bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE QUALITY OF OPENSTREETMAP IN MALAYSIA: A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT
Authors: Husen S. N. R. M. , Idris N. H. , Ishak M. H. I.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Over recent years, the phenomena, Web 2.0 has led to the growth of volunteered geographic information (VGI). The emergence of VGI has played an important role in providing timely data when the costs and its availability is a major concern particularly during emergency and humanitarian efforts. The worldwide crowdsourcing efforts through OpenStreetMap (OSM), the most successful open platform for collaborative mapping have managed to assist authorities such as during the 2017 Mexico earthquake and Hurricane Irma and Maria that impacted several countries in America continent. However, there are lots of arguments on the quality of VGI, particularly in regard to OpenStreetMap (OSM). Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the quality of OSM against authoritative sources using a dataset of Putrajaya, Malaysia. This study assessed the quality of OSM, including completeness, positional and thematic accuracy. From the preliminary assessment, the results showed that the OSM data was good in terms of relative positioning accuracy, particularly in road feature, but still poor in terms of completeness and thematic correctness against the reference dataset. This study is significant with an expected contribution to the assessment of quality of VGI in developing countries that commonly facing slow-paced progress in mapping the OSM. The findings could be used as a basis for various parties that plan to use OSM in Malaysia, particularly Putrajaya as a supplementary data to authoritative sources, including data supplied by the professional surveyors.
INTEGRATION OF GIS AND BIM TECHNIQUES IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT – A REVIEW
Authors: Wan Abdul Basir W. N. F. , Majid Z. , Ujang U. , Chong A.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Construction industry has become much more complex due to the large number of people and documentations involved. As a result, the full process of building construction may involve with many different types and format of information that needs to collect, document and share. In order to share this information between architect, contractor, construction manager, etc., there are need to develop a common model that can document and store this information in single platform. BIM represents a series of parametric objects that composed together to form a building model which carries all information includes their physical and functional characteristics and project life cycle information. Since BIM represent the detailed geometrical and semantic information of the building, the application of GIS is needed to manage the construction project's information resources. GIS can use information from many different sources, in many different formats and can link data sets together by common locational data such as coordinate or postal zip code. Besides, GIS can use combinations of data sets to build and analyze integrated information and also can convert the existing digital information into a form that meets the user‟s need. From this point of view, GIS can complement BIM function in order to develop a systematic platform for construction purpose. Finding of this study, there are some drawbacks in this technique especially in the construction application in term of data sharing, data integration and data management. Furthermore, the integration of GIS in BIM is studied and potential techniques are shown to overcome the drawbacks of the construction application.
ASSESSING THE CONDITION OF BURIED PIPE USING GROUND PENETRATING RADAR (GPR)
Authors: Wahab S. W. , Chapman D. N. , Rogers C. D. F. , Foo K. Y. , Metje N. , Nawawi S. W. , Isa M. N. , Madun A.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. The invention of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology has facilitated the possibility of detecting buried utilities and has been used primarily in civil engineering for detecting structural defects, such as voids and cavities in road pavements, slabs and bridge decks, but has not been used to assess the condition of buried pipes. Pipe deterioration can be defined as pipes where, for example, cracking, differential deflection, missing bricks, collapses, holes, fractures and corrosion exists. Assessing the deterioration of underground pipes is important for service efficiency and asset management. This paper describes a research project that focused on the use of GPR for assessing the condition of buried pipes. The research involved the construction of a suitable GPR test facility in the laboratory to conduct controlled testing in a dry sand. Plastic pipes were chosen for the experiments. A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the validity and effectiveness of standard commercially available GPR technology in assessing the condition of buried utilities with common types of damage. Several types of damage to the plastic pipe were investigated with respect to different GPR antenna frequencies. The GPR surveys were carried out in order to obtain signal signatures from damaged and undamaged pipes buried at 0.5 m depth. These surveys were organised on a grid pattern across the surface of the sand in the test facility. The results presented in this paper show that GPR can identify certain types of damage associated with a buried pipe under these controlled laboratory conditions.
Da hegemonia aos patos e sapos: um ensaio sobre o passado e o presente do pensamento industrial brasileiro
Authors: Freitas Jr. Moacir
Published: November 2018

A proposta deste ensaio é apresentar o pensamento dos industriais da primeira metade do século XX e o de hoje e estabelecer uma comparação entre eles, naquilo que for possível comparar e respeitando as diferenças dos momentos históricos, buscando demarcar as diferenças de postura, clareza e influência nos rumos da política nacional que a indústria, que foi o mais importante setor da economia (e da política) brasileira por mais de 50 anos, teve antes e tem hoje. Utilizaremos, para tanto, documentos atuais publicados pelas associações representativas dos industriais brasileiros da atualidade (Federação das Indústrias de São Paulo – FIESP, Confederação Nacional da Indústria – CNI) e os Anais do I Congresso Brasileiro da Indústria, que aconteceu em 1944 e congregou o conjunto das lideranças industriais de então em torno da construção de propostas que, em nosso ver, foram a base ideológica do projeto de poder dos industriais brasileiros. O saldo da comparação, entendemos, permite concluir que, ao contrário das lideranças industriais do passado, os do presente não têm mais um projeto para o Brasil e nem para si mesmos e esta pode ser uma das razões pelas quais sua dimensão política e econômica diminuiu e segue em queda.
Metamorfoses da questão agrária: controvérsias intelectuais, política e mundo rural no Brasil contemporâneo
Authors: Silva Felipe Maia G. da
Published: November 2018

O trabalho mapeia os deslocamentos da questão agrária no Brasil no período após a redemocratização política da década de 1980, a partir do exame das controvérsias intelectuais em torno de três macroprocessos de transformação social: a expansão do capitalismo agrário, a emergência da agricultura familiar e os projetos de reforma agrária. Busca-se mostrar como a produção intelectual se interessa pelos processos socias e abre linhas de intervenção sobre eles, tornando-se ela própria parte dos processos. Assim, o exame das controvérsias permite compreender tanto transformações na produção de conhecimento quanto em aspectos importantes da própria dinâmica social. Sustenta-se que neste período houve uma abertura de novos canais de intervenção para os intelectuais que, ao lado de outros processos de democratização política, favoreceram a emergência de imaginários alternativos às concepções hegemônicas que, no entanto, convivem com linhas de continuidade relativas à precedência das estruturas de grande propriedade na dinâmica de desenvolvimento.
Comprehensive Review of Provocative and Instability Physical Examination Tests of the Shoulder
Authors: Hippensteel K. J. , Brophy Robert , Smith Matthew V. , Wright Rick W.
Published: November 2018

A detailed physical examination of the shoulder is crucial in creating a diagnosis in patients who present with shoulder pain. Tests of the cervical spine, scapula, and rotator cuff muscles have already been evaluated in a previous article. This article assesses provocative and instability examination tests of the shoulder. Descriptions on how the tests are performed and their diagnostic accuracy are presented.
Promoting metalinguistic awareness in a classroom to improve reading comprehension: Examples from Roald Dahl’s novel The BFG
Authors: Sinar Beck
Published: November 2018

It is widely recognised that successful reading involves the interaction of a number of different cognitive skills and strategies in order to achieve compre-hension of the text (Baker, 2002). These skills and strategies are generally considered to be controlled by a global process called ‘metacognition’ (Kuhn & Dean, 2004). In this paper, I suggest that a large part of metacognition when reading has a (meta)linguistic component and hence time should be devoted to raising (meta)linguistic awareness when teaching and honing reading skills and strategies. Tasks based around a short extract from Roald Dahl’s (1982[2013]) novel The BFG are presented and discussed in order to illustrate how metalinguistic awareness might be raised in a classroom. Such tasks not only help to improve reading comprehension but have a number of additional benefits: they enhance and support the metacognitive toolkit, improve vocabulary acquisition and growth, and can bring a love of language and the fun of language play into the classroom.Keywords: metalinguistic awareness, reading comprehension, vocabulary, classroom activities, Roald DahlÅ fremme metalingvistisk bevissthet i et klasserom for å forbedre leseforståelse: eksempler fra Roald Dahls roman The BFGSammendragDet er bred enighet om at vellykket lesing trekker veksler på flere forskjellige kognitive ferdigheter og strategier tilknyttet tekstforståelse (Baker, 2002). Disse ferdighetene og strategiene hører inn under den globale prosessen ‘metakog-nisjon’ (Kuhn & Dean, 2004). I denne artikkelen argumenterer jeg for at en stor del av metakognisjonen i lesing har en (meta)lingvistisk komponent, og følgelig at tid bør vies til å utvikle (meta)lingvistisk bevissthet i undervisningen av leseferdigheter og strategier. Arbeidsoppaver basert på et kort utdrag fra Roald Dahls (1982[2013]) The BFG (The Big Friendly Giant / SVK – Store Vennlige Kjempe) presenteres og diskuteres for å illustrere hvordan metalingvistisk bevissthet kan utvikles i klasserommet. Slike arbeidsoppgaver hjelper ikke bare med å forbedre leseforståelsen, men har også flere andre fordeler: de forsterker og støtter den metakognitive verktøykassen, forbedrer både innlæring og utvidelse av ordforrådet, kan øke språkgleden og oppmuntre til lek med språk i klasserommet.Nøkkelord: metalingvistisk bevissthet, leseforståelse, vokabular, klasseroms-aktiviteter, Roald Dahl
Når «din neste» er et barn – kjærlighet som grunnlag i barnehagepedagogisk praksis
Authors: Aslanian Teresa
Published: November 2018

I Rammeplan for barnehagens innhold og oppgaver understrekes det at «I barnehagen er det av stor betydning at barna får oppleve varme og kjærlighet.» (Kunnskapsdepartementet, 2011:12). Men hva innebærer varme og kjærlighet i en barnehagepedagogisk kontekst? Hva kjennetegner barnehagepedagogisk praksis når nestekjærlighet er grunnlaget? Hvordan forenes en fordring om barnehagelæreren som kjærlighetsgiver med barnehagelærerens profesjonalitet? Ved å belyse noen tema som kommer frem i barnehagelæreres praksisfortellinger i lys av blant annet teoriene til Erich Fromm (1956), diskuterer artikkelen kjærlighet i en barnehagepedagogisk kontekst.
Selvmordsforebygging ved regionalt ressurssenter om vold,
traumatisk stress og selvmordsforebygging (RVTS-Øst)
Authors: Schjelderup Georg , Reinholdt Nils Petter
Published: November 2018

Ved regionalt ressurssenter om vold, traumatisk stress og
selvmordsforebygging (RVTS-Øst) har vi utviklet ny organisasjonsmodell for det
selvmordsforebyggende arbeidet. Viktige strategiske mål er å styrke kvaliteten
på selvmordsforebyggende aktiviteter i regionen innenfor sentrale områder,
anbefalt i de nasjonale retningslinjene for forebygging av selvmord i psykisk
helsevern. For å oppnå disse målene er lokale spesialrådgivere organisert i et
interdisiplinært og interorganisatorisk nettverk. Våre erfaringer så langt er at
organiseringen i faglige nettverk innebærer muligheter til å styrke den
selvmordsforebyggende virksomheten på flere områder.

At the Regional Centre – Violence, Trauma and Suicide Prevention – Region East (RVTS-East), we have
developed a new organisational model for suicide prevention. Important strategic
aims are to improve the quality of suicide prevention activities in the region
in accordance with recommendations given in National guidelines for suicide
prevention in mental health care. To achieve these objectives, local special
advisors are organized in an interdisciplinary and inter-organizational network.
So far, our experiences are indicating that a network organisation could improve
suicide prevention activities in several aspects.
Adverse Childhoold Experiences and Sucidal Behavior
Authors: Brodsky Beth S , Biggs Emily
Published: November 2018

Early experiences of physical and sexual abuse
are well-documented correlates of suicidal
behavior in adolescence and adulthood.
Childhood abuse and neglect have also been
reported as etiological factors in the development
of suicidal and self-harm behavior.
There is evidence that adverse childhood
experiences are related to the development
of certain personality traits that increase the
risk for suicidal behavior. Genetic and biological
studies of the relationship between
adverse childhood experiences and the serotonergic
system, the opioid receptor system,
and gene methylation identify possible biological
mediators between environmental
factors and personality traits related to suicidal
behavior. In this article we revisit and update
our 2008 review of what is known regarding
the relationship and mediators between childhood
abuse/neglect and suicidal behavior,
while giving emphasis to the most recent
findings. We integrate past and present
findings into a theoretical model that illustrate
current state of understanding as to how
childhood adversity and genetic/biological
factors interact to affect neurobiological
changes, which then lead to the development
of personality traits correlated with
suicidal behavior.
Belastende livshendelser i barndommen og
risiko for suicidal atferd
Fysisk og seksuelt misbruk av barn har en veldokumentert
sammenheng med suicidal atferd
senere i livet. Slike sterke belastninger kan
også gi opphav til utvikling av personlighetstrekk
som øker risikoen for suicidal adferd.
Genetiske og nevrobiologiske studier har påvist
en rekke mulige biologiske faktorer som
kan mediere sammenhengen mellom miljømessige
forhold, personlighetstrekk og suicidal
og selvskadende atferd. Denne artikkelen er
en oppdatering av vår litteraturgjennomgang
fra 2008 om hva vi vet om forholdet mellom
misbruk og omsorgssvikt i barndommen og
suicidal adferd og hva som medierer sammenhengen.
Vi har lagt mest vekt på de nyeste
funnene, men trekker inn både tidligere og
nye funn i en teoretisk modell om hvordan
belastende livshendelser i barndommen og
genetiske/biologiske faktorer sammen påvirker
nevrobiologiske forandringer, som igjen fører
til utviklingen av personlighetstrekk korrelert
med suicidal atferd.
Hvordan organisere et akuttilbud for ungdom i
selvmordsrisiko?
Authors: Baklund Lise , Nilssen Kjetil , Ristvedt Liv , Zeiner Pål
Published: November 2018

Selvmordsrisiko er en av de vanligste grunnene til
henvisning til psykiatriske akuttavdelinger for ungdom.
Ved Ungdomsseksjonen for øyeblikkelig hjelp
i Drammen har en gjennom flere år arbeidet med
fleksible løsninger for ungdom med akutt selvmordsrisiko.
Behandlingen kan skje gjennom innleggelse,
polikliniske samtaler eller ambulante tiltak. I 2005
deltok seksjonen i Multisenterstudien for akuttpsykiatri
(MAP-studien). Sentrale spørsmål i studien
var: Hva kjennetegner pasientene? Hvilken sammenheng
er det mellom vurdert selvmordsrisiko
og valg av behandlingsnivå? Hvordan operasjonalisere
prinsippene tilgjengelighet, fleksibilitet, kontinuitet,
familie og nettverk i behandlingen av
unge mennesker i selvmordsrisko? Her presenteres
noen av dataene seksjonen samlet inn under MAPstudien,
samt hovedprinsippene som er fulgt, illustrert
med ulike case. Artikkelen beskriver hvordan
man kan gi et poliklinisk/ambulant tilbud til ungdom
med forhøyet selvmordsrisiko.
Suiciderisk among adolescents – how to help in
an acute phase and after
Risk of suicide is one of the most frequent reasons
for psychiatric referrals of patiens between 13–18
years in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Services (CAMHS). The clinical picture is compound
and hetero-geneous because psychiatric symptomes
are less marked than in adults and phenomenons
like insecurity, unstability and impulsivness
are more common. In 2005, Ungdomsseksjonen
for øyeblikkelig hjelp, an acute emergency unit for
adolescents, participated in a multi-centre study
of five acute CAMHS. The study clarified some of
the principles of intervention and the article presents
theese principles illustrated with cases and
with data collected in the multicentre study. The
service is organised in a unit providing both outpatient
(home treatment or consultation with
therapists) and inpatient treatment. Mobilising
parents and relatives based on a familiy- and network
therapeutic approach, is fundamental in the
treatment irrespective of where the patient recieves
the treatment. The organization of the psychiatric
emergency services to children and adolescents
should aim for flexibility and availability and offer
both inpatient and out-patient treatment. In this
way one can adjust the service by severity of mental
illness and in cooperation with and support from
the family and the network.
Evolving Pharmacotherapeutic Strategies for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sabet Samie , Condren Michelle E. , Boston Angela F. , Doak Lauren C. , Chalmers Laura J.
Published: November 2018

Despite pharmacotherapeutic advancements in the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus during the past several decades, patients struggle to achieve glycemic goals. Additionally, hypoglycemia, especially in extremes of age, decreases quality of life. The lack of optimal glycemic control and risk for hypoglycemia are multifactorial. Nevertheless, endeavors aiming to develop pharmacotherapeutic options with enhanced pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and clinical profiles continue. This review article discusses recent ventures in 3 categories of insulin, non-insulin, and glucagon products.
A Cross-Sectional Investigation of Students' Reasoning About Integer Addition and Subtraction: Ways of Reasoning, Problem Types, and Flexibility
Authors: Lamb Lisa L. , Bishop Jessica Pierson , Philipp Randolph A. , Whitacre Ian , Schappelle Bonnie P.
Published: November 2018

In a cross-sectional study, 160 students in Grades 2, 4, 7, and 11 were interviewed about their reasoning when solving integer addition and subtraction open-numbersentence problems. We applied our previously developed framework for 5 Ways of Reasoning (WoRs) to our data set to describe patterns within and across participant groups. Our analysis of the WoRs also led to the identification of 3 problem types: change-positive, all-negatives, and counterintuitive. We found that problem type influenced student performance and tended to evoke a different way of reasoning. We showed that those with more experience with negative numbers use WoRs more flexibly than those with less experience and that flexibility is correlated with accuracy. We provide 3 types of resources for educators: (a) WoRs and problem-types frameworks, (b) characterization of flexibility with integer addition and subtraction, and (c) development of a trajectory of learning about integers.
Highlighting Theory to Connect Research and Practice
Authors: Sztajn Paola , Tauber Mona , Vargas Ana Patricia Maroto
Published: November 2018

What role should educational research play in practice and vice versa? What is the role of theory in connecting research and practice? These are some of the questions that readers are invited to consider in Research for Educational Change: Transforming Researchers' Insights Into Improvement in Mathematics Teaching and Learning. Using a novel approach, this book brings these questions to the foreground and examines the links among research, practice, and theory in mathematics education.
Teaching and Learning about Patterns in Preschool
Authors: Robinson Ariel
Published: November 2018

This preschool teacher uses differentiation and scaffolding techniques as she reads an informational text about patterns with her young students.
Modeling with Tape Diagrams
Authors: Ding Meixia
Published: November 2018

Two teachers used a powerful, challenging tool in their Chinese classroom to build, ensure, and solidify students' understanding of quantitative relationships.
Prevalence and Correlates of Body Image Dissatisfaction in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Stevens Serena D. , Thompson Nicolas R. , Sullivan Amy B.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Body image dissatisfaction (BID) strongly predicts undesirable outcomes, including disordered eating, depression, and low self-esteem. People with multiple sclerosis (MS) may have higher BID due to changes in mobility and functioning and high rates of depression; however, little research has explored BID in people with MS. Identifying factors predicting BID in people with MS would help providers become more aware of BID and its possible negative outcomes.

Methods:

The sample included 151 adult patients with MS receiving care at the Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center for MS. The Body Shape Questionnaire was administered, and demographic information was collected from medical records. Data on MS-specific variables were collected via computerized testing. A one-sample t test, an independent-samples t test, and a hierarchical linear regression were conducted.

Results:

Average scores on BID were not significantly different from the population mean. Patients with moderate/marked concern were more likely to be female and had higher body mass index values, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores, and Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders Stigma T-scores. There were no age differences. No MS-specific variables significantly predicted BID.

Conclusions:

People with MS show approximately the same levels of BID as the general population. Higher BID was associated with being female and with higher body mass index, depression, and stigma. No MS-specific variables predicted higher BID after controlling for significant variables. Given the evidence in the literature of the negative effects of BID on health behaviors and mood, it is important to explore whether other factors affect BID in people with MS.
Imperial skulduggery, science and the issue of provenance and restitution
Authors: Kößler Reinhart
Published: November 2018

This article explores the history of the Alexander Ecker Collection and situates
it within the larger trajectory of global collecting of human remains during the
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This is then linked to the specific
context of the genocide in then German South West Africa (1904–8), with
the central figure of Eugen Fischer. The later trajectory of the collection
leads up to the current issues of restitution. The Freiburg case is instructive
since it raises issues about the possibilities and limitations of provenance
research. At the same time, the actual restitution of fourteen human remains in
2014 occurred in a way that sparked serious conflict in Namibia which is still
on-going four years later. In closing, exigencies as well as pressing needs in
connection with the repatriation and (where possible) rehumanisation of human
remains are discussed.
Foreword
Authors: Zigmunde Alīda
Published: November 2018

The second volume of the scientific journal of RTU Research Centre for Engineering History (RCEH) is devoted to the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Latvia. The authors of articles are historians of science, pedagogues and museum workers of Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine. The themes of articles and their main characters are related to the Riga Polytechnicum (RP) / Riga Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
Graduates and students of the Riga Polytechnicum / Riga Polytechnic Institute ‒ participants of the Proclamation of independent Republic of Latvia
Authors: Zigmunde Alīda , Baldiņš Alvars
Published: November 2018

In 2018, Latvia celebrates a hundred years since it became an independent state. One hundred years ago, on 18 November 1918, 38 members of the People’s Council of Latvia (further in the text ‒ the People’s Council) took part in the proclamation of Latvia. None of them experienced the restoration of the Republic of Latvia, and most of them died before the end of the Second World War. There were seven graduates of the Riga Polytechnicum (RP) / Riga Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and one student who did not receive a diploma from the institute among the participants in the founding act of the Republic of Latvia. Of the seven graduates four suffered repressions in 1941 and were taken to Siberia, two after the Second World War went into exile, one died in 1924. Some of the participants of the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia have left written testimonies about the beginnings of the state’s foundation. All members of the People’s Council were reputable Latvian citizens, some of them were awarded the Order of Three Stars for meritorious service to native land.
Professional activities of Latvian born Lithuanian architect and engineer Karolis Reisonas (1894–1981) in Šiauliai
Authors: Saladžinskas Sigitas Vladas , Vaisvalavičiene Kristina
Published: November 2018

The article introduces the life of not well-known in Latvia Latvian born Lithuanian Karolis  Reisonas  (in  Latvian:  Kārlis   Reisons;   1894–1981) and his professional activities in Šiauliai city, as well as highlights the main features of the architect’s creative work and the importance of his work in the history of Lithuanian architecture. K. Reisonas was one of the most prominent creators of modern architecture of the 20th century during interwar period in Lithuania. He is the author and co-author of representative buildings in the cities of Lithuania, as well as in Riga and Adelaide (Australia). K. Reisonas graduated from Riga Real School (1913) and St. Petersburg Institute of Civil Engineers (1920). He has worked as the Engineer of the Šiauliai city and Head of the Construction Department of the Municipality (1922–1930), the Director of the Tenth1 Courses of Šiauliai Construction (1925), later –  the Director of the Šiauliai Vocational School (1926), and an Advisor of Lithuania Chamber of Agriculture (1927–1928). Fourteen building to his design in Kaunas and Šiauliai cities are included in the list of cultural values of Lithuania. K. Reisonas’ early projects are characterized by historicism, eclectic elements, of «brick style». Later projects have the features of aesthetic rationalism, functionalism, and adaptation to urban and cultural-historical context. After the Second World War, he and his family immigrated to Germany, later Adelaide in Australia, where he participated in the life of the Adelaide Lithuanian community.
Citizens of Liepāja city Teodors and Nikolajs Bredžs-Briedis in business and engineering sciences
Authors: Gaitniece Lāsma
Published: November 2018

The article is dedicated to the citizens of Liepāja city Teodors Bredžs- Briedis (1885–1940) and Nikolajs Bredžs-Briedis (1909–1989) – father and son. Father Teodors Bredžs-Briedis was an entrepreneur in Liepāja city, but his son, Nikolajs, graduate of the Faculty of Chemistry (1936) of the University of Latvia, emigrated to the United States of America at the end of the Second World War. Nikolajs Bredžs-Briedis had a brilliant scientist’s career – his research work in the metal welding industry was valued in 1955 by the Lincoln Gold Medal Award of the American Welding Society. In 1956, he was admitted to the US Honorary Society of Scientists and Researchers. Nikolajs Bredžs-Briedis has received 27 patents and is the author of 14 scientific publications.
The life and work of the student of the Riga Polytechnic Institute, psalmist Jaan Jürjens (1866–1915)
Authors: Coja Sergejs
Published: November 2018

Jaan Jürjens was an Estonian of Russian Orthodox faith. He graduated from the Riga Orthodox Theological Seminary in 1888 and from St. Petersburg Orthodox Theological Academy in 1902. From 1907 to 1910, he studied at the Department of Agriculture of Riga Polytechnic Institute. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, he served the Russian Orthodox Church and fellow humans as churchwarden, elementary school teacher and professor of Orthodox Theological Seminary. Jaan Jürjens is an author of several published books and scientific papers.
Vēsturisko mūrjavu ilgmūžības nodrošināšana Latvijas senatnes būvēs
Authors: Kiriloviča Inta , Karpe Margarita , Vītiņa Inta , Igaune-Blumberga Silvija
Published: November 2018

Pētījumi par Latvijas kultūrvēsturisko ēku akmens materiālu koroziju kopš 1984. g. tiek veikti Rīgas Tehniskās universitātes Silikātu materiālu institūta Akmens materiālu konservācijas un restaurācijas centrā. Šie pētījumi sniedz bagātīgu materiālu krājumu un pieredzi saistībā ar senatnes būvju ilgmūžības nodrošināšanu. Katra objekta restaurācijas tehnoloģijas izstrādes pamatā ir jābūt rūpīgai izpētei. Līdzšinējā pieredze ir devusi vērtīgas atziņas par mūsdienās pieejamo javu saistvielu (portlandcementa, kaļķu u. c.) izmantošanas nosacījumiem restaurācijas procesos.Ensuring the Permanence of Historical Mortars within Buildings of LatviaSince 1984 research on corrosion of  cultural heritage buildings of Latvia has been conducted in the Centre of Restoration and Conservation of Stone Materials, Institute of Silicate Materials, Riga Technical University. This research provides a wide collection of materials and experience in ensuring the permanence of historical buildings. Accurate investigations must be a fundamental part of the restoration technology of each object. The acquired experience has given valuable knowledge about the aspects of use of different binders (Portland cement, lime etc.) in restoration processes.Keywords – lime, corrosion, mortar, restoration, Roman cement, binder, salts
Extreme degeneracy of inputs in firing a neuron leads to loss of information when neuronal firing is examined
Authors: Vadakkan Kunjumon I
Published: November 2018

Possible combinations of inputs in the order of 10100 can fire (axonal spike or action potential) a neuron that has nearly 104 inputs (dendritic spines). This extreme degeneracy of inputs that can fire a neuron is associated with significant loss of information when examination is limited to neuronal firing. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) propagating from remote locations on the dendritic tree attenuate as they arrive at the axon hillock depending on the distance they propagate. Moreover, some EPSPs from remote locations will not even reach the axonal hillock. In this context, an operational mechanism at the location of origin of these EPSPs is necessary to preserve information for efficient storage. Evidence can be visible as the tip of an iceberg of operational mechanisms occurring only at a narrow window when sub-threshold activated (before learning) non-firing neurons fire during memory retrieval in response to a cue stimulus. Even this observation from a set of neurons does not identify the location where information is stored due to extreme degeneracy of inputs that can contribute potentials to cross the threshold and fire those neurons. In summary, it is necessary to identify locations of specific inputs where information is expected to make changes.
Identification of protein pockets and cavities by Euclidean Distance Transform
Authors: Daberdaku Sebastian
Published: November 2018

Protein pockets and cavities usually coincide with the active sites of biological processes, and their identification is significant since it constitutes an important step for structure-based drug design and protein-ligand docking applications. This paper presents a novel purely geometric algorithm for the detection of ligand binding protein pockets and cavities based on the Euclidean Distance Transform (EDT). The EDT can be used to compute the Solvent-Excluded surface for any given probe sphere radius value at high resolutions and in a timely manner. The algorithm is adaptive to the specific candidate ligand: it computes two voxelised protein surfaces using two different probe sphere radii depending on the shape of the candidate ligand. The pocket regions consist of the voxels located between the two surfaces, which exhibit a certain minimum depth value from the outer surface. The distance map values computed by the EDT algorithm during the second surface computation can be used to elegantly determine the depth of each candidate pocket and to rank them accordingly. Cavities on the other hand, are identified by scanning the inside of the protein for voids. The algorithm determines and outputs the best k candidate pockets and cavities, i.e. the ones that are more likely to bind to the given ligand. The method was applied to a representative set of protein-ligand complexes and their corresponding unbound protein structures to evaluate its ligand binding site prediction capabilities, and was shown to outperform most of the previously developed purely geometric pocket and cavity search methods.
Prionochelys matutinaZangerl, 1953 (Testudines: Pan-Cheloniidae) from the Late Cretaceous of the United States and the evolution of epithecal ossifications in marine turtles
Authors: Gentry Andrew D.
Published: November 2018

Background

Many neritic to nearshore species of marine adapted turtle from the Late Cretaceous of North America are thought to represent the stem lineage of Cheloniidae but due to fragmentary holotypes, low total specimen counts, and resultantly incomplete morphological character suites, are routinely placed either within or outside of crown group Chelonioidea leaving their precise cladistic affinities uncertain. Despite this systematic ambiguity, the referral of these species to either the stem of Cheloniidae or Chelonioidea belies the critical importance of these taxa in any investigation into the origins of extant marine turtles. The adequate incorporation of these species into phylogenetic studies requires the formal description of relatively complete specimens, particularly those possessing associated cranial and post-cranial material.

Methods

Remarkably complete fossil specimens of several adult and juvenile marine turtles from the Mooreville Chalk and Eutaw Formations (Alabama, USA) are formally described and assigned toPrionochelys matutina. This material provides new information into the anatomy, ontogeny, and cladistic affinities of the species. A phylogenetic hypothesis for Late Cretaceous marine turtles is then generated through the consilience of stratigraphic, morphological, and molecular data.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis placesPrionochelys matutinaon the stem of Cheloniidae as a member of a monophyletic clade with other putative pan-cheloniids, includingCtenochelys stenoporus,Ctenochelys acris,Peritresius martini, andPeritresius ornatus. The members of this clade possess incipient secondary palates, pronounced carapacial and plastral fontanelles at all stages of development, and are characterized by the presence of superficial ossifications at the apices of the neural keel elevations along the dorsal midline of the carapace.

Discussion

The epithecal osteoderms dorsal to the neural series (epineurals) found in Ctenochelyidae are unique among turtles. The presence of epineurals in ctenochelyid turtles shows that epithecal ossifications arose independently in both leatherback (Dermochelyidae) and hard-shelled (Cheloniidae) marine turtles. Whether or not the epineurals of Ctenochelyidae are homologous with the dermal ossicles comprising the carapace ofDermochelys coriacearemains untested however, histological thin sectioning of dermochelyid and ctenochelyd epithecal elements may reveal meaningful information in future studies.
External dosimetry audit for quality assurance of carbon‐ion radiation therapy clinical trials
Authors: Mizuno Hideyuki , Fukumura Akifumi , Kanematsu Nobuyuki , Yonai Shunsuke , Shirai Toshiyuki , Yusa Ken , Yanou Toshihiro , Suga Masaki , Mizota Manabu , Minohara Shinichi , Kanai Tatsuaki , Kamada Tadashi
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The QA team of the Japan carbon‐ion radiation oncology study group (J‐CROS) was organized in 2015 to enhance confidence in the accuracy of clinical dosimetry and ensure that the facility QA procedures are adequate. The team conducted onsite dosimetry audits in all the carbon‐ion radiation therapy centers in Japan.

Materials and Methods

A special phantom was fabricated for the onsite dosimetry audit. Target volumes such as the GTV, CTV, and PTV were contoured to the obtained CT images, and two plans with different isocenter depths were created. The dose at the isocenter was measured by an ionization chamber, in the onsite audit and compared with the calculated dose.

Results

For all the centers, the average of the percentage ratio between the measured and calculated doses (measured/calculated) was 0.5% (−2.7% to +2.6%) and the standard deviation, 1.7%. In all the centers, the beams were within the set tolerance level of 3%.

Conclusions

The audit demonstrated that the dose at a single point in the water phantom was within tolerance, but it is a big step to say that all doses are correct. In addition, this external dosimetry audit encouraged centers to improve the quality of their dosimetry systems.
Integrating Geometry Within a Poetic Setting: Steering a Path Between the Artificial and the Natural
Authors: Li Xinggang
Published: November 2018

Anodyne, internationally identical urban environments are leaving the human spirit bereft. According to Xinggang Li – a practising architect and visiting professor at Tianjin University – what is needed is an injection of poetics and a heightened awareness of context. Here he sets out the vision on which his award‐winning architectural office Atelier Li Xinggang bases its work, and highlights some of its recent projects where an interrelationship between the artificial and the natural makes for inspiring and harmonious settings in which to live, learn or play.
Basic Green Building Design: Reconnecting Sustainability to the Vernacular
Authors: Fu Xiao , You Wei
Published: November 2018

Given cultural differences in lifestyles and building usage, Western techniques for measuring sustainability are ill fitted to the Chinese context. Instead of relying on international certification systems like LEED, China needs a homegrown solution to improve its green building credentials. The Integrated Architecture Studio at Nanjing University has established such a methodology, combining sustainable design with spatial and tectonic pursuits to achieve integrated architectural quality. Xiao Fu, the studio's leader, and his colleague and research collaborator Wei You, explain its motivations and illustrate some of its outcomes.
Turning East: Design Research in China in a Global Context
Authors: Fraser Murray
Published: November 2018

What are the defining qualities of China's current homegrown architectural pioneers, and how might they next evolve? Murray Fraser, Professor of Architecture and Global Culture and Vice‐Dean of Research at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London, charts the background of design research from its Western roots, and investigates how recent generations of Chinese architects have been taking it in a new direction – from Wang Shu and Lu Wenyu's Amateur Architecture Studio to Atelier Deshaus, Atelier Archmixing and TAO (Trace Architecture Office).
Photopolymerizable Platelet Lysate Hydrogels for Customizable 3D Cell Culture Platforms
Authors: Santos Sara C. , Custódio Catarina A. , Mano João F.
Published: November 2018

3D cell culture platforms have emerged as a setting that resembles in vivo environments replacing the traditional 2D platforms. Over the recent years, an extensive effort has been made on the development of more physiologically relevant 3D cell culture platforms. Extracellular matrix–based materials have been reported as a bioactive and biocompatible support for cell culture. For example, human plasma derivatives have been extensively used in cell culture. Despite all the promising results, in most cases these types of materials have poor mechanical properties and poor stability in vitro. Here plasma‐based hydrogels with increased stability are proposed. Platelet lysates are modified by addition of methacryloyl groups (PLMA) that polymerize in controlled geometries upon UV light exposure. The hydrogels could also generate porous scaffolds after lyophilization. The results show that PLMA materials have increased mechanical properties that can be easily adjusted by changing PLMA concentration or modification degree. Cells readily adhere, proliferate, and migrate, exhibiting high viability when encapsulated in PLMA hydrogels. The innovation potential of PLMA materials is based on the fact that it is a complete xeno‐free solution for human cell culture, thus an effective alternative to the current gold standards for 3D cell culture based on animal products.
Supported Rhodium (Rh@PS) Catalyzed Benzimidazoles Synthesis Using Ethanol/Methanol as C2H3/CH Source
Authors: Sharma Saurabh , Sharma Ajay , Yamini  , Das Pralay
Published: November 2018

An effective and stable polystyrene supported rhodium (Rh@PS) nano‐catalyst has been synthesized by following reduction‐deposition approach and applied for the selective benzimidazoles synthesis from 1,2‐phenylenediamines and ethanol/methanol as C2H3/CH source. The ethanol/methanol in the presence of trace amounts of aerobic oxygen under Rh@PS catalysed condition, first participated in oxidation of alcohol followed by consecutive condensation, cyclization and hydrogen elimination reactions with 1,2‐phenylenediamine gave the desired products in good yields. The Rh@PS catalyst in a single system performed both oxidation and reduction reactions in a selective/specific manner and applied for large substrate scope. Easy recovery, handling, stability, recyclability of the catalyst and less chance of metal contamination with the products are the added advantages of the process.

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Association of hepatitis B virus infection and glomerulonephritis in a HBV‐endemic area: A population‐based study
Authors: Huang Chiao‐Wei , Lin Cheng‐Heng , Chuang Ya‐Wen , Yang Sheng‐Shun , Lee Teng‐Yu , Yeh Hong‐Zen , Chang Chi‐Sen , Lu I‐Ta
Published: November 2018

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐endemic Taiwan has a very high incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). HBV‐related glomerulonephritis (GN) is usually underdiagnosed due to a lack of pathological confirmation and epidemiology data. This population‐based study aims to investigate the relationship between hepatitis B virus infection and GN using the National Health Insurance Research Database. HBV‐infected subjects who were older than 20 years, without hepatitis C virus infection or a diagnosis of ESRD before 2000 were enrolled. The control group included age‐, gender‐, and comorbidity‐matched individuals. A total of 35 746 patients were diagnosed with the aforementioned hepatitis B virus infection from 2000 to 2010, and 597 patients were diagnosed with GN. HBV infection significantly increased the occurrence of GN, even after adjusting for age, gender, and comorbidity status. Incremental year, male gender, and comorbidity status were also independent factors for GN. After stratifying by age, the occurrence of GN is significantly higher for patients aged 20 to 34 and 35 to 49 years. Men with hepatitis B virus infection had a significantly higher association (1.47‐fold) with GN. This study demonstrated that male hepatitis B virus‐infected subjects aged 20 to 49 years have a higher risk of association with GN compared with non‐hepatitis B virus‐infected subjects.
Overall seed dispersal effectiveness is lower in endemic Trillium species than in their widespread congeners
Authors: Miller Chelsea N. , Kwit Charles
Published: November 2018

Premise of the Study

Comparing ecological attributes of endemic species with related, widespread species can reveal differences accounting for rarity. Forests of the southeastern United States are home to many range‐restricted endemic and widespread species of Trillium, a genus of ant‐dispersed herbs. Evidence suggests that aspects of seed‐related life history stages are often correlated with plant rarity, but few studies have tested whether the process of seed dispersal differs for endemic and widespread species. To address this question, we compared aspects of seed dispersal effectiveness (SDE) for three sympatric, widespread endemic Trillium species pairs.

Methods

We observed seed dispersal for Trillium species pairs by ants at eight sites, recorded numbers of seeds dispersed and dispersal distances, and described disperser interactions. To test disperser preference, we presented seeds of each pair to captive colonies of Aphaenogaster picea, a keystone disperser. Seeds were assigned scores based on worker behavior, and we recorded proportions of seeds dispersed after 1 h and 24 h.

Key Results

Field observations yielded some significant within‐pair differences. Ants dispersed more seeds of widespread species for all pairs, although dispersal distances did not differ. In laboratory experiments, after 24 h, ants dispersed more seeds of widespread species into nests.

Conclusions

Endemic Trillium species had lower overall SDE than did their widespread congeners. These findings add to the list of ecological and demographic challenges that face endemic plants when compared to common congeners. Lower SDE may negatively impact reproductive rates and the colonization of new habitats, which may contribute to patterns of endemism.