bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canadian Municipal Infrastructure Needs: Investment Justifications
Authors: Leung Hok-Lin
Published: January 2017

The $6 billion Canada Infrastructure Works Program, which began in 1993 and was renewed in 1997 with an infusion of another $1.3 billion, was justified on the basis that there was an infrastructure “need gap.” This article examines Canadian literature of the past 10 years on infrastructure needs and the justifications and challenges of infrastructure investment with a view to inform policy discussion. The literature can be categorized into situation reports and policy arguments. Economic arguments are the most often used; they focus on output and productivity growth. Environmental arguments are either polemic, focusing on the sustainability of resources, or technical, focusing on the sustainability of infrastructure. Social arguments are mainly speculative, with little empirical discussion of access, regional equity, and the redistributional effect of infrastructure investment. The jointedness of infrastructure systems, in a physical and a management sense, poses the greatest policy challenge.
Do citizens vote for parties, policies or the expected winner in proportional representation systems? Evidence from four different countries using a multiple-type model
Authors: Riambau Guillem
Published: January 2017

This article presents a unified framework that allows us to disentangle to what extent agents in proportional representation (PR) systems engage in the different strategies that the available voting models have separately suggested: ‘party’, ‘coalitional’, ‘bandwagon’ and ‘other’ voting (i.e. neither of the previous three). Results using data from multiple countries reveal that at least 75% of agents cast a sincere party vote. Around 10% of voters try to affect policymaking by casting a coalitional vote. Since most coalitional agents use their vote to ‘push’ coalitions away from the centre, extreme parties are the most benefited. Hence, strategic coalitional voting may increase rather than preclude fragmentation of a party system in PR contexts. Another 5% of voters support the expected winner regardless of their own party and coalition preferences. Finally, 5–10% of voters fall into the category of other types. The characteristics and motivations of each type are uncovered. Political sophistication increases the likelihood of sincere and coalitional voting. On the other hand, dissatisfaction with parties voted for in the past increases other voting. In particular, recent growth of European right-wing nationalist parties is shown to rely more on other voting and less on sincere and coalitional support.
Trust across political conflicts: Evidence from a survey experiment in divided societies
Authors: Martini Sergio , Torcal Mariano
Published: January 2017

The implications of intergroup political conflicts for social cooperation are still an understudied topic. We report on two online survey experiments in which we implement multiple trust games to assess the impact of different political conflicts on trust behaviour in two national samples in Spain and Portugal. The results suggest that citizens’ social trust is heavily affected by partisanship, favouring in-group party members over out-group party identifiers. This finding is robust in both countries, although the partisanship overall effect seems to be stronger in Spain, which has a more polarized party system. Moreover, the effect involves all parties despite their size and ideology. However, trust among different partisans mirrors interparty positioning. A second study for the Spanish case shows that the partisanship treatment is the one affecting trust the most, followed by the ideological and regional conflicts, which are usually considered long-standing divides with a greater impact in European democracies.
A liability of embeddedness? Ethnic social capital, job search, and earnings penalty among female immigrants
Authors: Kim Harris Hyun-soo
Published: January 2017

Evidence concerning the relationship between ethnic social networks and labor market outcomes is mixed. Some studies indicate that immigrants with more social capital benefit in terms of formal-sector employment, higher occupational status, and greater earnings. Others argue that embeddedness in and reliance on ethnic networks can hamper economic incorporation in the host society. Using multilevel analysis of population-level data, this study examines the association between using a personal contact in the job search and monthly earnings among immigrant women (foreign-born spouses) in Korea. Findings show that, at the individual level, the use of personal contact, both weak and strong ties, is related to lower income. At the contextual level, residing in a community characterized by denser informal interaction among immigrant members is also associated with lower income. Finally, the negative relationship between informal job search and earnings is stronger in a community with more aggregate ethnic social capital.
The contingent value of venture capitalist reputation
Authors: Lee Peggy M. , Pollock Timothy G. , Jin Kyuho
Published: January 2017

This study explores the signaling and substantive value of high-reputation affiliates to young firms, and the factors that moderate the nature of the value they provide. Specifically, the study examines the extent to which venture capitalist (VC) reputation is related to the first-day valuation and post-IPO operating performance of the firms they take public, and whether the value of a high-reputation VC is contingent on the timing of VC involvement in the portfolio firm, the VC firms’ industry-specific experience and their geographic proximity. The authors develop a time-varying, multi-item composite index of VC reputation and use a sample of VC-backed IPOs between 1990 and 2000 to test their hypotheses. The results suggest that early involvement in an IPO firm’s development significantly enhances the positive relationship between a VC’s reputation and both initial market reactions and post-IPO operating performance. The study also finds that the industry specialization of early-round VCs, regardless of their reputation, is positively related to post-IPO operating performance, and that the relationship is even stronger when the VC has a high reputation and invests in the first round. Finally, while the geographic proximity of VCs to their portfolio firms has no effect on the relationship between their reputation and the firm’s post-IPO operating performance, investors nonetheless discount the value of VC reputation when VCs are more geographically distant from their portfolio firm. However, when endogeneity associated with having greater access to high-potential start-ups is controlled for, geographic proximity significantly decreases the relationship between VC reputation and operating performance, but it no longer affects initial market valuation.
ADVANCE: An effective and feasible technique in acute stroke treatment
Authors: Gurkas Erdem , Akpinar Cetin Kursad , Aytac Emrah
Published: January 2017

Background and purpose

Different techniques regarding efficient utilization of thrombectomy devices have been reported. Here, we described a novel technique named ADVANCE that is based on advancing a distal access catheter over the stent retriever. In this study, we aimed to report our initial results with this novel thrombectomy technique.

Methods and results

Sixty-seven consecutive acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients (35 male, 32 female) between January 2015 and January 2016 who were treated by mechanical thrombectomy were included in this prospective study. Patients were classified randomly into two groups: patients treated with either the ADVANCE technique or standard technique. Patients had a mean age of 61.1 ± 12.9 years. The average NIHSS score was 15.8 ± 3.8. In the ADVANCE group, the successful revascularization (mTICI 2b–3) rate was 87.1% and the 90-day good functional outcome rate (mRS 0–2) was 74.1%. The revascularization rate in the ADVANCE group was significantly ( p = 0.005) better than the standard technique group and good functional outcome at 90 days in the ADVANCE group was non-significantly better than the standard technique group ( p = 0.052).

Conclusions

ADVANCE is the first comparison of this technique to standard stent retriever thrombectomy with a higher rate of revascularization with no emboli to new territory and fewer distal emboli to target territory. This safe and efficient technique needs to be validated in large patient series in new thrombectomy trials.
Numerical investigation on the performance of coalescence and break-up kernels in subcooled boiling flows in vertical channels
Authors: Vahaji Sara , Cheung Sherman CP , Deju Lilunnahar , Yeoh Guan , Tu Jiyuan
Published: January 2017

In order to accurately predict the thermal hydraulic of two-phase gas–liquid flows with heat and mass transfer, special numerical considerations are required to capture the underlying physics: characteristics of the heat transfer and bubble dynamics taking place near the heated wall and the evolution of the bubble size distribution caused by the coalescence, break-up, and condensation processes in the bulk subcooled liquid. The evolution of the bubble size distribution is largely driven by the bubble coalescence and break-up mechanisms. In this paper, a numerical assessment on the performance of six different bubble coalescence and break-up kernels is carried out to investigate the bubble size distribution and its impact on local hydrodynamics. The resultant bubble size distributions are compared to achieve a better insight of the prediction mechanisms. Also, the void fraction, bubble Sauter mean diameter, and interfacial area concentration profiles are compared against the experimental data to ensure the validity of the models applied.
Health-Care Provision for Local Disadvantaged Populations: Results from a Community-Based Study
Authors: Pizmony-Levy Oren , Shaddox Abagail , Thomas Byron , Wininger Bryce
Published: January 2017

In recent decades, the United States saw substantial growth in the number of free health-care clinics that provide access to health care for economically disadvantaged populations. For many individuals, these clinics serve as the only available source of non-emergency, primary medical care. However, we know relatively little about the populations who rely most heavily on these free clinics. This paper presents a community-based research project conducted with and for the Volunteers in Medicine of Monroe and Owen Counties (Indiana) that seeks to develop a greater understanding of those using the clinic. A total of 149 patients participated in the Volunteers in Medicine Assessment of Patients and Services, from which we are able to outline some general characteristics of the clinic's patient population with regard to conventional socio-economic measures. Although we find health disparities between racial/ethnic groups and groups with different levels of education, we find no significant differences in utilization of health-care services at the VIM clinic. The most frequent reasons for visiting the clinic were for “monitoring of an ongoing condition” (54 percent) or a “general check-up” (40 percent), while the services most often utilized were the pharmacy (74 percent) and lab services (68 percent). Finally, we find that social networks play a role in the way many patients first learn about the VIM clinic, and may play a role in the clinic's future efforts to expand its services. We discuss these findings, emphasize the need for further research of this kind in light of the shifting state of the United States health-care system, and recommend directions for future research.
Comparing the Effects of Victimization, Witnessed Violence, Hearing about Violence, and Violent Behavior on Young Adults
Authors: Shields Nancy , Fieseler Carlie , Gross Cassie , Hilburg Meredith , Koechig Nick , Lynn Randy , Williams Brandi
Published: January 2017

This study compares the effects of: (1) violent victimization, (2) witnessing violence, (3) hearing about violence, and (4) violent behavior on depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among a sample of young adults. All forms of lifetime exposure were significantly correlated with depression and PTSD, but when they were assessed simultaneously, victimization had the strongest effect. Witnessing violence over the lifetime also had a significant effect on PTSD. High social support was related to fewer symptoms of depression and PTSD. Social support and gender were investigated as moderators. High social support moderated the effects of recent victimization on depression and PTSD. Gender did not moderate the effects of exposure to violence on depression, but it did moderate the effects of recent witnessed violence and violent behavior (both recent and lifetime) on PTSD. Women were more negatively affected than men by recent witnessed violence and engaging in violent behavior. Implications for interventions are discussed.
Getting CSR communication fit: A study of strategically fitting cause, consumers and company in corporate CSR communication
Authors: Schmeltz Line
Published: January 2017

Companies experience increasing legal and societal pressure to communicate about their corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagements from a number of different publics. One very important group is that of young consumers who are predicted to be the most important and influential consumer group in the near future. From a value-theoretical base, this article empirically explores the role and applicability of ‘fit’ in strategic CSR communication targeted at young consumers. Point of departure is taken in the well-known strategic fit (a logical link between a company’s CSR commitment and its core values) and is further developed by introducing two additional fits, the CSR-Consumer fit and the CSR-Consumer-Company fit (Triple Fit). Through a sequential design, the three fits are empirically tested and their potential for meeting young consumers’ expectations for corporate CSR messaging is discussed.
Pre-operative screening for obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Verbraecken Johan , Hedner Jan , Penzel Thomas
Published: January 2017

Sleep disordered breathing, especially obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), has a high and increasing prevalence. Depending on the apnoea and hypopnoea scoring criteria used, and depending on the sex and age of the subjects investigated, prevalence varies between 3% and 49% of the general population. These varying prevalences need to be reflected when considering screening for OSA. OSA is a cardiovascular risk factor and patients are at risk when undergoing medical interventions such as surgery. Screening for OSA before anaesthesia and surgical interventions is increasingly considered. Therefore, methods for screening and the rationale for screening for OSA are reviewed in this study.
Effects of Plasmodium falciparum infection on umbilical artery resistance and intrafetal blood flow distribution: a Doppler ultrasound study from Papua New Guinea
Authors: Ome-Kaius Maria , Karl Stephan , Wangnapi Regina Alice , Bolnga John Walpe , Mola Glen , Walker Jane , Mueller Ivo , Unger Holger Werner , Rogerson Stephen John
Published: January 2017

Background

Doppler velocimetry studies of umbilical artery (UA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) flow help to determine the presence and severity of fetal growth restriction. Increased UA resistance and reduced MCA pulsatility may indicate increased placental resistance and intrafetal blood flow redistribution. Malaria causes low birth weight and fetal growth restriction, but few studies have assessed its effects on uteroplacental and fetoplacental blood flow.

Methods

Colour-pulsed Doppler ultrasound was used to assess UA and MCA flow in 396 Papua New Guinean singleton fetuses. Abnormal flow was defined as an UA resistance index above the 90th centile, and/or a MCA pulsatility index and cerebroplacental ratio (ratio of MCA and UA pulsatility index) below the 10th centile of population-specific models fitted to the data. Associations between malaria (peripheral infection prior to and at ultrasound examination, and any gestational infection, i.e., ‘exposure’) and abnormal flow, and between abnormal flow and birth outcomes, were estimated.

Results

Of 78 malaria infection episodes detected before or at the ultrasound visit, 62 (79.5%) were Plasmodium falciparum (34 sub-microscopic infections), and 16 were Plasmodium vivax. Plasmodium falciparum infection before or at Doppler measurement was associated with increased UA resistance (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.3 95% CI 1.0–5.2, P = 0.047). When assessed by ‘exposure’, P. falciparum infection was significantly associated with increased UA resistance (all infections: 2.4, 1.1–4.9, P = 0.024; sub-microscopic infections 2.6, 1.0–6.6, P = 0.051) and a reduced MCA pulsatility index (all infections: 2.6, 1.2–5.3, P = 0.012; sub-microscopic infections: 2.8, 1.1–7.5, P = 0.035). Sub-microscopic P. falciparum infections were additionally associated with a reduced cerebroplacental ratio (3.64, 1.22–10.88, P = 0.021). There were too few P. vivax infections to draw robust conclusions. An increased UA resistance index was associated with histological evidence of placental malaria (5.1, 2.3–10.9, P < 0.001; sensitivity 0.26, specificity 0.93). A low cerebroplacental Doppler ratio was associated with concurrently measuring small-for-gestational-age, and with low birth weight.

Discussion/conclusion

Both microscopic and sub-microscopic P. falciparum infections impair fetoplacental and intrafetal flow, at least temporarily. Increased UA resistance has high specificity but low sensitivity for the detection of placental infection. These findings suggest that interventions to protect the fetus should clear and prevent both microscopic and sub-microscopic malarial infections.

Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01136850. Registered 06 April 2010
Compression forces used in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Waade Gunvor G , Moshina Nataliia , Sebuødegård Sofie , Hogg Peter , Hofvind Solveig
Published: January 2017

Objective:

Compression is used in mammography to reduce breast thickness, which is claimed to improve image quality and reduce radiation dose. In the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP), the recommended range of compression force for full-field digital mammography (FFDM) is 11–18 kg (108–177 N). This is the first study to investigate the compression force used in the programme.

Methods:

The study included information from 17,951 randomly selected females screened with FFDM at 14 breast centres in the NBCSP, during January–March 2014. We investigated the applied compression force on the left breast in craniocaudal and mediolateral oblique views for breast centres, mammography machines within the breast centres and for the radiographers.

Results:

The mean compression force for all mammograms in the study was 116 N and ranged from 91 N to 147 N between the breast centres. The variation in compression force was wider between the breast centres than that between mammography machines (range 137–155 N) and radiographers (95–143 N) within one breast centre. Approximately 59% of the mammograms in the study complied with the recommended range of compression force.

Conclusion:

A wide variation in applied compression force was observed between the breast centres in the NBCSP. This variation indicates a need for evidence-based recommendations for compression force aimed at optimizing the image quality and individualizing breast compression.

Advances in knowledge:

There was a wide variation in applied compression force between the breast centres in the NBCSP. The variation was wider between the breast centres than that between mammography machines and radiographers within one breast centre.
Annotated mitochondrial genome with Nanopore R9 signal for Nippostrongylus brasiliensis
Authors: Chandler Jodie , Camberis Mali , Bouchery Tiffany , Blaxter Mark , Le Gros Graham , Eccles David A
Published: January 2017

Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, a nematode parasite of rodents, has a parasitic life cycle that is an extremely useful model for the study of human hookworm infection, particularly in regards to the induced immune response. The current reference genome for this parasite is highly fragmented with minimal annotation, but new advances in long-read sequencing suggest that a more complete and annotated assembly should be an achievable goal. We de-novo assembled a single contig mitochondrial genome from N. brasiliensis using MinION R9 nanopore data. The assembly was error-corrected using existing Illumina HiSeq reads, and annotated in full (i.e. gene boundary definitions without substantial gaps) by comparing with annotated genomes from similar parasite relatives. The mitochondrial genome has also been annotated with a preliminary electrical consensus sequence, using raw signal data generated from a Nanopore R9 flow cell.
Formation of developing environment: investing in future
Authors: Валенсия  , Valencia Alina , Комаров  , Komarov Maksim
Published: January 2017

The article is dedicated to actual issues of development of human capital, investment to intangible assets and competences development of new generation of professionals. Authors examine this approach using the example of the «Competence platform» project for creating formation of developing environment which allows to create atmosphere of the competence development, identification of professional «self-position» and conditions for disclosure of human potential and talents along with providing opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Is Advance Selling Desirable with Competition?
Authors: Cachon Gérard P. , Feldman Pnina
Published: January 2017

It has been shown that a monopolist can use advance selling to increase profits. This paper documents that this may not hold when a firm faces competition. With advance selling a firm offers its service in an advance period, before consumers know their valuations for the firms’ services, or later on in a spot period, when consumers know their valuations. We identify two ways in which competition limits the effectiveness of advance selling. First, while a monopolist can sell to consumers with homogeneous preferences at a high price, this homogeneity intensifies price competition, which lowers profits. However, the firms may nevertheless find themselves in an equilibrium with advance selling. In this sense, advance selling is better described as a competitive necessity rather than as an advantageous tool to raise profits. Second, competition in the spot period is likely to lower spot period prices, thereby forcing firms to lower advance period prices, which is also not favorable to profits. Rational firms anticipate this and curtail or eliminate the use of advance selling. Thus, even though a monopolist fully exploits the practice of advance selling, rational firms facing competition either mitigate it or avoid it completely.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2016.1006 .
Easier Access for General Aviation Pilots to Instrument Flight Rules Flying
Authors: Kameníková Iveta
Published: January 2017

To allow better acces for VFR pilots to hold IFR privileges, EASA introduced new pilot Qualification – Basic IR. This new qualification is porposed by EASA document NPA 2016-14, which introduces priviliges and repsonsibilities for this qualification. Basic IR is based mainly on existing license En-route IR but with signifcatn differences. Main difference is possibility to use basic IR even for 2D and 3D approaches. Even thought Basic IR is based on competency principles, it shall not be confused with competency based IR qualification, which holds differeNt privileges. With introduciton of Basic IR are connected several issues and problems which covered in this article. Every information in this article is referenced on NPA 2016-14.
Methodology of VFR night flying
Authors: Stanko Ľubomír , Sabo Jozef , Sekelová Miriam , Rozenberg Róbert
Published: January 2017

Night is defined, for aviation purposes, as the period of darkness from the end of evening civil twilight to the beginning of morning civil twilight. Night flying is risky and more dangerous, comparing with flying during daylight, so it is essential to seek training with a flight instructor specifically for night flying. This article looks briefly at some underlying principles and practices, including: illusions, planning considerations, and handling emergencies.
Calorimetric Studies of Formation/Decomposition Processes of Natural Gas Hydrates in Paraffin Oil/Water Emulsions
Authors: Ivanova Izabella K. , Semenov Matvey E. , Koryakina Vladilina V. , Rozhin Igor I.
Published: January 2017

The paper considers the research results of natural gas (NG) hydrate formation process in systems consisting of paraffin oil and distilled water at various ratios. Thermobaric conditions of hydrates phase transitions in water-oil emulsions were determined by the method of high-pressure differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was ascertained that the equilibrium curve in systems under study, compared to the process of hydrate formation of this gas in distilled water, is shifted in the area of low pressures and high temperatures. According to DSC analysis results and volume analysis, it was determined that with increase of the water content in emulsions by more than 40 % of mass, the degree of water conversion into hydrate in emulsions decreases. It was concluded that the degree of water conversion into hydrate in emulsions can be used as an index of its stability.
Analytic solutions of transcendental equations with application to automatics
Authors: Górecki Henryk , Zaczyk Mieczysław
Published: January 2017

In the paper the extremal dynamic error x(τ) and the moment of time τ are considered. The extremal value of dynamic error gives information about accuracy of the system. The time τ gives information about velocity of transient. The analytical formulae enable design of the system with prescribed properties. These formulae are calculated due to the assumption that x(τ) is a function of the roots s1, ..., snof the characteristic equation.
Identification of stable elementary bilinear time-series model
Authors: Malinski Lukasz
Published: January 2017

The paper presents new approach to estimation of the coefficients of an elementary bilinear time series model (EB). Until now, a lot of authors have considered different identifiability conditions for EB models which implicated different identifiability ranges for the model coefficient. However, all of these ranges have a common feature namely they are significantly narrower than the stability range of the EB model. This paper proposes a simple but efficient solution which makes an estimation of the EB model coefficient possible within its entire stability range.
New observer-based control design for mismatched uncertain systems with time-delay
Authors: Huynh Van Van
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the state estimation problem for a class of mismatched uncertain time-delay systems is addressed. The estimation uses observer-based control techniques. The mismatched uncertain time-delay systems investigated in this study include mismatched parameter uncertainties in the state matrix and in the delayed state matrix. First, based on a new lemma with appropriately choosing Lyapunov functional, new results for stabilization of mismatched uncertain time-delay systems are provided on the basis of a linear matrix inequality (LMI) framework and the asymptotic convergence properties for the estimation error is ensured. Second, the control and observer gains are given from single LMI feasible solution which can overcome the drawback of the bilinear matrix inequalities approach often reported in the literature. Finally, a numerical example is used to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.
Place leadership, governance and power
Authors: Sotarauta Markku
Published: January 2017

There is an emerging consensus that place leadership is the missing piece in the local and regional development puzzle. In this context, leadership is a hidden form of agency, shadowed by such visible forms of influence as structures and formal institutions, as well as development programs and plans. This article argues that one of the most central issues in a study of place leadership is to analyse the relationships between governance, power and place leadership. The governance arrangements are undoubtedly important, as they dictate the kind of resources and positions provided to regional development work, and thus they also enable, as well as constrain, the many efforts of regional champions to exercise power in complex development processes. It is argued here that revealing how place leadership is enacted in different places and times would allow us to flesh out novel aspects about the eternal questions of how and why some places are able to adapt strategically to ever-changing social, economic and environmental circumstances while others fail to do so. Additionally, deeper investigations of place leadership would hopefully allow us to provide policymakers and practitioners with added insight on the ways to make regional development policies and practices not only more strategic but also effective. This paper elaborates the conceptual link between place leadership, governance and power.
Identification of parametric models with a priori knowledge of process properties
Authors: Janiszowski Krzysztof B. , Wnuk Paweł
Published: January 2017

An approach to estimation of a parametric discrete-time model of a process in the case of some a priori knowledge of the investigated process properties is presented. The knowledge of plant properties is introduced in the form of linear bounds, which can be determined for the coefficient vector of the parametric model studied. The approach yields special biased estimation of model coefficients that preserves demanded properties. A formula for estimation of the model coefficients is derived and combined with a recursive scheme determined for minimization of the sum of absolute model errors. The estimation problem of a model with known static gains of inputs is discussed and proper formulas are derived. This approach can overcome the non-identifiability problem which has been observed during estimation based on measurements recorded in industrial closed-loop control systems. The application of the proposed approach to estimation of a model for an industrial plant (a water injector into the steam flow in a power plant) is presented and discussed.
An advance in infinite graph models for the analysis of transportation networks
Authors: Cera Martín , Fedriani Eugenio M.
Published: January 2017

This paper extends to infinite graphs the most general extremal issues, which are problems of determining the maximum number of edges of a graph not containing a given subgraph. It also relates the new results with the corresponding situations for the finite case. In particular, concepts from ‘finite’ graph theory, like the average degree and the extremal number, are generalized and computed for some specific cases. Finally, some applications of infinite graphs to the transportation of dangerous goods are presented; they involve the analysis of networks and percolation thresholds.
Influence of SiO2/Al2O3 Molar Ratio on Phase Composition and Surfaces Quality of Aluminum Silicate Sanitary Glazes in the SiO2-Al2O3-CaO-Na2O System
Authors: Leśniak M. , Partyka J. , Sitarz M.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents the results of research on aluminum silicate sanitary glazes in the SiO2-Al2O3-CaO-Na2O system with different SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio. XRD, SEM-EDS and FITR measurement indicated that SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio has a significant impact on the phase composition of the obtained glazes. Glass-ceramic glazes were obtained that consisted of both the glass phase and pseudowollastonite (Ca3[SiO3]3) or anorthite (Ca[Al2Si2O8]) crystals. Subsequently, the influence of phase composition on surface quality (roughness) was examined for the obtained samples. On the basis of the conducted examination of glaze surface roughness was observed that glazes of extreme SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio are characterized with greatest surface roughness when compared to other glazes.
Optical and Mechanical Characterization of Zirconium Based Sol-Gel Coatings on Glass
Authors: Sitarz M. , Drajewicz M. , Jadach R. , Długoń E. , Leśniak M. , Reben M. , Wajda A. , Gawęda M. , Burtan-Gwizdała B.
Published: January 2017

The basic factor limiting the use of glasses is their unsatisfactory mechanical strength. The improvement of the mechanical strength of glasses is usually obtained by applying their respective thin surface layers. The object of the research was glass coated with zirconium oxide. For the application of zirconium oxide layer, dip-coating method was used. The resulting materials were subjected to detailed examination of the microstructure (SEM), and mechanical tests (Vickers hardness and modulus of elasticity). In order to evaluate the optical characteristics, the tests were performed by UV/VIS. The thickness of the overlying layers were determined using the method of ellipsometry. The study showed that the obtained sol-gel layer of zirconium oxide (IV) on glasses influence the improvement of the mechanical properties. It has been shown that the applied layers have high adhesion to the substrate.
The Influence of the Base Material Parameters on Quantum and Photoconversion Efficiency of the Si Solar Cells
Authors: Panek P.
Published: January 2017

The influence of a p-type Si with different resistivity, charge carrier lifetime and emitter dopant impurities concentration on the crystalline silicon solar cells parameters were analyzed and experimentally checked. The findings were determined by quasi-steady-state photoconductance, current-voltage and spectral response methods. The study was accompanied by solar device simulation using a numerical PC1D program. The highest photoconversion efficiency of 15.13 % was obtained for the moncrystalline (Cz-Si) solar cell with a base resistivity of 1.8 Ωcm and an effective charge carrier lifetime of 22.9 μs. The results clearly confirmed the importance concerning the dopant level in a Si base material in relation to open circuit voltage and short circuit current possible to obtain from the solar cell. Reduction of a base material resistivtiy leads to a lower value of an effective charge carrier lifetime and photoconversion efficiency both for Cz-Si and multicrystalline (mc-Si) solar cells. The experimental results and calculation showed, that in the case of a solar cell produced on the basis of crystalline silicon, the most important spectral range for an efficiency of a cell is covering a wavelength range of 587 ÷ 838 nm.
Separation of Ho3+ in Static Magnetic Field
Authors: Kołczyk K. , Wojnicki M. , Kutyła D. , Kowalik R. , Żabiński P. , Cristofolini A.
Published: January 2017

The rare earths elements (REE) belong to the group of critical metals and they are achieving more and more interest due to their special properties. However, there occur some problems connected with their production. The most difficult phase is separation of REE. It includes a necessity to intensify currently applied processes and looking for new solutions.

The present work introduces an idea to use differences in physical properties of the REE ions to get them separated. In the experimental part of the work some efforts were undertaken to analyse results presenting changes of holmium ions concentration under an influence of the magnetic field gradient. There was determined the gradient of magnetic field and concentration of Ho3+ ions depending on initial concentration of the solution and time. A simulation of changing the concentration of holmium ions in the solution under an influence of the magnetic field gradient was performed to compare the mathematical model with the obtained results.
Photoinduced Operation by Absorption of the Chalcogenide Nanocrystallite Containing Solar Cells
Authors: Elnaggar A.M. , Albassam A. , Oźga K. , Jędryka J. , Szota M. , Myronchuk G.
Published: January 2017

It is shown that for the solar cells containing chalcogenide nanocrystallites using external laser light, one can achieve some enhancement of the photovoltaic efficiency. Photoinduced treatment was carried out using two beams of splitted Er: glass laser operating at 1.54 μm. The light of the laser was incident at different angles and the angles between the beams also were varied. Also, the studies of nanocomposite effective structures have shown enhancement of effective nanocrystalline sizes during the laser treatment. Nanocrystallites of CuInS2 and CuZnSnS4 (CZTS) were used as chalcogenide materials. The optimization of the laser beam intensities and nanoparticle sizes were explored.
Effect of Shot Peening on the Fatigue Strength of Automotive Tubular Stabilizer Bars DC 218
Authors: Wittek A.M. , Gąska D. , Łazarz B. , Matyja T.
Published: January 2017

This paper concerns issues related to the development of designs of stabilizer bars for new motor vehicle models. It involves not only the designing of a stabilizer bar with the shape required by the manufacturer, but also the preparation of bending and heat treatment processes as well as the performance of strength and fatigue tests. In the prototype development phase, the simulations techniques (FEM) may be used to assess the design. The article contains a detailed analysis of a stabilizer bar designated with the DC 218 VA symbol. Performed numerical strength and fatigue calculations showed that the developed stabilizer bar design with the desired shape did not achieve the required number of fatigue cycles. It was also proven at the test stand by testing a prototype stabilizer bar. Therefore, it was suggested to supplement the technological process with an additional shot peening operation whose main aim was to reduce the length of microcracks on the stabilizer bar’s surface. This effect was confirmed during comparative metallographic tests of not shot – peened and shot – peened stabilizer bars. After shot peening, the analysed stabilizer bar reached a fatigue strength which exceeded the limits set by the manufacturer.
Influence of Shot Peening on Abrasion Wear in Real Conditions of Ni-Cu-Ausferritic Ductile Iron
Authors: Wieczorek A. N.
Published: January 2017

The paper presents results of the wear tests of chain wheels made of austempered ductile iron with various content of residual austenite. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the impact of the dynamic surface treatment (shot peening) on wear properties of surface layers of the chain wheels tested that were subjected to the action of quartz abrasive. Apart from determining the value of the abrasive wear, examinations of the magnetic phase content in the microstructure were carried out and plots of hardness of the surface layer as a function of the distance from the surface and microstructure of the materials were prepared. Based on the results, the following was found: an increase in the abrasive wear and a reduction in the hardness of the surface layer of chain wheels subjected to shot peening, as well as reduction of susceptibility to negative action of the shot for cast irons with the structure of upper ausferrite.
Segregation of Elements in Continuous Cast Carbon Steel Billets Designated for Long Products
Authors: Hutny A. M. , Warzecha M. , Derda W. , Wieczorek P.
Published: January 2017

This article presents research results concerning designation of the scope of segregation of elements by analysing the ingot, designated for hot rolling of long products. The research tests were performed under industrial conditions, during continuous casting production cycle of high carbon steels. From cc ingots with square cross-section of 160 mm samples having the length of 400 mm were collected, out of which two samples were cut up, the so-called templates with the thickness of 20 mm. Segregation of elements was determined based on the quantitative analysis of results performed by using spark spectrometry pursuant to PN-H-04045. Changes in concentrations of elements were analysed along the line, which join the opposite sides of the sample in their half length and pass through the geometric centre of the square cross-section. In the further course of the research study, there was also determined the segregation along perpendicular line up to the surface connecting the core of the cross-section with lateral plane. Designations of element contents were performed at points distanced from each other by approx. 10 mm and situated on the lines. There was found segregation of carbon, sulphur and phosphorus.
Influence of Selected Parameters on Reduction of Converter Slag - Studies with CFD Method
Authors: Kolczyk E. , Miczkowski Z. , Czernecki J.
Published: January 2017

In this study influence of selected parameters on the process of reduction of converter slag from refining of Cu-Pb-Fe alloy was numerically examined. The process of the slag reduction is carried out in Q 80 converters of Hoboken type for copper removal. Converter slags show high concentration of lead therefore they can be seen as an important component for further processing in rotary-rocking furnaces together with other lead-bearing materials. Three-dimensional simulation was performed using the IPSA (Inter Phase Slip Algorithm) module of two-phase flow from PHOENICS package. Numerical simulations have forecasted influence of changes in the slag chemical composition and the process time on the process course.
Porous SiO2/HAp Coatings on Cp-Titanium Grade 1 Surfaces Produced by Electrophoretic Deposition
Authors: Moskalewicz T. , Babkiewicz A. , Dubiel B. , Kot M. , Radziszewska A. , Łukaszczyk A.
Published: January 2017

Porous hydroxyapatite doped SiO2 coatings were electrophoretically deposited (EPD) on commercially pure titanium. The influence of EPD parameters on coatings quality was investigated. Microstructural observation was done using transmission and scanning electron microscopy as well as X-ray diffractometry.

The coatings consisted of spherical micro and nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HAp) as well as amorphous SiO2 nanoparticles. The coatings exhibited open porosity with pore diameter up to 1 μm and due to presence of nanoparticles high surface development.

It was found that application of SiO2/HAp coating increase corrosion resistance of titanium in Ringer’s solution.
Morphological characteristics of origin of superior arterial mesenteric trunk
Authors: Niscoveanu C. , Bordei P. , Baz R.
Published: January 2017

Our study was conducted on a total of 46 CT angiographies, performed on a GE LightSpeed VCT 64-slice CT installation. Benchmarks were followed in relation to the gender of the person examined. The origin of the superior mesenteric artery relative to the spine we found it in a range between T12 vertebra and L1-L2 intervertebral disc. The T12 vertebra origin was localized in 2 cases (4.35% of cases), both in women. Superior mesenteric artery originated at the level of L1 in 78.26% (90.91% of male cases and in 66.67% of women cases). In 8 cases (17.39% of cases) the origin of the superior mesenteric artery was located at the L1-L2 intervertebral disc. Endolumenal vertical diameter of the superior mesenteric artery orifice we found it in the range of 5.6 to 10.9 mm (6.9 to 10.9 mm in men, and 5.6 to 8.6 mm in women). Horizontal diameter sizes ranged from 4.9 to 9.7 mm, having 6.4 to 9.7 mm in men and 4.9 to 8.3 mm in women. Vertical diameter in males was higher in 59.09% of cases, with differences between 0.1 to 2.4 mm, and in 40.91% of cases the horizontal diameter was larger with differences between 0,1-2.1 mm. Vertical diameter in women was higher in 50% of cases, with differences of 0.1-2.0 mm and the other 50% the horizontal diameter was larger, with differences ranging from 0.1 to 2.2 mm. The angle that the superior mesenteric artery makes it with the aortic wall we found between 16,60-120,8o, males having values between 24,8-120,8o, and in women 16,7-120,8o. The distance between the origin of the superior mesenteric artery and celiac trunk we found it between 5.0 and 16.5 mm, males having 5.0 to 12.1 mm and women 6.9 -16.5 mm. The distance between the origin of the superior mesenteric artery and right renal artery was ranging between 6.2 to 23.5 mm, in males being 6.5 to 19.1 mm and in women from 6.2 to 23 5 mm. The distance between the origin of the superior mesenteric artery and left renal artery we found between 5.7 to 23.5 mm, in males being 5.7 to 21.2 mm, and in women from 6.2 to 23 5 mm. The distance between the aortic origin of the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries was ranging between 50.6 to 91.2 mm, in males being 50.6 to 91.2 mm and in women from 58.2 to 88.4 mm.
Morphopathological and immunohistochemical features of a pure mucinous breast carcinoma – Case report
Authors: Aschie Mariana , Baltatescu Gabriela Izabela , Cozaru Georgeta Camelia , Mitroi Anca , Enciu Manuela
Published: January 2017

Pure mucinous carcinoma is a rare special type of breast carcinoma with a 2% incidence and it is usualy asociated with a good prognosis. It must distingished from the mixed subtype of mucinos breast carcinoma, which has an invasive non-mucinous component in more than 10% of the tumor and change the favourable outcome of the first subtype. In this report we present a case of a premenopausal woman with a lump in right breast wich histopathologically proved to be a pure mucinous carcinoma associated with high grade ductal carcinoma in situ. Immunohistochemical and ancillary studies demonstrate a great heterogeneity of the neoplastic cells, with different molecular profile for each component of the tumor. The presence of ductal carcinoma in situ with a different imunophenotype from pure mucinous carcinoma rise the ipothesis of a different tumor cell biology which may change clincal evolution.
A case of retroperitoneal tumor – clinical and therapeutic considerations
Authors: Osman R. , Sarbu V. , Osman S.
Published: January 2017

Introduction: The aim of this paper is to present a case of rare retroperitoneal tumor.

Material and Methods. A 72 year old man presented with six month history of abdominal girth, lumbar pain and occasional episodes of constipation was admitted in our clinic. A computed tomographic abdominal scan revealed a retroperitoneal solid mass.

Surgical exploration performed later displayed solid and well delimited mass throughout retroperitoneal space followed by excision of lesion and multiple drainages. Microscopic pathological examination was benign nerve sheath tumor.

Conclusion. These tumors are characteristically firm, smooth, and asymptomatic. They range in size from 1-2 mm to over 20 cm. Awareness of this indolent and rare condition is an important prerequisite for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Surgical excision can usually be accomplished by enucleating of the tumor without damage to the adjacent nerve.
Towards Building a Uniform Cloud Database Representation for Data Interchange
Authors: Andreica Alina
Published: January 2017

The paper proposes design principles for data representation and simplification in order to design cloud services for data exchange between various information systems. We use equivalence algorithms and canonical representation in the cloud database. The solution we describe brings important advantages in organizational / entity communication and cooperation, with important societal benefits and can be provided within cloud architectures. The generic design principles we apply bring important advantages in the design of the interchange services.
On the Growth of Wronskians Using their Relative Orders, Relative Types and Relative Weak Types
Authors: Datta Sanjib Kumar , Biswas Tanmay , Dutta Debasmita
Published: January 2017

In this paper the comparative growth properties of composition of entire and meromorphic functions on the basis of their relative orders (relative lower orders), relative types and relative weak types of Wronskians generated by entire and meromorphic functions have been investigated.