequent type – 76.9 %. 43.2 % of PsA patients reported the onset of the disease after 40 years of life. Time interval between onset of psoriasis and PsA has been less than 10 years in 20.2 %, 10–20 years in 20.8 % and more than 20 years in 16.1 %. Most frequent co-morbidity in the study population was hypertension 23.2 %, asthma 3 % and diabetes 2.4 %. Average value of BSA and PASI was higher in PsA vs. non-PsA group: 24 vs. 20 and 10 vs 9, respectively. The sensitivity (72.6 % vs 58.9 %, P=0.01) and specificity (81.3 % vs 80.5 %) of ToPAS was higher compared to PASE.

Conclusion: 21.8 % PsA prevalence in psoriatic population in Slovakia is within the range observed in other studies. ToPAS test showed comparable results in terms of specificity, but significantly better results in terms of sensitivity and its early application should be of major importance because of the diagnostic process acceleration. The effect of an early diagnosis on the total patient outcome should be an objective of further research. This project was supported from educational grant of Pfizer Inc.
Treatment of biphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) combining surgical resection and PRGF®-Endoret® and rehabilitation with dental implants: Case report
Authors: Anitua Eduardo
Published: March 2017

Background: The first cases of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) were reported in 2003. Since then number of possible treatments have been proposed. Case report: We report a case of a 50-yearold patient with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). The treatment included resection of necrotic bone and the application of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF®-Endoret®). We closed the ulcer in the soft tissue and the treated bone was regenerated one year later. Finally the regenerated area was rehabilitated with dental implants. Conclusion: Resection followed by PRGF® -Endoret® was successful in promoting closure of the wound and the recovery of nerve function.
Assessment of patterns and variability in lower extremity coordination between genders with different shoe insole stiffness during jump-landing tasks
Authors: Noghondar Fatemeh Alirezaei , Yazdi Nahid Khoshraftar
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The study aims to examine how shoe insole cushioning can influence coordination pattern and variability in males and females during the landing phase of a jump-landing task.
Methods. Twenty participants (10 males and 10 females) performed jump-landing tasks, and the continuous relative phase (CRP) and the variability of CRP in foot-shank and shank-thigh couplings were determined during the landing phase.

Results

Women represented lower CRP and CRP variability of foot-shank coupling in non-insole conditions (p < 0.05). Shoe insole stiffness had no significant effect on CRP or variability in CRP (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Although females are characterised by lower coupling variability in non-insole conditions, they do have the capacity to achieve similar coordination patterns and variability as males, in soft and hard conditions. These findings suggest that with changes in the shoe insole, females can achieve similar joint coupling coordination patterns and variability as compared with males under soft and stiff conditions. In addition, as per this study, changes in shoe insole stiffness may not have an impact on coordinative strategies or variability of lower extremity joints couplings during landing.
World Energy Resources and New Technologies
Authors: Szmyd Janusz S.
Published: March 2017

The development of civilisation is linked inextricably with growing demand for electricity. Thus, the still-rapid increase in the level of utilisation of natural resources, including fossil fuels, leaves it more and more urgent that conventional energy technologies and the potential of the renewable energy sources be made subject to re-evaluation. It is estimated that last 200 years have seen use made of more than 50% of the available natural resources. Equally, if economic forecasts prove accurate, for at least several more decades, oil, natural gas and coal will go on being the basic primary energy sources. The alternative solution represented by nuclear energy remains a cause of considerable public concern, while the potential for use to be made of renewable energy sources is seen to be very much dependent on local environmental conditions. For this reason, it is necessary to emphasise the impact of research that focuses on the further sharpening-up of energy efficiency, as well as actions aimed at increasing society’s awareness of the relevant issues. The history of recent centuries has shown that rapid economic and social transformation followed on from the industrial and technological revolutions, which is to say revolutions made possible by the development of power-supply technologies. While the 19th century was “the age of steam” or of coal, and the 20th century the era of oil and gas, the question now concerns the name that will at some point come to be associated with the 21st century. In this paper, the subjects of discussion are primary energy consumption and energy resources, though three international projects on the global scale are also presented, i.e. ITER, Hydrates and DESERTEC. These projects demonstrate new scientific and technical possibilities, though it is unlikely that commercialisation would prove feasible before 2050. Research should thus be focused on raising energy efficiency. The development of high-efficiency technologies that reinforce energy security is presented, with it being assumed that these new high-efficiency technologies are capable of being applied globally in the near future.
Extreme Weather Events and their Consequences
Authors: Kundzewicz Zbigniew W.
Published: March 2017

The damage (in real terms after adjusting for inflation) caused by extreme weather events globally has increased dramatically over the past few decades. This is a result of an increase in the amplitude and frequency of weather extremes, as well as of human factors causing a widespread increase in levels of exposure and vulnerability. There are a number of reasons to consider that, in many regions of the globe, weather extremes (e.g. heat waves, droughts, forest fires, intense rainfall, floods and landslides) are becoming both yet more extreme and more frequent. Projections for the future based on climate and impact models point to a further strengthening of this trend. There has already been an increase in rainfall intensity in conditions of a warmer climate, and a continuation of this trend is expected, with adverse consequences for flood risk. However, the development of flood-prone areas and increase in damage potential are often the dominant factors underpinning growing flood damage and flood risk. In warmer climates, an increased risk of river and flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall, as well as an increasing risk of coastal flooding associated with sea level rise can be expected over large areas. By the same token, a reduction in the risk of snowmelt flooding events is projected in the warmer climate. Projections also indicate an increased risk of drought in many areas. The projections for climate change in Poland point to several risks associated with an increase in the frequency, intensity and severity of weather extremes (heat waves, intensive rainfall, flooding and landslides, coastal surges, drought during the growing season and winter, strong winds and pathogens associated with warming). Heat waves will become more frequent, more intense and more troublesome for the ageing population of Poland.
The Demographic Crisis and Global Migration – Selected Issues
Authors: Frątczak Ewa Zofia
Published: March 2017

Currently the world is undergoing a serious demographic shift, characterised by slowing population growth in developed countries. However, the population in certain less-developed regions of the world is still increasing. According to UN data, as of 2015, (World… 2015), 244 million people (or 3.3% of the global population) lived outside their country of birth. While most of these migrants travel abroad looking for better economic and social conditions, there are also those forced to move by political crises, revolutions and war. Such migration is being experienced currently in Europe, a continent which is thus going through both a demographic crisis related to the low fertility rate and population ageing, and a migration crisis.

Global migrations link up inseparably with demographic transformation processes taking place globally and resulting in the changing tempo of population growth. Attracting and discouraging migration factors are changing at the same time, as is the scale and range of global migration, and with these also the global consequences. The focus of work addressed in this paper is on global population, the demographic transformation and the role of global migrations, as well as the range and scale of international migration, and selected aspects of global migrations including participation in the global labour market, the scale of monetary transfers (remittances) and the place of global migration in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Transforming… 2015) and the Europe of two crises (Domeny 2016).
Walthère Victor Spring – A Forerunner in the Study of the Greenhouse Effect
Authors: Demarée Gaston R. , Verheyden Rosiane
Published: March 2017

In 1886, an article by Walthère Spring and Léon Roland, two scientists from the University of Liège, dealing with the carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere in Liège appeared in the “Mẻmoires” of the Royal Academy of Belgium. In order to explain the difference between temperatures in the city of Liège and those observed in that city’s environs, the authors invoked the high level of atmospheric CO2. Although the climatological argument was rather weak and the article concerned only a local impact, it is obvious that Spring can be viewed as a precursor of Svante Arrhenius who foresaw global warming in 1895–1896.
A first view of the unseen: nests of an endangered Atlantic Forest rat species
Authors: Bovendorp Ricardo S. , Laskowski Jessica A. , Percequillo Alexandre R.
Published: March 2017

For the first time, we observed and photographed nests of the elusive and endangered Russet rice rat, Euryoryzomys russatus. Sensitive to deforestation, the Russet rice rat is restricted to areas of contiguous Atlantic Forest in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. All five nests that we found were located at the base of endangered tree species, suggesting that loss of nesting habitat in deforested areas might contribute to population declines. We also observed litter size, antagonistic behavior and behavior suggestive of monogamy, rare in small mammals. Our discoveries open new questions about Russet rice rat ecology; questions that will likely help us to better understand why they’re more sensitive to deforestation than other closely related species.
Crystal structure of (η
6-benzene)-(N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-1-(pyridin-2-yl)methanimine-κ2
N,N′)ruthenium(II) perchlorate monohydrate, C20H20Cl2N2O5Ru
Authors: Gichumbi Joel M. , Omondi Bernard , Friedrich Holger B.
Published: March 2017

C20H20Cl2N2O5Ru, monoclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 8.7921(2) Å, b = 11.2515(3) Å, c = 11.7014(3) Å, α = 103.752(1)°, β = 107.296(1)°, γ = 98.562(1)°, V = 1043.01(5) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0198, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0553, T = 173 K.
Spike Morphology Genes in Wheat Species (TriticumL.)
Authors: Konopatskaia Irina , Vavilova Valeriya , Blinov Alexandr , Goncharov Nikolay P.
Published: March 2017

The review examines the state of knowledge on genes that control the architectonics of wheat plant (spike morphology). It is shown that molecular genetic studies, which have been recently started, allow to find both the orthologous genes from relative species of wheat (barley, rye, etc.) and genes that were not previously used for breeding. Use of these genes for further breeding allows to produce modern wheat commercial cultivars.
Relationships among Work Life, Mental Health Status and Organisation-based Self-esteem
Authors: Devin Hassan Fahim , Farbod Davood
Published: March 2017

Quality of Work Life (QWL) is a multi-dimensional concept that covers employees’ feelings about various dimensions of work. The current study focused on QWL that can contribute to the mental health status and Organisation-Based Self-Esteem (OBSE) of employees in context of sport organisation in Iran. In this descriptive–correlative study, data was collected using three standard questionnaires: Goldberg’s (1978) General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Pierce, Gardner, Cummings and Dunham's (1989) OBSE scale, and Walton’s (1975) QWL questionnaire. The statistical sample of the study consisted of 67 (53 male, 14 female) employees of sport and youth organisations of the Northern Khorasan Province of Iran. The alpha value for mental health, OBSE and QWL questionnaires were, respectively, 0.82, 0.80, 0.79. QWL was significantly correlated with mental health status and self-esteem of employees. Thus, it can be concluded that mental health and self-esteem of employees depend on how these employees perceive QWL in organisations. Among QWL subscales, fair and adequate pay along with growth opportunities were the strongest predictors of mental health; growth opportunities along with development of human capabilities were the strongest predictors of self-esteem of employees. Our study adds to the growing body of research on mental health status in relation to factors such as QWL. In view of our findings, we hope that improving work environment as a means of improving one’s mental health status will be more emphasized by organisation managers.
Cystic fibrosis - general review on sinonasal complications and case report
Authors: Manea Claudiu , Diaconescu Alina
Published: March 2017

An irreversible disease, cystic fibrosis (CF), is responsible for affecting multiple organ systems containing epithelia. It is well known that the sinonasal disease caused by CF has consequences for the incidence of the lower airway exacerbations, as well as affecting the quality of life of those patients. This review provides an update by evaluating the available literature regarding pathogenesis, management and treatment of cystic fibrosis patients. To gain a better view of the disease and obtain a higher life expectancy, further studies are needed.
Permeabilization surgery of the upper respiratory tract and its effects on sleep fragmentation and REM sleep
Authors: Tanase Ionut , Manea Claudiu , Sarafoleanu Codrut
Published: March 2017

Usually, patients with sleep disorders may complain of tiredness, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, difficulty in concentrating, and can reach up to falling asleep in inappropriate situations – condition known as the Pickwick syndrome. To avoid these unpleasant symptoms, a series of surgical procedures regarding the anatomical structures involved in sleep apnea were developed.

The article is a general review regarding the sleep disorders and the influence of upper airways permeability on the quality of sleep and the sleep staging distribution. Also, we present some preliminary data obtained in a clinical study underwent in CESITO Centre “Sfanta Maria” Hospital, Bucharest, involving patients with sleep pathology that had polysomnographic evaluations before and after various surgical procedures of nasal and pharyngeal permeabilization.

AIMS. To determine that permeabilization surgery of the upper airway tract may be used successfully in order to decrease the sleep fragmentation and increase the time of slow-wave sleep.

CONCLUSION. 6 months after the permeabilization surgery of the upper airway tract, the polysomnography reveals that the arousals index decreased and the sleep architecture undergoes changes that consist in decreasing the Stage 1 and Stage 2 sleep, therefore REM sleep reaches a better score.
Der Einfluss des Bildungsniveaus von Frauen auf das Scheidungsverhalten in der Schweiz, 1952–2013
Authors: Villiger Simone
Published: March 2017

Der Beitrag zeigt auf, dass von 1952 bis 2003 in der Schweiz für hoch gebildete Frauen die höchste Scheidungswahrscheinlichkeit bestand. Von 2004 bis 2013 hingegen sind keine bildungsspezifischen Unterschiede hinsichtlich des Scheidungsverhaltens mehr festzustellen, da die Scheidungswahrscheinlichkeit vor allem für tief, aber auch für mittel gebildete Frauen zugenommen hat. Folglich ist der Zusammenhang zwischen dem Bildungsniveau der Frauen und dem Scheidungsverhalten in der Schweiz zwischen 1952 und 2013 verschwunden.
Fixed-Term Jobs after Vocational Education and Training in Switzerland: Stepping Stone or Impediment?
Authors: Helbling Laura A.
Published: March 2017

Competing assumptions about whether entering the labour market via fixed-term jobs is a good or bad start into work life persist in the literature. Based on the longitudinal survey TREE, this article sheds light on (1) who enters the Swiss labour market via fixed-term jobs after graduating from initial vocational education and on (2) the consequences regarding their future returns. Results indicate that vocational education graduates entering the work force via fixed-term jobs of low occupational status must expect lower future wages.
The Impact of Female Labour Force Participation on Household Income Inequality in Switzerland
Authors: Kuhn Ursina , Ravazzini Laura
Published: March 2017

This contribution investigates the link between female labour force participation and household income inequality using data from the Swiss Household Panel (2000-2014). Through index decomposition analyses, we find that female labour force participation has slightly attenuated household income inequality over time. Women’s entry into the labour market, higher work percentages within part-time work - but not the shift from part-time to full-time work - and the weak correlation in partner’s earnings have contributed to this effect.
Retour vers le futur : la reféodalisation du capitalisme moderne
Authors: Neckel Sighard
Published: March 2017

Dans de nombreuses sociétés modernes, une transformation sociale est en cours, établissant des privilèges «néo-féodaux» pour les classes fortunées, tandis que les couches inférieures sont confrontées à l’exclusion et au retour du travail forcé. Se référant à un concept analytique développé jadis par Jürgen Habermas, cette transformation est conçue comme une «reféodalisation» du capitalisme moderne. La «reféodalisation» est un mode paradoxal de transformation sociale qui fait apparaître des modèles sociaux pré-modernes comme résultats de la modernisation.
Building Effective Marketing Communications in Tourism
Authors: Gorlevskaya Liudmila
Published: March 2017

In the world of rapid technological evolution and economy of digitalization, consumers are continuously changing. Tourists are among the first. Their behaviour, media consumption, engagement level and expectations must influence on transformation of applied communication tools. In recent decades, the pace of change became faster. Media consumption has shifted to Internet, Mobile and innovative mediums. The paper proposes modern forms of communication tools on different stages of making-decision process and describes role of each to build marketing communications of tourism industry actors in a more effective way.
Test taker-initiated repairs in an English oral proficiency exam for international teaching assistants
Authors: Kim Stephanie Hyeri , Park Innhwa
Published: March 2017

This paper is a conversation-analytic examination of video-recorded interactions between questioners and test takers during an English oral proficiency exam for international teaching assistants (ITAs). We focus on the test takers’ repair strategies identified in our data, and describe how distinct repair strategies influence the repair solution in the next turn. The test takers’ open-class repair initiator (e.g., “sorry?”) is likely to be treated as a hearing problem, and thus is responded to with the questioners’ repetition of the question. In contrast, the test takers’ targeted repair initiator (e.g., “what do you mean by x?”) is likely to be treated as an understanding problem, and thus is responded to with the questioners’ reformulation of the question. This reformulation generally helps the test takers successfully respond to the question despite the initial understanding problem. The findings have implications for teaching oral communication skills to ITAs, repair strategies in particular. They also contribute to improving performance-based oral proficiency exam by introducing different sequential trajectories that emerge from problems in hearing or understanding.
Venous blood gases: is it useful in COPD?
Authors: Avci Akkan , Satar Salim , Aksay Erdem , Koçer Mürsel , Gedik Muhammed Semih , Avci Begüm Şeyda , Gülen Müge , Çelikdemir Alper
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The present study aims to investigate whether values of venous blood gas sampling can be used instead of arterial blood gas values in the evaluation of blood gas for the emergency service patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

Patients diagnosed COPD and identified to have acute exacerbation of COPD based on acute exacerbation of COPD criteria participated in the study. Data from arterial and venous samples were compared using Spearman and Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analysis.

Results

Ninety patients were included in this study. The results indicated statistically significant correlations between venous blood gas pH, pO2, pCO2 and HCO3 values and arterial pH, pO2, pCO2 and HCO3 values of the patients. The correlation for pH, pCO2 and HCO3 values were found to be significantly important (p<0.0001).

Discussion and conclusion

The findings of the study suggest that some formulations can be used to estimate pH and pCO2 values when evaluating the lung functions of the emergency service patients with acute exacerbation of COPD.
Fullerene adsorption on intermetallic compounds of increasing structural complexity
Authors: Ledieu Julian , Gaudry Émilie , Fournée Vincent , Smerdon J. A. , Diehl Renee D.
Published: March 2017

Compared to elemental crystals (Al, Cu, Ag, etc.), the local atomic arrangement within Al-based complex intermetallics is usually best described by highly symmetric clusters decorating the unit cell. With the latter containing tens to several thousand atoms (or an infinite number for the case of quasicrystals), this translates to structurally complex surfaces exhibiting unique potential energy landscapes. This review will focus on the different studies reporting the adsorption of C60 molecules on such complex metallic alloy surfaces, aiming to benefit from this complexity to create exotic molecular nanostructures. First, we will recall the main adsorption mechanisms and surface phases that have been identified when fullerene adsorption is carried out on single crystal surfaces. Second, we will discuss how surfaces of increasing structural complexity impact the film properties. The presence of five-fold symmetric adsorption sites is another intrinsic property of these complex intermetallic surfaces. As will be presented in this review, this leads to specific molecular orientations to maximize substrate–adsorbate symmetry matching, hence introducing another degree of freedom to create new 2-D molecular architectures. The local electronic interactions at the adsorption site interface will also be introduced. Furthermore, the different fullerene structures formed upon adsorption on aperiodic surfaces of varying chemical composition and on Bi allotropes will be discussed. Finally, suggestions will be given for future work along with the foreseen area of interests.
Leveraging agroecology for solutions in food, energy, and water
Authors: DeLonge Marcia , Basche Andrea
Published: March 2017

Global agriculture is facing growing challenges at the nexus of interconnected food, energy and water systems, including but not limited to persistent food insecurity and diet-related diseases; growing demands for energy and consequences for climate change; and declining water resources, water pollution, floods and droughts. Further, soil degradation and biodiversity loss are both triggers for and consequences of these problems. In this commentary, we argue that expanding agroecological principles, tools, and technologies and enhancing biological diversity can address these challenges and achieve better socioeconomic outcomes. Agroecology is often described as multi- or transdiscplinary, and applies ecological principles to the design and management of agricultural systems through scientific research, practice and collective action. While agroecology has roots in the study of food systems, agricultural land use has many direct and indirect linkages to water and energy systems that could benefit from agroecological insights, including use of water resources and the development of bio-based energy products. Although opportunities from the science and the practice of agroecology transcend national boundaries, obstacles to widespread adoption vary. In this article, we therefore focus on the United States, where key barriers include a shortage of research funds, limited supporting infrastructure, and cultural obstacles. Nevertheless, simply scaling up current models of agricultural production and land use practices will not solve many of the issues specific to food related challenges nor would such an approach address related energy and water concerns. We conclude that a first critical step to discovering solutions at the food, energy, water nexus will be to move past yield as a sole measure of success in agricultural systems, and call for more holistic considerations of the co-benefits and tradeoffs of different agricultural management options, particularly as they relate to environmental and equity outcomes.
Netrin-1 restores cell injury and impaired angiogenesis in vascular endothelial cells upon high glucose by PI3K/AKT-eNOS
Authors: Xing Ying , Lai Jingbo , Liu Xiangyang , Zhang Nana , Ming Jie , Liu Hengxin , Zhang Xi
Published: March 2017

Diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) represents a common vascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) with high morbidity and disability resulting from amputation. Netrin-1 level was decreased in type 2 DM patients and has been identified as a protective regulator against diabetes-triggered myocardial infarction and nephropathy. Unfortunately, its role and molecular mechanism in DFU remain poorly elucidated. Here, netrin-1 levels were reduced in DM and DFU patients relative to healthy controls, with netrin-1 levels being the lowest in DFU patients. Moreover, exposure to high glucose (HG) also suppressed netrin-1 expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Elevated netrin-1 expression by infection with Ad-netrin-1 adenovirus vector protected against HUVEC injury in response to HG by ameliorating the inhibitory effects on cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, cell apoptotic rate and caspase-3 activity. Importantly, HG-impaired angiogenesis was improved after netrin-1 overexpression by elevating cell migration, capillary-like tube formation and VEGF production. Mechanism assay substantiated that netrin-1 elevation increased the phosphorylation levels of AKT and eNOS, and NO production, which was notably suppressed by HG, indicating that netrin-1 overexpression restored HG-triggered impairment of the PI3K/AKT-eNOS pathway. More intriguingly, preconditioning with LY294002 (PI3K/AKT antagonist) or NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (eNOS inhibitor) antagonized netrin-1-induced activation of the PI3K/AKT-eNOS pathway. Concomitantly, treatment with these antagonists also attenuated the protective role of netrin-1 in endothelial dysfunction upon HG stimulation. These results suggest that elevation of netrin-1 may restore HG-triggered impairment of HUVEC and angiogenesis by activating the PI3K/AKT-eNOS pathway, indicating a potential agent for wound healing in DFU patients.
ATRX is a novel progesterone-regulated protein and biomarker of low developmental potential in mammalian oocytes
Authors: O’Shea Lynne C , Daly Edward , Hensey Carmel , Fair Trudee
Published: March 2017

A multi-species meta-analysis of published transcriptomic data from models of oocyte competence identified the chromatin remodelling factor ATRX as a putative biomarker of oocyte competence. The objective of the current study was to test the hypothesis that ATRX protein expression by cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) reflects their intrinsic quality and developmental potential. In excess of 10,000 bovine COCs were utilised to test our hypothesis. COCs were in vitro matured (IVM) under conditions associated with reduced developmental potential: IVM in the presence or absence of (1) progesterone synthesis inhibitor (Trilostane); (2) nuclear progesterone receptor inhibitor (Aglepristone) or (3) an inducer of DNA damage (Staurosporine). ATRX protein expression and localisation were determined using immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. A proportion of COCs matured in the presence or absence of Trilostane was in vitro fertilised and cultured, and subsequent embryo development characteristics were analysed. In addition, ATRX expression was investigated in 40 human germinal vesicle-stage COCs. Our results showed that ATRX is expressed in human and bovine germinal vesicle oocytes and cumulus cells. In bovine, expression decreases after IVM. However, this decline is not observed in COCs matured under sub-optimal conditions. Blastocyst development rate and cell number are decreased, whereas the incidence of abnormal metaphase phase spindle and chromosome alignment are increased, after IVM in the presence of Trilostane (P < 0.05). In conclusion, localisation of ATRX to the cumulus cell nuclei and oocyte chromatin, after IVM, is associated with poor oocyte quality and low developmental potential. Furthermore, ATRX is dynamically regulated in response to progesterone signalling.
Stimulation of ovarian follicle growth after AMPK inhibition
Authors: Lu Xiaowei , Guo Song , Cheng Yuan , Kim Jae-hong , Feng Yi , Feng Yun
Published: March 2017

Previous studies showed that the protein kinase B (Akt)–mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Hippo signaling Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathways play important roles in promoting follicle growth. Additionally, other studies demonstrated that 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an upstream regulatory element of mTOR and YAP. Here, we used AMPK inhibitor (Compound C) toin vitrocultured ovaries from 10-day-old mice followed byin vivografting into adult hosts or toin situtreated ovaries of 3-week-old mice by intrabursal injection followed by gonadotropin stimulation. We found that the phosphorylation of ovarian mTOR and downstream proteins (ribosomal protein S6 (S6) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4B (eIF4B)) was upregulated following Compound C administration, whereas tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (TSC2) phosphorylation was downregulated. Additionally, treatment with Compound C increased hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif1a), vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa), VEGF receptor 2 (Vegfr2) and connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf) mRNA levels. Furthermore, treatment of 10-day-old mice with Compound C promoted the growth of preantral and antral follicles accompanied by enhanced angiogenesis.In situintrabursal injection with Compound C, followed by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, increased the number of ovulated oocytes in 3-week-old mice, and these oocytes could be successfully fertilized, leading to the delivery of healthy pups. Our results demonstrated that treatment with AMPK inhibitor resulted in the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway, increases inCtgfexpression in mouse ovaries, stimulation of follicle development and promotion of ovarian angiogenesis for ovary growth.