bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of HadCM3@Bristolv1.0 simulations of paleoclimate as forcing for an ice-sheet model, ANICE2.1: set-up and benchmark experiments
Authors: Berends Constantijn J. , de Boer Bas , van de Wal Roderik S. W.
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Fully coupled ice-sheet–climate
modelling over 10 000–100 000-year timescales at high spatial and temporal
resolution remains beyond the capability of current computational systems.
Forcing an ice-sheet model with precalculated output from a general
circulation model (GCM) offers a middle ground, balancing the need to
accurately capture both long-term processes, in particular circulation-driven
changes in precipitation, and processes requiring a high spatial resolution
like ablation. Here, we present and evaluate a model set-up that forces the
ANICE 3-D thermodynamic ice-sheet–shelf model calculating the four large
continental ice sheets (Antarctica, Greenland, North America, and Eurasia)
with precalculated output from two steady-state simulations with the HadCM3
(GCM) using a so-called matrix method of coupling both components, whereby
simulations with various levels of pCO2 and ice-sheet
configuration are combined to form a time-continuous transient climate
forcing consistent with the modelled ice sheets. We address the difficulties
in downscaling low-resolution GCM output to the higher-resolution grid of an
ice-sheet model and account for differences between GCM and ice-sheet model
surface topography ranging from interglacial to glacial conditions. Although
the approach presented here can be applied to a matrix with any number of GCM
snapshots, we limited our experiments to a matrix of only two snapshots. As a
benchmark experiment to assess the validity of this model set-up, we perform
a simulation of the entire last glacial cycle from 120 kyr ago to present
day. The simulated eustatic sea-level drop at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)
for the combined Antarctic, Greenland, Eurasian, and North American ice
sheets amounts to 100 m, in line with many other studies. The simulated ice
sheets at the LGM agree well with the ICE-5G reconstruction and the more
recent DATED-1 reconstruction in terms of total volume and geographical
location of the ice sheets. Moreover, modelled benthic oxygen isotope
abundance and the relative contributions from global ice volume and
deep-water temperature agree well with available data, as do surface
temperature histories for the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. This model
strategy can be used to create time-continuous ice-sheet distribution and
sea-level reconstructions for geological periods up to several million years
in duration, capturing climate-model-driven variations in the mass balance of
the ice sheet.
Rainfall–runoff modelling using Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks
Authors: Kratzert Frederik , Klotz Daniel , Brenner Claire , Schulz Karsten , Herrnegger Mathew
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Rainfall–runoff modelling is one of the key
challenges in the field of hydrology. Various approaches exist, ranging from
physically based over conceptual to fully data-driven models. In this paper,
we propose a novel data-driven approach, using the Long Short-Term Memory
(LSTM) network, a special type of recurrent neural network. The advantage of
the LSTM is its ability to learn long-term dependencies between the provided
input and output of the network, which are essential for modelling storage
effects in e.g. catchments with snow influence. We use 241 catchments of the
freely available CAMELS data set to test our approach and also compare the
results to the well-known Sacramento Soil Moisture Accounting Model (SAC-SMA)
coupled with the Snow-17 snow routine. We also show the potential of the LSTM
as a regional hydrological model in which one model predicts the discharge
for a variety of catchments. In our last experiment, we show the possibility
to transfer process understanding, learned at regional scale, to individual
catchments and thereby increasing model performance when compared to a LSTM
trained only on the data of single catchments. Using this approach, we were
able to achieve better model performance as the SAC-SMA + Snow-17, which
underlines the potential of the LSTM for hydrological modelling applications.
Satellite ice extent, sea surface temperature, and atmospheric methane trends in the Barents and Kara Seas
Authors: Leifer Ira , Chen F. Robert , McClimans Thomas , Muller Karger Frank , Yurganov Leonid
Published: November 2018

Abstract. Over a decade (2003–2015) of satellite data of sea-ice extent, sea surface temperature (SST), and methane (CH4) concentrations in lower troposphere over 10 focus areas within the Barents and Kara Seas (BKS) were analyzed for anomalies and trends relative to the Barents Sea. Large positive CH4 anomalies were discovered around Franz Josef Land (FJL) and offshore west Novaya Zemlya in early fall. Far smaller CH4 enhancement was found around Svalbard, downstream and north of known seabed seepage. SST increased in all focus areas at rates from 0.0018 to 0.15 °C yr−1, CH4 growth spanned 3.06 to 3.49 ppb yr−1. The strongest SST increase was observed each year in the southeast Barents Sea in June due to strengthening of the warm Murman Current (MC), and in the south Kara Sea in September. The southeast Barents Sea, the south Kara Sea and coastal areas around FJL exhibited the strongest CH4 growth over the observation period. Likely sources are CH4 seepage from subsea permafrost and hydrate thawing and the petroleum reservoirs underlying the central and east Barents Sea and the Kara Sea. The spatial pattern was poorly related to seabed depth. However, the increase in CH4 emissions over time may be explained by a process of shoaling of strengthening warm ocean currents that would also advect the CH4 to areas where seasonal deepening of the surface ocean mixed layer depth leads to ventilation of these water masses. Continued strengthening of the MC will further increase heat transfer to the BKS, with the Barents Sea ice-free in ~ 15 years. We thus expect marine CH4 flux to the atmosphere from this region to continue increasing.
Law and Non-Communicable Diseases: International and Domestic Regulation of Food and Alcohol Special Issue - Editorial
Authors: Voon Tania , Parker Christine , O'Brien Paula
Published: November 2018

The articles in this special issue examine the relationship between international economic law and effective evidence-based regulation to address public health challenges associated with food and alcohol consumption in interacting domestic, regional and international frameworks of law, politics and policy.
Effects of Agency Banking on Bank Performance: A Case of Equity Bank Meru Branch, Kenya
Authors: Karimi Kirima Lucy
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this study was to establish the effects of agency banking on bank performance with a focus of Equity Bank Meru Branch, Kenya. The reason for the selection of Equity Bank was because of its large customer base and because of its growth. The study adopted a descriptive research design and the target population was the eighteen agency bank agents. The study used stratified random sampling to select 11 agents that were used in the study. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected by use of questionnaires with both open and closed ended questions. Data was analyzed and presented using descriptive statistical tools. The study findings indicated that the general cost such as operations and transactions cost were still high even for agency banking, security measures were in place that is physical security though it needed strengthening, transaction security and customer security were not good and needed improvement and the regulations that were in place for agency banking also needed to be improved. The study made the following recommendations: For agent banking operations to be effective, strong internal control systems should be put in place which should be flexible and be evaluated periodically to increase efficiency and effectiveness; there should also be frequent updates of regulations and policies that guide agency banking and procedures that are used in the banking and agency industry in Kenya. Bankers Association in consultation with the Central Bank of Kenya should carry out frequent audit and research in relationship to agency banking to determine any loopholes and challenges in order to advice the banks accordingly. Also banks should work closely with the agents in order to streamline the systems and processes to help achieve efficiency. The results gathered out of the audit and research will help the banks to keep their agents updated.
Liquidity and Profitability Analysis of Non-Financial Entities Listed on the Macedonian Stock Exchange
Authors: Srbinoska Dusica Stevcevska
Published: November 2018

Liquidity management has a considerable influence on company performance. By analyzing secondary financial company data, this paper seeks to assess the correlation between liquidity and profitability. Through the use of audited annual report of 76 non-financial entities listed on the Macedonian Stock Exchange for the period 2014-2017, the study looks into the association between two traditional liquidity measures, current ratio and acid-test ratio, and three profitability measures, return on assets, return on equity and return on capital employed. Prior to embarking on the statistical research, literature review was performed to obtain basis for the test of hypotheses. Through the use of SPSS software, the dataset comprised of 304 observations generated descriptive statistics, and was subjected to tests of normality and variable correlation testing. The empirical findings designate that liquidity and profitability depict a positive association and that the correlation between current ratio and quick ratio on one hand and ROA and ROE on the other is statistically significant. Moreover, the empirical work reveals a slow trade receivables collection across several Macedonian industries which may damage the long-term solvency of companies, especially in times of recession and economic hardship when liquid funds are a must. In conclusion, this study suggests that the liquidity-profitability relationship should be subject to further scholarship having in mind the immense importance that liquidity management has on the financial health and stability of firms.
The Indigenisation Policy and Economic Emancipation in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of the Zimunya-Marange Communities
Authors: Promise Zvavahera , Farai Chigora , Roselyn Tandi
Published: November 2018

This study sought to evaluate the impact of the Indigenisation Policy on the socio-economic emancipation of rural communities in Zimbabwe. A case study approach was taken focusing on the Marange and Zimunya communities in Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe, where diamonds are being mined. Both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were applied to get a balanced view from these two communities on their socio-economic improvement because of the mining of diamonds, which are a valuable natural resource found in these two communities. Purposive sampling was applied to come up with the sample of senior politicians and traditional leaders. Two Focus groups were formed in the two communities. The study established that the five diamond mining companies doing business in the two communities had failed to honour their pledges of contributing USD10 million each towards the development of the two communities. Only USD400 000 was contributed by two mining companies at the time of the study. Ninety five percent (95%) of the respondents reported that there were no projects that were being implemented to benefit the local communities. It was therefore, concluded that there was limited socio-economic empowerment of the Marange-Zimunya communities by the diamond mining companies. The study recommended the intervention by the Government in order for these mining companies to honour their pledges by coming up with empowerment projects and also by allowing the two communities to have shares in these companies so that they could be economically empowered.
The Role of Test Taking Strategies in Improving Omani Students’ Listening Comprehension
Authors: Bulushi Aisha Al , Seyabi Fawzia Al , Al-Busaidi Saleh
Published: November 2018

This quasi-experimental study investigated the effect of using test taking strategies on Omani grade 11 students’ performance in listening comprehension tests. It also documented the perceptions of the students regarding the importance of the test taking strategies in listening comprehension tests and their employment of these strategies in general. The sample of the study included two groups, one control and one experimental, from grade 11 students from a government school in the school year 2016-2017. Two research instruments were used to collect data: a listening comprehension test and a student perceptions questionnaire. Data analysis revealed that the students in the experimental group outperformed their counterparts in the control group in the listening comprehension test. Furthermore, the students in the experimental group perceived using the test taking strategies in the listening comprehension tests as being very important. Also, the results of the questionnaire showed that the students’ use of the various kinds of cognitive, metacognitive, and affective strategies for: before, during, and after the listening ranged from “high” to “very high” degrees of use.
Dynamics of Word of Mouth Marketing in Digital Era
Authors: . .
Published: November 2018

This article has been retracted on June 24, 2020.
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis growth model based on agents: proposal of a tool to aid in decision-making to “In Vitro” experiments
Authors: Moraes Marcilene Fonseca de , Adamatti Diana Francisca
Published: November 2018

Even treatable and preventable with medication, tuberculosis (TB) continues to infect and cause deaths globally, especially in the poorest countries and in most vulnerable areas of the rich countries. Given this situation, the study of the growth curve of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis, can be a strong ally against TB, helping in the development of new drugs or for the development of the theory. This paper describes a study of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth curve and it aims to test hypotheses on data obtained by agent-based simulation with the population mean observed in an experiment in vitro. The tested hypotheses compare the mean of experiments for the first hour of the day. The tests were performed using the Student distribution. We believe that our approach, that use agent-based model, could reproduce Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth curves.
Modelo de previsão hidrológica utilizando redes neurais artificiais: um estudo de caso na bacia do Rio Xingu – Altamira-PA
Authors: Silva Arilson Galdino da , Castro Adriana Rosa Garcez , Vieira Alen Costa
Published: November 2018

O conhecimento acerca da amplitude do transbordamento dos leitos fluviais é extremamente necessário para determinação de áreas de risco. A cidade de Altamira-PA, localizada às margens do rio Xingu, vem sofrendo com casos extremos de cheias que tendem a provocar inundações, resultando em severos prejuízos para a sua população. Considerando o problema, este artigo apresenta a proposta de um sistema de previsão de nível mensal do Rio Xingu baseado em Redes Neurais Artificiais Perceptron de múltiplas camadas. Para o desenvolvimento do sistema foram utilizados dados de precipitação na bacia e sub-bacias do Rio Xingu, e informações de Temperatura da Superfíciedo Mar (TSM) do período de 1979 a 2016. Os resultados satisfatórios obtidos demonstram a grande aplicabilidade das Redes Neurais Artificiais para o problema de previsão de cheias.
Management of daratumumab interference in Portuguese blood transfusion medicine: A literature review about unmet needs and challenges
Authors: Brilhante Dialina , Chabert Teresa , Brites Anabela , Nascimento Fátima , José Rodrigues Maria , António Duran José , Barroso Sérgio , Jaime Rita , Maria Esesumaga Ana
Published: November 2018

Multiple Myeloma is a malignant disease of the bone marrow plasma cells that mainly affects older people, and whose prognosis is reserved on relapsing or refractory disease. The arrival of CD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab into the market allowed an increase in overall survival rate, with limited associated toxicity, for pre-treated multiple myeloma patients. However, this antibody interferes with pre-transfusion tests since erythrocytes also express, even at reduced levels, CD38 receptors. A literature review and discussion about this topic was performed by a board of Portuguese Immuno-hemotherapy experts. Based on the literature review, the mechanisms by which daratumumab interferes with pre-transfusion tests and may mask the presence of irregular antibodies in plasma of treated patients, which may result in difficulties in preparing and delivering results and blood components to be transfused, were identified and discussed. In addition, the applicable strategies in clinical practice to mitigate this interference were identified, namely the denaturing method of CD38 with dithiothreitol, considered an inexpensive, reproducible, reliable and validated technique, although with logistic limitations and should not be ignored. The experts also assessed and discussed the main concerns and priorities of transfusion medicine services, considering the limitations of this technique and its implication in routines for tranfusional support. The experts agreed on the importance of communication between physicians, hematologists, immuno-hemotherapy specialists, nurses and patients, as well as the need to align all methodologies to develop global and universal protocols to the various clinical analysis laboratory centers.
Which patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with induction chemotherapy are most likely to benefit from post-induction chemoradiotherapy?
Authors: Otter Sophie , Chong Irene , Kalaitzaki Ria , Tait Diana
Published: November 2018

Aims: The role of concomitant chemotherapy with radiotherapy (CRT) in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is controversial. The aim of this study was to report the outcomes of patients with LAPC treated with CRT over a 10-year period within a single institution and to identify those patients who derived the most benefit.

Methods: Patients with LAPC who received radical radiotherapy (> 45Gy) between January 2004 – October 2014 were identified. The Electronic Patient Record was reviewed to collect data regarding staging, treatment, response and outcome. The Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods were used to analyse survival outcomes and compare survival rates between groups. Results: 138 patients were identified. Patients who had a response on imaging after induction chemotherapy had a median OS of 17.4 months compared to 10.3 months in non-responders (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35–0.87, p=0.01). At three months post-radiotherapy, patients who had achieved a response on CT had a median OS of 56 months compared to 10.7 months (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12–0.65, p=0.003). However, a reduction in CA19-9 prior to radiotherapy was not significantly associated with progression free survival (PFS) or Overall survival (OS). Patients with a response in CA19-9 levels at 3-months post-radiotherapy compared to baseline had an OS of 19.1 months compared to 10.5 months in non-responders (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.26–0.68, pless than 0.001).

Conclusion: Patients with LAPC who responded to chemotherapy on imaging prior to radiotherapy had improved PFS and OS than non-responders and therefore appeared to benefit the most from CRT. A decrease in CA19-9 prior to radiotherapy was not associated with improved survival and proved less useful for patient selection for CRT.
Extensive human platelet specific antigens typing of blood donors of different geographical origin to manage platelet transfusion in alloimmunized patients: Experience from a transfusion center in Northeastern Italy
Authors: Londero Donatella , Miani Mauro , Rinaldi Cristina , Totis Vivianna , de Angelis Vincenzo
Published: November 2018

Aims: As a consequence of global migration flows the risk of HPA alloimmunization may be increased for recipients of platelets from ethnically diverse donors. In this study, the frequencies of HPA in donors of different geographical origin were determined in a Northeastern Italy Transfusion Department.
Methods: One hundred and ninety-nine apheresis platelet donors, including Europeans (n = 154) and North Africans (n = 29), were enrolled. DNA was extracted with a commercial kit (Bee-Robotic). Extensive HPA genotyping was performed with BloodChip ID HPA (Progenika-Grifols). Chi-squared test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was used to compare frequencies.
Results: The allele a was clearly predominant for HPA 1-11 in both European and North African donors. The allele b was absent for HPA 6-7-8-10-11 in Europeans and for HPA 4-6-7-8-9-10-11 in North Africans. For HPA-15, allele b was more frequent than allele a in North Africans. One case of HPA-4ab and one case of HPA-9abw were detected in Europeans. All HPA genotypes were consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Gene frequencies between both ethnic groups were similar excepting HPA-2 (p = 0.0342).
Conclusion: In our population, there should not be clinically relevant increased risk of post-transfusion purpura or platelet transfusion refractoriness secondary to antibodies to HPAs for recipients of platelet concentrates from blood donors of European and North African ethnicity.
Bem Viver e Ecossocioeconomias: uma síntese
Authors: Sampaio Carlos Alberto Cioce , Parks Craig David , Mantovaneli Jr. Oklinger , Quinlan Robert Joseph , Alcântara Liliane Cristine Schlemer
Published: November 2018

Diante do fenômeno das mudanças climáticas, não faz sentido discutir Bem Viver (BV) subjetivamente, sem correlacioná-lo ao significado de bem comum. O objetivo é dialogar sobre o tema do Bem Viver em perspectiva intergeracional na dialética entre subjetividade e bem comum, homem-natureza, considerados como falsos binômios. Trata-se de um ensaio. O BV, mais do que condição material, socioeducacional e de saúde, é estado particular de felicidade, no qual vigoram padrões culturais distintos. Não se nega abstrair a lógica econômica – na qual o sujeito calcula consequências individuais, mas releva territorialmente o bem comum –, e não é ela hegemônica ou mesmo determinante nos processos de produção e reprodução humana, dos quais resulta o sujeito esvaziado. Por fim, o BV não pode ficar relegado a conquistas de outras gerações ou ainda a um modo de vida “cool”, desresponsabilizado e descontextualizado em relação a gerações futuras. Subjetividade e bem comum podem se reconciliar no plano de uma esfera societária que não seja reduzida a mero cálculo e em que o ser humano não abra mão, nem ao outro (política) nem a si (psique), da produção de caminho ecossocioeconômico, o que constitui uma vida humana associada que não relegue sistemicamente o seu próprio processo de socialização.
O embate entre sociedade e governo na implementação de uma política pública: uma análise sobre a implementação do Programa Escola Cidadã Integral no Município de João Pessoa – PB
Authors: Leite Maria Eduarda Pereira
Published: November 2018

O Governo do Estado da Paraíba, iniciou em 2016, a implementação do Projeto Escola Cidadã Integral nas escolas de nível médio da rede estadual de ensino, cujo objetivo é oferecer um novo modelo de escola pública com organização e funcionamento em tempo integral. Atualmente, o ensino integral já é realidade em 100 escolas em toda a Paraíba, atendendo a aproximadamente 36.000 estudantes. Em João Pessoa, as escolas em tempo integral vêm se consolidando em meio a resistências da comunidade escolar, com a evasão dos alunos das escolas, protestos e paralisações dos professores. A pesquisa em desenvolvimento no Programa de Pós- Graduação em Sociologia da UFPB (mestrado), analisa a percepção dos atores sociais envolvidos que compõem a comunidade escolar em relação a implementação do referido projeto no Município de João Pessoa - PB. Além disso, estão sendo realizadas observações de campo e pesquisa documental. Para este trabalho, trazemos um recorte da pesquisa, onde buscamos identificar as percepções dos atores à realidade social, pressupondo essa realidade como um campo de disputa que apresenta inúmeros percalços a implementação de uma política pública educacional; Palavras – chave: Escola em tempo integral; Implementação; políticas públicas educacionais.
Leaf cuticular wax content is involved in cotton leaf curl virus disease resistance in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Saeed Muhammad , Xianliang Song , Xuezhen Sun , Riaz Muhammad
Published: November 2018

Cotton leaf curl virus disease (CLCuVD) limits cotton production in many cotton growing countries of the world, including Pakistan. In the past, efforts were made to combat this disease by different approaches. Cuticular wax is reported to confer resistance to plants against various biotic and abiotic stresses. Present study was designed to assess the role of cuticular wax content (WC) to resist CLCuVD infestation. The WC of 42 cotton genotypes, originating from various countries (Pakistan, USA, China, etc.), was quantified during two culture periods (2015 & 2016). Cotton germplasm was also scored for % disease index (%DI), seed cotton yield (SCY), number of bolls/plant (NB), and plant height (PHt) for the same culture periods. Significant negative correlation between WC and %DI was found during the two years of experimentation. WC was found positively correlated with SCY and NB. Six cotton genotypes (A-7233, B-557, A-162, BLANCO-3363, CIM-473, and SLH-2010-11) did not show any signs of CLCuVD infestation during both 2015 and 2016. These cotton genotypes contained relatively higher WC. The results from analysis of variance (ANOVA) demonstrated that there were significant differences among genotypes for %DI, WC, SCY, NB, and PHt. These results indicated that WC was involved in resisting CLCuVD and it also had positive effect on plant growth and yield potential. On the basis of these findings, it was concluded that cuticular wax could be used as an indirect criterion for distinguishing and selecting resistant/susceptible cotton genotypes.
Faculty survey of service-learning and its impact on nursing students
Authors: Read Catherine Y. , Krozy Ronna E. , Yarkony Lauren K.
Published: November 2018

Objective: Service-learning experiences (SLEs) help instill cultural competence and prepare nurses for practice with diverse populations in varied settings. This study describes SLE activities implemented by supervising nursing faculty, explores faculty opinions about the importance of those activities to uncover disparities between practice and values, and solicits faculty opinions about the impact of service learning on the students.Methods: An online, quantitative survey collected data from faculty who lead SLEs in US nursing programs. Results: A total of 77 US nursing faculty from 32 states reported on SLEs, 23% of which were located outside of the US.  Pre-experiential, experiential, and post-experiential SLE discussion topics most often included the host community healthcare system, health and economic disparities, cultural norms, and benefits of the SLE. Religious beliefs, poverty tourism, racism, and privilege were discussed less often. Students participated in a variety of nursing-related activities onsite and nearly all faculty required follow up activities. Most faculty agreed that meeting the immediate needs of the host community, building sustainable partnerships with host community, addressing personal growth of the students, and discussing inequities are important aspects of an SLE, although actual implementation of those activities varied. Students feel “changed” after the SLE and become more likely to advocate for the vulnerable and underserved, but can also feel overwhelmed and harbor guilt about inequities.Conclusions: Faculty report a wide range of discussion-based and hands-on activities in the pre-experiential, experiential, and post-experiential phases of the SLE. Overall, faculty believe that service learning positively impacts student development, but feelings of guilt and being overwhelmed can also persist after students return home.
Approaching Unusual Pediatric Distal Humerus Fracture Patterns
Authors: Anari Jason B. , Arkader Alexandre , Spiegel David A. , Baldwin Keith D.
Published: November 2018

Pediatric distal humerus fractures are common, and numerous variations can occur depending on patient's age, position of the extremity at the time of injury, and energy of impact. Classic injury patterns include the flexion/extension supracondylar humerus, medial epicondyle, lateral condyle, and the transphyseal distal humerus. We describe our treatment philosophy for pediatric elbow fractures and how these principles were applied to some unusual fractures that presented to our institution.
Firm Characteristics and Innovation Activity: A Study of Italian Family Firms
Authors: Harasheh Murad , Capocchi Alessandro , Amaduzzi Andrea
Published: November 2018

Increasingly, innovation is seen as a novel leverage tool with which to create business and social value and thereby place its finders and users at a competitive advantage. Contemporary research suggests that the determinants of the innovation activity of firms are numerous. In this paper, we consider the financial and governance characteristics that might influence the innovation activity of a sample of 700 family firms in Italy. Our study was conducted over a 10-year period, from 2007 to 2016, using panel analysis models alongside robustness tests for the lagging effect and the probability regression as well as diagnostic statistics to ensure the use of an appropriate model. The results show that the existence of institutional investors, as a proxy for governance, has a persistent positive relationship with patent value, as a proxy for innovation, but not with the likelihood of being innovative. Moreover, financial indicators such as net working capital, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, debt, and equity are found to explain innovation activity better than other indicators in both the panel and probability regressions. We also find very little significant difference between the sectors and regions featured in the study, suggesting that the relationship among them is quasi-systematic. Concluding the paper, our findings are discussed in relation to their policy implications and suggestions for further research are made.
Starch Film as a Carrier of a Model Drug Substance from the Group of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Wawro Dariusz , Bodek Andrzej , Bodek Kazimiera Henryka
Published: November 2018

The article describes the production of starch film as a carrier of a model drug substance from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). An analgesic/anti- inflammatory drug was put into aqueous starch solution, and next a film was formed. The following solid drug substances were included in the tests: acetylsalicylic acid, salicylic acid, ibuprofen lysine salt, naproxen in the form of acid, and sodium salt. Solutions were obtained from ibuprofen lysine salt and naproxen sodium, whereas the other drugs enabled to obtain aqueous suspensions. Such a drug substance was mixed with aqueous starch solution to obtain a film. Forming a film under laboratory conditions involved spreading aqueous starch solution containing a drug on a flat heated surface and evaporating water. The films obtained were transparent. They were then dried for a period of 24 hours at a temperature of 20 °C and 50% relative air humidity. Next their mechanical properties were studied. Starch films which contained therapeutic substances were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). There were slight differences between the spectra of films containing a drug substance and those of films containing both starch and a drug substance, which implies weak intermolecular reactions. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of cross-sections of the starch films with a drug substance were taken, which indicated their uniform morphological structure. The release rate of the drug from each film to an acetate buffer pH 4.5 (acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid) or phosphate buffer pH 7.38 (ibuprofen lysine salt and naproxen) was determined in vitro with the paddle method. This procedure took up to 90 min. Acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid were almost completely released from the starch film as early as in the first minutes of the procedure, with a maximum value of around 90%. The release of ibuprofen lysine salt and naproxen in the form of acid from the starch film was partial, about 40%. The release of naproxen sodium from the starch film was time-proportional, and there was a tendency towards further release.
Polyurethanes as a Potential Medical-Grade Filament for Use in Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printers – a Brief Review
Authors: Przybytek Agnieszka , Gubańska Iga , Kucińska-Lipka Justyna , Janik Helena
Published: November 2018

The possibility of using 3D printing technology (3DP) in medical field is a kind of revolution in health care. This has contributed to a rapid growth in demand for 3D printers, whose systems and materials are adapted to strict medical requirements. In this paper, we report a brief review of polyurethanes as a potential medical-grade filament for use in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer technology. The advantages of polyurethanes as medical materials and the basic operating principles of FDM printers are presented. The review of present solutions in the market and literature data confirms the large interest in 3D printing technologies for the production of advanced medical devices. In addition, it is shown that thermoplastic-elastomer polyurethanes may be an effective widespread class of material in the market as thermoplastic filament for FDM 3D printers.
Analysis of Openwork Knitwear Used for Hernia Mesh Manufacturing
Authors: Draczyński Zbigniew , Gajek Małgorzata , Gajek Małgorzata , Mikołajczyk Zbigniew , Modrzejewska Zofia , Sujka Witold
Published: November 2018

The paper presents research aimed at the production of mesh implants used in the treatment of abdominal hernias: knitted monofilament fabric, optimal pore diameter min. 75 μm, preferably over 1 mm, mass per unit area – less than 35 g/m2. The influence of differentiation factors on mechanical parameters of the knitted fabrics was analysed. Seven variants were produced varying in the weave, linear mass of yarn and accuracy. The knitted fabrics were subjected to thermal or thermo-mechanical treatment in a two-stage process. The data obtained were analysed using parametric statistical tests. It was shown that in order to obtain an appropriate ratio of surface mass to mechanical strength at the break/size of pores, it is necessary to use a braid which allows to obtain uniformity of the pores. The braid shall be made of low-precision material and of extra linear mass. It is possible to model the strength parameters with the help of the accuracy and/or thermal treatment. The treatment has less influence on the strength parameters. The use of mechanical treatment during thermal stabilisation significantly affects the elasticity of the knitted fabric without having a significant impact on the strength of the knitted fabric.
Embedded Electronic Jacquard Guide Bar: A New Approach to Warp Knitting Using the Machine Jacquard Control System
Authors: Ren Wen , Lai Sencai
Published: November 2018

A fluorine-containing acrylate copolymer emulsion was prepared in this study, which was The jacquard control system is one of the crucial parts of a warp knitting machine. In this paper, we present a new jacquard control scheme called the embedded electronic jacquard guide bar (EEJGB). In this scheme, the Micro-Controller Unit (MCU), jacquard driver circuit, DC powers, and communication interfaces are integrated to achieve a simple structure, high reliability as well as ease of installation and maintenance. Specifically an innovative communication strategy with the advantages of fault tolerance and automatic addressing based on the Modbus serial bus is formulated. This paper describes the design of the hardware structure, communication methods of EEJGB, and printed circuit board (PCB), provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the method proposed.
Ukeprøva – en sentral, men uutforska teksttype i skolen
Authors: Flaten Tom , Vollan Magnhild
Published: November 2018

I artikkelen presenteres karakteristiske trekk ved ukeprøva, som brukes som del av skolens vurderingsarbeid. Ukeprøva er en mye brukt teksttype som er gjenstand for sterk debatt, både i og utenfor skolen. Studien er basert på nærstudium av et materiale som består av 42 ukeprøver, med særlig vekt på innholdsmessige, formmessige og funksjonelle trekk. Resultata av analysen presenteres i to hoveddeler. Først anlegges et heilhetsperspektiv med vekt på gjennomgående fellestrekk der en gjør greie for fire typiske komponenter og tre ukeprøvetyper. Deretter anlegges et fagperspektiv med vekt på interessante funn for hvert av de seks faga som forekommer på ukeprøvene i materialet. Hovedfunnet er at det er ganske stor variasjon når det gjelder form og innhold, men at variasjonen er mindre når det gjelder funksjon. De fleste oppgavene er lukka kortsvarsoppgaver med tydelig kontrollfunksjon. Etter ei kort drøfting av prøvas betydning i skolesammenheng settes ukeprøva som teksttype inn i en videre samfunnssammenheng.In this article we present the weekly test which is used as a part of the assessment of pupils in primary schools. The weekly test is a much used type of text, and the test is widely debated both within the school and outside.The study object consists of 42 weekly tests, and the study has emphasis on terms of form, content and function. The results of the analysis is presented in two main parts. Firstly we present an overall perspective, where we account for four typical components of the weekly tests and three types of weekly tests. Secondly we look at interesting findings for each of the six subjects that are represented in the material. The study’s main findings are that there is great variation in terms of form and content in the weekly tests, while the variation is less in terms of function. Many of the questions in the tests are closed-ended questions with an evident control function. After a brief discussion of the importance of these tests in the school context, we discuss the weekly test in a wider context
Kartlegging, kos og kontroll. En kritisk analyse av TRAS-skjemaet som multimodal tekst
Authors: Kvåle Gunhild
Published: November 2018

I løpet av de siste 15 åra har skjemabasert kartlegging av barns språkutvikling blitt vanlig i norske barnehager, noe som har skapt mye samfunnsdebatt. Det mest brukte verktøyet kalles TRAS, der TRAS-skjemaet er den sentrale komponenten, og derfor har stor innflytelse. Artikkelen undersøker TRAS-skjemaet som multimodal tekst fra et kritisk diskursanalytisk perspektiv, med fokus på hvordan skjemaets multimodale utforming posisjonerer skjemabrukerne til å innta bestemte holdninger, forståelsesmåter og roller. Artikkelen identifiserer fem henvendelsesmåter – faglighetsformende, kontrollerende, barnliggjørende, refleksjonsretta og byråkratiorienterte henvendelser – og presenterer kritiske analyser av hvordan de fem henvendelsesformene kommer til uttrykk og former den sosiale relasjonen mellom skjemaprodusent og skjemabrukere. Den avsluttende diskusjonen argumenterer for at TRAS-skjemaets utforming gir lite tillit til barnehagelærerprofesjonen, at det er utforma som et måleredskap snarere enn som et observasjonsverktøy, og at det har et multimodalt format som gjør skjemat særlig velegnet for kommunikasjon til utdanningsbyråkratiet. Norwegian kindergartens have for the past 15 years increasingly been using standardized forms for registering children´s language development, and this change has caused a lot of public debate. The most used registration tool is called TRAS, which principal component is the TRAS form. This article investigates the influential TRAS form as a multimodal text from the perspective of critical discourse analysis, with a focus on how the multimodality of the form invites users to share certain social attitudes, roles, and views. The article identifies five kinds of “addressings” in the form – subject-shaping, controlling, childish-making, reflection-oriented, and bureaucratic-oriented addressings – and presents critical analysis of how these are expressed and how they contribute to shaping the social relation between form producer and form users. The discussion argues that the multimodal TRAS form gives little trust to the profession of kindergarten teachers, is guised as a measurement tool rather than an observational resource, and that its multimodal format gives preference to communication of management information.
Prøver, måling og og evaluering – pedagogiske utviklingsverktøy eller måleredskaper? Et kritisk perspektiv på vurderende og dokumenterende sakprosa i skole og barnehage
Authors: Höög Catharina Nyström , Kvåle Gunhild
Published: November 2018

Lederartikkelen gir en presentasjon av temanummeret Evalueringens sakprosa. Seks studier av evaluerende tekster i barnehage og skole og setter temaet i et kritisk perspektiv. Det slås fast at temanummerets artikler spenner fra det deskriptive til det kritisk-normative, fra det elevorienterte til det byråkratiorientere, og fra fokus på tekst til fokus på sosial praksis.The editorial article is a presentation of the theme issue Evaluation saksprosa. Six studies of evaluative texts in kindergarten and school and situates the topic in a critical perspective. The editors state that the theme number's articles range from the descriptive to the critical-normative, from the student-oriented to the bureaucracy-oriented, and from the focus on text to the focus on social practice.
Pelocorrientes de las Eoleanitas Mesozoicas en el Norte Uruguayo
Authors: Ferrando Lorenzo A. , Andreis Renato R. , Rolon Alberto
Published: November 2018

Paleocurrents of the Triassic-Jurasic eoleanites from the final units of the Cuenca deI Paraná Gondwanic sedimentation has been characterized as result of 1/100.000 survey at the Uruguayan frontier belt, delimited by Rivera City, Capón Alto Place, and 27 road.Cuchilla Ombú formation, possible aged Medium Triassic, presents SE mean orientation; eolic facies of Tacuarembó formation has principal component to ENE, and a great dominance of the NE direction at the upper Formation Rivera.
Alteração hidrotermal de preenchimento de um veio de Rocha Basáltica associada às ametistas - Vila São Gabriel/Planalto, Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Scopel Rejane Maria , Formoso Milton Luiz Laquintinie , Meurnier Alain , Dudoignon Patrick
Published: November 2018

Clay minerals, zeolites, calcite and silica (quartz, opal and chalcedony) are the most common hydrothermal alteration products of the basalts with veins in São Gabriel (Planalto) Region. The petrographic and geochemical studies led to the identification of the secondary phases which fill the veins. From the border to the centre, the filling of the veins comprises: a) brown clay mineral (ferri-montmorillonite), b) prismatic zeolite (heulandite) and/or fibro-radiated saponite/chlorite, and c) interstratiphied saponite/chlorite.
Análogo quadrupolar para a Fase Nemática
Authors: Lobo Cesar De Oliveira , Santos Vitor Hugo F.
Published: November 2018

We obtained a full hamiltonian to the nematic phase of liquid crystals, whic his analog to the Ising model for a system of spin-1 particles. In this hamiltonian we considered that the main interations are quadripole-like and that they are wehkly coupled to an uniform and transverse electric or magnectic external field.
Perfil sócio-econômico-cultural dos aprovados ao curso de Ciências - Licenciatura de 1º grau
Authors: Santos Solange Capaverde , Santos Rubem Pereira dos
Published: November 2018

The teaching of sciences needs to be the agent to promote the understanding and dealing with nature, projetcting a better future through observation of the natural phenomena. At UFSM, a public institution, the candidate disponibility rate at the school of sciences is bellow one, expressing a low attractiveness when comparing with a general rate of six candidates approximately for each disponibility for alI carriers available. Only the enhancement of teaching sciences will stimulate young people to think, discusse and to test their observations appropriately. Following this way will avoid the consequente marginalization in a society that cannot any more accept continue at this leveI of technological and scientific dependence. We have been worried about some of the aspects of the university social roles, the looks toward the educational democratization, in the sense of making it acessible to varions social levels, specially of the analizad new students doesn't exert remunerated activities, normally they come from public highschools and are from families with income bellow four minimum salaries. The number of students concluding the sciences course has sherphy decressed, while droping out and failings have increased systematically. It is necessary to develop a critical thinking in teaching sciences in a as large as possible group ps people, since the future society will be rulled by the ones who have learnt this universal language. We cannot minimizate the chance to graduate good professionals to bring up and to promote, beginning at elementary schools, the interest for science, taking the path of analytical though, developing concepts and scientific criteria, increasing the science value itself.
Os testes não-paramétricos g e qui-quadrado e suas aproximações
Authors: Scremin Marcos A. Antonello , Ethur Anaelena B. de Morais , Camargo Maria Emília
Published: November 2018

In this paper we show from where became and the aproach of a alternative to the few published no-parametric test, knowed chis-quare in the literature as G test. By deduction, we research the origin of this statistics and the aproach of the statistics of chi-square that is used at the hypothesis tests.
Novo método extrativo de um produto natural
Authors: Pagliosa Frida Maciel , Daudt Carlos Eugênio , Werle Alceni Augusta , Silva Maria Cladis Mezzomo da
Published: November 2018

D-tartaric acid is very commom in the vegetal kingdon and its consumption in Brazil is very large. Tartaric acid was analyzed by the O.I.V. (Office International de Ias Vigne ed du Vin) method. The usual extraction procedures from wine and vine byproducts give a low yield. A new methodology of extration, called Mixed Method is proposed; its basead on pH controI of the tartaric liquid, alI the way until crystals are formed.
Espécie-especificidade das vespas de figo: um estudo com figueiras exóticas
Authors: Figueiredo Rodolfo Antônio de
Published: November 2018

The figs are dependent on wasps of the Family Agaonidae for pollination of their flowers. As there is some discussion about the species-specifity of Agaonidae and Ficus, this study with exotic figs was carried out. There was no found any pollinator wasp in the figs studied. Only F. microcarpa, a native of South Asia and Australia, was pollinated by the same wasp species that occur in its native area. These results suggest the species-specificity for figs and pollinator wasps.
Mark Hovell’s Letters from Leipzig, 1912–13
Authors: Godden Christopher
Published: November 2018

During the academic year 1912–13, Mark Hovell studied and taught at
Professor Karl Lamprecht’s Institut für Kultur- und
Universalgeschichte (Institute for Cultural and Universal History) in Leipzig.
During his time there, Hovell wrote regularly to his fiancée, Fanny
Gately, and to his mentor, Professor Thomas Tout. This article focuses on
several of Hovell’s letters held at the John Rylands Library, presenting
his thoughts and observations on aspects of social, political and academic life
in Germany shortly before the outbreak of the First World War.