bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Physicians’ Active Participation in Maintenance of Certification and Patients’ Perspective of Care Surveys
Authors: Morrell Jessica , Stratman Erik J
Published: June 2016

Objective:

Medical specialty boards have a Maintenance of Certification (MOC) paradigm whose intention is to ensure high-quality patient care. How the patient experience is affected by physician MOC enrollment/participation is unknown. Our goal was to determine if patient experience is associated with physician board certification and MOC status.

Methods:

We analyzed physician experience and MOC databases to determine the relationships among physicians’ patient experience national percentile rankings and board certification status and MOC enrollment and activity status.

Results:

Board-certified physicians enrolled in MOC did not have statistically significant different patient experience scores compared to board-certified physicians not enrolled in MOC. Mid-career physicians enrolled in MOC had patients more likely to recommend them and reported higher confidence in them. Patients did not perceive physicians participating in MOC patient safety modules as more cautious in providing patient care.

Conclusion:

Although most analyses did not demonstrate significant differences in patient experience scores for physicians actively participating in MOC compared to those not, some differences were noted. Higher provider-specific patient experience scores were noted, particularly for mid-career physicians.
Methylene blue treatment for residual symptoms of bipolar disorder: Randomised crossover study
Authors: Alda Martin , McKinnon Margaret , Blagdon Ryan , Garnham Julie , MacLellan Susan , O'Donovan Claire , Hajek Tomas , Nair Cynthia , Dursun Serdar , MacQueen Glenda
Published: June 2016

Background

Residual symptoms and cognitive impairment are among important sources of disability in patients with bipolar disorder. Methylene blue could improve such symptoms because of its potential neuroprotective effects.

Aims

We conducted a double-blind crossover study of a low dose (15 mg, ‘placebo’) and an active dose (195 mg) of methylene blue in patients with bipolar disorder treated with lamotrigine.

Method

Thirty-seven participants were enrolled in a 6-month trial (trial registration: NCT00214877). The outcome measures included severity of depression, mania and anxiety, and cognitive functioning.

Results

The active dose of methylene blue significantly improved symptoms of depression both on the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (P = 0.02 and 0.05 in last-observation-carried-forward analysis). It also reduced the symptoms of anxiety measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (P = 0.02). The symptoms of mania remained low and stable throughout the study. The effects of methylene blue on cognitive symptoms were not significant. The medication was well tolerated with transient and mild side-effects.

Conclusions

Methylene blue used as an adjunctive medication improved residual symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with bipolar disorder.
Building Height Limits for Steel Intermediate Moment Frames
Authors: Han Sang Whan , Park Yu Jin , Ha Sung Jin
Published: June 2016

Steel intermediate moment frames (IMF) have been widely used as a seismic force resisting system in regions of low and moderate seismicity. In this study, the seismic collapse performance of the steel IMFs designed according to current seismic code was evaluated. For this purpose, 25 steel IMFs were designed according to seismic design codes (ASCE 7-10, AISC 341-10, and AISC 360-10), and the probability of collapse for these frames was estimated. The probability of collapse of steel IMFs became larger with an increase in the height of the frames. Based on the results, this study investigated the validity of height limits for steel IMFs specified in ASCE 7-10 and proposed limits to guarantee satisfactory seismic collapse performance.
Assessment of the 2011 Virginia Earthquake Damage and Seismic Fragility Analysis of the Washington Monument
Authors: Shahidi S. Golnaz , Pakzad Shamim N. , Ricles James M. , Martin James R.
Published: June 2016

This paper is concerned with prediction of the probability of occurrence associated with various potential states of damage to the Washington Monument during future seismic events. A finite element model (FEM) of the Monument is developed and updated based on the dynamic characteristics of the structure identified through ambient vibration measurements. The calibrated model is used to study the behavior of the Monument during the 2011 Virginia earthquake. The FEM is modified to have nonlinear material properties to investigate the initiation and propagation of cracking, as well as any compressive crushing in the Monument's shaft during a future earthquake. The nonlinear FEM is subjected to two ensembles of site-compatible ground motions representing different seismic hazard levels for the Washington Monument, and the response used to investigate the probability of occurrence of several structural and nonstructural damage states.
Tapping the Wire: A Telegraphic Discourse
Authors: Schöberlein Stefan
Published: June 2016

Focusing on mid- to late nineteenth century texts about the telegraph, this essay traces a US literary discourse around this groundbreaking technological innovation that sees writers move from a sense of euphoria over seemingly having overcome the confines of time, space, and embodiedness to the gothic gloom of war and surveillance, finding its end in a subgenre of regressive telegraphic romances. Discussing short journal pieces from periodicals such as the Atlantic Monthly and Harper’s as well as more canonical texts (from Walt Whitman to Emily Dickinson), “Tapping the Wire” analyses this cultural evolution in light of poststructuralist media-theoretical paradigms to come to a closer understanding of the epistemological issues these fictions brought to bear on telegraphy as the first truly digital means of communication—and arguably the founding technology of our current technosocial landscape(s).
Selective Intermolecular [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of Terminal Alkynes and Alkenes by NbCl5 as a Catalyst Precursor
Authors: Kamei Motofumi , Watanabe Keisuke , Fuji Maito , Obora Yasushi
Published: June 2016

NbCl5 serves as an efficient catalyst for the intermolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition of alkynes and alkenes to afford 1,3-cyclohexadienes. A convenient system has been developed using excess alkene, which enables the reaction to proceed without using low-valent niobium reagents or any reductants. This catalytic system affords 1,3-cyclohexadiene with high chemo- and regioselectivity, in contrast to a previously reported system involving NbCl3(DME) as a low-valent niobium catalyst.
The academic, economic and societal impacts of Open Access: an evidence-based review
Authors: Tennant Jonathan P. , Waldner François , Jacques Damien C. , Masuzzo Paola , Collister Lauren B. , Hartgerink Chris. H. J.
Published: June 2016

Ongoing debates surrounding Open Access to the scholarly literature are multifaceted and complicated by disparate and often polarised viewpoints from engaged stakeholders. At the current stage, Open Access has become such a global issue that it is critical for all involved in scholarly publishing, including policymakers, publishers, research funders, governments, learned societies, librarians, and academic communities, to be well-informed on the history, benefits, and pitfalls of Open Access. In spite of this, there is a general lack of consensus regarding the potential pros and cons of Open Access at multiple levels. This review aims to be a resource for current knowledge on the impacts of Open Access by synthesizing important research in three major areas: academic, economic and societal. While there is clearly much scope for additional research, several key trends are identified, including a broad citation advantage for researchers who publish openly, as well as additional benefits to the non-academic dissemination of their work. The economic impact of Open Access is less well-understood, although it is clear that access to the research literature is key for innovative enterprises, and a range of governmental and non-governmental services. Furthermore, Open Access has the potential to save both publishers and research funders considerable amounts of financial resources, and can provide some economic benefits to traditionally subscription-based journals. The societal impact of Open Access is strong, in particular for advancing citizen science initiatives, and leveling the playing field for researchers in developing countries. Open Access supersedes all potential alternative modes of access to the scholarly literature through enabling unrestricted re-use, and long-term stability independent of financial constraints of traditional publishers that impede knowledge sharing. However, Open Access has the potential to become unsustainable for research communities if high-cost options are allowed to continue to prevail in a widely unregulated scholarly publishing market. Open Access remains only one of the multiple challenges that the scholarly publishing system is currently facing. Yet, it provides one foundation for increasing engagement with researchers regarding ethical standards of publishing and the broader implications of 'Open Research'.
Digital methodology to implement the ECOUTER engagement process
Authors: Wilson Rebecca C. , Butters Oliver W. , Clark Tom , Minion Joel , Turner Andrew , Murtagh Madeleine J.
Published: June 2016

ECOUTER (Employing COnceptUal schema for policy and Translation Engagement in Research) – French for ‘to listen’ – is a new stakeholder engagement method incorporating existing evidence to help participants draw upon their own knowledge of cognate issues and interact on a topic of shared concern. The results of an ECOUTER can form the basis of recommendations for research, governance, practice and/or policy.

This paper describes the development of a digital methodology for the ECOUTER engagement process based on currently available mind mapping freeware software. The implementation of an ECOUTER process tailored to applications within health studies are outlined for both online and face-to-face scenarios. Limitations of the present digital methodology are discussed, highlighting the requirement of a purpose built software for ECOUTER research purposes.
Communication in the Network Information Society: New Realities
Authors: Рябова  , Ryabova M.
Published: June 2016

The problem of the new ontology of the communication in the information

society is actualized. Communicational discourse of the modern reality

got the semantic network character that penetrates all human life spheres

and gives some program to the human activity. The formation of the phenomenon

of realities’ communication (virtual and objective) is educed. The

new type reality forms some new type of thinking namely network thinking.

Network culture by no means replace culture of objective reality but only

doubles it, completes, gives the person new liberty. Dual character of communication

enlarges peculiarity that appears together with the legitimization

of the interest to the individual. This circumstance points out that dialectical

idea of the synergies between opposites doesn’t disappear from the

today generalizing thought but it has been reconstructing according to new

conditions. The main modern trend is striving for individual prominence, to

be spotted, to confirm one’s identity. The conclusion is made about the

necessity to develop modern methodology of communication reality’s research,

because it is impossible to comprehend new reality using traditional

methods.
Oxymoronim as a Semantic Unity of Contrasts
Authors: Коробкина  , Korobkina N.
Published: June 2016

An oxymoronimis is considered as a reflection of linguistic duality and a

result of conceptual integration. An oxymoronimas as a result of a modern

word creation and an oxymoron as a well-known stylistic device are

compared structurally and semantically. The key semantic sign of an oxymoronim

(a unity of contrasts) is singled out. In addition to that a possible

definition of this notion is stated.On the one hand a cognitive dissonance

of an oxymoron is underlined, on the other hand an attention is paid on the

instability, diffusion and emergence of an oxymoronim’s semantics. It is obviously

possible to interpret a lexical meaning of an oxymoronim by means

of the following: extralinguistic and linguistic contexts of its appearance and

functioning and this nomination’ssynonymic paroemias. Uniqueness of an

occasional oxymoronimis is noted for the Russian lingvoculture in view of

quantitative leveling of these linguistic novelties in the communicative space

of the modern English language.
Visual Communication in the Social Cultural Context of Reality
Authors: Бхат  , Bkhat S.
Published: June 2016

This article presents visual communication, its types and tools as a dynamic

creative process with cognitive base. Modern society of consumption tends

to engender positive emotional response, create a mood, thus it needs to

be emotional message through visual communication by images, movies,

comics. Identified various forms of representation visual information and its

fragmentation, which means «clip thinking» which leads to both positive

aspects, such as the ability to work in multitasking mode and negative in

an inability to perceive the long linear sequence — one stylish and uniform

the information that is Sequence, one after another of his thoughts and

actions. The conclusion that the socio-cultural reality supplemented with a

new aspect — visual culture, exerts a decisive influence on the formation

of personality.
Speech Playing Heading of Modern Printed Mass-Media as a Form of Communication
Authors: Тортунова  , Tortunova I.
Published: June 2016

Research is sanctified to the analysis of the modern heading of materials of

printed mass-media as form of communication. Description of basic forms

of speech game is in-process given, correlation of heading is analysed with

maintenance of material and format of newspaper and magazine. An author

examines heading, from one side, as independent texts due to that modern

mediacommunication comes true. On the other hand, indissoluble connection

of maintenance of the article and his title is illuminated. Long-term experience

of author is in-process systematized in research of heading of the

news materials and reasons, presented in the press of entertaining character.

An author offers the classification of forms of speech game, based on

the philological analysis of modern media-texts.
Scrubbing up: my first experience as a student nurse in the operating theatre
Authors: Gracia Michelle
Published: June 2016

Michelle Gracia, Nursing student at St Bernard's Hospital, Gibraltar, recalls her ‘sheer panic’ in the operating theatre when asked to assist the surgeon by passing the instruments. OK, she told herself, I can do this…
Is the sexual health of children and young people adequately protected?
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: June 2016

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses the crisis in children's and young people's sexual health and how Public Health England aims to improve management and treatment
Problems related to severe acne
Authors: Watkins Jean
Published: June 2016

It is important to offer early treatment and referral in order to avoid permanent scarring, says Jean Watkins
Managing fasting patients with diabetes during Ramadan
Authors: Morris David
Published: June 2016

Muslim patients with diabetes may still want to fast. Here's how to support them, writes David Morris
The Concurrent Validity of Two Relational Selfhood Models: A Pilot Study
Authors: L’Abate Luciano , Fornaciari Teresa Fiora , Giacomo Andrea De , Craig Francesco
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concurrent validity of two instruments: the Self-Other Profile Chart (SOPC) derived from one model of Relational Competence Theory (RCT) and the How You View Your Self (HYVYS) derived from the Elementary Pragmatic Model (EPM). These two instruments were administered together with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Inventory (BPRI) to two samples of women and men with and without psychiatric diagnoses. Scores in both instruments demonstrated statistically significant test-retest reliabilities and correlated highly with scores on the BPRI. These results tend to support the concurrent validity of both instruments and add more evidence to the theoretical significance of the models they represent.
Soil invertebrate diversity in coffee-pine agroforestry system at Sumedang, West Java
Authors: KINASIH IDA , CAHYANTO TRI , WIDIANA ANA , KURNIA DESTI NURBAH INDAH , JULITA UCU , PUTRA RAMADHANI EKA
Published: June 2016

Kinasih I, Cahyanto T, Widiana A, Kurnia DNI, Julita C, Putra RE. 2016. Soil invertebrate diversity in coffee-pine agroforestry system at Sumedang, West Java. Biodiversitas 17: 473-478. In order to maintain natural habitat while provide economic benefit for community near forest, some agroforestry systems were developed. This system depends on service provided by ecosystem such as nutrient cycling by soil invertebrates. One of important factors of healthy ecosystem services at particular agroecosystem is local biodiversity of the area. In this study we carried out biodiversity survey of soil invertebrates at local coffee - pine agroforestry system at Rancakalong Sub-district, Sumedang District, West Java, Indonesia. Soil invertebrates were collected from coffee plantation, coffee and pine (Pinus merkusii) plantation and pine plantation by 40 pitfall trap per location. Results showed the highest abundance was recorded at coffee plantation (2477 individuals) and the lowest was at pine plantation (1372 individuals). All collected soil invertebrates grouped into 3 classes (Arachnida, Chilopoda and Insecta), 16 orders, 47 families, and 124 morphospecies. Soil invertebrates were dominated by Formicidae, Scarabaeidae, Blattidae, Forficulidae, and Phalangiidae. The average diversity index of soil invertebrates was 2.25 (coffee plantation), 2.64 (coffee and pine plantation) and 1.85 (pine plantation). The evenness value was 0.30 (coffee plantation), 0.49 (coffee and pine plantation) and 0.39 (pine plantation). This study showed agroforestry may improve soil invertebrate abundance and diversity of monoculture pine forest through creation of additional and alternative nutrition and microhabitats.
Pharmacokinetic comparisons of S-oxiracetam and R-oxiracetam in beagle dogs
Authors: Wang Wusan , Ji Hui , Li Tingting , Jia Yuanwei , Xie Haitang
Published: June 2016

A pharmacokinetic comparison and conformational stability study of S-oxiracetam (S-ORT) and R-oxiracetam (R-ORT) in beagle dogs was used to investigate the possible mechanism of different effects of two oxiracetam enantiomers through a random crossover design. After drug administration to beagle dogs, blood samples were collected at different time points for pharmacokinetic analysis using the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method. Parts of plasma samples were used for conformation transformation studies using a normal phase high performance liquid chromatographic (NP HPLC) method. The study showed that oxiracetam enantiomers maintained their original conformation when administered orally to beagle dogs. Concentrations of S-ORT were significantly higher than R-ORT 1.5 and 2 h after administration; the AUC
0-∞ of S-ORT after oral administration tended to be higher than that of R-ORT, which showed that the different effects between S-ORT and R-ORT may be partly associated with their distinctive absorption at least.
Novel quinolines carrying pyridine, thienopyridine, isoquinoline, thiazolidine, thiazole and thiophene moieties as potential anticancer agents
Authors: Ghorab Mostafa M. , Alsaid Mansour S. , Al-Dosari Mohammed S. , Ragab Fatma A. , Al-Mishari Abdullah A. , Almoqbil Abdulaziz N.
Published: June 2016

As a part of ongoing studies in developing new anticancer agents, novel 1,2-dihydropyridine 4, thienopyridine 5, isoquinolines 6–20, acrylamide 21, thiazolidine 22, thiazoles 23–29 and thiophenes 33–35 bearing a biologically active quinoline nucleus were synthesized. The structure of newly synthesized compounds was confirmed on the basis of elemental analyses and spectral data. All the newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against the breast cancer cell line MCF7. 2,3-Dihydrothiazole-5-carboxamides 27, 25, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (34), 1,2-dihydroisoquinoline-7-carbonitrile (7), 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (35), 1,2-dihydroisoquinoline-7-carbonitrile (6),
2
-cyano-3-(dimethylamino)-N-(quinolin-3-yl)acrylamide (21), 1,2-dihydroisoquinoline-7-carbonitriles (11) and (8) exhibited higher activity (IC
50 values of 27–45 μmol L–1) compared to doxorubicin (IC
50 47.9 μmol L–1). LQ quinolin-3-yl)-1,2-dihydroisoquinoline-7-carbonitrile (12), 2-thioxo-2,3-dihydrothiazole-5-carboxamide (28) and quinolin-3-yl)-1,2-dihydroisoquinoline-7-carbonitrile (15) show activity comparable to doxorubicin, while (quinolin-3-yl)-1,2-dihydroisoquinoline-7-carbonitrile (9), 2,3-dihydrothiazole-5-carboxamide (24), thieno [3,4-c] pyridine-4(5H)-one (5), cyclopenta[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (33) and (quinolin-3-yl)-6-stryl-1,2-dihydroisoquinoline-7-carbonitrile (10) exhibited moderate activity, lower than doxorubicin.
Evaluation of the topical spray containing Centella asiatica extract and its efficacy on excision wounds in rats
Authors: Sawatdee Somchai , Choochuay Kanuengnit , Chanthorn Wirot , Srichana Teerapol
Published: June 2016

Centella asiatica was extracted by methanol. The assay content of triterpenes in the extract was 0.12 % asiatic acid, 0.54 % madecassic acid, 0.25 % asiaticoside and 1.02 % madecassoside. The extract was complexed with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) and formulated with Eudragit E100, glycerol, PEG 400, copovidone, ethanol and purified water. A clear yellowish solution (F1-F8) was obtained. The formulations had a pH of 5.5–6.0 with viscosity in the range of 20–60 mPa s, surface tension 20.3–24.6 mN m–1 and contact angle less than 20°. The amount of PEG 400 and copovidone affected the film and spreadability. The content of triterpenes in the spray formulation was close to 100 % compared to triterpenes in the extract. The skin irritation study indicated that the formulation was non-irritating in a rat model. An in vivo excision wound healing model showed that wound excision was completely healed after 14 days.
Fixed Point Results Satisfying Rational Type Contractive Conditions in Complex Valued Metric Spaces
Authors: Kumam Poom , Sarwar Muhammad , Zada Mian Bahadur
Published: June 2016

The aim of this manuscript is to establish fixed point results satisfying contractive conditions of rational type in the setting of complex valued metric spaces. The derived results generalize and extend some well known results in the existing literature.
Engineering Pedagogy Students Attitudes on Teaching Quality
Authors: Dobrovská Dana , Andres Pavel
Published: June 2016

The aim of the current survey was to make the outcomes of an analysis of mature-age student essays available in a convenient form to those who might be interested – engineering teachers and faculty management. Results of this survey are compared with a similar one conducted 8 years ago. Students presumed high expertise of their teachers, but also underlined importance of the real-world engineering examples.
Development of Key Competencies in Integrated Teaching Workplaces
Authors: Kučerka Daniel
Published: June 2016

This article deals with the determination and definition of competencies of pupils and their development in an integrated didactic work place. The article focuses on the practical teaching in the turning workshop at secondary school. The development of competencies is based on the learning objectives for the subject “Technology of Turning” in the practical teaching. The general learning objectives are further specified in sub-objectives, in which the various competencies the student should acquire and develop are defined.
Diastatic entropy and rigidity of complex
hyperbolic manifolds
Authors: Mossa Roberto
Published: June 2016

Let f : Y → X be a continuous map between a compact real analytic Kähler manifold (Y, g) and a
compact complex hyperbolic manifold (X, g0). In this paper we give a lower bound of the diastatic entropy
of (Y, g) in terms of the diastatic entropy of (X, g0) and the degree of f . When the lower bound is attained
we get geometric rigidity theorems for the diastatic entropy analogous to the ones obtained by G. Besson, G.
Courtois and S. Gallot [2] for the volume entropy. As a corollary,when X = Y,we get that the minimal diastatic
entropy is achieved if and only if g is isometric to the hyperbolic metric g0.
Assessing of landscape potential for water management regarding its surface water (using the example of the micro-region Minčol)
Authors: Kunáková Lucia
Published: June 2016

The presence of water is one of the decisive factors of landscape’s natural potential. Water affects landscape’s predisposition for agricultural production, water supply available to the wide population and industry (the most important is the yield of water resources). Ponds, lakes and other water areas are zones of recreation and relaxation. Near sources mineral water, several world-famous spas were build. Waterways are also used to generate electricity. Geothermal underground water represents a very significant landscape potential. Determining hydrological potential of the area is important for the regional development. This paper assesses the landscape potential for water management regarding its surface waters in the micro-region Minčol. The micro-region was divided by a square grid, and for each square, we determined the appropriateness of this potential based on score points. The determining evaluation criteria were static reserves of surface water, waterway ranking and annual average discharge. First, we determined the significance (value) of individual criteria (classification characteristics), and then we calculated the values of individual classifiers, which were then multiplied by the value of the individual classifier intervals. The summary of points in each square belongs to a particular degree of suitability for water management based on surface waters. The potential was divided into five degrees (intervals): very unfavourable potential, unfavourable potential, moderately favourable potential, favourable potential and very favourable potential.
Epigenetic regulation of KLK7 gene expression in pancreatic and cervical cancer cells
Authors: Raju Ilangovan , Kaushal Gur P. , Haun Randy S.
Published: June 2016

Kallikrein-related peptidase 7 (KLK7) is a serine protease encoded within the kallikrein gene cluster located on human chromosome region 19q13.3-13.4. KLK7 is overexpressed in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs), but not in normal pancreas. Examination of KLK7 mRNA levels in pancreatic cancer cell lines revealed that it is readily detected in MIA PaCa-2 and PK-1 cells, but not in Panc-1 cells. Treatment of Panc-1 cells with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) significantly induced KLK7 mRNA expression. Similarly, KLK7 is highly expressed in cervical cancer cells, but its expression in the human cervical cancer cell line HeLa is only detected following TSA treatment. Promoter deletion analysis revealed that the proximal -238 promoter region, containing a putative Sp1-binding site, was sufficient for TSA activation of luciferase reporter activity, which was abrogated by the disruption of the Sp1-binding sequence. Consistent with the notion that TSA induced KLK7 expression via Sp1, co-expression of Sp1 with the KLK7-promoter/luciferase construct produced a significant increase in reporter activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis revealed enriched Sp1 occupancy on the KLK7 promoter following TSA treatment. Similarly, ChIP analysis showed the histone active mark, H3K4Me3, in the KLK7 promoter region was significantly increased after exposure to TSA.
Effect of slip condition on vertical channel flow in the presence of radiation
Authors: Guria M.
Published: June 2016

An analysis is made on the three dimensional flow of a viscous incompressible fluid through a vertical channel in the presence of radiation in slip flow regime. The right plate is subjected to an uniform injection and the left plate to a periodic suction velocity distribution. The velocity and temperature fields have been derived using the perturbation technique. It is found that the velocity decreases with the increase of the slip parameter. It is also found that the velocity decreases with the increase of the radiation parameter but near the right plate it increases. For cooling of the plate, the velocity increases with the increase of the Grashoff number and decreases near the right plate but the reverse effect is observed for heating the plate.
Three dimensional flow and mass transfer analysis of a second grade fluid in a porous channel with a lower stretching wall
Authors: Khan N.A. , Naz F.
Published: June 2016

This investigation analyses a three dimensional flow and mass transfer of a second grade fluid over a porous stretching wall in the presence of suction or injection. The equations governing the flow are attained in terms of partial differential equations. A similarity transformation has been utilized for the transformation of partial differential equations into the ordinary differential equations. The solutions of the nonlinear systems are given by the homotopy analysis method (HAM). A comparative study with the previous results of a viscous fluid has been made. The convergence of the series solution has also been considered explicitly. The influence of admissible parameters on the flows is delineated through graphs and appropriate results are presented. In addition, it is found that instantaneous suction and injection reduce viscous drag on the stretching sheet. It is also shown that suction or injection of a fluid through the surface is an example of mass transfer and it can change the flow field.
Thermal analysis of a fully wet porous radial fin with natural convection and radiation using the spectral collocation method
Authors: Khani F. , Darvishi M.T. , Gorla R.S..R. , Gireesha B.J.
Published: June 2016

Heat transfer with natural convection and radiation effect on a fully wet porous radial fin is considered. The radial velocity of the buoyancy driven flow at any radial location is obtained by applying Darcy’s law. The obtained non-dimensionalized ordinary differential equation involving three highly nonlinear terms is solved numerically with the spectral collocation method. In this approach, the dimensionless temperature is approximated by Chebyshev polynomials and discretized by Chebyshev-Gausse-Lobatto collocation points. A particular algorithm is used to reduce the nonlinearity of the conservation of energy equation. The present analysis characterizes the effect of ambient temperature in different ways and it provides a better picture regarding the effect of ambient temperature on the thermal performance of the fin. The profiles for temperature distributions and dimensionless base heat flow are obtained for different parameters which influence the heat transfer rate.
Three-dimensional MHD boundary layer flow due to an axisymmetric shrinking sheet with radiation, viscous dissipation and heat source/sink
Authors: Madhu M. , Balaswamy B. , Kishan N.
Published: June 2016

An analysis is made to study a three dimensional MHD boundary layer flow and heat transfer due to a porous axisymmetric shrinking sheet. The governing partial differential equations of momentum and energy are transformed into self similar non-linear ordinary differential equations by using the suitable similarity transformations. These equations are, then solved by using the variational finite element method. The flow phenomena is characterised by the magnetic parameter M, suction parameter S, porosity parameter Kp, heat source/sink parameter Q, Prandtl number Pr, Eckert number Ec and radiation parameter Rd. The numerical results of the velocity and temperature profiles are obtained and displayed graphically.
Probabilistic buckling analysis of the beam steel structures subjected to fire by the stochastic finite element method
Authors: Świta P. , Kamiński M.
Published: June 2016

The main purpose is to present the stochastic perturbation-based Finite Element Method analysis of the stability in the issues related to the influence of high temperature resulting from a fire directly connected with the reliability analysis of such structures. The thin-walled beam structures with constant cross-sectional thickness are uploaded with typical constant loads, variable loads and, additionally, a temperature increase and we look for the first critical value equivalent to the global stability loss. Such an analysis is carried out in the probabilistic context to determine as precisely as possible the safety margins according to the civil engineering Eurocode statements. To achieve this goal we employ the additional design-oriented Finite Element Method program and computer algebra system to get the analytical polynomial functions relating the critical pressure (or force) and several random design parameters; all the models are state-dependent as we consider an additional reduction of the strength parameters due to the temperature increase. The first four probabilistic moments of the critical forces are computed assuming that the input random parameters have all Gaussian probability functions truncated to the positive values only. Finally, the reliability index is calculated according to the First Order Reliability Method (FORM) by an application of the limit function as a difference in-between critical pressure and maximum compression stress determined in the given structures to verify their durability according to the demands of EU engineering designing codes related to the fire situation.
Industrial noise level study in a wheat processing factory in ilorin, nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim I. , Ajao K.R. , Aremu S.A.
Published: June 2016

An industrial process such as wheat processing generates significant noise which can cause adverse effects on workers and the general public. This study assessed the noise level at a wheat processing mill in Ilorin, Nigeria. A portable digital sound level meter HD600 manufactured by Extech Inc., USA was used to determine the noise level around various machines, sections and offices in the factory at pre-determined distances. Subjective assessment was also mode using a World Health Organization (WHO) standard questionnaire to obtain information regarding noise ratings, effect of noise on personnel and noise preventive measures. The result of the study shows that the highest noise of 99.4 dBA was recorded at a pressure blower when compared to other machines. WHO Class-4 hearing protector is recommended for workers on the shop floor and room acoustics should be upgraded to absorb some sounds transmitted to offices.
Beispiele für Zusammenarbeit und Geschäftsbeziehungen Zwischen… Energieunternehmen aus Österreich und Deutschland in den Jahren 2008–2013
Authors: Paszyn Maciej
Published: June 2016

Dieser Artikel stellt die Wechselwirkungsenergie-Unternehmen aus Deutschland und Österreich in der Zeit der Finanzkrise dar. Dazu gehören Unternehmen wie die Verbund AG, EVN und ÖMV. Österreichische Energieunternehmen in Deutschland sind wichtige Akteure auf dem lokalen Energiemarkt. Dank entsprechender Technologie- und Business-Erfahrung können diese Unternehmen mit den deutschen Riesen, wie z.B. mit E.ON kooperieren. Als Beispiel kann der Bau von Wasserkraftanlagen in Bayern fungieren. Im Gegenzug geht der Ölkonzern ÖMV die Partnerschaft mit RWE im Bau von Gasleitungen ein. Zunächst wird die Nabucco-Gas-Pipeline gebaut, derzeit die South-Stream-Pipeline.
Simulative Analysis of an Inter-aircraft Optical Wireless Communication System Using Amplifier
Authors: Singh Mehtab
Published: June 2016

In this paper, the simulative analysis of an inter-aircraft optical wireless communication (IaOWC) system has been presented using different system parameters and the performance of the system has been enhanced by the application of EDFA amplifier at the receiver end. A link range of 110 km at 2.5 Gbps has been achieved with same BER performance resulting in the performance enhancement of 47 % when compared to previous detection mechanism.
Evaluation of FSO Link Using Array of Photodetectors
Authors: Singh Mehtab
Published: June 2016

In recent years, free-space optics (FSO) communication links have gained importance due to the availability of high data transmission rates and channel bandwidth. Although FSO links have many advantages, it also suffers from many limitations, which degrade the performance of the communication link. In this paper, the performance of an FSO link has been evaluated under fog weather condition as it severely degrades the quality of the received signal. One of the most important techniques to improve the quality of received signal in an FSO link is by using an array of photodetectors at the receiver end. In this paper, the performance evaluation of an FSO link has been performed using an array of photodetectors at the receiver end using OPTISYSTEM simulation software. The performance has been analyzed by evaluating
Numerical Analysis of the Performance of Millimeter-Wave RoF-Based Cellular Backhaul Links
Authors: Pham Thu A. , Pham Hien T. T. , Le Hai-Chau , Dang Ngoc T.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we study the performance of a next-generation cellular backhaul network that is based on a hybrid architecture using radio-over-fiber (RoF) and millimeter-wave (MMW) techniques. We develop a mathematic model and comprehensively analyze the performance of a MMW/RoF-based backhaul downlink under the impacts of various physical layer impairments originated from both optical fiber and wireless links. More specifically, the effects of nonlinear distortion, chromatic dispersion, fading, and many types of noises including shot noise, thermal noise, amplifier noise, and relative intensity noise are investigated. The numerical results show that the nonlinear distortion, fiber dispersion, and wireless fading are key factors that limit the system performance. Setting the modulation index properly helps minimize the effect of nonlinear distortion while implementing dispersion shifted optical fibers could be used to reduce the impact of dispersion and as a result, they can improve the bit-error rate. Moreover, it is also verified that, to mitigate the effect of multipath fading, remote radio heads should be located as near the remote antenna units as possible.
On a Modular Approach to the Design of Integrated Social Surveys
Authors: Ioannidis Evangelos , Merkouris Takis , Zhang Li-Chun , Karlberg Martin , Petrakos Michalis , Reis Fernando , Stavropoulos Photis
Published: June 2016

This article considers a modular approach to the design of integrated social surveys. The approach consists of grouping variables into ‘modules’, each of which is then allocated to one or more ‘instruments’. Each instrument is then administered to a random sample of population units, and each sample unit responds to all modules of the instrument. This approach offers a way of designing a system of integrated social surveys that balances the need to limit the cost and the need to obtain sufficient information. The allocation of the modules to instruments draws on the methodology of split questionnaire designs. The composition of the instruments, that is, how the modules are allocated to instruments, and the corresponding sample sizes are obtained as a solution to an optimisation problem. This optimisation involves minimisation of respondent burden and data collection cost, while respecting certain design constraints usually encountered in practice. These constraints may include, for example, the level of precision required and dependencies between the variables. We propose using a random search algorithm to find approximate optimal solutions to this problem. The algorithm is proved to fulfil conditions that ensure convergence to the global optimum and can also produce an efficient design for a split questionnaire.
The Impact of Question Format, Context, and Content on Survey Answers in Early and Late Adolescence
Authors: Diersch Nadine , Walther Eva
Published: June 2016

Self-reports in surveys are often influenced by the presented question format and question context. Much less is known about how these effects influence the answers of younger survey respondents. The present study investigated how variations in response format, answer scale frequency, and question order influence self-reports of two age groups: younger (11–13 years old) and older (16–18 years old) adolescents. In addition, the impact of the respondents’ level of familiarity with the question content was taken into account. Results indicated that younger adolescents are more strongly influenced by the presented question format and context than older adolescents. This, however, was dependent on the particular question content, implying that response effects are more pronounced when questions deal with issues that lie outside of the respondents’ field of experience. Implications of these findings in survey research with younger respondents are discussed.
Misspecification Effects in the Analysis of Panel Data
Authors: Vieira Marcel de Toledo , Smith Peter W.F. , Salgueiro Maria de Fátima
Published: June 2016

Misspecification effects (meffs) measure the effect on the sampling variance of an estimator of incorrect specification of both the sampling scheme and the model considered. We assess the effect of various features of complex sampling schemes on the inferences drawn from models for panel data using meffs. Many longitudinal social survey designs employ multistage sampling, leading to some clustering, which tends to lead to meffs greater than unity. An empirical study using data from the British Household Panel Survey is conducted, and a simulation study is performed. Our results suggest that clustering impacts are stronger for longitudinal studies than for cross-sectional studies, and that meffs for the regression coefficients increase with the number of waves analysed. Hence, estimated standard errors in the analysis of panel data can be misleading if any clustering is ignored.
Fluorescein as a diagnostic marker of bladder ruptures: an experimental study on rabbit model
Authors: Aksoy Özgür , Kurt Başak , Ermutlu Celal Şahin , Çeçen Kürşat , Yayla Sadık , Ekinci Metin , Özaydin İsa , Ünlüer Süleyman Erdinç
Published: June 2016

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate fluorescein use in the diagnosis of bladder ruptures in rabbits as an experimental model.

Material and Methods: The study was conducted on male New Zealand rabbits divided into a retrograde fluorescein group (n = 8) and an intravenous (IV) fluorescein group (n = 8). Following general anaesthesia, 10 mL of 10% fluorescein dye (sodium fluoresceine powder) was administered via ureterorenoscope to the bladder of the first group, and 0.5 mL of 10% fluorescein was administered intravenously to the second group. Then, the bladder was viewed through the cystoscope by urethral aspect. After experimental bladder perforation, groups were comparatively evaluated by paracentesis and laparotomy.

Results: Following IV injection of fluorescein dye, the bladder veins were stained green within 10 s and then fluorescein mixed with urine flowed into bladder lumen. The green fluid flow was observed in the abdominal cavity after the perforation of the bladder in both groups.

Conclusion: Fluorescein can be used as a marker in diagnosis of bladder ruptures. If there is no bleeding or intestinal content in the abdominal cavity, although a smoky yellow-green image is observed, bladder rupture can be suspected.
Macroscopic and microscopic study of integuments on ostrich (Struthio camelus) foot
Authors: Zhang Rui , Ma Songsong , Li Xiujuan , Luo Gang , Xue Shuliang , Li Jianqiao
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Ostrich characteristics include fast running, of which the probable enablers have been studied. Yet little research has taken place on one anatomical feature. It is mainly the special integuments on the ostrich foot which facilitate fast running on sand, because as point of direct sand contact they bear the whole weight and provide all the forward force. This study elucidates aspects of the integuments.

Material and Methods: A stereo microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and confocal scanning laser microscope were used to observe these integuments. Their surface structure was shown accurately in photographs. An SEM equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to check element contents of the upper and bottom areas and those on the lateral area of the 3rd toe.

Results: The content of some chemical elements on the upper area (Mg 2.04%, Si 0.18%, P 1.97%, Ca 0.59%, and S 0.69%) was higher than that of the bottom area (Mg 0.14%, Si 0.09%, P 0.10%, Ca 0.28%, and S 0.90%). Zinc was the particular element on the upper area, while sodium, chlorine, and potassium were the specific elements on the bottom area. The parts which must withstand different frictions contained different chemical compounds.

Conclusion: The microscopic plane with layer-like structure and stripes may contribute to the wear-resistance of the papillae. The polygonal and prism structures are helpful to fix papillae in a firmer way.
Limitations of urban development in land of social origin: the case of the metropolitan area of the city of Toluca (ZMCT)
Authors: Jiménez-Sánchez Pedro Leobardo , Calderón-Maya Juan Roberto , Campos-Alanís Héctor
Published: June 2016

The paper analyses the occupation process of agricultural land with social origin and urban uses in the metropolitan area of the city of Toluca (ZMCT), and the barriers that the population and authorities have to face in order to regularize the settlements. A mixed research method was applied, which included the use of quantitative and qualitative methods, on the basis of a theoretical analysis, to build a methodological research model, which was applied to an empirical case in municipal and metropolitan areas. The analysis of the 14 municipalities that constitute ZMCT shows that the barriers for regularizing settlements in land of social origin are the result of legal/administrative inefficiencies due to the incapability of local city halls to address the collective needs of society.
Nobody’s Really Ever Asked Me Why: Anxiety as a Barrier to School Success
Authors: Kratt Diane M.
Published: June 2016

Children’s mental health can be a barrier to school success. School-based mental health services exist and research has shown positive results with the implementation of them. However, students spend the majority of their school time with a teacher and very little research exists on the role of a teacher in regards to students with mental health conditions. In this study, a college student shares his life-long experiences on being a student living with anxiety. What can educators learn from someone like him?