bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the Transient Heat Transfer Measurement Technique in a Low Aspect Ratio Pin Fin Cooling Channel
Authors: Axtmann Meriam , von Wolfersdorf Jens , Meyer Georg
Published: August 2015

This study investigates on heat transfer enhancement in pin fin cooling channels. Experiments are conducted in a staggered pin fin array consisting of 15 rows. Heat transfer measurements are conducted in the pin fin cooling channel using the transient liquid crystal technique. The reference temperature is approximated by the fluid bulk temperature, acquired by thermocouples at specific positions. Thermal inertia of the used thermocouples is considered. One other problem that occurs while using relatively long thermocouples in short aspect ratio ducts is the heat conduction along the wires, the so-called stem effect. This can lead to erroneous temperature measurements. The impact of the thermocouple immersion length on the temperature measurement is investigated. A detailed assessment of the space and timewise varying temperature distribution is conducted for the appropriate reference temperature. This paper gives an overview about the experimental setup and the used transient measurement technique. Results are represented in terms of temperature distribution, heat transfer distribution, and averaged Nusselt number at the endwall.
Fatigue and Strength Studies of Titanium 6Al–4V Fabricated by Direct Metal Laser Sintering
Authors: Scott-Emuakpor Onome , Holycross Casey , George Tommy , Knapp Kevin , Beck Joseph
Published: August 2015

Vibratory bending fatigue behavior of titanium 6Al–4V plate specimens manufactured via direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM), is assessed. Motivation for the work is based on unprecedented performance demands for sixth-generation gas turbine engine technology that requires complex, lightweight components. Due to cost, schedule, and feasibility limitations associated with conventional manufacturing, AM aims to address ubiquitous component concepts. Though AM has promise in the engine community, process controls necessary for consistent material properties remain an enigma. The following manuscript compares variability of DMLS fatigue and strength to cold-rolled data. Results show discrepancies between DMLS and cold-rolled for fatigue and microstructure characteristics.
Super-imposing maxillary and palatal locations for electroarticulometry: A SIMPLE method
Authors: Chen Wei-rong , Chang Yueh-chin , Best Catherine T. , Derrick Donald
Published: August 2015

This study proposes a method of superimposing a physical palatal profile, extracted from a speaker's maxillary impression, onto real-time mid-sagittal articulatory data. A palatal/dental profile is first obtained by three-dimensional–scanning the maxillary impression of the speaker. Then a high resolution mid-sagittal palatal line, extracted from the profile, is sub-divided into articulatory zones and superimposed, by Iterative Closest Point algorithm, onto reconstructed palatal traces in electromagnetic articulometric (EMA) data. Evaluations were carried out by comparing consonant targets elicited by EMA with the proposed method and by static palatography. The proposed method yields accurate results, as supported by palatography.
Carcinoma in accessory axillary breast
Authors: Khanna Seema , Mishra Shashi Prakash , Kumar Satendra , Khanna Ajay Kumar
Published: August 2015

We present a rare case of carcinoma developing in an accessory breast. The patient presented with a progressive lump in her right axilla for 1 year. On examination, there was a well-developed nipple areola complex in the right axilla overlying a hard, fixed 5×3 cm lump. On investigation, core biopsy revealed poorly differentiated carcinoma of the breast. Mammography also revealed features of a malignant lesion with skin and muscle infiltration. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered followed by modified radical mastectomy after three cycles. Immunohistochemistry study showed positive status of oestrogen and progesterone receptors, and negative HER-2 neu. Three more cycles of chemotherapy along with 50 Gy radiotherapy were given in an adjuvant setting followed by hormone therapy.
Assessment of the MyWellness Key accelerometer in people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: McGinley Samantha Kate , Armstrong Marni J. , Khandwala Farah , Zanuso Silvano , Sigal Ronald J.
Published: August 2015

Accelerometers are designed to measure physical activity (PA) objectively. The MyWellness Key (MWK) accelerometer has been validated primarily in younger, normal-weight populations. The aims of this study were to examine the accuracy of the MWK against directly measured lab-based exercise and free-living PA in people with type 2 diabetes, many of whom are older and overweight or obese. Thirty-five participants with type 2 diabetes completed the protocol, which included a laboratory-based session and a free-living phase. In the laboratory visit, participants completed a structured treadmill protocol wearing MWKs on each hip (all subjects) and bra cup (women only). The speed where each MWK switched from recording light- to moderate-intensity activity was determined for each MWK worn. In the free-living phase, participants wore the MWK for all waking hours for 2 weeks, and recorded exercise in PA diaries immediately after each exercise session. The mean cut-points between low (“Free”) and moderate (“Play”) intensity for the right and left waist-worn MWKs were 4.1 ± 0.5 km/h and 5.0 ± 0.9 km/h for the bra-mounted MWK; ideal cut-point would be 4.0 km/h. In the free-living phase, the Spearman correlation between PA according to PA diary and the waist-worn MWK was 0.81 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76, 0.85; P < 0.001), but only 0.66 (95% CI: 0.53, 0.77; P < 0.001) when on the bra. In conclusion, the waist-worn MWK measured PA volume accurately, and was acceptably accurate at discriminating between low- and moderate-intensity PA in people with type 2 diabetes. The MWK underestimated PA volume and intensity when worn on a bra.
Uncertainty of upland soil carbon sink estimate for Finland
Authors: Lehtonen Aleksi , Heikkinen Juha
Published: August 2015

Changes in the soil carbon stock of Finnish upland soils were quantified using forest inventory data, forest statistics, biomass models, litter turnover rates, and the Yasso07 soil model. Uncertainty in the estimated stock changes was assessed by combining model and sampling errors associated with the various data sources into variance–covariance matrices that allowed computationally efficient error propagation in the context of Yasso07 simulations. In sensitivity analysis, we found that the uncertainty increased drastically as a result of adding random year-to-year variation to the litter input. Such variation is smoothed out when using periodic inventory data with constant biomass models and turnover rates. Model errors (biomass, litter, understorey vegetation) and the systematic error of total drain had a marginal effect on the uncertainty regarding soil carbon stock change. Most of the uncertainty appears to be related to uncaptured annual variation in litter amounts. This is due to fact that variation in the slopes of litter input trends dictates the uncertainty of soil carbon stock change. If we assume that there is annual variation only in foliage and fine root litter rates and that this variation is less than 10% from year to year, then we can claim that Finnish upland forest soils have accumulated carbon during the first Kyoto period (2008–2012).
Performance Improvement of Inertial Navigation System by Using Magnetometer with Vehicle Dynamic Constraints
Authors: Won Daehee , Ahn Jongsun , Sung Sangkyung , Heo Moonbeom , Im Sung-Hyuck , Lee Young Jae
Published: August 2015

A navigation algorithm is proposed to increase the inertial navigation performance of a ground vehicle using magnetic measurements and dynamic constraints. The navigation solutions are estimated based on inertial measurements such as acceleration and angular velocity measurements. To improve the inertial navigation performance, a three-axis magnetometer is used to provide the heading angle, and nonholonomic constraints (NHCs) are introduced to increase the correlation between the velocity and the attitude equation. The NHCs provide a velocity feedback to the attitude, which makes the navigation solution more robust. Additionally, an acceleration-based roll and pitch estimation is applied to decrease the drift when the acceleration is within certain boundaries. The magnetometer and NHCs are combined with an extended Kalman filter. An experimental test was conducted to verify the proposed method, and a comprehensive analysis of the performance in terms of the position, velocity, and attitude showed that the navigation performance could be improved by using the magnetometer and NHCs. Moreover, the proposed method could improve the estimation performance for the position, velocity, and attitude without any additional hardware except an inertial sensor and magnetometer. Therefore, this method would be effective for ground vehicles, indoor navigation, mobile robots, vehicle navigation in urban canyons, or navigation in any global navigation satellite system-denied environment.
Breastfeeding Practices, Demographic Variables, and Their Association with Morbidities in Children
Authors: Patel Dipen V. , Bansal Satvik C. , Nimbalkar Archana S. , Phatak Ajay G. , Nimbalkar Somashekhar M. , Desai Rajendra G.
Published: August 2015

Appropriate feeding practices are the key contributor to reducing morbidities and mortalities in under-five children. A cross-sectional questionnaire based survey of mothers of children aged less than 5years was conducted in 781 mothers. More than half of mothers (57.5%) started feeding within an hour of birth, 55.9% gave exclusive breastfeeding for six months, 89.1% of the mothers stopped breastfeeding before two years of age, 18.2% of the mothers bottle-fed the babies, and 15.6% had problems during breastfeeding in first 6 months. Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth promoted exclusive breastfeeding, and breastfeeding for longer duration. Exclusive breastfeeding increased frequency of feeds. Multivariable logistic regression showed that initiation of breastfeeding after an hour of birth (p= 0.035), not providing exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months (p< 0.0001), unemployed mothers (p= 0.035), having two or more kids (p= 0.001), and complementary feeds given by person other than mother (p= 0.007) increased hospitalization. Starting breastfeeding after an hour of birth (p= 0.045), severe malnutrition (p= 0.018), and breastfeeding for < two years (p= 0.026) increased rates of diarrhea. Breastfeeding practices were not optimum and interventions to improve these practices need to be strengthened.
The Structural Characterization of Tumor Fusion Genes and Proteins
Authors: Wang Dandan , Li Daixi , Qin Guangrong , Zhang Wen , Ouyang Jian , Zhang Menghuan , Xie Lu
Published: August 2015

Chromosomal translocation, which generates fusion proteins in blood tumor or solid tumor, is considered as one of the major causes leading to cancer. Recent studies suggested that the disordered fragments in a fusion protein might contribute to its carcinogenicity. Here, we investigated the sequence feature near the breakpoints in the fusion partner genes, the structure features of breakpoints in fusion proteins, and the posttranslational modification preference in the fusion proteins. Results show that the breakpoints in the fusion partner genes have both sequence preference and structural preference. At the sequence level, nucleotide combination AG is preferred before the breakpoint and GG is preferred at the breakpoint. At the structural level, the breakpoints in the fusion proteins prefer to be located in the disordered regions. Further analysis suggests the phosphorylation sites at serine, threonine, and the methylation sites at arginine are enriched in disordered regions of the fusion proteins. Using EML4-ALK as an example, we further explained how the fusion protein leads to the protein disorder and contributes to its carcinogenicity. The sequence and structural features of the fusion proteins may help the scientific community to predict novel breakpoints in fusion genes and better understand the structure and function of fusion proteins.
Discovery of the genus Vanhartenidia Lelej, 2006 (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) in Egypt, with description of a new species
Authors: EL-TORKEY ASHRAF M. , SOLIMAN AHMED M.
Published: August 2015

The genus Vanhartenidia Lelej, 2006 is newly recorded from Egypt. A new species, V. mandishaensis El-Torkey & Soliman, sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Bahariya Oasis (Giza, Egypt).
Taxonomic review of Kuzicus Gorochov, 1993 (Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae), with two new species from Thailand and key to species
Authors: TAN MING KAI , DAWWRUENG PATTARAWICH , ARTCHAWAKOM TAKSIN
Published: August 2015

The taxonomy of genus Kuzicus Gorochov, 1993 (Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) is reviewed. Two new species are described from Thailand: Kuzicus pakthongchai sp. n. Tan et al. and Kuzicus multidenticulatus sp. n. Tan et al. Kuzicus denticuloides (Kevan, 1993) comb. nov. is transferred from genus Xiphidiopsis. Parakuzicus is removed as a subgenus and considered a distinct genus. A key to species of Kuzicus is provided.
The political governance of urban peripheries
Authors: Salet Willem , Savini Federico
Published: August 2015

The paper introduces the challenges of this theme issue with regards to the dilemmas of political governance in upcoming urban peripheries. While becoming more and more topical in processes of urban transition and ongoing rescaling, urban peripheries struggle with the gap between the potential of new centrality and the consolidated sociopolitical marginality. The authors highlight the dilemmas of transforming subjects in the urban periphery positioned in asymmetric contexts of political power (the central city, the state, and the market). Furthermore, they set the agenda for the investigation of politically constructing cross-border planning within metropolitan areas.
Simulação numérica de fluxo de águas subterrâneas do aquífero rio claro, porção nordeste do município de Rio Claro, SP
Authors: Nogueira Guilherme Emidio Horta , Kiang Chang Hung
Published: August 2015

No campus da UNESP em Rio Claro, SP, o abastecimento hídrico provém unicamente do aquífero local, constituído por sedimentos cenozoicos areno-siltosos da Formação Rio Claro. O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi a ampliação do entendimento do Aquífero Rio Claro, por meio da revisão do modelo conceitual e construção de modelo numérico de fluxo, utilizando o Método de Elementos Finitos como solução. Os resultados obtidos com as simulações em regime permanente e transiente mostram que a heterogeneidade litológica e hídrica da unidade aquífera resulta em baixo armazenamento específico médio; evidenciam também que as drenagens funcionam como zonas de descarga, e o território do câmpus e circunvizinhanças como área de recarga. A condutividade hidráulica varia entre 10-6 m/s e 10-4 m/s, e a razão recarga/precipitação foi estimada em 13%. Para uma hipotética duplicação na taxa de explotação dos poços, bem como para a supressão parcial ou total da recarga, notou-se grande alteração na sensibilidade do modelo e grande impacto no aquífero.
Seleucid Babylonian “Official” and “Private” Seals Reconsidered: A Seleucid Archival Tablet in the Collection of the Mackenzie Art Gallery, Regina
Authors: Wallenfels Ronald
Published: August 2015

It has been convenient for scholars categorizing Hellenistic Babylonian seal impressions found on clay tablets and on clay parchment-sealings to distinguish “private” seals, those owned and used by private individuals acting on their own behalf in personal matters, from “official” seals, those used by office bureaucrats and high-ranking officers of the state or temple in the execution of their respective institution’s affairs. It has been argued on the basis of the tablets’ written contents, with but a single exception that proves the rule, that the tablet seal impressions, known to the field since the mid-nineteenth century, are those of private individuals, specifically the local urban elite, pursuing their personal interests. With the later publication of the clay parchment-sealings, two new seal types were distinguished by their Greek inscriptions and iconography and labeled official: (1) the largely aniconic seals identifying one of several different local Seleucid tax offices; (2) the large oval or rectangular seals with well-modeled intaglios depicting heads/busts and anthropomorphic figures of Greek style all identifying thechreophýlax, the local royal records officer. In the first comprehensive study of the parchment-sealings, Rostovtzeff (1932), expanded the definition of Seleucid official seals to include other large non-epigraphic impressions also displaying portraiture and figures obviously similar to the epigraphic seals, as well as those displaying the Seleucid anchor, certain that these too were all seals of thechreophýlakes. It is argued herein, in part on the basis of the appearance of two such large anepigraphic portrait seals on the edge of a previously unedited Seleucid cuneiform archival tablet, that such seals are not those of royal officers but rather those of preeminent members of urban elite families and their agents; it is also argued that the anchor seal impressions are those of the kings themselves.
A Sketch of (an Actually Serious) Meinongian Presentism
Authors: Paolini Paoletti Michele
Published: August 2015

In this paper I shall “draw” a sketch of a version of Meinongian Presentism. After having briefly presented some data that presentists need to explain and three problems that typically affect presentism (the triviality objection, the problem of the reference of true propositions’ constituents that seem to involve merely past and merely future objects, the truthmaking problem), I shall clarify the bases of my theory. First, I shall reject the actualist presentist assumption, according to which there are no things that do not exist now. Secondly, I shall introduce some notions (e.g., the ones of tensed properties and of temporal existence) that will be useful in order to clarify the contrast between eternalist and non-eternalist metaphysical theories of time. Thirdly, I shall define Meinongian Presentism. Finally, I shall try to demonstrate that this version can deal with the aforementioned problems and with the presentist data in a serious and perspicuous way.
Lithium Dendrite Inhibition on Post-Charge Anode Surface: The Kinetics Role
Authors: Aryanfar Asghar , Cheng Tao , Merinov Boris V. , Goddard William A. , Colussi Agustin J , Hoffmann Michael R.
Published: August 2015

We report experiments and molecular dynamics calculations on the kinetics of electrodeposited lithium dendrites relaxation as a function of temperature and time. We found that the experimental average length of dendrite population decays via stretched exponential functions of time toward limiting values that depend inversely on temperature. The experimental activation energy derived from initial rates as Ea∼ 6-7 kcal/mole, which is closely matched by MD calculations, based on the ReaxFF force field for metallic lithium. Simulations reveal that relaxation proceeds in several steps via increasingly larger activation barriers. Incomplete relaxation at lower temperatures is therefore interpreted a manifestation of cooperative atomic motions into discrete topologies that frustrate monotonic progress by ‘caging’.
Effect of Biennial Wormwood (Artemisia biennis) Interference on Sunflower Yield and Seed Quality
Authors: Lewis Derek W. , Cavalieri Andrea , Gulden Robert H.
Published: August 2015

Biennial wormwood has been increasing in Manitoba, Canada, but information is limited on the potential of biennial wormwood to reduce crop yields. Field experiments were conducted over 5 site-yr throughout southern Manitoba in 2010 and 2011 to determine the effect of biennial wormwood density and relative time of biennial wormwood seedling recruitment on sunflower growth, development, yield, and seed quality. Biennial wormwood was broadcast on the soil surface at six densities into sunflowers planted in 75-cm rows, either at the same time the sunflower crop was planted (early weed seedling recruitment) or when the sunflowers were at about the four-leaf stage (late weed seedling recruitment). When biennial wormwood emerged at about the same time as the sunflowers, yield was reduced by up to 46%. Early-recruiting biennial wormwood had minimal effect on sunflower growth and development, but sunflower achene size and individual achene weight were reduced, even when no effect on sunflower yield was observed. Biennial wormwood plants that recruited after the four-leaf stage of the sunflower crop had no effect on sunflower yield or seed quality.
Differences in Glyphosate-Resistant Weed Management Practices over Time and Regions
Authors: Zhou Xia “Vivian” , Roberts Roland K. , Larson James A. , Lambert Dayton M. , English Burton C. , Mishra Ashok K. , Falconer Lawrence L. , Hogan Robert J. , Johnson Jason L. , Reeves Jeanne M.
Published: August 2015

The objective of this research was to describe proportional differences across time and region in management practices among southern cotton farmers who experienced glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds on their farms earlier than those who experienced them later and among farmers who were closest to one of four historical outbreak epicenters: Lauderdale County, TN; Macon County, GA; Edgecombe County, NC; and Terry County, TX. A mail survey was conducted with cotton farmers in 2012 from 13 southern, cotton-producing states. Survey responses on practices used by farmers were classified into three broad categories of labor, mechanical/tillage/chemical (MTC), and cultural. Proportions of respondents using practices from each category were identified by time and region; across which, proportional-difference tests were conducted. Results indicated respondents encountering GR weeds earlier were more likely than farmers who experienced them later to use the three broad-category practices (labor, 98 vs. 92%; MTC, 95 vs. 89%; and cultural, 86 vs. 76%) and specific practices, including hooded sprayers (76 vs. 58%), in-season herbicide change (83 vs. 60%), and field-border management (60 vs. 35%). Also, respondents closest to Lauderdale County were more likely than farmers closest to Edgecombe County to use broad-labor practices (99 vs. 91%) and specific practices, including hand hoeing (96 vs. 84%), hand spraying (49 vs. 31%), spot spraying (76 vs. 59%), wick applicator (13 vs. 11%), and field-border management (58 vs. 39%). Education programs on weed management can be developed and tailored according to the time and regional differences to provide effective information and communication channels to farmers.
Sociotechnical risk assessment for water distribution system contamination threats
Authors: Rasekh Amin , Shafiee M. Ehsan , Zechman Emily , Brumbelow Kelly
Published: August 2015

Water distribution systems (WDS) are vulnerable to contaminants, and systematic risk assessment can provide valuable information for assisting threat management. Contamination events are sociotechnical systems, in which the interactions among consumers and water infrastructure may generate unpredicted public health consequences. This research develops a sociotechnical risk assessment framework that simulates the dynamics of a contamination event by coupling an agent-based modeling (ABM) framework with Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), genetic algorithm (GA) optimization, and a multi-objective GA. The ABM framework couples WDS simulation with agents to represent consumers in a virtual city. MCS is applied to estimate the uncertainty in human exposure, based on probabilistic models of event attributes. A GA approach is used to identify critical contamination events by maximizing risk, and a multi-objective approach explores the trade-off between consequence and occurrence probabilities. Results that are obtained using the sociotechnical approach are compared with results obtained using a conventional engineering model. The sociotechnical approach removes assumptions that have been used in engineering analysis about the static, homogeneous, and stationary behaviors of consumers, and results demonstrate new insight about the impacts of these actions and interactions on the public health consequences of contamination events.
Analytical and experimental investigation of chlorine decay in water supply systems under unsteady hydraulic conditions
Authors: Aisopou Angeliki , Stoianov Ivan , Graham Nigel , Karney Bryan
Published: August 2015

This paper investigates the impact of the dynamic hydraulic conditions on the kinetics of chlorine decay in water supply systems. A simulation framework has been developed for the scale-adaptive hydraulic and chlorine decay modelling under steady- and unsteady-state flows. An unsteady decay coefficient is defined which depends upon the absolute value of shear stress and the rate of change of shear stress for quasi-unsteady and unsteady-state flows. By coupling novel instrumentation technologies for continuous hydraulic monitoring and water quality sensors for in-pipe water quality sensing a pioneering experimental and analytical investigation was carried out in a water transmission main. The results were used to model monochloramine decay and these demonstrate that the dynamic hydraulic conditions have a significant impact on water quality deterioration. The spatial and temporal resolution of experimental data provides new insights for the near real-time modelling and management of water quality as well as highlighting the uncertainty and challenges of accurately modelling the loss of disinfectant in water supply networks.
Right on Target, or Is it? The Role of Distributional Shape in Variance Targeting
Authors: Anatolyev Stanislav , Khrapov Stanislav
Published: August 2015

Estimation of GARCH models can be simplified by augmenting quasi-maximum likelihood (QML) estimation with variance targeting, which reduces the degree of parameterization and facilitates estimation. We compare the two approaches and investigate, via simulations, how non-normality features of the return distribution affect the quality of estimation of the volatility equation and corresponding value-at-risk predictions. We find that most GARCH coefficients and associated predictions are more precisely estimated when no variance targeting is employed. Bias properties are exacerbated for a heavier-tailed distribution of standardized returns, while the distributional asymmetry has little or moderate impact, these phenomena tending to be more pronounced under variance targeting. Some effects further intensify if one uses ML based on a leptokurtic distribution in place of normal QML. The sample size has also a more favorable effect on estimation precision when no variance targeting is used. Thus, if computational costs are not prohibitive, variance targeting should probably be avoided.
The Willingness-to-Pay for General Practitioners in Contractual Service and Influencing Factors among Empty Nesters in Chongqing, China
Authors: Chen Fei , Xu Xiang-Long , Yang Zhan , Tan Hua-Wei , Zhang Liang
Published: August 2015

Background: In 2012, a pilot health policy of contractual service relations between general practitioners and patients was implemented in China. Due to the decline in body and cognitive function, as well as the lack of family care and narrow social support networks, the demand of health services among the elderly is much higher than that among the general population. This study aims to probe into the empty nesters’ willingness-to-pay for general practitioners using a contractual service policy, investigating empty nesters’ payment levels for the service, and analyze the main factors affecting the willingness of empty-nesters’ general practitioners using contractual service supply cost. Methods: This cross-sectional study adopted a multistage stratified sampling method to survey 865, city empty nesters (six communities in three districts of one city) aged 60–85 years. A condition value method was used to infer the distribution of the willingness-to-pay; Cox’s proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of willingness-to-pay. Results: More than seventy percent (76.6%) of the empty nesters in this city were willing to pay general practitioners using contract service in Chongqing. The level of willingness-to-pay for the surveyed empty nesters was 34.1 yuan per year. The median value was 22.1 yuan per year, which was below the Chongqing urban and rural cooperative medical insurance individual funding level (60 yuan per year) in 2013. Cox’s proportional hazards regression model analysis showed that the higher the education level was, the worse the self-reported health status would be, accompanied by higher family per capita income, higher satisfaction of community health service, and higher willingness-to-pay empty nesters using a contract service. Women had a higher willingness-to-pay than men. Conclusions: The willingness-to-pay for general practitioners by contractual service is high among city empty nesters in Chongqing, thus, individual financing is feasible. However, people are willing to pay less than half of the current personal financing of cooperative medical insurance of urban and rural residents. Education level, family per capita income, and self-reported health status are the main factors affecting the cost sharing intention for general practitioners using contract service supply. According to the existing situation of different empty nesters, it is important to perfect the design of general practitioners using a contractual service policy system, according to differentiated personal financing levels.
Multi-Sensor Approach for the Monitoring of Halitosis Treatment via Lactobacillus brevis (CD2)—Containing Lozenges—A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Marchetti Enrico , Tecco Simona , Santonico Marco , Vernile Chiara , Ciciarelli Daniele , Tarantino Ester , Marzo Giuseppe , Pennazza Giorgio
Published: August 2015

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate whether a recently described multi-sensor approach called BIONOTE® is accurate enough to verify the efficacy of treatment of patients with halitosis. A treatment with Lactobacillus brevis (CD2)–containing lozenges, compared with placebo was tested. The BIONOTE® was compared with traditional techniques used to detect halitosis: OralChroma™ and two calibrated odor judges enrolled for the organoleptic assessments. Twenty patients (10 treated and 10 placebo), suffering from active phase halitosis were included in the study. Treatment consisted of Lactobacillus brevis (CD2)—containing lozenges or placebo, 4 tablets/day for 14 days. t0 was before the beginning of the study; t1 was day 7 and t2 was day 14. The effectiveness of treatment was assessed through: (1) Rosenberg score; (2) Winkel tongue coating index (WTCI) anterior and posterior; (2) OralChroma™; (3) the new developed multi-sensor approach, called BIONOTE® (test technique). Only the WTCI anterior revealed statistically significant changes between t0 and t2 data (p = 0.014) in the treated group. Except for the WTCI anterior, all diagnostic methods revealed the lack of effectiveness for halitosis of a 14-days treatment with Lactobacillus brevis (CD2)–containing lozenges. The BIONOTE® multisensor system seems accurate in addition to OralChroma™ to assess the initial condition of halitosis and its mitigation during treatment.
Religious Communication and Television Media: The Problematic Relationship
Authors: Rimienė Agnė , Liubinienė Vilmantė
Published: August 2015

The paper aims at analysing the problematic issue of religious communication via the television media. As the positions of media theorists and the church to the use of media in religious communication differ, the paper seeks to compare those two perceptual perspectives. Thus the first part of the paper discusses the nature, impact and communicational role of media, the second analyses television as media from a philosophical perspective and the third part focuses on the analysis of the church documents concerning the practices of existing “tele-evangelization”. The paper examines the insights of the key media theorists and philosophers – Marshall McLuhan, Vilém Flusser, Jean Baudrillard, Neil Postman. McLuhan said that the qualitative changes in human history are associated with the emergence of new communication tools, so it is important to gain the proper knowledge of them for every human being. Since we are inevitably linked to the digital environment in which we live, an essential condition to enable a conscious existence in this environment is reached thorough knowledge of the defective media nature. Church openness to media is a result of different approach to media reality rather than poor absorption of the media nature.
I. Kanto patyrimo teorijos metafizinė komunikacija: M. Heideggeris
Authors: Rimkus Edvardas
Published: August 2015

The article examines the reception of Kantian conception of experience in Martin Heidegger’s book Kant and the Problem of Metaphysics. The context of Immanuel Kant’s theory of experience forms the basis for collation of Kant’s and Heidegger’s philosophies. Epistemological and metaphysical components of Kantian conception of experience are extracted. Two main Kant’s theoretical distinctions are discussed: the difference between the sensual matter of experience and conceptual form of experience; and the difference between the thing-in-itself and appearance. The research is focused on Kantian understanding of experience or empirical cognition, which is a process of synthesis of sensuous data and concepts. Collation of Kant’s and Heidegger’s philosophies and evaluation of Heidegger’s interpretational position appeals to theoretical contexts of metaphysical nominalism and metaphysical realism. The basic conclusion states that Heidegger’s interpretation of Kant’s theory of experience is transfused by the premises of Heidegger’s fundamental Dasein ontology. These premises determine significant transformations of Kant’s philosophy and the omission of some aspects of Kant’s theory of experience.
An Hardware-in-the-Loop Tool for the Design of Complex Mechanical Systems Controllers
Authors: Beschi Manuel , Colombo Davide , Grande Paolo , Padula Fabrizio , Visioli Antonio
Published: August 2015

In this paper we propose an Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) system for industrial drives. The system allows the user to optimize the design of control strategies by emulating complex mechanical applications. In fact, with this approach it is possible to simulate the behavior of the real mechanical system, and therefore to verify a priori the effectiveness of a control strategy and to achieve a rapid prototyping of the mechatronic system. The structure of the system consists of a couple of brushless motor which are connected by a mechanical joint. In one drive the control functions related to a specific application are implemented while the other one is used to replicate the mechanical system model of the application. A modular approach has been selected in order to allow a rapid development of a given application. In particular, a library of components has been implemented both in Simulink and in an IEC61131-3 language.
Design and Experimental Validation of a Shape Memory Alloy Actuator for Linear Motors
Authors: Aggogeri Francesco , Pellegrini Nicola
Published: August 2015

This paper presents an innovative mechanical actuator using a shape memory alloy (SMA) with a cooling system based on combined thermoelectric effect and forced air cooling systems. The main advantages of using SMAs include the reduction of the system weight, the ease and reliability in application, and a simple control strategy. This study focuses on the development of the system highlighting the mathematical model of the actuator, and an experimental prototype was implemented. Several experiments are used to validate the model and to identify best SMA actuator configuration parameters. Experiments were used to evaluate the actuator closed-loop performance, stability, and robustness properties.
A Preliminary Study of the Radon and Thoron Concentration Distribution inside a Cellar Using Nuclear Track Detectors (NTDs)
Authors: Espinosa Guillermo , Golzarri Jose Ignacio , Chavarria Allan
Published: August 2015

In this paper we present the preliminary results of a study of the radon and thoron (222Rn and 220Rn) and their progeny, concentration distribution inside the cellar as recorded by a 200×200 cm mesh of CR-39 bare detectors. The mesh comprised one hundred and sixty two 1.9×0.9 cm CR-39 (Lantrack®) polycarbonate chips. The distribution of radon and thoron shows a complex pattern. Both sides of the mesh displayed a significant concentration gradient of radon and thoron levels, with a maximum near to the top and bottom of the detection grid, and minimum around the center. This spatially inhomogeneous distribution recorded by the detectors could be the result of the distance from the walls, gas kinematics, diffusion coefficient, room geometrical configuration, aerosol behaviors, and objects inside the room, among others. It suggests that the analysis of these complex distribution patterns may be applicable for the estimation and evaluation of indoor radon concentration levels, considering each particular location and characteristics of the place.
Radon Research in Poland: A Review
Authors: Przylibski Tadeusz A.
Published: August 2015

The article presents the most important results of radon research in Poland. Large-scale research, launched in this country in the early 1950s, was originally linked to using radon dissolved in groundwater in balneotherapy as well as to uranium ore exploration and mining. This early research focused on the area of the Sudetes and nowadays it is also south-western Poland where most radon research is being conducted. This is chiefly due to the geological structure of the Sudetes and the Fore-Sudetic block, which is propitious to radon accumulation in many environments. Radon research in Poland has been developing dynamically since the 1990s. A lot of research teams and centres have been formed, all of them using a variety of methods and advanced measurement equipment enabling research into radon occurrence in all geospheres and all spheres of human activity. The author presents the contribution of Polish science to broadening human knowledge of the geochemistry of radon, particularly of222Rn isotope. The article also presents the ranges and mean values of222Rn activity concentration measured in different environments in Poland including the atmospheric air, the air in buildings and underground hard-coal and copper mines, the cave air, the air in underground tourist sites and abandoned uranium mines, as well as soil air and groundwater.
Near–surface air temperature and snow skin temperature comparison from CREST-SAFE station data with MODIS land surface temperature data
Authors: Pérez Díaz C. L. , Lakhankar T. , Romanov P. , Muñoz J. , Khanbilvardi R. , Yu Y.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Land Surface Temperature (LST) is a key variable (commonly studied to understand the hydrological cycle) that helps drive the energy balance and water exchange between the Earth's surface and its atmosphere. One observable constituent of much importance in the land surface water balance model is snow. Snow cover plays a critical role in the regional to global scale hydrological cycle because rain-on-snow with warm air temperatures accelerates rapid snow-melt, which is responsible for the majority of the spring floods. Accurate information on near-surface air temperature (T-air) and snow skin temperature (T-skin) helps us comprehend the energy and water balances in the Earth's hydrological cycle. T-skin is critical in estimating latent and sensible heat fluxes over snow covered areas because incoming and outgoing radiation fluxes from the snow mass and the air temperature above make it different from the average snowpack temperature. This study investigates the correlation between MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST data and observed T-air and T-skin data from NOAA-CREST-Snow Analysis and Field Experiment (CREST-SAFE) for the winters of 2013 and 2014. LST satellite validation is imperative because high-latitude regions are significantly affected by climate warming and there is a need to aid existing meteorological station networks with the spatially continuous measurements provided by satellites. Results indicate that near-surface air temperature correlates better than snow skin temperature with MODIS LST data. Additional findings show that there is a negative trend demonstrating that the air minus snow skin temperature difference is inversely proportional to cloud cover. To a lesser extent, it will be examined whether the surface properties at the site are representative for the LST properties within the instrument field of view.
Is atmospheric phosphorus pollution altering global alpine Lake stoichiometry?
Authors: Brahney Janice , Mahowald Natalie , Ward Daniel S. , Ballantyne Ashley P. , Neff Jason C.
Published: August 2015

Anthropogenic activities have significantly altered atmospheric chemistry and changed the global mobility of key macronutrients. Here we show that contemporary global patterns in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) emissions drive large hemispheric variation in precipitation chemistry. These global patterns of nutrient emission and deposition (N:P) are in turn closely reflected in the water chemistry of naturally oligotrophic lakes (r2 = 0.81, p < 0.0001). Observed increases in anthropogenic N deposition play a role in nutrient concentrations (r2 = 0.20, p < 0.05); however, atmospheric deposition of P appears to be major contributor to this pattern (r2 = 0.65, p < 0.0001). Atmospheric simulations indicate a global increase in P deposition by 1.4 times the preindustrial rate largely due to increased dust and biomass burning emissions. Although changes in the mass flux of global P deposition are smaller than for N, the impacts on primary productivity may be greater because, on average, one unit of increased P deposition has 16 times the influence of one unit of N deposition. These stoichiometric considerations, combined with the evidence presented here, suggest that increases in P deposition may be a major driver of alpine Lake trophic status, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere. These results underscore the need for the broader scientific community to consider the impact of atmospheric phosphorus deposition on the water quality of naturally oligotrophic lakes.
Heterogeneous and asymmetric crustal accretion: New constraints from multibeam bathymetry and potential field data from the Rainbow area of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (36°15'N)
Authors: Paulatto Michele , Canales Juan Pablo , Dunn Robert A. , Sohn Robert A.
Published: August 2015

At slow‐spreading mid‐ocean ridges, crustal accretion style can vary significantly along and across ridge segments. In magma‐poor regions, seafloor spreading can be accommodated largely by tectonic processes, however, the internal structure and formation mechanism of such highly tectonized crust are not fully understood. We analyze multibeam bathymetry and potential field data from the Rainbow area of the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (35°40'N–36°40'N), a section of the ridge that shows diverse accretion styles. We identify volcanic, tectonized and sedimented terrain and measure exposed fault area to estimate the tectonic strain, T, and the fraction of magmatic accretion, M. Estimated T values range from 0.2–0.4 on ridge segments to 0.6‐0.8 at the Rainbow nontransform discontinuity (NTD). At segment ends T is asymmetric, reflecting asymmetries in accretion rate, topography and faulting between inside and outside offset corners. Detachment faults have formed preferentially at inside corners, where tectonic strain is higher. We identify at least two oceanic core complexes on the fossil trace of the NTD, in addition to the Rainbow massif, which occupies the offset today. A gravity high and low magnetization suggest that the Rainbow massif, which hosts a high‐temperature hydrothermal system, was uplifted by a west dipping detachment fault. Asymmetric plate ages indicate localization of tectonic strain at the inside corners and migration of the detachment toward and across the ridge axis, which may have caused emplacement of magma into the footwall. Hydrothermal circulation and heat extraction is possibly favored by increased permeability generated by fracturing of the footwall and deep‐penetrating second‐generation faults.
Tsunami waveform inversion for sea surface displacement following the 2011 Tohoku earthquake: Importance of dispersion and source kinematics
Authors: Hossen M. Jakir , Cummins Phil R. , Dettmer Jan , Baba Toshitaka
Published: August 2015

This paper considers the importance of model parameterization, including dispersion, source kinematics, and source discretization, in tsunami source inversion. We implement single and multiple time window methods for dispersive and nondispersive wave propagation to estimate source models for the tsunami generated by the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake. Our source model is described by sea surface displacement instead of fault slip, since sea surface displacement accounts for various tsunami generation mechanisms in addition to fault slip. The results show that tsunami source models can strongly depend on such model choices, particularly when high‐quality, open‐ocean tsunami waveform data are available. We carry out several synthetic inversion tests to validate the method and assess the impact of parameterization including dispersion and variable rupture velocity in data predictions on the inversion results. Although each of these effects has been considered separately in previous studies, we show that it is important to consider them together in order to obtain more meaningful inversion results. Our results suggest that the discretization of the source, the use of dispersive waves, and accounting for source kinematics are all important factors in tsunami source inversion of large events such as the Tohoku‐Oki earthquake, particularly when an extensive set of high‐quality tsunami waveform recordings are available. For the Tohoku event, a dispersive model with variable rupture velocity results in a profound improvement in waveform fits that justify the higher source complexity and provide a more realistic source model.
Reaction Phenotyping
Authors: Chen Yuan , Mao Jialin , Fretland Adrian J.
Published: August 2015

Reaction phenotyping is a process to identify enzymes responsible for the metabolism of a drug. It allows for the understanding of the role of metabolizing enzymes in drug elimination through quantifying the contribution of major enzymes to the total clearance of a drug. This is an important step in the prediction of pharmacokinetic and drug–drug interactions (DDI) of a new chemical entity (NCE). This chapter discusses the commonly used
in vitro
cytochrome P450 (P450) reaction phenotyping assays with highlights on key experimental conditions, main deliverables, and differentiation of each approach. The importance in the translation of
in vitro
reaction phenotyping data to
in vivo
is emphasized and highlighted through several published examples. Strategies in the application of CYP reaction phenotyping studies to support clinical pharmacokinetic and DDI assessment at different stages of drug discovery and development are also discussed and recommended.