bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artikel: Health Information Dissemination in the Information Age: Media, Messages and Roles
Authors: Wigand Rolf T. , Klee Hans-Dieter
Published: November 2016

Understanding the priorities and workings of the mass media are a prerequisite to gaining the attention of the media and, more importantly, the cooperation of those who control access to media space and time. In addition, one needs to understand information and news filtering and gate-keeping functions carried out by the media. It is also essential to understand the interplay between reporters and their news sources and the fact that both entities have their specific priorities and agenda. In the United States of America the media’s behavior may be viewed and understood, at least in part, as the journalistic performance and exercise in the principles of the First Amendment within the Constitution. Simultaneously though the media are part of the free enterprise system, implying that they are a business whose primary motivation is to maximize profits and minimally to survive as an organization. The media, however, are not in the business of health care, medicine or public health. This contribution characterizes the health information setting in the United States of America. Relevant research has demonstrated that in the process of gaining health information by the consumer, food producers can be highly successful in influencing food-purchasing behavior and thus may have an influence on health and eating behavior. Among the issues addressed here are scientific alarmism, information confusion, disinformation, misinformation and the often resultant paradoxical behavior exhibited by the public. The knowledge gap-hypothesis is explored with regard to its appropriateness in this setting. Researchers found that short, unequivocal and positive media messages - so-called magic bullets - addressing single and relatively simple behaviors can be highly effective and that whatever advice is given should be uncomplicated and negative elements associated with the message should be avoided.

It is important for scientists, medical experts and nutritionists, the media and food producers to realize that they all play a vital role in achieving broad-scale health behavior. They need to cooperate and work together to produce a set of clear, consistent, focused and positive messages based on current scientific knowledge and trends. Only then can such recommendations be communicated, understood and acted upon by the public. It is especially important to educate and inform children properly about the appropriate judgement and analysis of advertised messages pertaining to health and eating behavior questions.
„Leichter leben“
Authors: Lingelbach Dieter
Published: November 2016

Zusammenfassung der Diskussion

In der sich anschließenden Diskussion wurde zunächst darauf aufmerksam gemacht, daß es in der Bundesrepublik etwa fünf Millionen Diabetiker gibt, was ca. 5% der Bevölkerung entspricht. Hiervon sind ca. 10% sogenannte Jung- oder Typ I-Diabetiker und 90% Altersdiabetiker. Obwohl im klinischen Bereich sehr viel für Diabetiker getan werde - es wurde insbesondere auf das „Düsseldorfer Modell“ hingewiesen - seien aus Sicht von Lingelbach von den 20.000 Apotheken in der Bundesrepublik lediglich 1000-2000 in der Lage, mit dieser Patientengruppe ein fachkundiges Gespräch zu führen. Dementsprechend werde in „leichter leben“ auf Adressen von Beratungsstellen und Selbsthilfegruppen hingewiesen. Allerdings sei juristisch noch nicht hinreichend geklärt, ob das vorgestellte Projekt auch den Anforderungen des Heilmittelgesetztes genügt, da es sich bei dem Produkt, dem die Miniillustrierte beigelegt ist, um ein Diagnostikum und nicht um ein Arzneimittel handelt.
Analysis of a Nonlinear Model of Heat Transfer Through a Rectangular Fin: Exact Solutions and Their Multiplicity
Authors: Danish Mohammad , Kumar Shashi , Kumar Surendra
Published: November 2016

Exact analytical solutions for the temperature profile and the efficiency of a nonlinear rectangular fin model have been obtained in the forms of well-known algebraic/non-algebraic functions. In the considered nonlinear fin model, the thermal conductivity and the heat transfer coefficient have been assumed to vary as distinct power-law functions of temperature thereby yielding a nonlinear BVP in a 2nd order ODE (ordinary differential equation). These exact solutions have been obtained by employing the derivative substitution method which not only include the solutions of previously studied simplified cases of the same problem but also the solutions of a similar problem of reaction-diffusion process occurring in a porous catalyst slab. These exact solutions have been successfully validated against their numerical counterparts. Besides, effects of various parameters on the obtained solutions have been studied, and the conditions for their existence, uniqueness/multiplicity and stability/instability are analyzed and discussed in detail.
On the number of sum-free sets in a segment of positive integers
Authors: Omelyanov K. G. , Sapozhenko A. A.
Published: November 2016

A set A of integers is called sum-free if a + b ∉ A for any a, b ∈ A. For an arbitrary Ɛ > 0, let sƐ(n) denote the number of sum-free sets in the segment [(1/4 + Ɛ)n, n]. We prove that for any Ɛ > 0 there exists a constant c = c(Ɛ) such that

sƐ(n) ≤ c2n/2.

This research was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, grant 01-01-00266.
On the number of bijunctive functions invariant with respect to a given permutation
Authors: Roldugin P. V. , Tarasov A. V.
Published: November 2016

The class of Boolean bijunctive functions is one of the Sheffer classes. The main property which makes investigations of bijunctive functions important is the property that the problem of testing the consistency of a system of equations over a Sheffer class of functions is of a polynomial complexity (see, for example, [1-4]). In this paper, we estimate the number of bijunctive functions containing a given permutation in their inertia groups with respect to the symmetric group. In particular, we describe properties and find the number of bijunctive functions invariant with respect to a unicyclic permutation of the variables.
Double exponential law for maximal branching processes
Authors: Lebedev A. V.
Published: November 2016

We consider maximal branching processes defined by the recurrence relation

where ⋁ stands for the operation of taking maximum, ξm,n, m ≥ 1, n ≥ 0, are independent with distribution function F on ℤ+.

We prove limit theorems for stationary distributions of the processes{[Zn
(ℕ)} with the distribution functions F(ℕ) (x) = F(ℕ) (x) as ℕ →∞ in the case where F belongs to the domain of attraction of the double exponential law.

This research was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, grant 00-01-00131.
The effect of growth regulators on post-harvest Alchemilla mollis (Bauser) Rothm. leaf longevity
Authors: Janowska Beata , Andrzejak Roman , Jakubowska Patrycja , Antkowiak Agnieszka , Nawrot Daria , Krzaczkowska Anna
Published: November 2016

Leaves of Alchemilla mollis (Bauser) Rothm. were the subject of the study. The leaves were harvested early in the morning from the department’s ornamental plant collection. Selected leaves were fully-developed and showed no signs of damage or discolouring. Gibberellic acid (GA3), benzyladenine (BA), meta-methoxytopolin (MemT) and its riboside (MemTR) at concentrations of 25, 50 and 75 mg dm−3 were applied in the form of solutions to four-hour leaf-conditioning in the room at a temperature of 18-20°C. After conditioning, the leaves were placed in distilled water. Leaves put into distilled water immediately after cutting served as the control. The post-harvest longevity of leaves of Alchemilla mollis was 7.2-11.8 days. The conditioning of leaves in gibberellic acid solutions at concentrations of 25-50 mg dm−3, benzyladenine at concentrations of 25 mg dm−3 and meta-methoxytopolin and its riboside at concentrations of 75 mg dm−3 extended the post-harvest longevity of leaves by 10.1-81.9%. The conditioning of leaves in gibberellic acid at a concentration of 50 mg dm−3 inhibited the degradation of chlorophyll, as indicated by the highest SPAD index values.
Donald Trump and the Scourge of Populism
Authors: Kenneth White John
Published: November 2016

Populism is a means of speaking to voters, a mode of speech that Michael Kazin once called “the populist persuasion.” During times of economic stress and cultural change, populism often becomes a popular means of communication, and has been used by aspirants for the presidency ranging from William Jennings Bryan to Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. It is particularly potent when conditions exist that refute historian John Crozier’s description of the American polity as resting on a “gently graded prosperity.” The lack of any “gently graded prosperity” in 2016 fueled the candidacies of Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. This article focuses on Trump, noting his penchant for action, not adherence to conservative principles or Republican party orthodoxy. The “scourge” Donald Trump’s populism, like his predecessors is that he blames the “other” for the failures of American government and the inability of those who aspire to achieve the American Dream from achieving their goals. This is the scourge of populist candidates who have led their respective parties to ultimate defeat and repudiation. In Trump’s case, blaming Hispanics and immigrants for the country’s problems is a scourge that will take the Republican party years to recover from once the 2016 election is over and the ballots counted.
Ursprung und Ausbreitung der Indogermanen: Alternative Erklärungsmodelle
Authors: Häusler Alexander
Published: November 2016

Die Verbreitung der indogermanischen Sprachen wird häufig auf die Ausbreitung der Kultur (Urkultur) einer konkreten Menschengruppe, der Indogermanen, aus einer Urheimat (Primärheimat) zurückgeführt. Nach Ansicht des Autors ist es nicht möglich, eine solche Urkultur zu ermitteln und in Raum und Zeit festzulegen. Die beliebten Migrationshypothesen entfallen aus sachlichen Gründen; ein Erklärungsmodell von B. Schlerath läßt sich archäologisch ebenfalls nicht verifizieren. Auf der Suche nach Alternativmodellen werden die Konzeptionen von W. P. Schmid und J. Udolph, N. S. Trubetzkoy und K. Wiik erörtert. Sie kommen ohne Migrationsmodelle aus und stehen nicht im Widerspruch zu den anthropologischen und archäologischen Befunden. Bei Akzeptanz einer von J. Robb vorgenommenen Computersimulation lassen sich die genannten Vorstellungen (mit Ausnahme der Trubetzkoy-Konzeption) weitgehend miteinander kombinieren. In einem Anhang wird auf einige Hypothesen von Th. Vennemann über die alten Kulturverhältnisse im nördlichen Mitteleuropa und deren sprachlichen Auswirkungen eingegangen.
Evolutionary Algorithm-Based Multi-objective Control Scheme for Food Drying Process
Authors: Manonmani A. , Thyagarajan T. , Sutha S.
Published: November 2016

Food drying is one of the important methods to prevent microbial growth during preservation. However, it is a complex non-linear process where the quality of the food depends on environmental conditions. Therefore, food drying must be carried out under controlled environment. In this paper, an internal model control (IMC) scheme is developed for pineapple drying using the evolutionary algorithms namely: genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to achieve the desired quality (single objective). In order to reduce the control effort and hence the cost, without compromising the desired quality, a multi-objective control scheme is also formulated using weighted sum method. The closed loop performance of the control scheme for GA-based IMC-PI controller and PSO-based IMC-PI controller are analyzed for servo and regulatory operations. The results thus obtained are compared both qualitatively and quantitatively. From the simulation results it is observed that PSO-based IMC-PI controller gives better performance and better range of the temperature compared to the other control schemes.
Pilot Project of M-Learning
Authors: Zeman Tomáš , Hrad Jaromír , Nevosad Marek
Published: November 2016

The article offers an insight into specific features of mobile e-learning (m-learning) in terms of technical implementation, available platforms and their related problems, and evaluates the practical experience. It also summarizes reasons for introduction of mobile learning and analyzes available options for its technical implementation. Specific example is used to demonstrate practical use of m-learning courses - learning of English language for a defined group of recipients within an international Leonardo da Vinci pilot project “M-Learning for the Young People (Students) at Risk Groups (MLARG)”. Substantial part of the text is dedicated to the analysis of typical functions available in an m-learning system and to the discussion about its advantages, disadvantages and limitations, mainly in relation to the properties and features of conventional e-learning environments. The expected development of m-learning technologies is outlined in the context of modern learning method.
ICT on four Levels of Inquiry-Based Science Education in Environmental Education
Authors: Přinosilová Jana , Mechlová Erika , Kubicová Svatava
Published: November 2016

Inquiry in the natural sciences is an often used term. Inquiry-Based Science Education with the support of sophisticated ICT lacking. Inquiry-Based Science Education has clearly defined its four levels, in particular the use of teaching depends on the particular pupils and teachers. This learning strategy can thus rendering the various options and the use of ICT available at the school. The following article's focus is on a selection of specific technologies available and used at a primary school in connection with the different levels of Inquiry-Based Science Education and the extent of its involvement. The paper also describes social elaborated topic of environmental education in the sample worksheet for elementary school pupils.
The Development of Computer Competencies Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Grudzień Jacek
Published: November 2016

The paper informs about possibilities how to improve educational process with the help of artificial intelligence. Theoretical part provides an overview of the development of cognitive research on feed-forward neural networks (perceptrons) and teaching support systems. It expresses the preconditions, expected results, concepts, objectives, hypotheses and research methods of the thesis. The practical part describes the construction of a complete teaching system based on the original GLM (Grudzień Learning Module). This module, which contains elements of artificial intelligence, served to achieve the main objective of the experiment and to compare the effects of conventional teaching and individualized instruction based on the proposed methodology. Further part of the paper describes the course of the experiment, pedagogical discussion of results, conclusions and observations. The benefits of the scientific results of the experiment, expandability of the system and subsequent works are mentioned as well.
Is Python an Appropriate Programming Language for Teaching Programming in Secondary Schools?
Authors: Mészárosová Eva
Published: November 2016

A variety of programming languages are used to teach fundamentals of programming in secondary schools in Slovakia. Nowadays, we observe a new trend, the Python language gaining ground. In our paper we evaluate the interviews, in which we asked teachers with years of pedagogical experience, what the reasons for selecting a particular programming language where. By analysing the responses we learn about their experience with teaching programming and create a list of the important elements in the selection of the most suitable programming language for secondary school students. We will seek an answer for the question whether the Python programming language is appropriate for all secondary school students.
Bebras Contest for the Blind Analysis of Tasks for the Blind Pupils at Lower Grades of Secondary Education
Authors: Kováčová Natália , Jašková Ľudmila
Published: November 2016

The Bebras contest has become an essential part of school informatics in 30 countries all around the world. However, not all pupils can participate, especially some pupils with special educational needs. We have been doing a research in the area of teaching computer science with focus on the blind pupils (Jašková, 2013). We think that also these pupils should develop their informatics skills. Because the Bebras contest offers number of interesting informatics tasks, we have decided to explore the possibilities of making this contest available also for the blind pupils. The tasks used for this category of pupils were adjusted from the original ones suggested for intact pupils. In the article we present some of them with the description of adjustments that were needed to be done in order to make these tasks available for the blind pupils. We also compare the results of both, intact pupils and the blind pupils. Finally we analyse factors that can have an influence on success rate of the blind pupils and we offer some recommendations for making the suitable tasks.
Programming with Motion Sensor Using Lego WeDo at Lower Secondary School
Authors: Veselovská Michaela , Mayerová Karolína
Published: November 2016

Educational robotics has become one of the popular and motivational tools of learning for mostly science and technology oriented classes. Its application in teaching specific subject is not very simple. Initiative teachers have encountered many questions, which include the selection and development of specific types of activities that can allow students to extensively utilize the potential of the selected robotic kit. In our research we have been working with educational robotics in informatics at lower secondary school. In this paper we focus on the fifth grade students, which worked with robotic kit LEGO WeDo. We analysed different types of activities, where pupils were programming the robotic model with usage of motion sensor. Our aim was to identify what types of activities the pupils resolved correctly and in what types of activities pupils most often made mistakes. In pursuit of that, we can create a more concise and easier to understand version of tasks to program the robotic model. These activities are part of the curriculum with educational robotics, which we have been developing within our doctoral research. We have been conducting design base research within we chose qualitative methods of data collection and data analysis. Based on data analysis, we found that in most cases pupils solved prepared tasks, in which they worked with programs from the worksheets (modifying the program, explaining the differences between the two programs and completing programs). Pupils mostly made mistakes in explaining a particular program and in creating a certain sequence of commands in program. In the next phase of our research we are going to modify mentioned activities so pupils can better acquire problem solving skills, programming skills and communication and collaboration skills.
Dynamic Geometry Systems in Mathematics Education: Attitudes of Teachers
Authors: Molnár Pavel , Lukáč Stanislav
Published: November 2016

At present, the innovative trends in education are also often associated with the integration of ICT into the teaching process. The relationship between mathematics, teaching and computers are long-standing and complex. The actual practice of mathematics has changed its nature considerably because of the availability of powerful computers, both in the workplace and on researches’ desks. Several software systems are available for mathematics teachers, among which have dynamic geometry systems a significant presence. Although various forms of education for teachers are currently organized and teachers have at their disposal a variety of learning materials and ideas for teaching, it is questionable to what extent these factors are reflected in school practice. The article describes a survey which was aimed to assess the state of the use of dynamic geometry systems in mathematics teaching at elementary and secondary schools and to find out teachers’ views about suitability and possibilities of using it to improve mathematics education. The survey was conducted by questionnaire and subsequently also by interviews with teachers.
Adaptive E-Learning: From Theory to Practice
Authors: Šarmanová Jana , Kostolányová Kateřina
Published: November 2016

The theory of adaptive e-learning - the principles of which were published in a monograph (Kostolányová, 2012) - is being developed at the Pedagogical Faculty of the University of Ostrava. However, the verification of the theory in pedagogical practice required much further work, both research and routine. This paper presents the results of several years’ work of researchers, particularly the development of the adaptive LMS, the proposition and implementation of an expert system for the management of the Virtual Teacher, realized pedagogical experiments concerning the system and further development of the theory.
ICT Teachers, Social Network Sites and Online Privacy
Authors: Šimandl Václav
Published: November 2016

The article looks at primary and secondary ICT teachers’ attitude to social network sites and privacy protection on the Internet. Attention is devoted to student-teacher friendships within online network sites. The study includes a description of specific habits as well as a discussion of how teachers make decisions and what influences them.

The research has used in-depth semi-structured interviews, focusing on ICT teachers with differing views on the issue in question. Our investigations have been supported by triangulation, which involved accessing information about given teachers on social network sites. Data gained from interviews and triangulation has been processed using open coding.

The results of our investigation show that teachers appreciate SNS because of the possibility to communicate and keep in touch with people they know, including former pupils. Teachers are concerned about the risks associated with using SNS, particularly security and privacy risks, and they feel even more under threat due to their occupation. Some teachers decided not to reject their pupils’ friend requests for educational reasons, claiming SNS serve as a channel of communication to support teaching and learning.
ISIS, Jihad and Indonesian Law: Legal Impacts of the January 2016 Jakarta Terrorist Attacks
Authors: Fenton Adam , Price David
Published: November 2016

A terrorist attack in Jalan Thamrin Central Jakarta on 14 January 2016, killed eight people, including the four attackers, and injured over 20 others. While the attack was amateurish and failed to achieve the mass casualties no doubt sought by the planners, it successfully garnered considerable media coverage and galvanised Indonesia’s policy and law makers to act on revisions to the country’s anti-terrorism laws. The paper discusses the attack itself, which reveals aspects of current terrorist strategies, transnational planning, funding and communications, and links to ISIS. It argues that the attack illustrates weaknesses in Indonesia’s treatment of convicted terrorists, notably in sentencing, corrections and rehabilitation. The paper then discusses the role of the media and securitization theory to explain the timing and momentum for law reform. It concludes with a discussion of likely revisions to the terrorism laws, including possible significantly increased police powers and a potential role for the Indonesian military in counter-terrorism operations unprecedented in the post-
Children’s Active Play Imagery and Its Association with Personal and Social Skills and Self-Confidence
Authors: Guerrero Michelle D. , Hoffmann Matt D. , J. Munroe-Chandler Krista
Published: November 2016

The purpose of the current study was twofold. The first purpose was to examine the relationship between children’s active play imagery and personal and social skills. The second purpose was to examine the relationship between children’s active play imagery and self-confidence. A total of 105 male and female children (Mage
=9.84, SD=1.41) were recruited from various summer programs, and completed inventories that assessed their active play imagery (i. e., capability, social, and fun), personal and social skills, and self-confidence. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that all three types of active play imagery (social, capability, and fun) were positively and significantly related to personal and social skills, with social imagery accounting for the most variance. Further, regression analysis showed that both fun and capability imagery were positively and significantly associated with self-confidence, with fun imagery accounting for the most variance. This study highlights the usefulness of imagery in fostering children’s personal and social skills as well as self-confidence.
Measurements. Pulse Dispersion Measurements on Concatenated Cabled Optical Fibers at 1.3 μm
Authors: Bjerkan L.
Published: November 2016

Time domain measurements of the bandwidth of concatenated cabled optical fibers at 1.3 μm has been carried out on two different cable constructions. Both time domain and frequency domain analysis are presented.

For one cable type containing fibers exhibiting smooth frequency characteristics a concatenation exponent γ = 0.66 was found for a 9.5 km length of concatenated fibers. For the other cable type containing some fibers with irregular frequency characteristics such a fit was not possible for a 24 km length of concatenated fibers but an exponent γ = 0.65 could be fit to the last 14 km. Two splicing procedures were employed on the latter cable type, but no appreciable difference in the results was observed. When the frequency characteristic was regular the 3 dB optical bandwidth of the spliced fiber sections was found to be inversely proportional to therms pulse width broadening.

The bandwidth-pulsewidth product agreed with results obtained for Gaussian pulse shapes for one cable type and hyperbolic secant pulse shapes for the other cable type.
Modal Noise. The Influence of Modal Noise on a Digital 1.3 μm Optical Transmission System
Authors: Koester W. , Strobel O.
Published: November 2016

The performance increase of optical transmission systems creates new problems like optical feedback and modal noise. It is very important to overcome these problems especially in systems composed by a lot of single optical elements. In this paper we describe a new method to determine the degree of mode selectivity produced by these devices. A simple model for modal noise description together with experimental results are presented.
Lasers. Characterization of Laser Diodes by Measuring the Speckle Contrast at the End of a Multimode Fiber
Authors: Schmid P. , Stephan W.
Published: November 2016

A novel and simple method is described to characterize semiconductor lasers which may produce excessive modal noise in a transmission system. The method is based on an analysis of the speckle contrast at the end of a suitable length of multimode fiber. An optimal length of measuring fiber is calculated and verified experimentally. The qualitative dependence of speckle contrast on fiber length is shown. The measured speckle contrast allows to define an “effective” number of laser spectral lines accounting for the modal noise.
Linewidth Stabilization of Semiconductor Lasers in an External Cavity
Authors: Nielsen C. J. , Osmundsen J. H.
Published: November 2016

An automatic linewidth control loop which provides stable optimum linewidth reduction and single cavity mode operation of an external cavity semiconductor laser is presented. Stable linewidth reduction from 70 MHz to below 2 MHz is obtained for a 1.3 μm BH-laser, whereas simultaneous mean frequency stabilization to within 1 kHz and linewidth reduction from 17 MHz to 1.6 MHz is demonstrated for an 830 nm CSP-laser.
Simultaneous Wavelength and Power Stabilization of a GaAlAs Semiconductor Laser Applying a Single Detector Scheme
Authors: Strobel O.
Published: November 2016

A new detection method has been realized for laser wavelength and power control. A single detector scheme gives simultaneous response of occuring changes in the two laser output parameters of interest. Experimental results showing a wavelength and power stabilization of 10-9 and 10-3, respectively, are presented.
Coupling. Non-Symmetric Behaviour of a Joint Between Multimode Fibers
Authors: Cancellieri G. , Ravaioli U.
Published: November 2016

When two different multimode fibers are jointed together, mode mixing and mode filtering take place, with different characteristics in the two directions, leading to a non-symmetric behaviour. A detailed analysis of the power transitions among the guided modes at the joint is presented here. Explicit formulas for coupling efficiency and intermodal dispersion compensation are derived. The intentional mode mixing which is produced by suitable beam-launchers, in order to reach an optical power distribution independent of that of the optical source, is also investigated.
Measurements. Accuracy Improvement of the Refracted Near-Field Method by Laser Cavity Stabilization
Authors: Hillerich B.
Published: November 2016

For accurate refractive-index profile measurements of optical fibers with the refracted near-field method the output signal of the instrument has to be extremely stable. It has been found that some instability is caused by beam shifts due to “mode sweeping” in the laser resonator. By active stabilization of the laser cavity the residual fluctuations are reduced to 10-4.
Receivers. Receiver Performance in Noise and ISI for Fiber Optic Communication System
Authors: Jain V. K. , Gupta H. M. , Anand V. A.
Published: November 2016

In this paper the performance of a digital optical receiver consisting of an avalanche photodiode has been evaluated in the presence of noise and the intersymbol interference (ISI). The ISI levels have been computed for a multimode step index fiber for various lengths and data rates and the results are presented in the graphical form. Improvement in the receiver performance with an equalizer has also been worked out.
Design and Performance Investigation for the Optical Combinational Networks at High Data Rate
Authors: Tripathi Devendra Kr.
Published: November 2016

This article explores performance study for optical combinational designs based on nonlinear characteristics with semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA). Two configurations for optical half-adder with non-return-to-zero modulation pattern altogether with Mach–Zehnder modulator, interferometer at 50-Gbps data rate have been successfully realized. Accordingly, SUM and CARRY outputs have been concurrently executed and verified for their output waveforms. Numerical simulations for variation of data rate and key design parameters have been effectively executed outcome with optimum performance. Investigations depict overall good performance of the design in terms of the extinction factor. It also inferred that all-optical realization based on SOA is competent scheme, as it circumvents costly optoelectronic translation. This could be well supportive to erect larger complex optical combinational circuits.
Effect of Growth Hormone Treatment on Hypoglycemia in a Patient with both Hepatic Glycogen Synthase and Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiencies
Authors: Blümel P. , Mullis P.E.
Published: November 2016

A 7 year-old boy presenting with growth retardation, fasting hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis was diagnosed as having both idiopathic growth hormone (GH) deficiency and hepatic glycogen synthase (GS) deficiency caused by a homozygous mutation in exon 5 of the liver glycogen synthase gene (GYS-2). After four years of treatment with recombinant human GH, height increased from -4.9 SDS to -2.05 SDS which is near his target height of -1.6 SDS. The GH treatment, however, did not prevent the fasting hypoglycemia. Blood glucose levels were only normalized after avoiding fasting intervals of more than five hours and the frequent feeding of protein-rich meals according to the guidelines for treatment of hepatic GS deficiency.
Unresolved Problems Concerning Optimal Therapy of Puberty in Children with Chronic Renal Diseases
Authors: Hokken-Koelega A.C.S. , Saenger P. , Cappa M. , Greggio N.
Published: November 2016

Many children with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) show growth retardation and severely delayed pubertal development. Successful renal transplantation (RTx) also rarely results in full growth rehabilitation. Pubertal height gain in CRI patients is only 58% and 48% of that observed in late-maturing boys and girls, respectively. Growth retardation in both CRI and RTx patients is not the result of abnormal GH secretion or decreased levels of IGF-I, but rather of elevated levels of IGFBPs inhibiting the bioavailability of the IGFs. In RTx patients prednisone may also inhibit growth directly via inhibition of bone matrix formation. Several studies have convincingly shown that GH therapy at a dose of 4 IU/m2/day results in a sustained improvement of growth in prepubertal and pubertal children with CRI and in growth-retarded prepubertal and pubertal post-transplant patients.

The following consensus was reached concerning optimal therapy of puberty in children with chronic renal disease. GH therapy does not lead an earlier start of puberty. It is safe to give GH to RTx patients if transplant function is stable. GH therapy will not accelerate bone maturation and can improve the final height of children with CRI and after RTx. Increasing the GH dose above 4 IU/m2/day in pubertal RTx patients does not increase height gain or final height and is not advised as it may increase insulin resistance. GH should best be started before the start of the pubertal growth spurt but will still be effective, in RTx patients with advanced bone age. GH testing should not be a prerequisite for starting GH therapy. It is important to optimise other therapies during puberty. During GH therapy of RTx patients use minimum daily, not alternate-day, steroid dosing. Further research is still required on the possible long-term effects of GH therapy in children with chronic diseases. Two studies demonstrated improved long-term growth and final height within the target height range, without significant side effects. Renal graft function did not deteriorate more than in matched controls. A GH dose of 4 IU/m2/day proved adequate.
Unresolved Problems in Optimal Therapy of Pubertal Disorders in Oncological and Bone Marrow Transplanted Patients
Authors: Bozzola M. , Albanese A. , Butler G.E. , Cherubini V. , Cicognani A. , Caruso-Nicoletti M. , Crowne E. , De Sanctis V. , Di Battista E. , Hokken-Koelega A.C.S. , Severi F. , Wonke B. , Cavallo L.
Published: November 2016

Specialised clinics for the long-term follow-up of survivors from childhood cancer have developed over recent years. The problems encountered among patients who received multiple chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be challenging and require high expertise and close collaboration among different professionals (e.g. oncologists, endocrinologists, radiotherapists, psychologists). Endocrine disorders are often seen, particularly among those who received cranial radiotherapy or gonadotoxic chemotherapy; puberty can be affected and the spectrum of disorders may range from precocious or accelerated puberty to delayed, arrested or even absent pubertal development. Growth impairment can be multifactorial and growth hormone deficiency is an important but probably not the only factor involved. Many questions remain about the optimal management of this group of young patients. In the consensus guidelines that follow the overview an attempt is made to help optimise patients’ growth and puberty by suggesting practical clinical approaches to some of the most challenging issues.
The homogeneous balance of undetermined coefficients method and its application
Authors: Wei Yi , He Xin-Dang , Yang Xiao-Feng
Published: November 2016

The homogeneous balance of undetermined coefficients method is firstly proposed to solve such nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs), the balance numbers of which are not positive integers. The proposed method can also be used to derive more general bilinear equation of nonlinear PDEs. The Eckhaus equation, the KdV equation and the generalized Boussinesq equation are chosen to illustrate the validity of our method. The proposed method is also a standard and computable method, which can be generalized to deal with some types of nonlinear PDEs.
Crystal structure of N′-(2-phenylacetyl)thiophene-2-carbohydrazide monohydrate, C13H14N2O3S
Authors: El-Faham Ayman , El-Merghany Adel , Ghabbour Hazem A.
Published: November 2016

C13H14N2O3S, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 27.9910(12) Å, b = 6.5721(3) Å, c = 14.2821(7) Å, β = 92.600(3)°, V = 2624.6(2) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.042, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.105, T = 100 K.
Crystal structure of catena-poly-{aqua-[μ2-1,2-bis((1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene-κ2
N:N′]-[μ2-4,4′-(dimethylsilanediyl)dibenzato-κ3
O,O′:O′]nickel(II)}, C30H30N4NiO5Si
Authors: Cai Yan
Published: November 2016

C30H30N4NiO5Si, triclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 8.6296(4) Å, b = 12.9969(6) Å, c = 14.8944(6) Å, α = 114.8630(10)°, β = 90.8960(10)°, γ = 105.3700(10)°, V = 1445.98(11) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0272, wRref(F2) = 0.0735, T = 293 K.
Crystal structure of cis-bis(2,2′-bipyridine-κ2
N,N′)dibromidomanganese(II), C20H16Br2MnN4
Authors: Ha Kwang
Published: November 2016

C20H16Br2MnN4, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 16.6073(6) Å, b = 9.3708(4) Å, c = 14.9722(9) Å, β = 121.3010(19)°, V = 1990.89(17) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0414, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0867, T = 223(2) K.
Crystal structure of trans-dibromido(1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)nickel(II), C10H24Br2N4Ni
Authors: Ha Kwang
Published: November 2016

C10H24Br2N4Ni, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 6.9551(4) Å, b = 12.6275(7) Å, c = 8.7343(4) Å, β = 109.1167(18)°, V = 724.79(7) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0226, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0439, T = 223(2) K.
Rates of subsidence and relative sea level rise in the Hawaii Islands
Authors: Parker Albert
Published: November 2016

The major cause of the Hawaiian Islands coastal erosion is shown to be not global warming, but the sinking of the volcanic islands. The geologic “circle-of-life” beyond the Hawaiian hot spot is the true explanation of the beach erosion. The sea levels are slow rising and not accelerating worldwide as well as in the United States. In the specific of the Hawaii Islands, they have been decelerating over the last 3 decades because of the phasing of the multi-decadal oscillations for this area of the Pacific. There is therefore no evidence coastal erosion will double in the Hawaii by 2050 because of global warming.
A fractional model of a dynamical Brusselator reaction-diffusion system arising in triple collision and enzymatic reactions
Authors: Singh Jagdev , Rashidi M.M. , Kumar Devendra , Swroop Ram
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we study a dynamical Brusselator reaction-diffusion system arising in triple collision and enzymatic reactions with time fractional Caputo derivative. The present article involves a more generalized effective approach, proposed for the Brusselator system say
Transitivity Alternations in North Sámi
Authors: Julien Marit
Published: November 2016

In North Sámi, verbs that form transitivity alternation pairs are always distinguished morphologically.
However, even if morphology is seen as a reflex of the syntax, the syntactic structure underlying
transitive and intransitive verbs in North Sámi cannot be directly read off from the morphology. Since
the verbalisers have vocalic phonological realisations with some roots but consonantal realisations with
others, and since consonantal realisations give the verb an additional syllable, one can get the impression
that in some transitivity alternation pairs the transitive verb is derived from the intransitive verb, whereas in
other pairs it is the other way round, and that in still other pairs both verbs are derived from a common base.
On closer inspection it nevertheless appears that while in some cases the transitive verb is actually formed
from the intransitive verb by causativisation, in other cases the transitive verb differs from its intransitive
counterpart only in involving a Voice head. In addition, the language has a type of intransitive verb that are
marked anticausatives, meaning that they have an expletive Voice head. The main difference between these
verbs and the corresponding transitive verbs is the properties of Voice.
Novel Silicon-Containing NLO Polyesters for Electro-Optic Applications
Authors: Kim Hwan Kyu , Ryu Mi-Kyung , Shin Suck-Hoon , Lee Soo-Min , Kang Su-Jin
Published: November 2016

Novel silicon-containing nonlinear optical (NLO) polyesters were prepared by condensation polymerization as well as a new carbodiimide polycondensation of bis(4-chlorocarbonylphenyl)dimethylsilane (DCMS) with 4-(N, N′- bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino-4′-nitrostilbene (DANS-diol). The NLO polyesters were obtained in relative yields with a high intrinsic viscosity of 0.60 dL/g. The intrinsic viscosity was increased by adding a small amount of a highly reactive diol (bisphenol-A). Molecular structural characterization of the resulting polymers was achieved by typical analytic methods, such as 1H- and 13C-NMR, FT-IR, and UV-vis spectroscopies. These silicon-containing side chain NLO polyesters were highly soluble in aprotic polar solvents, such as DMAc, DMF, NMP, γ-butyrolactone, etc. These polymers were found to be amorphous from DSC analysis. They exhibited a relatively higher Tg and thermal stability up to 220°C. The value of the electro-optic coefficient measured at the wavelength of 1.3 μm is in the range of 2 to 5.5 pm/V, and the refractive indices measured at the wavelength of 1.3 pm is in the range of 1.6213 to 1.6233.
Analysis of Temperature Fields in Film Casting
Authors: Acierno D. , Di Maio L. , Cuccurullo G.
Published: November 2016

Film casting extrusions were performed on polyethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polypropylene (PP) in a laboratory plant to evaluate the development of temperature profiles in the region from die to chill roll. This was done under different conditions of mass rate, drawing, and cooling. Thermal exchange of the film was evaluated by making use of an infrared thermography apparatus, which provides a bidimentional map of temperature profile for each testing condition. The different melt viscosity of the various polymers lead to more developed or less developed edge-beads. Therefore, at fixed working conditions, the resulting shapes of the temperature profiles and border effects differ for PET and PP. In particular, the temperatures in the transverse direction changed significantly from the edge to the center of the film, as shown in the thermographs. The thermal-fluid-dynamics behavior of polymeric-cast film during processing is discussed.
Molecular Weight Distribution of Styrene Polymerization in a Starved Feed Reactor
Authors: Guiping Cao , Zhongnan Zhu , Huihui Le , Minghua Zhang , Weikang Yuan
Published: November 2016

A starved feed reactor is a semi-batch polymerization reactor where initiator and monomer are fed slowly into a fixed amount of solvent. The polymerization is carried out isothermally at elevated temperatures. Initiator decomposes instantaneously and monomer polymerizes immediately. The molecular weight and molecular weight distribution are effectively controlled by the feed ratio of monomer to initiator. This paper presents a study on the molecular weight distribution of styrene polymerization in a starved feed reactor. The molecular weight distribution model parameters arc regressed with the help of experimental data. Although the solids fraction in the starved feed reactor is high (>50%), the viscosity is not high, and the “gel effect” is weak because of the lower molecular weight of the products. We found that the termination rate constant is a power function of the molecular weight, the radicals terminate via 100% combination, and the thermal initiation can be neglected although the reaction temperature is high. The calculated results indicate that in the starved feed reactor, the long-chain assumption needs modification so that a more accurate model can be set up.
Thermal Behavior of Epoxy Resins Cured with an Amine-Containing, Thermoplastic Poly(arylene Ether Sulphone)
Authors: Motta Oriana , Rocca Antonino , Siracusa Valentina , Acierno Domenico
Published: November 2016

In this paper we carried out the crosslinking of the tetraglycidyl-4,4′- diaminodiphenyl methane epoxy resin by using a reactive poly(arylene ether sulphone) as curing agent. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to derive the kinetic parameters of the reactions involved in the cure process and to evaluate the extent of the reaction as a function of time by measuring the total (ΔHr) and the residual heat(ΔHresid) of the resin at different curing times. A comparatively slower reaction was found to take place when the resin was cured with the poly(arylene ether sulphone) that when it was cured with the conventional curing agent 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulphone.
The Aging of Tires and Similar Objects in Open Air Storage
Authors: Tuval E. , Thurm A. , Rigbi Zvi
Published: November 2016

Tires mounted on vehicles stored in the open air are subject to various forms of deterioration as a result of heat aging, oxidation and ozone attack, and must be protected by the use of chemical antidegradants, and if possible from direct sunlight. The effects of such deterioration on the properties of sidewall rubbers have been studied on tires of various ages taken from army stores, and certain conclusions have been drawn.
Spectrophotometric/Spectrofluorimetric Determination of Rare Earth Mixtures by their Characteristic Absorption or Fluorescence of 4f Electron Transitions
Authors: Naixing Wang , Zhikun Si , Jie Zhou
Published: November 2016

This review deals with the spectrophotometric and/or spectrofluorimetric determination of individual rare earth elements in rare earth mixtures by their characteristic absorption or fluorescence of 4f electron transitions, including conditions of maximal absorption or fluorescence, molar absorptivity, ranges of linearity, detection limits, interference, and application of these methods with 136 references cited.
Becoming a commercial semiotician
Authors: Arning Chris
Published: November 2016

In this paper, the author sets out a brief account of how you become a semiotician, breaking it down in terms of motivations and competences. This is a paper written from the personal experience of the author. It is not meant to be prescriptive or to offer any sort of orthodoxy. The catalyst for the paper was frustration with the dearth of writing on this topic. The paper argues that the process of becoming is not just about acquiring knowledge or cognitive ability but also involves personal values and self-identity. It also seeks to dethrone the place of theory as predominant, arguing that interpretive practice relies as much upon a repertoire of aptitudes and techniques of reading and other soft skills. Theory acquisition in itself is simply not enough. In terms of its structure, the paper starts with a definition of what commercial semiotics is, continues with a section defining its scope, validity, and applications. The meat of the paper is devoted to laying out the different aptitudes and techniques mentioned above. The final section discusses the semiotic enterprise as a quest for knowledge and argues that there is no single trajectory in becoming a commercial semiotics practitioner. The paper argues that it is an odyssey of constant learning. It includes some comments on the institutionalization of the field. The hope is that this paper will give insight to interested parties into the craft of commercial semiotics.