bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRATEGI BERSAING PERUSAHAAN DAN KINERJA PERUSAHAAN
Authors: Wibowo Seto Sulaksono Adi , Handayani Yosi , Lestari Ade Rika
Published: October 2017

This research sets out to examine about effect of (1) ratio SG&A/Sales on company performance (2) ratio Sales/CoGS on company performance in which variable ratio of SG&A/Sales and Sales/CoGS used to measure generic strategy of product differentiation strategy. Population in this research is manufacturing sector company from 2012 - 2014 as many as 120 samples. This research is using purposive sampling technique to collect samples. The analysis tool used is simple regression with coefficient determination and t statistic. The results of this research concludes that generic strategy of product differentiation strategy as measured by variable SG&A/Sales and Sales/CoGS effect on company performance as measured by net profit margin (NPM).The limitations of this research are: (1) This research is confined to manufacturing sector companies (2) On average in the annual report and financial statement companies provide information about the complete lack of research and development costs. Recommendation in this research include: (1) For future researcher should take samples of all sectors listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange (2) Adding other variables relating to generic strategies and performance of  company.  Keywords: generic strategy, company performance, product differentiation strategy, cost leadership strategy, net profit margin, manufacturing sector company.
The Analysis of Portfolio Risk Management using VAR Approach Based on Investor Risk Preference
Authors: Suwarno Agus , Mahadwartha Putu Anom
Published: October 2017

Ackert and Deaves (2010) said that most people have tendency to being risk averse, but with appropriate amount of compensation, people may take more risk. Understanding those circumstances, this research trying to figure risk involved in a Mean-Variance Model. This model has taken consideration about investor risk preference in composed VAR model. VAR define as a measure of the risk of investments, which in this research focuses on risk preferences. This research also conducts comparison between optimum portfolio model known as Single Index Model and Mean-Variance Mode. Robustness test taken too analyze the outcomes from different data input. Research showed that risk preference has an impact on generating portfolio based on Mean-Variance Mode (MVM). Meanwhile, Single Index Model (SIM) found to given a similar result as MVM in high risk preference. This has shown that SIM may not adequate for those who have low risk preference. Research also show that risk taker investor get more gain and endure more risk than risk averse investor. But, based on robustness test, we found that the lowest risk an investor bear is on the highest risk preference. Thus, we make a conclusion that variance is not the only factor that might cause VaR increased, data dispersion has became more major factor.Keywords: Value at risk, Single Index Model, Optimum Portfolio.
Simultaneous Effect on Debt and Managerial Ownership: Agency Theory Framework
Authors: Akhbar Taufik
Published: October 2017

This study aims to examine the debt policy and managerial ownership as tools to control the agency conflict. Debt policy and managerial ownership used in controlling agency conflicts have several considerations such as the risk of the company, the company's growth and the presence of institutional ownership in a company. The variables used in this study include earnings volatility as a measure of corporate risk, growth companies, managerial ownership, institutional ownership, debt policy, and total assets as a control. Furthermore, an analysis by means of regression models with simultaneous Two Stage Least Square method was used. The results found in this study stated that the risk factors, the growth of the company, as well as the existence of institutional ownership affect debt policy and managerial ownership control of the company within the framework of the agency conflict. This indicates that the use of policies to control the agency conflict must consider these three factors. Keywords: agency conflict, debt policy, managerial ownership
O direito à educação dos alunos em situação de pobreza: uma problematização das condições de qualidade com base no perfil dos professores
Authors: Silveira Adriana , Gouveia Andrea , Schneider Gabriela , Ferraz Marcos
Published: October 2017

A qualidade das escolas do ensino fundamental com estudantes beneficiários do Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) é analisada com base no perfil dos professores e mediante o cotejamento dos dados do Censo Escolar de 2015 e do Sistema Presença, que acompanha a condicionalidade de frequência desses estudantes. As desigualdades de atendimento coincidentes entre zona rural, baixo Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (IDHM), presença de beneficiários do PBF, docentes temporários e/ou não habilitados descortinam os desafios a enfrentar para uma inclusão com qualidade de estudantes pobres. Os dados sobre vínculo empregatício docente e formação revelam que esses não são problemas exclusivos das escolas com estudantes pobres, havendo uma questão intrínseca de insuficiente valorização da profissão docente. Conclui que é inegável que a alocação de professores estáveis e com maior formação não tem sido aleatória, necessitando de políticas específicas que compreendam que o docente tem um papel fundamental para a permanência com aprendizagem de todos os estudantes.
Hydraulic Fracturing Designs For Low Permeability Gas Condensate Reservoirs Having Lean and Rich Condensate Compositions
Authors: Mekmok Karanthakarn , Chewaroungroaj Jirawat
Published: October 2017

Gas condensate reservoirs have been challenging many researchers in petroleum industry for decades because of their complexities in flow behavior. After dew point pressure is reached, gas condensate will drop liquid out and increase liquid saturation near wellbore vicinity called condensate banking or condensate blockage. Hydraulic fracturing in horizontal direction has been proved to be a reliable method to mitigate condensate blockage and increase productivity of gas condensate well by means of pressure redistribution in the near wellbore vicinity. In this paper the parameters of dimensionless fracture conductivity and Stimulated Reservoir Volume (SRV) designs of lean and rich condensate compositions are studied. Well productivity and saturation profile of each design had been observed. The results from this study indicate that the higher dimensionless fracture conductivity gives the higher well productivity in every studied parameter in lean condensate composition. However, in rich condensate composition shows different trend of results because it has higher heavy ends (C7+) that drop into liquid easier once pressure falls below dew point pressure. The maximum number of fracture and fracture permeability can be recognized in the study of rich condensate. In the study of SRV indicates that number of fracture is superior to fracture width in both gas and condensate productivity. Moreover, performing hydraulic fracturing can decrease pressure drawdown, production time and liquid dropout which leads to the mitigation of condensate banking near wellbore that can be recognized in the study of condensate saturation profile.
Acute Toxicity Study of the Total Alkaloids ofRuta montanain Male Mice
Authors: Allouni R. , Guergour H. , Mahdeb N. , Omrane V. , Bouzidi A.
Published: October 2017

Ruta montana commonly called Fidjel is known as medicinal plant which has been used as emmenagogue, antispasmodic, rubefiant and powderecharrotic in traditional Algeria medicine.Aim of the study: For the first time, this study evaluated the lethal dose 50 and the potential toxicity of alkaloid extract from aerial parts of Ruta montana after acute administration in male mice.Materials and methods: Lethal dose 50 of total alkaloid extract of Ruta montana was determined using Litchfield and Wilcoxon method, mice were received the alkaloid extract at doses of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 mg/kg (n=8/group) by intra-peritoneal route. Abnormal behavior, toxic symptom, and death were observed for 14 consecutive days.In acute toxicity a single intra-peritoneal administration of total alkaloid extracted from aerial parts of Ruta montana at 129.68 mg/kg (1/3 LD50). Body weight, biochemical and hematological parameters were recorded. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney were assessed.
Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Leaf Extracts From Rhus leptodictya
Authors: Mtunzi Fanyana M. , Ejidike Ikechukwu P. , Matamela Tshifhiwa , Dikio Ezekiel , Klink Michael J.
Published: October 2017

An integral part of nature is herbal plants which contain natural substance essential to promote health. The focal point of this research resides on the phytochemical, antioxidant and antibacterial investigations of Rhus leptoditya leaves. Hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol solvent extracts were tested for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Phytochemical analysis of R. leptodictya extracts revealed the presence of phenols, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids. Acetone extract with total flavonoid contents of 18.22 ± 2.1 mg/g while methanol extract with phenol contents (0.38 ± 0.002 mg/g) exhibited the highest amount amongst the studied extracts in the preliminary phytochemicals screening. The antioxidant activity of the plant extracts was evaluated using TLC based standard qualitative 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The methanol and acetone extracts showed maximum antioxidant bands compared to other selected solvents and promising radical scavenging activity at par with the standard antioxidant ascorbic acid (IC50 = 0.125 ± 0.013 mg/ml). The bioautography assay also demonstrated the bacterial growth inhibition of active compounds present in leave extracts. Acetone and ethyl acetate fractions showed the highest number of antibacterial active compounds against S. aureus. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the extracts examined using microplates of 96 wells containing Muller-Hinton methods against some bacterial strains, revealed methanol and acetone fractions with the lowest MIC value of 0.04 mg/ml against S. pneumoniae, while methanol extract possesses 0.008 mg/ml against S. aureus and B. subtilis. Results from this study project the R. leptodictya leave extracts constituents as health supplements that could be useful in food industries and in the treatment of various infectious diseases.
The Study of Antioxidant, Membrane Stabilization, Anti Protein-Denaturation Property and Analysis of Phytochemicals in Three Species of Tagetes Leaf and Flower Extract
Authors: De Puspal , Dey Monidipa , Mukhophadhyay Madhumita J.
Published: October 2017

Since the ancient time nature provides several herbal phyto-chemicals for the beneficial of human. Tagetes sp is one of the common and valuable herbs with multiple uses. In the current study, qualitative screening of different phytoconstituents, anti protein denaturation and membrane stabilization property was checked in ethanolic extract of three different species of Tagetes sp namely Tagetes petula, Tagetes tenuifolia, Tagetes erecta. Three different concentration 50, 75, 100 microlitre were taken for membrane stabilization and anti protein denaturation method using 50 microgram/ml sodium diclofenec as a reference drug. The study revealed that flower and leaf extract from each sample have several bioactive compounds and significant membrane stabilization and anti protein denaturation property. Presence of several phyto-chemicals may help to scavenge the reactive oxygen, potent membrane destabilizing and anti protein denaturation agent in human. So, in future it could be possible to develop a new phyto derived drug for an inflammatory disease in human as literature review shows that the membrane destabilization and protein denaturation are the principal cause of inflammation related disease.
In Operando Deconvolution of Photovoltaic and Electrocatalytic Performance in ALD TiO2 Protected Water Splitting Photocathodes
Authors: Tilley David , Cui Wei , Niu Wenzhe , Wick René , Moehl Thomas
Published: October 2017

Many present-day investigations of water splitting photoelectrodes are based on buried p–n junctions, which usually offer an improved photovoltage and therefore a higher solar-to-hydrogen efficiency in tandem photoelectrochemical cells. In this work, we demonstrate that the dual working electrode (DWE) technique enables the measurement of the surface potential of water splitting buried-junction photocathodes under operation, enabling the deconvolution of the photovoltaic and electrocatalytic performance in operando. Consequently, we can access properties of the buried p–n junction independent of the surface kinetics, and gain information related to the charge transfer through the electrode/electrolyte interface independent of the photovoltaic properties. Moreover, the DWE technique provides a clearer understanding of the photocathode degradation mechanism during stability tests. Two p–n junction-based photocathodes are investigated in this work: a pn+-Si/TiO2 photocathode as model system, and the application of the developed method to the emerging material system Cu2O/Ga2O3/TiO2.
چه‌ند تیۆرێن زانستێ فولكلۆرى
Authors: Nabi Jotyar E. , Izadin Nihayet M.S
Published: October 2017

فولكلۆر خۆدان پیڤاژۆیه‌كا گرنگى یا به‌رده‌وامه‌ بۆ هه‌ر ملله‌ته‌كى ل جیهانێ,تیتاله‌كه‌ هه‌مى ده‌ما بۆهایێ وى زێده‌تر لێدهێت,ئه‌ڤه‌ ژى بوویه‌ ئه‌گه‌رێ هندێ ڕێچكه‌ و ڕێباز سه‌رهلده‌ن, چونكى هه‌ر رێبازك وخواندنگه‌هه‌ك په‌یره‌و و پرۆگرامێ خۆیێ تایبه‌ت هه‌یه‌,ب وێ چه‌ندێ بشێت ڤه‌كۆلینا خۆ ئه‌نجام بده‌ت,له‌ورا گه‌له‌ك رێباز و تیۆرێن جۆدا جۆدا ده‌ركه‌ڤتینه‌,مینا دڤێ ڤه‌كۆلینێ دا مه‌ ئاماژه‌ پێ داى ئه‌وێن هزر وبیروبۆچوونێن خۆ ل سه‌ر بابه‌تێ فولكلۆرى ده‌ربرین وپه‌یره‌وكرین.گه‌له‌ك ژ ڤان ل گه‌ل هزر وبیرێن زانستێن هه‌ڤچه‌رخ نه‌گونجاینه‌ ود لاواز بوون و ل جهێ وان هنده‌ك تیۆرێن نۆیتر ده‌ركه‌ڤتن,له‌ورا دڤێ ڤه‌كۆلینێدا مه‌ هه‌وڵدا چه‌ند تیۆرێن(كلاسیك و نۆى) ده‌ستنیشان بكه‌ین ول سه‌ر باخڤین و بده‌ینه‌ نیاسین. ناڤ ونیشانێ ڤه‌كۆلینێ: ناڤ و نیشانێ ڤه‌كۆلینێ(چه‌ند تیۆرێن زانستێ فولكلۆرى) دڤێ ڤه‌كۆلینێدا مه‌ پێكول كرییه‌,گرنگترین تیۆرێن ل سه‌ر زانستێ فولكلۆر هاتینه‌ ئه‌نجام دان,به‌رچاڤ بكه‌ین. سنورێن ڤه‌كولینێ: هه‌ر وه‌كى مه‌ ل ده‌ستپیكى خویاكرى, كو ڤه‌كولین ل دۆر وان تیۆرێن ئه‌وێن ڤه‌كولین ل سه‌ر بابه‌تێن فولكلۆرى ئه‌نجام داین,له‌ورا كارێ مه‌ د ڤێ ڤه‌كولینێدا ئه‌وه‌, په‌یوه‌ندیا ڤان تیۆرا ل گه‌ل فولكلۆرى دیار بكه‌ین,كو هه‌ر تیۆره‌ك ئه‌ركێ وى چ بوویه‌ و دیتنا زانایان بۆ بابه‌تێن فولكلۆرى و وه‌كهه‌ڤیا وان ل گه‌ل ملله‌تان و چه‌وا شیاینه‌ مفاى ژ بابه‌تێن فولكلۆرى وه‌ربگرین,ئانكو پتر به‌حسێ لایه‌نێ دیرۆكییا ڤان تیۆرا هاتیه‌كرن.ئاریشا ڤه‌كۆلینێ: ئێك ژ ئاریشێن ڤه‌كۆلینێ نه‌بوونا ژێده‌رانه‌.رێبازا ڤه‌كۆلینێ: د ڤه‌كۆلینێ دا مفا ژ رێبازا(وه‌سفى- مێژووى)هاتیه‌ وه‌رگرتن.
Aplicação de Motores Síncronos de Ímanes Permanentes e Motores de Indução em Veículos Elétricos
Authors: Melo Pedro Miguel Azevedo Sousa
Published: October 2017

Os sistemas de propulsão baseados em motores síncronos de ímanes permanentes (MSIP) têm sido considerados como a opção mais promissora para os veículos híbridos (VH) e elétricos (VE). A situação atual relativa às reservas e custos dos elementos de terras-raras poderá trazer algumas alterações nesta tendência; a opção por motores que prescindem destes elementos poderá trazer um novo estímulo à aplicação dos motores de indução neste domínio.Este artigo procura apresentar uma análise comparativa entre MSIP e motores de indução (MI) num espectro alargado de velocidades de funcionamento, com especial destaque para os seus desempenhos energéticos. Começa-se por abordar as características gerais de comportamento exigidas aos VE, que definem os múltiplos cenários de funcionamento que poderão ser impostos aos motores. Em seguida, são focadas as principais características de ambas as máquinas, procurando realçar as vantagens e desvantagens mais relevantes, no contexto dos VE. Com base nos regimes de funcionamento a que serão submetidos, analisam-se as diferenças dos rendimentos naturais de ambos os motores. Para os MI é também abordado o importante tema dos algoritmos de minimização de perdas, com vista ao aumento dos rendimentos em regimes de carga onde o desempenho destas máquinas é inferior.
Estruturas de Fixação de Aerogeradores
Authors: Brandão Roque Filipe Mesquita
Published: October 2017

Foi de forma natural que o aproveitamento do recurso eólico evoluiu dos tradicionais parques em terra (onshore) para locais offshore. Se por um lado os melhores locais para instalação em terra começam a escassear, a grande disponibilidade de recurso offshore permite a disponibilidade de áreas muito elevadas para a sua exploração.Os ventos mais fortes, no mar, associados a uma rugosidade de classe zero criam condições ideais para a instalação de geradores eólicos de potência elevada tornando assim possível uma maior produtividade, que pode compensar os inerentes custos de instalação e de operação mais elevados.No entanto existem alguns desafios que necessitam de ser mais investigados e que estão a ser alvo de investimento, tais como as torres, os sistemas de fixação e a instalação da cablagem.
A General Overview on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Authors: Melo Pedro Miguel Azevedo de Sousa
Published: October 2017

The economical and environment impacts of fossil energies increased the interest for hybrid, battery and fuel-cell electric vehicles. Several demanding engineering challenges must be faced, motivated by different physical domains integration. This paper aims to present an overview on hybrid (HEV) and electric vehicles (EV) basic structures and features. In addition, it will try to point out some of the most relevant challenges to overcome for HEV and EV may be a solid option for the mobility issue. New developments in energy storage devices and energy management systems (EMS) are crucial to achieve this goal.
A Termografia como a Forma Mais Simples e Rápida na Resolução de Problemas Eléctricos!
Authors: Caçote José , Diniz Paulo
Published: October 2017

As imagens térmicas são uma forma simples de identificar diferenças de temperatura em circuitos de sistemas trifásicos, comparando com a sua operação em condições normais. Inspecionando o gradiente térmico das três fases juntas, podemos rapidamente detetar anomalias, numa das fases, devido a desequilíbrios ou sobrecargas.
Instalações de Utilização de Energia Elétrica em Baixa Tensão Executadas ao Abrigo do Rsiuee e Rsicee
Authors: Gomes António Augusto Araújo , Pombeiro Mário
Published: October 2017

A Segurança de pessoas, animais e bens e o respeito por direitos (individuais, de grupo) foram desde sempre os principais objetivos da regulamentação das instalações elétricas. Outros aspetos como a qualidade de serviço, a continuidade de serviço, a adequação às necessidades dos utilizadores, a eficiência energética, a utilização racional de energia e sustentabilidade e o conforto na utilização, são fatores que devem estar presentes , aquando da realização de um projeto, da execução e na exploração das instalações elétricas.
Prédios Inteligentes
Authors: Neli Roberto Ribeiro , Luz Paulo Dênis Garcez da
Published: October 2017

Este artigo apresenta alguns dos benefícios e a aplicabilidade da automação predial e residencial, cuja denominação atual é Domótica. Esta tecnologia permite a integração dos serviços e tecnologias, aplicados a residências, escritórios, flats, apartamentos e casas com o propósito de automatizá-los buscando sempre como resultado principal um maior conforto, economia de energia elétrica, redução no consumo de recursos hídricos, segurança dos usuários e um gerenciamento mais centralizado e efetivo, integrando todas as soluções de automação. Serão apresentadas as várias classes de aplicação para a criação dos chamados “prédios inteligentes”, assim como as diversas tecnologias desenvolvidas para esta finalidade.
Poluição Harmónica em Instalações Elétricas Industriais
Authors: Pereira José Rodrigo , Carvalho José António Beleza de
Published: October 2017

Qualidade de Energia Elétrica (QEE) pode ser definida como a ausência relativa de perturbações que afetem a correta operação de um qualquer equipamento ou instalação elétrica.As empresas distribuidoras de energia elétrica encaram hoje a QEE como um fator fundamental, sendo mesmo motivo de preocupação, dadas as necessidades dos consumidores atuais e as eventuais situações que podem conduzir a problemas de complexa resolução.
Deteção e Extinção de Incêndios em Data Centers
Authors: Neto Rui Miguel Barbosa , Gomes António Augusto Araújo
Published: October 2017

Um Data Center é um repositório centralizado, físico ou virtual, de armazenamento e gestão de informação, com grande capacidade e que normalmente está organizado por áreas de conhecimento ou de negócio.Os Data Centers permitem às instituições ou indivíduos, terem ao seu alcance uma estrutura com grande capacidade, flexibilidade, fiabilidade e segurança.
Eficiência Energética na Iluminação Pública
Authors: Magalhães João M. L. , Castanheira Luis F. C. , Brandão Roque Filipe Mesquita
Published: October 2017

O consumo de energia está na origem de 80% das emissões de gases com efeito de estufa na União Europeia (UE). Consequentemente, reduzir as emissões de gases com efeito de estufa implica um menor consumo de energia e uma maior utilização de energia limpa. É nesta ótica que surge a denominada “Estratégia 20-20-20 para 2020” cujo objetivo é reduzir 20% do consumo de energia, reduzir 20% das emissões de GEE (Gases com Efeito de Estufa) e que 20% da energia consumida seja de fonte renovável.Por outro lado, a Estratégia Nacional para a Energia 2020 (ENE 2020), estabelecida na Resolução do Conselho de Ministros n.º 29/2010, de 15 de Abril, enquadra as linhas de rumo para a competitividade, o crescimento e a independência energética do país, através da aposta nas energias renováveis e na promoção integrada da eficiência energética, garantindo a segurança de abastecimento e a sustentabilidade económica e ambiental do modelo energético.Em desenvolvimento do Plano Nacional de Ação para a Eficiência Energética (PNAEE) e da ENE 2020, o Programa de Eficiência Energética na Administração Pública — ECO.AP (Resolução do Conselho de Ministros n.º 2/2011, de 12 de Janeiro), visa obter até 2020, nos serviços públicos e nos organismos da Administração Pública, um nível de eficiência energética na ordem dos 20% em face dos atuais valores.Nestes objetivos enquadra-se também a utilização racional de energia e a eficiência energético-ambiental em equipamentos de iluminação pública (IP) [1].
Phytochemical Profiling, Antimicrobial Activity and Brine Shrimps Lethality of Croton zambesicus Seeds and Leaves Extracts
Authors: Ali Hiba A. , Elamin Hassan B. , Fagier Awatif A. , Ahmed Awmaima E. , Hamza Abdelhalim A.
Published: October 2017

It is a well known medicinal plant in Sudan with different traditional uses. To date there are no chemical or
biological records reported on C. zambesicus seeds. Air dried ground seeds and leaves of C. zambesicus were
extracted using 80% methanol. The methanolic extract was sequentially fractionated with petroleum ether,
chloroform and ethyl acetate. The obtained extracts of C. zambesicus seeds leaves were screened antimicrobial
activities against four standard bacteria (Bacillus subtitles, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Escherichia coli, and two fungi (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans) using in vitro agar diffusion method.
The cytotoxicity evaluation of the bioactive fractions was carried out in vitro using brine shrimp lethality assay.
The MIC of the seeds crude extract was 12 mg/ml against B. subtitles, E. coli, and P.aeruginosa. After
fractionation of the seeds methanolic extract the antibacterial activity was mainly accumulated in the ethyl
acetate phase with an MIC of 50 mg/ml against Bacillus subtitles. The MIC of the leaves crude extract was
6.25 mg/ml against S. aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. After fractionation of the leaves
methanolic extract the antibacterial activity was mainly accumulated in the chloroform phase with an MIC of
12.5 mg/ml against Bacillus subtitles. Terpenoids were mainly detected in the petroleum ether fraction in
addition to four compounds which were suggested to be phenolics. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were detected
in the ethyl acetate fraction giving typical blue, yellow and orange colours with NPR at 366 nm. Terpenoids
and polyphenols, mainly flavonoids, detected in C. zambesicus active extracts were believed to be responsible
of the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities mentioned above. All extracts were quite safe in brine shrimp
lethality assay. These results justify the traditional use of C. zambesicus seeds and leaves.
Metallurgical Failure Investigation of Cracking of a Vent Nozzle on a Pressure Pulsation Dampener of a Natural Gas Compressor
Authors: Neidel A. , Riesenbeck S. , Gädicke T. , Fischer B.
Published: October 2017

A leakage occurred in the area of the weld of a vent nozzle in the pressure pulsation dampener of a natural gas compressor. It was caused by a crack adjacent to the weld on the side of the pipe.

A metallurgical failure investigation was ordered to identify the mechanism that caused the damage. The defective pressure pulsation dampener was brought back to the welding manufacturer for repair. The crack that caused the leakage was opened and the pipe was detached from the shell by the vessel manufacturer. A sample of the pipe containing the crack edge on the side of the pipe was brought to the laboratory for examination.

A fatigue crack which initiated at the outer surface of the pipe was identified as the metallurgical cause of the failure. No indications of weld defects were found. In the damaged area, the microstructure at the outer surface of the vessel's vent nozzle presents a number of damage-promoting features such as small surface ruptures and scale residues (which will lead to an increased notch effect there) as well as decarburization and coarse grain.

The design of the vessel's nozzle at the shell of the pressure pulsation dampener does not seam very suitable for dynamic loading. Also taking into account the poor surface quality of the pipes, the vessel's nozzles are insufficiently dimensioned for the present loading condition which clearly comprises dynamic elements. It was recommended to review the design and to apply adapted repair measures.
Characterization of Inconel 718 Pulsed TIG Repair Weld Used in an Aircraft Motor Component
Authors: Fernandes J. L. , Barbosa C. , do Nascimento J. Lopes
Published: October 2017

Inconel 718 is a widely used alloy in aircraft motor components due to a combination of some properties that are very favorable to this type of application and among these properties two ones must be emphasized: Good corrosion resistance at relatively high temperatures and adequate strength at theses temperatures. In spite of these favorable characteristics of this alloy, the normal service conditions of these components can generate damages that can hamper their use, thus leading to the necessity of weld repair in some regions of these elements. In this work, a study on the microstructural and mechanical properties characterization of the seal of an aircraft motor is carried out. With this purpose techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microhardness were used to analyze the microstructure and mechanical properties of Inconel 718 after repair welding and aging.
Società Malacologica Italiana 1874–1906
Authors: Manganelli G. , Lori E. , Benocci A. , Cianfanelli S.
Published: October 2017

The Società Malacologica Italiana was established in Pisa in 1874 to promote the study of extant and fossil molluscs in Italy through publications, meetings and other activities. During its life, the society had 120 members (including four institutions) and published a journal, Bullettino della Società Malacologica Italiana. Between 1875 and 1899, 20 volumes were issued: papers mostly concerned Italian malacofauna. After almost 30 years this research line seemed to have dried up, and without generational turnover, the society dissolved between the end of 1906 and early 1907. A detailed survey of the organization, activities and membership provides an interesting picture of a malacological society in the late 1800s.
Nonlocal classical ‘realism’ and quantum superposition as the nonexistence of definite pre-measurement values of physical quantities
Authors: Belinsky A V , Klevtsov A A
Published: October 2017

This paper reviews the schemes of experiments in which it was possible to prove, based on measured photon cross-correlation suppression effects in a beam splitter and preparing squeezed states, the nonexistence of a definite value of the photon phase difference in Fock states (otherwise, these two effects cannot exist simultaneously). It is shown that this conclusion emphasizes the internal inconsistency of interpreting the quantum mechanics in the spirit of classical nonlocal ‘realism’ — in the sense that measured physical quantities have no definite values a priori, i.e., before the instant of measurement.
Quantification of Force and Torque Applied by a High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging System on an Ultrasonic Motor for MRI-Guided Robot-Assisted Interventions
Authors: Shokrollahi Peyman , Drake James , Goldenberg Andrew
Published: October 2017

The risk of accidental dislodgement of robot-operated surgical mechanisms can lead to morbidity or mortality. The force and torque applied by a 3.0-tesla scanner on an ultrasonic motor are not fully known. The force and torque may displace the motor, which is not fully magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible but can be safely used in MR environments. A suspension apparatus was designed to measure the angles of deflection and rotation applied to the motor by MR magnetic fields. Three orientations and two power states of the motor were assessed inside the MR bore. The displacement force and torque were measured at eight locations with respect to the bore. The displacement force on the motor from 10 cm outside the magnet bore to 20 cm inside the bore ranged from 3 to 7 gF. The experimental measurements are in agreement with the theoretical values. Running the motor altered the force by 1 gF. The force does not significantly change when the MRI scanner is on. Considerable displacement force is applied to the motor, and no deflection torque is observed. Quantified values can be used to solve dynamic equations for robotic mechanisms intended for MRI-guided operations.
Comparison of Sensitivity and Quantitation between Microbead Dielectrophoresis-Based DNA Detection and Real-Time PCR
Authors: Nakano Michihiko , Ding Zhenhao , Suehiro Junya
Published: October 2017

In this study, we describe a microbead-based method using dielectrophoresis (DEP) for the fast detection of DNA amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This electrical method measures the change in impedance caused by DEP-trapped microbeads to which biotinylated target DNA molecules are chemically attached. Using this method, measurements can be obtained within 20 min. Currently, real-time PCR is among the most sensitive methods available for the detection of target DNA, and is often used in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. We therefore compared the quantitation and sensitivity achieved by our method to those achieved with real-time PCR. We found that the microbead DEP-based method exhibited the same detection limit as real-time PCR, although its quantitative detection range was slightly narrower at 10–105 copies/reaction compared with 10–107 copies/reaction for real-time PCR. Whereas real-time PCR requires expensive and complex instruments, as well as expertise in primer design and experimental principles, our novel method is simple to use, inexpensive, and rapid. This method could potentially detect viral and other DNAs efficiently in combination with conventional PCR.
Staphylococcus aureus Sequences from Osteomyelitic Specimens of a Pathological Bone Collection from Pre-Antibiotic Times
Authors: Flux Anna , Mazanec Janine , Strommenger Birgit , Hummel Susanne
Published: October 2017

Staphylococcus aureus is a major pathogen causing osteomyelitis, amongst other diseases, and its methicillin-resistant form (MRSA) in particular poses a huge threat to public health. To increase our knowledge of the origin and evolution of S. aureus, genetic studies of historical microorganisms may be beneficial. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether osteomyelitic skeletal material (autopsy specimens collected from the mid 19th century until the 1920s) is suitable for detecting historical S. aureus DNA sequences. We established a PCR-based analysis system targeting two specific genes of S. aureus (nuc and fib). We successfully amplified the historical S. aureus nuc and fib sequences for six and seven pre-antibiotic, osteomyelitic bone specimens, respectively. These results encourage further investigations of historical S. aureus genomes that may increase our understanding of pathogen evolution in relation to anthropogenically introduced antibiotics.
A Design Space for Virtuality-Introduced Internet of Things
Authors: Gushima Kota , Nakajima Tatsuo
Published: October 2017

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies have been dramatically expanded in recent years. In the near future, we expect that diverse digital services that employ Internet of Things (IoT) technologies enhanced with AR and VR will become more popular. Advanced information technologies will enable the physical world to be fused with the virtual world. These digital services will be advanced via virtuality, which means that things that do not physically exist make people believe in their existence. We propose a design space for digital services that are enhanced via virtuality based on insights extracted from three case studies that we have developed and from discussions in focus groups that analyze how existing commercial IoT products proposed in a commercial crowdfunding platform, Kickstarter, could be enhanced through virtuality. The derived design space offers three dimensions to design a digital service to fuse IoT technologies with virtuality: (1) Taxonomy of IoT; (2) Visualizing Level, and (3) Virtuality Level. The design space will help IoT-based digital service designers to develop advanced future IoT products that incorporate virtuality.
Dystrophin Dp116: A yet to Be Investigated Product of the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Gene
Authors: Matsuo Masafumi , Awano Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Masaaki , Nagai Masashi , Kawaguchi Tatsuya , Zhang Zhujun , Nishio Hisahide
Published: October 2017

The Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene is one of the largest genes in the human genome. The gene exhibits a complex arrangement of seven alternative promoters, which drive the expression of three full length and four shorter isoforms. Dp116, the second smallest product of the DMD gene, is a Schwann cell-specific isoform encoded by a transcript corresponding to DMD exons 56–79, starting from a promoter/exon S1 within intron 55. The physiological roles of Dp116 are poorly understood, because of its extensive homology with other isoforms and its expression in specific tissues. This review summarizes studies on Dp116, focusing on clinical findings and alternative activation of the upstream translation initiation codon that is predicted to produce Dp118.
Social Determinants and Poor Diet Quality of Energy-Dense Diets of Australian Young Adults
Authors: Grech Amanda , Rangan Anna , Allman-Farinelli Margaret
Published: October 2017

This research aimed to determine the diet quality and socio-demographic determinants by level of energy-density of diets of Australian young adults. Secondary analysis of the Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey-2011/2012 for adults aged 18–34 years (n = 2397) was conducted. Diet was assessed by 24-h recalls. Dietary energy-density was calculated as dietary energy/grams of food (kJ/g) and the Healthy-Eating-Index-for-Australians (HEIFA-2013) was used to assess diet quality (highest score = 100). Dietary energy-density was examined with respect to diet quality and sociodemographic determinants including gender, highest tertiary-education attainment, country-of-birth, age, income, and socio-economic-index-for-area (SEIFA). Higher dietary energy-density was associated with lower diet quality scores (β = −3.71, t (2394) = −29.29, p < 0.0001) and included fewer fruits and vegetables, and more discretionary foods. The mean dietary energy-density was 7.7 kJ/g and 7.2 kJ/g for men and women, respectively. Subpopulations most at risk of consuming high energy-dense diets included those with lower education, Australian and English-speaking countries of birth, and men with low income and women from areas of lower socio-economic status. Young adults reporting low energy-dense diets had higher quality diets. Intensive efforts are needed to reduce the high energy-density of young adults’ diets, and should ensure they include populations of lower socio-economic status.
Living Close to Natural Outdoor Environments in Four European Cities: Adults’ Contact with the Environments and Physical Activity
Authors: Triguero-Mas Margarita , Donaire-Gonzalez David , Seto Edmund , Valentín Antònia , Smith Graham , Martínez David , Carrasco-Turigas Glòria , Masterson Daniel , Van den Berg Magdalena , Ambròs Albert , Martínez-Íñiguez Tania , Dedele Audrius , Hurst Gemma , Ellis Naomi , Grazulevicius Tomas , Voorsmit Martin , Cirach Marta , Cirac-Claveras Judith , Swart Wim , Clasquin Eddy , Maas Jolanda , Wendel-Vos Wanda , Jerrett Michael , Gražulevičienė Regina , Kruize Hanneke , Gidlow Christopher J. , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J.
Published: October 2017

This study investigated whether residential availability of natural outdoor environments (NOE) was associated with contact with NOE, overall physical activity and physical activity in NOE, in four different European cities using objective measures. A nested cross-sectional study was conducted in Barcelona (Spain); Stoke-on-Trent (United Kingdom); Doetinchem (The Netherlands); and Kaunas (Lithuania). Smartphones were used to collect information on the location and physical activity (overall and NOE) of around 100 residents of each city over seven days. We used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to determine residential NOE availability (presence/absence of NOE within 300 m buffer from residence), contact with NOE (time spent in NOE), overall PA (total physical activity), NOE PA (total physical activity in NOE). Potential effect modifiers were investigated. Participants spent around 40 min in NOE and 80 min doing overall PA daily, of which 11% was in NOE. Having residential NOE availability was consistently linked with higher NOE contact during weekdays, but not to overall PA. Having residential NOE availability was related to NOE PA, especially for our Barcelona participants, people that lived in a city with low NOE availability.
Modeling of Chromium, Copper, Zinc, Arsenic and Lead Using Portable X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer Based on Discrete Wavelet Transform
Authors: Li Fang , Lu Anxiang , Wang Jihua
Published: October 2017

A modeling method based on discrete wavelet transform (DWT) was introduced to analyze the concentration of chromium, copper, zinc, arsenic and lead in soil with a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. A total of 111 soil samples were collected and observed. Denoising and baseline correction were performed on each spectrum before modeling. The optimum conditions for pre-processing were denoising with Coiflet 3 on the 3rd level and baseline correction with Coiflet 3 on the 9th level. Calibration curves were established for the five heavy metals (HMs). The detection limits were compared before and after the application of DWT, the qualitative detection limits and the quantitative detection limits were calculated to be three and ten times as high as the standard deviation with silicon dioxide (blank), respectively. The results showed that the detection limits of the instrument using DWT were lower, and that they were below national soil standards; the determination coefficients (R2) based on DWT-processed spectra were higher, and ranged from 0.990 to 0.996, indicating a high degree of linearity between the contents of the HMs in soil and the XRF spectral characteristic peak intensity with the instrument measurement.
The Effect of Stock Return Sequences on Trading Volumes
Authors: Kudryavtsev Andrey
Published: October 2017

The present study explores the effect of the gambler’s fallacy on stock trading volumes. I hypothesize that if a stock’s price rises (falls) during a number of consecutive trading days, then the gambler’s fallacy may cause at least some of the investors to expect that the stock’s price “has” to subsequently fall (rise), and thus, to increase their willingness to sell (buy) the stock, resulting in a stronger degree of disagreement between the investors and a higher-than-usual stock trading volume on the first day when the stock’s price indeed falls (rises). Employing a large sample of daily price and trading volume data, I document that following relatively long sequences of the same-sign stock returns, on the days when the sign is reversed, the trading activity in the respective stocks is abnormally high. Moreover, average abnormal trading volumes gradually and significantly increase with the length of the preceding return sequence. The effect is slightly more pronounced following the sequences of negative stock returns, and remains significant after controlling for other potentially influential factors, including contemporaneous and lagged actual and absolute stock returns, historical stock returns and volatilities, and company-specific events, such as earnings announcements and dividend payments.
Stability of Cacopsylla pyricola (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) Populations in Pacific Northwest Pear Orchards Managed with Long-Term Mating Disruption for Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Amarasekare Kaushalya , Shearer Peter
Published: October 2017

This study focused on conservation biological control of pear psylla, Cacopsylla pyricola, in the Pacific Northwest, USA. We hypothesized that insecticides applied against the primary insect pest, codling moth Cydia pomonella, negatively impact natural enemies of pear psylla, thus causing outbreaks of this secondary pest. Hence, the objective of this study was to understand how codling moth management influences the abundance of pear psylla and its natural enemy complex in pear orchards managed under long-term codling moth mating disruption programs. We conducted this study within a pear orchard that had previously been under seasonal mating disruption for codling moth for eight years. We replicated two treatments, “natural enemy disrupt” (application of two combination sprays of spinetoram plus chlorantraniliprole timed against first-generation codling moth) and “natural enemy non-disrupt” four times in the orchard. Field sampling of psylla and natural enemies (i.e., lacewings, coccinellids, spiders, Campylomma verbasci, syrphid flies, earwigs) revealed that pear psylla populations remained well below treatment thresholds all season despite the reduced abundance of key pear psylla natural enemies in the natural enemy disrupt plots compared with the non-disrupt treatment. We speculate that pear psylla are difficult to disrupt when pear orchards are under long-term codling moth disruption.
Magnetostriction of Ni2Mn1−xCrxGa Heusler Alloys
Authors: Sakon Takuo , Fujimoto Naoki , Kanomata Takeshi , Adachi Yoshiya
Published: October 2017

Among the functionalities of magnetic Heusler alloys, magnetostriction is attracting considerable attention. The alloy Ni2MnGa has a premartensite phase, which is a precursor state to the martensitic transition. Some researchers have observed magnetostriction in this alloy in the premartensite phase. We performed magnetostriction studies on the premartensite phase of related Cr-substituted Ni2Mn1−xCrxGa alloys and measured the thermal strain, permeability, magnetisation, and magnetostriction of polycrystals. Our thermal expansion measurements show an anomaly that indicates the occurrence of lattice deformation below the premartensitic transition temperature TP. Our permeability measurements also showed an anomaly at the premartensitic transition. From our magnetisation results, we obtained the magnetic-anisotropy constant K1. In the martensite phase, we found that the magnetic-anisotropy constant of the x = 0.00 alloy is larger than that of the x = 0.15 alloy. At 0.24 MA/m, we obtained a magnetostriction of −120 ppm for the x = 0.15 alloy. Magnetostriction in the premartensite phase is larger than that in the austenite and martensite phases at low magnetic-field strength, thus indicating that it is related to lattice softening in the premartensite phase. The e/a is proportional to the magnetostriction and TP, which indicates that the electron energy, the magnetostriction, and the Tp are correlative each other.
Dynamical Scheduling and Robust Control in Uncertain Environments with Petri Nets for DESs
Authors: Lefebvre Dimitri
Published: October 2017

This paper is about the incremental computation of control sequences for discrete event systems in uncertain environments where uncontrollable events may occur. Timed Petri nets are used for this purpose. The aim is to drive the marking of the net from an initial value to a reference one, in minimal or near-minimal time, by avoiding forbidden markings, deadlocks, and dead branches. The approach is similar to model predictive control with a finite set of control actions. At each step only a small area of the reachability graph is explored: this leads to a reasonable computational complexity. The robustness of the resulting trajectory is also evaluated according to a risk probability. A sufficient condition is provided to compute robust trajectories. The proposed results are applicable to a large class of discrete event systems, in particular in the domains of flexible manufacturing. However, they are also applicable to other domains as communication, computer science, transportation, and traffic as long as the considered systems admit Petri Nets (PNs) models. They are suitable for dynamical deadlock-free scheduling and reconfiguration problems in uncertain environments.
Do Not Despise the Discipline of the Almighty: God as Leather Daddy and Reading Job through Althaus-Reid
Authors: Rogers Joseph
Published: October 2017

The feminist queer theologian Marcella Althaus-Reid (1952–2009) wrote about what it meant to be an “indecent theologian” and claimed that sexual stories from the margins of society can help transform theological issues. What can “indecent theology” mean for the problem of evil specifically as it is addressed in the book of Job? This article will use Althaus-Reid’s creative methodology, which engages in a dialogue between theology, sexual theory, politics, and personal narrative. This methodology will be applied to the hermeneutic of suffering in the book of Job. I propose that this engagement of theodicy through a queer lens and more specifically within the category of gay sadomasochism in particular, while not definitively addressing the broader problem of evil, can be a creative lens to reinterpret the book of Job. By queering Job, I offer an alternative understanding of the problem of suffering and evil that can find a space within contextual theology. The article concludes with a remark on how such a reading can be used as a liberating text for the queer community.