bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-border Inter-Adriatic Cooperation: A Case Study
Authors: Sarno Emilia
Published: February 2018

The paper highlights the cultural and legislative framework which favours the cross-border cooperation between the countries on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. It looks at the importance of geographical and socio-economic proximity and analyses the formation of the Adriatic-Ionian Euro-region. This context is useful for the development of those territories, considered marginal, which can renew their economies through cooperation. As a case study, what is analysed is the possible cross-border relations between the Italian region Molise and Montenegro. The two territories have several elements in common and can use cooperation as a means of renewing their economy. Furthermore, the crossborder cooperation is the right strategy to modernise the agricultural sector and strengthen the tourism. For this reason, the paper aims to highlight how the cooperation is the lens through which we can identify the territorial potential which, when amplified through comparison, will emerge more clearly.
Biodegradable glucose and glucosamine grafted polyacrylamide/graphite composites for the removal of acid violet 17 from an aqueous solution
Authors: Kumarasamy Gayathri , Nachimuthu Palanisamy
Published: February 2018

In this work, the structural characterization and adsorption behavior of glucose and glucosamine grafted polyacrylamide/graphite composites (denoted as Gu-g-PAM/graphite and GA-g-PAM/graphite) were investigated. The grafted polymers were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR and N2 sorption studies. The adsorption behavior of grafted polymers was compared by varying parameters such as pH, initial dye concentration, agitation time, adsorbent dose and temperature. The results showed that GA-g-PAM/graphite composite was an effective adsorbent for the uptake of acid violet 17 (Av-17) from an aqueous solution. The superior adsorption behavior was attributed to the presence of -NH2 and -OH groups in GA-g-PAM/graphite. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) isotherms were used to describe the adsorption isotherm. The adsorption isotherm of the adsorbents fitted well with the Langmuir model with the maximum adsorption capacity (qo) of 78.13 mg/g for GA-g-PAM/graphite. The efficiency of adsorption with time was described using pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order and intra particle diffusion kinetic models. The kinetic study revealed that the adsorption equilibrium was attained within 50 min. The thermodynamic analysis stated that the adsorption of dye is spontaneous, physical and endothermic in nature. Desorption results revealed that all the adsorbents exhibit excellent stability and remarkable regeneration ability.
Control Premium and Minority Discounts in Polish Business Valuation Practices – Evidence from Research
Authors: Byrka-Kita Katarzyna , Grudziński Michał
Published: February 2018

The paper presents the results of a survey of business valuation practice in Poland. The aim of this study was to assess the premium for control as well as discounts for minority interests by practitioners involved in the valuation of companies in Poland. The survey was conducted on a sample of 191 respondents between February and April 2011. The population of entities under survey consists of: authorized NewConnect3 / Catalyst advisers, brokers, valuation analysts working for leading consulting firms, and experts appointed by the court. The evidence from the research demonstrates that most of respondents do not know how to apply premium control and minority discounts in business valuation. Incorrect approaches to the application of control premiums or minority discounts reflect that this area of valuation lacks thorough analysis in the Polish market. As a consequence, particularly in the case of lawsuits it may cause unjustified transfers of value between the parties.
On the solutions of a higher order difference equation
Authors: Abo-Zeid Raafat
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we determine the forbidden set, introduce an explicit formula for the solutions and discuss the global behavior of solutions of the difference equation

x

n
+
1

=

a
⁢

x
n

⁢

x

n
-
k

b
⁢

x
n

-

c
⁢

x

n
-
k
-
1

,

n
=

0
,
1
,
…

,

x_{n+1}=\frac{ax_{n}x_{n-k}}{bx_{n}-cx_{n-k-1}},\quad n=0,1,\ldots,

where

a
,
b
,
c

{a,b,c}

are positive real numbers and the initial conditions

x

-
k

-
1

,

x

-
k

,
…
,

x

-
1

,

x
0

{x_{-k-1},x_{-k},\ldots,x_{-1},x_{0}}

are real numbers. We show that when

a
=
b
=
c

{a=b=c}

, the behavior of the solutions depends on whether k is even or odd.
Treatment by Trait Biplot Analysis of Organic Manure and Nano-Fertilizers on Sunflower Production
Authors: Sabaghnia Naser , Yousefzadeh Saeed , Janmohammadi Mohsen
Published: February 2018

This study was performed to study the effects of farmyard manure (zero (M1), 20 (M2) t ha−1) and nano-fertilizers [control (n1), Mn (n2), Fe (n3), Zn (n4)] on sunflower. Traits days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, leaf number, leaf area, plant height, achene yield and harvest index were measured.Treatment by trait (TT) analysis using biplot analysis was used to determine which treatment was best and for what trait which were generated using the standardized values of the traits means. Results showed that the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) were used to create a two-dimensional TT biplot that accounted percentages of 94% of sums of squares of interaction. The most important vertex treatment in polygon of TT biplot was M2n4 (application of 20 tonnes ha−1 manure and Zn nano-micronutrient) which indicated high performance in leaf number, leaf area, plant height, achene yield and harvest index. The identification of ideal treatment, the treatment that is most favorable treatment among all treatments, showed that the M2n4 might be used in selecting superior traits and it can be considered as the candidate treatment. Finally, nano-fertilizer could increase crop yields and improve the efficiency of manure application. The results of this investigation showed that application of nanoparticles may alleviates the adverse environmental factors and improve the sunflower performance and the integrated application of organic manure and nano-micronutrients is more effective.
A comparison of husked and naked oats under Irish conditions
Authors: Hackett R.
Published: February 2018

During the harvesting of husked oats (Avena sativa L.), the kernel remains tightly enclosed by a lignified lemma and palea, collectively termed the husk or hull. In naked oats, which are the same species as husked oats, the lemma is much less lignified and the kernel threshes free during harvesting. The absence of the largely indigestible husk increases the nutritive value of naked oats compared to that of husked oats, particularly for non-ruminants and poultry. There is little information regarding the potential of naked oats as an arable crop in Ireland. The objective of this study was to determine the productivity of naked oats under Irish conditions. Field experiments were carried out in the south east of Ireland to compare the grain yield and grain quality of both autumn-sown and spring-sown naked and husked oat cultivars. Grain yield of naked oat cultivars was significantly lower than that of husked oat cultivars, irrespective of whether they were autumn sown or spring sown. However, when the kernel yield of husked oat cultivars was estimated, differences in yield between the two types were much smaller, and in some cases, kernel yield of naked oat cultivars exceeded that of husked oat cultivars. Grain quality, as indicated by hectolitre weight and grain N concentration, was generally greater for naked oat cultivars than for husked oat cultivars. It is concluded that under Irish conditions, naked oats have the potential to produce kernel yields equivalent to husked oats. The grain produced is of high quality and may be particularly suited for the nutrition of non-ruminants.
Sleep disorder prevalence in at-risk adolescents and potential effects of nightmare triad syndrome
Authors: McIver Natalia D. , Krakow Barry , Krakow Jessica , Nadorff Michael R. , Ulibarri Victor A. , Baade Robert
Published: February 2018

Objective

At-risk high school students, those considered to have a higher probability for academic failure or dropping out, were assessed for various sleep disorders. Effects were compared between students with and without the nightmare triad syndrome (NTS+), the sleep disorders’ cluster of frequent nightmares, insomnia disorder and suspected sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

Methods

Data were gathered at a charter school for at-risk youth using: computer based surveys, physical airway exams, and mental health interviews by school social worker. Ninety-two students were enrolled, and 70 completed all study components.

Results

Students were teenaged [17.10 (1.50) years], male (52.2%) slightly overweight [BMI 25.50 (6.41)] Hispanics (87.0%); two-thirds (65 of 92) subjectively reported a sleep problem. Frequent nightmares (39.1%), insomnia (ISI ≥ 12, 41.3%), and SDB risk (79.3%) were common. Several presumptive sleep disorders (insomnia, SDB risk, parasomnia, or nightmares) were associated with worse sleep quality and lower quality of life. Nineteen students met criteria for NTS. Compared to NTS−, NTS+ showed significantly lower quality of life (p < 0.003, g = 0.84). Regression analyses revealed higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in NTS+ students. NTS was associated with reduced quality of life independent of anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion

Prevalence of presumptive sleep disorders was high with a tendency for clusters of sleep disorders in the same individual. Students with NTS+ showed worse outcomes and reduced quality of life, mediated partially by depression and anxiety. To examine relationships between sleep disorders and mental health in at-risk adolescents, research investigations must include both subjective and objective measurements of sleep.
The State of Knowledge Regarding the Use of Simulation in Pre-Licensure Nursing Education: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review
Authors: Olson Joanne K. , Paul Pauline , Lasiuk Gerri , Davidson Sandra , Wilson-Keates Barbara , Ellis Rebecca , Marks Nichole , Nesari Maryam , Savard Winnifred
Published: February 2018

This project is a mixed-methods systematic review on the use of simulation in pre-licensure nursing. This research question guided this review: What is the best evidence available upon which to base decisions regarding the use of simulation experiences with pre-licensure nursing students? Searches of CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, and ERIC were performed to identify relevant literature. These searches yielded 1220 articles. After duplicates were removed and titles and abstracts were reviewed for relevance to the inclusion criteria, the remaining 852 articles were independently assessed for quality by pairs of researchers. Forty-seven articles were retained. Findings were grouped into research using high-, medium-, and low-fidelity simulations and a group where researchers included several or all types of simulation. The conclusion is that insufficient quality research exists to guide educators in making evidence-based decisions regarding simulation. More rigorous and multi-site research is needed.
The prevalence and frequency of Japanese-English cognates: Recommendations for future research in applied linguistics
Authors: Allen David
Published: February 2018

Research has demonstrated that cognates are processed and acquired more readily than noncognates regardless of whether the languages share a common script or etymological background (e. g., Japanese and English). Very little research, however, has focused on the prevalence and frequency of cognates in orthographically distinct languages. Using Japanese word frequency data, the present study demonstrates that between 49 % and 22 % of the most common 10000 words in English are cognate in Japanese, depending on the frequency threshold used. The analysis is extended to the Academic Word List (Coxhead 2000), which is shown to be between 59 % and 30 % cognate. Finally, a lexical familiarity study revealed that Japanese cognate frequency was a reliable indicator of whether the word was known to the majority of Japanese speakers. Based on the findings and drawing upon research in psycholinguistics, a number of recommendations are put forward for future studies in applied linguistics.
Purple Fabrics and Garments in Akkadian Documents
Authors: Thavapalan Shiyanthi
Published: February 2018

The following examination of the textual evidence for purple dyeing in late Bronze Age Syria and Mesopotamia highlights a disconnect between the written sources and the physical remains for colored textiles recently unearthed at Qaṭnā (Tell Mishrīfe). By charting the relationship between developments in the dyeing industry against wider economic forces in this period, this essay addresses the impact of Bronze Age technologies on the evolution of Akkadian color language.
Modified HuffBit Compress Algorithm – An Application of R
Authors: Habib Nahida , Ahmed Kawsar , Jabin Iffat , Rahman Mohammad Motiur
Published: February 2018

The databases of genomic sequences are growing at an explicative rate because of the increasing growth of living organisms. Compressing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences is a momentous task as the databases are getting closest to its threshold. Various compression algorithms are developed for DNA sequence compression. An efficient DNA compression algorithm that works on both repetitive and non-repetitive sequences known as “HuffBit Compress” is based on the concept of Extended Binary Tree. In this paper, here is proposed and developed a modified version of “HuffBit Compress” algorithm to compress and decompress DNA sequences using the R language which will always give the Best Case of the compression ratio but it uses extra 6 bits to compress than best case of “HuffBit Compress” algorithm and can be named as the “Modified HuffBit Compress Algorithm”. The algorithm makes an extended binary tree based on the Huffman Codes and the maximum occurring bases (A, C, G, T). Experimenting with 6 sequences the proposed algorithm gives approximately 16.18 % improvement in compression ration over the “HuffBit Compress” algorithm and 11.12 % improvement in compression ration over the “2-Bits Encoding Method”.
A Framework for Image Alignment of TerraSAR-X Images Using Fractional Derivatives and View Synthesis Approach
Authors: Sirisha B. , Sandhya B. , Paidimarry Chandra Sekhar , Sastry A.S. Chandrasekhara
Published: February 2018

Conventional integer order differential operators suffer from poor feature detection accuracy and noise immunity, which leads to image misalignment. A new affine-based fractional order feature detection algorithm is proposed to detect syntactic and semantic structures from the backscattered signal of a TerraSAR-X band stripmap image. To further improve the alignment accuracy, we propose to adapt a view synthesis approach in the standard pipeline of feature-based image alignment. Experiments were performed to test the effectiveness and robustness of the view synthesis approach using a fractional order feature detector. The evaluation results showed that the proposed method achieves high precision and robust alignment of look-angle-varied TerraSAR-X images. The affine features detected using the fractional order operator are more stable and have strong capacity to reduce sturdy speckle noise.
Generating pairing-friendly elliptic curve parameters using sparse families
Authors: Fotiadis Georgios , Konstantinou Elisavet
Published: February 2018

The majority of methods for constructing pairing-friendly elliptic curves are based on representing the curve parameters as polynomial families. There are three such types, namely complete, complete with variable discriminant and sparse families. In this paper, we present a method for constructing sparse families and produce examples of this type that have not previously appeared in the literature, for various embedding degrees. We provide numerical examples obtained by these sparse families, considering for the first time the effect of the recent progress on the tower number field sieve (TNFS) method for solving the discrete logarithm problem (DLP) in finite field extensions of composite degree.
Entropy Generation Minimization in Dimethyl Ether Synthesis: A Case Study
Authors: Kingston Diego , Razzitte Adrián César
Published: February 2018

Entropy generation minimization is a method that helps improve the efficiency of real processes and devices. In this article, we study the entropy production (due to chemical reactions, heat exchange and friction) in a conventional reactor that synthesizes dimethyl ether and minimize it by modifying different operating variables of the reactor, such as composition, temperature and pressure, while aiming at a fixed production of dimethyl ether. Our results indicate that it is possible to reduce the entropy production rate by nearly 70 % and that, by changing only the inlet composition, it is possible to cut it by nearly 40 %, though this comes at the expense of greater dissipation due to heat transfer. We also study the alternative of coupling the reactor with another, where dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane takes place. In that case, entropy generation can be reduced by 54 %, when pressure, temperature and inlet molar flows are varied. These examples show that entropy generation analysis can be a valuable tool in engineering design and applications aiming at process intensification and efficient operation of plant equipment.
PAPR Reduction in OFDM Signal by Incorporating Mu-Law Companding Approach into Enhanced PTS Scheme
Authors: Ibraheem Zeyid T. , Rahman Md. Mijanur , Fazea Yousef , Ahmed Kawakib K.
Published: February 2018

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is a potential transmission approach for high capacity communication systems. Despite the many advantages of OFDM, the major downside is the high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) which increases the system complexity, reduces the efficiency of the system, causes degradation in BER performance, and makes OFDM sensitive to nonlinear distortion in the transmission. Various methods have been proposed to deal with the PAPR problem, including the partial transmit sequence (PTS) that has attracted considerable attention. Hence, this paper presents a hybrid approach combining an enhanced PTS technique with Mu-Law companding. The PTS technique was enhanced through improving its sub-block partitioning scheme, where the enhanced partitioning scheme consolidated a conventional interleaved partitioning into an adjacent partitioning scheme. This incorporation of Mu-Law characteristic in time domain for PAPR reduction in OFDM essentially enhances the PAPR reduction performance, based on using numerical simulation results. Consequently, though the pseudorandom sub-block partition method obtains better PAPR reduction more than the other sub-block partition schemes (interleaved and adjacent) of ordinary PTS, it is quite difficult to be designed. The findings show that the enhanced PTS technique with Mu-Law companding, while maintaining low computational complexity, performs significantly better than the pseudorandom partitioning PTS on various types of modulation formats and subcarriers.
Growth velocity and biological variables during puberty in achondroplasia
Authors: del Pino Mariana , Fano Virginia , Adamo Paula
Published: February 2018

Background:

Achondroplasia is the most common form of inherited disproportionate short stature. Cross-sectional design studies of height show that, during childhood, height standard deviation scores (SDS) declines steadily and reaches a mean adult height at −6.42 and −6.72 SDS. However, there is a lack of knowledge about longitudinal growth and biological variables during puberty for children with achondroplasia. Here we report the growth velocity and biological parameters during puberty in children with achondroplasia.

Methods:

The study was an observational, cohort study. A total of 23 patients, 15 girls and eight boys with achondroplasia, who reached adult size were included. Growth data was collected from mid-childhood until final height by the same trained observer. Individual growth curves were estimated by fitting the Preece-Baines model 1 (PB1) to each individual’s height for age data. Pubertal development was scored on Tanner scale on each visit.

Results:

In boys with achondroplasia the mean adult height was 129.18 cm. Age and velocity at peak velocity in puberty were 13.89 years and 4.86 cm/year, respectively. The adolescent gain was 20.40 cm. Mean age at genital development 2 and 5 were 12.16 (0.60) and 14.97 (0.88), respectively. In girls the mean adult height was 118.67 cm. Age and velocity at peak velocity in puberty were 11.45 years and 4.40 cm/year, respectively. The adolescent gain was 19.35 cm. Mean age at breast 2 and 4 were 10.20 (1.24) and 12.49 (1.07), respectively.

Conclusions:

Children with achondroplasia experienced an adolescent growth spurt, which was similar in shape and half the magnitude of the non-achondroplasia population.
The Curious Case of Ronald McDonald’s Claim to Rights: An Ontological Account of Differences in Group and Individual Person Rights
Authors: Smith Leonie
Published: February 2018

Performative accounts of personhood argue that group agents are persons, fit to be held responsible within the social sphere. Nonetheless, these accounts want to retain a moral distinction between group and individual persons. That: (1) Group-persons can be responsible for their actions qua persons, but that (2) group-persons might nonetheless not have rights equivalent to those of human persons. I present an argument which makes sense of this disanalogy, without recourse to normative claims or additional ontological commitments. I instead ground rights in the different relations in which performative persons stand in relation to one another.
Institutions and the Artworld – A Critical Note
Authors: Buekens Filip , Smit JP
Published: February 2018

Contemporary theories of institutions as clusters of stable solutions to recurrent coordination problems can illuminate and explain some unresolved difficulties and problems adhering to institutional definitions of art initiated by George Dickie and Arthur Danto. Their account of what confers upon objects their institutional character does not fit well with current work on institutions and social ontology. The claim that “the artworld” confers the status of “art” onto objects remains utterly mysterious. The “artworld” is a generic notion that designates a sphere of human activity that involves practices that create goals that have led to the emergence of formal and informal institutions. But those institutions, rather than magically “creating” objects subjected to esthetic appreciation, merely solve familiar and ubiquitous coordination problems created by artistic activity in ways other institutions in other areas (science, religion, education…) solve similar and/or analogous coordination problems.
Sulla und der Kampf um das Volkstribunat
Authors: Thommen Lukas
Published: February 2018

L. Cornelius Sulla ging sowohl als Konsul des Jahres 88 v. Chr. als auch als Diktator im Jahre 81 v. Chr. gegen das Volkstribunat vor. Umstritten ist dabei schon lange, welche tribunizischen Kompetenzen er genau beschnitt. Der Aufsatz geht zunächst den betreffenden Beschränkungen nach und setzt sie zu den bekannten Handlungen der Volkstribunen und dem Charakter des Tribunats in vorsullanischer Zeit in Beziehung. Daraufhin wird der Kampf um die Restituierung der vollen tribunizischen Rechte in den 70er Jahren v. Chr. analysiert und gefragt, wer damit welche Interessen verfolgte. Das Volkstribunat erweist sich dabei als traditionsreiche Institution, die weniger vom Volk (populus/plebs) selbst als von führenden Kreisen sowohl für eigenständige Politik als auch für einen generellen Ausgleich des staatlichen Systems gestützt wurde.
Beobachtungen zu den Büchern 18–20 derAntiquitates Iudaicaedes Flavius Josephus
Authors: Free Alexander
Published: February 2018

Vor dem Hintergrund jüngster Studien zu Flavius Josephus, die den Historiographen nicht unmittelbar mit dem flavischen Herrscherhaus oder weiten Teilen der römischen Nobilität in Verbindung bringen, widmet sich die Untersuchung der Darstellung römischer Principes in den Büchern 18 und 19 derAntiquitates Iudaicae. Insbesondere das Attentat auf Caligula wirkt innerhalb des Werkes eingeschoben und unverbunden. Die Studie fragt nach der Verbindung von ant. Iud. 19,1–273 zur übrigen Erzählung und versucht entgegen früheren Ansätzen, die Josephus vornehmlich als Kompilator älterer Geschichtswerke verstehen, den Eigenanteil des jüdischen Historiographen herauszustreichen.
El „Sueño de Escipión“ (Cic. rep.), el „díptico de la Consecratio“ (British Museum) y la rehabilitación oficial de Virio Nicómaco Flaviano (431)
Authors: Marín Raúl Villegas
Published: February 2018

Se propone una nueva interpretación del llamado „díptico de la Consecratio“ del British Museum basada en el „Comentario al Sueño de Escipión“ de Macrobio. A partir de los bien atestiguados vínculos entre este autor y las familias senatoriales romanas de los Symmachi y los Nicomachi, se sugiere asimismo que este díptico pudo haber sido producido para conmemorar la rehabilitación oficial de Virio Nicómaco Flaviano por el emperador Valentiniano III en 431.
Die Gründung der Stadt Tarent und die Gesetze des Lykurg. Eine neue Sicht auf Spartas Geschichte in archaischer Zeit
Authors: Schmitz Winfried
Published: February 2018

Die Stadt Tarent wurde durch ‚Parthenier‘ aus Sparta gegründet. Durch eine Analyse der Quellen zur Gründungsgeschichte kann gezeigt werden, dass die Spartaner wegen der hohen Verluste im Messenischen Krieg gezwungen waren, Heloten freizulassen, die bereit waren, auf spartanischer Seite zu kämpfen. Um die Zahl der spartanischen Bürger zu erhöhen, sollten die freigelassenen Heloten mit Witwen gefallener Spartaner Kinder zeugen. Aufgrund von Auseinandersetzungen um die Rechte der Freigelassenen und deren Kinder kam es zu einer bürgerkriegsartigen Situation. Die aufständischen Heloten wurden aus Sparta in eine Kolonie ausgewiesen. In dieser angespannten Situation konzipierte Lykurg eine Gesetzgebung, die die Integration der Kinder regelte, die aus den Verbindungen von freigelassenen Heloten und Witwen spartanischer Gefallener hervorgegangen waren. Die Gesetze Lykurgs zur Ehe, zur Polyandrie, zur Anerkennung neugeborener Kinder und vermutlich auch zur Erziehung sind auf diese Situation um 600 v. Chr. zu beziehen. Lykurgs „Gesetz über die Kinderzeugung“, wie es Aristoteles bezeichnet, ist ein Gesetz zur Integration von Kindern freigelassener Heloten in die spartanische Bürgerschaft.
PPIs under negation: A case study of Italian già
Authors: Kellert Olga
Published: February 2018

This paper investigates the Italian elementgià‘already’ under negation in various contexts, including questions. The occurrence ofgiàunder negation in questions is unexpected becausegiàcannot be licensed in declarative sentences with sentential negation (It. *Non ho già fatto colazione. literally ‘I did not have breakfast already.’). The empirical contribution of this paper is to provide a corpus analysis and to describe the contexts in whichgiàcan appear under negation. The main research questions of this paper are as follows: (i) how do we account for the distribution and the licensing conditions ofgiàunder negation? and (ii) how is the meaning ofgiàrelated to its distribution? This paper shows that some syntactic restrictions are responsible for the distribution ofgiàunder negation, and that in contexts wheregiàappears under negation in questions or conditionals, it is not interpreted under the direct scope of negation.
‘Doing the devil’: Deriving the PPI-hood of a negation-expressing multi-dimensional idiom
Authors: Sailer Manfred
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses the German idiomatic expression einen/den Teufel tun ‘do a/the devil’ which is used for emphatic rejection. It is shown that this expression is a PPI, as it cannot occur in the scope of negation. I will motivate that the asserted content of the expression is negation. With German being a non-negative concord language, the co-occurrence of several expressions of negation is usually avoided. This typological fact leads to two different judgement patterns for sentences with einen/den Teufel tun and a negation marker. The expression also contributes a conventional implicature that expresses an attitude of the subject. This conventional implicature shows an interaction with negation similar to that of evaluative adverbs. I will argue that the PPI-hood of the considered expression is fully reducible to its properties as an idiomatic negation marker in a non-negative concord language and its multi-dimensional semantics.
Are the phosphorus-rich Na2O–CaO–B2O3–SiO2–P2O5glasses bioactive and what is an influence of doping with manganese oxide?
Authors: Bragiel P. , Ficek P. , Prochwicz W. , Radkowska I. , Veeraiah N.
Published: February 2018

A series of glasses of the composition 20Na2-O-15CaO-5B2O3-5SiO2-(55 - x) P2O5:xMnO2, was prepared and characterized by XRD, DSC, SEM, and Raman techniques. The samples were later immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) for checking the potential growth of hydroxyapatite layer (HA). Experiments confirmed that addition of manganese oxide leads to structural changes of the glasses. With increasing content of MnO2, the surface of the samples became more congenial for improving the growth of HA. The formation of HA layer on the surface of the samples was confirmed just after seven days of immersion. The growth rate of HA has gradually increased with the increase of MnO2content.
Radiotracer investigation of a pulp and paper mill effluent treatment plant
Authors: Sarkar Metali , Sangal Vikas K. , Bhunia Haripada , Bajpai Pramod K. , Pant Harish J. , Sharma Vijay K. , Kumar Anil , Naithani A. K.
Published: February 2018

The pulp and paper industry is highly dependent on water for most of its processes, producing a significant amount of wastewater that should be treated to comply with environmental standards before its discharge into surface-water reservoirs. The wastewater generated primarily consists of substantial amounts of organic, inorganic, toxic and pathogenic compounds in addition to nutrients, which are treated in an effluent treatment plant that often combines primary, secondary, tertiary and advanced treatments. However, the treatment methods vary from industry to industry according to the process utilized. The effective performance of effluent treatment plants is crucial from both environmental and economic points of view. Radiotracer techniques can be effectively used to optimize performance and detect anomalies like dead zones, bypassing, channelling, etc. in wastewater treatment plants. Experiments on the distribution of residence time were performed on the aeration tank and secondary clarifier of a full-scale pulp and paper mill to study the flow behaviour as well as locate system anomalies and hence evaluate the performance of the treatment plants using the radiotracer I-131. The convolution method was applied to model the system with an imperfect impulse radiotracer input. The aeration tank was working efficiently in the absence of any dead zones or bypassing. Various hydrodynamic models available in the literature were applied on the aeration tank and secondary clarifier to obtain the hydraulic representation of the systems.
Technetium-99m: From nuclear medicine applications to fine sediment transport studies
Authors: Bandeira Jefferson V. , Salim Lécio H.
Published: February 2018

The present work is a contribution to rescue the history of development of the application of 99mTc, widely used in nuclear medicine, to its use as tracer for the study of the transport of fine sediment in suspension, in water environment. It addresses the usefulness of its application in obtaining important parameters in environmental studies, illustrating them with some applications already performed and the results obtained. This kind of study, when associated with information on hydrodynamic parameters, for example, river, tidal, wind and wave currents, are powerful tools for the understanding and quantification of fine sediment transport in suspension. Fine sediment is an important vector in the transportation of heavy metals, organic matter and nutrients in water environment, and the quantitative knowledge of its behaviour is mandatory for studies of environmental impacts. Fine sediment labelled with 99mTc, can also be used to study the effect of human interventions, such as dredging of reservoirs, access channels and harbours, and the dumping of dredged materials in water bodies. Besides that, it can be used to optimize dredging works, evaluating the technical and economic feasibility of dumping sites and their environmental impact. It is a valuable support in the calibration and validation of mathematical models for sediment dynamics.
Mass and volume in analytical chemistry (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Camões Maria F. , Christian Gary D. , Hibbert David Brynn
Published: February 2018

This technical report reviews measurements of mass and volume, including a review of the SI for mass, length, and amount of substance; principles of mass measurement; calibration of masses and glassware; gravimetry; volumetry; and titrimetry. Measurement uncertainty, metrological traceability and aspects of quality assurance are also treated.
Active screen plasma system applied to polymer surface modification: poly(lactic acid) surface activation before polyaniline graft polymerization in aqueous medium
Authors: Alonso Janaína G. , Dalmolin Carla , Nahorny Jacimar , Recco Abel A.C. , Fontana Luis C. , Becker Daniela
Published: February 2018

An active screen plasma system (ASPS) was used for the surface activation of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a pretreatment before the oxidative graft polymerization of polyaniline (PANI). In ASPS, the plasma glow discharge occurs outside the grid, and the samples to be treated are placed inside the cage where they are subjected to a floating potential (about −12 V). An increase in hydrophilicity was observed for all samples after Ar plasma treatment. In addition, a decrease in thermal stability and changes in crystallization behavior were observed for PLA samples treated for a longer time. After PANI graft polymerization, smoothing of the surface topography was noticed in samples treated for short time periods. Such a change in the topography, in addition to surface activation, provides better conditions for subsequent PANI grafting.
Expanding Shareholders’ Power: An Analysis of Reform Proposals in Malaysia
Authors: Rachagan Shanthy , Mohd Sulaiman Aiman Nariman
Published: February 2018

A series of recent reform proposals in Malaysia have started to consider enhancing shareholders’ self-help remedies by expanding shareholders’ powers in corporate decision-making. The reform of listing rules, codes of corporate governance, and securities law legislation is intended to enhance shareholders’ participatory rights in decision-making in Malaysia. Some of the proposals echo the present UK position under the UK Companies Act 2006. These changes, occurring in several common law countries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong and UK, and the recent EU revision proposals, indicate a change of legal position towards expanding shareholders’ power even to the extent of giving instruction to the board. But are these sufficient or can more be done? For Malaysia and other developing economies, we argue for a self-enforcing model that requires expansion of shareholders’ general power by identifying and removing legal barriers to shareholders’ empowerment. This is recommended for other developing countries which share a similar corporate and regulatory architecture.
Determinants of Judicial Efficiency Change: Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Fauvrelle Thiago A. , Tony C Almeida Alessio
Published: February 2018

Judicial efficiency matters for economic development. Nevertheless, the determinants of judicial productivity growth are not entirely understood. Using data of Brazil's state courts for the period of 2009 to 2014, this paper analyzes judicial productivity change and its possible determinants over time in a two stage approach. First, data envelopment analysis is used to calculate Malmquist productivity measures which are decomposed in: technical change (frontier-shift effect) and efficiency change (composed of pure efficiency change and scale efficiency change). In the second stage, fixed effect models are estimated to evaluate the associated factors with judicial productivity growth. The first stage results show a slight improvement in judicial productivity trend, which is defined mainly by efficiency change, since technical change deteriorated in the period. The second stage findings suggest the nonexistence of a trade-off between judicial quality and efficiency improvement. Moreover, judges’ remuneration, legal complexity and technological use are correlated with judicial productivity, however not always in the expected direction.
Locating Critical Circular and Unconstrained Failure Surface in Slope Stability Analysis with Tailored Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Pasik Tomasz , van der Meij Raymond
Published: February 2018

This article presents an efficient search method for representative circular and unconstrained slip surfaces with the use of the tailored genetic algorithm. Searches for unconstrained slip planes with rigid equilibrium methods are yet uncommon in engineering practice, and little publications regarding truly free slip planes exist. The proposed method presents an effective procedure being the result of the right combination of initial population type, selection, crossover and mutation method. The procedure needs little computational effort to find the optimum, unconstrained slip plane. The methodology described in this paper is implemented using Mathematica. The implementation, along with further explanations, is fully presented so the results can be reproduced. Sample slope stability calculations are performed for four cases, along with a detailed result interpretation. Two cases are compared with analyses described in earlier publications. The remaining two are practical cases of slope stability analyses of dikes in Netherlands. These four cases show the benefits of analyzing slope stability with a rigid equilibrium method combined with a genetic algorithm. The paper concludes by describing possibilities and limitations of using the genetic algorithm in the context of the slope stability problem.
Effects of Ischemic and Proton Pump Inhibitors Preconditioning on Oxidative Stress of Isolated Rat Heart
Authors: Jeremic Nevena , Zivkovic Vladimir , Srejovic Ivan , Jeremic Jovana , Petkovic Anica , Bradic Jovana , Jakovljevic Vladimir
Published: February 2018

Aim of present study was to determine the participation of various biomarkers of oxidative damage: nitrite (NO2
−), superoxide anion radicals (O2
−), index of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in coronary circulation after application of the different models of preconditioning such as ischemic and preconditioning with proton pump inhibitors.

Examining a biochemical markers of oxidative damage we did not notice any increased production values of any parameter, according to that we can hypothesize that possible occurrence of reperfusion injury after ischemia and PPIs preconditioning is not mediated by this mechanism.

Due to the very difficult and controversial application of ischemic preconditioning in clinical practice, the results of this study suggest that in the future proton pump inhibitors can contribute to the prevention of myocardial damage following ischemia
Von Topographie bis Brechungsindex: Flexibles multi-modales Messen mittels Fusion chromatisch-konfokaler und spektralinterferometrischer Technik
Authors: Boettcher Tobias , Osten Wolfgang
Published: February 2018

Bei der Messung technischer Oberflächen treten insbesondere im Umfeld flexibler Fertigung unterschiedlichste Anforderungen auf. Häufig ist eine schnelle hochgenaue Topographie-Messung erwünscht. Durch die Kombination des chromatisch-konfokalen Verfahrens mit der spektralen Interferometrie (Chromatisch-Konfokale Spektral-Interferometrie) ist es möglich, single-shot Messungen mit einem weiten Messbereich und gleichzeitig geringer Unsicherheit zu erzielen. Dabei können ebenso die den beiden einzelnen Verfahren inhärenten Probleme umgangen und so der Einsatzbereich erweitert werden. Mit demselben optischen Aufbau ist es auch möglich, gleichzeitig Brechungsindex und Dicke von Mehrschichtproben mit hoher Auflösung zu vermessen (Chromatisch-Konfokale Kohärenz-Tomographie). Dies ist etwa von Vorteil, wenn das Messobjekt mit funktionalen Schichten versehen ist oder beispielsweise durch eine Ölschicht gemessen werden muss.
Gesellschaftsrecht und Digitalisierung
Authors: Spindler Gerald
Published: February 2018

Die Digitalisierung erfasst alle Lebens- und Rechtsbereiche, auch das Gesellschaftsrecht. Der Beitrag befasst sich mit den Einflüssen der Digitalisierung auf die verschiedenen Formen der Kommunikation im Gesellschaftsrecht, sei es der virtuellen Gesellschafterversammlung oder des Einsatzes digitaler Medien in den Organen, aber auch gegenüber potentiellen Investoren. Dabei werden die jeweiligen rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen auch jenseits des Gesellschaftsrechts beleuchtet, etwa medien- oder datenschutzrechtliche Fragen. Die Digitalisierung wirkt sich aber auch auf die Haftung der Organe aus, indem mehr verfügbare Daten und verbesserte Algorithmen dazu führen, dass die Organe die verbesserten Informationen zur Entscheidungsfindung nutzen müssen. Umgekehrt ist IT-Sicherheit heute „Chefsache“ geworden, da durch die Digitalisierung der Wertschöpfungsprozesse Unternehmen bei Ausfall ihrer IT-Systeme in ihrer Existenz bedroht werden können. Ferner ermöglicht die neue Technologie der Blockchain die eindeutige Nachvollziehung von Transaktionen, damit auch von Abstimmungen, bis hin zum Einsatz in der Rechnungslegung. Besondere Fragen werfen neue Investitionsformen unter Einsatz der Blockchain-Technologie auf, etwa die DAO Ethereum. Abschließend wird ein Blick auf die Formen der engen vertraglichen Kooperation bei Industrie 4.0 geworfen.
Von der Niederlassungsfreiheit zur Rechtswahlfreiheit?
Authors: Schollmeyer Eberhard
Published: February 2018

Der EuGH entwickelt mit seinem jüngsten Urteil

Urt. v. 25.10.2017, Rs. C-106/16, DB 2017, 2596 = NJW 2017, 3639 = GmbHR 2017, 1261 = NZG 2017, 1308.

in der Rechtssache Polbud-Wykonawstwo seine Rechtsprechung zur Reichweite der Niederlassungsfreiheit nach den Artikeln 49, 54 AEUV weiter. Die Territorialbezogenheit der Wirtschaftsordnungen der Mitgliedstaaten wird weiter relativiert, da der EuGH den Schutzbereich der Niederlassungsfreiheit auf den isolierten Herausformwechsel erstreckt. Die Entscheidung des EuGH steht damit in auffallendem Kontrast zu seiner nur wenige Wochen älteren Entscheidung in dem Verfahren Erzberger./.TUI

Urt. v. 18.7.2017, Rs. C-566/15, ZIP 2017, 1413, m. Anm. Habersack, NZG 2017, 1021 und Krause, JZ 2017, 1003.

, in der er den Ausschluss von Konzernmitbestimmungsrechten der an ausländischen Standorten beschäftigten Arbeitnehmer gebilligt hatte. Schutzmaßnahmen des Wegzugsstaates zugunsten von Minderheitsaktionären, Gläubigern und Arbeitnehmern sind als gerechtfertigte Beschränkungen der Niederlassungsfreiheit freilich weiterhin möglich, wenn sie angemessen sind. Ein generelles Liquidationserfordernis erfüllt das Kriterium der Angemessenheit nicht.
Na3GaF6– A crystal chemical and solid state NMR spectroscopic study
Authors: Böhnisch David , Seidel Stefan , Benndorf Christopher , Jansen Thomas , Funke Lena , Hoffmann Rolf-Dieter , Heletta Lukas , Stahl Juliane , Johrendt Dirk , Eckert Hellmut , Jüstel Thomas , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: February 2018

Na3GaF6and Na3GaF6:Mn4+samples were obtained from NaNO3and Ga(NO3)3·9H2O in hydrofluoric acid using K2MnF6or NaMnO4as manganese sources. The structure of Na3GaF6was studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction at 90, 293, 440 and 500 K, confirming the monoclinic cryolite type structure, space groupP21/c. The gallium atoms show slightly distorted octahedral coordination by fluorine atoms, similar to the Na1 atoms. Coordination number 8 is observed for Na2. Both sodium sites are clearly distinguished by23Na MAS-NMR spectroscopy. Above 400 K the spectra reveal distinct chemical exchange effects, signifying sodium ion hopping between these two sites. At the same time static19F NMR spectra indicate pronounced motional narrowing effects in this temperature region. The nearly invariant69Ga MAS-NMR spectra suggest that any reorientational motion involving the GaF63−ions (if present) occurs with preservation of the center of mass of these octahedra.
Heun Polynomials and Exact Solutions for the Massless Dirac Particle in theC-Metric
Authors: Kar Priyasri , Singh Ritesh K. , Dasgupta Ananda , Panigrahi Prasanta K.
Published: February 2018

The equation of motion of a massless Dirac particle in theC-metric leads to the general Heun equation (GHE) for the radial and the polar variables. The GHE, under certain parametric conditions, is cast in terms of a new set ofsu(1, 1) generators involving differential operators ofdegrees±1/2 and 0. AdditionalHeun polynomialsare obtained using this new algebraic structure and are used to construct some exact solutions for the radial and the polar parts of the Dirac equation.
Die Pfingstpredigt des Petrus – Ihr Beitrag zur Etablierung Jesu als Protagonisten der Apostelgeschichte und zur konzeptionellen Einheit des lukanischen Doppelwerkes
Authors: Blumenthal Christian
Published: February 2018

In the current debate on the interrelationship of Luke-Acts, the portrayal of the literary figure of Jesus in Acts is believed to function as a conceptual bond, reflecting the unity of both writings. This assumption is further strengthened by way of Peter’s Pentecostal preaching in Acts 2, which establishes the risen Christ as the sublime main character in acts and his connection to God, thus linking Acts to Luke on a narrative level.
Der Vorwurf des Tempelraubs in Röm 2,22b und seine politischen Hintergründe
Authors: Dochhorn Jan
Published: February 2018

Paul accuses a fictive Jewish interlocutor in Rom 2,22b, claiming that he, although abhorring idols, commits temple robbery. The present article argues that Paul here alludes to traditions pertaining to the prehistory of measurements taken by Tiberius against Jews in Rome in 19 AD: According to Josephus, Ant XVIII 81–84, a Jew claiming to be a teacher of the law persuaded a lady belonging to Roman nobility to donate money for the temple, which he and his companions then embezzled. Josephus narrates this incident along with gossip pertaining to similar events among the worshippers of Isis. We can assume that the juxtaposition of scandalous stories about both the cult of Isis and Judaism witnessed by Josephus is traditional – and might be presupposed in Rom 2,22b.
Ein alter Interpunktionsvorschlag zu 1Thess 1,1 neu beleuchtet: ἐν θεῷ πατρὶ καὶ κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη
Authors: Bosenius Bärbel
Published: February 2018

The prepositional phrase ἐν θεῷ πατρὶ καὶ κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ in 1Thess 1,1 is usually interpreted as part of the address and therefore as a specification of the assembly addressed. In this essay a reading favoured by Ambrosiaster in the 4th and Johann Benjamin Koppe in the 19th century will be reconsidered: ἐν θεῷ κτλ. can be regarded as part of the greeting and understood instrumentally: by God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ grace and peace be with you. Thus the salutatio of 1Thess can be considered as Paul’s first attempt to express that in his prescripts God and Jesus Christ are the real source of χάρις καὶ εἰρήνη.