bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Za siedmimi morami:The Myth that has Become Real Life for Professor Viktor Krupa
Authors: Мокиенко Валерий Михайлович
Published: June 2017

The article is devoted to the anniversary of Professor Viktor Krupa – the known Slovak ethnographer and linguist. The object of the analysis was the name of one of the most popular books of Hero of the day – Za siedmimi morami („Over the seven seas“), which seems to be characteristic for the author’s biography. This excpression is included in the Slavic proverbs and sayings with the concept of „sea“. In this case, although the idiom za siedmimi morami is not fixed by any phrasebook or by the majority of monolingual and bilingual dictionaries of the Slovak language, it is widely known in colloquial speech and is often used in modern Slovak literature and the media. In the cited contexts, the expression retains its folk stylistic flavor, which often emphasizes the typical folk-poetic speech „increments“ to its meaning and rhythm, reinforcing the semantics of „remoteness“: za siedmimi ostrovmi a za siedmimi morami, za siedmimi horami a siedmimi morami etc. This variation suggested by the presence of Slovak folklore explicate version of our expression, where the numerical component of the „seven“ is replaced by „nine“ – za deviatimi horami, za siedmimi morami.

Expression za siedmimi morami is one of the many „sea“ – sayings and proverbs recorded in the Slovak language. Each of them has its own distribution area, and its own history, sometimes going back to the ancient European cultural heritage. And in all of them reflect the semantics of infinite space, symbolized by component more („sea“), which created also the idiom za siedmimi morami.

Linguistic analysis of the expression on the background of its Slavic correspondences shows that it has deep folkloric and mythological roots in the Slavic and Indo-European world. This ancient symbolism was explicated in the title of one of the many books of Professor Victor Krupa.
Lexical Reduplication and Slovak Language
Authors: Sokolová Jana
Published: June 2017

The study deals with lexical reduplication which has the status of a peripheral, yet legitimate way of how vocabulary is enlarged in the Slovak language. Its result is a reduplicate, a paradigmatically formed unit which – as a whole – is a reflection of its part. Reduplication (in a wider sense) is defined by a semasiological aspect, particularly in the context of structural isomorphism and distinguishing of a reproductive, replicative and reduplicative type (in a narrow sense) with the use of integrative and integrative-modificatory onomasiological categories. The core of the reduplicates is formed by a determinative type of appositional names. Reduplication is a rich source of mimémata and pragma-lexemes. Reduplicates bring a new quality into the lexicon, the quality with specific semantics and pragmatics which oscillates around the pragmatic principle of relevance and amplification. Ethno-significative model ‘X-neX’ is typical for the Slovak language; and the presence of vocalic and echo reduplicates points at the conceptual unification which is of a more universal nature.
Perspectives on Monetary Policy and Cost of Capital: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Turguttopbas Neslihan
Published: June 2017

The target of monetary policy is generally set as to create an environment of manageable employment and affordable long-term interest rates. However, priorities of central banks may differ depending on economic and financial circumstances of individual countries. Modern approaches to monetary policy transmission can be grouped under two headings, Money View and Credit View. The money view concentrates on interest rates to explain the effects of monetary policy on aggregate spending by creating an interest rate channel. The credit channel transmission approach focuses on the supply of credits by banks following a monetary policy shift in interest rates. In 2010, the Central Bank of Turkey (CBT) developed an interest rate corridor shaped by one-week and overnight repo lending to the financial banks to absorb excessive volatility caused by short-term capital inflows. Under this framework, the CBT implements its monetary policy in two ways; firstly it can alter the interest rates of weekly repo as well as O/N lending rate. Secondly, it can configure the funding structure it provides to the financial intermediaries. In such a framework, the interest rate transmission mechanism has been operated by two benchmark interest rates, one of which is the weighted average of the cost of funds provided by the CBT and the other is the interest rate in Borsa Istanbul (BIST) money market transactions at an overnight maturity. There is a strong co-movement between the interest rates and they are affected by the movements in the CBT lending rate in both directions. Interest rates applied to deposits and loans by banks are affected by the policy rate (CBT Average Funding Rate) and the market rate (BIST O/N Repo Rate).
Comparative Analysis of Results of Online and Offline Customer Satisfaction & Loyalty Surveys in Banking Services in Montenegro
Authors: Jovović Milorad , Femić-Radosavović Bojana , Lipovina-Božović Milena
Published: June 2017

The logic that customer satisfaction is the starting point of marketing and business activities is based on the assumption that customer satisfaction leads to customer loyalty, keeping in mind all of the positive effects that customer loyalty has on business success of an organization. Because of this, marketing and management theory and practice dedicate particular attention to the concepts of customer satisfaction and loyalty. In this paper we will use the surveys of customers of banking services not only to show the levels of their satisfaction and loyalty, but also to make a comparative analysis of data obtained through online and offline research. This approach was made possible because the research was carried out on a sample which was divided in two groups. All of the participants answered the questions from a unique questionnaire, however, one group took the survey via the Internet (online) while data from the other group of participants was collected in the field by using printed questionnaires (offline). The findings of the comparative analysis of online and offline survey results are presented in the final part of the paper.
Clinical update. Computed Tomography — an Emerging Tool for Triple Rule-Out in the Emergency Department. A Review
Authors: Dobra Mihaela , Bordi Lehel , Nyulas Tiberiu , Stănescu Alexandra , Morariu Mirabela , Condrea Sebastian , Benedek Theodora
Published: June 2017

New imaging tools have been developed in recent years to rapidly and accurately diagnose life-threatening diseases associated with high mortality rates, such as acute coronary syndromes, acute aortic dissection, or pulmonary embolism. The concept of using computed tomographic (CT) assessment in emergency settings is based on the possibility of excluding multiple acute pathologies within one scan. It can be used for patients complaining of acute chest pain of unclear etiology with the possible association of acute coronary dissection or pulmonary embolism, but only a low to moderate risk of developing an acute coronary syndrome. One of the benefits of this protocol is the possibility of decreasing the number of patients who are hospitalized for further investigations. The technique also allows the rapid triage of patients and the safe discharge of those who show negative results. The aim of this review is to summarize the current medical literature regarding the potential use of CT for the triple rule-out (TRO) of coronary etiologies.
Deep Belief Network for the Enhancement of Ultrasound Images with Pelvic Lesions
Authors: Shelgaonkar Sadanand L. , Nandgaonkar Anil B.
Published: June 2017

It is well known that ultrasound images are cost-efficient and exhibit hassle-free usage. However, very few works have focused on exploiting the ultrasound modality for lesion diagnosis. Moreover, there is no reliable contribution reported in the literature for diagnosing pelvic lesions from the pelvic portion of humans, especially females. While few contributions are found for diagnosis of lesions in the pelvic region, no effort has been made on enhancing the images. Inspired from the neural network (NN), our methodology adopts deep belief NN for enhancing the ultrasound image with pelvic lesions. The higher-order statistical characteristics of image textures, such as entropy and autocorrelation, are considered to enhance the image from its noisy environment. The alignment problem is considered using skewness. The proposed method is compared with the existing NN method to demonstrate its enhancement performance.
On the borrowing of sokuon/Q/ in words from Korean
Authors: Sugawara Toshihiro
Published: June 2017

This paper aims to provide a case study of the realization of sokuon /Q/ in words borrowed from Korean into Japanese, a topic which has not been discussed at length in the literature. The Japanese adaptation of foreign words has been widely discussed, but most studies focus on words from English. Looking at Korean-based words in Japanese, however, we encounter certain adaptation patterns that are not necessarily the same as those found for English loanwords. This paper focuses on /Q/ realization in the Japanese adaptation of Korean words from a phonetic perspective, and argues that low-level phonetic information plays an important role in adaptation of Korean words. In addition, comparing these findings with findings on English loanwords in previous studies, it is argued that the difference regarding /Q/ realization between words from Korean and words from English is also attributable to actual phonetic differences between the two source languages.
On-line Processing of Floating Quantifier Constructions in Japanese: Using Event-related Brain Potentials
Authors: Yasunaga Daichi , Sakamoto Tsutomu
Published: June 2017

This study investigates when and how the association process between two syntactic elements are performed in on-line sentence processing. The results of our ERP experiment suggest that the language processor adopts a two-stage processing style. First, when the language processor encounters an element requiring association with another element, it holds it in working memory until the appropriate candidate for the association appears. Then, the language processor associates the candidate for association with the element which had been stored in working memory.
Quantifier position in Japanese and the domain of specificity and indefiniteness
Authors: Minagawa Harumi
Published: June 2017

It has been noted that the variation in syntactic positioning of quantity expressions in Japanese - the pre-nominal construction and the NP-external construction - reflects different referential domains of the quantified entities (Martin 1975, Inoue 1978, Okutsu 1986, Downing 1996). The distinction between definiteness/indefiniteness as well as the notion of specificity have been used to explain the behavioral patterns of quantity expressions. However, due to the lack of a clearly defined framework that illuminates the relationship between the two separate referential categories of definiteness/indefiniteness and specificity/non-specificity, previous studies could not offer a coherent account of why the two constructions sometimes yield contrasting definite and indefinite readings, sometimes become synonymous, and sometimes allow slight differences in nuance.

Using a framework that illuminates the relationship between the two referential categories, this study re-analyzes the observations made in previous studies and ascertains the referential characteristics of the two quantifier constructions. It suggests that the pre-nominal construction and NP-external construction do not express opposing domains of one referential category, but instead express one of the domains of two independent categories of referentiality, i.e. the domains of specificity and indefiniteness respectively. This study also discerns the referential meanings expressed by the constructions themselves from contextually derived meanings.
Effects of first-element phonological-length and etymological-type features on sequential voicing (rendaku) of second elements
Authors: Tamaoka Katsuo , Ihara Mutsuko , Murata Tadao , Lim Hyunjung
Published: June 2017

Using a questionnaire comprising voiced-or-voiceless choices by native Japanese speakers, the present study investigated the influence of the phonological-length and etymological-type of first elements on sequential voicing or rendaku of the initial consonant of the CVCVCV-structured Wago-like nonwords /hukari/ and /hasuri/. Experiment 1 revealed an overall trend where voicing determination (i.e., voicing power) from one mora to three morae was observed to have a descending order of strength. After controlling for printed-frequency, script type, and free-standing single kanji, Experiment 2 showed that single-mora Wago first-elements had stronger voicing power on second elements than those consisting of two and three morae. Considering the combined results of Experiments 1 and 2, it may be concluded that a single CV mora Wago of first elements had greater voicing power than two or three morae cases. Experiment 3 demonstrated that first element Wago exerted stronger voicing power upon second elements than either Kango or Gairaigo, which exerted equally influence. However, after controlling for printed-frequency and script type, Experiment 4 indicated that the first element Wago and Kango resulted in rendaku on second elements with greater voicing power than Gairaigo. Thus, the present study demonstrated that both the first-element phonological-length and etymological-type appear to influence rendaku of the voiceless consonants of second elements.
Thetic judgment as presentational
Authors: Hasegawa Nobuko
Published: June 2017

Kuroda (1965, 1972, 1992) pointed out the distinction between topicalized and nontopicalized sentences in terms of judgment styles, discussing what semantico/cognitive functions they express. His work has set the foundations for generative studies of Japanese; however, the differences in judgment styles have not been well-represented in syntactic structure. In particular, thetic judgment sentences seem to have been mis-treated, which have often been mixed up with neutral description sentences in the sense of Kuno (1973). In this paper, I argue that thetic judgment sentences constitute an independent syntactic representation that shares the characteristics of presentationals such as Locative Inversion in English. The apparent differences between thetic judgments in Japanese and presentationals in English are attributed to the differences in these languages with respect to how sentence types are syntactically represented; either at the right periphery (i.e., at Head of the C system) or at the left periphery (i.e., at Spec of the C system).
Benjamin Smith Lyman as a phonetician
Authors: Vance Timothy J.
Published: June 2017

Benjamin Smith Lyman was a geologist who worked for the Meiji government as a foreign expert in the 1870s. His 1894 article on rendaku later made him famous among linguists, but in 1878 he published a detailed account of Japanese pronunciation, which he claimed was motivated in part by a desire to help learners of Japanese as a foreign language. Lyman’s descriptions were quite sophisticated for the time, but it is clear in hindsight that he was hampered by the lack of a universal phonetic transcription system and by the unavailability of the phonemic principle. Lyman’s descriptions went far beyond those of his missionary contemporaries, but for ordinary learners, the kind of detail he provided would have been overkill and not much practical help.
Triple operations of rendaku processing: Native Chinese and Korean speakers learning Japanese
Authors: Tamaoka Katsuo , Hayakawa Kyoko , Vance Timothy J.
Published: June 2017

The present study investigated a hypothesis proposing the involvement of three operations in processing Japanese sequential voicing (rendaku): a lexical-specific operation, an etymology-specific operation, and a rule-based operation. Second language (L2) learners of Japanese are in the process of constructing an L2 mental lexicon of Japanese, and this lexicon is assumed to display a clear contrast between rule-based and etymology-specific occurrences of rendaku in early-stage learning and lexical-specific rendaku at later stages as a result of memory-based lexical learning. Native Chinese (N=32) and Korean (N=32) speakers learning Japanese, matched for their lexical and grammatical knowledge, avoided applying rendaku in compounds with a medial voiced obstruent in the second element, indicating that Lyman’s Law is an active principle even in L2 acquisition. Both L2 learner groups also showed sensitivity to lexical strata by distinguishing Japanese-origin words (wago) from Sino-Japanese words (kango) and alphabetic loanwords (gairaigo). Thus, as factors of rendaku processing, Lyman’s Law is considered rule-based while lexical stratum is considered etymology-specific. In contrast, both L2 learner groups showed a low occurrence of rendaku both for Lyman’s Law exceptions (i.e., X+basigo) and for infrequent or rare words (i.e., X+zyootyuu). These instances can be considered memory-based, lexical-specific rendaku, which L2 learners must acquire as individual lexical items. This study indicated that all three described operations were used by L2 Japanese speakers to process rendaku.
Unproductive alternations and allomorph storage: the case of Sino-Japanese
Authors: Burness Phillip
Published: June 2017

This paper examines the phonology of Sino-Japanese within the framework of Optimality Theory, incorporating elements from Itō and Mester’s (1999) coreperiphery model. A major component of Itō and Mester’s model-the unmarked status of Yamato words-was challenged by Kawahara, Nishimura, and Ono (2002), who argued that Sino-Japanese must be the unmarked option. While it is true that Sino-Japanese is the least marked stratum, automatically declaring the least-marked stratum as the default incorrectly predicts that speakers will overgeneralize alternations regardless of their productivity. Taking inspiration from Kurisu’s (2000) analysis of Sino-Japanese geminates and Mascaró’s (2007) formalization of allomorphy, I propose that where a lower stratum’s alternations are unproductive, speakers actually store all allomorphs in the underlying form, thus exempting the stratum from the implicated faithfulness constraint. This allows the unindexed faithfulness constraint to be ranked higher as needed to ensure that only productive alternations are extended to novel items.
Analysis and design of friction stir welding tool
Authors: Jagadeesha C.B.
Published: June 2017

Since its inception no one has done analysis and design of FSW tool. Initial dimensions of FSW tool are decided by educated guess. Optimum stresses on tool pin have been determined at optimized parameters for bead on plate welding on AZ31B–O Mg alloy plate. Fatigue analysis showed that the chosen FSW tool for the welding experiment has not ∞ life and it has determined that the life of FSW tool is 2.66×105 cycles or revolutions. So one can conclude that any arbitrarily decided FSW tool generally has finite life and cannot be used for ∞ life. In general, one can determine the suitability of tool and its material to be used in FSW of the given workpiece materials in advance by this analysis in terms of fatigue life of the tool.
Fetal interventional procedures and surgeries: a practical approach
Authors: Nassr Ahmed A. , Erfani Hadi , Fisher James E. , Ogunleye Oluseyi K. , Espinoza Jimmy , Belfort Michael A. , Shamshirsaz Alireza A.
Published: June 2017

The identification of congenital birth defects and fetal malformations continues to increase during the antenatal period with improved imaging techniques. Understanding of how to treat specific fetal conditions continues to improve outcomes from these treatment modalities. In an effort to further improvement in this field, we provide a review that begins with a brief background of fetal surgery including the history of fetal surgery, ethics surrounding fetal surgery, and considerations of how to treat the fetus during intervention. A synopsis of the most commonly encountered disease processes treated by fetal intervention/surgery including definitions, treatment modalities, and outcomes following fetal intervention/surgery is then provided. Within the sections describing each disease process, methodology is described that has helped with efficiency and success of procedures performed at our institution.
Tapered Block Bootstrap for Unit Root Testing
Authors: Parker Cameron C. , Paparoditis Efstathios , Politis Dimitris
Published: June 2017

A new bootstrap procedure for unit root testing based on the tapered block bootstrap is introduced. This procedure is similar to previous tests that were based on the block bootstrap and stationary bootstrap, but it has the advantage of the tapering procedure that has been previously shown to reduce the bias of the variance estimator by an order of magnitude. In this paper, the procedure is defined including a specific data-driven method for choosing the block size. Both theoretical results for the asymptotic behavior of the test and simulations that address the small-sample properties and are used for comparison to other methods are given.
Electric Generator in the System for Damping Oscillations of Vehicles
Authors: Serebryakov A. , Kamolins E. , Levin N.
Published: June 2017

The control systems for the objects of industry, power generation, transport, etc. are extremely complicated; functional efficiency of these systems determines to a great extent the safe and non-polluting operation as well as convenience of service and repair of such objects. The authors consider the possibility to improve the efficiency of systems for damping oscillations in transport using a combination of electrical (generators of rotational and linear types) and hydraulic means. Better efficiency of functioning is achieved through automatic control over the operational conditions of such a system in order to make it adaptive to variations in the road profile and ambient temperature; besides, it is possible to produce additional electric energy.
Theoretical Analysis of Spacing Parameters of Anisotropic 3D Surface Roughness
Authors: Rudzitis J. , Bulaha N. , Lungevics J. , Linins O. , Berzins K.
Published: June 2017

The authors of the research have analysed spacing parameters of anisotropic 3D surface roughness crosswise to machining (friction) traces RSm1
and lengthwise to machining (friction) traces RSm2
. The main issue arises from the RSm2
values being limited by values of sampling length l in the measuring devices; however, on many occasions RSm2
values can exceed l values. Therefore, the mean spacing values of profile irregularities in the longitudinal direction in many cases are not reliable and they should be determined by another method. Theoretically, it is proved that anisotropic surface roughness anisotropy coefficient c=RSm1/RSm2
equals texture aspect ratio Str, which is determined by surface texture standard EN ISO 25178-2. This allows using parameter Str to determine mean spacing of profile irregularities and estimate roughness anisotropy.
Crystal structure of methyl 1-(2-(fluorosulfonyl)ethyl)-2-oxocyclopentanecarboxylate, C9H13FO5S
Authors: Govender Kimberleigh B. , Samipillai Marivel , Govender Thavendran , Kruger Hendrik G. , Naicker Tricia
Published: June 2017

C9H13FO5S, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 5.9390(3) Å, b = 8.1581(4) Å, c = 11.3823(8) Å, α = 89.498(3)°, β = 85.314(5)°, γ = 84.916(5)°, V = 547.48(5) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0303, wRref(F2
) = 0.0811, T = 293 K.
Crystal structure of the triclinic modification of 1-methyl-4-nitroimidzole, C4H5N3O2
Authors: Jianlong Wang , Pengbao Lian , Lizhen Chen
Published: June 2017

C4H5N3O2, triclinic, P1 (no. 1), a = 3.8976(6) Å, b = 5.7235(8) Å, c = 6.2670(10) Å, α = 89.630(12)°, β = 84.800(13)°, γ = 76.970(13)°, V = 135.63(4) Å3, Z = 1, R
gt(F) = 0.0519, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1303, T = 104.8 K.
A comparative analysis of VAT grouping schemes from a Nordic perspective—aspects of tax avoidance and fiscal competition
Authors: Egholm Elgaard Karina Kim
Published: June 2017

Value-added tax (VAT) grouping schemes, whereby several legally independent entities are treated as a single taxable person for VAT purposes, are well known, though their detailed rules differ from country to country. This article deals with specific tax avoidance and fiscal competition aspects of VAT grouping schemes in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The article gives examples of tax abuse and avoidance by using various VAT grouping models, with the main emphasis on the practice in Denmark, which may be indicative of similar problems in other countries. The article shows that there are significant differences in the rationales for national VAT grouping schemes, and these indicate that there are mismatches between the national schemes of the EU Member States and the original intention of the EU scheme. Finally, an examination of the different national rationales shows the necessity of striking a balance between combating tax avoidance and preventing distortion of competition.
Son-Condescension and the Logic of Theology
Authors: Shannon Nathan D.
Published: June 2017

In the following essay, I compare concrete and abstract theological logics, critiquing the latter in favor of a biblical-revelational version of the former. I then move the comparison to the specific issue of biblical interpretation. Abstraction bares its antinomies openly here. The biblical-revelational approach focuses on Son-condescension as the mode of God’s every act with regard to not-God. If Son-condescension is the mode of the Creature/creature relation, then it should also be the logic of understanding it. Therefore, I commend a Son-condescension model for explaining the Creator/creature relation and then more basically as the logic of Christian theism.
The first record of the oilfish Ruvettus pretiosus Cocco, 1833 (Pisces: Gempylidae) from the Sea of Marmara, Turkey
Authors: Acarli Deniz , Altinağaç Uğur , Özekinci Uğur , Bayhan Bahar
Published: June 2017

The benthopelagic oilfish Ruvettus pretiosus Cocco, 1833 was recorded for the first time from the Marmara Sea coast in Turkey. In addition, this is the third record of the species from the Turkish sea waters.
Post-transition state bifurcations gain momentum – current state of the field
Authors: Hare Stephanie R. , Tantillo Dean J.
Published: June 2017

The existence of post-transition state bifurcations on potential energy surfaces for organic and biological reaction mechanisms has been known for decades, but recently, new reports of bifurcations have been occurring at a much higher rate. Beyond simply discovering bifurcations, computational chemists are developing techniques to understand what aspects of molecular structure and vibrations control the product selectivity in systems containing bifurcations. For example, the distribution of products seen in simulations has been found to be extremely sensitive to the local environment of the reacting system (i.e. the presence of a catalyst, enzyme, or explicit solvent molecules). The outlook for the future of this field is discussed, with an eye towards the application of the principles discussed here by experimental chemists to design a reaction setup to efficiently generate desired products.
Nothing to do with Apollonius?
Authors: Netz Reviel
Published: June 2017

This article makes two claims. The first is that Archimedes’ On Floating Bodies included a punning reference, in its key diagrammatic figure AΠΟΛ: the precise purpose of the pun may not be recovered by us, but even so it remains a powerful example of the playful in Archimedes’ writing. The second is that Apollonius could have been (contrary to what is now the accepted chronology of Greek mathematics) Archimedes’ younger contemporary. The outcome could be that we find Archimedes addressing a playful, hidden message to Apollonius, providing us with a unique insight into the communication of Greek mathematics.
Unsteady mixed convection flow through a permeable stretching flat surface with partial slip effects through MHD nanofluid using spectral relaxation method
Authors: Ahamed Sami M. , Mondal Sabyasachi , Sibanda Precious
Published: June 2017

An unsteady, laminar, mixed convective stagnation point nanofluid flow through a permeable stretching flat surface using internal heat source or sink and partial slip is investigated. The effects of thermophoresis and Brownian motion parameters are revised on the traditional model of nanofluid for which nanofluid particle volume fraction is passively controlled on the boundary. Spectral relaxation method is applied here to solve the non-dimensional conservation equations. The results show the illustration of the impact of skin friction coefficient, different physical parameters, and the heat transfer rate. The nanofluid motion is enhanced with increase in the value of the internal heat sink or source. On the other hand, the rate of heat transfer on the stretching sheet and the skin friction coefficient are reduced by an increase in internal heat generation. This study further shows that the velocity slip increases with decrease in the rate of heat transfer. The outcome results are benchmarked with previously published results.
Long term accelerated aging investigation of an epoxy/silica nanocomposite for high voltage insulation
Authors: Khattak Abraiz , Amin Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: June 2017

An epoxy/silica nanocomposite loading was subjected to a multistress environment along with neat epoxy (NEP) in a specially fabricated chamber at 2.5 kV for 9000 h. For aging investigation of the samples, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), leakage current monitoring and Swedish Transmission Research Institute hydrophobicity classification were used with constant visual inspection. Both samples were found to be adequate and suitable for insulation at the end of the aging period. However, the epoxy nanocomposite (EPNC) performed better in comparison to NEP. FTIR spectrographs showed that a reduction in important hydrocarbon groups was less in the EPNC. The leakage current was higher in the case of the neat sample and accompanied by a higher loss of hydrophobicity. Similarly, in the nanocomposite, no significant change in surface topography at micro level was recorded from the SEM analysis.
Searching for Critical Conditions During Lifeboat Launching – Simulations
Authors: Dymarski Czesław , Dymarski Paweł , Kniat Aleksander
Published: June 2017

The article describes numerical simulations of the process of lifeboat launching at the ship’s side. The research aimed at finding the values of ship motion parameters which appear to be most dangerous for people in the lowered lifeboat due to the generated accelerations. The simplified model of ship hull motion adopted at this research stage bases on a superposition of harmonic motions with given amplitudes and periods in six degrees of freedom. The range of the amplitude of motion for each degree of freedom corresponds approximately to that of possible motion of the PANAMAX type ship on the Baltic sea. In total, 120 960 cases of ship hull motion were examined.
Design Methodology for Small Passenger Ships On the Example of the Ferryboat Motława 2 Driven by Hybrid Propulsion System
Authors: Gełesz Paweł , Karczewski Artur , Kozak Janusz , Litwin Wojciech , Piątek Łukasz
Published: June 2017

Dynamic development in practically all fields of science and engineering has not passed over shipbuilding. In last years, engineers got to their use computer software which makes it possible to perform strength and hydrodynamic calculations as well as to visualize design projects in 3 D space [1-4]. At their disposal they have full spectrum of modern solutions associated with the use of advanced materials and technologies [5-7]. More and more attention is also paid to impact onto the natural environment [8,9]. Every new object must influence the environment as low as possible, beginning from building phase through its service life up to final utilization - such approach is called „green-shipping“. However, not only practical reasons are important. Clients, i.e. ship owners and passengers of ships paid more and more attention to image of floating units. During decision taking on that from whom a transport service has to be ordered, the most modern ships of an attractive image matching with place and time, are often taken into consideration.

Such situation has become a basis for an idea of working out a concept of a new ferryboat for National Maritime Museum. As the ferry has to navigate in „the heart of the town“, then, apart from strictly marine and engineering aspects, an important factor of its designing is its expected image - a set of significant meanings and emotions written in architecture language. The new ferryboat, like its historical predecessors, will never leave urban water routes.
Calculation Method for Flow Boiling and Flow Condensation of R134a and R1234yf in Conventional and Small Diameter Channels
Authors: Mikielewicz Dariusz , Jakubowska Blanka
Published: June 2017

The paper presents the results of calculations performed using the authors′ model to predict the heat transfer coefficient during flow boiling for two refrigerants R134a and R1234yf. The experimental data from various past studies have been collected and the calculations have been conducted for the full range of quality variation and a wide range of mass velocity. The aim of the study was to test the sensitivity of the in-house flow boiling and flow condensation model. The importance of taking into account the surface tension as the parameter exhibiting its importance in case of the flow in minichannels, as well as the influence of the reduced pressure were analysed. The obtained numerical results show good consistency with those recorded in the experiments.
Strength Analysis of a Large-Size Supporting Structure for an Offshore Wind Turbine
Authors: Niklas Karol
Published: June 2017

The offshore wind power industry is the branch of electric energy production from renewable sources which is most intensively developed in EU countries. At present, there is a tendency to install larger-power wind turbines at larger distances from the seashore, on relatively deep waters. Consequently, technological solutions for new supporting structures intended for deeper water regions are undergoing rapid development now. Various design types are proposed and analysed, starting from gravitational supports (GBS), through monopiles and 3D frame structures (jackets, tripods), and ending with floating and submerged supports anchored to the seabed by flexible connectors, including TLP type solutions.

The article presents the results of examination of an untypical large-size gravitational support intended for waters with the depth of up to 40 m. Firstly, a general concept of the new design is presented, while the next basic part of the article describes the support design in detail and provides its strength analysis. The examined support has the form of a large steel container consisting of conical segments. The strength analysis was conducted using the finite element method (FEM), in accordance with the standard DNVGL-ST-0126. Modifications introduced to the most heavily loaded structural node of the support, which was the set of base bottom trusses, is also included. The results of the performed analysis prove that the presented concept of supporting structure for a 7MW turbine meets fundamental strength criteria. The nonlinear buckling analysis was performed to evaluate the critical force acting on the support, which turned out to be 1.44 times as large as the maximum load of the wind turbine. Potentially important issues for further analyses have been identified as those resulting from the asymmetry of basic loads acting on the support.
Environmental Aspects of Coastal Earth Structures Made of Soil-Ash Composites
Authors: Ossowski Rafał
Published: June 2017

This paper presents an innovative technology of building the coastal dams with the use of soil-ash composites. A natural- scale test stand and results of the performed environmental tests are presented; they have been compared with standards for purity of soils and waters. Also, an analysis of the obtained results and discussion of trends and anomalies in the observations, are given.
Biosorption of strontium ions from aqueous solution using modified eggshell materials
Authors: Metwally Sayed S. , Rizk Hoda E. , Gasser Mona S.
Published: June 2017

Green composites emphasize renewable starting materials for better economy using biomass materials. Therefore, low-cost composite biosorbent was prepared by modification of eggshell material using heteropoly acid for removal of strontium ions from aqueous solution. The resulted composite was characterized and evaluated for the sorption process using the batch technique. Low concentration of strontium ions was used to evaluate the sorption sensitivity of the prepared composite. The obtained experimental results illustrated that the modification process of eggshell material enhanced the percent uptake from 49.9 to 95.7%. From kinetic studies, the sorption of strontium ions follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The isotherm studies indicated that Langmuir is more applicable than Freundlich isotherm. Moreover, Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm was studied. Thermodynamic studies revealed that the sorption process is spontaneous and has endothermic nature. Strontium ions can be desorbed from the modified eggshell using HNO3, desorption percent was found to be 96.4%; the results revealed the reusability of the modified eggshell for further sorption.
Culture, Cultural Difference and the Foreign
Authors: Cioflec Eveline
Published: June 2017

This paper emphasizes the importance of lived experience for debates on cultural differences. Theoretical perspectives are often helpful for discovering common traits of cultures. Moreover they are correctives for subjective perspectives on differences. However, cultural differences are experienced by encountering the possibly conflict-laden foreignness of the other. Hence, with regard to peacefully shared spaces, focusing on a phenomenological approach to experiencing the foreign seems to be more productive than normative approaches through theory of culture. Rather than normatively determining a common concept of culture, responsiveness and dialog - even unsuccessful dialog - are keys for bridging possible conflicts rooted in cultural differences.
Functionalized non-viral cationic vectors for effective siRNA induced cancer therapy
Authors: Gupta Kshitij , Puri Anu , Shapiro Bruce A.
Published: June 2017

RNA interference (RNAi) has been regarded as a vital asset in the field of therapeutics as it has the capability to silence various disease causing genes including those that cause cancer. Small non-coding RNA molecules such as short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are one of the extensively studied RNAi inducers for gene modulations. However, the delivery of RNAi inducers including siRNAs is compromised due to the barriers imposed by the biological system such as degradation by nucleases, rapid clearance, high anionic charge, immunogenicity and off-target effects. Viral vectors, in general exhibit high transfection efficiencies but are expensive and likely to confer immunological and safety issues. Therefore, non-viral cationic vectors (NVCVs) have received considerable attention to not only address these issues but also for developing efficacious siRNA delivery vectors. In this review, we will first discuss the historical development of various NVCVs and then will discuss functionalized NVCVs with linkers that provide stability, as well as respond to the cancer cell environment and with cancer cell receptor specific ligands to explicitly target them for improved siRNA efficacy. Multifunctional NVCVs (MNVCVs) that employ multiple synergistically working components to aid siRNA delivery efficacy are also discussed.
Melatonin Receptor 1B Gene Polymorphisms, Haplotypes and Susceptibility to Schizophrenia
Authors: Saravani Ramin , Esmaeilzaei Elahe , Noorzehi Nafiseh , Galavi Hamid Reza
Published: June 2017

Melatonin has an important role in the regulation of human sleep circadian rhythms. Sleep disturbances commonly exist in schizophrenia (SCZ) patients. To begin its performance, melatonin must interact to its receptor. In the present study, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of melatonin receptor gene 1 B (MTN1B) with SCZ development in Iranian population were investigated. The current case-control study was performed on 92 SCZ patients and 92 healthy control (HC) subjects. NESTED-PCR and ARMS-PCR modified methods (combination) and ARMSPCR method were used on the genotype. The impact of MTN1B rs3781637 (T/C) and rs10830963(C/G) polymorphism variants on the risk SCZ in the sample of Iranian population was investigated. The findings showed significant association between MTN1B rs10830963(C/G) variant and SCZ (OR=2.78, 95%CI=1.25-6.25, P=0.012, GG vs. CC, OR=1.66, 95%CI=1.09-2.51, P=0.021 G vs. C, OR=3.85 95%CI=.89-8.33, P<0.0001, GG vs. CC+CG). There was no association between MTN1B rs3781637 (T/C) and SCZ risk. In addition, haplotype analysis revealed that TG and CC haplotype of rs3781637 (T/C) and rs10830963 (C/G) polymorphisms were associated with SCZ risk (P=0.039) and protective (P<0.0001) effects, respectively. The findings revealed that MTN1B rs10830963 (C/G) polymorphism was associated with the risk of SCZ; while another SNP rs3781637 (T/C) MTN1B gene did not show any risk/protection association with SCZ. Further studies with larger sample sizes and different ethnicities are required to approve the results.
Is the arbitrary symmetrical?
Authors: Badir Sémir
Published: June 2017

Arbitrariness is commonly seen as a major concept in Saussure’s thought, and it even receives the status of a “principle” in his theory. It is not only the characteristic feature of the relation between the signifier and the signified (the semiological relation is arbitrary), but moreover it is constitutive of this very relation (the relation is semiological because it is arbitrary; there is a so-called “semiological relation” established between a signifier and a signified because of the principle of arbitrariness). And when linguists and other Saussurean interpreters comment on the concept of arbitrariness, they usually imply a binary relation: the semiological relation is arbitrary due to the fact that the signifier is arbitrarily chosen vis-à-vis the signified, and vice versa. I will be questioning the latter assertion in this paper. In my opinion, the symmetry of the semiological relation has not been properly demonstrated. The signifier can be seen as arbitrary with regard to the signified, but no reason has been provided to recognize the converse. Instead a number of arguments can be put forth to see arbitrariness as a concept that implies a non-symmetrical relation.
Lost and not found: The Course in General Linguistics between “Saussurism” and “Saussurology”
Authors: Gasparov Boris
Published: June 2017

Saussure’s quest for constitutive features of language resulted in his formulation of two fundamental principles: first, the bipolarity of the sign, according to which neither form nor meaning of a sign exists as of itself, outside of their mutual relation; and second, the arbitrariness of that relation, i.e., the fact that their link is based solely on convention. The purely relational nature of language, the fact that its entities have no positive identity of their own result in the unceasing development of language whose direction and results can be neither programmed nor predicted. In the first half of the twentieth century, Saussure’s idea of language as a pure “structure” was interpreted in a static way, as a matrix of relations whose elements occupy secure positions in the overall relational network. When critique of the structural approach has been raised in the 1960–1980s, Saussure’s champions tried to distance Saussure’s “genuine” views, ostensibly expressed in his private papers, from his posthumously published Course, which was declared unreliable or even falsified. The present paper argues that the problem with interpreting Saussure arises primarily from the way his works were read by different generations and in different intellectual contexts. Saussure’s work needs to be examined in the context of its own time, as an integral part of the philosophical revolution of the turn of the twentieth century.
Reinforcement of Underground Excavation with Expansion Shell Rock Bolt Equipped with Deformable Component
Authors: Korzeniowski Waldemar , Skrzypkowski Krzysztof , Zagórski Krzysztof
Published: June 2017

The basic type of rock mass reinforcement method for both preparatory and operational workings in underground metal ore mines, both in Poland and in different countries across the world, is the expansion shell or adhesive-bonded rock bolt. The article discusses results of static loading test of the expansion shell rock bolts equipped with originally developed deformable component. This component consists of two profiled rock bolt washers, two disk springs, and three guide bars. The disk spring and disk washer material differs in stiffness. The construction materials ensure that at first the springs under loading are partially compressed, and then the rock bolt washer is plastically deformed. The rock bolts tested were installed in blocks simulating a rock mass with rock compressive strength of 80 MPa. The rock bolt was loaded statically until its ultimate loading capacity was exceeded. The study presents the results obtained under laboratory conditions in the test rig allowing testing of the rock bolts at their natural size, as used in underground metal ore mines. The stress-strain/displacement characteristics of the expansion shell rock bolt with the deformable component were determined experimentally. The relationships between the geometric parameters and specific strains or displacements of the bolt rod were described, and the percentage contribution of those values in total displacements, resulting from the deformation of rock bolt support components (washer, thread) and the expansion shell head displacements, were estimated. The stiffness of the yielded and stiff bolts was empirically determined, including stiffness parameters of every individual part (deformable component, steel rod). There were two phases of displacement observed during the static tension of the rock bolt which differed in their intensity.
The Football of Logic
Authors: Schang Fabien
Published: June 2017

An analogy is made between two rather different domains, namely: logic, and football (or soccer). Starting from a comparative table between the two activities, an alternative explanation of logic is given in terms of players, ball, goal, and the like. Our main thesis is that, just as the task of logic is preserving truth from premises to the conclusion, footballers strive to keep the ball as far as possible until the opposite goal. Assuming this analogy may help think about logic in the same way as in dialogical logic, but it should also present truth-values in an alternative sense of speech-acts occurring in a dialogue. The relativity of truth-values is focused by this way, thereby leading to an additional way of logical pluralism.