bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiplex PCR testing for nine different sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Kriesel John D , Bhatia Amiteshwar S , Barrus Cammie , Vaughn Mike , Gardner Jordan , Crisp Robert J
Published: November 2015

Current sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing is not optimal due to delays in reporting or missed diagnoses due to a lack of comprehensive testing. The FilmArray® (BioFire Diagnostics, LLC, Salt Lake City, Utah) is a user-friendly, fully automated, multiplex PCR system that is being developed for rapid point-of-care use. A research-use-only STI panel including multiple PCR primer sets for each organism was designed to detect Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Haemophilus ducreyi, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2. Standard clinical testing included Gram stain, nucleic acid amplification, wet mount examination, herpes simplex virus culture, and syphilis IgG. Standard clinical tests were not available for all the organisms tested by the FilmArray STI panel. Two hundred and ninety-five clinical specimens from 190 subjects were directly compared to standard testing. Urine ( n = 146), urethral/cervical swabs (31), oral swabs (60), rectal swabs (43), and ulcer swabs (15) were tested. Among the tested samples, FilmArray detected C. trachomatis in 39 (13%), N. gonorrhoeae in 20 (7%), T. vaginalis in nine (3%), HSV 1 in five (2%), HSV 2 in five (2%), U. urealyticum in 36 (12%), M. genitalium in eight (3%), and T. pallidum in 11 (4%). Concordance between the FilmArray STI panel and standard nucleic acid amplification testing for C. trachomatis was 98% and for N. gonorrhoeae was 97%. Multiplex PCR STI testing has the potential to improve public health by providing rapid, sensitive, and reliable results within the clinic or nearby laboratory.
Prevalent bacterial vaginosis infection – a risk factor for incident sexually transmitted infections in women in Durban, South Africa
Authors: Abbai Nathlee S , Reddy Tarylee , Ramjee Gita
Published: November 2015

The association between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and incident sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a cohort of high-risk women from Durban, South Africa was investigated in this study. We undertook a secondary analysis of the Methods for Improving Reproductive Health in Africa trial that assessed effectiveness of the latex diaphragm and lubricant gel on HIV prevention among women. During study visits, urine specimens were collected for testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis. The presence of BV was based on vaginal pH and wet mount test assessments. The association between BV and the risk for incident STIs was determined using the Cox proportional hazards model. Prevalence of BV was 31% in a cohort of 435 women tested at baseline. Among these women, BV was significantly associated with incident Trichomonas vaginalis (14.6 per 100 PY, p = 0.03) and Chlamydia trachomatis infections (15.8 per 100 PY, p = 0.04). BV remained a significant predictor for Trichomonas vaginalis infections even after adjusting for potential confounders such as age and marital status (HR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.57, p = 0.04). Our study showed an association between baseline BV infections and incident Trichomonas vaginalis and Chlamydia trachomatis infections . Women with BV infections should be counselled on the use of condoms and the risk of new STIs.
Does the Presence of Very Young Children and/or Older Minor-aged Children in the Home Reduce Cigarette Smoking? Panel Data Evidence for the United States
Authors: Cebula Richard J. , Rossi Fabrizio
Published: November 2015

Within the context of the Period Fixed-Effects Model, this study of cigarette consumption in the US uses a state-level panel dataset to investigate a new hypothesis. This hypothesis argues that the presence in the home of minor-aged children, that is, children under 18 years of age, reduces the percentage of the population that smokes cigarettes. The eclectic model includes the levels of federal plus state cigarette excise taxation along with a number of other established explanatory variables. The empirical estimates in this preliminary study find support for the hypothesis proffered here, that is, it is found that the percentage of the population that smokes cigarettes is a decreasing function of the percentage of households with minor-aged children residing in the home. Moreover, aside from providing further insight into smoker behaviour, the results from this study also raise the question that since this phenomenon has been ignored in previous related studies involving such public policies as cigarette taxation and cigarette smoking bans that those studies may suffer from omitted variable bias.

JEL Classification: R22, I18, H71, H29
Importance of Health and Social Care Research into Gender and Sexual Minority Populations in Nepal
Authors: Regmi Pramod R. , van Teijlingen Edwin
Published: November 2015

Despite progressive legislative developments and increased visibility of sexual and gender minority populations in the general population, mass media often report that this population face a wide range of discrimination and inequalities. LGBT (lesbian, gay, and bisexual, and transgender) populations have not been considered as priority research populations in Nepal. Research in other geographical settings has shown an increased risk of poor mental health, violence, and suicide and higher rates of smoking, as well as alcohol and drugs use among LGBT populations. They are also risk for lifestyle-related illness such as cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. Currently, in Nepal, there is a lack of understanding of health and well-being, social exclusion, stigma, and discrimination as experienced by these populations. Good-quality public health research can help design and implement targeted interventions to the sexual and gender minority populations of Nepal.
Role of Department Heads in Academic Development
Authors: Horne Andre Leonard , du Plessis Yvonne , Nkomo Stella
Published: November 2015

This article examines the role of leadership in the development of academic talent in higher education from a social exchange and organizational support perspective. Drawing from a sample of academic staff at a large South African university, the study investigates the extent to which a quality leader–member exchange relationship versus a formal organizational resource perspective contributes to academic staff perceptions of organizational investment in academic talent development. The study found new evidence of the ways in which relationship resources embodied in the leader–member exchange relationship between supervisors (leaders) and employees (followers) influence employees’ perceptions of investment in their development. The results also demonstrated how the leader–member exchange theory, combined with theoretical work on organizational development support, could help to explain the critical role of department heads as leaders in developing academic staff (as followers).
Effectiveness of physical and occupational therapy on pain, function and quality of life in patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis – A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aebischer Bernhard , Elsig Simone , Taeymans Jan
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis is associated with more pain and restrictions than other hand osteoarthritis due to the functional importance of the thumb. While the effectiveness of surgical and pharmacological interventions has been widely examined, there is a lack of specific evidence about conservative non-pharmacological trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis therapies. The objective of this systematic review was to provide evidence-based knowledge on the effectiveness of physiotherapy and occupational therapy on pain, function and quality of life.

Methods

A literature search of Medline, CINAHL, PEDro, OTseeker, EMB Dare Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane CENTRAL was performed. Randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials and corresponding systematic reviews, observational studies, pragmatic studies and case–control studies were included. The risk of bias was assessed.

Results

Out of 218 studies, 27 were retained. A narrative summary and a series of meta-analyses were performed. Concerning pain reduction, the meta-analysis showed parity of pre-fabricated neoprene and custom-made thermoplastic splints: standardized mean difference (SMD) –0.01 (95%CI −0.43, 0.40) (p=0.95). Multimodal interventions are more effective on pain compared to single interventions: standardized mean difference −3.16 (95%CI −5.56, −0.75) ( p = 0.01).

Discussion

Physical and occupational therapy-related interventions, especially multimodal interventions, seem to be effective to treat pain in patients with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Pre-fabricated neoprene splints and custom-made thermoplastic splints may reduce pain equally. Single interventions seem not to be effective. Significant evidence for effectiveness on function and quality of life could not be found.
What explains small- and medium-sized apparel retailers’ international market involvement? An application of Uppsala model
Authors: Cho Hyeon Jeong , Jin Byoungho
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this study is to investigate U.S. small- and medium-sized apparel retailers’ international expansion by proposing a theoretical framework that incorporates the antecedents of small- and medium-sized apparel retail firms’ international market involvement. Data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire completed by apparel retailers nationwide. A total of 76 usable questionnaires were collected based on Dillman et al. (Internet, mail, and mixed-mode surveys: The tailored design method, 2009) Mail Survey technique. The results indicate that small- and medium-sized apparel retailers who have more foreign networks are likely to have foreign market knowledge. Firm age and market knowledge were found to influence a firm’s international market involvement. The results further reveal that market knowledge mediates the relationship between foreign networking and international market involvement. This study contributes to the growing knowledge base about small- and medium-sized retailers’ international expansion in the apparel industry.
Substance misuse in life and death in a 2-year cohort of
suicides
Authors: Galway Karen , Gossrau-Breen Diana , Mallon Sharon , Hughes Lynette , Rosato Michael , Rondon-Sulbaran Janeet , Leavey Gerard
Published: November 2015

Background

Although substance misuse is a key risk factor in suicide, relatively
little is known about the relationship between lifetime misuse and misuse
at the time of suicide.

Aims

To examine the relationship between substance misuse and subsequent
suicide.

Method

Linkage of coroners' reports to primary care records for 403 suicides
occurring over 2 years.

Results

With alcohol misuse, 67% of the cohort had previously sought help for
alcohol problems and 39% were intoxicated at the time of suicide.
Regarding misuse of other substances, 54% of the cohort was tested.
Almost one in four (38%) tested positive, defined as an excess of drugs
over the prescribed therapeutic dosage and/or detection of illicit
substances. Those tested were more likely to be young and have a history
of drug misuse.

Conclusions

A deeper understanding of the relationship between substance misuse and
suicide could contribute to prevention initiatives. Furthermore,
standardised toxicology screening processes would avoid diminishing the
importance of psychosocial factors involved in suicide as a ‘cause of
death’.
Specificity proteins 1 and 4, hippocampal volume and first-episode psychosis
Authors: Fusté Montserrat , Meléndez-Pérez Iria , Villalta-Gil Victoria , Pinacho Raquel , Villalmanzo Núria , Cardoner Narcís , Menchón José M. , Haro Josep Maria , Soriano-Mas Carles , Ramos Belén
Published: November 2015

We assessed specificity protein 1 (SP1) and 4 (SP4) transcription factor levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and conducted a voxel-based morphometry analysis on brain structural magnetic resonance images from 11 patients with first-episode psychosis and 14 healthy controls. We found lower SP1 and SP4 levels in patients, which correlated positively with right hippocampal volume. These results extend previous evidence showing that such transcription factors may constitute a molecular pathway to the development of psychosis.
A hard habit to break…
Authors: O'Connell Suzanne
Published: November 2015

The DfE's Commission on Assessment without Levels makes it clear – levels needed to go. However, replacing them isn't proving to be easy. Suzanne O'Connell looks at the messages from the report and the difficulties schools are facing
Supporting refugee children arriving in your school
Authors: Mitchell Joanna , Owen Zoe , Walmsley Joanna
Published: November 2015

Receiving the children of Syrian refugees as they begin to arrive in the UK is a realistic possibility for many schools. It is likely that these children will face many challenges as they integrate. Educational psychologist Dr Joanna Mitchell offers a checklist for successful inclusion
Autism and girls…
Authors: Walker Sophie
Published: November 2015

Gender bias in autism preconceptions and diagnoses are resulting in the needs of many girls who have the condition going unmet. Sophie Walker reports
Skill-sharing between allied health professionals in a community setting: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pighills Alison C , Bradford Michelle , Bell Kirsty , Flynn Laura J , Williams Gary , Hornsby Danielle , Torgerson David J , Kaltner Melissa
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims:

The increasing demand for health services necessitates workforce redesign to reduce inefficiencies while maintaining quality of care. Health services have been implementing professional skill-sharing models of care to enable allied health practitioners to expand their scope of practice. This article reports the outcome of a randomised controlled trial that investigated the clinical effectiveness of professional skill-sharing.

Methods:

The Calderdale Framework was used to establish a model of professional skill-sharing. A randomised controlled trial was carried out with community-dwelling older people aged 65 years and above experiencing functional decline (n=153). Participants were randomised to professional skill-sharing intervention (n=77) or uni-professional occupational therapy and/or physiotherapy care control (n=76). Disability, mobility, independence in activities of daily living and quality of life were measured by a blinded assessor at baseline, 1 and 4 months post-randomisation.

Results:

There were no statistically significant differences in any of the outcome measures between groups. Less than half (43%) of the controls received uni-professional intervention. Sub-group analysis of intervention and control participants who had received uni-professional intervention upheld the results of the main analysis.

Conclusions:

Professional skill-sharing was equivalent in outcome to conventional, uni-professional occupational therapy and/or physiotherapy for a community-dwelling ageing population experiencing functional decline. Further research is required.
Improving COPD interventions
Authors: Attar-Zadeh Darush
Published: November 2015

Two case studies show treatment options to help heavy smokers with COPD, writes Darush Attar-Zadeh
Managing molluscum contagiosum
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: November 2015

This common viral skin infection is usually self-limiting, but may require treatment, says Suneeta Kochhar
Lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: November 2015

Many older men are affected and careful investigation will direct appropriate treatment, writes Suneeta Kochhar
Neuroscience in the classroom
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: November 2015

Neuroscience theories are playing an increasing role in forming and explaining pedagogical approaches in the classroom – but should this be the case? Matt Bromley warns teachers against becoming obsessed with neuroscientific justifications
Rank and dimension functions
Authors: Prasad K. , Nandini Nupur , Shenoy Divya
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we invoke theory of generalized inverses and minus partial order on regular matrices over a commutative ring to define rankâfunction for regular matrices and dimensionâfunction for finitely generated projective modules which are direct summands of a free module. Some properties held by the rank of a matrix and the dimension of a vector space over a field are generalized. Also, a generalization of rank-nullity theorem has been established when the matrix given is regular.
Os ministros da Ordem Terceira de S. Francisco de Coimbra no século XVIII: perfil social, famílias, redes de poder
Authors: Mota Guilhermina
Published: November 2015

Este trabalho constitui uma primeira abordagem ao estudo dos ministros da Ordem Terceira de S. Francisco de Coimbra que exerceram o seu mandato no século xviii. A caraterização social dos que governaram a Ordem nesse período mostra que esta instituição tinha pendor elitista, mas também capacidade para atrair a gente mais ilustre da cidade para os seus cargos diretivos. Foram ministros fidalgos de primeiro plano, lentes da Universidade, dignidades e cónegos do Cabido, priores de Igrejas Colegiadas, juristas e cidadãos da governança camarária, em alguns casos servindo durante vários anos.
O fogo de Prometeu: uma visão do mito a partir de conceitos da Filosofia de P. Ricoeur
Authors: Santos Alexandra
Published: November 2015

A poesia, sob as formas dramáticas, permitiu aos Gregos que, através dos mitos, refletissem acerca de si e do mundo, re-presentando o sentido délfico γνῶθι σεαυτόν (“conhece-te a ti mesmo”). Séculos passados do apogeu da grande cultura grega, o mito de Prometeu acarreta em si uma mundividência que se traduz nessa mesma aprendizagem; através dele, o ser humano poderá reconhecer-se e compreender os núcleos dramáticos da sua praxis, sob a forma de exemplo, tendo, assim, consciência da sua humanidade e limitações.
As Humanidades e a Universidade: crise e futuro
Authors: Souza Maria Adélia de
Published: November 2015

Este artigo trata de compreender as HUMANIDADES neste período histórico respondendo a algumas questões aqui formuladas. Aborda o sentido da tecnologia e os processos que gera no mundo, particularmente, nas universidades de países como o Brasil. Examina como a Universidade realiza seu trabalho científico cada vez mais tributário da técnica, e sua submissão às agendas das empresas. Quais as implicações das Humanidades em nossas instituições de ensino e pesquisa diante desse processo? Como compreender a prática das universidades com pesquisas vinculadas às inovações tecnológicas em diferentes campos do saber técnico, com o objetivo de imaginar possível a aceleração da história atendendo aos desígnios do mercado? Como os países pobres enfrentarão essa necessidade de resgatar a história como processo e não apenas como presente? Como as Humanidades deixarão de ser tributárias desse pragmatismo exigido pela dinâmica acelerada do mundo para resgatarem o seu papel crítico diante do processo histórico?
Os estudos culturais como novas Humanidades
Authors: Martins Moisés de Lemos
Published: November 2015

É meu propósito, neste estudo, argumentar a ideia de que os Estudos Culturais podem ser encarados como as novas humanidades. Refere Vítor Aguiar e Silva (Silva 2008: 255) que os Cultural Studies centram a atenção nos estudos étnicos, pós-coloniais, comunicacionais, antropológicos, etnográficos e feministas, e apenas “muito marginalmente” se têm interessado pela literatura e pelos estudos literários. Mas são precisamente esses domínios, investidos pela ‘Social Science’, e não pelas ‘Arts’ (ib.: 254), que se constituem como pedra de toque da modernidade. E é neles que se joga, hoje, em grande medida, a ideia que temos do humano. A interrogação tanto sobre o humano como sobre a modernidade, tem como pano de fundo a translação tecnológica da cultura da palavra para a imagem (Martins 2011a). A minha proposta tem em atenção esse debate, sublinhando entretanto o compromisso que os Estudos Culturais têm com o atual e o contemporâneo, o que também quer dizer com o presente e o quotidiano.
La evolución del conocimiento lingüístico del alumnado inmigrante en Cataluña. El papel de la lengua familiar
Authors: Sansó Clara , Navarro José Luis , Huguet Ángel
Published: November 2015

Introducción. El desarrollo del conocimiento lingüístico del alumnado inmigrante es uno de los principales retos a los que se enfrentan actualmente los profesionales de la educación. Nuestro trabajo analizó longitudinalmente la evolución del conocimiento lingüístico en lengua catalana y castellana.Método. Un total de 72 alumnos inmigrantes (27 hispanohablantes y 45 no hispanohablantes) escolarizados en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria de Cataluña (España). Para ello se aplicaron dos instrumentos diferentes: un cuestionario sociolingüístico y una prueba psicolingüística paralela en lengua catalana y castellana.Resultados. Los resultados indican que el contexto socio-educativo favorece la evolución de ambas lenguas y, además, tiende a homogeneizar dicho conocimiento. Asimismo, la variable lengua familiar pierde cierta relevancia al descartarse diferencias significativas entre hispanohablantes y no hispanohablantes.Conclusiones. Más allá de las connotaciones de la evolución del conocimiento lingüístico en el contexto escolar, los resultados nos pueden estar indicándo la adaptación progresiva de este colectivo a la sociedad de acogida. Es más, los resultados entre hispanohablantes y no hispanohablantes nos permiten hipotetizar que el contexto catalán podría estar disminuyendo el peso que en un principio pudiera tener la lengua familiar de los estudiantes inmigrantes.
Los videojuegos, herramientas para el cambio. Un estudio desde la teoría de la actividad
Authors: Méndez Laura , Lacasa Pilar
Published: November 2015

Introducción. El propósito de este trabajo es ofrecer un marco de análisis para interpretar, desde la perspectiva de los participantes, las trasformaciones que ocurren en un aula cuando utilizamos videojuegos comerciales. Mostraremos cómo la teoría de la actividad (AT) permite explicar e interpretar estos cambios.Método. Se presenta un estudio de casos, desde un enfoque cualitativo y etnográfico, en el que exploramos las trasformaciones que tienen lugar en un aula de apoyo de un instituto de secundaria, cuando introducimos el videojuego Sim3. Los participantes son la profesora de apoyo y dos grupos de estudiantes con necesidades educativas especiales (12-16 años).Resultados. El videojuego, como instrumento mediador, introduce en el aula prácticas, códigos y lenguajes que provocan tensiones en los elementos del sistema (el objeto de la actividad, la relación y papel de los participantes en la comunidad, los resultados de la actividad y las reglas que las organizan). La superación de estas tensiones ha supuesto la trasformación del aula de apoyo en un sistema nuevo y más facilitador para dar respuesta a las necesidades educativas especiales de los estudiantes.Discusión. Este estudio presenta un marco para el análisis, que partiendo de la teoría de la actividad, ofrece algunas claves para interpretar el papel de instrumentos tecnológicos, como el videojuego, en la escuela: la importancia de trascender el aula para fijarnos en otros sistemas con los que está vinculada, la necesidad de contemplar el videojuego como objeto cultural, a través del que se introducen nuevas prácticas que entran en contradicción con las que, profesores y estudiantes, llevan a cabo en las aulas tradicionales, y finalmente, la importancia de centrar el análisis en las múltiples perspectivas y “voces” de los participantes y en cómo sus interpretaciones, creencias y concepciones, están en la base del cambio.
Efectos del videojuego Spock sobre la mejora de la inteligencia emocional en adolescentes
Authors: Cejudo Javier , Latorre Sebastián
Published: November 2015

Introducción. El objetivo de la presente investigación es evaluar experimentalmente los efectos de un programa de videojuego (Spock) para mejorar la inteligencia emocional (IE) como capacidad en una muestra de adolescentes.Método. La muestra ha estado compuesta de 92 adolescentes, de 17 a 19 años, que cursan 2º curso de Bachillerato. El instrumento utilizado ha sido: Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT). El estudio utilizó un diseño cuasi-experimental, un diseño de medidas repetidas pretest-postest con grupo de control. Para evaluar el efecto del programa se realizaron análisis descriptivos (medias y desviaciones típicas) y de varianza (ANOVAs) por los adolescentes asignados a la condición experimental y control en la fase pretest. En segundo lugar, se llevaron a cabo análisis descriptivos y de covarianza de las puntuaciones postest (ANCOVAs postest covariando el pretest), lo que permite evidenciar el impacto del programa. Además, se calculó el tamaño del efecto (d de Cohen).Resultados. Los resultados de los ANCOVAs postest (covariando las diferencias pretest) en las variables de inteligencia emocional capacidad objeto de estudio en la condición experimental y control confirman diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la puntuación global de inteligencia emocional como capacidad, en la variable percepción emocional, en la variable facilitación emocional y en la variable regulación emocional. Por otro lado, los resultados del ANCOVA postest muestran que el cambio estimulado por el programa en ambos sexos fue similar. Sin embargo, los resultados de los ANCOVAs postest confirman diferencias estadísticamente significativas a favor de los varones en la puntuación global de inteligencia emocional como capacidad.Discusión y conclusión. El trabajo aporta una herramienta de intervención eficaz que ha sido validada experimentalmente. Los resultados en su conjunto permiten enfatizar la importancia de implementar, durante la adolescencia, programas para fomentar la IE como capacidad.
Investigación e Innovación Educativa con Videojuegos
Authors: Méndez Laura , Del Moral M. Esther
Published: November 2015

La transformación de nuestro entorno en lo que se ha denominado “sociedad digital” sitúa en un primer plano a los medios tecnológicos, convirtiéndolos en instrumentos mediadores tanto de las actividades laborales como las comunicativas y de ocio (Squire, Jenkins, Holland, Miller, O'Driscoll, Tan & Todd, 2003). La presencia de estos medios en la vida de los más jóvenes junto a las prácticas que generan para buscar, crear y compartir información, ha aumentado de forma significativa. En este nuevo universo, los videojuegos han irrumpido con mucha fuerza, lo que podemos constatar en un mercado que ha ido creciendo exponencialmente en el último lustro (Benito, 2012), ocupando el tiempo de ocio de unas audiencias cada vez más amplias (Martí, 2008), no circunscritas a la edad infantil. Observamos nuevos perfiles de jugadores atendiendo no sólo al tipo de videojuegos, sino al tiempo dedicado a los mismos y al soporte en el que tiene lugar esta actividad de ocio, ya sea a partir de videoconsolas, redes sociales (Del Moral & Guzmán, 2014), la wii, juegos online multijugador, etc. (Bringué, Sádaba, & Sanjurjo, 2013). Sin duda, se trata de un fenómeno generalizado que hace convergen en espacios virtuales de ocio a varias generaciones, algo que desde una perspectiva educativa no puede dejarnos indiferentes.
Modelling of Underground Coal Gasification Process Using CFD Methods / Modelowanie Procesu Podziemnego Zgazowania Węgla Kamiennego Z Zastosowaniem Metod CFD
Authors: Wachowicz Jan , Łączny Jacek Marian , Iwaszenko Sebastian , Janoszek Tomasz , Cempa-Balewicz Magdalena
Published: November 2015

The results of model studies involving numerical simulation of underground coal gasification process are presented. For the purpose of the study, the software of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was selected for simulation of underground coal gasification. Based on the review of the literature, it was decided that ANSYS-Fluent will be used as software for the performance of model studies. The ANSYS- -Fluent software was used for numerical calculations in order to identify the distribution of changes in the concentration of syngas components as a function of duration of coal gasification process. The nature of the calculations was predictive.

A geometric model has been developed based on construction data of the georeactor used during the researches in Experimental Mine “Barbara” and Coal Mine “Wieczorek” and it was prepared by generating a numerical grid. Data concerning the georeactor power supply method and the parameters maintained during the process used to define the numerical model. Some part of data was supplemented based on the literature sources.

The main assumption was to base the simulation of the georeactor operation on a mathematical models describing reactive fluid flow. Components of the process gas and the gasification agent move along the gasification channel and simulate physicochemical phenomena associated with the transfer of mass and energy as well as chemical reactions (together with the energy effect). Chemical reactions of the gasification process are based on a kinetic equation which determines the course of a particular type of equation of chemical coal gasification. The interaction of gas with the surrounding coal layer has also been described as a part of the model. The description concerned the transport of thermal energy. The coal seam and the mass rock are treated as a homogeneous body.

Modelling studies assumed the coal gasification process is carried out with the participation of separately oxygen and air as a gasification agent, under the specific conditions of the georeactor operations within the time interval of 100 hours and 305 hours. The results of the numerical solution have been compared with the results of experimental results under in-situ conditions.
Thermal Power Of The TS-300B Refrigerator in the Aspects of Statistical Research / Moc Cieplna Chłodziarki TS-300B W Aspekcie Badań Statystycznych
Authors: Nowak Bernard , Łuczak Rafał
Published: November 2015

The article discusses the improvement of thermal working conditions in underground mine workings, using local refrigeration systems. It considers the efficiency of air cooling with direct action air compression refrigerator of the TS-300B type. As a result of a failure to meet the required operating conditions of the aforementioned air cooling system, frequently there are discrepancies between the predicted (and thus the expected) effects of its work and the reality. Therefore, to improve the operating efficiency of this system, in terms of effective use of the evaporator cooling capacity, quality criteria were developed, which are easy in practical application. They were obtained in the form of statistical models, describing the effect of independent variables, i.e. the parameters of the inlet air to the evaporator (temperature, humidity and volumetric flow rate), as well as the parameters of the water cooling the condenser (temperature and volumetric flow rate), on the thermal power of air cooler, treated as the dependent variable. Statistical equations describing the performance of the analyzed air cooling system were determined, based on the linear and nonlinear multiple regression. The obtained functions were modified by changing the values of the coefficients in the case of linear regression, and of the coefficients and exponents in the case of non-linear regression, with the independent variables. As a result, functions were obtained, which were more convenient in practical applications. Using classical statistics methods, the quality of fitting the regression function to the experimental data was evaluated. Also, the values of the evaporator thermal power of the refrigerator, which were obtained on the basis of the measured air parameters, were compared with the calculated ones, by using the obtained regression functions. These statistical models were built on the basis of the results of measurements in different operating conditions of the TS-300B refrigerator, both on the test stand in the manufacturer’s laboratory and in the workings of underground mines. The evaluation of the measurement data distributions, as well as an analysis of the basic descriptive statistics of the mentioned variables were carried out, determining their measures of central tendency, location, dispersion and asymmetry.
Application of Concentration-Number and Concentration-Volume Fractal Models to Recognize Mineralized Zones in North Anomaly Iron Ore Deposit, Central Iran / Zastosowanie Modeli Fraktalnych Typu K-L (Koncentracja-Liczba), Oraz K-O (Koncentracja Objętość) Do Rozpoznawania Stref Występowania Surowców Mineralnych W Regionie Złóż Rud Żelaza North Anomaly, W Środkowym Iranie
Authors: Afzal Peyman , Ghasempour Reza , Mokhtari Ahmad Reza , Haroni Hooshang Asadi
Published: November 2015

Identification of various mineralized zones in an ore deposit is essential for mine planning and design. This study aims to distinguish the different mineralized zones and the wall rock in the Central block of North Anomaly iron ore deposit situated in Bafq (Central Iran) utilizing the concentration-number (C-N) and concentration-volume (C-V) fractal models. The C-N model indicates four mineralized zones described by Fe thresholds of 8%, 21%, and 50%, with zones <8% and >50% Fe representing wall rocks and highly mineralized zone, respectively. The C-V model reveals geochemical zones defined by Fe thresholds of 12%, 21%, 43% and 57%, with zones <12% Fe demonstrating wall rocks. Both the C-N and C-V models show that highly mineralized zones are situated in the central and western parts of the ore deposit. The results of validation of the fractal models with the geological model show that the C-N fractal model of highly mineralized zones is better than the C-V fractal model of highly mineralized zones based on logratio matrix.
Selected Methods of Rock Structure Disintegration to Control Mining Hazards / Wybrane Metody Dezintegracji Struktury Skał Dla Zwalczania Zagrożeń Górniczych
Authors: Kabiesz Józef , Lurka Adam , Drzewiecki Jan
Published: November 2015

Natural hazards are inseparable element of underground mining, particularly of coal mining process. They are combated on a regular basis by many measures and effectiveness of these measures determines work safety in mines. Attempts to improve the effectiveness, presented in the paper is based on interference of seismic waves generated by blasting in a selected area of the rock mass and on modification of blasting technology. Preliminary results of detonating classical and new type of explosives in specific temperature and pressure conditions are analyzed. Theoretical and practical consideration of obtaining an interference effect of seismic waves is discussed. A device for making systems of starting notches and a construction of a chamber to test explosives are presented.
1H NMR-based metabolic profiling for evaluating poppy seed rancidity and brewing
Authors: Jawień Ewa , Ząbek Adam , Deja Stanisław , Łukaszewicz Marcin , Młynarz Piotr
Published: November 2015

Poppy seeds are widely used in household and commercial confectionery. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the application of metabolic profiling for industrial monitoring of the molecular changes which occur during minced poppy seed rancidity and brewing processes performed on raw seeds. Both forms of poppy seeds were obtained from a confectionery company. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (

The obtained results provide valuable and comprehensive information to gain a better understanding of the biology of rancidity and brewing processes, while demonstrating the potential for applying NMR spectroscopy combined with multivariate data analysis tools for quality control in food industries involved in the processing of oilseeds. This precious and versatile information gives a better understanding of the biology of these processes.
How to take advantage of tablet computers: Effects of news structure on recall and comprehension
Authors: Van Cauwenberge Anna , d’Haenens Leen , Beentjes Hans
Published: November 2015

In light of the growing use of tablets for news reading and mobile news consumption behaviors, this study examined whether an innovative way of structuring news on the tablet that mimics mobile news behaviors reinforced attention for, and learning from, news. Specifically, it was theorized that the chronological and associative structuring of news articles into so-called developing news stories would lead to more attention for news, and better recall and comprehension of news, than the linear print newspaper structure that newspaper publishers continue to copy from print to tablet. A multiple-day experiment was set up using the eye-tracking method to measure and control for attention. The results show that the developing news structure increased comprehension of news substantively, independently of attention effects; no effects were found on attention and factual recall.
The molding of mediatization: The stratified indispensability of media in close relationships
Authors: Jansson André
Published: November 2015

This article presents a quantitative analysis of how different socio-cultural factors, including lifestyle, affect the extent to which different media are perceived as indispensable for maintaining close relations with family and friends. Through applying ‘indispensability’ as an indicator of the mediatization of social life, the study provides a concrete illustration of how mediatization is continuously molded through socio-cultural processes in everyday life. The results are based on a national survey conducted in Sweden and show that e-mail and video calls constitute a culturally distinctive ensemble of communication, especially in comparison to online chat functions and Facebook. E-mail is valued especially among people with higher education who lead globally oriented lifestyles thus testifying to the enduring status of text-based communication in the longer format as a cultural marker. The study thus suggests that the modalities of communication that certain media make possible are important to how these media are perceived as
An innovative ecological hybrid refrigeration cycle for high power refrigeration facility
Authors: Cyklis Piotr , Janisz Karina
Published: November 2015

Searching for new refrigerants is one of the most significant scientific problems in refrigeration. There are ecological refrigerants commonly known: H2O and CO2. H2O and CO2 known as natural refrigerants, but they have problems:a high freezing point of H2O and a low triple point of CO2. These problems can be solved by the application of a hybrid sorption-compression refrigeration cycle. The cycle combines the application possibility of H2O in the high temperature sorption stage and the low temperature application of CO2 in the compression stage. This solution gives significant energy savings in comparison with the two-stage compressor cycle and with the one-stage transcritical CO2 cycle. Besides, the sorption cycle may be powered by low temperature waste heat or renewable heat. This is an original idea of the authors. In the paper an analysis of the possible extension of this solution for high capacity industrial refrigeration is presented. The estimated energy savings as well as TEWI (Total Equivalent Warming Impact) index for ecological gains are calculated.
Drying of red beetroot after osmotic pretreatment: Kinetics and quality considerations
Authors: Kowalski Stefan J. , Łechtańska Joanna M.
Published: November 2015

This article presents experimental studies on drying kinetics and quality effects of red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) after convective drying with a preliminary osmotic pretreatment. The effects of the osmotic agent (NaCl) concentration and the osmotic bath time on the product colour and nutrient content preservation, the water activity, and rehydration ability after drying were analysed. Osmotic dehydration curves and Solid Gain (SG), Water Loss (WL), Weight Reduction (WR) were determined. It was proved that drying of beetroot with osmotic pretreatment contributes to shorter drying time, smaller water activity, higher retention of betanin, better colour preservation, and a greater degree of water resorption.
Sampling related issues in pod-based model reduction of simplified circulating fluidised bed combustor model
Authors: Bizon Katarzyna
Published: November 2015

Over the last decades the method of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) has been successfully employed for reduced order modelling (ROM) in many applications, including distributed parameter models of chemical reactors. Nevertheless, there are still a number of issues that need further investigation. Among them, the policy of the collection of representative ensemble of experimental or simulation data, being a starting and perhaps most crucial point of the POD-based model reduction procedure. This paper summarises the theoretical background of the POD method and briefly discusses the sampling issue. Next, the reduction procedure is applied to an idealised model of circulating fluidised bed combustor (CFBC). Results obtained confirm that a proper choice of the sampling strategy is essential for the modes convergence however, even low number of observations can be sufficient for the determination of the faithful dynamical ROM.
New and interesting records of Drosophilidae (Diptera) from the Czech Republic and Slovakia / Nové a zajímavé nálezy octomilkovitých (Diptera: Drosophilidae) z České republiky a Slovenska
Authors: Máca Jan , Roháček Jindřich , Ribeiro Vilela Carlos , Březíková Milena
Published: November 2015

Records of six species of the family Drosophilidae from the Czech Republic are presented. Drosophila tripunctata Loew, 1862, reported from the Old World long ago on the basis of a wrong determination, is newly confirmed from the region (Czech Republic: Bohemia); although this finding originates from a greenhouse, the record is important because this thermotolerant species has a potential to spread outdoors in Central Europe. Cacoxenus indagator Loew, 1858 is for the first time recorded from North Moravia (Czech Silesia) in the Czech Republic and Cacoxenus argyreator Frey, 1932 from Slovakia. Mycodrosophila poecilogastra (Loew, 1874) is new addition to the fauna of Bohemia, Drosophila (Sophophora) helvetica Burla, 1948 and Drosophila (Sophophora) suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) are new for Moravia.
A new record of Typha shuttleworthii (Typhaceae) in Poland
Authors: Nobis Marcin , Nobis Agnieszka , Jędrzejczak Elżbieta , Klichowska Ewelina
Published: November 2015

The paper presents a new locality of Typha shuttleworthii W.D.J. Koch & Sond. in Poland. The species was found in wet roadside ditch in Kryg village near Gorlice (ATPOL grid square EG09). The distribution map of the species in Poland is provided.
Design for Affect: A Core Competency for the 21st Century
Authors: Chitturi Ravindra
Published: November 2015

Consumers purchase products with the objective of reducing pain, increasing pleasure or both. Product aesthetics primarily contribute to enhancing consumer pleasure, and utilitarian attributes, such as product functionality, primarily help reduce consumer pain. So the question is how consumers choose between the goals of reducing pain and enhancing pleasure. In the case of functional dominance, consumers attach greater importance to fulfilling their minimum utilitarian needs over their minimum hedonic ones. By contrast, if consumers have to choose between two products, and one product meets their minimum functional requirement but exceeds their minimum aesthetic expectations, while the other meets their minimum aesthetic expectations but exceeds their minimum functional requirement, they select the product with superior aesthetics. A balanced design with an optimal combination of attributes and emotional experiences will reach a greater price on the market and insure higher profits.
Beyond Aesthetics: Seeing Form and Believing in Function
Authors: Hoegg JoAndrea
Published: November 2015

Research on the effect of design has tended to emphasize the aesthetic dimension of product form and its global, spontaneous, and even unconscious influence on overall product evaluation. But apart from the aesthetic aspect of design, product form has additional effects on consumer perception.

When a product’s design suggests a particular level of functional performance, it can alter consumer judgment, even in the presence of ostensibly more objective written information.

This finding does not only apply to a product’s overall impression, but also to how consumers evaluate individual product features. For a target feature, the presence of pictures altered the relative functional performance ratings in favor of the presented designs, but for non-target features the presenceof the picture had no effect. Hence, product form can communicate functional performance independently of global attractiveness. These insights have important implications for design creation and communication as well as for consumers. They highlight yet again the importance of close cooperation between product development, marketing and design.
How Good is Your User Experience? Measuring and Designing Interactions
Authors: Wildner Raimund , Kittinger-Rosanelli Christine , Bosenik Tim
Published: November 2015

Form and function are important dimensions of consumer choice, but there is more in our increasingly digital world. It is not only products per se that need to be designed but the whole interaction between consumers and brands. The whole UX or user experience is more important than ever before. Digitalism nowadays is everywhere, and even mundane products are becoming more digital (e.g. ovens), while others evolve that are purely digital (e.g. PayPal).

The question is: How can we effectively measure and design interactions in this highly digital and complex environment? For quite a long time “usability” was the one and only measure on the agenda. But consumer experience goes far beyond ease of use or high functional quality. UX is a complex construct with several dimensions that are covered in GfK´s UX score.
Racks, Leibniz algebras and Yetter–Drinfel'd modules
Authors: Krähmer Ulrich , Wagemann Friedrich
Published: November 2015

A Hopf algebra object in Loday and Pirashvili's category of linear maps entails an ordinary Hopf algebra and a Yetter–Drinfel'd module. We equip the latter with a structure of a braided Leibniz algebra. This provides a unified framework for examples of racks in the category of coalgebras discussed recently by Carter, Crans, Elhamdadi and Saito.
Visible-light-mediated radical aryltrichloromethylation of N-arylacrylamides for the synthesis of trichloromethyl-containing oxindoles
Authors: Zhu Mei , Fu Weijun
Published: November 2015

A practical and unified strategy has been described for the construction of trichloromethylated oxindoles via a visible light-promoted aryltrichloromethylation reaction of N-arylacrylamides with tetrachloromethane. These reactions are carried out at room temperature in good to excellent chemical yields with good functional group tolerance.