bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construcciones de infinitivo y semántica argumentativa
Authors: García Negroni María Marta , Ramírez Gelbes Silvia
Published: August 2018

Neste trabalho, analisamos distintas construções nominais de infinitivo em espanhol para mostrar a existência dos falsos infinitivos (Varela, 1979; Hernanz, 1999) que, como os dizeres e os seres, aceitam pluralização e entram em todas as construções nominais dos substantivos ordinários. Reconhecemos dois tipos: os falsos infinitivos de tipo A, próximos às nominalizações dos verbos dos quais derivam, e os falsos infinitivos de tipo B, cujos sentidos parecem mais distantes do verbo de base. No quadro da Teoria dos Blocos Semânticos, explicamos essa diferença e a aparente maior distância semântica que existe entre os falsos infinitivos tipo B e os verbos dos quais eles derivam. Finalmente e para poder fornecer uma explicação da escassa produtividade dos falsos infinitivos, propomos relacionálos com a aspectualidade: somente os verbos que contêm o traço homogeneidade/propriedade (como os estativos puros ou as atividades) podem desenvolver falsos infinitivos. Concluímos que as construções de infinitivo representam um espaço interessante de pesquisa que demonstra, por um lado, a capacidade explicativa da TBS enquanto teoria semântica léxica e que, por outro lado, permite esclarecer os alcances das noções relativas à aspectualidade semântica.
A enumeração funcionamento enunciativo e sentido
Authors: Guimarães Eduardo
Published: August 2018

Este artigo se dedica ao estudo do funcionamento enunciativo da enumeração. Ele parte de uma retomada desse funcionamento na retórica clássica, como modo de circunscrever a questão e se dedica a estudar como ele pode ser analisado levando em conta dois funcionamentos básicos da enunciação, a articulação e a reescrituração. A análise é feita tendo em vista a posição de que os enunciados, e suas expressões, devem ser analisadas enquanto integram texto. Deste modo servem de material de análises sequências textuais de variadas origens como receitas de bolo, textos científicos e textos literários. Entre outras conclusões pode-se ver como o funcionamento da enumeração mostra como as articulações e reescriturações enunciativas produzem co-existências de funcionamentos e de sentidos.
Argumentação, memória e o político no texto jurídico: a representação no modo de enunciação demonstrativa
Authors: Silva Soeli Maria Schreiber da
Published: August 2018

Neste trabalho analisamos um processo jurídico específico. Refletimos sobre a argumentação e a representação enunciativa na relação com o político na enunciação do texto jurídico. Para isso, tratamos de diferentes conceitos, que se constituem nos procedimentos de análise na área da Semântica do Acontecimento. Consideramos que a relação de argumentação, a que garante a passagem do argumento à conclusão, se sustenta no memorável (Guimarães, 2002, 2004) do acontecimento.
Perspectiva linguístico-discursiva na terapêutica da gagueira
Authors: Azevedo Nadia Pereira da Silva Gonçalves de , Lucena Jônia Alves
Published: August 2018

Endorsed in the theoretical estimates by the Analysis of the The French Discourse Analysis, that defines the person as social and marked ideologically, we analyze the therapeutical process of stuttering subjects from the perspective of that discourse linguistics conception. Under this view, we discuss Speech Therapeutic works that take stuttering as a manifestation of the body, involving muscular tension, breath, production of speech, genetics, in sum, an “illness”. We review Speech Therapeutic quarrels about stuttering, and launch a new view, from the discourse linguistics perspective, with therapeutically possibilities for these stuttering subjects. We analyze the speech clippings from the speech analysis of two stuttering subjects in process of Speech Therapeutic attendance, in a longitudinal form. We assume, thus, stuttering as a language matter, directly related to the production conditions, with therapeutically possibilities under the same perspective.
A estrutura interna do gênero abstract de artigo científico: um estudo sobre a possibilidade de subtipos da sequência descritiva de adam
Authors: Trevisani Ana Paula
Published: August 2018

The concept of genre has become fundamental, particularly for the purposes of teaching reading and written production. In Brazil, this line of research has presented a common focus: the perspective of intervention in education issues, either immediately or prospectively (MACHADO, 2005). This study focuses on the characterization of genres as teaching tools and aims to analyze the sequential organization of abstracts of scientific articles, as proposed in Machado (1996). The theoreticalphilosophical perspectives which guided the study are mainly Bakhtin’s Enunciation Theory (1992; 1997) and the Socio-Discursive Interactionism (BRONCKART, 2003). Based on Adam’s concept of sequence, Machado poses a hypothesis according to which the sequential organization of texts belonging to the critical review genre (which includes articles’ abstracts) would be organized by descriptive sequences, as subtypes of Adam’s Descriptive Sequence. Thus, a number of abstracts were here selected and analyzed in an attempt to identify, in their sequential organization, such subtypes of sequences suggested. The analysis showed that the characterization of these texts’ internal structure fundamentally depends on the acknowledgment of the genre to which they belong. This perception, which recognizes these language actions (texts) as abstracts of scientific articles – texts approximately 300 words-long, published in journals, immediately previous to their articles – generates expectations regarding their internal structure and, only then, it is possible to realize them as texts organized into the subtype: Text-Descriptive Sequence.
Advps habituais e advps frequentativos: ambos aspectuais quantificadores; modalizadores, só os habituais
Authors: Tescari Neto Aquiles
Published: August 2018

Comrie (1975) had already noticed that habitual and iterative/frequentative aspects used to be treated as instances of the same aspectual subtype by some papers available in general Linguistics literature. The author distinguishes such instances of the aspectual category by recognizing that habitual aspect expresses the occurrence of an event or state as characteristic of a period of time while iterative expresses the mere repetition of an event or state. Cinque (1999) takes the fact that the iterative aspect is under the scope of the habitual aspect to keep them in different functional projections in the split IP. In our paper, we take the inherently modal nature of habitual aspect (a possibility not available to the iteratives) to show that these instances of aspect must be treated as different manifestations of the aspect category, either on Semantics or on Syntactic grounds. In order to capture the modal nature of the habitual aspect adverbs, we base our analysis on Tescari Neto (2008)’s Tau Condition.
GPU Accelerated Particle-based Computational Acoustics Solving Based on SPH
Authors: Fan Linxu , Zhang Yongou , Wang Chizhong , Zhang Tao
Published: August 2018

Smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is regarded as a pure Lagrangian approach, which can solve fluid dynamics problems without the creation of mesh. In this paper, a paralleled SPH solver is developed to solve particle-based computational acoustics (PCA). The aim of this paper is to study the feasibility of using SPH to solve acoustic problems and to improve the efficiency of solving processes by paralleling some procedures on GPU during calculating. A stand SPH code running serially in a CPU is proposed to solve wave equation. This is a wave propagating in a two-dimensional domain. After finishing the computation, the results are compared with the theoretical solutions and they agree well. So its feasibility is verified. There are two main methods for searching neighbor particles: all-pair search method and linked-list search method. Both methods are used in different codes to simulate an identical problem and their runtimes are compared to investigate their searching efficiencies. The runtime results show that linked-list search method has a higher efficiency, which can save a lot of searching time when simulating problems with huge amounts of particles. Furthermore, the percentages of different procedures’ runtimes in a simulation are also discussed to find the most consuming one. Then, some codes are modified to run in different GPUs and their runtimes are compared with those of serial ones on a CPU. Runtime results show that the paralleled algorithm can be more than 80 times faster than the serial one. The result shows that GPU paralleled SPH computing can achieve desirable accuracy and speed in solving acoustic problems.
Highly Photoluminescent Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots Prepared by Hydrothermal Decomposition of Piperazine Citrate
Authors: Kim Min-Cheol , Yu Kwang Sik , Kim Jwa-Jin , Han Seung Yun , Lee Nam Seob , Jeong Young Gil , Kim Do Kyung
Published: August 2018

Highly photoluminescent C-Dots are prepared by hydrothermal reaction of citric acid and piperazine as dual reason in both hydrolysis and surface passivation agent along with the N-doping agent. The resulting C-Dots without external passivation showed PL enhancement by electron transfer from C-Dots-donor to piperazine-acceptor with the maximum emission yields of more than 84%. After mixing the prepared C-Dots with the mixture of EtOH and acetone (1:1 vol %), a novel washing process was performed by centrifugation to remove the precursors and by-products. The resulting C-Dots showed much better stability than dialysis. For evaluating the possible application of the C-Dots as a fluorescent biological probe which possess the wide dosing window and multicolor properties. The C-Dots were localized in perinuclear vacuole-like structures with granular pattern in cytoplasm sparing the nucleus. No signs of any morphological deterioration like nuclear shrinkage were observed.
Circular Array of Magnetic Sensors for Current Measurement: Analysis for Error Caused by Position of Conductor
Authors: Yu Hao , Zheng Qian , Liu Huayi , Qu Jiaqi
Published: August 2018

This paper analyzes the measurement error, caused by the position of the current-carrying conductor, of circular array of magnetic sensors for current measurement. The circular array of magnetic sensors is an effective approach for AC or DC non-contact measurement, as its low cost, large linear range, wide bandwidth, light weight and low noise. Especially it has claimed that such structure has the excellent reduction ability for the errors caused by the position of the current-carrying conductor, crosstalk current interference, shape of the conduction cross section and the earth magnetic field. However, the positions of the current-carrying conductor, including un-center and un-perpendicularity, has not analyzed in detail until now. In this paper, the theoretical analysis has been proposed based on vector inner and exterior product. In the presented mathematical model of relative error, the un-center offset distance, the un-perpendicular angle, the radius of the circle and the number of the magnetic sensor are expressed in one equation. The comparison of the relative error caused by the position of the current-carrying conductor between four and eight sensors is conducted. The Tunnel Magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors are used in the experimental prototype to verify the mathematical model. The analysis results can be the reference to design the detail of circular array of magnetic sensors for current measurement in practical situation.
Exploration on the Behavior Patterns of Public Bicycle Users in Kaohsiung City from the Perspective of Theory of Planned Behavior and Structural Equation Model
Authors: Huang Long-Sheng , Su Wan-Ru
Published: August 2018

Recently, the awareness of energy conservation, carbon emission reduction, and environmental protection in Taiwan has begun to gradually improve, and bicycles have become an important vehicle for residents. In 2009, Kaohsiung began promoting public bicycle sharing. The number of users in that year amounted to 140,000. By 2015, the accumulated number of users reached nine million. This study adopted the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore the factors influencing the behavioral intentions of public bicycle users, including the three dimensions of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, and probed into the relationship between the factors influencing the behavioral intentions of public bicycle users in Kaohsiung City and the dimensions. This study used a questionnaire to collect data and SPSS & AMOS for statistical analysis. The empirical results demonstrated that the most prominent factors influencing the behavioral intentions of public bicycle users in Kaohsiung City included perceived behavioral control, attitude, and subjective norm, in order. Among the influencing factors in the three dimensions, personal interests, main groups, and self-competence had a positive and significant correlation. Administrators should provide more incentives related to the three influencing factors to encourage the public in Kaohsiung City to use public bicycles more frequently as their short-distance travel mode, so as to achieve the purposes of saving energy, reducing carbon emissions, and protecting the urban environment.
TOPSIS Based Algorithm for Solving Multi-objective Multi-level Programming Problem with Fuzzy Parameters
Authors: Pramanik Surapati , Dey Partha P. , Smarandache Florentin
Published: August 2018

The paper proposes TOPSIS method for solving multi-objective multi-level programming problem (MO-MLPP) with fuzzy parameters via fuzzy goal programming (FGP). At first, - cut method is used to transform the fuzzily described MO-MLPP into deterministic MO-MLPP. Then, for specific , we construct the membership functions of distance functions from positive ideal solution (PIS) and negative ideal solution (NIS) of all level decision makers (DMs). Thereafter, FGP based multi-objective decision model is established for each level DM for obtaining individual optimal solution. A possible relaxation on decisions for all DMs is taken into account for satisfactory solution. Subsequently, two FGP models are developed and compromise optimal solutions are found by minimizing the sum of negative deviational variables. To recognize the better compromise optimal solution, the concept of distance functions is utilized. Finally, a novel algorithm for MO-MLPP involving fuzzy parameters is provided and an illustrative example is solved to verify the proposed procedure.
Water Adsorption on the β-Dicalcium Silicate Surface from DFT Simulations
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Manzano Hegoi , López-Arbeloa Iñigo , Shen Xiadong
Published: August 2018

β-dicalcium silicate (β-Ca2SiO4, or β-C2S in cement chemistry notation) is one of the most important minerals in cement. An improvement of its hydration rate would be the key point for developing environmentally friendly cements with lower energy consumption and CO2 emissions. However, there is a lack of fundamental understanding on the water/β-C2S surface interactions. In this work we aim to evaluate the water adsorption on three β-C2S surfaces at the atomic scale using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results indicate that thermodynamically favorable water adsorption takes place in several surface sites, with a broad range of adsorption energies (−0.78 to −1.48 eV), depending on the particular mineral surface and adsorption site. To clarify the key factor governing the adsorption, the electronic properties of water at the surface were analyzed. The partial density of states (DOS), charge analysis, and electron density difference analyses suggest a dual interaction of water with β-C2S (100) surface: a nucleophilic interaction of the water oxygen lone pair with surface calcium atoms, and an electrophilic interaction (hydrogen bond) of one water hydrogen with surface oxygen atoms. Despite the elucidation of the adsorption mechanism, no correlation was found between the electronic structure and the adsorption energies.
Building Principles for Constructing a Mammalian Blastocyst Embryo
Authors: Pfeffer Peter L.
Published: August 2018

The self-organisation of a fertilised egg to form a blastocyst structure, which consists of three distinct cell lineages (trophoblast, epiblast and hypoblast) arranged around an off-centre cavity, is unique to mammals. While the starting point (the zygote) and endpoint (the blastocyst) are similar in all mammals, the intervening events have diverged. This review examines and compares the descriptive and functional data surrounding embryonic gene activation, symmetry-breaking, first and second lineage establishment, and fate commitment in a wide range of mammalian orders. The exquisite detail known from mouse embryogenesis, embryonic stem cell studies and the wealth of recent single cell transcriptomic experiments are used to highlight the building principles underlying early mammalian embryonic development.
First Steps towards Data-driven Adversarial Deduplication
Authors: Paredes Jose , Simari Gerardo , Martinez Maria Vanina , Falappa Marcelo
Published: August 2018

In traditional databases, the entity resolution problem (which is also known as deduplication), refers to the task of mapping multiple manifestations of virtual objects to its corresponding real-world entity. When addressing this problem, in both theory and practice, it is widely assumed that such sets of virtual object appear as the result of clerical errors, transliterations, missing or updated attributes, abbreviations, and so forth. In this paper, we address this problem under the assumption that this situation is caused by malicious actors operating in domains in which they do not wish to be identified, such as hacker forums and markets in which the participants are motivated to remain semi-anonymous (though they wish to keep their true identities secret, they find it useful for customers to identify their products and services). We are therefore in the presence of a different, even more challenging problem that we refer to as adversarial deduplication. In this paper, we study this problem via examples that arise from real-world data on malicious hacker forums and markets arising from collaborations with a cyber threat intelligence company focusing on understanding this kind of behavior. We argue that it is very difficult---if not impossible---to find ground truth data on which to build solutions to this problem, and develop a set of preliminary experiments based on training machine learning classifiers that leverage text analysis to detect potential cases of duplicate entities. Our results are encouraging as a first step towards building tools that human analysts can use to enhance their capabilities towards fighting cyber threats.
Simplified Protocol of Quantum Teleportation
Authors: Mastriani Mario
Published: August 2018

A simplified version of the quantum teleportation protocol is presented in here. Its experimental confirmation will have deep implications for a better understanding of Quantum Entanglement with a particular projection on Quantum Communications.
State of the Art of Automated Buses
Authors: Ainsalu Jaagup , Arffman Ville , Bellone Mauro , Ellner Maximilian , Haapamäki Taina , Haavisto Noora , Josefson Ebba , Ismailogullari Azat , Pilli-Sihvola Eetu , Madland Olav , Madzulaitis Raitis , Muur Jaanus , Mäkinen Sami , Nousiainen Ville , Rutanen Eetu , Sahala Sami , Schønfeldt Boris , Smolnicki Piotr , Soe Ralf-Martin , Sääski Juha , Szymańska Magdalena , Vaskinn Ingar , Åman Milla
Published: August 2018

Urban transportation in the next few decades will shift worldwide towards electrification and automation, with the final aim of increasing energy efficiency and safety for passengers. Such a big change requires strong collaboration and efforts among public administration, research and stakeholders in developing, testing and promoting these technologies in the public transportation. Working in this direction, in the present work the impact of the introduction of driverless electric minibuses, for the first and last mile transportation, in the public service is studied. More specifically, this paper covers a state of the art in terms of technological background for automation, energy efficiency via electrification, and the current state of the legal framework in Europe with focus on the Baltic Sea Region.
On the Wake Properties of Segmented Trailing Edge Extensions
Authors: Gunasekaran Sidaard , Curry Daniel
Published: August 2018

Changes in the amount and the distribution of mean and turbulent quantities in the free shear layer wake of a 2D NACA 0012 airfoil and AR 4 NACA 0012 wing with passive segmented rigid trailing edge (TE) extensions was investigated at the University of Dayton Low Speed Wind Tunnel (UD-LSWT). The TE extensions were intentionally placed at zero degrees with respect to the chord line to study the effects of segmented extensions without changing the effective angle of attack. Force based experiments was used to determine the total lift coefficient variation of hte wing with seven segmented trailing edge extensions distributed across the span. The segmented trailing edge extensions had negligible effect of lift coefficient but showed measurable decrement in sectional and total drag coefficient. Investigation of turbulent quantities (obtained through Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)) such as Reynolds stress, streamwise and transverse RMS in the wake, reveal a significant decrease in magnitude when compared to the baseline. The decrease in the magnitude of turbulent parameters was supported by the changes in coherent structures obtained through two-point correlations. Apart from the reduction in drag, the lower turbulent wake generated by the extensions has implications in reducing structural vibrations and acoustic tones.
Biocompatibility of 3D Printed Methacrylate for Hearing Aids and Inner Ear Devices
Authors: Alifui-Segbaya Frank , George Roy
Published: August 2018

The capacity of 3D printing (3DP) technologies to initiate speedy polymerization of solvent free resins accounts for their utility in the manufacturing of medical devices. Nonetheless, independent biological evaluation of 3D printed materials is recommended due to the unique parameters of the manufacturing process, which can influence their physical, chemical, and biological properties. In this study, E-Shell 450 material indicated for 3DP of hearing aid shells and inner ear devices was examined for biological safety using zebrafish bioassays adapted to OECD fish embryo test. In addition, the proprietary material was characterized for composition using headspace gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To initiate test, newly fertilized zebrafish eggs were cultured on non-treated and ethanol-treated materials in glass petri dishes with ultrapure water, incubated at 28.5°C and assessed for developmental endpoints of toxicity at 24h interval until 96h. Data confirmed non-treated material was extremely toxic in bioassays within 24h whereas ethanol-treated material showed a relative lower toxicity possibly due to ethanoic-aqueous interactions as observed by GC-MS. With the current influx of 3D printing materials, users are urged to exercise caution. Operators must also take cognizance of the potential toxicity of the chemicals used in 3DP and implement safety measures to limit their exposure.
Trajectory of Type 2 Diabetes in Sepsis Outcome: Impacts of Diabetic Complication Burdens, Initial Glucose Level, and HbA1c: Population-Based Cohort Study Combining with Nationwide and Hospital-Based Database
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Shun , Hu Sung-Yuan , How Chorng-Kuang , Lee Yi-Tzu , Seak Chen-June , Hsieh Vivian Chia-Rong , Chiang Jen-Huai , Hsu Chiann-Yi , Ma Sheng-Hsiang , Chen Pau-Chung
Published: August 2018

Background Diabetic patients have an increased risk of infections; however, the association between type 2 diabetes and hospital outcomes of sepsis remains controversial when the diabetes severity is not considered. We examined this association using nationwide and hospital-based databases concomitantly. Methods The first part of this study was conducted using 2 nationwide databases: the Longitudinal Cohort of Diabetes Patients and the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. The diabetic complication burden was evaluated using the adapted Diabetes Complications Severity Index score (aDCSI score). In the second part, we used the hospital-based database with laboratory data, such as initial blood glucose and HbA1c levels, to make comparisons between surviving and dead patients with type 2 diabetes and sepsis. Results The nationwide study included 19,719 type 2 diabetic sepsis patients and an equal number of non-diabetic patients. The diabetic sepsis patients had an increased odds ratio (OR) of 1.14 (95% CI 1.1-1.19) for hospital mortality. The OR for mortality increased as the complication burden increased (diabetic sepsis patients with aDCSI scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 had ORs of 0.91, 0.87, 1.14, 1.25, 1.56, and 1.77 for mortality, respectively (all P<0.001 and P for trend <0.001)). A total of 1,054 diabetic sepsis patients were included from the hospital-based database. Initial blood glucose levels in the surviving and dead diabetic sepsis patients did not differ significantly: 273.9 ± 180.3 versus 266.1 ± 200.2 (mg/dL) (P=0.095). Moreover, the surviving diabetic sepsis patients did not have a lower HbA1c (%): 8.4 ± 2.6 versus 8.0 ± 2.5 (P=0.078). Conclusions In the case of type 2 diabetic sepsis patients, the diabetes-related complication burden is the major determinant of hospital mortality rather than the diabetes itself. Contrary to popular belief, initial blood glucose and HbA1c levels may not be as important as previously thought.
Daily Consumption of a Chocolate Rich in Flavonoids Decreases Cellular Genotoxicity and Improves Biochemical Parameters of Lipid and Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Leyva-Soto Aldo , Lara-Jacobo Linda Ramona , Gonzalez-Cobian Lina Natalia , Chavez-Santoscoy Rocío Alejandra
Published: August 2018

In recent years, Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ACVD), Obesity and Diabetes, have increase exponentially worldwide. In the present work, we evaluate the genoprotective effect of consuming a flavonoids-rich chocolate and the improvement in the biochemical parameters related to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular risk and metabolic syndrome in young Mexican adults. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was undertaken in the Autonomous University of Baja California. The treatments were a daily intake of 2 grams of dark chocolate containing 70% cooca or milk chocolate. Total phenolic compounds and flavonoids were evaluated in both chocolates. Anthropometrical and Biochemical parameters were measured in the 84 participants before and after the study. Buccal epithelial genotoxicity was also evaluated from the beginning to the end of the experiment in the participants. Result suggested that flavonoids of cocoa intake have protective effects against DNA damage, and Biochemical parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol level in blood) and anthropometrical parameters (waist circumference) were also improved after six months of daily intake of 2 grams of dark chocolate with a 70% of cocoa.
17α-Ethynylestradiol and 4-Nonylphenol Stimulate Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells Production in Xenoestrogenic Way
Authors: Sun Chia-Hung , Chou Jou-Chun , Chao Kuan-Po , Chang Hsian-Chi , Lieu Fu-Kong , Wang Paulus S.
Published: August 2018

Lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer death in the world. In addition to smoking, estrogen is supposed to play an important role in the lung cancer development because women have a higher proportion of adenocarcinoma than men. In the environment, there are many metabolites and wastes that mimic human estrogen structurally and functionally. As an oral contraceptive, 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) is released to wastewater after being utilized. Moreover, 4-nonylphenol (NP) exiting in the petrochemical products and air pollutants has estrogenic activity. In our study, 17β-estradiol (E2), EE2, and NP are administered to stimulate A549 male lung adenocarcinoma cells and H1435 female lung adenocarcinoma cells. The results demonstrate that EE2 and NP stimulate A549 and H1435 cells proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent trend. Both estrogen receptor α and β are activated simultaneously during these processes. Up-regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ERK expression is involved in response to estrogens. In conclusion, we first time report that EE2 and NP exert biotoxic effect to stimulate the proliferation of both male and female lung cancer cells in a dose- and time- response manner. New challenges from environmental hormones to lung cancer deserved further investigation.
Heronian Means as Aggregation Operators for Multi-Attribute Decision Making Applications
Authors: Shang Xiaopu , Wang Jun , Nanda Anupam , Li Weizi
Published: August 2018

The Pythagorean fuzzy set (PFS), which is characterized by a membership and a non-membership degree and the square sum of them is less or equal to one, can act as an effective tool to express decision makers’ fuzziness and uncertainty. Considering that the Heronian mean (HM) is a powerful aggregation operator which can take the interrelationship between any two arguments, we study the HM in Pythagorean fuzzy environment and propose new operators for aggregating interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy information. First, we investigate the HM and geometric HM (GHM) under interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy environment and develop a series of aggregation operators for interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IVIFNs) including interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy Heronian mean (IVIFHM), interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy geometric Heronian mean (IVIFGHM), interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted Heronian mean (IVIFWHM) and interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted geometric Heronian mean (IVIFWGHM). Second, some desirable and important properties of these aggregation operators are discussed. Third, based on these aggregation operators, a novel approach to multi-attribute decision making (MADM) is proposed. Finally, to demonstrate the validity of the approach, a numerical example is provided and discussed. Moreover, we discuss several real-world applications of these operators within policy-making contexts.
Reduced Carotenoid and Retinoid Concentrations and Altered Lycopene Isomer Ratio in Plasma of Atopic Dermatitis Patients
Authors: Lucas Renata , Mihaly Johanna , Lowe Gordon M. , Graham Daniel L. , Szklenar Monika , Szegedi Andrea , Töröcsik Daniel , Rühl Ralph
Published: August 2018

In the human organism various carotenoids are present of which, some are retinoid precursors. The bioactive derivatives of these retinoids are the retinoic acids, which can potently activate nuclear hormone receptors like the retinoic acid receptor and the retinoid X receptor. In our study using an HPLC analytical approach we aimed to assess how plasma carotenoid and retinoid concentrations along with the ratio of their isomers are altered in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients (n=20) compared to healthy volunteers (HV, n=20). We found that plasma levels of the carotenoids lutein (HV 198 ± 68 ng/ml, AD 158 ± 57 ng/ml), zeaxanthin (HV 350 ± 142 ng/ml, AD 236 ± 85) as well as the retinoids retinol (HV 216 ± 89 ng/ml, AD 167 ± 76 ng/ml) and all-trans-retinoic acid (HV 1.1 ± 0.6 ng/ml, AD 0.7 ± 0.5 ng/ml) were significantly lower in AD-patients, while lycopene, α-carotene and β-carotene levels were comparable. In addition the ratios of 13-cis vs. all-trans lycopene as well as 13-cis vs. all-trans retinoic acid were increased in the plasma of AD-patients indicating an AD-specific 13C-isomerisation. A positive correlation with SCORRAD was calculated with 13-cis vs. all-trans lycopene ratio, while a negative correlation was observed with zeaxanthin plasma levels. Based on our results we conclude that in the plasma of AD-patients various carotenoids and retinoids are at lower levels, while the ratio of lycopene isomers was also altered. The higher rate of lycopene and retinoic acid isomerisation products might be a consequence of AD or might result in an altered activation of nuclear hormone receptor signaling pathways and thus maybe partly be responsible for the AD-phenotype and additionally may represent a good plasma marker for AD.
Saliva and Serum Ghrelin and Obestatin in Iron Deficiency Anemia Patients
Authors: Ugur Kader , Aydin Suleyman , Donder Emir , Sahin İbrahim , Yardim Meltem , Kalayci Mehmet , Gozel Nevzat , Ulu Ramazan , Dag Muhammed Sait , Sarikaya Murat
Published: August 2018

Ghrelin and obestatin, two antagonist peptide hormones, are purportedly involved in stimulating appetite and controlling energy balance in humans. Serum ghrelin level is also associated with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), but no study has yet been made of the obestatin level in patients with IDA, even though both hormones are a single gene product. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation is to see whether there is a link between IDA and these two hormones among other hematological parameters in patients with IDA. To measure ghrelin and obestatin, human saliva and serum were collected from 30 women with IDA, aged 31.7 ± 10.7 years, and 30 control women, aged 30.2 ± 8.0 years, with repeated collection of samples over a period of 1 week and 1 month. Saliva and serum ghrelin levels were measured by ELISA. Serum hemoglobin, ferritin, hematocrit and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) values were determined with an Olympus AU2700. Saliva and serum ghrelin and obestatin levels were significantly lower in the IDA group compared with controls; these levels increased slightly above baseline with iron treatment, but remained below the control values. Furthermore, and as expected, serum hemoglobin, ferritin, and hematocrit levels were significantly increased with iron treatment, while total iron-binding capacity decreased compared to baseline concentrations. The findings suggest that IDA might be linked to imbalance of circulating (serum) and non-circulating (saliva) ghrelin and obestatin levels. Decreased ghrelin and obestatin might destroy iron homeostasis through its effect on intestinal absorption. Measuring these hormone levels might be useful for monitoring the response to iron treatment. Also, serum and saliva levels for both hormones were well correlated. Thus, using saliva in place of serum for monitoring the two hormones should minimize inconvenience and patient discomfort.
Multi-Criteria Measurement of Farming Organizations Sustainable Innovativeness: Evidence from Lithuania
Authors: Drejeris Rolandas , Miceikiene Astrida
Published: August 2018

Measuring farms sustainable innovativeness is a big challenge for both practitioners and academics. The need of sustainable innovativeness assessment in the agricultural business is reasoned in the article. Unfortunately, the features of the farms sustainable innovativeness measurement have not yet been investigated, and any objective methodology for innovativeness assessment is not presented as well. The objective of this article is to find possibility of use some methodology for measuring farm sustainable innovativeness, which would allow ranking farms by this aspect. The article demonstrates the need for multi-criteria method of innovativeness measurement and substantiates the complex proportional assessment method (Copras) as the most appropriate for solution of indicated problem. The model for use of offered method is presented and the practical application of the model is submitted. The final result refuted the opinion that farm innovation depends only on the possibilities to invest funds in a certain area. Indeed, staff creativity and the position of the management regarding certain areas of business make an essential contribution to the sustainable innovativeness level in the agricultural organizations.
The Dead Can Nurture: Novel Insights into the Function of Dead Organs Enclosing Embryos
Authors: Raviv Buzi , Godwin James , Granot Gila , Grafi Gideon
Published: August 2018

Plants have evolved a variety of dispersal units whereby the embryo is enclosed by various dead protective layers derived from maternal organs of the reproductive system including seed coats (integuments), pericarps (ovary wall, e.g., indehiscent dry fruits) as well as floral bracts (e.g. glumes) in grasses. Commonly, dead organs enclosing embryos (DOEEs) are assumed to provide a physical shield for embryo protection and means for dispersal in the ecosystem. In this review article, we will highlight recent studies showing that DOEEs of various species across families also have the capability for long-term storage of various substances including active proteins (hydrolases, ROS detoxifying enzymes), nutrients and metabolites that have the potential to support the embryo during storage in the soil and assist in germination and seedling establishment. We discuss a possible role for DOEEs as natural coatings capable of ‘engineering’ the seed microenvironment for the benefit of the embryo, the seedling and the growing plant.
PopulationDynamics of Green Crabs (Carcinus maenas) -- A Review
Authors: Young Alan M. , Elliott James A.
Published: August 2018

Carcinus maenas (the “shore crab” or “European green crab”) is a very proficient invader (considered to be one of the world’s 100 worst invaders by the IUCN) due to its phenotypic plasticity, wide temperature and salinity tolerance, and an extensive omnivorous diet. Native to Atlantic Europe, it has established two well-studied nonindigenous populations in the northwestern Atlantic and northeastern Pacific and less-studied populations in Australia, Argentina and South Africa. Green crabs are eurythermal and euryhaline as adults, but they are limited to temperate coastlines due to more restrictive temperature requirements for breeding and larval development. They cannot tolerate wave-swept open shores so are found in wave-protected sheltered bays, estuaries and harbors. C. maenas has been the subject of numerous papers, with over 1000 published in the past decade. This literature review provides an up-to-date account of the current published information on the population dynamics of this very important species, including habitat preferences, physical parameter tolerances, reproduction and larval development, sizes of crabs, densities of populations, sex ratios, ecosystem dynamics and ecological impacts in the various established global populations of green crabs.
On the Design of In-Wheel-Hub Motor Transmission Systems with Six-Link Mechanisms for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Hoang Ngoc-Tan , Yan Hong-Sen
Published: August 2018

Nowadays, there are several electric vehicle (EV) on the market, due to the innovation of technology that promotes the new components such as battery, transmission, electric motors. This paper proposes a design approach for the configuration synthesis and simulation of the in-wheel-hub motor transmissions with the six-link mechanisms. The synthesis process shows 6 mechanisms with six members and eight joints, 15 new clutchless motor transmissions and 16 new clutched motor transmissions. A novel motor transmission in the feasibility of the synthesized configurations is selected as an example to analyze the working principle with operation modes and power flow paths. And, this design is modeled for the simulation process that generates the results of operation mode transition and energy regulation.
Physical and Mechanical Properties Enhancement of Azadirachta indica Incorporated Seaweed Biodegradable Films
Authors: Kumar Seeta Uthaya , Owolabi FAT , Mustapha Asniza , Abdul Khalil HPS , Rizal Samsul , Amirul A.A. , Rahman A.A , Paridah M. T
Published: August 2018

The study aimed to characterize the seaweed-based biodegradable films incorporated with different concentrations of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves extracts at different concentrations. The neem leaves extract was analyzed for antimicrobial activity with in vitro assay total phenolic content (TP) using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (FCR). The scanning electron microscopes (SEM) results showed that the films with the neem leaves extract addition allowed a uniform distribution of the actives throughout the network hence good compatibility of seaweed polymer with neem leaves extract. Neem leaves extract contained high amount of phenolic compounds and the total phenolic content was 68.97 ± 1.74 mgGAE/100g extract. The characterization results revealed that neem leaves extract addition generally improved the physical and mechanical properties of the film. The results showed that the seaweed-based film incorporated with neem leaves extract has potential application as active packaging material.
The Expanding Role of Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases
Authors: O'Beirn Mark , Benghiat Helen , Meade Sara , Heyes Geoff , Sawlani Vijay , Kong Anthony , Hartley Andrew , Sanghera Paul
Published: August 2018

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become increasingly important in the management of brain metastases due to improving systemic disease control and rising incidence. Initial trials demonstrated SRS with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) improved local control rates versus WBRT alone. Concerns with WBRT associated neurocognitive toxicity have contributed to greater use of SRS alone, including for patients with multiple metastases and following surgical resection. Molecular information, targeted agents and immunotherapy have also altered the landscape for the management of brain metastases. This review summarises current and emerging data on the role of SRS in the management of brain metastases.
Micromorphological and Chemical Features of Soils as Evidence of Bronze Age Ancient Anthropogenic Impact (Late Bronze Age Muradymovo Settlement, Ural Region, Russia)
Authors: Golyeva Alexandra , Khokhlova Olga , Lebedeva Marina , Shcherbakov Nikolay , Shuteleva Iia
Published: August 2018

In some cases, the human impact on ancient landscapes has been so profound that local soils still remain significantly affected even after hundreds and thousands of years after ending impact. We studied the Late Bronze Age Muradymovo settlement located in Urals, Russia, aiming to estimate the consequences of the ancient people activity for environment. Despite the present humid climate, the modern soils inside the cultural layer of the study site contain more than 27% of gypsum at a depth of just 10 cm from the surface, and a microrelief of the study site is typical of a gypsum desert. The nearby background Chernozems are gypsum-free to a depth of 2 meters. According to the archaeological data, the ancient people belonged to the ‘Srubno-Alakul’ archaeological culture (1750–1350 yrs BC cal) and had a tradition of building their houses from gypsum rocks. At the present time, this area is still unsuitable for human settlement. The properties of modern soils inside the cultural layer of the study site are directly affected by the Late Bronze Age human activities. It has been identified on soil morphology, micromorphology and chemical properties of soils developed inside the cultural layer of the settlement.
Corrosion Susceptibility of Surface Etched Ultrafine Grained Titanium and its Alloys under Physiological Environment
Authors: Fernandes Daniel , Prokofiev Egor , Valiev Ruslan , Almeida Ana , Monteiro Emilia , Elias Carlos
Published: August 2018

1) Background: The objective was to evaluate the corrosion resistance of different commercially pure ultrafine-grained (UFG) titanium and its alloys with acid etched surface processed by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP); 2) Methods: Coarse-grained and UFG titanium samples were investigated using polarization resistance technique. Surface characteristics of the native oxidized layer were evaluated by TEM and XRD. Electrochemical tests were under physiological electrolyte at a rate of 1 and 10 mV/s. Weight loss tests were performed after immersion into HCl solution for up to 3 years;   3) Results: UFG titanium was less susceptible to corrosion which was identified under lower rates and at higher polarization resistance than its coarse grain counterparts. Titanium Grade 2 and Grade 4 demonstrated similar corrosion susceptibility. Titanium Grade 5 revealed a thin and tightly adhered native oxide layer with adequate corrosion resistance; 4) Conclusions: ECAP process imposed a more compact and adhered oxidized layer. Surface etching techniques delivered a thicker native TiO2 layer, being both grain refinement and surface etching techniques responsible for the improved corrosion resistance of Titanium samples under physiological environment after 3 years of observation.
Biases Inherent in Studies of Coffee Consumption in Early Pregnancy and the Risks of Subsequent Events
Authors: Leviton Alan
Published: August 2018

Consumption of coffee by women early in their pregnancy has been viewed as potentially increasing the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and childhood leukemias. Many of these reports of epidemiologic studies have not acknowledged the potential biases inherent in studying the relationship between early-pregnancy-coffee consumption and subsequent events. I discuss five of these biases, recall bias, misclassification, residual confounding, reverse causation, and publication bias. Each might account for claims that attribute adversities to early-pregnancy-coffee consumption. To what extent these biases can be avoided remains to be determined. At a minimum, they need to be acknowledged wherever they might account for what is reported.
Assessment of the Quorum Sensing Inhibition Activity of a Non-Toxic Chitosan in a AHL-Based E. coli Biosensor
Authors: Qin Xiaofei , Emich Jana , Goycoolea Francisco M.
Published: August 2018

New approaches to deal with drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria are urgent. We studied the antibacterial effect of chitosans against an E. coli quorum sensing biosensor reporter strain, and selected a non-toxic chitosan to evaluate its QS inhibition activity and its effect on bacterial aggregation. To this end, chitosans of varying DA (12 to 69%) and Mw (29 to 288 KDa) were studied. Only chitosans of low DA (~12%) inhibited the bacterial growth, regardless of the Mw. Chitosan MDP DA30 (DA 42% and Mw 115 kDa) was selected for further QS inhibition and SEM imaging studies. MDP DA30 chitosan exhibited QS inhibition activity in an inverse dose-dependent manner (≤12.5 µg/mL). SEM images revealed that this chitosan, when added at low concentration (≤30.6 µg/mL), induced substantial bacterial aggregation, whereas at high concentration (234.3 µg/mL), it did not. Aggregation explains the QS inhibition activity as the consequence of retardation of the diffusion of AHL.
Improving Spinnability of Hyper-coal Derived Spinnable Pitch through the Hydrogenation with 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroquinoline
Authors: Yang Jianxiao , Wu Wei , Zhang Xiaxiang , Shi Kui , Li Xuanke , Yoon Seong-Ho
Published: August 2018

The proper hydrogenation of Hyper-coal (HPC) using 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroquinoline (THQ) was able to decrease the oxygen content and adjust the molecular structure of HPC for preparing the spinnable pitch with high softening point (SP). The spinnable pitch prepared from the THQ-soluble (QS) fraction of HPC as a precursor consisted more naphthenic carbon groups than that prepared from the 1-methylnaphthalene (1-MN) soluble (MNS) fraction of HPC. The HPC-QS derived pitch showed excellent spinnability even the SP of 260°C, and the tensile strength of the resultant carbon fiber was up to 1350 MPa with a diameter around 8 µm by only heat treatment at 800°C for 5 min.