bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise do Campo da Administração Pública Através da Produção Científica Publicada nos Anais dos ENAPGS
Authors: Fadul Élvia , Silva Lindomar Pinto da , Cerqueira Lucas Santos
Published: June 2016

Este artigo realiza uma análise do campo da Administração Pública utilizando a produção científica publicada nos anais dos EnAPGs, explicitando que ela traduz e indica a respeito do campo. Foram inicialmente levantados todos os artigos publicados nos EnAPGs realizados em 2004, 2006, 2008 e 2010, ou seja, 576 artigos, que foram, em seguida, classificados nos oito temas de interesse indicados pela Divisão de Administração Pública. Procedeu-se à análise desses artigos, confirmando a sua aderência ao tema ou redirecionando-o para outro tema com o qual tivesse maior proximidade. Os resultados mostram uma variedade de assuntos abordados, mas indicam que essa produção não parece se desenvolver de modo contínuo e sistemático sobre determinados conceitos, recortes teóricos ou objetos de pesquisa. Indicam a ausência de discussão e aprofundamento teóricos mais efetivos, lançando uma preocupação sobre o futuro do campo, pois as discussões realizadas nos trabalhos analisados parecem não contribuir para o seu fortalecimento, ao contrário, tornam-no frágil, indefinido e dependente de outros campos.PALAVRAS-CHAVEAdministração Pública, produção científica, pesquisa em Administração Pública, análise do campo, EnAPGABSTRACT This article presents an analysis of the field of Public Administration based on the scientific production released in the Proceedings of the EnAPGs, explaining what it shows and displays regarding the field. All articles published were initially raised in EnAPGs held in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010, that is, 576 articles, which were then classified into eight topics of interest shown by the Division of Public Administration. The analysis of these articles was carried out, confirming its closeness to the theme or redirecting it to a closer one. The results show a variety of covered subjects, but indicate that this production does not seem to develop continuously and systematically on certain concepts, theoretical framework or research subjects. They indicate the absence of theoretical discussion and more effective deepening, releasing a concern over the future of the field, since the discussions of the analyzed studies did not seem to contribute to their strengthening, on the contrary, they (have come to) make it fragile, uncertain and dependent on other fields. KEYWORDS Public Administration, scientific production, research in Public Administration, field analysis, EnAPG.
A cross-package Bioconductor workflow for analysing methylation array data
Authors: Maksimovic Jovana , Phipson Belinda , Oshlack Alicia
Published: June 2016

Methylation in the human genome is known to be associated with development and disease. The Illumina Infinium methylation arrays are by far the most common way to interrogate methylation across the human genome. This paper provides a Bioconductor workflow using multiple packages for the analysis of methylation array data. Specifically, we demonstrate the steps involved in a typical differential methylation analysis pipeline including: quality control, filtering, normalization, data exploration and statistical testing for probe-wise differential methylation. We further outline other analyses such as differential methylation of regions, differential variability analysis, estimating cell type composition and gene ontology testing. Finally, we provide some examples of how to visualise methylation array data.
Tailored Benders Decomposition for a Long-Term Power Expansion Model with Short-Term Demand Response
Authors: Lohmann Timo , Rebennack Steffen
Published: June 2016

We present a long-term power generation expansion planning model that features a long planning horizon, an hourly time resolution, multiperiod investment and retirement decisions, transmission constraints, start-up restrictions, and short-term demand response. Demand response is the capability of power load to react to short-term changes in electricity prices. It plays an increasingly important role in today’s electricity markets but has not been taken into consideration in long-term power generation expansion planning problems, which mostly treat demand as perfectly inelastic. Given mild assumptions for the underlying demand function, the resulting model is a large-scale, concave, linearly constrained maximization problem. We exploit the model structure by developing a new approach to generalized Benders decomposition (GBD). In particular, we present two algorithmic ideas: (1) solving the nonlinear Benders subproblem as a linear programming (LP) problem with the aid of dynamic linear overestimation, referred to as the LP-based method, and (2) directly calculating all necessary optimal primal and dual variable values, referred to as the calculation-based method. We consider three special cases of our expansion planning model and show that solving mathematical programming problems can become entirely obsolete in the calculation-based method. We demonstrate the efficiency of all proposed algorithms for the Texas power system, comparing our tailored decomposition methods to a monolithic approach and a state-of-the-art GBD implementation. Our LP-based method is up to 3,822 times faster than the monolithic approach and up to 55 times faster than the GBD. The calculation-based method dramatically improves the solution time, being an average factor of 20 faster than solving LPs and 107,074 times faster than the monolithic approach (for the largest solvable instance by a commercial solver). The overall largest instance we solve, containing more than 79 million variables and constraints, converges in less than one minute using the calculation-based method. The modeling language GAMS and its latest features were used to efficiently implement all algorithms.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2015.2420 .

This paper was accepted by Yinyu Ye, optimization.
First-Order and Second-Order Ambiguity Aversion
Authors: Lang Matthias
Published: June 2016

Different models of uncertainty aversion imply strikingly different economic behavior. The key to understanding these differences lies in the dichotomy between first-order and second-order ambiguity aversion, which I define here. My definition and its characterization are independent of specific representations of decisions under uncertainty. I show that with second-order ambiguity aversion, a positive exposure to ambiguity is optimal if and only if there is a subjective belief such that the act’s expected outcome is positive. With first-order ambiguity aversion, zero exposure to ambiguity can be optimal. Examples in finance, insurance, and contracting demonstrate the economic relevance of this dichotomy.

This paper was accepted by Han Bleichrodt, decision analysis.
Right iliac fossa pain from a grossly enlarged and torted appendix in a patient with known colitis
Authors: Seager A , Gill M , Jones LS
Published: June 2016

A 27-year-old man with a background of well controlled colitis presented with a 12-hour history of central abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. A diagnostic laparoscopy revealed an extremely large, gangrenous appendix, which had descended into the pelvis posterior to adhesions in the right iliac fossa and was torted 720°. The decision was taken to convert to a lower midline laparotomy and as the base appeared healthy, a standard appendicectomy was performed. The patient recovered well and was discharged after two days. The appendix measured 104mm x 53mm x 51mm. Histology revealed acute haemorrhagic and necrotising appendicitis with foci of impending perforation. There was no malignancy or mucocoele. Acute torsion (or volvulus) of the appendix is an unusual cause of this common general surgical emergency.
Prophylactic mesh use during primary stoma formation to prevent parastomal hernia
Authors: Cornille JB , Pathak S , Daniels IR , Smart NJ
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Parastomal hernia (PSH) is a common problem following stoma formation. The optimal technique for stoma formation is unknown although recent studies have focused on whether placement of prophylactic mesh at stoma formation can reduce PSH rates. The aim of this study was to systematically review use of prophylactic mesh versus no mesh with regard to occurrence of PSH and peristomal complications.

Methods

A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Embase™ and the Cochrane Library to identify randomised controlled trials that analysed placement of prophylactic mesh versus no mesh at time of initial surgery. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects methods.

Results

A total of 506 studies were identified by our search strategy. Of these, 8 studies were included, involving 430 patients (217 mesh vs 213 no mesh). Prophylactic mesh placement resulted in a significantly lower rate of PSH formation (42/217 [19.4%] vs 92/213 [43.2%]) with a combined risk ratio of 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21–0.75, p=0.004). Placement of prophylactic mesh did not result in increased peristomal complications (15/218 [6.9%] vs 16/227 [7.0%]) with a combined risk ratio of 1.0 (95% CI: 0.49–2.01, p=0.990).

Conclusions

Prophylactic placement of mesh at primary stoma formation may reduce the incidence of PSH, without an increase in peristomal complications. However, the overall quality of the randomised controlled trials included in the meta-analysis was poor, and should prompt caution regarding the applicability of the findings of the individual studies and the meta-analysis to everyday practice.
Nanocurcumin Prevents Oxidative Stress Induced following Arsenic and Fluoride Co-exposure in Rats
Authors: Yadav Abhishek , Flora S.J.S. , Kushwaha Pramod
Published: June 2016

The present study is in continuation of our previous efforts to investigate the preventive efficacy of encapsulated curcumin nanoparticles (nanocurcumin) in mitigating effects of arsenic and/or fluoride. Curcumin was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles having a size distribution in the range of 50 nm. Sodium arsenite (2 mg/kg, orally) and Fluoride (50 ppm in drinking water) either alone or in combination were administered to male Wistar rats for four weeks to evaluate the efficacy of nanocurcumin (15 mg/kg) in rats. The preventive efficacy of nanocurcumin was evaluated against various altered biochemical variables suggestive of oxidative stress in liver and kidneys, and concentration of As and F in blood. Nanocurcumin co-administration with arsenic and fluoride resulted in lowering of reactive oxygen species and restoration of blood glutathione level which were found to be altered in arsenic and fluoride intoxicated groups. Nanocurcumin were also found to be effective in reversing δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) inhibition caused by arsenic exposure. The most promising result from our study shows that nanocurcumin removes not only arsenic but also fluoride from blood which may be due to the enhanced bioavailability and moderate chelating potential of nanocurcumin.
Effect of Detoxified Jatropha Cake on Hepatic and Renal Function following Long Term Feeding to Mice
Authors: Singh Yamini , Kachhawa Kamal , Kumar Om , Kachhawa Poonam , Kaul R.K.
Published: June 2016

Jatropha curcas belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is distributed in many tropical and subtropical countries. The toxicity of the whole seed Jatropha curcas has been known for a long time. Jatropha plant is used as a source of biodiesel. In addition to being a source of oil, Jatropha also provides seed-cake and is a by-product of oil extraction that serves as a highly nutritious and economic protein supplement in animal feed. It also contains many toxic components like phorbol ester, lectins, saponin, curcin, HCN etc. In the present study, we detoxified whole Jatropha cake by subjecting to various solvent extraction, alkali and heat treatment. After processing, cake was dried and animal baits were prepared by mixing different percentage of detoxified (JCMD) and non detoxified cake (JCM). Long term (90 days) animal feeding trials and toxicological evaluations was carried out. Animals were sacrificed at various time intervals for toxicity evaluation. The toxicity study result revealed that 10% (w/w) detoxified (JCMD) baits fed group animals survived till the 90 days and did not show any significant changes in various clinical parameters related to hepatic and renal function while in 10% non detoxified (JCM) fed groups mortality starts on 6th day of feeding and no animal was survived beyond 9th day. The result of long term feeding trials and toxicity study reveals that 10% detoxified Jatropha cake can be supplemented in animal’s diet after detoxification.
Role of Growth Factor Signaling in Cancer
Authors: Shrivastava Richa , Bhadauria Smrati
Published: June 2016

Growth factors may be defined as any group of protein that stimulate the growth of specific tissues and play an important role in promoting cellular differentiation and cellular division. Growth factors impart one of the important hallmark of cancer i.e sustaining proliferative signaling. They may act through paracrine, autocrine and endocrine signaling to effect growth and proliferation of cancer cells. They may act through various signaling cascades like MAPK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT etc to activate their downstream mediates affecting various pathlogical and physiological functions. Abrupt signaling patterns of growth factors can induce oncogenic transformations. An enhanced understanding of these pathways can help targeting neoplastic transformation at an early stage. This review summarizes various mechanisms for targeted therapeutics against growth factor in cancer and their future prospective.

 
Sulphur Mustard Induced Toxicity, Mechanism of Action and Current Medical Management
Authors: Pant Satish C. , Lomash Vinay
Published: June 2016

Sulphur mustard (SM), chemically, bis (2-chloroethyl) sulphide is a bifunctional alkylating agent that causes cutaneous blisters in human or animals. It was first used in the World War I. Since then, there have been 11 conflicts where SM allegedely had caused mass distruction. Additionally, discarded weapons and stockpiles periodically come to surface during agricultural or fishing activities leading to serious injury. Concerns for threat to modern societies by the serious effects of SM, agreements to ban its production and the use has been made as per 1993 chemical weapons convention (CWC) and agent destruction programs. This short review attempts to discuss the histroy, chemical nature, mechanism of toxicity, toxicokinetics, animal models used for SM induced skin and systemic lesions, pathogenesis of SM induced lesions including medical countermeasures for SM toxicity.
Meta-analysis of the relationship between mathematics anxiety and mathematics achievement
Authors: Şad Süleyman Nihat , Kış Ali , Demir Mustafa , Özer Niyazi
Published: June 2016

This meta-analysis study aims to synthesize the results of individual studies on respectively small samples investigating the correlations between Mathematics anxiety and Mathematics achievement. Meta-analysis included a total of 11 studies which investigated the association between Mathematics anxiety and Mathematics achievement on Turkish students which were published between 2005 and 2014. These studies were conducted totally on 8327 students from different educational stages. The results of the analysis for all eleven studies involved suggested negative and statistically significant correlations between mathematics anxiety and mathematics achievement. The combined effect size was calculated for all studies according to both Fixed (r=-.39) and Random (r=-.44) Effect Models. Moderator analysis based on the school level revealed that the combined effect size for the studies conducted at middle school level was significant, negative and at moderate level. In addition, the effect size for the studies conducted at high school level was significant, negative and at moderate level. Moreover, the comparison between the combined effect sizes with regard to different school levels revealed a statistically significant difference in favor of middle school level.
Współczesna literatura dziecięca – propozycje
Authors: Zabawa Krystyna
Published: June 2016

W artykule zostały przedstawione propozycje lekturowe dla dzieci, przede wszystkim uczniów szkoły podstawowej. Autorka wychodzi z założenia, że powinny to być książki o dużych wartościach artystycznych, zarówno literackich, jak i plastycznych, atrakcyjne ze względu na swoją formę, treść, język. Te kryteria spełnia literatura współczesna, której charakterystyka została szkicowo zaprezentowana w artykule. Kolejno opisane zostały książki obrazkowe, komiksy, tomiki poetyckie. Autorka przedstawiła także kryteria wyboru dobrych książek dla dzieci oraz źródła, do jakich mogą sięgnąć nauczyciel, bibliotekarz czy rodzic w poszukiwaniu wiarygodnych informacji o najnowszej literaturze dziecięcej.
«Ciało» na wojnie. Wokół Soli ziemi Józefa Wittlina
Authors: Koper Beata
Published: June 2016

Artykuł przybliża metodologię badań kulturowych na przykładzie analizy obrazowania ciała żołnierza w powieści Józefa Wittlina Sól ziemi. Teksty wokół powieści oraz artykuły z innych dyscyplin (historia, filozofia, medycyna) pozwalają nakreślić szeroki kontekst interpretacyjny. Pokazują, że zmiany w postrzeganiu ciała wiążą się z postępem nauki i industrializacją. Odczytanie powieści z perspektywy badań kulturowych pozwala ujawnić niejednoznaczność postępu nauk medycznych, które potrafią naprawiać okaleczone ciała żołnierzy, jednocześnie przyczyniając się do rozwoju okrutnych metod walk. Refleksja literacka razem z dyskursami nauk przyrodniczych i społecznych pozwala zrozumieć przemiany, jakie dokonały się w Europie w XX wieku, i dostrzec ich skutki we współczesności.
Identifying the Presence and Cause of Fashion Cycles in Data
Authors: Yoganarasimhan Hema
Published: June 2016

Fashions and conspicuous consumption play an important role in marketing. In this article, the author presents a three-pronged framework to analyze fashion cycles in data composed of (1) algorithmic methods for identifying cycles, (2) a statistical framework for identifying cycles, and (3) methods for examining the drivers of such cycles. In the first module, the author identifies cycles by pattern-matching the amplitude and length of cycles observed to a user-specified definition. In the second module, the author defines the conditional monotonicity property, derives conditions under which a data-generating process satisfies it, and demonstrates its role in generating cycles. A key challenge in estimating this model is the presence of endogenous lagged dependent variables, which the author addresses using system generalized method of moments estimators. Third, the author presents methods that exploit the longitudinal and geographic variations in agents' economic and cultural capital to examine the different theories of fashion. The author applies her framework to data on given names for infants, shows the presence of large-amplitude cycles both algorithmically and statistically, and confirms that the adoption patterns are consistent with Bourdieu's theory of fashion as a signal of cultural capital.
Lateral-torsional buckling of compressed and highly variable cross section beams
Authors: Mascolo Ida , Pasquino Mario
Published: June 2016

In the critical state of a beam under central compression a flexural-torsional equilibrium shape becomes possible in addition to the fundamental straight equilibrium shape and the Euler bending. Particularly, torsional configuration takes place in all cases where the line of shear centres does not correspond with the line of centres of mass. This condition is obtained here about a z-axis highly variable section beam; with the assumptions that shear centres are aligned and line of centres is bound to not deform. For the purpose, let us evaluate an open thin wall C-cross section with flanges width and web height linearly variables along z-axis in order to have shear centres axis approximately aligned with gravity centres axis. Thus, differential equations that govern the problem are obtained. Because of the section variability, the numerical integration of differential equations that gives the true critical load is complex and lengthy. For this reason, it is given an energetic formulation of the problem by the theorem of minimum total potential energy (Ritz-Rayleigh method). It is expected an experimental validation that proposes the model studied.
On amenability of groups generated by homogeneous automorphisms and their cracks
Authors: Woryna Adam
Published: June 2016

We investigate the recently obtained condition [9] for amenability of groups generated by bounded automorphisms of a spherically homogeneous rooted tree together with our group construction [13] based on the notion of a homogeneous automorphism and its crack. We establish the general condition answering the question when a group generated by homogeneous automorphisms and their cracks is amenable. We apply this result to the universal construction from [13], providing finitely generated, amenable groups, which are dense in infinitely iterated, permutational wreath products of transitive, Abelian groups.
The gauge action, DG Lie algebras and identities for Bernoulli numbers
Authors: Buijs Urtzi , Carrasquel-Vera José G. , Murillo Aniceto
Published: June 2016

In this paper we prove a family of identities for Bernoulli numbers parameterized by triples of integers

(
a
,
b
,
c
)

${(a,b,c)}$

with

a
+
b
+
c

=

n
-
1

${a+b+c=n-1}$

,

n
≥
4

${n\geq 4}$

. These identities are deduced by translating into homotopical terms the gauge action on the Maurer–Cartan set of a differential graded Lie algebra.
We show that Euler and Miki’s identities, well-known and apparently non-related formulas,
are linear combinations of our family and they satisfy a particular symmetry relation.
Does Domestic Energy Consumption Affect GDP of a Country? A Panel Data Study
Authors: Mathur Somesh K. , Sahu Sohini , Ghoshal Ishita , Aggarwal Kanak
Published: June 2016

The present study is an attempt to test the relationship between energy consumption, energy efficiency, CO2 Emissions and economic growth for a set of some developed, transition and developing counties. For this purpose, panel data on various factors of GDP growth has been taken for 18 developing, 16 transition and 18 developed countries from 1980–2013. The paper uses the variant of Solow model to provide the economic justification behind the econometric estimation of regression model which includes energy consumption per capita, CO2 emissions and energy efficiency as one of the independent variables affecting GDP growth of a country, among others. To estimate the regression model, the study uses various panel data estimation methodologies such as: panel data cointegration, panel causality (assuming homogeneous and heterogeneous panels), panel VECM, panel VAR and panel data ARDL and SURE. The results help us to find out he short run and long-run relationship between the policy variables. The paper also tests the direction of causality between energy consumption and GDP and per capita GDP growth by working on the following hypotheses:(a) Neutrality Hypothesis, which holds that there is no causality (neither direction) between these two variables; (b) Energy conservation hypothesis, which holds that there is evidence of unidirectional causality from GDP growth to energy consumption; (c)Growth hypothesis, energy consumption drives GDP growth; and (d) Feedback hypothesis, which suggests a bidirectional causal relationship between energy consumption and GDP growth. S-shaped relationship between energy consumption and per capita GDP is also tested by hypothesizing that with high GDP, first energy consumption increases at an increasing rate and then increases at a decreasing rate. The overall conclusion emerges from the analysis is that per capita energy consumption has a negative impact on growth of per capita GDP in developing countries and transition economies but positive impact in case of developed countries. This may be due to the fact that in developed nations, the energy consumption expenditures may be more devoted to technological progress in alternative source of oil like shell gas or in expenditures related to renewable energy intensive technological products. The developing and transition countries although trying to put efforts in increasing expenditures in alternative energy sources like non-renewable, oil consumption still seem to not have many alternatives sources of energy. Therefore, reducing oil expenditures tend to promote growth among developing countries. Growth, Energy Conservation and Feedback hypotheses tend to work for developed, transition and developing countries. Also, the direction of causality may run from growth per capita to energy consumption depicting a S-shaped relation signifying that as society matures energy consumption increases but at a decreasing rate.
Fostering Economic Development: Is External Finance Responsible for the Poor Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Michael Mitchell Omoruyi Ehizuelen , Meibo Huang
Published: June 2016

On the question of whether external finance stimulates GDP growth, the profession offers inconclusive as well as frequent contradictory outcomes. While waiting for a robust consensus, this paper addressed directly the mechanisms through which external finance should influence economic growth. Investment was identify as the most significant transmission mechanism, and as well considers effects via funding regime consumption expenditure and import. By employing the residual generated repressors’, we accomplish a measure of the overall influence of external finance on economic growth, accounting for the influence through investment. Based on the pooled panel outcomes, a sample of twenty-five Sub-Saharan Africa economies were examine over the period of 1970–1997; the result indicates that there is a significant and positive effect of overseas assistance on economic growth, ceteris paribus. Based on average, each 1 % point upsurge in the aid/GNP ratio contributes one-quarter of 1 % point to the growth rate. Therefore, the poor economic growth in Africa should not be attributed to external finance ineffectiveness.
Network Trade and Development: What Do Patterns of Vertically Specialized Trade in ASEAN Tell Us About India’s Place in Asian Production Networks?
Authors: Tewari Meenu , Veeramani C.
Published: June 2016

At a time when regional production networks have been resurgent, especially in Asia, why has India’s integration in regional markets not been deeper? Using highly disaggregated trade data and firm level field interviews, the paper found that despite low volumes, vertically specialized trade has been growing between India and ASEAN. Overall, we find that there is significant potential for deepening India’s engagement in ASEAN by expanding intermediates exports in the machinery sector, expanding into higher value specialty chemicals exports, unlocking the underexploited potential for growth in the electronics sector and moving up the value chain in the road vehicles and, telecommunications sectors where network exports are already important. Our field level interviews bear out these findings and show that besides the usual policy costs associated with supply side constraints in Indian manufacturing three factors hamper India’s deeper integration in Asian production networks: (i) low value addition in Indian manufacturing which translates into low-value component exports and a high degree of reliance on expensive imports creating a perverse effect on both learning and trade balance; (ii) a janus faced effect on technological change and productivity stemming from relatively low quality standards associated with cost-sensitive demand from domestic buyers and weak exports. This leads to technological stagnation on the one hand, and a growing capital intensity of routine operations on the other. (iii) and finally, despite the rise of export oriented industrial parks and SEZ’s there is a striking lack of an effective institutional eco-system of industrial advantage that agglomeration economies and colocation of interdependent, sectorally specialized firms can bring. Instead, sectoral fragmentation adds to manufacturing costs despite co-location. Although some firms have found innovative ways to cope, the coping costs are high.
Second language fluency and its underlying cognitive and social determinants
Authors: Segalowitz Norman
Published: June 2016

In studying second language (L2) fluency attainment, researchers typically address questions about temporal and hesitation phenomena in a descriptive manner, cataloguing which features appear under which learning circumstances. The goal of this paper is to present a perspective on L2 fluency that goes beyond description by exploring a potential explanatory framework for understanding L2 fluency. This framework focuses on the cognitive processing that underlies the manifestation of fluency and disfluency, and on the ways social context might contribute to shaping fluency attainment. The framework provides a dynamical systems perspective of fluency and its development, with specific consequences for a research program on L2 fluency. This framework gives rise to new questions because of its focus on the intimate link between cognitive fluency and utterance fluency, that is, between measures of the speed, efficiency and fluidity of the cognitive processes thought to underlie implementation of the speech act and measures of the oral fluency of that speech act. Moreover, it is argued that cognitive and utterance fluency need to be situated in the social context of communication in order to take into account the role played by the pragmatic and the sociolinguistic nature of communication in shaping L2 fluency development.
Ferric carboxymaltose vs. oral iron in the treatment of pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia: an international, open-label, randomized controlled trial (FER-ASAP)
Authors: Breymann Christian , Milman Nils , Mezzacasa Anna , Bernard Roubert , Dudenhausen Joachim
Published: June 2016

Objective:

To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) with first-line oral ferrous sulfate (FS) in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

Materials and methods:

Pregnant women (n=252; gestational weeks 16–33) with IDA were randomized 1:1 to FCM (1000–1500 mg iron) or FS (200 mg iron/day) for 12 weeks. The primary objective was to compare efficacy; secondary objectives included safety and quality of life.

Results:

Hemoglobin (Hb) levels improved at comparable rates across both treatments; however, significantly more women achieved anemia correction with FCM vs. FS [Hb ≥11.0 g/dL; 84% vs. 70%; odds ratio (OR): 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 3.97; P=0.031] and within a shorter time frame (median 3.4 vs. 4.3 weeks). FCM treatment significantly improved vitality (P=0.025) and social functioning (P=0.049) prior to delivery. Treatment-related adverse events were experienced by 14 (FCM; 11%) and 19 (FS; 15%) women, with markedly higher rates of gastrointestinal disorders reported with FS (16 women) than with FCM (3 women). Newborn characteristics were similar across treatments.

Conclusions:

During late-stage pregnancy, FCM may be a more appropriate option than first-line oral iron for rapid and effective anemia correction, with additional benefits for vitality and social functioning.
The Myths of MacPherson
Authors: Goldberg John C. P. , Zipursky Benjamin C.
Published: June 2016

For a symposium marking the centenary of
A Monte Carlo-Based Method for Assessing the Measurement Uncertainty in the Training and Use of Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Coral Rodrigo , Flesch Carlos A. , Penz Cesar A. , Roisenberg Mauro , Pacheco Antonio L. S.
Published: June 2016

When an artificial neural network is used to determine the value of a physical quantity its result is usually presented without an uncertainty. This is due to the difficulty in determining the uncertainties related to the neural model. However, the result of a measurement can be considered valid only with its respective measurement uncertainty. Therefore, this article proposes a method of obtaining reliable results by measuring systems that use artificial neural networks. For this, it considers the Monte Carlo Method (MCM) for propagation of uncertainty distributions during the training and use of the artificial neural networks.
Classification of EEG Signals Using Adaptive Time-Frequency Distributions
Authors: Khan Nabeel A. , Ali Sadiq
Published: June 2016

Time-Frequency (t-f) distributions are frequently employed for analysis of new-born EEG signals because of their non-stationary characteristics. Most of the existing time-frequency distributions fail to concentrate energy for a multicomponent signal having multiple directions of energy distribution in the t-f domain. In order to analyse such signals, we propose an Adaptive Directional Time-Frequency Distribution (ADTFD). The ADTFD outperforms other adaptive kernel and fixed kernel TFDs in terms of its ability to achieve high resolution for EEG seizure signals. It is also shown that the ADTFD can be used to define new time-frequency features that can lead to better classification of EEG signals, e.g. the use of the ADTFD leads to 97.5% total accuracy, which is by 2% more than the results achieved by the other methods.
Suppressing Side-Lobes of Linear Phased Array of Micro-Strip Antennas with Simulation-Based Optimization
Authors: Kozieł Sławomir , Ogurtsov Stanislav , Bekasiewicz Adrian
Published: June 2016

A simulation-based optimization approach to design of phase excitation tapers for linear phased antenna arrays is presented. The design optimization process is accelerated by means of Surrogate-Based Optimization (SBO); it uses a coarse-mesh surrogate of the array element for adjusting the array’s active reflection coefficient responses and a fast surrogate of the antenna array radiation pattern. The primary optimization objective is to minimize side-lobes in the principal plane of the radiation pattern while scanning the main beam. The optimization outcome is a set of element phase excitation tapers versus the scan angle. The design objectives are evaluated at the high fidelity level of description using simulations of the discrete electromagnetic model of the entire array so that the effects of element coupling and other possible interaction within the array structure are accounted for. At the same time, the optimization process is fast due to SBO. Performance and numerical cost of the approach are demonstrated by optimizing a 16-element linear array of microstrip antennas. Experimental verification has been carried out for a manufactured prototype of the optimized array. It demonstrates good agreement between the radiation patterns obtained from simulations and from physical measurements (the latter constructed through superposition of the measured element patterns).
Diagnosis of Soft Spot Short Defects in Analog Circuits Considering the Thermal Behaviour of the Chip
Authors: Tadeusiewicz Michał , Hałgas Stanisław
Published: June 2016

The paper deals with fault diagnosis of nonlinear analogue integrated circuits. Soft spot short defects are analysed taking into account variations of the circuit parameters due to physical imperfections as well as self-heating of the chip. A method enabling to detect, locate and estimate the value of a spot defect has been developed. For this purpose an appropriate objective function was minimized using an optimization procedure based on the Fibonacci method. The proposed approach exploits DC measurements in the test phase, performed at a limited number of accessible points. For illustration three numerical examples are given.
Detection of Gaseous Compounds with Different Techniques
Authors: Mikołajczyk Janusz , Bielecki Zbigniew , Stacewicz Tadeusz , Smulko Janusz , Wojtas Jacek , Szabra Dariusz , Lentka Łukasz , Prokopiuk Artur , Magryta Paweł
Published: June 2016

Sensing technology has been developed for detection of gases in some environmental, industrial, medical, and scientific applications. The main tasks of these works is to enhance performance of gas sensors taking into account their different applicability and scenarios of operation. This paper presents the descriptions, comparison and recent progress in some existing gas sensing technologies. Detailed introduction to optical sensing methods is presented. In a general way, other kinds of various sensors, such as catalytic, thermal conductivity, electrochemical, semiconductor and surface acoustic wave ones, are also presented. Furthermore, this paper focuses on performance of the optical method in detecting biomarkers in the exhaled air. There are discussed some examination results of the constructed devices. The devices operated on the basis of enhanced cavity and wavelength modulation spectroscopies. The experimental data used for analyzing applicability of these different sensing technologies in medical screening. Several suggestions related to future development are also discussed.
Hybrid silica-gold core-shell nanoparticles for fluorescence enhancement
Authors: Grzelak J. , Krajewska A. , Krajnik B. , Jamiola D. , Choma J. , Jankiewicz B. , Piątkowski D. , Nyga P. , Mackowski S.
Published: June 2016

We demonstrate that SiO
Health Services Utilization in Older Europeans: an Empirical Study
Authors: Srakar Andrej , Hren Rok , Rupel Valentina Prevolnik
Published: June 2016

Background and Purpose: Chronic diseases and associated co-morbidities are highly prevalent among elderly and are associated with an increase in health services utilization which in turn raises health care expenditures throughout industrialized societies. However, health care utilization in elderly is still inadequately understood, particularly regarding the differences among European jurisdictions. In our article, we use dataset of Wave 5 of SHARE survey to study the utilization of health care in older Europeans in 15 European countries.

Design/Methodology/Approach: We investigate relationships between factors such as age, gender, income, education and health variables and the utilization of various types of health services. We apply regression modeling to study the determinants of health utilization (different socioeconomic and health variables) of older people.

Results: We show some significant differences between determinants of health utilization in terms of probability and frequency of usage. We also explore patterns between welfare regimes, taking Eastern European jurisdictions as a reference category. Finally, we show that in a simple causal model the provision of formal and/or informal homecare serves as a complement to utilization of health care services.

Conclusion: Results of our article are important for the management of health care facilities in terms of health care usage by older people, and can be of value to health care providers and policy makers in the field.
Experimental investigation on tensile and Charpy impact behavior of Kevlar/S-glass/epoxy hybrid composite laminates
Authors: Erkliğ Ahmet , Bulut Mehmet
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of hybridizing Kevlar and glass fibers on the tensile and Charpy impact properties of their composites. Produced hybrid samples were designed as unbalanced and asymmetric structures in terms of different mixing ratios between woven Kevlar and S-glass fibers, and their tensile properties were determined using ASTM standards. A series of Charpy impact tests were performed to evaluate the amount of impact strength and absorbed energy by impacting each side of the hybrid composite samples. When the hybrid samples were impacted on the surface of the Kevlar side, they exhibited higher impact resistance compared with glass side impact. The resulting degree of hybridization effects showed that addition of Kevlar layers instead of glass layers contributed a significant increase in impact strength and absorbed energy of the overall composite laminate.
Effect of fillers on the metallization of laser-structured polymer parts
Authors: Fischer Andreas J. , Meister Steve , Drummer Dietmar
Published: June 2016

Molded interconnect devices offer great potential as a substitute for circuit boards, especially regarding three-dimensional shaping and functional integration. Applying circuits to polymer substrates can be performed by means of LPKF laser direct structuring® (LDS). There, the matrix polymer is filled with a special metal additive, enabling laser activation and subsequent metallization. Important effects emerge from additional inorganic fillers inside the matrix polymer, e.g. the (thermo)mechanical behavior and the processing properties. In this work, the degree to which inorganic fillers affect the quality of metallization is investigated. An increase in the plating thickness was successfully achieved by adding varying amounts of talc platelets (diameter 7 μm) to a PA10T-based copolyamide filled with 4 and 8 wt% LDS additive, in contrast to poor metal deposition adding only LDS additive. Additionally, talc and glass spheres with a diameter of 50 μm were used, leading to unsatisfactory metallization results. To explain this behavior, adhering LDS particles were found on the talc platelets with a diameter of 7 μm on the surface of the laser-structured specimen. The talc platelets and glass spheres of 50 μm were not available in sufficient dimensions on the surface and thus led to worse plating results.
The influence of pH and reaction time on the formation of FeSe2 upon selenite reduction by nano-sized pyrite-greigite
Authors: Kang Mingliang , Bardelli Fabrizio , Ma Bin , Charlet Laurent , Chen Fanrong , Yang Yongqiang
Published: June 2016

The influence of pH and reaction time on the formation of FeSe2 by reductive precipitation of Se(IV) with nano-sized pyrite-greigite was investigated. Reductive precipitation is an effective method of attenuating the mobility of 79Se, which is foreseen to be a dangerous radioisotope for the geological disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW). The results indicated that Se(0)was formed at pH <4.05, whereas, at pH > 6.07, considerable amount of FeSe2 was formed along with Se(0). These observations are in agreement with the thermodynamic predictions reported in this work. Furthermore, the formation of FeSe2 was found to continue by increasing the reaction time, indicating that the Se(0) formed in the early reaction stage is gradually transformed to FeSe2 upon the depletion of aqueous Se(IV). Since FeSe2 has a stronger reactivity than pyrite, it was proposed that greigite, rather than pyrite, was responsible for the formation of FeSe2. The findings in this study are of interest for key geochemical processes governing the mobility of toxic 79Se in the environment in presence of iron sulfides.
Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of a radio-metal organic framework composed of in vivo generator 166Dy/166Ho and DOTMP as a novel agent for bone marrow ablation
Authors: Vosoghi Sara , Shirvani-Arani Simindokht , Bahrami-Samani Ali , Salek Nafise , Mirerezaei Ehsan , Reza Jalilian Amir
Published: June 2016

In this study, the MOF concept contributed to the preparation of a novel, bone-ablating agent composed of Cu(II) using the in vivo generator 166Dy/166Ho and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetramethylene phosphonic acid (DOTMP). The product was characterized (IR, elemental analysis: CHN, ICM-MS, PIXE, DLS, XRD) and quality-controlled (radio-thin layer chromatography (RTLC)). The stability and in vitro hydroxyapatite binding was checked up to one week at 37°C in human serum. Radio-MOF crystals and colloidal radio-MOF particles were obtained by varying the synthesizing conditions (including pH and temperature), and they had similar IR patterns and similar elemental analysis results. The estimated chemical formula was [1Lu-1Cu-1Cl-1DOTMP] for both. The final product was synthesized at pH = 8 while stirring at room temperature using 166Dy/166Ho-nitrate, CuCl2, and DOTMP (yield > 99%, RTLC). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements showed particles in the size range of 60 to 100 nm for the resultant radio-MOF particles (RMP). In vitro binding experiments showed acceptable bone-seeking affinity of the prepared formula even after one week of storage in human serum at 37°C. Importantly, this is the first study of the use of the MOF concept to provide a highly-stable organometallic compound containing 166Dy/166Ho in vivo generator for bone marrow ablation.
Direct flow separation strategy, to isolate no-carrier-added90Nb from irradiated Mo or Zr targets
Authors: Radchenko Valery , Filosofov Dmitry V. , Dadakhanov Jakhongir , Karaivanov Dimitar V. , Marinova Atanaska , Baimukhanova Ayagoz , Roesch Frank
Published: June 2016

90Nb has an intermediate half-life of 14.6 h, a high positron branching of 53% and optimalβ+emission energy of onlyEmean0.35 MeV per decay. These favorable characteristics suggest it may be a potential candidate for application inimmuno-PET. Our recent aim was to conduct studies on distribution coefficients for ZrIVand NbVin mixtures of HCl/H2O2and HCl/oxalic acid for anion exchange resin (AG 1 × 8) and UTEVA resin to develop a “direct flow” separation strategy for90Nb. The direct flow concept refers to a separation accomplished using a single eluent on multiple columns, effectively streamlining the separation process and increasing the time efficiency. Finally, we also demonstrated that this separation strategy is applicable to the production of the positron emitter90Nb via the irradiation of molybdenum targets and isolation of90Nb from the irradiated molybdenum target.
Evaluation of consequence due to higher hydrazine content in partitioning stream of PUREX process
Authors: Kumar K. Suresh
Published: June 2016

Hydrazine nitrate is being used as a stabilizer for U(IV) as well as Pu(III) during partitioning of Pu in PUREX process by scavenging the nitrous acid present along with nitric acid. As hydrazine hydrate as well as its salts have been successfully used for scrubbing of degradation products of TBP to aqueous phase, experiments were conducted to evaluate the consequence of hydrazine content during Pu partitioning. It was observed that higher amount of hydrazine nitrate along with uranous nitrate in the partitioning stream of PUREX process leads to build up of DBP in aqueous phase and resulted in precipitation of Pu.