bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hybrid finite-difference and integral-equation method for modeling and inversion of marine controlled-source electromagnetic data
Authors: Yoon Daeung , Zhdanov Michael S. , Mattsson Johan , Cai Hongzhu , Gribenko Alexander
Published: July 2016

One of the major problems in the modeling and inversion of marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data is related to the need for accurate representation of very complex geoelectrical models typical for marine environment. At the same time, the corresponding forward-modeling algorithms should be powerful and fast enough to be suitable for repeated use in hundreds of iterations of the inversion and for multiple transmitter/receiver positions. To this end, we have developed a novel 3D modeling and inversion approach, which combines the advantages of the finite-difference (FD) and integral-equation (IE) methods. In the framework of this approach, we have solved Maxwell’s equations for anomalous electric fields using the FD approximation on a staggered grid. Once the unknown electric fields in the computation domain of the FD method are computed, the electric and magnetic fields at the receivers are calculated using the IE method with the corresponding Green’s tensor for the background conductivity model. This approach makes it possible to compute the fields at the receivers accurately without the need of very fine FD discretization in the vicinity of the receivers and sources and without the need for numerical differentiation and interpolation. We have also developed an algorithm for 3D inversion based on the hybrid FD-IE method. In the case of the marine CSEM problem with multiple transmitters and receivers, the forward modeling and the Fréchet derivative calculations are very time consuming and require using large memory to store the intermediate results. To overcome those problems, we have applied the moving sensitivity domain approach to our inversion. A case study for the 3D inversion of towed streamer EM data collected by PGS over the Troll field in the North Sea demonstrated the effectiveness of the developed hybrid method.
Metformin Increases Cortisol Regeneration by 11βHSD1 in Obese Men With and Without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Anderson Anna J. , Andrew Ruth , Homer Natalie Z. , Jones Gregory C. , Smith Kenneth , Livingstone Dawn E. , Walker Brian R. , Stimson Roland H.
Published: July 2016

Context:

The mechanism of action of metformin remains unclear. Given the regulation of the cortisol-regenerating enzyme 11βhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11βHSD1) by insulin and the limited efficacy of selective 11βHSD1 inhibitors to lower blood glucose when co-prescribed with metformin, we hypothesized that metformin reduces 11βHSD1 activity.

Objective:

To determine whether metformin regulates 11βHSD1 activity in vivo in obese men with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Design:

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

Setting:

A hospital clinical research facility.

Participants:

Eight obese nondiabetic (OND) men and eight obese men with type 2 diabetes (ODM).

Intervention:

Participants received 28 days of metformin (1 g twice daily), placebo, or (in the ODM group) gliclazide (80 mg twice daily) in random order. A deuterated cortisol infusion at the end of each phase measured cortisol regeneration by 11βHSD1. Oral cortisone was given to measure hepatic 11βHSD1 activity in the ODM group. The effect of metformin on 11βHSD1 was also assessed in human hepatocytes and Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome adipocytes.

Main Outcome Measures:

The effect of metformin on whole-body and hepatic 11βHSD1 activity.

Results:

Whole-body 11βHSD1 activity was approximately 25% higher in the ODM group than the OND group. Metformin increased whole-body cortisol regeneration by 11βHSD1 in both groups compared with placebo and gliclazide and tended to increase hepatic 11βHSD1 activity. In vitro, metformin did not increase 11βHSD1 activity in hepatocytes or adipocytes.

Conclusions:

Metformin increases whole-body cortisol generation by 11βHSD1 probably through an indirect mechanism, potentially offsetting other metabolic benefits of metformin. Co-prescription with metformin should provide a greater target for selective 11βHSD1 inhibitors.
Reducing frustration
Authors: Tassoni Penny
Published: July 2016

In the first of a two-part series, using extracts from her latest book, Reducing Educational Disadvantage, Penny Tassoni explores ways of identifying factors that might impact on a child's communication skills.
The paths to graduating
Authors: Willis Richard
Published: July 2016

In this article, Dr Richard Willis compares and contrasts the different types of available early years degree courses at universities in England and South Australia, suggesting the benefits of each.
Which direction will policy take?
Authors: Merrickis Beatrice
Published: July 2016

If the worst case economic forecasts are correct, more than ever we need a clear, long-term strategy for the early years if we are to best spend to support those who suffer most from an economic downturn?
Hop along hopscotch
Authors: Harries Judith
Published: July 2016

The sixth article in a series that will explore traditional games takes a look at an activity that has been around in one form or another since Roman times–this month, we ask you to hop, skip and jump!
Comparing speed of Web Map Service with GeoServer on ESRI Shapefile and PostGIS
Authors: Růžička Jan
Published: July 2016

There are several options how to configure Web Map Service using several map servers. GeoServer is one of most popular map servers nowadays. GeoServer is able to read data from several sources. Very popular data source is ESRI Shapefile. It is well documented and most of software for geodata processing is able to read and write data in this format. Another very popular data store is PostgreSQL/PostGIS object-relational database. Both data sources has advantages and disadvantages and user of GeoServer has to decide which one to use. The paper describes comparison of performance of GeoServer Web Map Service when reading data from ESRI Shapefile or from PostgreSQL/PostGIS database.
Statistical comparison of spectral and biochemical measurements on an example of Norway spruce stands in the Ore Mountains, Czech Republic
Authors: Potůčková Markéta , Červená Lucie , Kupková Lucie , Lhotáková Zuzana , Albrechtová Jana
Published: July 2016

The physiological status of vegetation and changes thereto can be monitored by means of biochemical analysis of collected samples as well as by means of spectroscopic measurements either on the leaf level, using field (or laboratory) spectroradiometers or on the canopy level, applying hyperspectral airborne or spaceborne image data. The presented study focuses on the statistical comparison and ascertainment of relations between three datasets collected from selected Norway spruce forest stands in the Ore Mountains, Czechia. The data sets comprise i) photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls, carotenoids) and water content of 495 samples collected from 55 trees from three different vertical levels and the first three needle age classes, ii) the spectral reflectance of the same samples measured with an ASD Field Spec 4 Wide-Res spectroradiometer equipped with a plant contact probe, iii) an airborne hyperspecral image acquired with an Apex sensor. The datasets cover two localities in the Ore Mountains that were affected differently by acid deposits in the 1970s and 1980s. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey’s honest significance test, hot spot analysis and linear regression were applied either on the original measurements (the content of leaf compounds and reflectance spectra) or derived values, i.e., selected spectral indices. The results revealed a generally low correlation between the photosynthetic pigments, water content and spectral measurement. The results of the ANOVA showed significant differences between sites (model areas) only in the case of the leaf compound dataset. Differences between the stands on various levels of significance exist in all three datasets and are explained in detail. The study also proved that the vertical gradient of the biochemical and biophysical parameters in the canopy play a role when the optical properties of the forest stands are modelled.
Euler-Maruyama approximation of backward doubly stochastic differential delay equations
Authors: Sarhan Falah , JICHENG LIU
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we attempt to introduce a new numerical approach to solve backward doubly stochastic differential delay equation ( shortly-BDSDDEs ). In the beginning, we present some assumptions to get the numerical scheme for BDSDDEs, from which we prove important theorem. We use the relationship between backward doubly stochastic differential delay equations and stochastic controls by interpreting BDSDDEs as some stochastic optimal control problems, to solve the approximated BDSDDEs and we prove that the numerical solutions of backward doubly stochastic differential delay equation converge to the true solution under the Lipschitz condition.
Organic Rankine Cycle for Residual Heat to Power Conversion in Natural Gas Compressor Station. Part I: Modelling and Optimisation Framework
Authors: Chaczykowski Maciej
Published: July 2016

Basic organic Rankine cycle (ORC), and two variants of regenerative ORC have been considered for the recovery of exhaust heat from natural gas compressor station. The modelling framework for ORC systems has been presented and the optimisation of the systems was carried out with turbine power output as the variable to be maximized. The determination of ORC system design parameters was accomplished by means of the genetic algorithm. The study was aimed at estimating the thermodynamic potential of different ORC configurations with several working fluids employed. The first part of this paper describes the ORC equipment models which are employed to build a NLP formulation to tackle design problems representative for waste energy recovery on gas turbines driving natural gas pipeline compressors.
The Effect of Preventive Conservation Measures on the Technical Condition of A Religious Building Located in the Mining Area
Authors: Barycz Stanisław , Firek Karol , Kocot Wojciech , Malinowska Agnieszka
Published: July 2016

The article presents the case study of a historical religious building located in the area of “Bogdanka” S.A. Coal Mine. As the building lacked adequate resistance to the expected effects of mining, the Mine undertook efforts so that it was fully protected against mining impacts before the commencement of mining operations. A preventive conservation system was used, consisting of an external stiffening reinforced concrete plate at the ground level and a system of steel tie rods established at the level of vault supports. The article assesses the effect of undertaken preventive conservation measures on the current technical condition of the building. The basis for the assessment was the extent of damage to the building confirmed after the occurrence of impacts from the performed mining operations combined with the analysis of ground deformation.
Determination of Granite Rock Massif Weathering and Cracking of Surface Layers in the Oldest Parts of Medieval Mine Depending on Used Mining Method
Authors: Lednická Markéta , Kaláb Zdeněk
Published: July 2016

The paper presents the use of selected non-destructive testing methods for the purpose of specifying information on weathering and cracking of surface layers of granite rock massif in the medieval Jeroným Mine (the Czech Republic). This mine has been declared the National Heritage Site of the Czech Republic and its opening as a mining museum to the public is gradually prepared. Geological and geomechanical evaluation documents the possibility to find all kinds of weathering grades of rock massif in this mine. Two non-destructive methods have been tested, namely the measurement of ultrasonic pulse velocity and the measurement of Schmidt hammer rebound value. Field measurements were performed in two selected galleries to verify the application of such methods in specific conditions of underground spaces. Used mining method is one of the parameters later influencing cracking of rock massif. In selected galleries, two different mining methods were used which means that a part of a gallery profile was mined out by hand tools in the Middle Ages and another part of the profile was later mined out by blasting. Measurements in these galleries have enabled to analyse the influence of used mining methods on cracking of rock massif in the impaired zone, and, consequently, on ongoing weathering processes in those zones.
Conceptualizations of “results” in Swedish policy for development cooperation from the 1960s to the 2000s
Authors: Brolin Therese
Published: July 2016

Over the last few decades there has been an increased focus on results within development cooperation, and there has been an intense debate regarding the possible success or failures of development efforts. However, there is no general agreement on what a development result is, or why and whose development results should be reported. The understanding of what a development result entails has also shifted over time. This article aims to contribute to the current debate on development results by exploring how one donor, Sweden, historically has conceptualized development results in its policies and strategies on development cooperation. A review of all policies and general strategies on Swedish development cooperation published between 1962 and 2013, reveals that there has been a shift in how results are conceptualized: from being a mere instrument for supporting partner countries in pursuing more effective development policies and interventions, reporting of development results has become one of the main strategic tools for pursuing a Swedish development cooperation.
Large cities in Poland in face of demographic changes
Authors: Gołata Elżbieta , Kuropka Ireneusz
Published: July 2016

The growth of rural population, to the detriment of cities in Poland is caused mainly by agglomeration processes, including suburbanisation. Consequently, intense and sudden changes in demographic structure of large cities and surrounding regions are observed. The paper presents demographic changes in the largest Polish cities. The aim of the study was to verify whether the phenomenon of population aging was more distinct in large cities than in surrounding municipalities. We also aimed to answer the question of how changes in demographic processes should shape the social policy pursued by authorities in large cities. Discussion covers activities rising out of demographic challenges to meet the needs in the field of “services” for children and increasing demand for ventures related to care for the elderly. The analysis includes selected areas of the education, health care and social assistance fields.
“Municipal settlements of Ukraine” database and its possible application spheres
Authors: Volodymyrovych Glibchuk Petro
Published: July 2016

With the development of geoinformation technologies and geoinformation mapping the sphere of activity of professional geographers and cartographers has been enriched by a wide application of databases (DB). They enable geographical information to be put in order in a user-friendly system. The article considers the methodological aspects of the organizations and creation of such a system - the “Municipal settlements of Ukraine” databases. The basic stages and databases forming the principles which the author designated during the creation of this specific database are highlighted. The DB structure is revealed - the list of the data included in every table is given. The ways of DB applications are determined; they consist in using DB for the creation of various cartographic studies and reference books about the municipal settlements in Ukraine. The prospects of DB development and perfection are considered.
Aspects of Human Rights Infringement by Abusive Use of Technical Surveillance Measures
Authors: Ungureanu Petre
Published: July 2016

Gathering evidence is a very complex activity carried out by prosecutors during a criminal trial in order to establish the judicial truth. The more complex methods of committing a crime has determined the legislature to react promptly by offering the prosecutors special surveillance methods. One of these methods is the technical surveillance, which according to art. 138 par. 1 consists of the interception of any kind of remote communications, access to a informatics system, audio and video surveillance, tracing or localization by use of technical measures, obtaining the financial records of a person.

Gathering evidence must be carried out by respecting all legal obligations and in accordance with the human rights. This article emphasizes on the infringements on a person’s right to private life and secret of correspondence.
Teaching and Learning Foreign Languages with ICT
Authors: Negoescu Alina , Boştină-Bratu Simona
Published: July 2016

The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in teaching and learning foreign languages has risen sharply among the educational community. Teachers access and implement innovations without always realizing their full implications for them and their students. However, this is not necessarily a negative thing, because if no one used innovations, little progresses would be made and there would be nothing to evaluate. The article presents certain features of ICT that can be used to good advantage in a rich learning environment, and the use of video as an ICT tool in the foreign language class. The paper also discusses the role of the teacher in implementing technologies and we argue that it is the teacher, not the technology who determines the quality of the learning and teaching. There are people who are afraid that the teacher’s role would be compromised if we integrate information communication technologies in education; however we militate for a ‘techno-humanistic’ system, in which teachers, learners and technology would form a lasting meaningful alliance.
Relational Aspects between ICT and the Modernization of Differentiated and Individualized Teaching of Foreign Languages in Higher Education
Authors: Niculescu Brânduşa-Oana , Obilişteanu Georgeta
Published: July 2016

The amplitude of the interest and of the concerns related to the identification and the setting of the foundation necessary for perfecting higher education increasingly brings the adjustment of didactic activities to the students’ particularities to the attention of educational theory and practice, with a view to forming and developing their personality.

The necessity and utilization of differentiating learning through modern methods specific to an efficient didactic methodology requires the adaptation of higher education to new modalities of organization and development, combined with knowledge adjusted to the particularities of the students’ personality. The rethinking and reconsideration of the didactic activities from this perspective also benefits from the opportunities provided by the facilities of the new scientific breakthroughs in the field of technology. Therefore, making differentiated and individualized instruction efficient by using advanced technologies represents one of the challenges of updating teaching foreign languages within higher education. Being a major component, the information and communications technology (ICT) opens new and significant opportunities, as well solutions for enhancing the level of the outcomes obtained by students in the differentiated and individualized education of foreign languages. Approaching several aspects specific to the implementation of ICT in the didactic activities pertains to the theoretical, methodological and praxiological preoccupations that aim at diversifying and increasing the obvious advantages offered by differentiated instruction in higher education.
Study Regarding Socialization and Social Integration of Students
Authors: Pomohaci Marcel , Sopa Ioan Sabin
Published: July 2016

Motor activities, whether organized sports and physical education, sports training, leisure activities or competition, have at this age level, primary education, a strong playful time, pursuing both development and motor skills, physical fitness and especially the psycho-social. Through play and sports competition, the child can gain confidence and try new forms of communications so that he can express his potential and qualities.

Theory of social learning has shown that socialization is made best in the sports. According to specialists, practicing physical activities or sports influences youth personality and creates positive effects on body and mind.

Using sociological questionnaire method we tried to analyze the importance of motor activities in the process of socialization and social integration of students, the relationships established within the group and the influence of sport in group evolution.
Faith as Lived in Private Life and Public Space: A Lisu Village Christian Church in Fugong / 私人生活、公共空间与信仰实践——以云南福贡基督教会为中心的考察
Authors: Jianbo Huang , Qi Liu
Published: July 2016

In the Lisu village of Fugong, Yunnan, Christianity does not merely serve as a theological resource with which villagers seek personal redemption. It also saturates every corner of their private and family lives, engaging directly with various issues including important ceremonies of life and other daily matters. More important, as a community itself, the local church becomes a public place. It is also an organizational foundation and resource for communal interaction and rural governance.
Research and Development Investment as Determinant of International Competitiveness and Economic Growth in Eu28 and Serbia
Authors: Vasić Jelena , Kecman Nataša , Mladenović Igor
Published: July 2016

R&D expenditures (R&D) are an important precondition for the economic growth and development, as well as for the improvement of export performances and competitiveness of national economies. Knowledge has been increasingly identified as the primary factor of economic growth in the modern business environment. In order to outline appropriate policy on R&D expenditures, it is necessary to analyse indicators of the dynamics and quality of R&D expenditures as well as indicators regarding growth and development of national economies. In this paper, we present R&D expenditures of old and new EU Member States as well as Serbia. Based on the correlation intensity of indicators of R&D expenditures and economic growth and export, it’s been analysed if R&D intensity has an impact on competitiveness and growth in mentioned countries since 2000. Although Serbia has implemented significant economic reforms since 2000 and there has been an overall awareness of the need on higher R&D, the R&D sector still lags behind developed countries of the EU. Therefore, this paper directs attention to the importance of identifying and implementing a national policy on R&D expenditures, with special focus on necessity for improved R&D funding of the business sector and growth of R&D funding from abroad.
Empirical Evaluation of the Fiscal Position in Serbia
Authors: Đurović-Todorović Jadranka , Vuković Marija
Published: July 2016

The paper evaluates the size of the cyclical and structural components of the fiscal deficit of the Republic of Serbia for the period from the first quarter of 2002 to the second quarter of 2014. The method of the European Central Bank was used, where it is assumed that cyclically sensitive elements of state are budget income tax, profit tax, value added tax on the value, excises, social security contributions and unemployment benefits. Elasticity of cyclically sensitive elements relative to their macroeconomic bases are estimated using the VEC model with error correction. The results suggest that automatic stabilizers generally played a more prominent role than consistent countercyclical discretionary fiscal policy, which means that the discretionary measures were late or were not well targeted.
Determination of Expert Group Preferences in the Multi-Criteria Model for the Analysis of Local Economic Environment
Authors: Stanković Jelena , Popović Žarko , Kostevski Sanja
Published: July 2016

Local economic environment is characterised by a range of economic, social, political and demographic parameters, based on which we can perform its analysis. Heterogeneity of relevant characteristics of the local economic environment imposes multiple criteria analysis as one of the suitable tools for the evaluation. Assessment of local economic environment often falls within the scope of group decision-making, as it is usually performed on the basis of an analysis of preferences of economic subjects or relevant experts on the issue of the economic environment at the local level. Regardless of whether it is based on economic subjects or expert group, in order to form a multi-criteria model, it is necessary to generate preferences of individuals into a single weight coefficient, which shows groups’ preference on the importance of each criterion. The subject of this paper is determination of weight coefficients in the multi-criteria model for the analysis of local economic development based on the preferences from a group of experts, by applying adequate statistical tools, and then by ranking local governments according to the quality of business environment perceived by the expert group.In addition to descriptive statistics and testing the significance of differences, in the paper is applied multi-criteria method Simple Additive Weights - SAW.
Managing the Risk in Agriculture Production: The Role of Government
Authors: Lipińska Izabela
Published: July 2016

The aim of the article was to define the essence and the role of state in managing the risk in agricultural production. Nowadays risk management is one of the core priorities of reformed CAP. Wherefore it was necessary to highlight the variety of tools and essay the reason why the farmers do not implement them. The main method applied in the work was a descriptive method and a dogmatic analysis of normative acts. Reference books and international analyses and reports were also used. The weather conditions, as well as climate change have fair impact on agricultural production, its quality and quantity, as well as farmers’ income. They are infrequent but lead to severe damage to a whole region, like the droughts occurrence this year. Such events fall under the catastrophic risk layer, for which market solutions plays a less important role, mostly due to public involvement. Due to the current legislation, Member States have the authorization for granting subsidies for farmers who had loss. They set up provisions for damage recovery and compensation. It seems to be one of the main reasons why the farmers do not try to avoid the risk themselves applying some on-farm strategies.
Agricultural Land and Land Tax – Significant Indicators of Agriculture Business Activities in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Krajčírová Renáta , Ferenczi Vaňová Alexandra , Munk Michal
Published: July 2016

The article is focused on the consideration between the agricultural land acreage and the amount of land tax in the selected sample of companies of agricultural primary production in the Slovak Republic within the period from 2010 to 2014 based on the data from departmental database of enterprises with primary agricultural production drawn from the factsheets of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic presented by the selected statistical methods. In particular, the article presents the agricultural land and land tax from the accounting and tax perspective of the Slovak Republic and the European Union. It can be resulted that a slightly declining trend of the mean acreage of agricultural land was recorded for the evaluated group of agricultural enterprises within the reported period, while the mean land tax value per hectare of agricultural land had increasing trend. Results of the survey on significances of differences in the values of the dependent variables at the level of combinations of factors of year and enterprise indicate that the acreage of agricultural land and the volume of the land tax are statistically dependant at the level of year, however there are not dependent at the level of combination of factors of year and enterprise within the surveyed period.
A Crossover from High Stiffness to High Hardness: The Case of Osmium and Its Borides
Authors: Bian Yongming , Liu Xiaomei , Li Anhu , Liang Yongcheng
Published: July 2016

Transition-metal light-element compounds are currently raising great expectations for hard and superhard materials. Using the widely attracting osmium (Os) and its borides (OsB, Os2B3 and OsB2) as prototypes, we demonstrate by first-principles calculations that heavy transition metals, which possess high stiffness but low hardness, can be converted into highly hard materials by incorporating of light elements to form compounds. Such a crossover is a manifestation that the underlying sources of high stiffness and high hardness are fundamentally different. The stiffness is related to elastic deformation that is closely associated with valence electron density, whereas the hardness depends strongly on plastic deformation that is determined by bonding nature. Therefore, the incorporation of light atoms into transition metal should be a valid pathway of designing hard and superhard materials. This strategy is in principle also applicable to other transition-metal borides, carbides, and nitrides.
Implementation of the 1838 Anglo-Turkish Convention on Izmir'S Trade: European and Minority Merchants
Authors: Frangakis-Syrett Elena
Published: July 2016

In the last decades of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Izmir experienced tremendous economic growth, mainly as a result of growth in the world economy. In addition, the French Revolution and the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars resulted in the collapse of French economic domination in the area. As a result, Ottoman minority merchants experienced an equally tremendous economic growth (Frangakis-Syrett, 1987, pp. 73-86). Britain replaced France as the principal trading partner of Izmir, while the economic growth of the port-city as well as that of the minority merchants continued strong. It was in this period of increasing commercial activity that the Anglo-Turkish Convention was signed between Great Britain and the Ottoman Empire on 16 August 1838 to come into effect in western Anatolia on March 1839. The Treaty, which subsequently was signed by all the European States as well as the United States and the Ottoman Empire, aimed at removing obstacles to free trade in the Empire for the merchants of these states. It was to achieve that by removing an array of local or additional duties paid for the export of Ottoman goods or the import and circulation of all other goods, manufactured or otherwise, and by setting a fixed rate of five percent duty on imports and twelve percent on exports—nine percent on purchasing at the place of growth and three percent on exportation.
A Postmodern Reaction to Dependent Modernization: The Social and Historical Roots of Islamic Radicalism
Authors: Gülalp Haldun
Published: July 2016

The recent rise of Islamic Radicalism in the Middle East is generally associated with anti-Western sentiment and interpreted as a continuation of the traditional conflict between Christian and Islamic civilizations. It is thought to reflect a traditionalist opposition to the modernization process which originated in the West and then was introduced to the Islamic countries (for an example of this literature, see Youssef, 1985). But this view cannot explain the historical timing and specificity of the current Islamic political revival. In this paper I suggest that Islamic radicalism is not a traditionalist plea to return to a pre-modern era. Quite the contrary, it is a product of the contradictions of Third World modernization and represents apost-modernreaction to the specific form of modernization experienced by the Islamic Third World. In the Islamic countries, where modernization has been synonymous with westernization, the response to the contradictions of modernization has taken the form of a “politics of identity.”
Feminism in Turkey: A Short History
Authors: Sirman Nükhet
Published: July 2016

In May 1987, about 3000 women marched through the streets of Istanbul to protest against the battering of women in the home. This was not the first time that women in Turkey had taken to the streets, but it certainly was the first time that they had voiced demands specific to their conditions of existence as women in Turkish society. As stated by one of the speakers at the rally marking the end of the march, women were not marching for their nation, their class, nor for their husbands, brothers and sons, but for themselves. I take this march and events following it to signal a new form in which the position of women in Turkish society is being articulated within the political terrain of Turkey. This new visibility of women in Turkish political discourse has many links to strands of thought that can be broadly called ‘feminist’ and as such provides a fruitful arena for the investigation of the forms this ideological current takes in Third World countries.
High temperature luminescence of ZnSe:Yb crystals
Authors: Makhniy V. P. , Slyotov O. M. , Kinzerska O. V. , Senko I. M.
Published: July 2016

The problem of obtaining of effective edge luminescence with high temperature stability in the zinc selenide crystals is discussed. This task is solved by using as the dopant rare-earth element yttrium, which is introduced into the undoped ZnSe crystal by diffusion method. Doping was carried out in an evacuated to 10 –4 Torr. and a sealed quartz ampoule, in the opposite ends of which is a sample and a mixture of the crushed Yb and Se. It has been found that the diffusion coefficient of yttrium at a temperature of 1400 K is about 5•10 –7 cm 2/sec. It is shown that in the luminescence spectra of ZnSe:Yb samples in the temperature range 295—470 K only blue band is observed. Dependencies of parameters of this band from the excitation level are typical for the annihilation of excitons at their inelastic scattering by free carriers. The efficacy of blue radiation at 300 K is about 30% and does not fall more than twice with increasing temperature up to 470 K, indicating its high thermal stability.
Presynaptic GABA Receptors Mediate Temporal Contrast Enhancement inDrosophilaOlfactory Sensory Neurons and Modulate Odor-Driven Behavioral Kinetics
Authors: Raccuglia Davide , McCurdy Li Yan , Demir Mahmut , Gorur-Shandilya Srinivas , Kunst Michael , Emonet Thierry , Nitabach Michael N.
Published: July 2016

Contrast enhancement mediated by lateral inhibition within the nervous system enhances the detection of salient features of visual and auditory stimuli, such as spatial and temporal edges. However, it remains unclear how mechanisms for temporal contrast enhancement in the olfactory system can enhance the detection of odor plume edges during navigation. To address this question, we delivered toDrosophila melanogasterflies pulses of high odor intensity that induce sustained peripheral responses in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). We use optical electrophysiology to directly measure electrical responses in presynaptic terminals and demonstrate that sustained peripheral responses are temporally sharpened by the combined activity of two types of inhibitory GABA receptors to generate contrast-enhanced voltage responses in central OSN axon terminals. Furthermore, we show how these GABA receptors modulate the time course of innate behavioral responses after odor pulse termination, demonstrating an important role for temporal contrast enhancement in odor-guided navigation.
Attitudes and preferences in patients with acromegaly on long-term treatment with somatostatin analogues
Authors: Follin Cecilia , Karlsson Sven
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Patients with acromegaly can be treated with surgery, medical therapy and/or radiation therapy. For the patients not being cured with surgery, treatment with somatostatin analogues (SSAs) is the primary therapy. SSA can be taken by self- or partner-administered injections in addition to being given by a nurse at a clinic. The aim was to assess if patients with acromegaly prefer self-injections and to investigate their attitudes towards long-term medical therapy.

Method

All patients in the southern medical region of Sweden with a diagnosis of acromegaly and treated with SSA were eligible for the study (n = 24). The study is based on a questionnaire asking about the patients’ attitudes and preferences for injections with SSA, including their attitudes towards self-injection with SSA.

Results

The patients’ (23 included) median age was 68.5 years and the patients had been treated with SSA for 13 (1–38) years. One patient was currently self-injecting. All of the other patients were receiving injections from a nurse at a clinic. Three patients preferred self-injections, one preferred partner injections and 19 patients did not prefer self- or partner injections. The most frequent arguments to not preferring self-injections were ‘feeling more secure with an educated nurse’ and ‘preferring regular contact with a specialised nurse’.

Conclusion

Patients with acromegaly prefer regular contact with the endocrine team to the independence offered by self-injections. These findings might mirror the patients’ desires for continuity and safety. We need to address patients’ concerns regarding injections with SSA and support them in their choices.
Comparison of ESI and APCI sources in Q-TOF mass spectrometer in photodegradation study of selected psychotropic drugs
Authors: Trawiński J. , Skibiński R. , Komsta Ł.
Published: July 2016

Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with high-resolution quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometry was used for the preliminary photodegradation study of nine new generation psychotropic drugs. Based on the above method, two ionization sample modes — electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization were used for the registration of photodegradation profiles of the selected drugs. Multivariate chemometric analysis showed that electrospray ionization (ESI) method is more specific than atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) in high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) analysis of the analyzed psychotropic drugs. It was noticed that, with the use of ESI method, more potential photodegradation products can be identified and lower limits of its detection can be obtained.
An Improved Process for the Preparation of the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene: from Laboratory-scale Synthesis to Scale-up Development
Authors: Fat'yanova A. A. , Gusak A. S. , Trofimova O. A. , Prokhorova P. E.
Published: July 2016

The article describes the synthesis of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene with different downloads of the starting compounds. The obtained data revealed the dependence of the yield on solvent, time and download amount. The description of technological process and material flows are given in this article.
Impermeable membranes for slab-track settlement mitigation
Authors: Pérez-Romero Joaquín , Ciantia Matteo O , Arroyo Marcos , Vaunat Jean
Published: July 2016

A series of numerical simulations is used to explore the effect of the geometrical disposition of impermeable membranes in the overall performance of slab-track railway earthworks, with particular reference to the generation of settlement during several years of exposure to the atmosphere and the admissibility of these post-construction deformations according to the available standards. A methodology suitable to account for the effects of rail traffic loading and environmental actions over its service life is presented. To emphasise the effect of the water-impermeable membranes on the atmospheric-induced embankment irreversible deformations, both semi-arid and wet climate conditions were investigated, making use of real climate data for a period of 10 years. The numerical results show that the calculated settlement can be beyond the admissible values and that the use of impermeable membranes is an available alternative for its mitigation.
Opinions of Occupational Therapists on the Positioning of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Gauteng Public Healthcare
Authors: Van Biljon Hester M , Casteleijn Daleen , Du Toit Sanetta H.J. , Soulsby Lynn
Published: July 2016

Introduction: A collaborative effort to transform occupational therapies vocational rehabilitation services in Gauteng's public healthcare was hampered by the fact that role players were unclear as to what the scope of the service should be within the various sectors and staffing levels of public healthcare. This article reports on the opinions of occupational therapists on the positioning of vocational rehabilitation services in the Gauteng Province.Method: A collaborative action research team launched a non-experimental descriptive inquiry within the planning phase of a larger transformative project. Data were generated through an opinion survey to capture the perspectives of occupational therapists on the potential positioning of vocational rehabilitation services in the province. The opinions of three groups of occupational therapists were collected, i.e. clinicians working in Gauteng public healthcare, experienced vocational rehabilitation practitioners from all fields of service delivery who acted as critical friends and occupational therapy academia.Results: The purposive sample was composed of Â 307 potential respondents. A low response rate of 31% was achieved. There was a lack of consensus as to which vocational rehabilitation services occupational therapists should render in public health care. The results reflected the need to address the scope and position of vocational rehabilitation services in public health care.Conclusion: Positioning of vocational rehabilitation services in public health care remains a point of contention. However, the process of asking occupational therapists their opinion created awareness and directed continuous efforts to address the issues within the field of practice.Keywords: occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation services, public healthcare action research, opinion survey.Â
Mixing Up Methods: A Recipe for Success or Disaster?
Authors: Plastow Nicola Ann
Published: July 2016

The increase in the number of occupational therapists training and doing research at undergraduate and post-graduate degree levelhas led to an exciting growth in research capacity within our profession. My experiences of doing research and in supervising studentshave raised questions about which methodologies students should be able to apply at the beginning of their research careers. In thisopinion piece I argue that concurrent mixed-methods research designs across more than one research paradigm are inappropriate forundergraduate and Masters-level research, because of issues with integration, transparency, and the time taken to develop the sufficientresearch expertise required for this methodology.Keywords: Mixed-methods, study design
Mixing Up Methods: A Recipe for Success or Disaster?
Authors: Plastow Nicola Ann
Published: July 2016

The increase in the number of occupational therapists training and doing research at undergraduate and post-graduate degree level has led to an exciting growth in research capacity within our profession. My experiences of doing research and in supervising students have raised questions about which methodologies students should be able to apply at the beginning of their research careers.  In this opinion piece I argue that concurrent mixed-methods research designs across more than one research paradigm are inappropriate for undergraduate and Masters-level research, because of issues with integration, transparency, and the time taken to develop the sufficient research expertise required for this methodology.
Keywords: Mixed-methods, study design
Job Satisfaction in Occupational Therapists
Authors: Sewpersadh Uvana , Lingah Thanalutchmy , Govender Pragashnie
Published: July 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify whether occupational therapists in the Durban metropolitan area were satisfied with their jobs and to identify dimensions that influence levels of job satisfaction. Methods: A quantitative descriptive study was undertaken using a survey. Data was collected using a validated measure, the Job Satisfaction Survey, which measures nine dimensions of job satisfaction. Questionnaires were distributed to occupational therapists (N=95) selected via purposive sampling, with a final response rate of 51.5% (n=49). Results and Conclusions: The total job satisfaction levels fell within an ambivalent (unsure) range. Occupational therapists were most satisfied with their nature of work followed by the operating procedures and their co-workers. No significant correlations were found between demographic variables and job satisfaction. Occupational therapists experienced the lowest levels of satisfaction in the areas of salary and promotional opportunities. The results of this study may provide insight to managers of occupational therapy services to assist with staff recruitment and retention.Â
Synthesis of zirconia-based solid acid nanoparticles for fuel cell application
Authors: Sigwadi Rudzani A , Mavundla Sipho E , Moloto Nosipho , Mokrani Touhami
Published: July 2016

Zirconia nanoparticles were prepared by the precipitation and ageing methods. The precipitation method was performed by adding ammonium solution to the aqueous solution of zirconium chloride at room temperature. The ageing method was performed by leaving the precipitate formed in the mother liquor in the glass beaker for 48 hours at ambient temperatures. The nanoparticles from both methods were further sulphated and phosphated to increase their acid sites. The materials prepared were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer-EmmettTeller (BET), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The XRD results showed that the nanoparticles prepared by the precipitation method contained mixed phases of tetragonal and monoclinic phases, whereas the nanoparticles prepared by ageing method had only tetragonal phase. The TEM results showed that phosphated and sulphated zirconia nanoparticles obtained from the ageing method had a smaller particle size (10–12 nm) than the nanoparticles of approximately 25–30 nm prepared by precipitation only. The BET results showed that the ZrO2 nanoparticles surface area increased from 32 to 72 m2/g when aged.
Developmental simulation of the adult cranial morphology of Australopithecus sediba
Authors: Carlson Keely B. , De Ruiter Darryl J. , DeWitt Thomas J. , McNulty Kieran P. , Carlson Kristian J. , Tafforeau Paul , Berger Lee R.
Published: July 2016

The type specimen of Australopithecus sediba (MH1) is a late juvenile, prompting some commentators to suggest that had it lived to adulthood its morphology would have changed sufficiently so as to render hypotheses regarding its phylogenetic relations suspect. Considering the potentially critical position of this species with regard to the origins of the genus Homo, a deeper understanding of this change is especially vital. As an empirical response to this critique, a developmental simulation of the MH1 cranium was carried out using geometric morphometric techniques to extrapolate adult morphology using extant male and female chimpanzees, gorillas and humans by modelling remaining development. Multivariate comparisons of the simulated adult A. sediba crania with other early hominin taxa indicate that subsequent cranial development primarily reflects development of secondary sexual characteristics and would not likely be substantial enough to alter suggested morphological affinities of A. sediba. This study also illustrates the importance of separating developmental vectors by sex when estimating ontogenetic change. Results of the ontogenetic projections concur with those from mandible morphology, and jointly affirm the taxonomic validity of A. sediba.