bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trial-by-trial modulations in the orienting of attention elicited by gaze and arrow cues
Authors: Ciardo Francesca , Ricciardelli Paola , Iani Cristina
Published: March 2018

Recent findings suggested that the orienting of attention towards gazed at locations (i.e., the gaze cueing effect) could result from the conflict emerging in incongruent trials between the spatial information conveyed by gaze direction and the target spatial position. In two experiments, we assessed this hypothesis by investigating whether this effect is influenced by the same trial-by-trial modulations that are reported in a spatial conflict task, i.e., the Simon task. In Experiment 1, we compared the trial-by-trial modulations emerging in the Simon task with those emerging in a gaze cueing task, while in Experiment 2, we compared gaze and arrows cues. Trial-by-trial modulations were evident in both tasks. In the Simon task, correspondence sequence affected both corresponding and noncorresponding responses, this resulting in a larger Simon effect when the preceding trial was corresponding and an absent effect when the preceding trial was noncorresponding. Differently, in the gaze cueing task, congruence sequence affected only congruent responses with faster responses when the preceding trial was congruent compared to when it was incongruent, resulting in a larger gaze cuing effect when the preceding trial was congruent. Same results were evident with nonpredictive arrow cues. These findings speak against a spatial conflict account.
A clustering approach for mining reliability big data for asset management
Authors: Cannarile Francesco , Compare Michele , Di Maio Francesco , Zio Enrico
Published: March 2018

Big data from very large fleets of assets challenge the asset management, as the number of maintenance strategies to optimize and administrate may become very large. To address this issue, we exploit a clustering approach that identifies a small number of sets of assets with similar reliability behaviors. This enables addressing the maintenance strategy optimization issue once for all the assets belonging to the same cluster and, thus, introduces a strong simplification in the asset management. However, the clustering approach may lead to additional maintenance costs, due to the loss of refinement in the cluster reliability model. For this, we propose a cost model to support asset managers in trading off the simplification brought by the cluster-based approach against the related extra costs. The proposed approach is applied to a real case study concerning a set of more than 30,000 switch point machines.
Modeling an electric power microgrid by model predictive control for analyzing its characteristics from reliability, controllability and topological perspectives
Authors: Han Fangyuan , Zio Enrico
Published: March 2018

Microgrids can be a key solution for integrating renewable and distributed energy resources. This article analyzes microgrids’ characteristics adopting model predictive control. We study the microgrid performance under two operation modes: grid-connected and stand-alone. For each mode, we consider different faulty scenarios, and by dynamic simulations, we investigate the importance of the microgrid components from different perspectives: topological, reliability and controllability. This analysis enables evaluation of the microgrid performance and quantification of the importance of each component with respect to the different perspectives considered. The findings provide information for the design and operation of a microgrid, seeking the right balance of multiple characteristics.
Assessment of #TheDress With Traditional Color Vision Tests: Perception Differences Are Associated With Blueness
Authors: Feitosa-Santana Claudia , Lutze Margaret , Barrionuevo Pablo A. , Cao Dingcai
Published: March 2018

Based on known color vision theories, there is no complete explanation for the perceptual dichotomy of #TheDress in which most people see either white-and-gold (WG) or blue-and-black (BK). We determined whether some standard color vision tests (i.e., color naming, color matching, anomaloscope settings, unique white settings, and color preferences), as well as chronotypes, could provide information on the color perceptions of #TheDress. Fifty-two young observers were tested. Fifteen of the observers (29%) reported the colors as BK, 21 (40%) as WG, and 16 (31%) reported a different combination of colors. Observers who perceived WG required significantly more blue in their unique white settings than those who perceived BK. The BK, blue-and-gold, and WG observer groups had significantly different color preferences for the light cyan chip. Moreland equation anomaloscope matching showed a significant difference between WG and BK observers. In addition, #TheDress color perception categories, color preference outcomes, and unique white settings had a common association. For both the bright and dark regions of #TheDress, the color matching chromaticities formed a continuum, approximately following the daylight chromaticity locus. Color matching to the bright region of #TheDress showed two nearly distinct clusters (WG vs. BK) along the daylight chromaticity locus and there was a clear cutoff for reporting WG versus BK. All results showing a significant difference involved blue percepts, possibly due to interpretations of the illuminant interactions with the dress material. This suggests that variations in attributing blueness to the #TheDress image may be significant variables determining color perception of #TheDress.
Challenges to measuring Chinese students’ perceptions of freedom of expression: An application of Rasch analysis
Authors: Qin Lixia , Torres Mario
Published: March 2018

Rapid social development and recent changes in views concerning childhood have urged a more holistic approach to measuring children’s well-being, particularly in the domain of rights. In light of articulated provisions within the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, there is obvious interest in understanding more about how children’s perceptions of their rights have evolved. Using both traditional measurement (exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis) and Rasch analysis, this study focused on measures gauging Chinese high school students’ perceptions of freedom of expression. The survey was designed to capture students’ perceptions over various forms of freedom of expression (e.g. student publications, dress code), and their experiences with regard to how these rights were respected in their schools. The aim of the study was to examine and evaluate validity and reliability of the survey used with a sample of 838 Chinese students from two high schools, one urban, and one rural. Overall, the survey exhibits certain degrees of validity and reliability and is appropriate for measuring children’s perceptions on freedom of expression. The study pointed to a number of areas where the survey could be improved. Implications for future research were discussed.
Psychometric Properties of Rational-Experiential Inventory for Adolescents
Authors: Shirzadifard Maysam , Shahghasemi Ehsan , Hejazi Elaheh , Naghsh Zahra , Ranjbar Ghafar
Published: March 2018

This study investigates the psychometric properties of a well-set form of the Rational-Experiential Inventory (REI) for adolescents (REI-A20). Participants were 746 Iranian high school students (412 males, 334 females), selected through multistage sampling method. After subjecting our data to principal components analysis (PCA) and parallel analysis (PA), we found a two-factor structure corresponding to rational and experiential processing. Both rational and experiential scales of the REI-A20 exhibited good internal consistency. These two factors accounted for 37% of the variance. The fit indices of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the cross-validity of the inventory. Rationality, but not experientiality, was significantly related to better school performance, elaboration, organization, and metacognitive strategies. Males scored significantly higher on rational scale, but there was no difference between females and males in scores on experiential scale. This new inventory has reliable scores, and allows for valid inferences in assessing individual differences in adolescents’ preference for the rational and experiential information-processing styles.
mHealth Interventions in South Africa: A Review
Authors: Ojo Adebowale I.
Published: March 2018

The South African health care system, despite recording some significant improvements since independence, still faces a number of health challenges. Mobile technologies application in health care, also known as mHealth, has been shown as feasible in helping alleviate some of South Africa’s disease burden and cause improvements in health care outcomes. Although some feasibility studies have shown the potentials of mHealth, there is a paucity of literature establishing clear outcomes of mHealth interventions in South Africa. This study, therefore, is a systematic review of literature that was carried out to evaluate empirical evidence on the effect of mHealth interventions on health outcomes in South Africa. Academic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost, and Scopus were searched for empirical studies relating to mHealth interventions in South Africa carried out between 2011 and March 2016. The search, after the screening, yielded 40 papers, of which six randomized controlled studies were eligible for review by the PRISMA guideline. Findings revealed that mHealth interventions using mobile phones and text messages had been targeted at improving treatment adherence and eliciting behavioral actions in patients. However, while mHealth portends the potential to improve health outcomes and possibly transform the health system, there was no sufficient evidence to confirm the effect of the mHealth interventions on improved health outcomes. The study concludes that there is a need for more intervention studies to show evidence of the impact of mHealth interventions on health outcomes and health care delivery processes in South Africa.
Severe Lumbar Disability Is Associated With Decreased Psoas Cross-Sectional Area in Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Wagner Scott C. , Sebastian Arjun S. , McKenzie James C. , Butler Joseph S. , Kaye Ian D. , Morrissey Patrick B. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Kepler Christopher K.
Published: March 2018

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort.

Objectives:

Alterations in lumbar paraspinal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) may correlate with lumbar pathology. The purpose of this study was to compare paraspinal CSA in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and severe lumbar disability to those with mild or moderate lumbar disability, as determined by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 101 patients undergoing lumbar fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis. Patients were divided into ODI score ≤40 (mild/moderate disability, MMD) and ODI score >40 (severe disability, SD) groups. The total CSA of the psoas and paraspinal muscles were measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results:

There were 37 patients in the SD group and 64 in the MMD group. Average age and body mass index were similar between groups. For the paraspinal muscles, we were unable to demonstrate any significant differences in total CSA between the groups. Psoas muscle CSA was significantly decreased in the SD group compared with the MMD group (1010.08 vs 1178.6 mm2, P = .041). Multivariate analysis found that psoas CSA in the upper quartile was significantly protective against severe disability ( P = .013).

Conclusions:

We found that patients with severe lumbar disability had no significant differences in posterior lumbar paraspinal CSA when compared with those with mild/moderate disability. However, severely disabled patients had significantly decreased psoas CSA, and larger psoas CSA was strongly protective against severe disability, suggestive of a potential association with psoas atrophy and worsening severity of lumbar pathology.
An Innocent Esophageal Mucosal Bridge: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Sunkara Tagore , Then Eric Omar , Yarlagadda Krishna Sowjanya , Jhaveri Manan , Gaduputi Vinaya
Published: March 2018

An esophageal mucosal bridge is a rare finding that is seldom encountered on upper endoscopy. They most commonly present secondary to an underlying inflammatory disorder and cause chest pain and dysphagia, among other symptoms. More rarely, they present asymptomatically with no identifiable inflammatory conditions. Our case consists of a 31-year-old woman who presented with an asymptomatic, noninflammatory mucosal bridge of the esophagus. To our knowledge, this makes the third such case. The rarity of this condition coupled with the lack of epidemiologic data available make this case worthy for literature review.
Safe Surgery Checklist, Patient Safety, Teamwork, and Responsibility—Coequal Demands? A Focus Group Study
Authors: Willassen Elin Thove , Jacobsen Inger Lise Smith , Tveiten Sidsel
Published: March 2018

The use of World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) Safe Surgery checklist is an established practice worldwide and contributes toward ensuring patient safety and collaborative teamwork. The aim of this study was to elucidate operating room nurses’ and operating room nursing students’ experiences and opinions about execution of and compliance with checklists. We chose a qualitative design with semistructured focus group discussions. Qualitative content analysis was conducted. Two main themes were identified; the Safe Surgery checklists have varied influence on teamwork and patient safety, and taking responsibility for executing the checks on the Safe Surgery checklist entails practical and ethical challenges. The experiences and opinions of operating room nurses and their students revealed differences of practices and attitudes toward checklist compliance and the intentions of checklist procedures. These differences are related to cultural and professional distances between team members and their understanding of the Safe Surgery checklists as a tool for patient safety.
Gene dosage effect of CUX1 in a murine model disrupts HSC homeostasis and controls the severity and mortality of MDS
Authors: An Ningfei , Khan Saira , Imgruet Molly K. , Gurbuxani Sandeep K. , Konecki Stephanie N. , Burgess Michael R. , McNerney Megan E.
Published: March 2018

Key Points

CUX1 deficiency leads to transient clonal expansion followed by HSC depletion, anemia, and trilineage dysplasia. CUX1 transcriptionally regulates HSC quiescence, proliferation, and lineage specification.
Expansionism, Extremism, and Exceptionalism in Life
Authors: Walford Antonia , Kirk Donnacha
Published: March 2018

This article explores how taking physical cosmology and the entities that populate its fringes on their own terms might prompt anthropology to rethink what and how it thinks of life. Physical cosmologists work with inanimate matter that lies at the frontier of existential possibility, positing scales and concepts that seem to negate commonsense notions of life and nonlife. Although a common reaction in anthropology when faced with such infinite, nonhuman, and abstract landscapes is to try to crowbar “everyday life” back in, we argue that conceptual space needs to be made for another style of engagement between anthropology and physical cosmology. Taking the Boltzmann Brain as an example of life not only beyond the human but also beyond life as we know it, we start to flesh out a different sort of speculative, transdisciplinary endeavor.
A novel zebrafish intestinal tumor model reveals a role for cyp7a1-dependent tumor-liver crosstalk in tumor's adverse effects on host
Authors: Enya Sora , Kawakami Koichi , Suzuki Yutaka , Kawaoka Shinpei
Published: March 2018

The nature of host organs and genes that underlie tumor-induced physiological disruption on host remains ill-defined. Here, we establish a novel zebrafish intestinal tumor model that is suitable for addressing this issue, and find that hepatic cyp7a1, the rate-limiting factor for synthesizing bile acids, in the case of zebrafish bile alcohol (BA), is such a host gene. Inducing krasG12D by Gal4 specifically expressed in the posterior intestine resulted in formation of intestinal tumor. The local intestinal tumor caused systemic detrimental effects on host including liver inflammation, hepatomegaly, growth defects, and organismal death. Whole-organismal level gene expression analysis and metabolite measurements revealed that the intestinal tumor reduced total BA levels possibly via altered expression of hepatic cyp7a1. Genetically overexpressing cyp7a1 in the liver restored the BA synthesis and ameliorated tumor-induced liver inflammation, but not other tumor-dependent phenotypes. Thus, we found a previously unknown role of cyp7a1 as the host gene that links the intestinal tumor, hepatic cholesterol-BA metabolism, and liver inflammation in tumor-bearing zebrafish larvae. Our model provides an important basis to discover host genes responsible for tumor-induced phenotypes and to uncover mechanisms underlying how tumors adversely affect host organisms.
Proposition 13: An Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: İmrohoroğlu Ayşe , Matoba Kyle , Tüzel Şelale
Published: March 2018

There are many federal, state, and local laws that distort housing decisions and prices. However, it is often difficult to tease out the quantitative impact of such policies. In this paper, we examine the implications of one of the most significant tax changes initiated by voters in the United States on house prices, housing turnover, and household welfare. In 1978 California passed Proposition 13, which lowered property tax rates and restricted future property tax increases. We find that the introduction of Proposition 13 leads to a 15 percent increase in house prices and a 3.3 percent decrease in the moving rates. The elimination of Proposition 13, however, leads to modest changes in house prices and mobility but sizable welfare gains. (JEL E13, G21, H71, R21, R31)
Case Report: A rare case of prosthetic valve infective endocarditis caused by Aerococcus urinae
Authors: Adeel Muhammad , Tariq Saman , Akthar Hisham , Zaghloul Ahmed , Iorgoveanu Corina , Dehner Carina
Published: March 2018

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious and life-threatening cardiac condition, most commonly caused by staphylococci, Streptococcus viridans, and enterococci. However, in special settings, IE can be caused by rare organisms. Here we present a case of IE caused by Aerococcus urinae in a 75-year-old man with a bioprosthetic aortic valve.  Aerococcus urinae is a gram-positive, catalase-negative microorganism and is usually an isolate of complicated urinary tract infections in the elderly male population.  Improvements in diagnostic testing including use of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization– a time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) have played an important role in recognition of Aerococcus urinae.
Monocytes isolated by positive and negative magnetic sorting techniques show different molecular characteristics and immunophenotypic behaviour
Authors: Bhattacharjee Jashdeep , Das Barun , Mishra Alaknanda , Sahay Preeti , Upadhyay Pramod
Published: March 2018

Background: Magnetic sorting of cells, based on  microbead conjugated antibodies (Abs), employs positive as well as negative immunomagnetic separation methods, for isolation of a specific cell population. These microbeads are suggested to be nontoxic, biodegradable carriers conjugated to various antibodies. Isolation of cells through positive selection involves the attachment of antibody conjugated microbeads to the cells of interest, followed by their isolation in the presence of a strong magnetic field to obtain higher purity. Negative selection involves attachment of microbead conjugated antibodies to all other cell populations except the cells of interest, which remain untagged. In the present study, we compared the two methods for their effect on functional and immunophenotypic behavior of isolated CD14+ monocytes.

Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from blood collected from healthy volunteers by density gradient centrifugation. Human blood derived monocytes were isolated through positive selection and negative selection, making use of the appropriate monocyte isolation kit. Monocytes were then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and their activation and proliferation capacity were examined. The degradation or dissociation of cell-bound microbeads was also investigated.

Results: We observed an impaired LPS sensitivity as well as poor activation and proliferation capacity upon stimulation by LPS in positively sorted CD14+ monocytes as compared to negatively sorted CD14+ monocytes. The attached microbeads did not degrade and remained attached to the cells even after 6 days of culture.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that positively sorted CD14+ cells exhibit hampered functionality and may result in inaccurate analysis and observations in downstream applications. However, these cells can be used for immediate analytical procedures.
Predictive physiological anticipation preceding seemingly unpredictable stimuli: An update of Mossbridge et al’s meta-analysis
Authors: Duggan Michael , Tressoldi Patrizio
Published: March 2018

Background: This is an update of the Mossbridge et al’s meta-analysis related to the physiological anticipation preceding seemingly unpredictable stimuli. The overall effect size observed was 0.21; 95% Confidence Intervals: 0.13 - 0.29

Methods: Eighteen new peer and non-peer reviewed studies completed from January 2008 to October 2017 were retrieved describing a total of 26 experiments and 34 associated effect sizes.

Results: The overall weighted effect size, estimated with a frequentist multilevel random model, was: 0.29; 95% Confidence Intervals: 0.19-0.38; the overall weighted effect size, estimated with a multilevel Bayesian model, was: 0.29; 95% Credible Intervals: 0.18-0.39. Effect sizes of peer reviewed studies were slightly higher: 0.38; Confidence Intervals: 0.27-0.48 than non-peer reviewed articles: 0.22; Confidence Intervals: 0.05-0.39. The statistical estimation of the publication bias by using the Copas model suggest that the main findings are not contaminated by publication bias.

Conclusions: In summary, with this update, the main findings reported in Mossbridge et al’s meta-analysis, are confirmed.
Consolidating Europeanization
Authors: Stępka Maciej
Published: March 2018

This paper discusses a conceptual relationship between Europeanization and communication‑development. It analyses the theories and methods of diffusion of knowledge and information in Europeanizing and developing societies. More precisely, it focuses on the exact elements of communication‑development which coincide with Europeanization, and to what extent they could be extrapolated to the studies on internalization of the EU‑driven social change. In this regard, the article aims to identify the focal points for possible application of such a perspective and sanction further analyses of communication as a consolidating factor in the process of Europeanization.
Tożsamość w czasach zmiany
Authors: Kubicki Paweł
Published: March 2018

Social identity in times of change. Local Poland in the process of European integration
The article concerns the problem of dynamics of collective identities in local Poland after the accession to the European Union in 2004. The conclusions presented in the article are based on the results of field research conducted in 2012‑2014, within six municipalities in three different regions. The author focuses primarily on the analysis of the symbolic frame of reference in local Poland, which are the defining reason for action of social actors. The article examines three key variables affecting the formation of new symbolic frames of reference: the impact of EU funds on the local community, the role of local social memory and the social and cultural capital. The author concludes that, despite the fact that the changing symbolic frame of reference are creating the possibility to redefine the traditional identity in local Poland, as a result of mass migration there are no social actors who would be leaders of the change. The author’s primary focus is the analysis of the symbolic frames of reference in local Poland, which can only be described as dynamic and ever‑changing, and as such constituting the defining reason for social actors’ action. In the conclusion the author states that, despite the changes in the symbolic frames of reference, as well as the possibility of redefining the traditional identities in the local Poland, due to the mass migration there are no social actors suitable for leading the change.
Eurosceptyzym polskich partii politycznych – ile w tym przekonania, a ile pragmatyzmu?
Authors: Pacześniak Anna
Published: March 2018

Eurosceptic Polish political parties – how much of the belief, and how much of the pragmatism? The aim of the article is to consider the Euroscepticism of Polish political parties in the period before the accession to the EU and after 2004. Empirical material for this article is contained in electoral manifestoes of four Polish political parties defined by author as Eurosceptic (League of Polish Families, Self‑Defence, Law and Justice, Congress of New Right), published between 2001 and 2014. The author is looking for answer to the question, as far the Eurosceptic position of political party is the result of the party’s relationship to the EU and the axiology, expressed in their political manifestoes, and as far there is the tactical response to the expectations of their electorates.
Enjoy a home win
Authors: Bailey Martin
Published: March 2018

Educational technology provides plenty of ways to bridge the gap between homework and game play. Martin Bailey provides some hot tips for achieving the right balance.
Get into the zone
Authors: Dutton Bruce
Published: March 2018

What makes a lesson truly effective? Is it all in the structure and planning or does it need an x factor – that little bit of imagination to approach a subject differently?
Profil Histologi Duodenum Berbagai Itik Lokal Di Kabupaten Semarang
Authors: Apriliyani Nur Indah , Djaelani Muhammad Anwar , Tana Silvana
Published: March 2018

Local duck had been widely cultivated not only as a producer of eggs processed as salted egg but also there are cultivated as broiler ducks. The efforts to improve the productivity of ducks can be seen from the effectiveness of the process of absorption of nutrients in the duodenum, so the use of energy in the metabolic process can be optimized for adding mass and volume of the cell.  This study aims to determine the duodenum profile of the histological structure  covered the lumen diameter, villous height and number of goblet cells of Magelang ducks, Tegal ducks and Pengging ducks .This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with three treatments (Magelang ducks, Tegal ducks and Pengging ducks) and 6 replications. The measured variable was the long intestine tenue, lumen diameter, villous height and number of goblet cells. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a differentiation factor was the type of duck. The realdifferences data were analyzed using advanced test of Duncan at the level of 95%. The results showed long intestine tenue, lumen diameter and height of the villi were not significantly different at each Magelang ducks, Tegal ducks, Pengging ducks. The number of goblet cells in Magelang ducks and Tegal ducks showed significantly different, but not on Pengging Ducks. The conclusion of the study was the length of the intestine tenue, lumen diameter and height of villous had no real effect on three types of ducks. Keywords: Local ducks, duodenum, histological
Spirulina platensis Geitler sebagai Fikoremediator Logam Berat Pb Skala Laboratorium
Authors: Prambodo Muhammad Sindhunata , Hariyati Riche , Soeprobowati Tri Retnaningsih
Published: March 2018

Industrial waste contributes the heavy metals pollution in the environment, especially in the water. One of the heavy metals that pollute the environment is lead (Pb). Lead is a substance that is harmful to organisms, especially humans, both adults and children. Solutions to tackle Pb pollution isby remediation process. Physical and chemical remediation methods usually costly and ineffective. One of the alternative methods which is used is the bioremediation uses microalgae or called as phycoremediation. One of microalgae which is used as agents of  phycoremediation is Spirulina platensis Geitler because it’s easily cultured and it’s abundant in nature. This study aims to assess the population growth and the percentage reduction of Pb after inoculated with the use of Spirulina platensis Geitler. The method which is to cultivate S. platensis Geitler in brackish watermedia with a salinity of 15 ppt which have been added Pb with a concentration of 1 mg, 3 mg, and 5 mg for 8 days and observed the population and the percentage reduction of Pb heavy metals. Environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, pH, light intensity are conditioned to remain stable. After 8 days of research, study was able to reduce Pb. Each treatment has different concentrations decrease. Treatment Pb 1 mg of 0.949 into 0.603 mg / L; Pb 3 mg of 2.894 to 2.46 mg / L; and Pb 5 mg of 4.88 to 4.31 mg / L, with each percentage decline of 36%, 15% and 12%. The Pb 3 mg treatment has higher cell population (129.367 cell / ml) than control (106.600 cell/ml) while 1 mg and 5 mg treatment has 93.700 cell / ml and 93.500 cell / ml. Keywords: Spirulina platensis, phycoremediation, waste, lead.
Rasio Otot-Tulang Ekstremitas Posterior Ayam Pedaging Setelah Pemberian Teh Kombucha Dalam Air Minum
Authors: Kumala Amelia Setya Nur , Djaelani Muhammad Anwar , Yuniwarti Enny Yusuf Wachidah
Published: March 2018

Kombucha tea beverage obtained by fermenting sweetened green tea for 12 days with Acetobacter xylinum and Saccharomyces which produce various kinds of organic acids, vitamins, and acts as a probiotic. Kombucha tea role as growth promoter is to enhance the metabolic processes in the digestive system of broiler, so that the nutrients can be absorbed and fulfilled properly for optimal growth and development. The research was conducted from September to October 2014 in the Laboratory of Biological Structure and Function, Diponegoro University. Posterior limb (femur-tibiotarsus) meat-bone ratio analysis was used to investigate the effects of kombucha tea on the productivity of broiler chicken. A total of 20 broiler chickens were randomly divided into 4 treatment concentrations ( 0%, 10%, 20%, and 40% of kombucha tea in drinking water) for 32 days. Statistical analysis using ANOVA at 0,05 significance level and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test showed significantly different results on body weight and water intake, while feed intake, meat weight, bone weight and meat-bone ratio showed no significant results. It can be concluded from this study that the decrease of broiler chicken body weight due to consumption of 40% kombucha tea concentration in drinking water, do not cause a decrease in posterior limb meat and bone weight so that the posterior limb meat-bone ratio were not significantly different. Key words: Kombucha tea, broiler chicken, posterior limb, meat-bone ratio.
Comparing Short-Memory Charts to Monitor the Traffic Intensity of Single Server Queues
Authors: Santos Marta , Morais Manuel Cabral , Pacheco António
Published: March 2018

This paper describes the application of simple quality control charts to monitor the traffic intensity of single server queues, a still uncommon use of what is arguably the most successful statistical process control tool. These charts play a vital role in the detection of increases in the traffic intensity of single server queueing systems such as the{M/G/1},{GI/M/1}and{GI/G/1}queues. The corresponding control statistics refer solely to a customer-arrival/departure epoch as opposed to several such epochs, thus they are termed short-memory charts. We compare the RL performance of those charts under three out-of-control scenarios referring to increases in the traffic intensity due to: a decrease in the service rate while the arrival rate remains unchanged; an increase in the arrival rate while the service rate is constant; an increase in the arrival rate accompanied by a proportional decrease in the service rate. These comparisons refer to a broad set of interarrival and service time distributions, namely exponential, Erlang, hyper-exponential, and hypo-exponential. Extensive results and striking illustrations are provided to give the quality control practitioner an idea of how these charts perform in practice.
Introduction to Stopping Time in Stochastic Finance Theory. Part II
Authors: Jaeger Peter
Published: March 2018

We start proceeding with the stopping time theory in discrete time with the help of the Mizar system [1], [4]. We prove, that the expression for two stopping times k1 and k2 not always implies a stopping time (k1 + k2) (see Theorem 6 in this paper). If you want to get a stopping time, you have to cut the function e.g. (k1 + k2) ⋂ T (see [2, p. 283 Remark 6.14]). Next we introduce the stopping time in continuous time. We are focused on the intervals [0, r] where r ∈ ℝ. We prove, that for I = [0, r] or I = [0,+∞[ the set {A ⋂ I : A ∈ Borel-Sets} is a σ-algebra of I (see Definition 6 in this paper, and more general given in [3, p.12 1.8e]). The interval I can be considered as a timeline from now to some point in the future. This set is necessary to define our next lemma. We prove the existence of the σ-algebra of the τ -past, where τ is a stopping time (see Definition 11 in this paper and [6, p.187, Definition 9.19]). If τ1 and τ2 are stopping times with τ1 is smaller or equal than τ2 we can prove, that the σ-algebra of the τ1-past is a subset of the σ-algebra of the τ2-past (see Theorem 9 in this paper and [6, p.187 Lemma 9.21]). Suppose, that you want to use Lemma 9.21 with some events, that never occur, see as a comparison the paper [5] and the example for ST(1)={+∞} in the Summary. We don’t have the element +1 in our above-mentioned time intervals [0, r[ and [0,+1[. This is only possible if we construct a new σ-algebra on ℝ {−∞,+∞}. This construction is similar to the Borel-Sets and we call this σ-algebra extended Borel sets (see Definition 13 in this paper and [3, p. 21]). It can be proved, that {+∞} is an Element of extended Borel sets (see Theorem 21 in this paper). Now we use the interval [0,+∞] as a basis. We construct a σ-algebra on [0,+∞] similar to the book ([3, p. 12 18e]), see Definition 18 in this paper, and call it extended Borel subsets. We prove for stopping times with this given σ-algebra, that for τ1 and τ2 are stopping times with τ1 is smaller or equal than τ2 we have the σ-algebra of the τ1-past is a subset of the σ-algebra of the τ2-past, see Theorem 25 in this paper. It is obvious, that {+∞} 2 extended Borel subsets. In general, Lemma 9.21 is important for the proof of the Optional Sampling Theorem, see 10.11 Proof of (i) in [6, p. 203].
Dielectric Spectroscopy of Biomolecules up to 110 GHz
Authors: Laux Eva-Maria , Ermilova Elena , Pannwitz Daniel , Gibbons Jessica , Hölzel Ralph , Bier Frank F.
Published: March 2018

Radio-frequency fields in the GHz range are increasingly applied in biotechnology and medicine. In order to fully exploit both their potential and their risks detailed information about the dielectric properties of biological material is needed. For this purpose a measuring system is presented that allows the acquisition of complex dielectric spectra over 4 frequency decade up to 110 GHz. Routines for calibration and for data evaluation according to physicochemical interaction models have been developed. The frequency dependent permittivity and dielectric loss of some proteins and nucleic acids, the main classes of biomolecules, and of their sub-units have been determined. Dielectric spectra are presented for the amino acid alanine, the proteins lysozyme and haemoglobin, the nucleotides AMP and ATP, and for the plasmid pET-21, which has been produced by bacterial culture. Characterisation of a variety of biomolecules is envisaged, as is the application to studies on protein structure and function.
High Prevalence of Autoantibodies Against Monomeric C Reactive Protein (CRP) in Children with PFAPA Syndrome
Authors: Kraszewska-Głomba Barbara , Myszka Marta , Krajewska Magdalena , Szenborn Leszek
Published: March 2018

PFAPA (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, cervical adenitis) syndrome is an autoinflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the presence of anti-mCRP autoantibodies (anti-mCRP) might possibly contribute to systemic inflammation during PFAPA flares. We carried out anti-mCRP testing (in-house ELISA) in a single-center, prospective cohort of 30 PFAPA patients (12 girls). We found a high prevalence (43.3%) of anti-mCRP antibodies in PFAPA patients during their febrile episodes, which implies the possible involvement of anti-mCRP antibodies in PFAPA pathogenesis.
The MacPherson-Henningsen Puzzle
Authors: Goldberg Victor
Published: March 2018

In the landmark case of MacPherson v. Buick, an automobilecompany was held liable for negligence notwithstanding a lack of privity withthe injured driver. Four decades later, in Henningsenv. Bloomfield Motors, the court held unconscionable the standard automobilecompany warranty which limited its responsibility to repair and replacement,even in a case involving physical injury. This suggests a puzzle: if it were soeasy for firms to contract out of liability, did MacPherson accomplish anything?
Prognosis of treatment outcomes by cognitive and physical scales
Authors: Jakavonytė-Akstinienė Agnė , Dikčius Vytautas , Macijauskienė Jūratė
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of using scales for measuring cognitive and physical functions for a prognosis of care outcomes in elderly patients. Methodology. The survey was carried out in one of the Vilnius City Hospitals for Nursing and Support Treatment. A total number of 177 respondents were involved in the study. The Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE), The Barthel Index (BI) and The Morse Fall Scale were used. Results. A statistically significant correlation was revealed between the scores of MMSE and BI (Pearson R = 0.41, p < 0.01); those with severe cognitive impairment were more dependent. A statistically significant correlation (Pearson R = −0.181, p < 0.01) was reported between the scores of MMSE and the Morse Fall Scale – the risk of falling was higher in patients with severe cognitive impairment. Conclusions. The Morse Fall Scale was not suitable for the prognosis of outcomes. The MMSE was suitable for the prognosis of a patient’s discharge. The Barthel Index should be considered as the most suitable tool for the prognosis of care outcomes: the sum-score of the Barthel Index above 25 may suggest that the patient would be discharged home; the sum-score below this level was associated with a higher likelihood of patient death.
Time as Motion
Authors: Boccardi Emiliano
Published: March 2018

The arena of the philosophy of time has been largely concerned with deciding whether tense distinctions reflect absolute metaphysical distinctions or not. After bringing the debate over the metaphysical status of instantaneous velocity to bear on the debate over the nature of temporal passage, I argue that we should further investigate whether aspectual distinctions reflect objective and absolute metaphysical distinctions too. I conclude that those who think that being realist about tense uniquely makes room for the idea that time passes should be realist about the progressive too.
Exploration of the evolution of nanotechnology from a patent co-classification perspective
Authors: Wang An-Pang , Hou Chen-En , Hung Shiu-Wan
Published: March 2018

In an era of dramatic changes, enterprises tend to rely on tracking the main trends of technological evolution to maintain a competitive advantage when confronted with the impact of competing new and old technologies and disruptive innovation. This paper explores the evolution of nanotechnology via an analysis of the patent co-classification from the database at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). A total of 518 patents on nanotechnology were analyzed. The trend of nanotechnology and the patents of high betweenness centrality were identified. It was found that the technical classifications of “semiconductor device manufacturing” and “chemistry of inorganic compounds” have the highest potential for future growth. These classifications have shown a stable number of filed patents and have become the mainstream in nanotechnology development since the 1980s. Furthermore, this study also showed that the patents owned by the US comprise a significant portion of the applications in the major technical classifications, which has played an important role in the evolution of nanotechnology. The results demonstrated that an analysis of the patent network can be a useful tool for both understanding and predicting the trend of an emerging technology.
Currency Reforms in the Polish State After 1945. Legaleconomic Issues
Authors: Jastrzębski Robert
Published: March 2018

The subject of the article are currency reforms that were carried out after the Second World War in the Polish state. The first legal regulations from 1944 - 45 concerned the unification of the money circulation, which in practice meant the exchange of occupation money for the new currency. However, the repayment of financial claims made before the outbreak of the war was regulated by a decree of 1949. Another monetary reform concerned the new, socialist economic policy of the Polish state. The basis for it was the Act of October 28, 1950 on the change of the monetary system. After this reform, periodic changes in prices and wages were introduced, which were not based on strictly legislative solutions. In practice, these ordinances were in the nature of new monetary reforms. The Act of 1950 was repealed by the Act of 7 July 1994 on the denomination of the zloty.
To Regulate or to Liberate? Business Development and the Dilemmas of the Authorities Regarding the Shape of Economic Policy in the Years 1989–1995
Authors: Kamosiński Sławomir
Published: March 2018

In the history of Poland, it is very clear that the year 1989 is one of the most distinctive turning points - a final break with the political, social, and economic system built in the period of the Polish People’s Republic, and reinstatement of democracy and free market economy upon the will of the nation. The world had never witnessed a transformation process as large as the one that occurred in Poland after the year 1989. Importantly, this transformation could not be programmed. Therefore, economic policy implemented by governments of the time was constantly amended as problems arose. The course of ownership transformation was monitored. It was observed that the so-called Privatization Act of July 13, 1990 lacked regulations concerning environment protection. Freedom to establish truck transport companies resulted with many anomalies, as it enabled, for instance, the use of trucks in poor technical condition. New regulations in insurance law, which lifted mandatory insurance of production assets against damage from natural disasters, meant that many entrepreneurs decided not to have this insurance. Such was the shape of the economic reality in the first years of the transition, between 1989 and 1995. The state did not want to regulate all aspects of economic life. However, as time went by, politicians and MPs received information from the free market, indicating a need for solutions regulating some sectors of the economy. This article discusses the three aspects of economic life mentioned above, and points out how the governmental and parliamentary strategies towards these aspects of economic life changed in the first years of transformation (1989-1995).
Pain, psychological distress and motor pattern in women with provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) – symptom characteristics and therapy suggestions
Authors: Haugstad Gro Killi , Wojniusz Slawomir , Kirste Unni Merete , Kirschner Rolf Steinar , Lilleheie Ingvild , Haugstad Tor Sigbjørn
Published: March 2018

Background and aims:

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) represent a longstanding pain syndrome that affects large numbers of women worldwide. However, no standardized guidelines for PVD treatment exist. In a cross-sectional pilot study we examined 30 PVD patients on multidimensional parameters including pain, psychological distress and quality of movement, in order to obtain a broader understanding of the somatic and psychological symptoms in PVD, and for the future to develop better interventions. Additionally, we compare the findings to previously published results regarding the same parameters in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP).

Methods:

Thirty women with PVD recruited from a tertiary care university clinic of gynecology were assessed for demographic data, pain intensity (VAS), psychological distress (GHQ-30 and Tampa scale of Kinesophobia) and quality of movement (standardized Mensendieck test, SMT).

Results:

Average age of the PVD women was 24.7±3.60 years, 60% of them were in permanent relationships, all were nulliparous, none had been subjected to surgical procedures, 100% were working full or part time and 90% were educated to at least undergraduate level. Mean VAS score was 7.77±1.97 (mean±SD), kinesiophobia 24.4±3.95 and anxiety domain of GHQ-30 9.73±4.06. SMT scores were particularly low for the domains of respiration and gait (less than 50% of optimal scores).

Conclusions:

PVD women display reduced quality of movement, especially for gait and respiration patterns, increased level of anxiety and high average pain scores. These findings are similar to what we have previously reported in CPP patients. However, in contrast to CPP group, PVD women are on average younger, have higher work participation, higher education level and have not been subjected to surgical procedures.

Implications:

Since PVD women display similar, although somewhat less severe, symptom profile than CPP, we suggest that a multidimensional approach to treatment, such as “somatocognitive therapy” should be investigated in this group as it has previously been shown to be promising in treatment of CPP.
Ausmaß, Entwicklung und Ursachen sozialer Ungleichheit beim Promotionszugang zwischen 1989–2009
Authors: Jaksztat Steffen , Lörz Markus
Published: March 2018

Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, wie sich herkunftsspezifische Unterschiede beim Promotionszugang im Zeitverlauf entwickelt haben und welche Ursachen möglichen Veränderungen zugrunde liegen. Vor dem Hintergrund kultureller Reproduktions- und rationaler Entscheidungsprozesse werden verschiedene Erklärungsansätze skizziert und hinsichtlich ihrer empirischen Evidenz betrachtet. Als Datenbasis dienen Hochschulabsolventenstudien der Kohorten 1989 bis 2009. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass in allen Jahren bemerkenswerte Unterschiede nach sozialer Herkunft bestehen. Zudem finden sich Hinweise dafür, dass Ungleichheiten am Promotionsübergang im Zeitverlauf tendenziell zugenommen haben. Diese Zunahme ist offenbar vorwiegend auf ein verändertes Bildungsverhalten der weniger privilegierten Gruppen zurückzuführen. Insbesondere die Studienfachwahl, aber auch primäre Herkunftseffekte sowie eine stärkere Einbindung der privilegierten Gruppen in den Universitätsbetrieb in Form von Hilfskrafttätigkeiten scheinen zu zunehmenden Unterschieden geführt zu haben.