bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volatile phenolics in Teran PTP red wine
Authors: BAŠA ČESNIK Helena , LISJAK Klemen
Published: April 2016

The volatile phenolics, 4-ethylphenol, 4-vinylphenol, 4-ethylguaiacol and 4-vinylguaiacol were quantified in Teran PTP wines that were produced in the Kras winegrowing district. The compounds were determined by using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry after extraction with diethylether. Three years monitoring (2011, 2012, 2013 vintages) showed that all four undesirable compounds were identified in Teran PTP wines, however their content did not influence significantly the sensory characteristics of the wine. The average contents gained over the three-year period (2011-2013; n=82) were 153±193 µg L-1 for 4-ethylphenol, 1265±682 µg L-1 for 4-vinylphenol, 69±94 µg L-1 for 4-ethylguaiacol and 128±106 µg L-1 for 4-vinylguaiacol. 7.3 % of samples showed contents of 4-ethylphenol above the odour threshold values. For 4-vinylphenol, 4-ethylguaiacol and 4-vinylguaiacol that percentage was 98.8 %, 25.6 % and 91.5 %, respectively.
Chemical constituents of essential oil of Dracocephalum moldavica L. and Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. from Iran
Authors: GOLPARVAR Ahmad Reza , HADIPANAH Amin , GHEISARI Mohammad Mehdi , KHALILIAZAR Reza
Published: April 2016

Dracocephalum moldavica L. and Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. are aromatic plants belonging to Lamiaceae family. The aim of this study was to identify the chemical components of D. kotschyi and D. moldavica from Iran. The aerial parts of D. kotschyi were collected from (Kamu Mountain) Isfahan province and the aerial parts of D. moldavica were collected from Sari (Mazandaran province) North of Iran, during 2014. The essential oil was extracted by a Clevenger approach and analyzed using GC/MS. In total, 32 and 24 compounds were identified in the essential oil from the aerial parts D. kotschyi and D. moldavica, respectively. The results obtained in our study indicated that the major components in the oil D. kotschyi were limonene (23.56 %), carvacrol (14.65 %), γ-terpinene (12.99 %), α -pinene (12.62 %), 2-methyl-1-octen-3-yne (9.73 %), camphene (4.66 %), myrcene (3.65 %) and α -terpinene (3.12 %). The major constituents of the oil D. moldavica were geranyl acetate (36.62 %), geraniol (24.31 %), neral (16.25 %) and geranial (11.21 %). D. kotschyi is one of the important sources of limonene and D. moldavica is one of the important sources of geranyl acetate.
Effect of foliar-applied silicon on photochemistry, antioxidant capacity and growth in maize plants subjected to chilling stress
Authors: HABIBI Ghader
Published: April 2016

Low temperature is one of the major adverse climatic factors that suppress plant growth and sustainable agricultural development. In these climate conditions, silicon (Si) can mitigate various abiotic stresses including low temperature. In this study, the roles of foliar-applied silicon (10 mM potassium metasilicate) in enhancing tolerance to chilling stress were investigated in maize (Zea mays ‘Fajr’) plants. The low temperature stress caused significant reduction of plant growth and relative water content; however, Si ameliorated these effects. Si supply in maize exhibited a significantly positive effect on accumulation of free amino acids, and reduced the necrotic leaf area. The decrease in maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) was reversible during recovery, but not in the non-Si-treated leaves. This can be explained by enhancement of protective pigments; carotenoid and anthocyanin leading to the protection of PSII from damage. Additionally, analysis of OJIP transients revealed that Si reduced cold damaging effect on performance index (PIabs) and Fv/Fm through improvement of excitation energy trapping (TR0/CS) and electron transport (ET0/CS) per excited cross-section of leaf. The malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, which was significantly increased under chilling stress, was decreased by Si. The reduced glutathione and ascorbate concentrations were higher in Si-treated plants as compared to those without application of Si under chilling stress. These results indicated that Si could enhance the chilling stress tolerance of maize plants through improving the biomass accumulation, maintaining a high level of glutathione, ascorbic acid, protein, protective pigments, and enhancing the photochemical reactions. This study also suggests that the foliar-applied Si increases recovery ability from chilling injury.
Influence of exogenous polyamines on antioxidant defence and essential oil production in valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) plants under drought stress
Authors: MUSTAFAVI Seyed Hamid , SHEKARI Fariborz , MALEKI Hamid Hatami
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of foliar application of polyamines (PAs) on antioxidant defence and essential oil production of valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) grown under different drought stress treatments (100, 70, 50 and 30% available water content). This study was carried out using pots in greenhouse condition. Drought–stressed valerian seedlings were sprayed with 1 mM concentration of each putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm). The results showed that drought stress significantly affected most biochemical characteristics of valerian plants. Characteristics including leaf relative water content, chlorophyll a and b contents were decreased, while carotenoids and electrolyte leakage were increased with the increase of water stress. In this research, defensive characteristics comprising proline content, soluble sugars, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase were increased followed by drought stress to ameliorate the adverse effect of it.  Results revealed that foliar application of Spd and Spm provoked the antioxidant enzymes activity as well as proline accumulation in valerian which alleviate the membrane damages. Consequently, Spd and Spm increased photosynthetic pigments which act as energy supply for plant growth and production. Here, putrescine had detrimental effects on CAT activity and Chl a content. Albeit, PAs presented remarkable effects under moderate drought stress condition but it showed reverse trends in severe drought stress condition.  In terms of quantity and quality yield, drought stress reduced root growth but increased the concentration of essential oils. PAs are able to alleviate water deficit-induced diminish root growth. These results suggest that in moderate drought stress, growers can use PAs to increase productivity valerian.
Parasitoid inventarisation of European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner, 1796) and options for its biological control in Slovenia
Authors: RAZINGER Jaka , MODIC Špela , HERZ Annette , UREK Gregor
Published: April 2016

European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) (ECB) is an important maize pest in central and northern Europe. Presently it is controlled by insecticides or biological agents such as Trichogramma brassicae in several European countries, excluding Slovenia, where the pest’s pressure is highly variable and no appropriate mechanization is available. Lessening the dependence on chemical pesticides is an integral part of the European Union’s agenda for agriculture. Mass release of Trichogramma spp. could be seen as a promising alternative for ECB control in countries with a highly fluctuating ECB pressure and no mechanization for insecticide applications. However, no records of naturally occurring hymenopteran parasitoids of ECB exist in Slovenia. To address this important under-researched topic and provide the expert basis for potential introduction of ECB egg parasitoids in Slovene maize production, a systematic inventarisation programme of ECB parasitoids was launched in 2010. Additionally, ECB flight was monitored in 2011 and 2012 at two locations in Slovenia: Jablje and Rakičan. In both locations two ECB generations  were observed. ECB was fist observed at the end of May in Rakičan. During the five years of the systematic survey we discovered two ECB parasitoid species. ECB egg masses were parasitized by Trichogramma brassicae, whereas ECB pupae were parasitized by Tycherus nigridens, with 6 or 7 % parasitation rate, respectively. T. nigridens represents a new taxon report for Slovenia. We conclude that there is a strong need for undertaking systematic surveys of natural enemies of agricultural pests.
Calcium application mitigates salt stress in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.( offshoots cultivars of Berhi and Sayer
Authors: JASIM Abbas M. , ABBAS Muayed F. , SHAREEF Hussein J.
Published: April 2016

The effectiveness of exogenous application of calcium in ameliorating the adverse effects of salt stress (15.9 dS m-1) on date palm offshoots (Phoenix dactylifera L. cultivars of Berhi and Sayer) was investigated. Ca-fertilisers Polixal and Rexene were applied either as soil amendments or foliar spray. The results showed that Polixal at 30 ml offshoot-1 significantly increased plant height, leaf area, total chlorophyll content, RWC, proline concentration, peroxidase activity, IAA content, K+ and K+/Na+ ratio in leaves of Berhi cultivar, whereas catalase activity, ABA and Cl-  content were decreased. Also Berhi cultivar responded to soil amendments more than to foliar spray. However, Ca-fertilisers mitigated salt stress in the two cultivars and Berhi cultivar was more salt stress tolerant than Sayer cultivar by maintaining the high ratio of K+/Na+ and regulating levels of IAA to ABA, in silty clay loam soil. These results suggest that calcium application can improve the defense system under salt stress conditions.
Population dynamics of aphids (Aphididae) on orange (Citrus sinensis ‘Thomson Navel’) and mandarin (Citrus reticulata ‘Blanco’)
Authors: LEBBAL Salim , LAAMARI Malik
Published: April 2016

Citrus fruits represent one of the most important fruit productions worldwide. However, they suffer from a numerous constraints. Aphids are among the causes of the decline in the production of citrus. In this study, the diversity of citrus aphids and their seasonal occurrence were explored on orange and mandarin, during 2012 and 2013, in an orchard located in Skikda province (Algeria). In total, six different aphid species were found during two years. The most common species was Aphis spiraecola Patch, 1914.  Climatic conditions had an important role in the infestation level by aphids. There were changes of aphid dynamics between the two years of the investigation. No aphids was recorded in six months in 2012 (January, June, July, August, September and December) and in three months in 2013 (January, February and August).  Besides, the number of identified aphid species increased from two to five. On the other hand, the orange trees seemed to be the most infested host species.
Soil suitability evaluation for crop selection using fuzzy sets methodology
Authors: SHARIFIFAR Amin , GHORBANI Hadi , SARMADIAN Fereydoon
Published: April 2016

In this study appraisal of four different agricultural land evaluation methods including the so-called Storie method, square root method, maximum limitation method and fuzzy sets method, was done. The study was performed in Bastam region, located in Semnan province at the north east of Iran. Three crops including tomato, wheat and potato were assessed for the purpose of this research. Soil characteristics assessed were rooting depth, CaCo3, organic carboncontent, clay content, pH and slope gradient. Statistical analyses were done at significance levels of α = 0.1 and α = 0.05. Results of regression between land indices, calculated through the four methods, with observed yields of the crops, showed that the regression were significant in fuzzy sets method for all of the assessed crops at p = 0.05 but not significant in maximum limitation method for any of the crops. The Storie and square root methods also showed a significant correlation with wheat yield at p = 0.1. This study was a demonstrative test of fuzzy sets theory in land suitability evaluation for agricultural uses, which revealed that this methodology is the most correct method in given circumstances.
Calculation of climate factors as an additional criteria to determine agriculturally less favoured areas
Authors: POGAČAR Tjaša , VALHER Ajda , ZALAR Mateja , ČREPINŠEK Zalika , KAJFEŽ-BOGATAJ Lučka
Published: April 2016

Climate factors that are proposed to determine agriculturally less favoured areas (LFA) in Slovenia were analyzed for the period 1981–2010. Following the instructions of European Commission prepared by Joint Research Centre (JRC) 30-years averages of low air temperatures criteria (the vegetation period duration and sums of effective air temperatures) and aridity criteria (aridity index AI) have to be calculated. Calculations were additionally done using Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO) method, which is slightly different when determining temperature thresholds. Only hilly areas are below the LFA low air temperatures threshold with the lowest located meteorological station in Rateče. According to aridity criteria no area in Slovenia is below the threshold, so meteorological water balance was also examined. Average water balance in the period 1981–2010 was in most of locations lower than in the period 1971–2000. Climate change impacts are already expressed as trend presence in time series of studied variables, so it is recommended to calculate trends and take them into account or to perform regular iterations of calculations.
On spherical submanifolds with finite type spherical Gauss map
Authors: Bektas Burcu , Dursun Uğur
Published: April 2016

Chen and Lue (2007) initiated the study of spherical submanifolds with finite type spherical Gauss map. In this paper, we firstly prove that a submanifold Mn of the unit sphere Sm−1 has non-mass-symmetric 1-type spherical Gauss map if and only if Mn is an open part of a small n-sphere of a totally geodesic (n + 1)- sphere Sn+1 . Sm−1. Thenwe show that a non-totally umbilical hypersurfaceM of Sn+1 with nonzero constant mean curvature in Sn+1 has mass-symmetric 2-type spherical Gauss map if and only if the scalar curvature curvature of M is constant. Finally, we classify constant mean curvature surfaces in S3 with mass-symmetric 2-type spherical Gauss map.
Labour Market Regulations and In-formalisation of Migrant Worker: Evidence from Indian Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Sofi Irfan Ahmad , Khan Mohd Imran , Kunroo Mohd Hussain , Khachoo Abdul Qayoom
Published: April 2016

India is considered as one of the countries with a stringent body of labour laws. Though there is no lack of pro-worker employment protection legislation (EPL) and contract labour laws, the vulnerabilities of workers seem to be increasing rapidly in this neo-liberal phase of the global economy. Over the past two decades, there has been a rising trajectory of in-formalisation even in the organised manufacturing sector. Under this backdrop, we study the in-formalisation of migrant labour and try to find out whether EPL does protect the interests of migrant workers. We found that in-formalisation of migrant workers are higher in the states with relatively stringent labour laws. The finding of our econometric analysis indicates that informal migrant labour is used to evade the social security provisions laid down under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 among other legislation. Since informal workers fall outside the purview of most of the pro-workers labour laws, the trajectory of in-formalisation is likely to have serious repercussions on the welfare of workers especially that of migrants. Migrant labour, which occupies a substantive role in the contemporary labour markets, must be brought into an apt regulatory framework to address its vulnerabilities.
Opening the Black Box. How the Study of Social Mechanisms Can Benefit from the Use of Explanatory Mixed Methods
Authors: Stolz Jörg
Published: April 2016

This article argues that analytical sociology an approach that attempts to study social mechanisms ‘without, black boxes’ can benefit from the use of explanatory mixed methods. Analytical sociologists mainly relate their theoretical and agent-based models to representative surveys and experiments. While their central claim is to find and test the actual mechanisms that have produced the explanandum. the mechanisms they postulate often remain speculative. Neither agent-based models, nor experiments or mainstream quantitative methods, give access to some of the central elements of the causal mechanisms and the relevant subjective and objective contextual parameters. One of the most important reasons for this lies in the fact that social reality is changing fast., characterized by strong diversity and complexified by the phenomenon of cultural meanings. I argue that by creating and testing the models of analytical sociology with explanatory mixed methods, researchers have the possibility of getting closer to their object of research and therefore of having the chance to create more valid explanations.
Hydrogel-based microfluidics for vascular tissue engineering
Authors: Koroleva Anastasia , Deiwick Andrea , Nguyen Alexander , Narayan Roger , Shpichka Anastasia , Kufelt Olga , Kiyan Roman , Bagratashvili Victor , Timashev Peter , Scheper Thomas , Chichkov Boris
Published: April 2016

In this work, we have explored 3-D co-culture of vasculogenic cells within a synthetically modified fibrin hydrogel. Fibrinogen was covalently linked with PEG-NHS in order to improve its degradability resistance and physico-optical properties. We have studied influences of the degree of protein PEGylation and the concentration of enzyme thrombin used for the gel preparation on cellular responses. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of prepared gels revealed that the degree of PEGylation and the concentration of thrombin strongly influenced microstructural characteristics of the protein hydrogel. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs), used as vasculogenic co-culture, could grow in 5:1 PEGylated fibrin gels prepared using 1:0.2 protein to thrombin ratio. This gel formulation supported hASCs and HUVECs spreading and the formation of cell extensions and cell-to-cell contacts. Expression of specific ECM proteins and vasculogenic process inherent cellular enzymatic activity were investigated by immunofluorescent staining, gelatin zymography, western blot and RT-PCR analysis. After evaluation of the optimal gel composition and PEGylation ratio, the hydrogel was utilized for investigation of vascular tube formation within a perfusable microfluidic system. The morphological development of this co-culture within a perfused hydrogel over 12 days led to the formation of interconnected HUVEC-hASC network. The demonstrated PEGylated fibrin microfluidic approach can be used for incorporating other cell types, thus representing a unique experimental platform for basic vascular tissue engineering and drug screening applications.
Through Wall Stationary Human Target Detection and Localization Using OFDM-UWB Radar
Authors: Slimane Zohra , Abdelhafid Abdelmalek
Published: April 2016

This paper focuses on through wall stationary human target detection and localization using an OFDM based Ultra-Wide Band radar (OFDM-UWB). Our investigations relate to a monostatic UWB radar operating in the band [1.99–3] GHz at central frequency 2.5 GHz and emitting a power of –22 dBm, meeting FCC UWB spectrum density requirements. The detection of a human being is possible due to respiratory movements of the chest. Using the short-term Fourier transform, along with the optimal filtering and an averaging technique for background clutter suppression, interesting information could be extracted from the recorded waveforms about the presence and position of a human being behind a 20-cm-thick concrete wall. The results of the experimental simulations under Matlab/simulink are then presented. A maximum range of 4 m was found to be possible with a minimum system operating SNR of 5 dB.
Statistical modeling of pressurized hot-water batch extraction (PHWE) to produce hemicelluloses with desired properties
Authors: Kleen Marjatta , Pranovich Andrey , Willför Stefan
Published: April 2016

The pressurized hot-water extraction (PHWE) process of Norway spruce sawdust has been optimized aiming at the production of a hemicellulose-rich fraction consisting mainly of galactoglucomannans (GGM). The independent process parameters temperature, reaction time, and liquid-to-wood (L/W) ratio were in focus of the statistical modeling. The main target product properties were the average molecular mass (Mw) and the GGM content of the dissolved solids in the extracts and the yield of polymeric hemicelluloses with Mw larger than 4 kDa in the ethanol-water precipitate. According to the model, the highest Mw (>30 kDa) of the total dissolved solids in the extract can be obtained at a low extraction temperature (ET), a short extraction time (Et), and a low L/W ratio. The best result was 37 kDa, corresponding to a degree of polymerization (DP) about 230. The highest GGM content of the extract (>11% of the sawdust, which is about 70% of the GGM in sawdust) can be obtained with a high ET, a long Etand a high L/W ratio. According to the model, the PHWE process gives rise to the largest possible amount of polymeric hemicelluloses at 170°C, 11 min reaction time, and at L/W 5. Provided that a large-scale extraction apparatus works under these conditions with the same efficiency, it should be possible to produce around 60 g polymeric hemicelluloses (mainly GGM) with a Mw around 15 kDa from 1 kg spruce sawdust, which is roughly 25% of the original hemicelluloses in the sawdust.
Influence of process conditions on hygroscopicity and mechanical properties of European beech thermally modified in a high-pressure reactor system
Authors: Altgen Michael , Militz Holger
Published: April 2016

European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) was thermally modified in a closed reactor system under various process conditions. Sorption cycles, dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) measurements, and a three-point bending test were performed on thermally modified wood (TMW) to assess hygroscopicity and mechanical properties. As a function of mass loss (ML), the initial equilibrium moisture content (EMC) measured at 20°C/65% relative humidity (RH) directly after the process was strongly influenced by the RH during the process. This effect is explained by realignments of amorphous polymers in the cell wall ultra-structure in the course of thermal modification (TM). However, the EMC of TMW gradually increased after sorption cycles consisting of conditioning over liquid water and water-soaking. This increase was most distinct for TMW modified at low RH, which is an indication for reversible ultra-structural realignments. Results of the bending test suggest that structural realignments also hindered the plastic flow of amorphous cell wall polymers, thereby reducing inelastic toughness and inelastic deflection, while other bending properties were solely affected by ML alone. Process conditions in a closed reactor systems have a profound impact on resulting wood properties, and thus, the partial reversibility of these property changes need to be considered during the application.
Effect of Spray Drying Temperature and Agave Fructans Concentration as Carrier Agent on the Quality Properties of Blackberry Powder
Authors: Farías Cervantes Vania S. , Delgado Lincon Efrén , Solís Soto Aquiles , Medrano Roldan Hiram , Andrade González Isaac
Published: April 2016

The agave fructans as carrier agent can be an alternative to increase quality properties of blackberry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of agave fructans concentration and inlet air temperature on quality properties of blackberry powder. Agave fructans concentrations were 50, 75 and 100 % (in base the total soluble solids percentage of blackberry extract), and the inlet air temperatures were 70–110 °C. A pilot-scale spray dryer was employed. Drying yield ranged from 58 to 94 % dry base. Encapsulation efficiency values varied between 48 and 100 % of anthocyanin concentration. The lower agave fructans concentration showed the best quality characteristics as lower water activity of 0.28, high anthocyanin retention of 98 %, high bulk density of 0.80 g/ml and the higher agave fructans concentrations showed the best stability properties as lower hygroscopicity of 0.013 gH20/gsolids and low particle temperature of 38 °C. The agave fructans improves good physicochemical and stability characteristics in blackberry powders.
Modelling Effective Moisture Diffusivity of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Slices under Convective Hot Air Drying Condition
Authors: Onwude Daniel I. , Hashim Norhashila , Janius Rimfiel B. , Nawi Nazmi , Abdan Khalina
Published: April 2016

This study seeks to investigate the effects of temperature (50, 60, 70 and 80 °C) and material thickness (3, 5 and 7 mm), on the drying characteristics of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata). Experimental data were used to estimate the effective moisture diffusivities and activation energy of pumpkin by using solutions of Fick’s second law of diffusion or its simplified form. The calculated value of moisture diffusivity with and without shrinkage effect varied from a minimum of 1.942 × 10–8 m2/s to a maximum of 9.196 × 10–8 m2/s, while that of activation energy varied from 5.02158 to 32.14542 kJ/mol with temperature ranging from 50 to 80 °C and slice thickness of 3 to 7 mm at constant air velocity of 1.16 m/s, respectively. The results indicated that with increasing temperature, and reduction of slice thickness, the drying time was reduced by more than 30 %. The effective moisture diffusivity increased with an increase in drying temperature with or without shrinkage effect. An increase in the activation energy was observed due to an increase in the slice thickness of the pumpkin samples.
Upper bounds on the number of conjugacy classes in unitriangular groups
Authors: Soffer Andrew
Published: April 2016

We provide a new upper bound on the number of conjugacy classes in the groupUn⁢(q)${U_{n}(q)}$of unitriangular matrices over a finite field. We also compute a similar upper bound for every group in the lower central series ofUn⁢(q)${U_{n}(q)}$.
The box-merging implementation of the box-counting algorithm
Authors: Nikolaidis Nikolaos S. , Nikolaidis Ioannis N.
Published: April 2016

Fractal analysis is a powerful tool for the classification of materials. However, until now, there were no efficient tools that could process large or color images due to the processing time required. In this article we present a fast, easy to implement and very easily expandable to any number of dimensions variation, the box merging method. It is applied here to RGB test images which are considered as sets in 5-D space.
Focus on BMI and subclinical hypothyroidism in adolescent girls first examined for amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea. The emerging role of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Nezi Markella , Christopoulos Panagiotis , Paltoglou George , Gryparis Alexandros , Bakoulas Vassilios , Deligeoroglou Efthimios , Creatsas George , Mastorakos George
Published: April 2016

Primary amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea are diagnosed commonly during adolescence. Weight aberrations are associated with menstrual disorders. Autoimmune thyroiditis is frequent during adolescence. In this study, the commonest clinical and hormonal characteristics of amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea during adolescence were investigated.

In this cross-sectional study, one hundred and thirty-eight consecutive young patients presenting with amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea referred to an adolescent endocrinology and gynecology university clinic were studied. Clinical examination and an abdominal ultrasound were performed. Testosterone, free-testosterone, estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), 17-OH progesterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), Δ

Patients with primary and secondary amenorrhea presented more often with body mass index (BMI) <18.5 and BMI >25 kg/m

Among adolescent patients presenting with amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea for the first time those with low and high BMI present more often with primary and secondary amenorrhea, respectively. Obesity is involved in the development of hyperandrogenemia and hyperinsulinemia, particularly in PCOS patients. In these patients, subclinical hypothyroidism may be concealed and it should be investigated. These patients should be treated for abnormally increased or decreased BMI and be investigated for autoimmune thyroiditis.
Children with severe Osteogenesis imperfecta and short stature present on average with normal IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels
Authors: Hoyer-Kuhn Heike , Höbing Laura , Cassens Julia , Schoenau Eckhard , Semler Oliver
Published: April 2016

IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels of 60 children (male n=38) were assessed in a retrospective cross-sectional setting.

Height/weight was significant different [height z-score type 3 versus type 4: p=0.0011 and weight (p≤0.0001)] between OI type 3 and 4. Mean IGF-I levels were in the lower normal range (mean±SD level 137.4±109.1 μg/L). Mean IGFBP-3 measurements were in the normal range (mean±SD 3.105±1.175 mg/L). No significant differences between OI type 3 and 4 children have been observed (IGF-I: p=0.0906; IGFBP-3: p=0.2042).

Patients with different severities of OI have IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels in the lower normal range. The type of OI does not significantly influence these growth factors.
Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is not an independent risk factor for hepatosteatosis in obese children
Authors: Sezer Oya Balcı , Buluş Derya , Hızlı Şamil , Andıran Nesibe , Yılmaz Deniz , Ramadan Selma Uysal
Published: April 2016

Obesity is an important risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Few studies have evaluated the association between vitamin D and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese children. Therefore, we conducted a study to examine the relationship of vitamin D levels and hepatosteatosis in obese children.

One hundred and eleven children with obesity participated in this study. Hepatosteatosis was diagnosed and graded using ultrasonography in all patients. Study participants were divided based on the presence of hepatosteatosis into two subgroups (hepatosteatosis and non-hepatosteatosis). Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and lipids were measured and compared.

Hepatosteatosis existed in 52% of obese children without chronic diseases. There was no statistically significant difference in the vitamin D level between the hepatosteatosis and non-hepatosteatosis groups. Alanine aminotransferase levels and the triglycerides-to-high density lipoprotein ratio were significantly higher, and the high density lipoprotein levels were significantly lower in the hepatosteatosis group compared to the non-hepatosteatosis group.

Vitamin D deficiency is not directly related with hepatosteatosis. A high ALT level and a high triglycerides-to-HDL ratio and low HDL levels are more significant in hepatic steatosis in obese children.
Efficacy of a prospective community-based intervention to prevent preterm birth
Authors: Miyoshi Junya , Ohba Takashi , Ohkuma Masanori , Katoh Takahiko , Tanoue Daisuke , Katabuchi Hidetaka
Published: April 2016

Objectives:

To evaluate a community-based intervention trial for the prevention of preterm birth.

Methods:

This trial was conducted on pregnant women in the Amakusa area, and in the Hitoyoshi-Kuma area, both in Japan. Prophylactic oral antibiotics were recommended for pregnant women with high-risk on preterm birth. The subjects were also encouraged to undergo a periodontal examination. An explanation of proper tooth brushing was given and full mouth scaling was allowed if deemed necessary.

Results:

Of 720 consented subjects in the Amakusa area and of 373 in the Hitoyoshi-Kuma area, bacterial vaginosis was found in 100 (13.9%) Amakusa residents and 71 (19.0%) Hitoyoshi-Kuma residents. Prophylactic antibiotics were prescribed for 93 Amakusa residents and 39 Hitoyoshi-Kuma residents. Among subjects who underwent a periodontal examination, periodontal disease was found in 47.7% of Amakusa residents and 59.7% of Hitoyoshi-Kuma residents. Periodontal health was improved among these women by a nonsurgical intervention during their pregnancy. Comparing the incidences of very low birth weight (VLBW) with the averages during the preceding 6 years in each area, the incidences of VLBW was 46.4% lower in Amakusa and 69.7% Hitoyoshi-Kuma during the study year.

Conclusions:

A community-based multifaceted intervention might reduce the incidence of VLBW infants.
Evolution of superconductivity and magnetism in BiS2-based layered compounds
Authors: Demura Satoshi
Published: April 2016

BiS2-based compounds constitute a new family of layered superconductors. In this article, several experimental findings on the superconductivity and related properties of the BiS2 family are reviewed. In particular, the focus is on the conditions required for the emergence of superconductivity and higher superconducting transition temperature in the BiS2 family: it is shown that optimizing the electron doping and crystal structure are important. Further, a few notable characteristics such as the coexistence of superconductivity and magnetism as well as the relation between the superconductivity and chargedensity- wave instability are introduced in brief.
‚Patientenautonomie‘ und ‚Lebensschutz‘
Authors: Felder Ekkehard , Luth Janine , Vogel Friedemann
Published: April 2016

On the basis of a law text corpus which consists of judicial decisions and jurisprudential papers on so-called assisted suicide from 1977 to 2011, agonal centres are determined within the paradigm of corpus-based pragma-semiotic text analysis. Agonal centres are defined as action-guiding concepts that are in conflict with each other concerning the general acceptance of event interpretations, options for actions, claims of validity, contextual knowledge and values. These action-guiding concepts are derived with the help of quantitative and qualitative methods. Discourse linguistic interpretations are thus rendered more objective with the help of semi-automatic methods; furthermore, specific discourse features of the discourse and approaches to interpretation can be derived from (un)expected linguistic significances of occurrence, distribution, frequency etc. at the linguistic surface. Finally, these agonal centres specific to the language of law are compared to agonal centres which are determined on the basis of a media corpus on the same issue. This provides a comparative insight into the constitution of a seemingly identical fact in everyday and special language, which demonstrates the sociopolitical relevance of analysing the constitution of reality as instructed by language.
„Wie geil ist das denn?“
Authors: Auer Peter
Published: April 2016

This paper investigates the structure and emergence of a new construction in German, the wie-X-ist-das-denn! exclamative (roughly corresponding to ‚How X is that!‘), usually with X being an evaluative adjective. A quantitative and qualitative investigation based on the DeReKo (German reference corpus) shows that the construction is spreading also in written German. It also reveals a clear prototype with little variation (the latter affecting the placement and use of the modal question particle denn, the use of other pronouns than das, and the use of non-evaluative adjectives in the X position). On the basis of a discussion of the construction’s relationship to various neighbouring constructions it is shown that it strongly resembles the German leading question construction, but differs from the latter above all in invariably placing the nuclear accent on the demonstrative das. It is argued that the most plausible origin of the new construction therefore is a blend of the leading question construction with the prosodic exclamative construction, which has led to the cancellation of the implicature inherent in leading questions. While in leading questions, the implicature is that the proposition contained in it is wrong, the new exclamative construction has a direct semantic-pragmatic reading which can be paraphrased as an expression of the speaker’s surprise about the degree to which the property expressed in the X-position applies to the referent of das.
The crystal structure of Cs2S2O3·H2O
Authors: Winkler Verena , Schlosser Marc , Pfitzner Arno
Published: April 2016

A reinvestigation of the alkali metal thiosulfates has led to the new phase Cs2S2O3·H2O. At first cesium thiosulfate monohydrate was obtained as a byproduct of the synthesis of Cs4In2S5. Further investigations were carried out using the traditional synthesis reported by J. Meyer and H. Eggeling. Cs2S2O3·H2O crystallizes in transparent, colorless needles. The crystal structure of the title compound was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction at room temperature: space groupC2/m(No. 12), unit cell dimensions:a= 11.229(4),b= 5.851(2),c= 11.260(5) Å,β= 95.89(2)°, withZ= 4 and a cell volume ofV= 735.9(5) Å3. The positions of all atoms including the hydrogen atoms were located in the structure refinement. Cs2S2O3·H2O is isotypic with Rb2S2O3·H2O. Isolated tetrahedra [S2O3]2−are coordinated by the alkali metal cations, and in addition they serve as acceptors for hydrogen bonding. For both Cs atoms the shortest distances are observed to oxygen atoms of the S2O32−anions whereas the terminating sulfur atom has its shortest contacts to the water hydrogen atoms. Thus, an extended hydrogen bonding network is formed. The title compound has also been characterized by IR spectroscopy. IR spectroscopy reveals the vibrational bands of the water molecules at 3385 cm−1. They show a red shift in the OH stretching and bending modes as compared to free water. This is due both to the S···H hydrogen bonding and to the coordination of H2O molecules to the cesium atoms.
ŞİRKET BİRLEŞME VE SATIN ALMALARININ FİRMA VE SEKTÖR DÜZEYİNDE ETKİLERİ: BİR LİTERATÜR TARAMASI
Authors: Akben Selçuk Elif , Köksal Emin , Altıok Yılmaz Ayşe
Published: April 2016

Bu çalışmanın amacı şirket birleşme ve satın alma (B&S) işlemlerinin hem mikro hem makro düzeyde etkilerini konu alan çalışmaları inceleyen bir literatür çalışması ortaya koymaktır. İnceleme üç ayrı kısımda gerçekleştirilmiştir. Birinci kısımda B&S işlemlerine makro düzeyde yaklaşan çalışmalar ele alınarak, bu işlemlerin sektör ve piyasa düzeyinde etkileri ile bu işlemlerin sayısını etkileyen faktörler üzerinde durulmaktadır. İkinci bölümde B&S işlemlerinin katılımcı firmaların finansal performansında meydana getirdiği değişiklikleri inceleyen çalışmalara yer verilecekmiştir. Üçüncü ve son bölümde ise B&S işlemleri sonrası performans değişimine etki edeceği düşünülen faktörlerden bahsedilmektedir.
A DISCUSSION ABOUT PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ENTREPRENEURS IN THE CONTEXT OF CULTURE’S IMPACT
Authors: Mayatürk Akyol Evrim
Published: April 2016

Economic, social, cultural, and technologic changes in globalized world have increased the need to production and entrepreneurship which has an important place in all economies in terms of development. The people who will realize enterprise are individuals having entrepreneurial characteristics. Because it can be considered that to determine the personal characteristics of entrepreneurs will be able to contribute to identifying candidates for the entrepreneurship and directingthem. To determine entrepreneurial characteristics also benefit to identifying deficiencies and eliminating them. In this context, explanation of different characteristics peculiar to entrepreneurs and evaluation of them in terms of various cultures are aimed in this theoretical study which is based on literature review.
Gefahr erkannt, Gefahr gebannt? Ist eine Abfindung beim regulären Delisting aus Effizienzsicht überhaupt geboten?
Authors: Morell Alexander
Published: April 2016

Der Aufsatz untersucht, ob die nun eingeführte Pflicht zum Abfindungsangebot als Voraussetzung des Börsenrückzugs unter Effizienzgesichtspunkten empfehlenswert erscheint. Im Ergebnis ist das zu bejahen. Nach abstrakten Überlegungen löst die neue Regelung einen Konflikt zwischen Hauptaktionär und Minderheitsaktionären: Die Vor- und Nachteile des Börsenrückzugs treffen die beiden Aktionärstypen unterschiedlich. Die Parteien können den Konflikt aufgrund von Informationsasymmetrien, Koordinationsproblemen und weiteren, auch durch das Recht erzeugten Kosten nicht durch Verhandlungen lösen. Die seit dem Frosta-Beschluss erstellten empirischen Studien sind für die Feststellung eines Regelungsbedarfs nur von eingeschränktem Nutzen. Sie beruhen auf einer verzerrten Stichprobe, schauen allein auf den Aktienkurs, der die Vorteile des Hauptaktionärs nicht sicher abbildet, und können nicht ausschließen, dass der Kurs nur durch negative Information über das Unternehmen bewegt wird, die beim Delisting an den Markt gerät. Das Instrument der Abfindung gewährleistet die Lösung des Konflikts im Vergleich zu einem Hauptversammlungsbeschluss oder einer Entschädigungslösung wirksam und Transaktionskosten sparend. Für die Überprüfung des Gesetzes in zwei Jahren könnte man untersuchen, ob eine Trennung des Publizitätsregimes vom Handelsplatz sinnvoll ist und ob Unternehmen ohne Ankeraktionär von der Pflicht zum Angebot einer Abfindung ausgenommen werden könnten.
Simulation of a hydrogen hybrid battery-fuel cell vehicle
Authors: Alfonsín Víctor , Suárez Andrés , Maceiras Rocío , Cancela Ángeles , Sánchez Ángel
Published: April 2016

This paper describes a vehicle simulation toolbox developed under Matlab® environment, which can be used to estimate the range of a vehicle battery, or a fuel cell/battery hybrid system. The model is function of mechanical and physical variables that depend not only on the vehicle but also on the ground. This toolbox can be extended to GPS tracking files by means of reading data file plug-ins. Even standard drive cycles can be simulated. Battery and hydrogen consumption, hydrogen storage tank level, battery state of charge, power consumption and fuel cell energy production, maximum range and maximum number of cycles for a real route can be determined. The model facilitates the prediction of the vehicle range and the hydrogen and energy consumption. Real route simulation gives a good approximation of the vehicle speed close to real-life services instead of using driving cycles that are quite arbitrary approximations to a real route.
The effect of crosswinds on ride comfort in high speed trains running on curves
Authors: Aizpun Navarro Miguel , Sesma Gotor Ignacio
Published: April 2016

The effect of crosswinds on the risk of railway vehicles overturning has been a major issue ever since manufacturers began to produce lighter vehicles that run at high speeds. However, ride comfort can also be influenced by crosswinds, and this effect has not been thoroughly analyzed. This article describes the effect of crosswinds on ride comfort in high speed trains when running on curves and for several wind velocities under a Chinese hat wind scenario, which is the scenario recommended by the standard. Simulation results show that the combination of crosswinds and the added stiffness of the lateral bumpstop on the secondary suspension can become a significant source of instability, leading to flange-to-flange contact and greatly jeopardizing ride comfort. Moreover, this comfort problem is an issue even when the wheel unloading ratio is well below the standard’s limits and vehicle safety can be guaranteed.
Experimental behavior of a masonry wall supported on a RC twoway slab
Authors: Gómez Bernal Alonso , Manzanares-Ponce Daniel A. , Vargas-Arguello Omar , Arellano-Méndez Eduardo , Juárez-García Hugón , González-Cuevas Oscar M.
Published: April 2016

This paper discusses the experimental results of a prototype slab-wall that is subjected to vertical and horizontal cyclic loading. The key aspects under discussion are: (a) the differences between the capacity resistance of a wall supported on a slab vs. a wall supported on a fixed base, (b) the implications when shear walls are placed directly on transfer concrete slabs, and (c) the effects that these walls cause on the slabs. The most important results presented herein are the change on lateral stiffness and resistance capacity of the load-bearing wall supported on a slab versus the wall supported on a fixed base. Analytical finite element slab-wall models were built using ANSYS. During the experimental test process of horizontal loading, we detected that the stiffness of the slab-wall system decreased by a third compared to the one on the fixed base wall; a result that supported by the numerical models.
The energy trilemma in the policy design of the electricity market
Authors: Franco Cardona Carlos Jaime , Castañeda Riascos Mónica , Valencia Arias Alejandro , Bermúdez Hernández Jonathan
Published: April 2016

The energy "Trilemma" seeks to develop an electricity market which simultaneously ensures environmental quality, security of supply, and economic sustainability. The objective of this paper is to present the "Trilemma" energy as the latest trend in the design of energy policy. For this, a theoretical framework is presented in sections 2 and 3, in section 4 and 5 the importance of security of supply and economic sustainability are discussed, respectively. In section 6 the energy "trilemma" is presented, in section 7 a brief state of the art is showed. Finally in section 8, it is approached three different electricity markets. It is concluded that the regulator has passed in recent years from encouraging a liberalized market scheme, to promote a scheme based on intervention through policies that affect the market competitiveness but allow achieving its environmental goals.
Multi-level pedagogical model for the personalization of pedagogical strategies in intelligent tutoring systems
Authors: Caro Piñeres Manuel , Josyula Darsana P. , Jiménez Builes Jovani Alberto
Published: April 2016

Pedagogic strategies are action plans designed to manage issues related to sequencing and content organization, specifying learning activities, and deciding how to deliver content and activities in teaching processes. In this paper, we present an approach to personalization of pedagogical strategies in Intelligent Tutoring Systems using pedagogical knowledge rules in a Web environment. The adaptation of pedagogical strategies is made based on a multilevel pedagogical model. An Intelligent Tutoring Systems called FUNPRO was developed to validate the multilevel pedagogical model. The results of empirical tests show that the multilevel pedagogical model enables FUNPRO to improve the process of personalization of pedagogical strategies, due to the reduction of inappropriate recommendations.
Application of a prefeasibility study methodology in the selection of road infrastructure projects
Authors: Escobar Garcia Diego Alexander
Published: April 2016

Major cities in Colombia are currently generating urban transformation processes that involve the construction of major infrastructures, mainly looking to mitigate the adverse effects of the ever- increasing road traffic. In addition, intermediate cities make great efforts when it comes to urban planning thus, promoting the application of prefeasibility study methodologies to make the appropriate decisions regarding the infrastructures to be built in specific places of the city. This paper discusses the results after applying a prioritization methodology as a comparative tool between two possible road infrastructures in the area of San Marcel in the city of Manizales, Colombia. The best proposal is selected based on the best coverage indicators and variables such as overall construction costs and life span which were determined from information generated in traffic simulations.