bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of Lewis-a glycans on polymorphonuclear leukocytes augments function by increasing transmigration
Authors: Brazil Jennifer C , Sumagin Ronen , Stowell Sean R , Lee Goo , Louis Nancy A , Cummings Richard D , Parkos Charles A
Published: June 2017

PMN-expressed fucosylated glycans from the Lewis glycan family, including Lewis-x (Lex) and sialyl Lewis-x (sLex), have previously been implicated in the regulation of important PMN functions, including selectin-mediated trafficking across vascular endothelium. Although glycans, such as Lex and sLex, which are based on the type 2 sequence (Galβ1-4GlcNAc-R), are abundant on PMNs, the presence of type 1 Galβ1-3GlcNAc-R glycans required for PMN expression of the closely related stereoisomer of Lex, termed Lewis-A (Lea), has not, to our knowledge, been reported. Here, we show that Lea is abundantly expressed by human PMNs and functionally regulates PMN migration. Using mAbs whose precise epitopes were determined using glycan array technology, Lea function was probed using Lea-selective mAbs and lectins, revealing increased PMN transmigration across model intestinal epithelia, which was independent of epithelial-expressed Lea. Analyses of glycan synthetic machinery in PMNs revealed expression of β1-3 galactosyltransferase and α1–4 fucosyltransferase, which are required for Lea synthesis. Specificity of functional effects observed after ligation of Lea was confirmed by failure of anti-Lea mAbs to enhance migration using PMNs from individuals deficient in α1–4 fucosylation. These results demonstrate that Lea is expressed on human PMNs, and its specific engagement enhances PMN migration responses. We propose that PMN Lea represents a new target for modulating inflammation and regulating intestinal, innate immunity.
Lateral variation of crustal properties from aerogeophysical data in northern Brazil
Authors: Rosa João Willy Corrêa , Rosa José Wilson Corrêa , Bokelmann Götz
Published: June 2017

A new method is proposed for the study of crustal azimuthal anisotropy, and the lateral variation of other crustal aerogeophysical parameters, using a quantitative approach. The processing of a large, newly acquired, high-resolution set of aerogeophysical data is considered using the existing Radon transform and the geostatistical analysis approaches. The data set includes an area of the Guyana shield, in northern Brazil, which was not included in previous surveys. The area is covered by dense rain forest vegetation and thick soil layers. Parameterization was performed considering the possible anisotropic character of the geophysical 2D data. Application of the newly proposed geostatistical data processing yielded high-resolution images of the lateral variation of quantitative geophysical parameters, which indicate good correlation with previously determined seismic anisotropy in the area. Average anisotropy as measured by the Radon transform and variogram analysis is scale dependent. At scales greater than [Formula: see text], the results seem to match those of the previous seismic studies. Images of the derived quantitative parameters from magnetic and radiometric data in the shield area indicate sharp changes that follow the known geologic changes observable in the survey area. Observed large-scale anisotropy in the area seems to be autocorrelated with two different geochronological provinces of the Amazonian craton. Application of the new technique to two other lower resolution aeromagnetic surveys located on the Amazon basin has produced two different results, including one successful data treatment of the aeromagnetic survey. The results obtained for this area indicate that the sedimentary cover seems to play almost no role in the observed magnetic anomaly anisotropy in the middle Amazon basin area. Most of the observed magnetic anomalies appear to be controlled by the continuing geologic features of the cratonic basement.
Anxiety- and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients With Breast Cancer: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of China and the United States
Authors: You Jin , Lu Qian , Zvolensky Michael J. , Meng Zhiqiang , Garcia Kay , Cohen Lorenzo
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Literature has documented the prevalence of anxiety and its adverse effect on quality of life among patients with breast cancer from Western countries, yet cross-cultural examinations with non-Western patients are rare. This cross-cultural study investigated differences in anxiety and its association with quality of life between US and Chinese patients with breast cancer.

Methods

Patients with breast cancer from the United States and China completed measures for anxiety (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast).

Results

After controlling for demographic and medical characteristics, Chinese patients reported higher levels of trait and state anxiety than US patients. Although there was an association between anxiety and quality of life in both groups of patients, the association between state anxiety and quality of life was stronger among Chinese patients than among US patients, with the association between trait anxiety and quality of life the same between the two cultural samples.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that anxiety and its association with quality of life among patients with breast cancer varies depending on cultural context, which reveals greater anxiety and poorer quality of life among Chinese patients compared with US patients. This suggests greater unmet psychosocial needs among Chinese patients and highlights the need to build comprehensive cancer care systems for a better quality of life in Chinese populations.
HIRA deficiency in muscle fibers causes hypertrophy and susceptibility to oxidative stress
Authors: Valenzuela Nicolas , Soibam Benjamin , Li Lerong , Wang Jing , Byers Lauren A. , Liu Yu , Schwartz Robert J. , Stewart M. David
Published: June 2017

Nucleosome assembly proceeds through DNA replication-coupled or replication-independent mechanisms. For skeletal myocytes, whose nuclei have permanently exited the cell cycle, replication-independent assembly is the only mode available for chromatin remodeling. For this reason, any nucleosome composition alterations accompanying transcriptional responses to physiological signals must occur through a DNA replication-independent pathway. HIRA is the histone chaperone primarily responsible for replication-independent incorporation of histone variant H3.3 across gene bodies and regulatory regions. Thus, HIRA would be expected to play an important role in epigenetically regulating myocyte gene expression. The objective of this study was to determine the consequence of eliminating HIRA from mouse skeletal myocytes. At 6 weeks of age, myofibers lacking HIRA showed no pathological abnormalities; however, genes involved in transcriptional regulation were downregulated. By 6 months of age, myofibers lacking HIRA exhibited hypertrophy, sarcolemmal perforation and oxidative damage. Genes involved in muscle growth and development were upregulated, but those associated with responses to cellular stresses were downregulated. These data suggest that elimination of HIRA produces a hypertrophic response in skeletal muscle and leaves myofibers susceptible to stress-induced degeneration.
Rac1 switching at the right time and location is essential for Fcγ receptor-mediated phagosome formation
Authors: Ikeda Yuka , Kawai Katsuhisa , Ikawa Akira , Kawamoto Kyoko , Egami Youhei , Araki Nobukazu
Published: June 2017

Lamellipodia are sheet-like cell protrusions driven by actin polymerization mainly through Rac1, a GTPase molecular switch. In Fcγ receptor-mediated phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized erythrocytes (IgG-Es), Rac1 activation is required for lamellipodial extension along the surface of IgG-Es. However, the significance of Rac1 deactivation in phagosome formation is poorly understood. Our live-cell imaging and electron microscopy revealed that RAW264 macrophages expressing a constitutively active Rac1 mutant showed defects in phagocytic cup formation, while lamellipodia were formed around IgG-Es. Because activated Rac1 reduced the phosphorylation levels of myosin light chains, failure of the cup formation is probably due to inhibition of actin/myosin II contractility. Reversible photo-manipulation of the Rac1 switch in macrophages fed with IgG-Es could phenocopy two lamellipodial motilities: outward-extension and cup-constriction by Rac1 ON and OFF, respectively. In conjunction with fluorescence resonance energy transfer imaging of Rac1 activity, we provide a novel mechanistic model of phagosome formation spatiotemporally controlled by Rac1 switching within a phagocytic cup.
ECONOMICS OF JUSTICE: THE STATE WEAL AND THE BENEFITS OF A PRIVATE PERSON
Authors: Момотов Виктор , Momotov Viktor
Published: June 2017

The economic component of the courts’ activities on the administration of justice is a complex issue that, unfortunately, still remained outside the field of view of the Russian researchers. The court financing system, as well as mechanisms to improve the economic efficiency of the administration of justice are topical issues of the modern legal orders, which are closely associated with the principle of independence of judges and the guarantees of independence. Justice is a point of collision of public and private interests, that is why the question of the relation of these interests within the economy of justice is particularly relevant. The purpose of this study is to identify trends in economic aspect of the activity of courts from the standpoint of the ratio between private and public interests both in Russian and in foreign legal systems of Continental-European and Anglo-American legal families, as well as determining the future prospects of such development. The objective of the study is to analyze the financing systems of the judicial system and mechanisms to improve the economic efficiency of the administration of justice, including the optimization of the case load, the introduction of e-justice, regulation of the state fee. To achieve the goals and objectives of the study can be applied a systemic-structural, comparative legal, historical, systemic and statistical methods and scientific methods of induction and deduction.
As the results of the study were identified the main models of financing of the judiciary and tendencies of their development, the problem of the case load and ways for its reduction were considered in comparative legal aspect in present article. Also the author has taken an assessment of institutions of electronic justice and state duties, as well as their role in improving the economic efficiency of the courts. On the basis of these results the author has made a few suggestions for the further development of the proceedings.
COURT AND OTHER BODIES OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONTROL: "PRO" AND "CONTRA" (SUBJECTIVE NOTES)
Authors: Чиркин Вениамин , CHirkin Vyeniamin
Published: June 2017

This article discusses several types of non-specialized and specialized bodies, carrying out legal protection in the countries of the world of the constitution: the ordinary courts, constitutional courts. constitutional councils, specific authorities in some muslim countries, some other organs. Applying a multifaceted approach, content analysis of constitutions and laws governing the constitutional control, methods of analysis and synthesis. induction and deduction, techniques of comparative law, the author notes the existence of the pros and cons of the Institute of constitutional control in four areas: 1) in organizing such bodies (the formation and composition) in countries with different institutional forms of such Institute; 2) in the process of reviewing cases, including in a different composition of the judicial presence and forms of other meetings of the relevant bodies; 3) in the effectiveness of their decisions, including the situation, when such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, and order in individual countries when on-demand some higher state bodies (Parliament, Head of state) bodies of the constitutional control again examine the case and only then their decision is final; 4) the problematic issue of the relationship between the decisions of the bodies of the constitutional control and of laws of the Parliament when the law (part of it) is contrary to the Constitution and therefore does not apply, whereas it is believed that exactly Parliament. as a folk representation expresses the sovereignty of the people ((no such allegations against a constitutional control body). It is also referred to the importance of the decisions of the courts of general jurisdiction, if they come to the conclusion about contradiction of the Constitution of a provision of the law, applied by the Court in resolving the case, and of the procedure for further action, the pros and cons of such practices in Russia.
ON THE REFORM OF CRIMINAL SANCTIONS IN THE DRAFT OF THE NEW CRIMINAL CODE OF MONGOLIA
Authors: Хармаев Юрий , Kharmaev Yury
Published: June 2017

The author points out the peculiarities of the reform of the criminal legislation of Mongolia. In July 2017 it is planned the adoption of the new Criminal Code of Mongolia, in this regard, it is interesting to observe what are the trends of changes in the Institute of criminal sanctions of neighboring state, considering that the Russian Criminal Code in recent years is also subject to frequent changes and additions. Mongolia borders to Russia from the South-East and its history, culture, politics are closely intertwined with the population of such regionsof the Russian Federation as Buryatia, Irkutsk oblast, Tuva, ZabaykalskyKrai, so it is always interesting to observe the changes taking place there. It should be noted that in Europe the rejection of the cruelty of execution and application of penalties has fallen to XIX century, whereas the national legislation of Mongolia is changing in the humanistic direction in recent years. Due to the similarity of legal systems of Russia and Mongolia, it should be paid a particular attention to the reforming features of the national legislation of the neighboring border states, including in search of the most effective means of combating crime. Changes and improvements of the criminal legislation of Mongolia, including the penal system, in the author’s opinion, will provide food for thought and certain experience for the Russian legislator and law enforcers. In particular, the arrestas a form of criminal punishment which is not being performed in Russia so far since the present Criminal Code had entered into force, following the example of Mongolian colleagues, can simply be excluded from the list of punishments, it is enough to change the lower limit of imprisonment from 2 months, for example, up to 10 days.
LAND FEES: A COMPARATIVE LEGAL ANALYSIS OF THE LEGISLATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Нурматов Мирголиб , Nurmatov Mirgolib
Published: June 2017

The article contains the analysis of the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation in the sphere of land ffes. The analysis is carried out on the basic provisions on land, environmental, tax and civil legislation. It defines the specific features of the system of payment for land in the studied countries. In article the essence of the principle of land fees uses as a basic principle of nature, the conditions of the item and requirements in the system of economic-legal mechanism. The essence of such purposes of the principle of fees, as replenishment, promotion of environmental management, improve the efficiency of environmental activities. The author studied the main forms of land fees in the legislation of the aforementioned countries and revealed a general economic and legal mechanisms of land fees in the legislation of the two countries. Also he determined the characteristics and the differences in the provisions of the Uzbek and Russian legislation on issues such as rent of land, the procedure for establishing tax rates for land, etc. As a result the author made a few proposals for improvement of the land legislation of the states under consideration. The most important features of the system of land tax in Uzbekistan were defined in present article such as species, the subjects of land tax, the single land tax, procedure of establishment, change and cancellation, the status of rents, assignments of benefits for a land tax, a specific system of differentiating land tax rates. There were also mentioned similar rules of the land, tax and civil legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation in the sphere of land fees. It is concluded that the most democratic and liberal way of the formation of land value is the market price. It is proposed to fix the fee for any harm to the earth as a species of land rent.
LEGAL ANALYSIS OF THE OPINION OF THE VENICE COMISSION ON THE DRAFT AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE TURKISH REPUBLIC
Authors: Лебедева Яна , Lebedeva Yana
Published: June 2017

The following article analyzes the Venice Commission Opinion on the Turkey’s constitutional reform that is deemed to be one of the most important political events of the recent times. On 16 April 2017 many Turkish citizens living in Turkey as well as numerous Turkish Diaspora took part in the referendum to determine the country’s development path for at least a decade ahead. The results of the referendum in a literal sense have split the Turkish society in two parts: 51% said “Yes” to the proposed amendments, while 49% voted against them. The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe could not overlook this crucial constitutional reform introduced in the state of emergency, since one of the Commission’s areas of focus is provision of world-class expert opinions on draft amendments to the Constitutions of the Member States of the Venice Commission. On its 110th Plenary session the Commission adopted Opinion on the amendments to the Constitution adopted by the Grand National Assembly on 21 January 2017 and to be submitted to a National Referendum on 16 April 2017 (CDL-AD (2017)005-e), that gives an independent expert assessment of the recent changes taking place in Turkey. The Venice Commission’s conclusions as the result of the deep legal analysis of the text of the amendments may appeal to a wide range of readers, including lawyers and those interested in significant political events, abundant in the modern politics.
Identifying Patterns of Learner Behaviour: What Business Statistics Students Do with Learning Resources
Authors: Carroll Paula , White Arthur
Published: June 2017

The interactions of early stage business students with learning resources over the duration of an introductory statistics module were analysed using latent class analysis. Four distinct behavioural groups were identified. While differing levels of face-to-face attendance and online interaction existed, all four groups failed to engage with online material in a timely manner. The four groups were found to demonstrate significantly different levels of attainment of the module learning outcomes. The patterns of behaviour of the different groups of students give insights as to which analytics education learning resources students use and how their use patterns relate to their level of attainment of the module learning outcomes.
Teaching the Use of Systems Dynamics for Strategic Decision Making in Healthcare
Authors: McLaughlin Daniel B. , Olson John R.
Published: June 2017

Having worked in the healthcare system and taught healthcare MBAs for over a decade, we have observed that healthcare systems and departments operate in independent silos. This paper shows how to use systems dynamics as a method to help students examine the big picture of how components fit together to form a system. We demonstrate the application of this approach and provide an example from one of our healthcare professional graduate student teams.
The vision thing…
Authors: Donnison Liam
Published: June 2017

Almost every school has a vision statement but the trick is making sure that those words become a platform for action. Primary head Paul Jackson shares his approach with Liam Donnison
Shaping your curriculum
Authors: King Lyndsey
Published: June 2017

When she took up her current post as headteacher, Lyndsey King set about reviewing her school's curriculum offer. She talks us through the approaches her school took and the lessons learned
Tai Chi as a falls prevention strategy in older adults compared to conventional physiotherapy exercise: A review
Authors: Plummer Megan , Bradley Claire
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims:

Falls are an increasing problem in the elderly population. Several pieces of primary and secondary research have been carried out into the effectiveness of Tai Chi as a falls prevention intervention. Benefits such as improvements in balance, dual task working, and proprioception have been reported. Nevertheless, the research remains inconclusive. There is uncertainty regarding an optimum Tai Chi style, dosage, and patient characteristics for whom Tai Chi is most suitable. This review aims to explore and discuss the current best evidence to assess the efficacy of Tai Chi as a falls prevention strategy for adults aged 65 and over.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was carried out using CINAHL, MEDLINE and AMED, along with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, eventually yielding four papers for the review. Narrative synthesis was then carried out to identify themes to answer the research aim. Some evidence showed that although Tai Chi is effective for reducing falls in the population aged 65 and over, the body of evidence did not conclude this effect to be significant.

Conclusions:

There is some evidence for positive intervention effects in the pre-frail subgroup of the population; however, more research is needed to confirm this. A multidimensional falls prevention programme may prove more beneficial for falls prevention in the elderly at present—although Tai Chi could indeed be an element of this.
Partners' experiences of caregiving and perceptions of inpatient rehabilitation following catastrophic injury
Authors: Aggar Christina , Pryor Julie , Fisher Murray
Published: June 2017

Aim:

The aim of this study is to critically review the research literature investigating the experiences of providing care to a spouse or partner during inpatient rehabilitation following a catastrophic injury (namely, stroke, traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury) and their perceptions of inpatient rehabilitation service delivery.

Method:

An integrative review was undertaken to determine the extent to which the topic has been investigated. Quantitative and qualitative research papers were systematically identified in peer-reviewed journals in electronic databases.

Findings:

Five articles published between 1994 and 2016 reported on four studies investigating the experiences of caregiving specifically by a spouse/partner to a person receiving rehabilitation following a stroke. No research was found that committed to understanding the experiences of the spouse/partner and their perceptions of inpatient rehabilitation service delivery following traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury exclusively.

Conclusion:

The diverse aspects of caregiving are not an area of inquiry in rehabilitation service delivery following a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. Further research in this area is warranted.
Every teacher is a teacher of…
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: June 2017

During the next five weeks, Matt Bromley will be focusing on practical strategies for delivering effective cross-curricular literacy education. He begins with a look at why every teacher must be a teacher of literacy
Teachers on Twitter: Is it CPD?
Authors: Cunningham Maria
Published: June 2017

A lot of teachers will wax lyrical about the power of Twitter when it comes to sharing resources and best practice, but what exactly should be its role in our CPD? Maria Cunningham advises
Developing a Health-Related Quality-of-Life Measure for People With Intellectual Disability
Authors: Clark Lauren , Pett Marjorie A. , Cardell Elizabeth M. , Guo Jia-Wen , Johnson Erin
Published: June 2017

Using principles of community-based participatory research we developed a new theory-based measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for individuals with intellectual disability (ID). We recruited adults with ID (n = 129) to take part in interviews and review successive versions of HRQOL items. Critical input about content and understandability shaped the items, as did input from four focus groups of parents/caregivers (n = 16) and representative stakeholders from community-based agencies (n = 7). The resulting HRQOL measure, called the HRQOL-IDD, contains 42 items. The response format depicts a gradient of fluid-filled cups (“none” to “full”) to represent frequency of experience of each item on a 5-point scale.
O uso de selfie: a internet viralizando o empréstimo em três línguas
Authors: Curti Beatriz , Rocha Jean Michel Pimentel , Alves Flávia Cambi
Published: June 2017

Com base na hipótese de que a internet e as ferramentas tecnológicas possibilitam um maior intercâmbio entre as culturas, sobretudo por meio do léxico, este trabalho investiga, partindo da língua inglesa, a incorporação da unidade lexical (UL) selfie nas línguas portuguesa, espanhola e francesa, verificando o processo de fixação, de lexicalização e de produtividade desse estrangeirismo, bem como as colocações formadas a partir dessa UL. Para tanto, esta pesquisa se fundamenta nos estudos em Lexicologia, mais especificamente nos estudos acerca do empréstimo, do  estrangeirismo e do processo de neologia. Ademais, este estudo se apoia ainda na Fraseologia e na Linguística de Corpus para averiguar as combinações lexicais recorrentes que apresentam selfie como base de sintagmas verbais, adjetivais e nominais. Dessa forma, investiga-se a influência do ambiente virtual e das tecnologias na propagação da UL selfie é investigada, a fim de constatar seu uso global, bem como verificar se é possível classificá-la como neologismo nas línguas Latinas estudadas.
Pengolahan Limbah Cair “Tank Cleaning” Tanki Timbun di Instalasi Pertamina UPPDN IV Semarang
Authors: Basuki Bambang Triono
Published: June 2017

Karakteristik limbah yang dihasilkan dari pencucian tanki timbun dapat berupa limbah cair (air+minyak) dan lumpur (sludge), dalam percobaan ini menggunakan variable perbandingan konsentrasi limbah (1:1, 1:2, dan 1:3) waktu tinggal (24, 48 dan 72 jam) dengan menggunakan perbandingan nutrisi COD : N: P = 300:5:1. Dari hasil uji laboratorium menunjukkan persen reduksi yang cukup baik pada kisaran antara 60,0~ 97,8%. Efisiensi treatment dari parameter COD, BOD, minyak mineral, Phenol dan Pb relatif lebih baik pada waktu tinggal yang lama (72 jam).Kata kunci : limbah cair tank cleaning, anaerobik
Study Of Solid Planar Source For Phosphorus Diffution Process On Semiconductor Devices Fabrication
Authors: Widodo S.
Published: June 2017

The sourcing lifetimes, microstructural staility, and diffution performance of a new solid planar phosphorus source for silicon doping were investigated in the temperature range 900-1000 0C. The source wafers were highly porous ceramic wafers containing 25 weight percentage (w/o) SiP2O7 as the “active” component in an inert refractory binder matrix. The microstructural stability and thermografimetric analysis (TGA) result indicated the structural integrity and sourcing ability of this materials at temperatures of at least 1050 0C. Theoretical lifetimesof 260 and 3400 hr at 1000 and 900 0C, respectively, have been predicted from the TGA results. Experimental data relating sheet resistance, junction depth, and diffution coefficient for silicon wafers doped using these source wafers are presented. Special material handling procedure are also described. Keywords : diffution process, solid phosphorus source, SiP2O5, semiconductor devices
Harmonicity of vector fields on a class of Lorentzian solvable Lie groups
Authors: Tan Ju , Deng Shaoqiang
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we consider a special class of solvable Lie groups such that for any x, y in their Lie algebras, [x, y] is a linear combination of x and y. We investigate the harmonicity properties of invariant vector fields of this kind of Lorentzian Lie groups. It is shown that any invariant unit time-like vector field is spatially harmonic. Moreover, we determine all vector fields which are critical points of the energy functional restricted to the space of smooth vector fields.
A note on commutative semifield planes
Authors: Zhou Yue
Published: June 2017

Let q be an odd prime power. We prove that a planar function f from 𝔽
q
to itself can be written as an affine Dembowski–Ostrom polynomial if and only if the projective plane derived from f is a commutative semifield plane.
On complete Yamabe solitons
Authors: Bidabad B. , Ahmadi M. Yar
Published: June 2017

In this paper we study an extension of Yamabe solitons for inequalities. We show that a Riemannian complete non-compact shrinking Yamabe soliton (M, g, V, λ) has finite fundamental group, provided that the scalar curvature is strictly bounded above by λ. Furthermore, an instance of illustrating the sharpness of this inequality is given. We also mention that the fundamental group of the sphere bundle SM is finite.
Steiner’s Porism in finite Miquelian Möbius planes
Authors: Hungerbühler Norbert , Kusejko Katharina
Published: June 2017

We investigate Steiner’s Porism in finite Miquelian Möbius planes constructed over the pair of finite fields GF(q) and GF(q2), for an odd prime powerq. Properties of common tangent circles for two given concentric circles are discussed and with that, a finite version of Steiner’s Porism for concentric circles is stated and proved. We formulate conditions on the length of a Steiner chain by using the quadratic residue theorem in GF(q). These results are then generalized to an arbitrary pair of non-intersecting circles by introducing the notion of capacitance, which turns out to be invariant under Möbius transformations. Finally, the results are compared with the situation in the classical Euclidean plane.
A control strategy of hybrid solar-wind energy generation system
Authors: Sharma Himanshu , Pal Nitai , Kumar Pankaj , Yadav Ashiwani
Published: June 2017

Synchronization in the energy generated by renewable energy sources is one of the significant issue associated with the converter used in the system module. The presented paper concentrates on the design aspect of a PV and wind power input to a DC-DC converter which can be practically useful in hybrid renewable energy power systems. In this regard, the proposed converter can be utilized to obtain a smooth regulated output voltage from the given input renewable energy power sources. The proposed converter can be efficiently work under critical conditions having very few ripple in current waveform of input or output. A major advantage with this type of converter is the simple circuit with respect to the conventional converters in some critical situations. At the end, the result based on the simulation exercise and various experiments, performance of the converter in different situations is presented so that the efficiency of the designed converter arrangement is accepted.
Influence of the mechanical fatigue progress on the magnetic properties of electrical steel sheets
Authors: Karthaus Jan , Steentjes Simon , Gröbel Daniel , Andreas Kolja , Merklein Marion , Hameyer Kay
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this paper is to study the variation of the magnetic properties of non-oriented electrical steel sheets with the fatigue state during cyclic mechanical loading. The obtained results are central to the design of variable drives such as traction drives in electric vehicles in which varying mechanical loads, e.g. in the rotor core (centrifugal forces), alter the magnetic properties. Specimens of non-oriented electrical steel are subject to a cyclically varying mechanical tensile stress with different stress amplitudes and number of cycles. The specimens are characterised magnetically at different fatigue states for different magnetic flux densities and magnetising frequencies. The measurements show a variation in magnetic properties depending on the number of cycles and stress magnitude which can be explained by changes in the material structure due to a beginning mechanical fatigue process. The studied effect is critical for the estimation of the impact of mechanical material fatigue on the operational behaviour of electrical machines. Particularly in electrical machines with a higher speed where the rotor is stressed by high centrifugal forces, material fatigue occurs and can lead to deterioration of the rotor’s stack lamination.
The impact of electromagnetic radiation on the degradation of magnetic ferrofluids
Authors: Pavlík Marek , Kruželák Lukáš , Mikita Miroslav , Špes Michal , Bucko Samuel , Lisoň Lukáš , Kosterec Michal , Beňa Ľubomír , Liptai Pavol
Published: June 2017

This article deals with magnetic nano-fluids, which are the part of transformer oil ITO 100 and their behavior is influenced by a permanent magnetic field. We performed an IRC analysis in the time domain on the three different samples. Measurements were made before and after radiation of an electromagnetic field. The main objective was to examine changes in the properties of the samples due to the influence of the electromagnetic field. The measurements depend on the orientation of the external magnetic field. This behavior occurs especially during the structuring of the nanoparticles in the sample exposed to the magnetic field. These processes change the polarization of the liquid because the nanoparticles concentration is contained in the fluid.
A modelling of AC voltage stabilizer based on a hybrid transformer with matrix converter
Authors: Szcześniak Paweł
Published: June 2017

This article presents a study of an AC voltage stabilizer based on a three-phase hybrid transformer combined with a matrix converter. The proposed solution is used to control AC voltage amplitude and phase shift. By adjustment of these voltage parameters we can reduce the effects of overvoltage, voltage dips or lamp flicker. Such negative phenomena are very significant, particularly from the perspective of the final consumer and sensitive loads connected to the power network. Often the voltage in the power system can be adjusted using a mechanical or thyristor controlled regulator, which in a stepwise manner switches the taps of the electromagnetic transformer. The method for obtaining continuous control of the voltage magnitude and phase shift with the use of a conventional transformer with two output windings and a matrix converter is presented in this paper. The operating principles, mathematical model and properties of the proposed voltage stabilizers are discussed in this paper. The main part of the article will be devoted to the mathematical model which is based on an averaged equation. Computer simulation results are presented and compared with the results of a mathematical study.
Profit of Tourism Companies and their Market Evaluation On ZSE
Authors: Penda Ivor Altaras
Published: June 2017

The author of this paper presents a statistical analysis of data on realized profits of companies in the tourist sector, whose shares are listed on the Zagreb Stock Exchange and used for active trading. Data on the realized profit for the companies in accounting period 2010 - 2015 is correlated with the prices of shares. Based on the above obtained results about the direction and strength of this correlation the author concludes about the extent to which the market takes into account profit of the companies as a relevant indicator for investments. This information can be extremely significant because, on the one hand, it provides information about the functionality of the market as a comprehensive socio-economic mechanism that anticipates all the available information based on which the prices of the shares are created as a monetary expression of the presumed value of companies. On the other hand, this information tells us about the expectations of active market participants about the future development of the tourism sector, which already accounts for almost 20% of the Croatian GDP. In addition, the author examines what other explanations could be used for the part of variance which is not explained with the correlation between profit and price of shares.
Preview of BPM6 Methodology and Analysis of Foreign Direct Investment in 2015 in Croatia
Authors: Šlogar Helena , Jerin Krešimir , Papić Milan
Published: June 2017

Foreign direct investments include equity capital, reinvested earnings and debt relations between ownership-related residents and non-residents. Since 31 October 2014, the Croatian National Bank has started to publish information in the field of statistics Relations (balance of payments, foreign debt and the IIP) in accordance with the methodology prescribed by the sixth edition of the Manual on Balance of Payments (Eng. Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, BPM6), thus changing the presentational form of direct investment. Direct investments are not classified according to the so-called direction of investments (Eng. directional principle) on direct investment in Croatia and direct investment abroad anymore, but according to BPM6 apply the socalled principle of assets and liabilities (Eng. Assets / Liabilities principle). The aim is to point out the differences between the standards BPM5 and BPM6 and determine which activities and which countries are the most represented in the structure of direct investments in Croatia. By identifying relevant activities and countries in the structure of foreign direct investment, relevant information is obtained about the macroeconomic state of the Republic of Croatia and about the opportunities and potential dangers that certain activities and countries provide.
Within-wing isotopic (δ2H, δ13C, δ15N) variation of monarch butterflies: implications for studies of migratory origins and diet
Authors: Hobson Keith A. , Plint Tessa , Serrano Eligio García , Alvarez Xiomara Mora , Ramirez Isabel , Longstaffe Fred J.
Published: June 2017

Increasingly, stable isotope measurements are being used to assign individuals to broad geographic origins based on established relationships between animal tissues and tissue-specific isoscapes. In particular, the eastern North American population of the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) has been the subject of several studies using established δ
Body structure and maturation – the association with environmental factors
Authors: Nieczuja-Dwojacka Joanna , Siniarska Anna , Sikorska Sławomir , Kozieł Sławomir
Published: June 2017

The main objective of the study was to determine the relationship between physique, maturation and some environmental factors. The study was conducted in Warsaw, between 2012 and 2013 in randomly selected schools. The material included 171 girls, aged 12–20 years. Body height and weight, upper and lower extremity length, subcutaneous fat folds on arm, subscapular and abdominal, circumferences of arm, chest, waist and hip were measured. Body proportion indices were calculated. The questionnaire form provided information on parental education and profession, and the number of children in family. Girls were asked about age at menarche, number of daily meals, level of physical activity, participation is sport, and level of stress at home and at school. The principal component analysis was applied and 4 factors were extracted from the set of living condition characteristics (F1 – Parental education & father’s occupation, F2 – Mother’s occupation and the number of children, F3 – Stress, F4 – Physical activity and number of daily meals). Regression analysis allowed to evaluate the association of body build characteristics and age at menarche with the four factors. Factor 1 and 4 were the only ones which showed a statistically significant association with body build. The results showed that girls who were taller, with smaller arm and waist circumferences and less adiposity came from families with higher parental education and better father’s profession. Taller stature, longer legs and less adiposity characterized girls who were more physically active and consumed more than three meals a day.
Anthropological analysis of projectile trauma to the bony regions of the trunk
Authors: Humphrey Caitlin , Henneberg Maciej
Published: June 2017

Ballistics literature often focuses on soft tissue injures and projectile trauma to the cranium. Minimal details on the bony characteristics of projectile trauma to the thorax/abdomen regions have been published. This study aims to analyse projectile trauma to the bony trunk region including the ribs, vertebrae, scapula, sternum and the hip bone to form a better understanding of the characteristics and biomechanics of skeletal trauma caused by a projectile and contribute to the existing database on skeletal trauma caused by projectiles. Fourteen cases of documented projectile trauma to the bony regions of the trunk from the Hamman-Todd Human Osteological Collection at the Cleveland Natural History Museum, Ohio were analysed. Of the 14 individuals with gunshot wounds examined, 40 wounds occurred to the bones. Twenty-four injuries to the ribs, 1 ilium, 11 vertebrae, 3 scapulae, and 1 sternum. Fracture patterns, heaving and bevelling can be used to determine the direction of travel of the projectile which can be evident on the ribs, sternum, scapula and ilium. It is critical to understand the wounding patterns associated with projectile trauma to the torso region as this is often targeted, due to being the centre of mass.
Coordination number for random distribution of parallel fibres
Authors: Darnowski Piotr , Furmański Piotr , Domanski Roman
Published: June 2017

This paper presents the results of computer simulations carried out to determine coordination numbers for a system of parallel cylindrical fibres distributed at random in a circular matrix according to twodimensional pattern created by random sequential addition scheme. Two different methods to calculate coordination number were utilized and compared. The first method was based on integration of pair distribution function. The second method was the modified sequential analysis. The calculations following from ensemble average approach revealed that these two methods give very close results for the same neighbourhood area irrespective of the wide range of radii used for calculation.
Influence of moisture content of combusted wood on the thermal efficiency of a boiler
Authors: Dzurenda Ladislav , Banski Adrián
Published: June 2017

In the paper the influence of moisture content of wood on the heat losses and thermal efficiency of a boiler is analysed. The moisture content of wood has a negative effect, especially on flue gas loss. The mathematical dependence of the thermal efficiency of a boiler is presented for the following boundary conditions: the moisture content of wood 10-60%, range of temperatures of emitted flue gases from the boiler into the atmosphere 120-200 C, the emissions meeting the emission standards: carbon monoxide 250 mgm−3, fly ash 50 mgm−3 and the heat power range 30-100%.
Improving flexibility characteristics of 200 MW unit
Authors: Taler Jan , Trojan Marcin , Taler Dawid , Dzierwa Piotr , Kaczmarski Karol
Published: June 2017

Calculations were performed of the thermal system of a power plant with installed water pressure tanks. The maximum rise in the block electric power resulting from the shut-off of low-pressure regenerative heaters is determined. At that time, the boiler is fed with hot water from water pressure tanks acting as heat accumulators. Accumulation of hot water in water tanks is also proposed in the periods of the power unit small load. In order to lower the plant electric power in the off-peak night hours, water heated in low-pressure regenerative heaters and feed water tank to the nominal temperature is directed to water pressure tanks. The water accumulated during the night is used to feed the boiler during the period of peak demand for electricity. Drops in the power block electric power were determined for different capacities of the tanks and periods when they are charged. A financial and economic profitability analysis (of costs and benefits) is made of the use of tanks for a 200 MW power unit. Operating in the automatic system of frequency and power control, the tanks may also be used to ensure a sudden increase in the electric power of the unit. The results of the performed calculations and analyses indicate that installation of water pressure tanks is well justified. The investment is profitable. Water pressure tanks may not only be used to reduce the power unit power during the off-peak night hours and raise it in the periods of peak demand, but also to increase the power capacity fast at any time. They may also be used to fill the boiler evaporator with hot water during the power unit start-up from the cold state.
A comparison of fuzzy logic and cluster renewal approaches for heat transfer modeling in a 1296 t/h CFB boiler with low level of flue gas recirculation
Authors: Błaszczuk Artur , Krzywański Jarosław
Published: June 2017

The interrelation between fuzzy logic and cluster renewal approaches for heat transfer modeling in a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) has been established based on a local furnace data. The furnace data have been measured in a 1296 t/h CFB boiler with low level of flue gas recirculation. In the present study, the bed temperature and suspension density were treated as experimental variables along the furnace height. The measured bed temperature and suspension density were varied in the range of 1131-1156 K and 1.93-6.32 kg/m3, respectively. Using the heat transfer coefficient for commercial CFB combustor, two empirical heat transfer correlation were developed in terms of important operating parameters including bed temperature and also suspension density. The fuzzy logic results were found to be in good agreement with the corresponding experimental heat transfer data obtained based on cluster renewal approach. The predicted bed-to-wall heat transfer coefficient covered a range of 109-241 W/(m2K) and 111-240 W/(m2K), for fuzzy logic and cluster renewal approach respectively. The divergence in calculated heat flux recovery along the furnace height between fuzzy logic and cluster renewal approach did not exceeded ±2%.
The role of geological conditions in the disintegration of historical structures on the escarpment of the Lower Vistula Valley, on the example of Chełmno (Poland)
Authors: Labak-Mechowska Ewa , Dąbrowski Michał
Published: June 2017

Chełmno is a town in the north-western part of the Chełmno Lakeland. It is one of few towns in Poland to have fully preserved its medieval defensive walls. Its touristic and natural environs make it a popular tourist destination. The town’s location near the escarpment of the Vistula valley mean that the preserved historical structures (including the defensive walls) are under threat. A few years ago a buttress became detached and two sections of the defensive walls collapsed. One part was rebuilt (the site where the studies were conducted), while the second part remains unrestored. Bricks are also progressively coming away. This situation may be the result of several factors, although the authors claim that the most important are the geological structure and the wall foundations (which are shallow, at a depth of 1-2 m, with the wall having been built up higher in the 16th century).