bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A finiteness condition on the set of overrings of some classes of integral domains
Authors: ur Rehman Shafiq
Published: March 2017

As an extension of the class of Dedekind domains, we have introduced and studied the class of multiplicatively pinched-Dedekind domains (MPD domains) and the class of Globalized multiplicatively pinched-Dedekind domains (GMPD domains) ([T. Dumitrescu and S. U. Rahman, A class of pinched domains, Bull. Math. Soc. Sci. Math. Roumanie 52 (2009) 41–55] and [T. Dumitrescu and S. U. Rahman, A class of pinched domains II, Comm. Algebra 39 (2011) 1394–1403]). The main interest of this paper is to study GMPD domains that have only finitely many overrings.
PeaPaw
Authors: Tang Li , Barrett Richard F. , Cook Jeanine , Hu X. Sharon
Published: March 2017

Performance and energy are two major concerns for application development on heterogeneous platforms. It is challenging for application developers to fully exploit the performance/energy potential of heterogeneous platforms. One reason is the lack of reliable prediction of the system’s performance/energy before application implementation. Another reason is that a heterogeneous platform presents a large design space for workload partitioning between different processors. To reduce such development cost, this article proposes a framework, PeaPaw, to assist application developers to identify a workload partition (WP) that has high potential leading to high performance or energy efficiency before actual implementation. The PeaPaw framework includes both analytical performance/energy models and two sets of workload partitioning guidelines. Based on the design goal, application developers can obtain a workload partitioning guideline from PeaPaw for a given platform and follow it to design one or multiple WPs for a given workload. Then PeaPaw can be used to estimate the performance/energy of the designed WPs, and the WP with the best estimated performance/energy can be selected for actual implementation. To demonstrate the effectiveness of PeaPaw, we have conducted three case studies. Results from these case studies show that PeaPaw can faithfully estimate the performance/energy relationships of WPs and provide effective workload partitioning guidelines.
Digging Wikipedia
Authors: Pentzold Christian , Weltevrede Esther , Mauri Michele , Laniado David , Kaltenbrunner Andreas , Borra Erik
Published: March 2017

The online encyclopedia Wikipedia is both a cultural reference to store, refer to, and organize digitized and digital information, as well as a key contemporary digital heritage endeavor in itself. Capitalizing on this dual nature of the project, this article introduces Wikipedia as a digital gateway to and site of an active engagement with cultural heritage. We have developed the open source and freely available analysis architecture Contropedia to examine already existing volunteer user-generated participation around cultural heritage and to promote further engagement with it. Conceptually, we employ the notion of memory work, as it helps to treat Wikipedia's articles, edit histories, and discussion pages as a rich resource to study how cultural heritage is received and (re)worked in and across languages and cultures. Contropedia's architecture allows for the study of the negotiations around and appreciation of cultural heritage without assuming an unchallenged and universal understanding of cultural heritage. The analysis facilitated by Contropedia thus sheds light on the contentious articulation of perspectives on tangible and intangible heritage grounded by conflicting conceptions of events, ideas, places, or persons. Technologically, Contropedia combines techniques based on mining article edit histories and analyzing discussion patterns in talk pages to identify and visualize heritage-related disputes within an article, and to compare these across language versions. In terms of digital heritage, Contropedia presents a powerful tool that opens up a core resource to cultural heritage studies. Moreover, it can form part of a conceptually grounded, technically advanced, and practically enrolled infrastructure for public education that opens up the dynamic formation of both knowledge about cultural heritage and new forms of digital cultural heritage that show a considerable amount of friction.
Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN)
Authors: Salayma Marwa , Al-Dubai Ahmed , Romdhani Imed , Nasser Youssef
Published: March 2017

Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) has been a key element in e-health to monitor bodies. This technology enables new applications under the umbrella of different domains, including the medical field, the entertainment and ambient intelligence areas. This survey paper places substantial emphasis on the concept and key features of the WBAN technology. First, the WBAN concept is introduced and a review of key applications facilitated by this networking technology is provided. The study then explores a wide variety of communication standards and methods deployed in this technology. Due to the sensitivity and criticality of the data carried and handled by WBAN, fault tolerance is a critical issue and widely discussed in this paper. Hence, this survey investigates thoroughly the reliability and fault tolerance paradigms suggested for WBANs. Open research and challenging issues pertaining to fault tolerance, coexistence and interference management and power consumption are also discussed along with some suggested trends in these aspects.
A Fermented Whole Grain Prevents Lipopolysaccharides‐Induced Dysfunction in Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Giusti Laura , Gabriele Morena , Penno Giuseppe , Garofolo Monia , Longo Vincenzo , Del Prato Stefano , Lucchesi Daniela , Pucci Laura
Published: March 2017

Endogenous and exogenous signals derived by the gut microbiota such as lipopolysaccharides (LPS) orchestrate inflammatory responses contributing to development of the endothelial dysfunction associated with atherosclerosis in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), bone marrow derived stem cells, promote recovery of damaged endothelium playing a pivotal role in cardiovascular repair. Since healthy nutrition improves EPCs functions, we evaluated the effect of a fermented grain, Lisosan G (LG), on early EPCs exposed to LPS. The potential protective effect of LG against LPS‐induced alterations was evaluated as cell viability, adhesiveness, ROS production, gene expression, and NF‐kB signaling pathway activation. Our results showed that LPS treatment did not affect EPCs viability and adhesiveness but induced endothelial alterations via activation of NF‐kB signaling. LG protects EPCs from inflammation as well as from LPS‐induced oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress reducing ROS levels, downregulating proinflammatory and proapoptotic factors, and strengthening antioxidant defense. Moreover, LG pretreatment prevented NF‐kB translocation from the cytoplasm into the nucleus caused by LPS exposure. In human EPCs, LPS increases ROS and upregulates proinflammatory tone, proapoptotic factors, and antioxidants. LG protects EPCs exposed to LPS reducing ROS, downregulating proinflammatory and proapoptotic factors, and strengthening antioxidant defenses possibly by inhibiting NF‐κB nuclear translocation.
Experimental Analysis and Discussion on the Damage Variable of Frozen Loess
Authors: Cai Cong , Ma Wei , Zhao Shuping , Mu Yanhu
Published: March 2017

The damage variable is very important to study damage evolution of material. Taking frozen loess as an example, a series of triaxial compression and triaxial loading-unloading tests are performed under five strain rates of 5.0 × 10−6–1.3 × 10−2/s at a temperature of −6°C. A damage criterion of frozen loess is defined and a damage factorDcis introduced to satisfy the requirements of the engineering application. The damage variable of frozen loess is investigated using the following four methods: the stiffness degradation method, the deformation increase method, the dissipated energy increase method, and the constitutive model deducing method during deformation process. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of the four methods are discussed when they are used for frozen loess material. According to the discussion, the plastic strain may be the most appropriate variable to characterize the damage evolution of frozen loess during the deformation process based on the material properties and the nature of the material service.
Solid Solubility in Cu5Gd1−xCax System: Structure, Stability, and Hydrogenation
Authors: Kocjan Andraž , Kelhar Luka , Gradišek Anton , Likozar Blaž , Žagar Kristina , Ghanbaja Jaafar , Kobe Spomenka , Dubois Jean-Marie
Published: March 2017

We report on synthesis and characterization of a novel group of compounds based on copper, gadolinium, and calcium. Cu-Ca and Cu-Gd binaries were previously studied while Ca and Gd are known to be immiscible themselves. The effects of substituting Gd with Ca in Cu5Gd1-xCax compounds (0≤x≤1) were studied by investigating the phase stability and crystal structure of the resulting new compounds in five specimens with x = 0, 0.33, 0.50, 0.66, and 1, respectively. The samples produced by melt-spinning had hexagonal P6/mmm structure, irrespective of Ca amount (x), where lattice parameters varied with x linearly. This is an indication of good solid solubility under the preparation conditions. A slower cooling upon arc-melting caused the liquid phase separation into Cu4.5Gd and Cu-Ca compounds. Using TEM, rapidly solidified ribbons (Cu5Gd0.5Ca0.5) were investigated and the formation of a homogeneous ternary phase with a nearly nominal stoichiometric composition and minor amounts of Cu-Ca secondary phase was observed. Using DSC and HT XRD, we found that these systems are stable at least up to 400°C. Upon a 16-hour hydrogenation at 1 bar and 300°C, all specimens absorbed about 0.5 wt.% of hydrogen. This caused changes in structure with the formation of pure Cu and H2Gd1-xCax solid solution.
Circulating Concentrations of Adipocytokines and Their Receptors in the Isolated Corpus Cavernosum and Femoral Artery from Trained Rats on a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Sponton Amanda C.S. , Silva Fábio H. , Araujo Hygor N. , Valgas da Silva Carmem P. , de Moraes Camila , Antunes Edson , Zanesco Angelina , Delbin Maria A.
Published: March 2017

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate different signaling pathways by which exercise training would interfere in endothelial function in obesity. Therefore, we examined adipocytokine levels and their receptors in the corpus cavernosum and femoral artery from trained rats on a high-fat diet. Methods: Functional experiments were performed in control sedentary and trained rats, and sedentary (h-SD) and trained male Wistar rats on a high-fat diet (h-TR). Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated in vascular tissue. Circulating adipocytokines and their receptors were analyzed. Results: In the h-SD group, the maximal responses to acetylcholine (ACh) were reduced in the femoral artery and corpus cavernosum as well as the electrical field stimulation, accompanied by an increase in circulating insulin, leptin, TNF-α, MCP-1, and PAI-1. Downregulation of ObR protein expression in the femoral artery was observed without alterations in AdipoR1 and TNFR1 in both preparations. A positive effect was observed in the h-TR group regarding the relaxation response to ACh and circulating adipocytokines, resulting in increased NO production and reduced ROS generation. Exercise restored the ObR protein expression only in the femoral artery. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise training ameliorated the inflammatory adipocytokines and restored the relaxation responses in the corpus cavernosum and femoral artery in rats on a high-fat diet.
Robustness Study of Fractional Order PID Controller Optimized by Particle Swarm Optimization in AVR System
Authors: Raju N. Ramesh , Reddy P. Linga
Published: March 2017

In this paper a novel design method for determining fractional order PID (PIλDµ) controller parameters of an AVR system using particle swarm optimization algorithm is presented. This paper presents how to employ the particle swarm optimization to seek efficiently the optimal parameters of PIλDµ controller. The robustness study is made for this controller against parameter variation of AVR system. This work has been simulated in MATLAB environment with FOMCON (Fractional Order Modeling and Control) tool box.The proposed PSOPIλDµ controller has superior performance and robust compared to GA tuned PIλDµ controller. The results are also compared with PSO tuned PID controller.
An Effiecient Approach for Resource Auto-Scaling in Cloud Environments
Authors: Asgari Bahar , Ghobaei Arani Mostafa , Jabbehdari Sam
Published: March 2017

Cloud services have become more popular among users these days. Automatic resource provisioning for cloud services is one of the important challenges in cloud environments. In the cloud computing environment, resource providers shall offer required resources to users automatically without any limitations. It means whenever a user needs more resources, the required resources should be dedicated to the users without any problems. On the other hand, if resources are more than user’s needs extra resources should be turn off temporarily and turn back on whenever they needed. In this paper, we propose an automatic resource provisioning approach based on reinforcement learning for auto-scaling resources according to Markov Decision Process (MDP). Simulation Results show that the rate of Service Level Agreement (SLA) violation and stability that the proposed approach better performance compared to the similar approaches.
Power-Flow Development Based on the Modified Backward-Forward for Voltage Profile Improvement of Distribution System
Authors: Suyanto Suyanto , Rahmadhani Citra , Penangsang Ontoseno , Soeprijanto Adi
Published: March 2017

Unbalanced three-phase radial distribution system has a complex problem in power system. It has many branches and it is sometimes voltage profile’s not stable at every end branches. For improvement of voltage profile, it can be performed by penetrating of a distributed generation models. Information of voltage profile can be gained by study of power flow.  The Modified Backward-Forward is one of the most widely used methods of development of power flow and has been extensively used for voltage profile analysis. In this paper, a study of power flow based on the Modified Backward-Forward method was used to capture the complexities of unbalanced three phase radial distribution system in the 20 kV distribution network in North Surabaya city, East Java, Indonesia within considering distributed generation models. In summary, for the informants in this study, the Modified Backward-Forward method has had quickly convergence and it’s just needed 3 to 5 iteration of power flow simulation which’s compared to other power flow development methods. Distributed Generation models in the modified the modified 34 BUS IEEE system and 20 kV distribution network has gained voltage profile value on limited range. One of the more significant findings to emerge from this development is that the Modified Backward-Forward method has average of error voltage about 0.0017 % to 0.1749%.
Insight on Effectiveness of Frequently Exercised PQ Classification Techniques
Authors: Vighneshwari BDevi , Neela R.
Published: March 2017

The growing demands of global consumer market in green energy system have opened the doors for many technologies as well as various sophisticated electrical devices for both commercial and domestic usage. However, with the increasing demands of energy and better quality of services, there is a significant increase in non-linearity in load distribution causing potential effect on the Power Quality (PQ). The harmful effects on PQ are various events e.g. sag, swell, harmonics etc that causes significant amount of system degradation. Therefore, this paper discusses various significant research techniques pertaining to the PQ disturbance classification system introduced by the authors in the past and analyzes its effectiveness scale in terms of research gap. The paper discusses some of the frequently exercised PQ classification techniques from the most relevant literatures in order to have more insights of the techniques.
An Unsupervised Classification Technique for Detection of Flipped Orientations in Document Images
Authors: CS Vijayashree , Rani Shobha , T Vasudev
Published: March 2017

Detection of text orientation in document images is of preliminary concern prior to processing of documents by Optical Character Reader. The text direction in document images should exist generally in a specific orientation, i.e.,   text direction for any automated document reading system. The flipped text orientation leads to an unambiguous result in such fully automated systems. In this paper, we focus on development of text orientation direction detection module which can be incorporated as the perquisite process in automatic reading system. Orientation direction detection of text is performed through employing directional gradient features of document image and adapts an unsupervised learning approach for detection of flipped text orientation at which the document has been originally fed into scanning device. The unsupervised learning is built on the directional gradient features of text of document based on four possible different orientations. The algorithm is experimented on document samples of printed plain English text as well as filled in pre-printed forms of Telugu script. The outcome attained by algorithm proves to be consistent and adequate with an average accuracy around 94%.
Bangladesh Perspective: Vehicle Speed Proposition System using Localized Wireless Identification
Authors: Islam Md. Mamunoor , Chowdhury Mehdi Hasan
Published: March 2017

Even in the era of advanced engineering, road accident has been a regular phenomenon causing death of many people in Bangladesh due to over speeding action of reckless drivers. There are several key places (such as schools, colleges, hospitals, highways and constructional areas etc.) where the speed of the vehicle should be lessened to avoid accidents. The roads and highways authority may place the speed limiter signboards in these areas to avoid these accidents, but these are frequently overlooked by the drivers. So this paper demonstrates a wireless forewarning system which will aid to control the speed of the vehicles at speed restricted areas. The whole system is established on the basis of radio frequency (RF) communication. There are two parts of this system named as transmitting unit and receiving unit. Each RF transmitter positioned on the roadside will be transmitting the code signal continuously. Whenever the vehicle enters the range of transmission, the RF receiver which is attached in the vehicle, will receive the signal and will display the information in a LCD monitor by notifying the driver to reduce the speed while going through that area.
A Normative Process Model for ICT Business Continuity Plan for Disaster Event in Small, Medium and Large Enterprises
Authors: Sambo Fadeel , Bankole Felix Olu
Published: March 2017

Small, Medium and Large Enterprises (SMLs) are exposed to the risks of business interruption as they expand and become more dependent on Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. The current study seeks to determine why organization that have Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in place and implement regular testing of their plan still experience prolong downtime during a disaster event resulting in Service Level Agreement (SLA) not being met or major financial loss. By employing a descriptive analytics approach through a qualitative case study, the research propose a normative process model for comprehensive procedures of BCP for business leaders, ICT service managers, IS executives, data science researchers, risk managers, entrepreneur and policy makers on how to adopt strategies on effective disaster risk reduction and management in organizations. The current study offer both theoretical and practical implications for BCP in small, medium and large enterprises.
Software Reliability Using SPRT: Burr Type III Process Model
Authors: Smitha CH. , Prasad R. Satya , Kumar R. Kiran
Published: March 2017

Increased dependence on software systems elicited the assessment of their reliability, a crucial task in software development. Effective tools and mechanisms are required to facilitate the assessment of software reliability. Classical approaches like hypothesis testing are significantly time consuming as the conclusion can only be drawn after collecting huge amounts of data. Statistical method such as Sequential Analysis can be applied to arrive at a decision quickly. This paper implemented Sequential Probability Ratio Test (SPRT) for Burr Type III model based on time domain data. For this, parameters were estimated using Maximum Likelihood Estimation to apply SPRT on five real time software failure datasets borrowed from different software projects. The results exemplify that the adopted model has given a rejection decision for the used datasets.
Face Recognition Based on Symmetrical Half-Join Method using Stereo Vision Camera
Authors: Winarno Edy , Harjoko Agus , Arymurthy Aniati Murni , Winarko Edi
Published: March 2017

The main problem in face recognition system based on half-face pattern is how to anticipate poses and illuminance variations to improve recognition rate. To solve this problem, we can use two lenses on stereo vision camera in face recognition system. Stereo vision camera has left and right lenses that can be used to produce a 2D image of each lens. Stereo vision camera in face recognition has capability to produce two of 2D face images with a different angle. Both angle of the face image will produce a detailed image of the face and better lighting levels on each of the left and right lenses. In this study, we proposed a face recognition technique, using 2 lens on a stereo vision camera namely symmetrical half-join. Symmetrical half-join is a method of normalizing the image of the face detection on each of the left and right lenses in stereo vision camera, then cropping and merging at each image. Tests on face recognition rate based on the variety of poses and variations in illumination shows that the symmetrical half-join method is able to provide a high accuracy of face recognition and can anticipate variations in given pose and illumination variations. The proposed model is able to produce 86% -97% recognition rate on a variety of poses and variations in angles between 0 °- 22.5 °. The variation of illuminance measured using a lux meter can result in 90% -100% recognition rate for the category of at least dim lighting levels (above 10 lux).
A CONSTRUÇÃO DEMOCRÁTICA DO DIREITO À ALIMENTAÇÃO ADEQUADA E A REGULAÇÃO DE ALIMENTOS
Authors: Rocha Eduardo Gonçalves
Published: March 2017

Em 2006, foi promulgada a lei brasileira de segurança alimentar e nutricional ‒ Lei n. 11.346/2006 ‒, conhecida como Losan. Sem dúvidas, foi um marco e uma grande conquista no reconhecimento e na defesa do direito à alimentação no Brasil. É a primeira legislação pátria que enuncia a alimentação como um direito fundamental, trazendo já nos seus artigos 2o e 3o definições amplas, mas precisas, sobre o significado do direito à alimentação e da segurança alimentar e nutricional. Mais do que um ponto de chegada é um ponto solo inicial para as conquistas e discussões democráticas vindouras.
REGULAÇÃO DE ALIMENTOS NO BRASIL
Authors: Magalhães Rosana
Published: March 2017

Políticas públicas de alimentação e nutrição são intervenções complexas e mediadas por múltiplos atores e interesses. Agências internacionais, governos, consumidores, empresas e instituições científicas desempenham papéis estratégicos e participam da definição de alternativas na área por meio de diferentes mecanismos e arenas. Desequilíbrios de poder e informação frequentemente exercem forte impacto no processo decisório, tornando-o um ambiente intensamente conflituoso. Nessa perspectiva, este artigo analisa aspectos do desenho e implementação de marcos regulatórios no campo da alimentação e nutrição buscando valorizar tal complexidade e contribuir para a reflexão sobre tensões e desafios presentes no processo de regulação de alimentos no Brasil.
SAÚDE E DIREITO À INFORMAÇÃO: O PROBLEMA DOS AGROTÓXICOS NOS ALIMENTOS
Authors: Teixeira Tarcisio Miguel
Published: March 2017

O artigo analisa o problema atual da presença de agrotóxicos nos alimentos sob a vertente da falta de informação a respeito dos produtos aplicados nos alimentos para sua produção. Estabelece como pressuposto a relação diretamente proporcional entre saúde e alimentação saudável e o direito fundamental de ser informado sobre a qualidade dos alimentos. Conclui com hipóteses e discussão sobre as razões da falta dessa informação nos produtos alimentícios comercializados in natura.
LA RÉGULATION DES PROFESSIONS DE SANTÉ PAR LES ORDRES PROFESSIONNELS EN DROIT FRANÇAIS ET EUROPÉEN
Authors: Brissy Stéphane
Published: March 2017

Cette contribution vise à analyser les formes que peut prendre le pouvoir normatif des ordres professionnels en santé en France et en droit de l’Union Européenne et les raisons pour lesquelles ce pouvoir est limité. Les ordres des professionnels de santé ont pour mission d’intégrer leur profession dans la societé. Nous verrons que, par conséquent, l’activité des ordres professionnels est nécessairement subordonnée au contrôle de l’État mais que le champ de cette activité est aussi, de ce fait, plus large que celle d’un syndicat. Bien que limité par son objet même, le pouvoir normatif n’est néanmoins pas inexistant et nous verrons que ce pouvoir évolue et peut prendre des formes variées.
Sex Hormones and Sex Chromosomes Cause Sex Differences in the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Arnold Arthur P. , Cassis Lisa A. , Eghbali Mansoureh , Reue Karen , Sandberg Kathryn
Published: March 2017

This review summarizes recent evidence concerning hormonal and sex chromosome effects in obesity, atherosclerosis, aneurysms, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and hypertension. Cardiovascular diseases occur and progress differently in the 2 sexes, because biological factors differing between the sexes have sex-specific protective and harmful effects. By comparing the 2 sexes directly, and breaking down sex into its component parts, one can discover sex-biasing protective mechanisms that might be targeted in the clinic. Gonadal hormones, especially estrogens and androgens, have long been found to account for some sex differences in cardiovascular diseases, and molecular mechanisms mediating these effects have recently been elucidated. More recently, the inherent sexual inequalities in effects of sex chromosome genes have also been implicated as contributors in animal models of cardiovascular diseases, especially a deleterious effect of the second X chromosome found in females but not in males. Hormonal and sex chromosome mechanisms interact in the sex-specific control of certain diseases, sometimes by opposing the action of the other.
A contribution to the Flora of China: three new combinations in Solitaria (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: YAO GANG
Published: March 2017

Based on results from recent molecular phylogenetic studies, Solitaria ramellata (F.N. Williams) Gang Yao, S. forrestii (Diels) Gang Yao and S. rhodantha (Pax & Hoffmann) Gang Yao, three new combinations of Caryophyllaceae, are proposed. Additionally, the two names S. ramellata and S. rhodantha are lectotypified.
Reassembling the Centaurea tenorei group (Asteraceae) puzzle: typification of the names
Authors: SANTANGELO ANNALISA , DEL GUACCHIO EMANUELE , CENNAMO PAOLA , CAPUTO PAOLO
Published: March 2017

The Centaurea tenorei group (Asteraceae), strictly endemic to the Peninsula of Sorrento (southern Italy), has been recently split into three microspecies: C. tenorei s.str., C. montaltensis and C. lacaitae. Seven pertinent names are typified in this work and preliminarily identified according to the three species concept. The selected types clearly reflect the variability of the group  and some names may correspond to hybrids with other Centaurea or to intermediates between the three microspecies, which appear therefore hard to discriminate on morphological grounds.
Dichocarpum lobatipetalum and D. malipoense (Ranunculaceae) are both merged with D. hypoglaucum
Authors: XIE SI-NAN , YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: March 2017

Dichocarpum hypoglaucum, D. lobatipetalum, and D. malipoense (Ranunculaceae) were all described from south-east Yunnan, China. Our critical examination of herbarium specimens (including type materials) indicates that the three names encompass only one species. As D. hypoglaucum is the earliest published name, we place both D. lobatipetalum and D. malipoense in synonymy with it.
Melittofauna and Other Potential Pollinators in Wetland and Uplands in South Central Nebraska (Insecta: Apoidea)
Authors: PARK CYNTHIA N. , OVERALL LISA M. , SMITH LOREN M. , LAGRANGE TED , MCMURRY SCOTT
Published: March 2017

Our objective was to document potential wild pollinating insects in south central Nebraska. This intensively cultivated region is known as the Rainwater Basin and contains some of the most endangered wetland systems in North America. We used blue vane traps to passively collect insects and insect nets to actively collect on flowering plants from April through October in 2014 and 2015. Habitat types included playa wetlands, adjacent mixed and tallgrass prairies, and agricultural fields. Over 112,000 insects were collected; Hymenoptera represented 78% of the total, and the families Apidae and Halictidae comprised 99% of the total melittofauna. Insects from 13 orders were collected, but Hymenoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera were the most abundant potential pollinators.
Strong Intraseasonal Variability of Meridional Currents near 5°N in the Eastern Indian Ocean: Characteristics and Causes
Authors: Chen Gengxin , Han Weiqing , Li Yuanlong , McPhaden Michael J. , Chen Ju , Wang Weiqiang , Wang Dongxiao
Published: March 2017

This paper reports on strong, intraseasonal, upper-ocean meridional currents observed in the Indian Ocean between the Bay of Bengal (BOB) and the equator and elucidates the underlying physical processes responsible for them. In situ measurements from a subsurface mooring at 5°N, 90.5°E reveal strong intraseasonal variability of the meridional current with an amplitude of ~0.4 m s−1 and a typical period of 30–50 days in the upper 150 m, which by far exceeds the magnitudes of the mean flow and seasonal cycle. Such prominent intraseasonal variability is, however, not seen in zonal current at the same location. Further analysis suggests that the observed intraseasonal flows are closely associated with westward-propagating eddylike sea surface height anomalies (SSHAs) along 5°N. The eddylike SSHAs are largely manifestations of symmetric Rossby waves, which result primarily from intraseasonal wind stress forcing in the equatorial waveguide and reflection of the equatorial Kelvin waves at the eastern boundary. Since the wave signals are generally symmetric about the equator, similar variability is also seen at 5°S but with weaker intensity because of the inclined coastline at the eastern boundary. The Rossby waves propagate westward, causing pronounced intraseasonal SSHA and meridional current in the upper ocean across the entire southern BOB between 84° and 94°E. They greatly weaken in the western Indian Basin, but zonal currents near the equator remain relatively strong.
The OWLeS IOP2b Lake-Effect Snowstorm: Mechanisms Contributing to the Tug Hill Precipitation Maximum
Authors: Campbell Leah S. , Steenburgh W. James
Published: March 2017

Lake-effect storms frequently produce a pronounced precipitation maximum over the Tug Hill Plateau (hereafter Tug Hill), which rises 500 m above Lake Ontario’s eastern shore. Here Weather Research and Forecasting Model simulations are used to examine the mechanisms responsible for the Tug Hill precipitation maximum observed during IOP2b of the Ontario Winter Lake-effect Systems (OWLeS) field program. A key contributor was a land-breeze front that formed along Lake Ontario’s southeastern shoreline and extended inland and northeastward across Tug Hill, cutting obliquely across the lake-effect system. Localized ascent along this boundary contributed to an inland precipitation maximum even in simulations in which Tug Hill was removed. The presence of Tug Hill intensified and broadened the ascent region, increasing parameterized depositional and accretional hydrometeor growth, and reducing sublimational losses. The inland extension of the land-breeze front and its contribution to precipitation enhancement appear to be unidentified previously and may be important in other lake-effect storms over Tug Hill.
Big Third-Party Certifiers and the Construction of Transnational Regulation
Authors: Galland Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2017

International trade is increasingly regulated through standardization, certification, and accreditation. To ensure that consumers can trust that the products they buy meet regulators’ standards, third-party certifiers and accreditation bodies, which “certify the certifiers,” act as intermediaries enlisted to deliver conformity assessment certificates to producers. This article explores how a few third-party certifiers have exploited their position between multiple regulators and diverse targets to invest in a growing number of sectors, expand globally, and become preferred advisers to regulators. As regulators enlist them to standardize certification practices, big third-party certifiers (BTPCs) advise regulators to set system-based regulations that are better suited to their own organizations and networks of international subsidiaries.
Relationship between Emotional Labor and Customer Orientation among Airline Service Employees: Mediating Role of Depersonalization
Authors: Lee JungHoon (Jay) , Ok Chihyung “Michael” , Lee Seung-Hoon , Lee Choong-Ki
Published: March 2017

Drawing on Hobfoll’s conservation of resources theory and Maslach’s burnout theory, this study proposed and tested a conceptual model depicting relationships among the two forms of emotional labor strategies, depersonalization and customer orientation (CO). The model also examined the mediating role of depersonalization in the relationship between emotional labor and CO. Multigroup analyses were conducted to examine moderating effects of job position and job responsibility. Data obtained from cabin crews, airport service staff, and call center representatives working for an airline company in Korea were used to gauge these relationships. Results of structural equation modeling revealed that deep acting affects CO positively while surface acting affects CO negatively. The results further suggest that these relationships are mediated by both reduced and increased depersonalization, and the strength of the direct relationships may differ by employee position and area of service work. Theoretical and management implications are discussed based on the findings.
The “Good Times” Cohort in Later-Life
Authors: Kelley-Moore Jessica , Huang Wenxuan
Published: March 2017

Race differences in midlife circumstances explain much of the disability gap in older adulthood, but questions remain about whether early life selection processes are race invariant. To address this, we (1) isolate the 1930s cohort to explore potential race-specific life courses and (2) utilize a two-stage estimation procedure to examine the role of early-to-midlife selection in shaping later-life functional limitations. Using data on Black and White adults born 1931–1941 from the Health and Retirement Study (W2–W9), we estimate trajectories of later-life functional limitations after modeling midlife income and comorbidity as a function of early life factors. Fair/poor childhood health similarly impacts midlife morbidity for both races. Childhood disadvantage (poor family, father unemployed, and no father/deceased) had an adverse effect on midlife income for White but not for Black adults. An education gradient in functional limitations exists only for White adults. We interpret these findings in the sociohistorical context of this birth cohort.
Risky Business: Understanding Student Intellectual Risk Taking in Management Education
Authors: Dachner Alison M. , Miguel Rosanna F. , Patena Rachel A.
Published: March 2017

The demands of today’s ever-changing work environment often require that employees engage in intellectual risk taking (IRT) by being resourceful, trying new things, and asking questions even at the risk of making a mistake or feeling inadequate. This research seeks to identify variables that increase student IRT. Controlling for individual differences in motivation known to affect IRT (i.e., self-efficacy and learning goal orientation), we find that perceptions of work methods autonomy and high instructor expectations increase student IRT. Using a sample of 241 students, this study finds that the more autonomy students perceive they are given and the higher they perceive instructor expectations, the more metacognitive behaviors they will engage in, and ultimately, the more intellectual risks they will take. These results have important implications for management educators who seek to prepare students to succeed in their careers.
Feasibility of Using an Augmented Immersive Virtual Reality Learning Environment to Enhance Music Conducting Skills
Authors: Orman Evelyn K. , Price Harry E. , Russell Christine R.
Published: March 2017

Acquiring nonverbal skills necessary to appropriately communicate and educate members of performing ensembles is essential for wind band conductors. Virtual reality learning environments (VRLEs) provide a unique setting for developing these proficiencies. For this feasibility study, we used an augmented immersive VRLE to enhance eye contact, torso movement, and gestures of novice wind band conductors. Ten undergraduates randomly assigned to no VRLE ( n = 3), VRLE with head tracking ( n = 4), or VRLE without ( n = 3) head tracking received eight treatment sessions over a 4-week period. While participants conducted a live ensemble, their eye contact, torso movements, and gestures were measured. A comparison of pretest and posttest scores showed that students using the augmented immersive VRLE with head tracking demonstrated greater conducting skill improvement than those not using virtual reality.
Comparative studies on polyphenolic profile and antimicrobial activity of propolis samples selected from distinctive geographical areas of Hungary
Authors: Molnár Szabolcs , Mikuska Kata , Patonay Katalin , Sisa Krisztina , Daood Hussein G , Némedi Erzsébet , Kiss Attila
Published: March 2017

The present paper reports about a comparative survey on the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and in vitro antimicrobial activity of selected propolis samples collected in Hungary. The total levels of polyphenolic compounds including flavonoids in ethanolic extracts of propolis were assessed. The major constituents of ethanolic extracts of propolis were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. Total phenolic content was determined spectrophotometrically using a Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. Free radical scavenging activities were evaluated by means of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. In vitro inhibitory activity was investigated against eight different bacterial strains by agar well diffusion assay. An extensive comparison was carried out regarding general parameters and specific polyphenolic components. The experimental data led to the observation that there is considerable variability in terms of the quality and the biological value of the distinctive propolis samples. These findings confirm the hypothesis of the study; versatile experimental results are required for proper, well-reasoned, balanced and standardised industrial applications. The major flavonoid components were found to be chrysin and pinocembrin; however, versatile minor components were also detected. The total polyphenol content of ethanolic extracts of propolis ranged between 104.6 mg/g and 286.9 mg/g (gallic acid equivalent). The radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extracts of propolis varied between 101.7 mg/g and 286.9 mg/g (ascorbic acid equivalent). As the quality of propolis depends on the season, vegetation and the area of collection, marked differences were found among the different products examined in terms of both composition and general characteristics. The studied samples exhibited significant differences in term of antimicrobial activities.
Treatment of Genotype 3 Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Sadler Matthew D , Agarwal Kosh
Published: March 2017

Genotype 3 (GT3) hepatitis C virus (HCV), the second most common HCV genotype worldwide, has emerged as the most difficult-to-cure genotype. Sustained virological response (SVR) rates with new direct-acting antiviral regimens for GT3 patients who are treatment-naïve and noncirrhotic are now similar to those seen in patients with non-GT3 HCV infection. However, GT3 HCV patients who are treatment-experienced or who have cirrhosis, particularly those with decompensated disease, continue to be a more challenging group to treat due to lower SVR rates. Here, we review the current evidence for the treatment of patients with GT3 HCV including current data for patients with GT3 HCV who are HIV coinfected. Future studies in GT3 HCV treatment will need to focus on direct-acting antiviral combinations that improve cure rates and potentially eliminate the need for ribavirin in GT3 patients who have advanced liver disease. The significance of HCV resistance-associated variants in GT3 HCV patients who have failed prior treatment also needs further assessment to help guide re-treatment strategies.
The thermal capillary migration properties and controlling technique of ferrofluids
Authors: Dai Qingwen , Huang Wei , Wang Jingqiu , Wang Xiaolei
Published: March 2017

The thermal capillary migration describes a phenomenon where the thermal gradients on the surface drive a liquid to flow from warm to cold regions in the absence of external forces. In industry, it is of great importance to prevent the migration since it would lead to lubricant starvation on the moving components. In this paper, ferrofluids are employed to control the migration. The influence of external magnetic field on the migration of ferrofluids is studied. The effects of volume and saturation magnetization of ferrofluids are also investigated. Experimental results demonstrate that the external magnetic field intensities have a significant obstruction effect on the migration behavior. An effective method using electromagnet to control the migration and re-concentrate the migrated lubricant is proposed.
Does use of a trauma checklist increase discharges from the emergency department?
Authors: Jambhekar Amani , Lindborg Ryan , Chan Vincent , Laskey Daniel , Rucinski James , Fahoum Bashar
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Emergency department (ED) discharge is appropriate for patients with minor traumatic injuries. The objective of this study is to determine if use of a trauma checklist increases identification of patients with minor trauma who are safe for discharge.

Methods

Data were collected on trauma patients evaluated between 1 April 2015 and 31 January 2016 in two groups before and after introduction of a trauma checklist. The two groups were compared using age, mechanism of injury, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) using unpaired Student t-tests and Fisher’s exact test.

Results

A total of 841 trauma patients were included; 197 prior to the introduction of the checklist and 644 afterwards. Following the implementation of the trauma checklist, significantly more patients were discharged from the ED (18.2% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.0004). Discharged patients in the pre- and post-checklist groups had similar ISS (1.93 ± 1.49 vs. 1.87 ± 1.90, p = 0.90) and were of similar age (35.27 ± 11.06 vs. 41.99 years ± 18.20, p = 0.17). There was no increase in ‘bounce-backs’ to the ED in the post checklist group despite a significantly higher rate of discharge.

Conclusion

Use of a trauma checklist allows for better identification of those trauma patients who are safe to discharge from the ED and widespread use may decrease healthcare costs.
Modified Laparoscopic Pyloroplasty During Laparoscopic Splenectomy and Azygoportal Disconnection for the Prevention of Postoperative Gastroparesis
Authors: Jiang Guoqing , Bai Dousheng , Qian Jianjun , Chen Ping , Jin Shengjie
Published: March 2017

Background. Gastroparesis is a common complication after splenectomy and azygoportal disconnection, remaining a chronic debilitating disorder with considerable treatment challenges. To minimize postoperative gastroparesis, we have developed a new modified laparoscopic pyloroplasty (LP) technique for use during laparoscopic splenectomy and azygoportal disconnection (LSD). Methods. We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 31 cirrhotic patients with portal hypertensive bleeding and secondary hypersplenism who underwent synchronous LSD with modified LP (n = 14) or LSD without modified LP (n = 17) between January 2015 and August 2015. Perioperative variables were compared. Results. LSD with and without modified LP were successful in all patients. Operation time was significantly longer for LSD with modified LP than LSD without modified LP ( P = .001). However, the LSD with modified LP group had significantly reduced incidences of bloating 1 month postoperatively ( P < .05), nausea ( P < .05), and bloating ( P < .05) 3 months postoperatively, gastric retention 3 months postoperatively ( P < .0001), and prokinetic use at 1 month ( P = .009) and 3 months postoperatively ( P < .05) compared with the LSD without modified LP group. Gastric emptying scintigraphy showed that the mean time required to empty 50% of the ingested meal was significantly shorter in the LSD with modified LP group than in the LSD without modified LP group at 3 months postoperatively (74.3 ± 19.1 vs 261.7 ± 61.0 minutes, P < .0001). Conclusions. Modified LP during LSD was feasible, effective, and safe, and significantly reduced short-term symptoms of postoperative gastroparesis.
Factors modifying performance of a novel citizen text message alert system in improving survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Pijls Ruud WM , Nelemans Patty J , Rahel Braim M , Gorgels Anton PM
Published: March 2017

Aims:

Recently we found that the text message alert system increases survival of sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The aim of the present study is to explore the contribution of the system to survival specifically in resuscitation settings with prolonged delay of start of resuscitation.

Methods and results:

Data were used from consecutive patients resuscitated for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest during a two-year period in the Dutch province Limburg. Survival of 291 cases with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest where one or more volunteers attended (Scenario 2) was compared with survival of 131 cases with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest where no volunteers attended and only standard care was given (Scenario 1). Multivariable logistic regression models including terms for interaction between scenario and the covariate coding for resuscitation setting were used to test for effect modification. The highest impact on survival of the alert system was observed in cases of (a) witnessed arrests (odds ratio=2.25; 95% confidence interval: 1.27–4.00; p=0.005); (b) arrests that occurred in the home (odds ratio=2.28; 95% confidence interval: 1.21–4.28; p=0.011); (c) arrival of the ambulance with a delay of 7–10 min (odds ratio=2.63; 95% confidence interval: 1.09–6.35; p=0.032); and (d) arrests at evening/night (odds ratio=3.07; 95% confidence interval: 1.34–7.03; p=0.008). Due to the low sample size, p-values from tests for interaction were non-significant.

Conclusion:

The contribution of the alert system to survival is most substantial in cases of witnessed arrest, in the home situation, at slightly delayed arrival of the first ambulance and during the evening/night.