bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow Induced Vibration and Energy Extraction of an Equilateral Triangle Prism at Different System Damping Ratios
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Fang , Lian Jijian , Yan Xiang , Ren Quanchao
Published: November 2016

The flow induced vibration and energy extraction of an equilateral triangle prism elastically mounted in a water channel are investigated experimentally at different system damping ratios ζtotal with the constant oscillating mass Mosc and system stiffness K. A power take-off system with a variable damping function is developed. The translation-rotation equation of the vibration system deduced in the study indicates that the total oscillating mass includes the material mass, and the equivalent mass due to the rotation of the gears and rotor. Besides, increasing load resistance can result in a decrease in ζtotal when K and Mosc remain unchanged. The prism experiences, in turn, soft galloping, hard galloping 1 and hard galloping 2 with increasing ζtotal. As ζtotal increases up to 0.335, only the vortex-induced vibration is observed because the extremely high ζtotal prevents the prism from galloping. The response amplitude decreases with the increasing ζtotal. In addition, higher ζtotal promotes the galloping to start at a higher reduced velocity. The galloping characteristics of the prism, including large amplitude responses in an extremely large range of flow velocities, excellent vibration stationarity, and steady vibration frequencies, are beneficial for improving energy conversion. The prism can extract hydraulic energy for the flow velocity U > 0.610 m/s. The harnessed power Pout and the energy conversion efficiency ηout increase with increasing ζtotal in the galloping zone. The maximum Pout and ηout reach 53.56 W and 40.44%, respectively. The optimal system damping ratio for extracting energy is the maximum system damping ratio that the prism can overcome to experience stable galloping.
Gene Therapy: A Paradigm Shift in Dentistry
Authors: Siddique Nida , Raza Hira , Ahmed Sehrish , Khurshid Zohaib , Zafar Muhammad
Published: November 2016

Gene therapy holds a promising future for bridging the gap between the disciplines of medicine and clinical dentistry. The dynamic treatment approaches of gene therapy have been advancing by leaps and bounds. They are transforming the conventional approaches into more precise and preventive ones that may limit the need of using drugs and surgery. The oral cavity is one of the most accessible areas for the clinical applications of gene therapy for various oral tissues. The idea of genetic engineering has become more exciting due to its advantages over other treatment modalities. For instance, the body is neither subjected to an invasive surgery nor deep wounds, nor is it susceptible to systemic effects of drugs. The aim of this article is to review the gene therapy applications in the field of dentistry. In addition, therapeutic benefits in terms of treatment of diseases, minimal invasion and maximum outcomes have been discussed.
Heavy Metal Pollution in Settled Dust Associated with Different Urban Functional Areas in a Heavily Air-Polluted City in North China
Authors: Wan Dejun , Han Zhangxiong , Yang Jinsong , Yang Guanglin , Liu Xingqi
Published: November 2016

Understanding variations of heavy metals in atmospheric particles between different functional areas is significant for pollution control and urban planning in cities. To reveal pollution and spatial distribution of heavy metals in atmospheric particles from different urban functional areas in Shijiazhuang in North China, 43 settled dust samples were collected over the main urban area and heavy metal concentrations were determined in their <63 μm fractions using an ICP-OES. The results suggest that Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and V in the dust are not or slightly enriched and their concentrations vary slightly between different sites, implying their natural origins; whereas Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb are often notably enriched and their concentrations vary significantly between different functional areas, indicating their anthropogenic sources. Integrated pollution indexes (IPIs) of the ten heavy metals are 2.7–13.6 (5.7 ± 2.2), suggesting high or very high pollution levels of most dust. Relatively lower IPIs occur mainly in the administration-education area, the commercial area, and other unclassified sites; while peaks occur mainly in the North Railway Station, the northeastern industrial area, and some sites near heavily trafficked areas, implying the significant influence of intensive industrial (including coal combustion) and traffic activities on atmospheric heavy metal accumulation. These results suggest a clear need of mitigating atmospheric heavy metal pollution via controlling emissions of toxic metals (especially Cd and Pb) from industrial and traffic sources in the city.
Stakeholders’ Perception on National Heatwave Plans and Their Local Implementation in Belgium and The Netherlands
Authors: Van Loenhout Joris , Rodriguez-Llanes Jose , Guha-Sapir Debarati
Published: November 2016

National heatwave plans are aimed at reducing the avoidable human health consequences due to heatwaves, by providing warnings as well as improving communication between relevant stakeholders. The objective of this study was to assess the perceptions of key stakeholders within plans in Belgium and The Netherlands on their responsibilities, the partnerships, and the effectiveness of the local implementation in Brussels and Amsterdam. Key informant interviews were held with stakeholders that had an important role in development of the heatwave plan in these countries, or its implementation in Brussels or Amsterdam. Care organisations, including hospitals and elderly care organisations, had a lack of familiarity with the national heatwave plan in both cities, and prioritised heat the lowest. Some groups of individuals, specifically socially isolated individuals, are not sufficiently addressed by the current national heatwave plans and most local plans. Stakeholders reported that responsibilities were not clearly described and that the national plan does not describe tasks on a local level. We recommend to urgently increase awareness on the impact of heat on health among care organisations. More emphasis needs to be given to the variety of heat-risk groups. Stakeholders should be involved in the development of updates of the plans.
Increased Expression Profile and Functionality of TLR6 in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Hepatocytes of Morbidly Obese Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Arias-Loste María , Iruzubieta Paula , Puente Ángela , Ramos David , Santa Cruz Carolina , Estébanez Ángel , Llerena Susana , Alonso-Martín Carmen , San Segundo David , Álvarez Lorena , López Useros Antonio , Fábrega Emilio , López-Hoyos Marcos , Crespo Javier
Published: November 2016

Current evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis drives obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR6 specifically recognize components of Gram-positive bacteria. Despite the potential implications of TLR2 in NAFLD pathogenesis, the role of TLR6 has not been addressed. Our aim is to study a potential role of TLR6 in obesity-related NAFLD. Forty morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery were prospectively studied. Cell surface expression of TLR2 and TLR6 was assessed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by flow cytometry. Freshly isolated monocytes were cultured with specific TLR2/TLR6 agonists and intracellular production of cytokines was determined by flow-cytometry. In liver biopsies, the expression of TLR2 and TLR6 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and cytokine gene expression using RT-qPCR. TLR6 expression in PBMCs from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients was significantly higher when compared to those from simple steatosis. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to TLR2/TLR6 stimulation was also significantly higher in patients with lobular inflammation. Hepatocyte expression of TLR6 but not that of TLR2 was increased in NAFLD patients compared to normal liver histology. Deregulated expression and activity of peripheral TLR6 in morbidly obese patients can mirror the liver inflammatory events that are well known drivers of obesity-related NASH pathogenesis. Moreover, TLR6 is also significantly overexpressed in the hepatocytes of NAFLD patients compared to their normal counterparts. Thus, deregulated TLR6 expression may potentiate TLR2-mediated liver inflammation in NAFLD pathogenesis, and also serve as a potential peripheral biomarker of obesity-related NASH.
Dominant Suppression of β1 Integrin by Ectopic CD98-ICD Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression
Authors: Wu Bo , Zhou Yang , Wang Yu , Yang Xiang-Min , Liu Zhen-Yu , Li Jiang-Hua , Feng Fei , Chen Zhi-Nan , Jiang Jian-Li
Published: November 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the Asia-Pacific region. Our previous work showed that knockdown of CD98 significantly inhibits malignant HCC cell phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. The level of CD98 in the membrane is tightly regulated to mediate complex processes associated with cell–cell communication and intracellular signaling. In addition, the intracellular domain of CD98 (CD98-ICD) seems to be of vital importance for recycling CD98 to the membrane after it is endocytosed. The intracellular and transmembrane domains of CD98 associate with β-integrins (primarily β1 but also β3), and this association is essential for CD98 mediation of integrin-like signaling and complements dominant suppression of β1-integrin. We speculated that isolated CD98-ICD would similarly suppress β1-integrin activation and inhibit the malignant behaviors of cancer cells. In particular, the exact role of CD98-ICD has not been studied independently in HCC. In this study, we found that ectopic expression of CD98-ICD inhibited the malignant phenotypes of HCC cells, and the mechanism possibly involves β1-integrin suppression. Moreover, the expression levels of CD98, β1-integrin-A (the activated form of β1-integrin) and Ki-67 were significantly increased in HCC tissues relative to those of normal liver tissues. Therefore, our preliminary study indicates that ectopic CD98-ICD has an inhibitory role in the malignant development of HCC, and shows that CD98-ICD acts as a dominant negative mutant of CD98 that attenuates β1-integrin activation. CD98-ICD may emerge as a promising candidate for antitumor treatment.
(3,5-Dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-[4-(1-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-ylamino)phenyl]methanone
Authors: Bakr Rania , Mehany Ahmed
Published: November 2016

In an attempt to enhance cytotoxic activity of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine core, we synthesized (3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-[4-(1-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-ylamino)phenyl]methanone (4) by reacting 4-(1-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-ylamino)benzohydrazide (3) with acetylacetone. Antiproliferative activity of this compound was screened against breast (MCF-7), colon (HCT-116), and liver (HEPG-2) cancer cell lines. The tested compound exhibited cytotoxic activity with IC50 = 5.00–32.52 μM. Moreover, inhibitory activity of this compound was evaluated against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), the insulin receptor (IR), and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). This target compound showed potent inhibitory activity, especially against FGFR with IC50 = 5.18 μM.
Preparation and Electrocapacitive Properties of Hierarchical Porous Carbons Based on Loofah Sponge
Authors: Li Zichao , Zhai Kuilu , Wang Guoqiang , Li Qun , Guo Peizhi
Published: November 2016

Four porous carbon samples denoted as LSC-1, LSC-2, LCS-3, and LSC-4 were prepared by carbonization of loofah sponge pretreated by ZnCl2 activation, immersion in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), DMF-assisted solvothermal and melamine-assisted hydrothermal processes, and the specific surface areas were 1007, 799, 773, and 538 m2·g−1 with mainly micropores, respectively. Electrocapacitive properties of four porous carbon-based electrodes were investigated with cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in symmetric supercapacitors. All the cyclic voltammetries of four types of supercapacitors showed a rectangular shape, even under a high scan rate of 500 mV·s−1. The capacitances of LSC-1, LSC-2, LSC-3, and LSC-4 were 107.4, 92.5, 60.3, and 82.3 F·g−1 at the current density of 0.1 A·g−1, respectively, and LSC-1 displayed the excellent capacitance retention of about 81.3% with a current density up to 5 A·g−1. All supercapacitors showed excellent electrochemical stability, and the LSC-1-based supercapacitor showed a cycle stability with 92.6% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles at 1 A·g−1. The structure–property relationship of LSC samples is discussed and analyzed on the basis of the experimental data.
The Effect of Cu:Ag Atomic Ratio on the Properties of Sputtered Cu–Ag Alloy Thin Films
Authors: Hsieh Janghsing , Hung Shunyang
Published: November 2016

Cu–Ag thin films with various atomic ratios were prepared using a co-sputtering technique, followed by rapid thermal annealing at various temperatures. The films’ structural, mechanical, and electrical properties were then characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), FESEM, nano-indentation, and TEM as functions of compositions and annealing conditions. In the as-deposited condition, the structure of these films transformed from a one-phase to a dual-phase state, and the resistivity shows a twin-peak pattern, which can be explained in part by Nordheim’s Rule and the miscibility gap of Cu–Ag alloy. After being annealed, the films’ resistivity followed the mixture rule in general, mainly due to the formation of a dual-phase structure containing Ag-rich and Cu-rich phases. The surface morphology and structure also varied as compositions and annealing conditions changed. The recrystallization of these films varied depending on Ag–Cu compositions. The annealed films composed of 40 at % to 60 at % Cu had higher hardness and lower roughness than those with other compositions. Particularly, the Cu50Ag50 film had the highest hardness after being annealed. From the dissolution testing, it was found that the Cu-ion concentration was about 40 times higher than that of Ag. The galvanic effect and over-saturated state could be the cause of the accelerated Cu dissolution and the reduced dissolution of the Ag.
Prediction of the Vickers Microhardness and Ultimate Tensile Strength of AA5754 H111 Friction Stir Welding Butt Joints Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: De Filippis Luigi , Serio Livia , Facchini Francesco , Mummolo Giovanni , Ludovico Antonio
Published: November 2016

A simulation model was developed for the monitoring, controlling and optimization of the Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process. This approach, using the FSW technique, allows identifying the correlation between the process parameters (input variable) and the mechanical properties (output responses) of the welded AA5754 H111 aluminum plates. The optimization of technological parameters is a basic requirement for increasing the seam quality, since it promotes a stable and defect-free process. Both the tool rotation and the travel speed, the position of the samples extracted from the weld bead and the thermal data, detected with thermographic techniques for on-line control of the joints, were varied to build the experimental plans. The quality of joints was evaluated through destructive and non-destructive tests (visual tests, macro graphic analysis, tensile tests, indentation Vickers hardness tests and t thermographic controls). The simulation model was based on the adoption of the Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) characterized by back-propagation learning algorithm with different types of architecture, which were able to predict with good reliability the FSW process parameters for the welding of the AA5754 H111 aluminum plates in Butt-Joint configuration.
Investigation of Gas-Sensing Property of Acid-Deposited Polyaniline Thin-Film Sensors for Detecting H2S and SO2
Authors: Dong Xingchen , Zhang Xiaoxing , Wu Xiaoqing , Cui Hao , Chen Dachang
Published: November 2016

Latent insulation defects introduced in manufacturing process of gas-insulated switchgears can lead to partial discharge during long-time operation, even to insulation fault if partial discharge develops further. Monitoring of decomposed components of SF6, insulating medium of gas-insulated switchgear, is a feasible method of early-warning to avoid the occurrence of sudden fault. Polyaniline thin-film with protonic acid deposited possesses wide application prospects in the gas-sensing field. Polyaniline thin-film sensors with only sulfosalicylic acid deposited and with both hydrochloric acid and sulfosalicylic acid deposited were prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization method. Gas-sensing experiment was carried out to test properties of new sensors when exposed to H2S and SO2, two decomposed products of SF6 under discharge. The gas-sensing properties of these two sensors were compared with that of a hydrochloric acid deposited sensor. Results show that the hydrochloric acid and sulfosalicylic acid deposited polyaniline thin-film sensor shows the most outstanding sensitivity and selectivity to H2S and SO2 when concentration of gases range from 10 to 100 μL/L, with sensitivity changing linearly with concentration of gases. The sensor also possesses excellent long-time and thermal stability. This research lays the foundation for preparing practical gas-sensing devices to detect H2S and SO2 in gas-insulated switchgears at room temperature.
Spatial-Temporal Changes of Soil Organic Carbon Content in Wafangdian, China
Authors: Wang Shuai , Wang Qiubing , Adhikari Kabindra , Jia Shuhai , Jin Xinxin , Liu Hongbin
Published: November 2016

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays an important role in soil fertility and the global carbon cycle. A better understanding of spatial-temporal changes of SOC content is essential for soil resource management, emission studies, and carbon accounting. In this study, we used a boosted regression trees (BRT) model to map distributions of SOC content in the topsoil (0–20 cm) and evaluated its temporal dynamics from 1990–2010 in Wafangdian City, northeast of China. A set of 110 (1990) and 127 (2010) soil samples were collected and nine environment variables (including topography and vegetation) were used. A 10-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate model performance as well as predictive uncertainty. Accuracy assessments showed that R2 of 0.53 and RMSE (Root-mean-square error) of 9.7 g∙kg−1 for 1990, and 0.55, and 5.2 g∙kg−1 for 2010. Elevation and NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) were the two important variables affecting SOC distribution. Results showed that mean SOC content decreased from 19 ± 14 to 18 ± 8 g∙kg−1 over a 20 year period. The maps of SOC represented a decreasing trend from south to north across the study area in both periods. Rapid urbanization and land-use changes were accountable for declining SOC levels. We believe predicted maps of SOC can help local land managers and government agencies to evaluate soil quality and assess carbon sequestration potential and carbon credits.
Consumers’ Sense of Farmers’ Markets: Tasting Sustainability or Just Purchasing Food?
Authors: Giampietri Elisa , Koemle Dieter , Yu Xiaohua , Finco Adele
Published: November 2016

Sustainable food consumption has attracted widespread attention over the last decades by scholars, policy makers and consumers. In line with this, farmers’ markets (FMs) have the potential to encourage sustainable agricultural production and consumption. By reducing the number of actors and distances along the food chain, these alternative food systems foster the reconnection between farmers and consumers and contribute to different social, economic and environmentally sustainable goals. This paper provides insights into how consumers’ sustainability concerns are related to their motivation for shopping at FMs. By means of a choice experiment, we analyze the determinants of consumers’ preferences for buying apples at FMs. We are particularly interested in understanding how attitudes towards the three sustainability dimensions are related to consumer preferences in this context. We find that consumer attitudes towards direct contact with producers, contributing to farmers’ income, and environmental benefits, can be directly related to product characteristics that are specific to FMs.
How Attractive Is Upland Olive Groves Landscape? Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process and GIS in Southern Spain
Authors: Nekhay Olexandr , Arriaza Manuel
Published: November 2016

The upland olive groves of Andalusia (Southern Spain) are an example of fragile landscape from an ecological point of view. The wildfire and soil erosion risks that can result in the desertification of the area are the main components of fragility. This paper focuses on the visual quality assessment of this agricultural system as a mean to their economic and environmental sustainability. The case study is represented by the upland olive groves of the municipality of Montoro where rural tourism is an important economic activity. We carried out a personal interview survey on 480 citizens to determine their visual preferences regarding three representative types of olive plantation landscape to be transferred to landscape level through a Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) multicriteria decision-making technique was the method used to derive preferences from the survey. The results suggest that olive farming systems with grass vegetation cover between the trees are the preferred landscape type (0.42), followed very closely by the non-productive olive groves (0.41). The conventional olive farming system was the least preferred landscape (0.17). The visual quality map presents five categories, revealing that most of the olive groves in the study area belong to the very low visual quality category (93% of the total area).
Curcumin Prevents Aflatoxin B1 Hepatoxicity by Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 Isozymes in Chick Liver
Authors: Zhang Ni-Ya , Qi Ming , Zhao Ling , Zhu Ming-Kun , Guo Jiao , Liu Jie , Gu Chang-Qin , Rajput Shahid , Krumm Christopher , Qi De-Sheng , Sun Lv-Hui
Published: November 2016

This study was designed to establish if Curcumin (CM) alleviates Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced hepatotoxic effects and to determine whether alteration of the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isozymes is involved in the regulation of these effects in chick liver. One-day-old male broilers (n = 120) were divided into four groups and used in a two by two factorial trial in which the main factors included supplementing AFB1 (< 5 vs. 100 μg/kg) and CM (0 vs. 150 mg/kg) in a corn/soybean-based diet. Administration of AFB1 induced liver injury, significantly decreasing albumin and total protein concentrations and increasing alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities in serum, and induced hepatic histological lesions at week 2. AFB1 also significantly decreased hepatic glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and glutathione levels, while increasing malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and exo-AFB1-8,9-epoxide (AFBO)-DNA concentrations. In addition, the mRNA and/or activity of enzymes responsible for the bioactivation of AFB1 into AFBO—including CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, and CYP3A4—were significantly induced in liver microsomes after 2-week exposure to AFB1. These alterations induced by AFB1 were prevented by CM supplementation. Conclusively, dietary CM protected chicks from AFB1-induced liver injury, potentially through the synergistic actions of increased antioxidant capacities and inhibition of the pivotal CYP450 isozyme-mediated activation of AFB1 to toxic AFBO.
A Novel Strain of Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus Has Spread to the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Fortes Isabel , Sánchez-Campos Sonia , Fiallo-Olivé Elvira , Díaz-Pendón Juan , Navas-Castillo Jesús , Moriones Enrique
Published: November 2016

Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) is a whitefly-transmitted bipartite begomovirus (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) that causes damage to multiple cultivated plant species mainly belonging to the Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae families. ToLCNDV was limited to Asian countries until 2012, when it was first reported in Spain, causing severe epidemics in cucurbit crops. Here, we show that a genetically-uniform ToLCNDV population is present in Spain, compatible with a recent introduction. Analyses of ToLCNDV isolates reported from other parts of the world indicated that this virus has a highly heterogeneous population genetically with no evident geographical, plant host or year-based phylogenetic groups observed. Isolates emerging in Spain belong to a strain that seems to have evolved by recombination. Isolates of this strain seem adapted to infecting cucurbits, but poorly infect tomatoes.
BoB – biomechanics in MATLAB
Authors: Shippen James , May Barbara
Published: November 2016

Biomechanics is a maturing discipline with numeric analysis of kinematic and kinetic
data becoming widespread within academic research institutions and commercial organisations.
Many engineers and scientists engaged in biomechanical analysis already routinely use MATLAB
as it provides an environment that is productive for a broad range of analysis, facilitates rapid code
development and provides sophisticated graphical output. Therefore, a biomechanical package
which is based within the MATLAB environment will be familiar to many analysts and will inherit
much of the analysis capabilities of MATLAB. This paper describes BoB (Biomechanics of
Bodies) which is a biomechanical analysis package written in MATLAB M-code, capable of
performing inverse dynamics analysis, using optimization methods to solve for muscle force
distribution and produces sophisticated graphical image and video output.
Stress analysis of osteoporotic femur
Authors: Ardatov Oleg , Barsukov Vladimir , Karev Dmitriy
Published: November 2016

Osteoporosis and degenerative diseases cause low bone mass that increases fracture
risks. This study presents the modelling of osteoporotic femur by employing finite element method
(FEM). The loading of femur using FEM tools was performed. The level of degradation was
modelled by changing the thickness of cortical shell and using power-law equations, which
determine the dependence between apparent density of cancellous bone and its mechanical
properties. Obtained results could be useful for both medical diagnosis and bone health check.
AFM investigation of hyaline cartilage’s surface destruction
Authors: Ihnatouski Mikhail , Karev Dmitriy , Karev Boris , Pauk Jolanta , Daunoravičienė Kristina
Published: November 2016

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive disease. The aim of this paper is
presenting the AFM investigation of cartilage in relation to the assessment of degenerative
changes in the surface of hyaline cartilage. It can be useful in choosing the most effective methods
of therapy.

Methods: Samples were taken from the cartilage surface of the femoral head after its removal
during total hip arthroplasty. Images of the surface of the sample were obtained using an optical
microscope equipped with a digital video camera, in the reflected light and by atomic force
microscopy.

Results: The longitudinal orientation of the collagen fibers and sub-fibers beams on the surface,
up to a diameter of 50 nm are identified in non-destroyed area sites.

Conclusions: Images of the destroyed areas displaying separately passing collagen fibers, strongly
exposed to the surface: the size measured and found substructure.
Influence of dance therapy on the Parkinson’s disease affected upper limb biomechanics
Authors: Lukšys Donatas , Jatužis Dalius , Kaladytė-Lokominienė Rūta , Bunevičiūtė Ramunė , Mickutė Gabrielė , Juocevičius Alvydas , Griškevičius Julius
Published: November 2016

In this paper we investigate influence of the dance (lindy hop) therapy on the
Parkinson’s disease affected upper limb biomechanics. Wireless inertial sensors were used to
measure acceleration and angular velocity during multi-joint movements of both upper limbs. In
this research only wrist’s pronation-supination movements in sagittal plane were analysed.
Obtained results shows that dance therapy has a positive influence on improved biomechanics of
upper limbs and general decrease of UPDRS score.
Estimation of temporal gait parameters of multiple sclerosis patients in clinical setting using inertial sensors
Authors: Griškevičius Julius , Apanskienė Vigita , Žižienė Jurgita , Daunoravičienė Kristina , Ovčinikova Agnė , Kizlaitienė Rasa , Sereikė Ieva , Kaubrys Gintaras , Pauk Jolanta , Idźkowski Adam
Published: November 2016

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent neurological disease causing permanent
disability in young adults. Subtle walking difficulties, such as reduced walking speed, step length,
cadence and increased step width can be detected at an early stage of the disease. Main goal of
this research is by using non-invasive wireless inertial sensors measure gait of MS patients in
clinical setting and extract temporal biomechanical parameters that would allow objectively
evaluate level of disability in MS patients. Analysis of 25-Foot walk showed that the duration of
stance phase is approximately 1.6 times greater in MS group than in healthy control group, while
the duration of swing phase in MS group is 1.3 times longer. In general, the MS patients are
walking approximately 1.6 times slower.
Negative equity companies in Europe: theory and evidence
Authors: Urionabarrenetxea Sara , San-Jose Leire , Retolaza Jose-Luis
Published: November 2016

Businesses in technical bankruptcy are part of the European context, many of them in such financial distress that they have lost all their equity and a very high percentage of them have even incurred negative equity. There is a very little literature analysing these companies; moreover, they are considered as out of the ordinary because they do not fit into conventional theories of business, and are removed from most samples. They are largely neglected. The research questions posed here are a step towards remedying this: “What are the scale and the economic impact of negative equity companies in terms of risk transference?”, “Does this problem differ from one European country to another?”, “Is it an effect of the crisis?”. Using the Bureau Van Dijk’s Amadeus database, we find that nearly 20% of companies have negative equity. Such companies handle more than one billion Euros, i.e. nearly 10% of European GDP. So the results suggest that negative equity companies have a high weight in Europe and, based on the country cluster studied, it seems that neither culture nor geographical area is determinant in explaining their distribution across countries. Nor is the crisis a determinant in explaining their existence, so the problem is not cyclical but structural. These findings have potentially important implications in encouraging European decision makers to factor such companies into their policies and to include them in economic models.
Some ideas for improving quality of the index tracking based on cointegration
Authors: Pastor Damián , Sabol Tomáš , Glova Jozef
Published: November 2016

Cointegration approach to the passive portfolio management enables to replicate the selected stock index and to construct a portfolio with profitability and risk similar to market. This paper analyzes several options for improving this method. It focuses on one of the key tasks, which is an estimate of long-run equilibrium relationship. Five different methods were proposed and compared. The results confirmed the relevance of using the Engle-Granger methodology in all previous surveys, but it also suggested some interesting properties related to the estimate of regression coefficients based on different variants of the Minkowski metric or to estimate regression equation without intercept.
The benefits of corporate social responsibility introduction in small and medium-sized enterprises: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Hodinková Monika , Sadovský Zdeněk
Published: November 2016

Corporate social responsibility is considered as an important part of entrepreneur’s strategic behaviour. Its purpose is not only to achieve and maintain the good economic results, but at the same time also effort to do well to the environmental and social impact of business on the society. The systematic review of the literature was used to compare attitude of domestic and foreign SMEs and to identify the benefits of CSR implementation in business practice. The research findings point to the fact that the Czech SMEs do not realize enough the benefits of CSR introduction for their business.
GALAXY REDSHIFTS FROM DISCRETE OPTIMIZATION OF CORRELATION FUNCTIONS
Authors: Lee Benjamin C. G. , Budavári Tamás , Basu Amitabh , Rahman Mubdi
Published: November 2016

We propose a new method of constraining the redshifts of individual extragalactic sources based on celestial coordinates and their ensemble statistics. Techniques from integer linear programming (ILP) are utilized to optimize simultaneously for the angular two-point cross- and autocorrelation functions. Our novel formalism introduced here not only transforms the otherwise hopelessly expensive, brute-force combinatorial search into a linear system with integer constraints but also is readily implementable in off-the-shelf solvers. We adopt Gurobi, a commercial optimization solver, and use Python to build the cost function dynamically. The preliminary results on simulated data show potential for future applications to sky surveys by complementing and enhancing photometric redshift estimators. Our approach is the first application of ILP to astronomical analysis.
RED RUNAWAYS II: LOW-MASS HILLS STARS IN SDSS STRIPE 82
Authors: Zhang Yanqiong , Smith Martin C. , Carlin Jeffrey L.
Published: November 2016

Stars ejected from the Galactic Center can be used to place important constraints on the Milky Way potential. Since existing hypervelocity stars are too distant to accurately determine orbits, we have conducted a search for nearby candidates using full three-dimensional velocities. Since the efficacy of such studies is often hampered by deficiencies in proper motion catalogs, we have chosen to utilize the reliable, high-precision Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Stripe 82 proper motion catalog. Although we do not find any candidates which have velocities in excess of the escape speed, we identify 226 stars on orbits that are consistent with Galactic Center ejection. This number is significantly larger than what we would expect for halo stars on radial orbits and cannot be explained by disk or bulge contamination. If we restrict ourselves to metal-rich stars, we find 29 candidates with [Fe/H] > −0.8 dex and 10 with [Fe/H] > −0.6 dex. Their metallicities are more consistent with what we expect for bulge ejecta, and so we believe these candidates are especially deserving of further study. We have supplemented this sample using our own radial velocities, developing an algorithm to use proper motions for optimizing candidate selection. This technique provides considerable improvement on the blind spectroscopic sample of SDSS, being able to identify candidates with an efficiency around 20 times better than a blind search.
A SLIPPERY SLOPE: SYSTEMATIC UNCERTAINTIES IN THE LINE WIDTH BARYONIC TULLY–FISHER RELATION
Authors: Bradford Jeremy D. , Geha Marla C. , Bosch Frank C. van den
Published: November 2016

The baryonic Tully–Fisher relation (BTFR) is both a valuable observational tool and a critical test of galaxy formation theory. We explore the systematic uncertainty in the slope and the scatter of the observed line-width BTFR utilizing homogeneously measured, unresolved H i observations for 930 isolated galaxies. We measure a fiducial relation of

with observed scatter of 0.25 dex over a baryonic mass range of 107.4 to 1011.3

where

is measured from 20% H i line widths. We then conservatively vary the definitions of

and

, the sample definition and the linear fitting algorithm. We obtain slopes ranging from 2.64 to 3.53 and scatter measurements ranging from 0.14 to 0.41 dex, indicating a significant systematic uncertainty of 0.25 in the BTFR slope derived from unresolved H i line widths. We next compare our fiducial slope to literature measurements, where reported slopes range from 3.0 to 4.3 and scatter is either unmeasured, immeasurable, or as large as 0.4 dex. Measurements derived from unresolved H i line widths tend to produce slopes of 3.3, while measurements derived strictly from resolved asymptotic rotation velocities tend to produce slopes of 3.9. The single largest factor affecting the BTFR slope is the definition of rotation velocity. The sample definition, the mass range and the linear fitting algorithm also significantly affect the measured BTFR. We find that galaxies in our sample with

km s−1 are consistent with the line-width BTFR of more massive galaxies, but these galaxies drive most of the observed scatter. It is critical when comparing predictions to an observed BTFR that the rotation velocity definition, the sample selection and the fitting algorithm are similarly defined. We recommend direct statistical comparisons between data sets with commensurable properties as opposed to simply comparing BTFR power-law fits.
A PROPOSED PARADIGM FOR SOLAR CYCLE DYNAMICS MEDIATED VIA TURBULENT PUMPING OF MAGNETIC FLUX IN BABCOCK–LEIGHTON-TYPE SOLAR DYNAMOS
Authors: Hazra Soumitra , Nandy Dibyendu
Published: November 2016

At present, the Babcock–Leighton flux transport solar dynamo models appear to be the most promising models for explaining diverse observational aspects of the sunspot cycle. The success of these flux transport dynamo models is largely dependent upon a single-cell meridional circulation with a deep equatorward component at the base of the Sun’s convection zone. However, recent observations suggest that the meridional flow may in fact be very shallow (confined to the top 10% of the Sun) and more complex than previously thought. Taken together, these observations raise serious concerns on the validity of the flux transport paradigm. By accounting for the turbulent pumping of magnetic flux, as evidenced in magnetohydrodynamic simulations of solar convection, we demonstrate that flux transport dynamo models can generate solar-like magnetic cycles even if the meridional flow is shallow. Solar-like periodic reversals are recovered even when meridional circulation is altogether absent. However, in this case, the solar surface magnetic field dynamics does not extend all the way to the polar regions. Very importantly, our results demonstrate that the Parker–Yoshimura sign rule for dynamo wave propagation can be circumvented in Babcock–Leighton dynamo models by the latitudinal component of turbulent pumping, which can generate equatorward propagating sunspot belts in the absence of a deep, equatorward meridional flow. We also show that variations in turbulent pumping coefficients can modulate the solar cycle amplitude and periodicity. Our results suggest the viability of an alternate magnetic flux transport paradigm—mediated via turbulent pumping—for sustaining solar-stellar dynamo action.
Accueillir le symptôme « dys » : entre paradoxes, résistances et créativité
Authors: Lenoble Évelyne
Published: November 2016

Ce texte interroge l’évolution des nominations et des concepts sous-tendant les différentes façons d’accueillir au plan clinique, pédagogique et social, les difficultés d’apprentissage pouvant être rencontrées au cours du développement de l’enfant, en particulier lors de sa confrontation aux exigences scolaires. La multiplicité des savoirs est soulignée dans sa valeur dynamique de mise au travail, ouvrant à la créativité et à l’inventivité, tant chez les professionnels engagés que du côté des enfants en difficulté et de leurs parents.
Que nous apporte la référence au dialogue tonico-émotionnel dans la compréhension des troubles des apprentissages ?
Authors: Saint-Cast Alexandrine , Gauducheau Manon
Published: November 2016

Au sein de l’équipe médico-sociale, la psychomotricité aborde des difficultés d’apprentissage en considérant que les interrelations entre les fonctionnements corporels, les éprouvés émotionnels et les cognitions sont primordiales et qu’elles se réalisent et sont accessibles via l’expérience corporelle globalisante. De cette dynamique découlent des modalités d’évaluation – le bilan psychomoteur – et diverses situations qui visent à enrichir cette expérience du corps pour soutenir le développement et favoriser l’expression, quand l’enfant est en souffrance pour apprendre. Une courte histoire clinique illustre ici l’intérêt d’accorder sa valeur au dialogue tonico-émotionnel pour aider les enfants dont les expressions psychomotrices sont disharmonieuses.
Connaître les dys- et en mesurer les enjeux
Authors: Pouhet Alain
Published: November 2016

Les situations de dys- ont envahi l’espace scolaire et s’imposent comme l’une des causes de scolarité perturbée. Cependant, elles restent le plus souvent superficiellement connues et globalement mal gérées. Cette situation est gravement dommageable pour ces élèves qui sont en souffrance ainsi que pour leur famille, leurs enseignants et les accompagnants. Comment promouvoir une évaluation fiable permettant de définir un projet précis pour les dys- ?
Modelling climate change impacts on mycotoxin contamination
Authors: Van der Fels-Klerx H.J. , Liu C. , Battilani P.
Published: November 2016

Projected climate change effects will influence primary agricultural systems and thus food security, directly via impacts on yields, and indirectly via impacts on its safety, with mycotoxins considered as crucial hazards. Mycotoxins are produced by a wide variety of fungal species, each having their own characteristics and requirements. The geographic distribution of toxigenic fungi reflects their ecological needs, with thermophilic fungi prevalent at lower latitudes and psychrophiles at the higher latitudes. A resulting gradient of mycotoxin contamination has been repeatedly stressed. Changes in climatic conditions will lead to shifts in the fungal population and the mycotoxin patterns. In general, climate change is expected to increase mycotoxin contamination of crops, but due to the complexity of mycoflora associated to each crop and its interaction with the environment, it appears rash to draw conclusions without specific studies. Very recently first quantitative estimations of impacts of climate change on mycotoxin occurrence have been made. Two studies each applied models of different disciplines including climate projection, crop phenology and fungal/mycotoxin prediction to cereals cultivated in Europe. They were followed by a case study on climate change effects onAlternaria moulds and their mycotoxins in tomato. Results showed that DON contamination of wheat grown in Europe was, in general, expected to increase. However, variation was large, and in some years and some regions a decrease in DON contamination was expected. Regarding aflatoxin contamination of maize grown in Europe, an increase was estimated, mainly in the +2 °C scenario. Two main research gaps were identified related to the (limited) number of existing quantitative models taking into account climate change and their validation in limited areas. Efforts are therefore mandatory to be prepared for future changes and challenges on model validation and limited mycotoxin-crop combinations.
Development of OntEIR Framework to Support BIM Clients in Construction
Authors: Dwairi Shadan , Mahdjoubi Lamine , Odeh Mohammed , Kossmann Mario
Published: November 2016

This paper discusses an ongoing research that is conducted to develop a framework that will support employers in making informed and sound decision in defining their requirements. The aim of this research is to develop an ontology-based, BIM enabled framework for EIR (OntEIR), it will examine the ability of this framework in capturing, analysing, and translating these requirements based on an ontology model. This framework will enable the project team to capture requirements and convert them to constructional terms understood by all stakeholders. It is the contention of this research that this process will save time, effort and cost, and will provide an informed basis for delivering a successful project that satisfies both the employer and the supply chain.
Direct Solution of Fuzzy Project Crashing Problem with Fuzzy Decision Variables using Tabu Search and Simulated Annealing Algorithms
Authors: Göçken Tolunay
Published: November 2016

Project management is a very important field employed for scheduling activities and monitoring the progress, in competitive and fluctuating environments. Project crashing analysis is concerned with shortening the project duration time by accelerating some of its activities at an additional cost. In reality, because of uncertain environment conditions there can be ambiguity in the parameters of the problem. The uncertainty in the parameters can be modeled via fuzzy set theory. Using fuzzy models give the chance of better project scheduling with more stability under uncertain environmental factors. In this study, a fuzzy project crashing problem with fuzzy decision variable - occurrence time of events - and fuzzy normal activity duration times is handled. The fuzzy project crashing problem is solved without any transformation process by employing a fuzzy ranking method and the tabu search and simulated annealing algorithms.
Mathematical Programming for Modelling Green Supply Chains Under Randomness and Fuzziness
Authors: Nematian Javad , Ghotb Seyed Salar
Published: November 2016

Nowadays by growing concerns about environmental problems, businesses and industries are under pressure to decrease their negative impact on environment, consequently firms and industries have to reconsider about their activities and make their business compatible with environment. So industries should green their supply chains to optimize economic and environmental concerns, but because of uncertainty in the real world like inconsistency of world economy, the process of greening supply chains can be more complex. To optimize total costs and the unfavourable sides of supply chains simultaneously in an uncertain situation, this paper presents a multi-objective mixed integer programming with fuzzy random variables (FRVs) and by using fuzzy theory and fuzzy random chance-constrained programming (FRCCP), the proposed model is converted to deterministic model. This paper can be also suitable for decision making with optimistic, pessimistic and realistic notion. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the model.
Virtual Games and Real-World Communities
Authors: Stewart Mary K. , Hagood Danielle , Ching Cynthia Carter
Published: November 2016

This article examines two communities of youth who play an online game that integrates physical activity into virtual game play. Participating youth from two research sites—an urban middle school and a suburban junior high school—wore FitBits that tracked their physical activity and then integrated their real-world energy into game-world resource boosts. This incorporation of daily life as a mechanic of the video game creates a tangible connection between players' physical and virtual experiences. To better understand that connection, this article presents survey, GIS, and mapping data to detail the two communities as multi-domain ecologies, and then presents interview and focus group data to illustrate the players' perceptions of the affordances and limitations of their physical environments. Ultimately, the authors argue that a multi-layered analysis of real world communities is essential for designing games for health and for effectively facilitating game-based learning within players' complex ecologies.