bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compression molding of algae fiber and epoxy composites: Modeling of elastic modulus
Authors: Constante Alejandra , Pillay Selvum
Published: May 2016

The demand for natural fiber composites in the automotive industry in both Europe and the United States has been forecasted to increase in the coming years. The natural fiber composites based on highly commercialized fibers such as flax, hemp, and sisal has grown to become an important sector of polymeric composites. However, little attention has been addressed to expanding natural fiber composites to include new sources of emerging natural reinforcements, such as reclaimed algae fibers, that have a multiple environmental benefits. Not only are extracted algae fibers biodegradable, the reclamation process has the added benefit of restoring health of waterways choked with algae. This study focuses on the processability of algae fiber–epoxy composites. Short fibers, chemically extracted from raw reclaimed algae, were prepared for natural fiber composite products in two ways. First, randomly oriented mats were produced using the wet-laid process to create layered, compression-molded laminates. Second, loose fibers were dispersed directly into the thermoset matrix to produce a bulk molding compound that was further compression molded into composite lamina. The effect of processing variables such as compaction pressure, temperature, and time were addressed. Moreover, the effect of fiber volume fraction ( υf) and fiber form were considered. Enhanced mechanical properties were found when 56% υf algae fiber was used for the compression-molded laminates composite. This variant exhibited an improvement on the flexural and tensile modulus of 70% and 86% when compared to the neat epoxy. However, the volume of porosity on the same variant was 11% due to lack of compression in some of the fibers. The effect of porosity on the theoretical stiffness was estimated by using the Cox–Krenchel model. Furthermore, an empirical exponential model was formulated to characterize the multi-scale effect of compaction pressure on the overall fiber volume fraction, υf.
Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Schema Intervention
Authors: Driver Melissa K. , Powell Sarah R.
Published: May 2016

Word problems are prevalent on high-stakes assessments, and success on word problems has implications for grade promotion and graduation. Unfortunately, English Language Learners (ELLs) continue to perform significantly below their native English-speaking peers on mathematics assessments featuring word problems. Little is known about the instructional needs and performance of ELLs at risk of mathematics difficulty (MD). In the present study, an exploratory quasi-experimental design was used to investigate word-problem instruction for ELLs in a culturally and linguistically diverse public elementary school. Specifically, we studied the efficacy of a word-problem intervention for ELLs with MD ( N = 9) that combined culturally and linguistically responsive practices with schema instruction (CLR-SI). The study is unique in that it combines research on effective instruction for ELLs and students with MD; CLR-SI has not been investigated for either ELLs or students with MD. Results have implications for teachers, administrators, and researchers of ELLs with MD.
Positive Attitudes towards Technologies and facets of Well-being in Older Adults
Authors: Zambianchi Manuela , Carelli Maria Grazia
Published: May 2016

The current study investigates the relevance of positive attitudes toward Internet technologies for psychological well-being and social well-being in old age. A sample of 245 elderly people ( Mean age = 70; SD =9.1) filled in the Psychological Well-Being Questionnaire, the Social Well-Being Questionnaire, and Attitudes Toward Technologies Questionnaire (ATTQ). Favorable attitudes toward Internet technologies showed positive correlations with overall social well-being and all its components with the exception of social acceptance. Positive correlations with overall psychological well-being and two of its components, namely, personal growth and purpose in life, were also found. Two hierarchical multiple regression models underscored that positive attitudes toward Internet technologies constitute the most important predictor of social well-being, and it appears to be a significant predictor for psychological well-being as well. Results are discussed and integrated into the Positive Technology theoretical framework that sustains the value of technological resources for improving the quality of personal experience and well-being.
Perceptions of Blame in Intimate Partner Violence: The Role of the Perpetrator’s Ability to Arouse Fear of Injury in the Victim
Authors: Russell Brenda , Kraus Shane W. , Chapleau Kristine M. , Oswald Debra
Published: May 2016

Men are more likely to be blamed more for intimate partner violence (IPV) than are women who commit the same offense. However, because men are typically stronger and perceived as more physically aggressive than women are, perpetrator sex is confounded with masculinity and the ability to arouse fear in the victim. This study disentangled the construct of gender in understanding bystanders’ attributions of blame in IPV. Participants ( N = 639) read a scenario in which the perpetrator’s sex (male/female) and gender identity (masculine/feminine), and the victim’s sex (male/female) were manipulated and rated how much they blamed the perpetrator and the perpetrator’s ability to arouse fear of injury in the victim. Results showed that male perpetrators (regardless of gender identity) who assaulted a female victim were attributed the most blame and were perceived as having the greatest ability to arouse victim fear. In contrast, feminine female perpetrators were attributed the least blame and perceived as arousing the least victim fear regardless of the victim’s gender. Furthermore, controlling for the perpetrator’s ability to arouse fear in the victim resulted in the elimination of the interaction effects for blame. This finding suggests that perpetrators’ ability to arouse fear is an underlying factor in bystanders’ attributions of blame.
Decline in HIV seroprevalence in street youth 2006–2012, St. Petersburg, Russia: moving toward an AIDS-free generation
Authors: Kornilova Marina S , Batluk Julia V , Yorick Roman V , Baughman Andrew L , Hillis Susan D , Vitek Charles R
Published: May 2016

A 2006 survey of street youth at pre-mapped street youth locations in St. Petersburg, Russia, found extremely high HIV seroprevalence (37.4%) among 313 street youth aged 15–19 years of age, strongly associated with injection drug use, which was reported by 50.6% of participants. In response, multi-sectoral social support and prevention measures were instituted. In 2012, we conducted a follow-up survey of 15- to 19-year-old street youth using the same study procedures as in 2006. Of 311 participants, 45 (14.5%) reported injection drug use; 31 participants (10.0%, 95% confidence interval, 6.0%–16.2%) were HIV-seropositive . Predictors independently associated with HIV seropositivity included injection drug use (adjusted prevalence ratio 53.1) and transactional sex (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.3). None of the 178 participants aged 15–17 years were HIV-positive. Thirty of 31 (96.8%) HIV-seropositive individuals reported injection drug use. Street youth in St Petersburg had a 73% decrease in HIV seroprevalence from 2006 to 2012, primarily due to decreased initiation of injection drug use. This marked reduction in the HIV epidemic among street youth occurred after implementation of extensive support programs and socio-economic improvements.
Intrarenal macrophage infiltration induced by T cells is associated with podocyte injury in lupus nephritis patients
Authors: Ma R , Jiang W , Li Z , Sun Y , Wei Z
Published: May 2016

Proteinuria is the hallmark of clinical manifestation of disease activity in lupus nephritis (LN) patients, which arises from direct or indirect podocyte injury. This study is to explore the relationship between intrarenal T cell infiltration and podocyte injury in lupus nephritis (LN), and to understand the potential mechanisms of podocyte injury induced by intrarenal T cells. Sixty renal biopsies from patients diagnosed with LN were included in the present study. Histological changes in LN patients were detected by light and electron microscopy. Podocyte-specific nephrin expression in renal tissues was detected by immunofluorescence. Infiltration of T cells (CD3+ cells), infiltration of macrophages (CD68+ cells) and the expression of osteopontin (OPN) in renal tissues were examined by immunohistochemical staining. Pearson or Spearman’s tests were used to perform correlation analysis. Morphologic lesions of podocytes were more severe in LN patients than in normal control subjects. Compared with normal control subjects, nephrin expression was significantly decreased in LN patients. The expression level of nephrin was significantly lower in active LN patients than in the inactive group of patients ( P < 0.05). Compared with normal control subjects, the number of infiltrated intrarenal T cells and macrophages was significantly increased in LN patients. T cells were mainly distributed in renal interstitium, with very few being in glomeruli, while macrophages were mainly located in glomeruli. The number of intrarenal infiltrated T cells and macrophages in active LN patients was more than that in the inactive group ( P < 0.05). Compared with normal control subjects, OPN expression in LN patients was increased significantly. The expression level of OPN in active LN patients was significantly higher than that in the inactive group ( P < 0.05). Podocyte-specific nephrin was negatively correlated with 24-hour proteinuria, intrarenal T cells infiltration and intrarenal OPN expression in LN patients ( P < 0.001). Intrarenal macrophages had significantly positive correlation with intrarenal OPN expression ( P < 0.001). The present study provides possible links between intrarenal T cells, OPN, macrophages with reduced podocyte-nephrin and podocytopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition, infiltration of macrophages in glomeruli induced by OPN that is induced by T cells may be a crucial mechanism for podocyte injury.
What does a cultural district actually do? Critically reappraising 15 years of cultural district policy in Italy
Authors: Nuccio Massimiliano , Ponzini Davide
Published: May 2016

Culture-driven urban and regional strategies have grown since the 1980s in Europe and beyond. Countless initiatives for creative clusters, cultural quarters and culture-led urban policies have mushroomed since the mid-1990s. Being exceptionally rich and dense in cultural amenities and institutions, creative production and cultural consumption, Italy seemed to be the natural ground for such a cultural turn in policymaking. In fact, Italy has been the cradle for cultural districts (CDs) since the early 2000s, fostering both analytical and normative speculations and experiments. Despite this richness, a systematic study of CD policy implementation is lacking and several questions are still pending, in Italy as well as in other countries. For example, how diverse are the CD experiences being developed; and what are the aims and core activities, the urban and regional settings and development effects? This paper presents an original survey of 68 experimentations that were officially labelled as ‘cultural districts’ over the last 15 years in Italy: as such it constitutes the first attempt at a nation-wide comprehensive analysis of CD policy. Even though the major importance of CDs as an analytical tool is acknowledged, the evidence gathered in this study shows the fuzziness and inconsistencies in the implementation of CD policy in Italy. The analysis shows the uneven regional geography of CDs, stresses the large variety of contents and promoters and high rate of failure, and the limited degree of specialization and integration with cultural industries. The paper reconsiders critically the policy notion and practice of CDs in Italy and calls for further international scholarly and policy debates.
The Effect of Perceived High-performance Human Resource Practices on Business Performance: Role of Organizational Learning
Authors: Chahal Hardeep , Jyoti Jeevan , Rani Asha
Published: May 2016

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the effect of perceived high-performance human resource (HR) practices, that is, extensive training, performance management, performance appraisal, performance-based compensation, empowerment and competency development, on business performance of employees in telecommunication sector. Further, the role of the organizational learning as a mediator between high-performance HR practices and business performance has also been explored. Census method has been used for data collection from employees working in telecommunication sector in Jammu and Kashmir (North India). Reliability and validity have been proved with the help of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Structural equation modelling (SEM) has been used for hypotheses testing. Results indicate that high-performance HR practices positively affect business performance. Further, organizational learning act as a mediating variable between high-performance HR practices and business performance. The managerial implications have also been discussed.
The Narrative Strategies of Resistance
Authors: Ravichandran K. , Thayalamurthy K.
Published: May 2016

This paper comparatively aims at exploring the bottom of the caste system in India and the apartheid system Jn South Africa in the literan; works of Bama's Karukku and Miriam Tlali's Muriel at Metropolitan. It argues that these two semi-autobiographical works constitute literan; resistance not only to the caste system and the apartheid system, but also to patriarchies. The social institutions of religion, law, politics, art and literature glorifi; the dominant ideology of the Caste Hindus and Race Whites. But, after centuries of suppression, Dalits and Blacks are now finding their voice, in literature as well as through political activism. In many ways an arm of downtrodden politics, literature lzave become an effective tool in expressing the protest of these communities against the domination of Caste Hindus and Race Whites. The protagonists of these novels take the radical step of rejecting and identift;ing themselves primarily as Dalits and Blacks. Through an analysis of these two texts, the article discusses the caste and race hierarchy prevalent in the world. It also explores larger ambiguities in the construction of an identity of Indian Dalits and South African Blacks.
The impact of pressure groups on inter-firm competition in the cigarette-manufacturing sector: A global value chain approach
Authors: Breazeale Nicole D
Published: May 2016

Global commodity chain, global value chain and global production network scholars have established the importance of studying lead firms and their business strategies to understand how new competitive pressures impact the organization of supply chains. In this analysis of the tobacco commodity chain, the author examines internal strategic planning documents for major cigarette manufacturers from 1960 to 2010 and identifies moments in which the lead firms shift competitive strategies. The article argues that these changes in inter-firm competition are linked, in part, to the changing demands, successes, and failures of the tobacco control movement. During each period, the movement shaped the particular opportunities and constraints facing Big Tobacco, which in turn changed the competitive dynamics amongst these firms, with important implications for other supply chain actors. This historical case of inter-firm competition among cigarette manufacturers reveals the importance of including powerful and enduring pressure groups in the study of global value chain governance – particularly global health movements and environmental movements that may have direct and indirect effects on global value chains above and beyond specific targeted campaigns.
A Structured Peer-Mentoring Method for Physical Activity Behavior Change Among Adolescents
Authors: Smith Laureen H. , Petosa Rick L.
Published: May 2016

Despite national guidelines for regular physical activity, most adolescents are not physically active. Schools serve an estimated 60 million youth and provide an educational environment to meet the current physical activity guidelines. The obesity epidemic and chronic disease comorbidities associated with physical inactivity are not likely to be reversed without a strong contribution from local schools. This article describes how a structured peer-mentoring method provides a feasible, flexible, and tailored means to meet the current guidelines for best practice in a school setting. Structured peer mentoring using trained high school mentors to support behavior change in younger peers is an innovative method to meeting the School Health Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity. Through structured peer mentoring, adolescents are provided consistent social support in a caring and personalized manner. This support builds skills and competencies enhancing self-efficacy to sustain a lifetime of physical activity behavior.
How Do We Talk About the Physician–Patient Relationship? What the Nonempirical Literature Tells Us
Authors: Hoff Timothy , Collinson Grace E.
Published: May 2016

The physician–patient relationship is an important ideal, and a construct central to discussions regarding health systems change and innovation. This review examines the nonempirical literature focused on the physician–patient relationship published over the past 15 years. The review’s results show a literature that is heavily context bound, relies on a combination of informational and emotional appeals to influence readers, and is mostly focused on portraying the state of this relationship in negative ways. Characteristics of the relationship such as trust, communication, and information are particularly focused on, while other important features like empathy remain less addressed. The review’s findings suggest broadening the perspective regarding how the physician–patient relationship is construed, in order to take advantage of its increased importance in the modern health care marketplace, and to account for new relational dynamics between providers and patients suggested by innovations in care delivery.
Beyond ANT
Authors: Jansen Till
Published: May 2016

Actor-Network-Theory (ANT) offers an ‘infra-language’ of the social that allows one to trace social relations very dynamically, while at the same time dissolving human agency, thus providing a flat and de-centred way into sociology. However, ANT struggles with its theoretical design that may lead us to reduce agency to causation and to conceptualize actor-networks as homogeneous ontologies of force. This article proposes to regard ANT’s inability to conceptualize reflexivity and the interrelatedness of different ontologies as the fundamental problem of the theory. Drawing on Günther, it offers an ‘infra-language’ of reflexive relations while maintaining ANT’s de-centred approach. This would enable us to conceptualize actor-networks as non-homogeneous, dynamic and connecting different societal rationales while maintaining the main strengths of ANT.
A neural network driving curve generation method for the heavy-haul train
Authors: Huang Youneng , Tan Litian , Chen Lei , Tang Tao
Published: May 2016

The heavy-haul train has a series of characteristics, such as the locomotive traction properties, the longer length of train, and the nonlinear train pipe pressure during train braking. When the train is running on a continuous long and steep downgrade railway line, the safety of the train is ensured by cycle braking, which puts high demands on the driving skills of the driver. In this article, a driving curve generation method for the heavy-haul train based on a neural network is proposed. First, in order to describe the nonlinear characteristics of train braking, the neural network model is constructed and trained by practical driving data. In the neural network model, various nonlinear neurons are interconnected to work for information processing and transmission. The target value of train braking pressure reduction and release time is achieved by modeling the braking process. The equation of train motion is computed to obtain the driving curve. Finally, in four typical operation scenarios, comparing the curve data generated by the method with corresponding practical data of the Shuohuang heavy-haul railway line, the results show that the method is effective.
The mediatization of health expertise
Authors: Christensen Christa Lykke
Published: May 2016

This article concerns the Danish public service broadcaster, Danmark Radio, and the programmes on health it produced from 1990 to 2010. It applies a historical perspective and, methodologically, the study is based on a qualitative content analysis of selected health programmes. Theoretically, the article is informed by ‘mediatization’ theory and demonstrates how television influences changes to the discursive construction of health and health expertise in factual programming in this 20-year period. The analysis demonstrates how early factual programmes were dominated by information on illness, medical treatment and care and communicated by medical experts and laypeople, whereas later programmes present health as an individual and entrepreneurial project that rapidly changes and improves the individual’s lifestyle with the help of all kinds of lifestyle experts.
The contraceptive implant
Authors: Kukstas Charlotte
Published: May 2016

The introduction of contraception has significantly improved lifestyle choices for women. The majority of women go to their general practice for contraception, and therefore, GPs have an important role in helping to guide their decision-making. The progesterone-only implant is one of the four available long-acting methods of contraception; it works mainly by preventing ovulation. It is a small 40-mm rod that is implanted into the subdermal tissue in the upper arm, where it provides contraception for up to 3 years. It is both one of the most reliable methods of contraception and is more cost-effective than traditional methods.
Administration of cells with thermosensitive hydrogel enhances the functional recovery in ischemic rat heart
Authors: Matsushita Satoshi , Forrester James S , Li Chuan , Sato Mitsuru , Li Zhengqing , Guo Xiaolei , Guan Jianjun , Amano Atsushi
Published: May 2016

The lack of cell retention clearly represents a potentially serious limitation for therapeutic efficacy of stem cells. To enhance the efficacy, we developed a novel hydrogel that is thermosensitive and biodegradable and possesses desirable stiffness in a solid form. Immediately after induction of myocardial infarction of male rat, cardiac outgrowth cells embedded in hydrogel (HG) or saline (CO) were injected directly into the peri-infarct area. Left ventricular ejection fraction, cell retention rate, and a spectrum of biochemical markers were measured to evaluate the effect of the treatment. Left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly higher in the cell-injected groups (HG and CO) than in the control group at 1 week after treatment. This functional benefit was continued only in the HG group, accompanied with more retained cells. Furthermore, the expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 was significantly higher in the HG group with less progression of cell apoptosis.
DrugGenEx-Net: a novel computational platform for systems pharmacology and gene expression-based drug repurposing
Authors: Issa Naiem T. , Kruger Jordan , Wathieu Henri , Raja Rajarajan , Byers Stephen W. , Dakshanamurthy Sivanesan
Published: May 2016

Background

The targeting of disease-related proteins is important for drug discovery, and yet target-based discovery has not been fruitful. Contextualizing overall biological processes is critical to formulating successful drug-disease hypotheses. Network pharmacology helps to overcome target-based bottlenecks through systems biology analytics, such as protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and pathway regulation.

Results

We present a systems polypharmacology platform entitled DrugGenEx-Net (DGE-NET). DGE-NET predicts empirical drug-target (DT) interactions, integrates interaction pairs into a multi-tiered network analysis, and ultimately predicts disease-specific drug polypharmacology through systems-based gene expression analysis. Incorporation of established biological network annotations for protein target-disease, −signaling pathway, −molecular function, and protein-protein interactions enhances predicted DT effects on disease pathophysiology. Over 50 drug-disease and 100 drug-pathway predictions are validated. For example, the predicted systems pharmacology of the cholesterol-lowering agent ezetimibe corroborates its potential carcinogenicity.

When disease-specific gene expression analysis is integrated, DGE-NET prioritizes known therapeutics/experimental drugs as well as their contra-indications. Proof-of-concept is established for immune-related rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as neuro-degenerative Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Conclusions

DGE-NET is a novel computational method that predicting drug therapeutic and counter-therapeutic indications by uniquely integrating systems pharmacology with gene expression analysis. DGE-NET correctly predicts various drug-disease indications by linking the biological activity of drugs and diseases at multiple tiers of biological action, and is therefore a useful approach to identifying drug candidates for re-purposing.
Curative-Intent Surgery for Pancreatic Tumors: A Review of Procedures From the Brazilian National Health System
Authors: dos Santos Lucas V. , Lessa Marco Antonio O. , Lima João Paulo S. N. , Haaland Benjamin , Lopes Gilberto L.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

In Brazil, a country with major health access disparities, resource limitations make management of pancreatic cancer (PC) challenging. This study evaluated curative-intent surgery for PC in the Brazilian public health care system.

Methods

We collected data for PC surgical procedures with curative intent in Brazil’s public health care system (DATASUS) and from the demographic database. Costs, lengths of stay, number of perioperative deaths, and PC deaths were analyzed for each state and then associated with population, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, and number of procedures.

Results

A total of 37,142 patients died as a result of PC in Brazil between 2008 and 2012. The number of deaths (per 100,000 person-years) was highest in the south and southeast regions. Mortality from PC had a positive association with the number of procedures and GDP per capita. Between January 2008 and July 2014, 3,386 procedures were performed, the majority (51.2%) in the southeast region. Four hundred ninety-three patients died, which translates to an inpatient mortality rate of 14.6%. The northern states had the highest perioperative mortality (mean, 25%). The number of procedures per 100,000 residents was higher in the southeast and south. Overall, cost tended to increase as the number of procedures or population increased. For fixed GDP per capita and population, cost tended to increase as the number of procedures increased, whereas for a fixed number of procedures and GDP per capita, cost tended to decrease as population increased. The mean length of hospital stay was 16.9 days, which was higher than in major international centers.

Conclusion

This study is the first to our knowledge to evaluate regional disparities in PC care in Brazil. Perioperative mortality was high in the public health care system. Regionalized policies that improve care are needed.
Solvent Effects for Spectroscopic Properties of Near-Infrared Absorbing Nickel–Dithiolene Complex [Ni(iPr2timdt)2] (iPr2timdt: Monoanion of 1,3-Diisopropylimidazolidine-2,4,5-trithione)
Authors: Warashina Tomoyuki , Hoshino Hitoshi
Published: May 2016

The near-infrared (NIR) absorption properties of a square-planar nickel–dithiolene complex [Ni(iPr2timdt)2] in various organic solvents have been investigated (iPr2timdt denotes a monoanion of 1,3-diisopropylimidazolidine-2,4,5-trithione). In non-coordinating aprotic organic solvents of smaller relative permittivity (εr < 10) such as dichloromethane (εr = 8.9), the neutral complex [Ni(iPr2timdt)2]0 shows a huge and sharp NIR absorption band at ca. 1000 nm having the molar absorptivity of ε = 6–8 × 104 L mol−1 cm−1. In contrast, in strongly coordinating solvents such as pyridine (Gutmann’s donor number, DN = 33.1), the NIR absorption of [Ni(iPr2timdt)2]0 disappears most probably, owing to the coordination of pyridine molecules onto the axial sites of this square-planar complex. In high relative permittivity solvents such as N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF, εr = 36.71), [Ni(iPr2timdt)2]0 (λmax: ca. 1000 nm) undergoes spontaneous reduction reactions yielding the ionic complexes of [Ni(iPr2timdt)2]− (λmax: ca. 1400 nm) and [Ni(iPr2timdt)2]2− (no NIR peaks), which is indeed reconciled with the results of the spectroelectrochemical measurements. It is stressed that the absorption properties of [Ni(iPr2timdt)2] in the NIR region are sensitive to the solvent properties, and these complex systems serve as NIR probes to report solvent properties.
Mortality Inequality: The Good News from a County-Level Approach
Authors: Currie Janet , Schwandt Hannes
Published: May 2016

In this essay, we ask whether the distributions of life expectancy and mortality have become generally more unequal, as many seem to believe, and we report some good news. Focusing on groups of counties ranked by their poverty rates, we show that gains in life expectancy at birth have actually been relatively equally distributed between rich and poor areas. Analysts who have concluded that inequality in life expectancy is increasing have generally focused on life expectancy at age 40 to 50. This observation suggests that it is important to examine trends in mortality for younger and older ages separately. Turning to an analysis of age-specific mortality rates, we show that among adults age 50 and over, mortality has declined more quickly in richer areas than in poorer ones, resulting in increased inequality in mortality. This finding is consistent with previous research on the subject. However, among children, mortality has been falling more quickly in poorer areas with the result that inequality in mortality has fallen substantially over time. We also show that there have been stunning declines in mortality rates for African Americans between 1990 and 2010, especially for black men. Finally we offer some hypotheses about causes for the results we see, including a discussion of differential smoking patterns by age and socioeconomic status.
DIESEL MIXED FUEL: PROBLEMS AND INNOVATIVE INVENTIONS
Authors: Уханов  , Ukhanov Denis , Уханов  , Ukhanov Aleksandr , Адгамов  , Adgamov Irfan
Published: May 2016

The goal of the research is constructive adaptation of automotive diesel engines working by diesel mixed fuel. A perspective kind of an alternative motor fuel is biodiesel blend produced with mixing of vegetable oil and conventional diesel fuel in different percentages. The present diesel-powered machinery is not adapted to work on such kind of fuel because of the different properties of biodiesel and diesel fuels. Applying of the invented devices (such as dual-fuel supply system, the mixer-filter and ultrasonic fuel mixer) allows to adapt automotive diesel engines for work on biodiesel blend. The dual-fuel supply system performs engine start, warm-up and stop modes on mineral diesel fuel, and its work on biodiesel blend on other modes. The original design of the fuel mixer-filter provides effective mixing of components and filtration from contaminants. Due to the high frequency vibrations the ultrasonic mixer provides the obtaining of homogeneous fuel composition and molecular splitting of higher fatty acids contained in vegetable oil.
METHODS AND MEANS OF BATTERIES WORKING CAPACITY CHECKING
Authors: Десяев  , Desyaev Sergey , Иншаков  , Inshakov Aleksandr , Байков  , Baykov Dmitriy
Published: May 2016

The purpose of research is increase the efficiency of mobile service units. To achieve these goals were analyzed methods for determining the performance of batteries included in the mobile agricultural machinery. The advantages and disadvantages of methods and devices determine the battery capacity. A variant bitmap control voltages of cells a source of electrical energy, consisting of a number of series-connected batteries. A method for monitoring the battery half voltage is characterized by simplicity of realization but is not sufficient to determine the battery performance. A method and device resistance battery Isolation control, allows you to automatically carry out resistance checks as the batteries during operation or during routine maintenance. The set of the considered solutions will automate the process of service batteries, thus ensuring the production of a guaranteed life of batteries and reduce the time of routine maintenance.
Technical Regulation of Industrial Facilities’ Safety
Authors: Грановский  , Granovskiy E.
Published: May 2016

A comparison of approaches to industrial facilities’ safety management based on standard regulation and industrial risks

management is carried out in this work. Development of technical solutions in the normative documents based on ideas

of dangers inherent in object, as a matter of experience for accidents without regard to probability of these accidents

realization leads to the fact that such decisions are either superfluous and don´t influence the object danger, or increase

its danger. The analysis of modern approaches to statutory regulation of industrial safety and shortcomings of the existing

Russian practice in this area has been presented. It has been shown that the international and national risk management

standards allow pass to more effective control of safety level as to inadmissible risk absence, but not that by what decisions

this level is reached.
YIELD CAPACITY AND QUALITY OF SOYBEAN SEEDS WHEN APPLYING SENICCATION AND DESICCATION UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF LEFT-BANK FOREST-STEPPE OF UKRAINE
Authors: Романько  , Romanko Yuriy , Мельник  , Melnik Andrey
Published: May 2016

The research purpose was to identify high-quality variety features of formation of yield capacity and quality of soybean seeds when applying seniccation and desiccation in the Left-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine. The research subject is Anna, Romance, Vasilkovskaya varieties of soybean, the elements of technology of cultivation (desiccation and seniccation), yield capacity and quality of seeds. The experiment was carried out according to the two-factor scheme in a 4-times repeat at the Institute of Agriculture of the Northeast of NAAS of Ukraine. The research results showed that the duration of vegetation was influenced both by varietal characteristics and the application of desiccation and seniccation. On average, the smallest period from the growing phase to the full ripeness was stated on the variant with Reglon Super 2.0 l/ga and Basta 2.0 l/ga desiccation (36-37 days). The maximum level of yield capacity on the average in 2007-2009 was obtained from Vasilkovskaya variety – 2.50 t/ga. Annushka variety provided significantly lower yields (2.0 t/ha), as it was proved by the calculated NSR05. In terms of yield capacity Romantika variety took an intermediate position of 2.38 t/ga. On the variants with the application of seniccation and desiccation a positive trend of their influence on the yield capacity of soybean seeds in all studied varieties was stated. So, on average, an increase of yield capacity was stated when applying: seniccation 5.0% solution of ammonium nitrate per 0.38 t/ga; 8.0% solution of urea per 0.45 t/ga; Reglon Super 2.0 l/ga per 0.24 t/ga; Basta 2.0 l/ga 0.3 t/ga as compared to the control. Application of seniccation favored the increase of protein content: urea solution by 0.7%; solution of ammonium nitrate by 0.5% compared to the control. On the variants of desiccation the protein content was at (33.9-34.1%). Oil content of the seed of studied varieties ranged from 20.0 to 24.1%.
METROLEK-O MEDICINE USE FOR THE CORRECTION OF DAIRY COWS REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION
Authors: Мешков  , Meshkov Ilya , Баймишев  , Baymishev Khamidulla , Баймишев  , Baymishev Murat , Пристяжнюк  , Pristyazhnyuk Oksana
Published: May 2016

The purpose of research is to increase the efficiency of cows reproductive function correction by medicine Metrolag-O. It was conducted the research chlinical gynecologic examination of 4 to 8 day cows after calving. The diagnosis of cows acute postpartum endometritis was established on the basis of clinical exams. From the number of cows, patients with acute endometritis was formed three groups by the principle of analogues (1 experimental, 2 experimental, 3 experimental) of 10 animals each. Studied groups of cows were injected interouterus with the help of syringe with catheter by the drug Metrolek-O with an interval of 48 h until recovery. For experimental group 1 was administered the drug at a dose of 40 ml; 2 of the experimental group in a dose of 50 ml; 3 of the experimental group in a dose of 60 ml. Therapeutic efficacy of the drug Metrolek-O for the treatment of acute postpartum endometritis of cows was determined according to the following criteria: duration of the course of postnatal period, recovery period, frequency of drug use, percent recovery. As a result of the conducted research it was established that the prima version of the drug Metrolek-O in the dose of 50 ml at a multiplicity of the introduction of 4.5 times with an interval of 48 h is more effective than dose administration of 40 and 60 ml. Decrease in therapeutic efficacy of Metrolek-O in the dose of 60 ml is the result of add effects of the drug as an allergen.
AGE CHANGES OF γ-GLUTAMYL TRANSFERASE ACTIVITY IN TISSUES OF MUSCLES OF THE RABBITS EXTREMITIES
Authors: Мардарьева  , Mardareva Nataliya , Терентьева  , Terenteva Mayya
Published: May 2016

The purpose of the study is improvement of various in in animals body systems in separate development phases of postnatal ontogenesis. To achieve this goal, we have studied the regularities of age-related changes in the activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase in the tissues of the muscles biceps and triceps brachii, quadriceps femoris, gluteus and gastrocnemius muscles of the extremities in rabbits in different phases.Used gray giant breed rabbits at the age 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 days. Age groups were formed according to the principle of unique, taking into account gender, body weight, type of nervous system and general condition. The animal muscle tissue samples were removed and frozen in liquid nitrogen for further research. The activity of gamma glutamyl transferase was determined by photocolorimetric and spectrophotometric methods in the scientific laboratory of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Ecology of the Academy. The resalts show the nature of age-related changes of the enzyme levels in the tissues of the biceps and triceps the first forty-five days of life is about the same. But it should be noted that the increase or decrease intensity of GGT activity in the tissues during this lifetime differs. In the rest of the studied periods of life the nature of the activity of the enzyme in the biceps and shoulder triceps is different. The most intensive changes in the GGT level in the tissues of the biceps is detected from two-month to three-month age (increased 2.7 times, p<0.001) in the tissues of the triceps – from forty-five daily to two months (increased 3.9 times) and from three-months to four-months (increased 3.0 times, p<0.001). The character of changes of enzyme activity in the tissues of thigh quadriceps at different age rabbits differs from that of the rest of the studied muscles. The most intensive GGT activity changes from twenty-four to thirty days age (increased 4.0 times, p<0.001). Age-related changes in GGT level in the tissues of the gluteus and calf muscles are basically the same. The difference is found only in the first six days of rabbits` life. Enzyme level in rabbits in the tissues of the gluteus maximus during the first six days increased by 91.0%, p<0.05, and in the tissues of the calf muscle, it falls to 27.3%, p<0.05.
DAIRY EFFICIENCY AND GENE POLYMORPHIC VARIANTS OF KAPPA-CASEIN, BETA-LACTOGLOBULIN OF HOLSTEINED BLACK-MOTLEY CATTLE OF SAMARA TYPE
Authors: Грашин  , Grashin Aleksey , Грашин  , Grashin Valeriy
Published: May 2016

The purpose of research is heifers protein dairy raising of Holsteined Black-Motley cattle of Samara type. Studies on the identification of polymorphism and the definition of occurrence frequencies of alleles and genotypes at loci kappa-casein gene (CSN3), beta-lactoglobulin (LGB), and complex genotypes (LGB/CSN3) Holsteined Black-Motley breed cows of Samara type. It was established the influence of the genotypes of these genes for heifers dairy production. The cattle of CJSC «Lunacharsky» with genotype CSN3ВВ for dairy production during 305 days of lactation had an advantage over CSN3АА genotype at 348 kg and 468 kg in the CSN3АВ and butter fat content showed significant superiority to 0.16% (P˂0.001) and 0.23% (Р˂0,01). At the exit of butter fat and 28.1 to 23.9 kg of milk protein by 15.3 and 12.7 kg, respectively. The heifers of «Breeding Farm “Druzhba”» with these genotypes are equal. The heifers with genotype LGBВВ CJSC «Lunacharsky» had lower level to genotypes LGBАА, LGBАВ and the level of dairy production at 208 kg and 75 kg of milk. But had the advantage of butter fat content 0.08%, protein by 0.05-0.03%. The heifers of «Breeding Farm “Druzhba”» with the heterozygous genotype LGBАВ genotype produced significantly more at 478 kg (P<0,05) and 150 kg of milk compared with homozygous genotypes LGBВВ, LGBАА and that increased butter fat output 19.8 kg (P<0,05) and protein – 14.5 kg (P<0,05).
Motivating Process Compliance Through Individual Electronic Monitoring: An Empirical Examination of Hand Hygiene in Healthcare
Authors: Staats Bradley R. , Dai Hengchen , Hofmann David , Milkman Katherine L.
Published: May 2016

The design and use of standard processes are foundational recommendations in many operations practices. Yet, given the demonstrated performance benefits of standardized processes, it is surprising that they are often not followed consistently. One way to ensure greater compliance is by electronically monitoring the activities of individuals, although such aggressive monitoring poses the risk of inducing backlash. In the setting of hand hygiene in healthcare, a context where compliance with standard processes is frequently less than 50% and where this lack of compliance can result in negative consequences, we investigated the effectiveness of electronic monitoring. We did so using a unique, radio frequency identification (RFID)-based system deployed in 71 hospital units. We found that electronically monitoring individual compliance resulted in a large, positive increase in compliance. We also found that there was substantial variability in the effect across units and that units with higher levels of preactivation compliance experienced increased benefits from monitoring relative to units with lower levels of prepreactivation compliance. By observing compliance rates over three and a half years, we investigated the persistent effects of individual monitoring and found that compliance rates initially increased before they gradually declined. Additionally, in multiple units, individual monitoring was discontinued, allowing for an investigation of the impact of removing the intervention on compliance. Surprisingly, we found that, after removal, compliance rates declined to below prepreactivation levels. Our findings suggest that, although individual electronic monitoring can dramatically improve process compliance, it requires sustained managerial commitment.

This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.
Appreciating the Nuance of Daily Symptom Variation to Individualize Patient
Care
Authors: Adler Jeremy , Saeed Shehzad A. , Eslick Ian S. , Provost Lloyd , Margolis Peter A. , Kaplan Heather C.
Published: May 2016

Introduction: Improving symptoms for patients with chronic illness is difficult
due to poor recall and imprecise assessments of therapeutic response to inform treatment
decisions. Daily variation in symptoms may obscure subtle improvement or lead to
erroneous associations between symptom changes and alteration in medication or dietary
regimens. This may lead to mistaken impressions of treatment efficacy (or inefficacy).
Mobile health technologies that collect daily patient reported outcome (PRO) data have
the potential to improve care by providing more detailed information for clinical
decision-making in practice and may facilitate conducting single subject (n-of-1)
trials.Methods: Interrupted time series to prototype mobile health enabled data
collection for three patients. We recruited pediatric patients with established
inflammatory bowel disease who had persistent symptoms. Based on their self-identified
most troubling symptoms, patients were sent customized, daily-automated text messages to
assess the extent of their symptoms. Standardized, PRO Measurement Information System
(PROMIS) surveys were deployed weekly. Individual statistical process control charts
were used to assess variation. Patients met with physicians regularly to interpret their
data jointly.Results: We report the experience of 3 patients with inflammatory bowel
disease, each with different symptoms. Daily symptom monitoring uncovered important
patterns, some of which even patients were unaware before reviewing their symptom data.
Important associations were found between symptom variation and changes in medications
and diet. PROMIS survey results assessed longitudinally accurately reflected changes in
patient symptoms.Conclusions: We demonstrated how PROs can be implemented in practice.
Monitoring and analyzing daily symptom data, using both customized and standard PROs,
has the potential to detect meaningful variation in symptom patterns, which can inform
clinical decision-making or can facilitate conducting formal n-of-1 trials to further
improve outcomes.
Fate of Chemical Activators in The Aqueous Environment: What Should We Do About It?
Authors: Zaini Muhammad A. A. , Hui Tang S. , Zhi Lee L. , Alias Norulaina
Published: May 2016

The commonly used activators in chemical activation of activated carbon are very toxic and poisonous to the aquatic environment. Finding trade-off solutions without compromising the quality of activated carbon and jeopardizing the environment have become the subject of considerable interest. This paper is aimed to shed some light on the inevitable release of chemical activators to the aqueous environment, and offers some possible solutions to overcome the emergence of secondary pollution.
Corporate Tax in European Union and the Theory of Corporate Finance
Authors: Iwin-Garzyńska Jolanta
Published: May 2016

One of the main objectives to be accomplished by the European Union law is to eliminate barriers to the functioning of domestic market and in particular improve the competitiveness of enterprises. After several years of efforts, the European Commission approved a proposal for the directive on a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base which is to remove obstacles to the functioning of internal market and increase tax harmonization. The article is aimed at presenting the essence of CCCTB in the theory of corporate finance and its importance for enterprises, based on the survey of Polish and EU companies. The paper addresses issues relating to tax in corporate finance. Canons of taxation will be discussed and special emphasis will be placed on principles behind formulating fiscal law provisions (including the EU law). Furthermore, the article presents the results of surveys into the importance of taxation cannons for Polish and EU companies.