bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slate: extending Firedrake's domain-specific abstraction to hybridized solvers for geoscience and beyond
Authors: Gibson Thomas H. , Mitchell Lawrence , Ham David A. , Cotter Colin J.
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Within the finite element community, discontinuous Galerkin (DG)
and mixed finite element methods have become increasingly
popular in simulating geophysical flows. However, robust and efficient
solvers for the resulting saddle point and elliptic systems arising from
these discretizations continue to be an ongoing challenge. One possible
approach for addressing this issue is to employ a method known as hybridization,
where the discrete equations are transformed such that classic static condensation
and local post-processing methods can be employed. However,
it is challenging to implement
hybridization as performant parallel code within complex models whilst maintaining a separation of concerns between applications scientists
and software experts.
In this paper, we introduce a domain-specific abstraction within the
Firedrake finite element library that permits the rapid execution
of these hybridization techniques within a code-generating framework. The
resulting framework composes naturally with Firedrake's solver environment,
allowing for the implementation of hybridization and static condensation as
runtime-configurable preconditioners via the Python interface to the Portable, Extensible Toolkit for Scientific Computation (PETSc), petsc4py.
We provide examples derived from second-order elliptic problems and geophysical
fluid dynamics. In addition, we demonstrate that hybridization shows great
promise for improving the performance of solvers for mixed finite element
discretizations of equations related to large-scale geophysical flows.
Medir la luz: La evolución hacia el fotómetro moderno
Authors: McGowan-Jorge Nadia M.
Published: February 2020

El presente artículo es el resumen de una investigación histórica sobre el fotómetro realizada entorno en diversos centros de investigación extranjeros, bibliotecas y registro de patentes. En este artículo se incorporan en anexos materiales inéditos y que se han solicitado en diversas oficinas de patentes y bibliotecas. El fotómetro es una invención reciente y de orígenes un tanto inciertos y poco estudiados, a pesar de ser una herramienta fundamental en el arsenal del fotógrafo y director de fotografía, puesto que sólo con él se podía determinar la exposición correcta del negativo. La presente investigación plantea subsanar una laguna de la historia del arte, proponemos una cronología de su invención, desde la fundamentación científica hasta la primera instancia de su configuración moderna, incluyendo antecedentes fotográficos primitivos.
Exclusive enteral nutrition for induction of remission in anti-tumor necrosis factor refractory adult Crohn’s disease: the Indian experience
Authors: Sood Ajit , Singh Arshdeep , Sudhakar Ritu , Midha Vandana , Mahajan Ramit , Mehta Varun , Gupta Yogesh Kumar , Kaur Kirandeep
Published: February 2020

Background/Aims: Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is recommended for induction of remission in pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD). However, it is not currently recommended for inducing remission in adults. This report describes the use of 12-week EEN for induction of remission in anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) refractory adult CD.Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of adults with moderate to severe active (Crohn’s Disease Activity Index [CDAI] >220) anti-TNF refractory CD, who received EEN for 12 weeks between April 2018 and March 2019 at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India. Primary outcomes included achievement of clinical remission and fistula healing at 12 weeks. Improvement in inflammatory markers and nutritional status were the secondary end points.Results: Out of 23 patients who received anti-TNF agents, 7 (30.4%) were refractory and were offered EEN as a salvage therapy. Six patients (66.7% females, mean age 25.6±6.5 years) consented. Four patients (66.6%) achieved clinical remission (CDAI <150). Mean CDAI of patients decreased significantly after 12 weeks of EEN (388.8±74.8 vs. 160.0±25.2, P<0.001). Perianal fistulas showed clinical response (drainage decreased by >50%), though none achieved remission. Entero-enteric fistulae showed complete healing. Mean body mass index improved from 15.6±3.1 to 18.9±1.9 kg/m2 at week 12 (P=0.003). Hemoglobin and serum albumin also improved from 8.2±1.1 g/dL and 2.8±0.3 g/dL at baseline to 12.6±0.6 g/dL and 3.6±0.5 g/dL post-EEN respectively (P<0.001 and P=0.006 respectively).Conclusions: EEN appears to be an effective and well tolerated therapy for induction of remission in anti-TNF refractory adult CD. More data from prospective trials with larger number of patients is required.
ANÁLISE DA TENDÊNCIA DA PRECIPITAÇÃO NO ESTADO DO CEARÁ NO PERÍODO 1974 A 2016
Authors: Hiera Mitchel Druz , Lima Junior Antonio Ferreira , Zanella Maria Elisa
Published: February 2020

O presente estudo tem por objetivo analisar a tendência da precipitação nas regiões pluviometricamente homogêneas do Estado do Ceará. O Ceará possui oito regiões com pluviosidade homogênea, abrangendo uma área desde o litoral até o sertão nordestino. Nas regiões territorialmente maiores, foram escolhidos dois municípios e nas regiões menores, apenas um. Os dados utilizados foram obtidos junto à Fundação Cearense de Meteorologia e Recursos Hídricos (FUNCEME) e organizados em escala de acumulados anuais e acumulados da quadra chuvosa, período compreendido entre os meses de fevereiro a maio. Primeiramente foram elaborados gráficos onde foram aplicados a linha de tendência; a seguir, utilizando-se o software Past 3.0, realizou-se o Teste de Mann-Kendall para identificação de tendências. As análises dos resultados mostraram que, apesar de haver tendência de diminuição em sete das regiões pluviometricamente homogêneas (a exceção foi o Litoral de Fortaleza), em apenas dois casos o Teste de Mann-Kendall mostrou tendências estatisticamente significativas. Outro resultado importante aferido, foi que a precipitação na quadra chuvosa está diminuindo com mais significância comparado com as precipitações anuais.
ANÁLISE DO TRANSPORTE DAS EMISSÕES DE MONÓXIDO DE CARBONO (CO) NO ESTADO DO PARÁ
Authors: Da Paixão Lúcia Cardoso , Cattanio José Henrique , Kuhn Paulo
Published: February 2020

Entender o comportamento das emissões atmosféricas de gases traço, como o monóxido de carbono (CO), é extremamente importante para uma eficiente gestão ambiental no estado do Pará. A estação seca de 2010 foi caracterizada por baixas taxas de precipitação pluviométrica, especialmente em agosto e setembro quando foram registradas as menores chuvas. Durante este período, centenas focos de incêndios foram identificados, cuja quantidade aumentou à medida que a seca se intensificou. As simulações de CO mostraram que as emissões deste poluente, após serem enviadas para a atmosfera, foram submetidas às ações dos ventos horizontais e ao processo de turbulência vertical (condições de convecção local), atingindo outras regiões e altos níveis de altitude, abrangendo assim dimensões continentais. As simulações destacaram também as mesorregiões Nordeste, Sudeste e Sudoeste no estado do Pará com as maiores concentrações de CO, acarretando deterioração da qualidade do ar local, chegando a ultrapassar os padrões legais permitidos pela legislação ambiental brasileira, durante todo o período estudado. O perfil econômico do Estado, basicamente extrativista, com predominância dos setores agropecuário e florestal, que se caracterizam pelo desmatamento e queima da biomassa vegetal, bem como as atividades industriais, com o uso de combustíveis fósseis em seus processos produtivos, explicaram, em parte, a qualidade do ar das mesorregiões destacadas. Outra característica importante, que também possui forte responsabilidade na dispersão do CO, é o relevo do Estado, com predominância de terrenos com cotas topográficas modestas, e uma extensa planície sedimentar. Isto possibilitou uma significativa movimentação de poluentes atmosféricos vindos de outros Estados, e da entrada de massa de ar do oceano para o continente, trazendo elevadas concentrações de poluentes para a região e transportando-os para o oeste.
O CAMPO TÉRMICO NO PERÍMETRO URBANO DE PONTE NOVA-MG (ZONA DA MATA MINEIRA), EM SITUAÇÕES SAZONAIS DE VERÃO E INVERNO, NO ANO DE 2017.
Authors: Allocca Rodson De Andrade , Fialho Edson Soares
Published: February 2020

Recentemente, o clima das cidades de pequeno porte vem sendo objeto de estudos em Geografia. Inseridos nesta perspectiva, esta pesquisa visa investigar o campo térmico, na área urbana de Ponte Nova-MG, com intuito de identificar como se relacionam os fatores naturais (relevo, orientação de encosta, altimetria etc.) com os fatores urbanos (SVF, densidade de população, usos da terra etc.). Para tanto, foi estruturada e utilizada uma rede de monitoramento das temperaturas do ar, baseada em pontos fixos de coleta de dados, e também na técnica de transects móveis. A espacialização do campo térmico apresentou diferenças no gradiente de temperatura para os dois episódios de coleta de dados, verão e inverno de 2017. Os resultados foram discutidos a partir de uma busca da correlação entre os fatores e a temperatura registrada.
The Effect of Inductive and Deductive Teaching on EFL Undergraduates’Achievement in Grammar at the Hashemite University in Jordan
Authors: M. Obeidat Mohammad , Alomari Moh’d A.
Published: February 2020

This current study aims at investigating the impact of using inductive and deductive teaching upon EFL undergraduate students’ achievement at the Hashemite University. More specifically, the study attempts to explore the effect of using inductive and deductive approach on students’ achievement in some grammatical issues included a book adopted for teaching Grammar 2 in the Department of English Language and Literature. The research instrument used is a pre-post-test developed by the researchers. Two groups of students are chosen for the purpose of the study. Whereas the experimental group was taught through inductive approach, the controlled group was taught through the deductive approach. Results show significant differences between the means of students’ scores in the two groups on the post-test, in favor of the experimental group. Results also reveal no significant differences according to study-year, the type of school they graduated from, and gender. In light of these results, the researchers suggest some recommendations for TEFL researchers and EFL instructors.
Impact of EMBODY Experiencing Dementia through New Media Exhibit: Engaging nursing students and the public about dementia through arts-based knowledge translation methods
Authors: Newman Kristine , Duong Jacky Au , Kahlon Parmeet , Li Shu Jie
Published: February 2020

Objective: This paper aims to look at the impact of arts-based knowledge translation (ABKT) methods in raising awareness among nursing students and the public about the sex differences and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), implemented through a creative new media arts-exhibit at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute.Methods: Through surveys, interviews, and pre- and post-exhibit questionnaires, this project evaluated the use and efficacy of multi-modal media in translating data from a study on the BPSD. The research team categorized and conceptualized artwork and narratives based on data collected from previous phases; no confidential or identifying information related to study participants were used or displayed in the final exhibit.Results: The use of photographs, paintings, abstract data visualizations, augmented reality and virtual reality had various levels of effectiveness in engaging nursing students and the public on the topic of dementia. 360º videos, photographs, and paintings provided the highest level of engagement and discussion among nursing students. The majority of the students reported a better understanding and empathy towards people living with dementia after the viewing of the exhibit and all students perceived the exhibit as an effective method in portraying dementia experience and contributed to their overall understanding of the BPSD.Conclusions: This knowledge mobilization project overall provided a more informed perspective on BPSD among nursing students and the public, and effectively sparked discussion among viewers. The exhibit was able to raise awareness for dementia, its symptoms, and experiences of patients living with dementia. For the scholarly community, our project presents new ways to mobilize knowledge among a broad audience and demonstrates unique, innovative, and engaging forms of ABKT.
Keloid and Hypertrophic Scar Formation, Prevention, and Management: Standard Review of Abnormal Scarring in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Grabowski Gregory , Pacana Matthew J. , Chen Elliot
Published: February 2020

Keloid and hypertrophic scar formation after orthopaedic surgical closure is a complex issue. The nature and location of procedures maximize wound tension, leave foreign bodies, and diminish dermal supply, all potentiating keloid formation. There is little discussion regarding the pathophysiology and management of this recurrent problem in orthopaedic literature. Keloid formation is a fibroproliferative disorder resulting in extensive production of extracellular matrix and collagen, but prevention and treatment is poorly understood. Patient and surgical factors contributing to the development of this condition are discussed. The treatments include both medical and surgical therapies that work at a biologic level and attempt to produce a cosmetic and complication-free management strategy. Medical options that have been investigated include combinations of intralesional steroid therapy, laser therapy, and biologics. Preventive surgical closure and excision remain mainstays of treatment. Radiation therapy has also been used in refractory cases with mixed results. Despite medical therapies and surgical excision aimed at treating the resulting scar, recurrence rate is very high for all modalities that have been studied to this point. Future work is being done to better understand the pathophysiology leading to keloid and hypertrophic scar formation in an effort to find preventive methods as compared to treatment strategies.
Rotation minimizing frames and spherical curves in simply isotropic and pseudo-isotropic 3-spaces
Authors: Da Silva Luiz C. B.
Published: February 2020

In this work, we are interested in the differential geometry of curves in the simply isotropic and pseudo-isotropic 3-spaces, which are examples of Cayley-Klein geometries whose absolute figure is given by a plane at infinity and a degenerate quadric. Motivated by the success of rotation minimizing (RM) frames in Euclidean and Lorentzian geometries, here we show how to build RM frames in isotropic geometries and apply them in the study of isotropic spherical curves. Indeed, through a convenient manipulation of osculating spheres described in terms of RM frames, we show that it is possible to characterize spherical curves via a linear equation involving the curvatures that dictate the RM frame motion. For the case of pseudo-isotropic space, we also discuss on the distinct choices for the absolute figure in the framework of a Cayley-Klein geometry and prove that they are all equivalent approaches through the use of Lorentz numbers (a complex-like system where the square of the imaginary unit is $+1$). Finally, we also show the possibility of obtaining an isotropic RM frame by rotation of the Frenet frame through the use of Galilean trigonometric functions and dual numbers (a complex-like system where the square of the imaginary unit vanishes).
Transdifferentiation of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout pig bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells into pancreatic β-like cells by microenvironment modulation
Authors: Ullah Imran , Lee Ran , Oh Keon  Bong , Hwang Seongsoo , Kim Youngim , Hur Tai-Young , Ock Sun A
Published: February 2020

Objective: To evaluate the pancreatic differentiation potential of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout (GalTKO) pig-derived bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) using epigenetic modifiers with different pancreatic induction media.Methods: The BM-MSCs have been differentiated into pancreatic β-like cells by inducing the overexpression of key transcription regulatory factors or by exposure to specific soluble inducers/small molecules. In this study, we evaluated the pancreatic differentiation of GalTKO pig-derived BM-MSCs using epigenetic modifiers, 5-azacytidine (5-Aza) and valproic acid (VPA), and two types of pancreatic induction media – advanced Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (ADMEM)-based and N2B27-based media. GalTKO BM-MSCs were treated with pancreatic induction media and the expression of pancreas-islets-specific markers was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Morphological changes and changes in the 5'-C-phosphate-G-3' (CpG) island methylation patterns were also evaluated.Results: The expression of the pluripotent marker (POU class 5 homeobox 1 [OCT4]) was upregulated upon exposure to 5-Aza and/or VPA. GalTKO BM-MSCs showed increased expression of neurogenic differentiation 1 in the ADMEM-based (5-Aza) media, while the expression of NK6 homeobox 1 was elevated in cells induced with the N2B27-based (5-Aza) media. Moreover, the morphological transition and formation of islets-like cellular clusters were also prominent in the cells induced with the N2B27-based media with 5-Aza. The higher insulin expression revealed the augmented trans-differentiation ability of GalTKO BM-MSCs into pancreatic β-like cells in the N2B27-based media than in the ADMEM-based media.Conclusion: 5-Aza treated GalTKO BM-MSCs showed an enhanced demethylation pattern in the second CpG island of the OCT4 promoter region compared to that in the GalTKO BM-MSCs. The exposure of GalTKO pig-derived BM-MSCs to the N2B27-based microenvironment can significantly enhance their trans-differentiation ability into pancreatic β-like cells.
Genetic parameters for milk yield in imported Jersey and Jersey-Friesian cows using daily milk records in Sri Lanka
Authors: Samaraweera Amali Malshani , Boerner Vinzent , Cyril Hewa Waduge , van der Werf Julius , Hermesch Susanne
Published: February 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to estimate genetic parameters for milk yield traits using daily milk yield records from parlour data generated in an intensively managed commercial dairy farm with Jersey and Jersey-Friesian cows in Sri Lanka.Methods: Genetic parameters were estimated for first and second lactation predicted and realized 305-day milk yield using univariate animal models. Genetic parameters were also estimated for total milk yield for each 30-day intervals of the first lactation using univariate animal models and for daily milk yield using random regression models fitting second-order Legendre polynomials and assuming heterogeneous residual variances. Breeding values for predicted 305-day milk yield were estimated using an animal model.Results: For the first lactation, the heritability of predicted 305-day milk yield in Jersey cows (0.08±0.03) was higher than that of Jersey-Friesian cows (0.02±0.01). The second lactation heritability estimates were similar to that of first lactation. The repeatability of the daily milk records was 0.28±0.01 and the heritability ranged from 0.002±0.05 to 0.19±0.02 depending on day of milk. Pearson product-moment correlations between the bull estimated breeding values (EBVs) in Australia and bull EBVs in Sri Lanka for 305-day milk yield were 0.39 in Jersey cows and –0.35 in Jersey-Friesian cows.Conclusion: The heritabilities estimated for milk yield in Jersey and Jersey-Friesian cows in Sri Lanka were low, and were associated with low additive genetic variances for the traits. Sire differences in Australia were not expressed in the tropical low-country of Sri Lanka. Therefore, genetic progress achieved by importing genetic material from Australia can be expected to be slow. This emphasizes the need for a within-country evaluation of bulls to produce locally adapted dairy cows.
Dietary lysophospholipids supplementation inhibited the activity of lipolytic bacteria in forage with high oil diet: an in vitro study
Authors: Kim Hanbeen , Kim Byeongwoo , Cho Seongkeun , Kwon Inhyuk , Seo Jakyeom
Published: February 2020

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of lysophospholipids (LPL) supplementation on rumen fermentation, degradability, and microbial diversity in forage with high oil diet in an in vitro system.Methods: Four experimental treatments were used: i) annual ryegrass (CON), ii) 93% annual ryegrass +7% corn oil on a dry matter (DM) basis (OiL), iii) OiL with a low level (0.08% of dietary DM) of LPL (LLPL), and iv) OiL with a high level (0.16% of dietary DM) of LPL (HLPL). An in vitro fermentation experiment was performed using strained rumen fluid for 48 h incubations. In vitro DM degradability (IVDMD), in vitro neutral detergent fiber degradability, pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), volatile fatty acid (VFA), and microbial diversity were estimated.Results: There was no significant change in IVDMD, pH, NH3-N, and total VFA production among treatments. The LPL supplementation significantly increased the proportion of butyrate and valerate (Linear effect [Lin], p = 0.004 and <0.001, respectively). The LPL supplementation tended to increase the total bacteria in a linear manner (p = 0.089). There were significant decreases in the relative proportions of cellulolytic (Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus albus) and lipolytic (Anaerovibrio lipolytica and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus) bacteria with increasing levels of LPL supplementation (Lin, p = 0.028, 0.006, 0.003, and 0.003, respectively).Conclusion: The LPL supplementation had antimicrobial effects on several cellulolytic and lipolytic bacteria, with no significant difference in nutrient degradability (DM and neutral detergent fiber) and general bacterial counts, suggesting that LPL supplementation might increase the enzymatic activity of rumen bacteria. Therefore, LPL supplementation may be more effective as an antimicrobial agent rather than as an emulsifier in the rumen.
Effects of surface materials of self-draining beds on cattle behavior in a temperate climate
Authors: Liu Ping , Guo Lulu , Zhang Fulan , Li Lin , Mao Huaming , Gu Zhaobing
Published: February 2020

Objective: The objective of the present experiment was to construct self-draining beds to keep surface bedding materials clean and dry for beef cattle comfort in a temperate climate.Methods: In Experiment 1, a self-draining bed was covered with sand at depths of 10 cm (S-10a), 15 cm (S-15), and 20 cm (S-20) respectively. In Experiment 2, self-draining beds of different sizes were covered with 10 cm of sand (S-10b) and wood shavings (WS) at depths of 15 cm and 20 cm (WS-15 and WS-20). Fifteen cattle were engaged to evaluate the comfort of self-draining beds covered with different bedding materials.Results: No cattle lay in the feed alley and cattle spent more time lying on S-10a than S-15 or S-20 in Experiment 1 (p<0.01). No difference in lying time was detected between S-15 and S-20 (p>0.05). In Experiment 2, no cattle selected the feed alley as the lying area. Cattle preferred WS-15 as the lying area and time spent lying on WS-20 was slightly higher than on S-10b (p<0.05). Feces weight was higher in the feed alley than in the different bedding areas in both Experiments 1 and 2 (p<0.01).Conclusion: Sand-bedding depth at 10 cm and WSs at 15 cm above the self-draining bed can provide for the lying comfort of beef cattle. Design of a special feed alley to hold most of the feces to keep bedding materials clean and dry is desirable for organic beef cattle in a loose barn.
Investigation of muscle-specific beef color stability at different ultimate pHs
Authors: Wu Shuang , Han Jina , Liang Rongrong , Dong Pengcheng , Zhu Lixian , Hopkins David L. , Zhang Yimin , Luo Xin
Published: February 2020

Objective: This study was aimed to investigate the muscle-specific beef color stability at normal and high ultimate pHs.Methods: The impact of muscle (Longissimus lumborum [LL] vs psoas major [PM]) and pH (normal ultimate pH [Np] vs high pH dark cutting beef [Hp]) on color stability, indicated by basic color traits, metmyoglobin reducing activity (MRA) and oxygen consumption (OC), as well as the lipid oxidation, were determined over 7 days of display at 4°C.Results: Hp-LL had the highest pH (6.92), followed by Hp-PM (6.01), Np-PM (5.76), and Np-LL (5.52). Hp-LL had increased (p<0.05) a*, chroma and % oxymyoglobin during display. Hp-LL also had the highest metmyoglobin (MMb) reducing activity and OC among all the samples, thus, the greatest color stability, although very dark throughout storage, with lowest values for lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*). Np-LL also exhibited relatively high color stability, as a result of its lower % MMb and OC and higher MRA than psoas muscle samples. The 0.2 unit difference of the pH between Hp and Np psoas muscle, resulted in the difference of the color intensity, not the color stability. Interestingly, high pH psoas muscle (Hp-PM) did not have better color stability than Np-PM, and in fact had lower color stability than even Np-LL. The similar level of OC and lipid oxidation cannot explain the difference in color stability between Hp-PM and Np-LL.Conclusion: The Hp does not always show better color stability compared with Np beef, which depends on the muscle type. The balance of MRA and OC is important to keep the color in great intensity and stability in the meantime.
Smart Water—How to Master the Future Challenges of Water Management
Authors: Müller-Czygan Günter
Published: February 2020

Innovative digital developments from industry like autonomous machine controls based on intelligent data acquisition, collection and evaluation, promises better adapting municipal infrastructure systems to changing conditions. When the technology initiative KOMMUNAL 4.0 was developed as an idea in 2015, digitalization was not a central topic in water management. As Industry 4.0 was present everywhere in the media, the idea of transferring suitable parts of the basic idea of Industry 4.0 to municipal water management was born. In particular, it was necessary to implement consistent IT and IoT communication at all levels of water management tasks. The aim was not only to create a uniform structure for networking a wide variety of applications, but also to round off KOMMUNAL 4.0’s complete range of services with IoT for existing and newly developed products and solutions. Regardless of whether it concerns measurement and data technology applications, smart machines, SCADA or asset management systems, all application solutions contain a standardized network core that guarantees standard data communication and also complying with safety and cybersecurity requirements.
Development of Ellipsoidal Analysis and Filtering Methods for Nonlinear Control Stochastic Systems
Authors: N. Sinitsyn Igor , I. Sinitsyn Vladimir , R. Korepanov Edward
Published: February 2020

The methods of the control stochastic systems (CStS) research based on the parametrization of the distributions permit to design practically simple software tools. These methods give the rapid increase of the number of equations for the moments, the semiinvariants, coefficients of the truncated orthogonal expansions of the state vector Y, and the maximal order of the moments involved. For structural parametrization of the probability (normalized and nonnormalized) densities, we shall apply the ellipsoidal densities. A normal distribution has an ellipsoidal structure. The distinctive characteristics of such distributions consist in the fact that their densities are the functions of positively determined quadratic form of the centered state vector. Ellipsoidal approximation method (EAM) cardinally reduces the number of parameters. For ellipsoidal linearization method (ELM), the number of equations coincides with normal approximation method (NAM). The development of EAM (ELM) for CStS analysis and CStS filtering are considered. Based on nonnormalized densities, new types of filters are designed. The theory of ellipsoidal Pugachev conditionally optimal control is presented. Basic applications are considered.
Neuroprotective Potentials of Natural Vitamin E for Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Mustapha Muzaimi , Mohd Nasril Che Mohd Nassir Che , Kah Hay Yuen , Wai Yee Fung , Abdul Hamid Hafizah
Published: February 2020

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) refers to a spectrum of clinical and neuroimaging findings resulting from pathological processes of various etiologies affecting cerebral arterioles, perforating arteries, capillaries, and venules. It is the commonest neurological problem that results in significant disability, but awareness of it remains poor. It affects over half of people over 65 years old and inflicts up to third of acute strokes, over 40% of dementia, and a significant decline in physical ability in otherwise asymptomatic, aging individuals. Moreover, the unifying theory for the pathomechanism of the disease remains elusive and hence the apparent ineffective therapeutic approaches. Given the growing literature for natural vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols) as a potent antioxidant, this chapter attempts to consolidate the contemporary evidence to shed plausible insights on the neuroprotective potentials of natural vitamin E in addressing the heterogenous CSVD spectrum, in health and in disease.
Public Sector Organizational Culture: Experience from Frontline Bureaucracies
Authors: Morshed Alom Md.
Published: February 2020

This chapter discusses the practice of organizational culture by the frontline bureaucrats in Bangladesh. Culture scholars argue that organizational culture—commonly defined as the beliefs, values, attitudes, and practices of the members of an organization—is a powerful force in determining the health and well-being of an organization. Scholars also suggest the existence of different dimensions of organizational culture. Although they do not agree in naming these dimensions, commonalities are found in their understanding. How organizational culture is practiced by the frontline bureaucrats in Bangladesh has not been studied much. A study was designed to know how the frontline public bureaucrats practice organizational culture and how they differ in their practices along their service lines. Four dimensions of organizational culture—power distance, uncertainty avoidance tendency, participation, and team orientation—were considered. The chosen culture dimensions impact the overall management of any public sector organization. Three hundred and twenty-six frontline public bureaucrats were studied using a survey questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics have been used for analyzing the collected data. Findings from independent samples t-tests revealed that the frontline bureaucrats significantly differ along their service lines in practicing the culture dimensions.
The Respiratory System during Intermittent-Sprint Work: Respiratory Muscle Work and the Critical Distribution of Oxygen
Authors: F. Rodriguez Ramón , J. Aughey Robert , Billaut François
Published: February 2020

In healthy individuals at rest and while performing moderate-intensity exercise, systemic blood flow is distributed to tissues relative to their metabolic oxygen demands. During sustained high-intensity exercise, competition for oxygen delivery arises between locomotor and respiratory muscles, and the heightened metabolic work of breathing, therefore, contributes to limited skeletal muscle oxygenation and contractility. Intriguingly, this does not appear to be the case for intermittent-sprint work. This chapter presents new evidence, based on inspiratory muscle mechanical loading and hypoxic gas breathing, to support that the respiratory system of healthy men is capable of accommodating the oxygen needs of both locomotor and respiratory muscles when work is interspersed with short recovery periods. Only when moderate hypoxemia is induced, substantial oxygen competition arises in favour of the respiratory muscles. These findings extend our understanding of the relationship between mechanical and metabolic limits of varied exercise modes.
A Pragma-Dialectical Approach to Argumentative Discourse
Authors: Drid Touria
Published: February 2020

Theoretical and procedural diverseness is a feature characterising the study of argumentation. The common core in all perspectives is to examine a type of discourse that attempts to convince another party of the acceptability of one’s view(s) through a set of arguments, but what differs, to a larger or lesser extent, is the theoretical apparatus through which discourse is scrutinised. The present paper offers a general account of the pragma-dialectical approach to argumentation. Expatiating on the principal theoretical and methodological lines on which the theory proceeds, the paper aims at delineating the analytical tools provided in this paradigm to handle the intricacies of argumentative discourse.
Validación del Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) en Universitarios de Buenos Aires, Argentina [Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST). Its validation for undergraduates from Buenos Aires, Argentina]
Authors: Freiberg Hoffmann Agustín , Romero Medina Agustín
Published: February 2020

ResumenLos enfoques de aprendizaje permiten conocer las preferencias que manifiestan las personas para enfrentar una tarea de aprendizaje específica. Una de las herramientas más difundidas para evaluar los enfoques de aprendizaje es el Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST), que en su versión abreviada permite valorar mediante 18 ítems tres enfoques de aprendizaje (Profundo, Superficial, Estratégico). Dada la importancia que este instrumento tiene para evaluar los enfoques de aprendizaje en estudiantes universitarios, el objetivo de esta investigación es validar la versión española para el contexto argentino. Para ello se adecuó primero lingüísticamente el inventario a los modismos locales, para luego examinar evidencias de validez de constructo (análisis factorial exploratorio, confirmatorio, e invarianza factorial) y evidencias de validez concurrente. También se estudió la confiabilidad del instrumento mediante el análisis de consistencia interna. Se obtuvo una herramienta compuesta de 14 reactivos que posibilita evaluar los enfoques de aprendizaje Profundo, Superficial y Estratégico propuestos por la teoría. El modelo resultante de los procedimientos exploratorio y confirmatorio exhibió una adecuada invarianza factorial, y las dimensiones del inventario presentaron índices de consistencia interna superiores a .80. Además se obtuvieron evidencias de validez concurrente coherentes con la teoría y con resultados empíricos previos. AbstractThe study of approaches to learning enables the descrip­tion of preferences manifested when facing a specific learning task. One of the most widespread instruments for assessing learning approaches is the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST). In its short version of 18 items, the ASSIST measures three learning approaches (Deep, Surface and Strategic). Given that the availability of this instrument would be of great value and needed to research learning approaches in college stu­dents, the objective of this research was to develop an Ar­gentinean version. To meet this end, the inventory under­went an initial linguistic adaptation to the local forms of expression and idioms. Then, construct validity was ex­amined (exploratory and confirmatory factorial analysis, and factorial invariance) together with analyses of concur­rent validity. Reliability was examined by means of anal­yses of internal consistency. The resulting 14-item instru­ment may be used to describe approaches to learning as proposed by the theory: Deep, Superficial and Strategic. The measure obtained by exploratory and confirmatory procedures showed an adequate factorial invariance. The dimensions of the inventory had internal consistency in­dexes greater than .80. Finally, evidences of concurrent validity were coherent with the theory and with previous empirical results.
Validation of the Morale Questionnaire for Military Operational Theaters [Validación del cuestionario de moral para zonas de Operaciones Militares]
Authors: Pastor Álvarez Alberto , Molero Alonso Fernando , Moriano León Juan Antonio
Published: February 2020

AbstractTo assess the morale of the troops has been a concern of military leaders throughout history, mainly because of the level of involvement that this factor could have in the resolution of conflicts on the battlefield. The purpose of this research was to obtain evidence of the validity of the internal structure of the Morale Questionnaire used by the Spanish Armed Forces in military operations overseas.  Two subsamples of 250 Spanish soldiers deployed on an international mission in Lebanon participated in the study.  The questionnaire was applied at the beginning and at the end of the mission, respectly. The results obtained throughExploratory and Confirmatory Factorial Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling, allowed to assess the questionnaire statistically obtaining a tool that consists of 26 items, agglutinated in six factors. The theoretical dimensions of the original tool were mostly maintained. This will permit Spanish Armed Forces to have a reliable measuring instrument that will facilitate specific predictions about morale and its consecuences on the battlefield.ResumenEvaluar la moral de las tropas ha sido una preocupación de los líderes militares a lo largo de la historia, principalmente por el nivel de participación que este factor podría tener en la resolución de conflictos en el campo de batalla. El objetivo de esta investigación fue obtener evidencias sobre la validez de la estructura interna del cuestionario de moral utilizado por las Fuerzas Armadas Españolas en operaciones militares en el exterior. Dos submuestras de 250 soldados españoles desplegados en una misión internacional en Líbano participaron en el estudio. El cuestionario se aplicó al principio y al final de la misión. Los resultados obtenidos a través del Análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio, así como el Modelo de ecuaciones estructurales, permitieron validar el cuestionario obteniendo estadísticamente una herramienta que consta de 26 ítems, aglutinados en seis factores. Las dimensiones teóricas de la herramienta original se mantuvieron en su mayoría. Esto permitirá a las Fuerzas Armadas españolas tener un instrumento de medición confiable que facilitará predicciones específicas sobre la moral y sus consecuencias en el campo de batalla.
Validación en población ecuatoriana del Child´s Report of Parental Behavior Inventory (CRPBI) [Validation in Ecuadorian Population of the Child´s Report of Parental Behavior Inventory (CRPBI)]
Authors: Vilchez Jose Luis
Published: February 2020

ResumenLos estilos parentales han sido definidos bajo diversos modelos multidimensionales de complejidad diversa. Se ha optado por seleccionar un modelo parsimonioso y revalidar una herramienta de tres factores para la medición de los estilos de crianza en la República del Ecuador. Los análisis factoriales confirmatorios muestran un ajuste adecuado a estas tres sub-dimensiones de estilos parentales tanto para el estilo materno como para el paterno. En la población del Ecuador, se han encontrado diferencias significativas entre el Control y la Negligencia recibidas por los hijos por parte de los padres; apuntando un mayor Control y Negligencia materna hacia los hijos varones y un mayor Control de los padres hacia los hijos varones. De modo individual, existe un mayor Amor, mayor y menor Negligencia percibida por los hijos por parte de la madre. Las explicaciones de estos resultados están basadas en idiosincrasias culturales. El insumo principal de este estudio es la revalidación de una herramienta de diagnóstico familiar en la República del Ecuador con fines de investigación y tratamiento.AbstractParenting styles have been defined under various multidi­mensional models of diverse complexity. A parsimonious model has been chosen to revalidate a three factor ques­tionnaire in order to measure parental styles in the Repub­lic of Ecuador. Confirmatory factorial analysis show an adequate fit to these three factors model for both maternal and paternal styles. In the Republic of Ecuador, significant differences have been found between the Control and Ne­glect received by the children. A greater maternal Control and Neglect towards male children and greater paternal Control towards male children have been found. From an individual point of view, there is greater Love, greater Control and lesser Negligence perceived by the children on behalf of the mother. Explanations of these results are based on cultural idiosyncrasies. The main result of this study is the revalidation of a family diagnosis question­naire in the Republic of Ecuador for research and treat­ment purposes.
La Familia, Grupo Social Permanente en las Organizaciones desde una Perspectiva Psicoanalítica [The Family, Permanent Social Group in Organizations from a Psychoanalytic Perspective]
Authors: Becerra Hernández Antonio , Menéndez Fierros Diego Eduardo
Published: February 2020

ResumenLa familia, desde los Estudios Organizacionales, no es considerada como una organización, al no contar con elementos básicos que ésta requiere: conjunto de personas y grupos asociados para producir bienes o servicios, entre otros. Sin embargo, desde una perspectiva psicoanalítica, la investigación buscó mostrar que diversos factores existentes en las organizaciones formales, implícita o explícitamente, coexisten como parte de éstas y se encuentran estrechamente relacionados con elementos introyectados de origen por el sujeto a partir de la familia. Bajo una perspectiva metodológica de corte cualitativo, se realizó un estudio de caso en una empresa familiar de laboratorios clínicos. Los hallazgos indican que los integrantes, familiares consanguíneos o no, pueden reproducir conductas y comportamientos en espacios organizacionales familiares y establecer lazos afectivos, además de colaborar en los objetivos económicos esperados. Se concluye que la familia debe ser reconocida como la base nutricia socialmente de cualquier organización, para profundizar en su conocimiento, influencia e impacto en las organizaciones humanas.AbstractThe family, from the Organizational Studies, is not con­sidered as an organization, since it does not have basic ele­ments that it requires: a group of people and associated groups to produce goods or services, among others. How­ever, from a psychoanalytic perspective, the research sought to show that various factors existing in formal or­ganizations, implicitly or explicitly, coexist as part of them and are closely related to introjected elements of origin by the subject from the family. Under a qualitative methodo­logical perspective, a case study was conducted in a family business of clinical laboratories. The findings indicate that members, blood relatives or not, can reproduce behaviors and behaviors in family organizational spaces and es­tab­lish emotional ties, in addition to collaborating on the ex­pected economic objectives. It is concluded that the family must be recognized as the socially nutritious basis of any organization, to deepen their knowledge, influence and impact on human organizations.
The Free-Radical Nonbranched-Chain Initiated Formation of Ethylene Glycol from Methanol–Formaldehyde Solutions
Authors: Silaev Michael M.
Published: February 2020

The mechanism and kinetics are developed for the free-radical nonbranched-chain initiated formation of ethylene glycol in methanolâ€“formaldehyde solutions at formaldehyde concentrations of 0.1-3.1 mol dm-3 and temperatures of 373-473 K. The experimental concentrations of the free unsolvated form of formaldehyde are given at the different temperatures and total concentrations of formaldehyde in methanol. The experimental dependence of the radiation-chemical yields of ethylene glycol on formaldehyde concentration in γ-radiolysis of methanol-formaldehyde solutions at 373-473 K is shown. At a formaldehyde concentration of 1.4 mol dm-3 and T = 473 K, the radiation-chemical yield of ethylene glycol is 139 molecules per 100 eV. The effective activation energy of ethylene glycol formation is 25 ± 3 kJ mol-1. The quasi-steady-state treatment of the reaction network suggested here led to a rate equation accounting for the non-monotonic dependence of the ethylene glycol formation rate on the concentration of the free (unsolvated) form of dissolved formaldehyde. It is demonstrated that the peak in this dependence is due to the competition between methanol and CH2=O for reacting with adduct radical HOCH2CH2O-¢.
Crewing of Sea Vessels Taking into Account Project Risks and Technical Condition of Ship Equipment
Authors: Zakharchenko Oleg V. , Bedrii Dmytro I. , Bileha Olena V. , Savina Oksana Y. , Haidaienko Oksana V.
Published: February 2020

Motivation: One of the main concepts in project management is the concept of â€œteamâ€ in the project, and in project management - the human resources management of the project, which includes the processes of planning, forming and creating a team, its development and support activities, transformation or disbandment of the team. Despite the great attention paid to the formation of project management teams, existing studies do not fully highlight the specifics and features of crew operations. Criteria for the quantitative optimization of the ship's crew should be consistent with the main objectives of the project.Novelty: The research paper proposes an approach that allows optimizing the quantitative composition of the crew of a ship by more accurately assessing the level of project risks and costs associated with the maintenance of ship equipment. The practical application of this approach will optimize the quantitative composition of the ship's crew, which will both satisfy the needs of managing the technical equipment and minimize the risks and costs of the shipowner.Methodology and Methods: Risk management tools were used to achieve the objective and test the hypotheses suggested in the research, namely: methodology for estimating the net present value of the project; the method of estimating internal rate of return for the project; the method of estimating the return on investment in the project; the method of estimation for the period of return on investment costs in the project; the method of estimating the discounted payback period for the project, as well as the tools of simulation modellingÂ (Monte Carlo simulation method). The method of identification and grouping in the process of classification of project risks in the sphere of marine transportation, methods of systematization, grouping and logical generalization were also applied for systematization of information, drawing conclusions and making scientific suggestions in the research.Policy Considerations: Shipping plays an important role in the trade and tourism industry; human factor is the most important aspect that determines the efficiency of shipping development; maintaining of technical and technological processes of the ship puts certain requirements to the quantitative and qualitative composition of the team, deviation from which leads to the occurrence of certain risk events; formation of an effective model of ship's crew manning is the main link in ensuring effective shipping project management.