bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quercetin Protects Obesity-Induced Hypothalamic Inflammation by Reducing Microglia-Mediated Inflammatory Responses via HO-1 Induction
Authors: Yang Jihyeon , Kim Chu-Sook , Tu Thai , Kim Min-Seon , Goto Tsuyoshi , Kawada Teruo , Choi Myung-Sook , Park Taesun , Sung Mi-Kyung , Yun Jong , Choe Suck-Young , Lee Jee , Joe Yeonsoo , Choi Hye-Seon , Back Sung , Chung Hun , Yu Rina
Published: June 2017

Obesity-induced hypothalamic inflammation is characterized by activation of microglia, which are resident macrophages of the central nervous system, and is implicated in the derangement of energy homeostasis, metabolic complications, and neurodegenerative diseases. Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, is known to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation-related metabolic complications. Here, we demonstrate that quercetin reduces obesity-induced hypothalamic inflammation by inhibiting microglia-mediated inflammatory responses, and the beneficial action of quercetin is associated with heme oxygenase (HO-1) induction. Quercetin markedly reduced the production of inflammatory mediators (monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, interleukin (IL-6), IL-1β, nitric oxide) by microglia stimulated with saturated fatty acid palmitate and/or lipid-laden microglia-conditioned medium. Quercetin also upregulated the expression of HO-1 in palmitate-treated lipid-laden microglia, and the actions of quercetin against microglia activation accompanied by IκBα degradation were abolished by a HO-1 inhibitor. Moreover, quercetin supplementation reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines and microglia activation markers in the hypothalamus of high fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice, which was accompanied by upregulation of HO-1. These findings indicate that quercetin suppresses microglia-mediated inflammatory responses via the induction of HO-1, and hence protects against obesity-induced hypothalamic inflammation.
Determinants of Immigration in Europe. The Relevance of Life Expectancy and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Grau Grau Alfredo , Ramírez López Federico
Published: June 2017

This research analyzes the main variables that determine immigration in Europe and includes aspects related to the economy, population, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. The empirical analysis consists of two sets of data: one made up of all EU member states (EU-28) and the other containing countries that form a part of the Eurozone (EU-19), using the Generalized Method of Moments. The sample covers the period between 2000 and 2014, and the data are analyzed separately and comparatively in the most relevant stages during that time (economic prosperity, crisis, and recovery). The most notable results indicate that the variables related to GDP and public debt largely serve to justify the level of immigration since the crisis (2008–2014), while the life expectancy and levels of pollution are determining factors in all three stages examined here. The study concludes that countries in the Eurozone are more sensitive to variation in the variables studied compared to all the EU member states and thus the impact of immigration among the EU-19 countries is more notable.
“Sustainable Packaging Logistics”. The link between Sustainability and Competitiveness in Supply Chains
Authors: García-Arca Jesús , Garrido A. , Prado-Prado J.
Published: June 2017

Packaging is one element that can support and promote improvements and innovations in sustainable management of supply chains. This multifunctional vision has brought about the approach “sustainable packaging logistics” (SPL), which refers to the integration of packaging design, logistics management and new product development. The main aim of this paper is twofold. Firstly, to characterise the main aspects associated with SPL as a preliminary step towards constructing a conceptual model that can be validated in a quantitative way. Secondly, to carry out an exploratory study in the Spanish toy manufacturing sector in order to identify whether SPL deployment promotes changes and innovations in packaging that can lead to improved sustainability. The literature review was conducted via content analysis, and the methodology used to carry out empirical analysis was an electronic questionnaire dealing with aspects of SPL. The number of toy manufacturers participating in the study was 70. The results analysis indicates that further development of the main aspects of SPL actively contributes to better sustainable performance in almost all items considered in the study. The SPL approach is considered particularly innovative, because there is a scarcity of literature that deals jointly with packaging, logistics and sustainability from an empirical standpoint, rather than just the analysis of case studies.
Un parcours d’éducateur spécialisé
Authors: Chabridon Clément
Published: June 2017

L’éducation spécialisée est une éducation adaptée aux personnes fragilisées par la vie, par un événement ou par un groupe social. L’équipe éducative met en place un accompagnement pour ces personnes. Cet accompagnement ne va pas de soi et nécessite un accueil de la subjectivité de l’autre, afin de lui permettre d’investir sa place et de produire un récit, de s’inscrire dans une existence avec les autres. Dans cet accompagnement, l’éducateur doit aussi penser la fin de la relation. Il doit penser et préparer le départ de la personne vers un autre groupe social, peut-être sans accompagnement lorsque cela est possible. Cette pensée va à contre-courant d’un modèle managérial dominant qui rentabilise le temps et notamment le temps des relations. La compétition généralisée donne la ligne directrice à toute organisation : faire plus vite et mieux avec moins. Mais, chaque jour, l’être humain nous montre qu’il n’est pas prévisible, calculable ou réductible. Nous ne sommes peut-être pas tous suffisamment rentables dans ce modèle, mais l’éducateur soutient le fait que nous devons trouver un moyen d’exister parmi les autres.
Cooling of Fruit with Arbitrary Shape: Simulation Using Galerkin-Based Integral Method
Authors: Pessôa P. Morais , Barbosa de Lima A.G. , Swarnakar R. , Gomes J.P. , Barbosa de Lima W.M.P.
Published: June 2017

Cooling has been used for the preservation of fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables due to its low cost and high effectiveness in maintaining the product quality. Recently, several researchers have conducted theoretical and experimental studies for obtaining the kinetics of cooling and cooling time for fruits with different geometries. Present work, therefore, aims to simulate the cooling of fruits with particular reference to banana, orange, strawberry and Tahiti lemon. The transient heat conduction equation and its analytical solution using Galerkin based integral method are presented. It has been found that the strawberry has lower dimensionless cooling time compared with time required to cool other fruits, which is due to its higher surface area/volume ratio value. In orange and lemon the temperature distribution was found to be homogeneous in the angular direction, while in banana and strawberry it was two-dimensional due to shape of the fruits.
Water Absorption in Caroá-Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite at Different Temperatures: A Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Silva C.J. , Barbosa de Lima A.G. , da Silva E. Gomes , de Andrade T.H.F. , da Costa Melo R.Q.
Published: June 2017

Water uptake studies of composite materials reinforced with vegetable fibers shows that they are highly sensitive to environmental influences such as water and temperature. The presence of moisture leads to impregnation and imperfect interfacial fiber-matrix adhesion, which generate internal stresses porosity and premature system failure. Accordingly, the aim of this work is to study theoretically water absorption in unsaturated polyester composites reinforced with caroá fiber (Neoglaziovia Variegata) at 25, 50 and 70°C by using a transient 3D mathematical model via ANSYS CFX® Software. The samples has composition 30% caroá fiber/70% unsaturated polyester resin and dimensions 6 x 20 x 20 mm3. Results of the average moisture content and moisture content distribution during the water uptake are presented and analyzed. Comparison between numerical and experimental data of the average moisture content showed good agreement. It can be concluded that the water absorption rate is faster in the vertex region of the composites, and mainly at higher temperature.
The Friction Effects for Contact Force Analysis of Three Axes CNC Machine Tool
Authors: Hwang Yunn Lin , Ta Thi Na , Cheng Jung Kuang
Published: June 2017

In this paper, the influence of friction on static, dynamic characteristics, the strength and lifetime of a 3-axes flexible CNC machine tool are taken into account. The machine tool is first modelled by using finite element method (FEM) to perform static structural analysis. After that, the dynamic effects caused by the inertia forces and the displacement of moving part of the machine on contact stress are considered in this study. Then, the stress and contact force distributions on solid-flexible contact are also obtained. Finally, the influence of dynamic structure, cutting conditions and material properties on strength and lifetime of CNC machine tool are discussed by using fatigue analysis. Consequently, the proposed method can be used for efficient simulation of structural dynamics, lifetime assessment as well as interactions of the real CNC machine with the machine tool structure in a virtual environment.
Mechanical Property Improvement Study for Epoxy Carbon Composite Material Modified with CNT and Aluminum Based Clay
Authors: Yang Yung Hao , Wei Chin Chung , Ma Ru Ying
Published: June 2017

In this study, test specimens of nanocomposites were produced through Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding process, VARTM. By using Epoxy as substrate, test specimens of Nanocomposites were prepared as multiple layers of carbon fibers, clay and carbon nanotube. The carbon fibers are featured in high strength and high thermal conductive. Also, the clay and the carbon nanotube have outstanding nature of strength.To explore the hardness, stress, strain and friction of nanocomposites, various experiments were used in this study, including mechanical hardness test, tensile test and pin on disc bench test. With optimized amount of additives, physical properties of the material, including hardness, tensile strength have increased by 94 % and 111 %. Dry friction is also decreased with the increase of mechanical properties.
Numerical Modeling of Piston Lubrication with Body Deformation through Modal Reduction Method
Authors: Kim Seong Su , Choi Juh Wan , Rhim Sung Soo , Choi Jin Hwan
Published: June 2017

An analysis for operating characteristics of piston lubrication system is performed based on the numerical model in this study. Dynamic piston lubrication characteristics such as oil film pressure and thickness distribution can be analyzed through a numerical model with an integration of elastohydrodynamics and multi-flexible-body dynamics (MFBD). In particular, the oil film thickness variation by elastic deformation is considered in the elastohydrodynamic analysis by using the modal reduction method in MFBD system. And this effect is reflected on the fluid governing equations to evaluate the oil film pressure in the lubrication region. A series of process proposed in this study is available for the analysis of realistic elastohydrodynamic lubrication phenomenon. A numerical example for the piston lubrication system is also demonstrated.
An Experimental Study on Friction and Wear of Polyethylene with Rice-Husk
Authors: Chang Yuh Ping , Lin Richard , Wang Hsiang Yu , Chu Li Ming , Ho Te Chuan
Published: June 2017

As global policy has devoted much effort to promoting energy conservation and carbon reduction over the past few decades, low energy consumption and less pollution have become the future trends. Moreover, with natural resources gradually turning deficient gradually, it is very important for Taiwan to further establish key technologies from reprocessed natural resources as soon as possible. The special geographical features of East Asia have always displayed a large amount of rice husk, and therefore this paper investigates the green technology of thermoplastic polymerization with rice husk. This paper clarifies the adhesive wear and tribological properties to evaluate the anti-slip performance of the reprocessed natural resources step by step and uses a self-developed reciprocating friction tester with measurement systems. To monitor the tribological behaviors between the interfaces, the responses of friction coefficient are recorded during the friction processes. After each test, wear loss is measured by an accuracy balance and OM is utilized to observe the worn surface. Therefore, the anti-slip performance of the reprocessed natural resources can be evaluated and a better agricultural economy can thus be obtained.
Study of the Friction and Wear Behavior of Metal/Polymer-Metal Multi-Material Configurations
Authors: Krasmik Viktor , Schlattmann Josef
Published: June 2017

Using an adapted ball-on-pyramid test setup, the friction and wear characteristics of some exemplary multi-material configurations (metal/polymer-metal) are studied. The results reveal that a manipulation of the friction and wear performance by combining certain sample materials is possible.
Mechanical Properties and Friction of AZ31 Magnesium Alloy and Application to the Cylidrical Deep Drawing Process
Authors: Yang Tung Sheng , Chen Guo Zhou
Published: June 2017

The mechanical properties such as stress-strain curves and anisotropic parameters at different elevated temperatures are obtained by the computerized screw universal testing machine. The friction testing machine is used to determine the friction coefficient between die and AZ31 sheets at different elevated temperatures. The finite element method is used to investigate the earing of the deep drawing process. In order to verify the prediction of FEM simulation of the earing in the cylindrical cup drawing process, the experimental parameters such as stress-strain curves, anisotropic parameters, fiction coefficient and blank holder force, are as the input data during analysis. The experimental cup height compared with the current simulation result of cylindrical deep drawing process at different elevated temperature.
Multi-Physics Analysis of a Magnetorheological Brake with Double Coils Placed on Side Housing
Authors: Meng Wen Jun , Wu Si Min , Liu Bao Lin , Wang Yao
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a multidiscipline coupled-field analysis method to study the temperature distribution of an automotive magnetorheological brake with double coils placed on side housing. First, a new apparent viscosity definition was employed to connect the communication of magnetic field, fluid dynamics, and temperature field. Then, the dynamic model of the brake was established to evaluated the rotation law of the brake disk and the total brake time. At last, multi-physics modeling was established with sequencetial coupling methods, which were based on the Maxwell equations, Naiver-Stokes equations and conjugate heat transfer equations. The results indicate that the overall temperature distribution of the MR brake is relatively uniform at a zero magnetic field during the steady state, and the maximum temperature difference is about 9.7°C. During braking process, the temperature variation regularity for radial and axial points is basically the similar, and the maximum temperature appears in the axial working gap, the maximum value is 113°C which is less than the maximum allowable working temperature of the chosen MR fluid. The results can be taken as reference to the design of the MR brake.
Optimization on Abrasive Wear Performance of Pultruded Kenaf-Reinforced Polymer Composite Using Taguchi Method
Authors: Chang Boon Peng , Yong Yik Fong , Md Akil Hazizan , Md Nasir Ramdziah
Published: June 2017

This study examined the optimal abrasive wear performance of kenaf-reinforced polymer composite under different sliding conditions. Three different fiber loadings i.e. 43.05, 49.30 and 55.33 vol.% of kenaf fiber was reinforced into a polyester resin using the pultrusion technique. Optimal responses of wear rate and average coefficient of friction (COF) for kenaf fiber-reinforced polyester composites, based on different levels of control factors (fiber loading, applied load, counterface roughness and sliding speed) were determined by the Taguchi Design of experiment (DOE) with L9 (34) orthogonal array and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) methods. The wear behaviour of kenaf fiber-reinforced composites were investigated using DUCOM pin-on-disc tester with three levels of applied loads (10-30 N), sliding speeds (0.42-1.3 m/s) against different grit sizes of silicon carbide abrasive papers (average grain size~2.2-25.2 μm) under dry sliding condition. The optimization of S/N ratio and degree of significance of the control variables to minimize the wear rate and average COF of kenaf fiber-reinforced polyester composites was carry out. The results showed that the counterface roughness is the most significant factor in affecting the wear rate, followed by applied load, sliding speed, and fiber loading. For average COF, the fiber loading is the most significant factor followed by applied load, sliding speed and counterface roughness.
Use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to Determining Surface Parameters, Friction and Wear during Pin-on-Disc Tribotesting
Authors: Prajapati Deepak K. , Tiwari Mayank
Published: June 2017

In tribological analysis of machine elements (such as gears, ball/roller bearings etc.), surface roughness plays very important role, ultimately it affects the friction coefficient, wear, rolling contact fatigue (micro pitting) and other failure mechanisms. Surface geometry and topography changes with time (number of cycles) during rolling/sliding motion of contacting surfaces. So, it is important to show the variation of surface topography parameter during wear process. This work presents the evolution of roughness parameters, wear and friction coefficient during pin-on-disc tribotesting under dry condition. The test is performed using pin on disc apparatus under room temperature condition. The pin (25mm long, 6mm diameter) is made of medium carbon steel (AISI 1038) whereas the disc (165mm diameter, 8mm thickness) is made of high carbon steel (SAE 52100). This works demonstrates the potential of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for prediction of roughness parameters, friction coefficient and wear coefficient. Experimental results obtained from wear testing are compared with those obtained using artificial neural network (ANN) analysis. A very good agreement in results suggests that a well trained neural network is capable to predict the parameters in wear process.
Study of Unipolar and Bipolar Hip Prostheses Using Finite Element Simulation: Contact Stress Analysis
Authors: Saputra Eko , Anwar Iwan Budiwan , Ismail Rifky , Jamari J. , van der Heide Emile
Published: June 2017

One of phenomena which cannot be avoided in the hip prosthesis due to sliding contact as a product of human activity is wear on the surface of contact interaction Wear in the bipolar model is more complicated than the unipolar model. There are two contact interaction in the bipolar model, while the unipolar model has only one contact interaction. Wear on the liner and cup surfaces of the bipolar model itself can be early estimated by investigation the contact stresses due to their contact interactions. The contact stress on the liner surface of unipolar model can be estimated using analytical method. However, the estimation of contact stress on the liner and cup surface of the bipolar model using analytical method still need to consider. The aiming of this paper is to study the contact stresses on the liner and cup surfaces in the bipolar model of hip prosthesis using the finite element simulation. There are three model of hip prostheses which are simulated in this research, i.e. the unipolar, bipolar and big head unipolar models. The result showed that the maximum contact stress on the liner surface of bipolar model is higher than the unipolar model. The maximum contact stress on the cup surface of the bipolar model is lower than the big head unipolar model. Based on this results, it can be concluded that the contact stress on the liner and cup surfaces of the bipolar model cannot be estimated using analytical method.
The linkage of information quality to an executive decision support framework for the financial service sector of a developing economy
Authors: Naicker Visvanathan , Jairam-Owthar Denisha
Published: June 2017

Background: Executives are steering organisations in our most turbulent economic times, whereby market disrupters are becoming the norm that are eradicating entire value chains of organisations. It is for this reason that decision support mechanisms for executives have become more critical than ever before. We have seen many leading organisations being reduced to market followers. This leaves many critical questions: What could the executives of those prior leading organisations have done to prevent this? Does the information that is being presented at various senior committees for decisions in an organisation contain information quality and is information quality linked to decisions made by executives?Objectives: This article presents mathematical evidence that information quality does form part of an executive decision support framework (EDSF) and confirms that information quality should form part of an EDSF.Method: A mixed method research approach was then followed where semi-structured interviews were held with chief information officers. The semi-structured interviews thereafter informed the survey questionnaires design. The survey questionnaires were statistically analysed using structural equation modelling and the maximum likelihood estimates method, to mathematically prove if information quality does form part of an EDSF.Results: This research provides evidence that information quality is linked to an EDSF and that information quality should form part of an EDSF.Conclusion: It is clear, therefore, that information quality is mathematically linked to an EDSF. Although information quality is made up of other latent variables that affect it, there is a strong correlation between information quality and an EDSF.
Ergodic theory of Kusuoka measures
Authors: Johansson Anders , Öberg Anders , Pollicott Mark
Published: June 2017

In the analysis on self-similar fractal sets, the Kusuoka measure plays an important role. Here we investigate the Kusuoka measure from an ergodic theoretic viewpoint, seen as an invariant measure on a symbolic space. Our investigation shows that the Kusuoka measure generalizes Bernoulli measures and their properties to higher dimensions of an underlying finite dimensional vector space. Our main result is that the transfer operator on functions has a spectral gap when restricted to a certain Banach space that contains the Hölder continuous functions, as well as the highly discontinuous

g

-function associated to the Kusuoka measure. As a consequence, we obtain exponential decay of correlations. In addition, we provide some explicit rates of convergence for a family of generalized Sierpinski gaskets.
Phosphorus addition mitigates N2O and CH4 emissions in N-saturated subtropical forest, SW China
Authors: Yu Longfei , Wang Yihao , Zhang Xiaoshan , Dörsch Peter , Mulder Jan
Published: June 2017

Abstract. Chronically elevated nitrogen (N) deposition has led to severe nutrient imbalance in forest soils. Particularly in tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems, increasing N loading has aggravated phosphorus (P) limitation of biomass production, and has resulted in elevated emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and reduced uptake of methane (CH4), both of which are important greenhouse gases. Yet, the interactions of N and P and their effects on greenhouse gas emissions remain elusive. Here, we report N2O and CH4 emissions together with soil N and P data for a period of 18 months following a single P addition (79 kg P ha−1, as NaH2PO4 powder) to an N-saturated, Masson pine-dominated forest soil at TieShanPing (TSP), Chongqing, south-western (SW) China. We observed a significant decline in both nitrate (NO3−) concentrations in soil water (5 and 20 cm depths) and in soil N2O emissions, following P application. We hypothesise that enhanced N uptake by plants in response to P addition, resulted in less available NO3− for denitrification. By contrast to most other forest ecosystems, TSP is a net source of CH4. P addition significantly decreased CH4 emissions and turned the soil from a net source into a net sink. Based on our observation and previous studies in South America and China, we believe that P addition relieves N inhibition of CH4 oxidation. Within the 1.5 years after P addition, no significant increase of forest growth was observed and P stimulation of forest N uptake by understorey vegetation remains to be confirmed. Our study indicates that P fertilisation of N-saturated, subtropical forest soils may mitigate N2O and CH4 emissions, in addition to alleviating nutrient imbalances and reducing losses of N through NO3− leaching.
Música, educación e ideología por y para Mujeres de la Sección Femenina a través de los contenidos de Y. Revista de la mujer nacional-sindicalista y Medina (1938-1946).Música, educación e ideología por y para Mujeres de la Sección Femenina a través de los
Authors: García-Gil Desirée , Pérez-Colodrero Consuelo
Published: June 2017

Este trabajo vislumbra las relaciones existentes entre identidad nacional, música y género durante el primer franquismo, apuntando de qué manera éstos fueron entendidos como sustento e impulso del régimen totalitario. Al efecto, se ha llevado a cabo el análisis de los contenidos de Y. Revista de la mujer sindicalista (1938-1945) y del semanario Medina (1941-1946), cruzándose los datos con literatura científica sobre el período tratado. Las conclusiones esclarecen cómo la práctica musical auspiciada por la organización femenina, recogida en ambas publicaciones, contribuyó de manera solidaria al proceso de construcción nacionalista y de género durante el primer franquismo.
Aproximación etnográfica del periodista de la Transi-ción como fuente histórica: Estudio de la relación con los actores políticos y de los cambios en la producción de los medios escritos
Authors: Pont-Sorribes Carles , M. Sanmartí José , Luis Rita
Published: June 2017

En este artículo estudiamos la prensa escrita española durante los años de cambio político a partir de los actores que producían su contenido: los periodistas. Presentamos las interpretaciones que estos hacían del papel de la prensa diaria en la Transición Democrática. Los resultados han sido obtenidos mediante la realización de grupos focales (focus groups) con conjuntos diferenciados de periodistas españoles activos en medios de comunicación durante los años 1972-1982.
Postmodernism—Posthumanism—Evolutionary Anthropology
Authors: Welsch Wolfgang
Published: June 2017

The article explores the relationship between postmodernism, posthumanism, and evolutionary anthropology. In contrast to standard postmodernism, which provides just an updating of modernity, evolutionary anthropology (as here conceived) transcends the basic axiom of modernity, that of an unbreachable gap between man and world. It shows that humans are inherently worldly beings, deeply rooted in the process of evolution, and therefore participants in the process of life that share a great many traits with other living beings. Posthumanism, too, tries to establish a new framework for conceptualizing the human, one that equally leaves behind the modern assumption of human uniqueness and supremacy. Yet this is often done in a more declaratory than evidence-based manner. Turning to the scientific arguments of evolutionary anthropology might help posthumanism to become more solid. In an evolutionary perspective, two further main points of posthumanism—the fusion of human and artificial intelligence and human enhancement—appear quite natural. In cosmic and biotic evolution, matter and mind were never totally distinct, but coevolved, and enhancement was constitutive to human evolution from its beginning some million years ago. Evolutionary anthropology has a lot to offer to posthumanism.
Relación del El Tipo de Cambio Real y las Exportaciones en Nicaragua: una Aplicación de Vectores Autorregresivos (VAR)
Authors: Morales Rivas Oliver David
Published: June 2017

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la relación entre las exportaciones nicaragüense y la evolución del Tipo de Cambio Real (TCR), se aplicó técnicas cuantitativas y de series de tiempo mensual, para el periodo 2006-2016.    Los resultados indican  que mediante el modelo VAR, se logra comprobar que  la variable tipo de cambio real impacta significativamente en las exportaciones  de Nicaragua. Sin embargo la magnitud del impacto dependerá en gran medida de la  política comercial que adopte Nicaragua para promover  un  nivel  de  diversificación  de mercado y de productos para exportaciones.
Estimación de la evasión en el Impuesto al Valor Agregado: 2006-2015
Authors: Flores Méndez Leonel Antonio
Published: June 2017

Este estudio tiene como objetivo estimar la evasión en el IVA en Nicaragua, aplicando el Método Potencial Teórico Usando las Cuentas Nacionales, atendiendo las ventajas que presenta en bajos costos relativos a su implementación y la posibilidad de construir series de evasión, que a su vez permite evaluar la tendencia del incumpliendo y la efectividad de la Administración Tributaria. Más específicamente se eligió utilizar el método del IVA no deducible, debido a que no existen  matrices de insumo-productos  que permitan llevar a cabo una estimación mediante el método del valor agregado y la carencia de información no permite desarrollar plenamente diferentes metodologías. El estudio revela que el porcentaje de evasión ha venido disminuyendo gradualmente, para el año 2006 significaba el 40.5% y este disminuye diez puntos porcentuales y se sitúa en 30.3% en el año 2015.
RMB Exchange Rate and China’s Economic Growth: The Empirical Analysis from a Structural VAR Model
Authors: Su Cancan , Wu Jia
Published: June 2017

This paper analyzes the relationship between the exchange rate and the real GDP of China in the long period from 1952 to 2014 using a structural VAR model. We examine the mutual effect of the two variables in three periods: The results show that there is no obvious relationship between the exchange rate and real GDP before China’s reform and opening-up period. However, a significant positive correlation is found in the sample of 1979-1993, which means that the depreciation of the RMB is associated with the output increases. The direction between the exchange rate and real GDP becomes negative after 1994, indicating that RMB appreciates with the output increases in this period. In addition, based on Granger causality test, we found the exchange rate could Granger causes GDP after 1978, but there is no Granger causality connection between the two variables before 1978.
THE CAVALIERI ESTIMATOR WITH UNEQUAL SECTION SPACING REVISITED
Authors: Kiderlen Markus , Dorph-Petersen Karl-Anton
Published: June 2017

The Cavalieri method allows to estimate the volume of a compact object from area measurements in equidistant parallel planar sections. However, the spacing and thickness of sections can be quite irregular in applications. Recent publications have thus focused on the effect of random variability in section spacing, showing that the classical Cavalieri estimator is still unbiased when the stack of parallel planes is stationary, but that the existing variance approximations must be adjusted. The present paper considers the special situation, where the distances between consecutive section planes can be measured and thus where Cavalieri’s estimator can be replaced by a quadrature rule with randomized sampling points. We show that, under mild conditions, the trapezoid rule and Simpson’s rule lead to unbiased volume estimators and give simulation results that indicate that a considerable variance reduction compared to the generalized Cavalieri estimator can be achieved.
Evaluation of Graphene as a Solid-Phase Extraction Sorbent for the Preconcentration and Determination of Trace Amounts of Nickel in Food Samples Prior to Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Ebrahimi Bahram , Bahar Soleiman , Moedi Seyde Elham
Published: June 2017

A sensitive and low cost SPE method for the extraction, preconcentration, and flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of nickel at ng/mL levels is described. Parameters governing the extraction efficiency including pH of the solution, eluent type, sample volume, and matrix ions were investigated for optimization of the presented procedure. The enhancement factor was calculated as 96.5. The calibration curve was linear with R2 of 0.999 in the concentration range from 2 to 200 ng/mL. The RSD was 5.35% (n = 7), the LOD was 0.588 ng/mL, and relative recoveries from vegetable samples ranged between 99 and 109.5%.
Interlaboratory Study of ELISA Kits for the Detection of Egg and Milk Protein in Processed Foods
Authors: Kato Shigeki , Yagi Takahiro , Kato Ayako , Yamamoto Shunsuke , Akimoto Masanobu , Arihara Keizo
Published: June 2017

The labeling of seven specific allergenic ingredients (egg, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanut, shrimp, and crab) is mandatory in Japan. To ensure proper labeling, two kinds of ELISA kits using polyclonal antibodies have been developed. However, we developed two novel ELISA kits using monoclonal
antibodies with improved specificity, the Allergeneye ELISA Egg (AE-Egg) and Allergeneye ELISA Milk (AE-Milk) Kits, to detect egg and milk proteins in processed foods, respectively. Five types of processed food containing 10 mg/kg of egg or milk soluble protein were prepared for an interlaboratory
study of the performance of these kits. The kits showed a relatively high reproducibility level of interlaboratory precision (AE-Egg RSDR, 3.7–5.7%; AE-Milk RSDR, 6.8–10.5%) and satisfied the recovery rate stipulated by Japanese guidelines (AE-Egg, 61.6–89.3%;
AE-Milk, 52.1–67%) for all processed foods. Our results suggest that the AE-Egg and AE-Milk Kits are precise and reliable tools for detecting egg or milk proteins in processed foods.
Metal Accumulation in Representative Plastic Drinking Water Plumbing Systems
Authors: Salehi Maryam , Li Xianzhen , Whelton Andrew J.
Published: June 2017

Metal abundance and scale morphology for cross‐linked polyethylene plastic pipes and pipe oxidative condition were examined in a one‐year‐old residential plumbing system. Experiments were also conducted to determine whether plastic pipe surfaces can influence scale formation. Within a single plumbing system, significant differences were found for scale morphology, the amount of metals present on pipe inner walls, and pipe aging condition. Metals found on the plastic pipes (aluminum, calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, nickel, selenium, and zinc) were corrosion products from water distribution and plumbing materials and were present in the source water. Iron was the most abundant contaminant. Bench‐scale experiments revealed that plastic served as a nucleation site for iron crystal growth and expedited crystal formation. Plastic plumbing pipes can adsorb metals that have health and aesthetic drinking water limits, and additional work is needed to understand the conditions that affect metal accumulation and release.
Free Cyanide Forms During Determination of Free Cyanide in Drinking Water
Authors: Delaney Michael F. , Blodget Charles
Published: June 2017

Easily detectable amounts of free cyanide (FCN) were formed when deionized water was treated like drinking water and preserved and tested for FCN. This occurred when either ascorbic acid or thiosulfate was used to dechlorinate, though higher FCN concentrations were observed with ascorbic acid. The amount of FCN observed was up to 50–60 µg/L but strongly depended on the concentration of ascorbic acid used. The amount of FCN observed was less dependent on the amount of thiosulfate used. The FCN was observed immediately after the samples were preserved, tended to increase—primarily during the first 24 h—and persisted for at least five days. This demonstrates the potential to get false positive FCN results on drinking water samples that a US public water system would be required to report in its annual Consumer Confidence Report. Since drinking water sampling, preservation, and testing is prescriptive, there are few available ways to avoid these false positives.
Scale Formation Under Blended Phosphate Treatment for a Utility With Lead Pipes
Authors: Wasserstrom Lauren W. , Miller Stephanie A. , Triantafyllidou Simoni , Desantis Michael K. , Schock Michael R.
Published: June 2017

US corrosion control practice often assumes that the orthophosphate component of blended phosphate corrosion inhibitors causes the formation of low‐solubility lead–orthophosphate solids that control lead release into drinking water. This study identified the solids that formed on the interior surface of a lead service line and a galvanized steel pipe excavated from a system using a proprietary blended phosphate chemical. The scale was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy. Instead of crystalline lead–orthophosphate solids, a porous amorphous layer rich in aluminum, calcium, phosphorus, and lead was observed at the lead pipe scale–water interface. Thus, the mechanism inhibiting lead release into the water was not a thermodynamically predictable passivating lead–orthophosphate scale, but rather an amorphous barrier deposit that was possibly vulnerable to disturbances. Galvanized pipe scales showed relatively crystalline iron and zinc compounds, with additional surface deposition of aluminum, phosphorus, calcium, and lead.
Implementing the Drinking Water Taste‐and‐Odor Wheel to Improve the Consumer Lexicon
Authors: Phetxumphou Katherine , Raghuraman Aarathi , Dietrich Andrea M.
Published: June 2017

Flavor lexicons and associated taste‐and‐odor (T&O) wheels are professionally recognized descriptors for beverage sensory qualities that can also be used by consumers. Human subject responses to known odorants were evaluated before and after instruction on using the Drinking Water T&O Wheel (T&O Wheel) lexicon. Fifty‐one naïve human subjects separately sniffed and recorded descriptors for 2‐methylisoborneol (MIB), geosmin, orange extract, and dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS). Two months later, subjects were instructed in using the T&O Wheel before sniffing and describing these odorants for a second time. McNemar's test was applied to statistically assess the number of correct answers pre‐ and post‐instruction. Instructed subjects showed significant improvements in correct descriptors for MIB, geosmin, and orange. Instruction increased accuracy of describing DMTS but was not significant. The T&O wheel was reported to be helpful in identifying odorants, and 92% of study subjects preferred to have the T&O wheel when identifying their drinking water odors.
Plataformas de descubrimiento en bibliotecas universitarias: evaluación de Worldcat local en el contexto de una biblioteca caribeña
Authors: Montalvo Montalvo Marilyn
Published: June 2017

Se presenta una evaluación amplia de Worldcat Local (WCL), a la luz de su implementación en el Sistema de Bibliotecas de la Universidad de Puerto Rico en Río Piedras (SB). Primeramente, se realiza una descripción detallada de su estructura, alcance, proceso de configuración e interfaz de búsqueda para explorar cómo sus rasgos inciden en la experiencia de descubrimiento. En segundo lugar, se ofrecen los resultados de un sondeo realizado entre la comunidad universitaria para conocer su opinión sobre el metabuscador. Se concluye que, si bien WCL no ha llenado las expectativas del SB desde la óptica administrativa,  los usuarios valoran la disponibilidad de una herramienta que les permita agilizar la búsqueda de información.
INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON PHYSICAL-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYDIMETHYL ETHER OF NORBORENE -2;3-DICARBOXYLIC ACID
Authors: Bozhenkova Galina S. , Tarakanovskaya Alexandra N. , Tarnovskaya Oksana D. , Ashirov Roman V.
Published: June 2017

The article is devoted to the production of polymer by metathesis ring-opening polymerization under the influence of ruthenium initiator of type of Hoveyda-Grubbs II generation. The monomer used the mixture of dimethyl ether norbornene-2;3-dicarboxylic acid. The monomer was prepared by the Diels-Alder reaction of dicyclopentadiene and dimethyl maleate. The polymer was prepared in bulk of the monomer mixture. In this paper we have studied the physical and mechanical properties polydimethyl ether of norbornene-2;3-dicarboxylic acid; and assessed the impact of environmental factors on the change in properties of the polymer. As environmental factors; light; UV radiation; water; 0.1 M hydrochloric acid were applied; and accelerated aging conditions; which were held in a climate chamber. During performance we found that maintaining the polymer samples in the UV light chamber led to the slight increase in flexural modulus. In contrast; the polymer storage in water and in a hydrochloric acid solution for two months resulted in a slight decrease in the modulus of elasticity in bending index. These factors did not affect the change in the glass transition temperature of the polymer. Under the conditions of accelerated aging conducted for 1; 2 and 6 days after two cycles we observed the drop in modulus for bending of 8.5%; after 6 cycles of 13%. The glass transition temperature of polydimethyl ether of norbornene-2;3-dicarboxylic acid after 6 cycles decreased by only 3.4% in the climatic chamber. Studies have shown that the resulting polymer is resistant to water; hydrochloric acid; light and UV radiation; as well as it saves properties at a sufficient level for operation at conditions of accelerated aging. It should be noted that the tested polymer was prepared without additives; stabilizers and antioxidants. The proposed polymer can be used as a structural material for machine parts; including bulky.For citation:Bozhenkova G.S.; Tarakanovskaya A.N.; Tarnovskaya O.D.; Ashirov R.V. Influence of environmental factors on physical-mechanical properties of polydimethyl ether of norborene -2;3-dicarboxylic acid. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2017. V. 60. N 5. P. 68-73
SYNTHESIS AND REACTIVITY OF 4-NITRO-3-(TETRAZOL-5-YL) FURAZAN WITH N- AND O-NUCLEOPHILES
Authors: Stepanova Elena V. , Stepanov Andrei I.
Published: June 2017

A rational four-stages scheme for the synthesis of 4-nitro-3-(tetrazol-5-yl)furazane is proposed. The synthesis starts from the stage of 3-amino-4-(1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-furazan preparation by condensation of amidoxime of 4-aminofurazan-3-carboxylic acid with triethyl orthoformate, further reductive ring opening of 1,2,4-oxadiazole cycle. The action of hydrazine results in amidrazone of 4-aminofurazan-3-carboxylic acid formation. On the next step the diazotization of the resulting compound with sodium nitrite in acetic acid gives 3-amino-4-(tetrazol-5-yl)furazane. At last stage the titled 4-nitro-3-(tetrazol-5-yl)furazan was synthesized by oxidation of the amino group of 3-amino-4-(tetrazol-5-yl)furazan by a solution of 30% hydrogen peroxide in concentrated sulfuric acid with 85% yield. The increase in the oxidative activity of the H2O2/H2SO4 system by carrying out the oxidation stage at an elevated temperature made possible to substantially reduce the consumption of hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid. The desired 4-nitro-3-(tetrazol-5-yl)furazan was isolated by partial neutralization of the reaction mixture with sodium orthophosphate, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The total yield of 4-nitro-3-(tetrazol-5-yl)furazane in terms of the starting amidoxime of 4-aminofurazan-3-carboxylic acid was 42-48%. It was shown that the reaction of 4-nitro-3-(tetrazol-5-yl)furazan with a number of N- and O-nucleophilic agents (sodium azide, high-basic amines, hydrazine, sodium hydroxide, methanol in the presence of potassium carbonate) resulted in the substitution of the nitro group of the selected compound by a nucleophile and formation of corresponding 4-R-3-(tetrazol-5-yl)furazane derivatives (R = N3, substituted amino group, NHNH2, OH, OMe). Some chemical properties of thereby obtained compounds are considered. Thus [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of 4-azido-3-(tetrazol-5-yl)furazane (R = N3) with propargyl alcohol was used at the synthesis of 4- (4-hydroxy-methyl-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-3-(tetrazol-5-yl)furazane. The condensation of 3-hydrazino-4-(tetrazol-5-yl)furazane (R = NHNH2) with carbonyl compounds in the case of reaction with benzaldehyde leads to the corresponding hydrazone, with β-dicarbonyl compounds (malonaldehyde, acetylacetone) pyrazole derivatives were obtained. The synthesized compounds are characterized by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, by IR and mass spectroscopy. For citation:Stepanova E.V., Stepanov A.I. Obtaining and Reactivity of 4-nitro-3-(tetrazol-5-yl) furazan with N- and O-nucleophiles. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2017. V. 60. N 5. P. 21-29
Playful Participation: How Pen, Provocation, and Personal Touch Boost User Engagement in Workshops
Authors: Hautopp Heidi , Nørgaard Mie
Published: June 2017

Based on a case from industry, we describe the use of graphic facilitation to boost participant engagement in workshops. With design sketching as our point of departure, we describe and exemplify the use of graphic facilitation and reflect on its relevance for supporting a playful environment and how it impacts user participation in a professional learning situation.Furthermore, we provide guidelines for practitioners on how to efficiently use graphic facilitation in situations where engagement, learning, and reflection are essential. The guidelines include using a personal style of sketching as opposed to generic icons, producing large numbers of sketches directly in front of the audience in real time, and contextualizing learning points in humorous ways, such as through re-framing and exaggeration.