bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosa Penyakit Pulmonary Tuberculosis Dan Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Menggunakan Algoritma Certainty Factor (CF)
Authors: Hartatik Hartatik
Published: December 2016

Penyakit Tuberculosis tidak hanya menyerang bagian pernapasan paru-paru (disebut Pulmonary Tuberculosis) saja seperti anggapan kebanyakan orang, namun juga dapat menyerang organ tubuh lain seperti otak (Miningitis Tuberculosis), kalenjar getah bening (Lymphedenopathy Tuberculosis), paru-paru bagian luar (Pleyrisy Tuberculosis), kulit (Miliary Tuberculosis), tulang (Spin of Tuberculosis), dan saluran urogenital (Urogenital Tuberculosis).Algoritma yang digunakan dalam melakukan diagnosa adalah Algoritma Certainty Factor. Penyakit yang akan didiagnosa berjumlah 6 yaitu Pulmonary TB, TB Miningitis, TB Lymphadenopathy, TB Pleurisy, TB of The Spine, dan Urogenital TB. Sedangkan jumlah gejala yang akan ditanyakan ke user sebanyak 31. Jumlah aturan yang tersimpan dalam knowledge base nya sejumlah 52 aturan. Hasil dari aplikasi yang dibuat didapatkan suatu kesimpulan yang sama dengan perhitungan manual menggunakan rumus certainty factor.
Board leadership structure and performance of Chinese firms in Singapore
Authors: Pang Ricky W. F. , Shamsuddin Abul F. M.
Published: December 2016

We examine the effects of board leadership structure on the performance of Chinese firms listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange. Using a sample of 105 firms covering 2009 to 2011, we find that CEO duality positively affects firm performance that can largely be explained by stewardship theory. There is also support for contingency theory as the CEO duality-firm performance relationship depends on whether Chinese firms are incorporated in Singapore or otherwise. This study offers insights for corporate regulators to soften their stance on the monitoring clauses concerning CEO duality. Major stakeholders in Singapore-based Chinese firms may need to bring some balance to board independence, board size, and the nomination process, particularly where CEO duality improves firm performance.
Motivation for starting a business: Opportunity or survival? A South African perspective
Authors: Erdis Cindy , Wiid Johannes Arnoldus , Cant Michael Colin
Published: December 2016

Labour and trade union disputes and political uncertainty continue to negatively affect the South African economy. Strike action hampers productivity in many industries, affecting foreign investment. These factors all contribute to a slower economy, weakening the exchange rate and increasing cost of imports (Anon1 2014:1). A struggling electricity supply is also adding to current South African economic woes. The above factors add to the reasons why small businesses (SMEs) are being started as a means for South Africans to establish their own forms of income during these tough economic times. SMEs often form the backbone of national economies and have lately increased in importance (Hove & Tarisi 2013:57). This research paper aims to explore the reasons why small businesses are started in South Africa by focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic driving forces. Once the reasons are known as to why small businesses are started, researchers can begin to develop interventions and strategies for the successful establishment and long-term survival of these SMEs.
Resource allocation specialization, market recognition specialization and audit fees: evidence from the Chinese audit market
Authors: Liu Yingfei , Patel Chris , Ying Sammy Xiayan , Qiu Hao
Published: December 2016

Existing literature on audit industry specialization in Anglo-American countries often measures industry specialization using firms’ market share in specific industries from market recognition perspective. This paper contributes to the audit industry specialization research by distinguishing between market recognition specialization and resource allocation specialization, and tests their different effects on audit fees in the Chinese audit market. The results support the hypotheses that market recognition specialization is likely to lead to higher audit fees in the whole audit market, resource allocation specialization is likely to lead to lower audit fees in ‘top–ten’ audit firms, and there is likely to be no effect of resource allocation specialization on audit fees in ‘non–top–ten’ audit firms. The findings have implications for the regulators both in China and globally in designing strategies to enhance the functioning of audit firms. Importantly, the findings suggest that economic, political and social contexts of a country cannot be ignored in examining audit industry specialization
The extent of debt financing within state-owned corporations in Kenya
Authors: Nyamita Micah Odhiambo , Dorasamy Nirmala , Garbharran Hari Lall
Published: December 2016

The public sector reforms’ programme in Kenya, has witnessed five state-owned corporations being privatised, and several more, from hotels to banks, have been scheduled to be privatised. However, many of Kenya’s state-owned corporations are in considerable debt, which reduce their value in the process of privatisation. This study attempted to determine the extent and the theory suitable for explaining debt-financing within the state-owned corporations in Kenya from 2007 to 2011. The study applied both descriptive statistics and a hybrid of cross sectional and longitudinal quantitative surveys. The results observed some level of stability on the aggregate long-term debt ratios, with minimal use of stock market instruments, which implied the application of the agency theory.
Revenues from related parties: A risk factor in the Italian listed company’s financial statements [Special issue]
Authors: Bava Fabrizio , Gromis di Trana Melchiorre
Published: December 2016

As suggested in literature, related party transactions (RPTs) may be instruments to carry out abuse concerning conflicts of interest between ownership and control or between majority and minority shareholders. These transactions are subject to moral hazards, and for this reason are characterized by a greater inherent risk than other transactions. Regulators have recently strengthened existing rules, introducing new bans and requirements, aimed at guaranteeing the substantial and economic fairness of these transactions. This paper produces evidence which justifies the potential risk of these operations. In particular, focusing only on the revenues made with RP, we investigated the relation between the business trends and the intensity of RP revenues in the income statements. This study provides a starting point for future research, which could extend our analysis (which deals only with economic effects) to include financial effects and consider other elements that are influenced by the intensity of RP revenues
RESILIENSI NAFKAH RUMAHTANGGA PETANI DI KAWASAN RAWAN BENCANA ROB KECAMATAN KAMPUNG LAUT, KABUPATEN CILACAP
Authors: Trinova Sembiring Sylsilia
Published: December 2016

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menentukan adopsi resiliensi nafkah rumahtangga petani yang
dihubungkan dengan modal rumahtangga. Penelitian ini juga bertujuan untuk menentukan bagaimana sector pertanian dan non pertanian dapat mempengaruhi strategi nafkah dan pendapatan rumahtangga di Desa Klaces dan Lampung pucuk. Penelitian ini menggabungkan pendekatan kuantitatif menggunakan metode kuesioner dengan pendekatan kualitatif menggunakan metode wawancara mendalam. Hasil penelitian ini menjelaskan bahwa modal rumahtangga yang dimanfaatkan petani di kedua desa sangat memengaruhi aktivitas rumahtangga mereka. Berdasarkan tiga bentuk aspek strategi nafkah, terdapat perbedaan antar kedua desa. Desa Klaces didominasi oleh sektor non-farm, Disisi lain Desa Lempong Pucung didominasi oleh sektor off-farm. Jumlah sumbangan terhadap sektor pertanian relatif lebih rendah dibandingkan sektor non pertanian.
Kata kunci : Resiliensi, strategi nafkah, rumahtangga petani
Conflito de Gerações nos Projetos
Authors: Inácio Ferreira Eliziane Jacqueline dos Santos , Paiva Erica Mignoni , Ferreira Gregory Rodolfo , Suzuki Mauro Minoru
Published: December 2016

Este artigo compara as diferentes gerações de profissionais no mercado de trabalho, analisando suas características, os fatores motivadores e os conflitos entre essas gerações no que se refere à gestão de projetos. Utilizando da pesquisa teórica, verificou-se que a nova geração está chegando à liderança das empresas mais rápido do que as gerações anteriores e isso têm causado problemas de conflito nas equipes de projeto. Por essa razão, é necessário um gerenciamento adequado, para que as diferenças não atrapalhem, mas sim que contribuam para sucesso do projeto. Conclui-se sobre a importância de novas ferramentas e técnicas que os profissionais que gerenciam ou gerenciarão projetos, poderão utilizar para gerenciar esses diferentes profissionais, minimizando os conflitos da equipe e elevando a probabilidade de sucesso do projeto.
Elaborando um texto científico
Authors: Neto Rafael Annunciato
Published: December 2016

Este ensaio apresenta orientações gerias e fundamentais para elaboração de artigo científico inspirado no trabalho de Clarides Henrich de Barba, tendo como objetivo principal atender as necessidades acadêmicas de docentes e alunos que iniciam sua vida como autores de modo que possam compreender a forma e maneira como se estrutura um artigo científico.
A Assimetria Informacional e os Impactos na Política Pública de Crédito do PRONAF.
Authors: Rockenmeyer Adenauer Cesar , Vieira Edson Trajano
Published: December 2016

A institucionalização da Agricultura Familiar em meados de 2006, através da lei 11.326 no Brasil, representou enorme avanço para os pequenos agricultores. Contudo, já havia meios institucionais de crédito desde 1996 através do PRONAF. Observa-se que os agentes financeiros públicos agem de acordo com o mercado, pela alegação da existência do risco de classificação do pleiteador do empréstimo, o que elevam os custos contratuais para os produtores familiares. O objetivo desse artigo é analisar os impactos da assimetria informacional com seus desdobramentos, sobre a eficácia e eficiência da política de crédito do PRONAF. A metodologia utilizada será a revisão da literatura com proposição de um modelo teórico capaz de analisar quantitativamente e qualitativamente os resultados obtidos pelo PRONAF e os impactos sobre o planejamento e desenvolvimento regional. O resultado esperado foi a constatação de que a política pública de crédito para agricultura familiar é vislumbrada como serviço público ou serviço privado pelas instituições bancárias públicas.
Estudo comparativo de desempenho: Salário Mínimo Nacional X Dólar e Euro
Authors: Aguiar Daiane Almeida , Santos Fernando De Almeida
Published: December 2016

A pesquisa descrita neste trabalho teve como objetivo analisar o desempenho do SM (Salário Mínimo) Nacional nos períodos de 1994 a 2014 em comparação  com as moedas norte americana e europeia, o dólar e o euro, respctivamente, pois são moedas de referência mundial. A fundamentação teórica desse estudo foi baseada em pesquisas bibliográficas e artigos.  Este trabalho verificou que a inflação reduziu com a chegada do plano real, pois o país sofria com a hiperinflação. Observou-se que comparado com o dólar e o euro o SM foi valorizado.
A Gestão e o Empreendedorismo nos cursos de formação Docente
Authors: Ortiz Felipe Chibás , Clementino Adriana
Published: December 2016

O presente artigo analisa o conceito de gestão no âmbito da educação e aborda os principais resultados obtidos a partir de uma primeira aproximação exploratória à situação das disciplinas com temas sobre gestão e empreendedorismo no contexto dos cursos de formação de professores. A pesquisa quanti-quali aqui apresentada realizou um levantamento estatístico analisando-se a grade curricular dos cursos de Pedagogia, Letras, Artes e Educação Física do Estado de São Paulo, assim como das questões da prova do ENADE referentes aos temas de gestão e empreendedorismo nesses cursos. Os resultados obtidos apontam a carência de disciplinas que lidam com o tema de Gestão e Empreendedorismo nesses cursos, tanto no que se refere à formação teórica como à falta de estimulação sistemática das competências necessárias para gerir projetos culturais ou educativos. Como consideração final, sugere-se a implementação nesses cursos de uma disciplina que reúna tais conhecimentos relativos ao termo Gestão e Empreendedorismo, e incrementar o número e complexidade das questões de Gestão e Empreendedorismo nas provas do ENADE correspondentes a estes cursos.
Ética e barreiras culturais à comunicação: fronteiras líquidas da organização na era digital
Authors: Ortiz Felipe Chibás
Published: December 2016

Neste artigo descreve-se de forma sintética a importância da ética desde os primórdios da humanidade até os tempos atuais, fazendo ênfase na sua importância para a gestão. Apresenta-se o conceito da Cibercultura no contexto das organizações contemporâneas, assim como várias definições da Ética, discutindo-se os aspetos afetivos e intuitivos da mesma e não apenas os racionais. Mostra-se a importância das Barreiras culturais à Comunicação para diagnosticar a existência de um ambiente organizacional ético. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar como se manifestam algumas das diversas relações entre a ética e as Barreiras Culturais à Comunicação nos ecossistemas digitais atuais, assim como descrever alguns dos comportamentos organizacionais contemporâneos na Internet considerados éticos e antiéticos através da análise de casos. Realizou-se uma pesquisa teórica qualitativa de caráter exploratório, utilizando-se levantamento bibliográfico, observação não participante, assim como estudo de caso. Destaca-se que para fazer uma análise ética na atualidade é preciso partir de um enfoque casuístico e não apenas de uma definição teórica de Ética. O artigo tenta responder questões referentes a como a Ética se manifesta nas empresas contemporâneas que utilizam de forma profícua as novas tecnologias da comunicação e se nelas ainda persistem algumas das Barreiras Culturais à Comunicação, descritas antes no mundo físico. As conclusões apontam que a partir do advento das novas tecnologias da comunicação, está sendo construída uma nova ética digital, que envolve novos princípios, regras e comportamentos da sociedade, organizações, colaboradores e clientes. O diagnóstico das Barreiras Culturais à Comunicação ajuda a perceber este processo.
Gestão de Riscos de Segurança da Informação numa Instituição Pública Federal: um estudo de caso
Authors: Souza Jackson Gomes Soares , Arima Carlos Hideo , Oliveira Renata Maria Nogueira de , Akabane Getulio , Galegale Napoleão Verardi
Published: December 2016

As instituições públicas vinculadas ao setor público federal brasileiro devem aplicar uma série de medidas de segurança, políticas, procedimentos e diretrizes como medidas de proteção de seus ativos de informação. Este estudo de caso único buscou verificar como a gestão de riscos de segurança da informação se apresenta numa instituição pública federal conforme a percepção dos gestores de Tecnologia da Informação (T.I.) e os resultados encontrados demonstram a importância dos papéis desempenhados pelas pessoas, as responsabilidades, o desenvolvimento de políticas, normas, procedimentos e implementação destes visando maior controle dos riscos e também das diversas oportunidades que envolvem a segurança de tecnologia da informação.As instituições públicas vinculadas ao setor público federal brasileiro devem aplicar uma série de medidas de segurança, políticas, procedimentos e diretrizes como medidas de proteção de seus ativos de informação. Este estudo de caso único buscou verificar como a gestão de riscos de segurança da informação se apresenta numa instituição pública federal conforme a percepção dos gestores de Tecnologia da Informação (T.I.) e os resultados encontrados demonstram a importância dos papéis desempenhados pelas pessoas, as responsabilidades, o desenvolvimento de políticas, normas, procedimentos e implementação destes visando maior controle dos riscos e também das diversas oportunidades que envolvem a segurança de tecnologia da informação.
Solução computacional para o auxiliar na alfabetização de surdos
Authors: Fernandes João Carlos Lopes , Rodrigues Silvia Cristina Martini , Cruz Netto Ovidio Lopes da
Published: December 2016

A aprendizagem dos surdos é um grande desafio para os educadores, principalmente na disciplina de língua portuguesa. As escolas brasileiras não estão preparadas para convier com surdos, pois não possuem profissionais capacitados. As atuais políticas educacionais brasileiras, buscam socializar todos os alunos surdos e não surdos. A comunidade brasileira de surdos utiliza a   LIBRAS, língua brasileira de sinais como principal forma de comunicação entre eles. Integrar LIBRAS e língua portuguesa é um dos principais desafios atuais e o uso da computação tem auxiliado muito.
Characterization of the expanded austenite developed on AISI 316 LM steel by plasma nitriding
Authors: Keddam M. , Thiriet T. , Marcos G. , Czerwiec T.
Published: December 2016

AISI 316 LM samples were plasma nitrided at a temperature of 380?C for
different times between 0.5 and 8 h in a 85%N2- 15%H2 gas mixture. Different
experimental techniques such as: optical microscopy (OM), X- ray diffraction
(XRD ) and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) were used to
characterize the expanded austenite layer formed at the surface of AISI 316
LM stainless steel. The microscopical observations revealed the presence of
the expanded austenite with a mean layer thickness between 1.90 and 4.31 ?m.
The growth kinetics of expanded austenite was also investigated. In addition,
both the compressive stresses in the expanded austenite layer and the
compositional strains were estimated by means of a simple mechanical model
based on the XRD results.
Study of Al/cast iron interface and graphite behavior
Authors: Akbarifar M. , Divandari M.
Published: December 2016

The interface characteristics of aluminum/cast iron bimetals produced by
compound casting were investigated. Aluminum melt was poured into molds, at
700?C and 750?C, around cylindrical cast iron bars having melt-to-solid
volume ratios (Vm/Vs) of 3, 5 and 8, respectively. Microscopic observations
showed that a reaction layer may form at the interface. This layer is
composed of Fe2Al5 intermetallic which has been formed initially at the
notches of the insert?s surface after making contact with the molten metal.
The thickness of the interaction layer varied from 5?m, for the sample
produced at 700?C and 3 Vm/Vs, up to 20?m for the sample poured at 750?C and
8 Vm/Vs. Microstructural analysis showed that increasing of the temperature
and the melt-to-solid (m/s) volume ratio leads to the formation of a thicker
and more uniform intermetallic layer. Microhardness of the Fe2Al5 compound
was measured 824 HV. A mechanism is suggested for the nucleation and growth
of this intermetallic layer and also encapsulation of the flake graphite at
the interface of two metals. It seems that the thermal and chemical situation
at the interface of two metals, leads to an acceptable wettability of the
graphite by molten aluminum.
Phase precipitation in transition metal-containing 354-type alloys
Authors: Garza-Elizondo Guillermo H. , Samuel Agnes M. , Valtierra Salvador , Samuel Fawzy H.
Published: December 2016

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of Ni, Mn, Zr, and Sc additions, individually or in combination, on the microstructure of 354 casting alloy (Al-9 wt.% Si-1.8 wt.% Cu-0.5 wt.% Mg). Microstructural examination and thermal analysis data showed that the main reactions detected during the solidification of the six 354 alloys (G1, G6–G10) investigated are: formation of the α-Al dendritic network; precipitation of Al-Si eutectic and post-eutectic β-Al5FeSi; Mg2Si phase; transformation of the β-phase into π-Al8Mg3FeSi6 phase; and precipitation of Al2Cu and Q-Al5Mg8Cu2Si6 phases. With 2 wt.% Ni addition, the formation of Al9FeNi and Al3CuNi phases is observed. In the base 354 alloy the main phases are restricted to Cu-, Mg-, and Fe-rich intermetallic phases. The Si particle characteristics and volume fraction of intermetallics are influenced by the solidification rate and Mg level, whereas addition of Fe and/or Mn has no significant influence. In alloy G9, Fe, Mn and Ni interact to form new intermetallic phases. An increased Fe content leads to formation of polyhedral/star-like sludge particles in addition to α-Fe and β-Al5FeSi phases; the presence of the hard sludge particles within the soft α-Al dendrites improves the alloy properties.
Cryopreservation of Indian Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus Gallus Murghi) Spermatozoa: A First Approach
Authors: Rakha Bushra Allah , Ansari Muhammad Sajjad , Hussain Iftikhar , Anwar Maqsood , Akhter Shamim , Raza Syed Qasim , Blesbois Elisabeth
Published: December 2016

The experiment was designed to show the capacity of Indian Red Jungle Fowl ( Gallus gallus murghi) sperm to be cryopreserved. The changes in characteristics of Indian Red Jungle Fowl spermatozoa during different phases of cryopreservation with the glycerol cryoprotectant and straw packaging were recorded. Semen from eight mature cocks were pooled, diluted at 37 °C in a Tselutin poultry extender, cooled to 4 °C in 2 h (0.275 min−1) and equilibrated for 10 min after the addition of 11% glycerol. Cooled semen was filled in 0.5 mL French straws, kept over liquid nitrogen vapour for 10 min and plunged into liquid nitrogen. Frozen semen was thawed at 37 °C for 30 s. Sperm motility, plasma membrane plasticity, livability, and acrosomal integrity were assessed at the stage of pre-dilution (37 °C), post-dilution, cooling, equilibration and freeze-thawing. The experiment was repeated five times. Sperm motility did not change at post-dilution and cooling and averaged 83.3±3.1%. However, motility declined ( P<0.05) to 66.0±2.4% and 45.0±6.5% at post-equilibration and thawing stages, respectively. The sperm plasma membrane plasticity at the pre-dilution stage was 74.8±1.4% and decreased ( P<0.05) to 62.3±1.7%, 51.7±1.7%, and 42.0±1.2% at the stages of post-dilution, cooling and freeze-thawing, respectively. A decline ( P < 0.05) in acrosomal integrity was observed at post-cooling (83.8±2.4%), equilibration (80.8±0.8%) and thawing (73.8±2.4%). It is concluded that Indian Red Jungle sperm seem to adapt quite well to the freeze-thaw process that mainly alters the motility capacities and much less the acrosomal integrity. To our knowledge, this is the first ever report on cryopreservation of Indian Red Jungle Fowl spermatozoa.
Examination of Parental Investment in Nest Defence in a Tropical Songbird, the Pied Bush Chat (Saxicola Caprata)
Authors: Dadwal Navjeevan , Bhatt Dinesh
Published: December 2016

Most animals that demonstrate parental care are also engaged in such behaviour that increases their offspring chance of survival when confronted by a predator. The present study is equipped with a detailed account of the parental investment in nest defence behaviour of a tropic zone (Haridwar, Himalayan foothills, India) inhabiting species, the Pied Bush Chat ( Saxicola caprata) (PBC). During simulated nest defence treatments, we recorded two distinct types of calls which were used during the display of parental aggression by PBCs, threat calls and alarm calls. Significant differences were noted for the usage of the threat calls over the alarm calls during nest defence. For the most part males were found to be more aggressive than females (on the basis of their call rates) during the simulated attacks of the decoy predator. Results also indicated that parental aggression was more inclined towards nestlings than that of the eggs. The results were consistent with the hypothesis that the nest protection intensity increases with the progression of the nesting cycle.
Isolation and Characterisation of Novel Polymorphic Microsatellite Markers for the Wedge-Billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus Spirurus
Authors: Unrein Jasmin , Menger Juliana , Weigert Anne , Henle Klaus , Schlegel Martin
Published: December 2016

In order to study the population genetic structure of the Amazonian understorey bird Glyphorynchus spirurus, we have isolated eight polymorphic microsatellite loci using next-generation sequencing. All loci were screened using 40 samples from central Amazonia. The number of alleles varied from five to 22. The observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.475 to 0.875. No linkage disequilibrium was found among the loci. None of the loci showed significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These novel microsatellite markers will be a useful tool for future population genetics and ecological studies of the Wedge-billed Woodcreeper.
Change of Feeding Strategy Prior to Migration: A Comparative Diet Analysis in the Lesser Kestrel (Falco Naumanni)
Authors: Bounas Anastasios , Sotiropoulos Konstantinos
Published: December 2016

Assessing the variation in diet composition of a species, over different years and between periods, offers insights to comprehend its ecological niche as well as to define different feeding strategies. We studied the diet of the Lesser Kestrel ( Falco naumanni) by analysing 1040 regurgitated pellets collected in the city of Ioannina (northwestern Greece). We compared diet composition between the breeding period (data from years 2010–2015) and the pre-migration period (data from 2013–2015) at the study site. A total of 8920 prey items were identified and classified into 13 different prey families. The Lesser Kestrel shows a consistent pattern of diet composition throughout years, displaying significant differences between breeding and pre-migration periods. The diet is rather diverse during the breeding season (Levins' diet breadth, B = 4.12) and is composed mainly of Orthoptera and Coleoptera, while during pre-migration, the species shows a more narrow diet breadth ( B = 1.98) and feeds more often and on larger amounts of Orthoptera. These results indicate a specialised feeding strategy during pre-migration. In addition, the examination of the Orthoptera consumption during this period indicates a peak in the abundance of grasshoppers (Acrididae) in the second half of August. We suggest that at this time birds exploit high elevation open grasslands around the roosting site where grasshopper abundance is high. Thus, such areas are of high conservation importance as Lesser Kestrels depend on this localised abundance of Orthoptera in order to fuel up before their trans-Saharan migration.
Fluctuation-electromagnetic interaction under dynamic and thermal nonequilibrium conditions
Authors: Dedkov G V , Kyasov A A
Published: December 2016

We systematically summarize theoretical developments related to the relativistic and nonrelativistic fluctuation-electromagnetic interaction of bodies of different temperatures moving translationally and (or) rotationally relative to one another. The small-particle–plate and small-particle–vacuum background configurations are considered as the basic ones. A method is presented for calculating the basic characteristics of this interaction: the conservative–dissipative forces and torques, the heating (cooling) rates, and the intensities of thermal and nonthermal radiation fluxes that arise under ‘Cherenkov friction’ conditions. Experimental results and possible applications are discussed.
Simulation of Dynamic Urban Growth with Partial Least Squares Regression-Based Cellular Automata in a GIS Environment
Authors: Feng Yongjiu , Liu Miaolong , Chen Lijun , Liu Yu
Published: December 2016

We developed a geographic cellular automata (CA) model based on partial least squares (PLS) regression (termed PLS-CA) to simulate dynamic urban growth in a geographical information systems (GIS) environment. The PLS method extends multiple linear regression models that are used to define the unique factors driving urban growth by eliminating multicollinearity among the candidate drivers. The key factors (the spatial variables) extracted are uncorrelated, resulting in effective transition rules for urban growth modeling. The PLS-CA model was applied to simulate the rapid urban growth of Songjiang District, an outer suburb in the Shanghai Municipality of China from 1992 to 2008. Among the three components acquired by PLS, the first two explained more than 95% of the total variance. The results showed that the PLS-CA simulated pattern of urban growth matched the observed pattern with an overall accuracy of 85.8%, as compared with 83.5% of a logistic-regression-based CA model for the same area. The PLS-CA model is readily applicable to simulations of urban growth in other rapidly urbanizing areas to generate realistic land use patterns and project future scenarios.
Greenhouse Gas Implications of Peri-Urban Land Use Change in a Developed City under Four Future Climate Scenarios
Authors: Rothwell Alison , Ridoutt Brad , Bellotti William
Published: December 2016

Present decisions about urbanization of peri-urban (PU) areas may contribute to the capacity of cities to mitigate future climate change. Comprehensive mitigative responses to PU development should require integration of urban form and food production to realise potential trade-offs. Despite this, few studies examine greenhouse gas (GHG) implications of future urban development combined with impacts on PU food production. In this paper, four future scenarios, at 2050 and 2100 time horizons, were developed to evaluate the potential GHG emissions implications of feeding and housing a growing urban population in Sydney, Australia. The scenarios were thematically downscaled from the four relative concentration pathways. Central to the scenarios were differences in population, technology, energy, housing form, transportation, temperature, food production and land use change (LUC). A life cycle assessment approach was used within the scenarios to evaluate differences in GHG impacts. Differences in GHG emissions between scenarios at the 2100 time horizon, per area of PU land transformed, approximated 0.7 Mt CO2-e per year. Per additional resident this equated to 0.7 to 6.1 t CO2-e per year. Indirect LUC has the potential to be significant. Interventions such as carbon capture and storage technology, renewables and urban form markedly reduced emissions. However, incorporating cross-sectoral energy saving measures within urban planning at the regional scale requires a paradigmatic shift.
Phase and Index of Refraction Imaging by Hyperspectral Reflectance Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Selci Stefano
Published: December 2016

A hyperspectral reflectance confocal microscope (HSCM) was realized by CNR-ISC (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi) a few years ago. The instrument and data have been already presented and discussed. The main activity of this HSCM has been within biology, and reflectance data have shown good matching between spectral signatures and the nature or evolution on many types of cells. Such a relationship has been demonstrated mainly with statistical tools like Principal Component Analysis (PCA), or similar concepts, which represent a very common approach for hyperspectral imaging. However, the point is that reflectance data contains much more useful information and, moreover, there is an obvious interest to go from reflectance, bound to the single experiment, to reflectivity, or other physical quantities, related to the sample alone. To accomplish this aim, we can follow well-established analyses and methods used in reflectance spectroscopy. Therefore, we show methods of calculations for index of refraction n, extinction coefficient k and local thicknesses of frequency starting from phase images by fast Kramers-Kronig (KK) algorithms and the Abeles matrix formalism. Details, limitations and problems of the presented calculations as well as alternative procedures are given for an example of HSCM images of red blood cells (RBC).
The Health Benefiting Mechanisms of Virgin Olive Oil Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Parkinson Lisa , Cicerale Sara
Published: December 2016

Virgin olive oil (VOO) is credited as being one of the many healthful components associated with the Mediterranean diet. Mediterranean populations experience reduced incidence of chronic inflammatory disease states and VOO is readily consumed as part of an everyday Mediterranean dietary pattern. VOO is rich in phenolic compounds and the health promoting benefits of these phenolics are now established. Recent studies have highlighted the biological properties of VOO phenolic compounds elucidating their anti-inflammatory activities. This paper will review current knowledge on the anti-inflammatory and nutrigenomic, chemoprotective and anti-atherosclerotic activities of VOO phenolics. In addition the concentration, metabolism and bioavailability of specific phenolic compounds will be discussed. The evidence presented in the review concludes that oleurepein, hydroxytyrosol and oleocanthal have potent pharmacological activities in vitro and in vivo; however, intervention studies with biologically relevant concentrations of these phenolic compounds are required.
Special Issue: “Molecules against Alzheimer”
Authors: Decker Michael , Muñoz-Torrero Diego
Published: December 2016

This Special Issue, entitled “Molecules against Alzheimer”, gathers a number of original articles, short communications, and review articles on recent research efforts toward the development of novel drug candidates, diagnostic agents and therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and a leading cause of death worldwide. This Special Issue contains many interesting examples describing the design, synthesis, and pharmacological profiling of novel compounds that hit one or several key biological targets, such as cholinesterases, β-amyloid formation or aggregation, monoamine oxidase B, oxidative stress, biometal dyshomeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, serotonin and/or melatonin systems, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, sigma receptors, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, or nuclear erythroid 2-related factor. The development of novel AD diagnostic agents based on tau protein imaging and the use of lithium or intranasal insulin for the prevention or the symptomatic treatment of AD is also covered in some articles of the Special Issue.
Probiotic Microorganisms Inhibit Epithelial Cell Internalization of Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotype A
Authors: Lam Tina , Tam Christina , Stanker Larry , Cheng Luisa
Published: December 2016

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are some of the most poisonous natural toxins known to man and are threats to public health and safety. Previous work from our laboratory showed that both BoNT serotype A complex and holotoxin can bind and transit through the intestinal epithelia to disseminate in the blood. The timing of BoNT/A toxin internalization was shown to be comparable in both the Caco-2 in vitro cell culture and in the oral mouse intoxication models. Probiotic microorganisms have been extensively studied for their beneficial effects in not only maintaining the normal gut mucosa but also protection from allergens, pathogens, and toxins. In this study, we evaluate whether probiotic microorganisms will block BoNT/A uptake in the in vitro cell culture system using Caco-2 cells. Several probiotics tested (Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG, and Lactobacillus reuteri) blocked BoNT/A uptake in a dose-dependent manner whereas a non-probiotic strain of Escherichia coli did not. We also showed that inhibition of BoNT/A uptake was not due to the degradation of BoNT/A nor by sequestration of toxin via binding to probiotics. These results show for the first time that probiotic treatment can inhibit BoNT/A binding and internalization in vitro and may lead to the development of new therapies.
HOW TO FOSTER SCIENTISTS’ CREATIVITY
Authors: PARK Seungbae
Published: December 2016

Scientific progress can be credited to creative scientists, who constantly ideate new theories and experiments. I explore how the three central positions in philosophy of science – scientific realism, scientific pessimism, and instrumentalism – are related to the practical issue of how scientists’ creativity can be fostered. I argue that realism encourages scientists to entertain new theories and experiments, pessimism discourages them from doing so, and instrumentalism falls in between realism and pessimism in terms of its effects on scientists’ creativity. Therefore, scientists should accept realism and reject both pessimism and instrumentalism for the sake of scientific creativity and progress.
Preparation of International Business Negotiations Strategies Based on
Evaluation of Negotiating Power: Case of E-Commerce
Authors: Peleckis Kęstutis
Published: December 2016

Research Design and Methods: logical analysis, generating conclusions, comparing and generalization methods,
game theory methods, multiple criteria evaluation. Findings: from experimental verification of model, which was
created by author of article for development of international business negotiations strategies, it can be stated that this
model can be used for electronic negotiations: both as a standalone tool or as a measure requiring partial negotiator
intervention. As well created negotiation strategy model can be used to support the negotiations through various databases.
Results of the investigation can be used to create business negotiation strategies in international business, with
regard to globalization, internationalization and cooperation processes characterized by multiculturalism. Implications
and Recommendations: The use of the heuristic algorithms can help to manage effectively the process of negotiations.
Selection of principles and rules must be carried out by specialists of high qualifications and experience, consultants,
negotiators in the fields concerned, in order to determine which option is the best, taking into account the specifics
of each task, goals and conditions. Contribution and Value Added: perspective of using the developed model of international
business negotiations: negotiation support tool, information tool for reducing uncertainty, autonomous engine
of the negotiation process, management of large quantities of information.
Contribución al estudio de los problemas de analogías creados por los molinos de bolas
Authors: Papadakis Michel
Published: December 2016

Not available
Immune Reconstitution after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Time To T Up the Thymus
Authors: Chaudhry Mohammed S. , Velardi Enrico , Malard Florent , van den Brink Marcel R. M.
Published: December 2016

The success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, a key treatment for many disorders, is intertwined with T cell immune reconstitution. The thymus plays a key role post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the generation of a broad but self-tolerant T cell repertoire, but it is exquisitely sensitive to a range of insults during the transplant period, including conditioning regimens, corticosteroids, infections, and graft-versus-host disease. Although endogenous thymic repair is possible it is often suboptimal, and there is a need to develop exogenous strategies to help regenerate the thymus. Therapies currently in clinical trials in the transplant setting include keratinocyte growth factor, cytokines (IL-7 and IL-22), and hormonal modulation including sex steroid inhibition and growth hormone administration. Such regenerative strategies may ultimately enable the thymus to play as prominent a role after transplant as it once did in early childhood, allowing a more complete restoration of the T cell compartment.
Intratumoral Delivery of Immunotherapy—Act Locally, Think Globally
Authors: Aznar M. Angela , Tinari Nicola , Rullán Antonio J. , Sánchez-Paulete Alfonso R. , Rodriguez-Ruiz María E. , Melero Ignacio
Published: December 2016

Immune mechanisms have evolved to cope with local entry of microbes acting in a confined fashion but eventually inducing systemic immune memory. Indeed, in situ delivery of a number of agents into tumors can mimic in the malignant tissue the phenomena that control intracellular infection leading to the killing of infected cells. Vascular endothelium activation and lymphocyte attraction, together with dendritic cell–mediated cross-priming, are the key elements. Intratumoral therapy with pathogen-associated molecular patterns or recombinant viruses is being tested in the clinic. Cell therapies can be also delivered intratumorally, including infusion of autologous dendritic cells and even tumor-reactive T lymphocytes. Intralesional virotherapy with an HSV vector expressing GM-CSF has been recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of unresectable melanoma. Immunomodulatory monoclonal Abs have also been successfully applied intratumorally in animal models. Local delivery means less systemic toxicity while focusing the immune response on the malignancy and the affected draining lymph nodes.
Asymptotische Entwicklungen der hypergeometrischen Funktionen $F(a, b, c; z)$ für $|a| \to \infty$ und konstante $b, c, z$
Authors: Wagner Eberhard
Published: December 2016

Asymptotic expansions of the hypergeometric function

F(a, b, c; z)

for

|a| \to \infty

are derived where

b, c (c \neq 0, -1, -2, \dots)

and

z (z \neq 0, |Arg (1— z)| < \pi)

are fixed complex numbers.
The Convergence of Galerkin and Collocation Methods with Splines for Pseudodifferential Equations on Closed Curves
Authors: Schmidt Gunther
Published: December 2016

The present paper studies the approximate solution of pseudodifferential equations on closed curves using Galerkin and nodal collocation methods with polynomial splines. We give sufficient and in general necessary conditions for the convergence of these methods in Sobolev spaces.
On Strongly Nonlinear Poincaré Boundary Value Problems for Harmonic Functions
Authors: von Wolfersdorf Lothar
Published: December 2016

A class of strongly nonlinear Poincaré problems for harmonic functions in the unit disk is studied by reducing them to a new integral equation system to which Schauder’s fixed point theorem is applied. Specific existence results are given for several special cases, in particular the quasilinear case is dealt with in detail.
Ein Randwertproblem für eine nichtlineare Gleichung gemischtenTyps im $\mathbb R^3$
Authors: Müller-Rettkowski Andreas
Published: December 2016

A boundary value problem for the equation

Tu = Lu — u |u|^p = f(x, u), p > 0

, is studied in a simply connected bounded domain

G

of

\mathbb R^3

. Here

L

denotes a linear second order differential operator which is elliptic, parabolic or hyperbolic if

x_3 > 0, x_3 = 0

or

x_3 < 0

, respectively. The boundary of 0 is formed by a non-characteristic and by two characteristic surfaces. The boundary value problem to be solved is to find a solution of the equation in 0 which assumes zero data on the non-characteristic and on one of the characteristic boundary surfaces. It is proved that this problem has a generalized solution belonging to

L^{p+2}

and to a Sobolew space with weight. Using apriori estimates the solubility of a sequence of approximate problems is shown whose solutions turn out to converge towards a solution of the boundary value problem in question.
Einige Bemerkungen über die Fortsetzung positiv definiter Funktionen
Authors: Sasvári Zoltán
Published: December 2016

In this note we give some extensions of continuous, positive definite functions on

(–a, a), 0 < a < \infty

. Theorem 3 yields as a special case a result of P. Lévy on periodic extensions.
Three-dimensional dynamic problems of the nonclassical theory of thermoelasticity (in Russian)
Authors: Burchuladze Tengiz V.
Published: December 2016

The paper deals with the dynamical differential equations of nonclassical thermoelasticity initiated by Green and Lindsay, which are characterized by using of two different relaxation times for describing the finite velocity of heat flux. Uniqueness theorems are proved by the aid of integral formulas. Some remarks are made on the applicability of potential methods to the study of the related initial boundary value problems.
Orthonormalreihenentwicklungen für gewisse quasikonforme Normalabbildungen
Authors: Hoy Erich
Published: December 2016

The paper deals with the construction of solutions for the equation

f_{\bar z} (z) = v(z) \overline{f_z(z)}

with

v(z) \equiv 0

in a finitely connected region

\mathfrak g

and

v(z) \equiv q_j =

const in the complementary continua

\mathfrak B_j

of

\mathfrak G (0 < q_j < 1, j = 1, 2, \dots, n)

. The construction starts with well-known and in a simple way explicitly computable analytic functions in

\mathfrak G

, and series for the solutions are received only by the use of orthogonalization processes. These series converge in the well-known norm produced by the integral over

\mathfrak G

of the square of derivative’s absolute value. If the boundary of

\mathfrak G

consists of analytic Jordan curves only, then there is even an upper bound of the form

M \ast \varrho \ast ^m

with

M \ast > 0

and

0 < \varrho \ast < 1

for the supremum of deviation of the

m

-th partial sum of these series from the sought solutions over

\mathfrak G

. Simple methods are given for the computation of

\varrho \ast

.The results are generalized for the case, that in

\mathfrak B_j

analytic functions take the place of the constants

q_j

. At the conclusion a possible extension of the procedure to more generalized functions

v(z)

is discussed.
Zur Stetigkeit der Lösung der adjungierten Gleichung bei Aufgaben der optimalen Steuerung mit Zustandsbeschränkungen
Authors: Phú Hoàng Xuân
Published: December 2016

The continuity of the solution of the adjoint equation in optimal control problems with state restrictions has already been shown by other authors under certain conditions that are often not fulfilled. Here the continuity of this solution is shown under different conditions. Furthermore, some other interesting results and applications are given.
Embeddings of Sobolev Spaces with Weights of Power Type
Authors: Edmunds David E. , Kufner Alois , Rákosník Jiří
Published: December 2016

The paper deals with some properties of the weighted Sobolev spaces

W_0^{k,p}, W_M^{k,p}

and

H^{k,p}

, with weights which are powers of the distance from a part

M

of the boundary of the domain of definition. Conditions are given which guarantee the mutual ernbeddings of these spaces and the equivalence of certain norms. The paper generalizes some results of [1] and verifies a conjecture formulated in [2].
Zur Lösbarkeit der Anfangs-Randwertaufgabe $\frac{\partial}{\partial t} u-D(x, t, u) \Delta u = f$ im Sobolew-Raum
Authors: Heinrich Jörg
Published: December 2016

The subject of this paper is a quasilinear parabolic initial-boundary-value problem for functions with values in an arbitrary Hilbert-space. The results of a previous paper permit a simple approach. We transfer the problem into a fixed point problem, which we can solve with the help of a well-known fixed point theorem.
Über das Goursat-Problem für quasilineare hyperbolische Systeme partieller Differentialgleichungen erster Ordnung mit zwei unabhängigen Variablen
Authors: Gittel H.-P.
Published: December 2016

This paper deals with the mixed problem for quasi-linear hyperbolic system of the first order in two variables. At first we investigate how many boundary conditions may be set and what the necessary conditions of solvability (compatibility conditions) are. In preparation for the existence proof in the function class

C^{k,1}

we reduce the original problem to a special Goursat problem. Then the corresponding system (prolonged system) has diagonal form and it is sufficient to prove the existence of Lipschitz continuous solutions for this problem.
Asymptotische Eigenwertverteilung des Laplace-Operators in bestimmten unbeschränkten Gebieten mit Neumannschen Randbedingungen und Restgliedabschätzungen
Authors: Berger Günter
Published: December 2016

In the paper, the distribution of the eigenvalues of the Laplacian is investigated in some unbounded domains of

\mathbb R^n

with Neumann boundary conditions. For certain domains asymptotic formulas with remainder estimates are established. The capital term of the asymptotic coincides in this case with the asymptotic formula of the Laplacian in bounded domains.