bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Performance Measurement Trap
Authors: Kuksov Dmitri , Villas-Boas J. Miguel
Published: January 2019

Collecting data first before knowing what to do with them can be detrimental.
Identifying Customer Needs from User-Generated Content
Authors: Timoshenko Artem , Hauser John R.
Published: January 2019

We evaluate user-generated content as a source of customer needs and propose and test a machine-learning approach for identifying customer needs more efficiently.
Accounting for Discrepancies Between Online and Offline Product Evaluations
Authors: Dzyabura Daria , Jagabathula Srikanth , Muller Eitan
Published: January 2019

Consumers use different attribute partworths online and offline; these differences are consistent across consumers, and we propose a method for adjusting them.
Middle leadership: Vision into practice
Authors: Burnage Steve
Published: January 2019

Continuing his regular series, Steve Burnage talks us through CPD ideas that can be adapted. He offers a template for a 45-minute workshop with free handouts and slides on our website. This instalment looks at how new middle leaders can put their vision and ideas into practice
SLCN in key stage 3: Quality first teaching
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: January 2019

Continuing his series on supporting speech, language and communication needs, Matt Bromley looks at the key aspects of quality first teaching
LA COMPLEJA RELACIÓN DE LOS DOCENTES CON LA LECTURA: EL COMPORTAMIENTO LECTOR DEL PROFESORADO DE EDUCACIÓN INFANTIL Y PRIMARIA EN FORMACIÓN
Authors: Elche Larrañaga María , Yubero Jiménez Santiago
Published: January 2019

INTRODUCCIÓN. El interés de este trabajo es reflexionar, concretamente, sobre la calidad de la formación de los futuros maestros en el ámbito específico competencial como mediadores de lectura. Los últimos informes de los hábitos lectores de los alumnos españoles ponen en duda que haya existido evolución en esa materia, por lo que parece preciso hacer más efectiva la enseñanza de las primeras etapas educativas. Por otro lado, investigaciones previas han señalado la influencia que ejercen las experiencias lectoras de los maestros en su eficacia en este ámbito. Esta investigación está dirigida a estudiar el comportamiento y el compromiso lector de los estudiantes del Grado de Maestro para reflexionar sobre su desarrollo competencial respecto a la educación lectora de los niños y las niñas de Educación Infantil y Primaria. MÉTODO. En esta investigación participaron 861 estudiantes de las Universidades de Castilla-La Mancha y Santiago de Compostela, de los cursos primero a cuarto del Grado de Maestro en Educación Infantil (355) y Educación Primaria (506). Se evaluaron el comportamiento lector y el compromiso con la lectura. RESULTADOS. Los resultados señalaron relación entre comportamiento, compromiso y hábito lector. Conforme avanzan en la formación, se produce un aumento del hábito lector en los estudiantes del Grado de Maestro en Educación Primaria, pero no en los de Educación Infantil. Se evidenció la categoría de falsos lectores, así como un alto porcentaje de futuros maestros que parecían no reunir las condiciones personales precisas para desarrollar en sus alumnos un comportamiento lector voluntario. DISCUSIÓN. La universidad debe avanzar hacia una formación completa, sólida y coherente con las competencias que tienen desarrollar estos futuros profesionales como mediadores de lectura, potenciando su hábito lector en lo que se refiere tanto al comportamiento como al compromiso lector.
Dorsal pentagonal island flap to reconstruct post-burn interdigital web
Authors: Prasetyono TOH , Andrian CR
Published: January 2019

Introduction

This study reports the use of a dorsal pentagonal island flap for post-burn webbing contracture, in which the islanded flap is harvested from the burn scar tissue.

Methods

Fourteen dorsal pentagonal island flaps were harvested in seven patients with post-burn webbing. Each flap was selected by examining the scar tissue donor using a modified Vancouver scar scale. Modification from the basic design was made according to the density of the donor scar tissue and the metacarpophalangeal joint movement.

Results

All the flaps survived with normal abduction of the affected fingers. Modification of the flap design needed adjustment by assessing it through flexion and extension of the metacarpophalangeal joints. There was no incidence of web creep after two months to one year of follow-up.

Conclusion

Dorsal pentagonal island flap shows promising results as an alternative for reconstructing post-burn webbing.
An easy access Freedom Programme: a new initiative in the provision of DVA services for women with learning disabilities
Authors: Cavalier Tracy
Published: January 2019

This paper describes and reflects on the practice of a UK based Community Learning Disabilities Team as it began to become aware of the increasing number of referrals of clients with learning disabilities also experiencing abuse. The paper describes how the previous provision was felt to be inadequate and the measures taken to address this. As such, we believe this paper will be of benefit to practitioners working with individuals experiencing both learning disabilities and abuse. This paper also illustrates the need to address these issues through collaborative working across professional boundaries. Again, we believe this example shows how the problems experienced by service users can be better served through this integrated approach.
Diffuse Optical Imaging: Safe and Functional Medical Imaging Technique
Authors: Hamdy Omnia , Hassan Mahmoud F. , Solouma Nahed H. , Solouma Nahed H.
Published: January 2019

Optical imaging method provides safe and encouraging tool in many medical applications. In this editorial, principle operation, instrumentation, medical applications and advantages of diffuse optical imaging technique are presented and discussed.
Defining and Applying Locally Relevant Benchmarks for the Adenoma Detection Rate
Authors: Hilsden Robert J. , Rose Sarah M. , Dube Catherine , Rostom Alaa , Bridges Ronald , McGregor S. Elizabeth , Brenner Darren R. , Heitman Steven J.
Published: January 2019

INTRODUCTION:

The adenoma detection rate (ADR) is the best validated colonoscopy performance quality indicator. The ASGE/ACG Task Force on Colonoscopy Quality set an ADR benchmark of ≥25% in a mixed male/female population. We propose a novel means for defining locally relevant ADR benchmarks using data from the population of interest and for applying ADR benchmarks using 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of an endoscopist's ADR. We further propose that ADR benchmarks should be raised to reflect what can be achieved by high-performing endoscopists.

METHODS:

We used endoscopists' performance in a baseline year to develop and apply benchmarks in an assessment year. We defined assessment year benchmarks (Minimally Acceptable, Standard of Care, and Aspirational) based on the average ADR of performance groups defined by baseline year ADR quartiles. We demonstrated the use of these benchmarks in endoscopists performing screening colonoscopies by determining if the upper bound of the 95% CI of the endoscopist's ADR included the ADR benchmark.

RESULTS:

The study included 8,492 colonoscopies (mean ADR 29%) in 2014 and 5,193 colonoscopies (mean ADR 32%) in 2015, completed at a regional screening center in Calgary, Canada. The Minimally Acceptable, Standard of Care, and Aspirational benchmarks for 2015 were 25%, 30%, and 39%, respectively. The 95% CI of the ADR of 1 (3%), 3 (10%), and 12 (39%) endoscopists did not include the benchmark.

DISCUSSION:

We have proposed methods for defining and applying benchmarks for ADR in average-risk patients that go beyond the “minimally acceptable” threshold currently recommended.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT LINEAR EQUATION SOLVERS FOR SOLVING NONLINEAR FE PROBLEMS ON MULTICORE ARCHITECTURES
Authors: Bošanský Michal , Patzák Bořek
Published: January 2019

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the performance of existing parallel linear equation solvers to solving large-scale, nonlinear finite element analysis problems on systems with distributed memory. The parallel approach allows us to take an advantage of the distributed memory enabling forming large system matrices and of multiple processing units to achieve significant speedups. Our study is based on comparison of parallel direct solver and parallel iterative solver implemented in SuperLU DIST library from Portable, Extensible Toolkit for Scientific Computation (PETSc). Both considered solvers are designed for distributed system memory model and are based on a Massage Passing Interface (MPI).

The efficiency of individual solvers is evaluated on a selected benchmark problems, with different solution strategies by comparing computation times and obtained speedups.
CEMENT MATRIX CONTAINING MICRONIZED RECYCLED CONCRETE AND THE INFLUENCE OF ADDITIVES
Authors: Ďureje Jakub , Prošek Zdeněk , Hrůza Jaromír , Tesárek Pavel
Published: January 2019

The article deals with the selection of a suitable additives in cement composite material for the production of a masonry block. The blocks contains recycled concrete which replacing 40% cement. The recyclate comes from concrete drainage gutters. Based on previous measurements, two hardening accelerators and one superplasticizer were selected. To determine the effect of these additives on the recycled cement composite, pairs of samples sets were produced, of which one set contains concrete recyclate and the other one does not contain it. The dynamic modulus of elasticity and the dynamic shear modulus were measured by the resonance method at the age of samples 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, and by an ultrasound method at 28 days of age. Then was measured compressive strength. All values were compared with the values measured on the reference samples.
THE EFFECT OF MICRO-SILICA ON THE MICROSCOPIC FEATURES OF THE UHPC COMPOSITE AND ITS INTER-FACIAL TRANSITION ZONE
Authors: Hrbek Vladimír , Prošek Zdeněk , Chylík Roman , Vráblík Lukáš
Published: January 2019

The uplift of concrete overall macroscopic performance by way of alternative additives is commonly used technique. In case of ultra high performance concrete (UHPC), micro-silica is added to the mixture as a micro-filler to the structure of cement binder. As a result, the cementitious matrix macro-mechanical performance is elevated. This paper is aimed on the UHPC micro-scale enhancement by different micro-silica additive content in the mixture. More closely, the study investigate the impact of the micro-silica on the inter-facial transition zone (ITZ) between the binder matrix and basaltic aggregate.
MODULUS OF ELASCITY OF UNFIRED RAMMED EARTH
Authors: Mužíková Barbora , Plaček Otcovská Tereza , Padevět Pavel
Published: January 2019

The article is focused on measurement and evaluation of elastic modulus of unfired rammed earth and determination of stress-strain curve in compressive test. Sets of different containt of clay, sand and water were made and their properties were evalueted and compared. It was found out that for the hightest elascity modulus is ideal the ratio of sand and clay around 75/25 up to 80/20, the sets with montmorillonite clay had substantialy smaller value of elascity modulusthan the sets with illite-kaolinite clay and the ideal content of water for sand/clay ratio 75/25 is around 0.295.
MODELING OF MONOCRYSTALLINE MAGNESIUM MICROBEAM BENDING
Authors: Němeček Jiří , Maňák Jan , Němeček Jiří
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a numerical simulation of a micro-scale experiment on a magnesium alloy. Micro cantilever beams were fabricated using Focused Ion Beam technology in a single crystal of Mg. The cantilever beams have dimensions in the order of a few micrometers and a pentagonal cross section. Nanoindenter was used for cantilever beam bending and load-displacement curve was received. Cantilevers with two different crystallographic orientations were chosen for the experiment. Three dimensional numerical FE model with elastoplastic behavior respecting crystal anisotropy was used to fit experimental load displacement curves. Strengths and deformation energy were evaluated from the models for each cantilever.
THE INFLUENCE OF BOUNDARY CONDITIONS ON THE RESPONSE OF UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES SUBJECTED TO EARTHQUAKE
Authors: Pavelcová Veronika , Poklopová Tereza , Janda Tomáš , Šejnoha Michal
Published: January 2019

The paper deals with the prediction of the response of a real underground structure subjected to earthquake. A fully dynamic analysis is carried out in the GEO5 FEM program using the Finite Element Method. Limiting our attention to a two-dimensional analysis we focus on the implementation of special boundary conditions along the vertical edges of the computational model. A simple study is carried out first to show that incorrectly applied boundary conditions may significantly influence the actual design of underground structures loaded by vertically propagating shear waves. This study promotes the combination of so called free-field and static boundary conditions as demonstrated on a simple example.
MODELING OF UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES SUBJECTED TO EARTHQUAKE BY COMBINING 1D FREE-FIELD AND 2D PSEUDO-STATIC ANALYSES
Authors: Poklopová Tereza , Pavelcová Veronika , Janda Tomáš , Šejnoha Michal
Published: January 2019

The paper deals with the evaluation of tunnel construction subjected to earthquake using a pseudostatic analysis combined with the finite element method. The initial stage of calculation is concerned with the design of computational model and subsequent analysis of the actual excavation process. The case study of the response of a selected construction to earthquake follows next. To that end, the so called 1D free filed dynamic analysis is performed first to generate appropriate loading conditions in terms of a layered-wise constant shear strain. Therein, two particular boundary conditions, termed the fixed and absorbing boundary, are examined. The corresponding loading conditions are finally introduced in a 2D plane strain analysis to yield the internal forces developed in the tunnel lining. The results clearly show inadequacy of the fixed boundary and promote the use of absorbing boundary conditions for the present soil profile.
VALIDATION OF LINKED SIMULATION FOR FIRE-EXPOSED CONCRETE STRUCTURES
Authors: Šulc Stanislav , Šmilauer Vít , Wald František
Published: January 2019

This article presents linked computational approach for fire simulation and its effects on structure using adiabatic surface temperature. The simulation solves a weakly-linked problem, consisting of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), heat transport and mechanical model. The temperature field from the CFD creates Cauchy and radiative boundary conditions for the thermal model. The temperature field from an element is passed further to the mechanical model, which induces thermal strain and modifies material parameters. This article also brings a validation of the linked simulation, based on experiment with a concrete block exposed to fire in a furnace. The material model uses standard material properties given in Eurocode 2 - EN 1992-1-2.
STRENGTH OF COMPOSITE YARN UNDER BIAXIAL LOADING
Authors: Valentová Soňa , Hrbek Vladimír , Vorel Jan , Šejnoha Michal
Published: January 2019

The present paper is concerned with two types of periodic unit cell of composite yarn with different geometry but the same material properties. Their macroscopic response under tensile and compressive loading in the transverse direction and their combination are plotted in the graphs. Based on stress-strain curves the failure envelopes are constructed. A simple maximum stress criterion and linear softening law is used in the adopted progressive damage analysis to outline the softening part of stress-strain diagrams. Finally the impact of selected representative volume element is observed through the comparison of results gained for both designed periodic unit cells in the microlevel, meaning the level of yarn.
LOCAL LOW INTENSIVE LASER IRRADIATION FOR TREATMENT OF TROPHIC COMPLICATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH SPINAL CORD INJURIES
Authors: Stupak Vyacheslav Vladimirovich , Rodyukova Elena Nikolayevna
Published: January 2019

Objective. The efficacy of low intensive laser irradiation in the treatment of decubitus and slowly granulating wounds is studied in comparison with conventional methods. Materials and Methods. Eighty two patients with trophic ulcers after spinal cord injury were conservatively treated by routine methods (35 patients) and by local laser irradiation (47 patients). The efficacy of local laser therapy was assessed basing on clinical course of healing of decubitus and slowly granulating wound, and daily epithelization rate and percentage in experimental and control groups. Results. The ulcer epithelization rate in all patients who underwent a local laser irradiation was reliably higher than in control patients. This study underlied the development of effective technique for decubitus sanation providing the increase in epithelization rate and improvement of ulcer healing.
EXPERIENCE IN APPLICATION OF UNIVERSAL DORSAL INSTRUMENTATION FOR SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT
Authors: Sampiev Mukhammad Tablikhanovich , Laka Aleksandr Andreyevich , Balashov Stepan Petrovich
Published: January 2019

Objective. The objective of the study was the development of optimal, i.e simple, safe, and effective instrumentation for treatment of adolescent and adult scoliotic deformities. Material and Methods. The paper presents the results of surgical treatment in 23 patients with thoracic and thoracolumbar scoliosis with application of novel dorsal instrumentation developed at the Chair of Traumatology and Orthopaedics of the Russian University of Peoples’ Friendship. Twenty three patients at the mean age of 15.6 years (range, 11–44 years) with Grade IV thoracic and thoracolumbar scoliosis were operated on. The smallest Cobb angle of deformation was 61°, the largest – 96°. Surgical correction of scoliosis was performed with application of universal dorsal instrumentation. The follow-up period was 1 year. Results. The correction of Grade IV deformation with Cobb angle from 61 to 70° was 85.2–91.8 %; with Cobb angle from 71 to 80° was 83.8–90.5 %. The curvature from 81 to 96° was corrected by 65.6–73 % by single-stage operation. Conclusion. The suggested universal instrumentation for spine scoliosis correction is a hi-tech technique. Its advantages are the simple and safe application, good correction in three planes of deformation, the possibility of use both in children and in adults, and the absence of spine growth restriction in children.
NONCOMPLICATED UNSTABLE SPINE INJURIES IN CHILDREN
Authors: Ulrikh Eduard Vladimirovich , Vissarionov Sergey Valentinivich , Mushkin Aleksandr Yuryevich
Published: January 2019

Thirty-four patients aged from 3 to 17 years were operated on for noncomplicated unstable injuries of the spine. The operation was performed within the next few hours or days after trauma in 15 cases and significantly later (in 2 to 6 months) in 19 cases. In the first group the surgery included indirect posterior instrumental reduction and stabilization of the spine. In the second group a two-stage surgery was performed simultaneously. The first stage included anterior decompression and stabilization, and the second – posterior instrumentation. In both groups the posterior fusion with bone autograft was done. The post-op follow-up was 5 years. The correction of deformity, spinal stabilization and pain arrest were achieved in all cases. The surgical treatment of unstable noncomplicated spinal injuries in children must be conducted by emergency indications within the first hours and days after trauma.
THE EXPERIENCE IN DEVELOPMENT OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN A SPECIALIZED MEDICAL CARE INSTITUTION
Authors: Fomichev Nikolay Gavrilovich , Sadovoy Mikhail Anatolyevich , Bedoreva Irina Yuryevna , Samarina Vera Yuryevna
Published: January 2019

The paper presents the experience in development and introduction of the Quality Management System (QMS) which meets the requirements of international standard ISO 9001:2000. The arrangement of quality management is a task, which integrates general management of the institution on the basis of quality ideology as a highest strategic aim. The application of international standards ISO 9000 facilitates the wide dissemination of new principles of management directed to a customer and quality of servicing, which were not peculiar to the Soviet Public Health. The QMS introduction is a scaled and complex process for any organization involving the whole its staff – from the head to the attending personnel. It must be performed stageby- stage with application of process approach technique. The result of QMS model development in Novosibirsk RITO is a transition from «as it is» condition to «as it should be» condition to eliminate revealed inadequacies. The used criteria and methods of monitoring and analysis permit to estimate the effectiveness and level of key processes of medical care and to schedule their improvement. A voluntary certification of conformance to the international standard ISO 9001:2000 is the first system task in the field of comprehensive management in Novosibirsk RITO. The standard conformance means that the achieved management level meets a minimal set of standardized requirements which reflect internationally recognized means of management for the production of medical services of guaranteed quality.
Equivalence of two BV classes of functions in metric spaces, and existence of a Semmes family of curves
under a 1-Poincaré inequality
Authors: Durand-Cartagena Estibalitz , Eriksson-Bique Sylvester , Korte Riikka , Shanmugalingam Nageswari
Published: January 2019

We consider two notions of functions of bounded variation in complete metric measure spaces,
one due to Martio and the other due to Miranda Jr. We show that these two notions
coincide if the measure is doubling and supports a 1-Poincaré inequality. In doing so, we also prove that if the measure is doubling and supports a 1-Poincaré inequality, then the metric space supports a Semmes family of curves structure.
Regelungstechnische Labormodelle mit industriepraktischen Anwendungen für die Hochschullehre
Authors: Loose Tobias , Pospiech Thomas
Published: January 2019

Regelungstechnik ist eine sehr reizvolle und anwendungsbezogene technische Disziplin. Durch die Regelungstechnik werden viele Fachbereiche wie Elektrotechnik, Antriebstechnik, Technische Mechanik und Konstruktionslehre zu einer funktionierenden Gesamtanlage verbunden. Dies stellt für Studierende oftmals eine Herausforderung dar, weil ein technisches Gesamtverständnis notwendig ist, um die Regelungstechnik zu verstehen. Labormodelle sind dazu sehr hilfreich, um dieses Verständnis aufzubauen. Dieser Beitrag zeigt eine Reihe von Labormodellen mit kostengünstigen Komponenten, um industriepraktische, regelungstechnische Fragestellungen zu bearbeiten.
Linking concepts of change and ecosystem services research: A systematic review
Authors: Rau Anna-Lena , Bickel Manuel W. , Rathgens Julius , Schroth Thilo N. , Weiser Annika , Hilser Stefan , Jenkins Shona , McCrory Gavin , Pfefferle Nicole , Roitsch Dennis , Stålhammar Sanna , Villada Danna , Wamsler Christine , Krause Torsten , von Wehrden Henrik
Published: January 2019

Transformation, transition and regime shift are increasingly applied concepts in the academic literature to describe changes in society and the environment. Ecosystem services represent one framework that includes the implicit aim of supporting transformation towards a more sustainable system. Nevertheless, knowledge and systematic reviews on the use of these concepts within ecosystem services research are so far lacking. Therefore, we present a systematic literature review to analyse the interlinkages between these concepts and ecosystem services. Using a search string we identified 258 papers that we analysed based on 40 review criteria. Our results show that transformation was mentioned most often (197 articles), followed by transition (183 articles) and regime shifts (43 articles). Moreover, there is no consolidation of these concepts. Only 13% of all articles gave definitions for the three concepts. These definitions strongly overlapped in their use. Moreover, most papers described changes that happened in the past (73%). We conclude that research would benefit from being directed towards the future rather than evaluating what has happened in the past. Based on our results, we present: i) clear definitions for the three concepts; and ii) a framework highlighting the interlinkages between the ecosystem services cascade and the concepts of change.
Maximal Regularity for Fractional Cauchy Equation in Hölder Space and Its Approximation
Authors: Liu Li , Fan Zhenbin , Li Gang , Piskarev Sergey
Published: January 2019

We derive the well-posedness and maximal regularity of the fractional Cauchy problem in Hölder space

C
0
γ

⁢

(
E
)

{C_{0}^{\gamma}(E)}

. We also obtain the existence and stability of new implicit difference schemes for the general approximation to the nonhomogeneous fractional Cauchy problem. Our analysis is based on the approaches of the theory of β-resolvent families, functional analysis and numerical analysis.
Effects of dynamic and non-dynamic corrective feedback on EFL writing accuracy during dyadic and small group interactions
Authors: Rassaei Ehsan
Published: January 2019

The current study examined the effects of dynamic versus non-dynamic corrective feedback on second language (L2) learners’ writing accuracy in dyadic and small group contexts. Dynamic feedback was operationalized in terms of graduated assistance which is tailored to learners’ zone of proximal development (ZPD). Non-dynamic feedback, on the other hand, was operationalized as explicit corrections with no concern for learners’ ZPD. 96 EFL learners were assigned into two experimental groups as well as a control one. Half of the participants in each treatment condition received corrective feedback in groups of four and the other half received feedback on their errors during dyadic interactions with an instructor. The results obtained from two dependent measures, a writing test and an error identification test, revealed that dynamic feedback was more effective than explicit corrections for enhancing writing accuracy. Moreover, the findings revealed that dynamic feedback was more effective when provided to a group of learners than when provided to a single learner during dyadic interactions.
Applicatives in Ya̧g Dii: Morphological and syntactic implications
Authors: Bohnhoff Lee , Dalrymple Mary
Published: January 2019

Ya̧g Dii (Niger-Congo/Adamawa-Ubangi, Cameroon) has two applicative constructions: a benefactive/malefactive construction, and a comitative/instrumental (‘accompaniment’) construction. The benefactive/malefactive construction licenses the addition of an indirect object with a benefactive, malefactive, or other goal-like role. The construction is often marked by the verbal extension-D; notably, however, an indirect object with a benefactive/malefactive role can appear even if the applicative extension is absent, with a tendency for a benefactive reading to be associated with the presence of the affix, and a malefactive reading with the absence of the affix. The accompaniment applicative construction is always marked by the verbal extension-N, which attaches to an intransitive or transitive stem and marks the presence of an accompanier of the applied clause subject. Unlike the usual situation with applicatives, where the ‘applied’ argument bears a core argument role, the applied argument in the accompaniment applicative construction appears as an oblique dependent of the verb. We discuss the complicated verbal morphology used to express benefactive and comitative/instrumental applicatives, and the syntactic realization of the applied argument in each type.
Optimal biased Kriging: Homeogram tapering and applications to geoid undulations in Korea
Authors: Schaffrin B. , Bae T.-S. , Felus Y.
Published: January 2019

This article studies the Optimal Biased Kriging (OBK) approach which is an alternative geostatistical method that gives up the unbiasedness condition of Ordinary Kriging (OK) to gain an improved Mean Squared Prediction Error (MSPE). The system of equations for the optimal linear biased Kriging predictor is derived and itsMSPE is compared with that of Ordinary Kriging. A major impediment in implementing this system of equations and performing Kriging interpolation with massive datasets is the inversion of the spatial coherency matrix. This problem is investigated and a novel method, called “homeogram tapering”, which exploits spatial sorting techniques to create sparse matrices for efficient matrix inversion, is described. Finally, as an application, results from experiments performed on a geoid undulation dataset from Korea are presented. A precise geoid is usually the indispensable basis for meaningful hydrological studies over wide areas. These experiments use the theory presented here along with a relatively new spatial coherency measure, called the homeogram, also known as the non-centered covariance function.
Fast computation of sine/cosine series coefficients of associated Legendre function of arbitrary high degree and order
Authors: Fukushima T.
Published: January 2019

In order to accelerate the spherical/spheroidal harmonic synthesis of any function, we developed a new recursive method to compute the sine/cosine series coefficient of the 4π fully- and Schmidt quasi-normalized associated Legendre functions. The key of the method is a set of increasing-degree/order mixed-wavenumber two to four-term recurrence formulas to compute the diagonal terms. They are used in preparing the seed values of the decreasing-order fixed-degree, and fixed-wavenumber two- and three-term recurrence formulas, which are obtained by modifying the classic relations. The new method is accurate and capable to deal with an arbitrary high degree/ order/wavenumber. Also, it runs significantly faster than the previous method of ours utilizing the Wigner d function, say around 20 times more when the maximum degree exceeds 1,000.
Recursive computation of the invariant distributions of Feller processes: Revisited examples and new applications
Authors: Pagès Gilles , Rey Clément
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we show that the abstract framework developed in
[G. Pagès and C. Rey, Recursive computation of the invariant distribution of Markov and Feller processes, preprint 2017, https://arxiv.org/abs/1703.04557]
and inspired by
[D. Lamberton and G. Pagès,
Recursive computation of the invariant distribution of a diffusion,
Bernoulli 8 2002, 3, 367–405]
can be used to build invariant distributions for Brownian diffusion processes using the Milstein scheme and for diffusion processes with censored jump using the Euler scheme. Both studies rely on a weakly mean-reverting setting for both cases. For the Milstein scheme we prove the convergence for test functions with polynomial (Wasserstein convergence) and exponential growth. For the Euler scheme of diffusion processes with censored jump we prove the convergence for test functions with polynomial growth.
A Monte Carlo method for backward stochastic differential equations with Hermite martingales
Authors: Pelsser Antoon , Gnameho Kossi
Published: January 2019

Backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs) appear in many problems in stochastic optimal control theory, mathematical finance, insurance and economics.
This work deals with the numerical approximation of the class of Markovian BSDEs where the terminal condition is a functional of a Brownian motion.
Using Hermite martingales, we show that the problem of solving a BSDE is identical to solving a countable infinite-dimensional system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs).
The family of ODEs belongs to the class of stiff ODEs, where the associated functional is one-sided Lipschitz.
On this basis, we derive a numerical scheme and provide numerical applications.
Comparison of Sobol’ sequences in financial applications
Authors: Harase Shin
Published: January 2019

Sobol’ sequences are widely used for quasi-Monte Carlo methods that arise in financial applications.
Sobol’ sequences have parameter values called direction numbers, which are freely chosen by the user, so there are several implementations of Sobol’ sequence generators.
The aim of this paper is to provide a comparative study of (non-commercial) high-dimensional Sobol’ sequences by calculating financial models.
Additionally, we implement the Niederreiter sequence (in base 2) with a slight modification, that is, we reorder the rows of the generating matrices, and analyze and compare it with the Sobol’ sequences.
Sensitivity of boundary crossing probabilities of the Brownian motion
Authors: Gür Sercan , Pötzelberger Klaus
Published: January 2019

The paper analyzes the sensitivity of boundary crossing probabilities of the Brownian motion to perturbations of the boundary. The first- and second-order sensitivities, i.e. the directional derivatives of the probability, are derived. Except in cases where boundary crossing probabilities for the Brownian bridge are given in closed form, the sensitivities have to be computed numerically. We propose an efficient Monte Carlo procedure.
Crystal structure of 1-(4-{2,5-dichloro-3-hydroxy-4-[4-(1-methoxyimino-ethyl)-phenylamino]-6-methyl-phenylamino}-phenyl)-ethanone O-methyl-oxime, C24H22Cl2N4O4
Authors: Zhang Yang , Cui Yong-Fan , An Xiao-Xin , Li Peng-Peng , Dong Wen-Kui
Published: January 2019

C24H22Cl2N4O4, triclinic, P1̄ (no. 2), a = 9.7533(6) Å, b = 10.2969(8) Å, c = 17.9128(12) Å, α = 104.131(2)°, β = 99.242(2)°, γ = 91.106(2)°, V = 1718.7(2) Å3, Z = 3, R
gt(F) = 0.0502, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1256, T = 153(2) K.
HKLF5Tools: a program for processing diffraction data of non-merohedrally twinned crystals
Authors: Ivlev Sergei I. , Conrad Matthias , Kraus Florian
Published: January 2019

The HKLF5Tools program provides useful tools for structure refinement against non-merohedrally twinned datasets. The software shows statistical information on each twin component, can delete or rename twin components, merge reflection data, and add an inversion twin component to any of the existing twin components. Also, the software can convert ShelXL FCF files into HKL reflection files so that refinement against detwinned data in the final stages of the refinement becomes possible.
Ni(II) complexes with thioether-functionalized silylamide ligands. Synthesis and crystal structures of [Ni{Me2Si(N-C6H4-2-S-t-Bu)2}], [Ni{Ph2Si(N-C6H4-2-SMe)2}] and [Ni{Ph2Si(N-C6H4-2-SPh)2}]
Authors: Albrecht Ralf , Liebing Phil , Morgenstern Uwe , Wagner Christoph , Merzweiler Kurt
Published: January 2019

Thioether-functionalized aminosilanes R2Si(NH-C6H4-2-SR′)2 with R=Me, Ph and R′=t-Bu, Me, Ph were synthesized from the corresponding dichlorosilanes R2SiCl2 and lithiated aniline derivatives LiNH-C6H4-2-SR′. Treatment of the functionalized aminosilanes R2Si(NH-C6H4-2-SR′)2 with two eq. of n-BuLi and subsequent reaction with nickel(II) halides NiX2 (X=Cl, Br) or [Ni(acac)2(TMEDA)] led to the formation of the Ni(II) complexes [Ni{R2Si(N-C6H4-2-SR′)2}]. The X-ray single-crystal structure determinations of the nickel complexes revealed that the thioether-functionalized silylamides R2Si(NC6H4-2-SR′)2
2− act as tetradentate ligands. The nickel atoms exhibit a distorted square-planar coordination with Ni–N and Ni–S bond lengths in the range of 186.4(3)–186.9(2) pm and 217.5(1)–221.5(1) pm, respectively.
Experimental Studies on the Influences of Chemical Corrosion on the Mode I Fracture Toughness of Sandstone
Authors: Peng S. L. , Zhang J. Z. , Zhou X. P. , Niu Y. , Qian Q. H.
Published: January 2019

Chemical corrosion in coal mines substantially affects the mechanical properties of rocks such as sandstone and may trigger the instability of roadways. In this article, the effects of chemical corrosion on the Mode I fracture toughness of sandstone are investigated using semicircular bending tests. The two experimental factors involved in this article are the pH value of the soaking solution and the soaking time. Based on the peak load and the shape parameters of specimens, the Mode I fracture toughness of sandstone under chemical corrosion is estimated as a function of the pH value of the soaking solution and the soaking time. In soaking tests, the relationships between the pH value of the soaking solution and the soaking time and the relative quality and porosity of sandstone are determined. The results indicate that chemical corrosion weakens the mechanical properties of sandstone specimens but enhances the ductility of sandstone specimens. The Mode I fracture toughness of sandstones decreases with an increase in the soaking time. The Mode I fracture toughness of sandstones initially increases but then decreases with an increase in the pH value. When the pH value is 7, the Mode I fracture toughness of sandstone attains the maximum value. The damage to sandstone specimens shares the same mechanical mechanism as the deterioration of the Mode I fracture toughness of sandstone. The results are significant for establishing a coupling damage model for the mechanical–hydrochemical behaviors of rocks.
Modes of Accessing Bicarbonate for the Regulation of Membrane Guanylate Cyclase (ROS-GC) in Retinal Rods and Cones
Authors: Makino Clint L. , Duda Teresa , Pertzev Alexandre , Isayama Tomoki , Geva Polina , Sandberg Michael A. , Sharma Rameshwar K.
Published: January 2019

The membrane guanylate cyclase, ROS-GC, that synthesizes cyclic GMP for use as a second messenger for visual transduction in retinal rods and cones, is stimulated by bicarbonate. Bicarbonate acts directly on ROS-GC1, because it enhanced the enzymatic activity of a purified, recombinant fragment of bovine ROS-GC1 consisting solely of the core catalytic domain. Moreover, recombinant ROS-GC1 proved to be a true sensor of bicarbonate, rather than a sensor for CO2. Access to bicarbonate differed in rods and cones of larval salamander,Ambystoma tigrinum, of unknown sex. In rods, bicarbonate entered at the synapse and diffused to the outer segment, where it was removed by Cl--dependent exchange. In contrast, cones generated bicarbonate internally from endogenous CO2or from exogenous CO2that was present in extracellular solutions of bicarbonate. Bicarbonate production from both sources of CO2was blocked by the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, acetazolamide. Carbonic anhydrase II expression was verified immunohistochemically in cones but not in rods. In addition, cones acquired bicarbonate at their outer segments as well as at their inner segments. The multiple pathways for access in cones may support greater uptake of bicarbonate than in rods and buffer changes in its intracellular concentration.
Subthalamic Nucleus and Sensorimotor Cortex Activity During Speech Production
Authors: Chrabaszcz Anna , Neumann Wolf-Julian , Stretcu Otilia , Lipski Witold J. , Bush Alan , Dastolfo-Hromack Christina A. , Wang Dengyu , Crammond Donald J. , Shaiman Susan , Dickey Michael W. , Holt Lori L. , Turner Robert S. , Fiez Julie A. , Richardson R. Mark
Published: January 2019

The sensorimotor cortex is somatotopically organized to represent the vocal tract articulators such as lips, tongue, larynx, and jaw. How speech and articulatory features are encoded at the subcortical level, however, remains largely unknown. We analyzed LFP recordings from the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and simultaneous electrocorticography recordings from the sensorimotor cortex of 11 human subjects (1 female) with Parkinson's disease during implantation of deep-brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes while they read aloud three-phoneme words. The initial phonemes involved either articulation primarily with the tongue (coronal consonants) or the lips (labial consonants). We observed significant increases in high-gamma (60–150 Hz) power in both the STN and the sensorimotor cortex that began before speech onset and persisted for the duration of speech articulation. As expected from previous reports, in the sensorimotor cortex, the primary articulators involved in the production of the initial consonants were topographically represented by high-gamma activity. We found that STN high-gamma activity also demonstrated specificity for the primary articulator, although no clear topography was observed. In general, subthalamic high-gamma activity varied along the ventral–dorsal trajectory of the electrodes, with greater high-gamma power recorded in the dorsal locations of the STN. Interestingly, the majority of significant articulator-discriminative activity in the STN occurred before that in sensorimotor cortex. These results demonstrate that articulator-specific speech information is contained within high-gamma activity of the STN, but with different spatial and temporal organization compared with similar information encoded in the sensorimotor cortex.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTClinical and electrophysiological evidence suggest that the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is involved in speech; however, this important basal ganglia node is ignored in current models of speech production. We previously showed that STN neurons differentially encode early and late aspects of speech production, but no previous studies have examined subthalamic functional organization for speech articulators. Using simultaneous LFP recordings from the sensorimotor cortex and the STN in patients with Parkinson's disease undergoing deep-brain stimulation surgery, we discovered that STN high-gamma activity tracks speech production at the level of vocal tract articulators before the onset of vocalization and often before related cortical encoding.
Trata de seres humanos y criminalidad organizada transnacional: problemas de política criminal desde los derechos humanos
Authors: Zúñiga Rodríguez Laura
Published: January 2019

En este trabajo pretendo poner de manifiesto las dificultades del tratamiento jurídico del delito de la trata de seres humanos, especialmente porque es un fenómeno invisible, dado que discurre en muchos casos detrás de negocios lícitos, como bares, clubs de alterne, etc. La problemática de su tratamiento penal radica en que es un fenómeno en el que se encuentran ambivalencias, intereses contrapuestos,generalizaciones que impiden ver individualidades, dado que se esconde tras otros fenómenos como la prostitución, la explotación sexual, la inmigración clandestina. Ello ha dado lugar a políticas criminalescontradictorias que vulneran los derechos de las víctimas. El análisis se centra en el supuesto de trata abusiva con fines de explotación sexual por vulnerabilidad de la víctima, por considerar que es donde realmente pueden darse casos problemáticos para diferenciar prostitución libre y prostitución coactiva, ya que la víctima, por encontrarse en situación de necesidad, no tiene plena autonomía de la voluntad. De acuerdo con los Convenios Internacionales, se considera que en este delito se protege un derecho humano, la dignidad humana, que posee una intangibilidad más allá de la voluntad personal cuando existen condiciones objetivas de explotación sexual.
Languages in Sub-Saharan Africa in a broader socio-political perspective
Authors: Záhořík Jan
Published: January 2019

Charles University This study deals with language policies in Africa with a special focus on multi-ethnic and multi-lingual states including Sudan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Democratic Republic of Congo. The study will thus examine relations between state and minorities, the status of major and marginalized languages, the roles of European languages in politics as well as theoretical frameworks. Sub-Saharan Africa has undergone a remarkable process from linguistic imperialism to linguistic pluralism and revivalism. Until the 1960s the superior position of the European languages (English, French, and Portuguese) was evident, but after the Africanization of politics and society in many African countries, a strong accent on linguistic emancipation was initiated. Nowadays, many African countries follow the principle of linguistic pluralism where several languages enjoy the same rights and space in the media, administrative, education, etc. This study will discuss some important case studies and their specific language policies.
The lost identity of Mother India: Rape, mutilation and a socio-political critique of Indian society
Authors: Paunksnis Šarūnas
Published: January 2019

Vytautas Magnus UniversityThe article discusses a film by Deepa Mehta, a filmmaker who is a part of the so-called Indian Parallel Cinema, and a critic of Indian culture and society. The main argument of the article is that in the landmark film Earth, Mehta portrays a character to personify the idea of Mother India. Mehta’s vision of Mother India is rendered psychoanalytically as being raped by her sons—something that had started during the partition of India and continues till our times. The article introduces and re-thinks categories of Indianness, rape, alienness, which are vital to our understanding of contemporary Indian culture and society. One of the main operating categories of the article is identity—what it means in our modern times, and what it means to lose it—something that happened in 1947 during the partition, and is still continuing. The article also stands in opposition to the traditional understanding of the Mother—in contemporary times, as it is argued, Mother is not cherished by her Sons, instead, she is raped and mutilated, as a consequence of ontological insecurity and desire for identity.
Calculation of Call Unpairing Probability in GSM Cell Using VAMOS Technics
Authors: Mitic Dragan , Lebl Aleksandar , Markov Zarko
Published: January 2019

This paper considers GSM cell system in which pure VAMOS technics is implemented. Traffic properties of the system with VAMOS possibility (probability of unsuccessful pairing of connections in one timeslot and loss probability due to lack of idle channels) are determined. It is found dependence of these properties on the allowable power difference for successful pairing, on offered traffic and on environmental attenuation coefficient. The serving quality of this channel group is compared to an Erlang group with the same parameters. It is proved that probability of bad serving in the group of VAMOS channels is higher than in Erlang group with the same parameters, but not more than two times. The results obtained by calculation are proved comparing them to the results of simulation.
Power quality improvement in an AC network using artificial neural network and hysteresis band current controller
Authors: Sulehri Abdul Mutal
Published: January 2019

This paper demonstrates a study to improve the total harmonic distortion (THD) originated due to excessive use of power electronic (PE) equipment and non-linear loads. Shunt active power filter (SAPF) is used to mitigate the harmonics from the system because it has the capability of minimizing the harmonic problems initiated by non-linear loads. The instantaneous reactive power (IRP) p-q theory is used for the generation of reference signal and for the extraction of compensating components of the current. The proportional integral (PI) controller and artificial neural network (ANN) have been employed in the DC-link controller and for current errors adjustments. In this paper, both conventional hysteresis and adaptive hysteresis band current controller (HBCC) have been used for the generation of gate pulses for the SAPF, which reduces THD in the source current to a value within IEEE specified standards, without any phase error over the extensive range of adaptive HBCC strategy. Simulation results confirm that the SAPF with HBCC and ANN performs the harmonic mitigation efficiently and maintains power factor (PF) close to unity.