bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The High Order Method with Discrete TBCs for Solving the Cauchy Problem for the
1D Schrödinger Equation
Authors: Zlotnik Alexander , Zlotnik Ilya
Published: March 2015

We consider the Cauchy problem for the 1D generalized Schrödinger equation on the whole axis.
To solve it, any order finite element in space and the Crank–Nicolson in time method with the discrete transparent boundary conditions (TBCs) has recently been constructed.
Now we engage the global Richardson extrapolation in time to derive the high order method both with respect to space and time steps.
To study its properties, we comment on its stability and give results of numerical experiments and enlarged practical error analysis for three typical examples.
Unlike most common second order (in either space or time step) methods, the proposed method is able to provide high precision results in the uniform norm by using adequate computational costs.
It works even in the case of discontinuous potentials and non-smooth solutions far beyond the scope of its standard theory.
Comparing our results to the previous ones, we obtain much more accurate results using much less amount of both elements and time steps.
Island constraints and overgeneralization in language acquisition
Authors: Ambridge Ben
Published: March 2015

Ambridge and Goldberg (2008) found that long distance dependency (LDD) questions (e.g., Who did she mumble that she saw?) do not seem to be formed by analogy with similar, more frequent sentences of the same type (e.g., What do you think X?; What did he say X?), but, rather, that such questions are acceptable to the extent that the main verb backgrounds the complement clause (e.g., say>mumble). Kalyan (2012) argued that this finding is compatible with a similarity-based account, provided that similarity between the verb and say/think is defined as similarity in the extent to which the verb backgrounds the complement clause. In the present article, I argue that Kalyan (2012) is correct, and that this phenomenon can be seen as an instance of a broader phenomenon whereby the fit between the properties of a particular item (e.g., a verb) and those of a particular construction slot (e.g., the VERB slot in the LDD question construction) is the primary determinant of the degree of (un)grammaticality of a possible generalization.
Towards the Andre–Oort conjecture for mixed Shimura varieties: The Ax–Lindemann theorem and lower bounds for Galois orbits of special points
Authors: Gao Ziyang
Published: March 2015

We prove in this paper the Ax–Lindemann–Weierstraß theorem for all mixed Shimura varieties and discuss the lower bounds for Galois orbits of special points of mixed Shimura varieties. In particular, we reprove a result of Silverberg [57] in a different approach. Then combining these results we prove the André–Oort conjecture unconditionally for any mixed Shimura variety whose pure part is a subvariety of

𝒜
6
n

{\mathcal{A}_{6}^{n}}

and under the Generalized Riemann Hypothesis for all mixed Shimura varieties of abelian type.
The Theory of Crisis after Crisis
Authors: Mladenović Igor , Kitanović Dragoslav
Published: March 2015

The global economic system and the world crisis are a reality, and hence the challenge for modern economic theory, which is to provide a valid response to its development and overcoming the crisis. The prevailing economic theory and methodology (neo-liberal paradigm) in this field demonstrates serious defects, so this paper attempts to show that the relative nature of economic theory is in expressing the social prejudices of its time. Demystification of the ideological and political foundations of what is today considered "objective knowledge" in the economy, is only possible with the affirmation of a new scientific methodology of economics, i.e. the new philosophy of economics. The aim of the paper is to stimulate thinking and different views on this subject.
The Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on World Trade
Authors: Čerović Slobodan Č , Pepić Marina , Petrović Pero , Čerović Stanislav Č
Published: March 2015

Modern economic and financial crisis has caused a significant reduction in trade flows, for the first time since the Second World War, so it is often referred to as the trade crisis. Despite many benefits and disadvantages of liberalization as key features of modern age, the current crisis has led to a reassessment of these positions affecting the introduction of protectionist measures and the strengthening of regional ties and alliances. The question that arises is how the future trade flows will look like and whether regional integration will prevail over multilateral and liberalized trading system. The financial crisis quickly became the economic crisis that hit all sectors. The first visible effects of the crisis were reflected in a sharp fall in trade flows, and conditioned drop in demand, which led to a fall in production and employment. The first reactions of numerous countries were protectionist measures in order to protect national interests. This again aroused debate between proponents of liberalism and protectionism, where the effects and the origins of the crisis favored the latter. Economic decision makers, faced with the pressing economic problems, tried to mitigate them (at least in the short-term) turning more to regional partners, and less to the world market.
Risk Factor Management: a Mechanism of Supporting Supply Chain Resilience
Authors: Anđelković Aleksandra , Barac Nada , Milovanović Goran
Published: March 2015

Supply chain assumes a unique business process without inter-company boundaries. Each supply chain partner is important for achievement of customer requirements. On the one hand, supply chain is an inexhaustible source of competitive advantage, created by the companies, which constitute it. However, on the other hand, due to its complexness, supply chain is an easy target of numerous factors, which jeopardize its competitiveness. Some of those factors are: turbulence, deliberate threats, external pressures, resource limits, sensitivity, and supplier/customer disruptions. Successful dealing with those factors assumes establishment of mechanisms for increasing supply chain resilience. Many researches indicate that some factors have greater influence on supply chain disruption and discontinuance. If those factors can be isolated, it will be easier to manage them or to avoid their influence. Therefore, the objective of the research presented in this paper is identification of the most frequent causes of supply chain disturbances, as a first step for developing supply chain resilience. According to the research results, the authors suggest what should be a primary focus of supply chain management, dealing with issues of resilience. Also, the authors indicate which characteristics (capability factors) supply chains have to have in order to be considered resistant.
Concentration of the Audit Market: Evidence from Serbia
Authors: Mijić Kristina , Jakšić Dejan , Vuković Bojana
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a research on market concentration of audit services in the Republic of Serbia during the 2008-2011 period. Market concentration was measured by Herfindahl-Hirschman index (HHI) and concentration ratio CR4, based on four independent variables: operating revenue, net earnings, number of employees and number of audit clients. The research of market concentration based on operating revenue as the most referential variable indicated that the market for audit services in the Republic of Serbia has a moderate concentration and that it has the characteristics of an oligopoly of four largest audit firms known as “Big Four”. However, research of market concentration, when other variables are taken in consideration, does not reveal dominance of “Big Four” in terms of net earnings, number of employees and number of clients. The differences in conclusions when different variables are concerned can be explained by relatively high audit fees of “Big Four” and a lack of correlation between operating revenue and net earnings.
On the Study of Cognitive Bidirectional Relaying with Asymmetric Traffic Demands
Authors: Ji Xiaodong
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we consider a cognitive radio network scenario, where two primary users want to exchange information with each other and meanwhile, one secondary node wishes to send messages to a cognitive base station. To meet the target quality of service (QoS) of the primary users and raise the communication opportunity of the secondary nodes, a cognitive bidirectional relaying (BDR) scheme is examined. First, system outage probabilities of conventional direct transmission and BDR schemes are presented. Next, a new system parameter called operating region is defined and calculated, which indicates in which position a secondary node can be a cognitive relay to assist the primary users. Then, a cognitive BDR scheme is proposed, giving a transmission protocol along with a time-slot splitting algorithm between the primary and secondary transmissions. Information-theoretic metric of ergodic capacity is studied for the cognitive BDR scheme to evaluate its performance. Simulation results show that with the proposed scheme, the target QoS of the primary users can be guaranteed, while increasing the communication opportunity for the secondary nodes.
Photonic Generation of Dual-Band Power-Efficient Millimeter-Wave UWB Signals
Authors: Xiang Peng , Guo Hao , Chen Dalei , Zhou Hua
Published: March 2015

Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology has attracted great interest because it can provide a promising solution of future radar and short-range broadband wireless communications. The generation of millimeter-wave UWB signals using photonic approaches can reduce the high cost of the millimeter-wave electrical circuits. Moreover, it is well compatible with fiber transmission, which can effectively extend its signal coverage. In this paper, a novel approach to the photonic generation of millimeter-wave UWB signals with dual-band operation consideration is proposed. The proposed scheme can simultaneously generate millimeter-wave UWB signals in both 24 GHz and 60 GHz millimeter band, and can efficiently exploit the spectrum limit allowed by the FCC mask by using the linear combination pulse design concept. A model describing the proposed system is developed and the generation of 24/60 GHz millimeter-wave UWB signals is demonstrated via computer simulations.
Effect of hydroxide and sulfite ion concentration in alkaline sulfite anthraquinone (ASA) pulping – a comparative study
Authors: Paananen Markus , Rovio Stella , Liitiä Tiina , Sixta Herbert
Published: March 2015

Pulp and black liquor produced by alkaline sulfite anthraquinone (ASA) process were comprehensively characterized to evaluate the effects of ion concentration on the delignification and polysaccharide preservation. Scots pine wood meal was pulped at 160°C with a sulfite-to-hydroxide ion ratio of 0.75 and liquor-to-wood ratio of 200:1. Two concentration levels were studied in presence and absence of anthraquinone (AQ). Contrary to the expectations, already the lower concentration level (L-ASA) revealed rapid delignification in presence of AQ, while only moderate acceleration was obtained at the high concentration level (H-ASA). However, H-ASA liquor resulted in a slightly higher pulp yield of 1–2% (based on wood) but only in case of pulps with kappa numbers (KN) above 60. With progressing delignification, the yield advantage was gradually lost. The higher pulp yield at H-ASA conditions was mainly due to improved galactoglucomannan retention, which was around 2% on KN60 pulp and around 0.5% after prolonged delignification. The xylan content, on the other hand, was found to be 1% (based on wood) lower under H-ASA conditions compared to L-ASA conditions, which may be attributed to an increased solubility of short-chain polysaccharides at high alkali concentration.
Atheromic and lymphoplasmacytic effects ofMangifera indicamethanolic leaf extract on the heart of chinchilla rabbits
Authors: Ngokere Anthony Ajuluchukwu , Ezeofor Peace Chinelo , Okoye Jude Ogechukwu , Chukwuanukwu Rebecca Chinyelu
Published: March 2015

Background:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of methanol extract ofMangifera indicaon serum concentration of creatine kinase, total white blood cell (WBC) count and lymphocyte counts and the micro-anatomical architecture of the heart in chinchilla rabbits in order to find its safe and toxic levels. A total of 24 Chinchilla rabbits aged 10–14 weeks, divided into four experimental groups were orally administered the doses of none, 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg body weight of the methanol extract ofM. indica, respectively, for 28 days.

Methods:The modified International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) method was used to estimate the serum concentration of creatine kinase (CK (-MB)) while the haematology auto-analyser was used to estimate the total WBC count and lymphocyte count. The estimated values were subjected to analysis of variance using the SPSS software application (version 16) and expressed as mean±standard deviation. Tissue sections were stained by phosphotungstic acid haematoxylin and haematoxylin and eosin staining techniques.

Results:The result showed significant increases in serum concentrations of CK (-MB) (12.05±3.11–21.55±9.93 U/L) and total WBC count (5.33±0.66–6.51±0.38 103/μL) when the control group was compared with the treated groups (p<0.05). A significant dose-dependent decrease in the weight of the heart (0.053±0.00–0.041±0.003 kg) was also observed (p<0.05). An insignificant increase was observed in the lymphocyte count (4.47±0.94–5.18±0.76 103/μL) in the blood when compared with the control group (p>0.05). Significant differences were also observed in the body weight of the treated groups (p<0.05). The histopathological findings include atheroma, attenuated vasculature, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, necrotic and fibrotic vascular walls.

Conclusions:Thus,M.indicais indicated to have some health benefits at 500 mg/kg and shows toxicity on the micro-architecture of the heart at a concentration of ≥1000 mg/kg.
Effect ofWithania somnifera(Ashwagandha) root extract on amelioration of oxidative stress and autoantibodies production in collagen-induced arthritic rats
Authors: Khan Mahmood Ahmad , Subramaneyaan Mythily , Arora Vinod Kumar , Banerjee Basu Dev , Ahmed Rafat Sultana
Published: March 2015

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder.Withania somniferaDunal (Solanaceae) (WS), is a common medicinal plant used in traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of arthritis, and is an ingredient of anti-arthritic polyherbal formulations such asHabb-e-Asgand®and Arthritin™. In the present study, we evaluated the antioxidant and anti-arthritic activity of aqueous extract of WS root (WSAq) in collagen-induced arthritic (CIA) rats.

Methods: CIA rats were treated by using three doses of WSAq (100, 200, 300 mg/kg b. wt., orally) and methotrexate (MTX, 0.25 mg/kg b. wt. i.p.) as a standard reference drug for 20 days. The anti-arthritic effect was assayed by measuring the arthritic index, autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (a-CCP), anti-nuclear antibody (ANA), anti-collagen type II antibody (a-CII) and inflammatory marker like C-reactive protein (CRP). The oxidative stress parameters were also measured.

Results: Treatment with WSAq resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in arthritic index, autoantibodies and CRP (p<0.05) with maximum effect at dose of 300 mg/kg b. wt. and the results were comparable to that of MTX-treated rats. Similarly, oxidative stress in CIA rats was ameliorated by treatment with different doses of WSAq, as evidenced by a decrease in lipid peroxidation and glutathione-S-transferase activity and an increase in the glutathione content and ferric-reducing ability of plasma (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The results showed that WSAq exhibited antioxidant and anti-arthritic activity and reduced inflammation in CIA rats and suggests the potential use of this plant in the treatment of arthritis.
Particle Markov Chain Monte Carlo Techniques of Unobserved Component Time Series Models Using Ox
Authors: Nonejad Nima
Published: March 2015

This paper details particle Markov chain Monte Carlo (PMCMC) techniques for analysis of unobserved component time series models using several economic data sets. The objective of this paper is to explain the basics of the methodology and provide computational applications that justify applying PMCMC in practice. For instance, we use PMCMC to estimate a stochastic volatility model with a leverage effect, Student-t distributed errors or serial dependence. We also model time series characteristics of monthly US inflation rate by considering a heteroskedastic ARFIMA model where heteroskedasticity is specified by means of a Gaussian stochastic volatility process.
Syllable structure and word stress effects in Peninsular Spanish nuclear accents
Authors: Henriksen Nicholas
Published: March 2015

In this study we analyzed temporal alignment between
Il processo Areopagitico di Oreste: Le Eumenidi di Eschilo e la tradizione Attica
Authors: Carrara Laura
Published: March 2015

The importance of determining the exact origin of the trial of Orestes before the Areopagus at the end of Aeschylus's Eumenides has not been fully acknowledged by modern scholars. Through a close scrutiny of the surviving evidences concerning the genealogical book of Pherecydes, the aition of the Choes-festival and the roll of the Twelve Gods in the sphere of mythic history, this article suggests that there is no reason to accept the widespread belief that Aeschylus was (only) the heir of some pre-existent attic tradition. The trial of Orestes before the Athenian court turns out to be Aeschylus' own innovation, used by the poet to convey his new vision of justice.
The 'Vehicle of Soul' and the Debate over the Origin of this Concept
Authors: Bos Abraham P.
Published: March 2015

The modern debate over the hellenistic doctrine of the fine-material soul-vehicle, including contributions by R. C. Kissling (1922), E. R. Dodds (1933), and J. Halfwassen (1995), has seen an increasingly earlier date of origin being attributed to this doctrine. But the author who introduced the theory remains an unknown quantity. In this article I will argue that the author of this doctrine can be no other than Aristotle.
Space-Time Curvature Of General Relativity And Energy Density Of A Three-Dimensional Quantum Vacuu
Authors: Fiscaletti Davide , Sorli Amrit
Published: March 2015

A three-dimensional quantum vacuum condensate is introduced as a fundamental medium from which gravity emerges in a geometro-hydrodynamic limit. In this approach, the curvature of space-time characteristic of general relativity is obtained as a mathematical value of a more fundamental actual variable energy density of quantum vacuum which has a concrete physical meaning. The fluctuations of the quantum vacuum energy density suggest an interesting solution for the dark energy problem.
A Cycle Of Enzymatic Reactions With Some Properties Of Neuronal Circuits
Authors: Sielewiesiuk Jan
Published: March 2015

A cycle of four methylation and four demethylation reactions with repression or allosteric inhibition of enzymes is considered. The corresponding dynamical system is characterised by two parameters: the sum of reagent concentrations (C) and the ratio of rate constants of forward and backward reactions (k). In a symmetrical case (k=1) the system has a unique equilibrium. At C>4 the equilibrium is unstable and the system has oscillatory solutions. At k essentially different from 1, the system becomes excitable or behaves as a bistable trigger.
Isotope Geochronology: Models Versus Reality
Authors: Burchart Jan
Published: March 2015

Majority of the papers on isotopic dating of minerals and rocks have been devoted to some new geochronological data important for geology or to developments of apparatus and improvements of laboratory techniques and procedures. However, there are some basic problems concerning credibility of the data published (including the “error brackets”), and their geological meaning, which rarely are touched on. The issues to be raised may be grouped into two categories: (1) distortion in the course of preparatory operations and final measurements, and (2) some doubts concerning geological interpretation of the data and the models used. First of all it should be realized that what we really analyse in a spectrometer is not an existing rock or mineral but a powder produced by many steps of consecutive procedures, each of them capable of irreversibly distorting the original composition.
Agency Problems and the Choice of Auditors: Evidence from the MENA Region
Authors: Farooq Omar , Tabine Sonia
Published: March 2015

What determines the choice of auditors in the MENA region? This paper uses the data from Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain and shows that the extent of agency problems in a firm dictates what sort of auditors are chosen by a firm. Our results show that high dividend payout ratios are negatively related to the appointment of one of the big-four auditors. High payout ratios are synonymous to low agency problems and thus firms feel lesser need for having one of the big-four auditors. We also show that high ownership concentration – a proxy for high agency problem – is positively related to firm’s decision of having one of the big-four auditors. High ownership concentration exacerbates agency problems between insiders and outsiders and thus induces firms to appoint one of the big-four auditors to mitigate agency problems. We also document that increased operational complexity and transactional complexity leads to hiring of one of the big-four auditors by a firm. We argue that complexity hinders investor’s ability to understand firm’s information and thus introduces agency problems. Being aware of agency problems, firms hire one of the big-four auditors to alleviate some of these problems.
Parametrix construction for certain Lévy-type processes
Authors: Knopova Victoria , Kulik Alexei
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we show that a non-local operator of certain type extends to the generator of a strong Markov process, admitting the transition probability density. For this transition probability density we construct the intrinsic upper and lower bounds, and prove some smoothness properties.
Some examples are provided.
Long-Latency Reductions in Gamma Power Predict Hemodynamic Changes That Underlie the Negative BOLD Signal
Authors: Boorman Luke , Harris Samuel , Bruyns-Haylett Michael , Kennerley Aneurin , Zheng Ying , Martin Chris , Jones Myles , Redgrave Peter , Berwick Jason
Published: March 2015

Studies that use prolonged periods of sensory stimulation report associations between regional reductions in neural activity and negative blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signaling. However, the neural generators of the negative BOLD response remain to be characterized. Here, we use single-impulse electrical stimulation of the whisker pad in the anesthetized rat to identify components of the neural response that are related to “negative” hemodynamic changes in the brain. Laminar multiunit activity and local field potential recordings of neural activity were performed concurrently with two-dimensional optical imaging spectroscopy measuring hemodynamic changes. Repeated measurements over multiple stimulation trials revealed significant variations in neural responses across session and animal datasets. Within this variation, we found robust long-latency decreases (300 and 2000 ms after stimulus presentation) in gamma-band power (30–80 Hz) in the middle-superficial cortical layers in regions surrounding the activated whisker barrel cortex. This reduction in gamma frequency activity was associated with corresponding decreases in the hemodynamic responses that drive the negative BOLD signal. These findings suggest a close relationship between BOLD responses and neural events that operate over time scales that outlast the initiating sensory stimulus, and provide important insights into the neurophysiological basis of negative neuroimaging signals.
Secreted Frizzled Related Proteins Modulate Pathfinding and Fasciculation of Mouse Retina Ganglion Cell Axons by Direct and Indirect Mechanisms
Authors: Marcos Séverine , Nieto-Lopez Francisco , Sandonìs Africa , Cardozo Marcos Julian , Di Marco Fabiana , Esteve Pilar , Bovolenta Paola
Published: March 2015

Retina ganglion cell (RGC) axons grow along a stereotyped pathway undergoing coordinated rounds of fasciculation and defasciculation, which are critical to establishing proper eye–brain connections. How this coordination is achieved is poorly understood, but shedding of guidance cues by metalloproteinases is emerging as a relevant mechanism. Secreted Frizzled Related Proteins (Sfrps) are multifunctional proteins, which, among others, reorient RGC growth cones by regulating intracellular second messengers, and interact with Tolloid and ADAM metalloproteinases, thereby repressing their activity. Here, we show that the combination of these two functions well explain the axon guidance phenotype observed inSfrp1andSfrp2single and compound mouse mutant embryos, in which RGC axons make subtle but significant mistakes during their intraretinal growth and inappropriately defasciculate along their pathway. The distribution ofSfrp1andSfrp2in the eye is consistent with the idea that Sfrp1/2 normally constrain axon growth into the fiber layer and the optic disc. Disheveled axon growth instead seems linked to Sfrp-mediated modulation of metalloproteinase activity. Indeed, retinal explants from embryos with differentSfrp-null alleles or explants overexpressing ADAM10 extend axons with a disheveled appearance, which is reverted by the addition of Sfrp1 or an ADAM10-specific inhibitor. This mode of growth is associated with an abnormal proteolytic processing of L1 andN-cadherin, two ADAM10 substrates previously implicated in axon guidance. We thus propose that Sfrps contribute to coordinate visual axon growth with a dual mechanism: by directly signaling at the growth cone and by regulating the processing of other relevant cues.
The Spiral Staircase: Tonotopic Microstructure and Cochlear Tuning
Authors: Shera Christopher A.
Published: March 2015

Although usually assumed to be smooth and continuous, mammalian cochlear frequency-position maps are predicted to manifest a staircase-like structure comprising plateaus of nearly constant characteristic frequency separated by abrupt discontinuities. The height and width of the stair steps are determined by parameters of cochlear frequency tuning and vary with location in the cochlea. The step height is approximately equal to the bandwidth of the auditory filter (critical band), and the step width matches that of the spatial excitation pattern produced by a low-level pure tone. Stepwise tonotopy is an emergent property arising from wave reflection and interference within the cochlea, the same mechanisms responsible for the microstructure of the hearing threshold. Possible relationships between the microstructure of the cochlear map and the tiered tonotopy observed in the inferior colliculus are explored.
Genetic Architecture and Functional Characterization of Genes Underlying the Rapid Diversification of Male External Genitalia Between Drosophila simulans and Drosophila mauritiana
Authors: Tanaka Kentaro M , Hopfen Corinna , Herbert Matthew R , Schlötterer Christian , Stern David L , Masly John P , McGregor Alistair P , Nunes Maria D S
Published: March 2015

Male sexual characters are often among the first traits to diverge between closely related species and identifying the genetic basis of such changes can contribute to our understanding of their evolutionary history. However, little is known about the genetic architecture or the specific genes underlying the evolution of male genitalia. The morphology of the claspers, posterior lobes, and anal plates exhibit striking differences between Drosophila mauritiana and D. simulans. Using QTL and introgression-based high-resolution mapping, we identified several small regions on chromosome arms 3L and 3R that contribute to differences in these traits. However, we found that the loci underlying the evolution of clasper differences between these two species are independent from those that contribute to posterior lobe and anal plate divergence. Furthermore, while most of the loci affect each trait in the same direction and act additively, we also found evidence for epistasis between loci for clasper bristle number. In addition, we conducted an RNAi screen in D. melanogaster to investigate if positional and expression candidate genes located on chromosome 3L, are also involved in genital development. We found that six of these genes, including components of Wnt signaling and male-specific lethal 3 (msl3), regulate the development of genital traits consistent with the effects of the introgressed regions where they are located and that thus represent promising candidate genes for the evolution these traits.
Dominance Genetic Variance for Traits Under Directional Selection inDrosophila serrata
Authors: Sztepanacz Jacqueline L , Blows Mark W
Published: March 2015

In contrast to our growing understanding of patterns of additive genetic variance in single- and multi-trait combinations, the relative contribution of nonadditive genetic variance, particularly dominance variance, to multivariate phenotypes is largely unknown. While mechanisms for the evolution of dominance genetic variance have been, and to some degree remain, subject to debate, the pervasiveness of dominance is widely recognized and may play a key role in several evolutionary processes. Theoretical and empirical evidence suggests that the contribution of dominance variance to phenotypic variance may increase with the correlation between a trait and fitness; however, direct tests of this hypothesis are few. Using a multigenerational breeding design in an unmanipulated population of Drosophila serrata, we estimated additive and dominance genetic covariance matrices for multivariate wing-shape phenotypes, together with a comprehensive measure of fitness, to determine whether there is an association between directional selection and dominance variance. Fitness, a trait unequivocally under directional selection, had no detectable additive genetic variance, but significant dominance genetic variance contributing 32% of the phenotypic variance. For single and multivariate morphological traits, however, no relationship was observed between trait–fitness correlations and dominance variance. A similar proportion of additive and dominance variance was found to contribute to phenotypic variance for single traits, and double the amount of additive compared to dominance variance was found for the multivariate trait combination under directional selection. These data suggest that for many fitness components a positive association between directional selection and dominance genetic variance may not be expected.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Education in India
Authors:   DAV College, Sector 10, Chandigarh, Chopra Abha , Marriya Shruti ,   DAV College, Sector 10, Chandigarh
Published: March 2015

Today, education faces the rising challenges of standardized testing, strained budgets, teacher retention, and global workforce competition. Businesses have begun to take a more targeted approach in their corporate social responsibility programs and are seeking to impact areas that have a correlation with their own business goals. For many businesses, education is an important part of their plans, since the needs exist in all geographic areas, across all subject areas, and for all kinds of people. The bottom line is that educational outreach efforts have the capability to make a real and lasting difference for all players involved
The Effect of Self-Esteem and Family Environment on the Dimensions of Spiritual Intelligence of the Pre-Service Teachers at the Secondary Stage
Authors:   Lovely professional university, Vibha Keerti
Published: March 2015

The objectives of the study were to study the differences between Low & High SelfEsteem and Non Congenial & Congenial Family Environment groups of Pre Service Teachers at the Secondary Stage on the dimensions of Spiritual Intelligence, and to study the double interaction effects of the variables of Self-Esteem and Family Environment on the dimensions of Spiritual Intelligence in respect of the Pre Service Teachers at the Secondary Stage. The results of ANOVA showed that Low and High Self-Esteem groups exhibited no significant differences on the variables of Transcendence, Interconnectedness, Expansion of Self, Extrasensory Perception and Existential Enquiry. In case of Family Environment groups- Non Congenial and Congenial, the differences were found significant on the variables of Transcendence and Interconnectedness in favour of Congenial Family Environment and no significant differences were found on the variables of Expansion of Self, Extrasensory Perception and Existential Enquiry. The double interaction effects of the variables of Self-Esteem and Family Environment were not significant on all the dimensions of Spiritual Intelligence.
A classifier for simple isolated complete intersection singularities
Authors: Afzal Deeba , Pfister Gerhard
Published: March 2015

M. Giusti’s classification of the simple complete intersection singularities is characterized in terms of invariants. This is a basis for the implementation of a classifier in the computer algebra system Singular.
Some remarks on almost star countable spaces
Authors: Song Yan-Kui
Published: March 2015

A space X is almost star countable (weakly star countable) if for each open cover U of X there exists a countable subset F of X such that \documentclass{aastex}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{bm}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{pifont}
\usepackage{stmaryrd}
\usepackage{textcomp}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\usepackage{portland,xspace}
\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}
\usepackage{bbm}
\pagestyle{empty}
\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}
\begin{document}
$\bigcup {_{x \in F}\overline {St\left( {x,U} \right)} } = X$
\end{document} (respectively, \documentclass{aastex}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{bm}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{pifont}
\usepackage{stmaryrd}
\usepackage{textcomp}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\usepackage{portland,xspace}
\usepackage{amsmath,amsxtra}
\usepackage{bbm}
\pagestyle{empty}
\DeclareMathSizes{10}{9}{7}{6}
\begin{document}
$\overline {\bigcup {_{x \in F}} St\left( {x,U} \right)} = X$
\end{document}. In this paper, we investigate the relationships among star countable spaces, almost star countable spaces and weakly star countable spaces, and also study topological properties of almost star countable spaces.
Empty non-convex and convex four-gons in random point sets
Authors: Fabila-Monroy Ruy , Huemer Clemens , Mitsche Dieter
Published: March 2015

LetSbe a set ofnpoints distributed uniformly and independently in a convex, bounded set in the plane. A four-gon is called empty if it contains no points ofSin its interior. We show that the expected number of empty non-convex four-gons with vertices fromSis 12n2logn+o(n2logn) and the expected number of empty convex four-gons with vertices fromSis Θ(n2).
On lower and upper bounds for probabilities of unions and the Borel-Cantelli lemma
Authors: Frolov Andrei
Published: March 2015

We obtain new lower and upper bounds for probabilities of unions of events. These bounds are sharp. They are stronger than earlier ones. General bounds may be applied in arbitrary measurable spaces. We have improved the method that has been introduced in previous papers. We derive new generalizations of the first and second parts of the Borel-Cantelli lemma.
Impedance spectroscopy of silicone rubber and vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes composites under tensile strain
Authors: Gonzatto Neto Alfredo , Antunes Erica F. , Antonelli E. , Trava-Airoldi V. J. , Corat Evaldo J.
Published: March 2015

Composites of silicone rubber and vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes were produced by capillary infiltration of PDMS. The electrical properties of silicone membranes and carbon nanotubes were investigated by impedance spectroscopy. Gauge factor was evaluated by different ways from Nyquist plots, and reached values up 8.
SnS Nanocrystals Sensitized ZnO Nanowire Arrays for Extremely Thin Absorber Vertical Junction Solar Cells
Authors: Alam Firoz , Misra Ambuj , Pandya Dinesh K. , Dutta Viresh
Published: March 2015

Surfactant-free SnS nanoparticles were synthesized using continuous spray pyrolysis (CoSP) technique and used as sensitizers on electro-deposited ZnO nanowire arrays for fabrication of extremely thin absorbing (ETA) layers. The high-surface-area nanowire layer on ITO substrate was directly over-coated by SnS nanoparticles. The morphology of the ZnO/SnS nanostructures showed the coverage of orthorhombic SnS nanocrystals on hexagonal ZnO prismatic nanowires. The crystalline phase of the ZnO/SnS nanostructures was studied using X-ray diffraction. Conducting AFM showed a nonlinear characteristics confirming the junction formation.
A Hierarchical Nanostructure Electrode with 3-Dimensional ZnO Nanorod and Pedot Nanotube and Nanofiber Network Assembly for Supercapacitor Energy Storage.
Authors: Sidhu Navjot K. , Rastogi A.C.
Published: March 2015

Nanocomposites in the 3-D nanoarchitecture using vertically aligned ZnO nanorods template to create conducting polymer Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (Pedot) nanotube and nanofibrous network structures using the facile electrochemical synthesis approach is described. Such electrodes structured at the nanoscale enable many fold enhancement of electroactive surface and interface with electrolyte facilitating absorption, ingress and diffusion of electrolyte ions which lead to increased energy and power density of supercapacitor devices. Electrochemical properties evaluated by electrochemical impedance show specific capacitance of 99 to162.99 mF.cm-2 and extremely low bulk and charge transfer resistance of 5.4 Ω.cm2 in comparison to ZnO and Pedot.
Computational and Experimental investigation of Nalipoite-Li2APO4 (A = Na, K) electrolytes for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Ortiz G. F. , López M C. , Arroyo-de Dompablo M.E. , Tirado José L.
Published: March 2015

The potential ionic conductors Li2APO4 (A = Na, K) are investigated combining experiments and first principles calculations at the Density Functional Theory level. A high ionic conductivity of 6.5 x10−6 and 1.5 x10−5 S cm−1 at 25 and 70°C, respectively, is found in Nalipoite-Li2NaPO4. For this mixed phosphate the energy barriers to Li motion are calculated. The lower energy barrier (0.7 eV) implies the inter-chain diffusion of Li in the b-c plane. We predict that ionic mobility is enhanced in the isostructural Li2KPO4, with the lowest calculated energy barrier being 0.4 eV.
Effect of Low Energy Implantation on the Properties of Ti/Ni/Au Contacts to n-SiC
Authors: Leech Patrick W , Holland Anthony S , Reeves Geoffrey K , Pan Yue , Ridgway Mark , Tanner Phillip
Published: March 2015

The effect of low energy implantation of P or C ions in 3C-SiC on the properties of Ti/Ni/Au contacts has been examined for doses in the range 1013-1015 ions/cm2. Measurements of specific contact resistance, ρc, were performed using the two-contact circular test structure. The magnitude of ρc for the Ti/Ni/Au contacts on unimplanted SiC was 1.29 x 10−6 Ω.cm2. The value of ρc increased significantly at an implant dose of 1 x 1015 ions/cm2. The dependence of ρc on ion dose has been measured using both C and P implant species.
Tip Enhanced Laser Ablation Sample Transfer for Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Murray Kermit K. , Ghorai Suman , Seneviratne Chinthaka A.
Published: March 2015

Mass spectrometry is one of the primary analysis techniques for biological analysis but there are technological barriers in sampling scale that must be overcome for it to be used to its full potential on the size scale of single cells. Current mass spectrometry imaging methods are limited in spatial resolution when analyzing large biomolecules. The goal of this project is to use atomic force microscope (AFM) tip enhanced laser ablation to remove material from cells and tissue and capture it for subsequent mass spectrometry analysis. The laser ablation sample transfer system uses an AFM stage to hold the metal-coated tip at a distance of approximately 10 nm from a sample surface. The metal tip acts as an antenna for the electromagnetic radiation and enables the ablation of the sample with a spot size much smaller than a laser focused with a conventional lens system. A pulsed nanosecond UV or visible wavelength laser is focused onto the gold-coated silicon tip at an angle nearly parallel with the surface, which results in the removal of material from a spot between 500 nm and 1 µm in diameter and 200 and 500 nm deep. This corresponds to a few picograms of ablated material, which can be captured on a metal surface for MALDI analysis. We have used this approach to transfer small peptides and proteins from a thin film for analysis by mass spectrometry as a first step toward high spatial resolution imaging.
Verhalten antioxidativer Parameter bei Jungrindern im Jahresverlauf
Authors: Fürll M. , Haser D.
Published: March 2015

Ziel der Studie war, das Verhalten antioxidativer Parameter bei Jungrindern während eines Jahres zu analysieren und mögliche gesundheitsrelevante Defizite in bestimmten Perioden aufzudecken. Material und Methoden: Im Verlauf eines Jahres wurden alle 2 Monate jeweils sechs gesunde, weibliche, 12 Monate alte Jungrinder der Rasse Holstein Friesian/Deutsche Schwarzbunte klinisch und labordiagnostisch untersucht. Die insgesamt 36 Tiere wurden im September, November, Januar, März und Juli im Stall in Anbindehaltung und im Mai ganztägig in einer Gruppe auf der Weide gehalten. Analysiert wurden die antioxidativen Parameter Superoxiddismutase (SOD), Glutathionperoxidase (GPX) und Trolox Equivalent Antioxidative Capacity (TEAC), der Hämatokrit sowie die Stoffwechselparameter β-Hydroxybutyrat, Bilirubin, Cholesterol, Protein, Albumin, Harnstoff, Haptoglobin, Kalzium, anorganisches Phosphat, Eisen, AP, AST, GLDH und CK. Ergebnisse: Die GPX-Aktivitäten waren im September und Januar signifikant niedriger als von März bis Juli. Erniedrigte TEAC-Konzentrationen wurden besonders im Januar und signifikant im März gegenüber September und November ermittelt. Die SOD-Aktivitäten differierten nicht gesichert. SOD und GPX korrelierten im gesamten Zeitraum gesichert, SOD und TEAC ebenfalls im ganzen Jahr (außer im Januar), GPX und TEAC nur im November sowie von März bis Juli. Albumin korrelierte gesichert mit der TEAC. Die Stoffwechselparameter lagen jederzeit in den physiologischen Bereichen außer Harnstoff im November und Juli sowie Phosphat im Mai. Schlussfolgerung: Die Jungrinder zeigten von September bis Januar signifikant erniedrigte GPX-Aktivitäten und besonders im Januar und März erniedrigte TEAC-Konzentrationen. Eine verminderte GPX-Aktivität stellt ein sicheres Zeichen für eine geringe Selenversorgung dar. Das ist unter anderem nachteilig für die Entwicklung von Färsen. Eine reduzierte Versorgung mit Antioxidanzien, insbesondere mit Vitamin E und β-Carotin, wird durch die TEAC angezeigt und hat vergleichbare negative Folgen wie die Selenunterversorgung. Zur Gesundheitsfürsorge ist demzufolge besonders im Winter auf ausreichende Spurenelementversorgung sowie gute Silagequalität zu achten.
O PROBLEMA DA QUALIDADE DE DADOS ESPACIAIS NA ERA DAS INFORMAÇÕES GEOGRÁFICAS VOLUNTÁRIAS
Authors: Bravo João Vitor Meza , Sluter Claudia Robbi
Published: March 2015

Nas últimas décadas, a produção da geoinformação sofreu mudanças devido à difusão das tecnologias computacionais e da Internet. Essas tecnologias permitiram a disseminação das informações geoespaciais, bem como fizeram com que muitos indivíduos fossem conduzidos a uma nova perspectiva de uso e produção de mapas. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo foi desenvolvido na intenção de fornecer suporte de conhecimento para os pesquisadores engajados no entendimento das novas tendências na produção da geoinformação, bem como àqueles que propõem-se a compreender os problemas relacionados à qualidade de dados espaciais no contexto dos usuários produtores da geoinformação. Para alcançar tal objetivo, pode-se dizer que, num primeiro momento, fez-se uma breve revisão historiográfica na qual apresenta-se os conceitos que permitiram o surgimento dos sistemas de informações geográficas voluntárias. A partir desta contextualização, buscou-se relacionar esta temática ao problema da avaliação da qualidade da informação espacial, o qual tem travado, por exemplo, a utilização das informações geográficas voluntárias em órgãos oficiais de mapeamento. Indicou-se que isso ocorre pois os modelos de avaliação utilizados não contemplam as necessidades dos sistemas de informações geográficas voluntárias e, além disso, ressaltou-se a importância do envolvimento da comunidade científica na solução de tais impasses para que seja viabilizado o acesso de um maior número de indivíduos às informações espaciais atualizadas e de qualidade assegurada.
LAND CAPABILITY EVALUATION FOR ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN ILAM PROVINCE, A GIS APPROACH
Authors: Ahmadi Mehdi , Asgari Shamsollah , Ghanavati Ezatollah
Published: March 2015

As one of the most wealth-generating industries in the world, tourism has been the center of attention by many governments worldwide. Depending on the purpose of tourism, it has been classified into different types, one of which is ecotourism. Given that ecotourism currently accounts for a small part of the whole, however, it has a rapid growth rate. The present study aims at zoning suitable areas in Ilam, a province in western Iran, for ecotourism development purposes. Accordingly, the digital maps of elevation, slope, land cover/land use, mineral springs, and water resources were prepared, at first. Afterwards, the suitable and unsuitable areas were segregated by Boolean functions. Overlaying the map layers by GIS software, the suitable areas were identified. The obtained results revealed that the top attractions are mainly distributed from the northern and central province to the southeastern parts where climatic condition is favorable, and rich in natural land cover and water resources. Moreover, the southern and western parts were evaluated poor in term of eco-tourist attractions.
Observations of bentonite erosion from solar-driven moisture migration in GCLs covered only by a black geomembrane
Authors: Take W.A. , Brachman R.W.I. , Rowe R.K.
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT: Manufacturers of geosynthetic liner materials recommend that composite geomembrane/geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) be covered in a timely fashion to avoid potential issues that may arise under the action of long-term solar exposure. In this paper, field evidence of a new, never before reported solar-exposure driven damage mechanism for GCLs covered only by a black geomembrane and left exposed for more than 3 years is presented. Solar exposure can give rise to a large daily variation in geomembrane temperature, which causes a moisture cycle within the interface between the geomembrane and GCL resulting in the formation and flow of condensed moisture beneath the geomembrane. All four of the GCL products investigated at the Queen's University Environmental Liner Test Site were shown to have experienced significant bentonite erosion after 4.7 years of exposure. Erosion was identified in the field through a tactile survey of GCL panels in which the stiffness response of the GCL to touch was used to identify eroded zones. A change in the colour of the GCL, although useful to identify possibly eroded zones in some GCL products, proved ineffective in others. Erosion features were observed with widths up to and exceeding 200 mm across, making them unlikely to undergo self-healing upon hydration and application of normal stress. As a result, the observed erosion features would have severe adverse consequences for leakage rates through the GCL component of a composite liner barrier system. These observations provide yet another strong motivation for timely covering of composite landfill liner systems.