bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Method for Estimating Free Space 3D Point-of-Regard Using Pupillary Reflex and Line-of-Sight Convergence Points
Authors: Wan Zijing , Wang Xiangjun , Zhou Kai , Chen Xiaoyun , Wang Xiaoqing
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a novel 3D gaze estimation method for a wearable gaze tracking device is proposed. This method is based on the pupillary accommodation reflex of human vision. Firstly, a 3D gaze measurement model is built. By uniting the line-of-sight convergence point and the size of the pupil, this model can be used to measure the 3D Point-of-Regard in free space. Secondly, a gaze tracking device is described. By using four cameras and semi-transparent mirrors, the gaze tracking device can accurately extract the spatial coordinates of the pupil and eye corner of the human eye from images. Thirdly, a simple calibration process of the measuring system is proposed. This method can be sketched as follows: (1) each eye is imaged by a pair of binocular stereo cameras, and the setting of semi-transparent mirrors can support a better field of view; (2) the spatial coordinates of the pupil center and the inner corner of the eye in the images of the stereo cameras are extracted, and the pupil size is calculated with the features of the gaze estimation method; (3) the pupil size and the line-of-sight convergence point when watching the calibration target at different distances are computed, and the parameters of the gaze estimation model are determined. Fourthly, an algorithm for searching the line-of-sight convergence point is proposed, and the 3D Point-of-Regard is estimated by using the obtained line-of-sight measurement model. Three groups of experiments were conducted to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method. This approach enables people to obtain the spatial coordinates of the Point-of-Regard in free space, which has great potential in the application of wearable devices.
Potentiometric Sensors for Iodide and Bromide Based on Pt(II)-Porphyrin
Authors: Vlascici Dana , Plesu Nicoleta , Fagadar-Cosma Gheorghe , Lascu Anca , Petric Mihaela , Crisan Manuela , Belean Anca , Fagadar-Cosma Eugenia
Published: July 2018

Pt(II) 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-methoxy-phenyl)-porphyrin (PtTMeOPP) was used in the construction of new ion-selective sensors. The potentiometric response characteristics (slope and selectivity) of iodide and bromide-selective electrodes based on (PtTMeOPP) metalloporphyrin in o-nitrophenyloctylether (NPOE), dioctylphtalate (DOP) and dioctylsebacate (DOS) plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) membranes are compared. The best results were obtained for the membranes plasticized with DOP and NPOE. The sensors have linear responses with near-Nernstian slopes toward bromide and iodide ions and good selectivity. The membrane plasticized with NPOE was electrochemically characterized using the EIS method to determine its water absorption and the diffusion coefficient into the membrane.
Surface-Acoustic-Wave Sensor Design for Acceleration Measurement
Authors: Shevchenko Sergey , Kukaev Alexander , Khivrich Maria , Lukyanov Dmitry
Published: July 2018

We suggest a concept design of a SAW-based microaccelerometer with an original triangular-shaped console-type sensing element. Our design is particularly optimized to increase the robustness against positioning errors of the SAW resonators on the opposite sides of the console. We also describe the results of computer simulations and laboratory tests that are in a perfect agreement with each other and present the sensitivity characteristics of a manufactured experimental design device.
NSAIDs Determination in Human Serum by GC-MS
Authors: Krokos Adamantios , Tsakelidou Elisavet , Michopoulou Eleni , Raikos Nikolaos , Theodoridis Georgios , Gika Helen
Published: July 2018

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are being widely consumed without medical prescription and are often the cause of intoxication, usually in young children. For this, there is a special need in their determination in routine toxicology analysis. As screening methods mainly focus on drugs of abuse (DOA) that are alkaline compounds in their majority, they are not optimized for acidic drugs, such as NSAIDs. Thus, more specific methods are needed for the detection and quantification of this class of drugs. In this study, the efficient extraction of NSAIDs from blood serum and their accurate determination is studied. Optimum pH extraction conditions were studied and thereafter different derivatization procedures for their detection. From the derivatization reagents used, N,O-Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) with 1% Trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) was found to be the optimum choice for the majority of the examined NSAIDs; pH of 3.7 was selected as the most efficient for the extraction step. Herein the formation of the lactam of diclofenac was also thoroughly investigated. The developed Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method had a run time of 15 min with the mass spectrometer operating in Electron Impact (EI) within the mass range of 40 to 500 amu. The method was linear with R2 above 0.991 and limits of quantitation (LOQ) ranging from 6 to 414 ng/mL. The intra-day accuracy and precision were found between 1.03%–9.79% and 88%–110%, respectively, and the inter-day accuracy and precision were between 1.87%–10.79% and 91%–113%. The optimum protocol was successfully applied to real clinical samples, where intoxication of NSAIDs was suspected.
Time to Face the Music: Musical Colonization and Appropriation in Disney’s Moana
Authors: Armstrong Robin
Published: July 2018

Despite Disney’s presentation of Moana as a culturally accurate portrayal of Polynesian culture, the film suffers from Western ethnocentrism, specifically in its music. This assertion is at odds with marketing of Moana that emphasized respect for and consultation with Polynesians whose expertise was heralded to validate the film’s music as culturally authentic. While the composers do, in fact, use Polynesian musical traits, they frame the sounds that are unfamiliar within those that are familiar by wrapping them with Western musical characteristics. When the audience does hear Polynesian music throughout the film, the first and last sounds they hear are Western music, not Polynesian. As such, the audience hears Polynesian sounds meld into and then become the music that defines a typical American film. Thus, regardless of Disney’s employment of Polynesian musicians, the music of Moana remains in the rigid control of non-Polynesian American composers. Rather than break new ground, Moana illustrates a musical recapitulation of white men’s control and marketing of the representations of marginalized people. Moana’s music is subject to appropriation, an echo of how colonial resources were exploited in ways that prioritize benefits to cultural outsiders.
Testosterone and Cortisol Responses to Five High-Intensity Functional Training Competition Workouts in Recreationally Active Adults
Authors: Mangine Gerald T. , Van Dusseldorp Trisha A. , Feito Yuri , Holmes Alyssa J. , Serafini Paul R. , Box Allyson G. , Gonzalez Adam M.
Published: July 2018

To determine the salivary steroid response to high-intensity functional training (HIFT) competition workouts, saliva samples were collected from ten recreationally trained male and female competitors during a 5-week (WK1–WK5) international competition. Competitors arrived at their local affiliate and provided samples prior to (PRE) their warm-up, immediately (IP), 30-min (30P), and 60-min (60P) post-exercise. Samples were analyzed for concentrations of testosterone (T), cortisol (C), and their ratio (TC). Generalized linear mixed models with repeated measures revealed significant main effects for time (p < 0.001) for T, C, and TC. Compared to PRE-concentrations, elevated (p < 0.05) T was observed at IP on WK2–WK5 (mean difference: 135–511 pg·mL−1), at 30P on WK3 (mean difference: 81.0 ± 30.1 pg·mL−1) and WK5 (mean difference: 56.6 ± 22.7 pg·mL−1), and at 60P on WK3 (mean difference: 73.5 ± 29.7 pg·mL−1) and WK5 (mean difference: 74.3 ± 28.4 pg·mL−1). Compared to PRE-concentrations, elevated (p < 0.05) C was noted on all weeks at IP (mean difference: 9.3–15.9 ng·mL−1) and 30P (mean difference: 6.0–19.9 ng·mL−1); significant (p < 0.006) elevations were noted at 60P on WK1 (mean difference: 9.1 ± 3.0 ng·mL−1) and WK5 (mean difference: 12.8 ± 2.9 ng·mL−1). Additionally, TC was significantly reduced from PRE-values by 61% on WK1 at 60P (p = 0.040) and by 80% on WK5 at 30P (p = 0.023). Differences in T, C, and TC were also observed between weeks at specific time points. Although each workout affected concentrations in T, C, and/or the TC ratio, changes appeared to be modulated by the presence of overload and workout duration. During periods of elevated training or competition, athletes and coaches may consider monitoring these hormones for consistency and as a means of assessing workout difficulty.
Effect of Operating Parameters on the Performance Evaluation of Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells Using Sediments from the Bay of Campeche, Mexico
Authors: González-Gamboa Nancy , Domínguez-Benetton Xochitl , Pacheco-Catalán Daniella , Kumar-Kamaraj Sathish , Valdés-Lozano David , Domínguez-Maldonado Jorge , Alzate-Gaviria Liliana
Published: July 2018

Benthic microbial fuel cells (BMFC) are devices that remove organic matter (OM) and generate energy from sediments rich in organic nutrients. They are composed of electrodes with adequate different distances and floating air cathodes in an aqueous medium with saturated oxygen. In this study we proposed to design, build, analyze and evaluate a set of BMFCs with floating air cathodes to test the optimal distance between the electrodes, using sediment from the Bay of Campeche as a substrate. For the analysis of OM removal, COD tests, volatile solids (VS), E4/E6 study and FTIR analysis were performed. Power generation was evaluated through polarization curves, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). We achieved a current density and power density at 10 cm depth of 929.7 ± 9.5 mA/m2 and 109.6 ± 7.5 mW/m2 respectively, with 54% removal of OM from the sediment, obtaining formation of aliphatic structures. BMFCs are proposed as adequate systems for bioremediation and power generation. The system at 10 cm depth and 100 cm distance between sediment and the floating air cathode had a good performance and therefore the potential for possible scaling.
A Methodology for an Integrated Approach for Seismic and Energy Refurbishment of Historic Buildings in Mediterranean Area
Authors: Moschella Angela , Gagliano Antonio , Lo Faro Alessandro , Mondello Attilio , Salemi Angelo , Sanfilippo Giulia
Published: July 2018

Energy savings and seismic risk mitigation are the main issues regarding the refurbishment of traditional buildings. Referring to historic buildings, we have to take into account, as design requirements, the cultural sustainability, which means the respects of the cultural value of the built heritage. Therefore, for historic buildings is not acceptable to adopt the conventional design choices applied to newer buildings on energy efficiency and seismic risk mitigation. Generally, the design on the built heritage requires a careful cognitive phase for firstly to identify the performance deficits and subsequently to define which actions are compatible with the cultural value of each building, according to a “case by case” approach. In Italy, specific guidelines have been elaborated on cultural heritage but such guidelines are not integrated into a single methodological process. This paper, through the study of two historic buildings, aims to identify the relationship between the two specialisms, seismic and energy, within an integrated approach. As a result, this study proposes an innovation process characterized by the integration of these two protocols within the cognitive phase and, especially in the pre-diagnosis phase; this phase is identified in the standard diagnosis (Energy approach) and in the LV2 knowledge (Seismic empirical approach).
Assessment of Social-Economic Risk of Chinese Dual Land Use System Using Fuzzy AHP
Authors: Lyu Hai-Min , Wu Yong-Xia , Shen Jack Shuilong , Zhou An-Nan
Published: July 2018

The Chinese dual land use system (DLUS) has played a crucial role in the industrialization of China since 1950s. However, this dual system caused/causes obstacles in urban development under the new market economic conditions. This paper presents an approach to assess the social-economic risks during urban development in China by integrating the strategic environment assessment (SEA) principle into the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. In the proposed approach, SEA principles are set as the influencing factors in AHP. Fuzzy AHP is used to assess the relative importance degree of the six principles in SEA. To illustrate the application procedure of the proposed approach, a building collapse incident in Wenzhou is used as a case for the risk analysis. The assessment results show that the index of the manage system has the greatest importance to social-economic risk. The principle of sustainable development (A) and monitoring measures (E) have more importance than the other principles in SEA. It can be concluded that the DLUS in the market management of China may be responsible for building collapse incidents in rural areas. It is suggested that the principles of sustainable development and monitoring measures in SEA should be strictly implemented during urbanization, and it is recommended that the government establish a unified management system and ensure the effective implementation of sustainable urbanization.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Intra-National Freight Transport: Measurement and Scenarios for Greater Sustainability in Spain
Authors: Llano Carlos , Pérez-Balsalobre Santiago , Pérez-García Julian
Published: July 2018

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions is a topic of major concern worldwide. Following previous articles which provide a methodology for estimating GHG emissions associated with international trade by transport mode at the world level, in this paper, we estimate an equivalent database of GHG emissions for inter-regional trade flows within a country (Spain). To this end, we built a new database of GHG emissions for origin–destination flows between Spanish provinces during 1995–2015. For each year, we combine industry-specific flows by four transport modes (road, train, ship and aircraft) with the corresponding GHG emissions factor for each mode in tons*km, drawn from the specialized literature. With this dataset of GHG emissions, we generate and analyze the temporal, sectoral and spatial pattern of Spanish inter-regional GHG flows. We then forecast emissions for 2016–2030 and consider how transport mode shifts might produce a more sustainable freight system within the country through the substitution of environmentally friendly alternatives (railway) for specific origin–destination–product flows in high-polluting modes (road).
Understanding Sustainable Forest Management Certification in Slovakia: Forest Owners’ Perception of Expectations, Benefits and Problems
Authors: Paluš Hubert , Parobek Ján , Šulek Rastislav , Lichý Ján , Šálka Jaroslav
Published: July 2018

Forest certification as a voluntary verification tool has been providing an independent assessment of sustainable forestry practices and thus confidence in sustainability benchmarks for over 20 years. Using either the international or national approaches and initiatives, two main forest certification systems, PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), have spread in a number of countries worldwide. The specifics of local conditions in the forestry sector have to be taken into account when implementing the certification context in a given country or a region. Apart from the natural conditions, institutional structure, or legislative framework, it is also the local and national stakeholders and their perception of this issue that provides the background for the implementation of the certification criteria. The main objective of this study is to examine the general understanding of the certification concept as an environmental, economic, and social tool, and to determine the incentives of forest owners in Slovakia for sustainable forest management (SFM) certification. In addition, the benefits and problems arising from participation in certification were identified and differences reflecting the ownership structure of forests, size of forest area, and participation in a particular certification programme were analysed. Results indicate that certified forest owners, unlike non-certified, demonstrated a high level of understanding of the SFM certification concept. Certified entities mainly consider forest certification as their commitment to environmental responsibility and a tool for improving external company image, promoting sustainable utilisation of forest resources, and improving forest management practices. The main benefits are linked to the possibility to demonstrate forest management practices, a better understanding of the forest management concept, and improvement of forest management practices. PEFC users perceive more benefits following from certification; the most important are those associated with non-economic values, while FSC-certified forest owners perceive mainly economic benefits connected to market penetration, increased sales volume, and potential price premiums. The key problems associated with certification relate to duties to ensure compliance with certification criteria by contractors and administrative difficulties. Respondents reported minimum price premiums for the sale of their certified timber. Additionally, the findings of the study pointed out that a nationally developed certification system can better recognise the roles and objectives of forest certification in the context of forest policy.
Structural Equation Model for Burn Severity with Topographic Variables and Susceptible Forest Cover
Authors: Kim Eujin-Julia , Lee Sang-Woo
Published: July 2018

Due to its significant roles in post-fire responses of forest ecosystem, numerous studies have been investigating factors affecting burn severity. In the broad sense, topography, fuels, and fire weather, known as the forest fire triangle, determine the degree of burn severity. Most previous studies have adopted ordinary least squares (OLS) methods to investigate these factors, which have proven effective for capturing the direct and linear effects of those variables on burn severity. However, they oversimplify the relationships among variables and have limitations in explaining the complex effects of the variables. One way to overcome this limitation is the structural equation model (SEM) method. SEM can decompose effects of a variable into direct effects and indirect (i.e., acting through other variables) effects. The goal of this study is to capture a systematic structure, explaining how topographic characteristics including slope, elevation, topographic wetness index (TWI), solar radiation index (SRI), and susceptible forest cover type (i.e., Japanese red pine) affect burn severity. We built a hypothetical SEM and estimated the model in AMOS. The results strongly suggest that the effects of topographic characteristics are far more complex than those suggested by the OLS analyses in previous studies. Specifically, elevation and TWI had direct and indirect negative effects on burn severity, while slope and SRI had only an indirect positive effect, which was not captured in the linear regression model. Nonetheless, the percentage of red pine showed the strongest positive effect on burn severity (i.e., increasing burn severity). The results of this study and those of previous studies reinforce the importance of controlling susceptible forest cover through forest management and silviculture.
Enhancing Substainability: Psychological Capital, Perceived Employability, and Job Insecurity in Different Work Contract Conditions
Authors: Chiesa Rita , Fazi Luca , Guglielmi Dina , Mariani Marco Giovanni
Published: July 2018

According to the psychology of sustainability and sustainable development, even though there are numerous challenges within the current labor market, it is possible to establish meaningful lives and meaningful work experiences through optimizing the use of personal resources and regenerating them. In line with this assumption, the present study aims to test the moderation effect of the type of worker contracts on the relationship between psychological capital, perceived employability, and job insecurity. Participants were N = 190 Italian young workers (self-employed, permanent employees, or temporary employees). Results showed that perceived employability mediated the relationship between psychological capital and job insecurity, and that this relationship was moderated by the workers’ type of contract. Specifically, a higher level of psychological capital corresponded to a higher perception of employability, and consequently a lower job insecurity for temporary and self-employed workers, but not for permanent ones. These findings are in line with the assumptions of the psychology of sustainability, and encourage preventive interventions aimed to foster personal resources in order to reduce job insecurity, especially in cases of non-standard employment.
How an Open Innovation Strategy for Commercialization Affects the Firm Performance of Korean Healthcare IT SMEs
Authors: Kim Hana , Kim Eungdo
Published: July 2018

Small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in the healthcare IT industry must have innovative technology and, at the same time, be able to commercialize this technology in order to have sustainable growth, as enterprises in any other industry do. However, due to the lack of resources of SMEs, many studies focus on effective and innovative strategies based on a resource-based view. To be more effective, some SMEs collaborate with other companies in the manufacturing process, not as a closed, but rather as an open innovation. However, this collaboration is difficult and bears risks. Additionally, as an external factor, the government certification system attempts to help SMEs. Therefore, in this study, we performed a multiple regression analysis centered on firms’ resources and strategies. Three results were obtained. First, in terms of the firms’ resources, the higher the quality of patents that measure firm capacity, the higher the firm performance. Second, regarding the firms’ strategies, cooperation with external companies in the manufacturing process has a positive effect on firm performance. Third, receiving government certification (InnoBiz certification), as a form of cooperation with the government, has a negative impact on firm performance. In other words, the present government policy to support the R&D of SMEs needs to be adjusted. SMEs can develop high-quality patents, and strategies for cooperation with external companies can enhance the innovation performance of enterprises.
Has Economic Competition Improved China’s Provincial Energy Ecological Efficiency under Fiscal Decentralization?
Authors: Zhou Min , Wang Teng , Yan Liang , Xie Xiong-Biao
Published: July 2018

The study of environmental-oriented total factor energy efficiency considering pollutants as a non-expected output has attracted wide attention, but few studies have included social welfare into the above framework for analyzing China’s provincial energy ecological efficiency (EEE). In addition, China’s fiscal decentralization and economic competition have created tremendous momentum for economic growth; however, research has been lacking on whether they have improved China’s energy utilization, pollution control and social welfare level. To fill these gaps, by applying the 2000–2016 panel data from 30 provinces and considering the social welfare condition, we use the slacks-based measure data envelopment analysis (SBM-DEA) method to calculate EEE and build empirical model to test the relation between EEE, fiscal decentralization and economic competition. The results reveal that, firstly, in the last 16 years EEE has been getting worse and the situation of the middle and western areas of China are poorer than in the eastern area, with the middle area still deteriorating further. Secondly, economic competition among local governments aggravates the provincial EEE in China, while the high degree of fiscal decentralization in state governments significantly contributes to improve the EEE; and the co-impact of economic competition on EEE has been negatively strengthened against the background of fiscal decentralization. Thirdly, the influence of economic competition on EEE presents a regional difference; economic competition makes the degree of EEE go down in the east and middle regions, while by contrast, economic competition has helped the EEE level in western regions. The conclusions point out that the temporal trend of EEE in various regions of China, and the economic competition actions adopted by most Chinese local governments to enhance their own financial strength, have not improved energy efficiency and pollution control capability, and has reduced the social welfare of the region. Accordingly, policy proposals are that the Chinese government can adjust the fiscal and tax revenue system and preferential tax system of the central government and local governments and curb competition between provincial jurisdictions.
A Step-by-Step Solution Methodology for Mathematical Expressions
Authors: Hosseinpour Sahereh , Alavi Milani Mir Mohammad Reza , Pehlivan Hüseyin
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we propose a methodology for the step-by-step solution of problems, which can be incorporated into a computer algebra system. Our main aim is to show all the intermediate evaluation steps of mathematical expressions from the start to the end of the solution. The first stage of the methodology covers the development of a formal grammar that describes the syntax and semantics of mathematical expressions. Using a compiler generation tool, the second stage produces a parser from the grammar description. The parser is used to convert a particular mathematical expression into an Abstract Syntax Tree (AST), which is evaluated in the third stage by traversing al its nodes. After every evaluation of some nodes, which corresponds to an intermediate solution step of the related expression, the resulting AST is transformed into the corresponding mathematical expression and then displayed. Many other algebra-related issues such as simplification, factorization, distribution and substitution can be covered by the solution methodology. We currently focuses on the solutions of various problems associated with the subject of derivative, equations, single variable polynomials, and operations on functions. However, it can easily be extended to cover the other subjects of general mathematics.
Agent-Based Route Choice with Learning and Exchange of Information
Authors: Zhu Shanjiang , Levinson David
Published: July 2018

Planning models require consideration of travelers with distinct attributes (value of time (VOT), willingness to pay, travel budgets, etc.) and behavioral preferences (e.g., willingness to switch routes with potential savings) in a differentiated market (where routes have varying tolls and levels of service). This paper proposes to explicitly model the formation and spreading of spatial knowledge among travelers, following cognitive map theory. An agent-based route choice (ARC) model was developed to track choices of each individual decision-maker in a road network over time and map individual choices into macroscopic flow pattern. ARC has been applied to both the Sioux Falls and Chicago sketch networks. Comparisons between ARC and existing models (user equilibrium (UE) and stochastic user equilibrium (SUE)) on both networks show ARC is valid and computationally tractable. In brief, this paper specifically focuses on the route choice behavior, while the proposed model can be extended to other modules of transportation planning under an integrated framework.
Temporal Integration of Motion Streaks in Migraine
Authors: O’Hare Louise
Published: July 2018

Migraine is associated with differences in visual perception, specifically, deficits in the perception of motion. Migraine groups commonly show poorer performance (higher thresholds) on global motion tasks compared to control groups. Successful performance on a global motion task depends on several factors, including integrating signals over time. A “motion streak” task was used to investigate specifically integration over time in migraine and control groups. The motion streak effect depends on the integration of a moving point over time to create the illusion of a line, or “streak”. There was evidence of a slower optimum speed for eliciting the motion streak effect in migraine compared to control groups, suggesting temporal integration is different in migraine. In addition, performance on the motion streak task showed a relationship with headache frequency.
Effects of Color and Luminance Contrast on Size Perception—Evidence from a Horizontal Parallel Lines Illusion
Authors: Zhang Xiaodan , Qian Jiehui , Liang Qiaowei , Huang Zhengkang
Published: July 2018

The present study investigated a size illusion composed of two horizontal lines that were vertically separated and parallel to each other. When the two lines were of equal length, the upper line was consistently perceived to be a little longer than the lower line, therefore it was termed as horizontal parallel lines (HPL) illusion. We investigated the effect of color and luminance contrast on the HPL illusion by manipulating the color and luminance of the two lines. Results indicated the following: (1) differences in color between the two lines reduced the illusion; (2) differences in luminance between the two lines reduced the illusion; (3) Effect 1 was greater than Effect 2; (4) the illusory effect could not be affected as long as both of the lines were of the same color or luminance. The results suggest that the color or luminance contrast may contribute to the overall decrease in the illusory effect for lines with different colors/luminances, but generally the illusion decreases as the two lines are less similar to each other. These findings indicate that the similarity or ‘sameness’ effect dominates the effect of color/luminance contrast on the size illusion over the effect resulted from contrast difference or depth perception.
SERVICE MARKETING, VALUE CO-CREATION AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN THE AIRSOFT INDUSTRY: CASE OF A TECHNOLOGY-BASED FIRM
Authors: Szarucki Marek , Menet Gabriela
Published: July 2018

The main objective of the paper is to examine whether offering a co-creation opportunity as a part of service marketing strategy influences customer value creation and satisfaction in the airsoft industry. Our study uses a case study of a technology-based firm from the airsoft industry which operates internationally. The methods employed included statistical analyses based on the data collected through a survey of the technology-based company customers (n=178). Coefficients of Spearman and Kendall were used to examine the correlations between respondents’ particulars and elements influencing customer satisfaction. The study results reveal that there are different drivers involved in the marketing strategy of value co-creation and customer satisfaction, and some of them have a stronger impact on target customers. The research contributes to the present scientific publications by adding a comprehensive analysis of users’ value co-production as part of a successful marketing strategy implementation by a technology-based firm. The study emphasizes the need for more empirically grounded support for the management of value co-creation processes incorporated in firm’s marketing strategy.
A Photo-hadronic Model of the Large-scale Jets of 3C 273 and PKS 1136–135
Authors: Kusunose Masaaki , Takahara Fumio
Published: July 2018

X-ray-bright knots of kiloparsec-scale jets of several radio-loud quasars are an actively discussed issue. Among various models for explaining observations of these phenomena, synchrotron radiation from the electron population that differs from radio to IR-emitting electrons, is promising. However, the origin of this electron population has been debated. Recently, we proposed that this electron population is produced by proton–photon collisions (mainly, the Bethe–Heitler process), and we applied this model to PKS 0637–752. We found that this model works if the proton power is an order of magnitude larger than the Eddington power. In this paper we apply this model to the X-ray emission in the knots of 3C 273 and PKS 1136–135. The target photons for electron–positron pair production are supplied by synchrotron radiation at the radio–IR by primary electrons and by the active galactic nucleus (AGN) core, as well as cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation. The effects of the AGN photons are included for the first time in the hadronic model. Though the observed X-ray flux is obtained with the contribution of the AGN photons, the required proton power turns out to be highly super-Eddington. However, we find that our model works for a nearly Eddington proton power, if the photon density of the AGN is enhanced. This can occur if the AGN photons are more beamed toward the X-ray knots than toward our line of sight and the AGN photon frequency is shifted by the Doppler effect.
Constraining the Environmental Properties of FRB 131104 Using the Unified Dynamical Afterglow Model
Authors: Peng Zong-Kai , Wang Shan-Qin , Liu Liang-Duan , Dai Zi-Gao , Yu Hai
Published: July 2018

Multiband observations of the fast radio burst (FRB) 131104 show that this burst may be associated with a gamma-ray transient entitled Swift J0644.5−5111. Follow-up observations for potential X-ray and radio counterparts of FRB 131104/Swift J0644.5−5111 got null results and provided the upper limits of the emission flux at 5.5 GHz, 7.5 GHz, U-band, and X-ray band. By assuming this association and using these upper limits, environmental properties (the fraction of energy in a magnetic field ε
B and the number density n) of the progenitor system of FRB 131104/Swift J0644.5−5111 were constrained in the context of the standard afterglow model that neglects the nonrelativistic effect and jet effect by several groups. In this paper, we adopt a unified afterglow model that takes into account the nonrelativistic effect and jet effect and use the upper limits of four bands (5.5 GHz, 7.5 GHz, U-band, and X-ray) to obtain more stringent constraints on the parameter space spanned by ε
B and n. We thus suggest that FRB 131104/Swift J0644.5−5111 might originate from a black hole–neutron star merger event. Moreover, we calculate multiband emissions from a kilonova powered by the radioactivity of r-process elements synthesized in the ejected neutron-rich material and find that the U-band emission from the putative kilonova is significantly lower than the upper limit of the observations.
First Detection of the Simplest Organic Acid in a Protoplanetary Disk*
Authors: Favre Cécile , Fedele Davide , Semenov Dmitry , Parfenov Sergey , Codella Claudio , Ceccarelli Cecilia , Bergin Edwin A. , Chapillon Edwige , Testi Leonardo , Hersant Franck , Lefloch Bertrand , Fontani Francesco , Blake Geoffrey A. , Cleeves L. Ilsedore , Qi Chunhua , Schwarz Kamber R. , Taquet Vianney
Published: July 2018

The formation of asteroids, comets, and planets occurs in the interior of protoplanetary disks during the early phase of star formation. Consequently, the chemical composition of the disk might shape the properties of the emerging planetary system. In this context, it is crucial to understand whether and what organic molecules are synthesized in the disk. In this Letter, we report the first detection of formic acid (HCOOH) toward the TW Hydrae protoplanetary disk. The observations of the trans-HCOOH 6(1,6)–5(1,5) transition were carried out at 129 GHz with Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array (ALMA). We measured a disk-averaged gas-phase t-HCOOH column density of ∼(2–4) × 1012 cm−2, namely as large as that of methanol. HCOOH is the first organic molecule containing two oxygen atoms detected in a protoplanetary disk, a proof that organic chemistry is very active, albeit difficult to observe, in these objects. Specifically, this simplest acid stands as the basis for synthesis of more complex carboxylic acids used by life on Earth.
Apocenter Pile-up: Origin of the Stellar Halo Density Break
Authors: Deason Alis J. , Belokurov Vasily , Koposov Sergey E. , Lancaster Lachlan
Published: July 2018

We measure the orbital properties of halo stars using seven-dimensional information provided by Gaia and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. A metal-rich population of stars, present in both local main sequence stars and more distant blue horizontal branch stars, have very radial orbits (eccentricity ∼0.9) and apocenters that coincide with the stellar halo “break radius” at galactocentric distance r ∼ 20 kpc. Previous work has shown that the stellar halo density falls off much more rapidly beyond this break radius. We argue that the correspondence between the apocenters of high metallicity, high-eccentricity stars, and the broken density profile is caused by the build-up of stars at the apocenter of a common dwarf progenitor. Although the radially biased stars are likely present down to metallicities of [Fe/H] ∼ −2, the increasing dominance at higher metallicities suggests a massive dwarf progenitor, which is at least as massive as the Fornax and Sagittarius dwarf galaxies, and is likely the dominant progenitor of the inner stellar halo.
Planejamento e controle da produção em uma indústria de margarinas
Authors: De Castro Tainara Rigotti
Published: July 2018

O Planejamento e Controle da Produção (PCP) é fator fundamental para o crescimento organizacional das empresas, além de ser a base da informação para as intervenções necessárias no processo. Considerando a importância do PCP para as organizações, a problemática dessa pesquisa fundamenta-se na seguinte questão: Como as atividades de PCP são desenvolvidas em uma indústria de margarinas? Desta forma, esta pesquisa teve por objetivo identificar e descrever as funções e atividades desenvolvidas pelo Departamento de PCP em um dos seguimentos industriais de uma Cooperativa Agroindustrial, mais precisamente no processo industrial de produção da margarina. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de visita in loco, bem como de entrevistas com o Engenheiro Químico e o Engenheiro de Produção da Indústria em questão. Desta forma, foi possível classificar o sistema de produção da Indústria X; elaborar seu fluxo de informações e produção; identificar as funções desempenhadas pelo departamento de PCP da Indústria (gestão de estoques, emissão de ordens de produção, programação de ordens de produção e, acompanhamento e controle da produção), bem como simular a atividade de Planejamento da Capacidade (PC) e o Plano Mestre da Produção (PMP). Ao final, foi possível obter maior conhecimento sobre o funcionamento do PCP, bem como detectar limitações e oferecer recomendações à Indústria.
Tecnologias de informação aplicadas à logística internacional
Authors: Gonçalves Frederico Schwartzhaupt , Vieira Guilherme Bergmann Borges , Gonçalves Roberto Birch
Published: July 2018

A tecnologia de informação (TI) tem um importante papel no desenvolvimento das atividades logísticas e no desempenho dos operadores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o papel das tecnologias de informação aplicadas à logística internacional adotada pelos agentes de carga (IFFs) atuantes no Brasil. Para tanto, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa quantitativa composta por um questionário estruturado, enviado a uma amostra de agentes internacionais de carga com atuação no mercado brasileiro com diferentes posicionamentos estratégicos e operando em diferentes setores. Os resultados evidenciam as TI mais e menos adotadas e as consideradas mais e menos importantes e, então, a relação entre essas categorias e o meio em que estão inseridas.
Proposta de redução de tempo de setup em máquinas de testes de durabilidade em uma empresa forncedora de autopeças com o uso de conceitos SMED e padronização
Authors: Toledo Lucas Verzenhassi , Moraes Matheus De , Correr Ivan
Published: July 2018

Devido à concorrência atual, as organizações perseguem incansavelmente a otimização dos processos, com a eliminação de desperdícios, redução de custos, aumento de produtividade e qualidade através de conceitos como: Lean Manufacturing, que visa reduzir os desperdícios; Conceitos do SMED, que visa a diminuição do tempo de setup; e Padronização, que visa normalizar, esquematizar e metodizar atividades. Neste contexto, o presente artigo visa apresentar uma proposta de melhoria para redução do tempo de setup das máquinas de testes de durabilidade em uma empresa fornecedora de autopeças, baseando-se nos conceitos da ferramenta SMED e métodos de padronização das atividades de setup. Para isso, foi utilizada a metodologia da pesquisa-ação, construindo hipóteses, coletando e analisando dados para a resolução do problema em estudo. Estima-se uma redução de 55% do tempo médio das operações de setup e maior confiabilidade no processo com a padronização das atividades, evidenciando a importância dos conceitos propostos.
Widespread continental mtDNA lineages prevail in the bumblebee fauna of Iceland
Authors: Potapov Grigory S. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Kolosova Yulia S. , Tomilova Alena A. , Filippov Boris Yu. , Gofarov Mikhail Yu. , Bolotov Ivan N.
Published: July 2018

Origins of the fauna in Iceland is controversial, although the majority of modern research supports the postglacial colonization of this island by terrestrial invertebrates rather than their long-term survival in glacial refugia. In this study, we use three bumblebee species as a model to test the hypothesis regarding possible cryptic refugia in Iceland and to evaluate a putative origin of recently introduced taxa.Bombusjonellusis thought to be a possible native Icelandic lineage, whereasB.lucorumandB.hortorumwere evidently introduced in the second half of the 20thcentury. These phylogeographic analyses reveal that the IcelandicBombusjonellusshares two COI lineages, one of which also occurs in populations on the British Isles and in mainland Europe, but a second lineage (BJ-02) has not been recorded anywhere. These results indicate that this species may have colonized Iceland two times and that the lineage BJ-02 may reflect a more ancient Late Pleistocene or Early Holocene founder event (e.g., from the British Isles). The Icelandic populations of bothBombuslucorumandB.hortorumshare the COI lineages that were recorded as widespread throughout Eurasia, from the European countries across Russia to China and Japan. The findings presented here highlight that the bumblebee fauna of Iceland comprises mainly widespread ubiquitous lineages that arrived via natural or human-mediated dispersal events from the British Isles or the mainland.
Influenza A Virus Negative Strand RNA Is Translated for CD8+ T Cell Immunosurveillance
Authors: Hickman Heather D. , Mays Jacqueline W. , Gibbs James , Kosik Ivan , Magadán Javier G. , Takeda Kazuyo , Das Suman , Reynoso Glennys V. , Ngudiankama Barbara F. , Wei JiaJie , Shannon John P. , McManus Daniel , Yewdell Jonathan W.
Published: July 2018

Probing the limits of CD8+ T cell immunosurveillance, we inserted the SIINFEKL peptide into influenza A virus (IAV)–negative strand gene segments. Although IAV genomic RNA is considered noncoding, there is a conserved, relatively long open reading frame present in segment 8, encoding a potential protein termed NEG8. The biosynthesis of NEG8 from IAV has yet to be demonstrated. Although we failed to detect NEG8 protein expression in IAV-infected mouse cells, cell surface Kb–SIINFEKL complexes are generated when SIINFEKL is genetically appended to the predicted C terminus of NEG8, as shown by activation of OT-I T cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, recombinant IAV encoding of SIINFEKL embedded in the negative strand of the neuraminidase-stalk coding sequence also activates OT-I T cells in mice. Together, our findings demonstrate both the translation of sequences on the negative strand of a single-stranded RNA virus and its relevance in antiviral immunosurveillance.
Low Complexity Solutions of the Allen–Cahn Equation on Three-spheres
Authors: Haslhofer Robert , Ivaki Mohammad N.
Published: July 2018

In this short note, we prove that on the three-sphere with any bumpy metric there exist at least two pairs of solutions of the Allen–Cahn equation with spherical interface and index at most two. The proof combines several recent results from the literature.
A visão do paciente atendido pelo acadêmico de medicina em um Hospital escola
Authors: Macias Luísa Lobato , Parafita Renan Mota , Caldas Cezar Augusto Muniz
Published: July 2018

Objetivo: avaliar a opinião dos pacientes quando atendidos por acadêmicos de medicina em um Hospital Universitário. Método: trata-se de um estudo exploratório transversal, realizado por meio da utilização de questionário contendo perguntas objetivas e aplicado a pacientes do Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto após realizarem seus atendimentos nos ambulatórios vinculados às especialidades clínicas. Foram entrevistados 230 pacientes de agosto de 2016 a fevereiro de 2017. Foram incluídos adultos (≥ 18 anos) que se encontravam em consulta médica e que concordaram em participar deste estudo através da assinatura do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Foram excluídos os que não conseguissem comunicar-se sem auxílio de acompanhante. Resultados: a média de idade dos entrevistados foi de 55,3±15,2 anos, sendo 66,1% do gênero masculino. Os dados mostraram que somente 47,8% dos entrevistados foram informados que seriam atendidos por acadêmicos; 97,8% gostaram do atendimento e 97,8% sentiram segurança na consulta. Constatou-se que a idade do paciente foi um fator relacionado sentir-se envergonhado perante o atendimento, onde, dentre aqueles com menos de 50 anos, 31% responderam que se sentiram envergonhados, enquanto os acima dessa idade, apenas 13% tiveram esta sensação (p=0,0030).Conclusão: concluiu-se que apesar de boa parte dos pacientes não serem informados de que serão atendidos por alunos supervisionados, a maioria sente-se satisfeita e segura com o atendimento, demonstrando que não há necessidade de omitir ou receio de informar ao paciente sobre esta condição, na qual, via de regra, o paciente mostra-se satisfeito e até interessado em contribuir com a formação do estudante.
Modelo experimental para estudo de Anatomia Humana em cadáveres
Authors: Silva Rafael de Azevedo , Luz Marilia Silva da , Granhen Hícaro Donato , Mendonça Eduardo Silva Furtado de , Luz Mauro Ricardo Souza da , Nascimento Franklin Coelho
Published: July 2018

Objetivo: O objetivo deste modelo experimental é utilizar o bisturi quente (ferro de solda adaptado) como recurso alternativo para a dissecação de estruturas anatômicas envoltas em tecido adiposo e encurtar o tempo nesse processo. Método: Para a confecção do Bisturi Quente, adaptou-se uma lâmina de bisturi na extremidade de um Ferro de Solda de 110V-70W. Resultados: Com o toque do Bisturi Quente, após ser ligado, ocorreu a liquefação do tecido adiposo que envolvia a estrutura anatômica e, além disso, realizou-se o processo de detalhamento da estrutura evidenciando suas características - feito que o trabalho com instrumentos cirúrgicos padrões não é possível de realizar. Conclusão: O modelo proposto proporcionou uma alternativa segura de dissecações de tecido adiposo, bem como reduziu o tempo gasto na tarefa quando comparado com o trabalho com instrumentais cirúrgicos padrões.