bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The turtles from the upper Eocene, Osona County (Ebro Basin, Catalonia, Spain): new material and its faunistic and environmental context
Authors: de Lapparent de Broin France , Murelaga Xabier , Pérez-García Adán , Farrés Francesc , Altimiras Jacint
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Eochelone voltregana n. sp. is a new marine cryptodiran cheloniid found at the Priabonian levels (latest Eocene) of the Vespella marls member of the Vic–Manlleu marls formation. It is the second cheloniid from Santa Cecília de Voltregà (Osona County, Spain), the first one being Osonachelus decorata from the same formation. Shell parameters indicate that the new species belongs to a branch of sea turtles including the Eocene Anglo–Franco–Belgian forms Argillochelys, Puppigerus and Eochelone (the shell of the latter was studied here for the first time) as well as Glarichelys from the Oligocene of Switzerland, all of them predating the worldwide living Miocene genera. The description of two other more littoral–continental Eocene species is given: Trionyx sp., from an older layer of the same formation; and the podocnemidid erymnochelyine, Cordichelys from a more basal layer of a middle Eocene (Lutetian) formation. The last one is identified as the only evidence of the Shweboemys subgroup in the European record, being distinct from the other known Osona County pleurodire Eocenochelus farresi, which is a member of the Erymnochelys group (same subfamily), from the younger Priabonian Sant Martí Xic layer. Thus, an update on the marine turtle fauna of the eastern Ebro Basin that variably opened in the east during Eocene times is provided. The turtles of Osona County belong to two suborders and five genera with three new species and extend the known distribution of their families (LSID urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:48CE8676-7B82-4EF2-8165-27BEE90129F2).
State of the art of fragility analysis for major building types in
China with implications for intensity-PGA relationships
Authors: Xin Danhua , Daniell James Edward , Wenzel Friedemann
Published: September 2018

Abstract. The evaluation of the seismic fragility of buildings is one key task of earthquake safety and loss assessment. Many research reports and papers have been published over the past four decades that deal with the vulnerability of buildings to ground motion caused by earthquakes in China. We scrutinize 69 papers with studies of building damage for magnitude ≥ 4.7 events occurred in densely populated areas starting with the 1975 M7.5 Haicheng earthquake. They represent observations where macroseismic intensities have been determined according to the Chinese Official Seismic Intensity Scale. From these many studies we derive the most representative fragility functions (dependent on intensity) for 4 damage limit states of two most widely distributed building types: masonry and reinforced concrete. We also inspect 18 papers that provide analytical fragility curves (dependent on PGA) for the same damage classes and building categories. Finally, we check the consistency of fragilities as functions of intensity and PGA and derive corresponding relationships between macroseismic intensity and PGA. The intensity-PGA relationship developed in this study is fully compatible with results of previous research.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Business and Economic Research, Vol. 8, No. 3
Authors: Young Daisy
Published: September 2018

Business and Economic Research (BER) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from June 1, 2018, to September 1, 2018. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether BER publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Publishing appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Almir A. AlihodžićAngela R WellsAngela WrightAntonio Ruiz-PorrasBilal Khalaf SakarnehBratu (Simionescu) MihaelaCorina M RadulescuCristina A. NaftanailaDorjana NanoFouad JamaaniGee Nee LimGerasimos T. SoldatosHengky Sumisto HalimHui Shan LeeJudy LiMahmoud M.SabraMamta SinghMohammad Hani Al-KilaniMouhamadou T SowRoderikus A.TrihatmokoSantosh B. ManjegowdaYu HsingZakayo S. KisavaZarnescu Odi MihaelaZi-Yi Guo
The Effect of Internal and External Motivation on Organizational Trust: A Case Study on a Sport Organization in Turkey
Authors: Gullu Sevim , Sahin Suleyman , Kiziloglu Esra
Published: September 2018

There are two types of motivation, internal and external, differenetiated by the source of the motivation. For internal motivation, the job itself motivates the individual; for external motivation, the environment motivates that individual. Today, organizational trust is extremely important to increase organizational success as well as to create effectiveness and efficiency. Having a successful, effective, and efficient organization is greatly linked with trust between organization managers and employees.  The purpose of this study was to investigate how the internal and external motivation of employees effects organizational trust levels. The study sample consisted of 164 employees working under the Youth Service and Sport Provincial Directorate of Bursa, Turkey. A survey was used to obtain data, which were analyzed with the SPSS 20 program. This study used the internal-external motivation and organizational trust scales. To measure the internal and external motivation levels of participants, a scale developed by Mottaz (1985) and a Turkish reliability-validity study conducted by Ersarı and Naktiyok (2012) were used. To measure organizational trust level, a scale developed by three different researchers (Whitener et al., 1998; Mayer et al., 1995; McAllister et al., 1995) and adapted to Turkish with a reliability and validity analysis by Tokgöz and Seymen (2013) was used. The independent t-test, ANOVA test, correlation and regression tests were used to analyze the data. Based on the correlation and regression analysis, both internal and external motivation had significant positive effects on organizational trust and its sub-dimensions. Accordingly, as the internal and external motivation of participants increased, organizational trust increased as well.
Scapular Notching in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Friedman Richard Joel , Barcel David Anthony , Eichinger Josef Karl
Published: September 2018

Scapular notching is a common radiographic finding occurring after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, and it refers to an erosive lesion of the inferior scapular neck because of the impingement of the humeral implant during adduction. The clinical importance of notching is unclear, and the optimal treatment of severe notching is unknown. The incidence and severity of scapular notching is related to prosthetic design and surgical technique. Implant design factors include size, shape, and position of the glenosphere, inclination of the humeral neck-shaft angle, implant offset, and native scapular anatomy. Scapular notching may lead to deterioration of functional outcomes and glenoid implant loosening and failure. Lateral offset, inferior glenosphere overhang, and careful consideration of the presurgical glenoid morphology may help prevent scapular notching. Currently, there is limited evidence to direct the management of scapular notching, and further research is needed to elucidate optimal prevention and treatment strategies.
A REPRESENTAÇÃO SOCIAL DO TRABALHO PARA O ADOLESCENTE
Authors: Rizzo Catarina Barbosa da Silva , Chamon Edna Maria Querido de Oliveira
Published: September 2018

Este artigo investiga as representações sociais que adolescentes constroem sobre o trabalho e a inserção no mercado. Utilizou-se a teoria das representações sociais, desenvolvida por Serge Moscovici, para caracterizar a organização de elementos cognitivos, crenças, valores, atitudes, opiniões, como um saber prático, de senso comum, sobre a realidade. A pesquisa baseou-se em um conjunto de 30 entrevistas realizadas com adolescentes, com idades entre 16 e 18 anos, que frequentam o curso Treinamento para o Mercado de Trabalho de uma Organização Não Governamental localizada no interior do Estado de São Paulo. Uma análise de conteúdo, realizada com auxílio do software ALCESTE®, mostrou a existência de três classes de discurso: Vida profissional; Trabalho, lazer e família; e, Projeto pessoal. A análise da classe “Vida Profissional”, proposta para este artigo, revela a crença no trabalho como meio de afirmação presente e de perspectiva futura, evidenciando a ancoragem da representação em categorias amplamente difundidas na sociedade.
Juventude, Tecnologia e Escola: algumas aproximações
Authors: E Zan Violar Dirce Djanira Pacheco
Published: September 2018

O objetivo deste texto é refletir acerca de possíveis impactos na relação dos jovens com a instituição escolar, em especial, com o saber valorizado e veiculado na escola a partir de sua inserção no universo das novas tecnologias. O processo de ensino-aprendizagem, segundo Charlot (2001) ocorre numa perspectiva relacional, ou seja, se dá numa relação entre o movimento interno do desejo por aprender, denominado pelo autor de mobilização do sujeito, e a demanda externa para esta aprendizagem, nomeada de motivação. Sendo assim, é possível afirmar que para a compreensão deste processo é necessário superarmos a separação, muitas vezes presente no discurso pedagógico, entre o sujeito-desejo e o sujeito social. Faz-se também necessário ampliar nossa compreensão do social que é tomado, a partir do referencial teórico de Charlot (2001), enquanto atividades e não apenas como um conjunto de posições, de classe, gênero ou etnia. Desta forma, podemos superar uma tendência clássica no pensamento pedagógico em atribuir a características ou traços individuais o interesse ou não pela aprendizagem, principalmente, pela aprendizagem escolar e ampliar o debate para uma compreensão social do fenômeno.
Jovens de periferia, estilos musicais e cotidiano escolar
Authors: Ferreira Salles Leila Maria , Do Vale Fernanda Feitosa
Published: September 2018

O artigo trata dos significados da música na vida dos jovens de periferia e de como os códigos juvenis associados às vivências musicais se fazem presentes na instituição escolar. Para tanto foi feito um estudo em duas escolas da rede pública de ensino. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionários e entrevistas semi-estruturadas. As análises apontam para a importância de se problematizar a percepção social de que esses jovens estariam restritos aos estilos musicais rap e/ou funk e, portanto, circunscritos a uma identidade delimitada por esses estilos. Apontam também que os códigos juvenis associados aos estilos musicais apresentam traços antagônicos ao sistema simbólico presente na instituição escolar. Deste modo, é preciso que se atente para as diferenças, tensões e conflitos presentes entre os jovens de periferia e a escola.
Weed infestations of winter wheat depend on the forecrop and the tillage system
Authors: Gawęda Dorota , Woźniak Andrzej , Harasim Elżbieta
Published: September 2018

In-crop weed infestation is affected by both habitat conditions and agronomic practices, including the forecrop and tillage treatments used. This study evaluated the effect of the forecrop and the tillage system on species composition, number and dry weight of weeds in a winter wheat ‘Astoria’. A field study was carried out over the period 2014–2017 at the Uhrusk Experimental Farm (SE Poland), on a mixed rendzina soil with a grain-size distribution of sandy loam. Wheat was grown in a four-course crop rotation: soybean – winter wheat – rapeseed – winter wheat. The experimental factors were as follows: a forecrop of winter wheat (soybean and winter rapeseed) and a tillage system (ploughing and no-tillage). Avena fatua was the most frequently occurring weed in the wheat crop sown after soybean, whereas after winter rapeseed it was Viola arvensis. Viola arvensis was the dominant weed under both tillage systems. In all experimental treatments, the species Viola arvensis and Cirsium arvense were characterized by the highest constancy (Constancy Class V and IV), and also Veronica arvensis after the previous winter rapeseed crop. In the wheat crop sown after winter rapeseed, the number of weeds was found to be higher by 62.1% and the weed dry weight higher by 27.3% compared to these parameters after the previous soybean crop. A richer floristic composition of weeds was also observed in the stand after winter rapeseed. Under conventional tillage conditions, compared to no-tillage, the number of weeds was found to be lower by 39.7% and their dry weight by 50.0%. An increase in the numbers of the dominant weed species was also noted in the untilled plots.
The length, number, and endodermis area of needles discriminate two genetically distinct populations of Cedrus atlantica Manetti in the Moroccan Middle Atlas
Authors: El Bakkali Nezha , Bendriss Amraoui Mohammed
Published: September 2018

The variation in some adaptive characters of cedar needles was studied in two different regions of the Moroccan Middle Atlas that have different local environmental conditions and levels of genetic diversity. The two populations are localized in the Azrou and Ifrane regions. Tukey’s tests showed that the needle/brachyblast number (Nn/R), length (Nl), and needle width (Nw) showed the greatest variation. In addition, all anatomical characters studied showed a significant correlation with Nw, whereas only the area of the vascular bundles (AVb) was related to Nl. Discriminant analysis revealed that Nn/R, Nl, and the area of the central cylinder (ACc) are high-discriminating characters among populations of Azrou and Ifrane and confirms their isolation. These adaptations of the morphological and anatomical traits of the Atlas cedar needles of the Azrou and Ifrane regions are discussed in relation to the local environmental conditions and have been found to be in harmony with their genetic distinctiveness revealed previously.
Business situation in the freight road transport in Poland
Authors: Balke Iwona
Published: September 2018

The article covers characteristics of the methodology of studying business activity in the freight road transport in Poland. Such studies have been conducted at the Motor Transport Institute in Warsaw, every quarter of a year, for over 16 years now. Studying business activity forms one of the essential methods of the systematic monitoring and analysing current situation in the selected branch of the economy. Its objective is also to anticipate the directions of changes with respect to the nearest future. The article contains evaluation of the economic condition of the road transport enterprises, conducting domestic and international haulage of goods.
Methods for Calculating the Efficiency of Logistics Centres
Authors: Brdulak Jacek , Zakrzewski Bartosz
Published: September 2018

Changes in the organization of the transport system, such as building a logistics centre, bring them uncertainties linked with the risk of investments failure. One of the first steps of creating such a logistics centre is carrying out a thorough economic analysis. Localization and organizational analysis and then the assessment of the functioning of the future centre is possible mainly thanks to the economic effectiveness calculation, which takes into account the expenditure, the operating costs, and benefits of creating a logistics centre in a selected place and gives the answer concerning the reasonableness of organizing such a centre. The article describes various types of the economic effectiveness calculations. As a result of the analysis performed a formula has been suggested, which can be used in the case of estimating the rationality of organizing a sample Logistic Centre consisting of four infrastructural elements. All of the described above simple and complex methods for calculating economic efficiency are the starting point for a discussion on the use of REE calculation for Logistic Centre in Southern Podlasie.
Powertrain system with the ultracapacitor-based auxiliary energy storage for an urban battery electric vehicle
Authors: Biernat Piotr , Rumniak Piotr , Michalczuk Marek , Gałecki Andrzej , Grzesiak Lech , Ufnalski Bartłomiej , Kaszewski Arkadiusz
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a powertrain system for an urban electric vehicle. The powertrain system consists of a hybrid energy source (battery storage and ultracapacitors) and drivetrain system (two in-wheel outer-rotor PMSM motors). Battery performance improvement, has been achieved by supporting it with ultracapacitor energy storage. Power flow control using fuzzy logic controller is presented in detail. An electronic differential algorithms have been implemented and tested.
Elizabeth Mackinlay. (2017). The Spiritual Dimension of Ageing. 2nd edition. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. ISBN 978-1-78592-072-1
Authors: Lindsay Margot Elizabeth Virginia
Published: September 2018

No Abstract
Reflecting on Evidence Based Medicine, Person Centered Medicine and Small Area Variations: how contemporary frameworks for medicine address (or not) the needs of the individual patient
Authors: Mercuri Mathew , Gafni Amiram
Published: September 2018

Over the past few decades the medical literature has given much attention to three movements: Evidence Based Medicine (EBM), Person Centered Medicine (PCM) and Small Area Variations (SAV).  Each claims to provide a framework for improving the care of individual patients. This paper examines why attention to the individual patient is important in the provision and delivery of healthcare and how each of these movements seek to address individual patient needs. We suggest that EBM, PCM and SAV all suffer from a number of issues that render their use as a framework to address individual patient needs inadequate. In the case of EBM, it is a reliance on (at best) population level study (e.g., clinical trials) that do not necessarily translate to individual patients. PCM appears to recognize the information requirements to care for individual patients, but is unclear on how that information can be obtained. Likewise, SAV is limited in that its methods do not discriminate between warranted and unwarranted variation and its reliance on the EBM approach in assessing what is the correct treatment for patients. This paper concludes that EBM, PCM and SAV are not solving the problem of how to provide care for individual patients. While we do not offer a solution here, it is only when we admit we do not have the answers to this problem that we can begin to look for a solution.
“The Meaning of Me®”: A Canadian blueprint for addressing the complex whole that is the person at the centre of the community-based homecare services model
Authors: Teasdale Jane , Anderson Nathalie , Teasdale Andrew S
Published: September 2018

The increasing focus on person-centeredness within current healthcare models is increasingly relevant to the growing demographic of socially vulnerable older adults living with complex care needs. According to the UK’s Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), social isolation is “an imposed isolation from normal social networks caused by loss of mobility or deteriorating health”. Those in receipt of homecare in the community cite the importance of having home care meet their social and emotional needs, yet the consensus and the literature strongly supports the notion that public healthcare is barely able to provide basic personal supports let alone the increasingly important domain that encompasses, inter alia, the social and emotional needs of the older adult. In truth, whether one is addressing the physical or the psychosocial, the conceptual model of personhood remains the same. It is the actionable elements of the model that differ. Since the dimensions of the non-clinical psychosocial frame extend, inter alia, to the  social, emotional, creative, existential, cultural, active and physical and community engaged, we believe that engagement with this domain, for the socially vulnerable older adult, warrants a far deeper architecture than both current funding and the narrow task focus of community care is able to provide. This paper defines person-centered care at the furthest point along the chain of care. This is the point occupied by homecare supports in the community. It references a working model of person-centeredness focused on the rich domain of the non-clinical psychosocial. Its two primary dimensions of focus are those of the mind and the “place”, or an ecological/community integrated model of higher order needs. It has three distinct levels of interaction: one designed to create an alternate lens of communication that lies outside of the domain of physical and mental impairment that helps build knowledge of and communication with personhood; an organised process for developing interests and activities with a focus on creative space, new experience, control, autonomy and intrinsic capacity and, finally, a working blueprint for wider community interaction and integration.
Intervenção em situações de violência doméstica: Atitudes e crenças de polícias
Authors: Sani Ana Isabel , Coelho Alexandra , Manita Celina
Published: September 2018

Objetivo

O presente estudo visa perceber quais as crenças dos polícias relativamente ao fenómeno da violência doméstica contra a mulher e avaliar de que forma estas podem estar relacionadas com o seu modo de atuação.

Método

A amostra foi constituída por 453 polícias do Comando Metropolitano da Polícia de Segurança Pública do Porto, aos quais foram administradas a Escala de Crenças sobre Violência Conjugal (E.C.V.C.) e a Escala de Intervenção que integra as Escalas de Atitudes da Polícia (E.A.P.).

Resultados

Os resultados revelaram uma maior discordância quanto ao conjunto de mitos legitimadores da violência conjugal e uma maior percentagem de sujeitos orientados para executar diligências de serviço (atuação incondicional, independentemente de a vítima querer denunciar o crime), sobretudo quando estão perante situações de violência física. Os resultados correlacionais sugerem que níveis mais elevados de crenças legitimadoras da violência conjugal estão associados a uma atuação policial mais condicionada. A análise comparativa de dois grupos com mais ou menos crenças legitimadoras da violência contra a mulher revelou que não há uma diferenciação estatisticamente significativa quanto ao tipo da ação dos polícias em situações de violência doméstica.

Conclusão

Os resultados apoiam a associação entre crenças sobre o fenómeno da violência doméstica e a atuação da polícia nestes casos.
Flexural Performance of a Hybrid Bridge Deck with Pultruded Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite Sandwich Panels
Authors: Wu Lei , Qi Yujun , Liu Weiqing
Published: September 2018

Hybrid bridge decks with the pultruded fibre reinforced polymer have advantageous properties but easily crack because of their unsatisfactory transverse strength and shear strength. This study proposed a type of bridge deck composed of innovative pultruded fibre reinforced polymer composite sandwich panels. Using four-point bending tests, concentric wheelloading tests and eccentric wheel-loading tests combined with first-order shear deformation theory, this study investigated the failure mode, flexural capacity, deformation and ductility of hybrid bridge decks under different working conditions. Under four-point bending and concentric wheel loading, the primary failure modes for this hybrid bridge deck were shear failures along the fibre direction and buckling failure of the upper panel. Under eccentric wheel loading, the primary failure mode was a torsional failure due to the eccentric load. The bearing capacities of the hybrid bridge deck under the three working conditions were 3.8, 3.5 and 3.2 times the service load of a Class I vehicle load, respectively. Besides, the hybrid bridge deck remained in the linear elastic stress state at 2.6 times the service load, indicating that this hybrid bridge deck withstands relatively large vehicle overload without visible damage. The ductility values of this hybrid bridge deck under the three working conditions were 1.79, 2.09 and 2.00, respectively, which are higher than the values for an ordinary pultruded bridge deck. Therefore, the proposed design has the relatively good energy-dissipating capacity, which improves the emergency capacity of the bridge deck.
Multi-Hazard Assessment of RC Bridges using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Measurements
Authors: Özcan Orkan , Özcan Okan
Published: September 2018

The structural performance of reinforced concrete bridges is crucial regarding the bridge safety. Monitoring the bridge performance under multihazard effects such as scour, and earthquake becomes even more important. Thus, the scour depth along the piers and piles of bridge substructures has to be measured and tracked consistently in order for reliable multi-hazard bridge behaviour predictions. A practical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle based scour measurement method was proposed to increase the measurement accuracy and reduce the implementation costs. This method has been used in shallow and clear-water riverbeds. The Boğaçayı Bridge was selected as the case study located at the Boğaçayı River in Antalya, Turkey, since it was exposed to stream and flood, induced scour in the previous years. In the study region, the amount of scour was determined with considerable accuracy, and the scour measurements were used for generating the Three-Dimensional Finite Element model of the bridge. The multi-hazard performance of the bridge was acquired by implementing nonlinear static analysis using pushover curves corresponding to various scour depths concentrated at some of the bridge piers. Therefore, a continuously updateable multi-hazard bridge assessment system was proposed, which was implemented in bridges under scour and earthquake effects, regarding Unmanned Aerial Vehicle based measurements.
Ranking of Bridge Design Alternatives: A TOPSIS-FADR Method
Authors: Keshavarz-Ghorabaee Mehdi , Amiri Maghsoud , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Turskis Zenonas , Antuchevičienė Jurgita
Published: September 2018

Bridges are considered as essential structures of the transport infrastructures, which play an essential role in any road network. Therefore, the process of planning and designing bridges needs to be made efficiently. The design of bridges usually consists of two stages: conceptual design and detailed design. Designers make decisions on the overall form of the structure in the conceptual design process. This process is defined as Multi-Criteria Decision-Making problems. In this study, a modified fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method to deal with the conceptual design process under uncertainty is proposed. The proposed method uses an area-based deviation ratio to determine the degree of difference between alternatives and reference solutions of the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method. Using this ratio incorporates the effects of the membership functions into the evaluation process. To illustrate the procedure of the proposed method, an example of multi-criteria assessment of bridge design including three Multi-Criteria Decision-Making problems with quantitative and qualitative criteria is used. For validation of the results of the modified fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method, a comparative analysis is also made. The analysis shows that the results of the proposed method are consistent with the other method.
Comparison of Functionality of Type A And B Guide Rails of Steel Road Safety Barriers
Authors: Nycz Daniel Bronislaw
Published: September 2018

The subject of the work is types A and B guide rails of steel road barriers. An experimental three-point bend test on a segment of a B-type guide rail was conducted for experimental validation of the numerical modelling of the guide rail. Numerical modelling of bend tests on A and B guide rail segments was performed. It was shown that the load-bearing capacity and energy absorbed during bending for guide rail A are more than for guide rail B, respectively. Numerical TB32 crash tests (a 1500 kg vehicle, 110 km/h impact speed, 20° impact angle) were carried out in the LS-Dyna system. The Dodge Neon vehicle model was downloaded from the National Crash Analysis Centre in the United States. A 60 m long barrier section is composed of A or B guide rail segments, SIGMA-100 posts, trapezoidal supporting elements and rectangular pads. Each segment has a total length of 4.30 m and an efficient length of 4.00 m. SIGMA-100 posts are 1.90 m long and spaced by 2.00 m. The whole barrier is assembled with M16 screws with a spherical head and a nose, strength class 4.6. The simulated crash tests showed slight differences in the functionality of guide rails A and B regarding the TB32 crash test.
Evaluation of the Increased Dynamic Effects on the Highway Bridge Superstructure
Authors: Paeglite Ilze , Smirnovs Juris , Paeglitis Ainars
Published: September 2018

Dynamic properties of the bridge superstructure vary depending on many characteristics of the bridge and the loading conditions. In this paper, maximum Dynamic Amplification Factor was calculated for six different types of typical pre-stressed concrete beam bridges. It showed that each type of bridge with similar loading has a different range of Dynamic Amplification Factor. At the same time, every recently built bridge has different geometry and design load. Hence, it is difficult to determine a characteristic value of Dynamic Amplification Factor for the similar type of structures. By using fullscale dynamic and static bridge tests, it is possible to determine the necessary characteristics which show possibly high Dynamic Amplification Factor. This factor indicates if it is necessary to make a full-scale bridge dynamic analysis. It was found that those characteristics are natural frequency (first mode), damping ratio, relative deflection, and span and depth ratio. Obtained results from tests show a range of values for each of the characteristic. These ranges were analysed for reinforced concrete slab and pre-stressed concrete slab, and girder bridges.
Bridge Quality Appraisal Methodology: Application in The Strimonas Bridge. Case Study
Authors: Kifokeris Dimosthenis , Xenidis Yiannis , Panetsos Panagiotis , Matos José António Campos E , Braganēa Luķs
Published: September 2018

In the current utilization of Performance Indicators for bridge  Quality Control, there is no correlation between observed and benchmarked  Performance Indicator values, and an ambiguity of deliverables due to the diverse nature of Performance Indicators. For the alleviation of those above,  this paper presents a methodology that appraises the quality of bridges. This methodology builds on the adaptation of the Sustainable Building Method and its combination with expert input solicitation methods and the research findings of COST Action TU1406. In addition, it features an adaptation of the Analytical  Hierarchy Process. The methodology is presented regarding its general procedural steps and calculating requirements, and then it is tailored to the case study of Strimonas Bridge in Greece.
Chemiosmotic coupling in oxidative phosphorylation: The history of a hard experimental effort hampered by the Heisenberg indeterminacy principle
Authors: Morelli Alessandro Maria , Ravera Silvia , Calzia Daniela , Panfoli Isabella
Published: September 2018

Understanding how biological systems convert and store energy is a primary goal of biological research. However, despite the formulation of Mitchell’s chemiosmotic theory, which allowed taking fundamental steps forward, we are still far from the complete decryption of basic processes as oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and photosynthesis. After more than half a century, the chemiosmotic theory appears to need updating, as some of its assumptions have proven incorrect in the light of the latest structural data on respiratory chain complexes, bacteriorhodopsin and proton pumps. Moreover, the existence of an OXPHOS on the plasma membrane of cells casts doubt on the possibility to build up a transversal proton gradient across it, while paving the way for important applications in the field of neurochemistry and oncology. Up-to date biotechnologies, such as fluorescence indicators can follow proton displacement and sinks, and a number of reports have elegantly demonstrated that proton translocation is lateral rather than transversal with respect to the coupling membrane. Furthermore, the definition of the physical species involved in the transfer (proton, hydroxonium ion or proton currents) is still unresolved even though the latest acquisitions support the idea that protonic currents, difficult to measure, are involved. It seems that the concept of diffusion of the proton expressed more than two centuries ago by Theodor von Grotthuss, is decisive for overcoming these issues. All these uncertainties remember us that also in biology it is necessary to take into account the Heisenberg indeterminacy principle, that sets limits to analytical questions.
New records of the archaic dolphinAgorophius(Mammalia: Cetacea) from the upper Oligocene Chandler Bridge Formation of South Carolina, USA
Authors: Boessenecker Robert W. , Geisler Jonathan H.
Published: September 2018

The stem odontoceteAgorophius pygmaeus(Ashley Formation, lower Oligocene, South Carolina; 29.0–26.57 Ma) has been a critical point of comparison for studies of early neocete evolution owing to its early discovery as well as its transitional anatomy relative to archaeocete whales and modern odontocetes. Some time during the late nineteenth century the holotype skull went missing and has never been relocated; supplementary reference specimens have since been recently referred to the species from the Ashley Formation and the overlying Chandler Bridge Formation (upper Oligocene; 24.7–23.5). New crania referable toAgorophiussp. are identifiable to the genus based on several features of the intertemporal region. Furthermore, all published specimens from the Chandler Bridge Formation consistently share larger absolute size and a proportionally shorter exposure of the parietal in the skull roof than specimens from the Ashley Formation (including the holotype). Furthermore, these specimens include well-preserved ethmoid labyrinths and cribriform plates, indicating thatAgorophiusprimitively retained a strong olfactory sense. These new crania suggest that at least two species ofAgorophiusare present in the Oligocene of South Carolina, revealing a somewhat more complicated taxonomic perspective.
Leaf photosynthetic function duration during yield formation of large-spike wheat in rainfed cropping systems
Authors: Wang Lifang , Sun Jutao , Wang Chenyang , Shangguan Zhouping
Published: September 2018

Improving photosynthetic capacity significantly affects the yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in rainfed regions. In this study, the physiological characteristics of eight large-spike wheat lines were compared with a multiple-spike cultivar as a control (CK) in a field over two consecutive seasons: 2010–2012. The tillering peak was 7–21 d after returning green for line 2040, the average rate of decline of relative water content was slower, and the average duration time of photosynthetic rate was longer than CK in vitro. There was a strong linear and positive correlation between photosynthetic rate and root activity at jointing, flowering, and grain-filling stages. In addition, average yields were higher in large-spike lines than CK (multiple-spike cultivar). The results suggest that large-spike lines might have greater water retaining capacity during yield formation under rainfed conditions.
Finding wolf homesites: improving the efficacy of howl surveys to study wolves
Authors: Gable Thomas D. , Windels Steve K. , Bump Joseph K.
Published: September 2018

Locating wolf (Canis lupus) homesites is valuable for understanding the foraging behavior, population dynamics, and reproductive ecology of wolves during summer. During this period wolf pack members (adults and pups) readily respond to simulated wolf howls (i.e., howl surveys), which allows researchers to estimate the location of the homesite via triangulation. Confirming the actual locations of homesites via ground truthing is labor intensive because of the error surrounding estimated locations. Our objectives were (1) to quantify observer error during howl surveys and compare amongst experience levels, (2) provide a simple method for locating homesites in the field by incorporating observer error, and (3) further document the value of this method for monitoring wolf packs throughout the summer. We located 17 homesites by howl surveys during 2015–2017 in the Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem, Minnesota, USA. Of 62 bearings taken by observers during howl surveys, bearings erred by an average of 7.6° ± 6.3° (SD). There was no difference in observer error between novice and experienced observers. A simple way to increase efficiency when searching for homesites is to search concentric areas (bands) based on estimated observer error, specifically by: (1) adding ±10° error bands around howl survey bearings when ≥3 bearings can be obtained, (2) ±10° and ±20° error bands when 2 bearings are obtained, and (3) ±10° and ±26° error bands when 1 bearing is obtained. By incorporating observer error and understanding how frequently and how far wolves move homesites, it is possible to monitor wolf packs and confirm most, if not all, homesites used by a pack from at least June until August without having a collared individual in a pack.
Dynamics of nitrogen and active nitrogen components across seasons under varying stand densities in aLarix principis-rupprechtii(Pinaceae) plantation
Authors: Ma Junyong , Han Hairong , Zhang Wenwen , Cheng Xiaoqin
Published: September 2018

Changes in the concentration of soil nitrogen (N) or its components may directly affect ecosystem functioning in forestry. Thinning of forest stands, a widely used forestry management practice, may transform soil nutrients directly by altering the soil environment, or indirectly by changing above- or belowground plant biomass. The study objectives were to determine how tree stem density affects the soil N pool and what mechanisms drive any potential changes. In this study, N and its active components were measured in the soil of aLarix principis-rupprechtiiplantation across two full growing seasons, in 12 (25 × 25 m) plots: (low thinning, removal of 15% of the trees, three plot repetitions), moderate thinning (MT) (35% removal) and heavy thinning (HT) (50% removal) and no thinning control. Environmental indices, like the light condition, soil respiration, soil temperatures, and prescription, were measured in the plots also. Results indicated that soil total nitrogen (STN) was affected by tree stem density adjustments in the short-term; STN generally increased with decreasing tree stem density, reaching its highest concentration in the MT treatment before decreasing in HT. This pattern was echoed by the DON/STN ratio dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) under MT. A lower DON/STN was measured across the seasons. Microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) and the SOC/STN (soil organic carbon (SOC)) ratio and density treatments influenced MBN concentration and inhibited SOC/STN. MT tended to accumulate more STN, produce lower DON/STN and had a generally higher microbial activity, which may be partly ascribed to the higher MBN value, MBN/STN ratio and lower DON/STN. The water conditions (soil moisture), light and soil temperatures could partly be responsible for the N pool dynamic in the different density treatments.
Burrowing activity of the Neohelice granulata crab (Brachyura, Varunidae) in southwest Atlantic intertidal areas
Authors: Angeletti Sabrina , Cervellini Patricia M , Lescano Leticia
Published: September 2018

The burrowing and semiterrestrial crab Neohelice granulata actively and constantly builds its burrows in the intertidal zone of the Bahía Blanca Estuary during low tide. Differences in structural morphology of N. granulata burrows and burrowing activities in contrasting microhabitats (saltmarsh and mudflat) were analyzed and related to several conditions, such as tide level, substrate type, sediment properties, and population density. In the mudflat the higher density of total burrows in autumn (172 burrows·m–2) was associated with molt timing, and the higher density of active burrows in summer (144 burrows·m–2) was associated with reproductive migration. Sediments from biogenic mounds (removed by crabs) showed higher water content and penetrability than surface sediments (control), suggesting that bioturbation increases the values of these parameters. Grain size distribution profiles and mineralogical composition did not vary between microhabitats or between seasons. Burrows were all tunnel-shaped and only those from the saltmarsh had chambers inside the tunnels, possibly used for reproductive purposes. Burrows from the saltmarsh had narrow entrances and deep tunnels, and burrows from the mudflat presented very narrow entrances and surface tunnels. Differences in burrow features and burrow activity of N. granulata between microhabitats were confirmed and associated with biotic and abiotic factors, indicating that this species has an adaptive burrowing behavior.
АКТИВНОСТЬ НОВЫХ 3-ТРИАЗЕНИНДОЛОВ ПРОТИВ и , "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Никоненко Б.В.
Published: September 2018

В данной работе мы исследовали некоторые индольные агенты, содержащие три выстроенных в ряд атома азота, представляющие собой серию 3-триазеноиндолов и обладающие наиболее заметным анимикобактериальным действием. Эти соединения продемонстрировали хорошую активность против трех штаммов микобактерий. Среди около 300 соединений, производных индола, 5 имеющих цепочку из трех атомов азота (так называемые три-азены), показали высокую активность in vitro против M. tuberculosis H37Rv, резистентного к INH штамма M. tuberculosis и M. avium и продемонстрировали приемлемые значения индекса селективности. Соединение TU112 оказалось также высокоэффективным в отношении дормантной формы M. tuberculosis.
МЕХАНИЗМЫ РЕАКТИВАЦИИ ДОРМАНТНЫХ ФОРМ и , "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Капрелянц А.С. , Шлеева М.О. , Никитушкин В.Д. , Салина Е.Г. , Трутнева К.А.
Published: September 2018

Хотя латентные формы микобактерий известны уже давно, их сущность остается плохо понятой. В нашем исследовании мы использовали in vitro модели дормантных («некультивируемых») клеток Mycobacterium smegmatis (mc155) и Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Мы обнаружили, что добавление свободных ненасыщенных жирных кислот (FA), включая арахидоновую кислоту, вызывает активацию дормантных клеток M. smegmatis и M. tuberculosis в жидкой среде. Добавление FA повышает уровень цАМФ в реактивируемой M. smegmatis, а экзогенно добавленный цАМФ или дибутирил-цАМФ вместо FA активирует дормантные M. smegmatis и M. tuberculosis. Нуль-мутант M. smegmatis, не имеющий MSMEG_4279, который кодирует активируемую FA аденалилциклазу (AC), не может быть реактивирован FA, но реактивируется цАМФ. M. smegmatis и M. tuberculosis, гипер-экспрессирующие AC, не образуют дормантных форм, а специфический ингибитор AC (8-бром-цАМФ) предотвращал FA-зависимую реактивацию. Мы предлагаем новый путь реактивации дормантных микобактерий, включающий активацию аденилатциклазы MSMEG_4279 с помощью FAs, приводящую к активации клеточного метаболизма с последующим увеличением активности RpfA, который стимулирует размножение клеток в экспоненциальной фазе. Другим возможным триггером являются фрагменты микобактериального пептидогликана (PG), которые продемонстрировали стимулирующую активность в отношении реактивации дормантных M. smegmatis и M. tuberculosis. Было показано, что большие фрагменты PG (0,1-0,5 мкм) обладают реактивирующей активностью при добавлении к реактивирующей среде в концентрациях 0,1-0,2 мкг/мл. Предполагается, что фрагменты PG могут либо непосредственно активировать путь реактивации дормантных микобактерий, либо служить в качестве субстрата для эндогенного Rpf, в результате чего образуются продукты с низкой молекулярной массой с реактивирующей активностью. Эти эксперименты демонстрируют важность накопления свободной трегалозы для поддержания жизнеспособности спящих микобактерий и участия расщепления трегалозы в ранних событиях, приводящих к реактивации клеток, по механизму, сходному с работающим в спорах дрожжей и грибов.
IL-11 ПРИ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗНОЙ ИНФЕКЦИИ У МЫШЕЙ И ЕГО ТЕРАПЕВТИЧЕСКИЙ ЭФФЕКТ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Апт А.С. , Шепелькова Г.С. , Евстифеев В.В. , Капина М.А. , Кондратьева Т.К. , Майоров К.Б.
Published: September 2018

IL-11 - это многофункциональный цитокин, физиологическая роль которого в легких при туберкулезе легких (ТБ) изучена недостаточно. Ранее мы продемонстрировали, что блокирование интерлейкина 11 (IL-11) путем системного введения антител против IL-11 ослабляет тяжесть течения инфекции Mycobacterium tuberculosis у мышей. Замещение W147A в молекуле IL-11 создает форму цитокина, способную нарушить формирование сигнальных комплексов gp130 / IL11R, тем самым выступая в качестве высокоаффинного специфического антагониста опосредованной IL-11 передачи сигнала. Мы предположили, что эта мутантная форма IL-11 может служить эффективным инструментом для ингибирования природной активности IL-11 in vivo. Мы сконструировали рекомбинантную мутантную форму W147A IL-11 в оптимизированной системе экспрессии Escherichia coli и вводили ее в виде аэрозоля в легких M. tuberculosis -восприимчивых мышей I/St, инфицированных M. tuberculosis. Наши результаты показывают, что этот терапевтический подход заметно подавляет туберкулезное воспаление в легких, увеличивает время выживания инфицированных животных и снижает экспрессию ключевых воспалительных факторов на уровне РНК и белка. Эти данные являются шагом к разработке клинической анти-^-11терапии для лечения туберкулеза.
ДИФФЕРЕНЦИАЛЬНАЯ ДИАГНОСТИКА ГРАНУЛЕМАТОЗА С?ПОЛИАНГИИТОМ И ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Зайцева Анна Сергеевна , Шмелев Евгений Иванович , Лепеха Лариса Николаевна , Степанян Игорь Эмильевич
Published: September 2018

Схожесть рентгено-морфологических изменений, отсутствие специфических симптомов зачастую приводит к ошибочной диагностике туберкулеза у пациентов с другими гранулематозными заболеваниями легких. Статья посвящена проблеме дифференциальной диагностики туберкулеза и гранулематоза с полиангиитом. Сформулированы основные причины диагностических ошибок, и приведена схема диагностики системного васкулита.
КЛИНИЧЕСКИЕ ПРОЯВЛЕНИЯ И ТЕЧЕНИЕ ВПЕРВЫЕ ВЫЯВЛЕННОГО ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА, СОЧЕТАННОГО С ВИЧ-ИНФЕКЦИЕЙ, ПО МАТЕРИАЛАМ ДИНАМИЧЕСКОГО ЧЕТЫРЕХЛЕТНЕГО ПРОСПЕКТИВНОГО КОГОРНОГО ДИСПАНСЕРНОГО НАБЛЮДЕНИЯ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкул
Authors: Мишин Владимир Юрьевич , Мишина Анастасия Владимировна , Левченко Марина Владимировна , Эргешов Атаджан Эргешович , Собкин Александр Лазаревич
Published: September 2018

В статье представлены данные четырехлетнего проспективного диспансерного наблюдения за когортой 178 впервые выявленных больных туберкулезом, сочетанным с 4Б и 4В стадиями ВИЧ-инфекции, длительностью 1-5 лет, в 79,8% пациентов, употребляющих внутривенные наркотические вещества и страдающих вирусными гепатитами В и С, 86,5% пациентов не применялась антиретровирусная терапия. Чаще диагностировался диссеминированный (28,8%) и инфильтративный (30,5%) туберкулез легких, в 41,6% сочетавшийся с внелегочными поражениями, в 39,3% - с другими вторичными заболевания, характерными для ВИЧ-инфекции. В условиях комплексного лечения динамическое четырехлетнее диспансерное наблюдение показало, что из 176 больных туберкулезом, сочетанным с ВИЧ-инфекцией, осталось 124 пациента (69,7%), из них в 78,2% случаев было достигнуто клиническое излечение, при условии приверженности к лечению и обязательного проведения противорецидивного лечения туберкулеза и антиретровирусной терапии в течение всего периода наблюдения. У 4,8% (у 6) пациентов был рецидив туберкулеза и в 16,9% (у 21) - летальный исход: у 3 - при прогрессировании туберкулеза и у 18 - при передозировке наркотических веществ.