bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Non-Coding RNA-Mediated Regulation of the Interferon Response: A New Perspective on a Familiar Theme
Authors: Valadkhan Saba , Plasek Leah M.
Published: September 2018

The interferon (IFN) response is a critical and ubiquitous component of the innate immune response to pathogens. Detailed studies in the last decades have elucidated the function of a large number of proteins that mediate the complex signaling pathways and gene expression programs involved in the interferon response. The recent discovery of the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as a new category of cellular effectors has led to studies aiming to understand the role of these transcripts in the IFN response. Several high throughput studies have shown that a large number of lncRNAs are differentially expressed following IFN stimulation and/or viral infections. In-depth study of a very small fraction of the identified lncRNAs has revealed critical roles for this class of transcripts in the regulation of multiple steps of the IFN response, and pointed to the presence of an extensive RNA-mediated regulatory network during the antiviral response. As the vast majority of the identified potential regulatory lncRNAs remain unstudied, it is highly likely that future studies will reveal a completely new perspective on the regulation of the IFN response, with lncRNA- and protein-mediated regulatory networks coordinating the duration, magnitude, and character of this aspect of the innate immune response. In addition to providing a more complete picture of the IFN response, these studies will likely identify new therapeutic targets that in the long term may impact the therapeutic options available against microbial infections and diseases of the immune system.
MATURAÇÃO OVARIANA DE Astyanax altiparanae APÓS DESOVA EM SISTEMA DE RECIRCULAÇÃO DE ÁGUA
Authors: LIRA Lieschen Valeria Guerra , KURADOMI Rafael Yutaka , De Souza Thiago GONÇALVES , HAINFELLNER Patrick , BATLOUNI Sergio Ricardo
Published: September 2018

Neste estudo, avaliamos a possibilidade de obtenção de desovas sucessivas de Astyanax altiparanae mantidos em biotério. Para isso, 104 indiví­­duos foram distribuí­­dos aleatoriamente em quatro caixas (10 fêmeas e 16 machos em cada) e mantidos a uma temperatura média de 29,24 Â± 0,42Â°C, sob fotoperí­­odo natural, por 30 dias. No iní­­cio do experimento, machos e fêmeas foram induzidos í­Â  reprodução com uma dose de extrato de hipófise de carpa (6 mg kg-1). Posteriormente, amostras de ovário (para cálculo do í­­ndice gonadosomático e avaliação estereológica) e de sangue (para avaliação de esteroides) foram coletadas de oito fêmeas (duas por caixa) nos seguintes perí­­odos: imediatamente após a indução hormonal (dia 0) e 1, 6, 16 e 30 dias após a desova. No dia 6, as fêmeas desovadas já apresentavam ovários maduros completos similares aos descritos no dia 0. No dia 6 não foram mais observados complexos pós-ovulatórios, indicando que a sua reabsorção foi relativamente rápida. Concomitantemente, os ní­­veis de esteroides aumentaram gradativamente até o dia 6, corroborando uma atividade vitelogênica intensa neste perí­­odo. Neste estudo demonstramos que fêmeas de A. altiparanae apresentam-se aptas para indução hormonal seis dias após a reprodução, quando mantida a 29,24 Â± 0,42 Â° C, em um sistema mantido com água recirculada.
LUMINOSIDADE EXCESSIVA REDUZ A COLORAÇÃO DA PELE DO CARDINAL TETRA
Authors: LINHARES Regiane Monteiro , PINAGÉ Celina Maria Müller Ferreira , DUNCAN Wallice Paxiúba
Published: September 2018

Para compreender as mudanças morfológicas e fisiológicas da perda da coloração no tegumento do cardinal após exposição í­Â  luminosidade, exemplares de Paracheirodon axelrodi foram submetidos a diferentes intensidades luminosas (0, 250, 500, 1.200 e 2.700 lux), em diferentes intervalos de tempo (0, 12, 24 e 72 horas). Após a exposição, foram analisadas a dispersão dos melanossomos e a densidade de cromatóforos. A faixa de coloração escura do cardinal é constituí­­da por melanóforos de coloração marrom-amarelado (dorsalmente localizados) e marrom-escuro (latero-medial). Na faixa azul iridescente, os melanóforos de cor marrom-escuro estão intimamente associados aos iridóforos. Eritróforos foram encontrados apenas na faixa vermelha. Observou-se que a perda da coloração ocorre devido í­Â  exposição pela luminosidade excessiva. As faixas melí­¢nica e neon tornam-se pálidas devido í­Â  redução na densidade dos melanóforos, enquanto a faixa vermelha intensifica-se como resultado da proliferação de eritróforos. Em baixa luminosidade (0 a 250 lux), os melanóforos (com melanossomos dispersos) proliferam-se nas faixas melí­¢nica e neon realçando ainda mais as cores vibrantes do cardinal. Nós sugerimos que na natureza a palidez pode representar um padrão de camuflagem durante as horas de intensa luminosidade nas águas pretas do rio Negro. A redução da coloração na pele pode ajudar o cardinal a confundir potenciais predadores visuais.
USO DE ENZIMAS EXÓGENAS EM DIETAS PARA JUVENIS DE PAMPO Trachinotus marginatus: CRESCIMENTO E MORFOFIOLOGIA DO FÍGADO E INTESTINO
Authors: SIMIÃO Cleber dos Santos , RAMOS Leonardo Rocha Vidal , MORI Agnes , ROMANO Luis Alberto , MONSERRAT José Maria , TESSER Marcelo Borges
Published: September 2018

Este estudo investigou o uso de enzimas exógenas em dietas para juvenis de pampo prateado Trachinotus marginatus. Foram preparadas seis dietas (43% de proteí­­na, 8% de lipí­­dio), contendo 0 (TC), 25 (T25), 50 (T50), 100 (T100), 250 (T250) e 500 (T500) mg kg-1 do complexo enzimático Rovabio Â® Max AP. Avaliou-se os efeitos sobre o crescimento, composição de carcaça, ní­­veis de glicogênio e triglicerí­­deo no fí­­gado e possí­­veis alterações na morfologia do intestino e fí­­gado. Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa (p < 0,05) no desempenho de crescimento dos peixes dos tratamentos T100, T250 e T500, com grande concentração de triglicerí­­deos e alteração na morfologia do fí­­gado nos peixes dos tratamentos T250 e T500. A concentração de cálcio nos ossos também teve um aumento significativo (p < 0,05) nos peixes dos tratamentos T50, T100 e T250 em relação ao controle. Entretanto, não houve diferença significativa (p > 0,05) na composição de carcaça, morfologia do intestino e concentração de glicogênio no fí­­gado.Esses resultados indicam que o uso de 100 mg kg-1 de enzimas na dieta mostrou ser o melhor ní­­vel de inclusão para juvenis de pampo prateado, favorecendo o crescimento e a concentração de cálcio nos ossos. Sem efeitos significativos sobre os ní­­veis de triglicerí­­deos no fí­­gado
SAZONALIDADE DA INFECÇÃO POR Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (NEMATODA: CAMALLANIDAE) EM Bryconops melanurus (CHARACIFORMES: IGUANODECTIDAE)
Authors: FUJIMOTO Rodrigo Yudi , COUTO Márcia Valéria Silva do , SOUSA Natalino da Costa , MADI Rubens Riscala , EIRAS Jorge Costa , MARTINS Maurício Laterça
Published: September 2018

Este estudo avalia a relação hospedeiro-parasita-ambiente entre o nematoide parasita Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus e o peixe hospedeiro Bryconops melanurus, bem como relata a ocorrência sazonal do parasita no hospedeiro. O estudo foi realizado em um total de 78 peixes coletados de um tributário do rio Caeté, Bragança, PA, no norte do Brasil. O nematóide estava presente em vários órgãos (estômago, ceco do pilórico, intestino anterior e intestino posterior) de 76 dos 78 espécimes de peixes. Para cada local, a prevalência e a intensidade média da infecção são fornecidas. O ní­­vel de parasitismo não foi influenciado pelo mês de captura, mas foram observadas cargas parasitárias mais elevadas no ceco pilórico e no intestino posterior durante a estação chuvosa (março a junho de 2007). A relação sazonal entre o hospedeiro e o nematoide pode ser influenciada por padrões de comportamento alimentar associado í­Â s variações do perí­­odo de inundação.
MULHERES NA LUTA: PARTICIPAÇÃO DE MULHERES NAS OCUPAÇÕES DE 2016 NA UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE PERNAMBUCO
Authors: Silva Marina Maria Teixeira da , Tavares Celma
Published: September 2018

Partindo dos estudos sobre a participação de mulheres em movimentos sociais, buscamos apresentar como mulheres universitárias estão construindo seus papéis e sua voz nos movimentos estudantis. O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar a participação de mulheres nas ocupações realizadas em 2016 na Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, a partir da observação participante e de entrevistas em ocupações de três centros universitários. Por meio da Análise de Conteúdo, pudemos inferir que essas mulheres se deparam com desafios semelhantes aos de seu cotidiano, porém, a partir do diálogo e da resistência, conseguem encontrar espaços privilegiados para o debate de questões que envolvem desigualdade de gênero. A vivência de práticas democráticas e o ambiente propício à discussão dos direitos humanos fomentam uma potencial transformação nas práticas e nas relações com os homens e com outras mulheres, com demonstrações de empoderamento e protagonismo.Palavras-chaves: Movimentos sociais. Feminismo. Gênero.
Searching for Filipina Sisterhood
Authors: Kim Minjeong
Published: September 2018

Drawing on the literature on immigrants’ intra-ethnic solidarity and conflict, Chapter 7 examines on Filipinas’ relationships with their co-ethnics by focusing on three different spaces. First, the chapter shows Filipinas’ intimate, quotidian interactions with one another where both sisterly care and group image anxiety exist simultaneously. Second, the chapter describes the stories of Filipinas’ departures from their marital homes. Lastly, the chapter goes beyond the local co-ethnic setting to the scene of Annual Filipino Community Day, the region’s largest co-ethnic space for Filipino immigrants. These different spaces illustrate the generative process through which “Filipinos in Korea” as the community and the identity has been constructed.
Mixed-Race Hollywood, Hawaiian Style
Authors: Fojas Camilla
Published: September 2018

In classical Hollywood films set in Hawai‘i, Native Hawaiians are often depicted as part of the landscape and as a backdrop for stories of Anglo visitor romance. After statehood, many of these stories thematize intimacies of Native Hawaiian and haole to depict the incorporation of the islands to the continental U.S. By the “multicultural” 1990s, Anglo and Native Hawaiian contact in popular culture is depicted as fraught and inflected with many of the political quandaries related to Native Hawaiian rights and sovereignty issues. And Hollywood shaped continental attitudes not only about “race” on the islands but how complex political questions might be addressed. Storylines about Native and haole—non-Native, foreign, or white—intimacies are understood through “mixed race” narratives and a history of mixed race relations on the continent. These stories work through and shape social attitudes about the political and cultural relationship of the islands to the continent, that is, rather than representing a harmonious and utopic racial future, Hawai‘i is seen as entrenched in the mainland’s racial past. And this past is abstracted from local contexts. In these films, remedies for racialized inequities derive entirely from a mainland politics of race.
“I no eat dog, k”
Authors: Labrador Roderick N.
Published: September 2018

This chapter explores the social, cultural, and ideological contexts as well as identity consequences of Filipino (dog-eating) jokes and more generally, ethnic joking and humor in the islands. I examine what dog-eating jokes say about Filipinos in Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i society and their impact on identity formation at the individual and collective levels. I suggest that these types of jokes are a kind of racial hazing that constitute Hawai‘i’s (neo)liberal multicultural form of settler colonialism. This racial hazing functions as both definitional and terminological obscuration and disparaging in-group activity. Lastly, I introduce the metaphors of racial volcano and racial vog to help shed light on local discourses around race, ethnicity, indigeneity, language, power, and representation.
“Eh! Where you from?”
Authors: Rosa John P.
Published: September 2018

Race and ethnicity are important analytical categories in Hawai‘i, but the issue of place can at times be more important to an individual in declaring his or her social/cultural identity. Outside observers may initially assess another person visually according to race/ethnicity – but follow up questions, often in Hawai‘i Creole, frequently ask about place of origin, neighborhoods, schools attended, and other matters inherently related to place. Such questions are indirect ways to ask about how long one’s family has been in the islands and whether or not a person has a working knowledge of Hawai‘i’s Native Hawaiian and local ways of life. As a geographically isolated archipelago, Hawai‘i had limited interactions with the outside world until the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778, American missionaries in 1820, and the immigration of sugar plantation laborers since the 1850s. This essay argues that the islands’ current population consists of four broad groups that are partially defined by race/ethnicity, but also strongly determined by matters of place and historical circumstances. Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians), Haole, Locals, and Others are four groups in contemporary Hawai‘i seeking to understand their individual and collective histories and place in the islands.
Afterword
Authors: Okihiro Gary Y.
Published: September 2018

Hawai`i matters, despite the commonplace notion of its insignificance, this Afterword contends. This reminder adds to the collection's centering of the islands' racial formation, indigeneity, and their consequences for a new politics.
Conclusion
Authors: Huffman James L.
Published: September 2018

This chapter contains summary themes. First, it shows that the material side of hinmin life was excruciating, marked by inadequate income and terrible living conditions. Second, it argues that at the mental and spiritual level, hinmin felt like outsiders, a fact reinforced by the slums where many of them lived and their exclusion from institutions such as the schools. At the same time, it shows that they identified with modern society and sought to be part of it: they built it, they took part in city life, and they were political activists. The third section looks at how contemporary poverty differs from late-Meiji poverty, noting the absence today of slums and the presence of universal schooling, a welfare system, and a widespread belief in equality. A concluding section argues that hinmin were essentially “ordinary” human beings placed in extraordinary circumstances.
Kahramanmaraş Domuz (Boğaz) Deresi Kuşaklama Kanalının HEC-RAS Modeli
Authors: Ercan Burcu , YAĞCI Ayşe Ece , ÜNSAL Mehmet
Published: September 2018

Canlıların
yaşam kaynağı olan su kontrol altına alınmadığı durumlarda ciddi mal ya da can
kayıplarına neden olmaktadır. Ayrıca küresel ısınmanın etkilerini hissettiğimiz
bugünlerde suyun planlı kullanımı büyük önem taşımaktadır. Afetlerden biri olan
taşkın oluşumu insan ya da doğa kaynaklı olabilir. Bir akarsu taşkın
oluşturduğunda tarım arazilerine, altyapı tesislerine, insanların sosyal ve
ekonomik hayatlarına, çevrede bulunan yerleşim yerlerine ciddi zararlar
vermektedir. Bir ülkenin sosyo-ekonomik durumunun gelişiminde su kaynakları
yönetimi önemli bir role sahiptir. Sel riskini önlemek ve ayrıca suyun
kaynaktan ihtiyaç noktalarına taşınmasını sağlamak için kanallar kullanılır.
Trapez, dikdörtgen, yarım daire ve üçgen şekillerde modellenen açık kanalların tasarımını
HEC-RAS programında yapmak mümkündür. Bu çalışmada Kahramanmaraş ilinin Oniki
şubat ilçe merkezindeki 6-7 mahallede taşkınların oluşması sonucunda maddi ve
manevi kaybı önlemek amacıyla yapılan kuşaklama kanalı projesinin hesapları, HEC-RAS
programı ile modellenip sonuçlar karşılaştırılmıştır. Mockus ve rasyonel metot
kullanılarak bulunan sonuçlar ile HEC-RAS sonuçları arasındaki uyum
incelenmiştir. Domuz (Boğaz) deresi kuşaklama kanalının; kanal boyunca meydana
gelecek su derinlikleri ve hızları HEC-RAS yardımıyla hesaplanmıştır. Çalışma
sonucunda proje ve model sonuçlarının birbiriyle çok uyumlu olduğu görülmüştür.
ANALISIS PEMAHAMAN KONSEP MATEMATIKA SISWA DALAM MENYELESAIKAN SOAL FAKTORISASI SUKU ALJABAR BERDASARKAN KESULITAN BELAJAR FAKTOR INTELEKTUAL SISWA PADA KELAS VIII B SMP N 8 SURAKARTA TAHUN AJARAN 2016/2017
Authors: Dewanti Novita Ayu , Sujatmiko Ponco , Pramesti Getut
Published: September 2018

This study aims to describe the understanding of students' mathematical concepts in solving the factorization of algebraic tribes. The method used is descriptive qualitative. The subjects of the study were 6 students of class VIII B Surakarta State Junior High School 8 divided into 3 groups, namely the group of low, medium and high learning difficulties. Data collection techniques include tests and interviews. The results showed that (1) students who had low learning difficulties were able to master most of the indicators that were determined, only one indicator that had not been mastered, namely determining variables. (2) Students who have moderate learning difficulties have been able to master most of the indicators set, but there are indicators that have not been mastered, namely determining variables and there are several indicators that have not been smoothly mastered. (3) Students who have high learning difficulties have been able to master to determine examples of algebraic problems and students have not been able to master the indicators stating an operation, completing various algebraic forms, operating and using them.
(Non)Translation as Resistance in Tomson Highway's Kiss of the Fur Queen
Authors: Leconte Marie
Published: September 2018

After a brief explanation regarding the author’s settle-scholar status in regard of interpreting Indigenous texts, Tomson Highway’s novel Kiss of the Fur Queen is examined as a ‘first translation’ in which untranslatability plays the main role. The term ‘first translation’ will be defined, and a deliberately refined definition of a hybrid text will be reviewed through the lens of several Indigenous scholars. Then, following a brief description of Highway’s novel, the paper will envisage its translatory nature from the point of view of three narrative strategies: 1) The insertion of Cree lexical elements within the text. Here, in a codified manner, Highway forces the reader to grasp the importance his mother tongue has in understanding the novel’s complexities. 2) This is followed by a section on the use of Cree mythology within the narrative. Gerald Vizenor’s use of Bakhtin becomes a useful tool in accessing the idea of two consciousnesses through the intertwining of the fantastic and mythology. 3) And finally, the linguistic challenge of cultural contact within the story itself is examined. From the foreignness of English, quite literally attached to the sound of the language, to the inability of expressing the reality of abuse endured in residential school in Cree, the protagonists push up against irreconcilable cultural/linguistic worlds. Put together, these three different narrative strategies come together to form a langue culture, to use Henri Meschonnic’s term.
Synthesis and Photoactivity of Fe3O4/TiO2-Co as a Magnetically Separable Visible Light Responsive Photocatalyst
Authors: Kunarti Eko Sri , Kartini Indriana , Syoufian Akhmad , Widyandari Karolina Martha
Published: September 2018

Synthesis of magnetic photocatalyst, Fe3O4/TiO2-Co, with characterization and photoactivity examination have been conducted. The synthesis was initiated by preparation of Fe3O4 particles using coprecipitation method. The Fe3O4 particles were then coated with TiO2-Co at a various ratio of Fe3O4:TiO2 and concentration of Co(II) dopant. The Fe3O4/TiO2-Co was characterized by FTIR, XRD, TEM, SEM-EDX, VSM, and SR UV-visible methods. Photoactivity of the Fe3O4/TiO2-Co was carried out using methylene blue as a target molecule in degradation reaction within a batch system. By using optimum conditions, the degradation of methylene blue solution was performed under exposure to UV, visible light and dark condition. Results showed that the Fe3O4/TiO2-Co formation was confirmed by the presence of Fe3O4 and anatase diffraction peaks in the X-ray diffractogram. SR UV-Vis spectra indicated that the Fe3O4/TiO2-Co was responsive to visible light. Band gap energy of the Fe3O4/TiO2-Co with dopant concentration of 1; 5; 10 and 15% were 3.22; 3.12; 3.09 and 2.81 eV, respectively. The methylene blue solution can be well photodegraded at a pH of 10 for 210 min. The Fe3O4/TiO2-Co has the highest ability to methylene blue photodegradation with dopant concentration of 10% gave degradation yield of 80.51 and 95.38% under UV and visible irradiation, respectively.
Can machine learning improve prediction – an application with farm survey data
Authors: Ifft Jennifer , Kuhns Ryan , Patrick Kevin
Published: September 2018

Businesses, researchers, and policymakers in the agricultural and food sector regularly make use of large public, private, and administrative datasets for prediction, including forecasting, public policy targeting, and management research. Machine learning has the potential to substantially improve prediction with these datasets. In this study we demonstrate and evaluate several machine learning models for predicting demand for new credit with the 2014 Agricultural Resource Management Survey. Many, but not all, of the machine learning models used are shown to have stronger predictive power than standard econometric approaches. We provide a cost based model evaluation approach for managers to analyze returns to machine learning methods relative to standard econometric approaches. While there are potentially significant returns to machine learning methods, research objectives and firm-level costs are important considerations that in some cases may favor standard econometric approaches.
A novel framework for Automatic Chinese Question Generation based on multi-feature neural network model
Authors: Zheng Hai-Tao , Han Jinxin , Chen Jinyuan , Sangaiah Arun
Published: September 2018

Automatic question generation from text or paragraph is a great challenging task which attracts broad attention in natural language processing. Because of the verbose texts and fragile ranking methods, the quality of top generated questions is poor. In this paper, we present a novel framework Automatic Chinese Question Generation (ACQG) to generate questions from text or paragraph. In ACQG, we use an adopted TextRank to extract key sentences and a template-based method to construct questions from key sentences. Then a multi-feature neural network model is built for ranking to obtain the top questions. The automatic evaluation result reveals that the proposed framework outperforms the state-of-the-art systems in terms of perplexity. In human evaluation, questions generated by ACQG rate a higher score.
Improved functional proxy re-encryption schemes for secure cloud data sharing
Authors: Wang Xu , Yang Xiaoyuan , Li Cong , Liu Yudong , Ding Yong
Published: September 2018

Recently Liang et al. propose an interesting privacy-preserving ciphertext multi-sharing control for big data storage mechanism, which is based on the cryptographic primitive of anonymous multi-hop identity based conditional proxy re-encryption scheme AMH-IBCPRE. They propose a concrete AMH-IBCPRE scheme and conclude their scheme can achieve IND-sCon-sID-CCA secure (indistinguishable secure under selectively conditional selectively identity chosen ciphertext attack). However, our research show their scheme can not be IND-sConsID- CCA secure for single-hop and multi-hop data sharing. Also in 2014, Liang et al. propose an interesting deterministic finite automata-based functional proxy reencryption scheme DFA-based FPRE for secure public cloud data sharing, they also conclude their scheme can achieve IND-CCA secure (indistinguishable secure under chosen ciphertext attack), we also show their scheme can not be IND-CCA secure either. For these two proposals, the main reason of insecurity is that part of the re-encryption key has the same structure as the valid ciphertext, thus the adversary can query on the decryption oracle with this part of the re-encryption key to get secret keys, which will break the CCA-security of their scheme.We give an improved AMH-IBCPRE scheme and an improved DFA-based FPRE scheme for cloud data sharing and show the new schemes can resist our attack and be CCA-secure.We also demonstrate our improved AMH-IBCPRE scheme?s efficiency compared with other related identity based proxy re-encryption schemes, the results show our scheme is almost the most efficient one.
A fuzzy rule-based system to predict energy consumption of genetic programming algorithms
Authors: Álvarez Josefa , Chávez Franciso , Castillo Pedro , García Juan , Rodriguez Francisco , de Vega
Published: September 2018

In recent years, the energy-awareness has become one of the most interesting areas in our environmentally conscious society. Algorithm designers have been part of this, particularly when dealing with networked devices and, mainly, when handheld ones are involved. Although studies in this area has increased, not many of them have focused on Evolutionary Algorithms. To the best of our knowledge, few attempts have been performed before for modeling their energy consumption considering different execution devices. In this work, we propose a fuzzy rulebased system to predict energy comsumption of a kind of Evolutionary Algorithm, Genetic Prohramming, given the device in wich it will be executed, its main parameters, and a measurement of the difficulty of the problem addressed. Experimental results performed show that the proposed model can predict energy consumption with very low error values.
ReSpecTX: Programming interaction made easy
Authors: Ciatto Giovanni , Mariani Stefano , Omicini Andrea
Published: September 2018

In this paper we present the ReSpecTX language, toolchain, and standard library as a first step of a path aimed at closing the gap between coordination languages ? mostly a prerogative of the academic realm until now ? and their industrial counterparts. Since the limited adoption of coordination languages within the industrial realm is also due to the lack of suitable toolchains and libraries of reusable mechanisms, ReSpecTX equips a core coordination language (ReSpecT) with tools and features commonly found in mainstream programming languages. In particular, ReSpecTX makes it possible to provide a reference library of reusable and composable interaction patterns.
Learning syntactic tagging of Macedonian language
Authors: Bonchanoski Martin , Zdravkova Katerina
Published: September 2018

This paper presents the creation of machine learning based systems for Part-of-speech tagging of Macedonian language. Four well-known PoS tagger systems implemented for English and Slavic languages: TnT, cyclic dependency network, guided learning framework for bidirectional sequence classification, and dynamic features induction were trained. Orwell?s novel ?1984? was manually tagged from the authors and it was used split into training and test set. After the training of the models, a comparison between the models was made. At the end, a POS tagger with an accuracy that reaches 97.5% was achieved, making it very appropriate for the future grammatical tagging of the National corpus of Macedonian language, which is currently in its initial stage. The Part-of-speech tagger that was create is published online and free to use.
Electrical conductivity of poly (L lactic acid) and poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) composites filled with galvanostatically produced copper powder
Authors: Jankovic Zoran , Pavlovic Miroslav , Pantovic-Pavlovic Marijana , Nikolic Nebojsa , Zecevic Vladan , Pavlovic Miomir
Published: September 2018

This manuscript presents experimental studies of composite materials based on poly (L lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) matrices filled with electrolytic copper powder, having a very high dendritic structure. Volume fractions of the copper powder used as filler in all prepared composites were varied in the range 0.5-6.0 vol.%. Samples were prepared by hot moulding injection at 170 ?C. Influence of particle size and morphology, as well as the influence of matrix type on conductivity and percolation threshold of the obtained composites were examined. Characterization included: electrical conductivity measurements using AC impedance spectroscopy (IS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Presence of three-dimensional conductive pathways was confirmed. The obtained percolation thresholds of 2.83 vol.% for PLLA and 3.13 vol.% for PHB composites were measured, which is about three times lower than the ones stated in the literature for similar composites. This property is ascribed to different morphologies of the filler used in the present investigation.
Modelling study on the effect of ash fusion characteristics on the biomass slagging behavior
Authors: Zhu Yiming , Tan Houzhang , Niu Yanqing , Wang Yibin , Mikulcic Hrvoje , Vujanovic Milan , Duic Neven
Published: September 2018

Ash fusion characteristics of biomass have significant effect on slagging. In this work, the effects of ash fusion characteristics on slagging have been studied by ash fusion experiments and CFD modelling. Based on the basic ash composition of biomass, the mixture of silicon dioxide, calcium oxide, potassium oxide, and aluminum oxide have been selected as simulated ashes for ash fusion characteristics investigation. The results indicate that deformation temperature decreases with increased potassium oxide. High content of calcium oxide and silicon dioxide increase deformation temperature for the skeleton effect, respectively. The reactions of potassium oxide, calcium oxide and silicon dioxide lead to low melting products and decrease deformation temperature. Aluminum oxide increases deformation temperature by forming Si-Al-K compounds while K content is high and decreases deformation temperature while Ca or Si content is high due to the Si-Al-Ca compounds. On basis of the experimental results, an ash particle adhesion model has been developed using the corresponding characteristic temperatures of adhesion. Combined with the deposition model of inertial impaction, a CFD modelling study of ash deposition on heating surface has been performed. For a kind of cotton straw ash with low melting temperature, the modelling results indicate that adhesion of molten ash plays a major role during slagging. The accretion rate of molten ash adhesion accounts for 85% of the total accretion rate. For a kind of corn straw ash with high melting temperature, the proportion is only 37%. Compared with the actual slagging during biomass combustion, the modelling results can reflect a similar slagging situation on the surface of tube.
A hybrid energy storage concept for future application in industrial processes
Authors: Dusek Sabrina , Hofmann Rene
Published: September 2018

The efficiency of many industrial processes, applying steam as heat transfer medium, can be increased by integrating Ruths steam accumulator. This component makes it possible to store surplus steam for consumption at later time, whereby high loading and unloading rates can be realized with this storage type. For improving this storage type in terms of storage capacity and application range a hybrid storage approach is presented. The concept combines a Ruths steam storage with phase change material and electrical heating elements. For a first analysis of the interaction between the Ruths steam accumulator and the phase change material, which surrounds the steam storage vessel, a dynamic model was created. Also, an example which consist of a charging, storing, and discharging phase is presented. The simulation results show a positive impact in terms of storage capacity. Therefore, the hybrid storage concept is a promising approach for integration in industrial processes.
Assessment of thermal comfort preferences in Mediterranean climate: A university office building case
Authors: Turhan Cihan , Gokcen-Akkurt Gulden
Published: September 2018

This study aims at evaluating the perceived thermal sensation of occupants with respect to thermal comfort standards, ASHRAE 55 and ISO 7730, for office buildings located in Mediterranean climate. A small office building in Izmir Institute of Technology Campus Area, Izmir, Turkey, was chosen as a case building and equipped with measurement devices to assess thermal comfort of occupants with respect to predicted mean vote and actual mean vote. Both objective and subjective measurements were conducted. The former included indoor and out-door air temperature, mean radiant temperature, relative humidity and air velocity that were used for evaluating the thermal comfort of occupants. Oxygen concentration which can play an additional role in thermal comfort/discomfort, health and productivity of the office occupants, was also measured. Furthermore, occupants were subjected to a survey via a mobile application to obtain subjective measurements to calculate actual mean vote values. Based on objective and subjective measurements, the relationships among the parameters were derived by using simple regression analysis technique while a new combined mean vote correlation was also derived but this time by using multiple linear regression model. Neutral and comfort temperatures were obtained using indoor air temperature and actual mean vote values which were calculated from subjective measurements. The results showed that neutral temperature in the university office building was 20.9?C whilst the comfort temperature range was between 19.4 and 22.4?C for the heating season. By applying new comfort temperatures, energy consumption of the case building located in Mediterranean climate, can be reduced.
Effect of the collector geometry in the concentrating photovoltaic thermal solar cell performance
Authors: Torres Joao , Fernandes Joao , Fernandes Carlos , Costa Branco , Barata Catarina , Gomes Joao
Published: September 2018

The aim of this work is the redesign of the reflector geometry in hybrid concentrating collectors that are currently manufactured by SOLARUS Sunpower AB** to improve the energy efficiency of their solar collectors. The analysis is first accomplished using a numerical model that uses geometrical optics to study the interaction between the sunlight and a concentrating collector along the year. More complex physical models based on open-source and advanced object-oriented Monte Carlo ray tracing programs (SolTrace, Tonatiuh) have been used to study the relation between the collector annual performance and its geometry. On an annual performance basis, a comparative analysis between several solar collector geometries was effectuated to search for higher efficiencies but with controlled costs. Results show that efficiency is deeply influenced by reflector geometry details, collector tilt and location (latitude, longitude) of the solar panel installation and, mostly, by costumer demands. Undoubtedly, the methodology presented in this paper for the design of the solar collector represents an important tool to optimize the binomial cost/effectiveness photovoltaic performance in the energy conversion process. The results also indicate that some modified concentrating solar collectors are promising when evaluating the yearly averaged energy produced per unit area, leading to evident improvements in the performance when compared to the current standard solar concentrating SOLARUS systems. Increases of about 50% (from 0.123 kW/m2 to 0.1832 kW/m2) were obtained for the yearly average collected power per reflector area when decreasing the collector height in 3.5% (from 143 mm to 138 mm).
A review on thermoelectric-hydraulic performance and heat transfer enhancement technologies of thermoelectric power generator system
Authors: Ma Ting , Qu Zuoming , Yu Xingfei , Lu Xing , Wang Qiuwang
Published: September 2018

The thermoelectric material is considered to a good choice to recycle the waste heat in the power and energy systems because the thermoelectric material is a solid-state energy converter which can directly convert thermal energy into electrical energy, especially suitable for high temperature power and energy systems due to the large temperature difference. However, the figure of merit of thermoelectric material is very low, and the thermoelectric power of generator system is even lower. This work reviews the recent progress on the thermoelectric power generator system from the view of heat transfer, including the theoretical analysis and numerical simulation on thermoelectric-hydraulic performance, conventional heat transfer enhancement technologies, radial and flow-directional segmented enhancement technologies for the thermoelectric power generator system. Review ends with the discussion of the future research directions of numerical simulation methods and heat transfer enhancement technologies used for the thermoelectric power generator in high temperature power and energy systems.
Subcritical organic ranking cycle based geothermal power plant thermodynamic and economic analysis
Authors: Mustapic Nenad , Brkic Vladislav , Kerin Matija
Published: September 2018

This paper is focused both on the thermodynamic and economic analysis of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) based geothermal power plant. The analysis is applied to a case study of the geothermal field Recica near the city of Karlovac. Simple cycle configuration of the ORC was applied. Thermodynamic and economic performance of an ORC geothermal system using 8 working fluids: R134a, isobutane, R245fa, R601, R601a, R290, R1234yf, and R1234ze(E)], with different critical temperatures are analyzed. The thermodynamic analysis is performed on the basis of the analysis of influence of the operation conditions, such as evaporation and condensation temperatures and pressures, and evaporator and con-denser pinch point temperature difference, on the cycle characteristics such as net power output, and plant irreversibility. The economic analysis is performed on the basis of relationship between the net power output and the total cost of equipment used in the ORC. Mathematical models are defined for proposed organic Rankine geothermal power plant, and the analysis is performed by using the software package engineering equation solver. The analysis reveals that the working fluids, n-pentane and isopentane, show the best economic performances, regardless the evaporation temperatures, while the working fluid R1234yf and R290 have the best thermodynamic performances. In addition, each analyzed working fluid has its corresponding economically optimal condensation temperature (and condensation pressure). Economically optimal pinch point temperature difference of evaporator has different values, depending on the working fluid, while pinch point temperature difference of condenser has similar values for all analyzed working fluids. Analysis results demonstrate that the subcritical ORC geothermal power plant represents a promising option for electricity production application.
Natural gas turbo-expander systems: A dynamic simulation model for energy and economic analyses
Authors: Barone Giovanni , Buonomano Annamaria , Calise Francesco , Palombo Adolfo
Published: September 2018

Natural gas is typically transported for long distances through high pressure pipelines. Such pressure must be reduced before the gas distribution to users. The natural gas lamination process, traditionally adopted for this scope, may determine hydrate formation which may damagingly affect the system operation. Therefore, in order to avoid such circumstance, a suitable gas preheating is required. On the other hand, the available pressure drop can be recovered through a turbo-expansion system in order to provide mechanical energy to drive electricity generators. In this case a higher gas preheating is necessary. This paper presents a detailed simulation model capable to accurately analyse this process as well as the traditional decompression one. Such new model, implemented in a computer tool written in MATLAB, allows one to dynamically assess the energy, economic and environmental performance of these systems, by also taking into account hourly energy prices and weather conditions. Two turbo-expansion system layouts are modelled and simulated. In particular, the gas preheating is obtained by considering two different scenarios: gas-fired heater or solar thermal collectors. Another novelty of the presented dynamic simulation tool is the capability to take into account the time fluctuations of electricity feed-in and purchase tariffs. Finally, a suitable case study relative to a gas decompression station located in South Italy is also presented. Here, a remarkable primary energy savings and avoided CO2 emissions can be obtained through the examined turbo-expansion systems vs. traditional decompression ones. Results show that the economic profitability of the investigated novel technology depends on the available gas pressure drops and flow rates and on the produced electricity use.
Earnings Management within Multinational Corporations
Authors: Beuselinck Christof , Cascino Stefano , Deloof Marc , Vanstraelen Ann
Published: September 2018

Using a large sample of multinational corporations (MNCs), we examine the location of earnings management within the firm. We posit and find that MNCs manage their consolidated earnings through an orchestrated reporting strategy across subsidiaries over which they exert significant influence. Specifically, we find that headquarters' influence on subsidiary earnings management increases with the degree of subsidiary integration and the extent of earnings management opportunities. Most importantly, we provide evidence that MNCs exploit regulatory arbitrage opportunities arising from cross-country differences in institutional quality. We document that, in response to exogenous improvements in the quality of their home-country institutions, MNCs rebalance their reporting strategies by clustering earnings management in subsidiaries from countries with more lenient regulations. Taken together, our findings yield important insights on the drivers of earnings management location within the firm and highlight the need for better cross-country coordination in regulatory design.

JEL Classifications: F23; G15; G34; G38; M41; M48.
An Examination of Nonprofessional Investor Perceptions of Internal and External Auditor Assurance
Authors: Holt Travis P.
Published: September 2018

This study investigates whether assured disclosures of management's remediation of material weaknesses in internal controls affect positively unsophisticated investor perceptions of disclosure credibility and the likelihood of their investing in a firm. The results indicate that investors perceive assured material weakness remediation disclosures, whether the audit source is external or internal to the firm, to be more credible than unassured disclosures. Specifically, external assurance is seen to be more credible than the assurance provided by internal auditors but that is seen as more credible than no assurance. However, investment likelihood remains the same regardless of assurance source. Furthermore, the results indicate that investor disclosure credibility perceptions and investing likelihood are lower for internally assured pervasive material weakness remediation disclosures than internally assured account-specific remediations and all externally assured remediation disclosures. Finally, mediation results suggest that both internal and external auditor assurance increases investing likelihood indirectly through increased disclosure credibility.
Orthodontic appliances did not increase risk of dental caries and periodontal disease under preventive protocol
Authors: Bergamo Ana Zilda Nazar , de Oliveira Katharina Morant Holanda , Matsumoto Mírian Aiko Nakane , Nascimento Cássio do , Romano Fábio Lourenço , da Silva Raquel Assed Bezerra , da Silva Lea Assed Bezerra , Nelson-Filho Paulo
Published: September 2018

Objectives:

To assess periodontal parameters and microbial species levels after orthodontic appliance placement in patients who received oral hygiene instructions and who were monitored and motivated throughout the study.

Materials and Methods:

The Periodontal Index was recorded and saliva collection was performed before (T0) and 30 (T1), 60 (T2), and 90 (T3) days after orthodontic appliance placement in 15 patients (mean age 17.53 ± 8.0 years). Analysis was carried out using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Nonparametric statistical analysis was performed.

Results:

The Periodontal Index did not change. The total amount of the purple and red complexes and Candida species showed a significant decrease from T2. The green, yellow, and orange complex showed a significant decrease at T3. The specific species analysis showed that Prevotella nigrescens, Pseudomonas putida, Fusobacterium periodonticum, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, and Tanerella forsythia showed high incidence before bonding, and their levels decreased at T2 and T3. Only Porphyromonas gingivalis showed increased levels at T2 and displayed the highest level at T3. The Streptococcus group decreased their levels from T2 onward.

Conclusions:

A dynamic change in microbial levels was identified. The decrease in the levels of complexes present was only possible due to the mechanical method of oral hygiene implemented in this sample.
Femtosecond laser eyewear protection: Measurements and precautions for amplified high power applications
Authors: Riedel-Topper Maximilian , Wirick Sarah , Hadler Joshua A. , Alberding Brian G. , Stromberg Christopher J. , Heilweil Edwin J.
Published: September 2018

Ultrafast lasers have become increasingly important as research tools in laboratories and commercial enterprises suggesting laser safety, personal protection, and awareness become ever more important. Laser safety eyewear are typically rated by their optical densities (OD) over various spectral ranges, but these measurements are usually made using low power, large beam size, and continuous beam conditions. These measurement scenarios are vastly different than the high power, small beam size, and pulsed laser beam conditions where ultrafast lasers have extremely high peak powers and broad spectra due to the short pulse durations. Many solid-state lasers are also tunable over a broad wavelength range, further complicating the selection of adequate laser safety eyewear. Eighteen laser eyewear filter samples were tested under real-world conditions using a Ti:Sapphire regenerative amplifier with output pulses centered at 800 nm running from 2 Hz to 1 kHz repetition rate. The typical maximum peak laser irradiance employed was ca. 3 TW/cm2 (800 nm wavelength, 450 μJ/pulse with 80 fs full width at half maximum pulse duration) or less when damage occurred, depending on the sample. While many samples maintained their integrity under these test conditions, many plastic samples showed signs of failure which reduced their OD, in some cases transmitting 4–5 orders of magnitude higher than expected. In general, glass filters performed significantly better than plastic filters, exhibiting less physical damage to the substrate and less absorber degradation.