bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elliptic integrals in engineering problems
Authors: Анахаев Кошкинбай , Anakhaev Koshkinbay
Published: December 2014

New settlement dependences for expression of «not undertaking» elliptic integrals through elementary functions (with a margin error to 1–2%), received at the decision of various engineering problems hydro- and aerodynamics, the building physics, the theory of a filtration, mechanics of the continuous environment, thermal dynamics, etc. are given. In particular, on the basis of the approximately-hydromechanical decision analytical dependences for direct calculation value of incomplete elliptic integrals of 2nd sort are received. Thus their range of definition is expanded from an individual interval of a material axis to all numerical axis and to the top complex semiplane that opens new possibilities for researches of more challenges of engineering practice.
A Universal Appointment Rule with Patient Classification for Service Times, No-Shows, and Walk-Ins
Authors: Cayirli Tugba , Yang Kum Khiong
Published: December 2014

This study evaluates patient classification for scheduling and sequencing appointments for patients differentiated by their mean and standard deviation of service times, no-show, and walk-in probabilities. Alternative appointment systems are tested through simulation using a universal Dome rule and some of the best traditional appointment rules in the literature. Our findings show that the universal Dome rule performs better in terms of reducing the total cost of patient’s waiting time, doctor’s idle time, and overtime, and its performance improves further with the right sequencing of patient groups. Although it is a challenge to find the best sequence, we propose a heuristic rule that successfully identifies the best sequence with an accuracy level of 98% for the universal Dome rule. Sensitivity analyses further confirm that our findings are valid even when assumptions on patient punctuality and service time distributions are relaxed. To facilitate the use of our proposed appointment system, an open source online tool is developed to support practitioners in designing their appointment schedules for real clinics.
Reducing the transmission of harmful bacteria
Authors: Freeman Julia
Published: December 2014

Bacteria can transmit many harmful infections and can live on surfaces for long periods of time. This article describes techniques to help reduce the amount of bacteria within the dental practice
National Examing Board for Dental Nurses Annual Conference 2014
Authors: Hughes Phil
Published: December 2014

The theme of this year's Annual Conference was adapting to the changing roles of the dental workforce in the future
Journal Scan
Authors: Welyczko Nikki
Published: December 2014

Nikki Welyczko, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead for Adult Nursing at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, provides a brief overview of recently published nursing and health articles
Cataract surgery in people with learning disabilities: A multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Pilling Rachel , Rostron Egle
Published: December 2014

Patients with learning disabilities have a higher level of visual impairment compared with the general population. Cataract is a reversible cause of such impairment, but many barriers to surgery exist for patients with learning disabilities. The Equality Act 2010 requires organisations to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ in order for people with disabilities to access services. However, there is a distinct lack of literature on surgical outcomes and surgical planning strategies for this patient group. In this article, the authors discuss a multidisciplinary structured approach to caring for patients with learning disabilities who have visual problems relating to cataract and suggest reasonable adjustments that may help to develop pathways for enabling access to cataract surgery and reducing inequalities.
Where have all the old folks gone? A report on access and uptake of NHS sight tests in the over 60s
Authors: Hirji Nizar K , Myers Paulette
Published: December 2014

Aim

Visual impairment affects people of all ages, but its prevalence increases with age. The aim of this initiative was to better understand the uptake of NHS sight tests in Walsall in the over 60s age group.

Methods

The following data were analysed: i) NHS sight tests for England and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust; ii) ophthalmic manpower in England and Walsall from April 2008 to March 2013; iii) the location of practices in the borough of Walsall.

Results

We noted a steady increase in the uptake of NHS sight tests (9%) and domiciliary sight tests (17%) in England from April 2008 to March 2013. In Walsall, the uptake of NHS sight tests was marginally lower for the same period (8%), but showed an increase of 11.7% in domiciliary sight tests. There was a significant reduction in the uptake of NHS sight tests from the over 60s in Walsall, from 42.58% in 2008/09 to 23% in 2012/13. This in contrast to a steady uptake of about 44% over the same period in England for the same age group. We noted fewer practitioners per 100 000 population in Walsall compared with the national picture and a neighbouring statistically equivalent primary care trust. Fewer practices are located in the east of the borough and outside the inner ring road, and considerable areas of Walsall are not within a 15-minute walking distance of an optometric practice—a significant factor for attenuation of attendance.

Conclusions

There has been a substantial decrease in the uptake of NHS sight tests in the over 60s in Walsall over a five-year period. The low uptake of sight tests among older people is a major shortcoming of present arrangements at meeting the eye health needs of Walsall residents. This is exacerbated by a lower than national average of ophthalmic practitioners per 100 000 population in Walsall.
Have your say…
Authors: Bennett Richard , Stewart Nancy , Brodie Kathy
Published: December 2014

From stars to snowflakes and baubles to snow balls, the festive season offers a wealth of shapes which can be explored as mathematical concepts, says Kathy Brodie.
Christmas pudding race
Authors: Cruickshank Sarah
Published: December 2014

Sarah Cruickshank offers ideas using the Christmas pudding race as an inspiration for activities focused on learning about different cultural traditions.
Getting the ball rolling
Authors: White Hilary
Published: December 2014

Playing with balls is a great way of developing children's motor skills. Hillary White gives ideas on how to use different textures and sizes to explore the possibilities of spherical shapes.
Putting some fizz in it
Authors: Hart Karen
Published: December 2014

Share the following fizzy activities with your children and foster their scientific curiosity. Some of this month's activities include making bath fizzers and investigating if objects float in fizzy drinks.
Off to a jumping start
Authors: Hampshire Viv
Published: December 2014

The popular game of hopscotch is timeless and an excellent way to develop very different skills, such as drawing, counting, hopping and jumping. All you need is a suitable paved area outside or a flat space indoors.
Teresa Solana i la reinvenció de la novel·la criminal catalana
Authors: King Stewart
Published: December 2014

Aquest article explora les innovacions genèriques que l’autora catalana Teresa Solana introdueix a la novel·la criminal catalana contemporània. L’article proposa que la Solana no tan sols reinventa la novel·la de misteri tradicional en infondre-la amb una crítica política i cultural, sinó que també revoluciona la novel·la criminal catalana en obrir-hi nous models narratius.
Antoni Serra, ètica negra des d’un llaüt
Authors: Bennasar Sebastià
Published: December 2014

En aquest article es traça una panoràmica per les obres de gènere negre d’Antoni Serra. Tot i això, la producció de gènere de Serra no es pot entendre sense tres característiques essencials: les referències al clàssic; la voluntat de testimoniatge del canvi social; i el lligam entre el gènere negre i la història contemporània. L’article també indaga sobre els motius que duen a l’escriptor a interessar-se per aquest gènere literari i el relaciona amb algunes de les eleccions que va haver de prendre l’escriptor: canviar de llengua després d’uns inicis en castellà que li havien comportat els primers èxits i l’elecció de la llengua catalana com una conseqüència més de la lluita antifranquista.
Jofré (1965): un projecte operístic de Joan Valls Jordà amb música d’Amand Blanquer
Authors: Ferrando Morales Àngel Lluís
Published: December 2014

La troballa del mecanoscrit del primer acte d’un projecte d’òpera de 1965, amb llibret del poeta Joan Valls Jordà (1917-1989) i al qual havia de posar música el compositor Amand Blanquer Ponsoda (1935-2005), aporta noves dades al voltant de la creació operística en valencià. Jofré, que havia de tenir tres actes (el segon dels quals dividit en dos quadres), va restar entre els papers del poeta fins a la seua mort i, posteriorment, ha estat custodiat en el fons Joan Valls de l’Arxiu Municipal d’Alcoi. Al llarg de gairebé cinquanta anys, sols hem pogut trobar una breu referencia de la seua existència, feta pel mateix Blanquer. Retrobar-la ara suposa, en primer lloc, donar a conèixer un inèdit de Valls; i, en segona instància, modificar la nostra percepció d’aquest gènere a les terres valencianes de la mà d’aquests dos alcoians imprescindibles.
Ressenya d’Uns amors, uns carrers. Cap a una didàctica de les geografies literàries, d’Alexandre Bataller i Héctor H. Gassó (ed.) (Publicacions de la Universitat de València, València, 2014, 256 pàgines)
Authors: Gadea Grau Joaquim
Published: December 2014

Ressenya d’Uns amors, uns carrers. Cap a una didàctica de les geografies literàries, d’Alexandre Bataller i Hèctor H. Gassó (ed.) (Publicacions de la Universitat de València, València, 2014, 256 pàgines).
La Nueva Teoría Estratégica y la comunicación científica en la región Caribe
Authors: Canella López Rubén Antonio , Gegunde Horacio , Tsuji Teresa Cecilia
Published: December 2014

La Nueva Teoría Estratégica es aplicada en investigaciones desde el Foro Iberoamericano Sobre Estrategias de Comunicación que articula acciones con redes y universidades. Vincula actores internacionales de las Universidades: Sergio Arboleda de Colombia, Autónoma de Santo Domingo, de República Dominicana y Nacional de Lomas Zamora de Argentina. Se pretende promover una estrategia para la comunicación científica en la región Caribe. El caso presentado es la realización de la Revista científica/académica, denominada Comunicaribe, (en construcción). Existe déficit de publicaciones académicas en Open Access en la región y el fomento del estimulo para animar a los autores de la región a la producción global desde lo local. Las metodologías propuestas son elaboradas desde la Nueva teoría Estratégica, centrándonos en la primera seña, conocida como el cambio de paradigma del pensamiento Complejo. Aplicamos tres conceptos para el diagnóstico del caso: el principio dialógico, el principio recursivo y el principio hologramático. Resultados: esperamos lograr la puesta en marcha de la publicación, tal como se ha realizado con una serie de ellas, en América y Europa. Conclusiones: los aspectos de la Teoría son tantos y tan abonados por las metodologías propuestas que permite articular en la diversidad de situaciones.
Interferometric femtosecond laser processing for nanostructuring inside thin film
Authors: Ho Stephen , Kumar Kitty , Lee Kenneth K.C. , Li Jianzhao , Herman Peter R.
Published: December 2014

Femtosecond laser interactions inside transparent dielectric films of refractive index, n
film, with tight focusing presents strong nonlinear interactions that can be preferentially confined at the fringe maxima as formed by Fabry-Perot interference, to generate thin nanoscale plasma disks separated on half-wavelength, λ/2n
film. The nano-thin disk explosions can be controlled inside the film to cleave open subwavelength internal cavities at single or multiple periodic depths at low laser exposure, while higher exposure will eject a quantised number of film segments with segment thickness defined by the laser wavelength. This new method enables high-resolution film patterning for ejecting nanodisks at quantised film depth for colouring and three-dimensional (3D) surface structuring, as well as for fabrication of free-standing nanofilms.
A region-based multiple testing method for hypotheses ordered in space or time
Authors: Meijer Rosa J. , Krebs Thijmen J.P. , Goeman Jelle J.
Published: December 2014

We present a multiple testing method for hypotheses that are ordered in space or time. Given such hypotheses, the elementary hypotheses as well as regions of consecutive hypotheses are of interest. These region hypotheses not only have intrinsic meaning but testing them also has the advantage that (potentially small) signals across a region are combined in one test. Because the expected number and length of potentially interesting regions are usually not available beforehand, we propose a method that tests all possible region hypotheses as well as all individual hypotheses in a single multiple testing procedure that controls the familywise error rate. We start at testing the global null-hypothesis and when this hypothesis can be rejected we continue with further specifying the exact location/locations of the effect present. The method is implemented in the
Transport Properties of Polyelectrolyte Solutions. Effect of Confinement in Thin Liquid Films
Authors: Delacotte Jérôme , Langevin Dominique
Published: December 2014

The role of condensed counterions in transport properties, such as
electrical conductivity and viscosity, has been investigated with
solutions of a flexible polyelectrolyte. Comparisons with existing
theories are proposed. Viscosity is strongly affected by confinement
in thin films, depending whether polyelectrolyte chains are adsorbed
or not at the film surfaces. The role of counterion mobility is
however difficult to assess because the measurements are not accurate
enough. It is proposed that this role could be tested by electrical
conductivity measurements.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Flashback of a Swirling, Bluff-Body Stabilised, Premixed Flame
Authors: Karimi Nader , Heeger Christoph , Christodoulou Loizos , Dreizler Andreas
Published: December 2014

Flashback of an open turbulent, premixed flame in a swirl burner with
central bluff-body is considered. The aim is to obtain further
understanding of the physical mechanisms responsible for the upstream
flame propagation. Previous studies on the same configuration
hypothesised that there is an adverse pressure gradient in the
direction of flame propagation. In this paper this is further
investigated experimentally and theoretically. Static gauge pressure
is measured on the surface of the bluff-body during flame
flashback. Simultaneously, flame luminosity is imaged at 5 kHz. The
results indicate that the static pressure rises downstream of the
propagating reactive front. This is, then, discussed in the context of
the theory of vortex bursting. An existing theory of flame propagation
in the core flow is extended to a configuration similar to that
investigated experimentally. The theory, although highly simplified,
explains the generation of adverse pressure gradient across the flame
and is qualitatively consistent with the experiment.
Prospective series of two hours supine rest after 4fr sheath-based diagnostic cerebral angiography: Outcomes, productivity and cost
Authors: Zuckerman Scott L , Bhatia Ritwik , Tsujiara Crystiana , Baker Christopher B , Szafran Alex , Cushing Deborah , Aiken Judy , Tracy Marilyn , Mocco J , Ecker Robert D
Published: December 2014

There is no standard of care for catheter size or post-procedure supine time in cerebral angiography. Catheter sizes range from 4-Fr to 6-Fr with supine times ranging from two to over six hours. The objective of our study was to establish the efficacy, safety, and cost savings of two-hour supine time after 4-Fr elective cerebral angiography. A prospective, single arm study was performed on 107 patients undergoing elective cerebral angiography. All cerebral angiograms were performed with a 4-Fr sheath-based system without closure devices. Ten minutes of manual compression was applied to the femoral access site, with further compression held as clinically indicated. Patients were then monitored in a nursing unit for two hours supine and subsequently mobilized. Nursing discretion was allowed for earlier mobilization. Patients were called the next day to assess delayed hematoma and bleeding. Estimates of cost savings and productivity increases are provided. All patients ambulated in two hours or less. There were no strokes or vessel dissections. Five patients (4.7%) experienced a palpable hematoma, three patients (2.8%) experienced bleeding immediately following the procedure requiring further compression, and one patient (0.9%) experienced minor groin oozing at home. No patient required transfusion, thrombin injection, or endovascular/surgical management of a groin complication. A two-hour post-procedure supine time resulted in cost savings of $952 per angiogram and a total of $101,864. 4-Fr sheath based cerebral angiography with two-hour post-procedure supine time is safe and effective, and allows for a considerable increase in patient satisfaction, cost savings and productivity.
The Professionalism of Certified Teachers in Instructional Process: A Case Study of Secondary School Teachers in Jambi
Authors: Jailani Muhammad Syahran
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this research is to reveal teaching commitment of certified teachers who teach in private Madrasah in Jambi to increase the learning. The participants are teachers (civil servant) who teach in several private Madrasah in Jambi. It is the phenomenology qualitative research, referring to the eleventh steps proposed by Spradley (1980). This research revealed two important findings. First, the teachers realize that they need to be committed in their teaching as a way to improve their professionalism and also instructional quality. The second important finding is that there is a lack of supervisory effort to supervise certified teachers, and thus there has no coordination between teachers and the stakeholders. This makes MGMP and KKG does not run effectively.
Systemy informacyjne w zarządzaniu operacyjnym
Authors: Tyrańska Małgorzata , Walczak Maciej
Published: December 2014

Information systems and information technology are an important determinant of revolutionary changes and significantly speed up the development of operations management. The purpose of this article is to present chosen information systems used in operations management. In particular, the paper presents the essence and a model of operations management, and defines the scope of operational decisions. This is followed by an attempt to determine the place and role of information systems and information technology in the evolution of operations management. The final part of the paper focuses on presenting the main features of selected information systems supporting operations management.
Store Impulse Marketing Strategies and Body Mass Index
Authors: Cohen Deborah A. , Collins Rebecca , Hunter Gerald , Ghosh-Dastidar Bonnie , Dubowitz Tamara
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We quantified the use of placement and price reduction marketing strategies in different food retail outlets to identify associations between these strategies and the risk of overweight and obesity among customers.

Methods. In 2011 we collected dietary and health information from 1372 residents in “food deserts” in Pittsburgh, PA. We audited neighborhood restaurants and food stores (n = 40) including 16 distant food venues at which residents reported shopping. We assessed end-aisle displays, special floor displays, cash register displays, and price reductions for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); foods high in saturated oils, fats, and added sugars; and nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, and products with at least 51% whole grains.

Results. Supermarkets and superstores had the largest numbers of displays and price reductions for low-nutrient foods. Exposure to displays of SSBs and foods high in saturated oils, fats, and added sugars and price reduction of SSBs was associated with increased body mass index.

Conclusions. In-store marketing strategies of low-nutrient foods appear to be risk factors for a higher body mass index among regular shoppers. Future research is needed to confirm the causal role of marketing strategies in obesity.
Prescription Drug Insurance Coverage and Patient Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kesselheim Aaron S. , Huybrechts Krista F. , Choudhry Niteesh K. , Fulchino Lisa A. , Isaman Danielle L. , Kowal Mary K. , Brennan Troyen A.
Published: December 2014

Previous reviews have shown that changes in prescription drug insurance benefits can affect medication use and adherence. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify studies addressing the association between prescription drug coverage and health outcomes. Studies were included if they collected empirical data on expansions or restrictions of prescription drug coverage and if they reported clinical outcomes.

We found 23 studies demonstrating that broader prescription drug insurance reduces use of other health care services and has a positive impact on patient outcomes. Coverage gaps or caps on drug insurance generally led to worse outcomes. States should consider implementing the Affordable Care Act expansions in drug coverage to improve the health of low-income patients receiving state-based health insurance.
Higher education’s contribution to economic performance and innovativeness in Latvia: Exploratory research
Authors: Stankevics Aivars , Ignatjeva Svetlana , Meņsikovs Vladimirs
Published: December 2014

A detailed investigation of higher education?s contribution to economic
performance and innovativeness in Latvia is necessary because of
contradictory facts in the socio-economic reality of Latvian higher
education. Despite the fact that investment in the Latvian higher education
system results in high participation, the economic and innovation returns,
i.e., the profitability of the resulting highly educated labour force, are
low. The analysis of the literature has shown that there are other factors
that determine higher education?s contribution to economic performance and
innovativeness and enable highly skilled specialists to potentially turn
their knowledge into innovation and national income; e.g., the quality of
higher education and the level of technological development in business. We
conducted an empirical analysis of a set of indicators that are potentially
significant to economic performance and innovativeness, and concluded that,
first, higher education?s contribution to economic performance and
innovativeness differs depending on the stage of the country?s economic
development; and second, that a country?s ability to attract and retain
talented people becomes more significant at each stage of economic
development. In Latvia both the ability to attract and retain talented people
and the level of technological development are poorly developed, which
results in low economic and innovative returns from a relatively large number
of highly skilled specialists.
What if Marx and Veblen met…
Authors: Takay Bahar , Aydın Güler
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study is to analyse both the differences and the similarities
between Marx and Veblen regarding historical specificity, evolution, and
alienation. Starting with their discussions on these subjects, this article
builds on the analyses of capitalism. The goal of this study is not to
collapse Marx and Veblen into one another but rather to understand capitalism
by presenting the complementary relationship of the two economists? analyses
and to introduce an appropriate analytical framework for understanding
capitalism. This study consists of three parts. The first part examines how
Veblen regarded Marx?s analysis, and how Marx especially viewed Darwin?s
theory of evolution. Marx?s approach to evolution and Veblen?s criticism of
Marx on this topic will constitute the general framework of this part. The
second part of the study evaluates the level of agreement or disagreement
between Veblen and Marx on the idea of historicism from the perspective of
dialectical materialism. The last part analyses Marx and Veblen?s different
ideas of the concept of alienation. The two economists? views on the
capitalist system will be determined based on these three concepts,
introducing the similarities between them as well as the differences.
The cyclical character of economic policy in Serbia 2001-2012
Authors: Radovic-Stojanovic Jelena
Published: December 2014

This paper investigates the cyclical character of economic policy in Serbia
in the period 2001-2012. For this purpose the cyclical movement of the
following monetary and fiscal variables have been analysed: M2 money supply,
the retail price index, the consumer price index, and the real effective
exchange rate as the monetary policy indicators, and budget revenues and
budget expenditures as the fiscal policy indicators. In the evaluation of the
cyclical character of the economic policy, cross-correlation between the
cyclical component of economic policy indicators and the gross domestic
product at various lags has been observed. The results of cross-correlation
analysis suggest that the budget expenditures are countercyclical and lead
the aggregate cycle while the budget revenues are procyclical. The cyclical
character of M2 money supply in the Serbian economy is somewhat
contradictory, so further investigations of the cyclical character of
monetary policy and mutual interdependence of money and output are required.
The real effective exchange rate is countercyclical. The prices are
procyclical and lag behind the cycles in aggregate economic activity. The
procyclical character of prices indicates that the causes of the cyclical
fluctuations of aggregate economic activities in Serbia in the period from
2001 to 2012 were on the demand side.
Velimir Zivojinovic Massuka and German literature in the “Misao” magazine
Authors: Roganovic Vladimir
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study is to determine the importance of Velimir Zivojinovic
Massuka?s role in presenting German literature in the ?Misao? magazine
(published in Belgrade, 1919 through 1937). As a translator, editor and
critic Zivojinovic strongly influenced overall presentation of the German
literature in the magazine. Research shows that all the translations of the
works by German authors (Goethe, Heine, Rener, Evers) were published at the
time when Zivojinovic was the editor of the magazine or a co-editor with Sima
Pandurovic or Zivko Milicevic. In that period a large number of studies and
other works on German literature was published as well, which significantly
and fruitfully influenced the profile and the quality of the magazine, thus
contributing to the strengthening of German-Serbian cultural ties after the
First World War.
Prilog biografiji Antonija Vucetica
Authors: Rakic Tanja
Published: December 2014

nema
Why Not Simply Use the Best Theory? A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Notion of Plurality in Three Texts Used at a Teacher Education Institution in Sweden
Authors: Edling Silvia
Published: December 2014

Drawing on ambitions to contest violence in education, this article challenges ideas that student teachers only need to rely on evidence-based theory in their future profession. This is accomplished by analysing and comparing theories of plurality as described in three texts used in courses at one teacher education institution in Sweden. The texts express three different theoretical discourses of approaching social challenges regarding violence, plurality in education, and teacher expectations. Hence, since violence is played out in a variety of ways, the logic of evidence-based research is insufficient when it comes to handling plurality.
The Neo-Liberal Turn in Understanding Teachers' and School Leaders' Work Practices in Curriculum Innovation and Change: A Critical Discourse Analysis of a Newly Proposed Reform Policy in Lower Secondary Education in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Simmie Geraldine Mooney
Published: December 2014

The study in this article involved a critical discourse analysis of five policy documents in relation to a curriculum reform proposed for lower secondary education in the Republic of Ireland. It examined the (re)positioning of governance in relation to curriculum and teacher education. Findings indicate a predominant clinical discourse closely aligned to a global imaginary and largely directed toward individual learners within a stratification of schools as ‘adventurous’, ‘exploratory’ and ‘cautious’ schools. The study raises important questions about the future of teachers' and school leaders' work practices and autonomy within a discourse of evidence-based teaching, teacher training and surveillance.
‘Heavy Fog in the Channel — Continent Cut Off’: Reform of Upper-Secondary Education from the Perspective of English Exceptionalism
Authors: Hodgson Ann , Spours Ken
Published: December 2014

Recent international studies in upper-secondary education (USE) have highlighted the importance and complexities of this phase as it becomes a more universal experience. Here the authors examine recent trends in USE to provide a context for discussion of the English system, which has been moving from a ‘linked’ to a more ‘tracked’ approach since 2010 through a combination of factors that make it ‘exceptionalist’. They suggest that this change has not been adequately captured in crossnational studies because of its recent nature and because analysis of USE systems has not sufficiently appreciated the multi-dimensional character of this phase of education as it expands. They argue that the wider global trends and pressures in USE are towards integration and unification rather than segregation and tracking. In this context they explore a four-dimensional integrated/unified model for the English USE system that might bring it closer to other systems in the UK and in Europe, thus reducing its exceptionalism and dispelling the ‘fog in the Channel’. They conclude the article by arguing that as USE systems expand and become more universal, they require a multi-dimensional analysis, and the model discussed here may be appropriate more widely.
Agreement between adolescents and parents/caregivers in rating the impact of malocclusion on adolescents' quality of life
Authors: Abreu Lucas G. , Melgaço Camilo A. , Abreu Mauro H. N. G. , Lages Elizabeth M. B. , Paiva Saul M.
Published: December 2014

Objective: 

To assess the agreement between adolescents and their parents/caregivers regarding the impact of malocclusion on adolescents' oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL).

Materials and Methods: 

A consecutive sample of 141 adolescent and parent/caregiver pairs was selected. Adolescents answered the short version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11–14), while parents answered the Parental-Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P-CPQ). The CPQ11–14 and the P-CPQ have 14 items in common that are organized through four subscales: oral symptoms (OS), functional limitations (FL), emotional well-being (EW), and social well-being (SW). Agreement on the overall score and agreement on the subscales were determined using comparison and correlation analysis. The comparison analysis was carried out by comparing the mean directional and absolute differences, and the correlation analysis was performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results: 

A total of 135 pairs of adolescents and parents/caregivers agreed to answer the questionnaires, providing a response rate of 95.7%. The mean age of the adolescents was 11.50 years. The mean directional difference was significant for the OS (P < .001) and FL (P = .040) subscales as well as for the overall score (P = .007). Adolescents' reports were higher than parents/caregivers' reports. The mean absolute difference for the overall score was 7.26, representing 12.9% of the maximum possible overall score. The ICC was 0.16 for the overall score, indicating poor agreement.

Conclusion: 

Poor agreement was observed between adolescents and their parents/caregivers in rating the impact of malocclusion on adolescents' OHRQoL.
Transient States in the Flow of the Air-Methane Mixture at the Longwall Outlet, Induced by a Sudden Methane Outflow
Authors: Skotniczny Przemysław
Published: December 2014

The paper discusses the results of the numerical simulation of a sudden outflow of the air-methane mixture from behind a powered support, for a longwall ventilated by means of the U-type ventilation system. The calculations were performed using the geometrical model of an actual longwall - the I 100 longwall at the „Sośnica” hard coal mine. The steady state of the air flow in the area of the upper corner was discussed, together with the phenomenon of methane seepage from the goaf area in the vicinity of the longwall outlet. Subsequently, the phenomenon of a sudden methane outflow - followed by the ventilation of headings - was introduced into the study. The obtained results confirm the knowledge provided by the mining practice and experience
Confined Phase Envelope of Gas-Condensate Systems in Shale Rocks
Authors: Nagy Stanislaw , Siemek Jakub
Published: December 2014

Natural gas from shales (NGS) and from tight rocks are one of the most important fossil energy resource in this and next decade. Significant increase in gas consumption, in all world regions, will be marked in the energy sector. The exploration of unconventional natural gas & oil reservoirs has been discussed recently in many conferences. This paper describes the complex phenomena related to the impact of adsorption and capillary condensation of gas-condensate systems in nanopores. New two phase saturation model and new algorithm for search capillary condensation area is discussed. The algorithm is based on the Modified Tangent Plane Criterion for Capillary Condensation (MTPCCC) is presented. The examples of shift of phase envelopes are presented for selected composition of gas-condensate systems.
Analytical Model of Water Flow in Coal with Active Matrix
Authors: Siemek Jakub , Stopa Jerzy
Published: December 2014

This paper presents new analytical model of gas-water flow in coal seams in one dimension with emphasis on interactions between water flowing in cleats and coal matrix. Coal as a flowing system, can be viewed as a solid organic material consisting of two flow subsystems: a microporous matrix and a system of interconnected macropores and fractures. Most of gas is accumulated in the microporous matrix, where the primary flow mechanism is diffusion. Fractures and cleats existing in coal play an important role as a transportation system for macro scale flow of water and gas governed by Darcy’s law. The coal matrix can imbibe water under capillary forces leading to exchange of mass between fractures and coal matrix. In this paper new partial differential equation for water saturation in fractures has been formulated, respecting mass exchange between coal matrix and fractures. Exact analytical solution has been obtained using the method of characteristics. The final solution has very simple form that may be useful for practical engineering calculations. It was observed that the rate of exchange of mass between the fractures and the coal matrix is governed by an expression which is analogous to the Newton cooling law known from theory of heat exchange, but in present case the mass transfer coefficient depends not only on coal and fluid properties but also on time and position. The constant term of mass transfer coefficient depends on relation between micro porosity and macro porosity of coal, capillary forces, and microporous structure of coal matrix. This term can be expressed theoretically or obtained experimentally.
Growth of large SbSI crystals
Authors: Szperlich Piotr , Toroń Bartłomiej , Nowak Marian , Jesionek Marcin , Kępińska Mirosława , Bogdanowicz Włodzimierz
Published: December 2014

In this paper a novel method of SbSI single crystals fabrication is presented. In this method a sonochemically prepared SbSI gel is used as an intermediate product in a vapour growth process. The main advantages of the presented technique are as follows. First, the SbSI gel source material has lower temperature of sublimation and allows to avoid explosions during SbSI synthesis (the sonochemical synthesis is free of any explosion hazard). Second, but not least, the grown SbSI single crystals have smaller ratio of longitudinal and lateral dimensions. The cross sections of the presented crystals are relatively large (they are up to 9 mm2). The crystals have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, angle-resolved optical spectroscopy, and diffusive reflectivity.
Growth of Zn1−x
CdxO nanocrystalline thin films by sol-gel method and their characterization for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Munirah Munirah , Khan Ziaul , Khan Mohd. , Aziz Anver
Published: December 2014

This paper describes the growth of Cd doped ZnO thin films on a glass substrate via sol-gel spin coating technique. The effect of Cd doping on ZnO thin films was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, I–V characteristics and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the films have preferred orientation along (002) plane with hexagonal wurtzite structure. The average crystallite sizes decreased from 24 nm to 9 nm, upon increasing of Cd doping. The films transmittance was found to be very high (92 to 95 %) in the visible region of solar spectrum. The optical band gap of ZnO and Cd doped ZnO thin films was calculated using the transmittance spectra and was found to be in the range of 3.30 to 2.77 eV. On increasing Cd concentration in ZnO binary system, the absorption edge of the films showed the red shifting. Photoluminescence spectra of the films showed the characteristic band edge emission centred over 377 to 448 nm. Electrical characterization revealed that the films had semiconducting and light sensitive behaviour.
Venture Capital Investment in the Life Sciences in Switzerland
Authors: Hosang Markus
Published: December 2014

Innovation is one of the main driving factors for continuous and healthy economic growth and welfare. Switzerland as a resource-poor country is particularly dependent on innovation, and the life sciences, which comprise biotechnologies, (bio)pharmaceuticals, medical technologies and
diagnostics, are one of the key areas of innovative strength of Switzerland. Venture capital financing and venture capitalists (frequently called 'VCs') and investors in public equities have played and still play a pivotal role in financing the Swiss biotechnology industry. In the following
some general features of venture capital investment in life sciences as well as some opportunities and challenges which venture capital investors in Switzerland are facing are highlighted. In addition certain means to counteract these challenges including the 'Zukunftsfonds Schweiz' are discussed.
A Strong Start-up Scene Flourishes in the Life Sciences Capital Basel
Authors: Burckhardt Peter
Published: December 2014

Basel is known for its successful global players in Pharma, Agro and Chemicals. The wealth of top-tier companies, universities and academic institutions in such a small region is unparalleled. It creates an optimum climate for world-class research and its translation into successful
businesses. This is also reflected in a strong start-up scene. Over the past decades the multinational players have shown that they are able to adapt to the ever-increasing challenges in the market. Basel has seen blue-chip company mergers, accompanied by the transfer of business assets into
spin-off companies. This process created a mind-set for change which has positively influenced the local start-up environment. Actelion is one of these former spin-offs that successfully made the transition to become a global player. BioVersys and PIQUR are two of the most promising very early
stage Swiss biotech companies. Many other examples can be found in Northwestern Switzerland. The region also offers a solid background of supporting activities. Infrastructure, coaching and all other support are offered and complement national innovation initiatives.
Recursive solutions for multi-group neutron kinetics diffusion equations in homogeneous three-dimensional rectangular domains with time dependent perturbations
Authors: Petersen C. Z. , Bodmann B. E. J. , Vilhena M. T. , Barros R. C.
Published: December 2014

In the present work we solve in analytical representation the three dimensional neutron kinetic diffusion problem in rectangular Cartesian geometry for homogeneous and bounded domains for any number of energy groups and precursor concentrations. The solution in analytical representation is constructed using a hierarchical procedure, i. e. the original problem is reduced to a problem previously solved by the authors making use of a combination of the spectral method and a recursive decomposition approach. Time dependent absorption cross sections of the thermal energy group are considered with step, ramp and Chebyshev polynomial variations. For these three cases, we present numerical results and discuss convergence properties and compare our results to those available in the literature.
Performance evaluation of anion exchange resins Purolite NRW-5050 and Duolite A-611 by application of radioisotopic techniques
Authors: Singare P. U.
Published: December 2014

Radioanalytical techniques using 131I and 82Br as tracer isotopes were applied to study the kinetics of iodide and bromide ion-isotopic exchange reactions taking place between the external labeled ionic solution and the resin surface. The results indicate low values of specific reaction rate (min−1), amount of ion exchanged (mmol) and initial rate of ion exchange (mmol/min) for bromide ion-isotopic exchange reaction as compared to that obtained for iodide ion-isotopic exchange reaction. It was observed that for iodide ion-isotopic exchange reaction performed at 35.0 °C, 1 000 g of ion exchange resins and 0.002 mol/L labeled iodide ion solution, the values of specific reaction rate (min−1), amount of iodide ion exchanged (mmol), initial rate of iodide ion exchange (mmol/min) and log Kd were 0.340, 0.394, 0.134 and 20.2 respectively for Purolite NRW-5050 resin, which was higher than the respective values of 0.216, 0.290, 0.063 and 18.2 as that obtained by using Duolite A-611. The results of present investigation indicate that during the two ion-isotopic exchange reactions, for both the resins, there exists a strong positive linear correlation between amount of ions exchanged and concentration of ionic solution; and strong negative correlation between amount of ions exchanged and temperature of exchanging medium. From the results it appears that as compared to Duolite A-611 resins, Purolite NRW-5050 resins shows superior performance under identical experimental conditions.
A binary mixed integer coded genetic algorithm for multi-objective optimization of nuclear research reactor fuel reloading
Authors: Binh Do Quang , Huy Ngo Quang , Hai Nguyen Hoang
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a new approach based on a binary mixed integer coded genetic algorithm in conjunction with the weighted sum method for multi-objective optimization of fuel loading patterns for nuclear research reactors. The proposed genetic algorithm works with two types of chromosomes: binary and integer chromosomes, and consists of two types of genetic operators: one working on binary chromosomes and the other working on integer chromosomes. The algorithm automatically searches for the most suitable weighting factors of the weighting function and the optimal fuel loading patterns in the search process. Illustrative calculations are implemented for a research reactor type TRIGA MARK II loaded with the Russian VVR-M2 fuels. Results show that the proposed genetic algorithm can successfully search for both the best weighting factors and a set of approximate optimal loading patterns that maximize the effective multiplication factor and minimize the power peaking factor while satisfying operational and safety constraints for the research reactor.
Vehicle Length Measurement and Length-Based Vehicle Classification in Congested Freeway Traffic
Authors: Wu Lan , Coifman Benjamin
Published: December 2014

Classified-vehicle counts are a critical measure for forecasting the health of the roadway infrastructure and for planning future improvements to the transportation network. Balancing the cost of data collection with the fidelity of the measurements, length-based vehicle classification is one of the most common techniques used to collect classified-vehicle counts. Typically, the process of classifying vehicles by length uses a pair of detectors in a given lane to measure effective vehicle length. While the calculation is simple and seems well-defined, this paper demonstrates that small changes in the calculations can lead to large differences in performance during challenging conditions. In particular, most conventional calculations assume that acceleration can be ignored, and this assumption simply is not the case in congested traffic. As a result, many operating agencies are reluctant to deploy classification stations on roadways where traffic is frequently congested. This study examined six variations of the conventional calculation of vehicle length and developed a seventh that also estimated constant acceleration. The study then highlighted two of these approaches that worked well in extreme conditions on freeways for speeds as low as 15 mph. This range should be sufficient for most applications. Then, with empirically collected data, the authors found that the extreme events were uncommon and even the conventional method did quite well in stop-and-go traffic because the slower that traffic moved, the lower was the flow during that period. In any event, the key to success is the use of well-tuned detectors.
Effect of Traffic Load Input Level on Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design
Authors: Abbas Ala R. , Frankhouser Andrew , Papagiannakis Athanassios T.
Published: December 2014

This study investigated the effect of the input level of axle load spectra on performance predictions obtained with the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). Traffic monitoring data collected from 50 weigh-in-motion (WIM) stations distributed across the state of Ohio were analyzed to obtain site-specific and regional axle load spectra. The site-specific axle load spectra were calculated for each axle group (single, tandem, tridem, and quad) and truck class (Classes 4 through 13). The regional axle load spectra were developed on the basis of statewide averages and cluster analysis. The statewide average was calculated with information from all sites, whereas the cluster averages were created on the basis of Class 9 tandem axles. Baseline designs for new flexible pavements were defined in the MEPDG for each of the WIM sites having available data, and site-specific, statewide average, cluster average, and MEPDG default axle load spectra were used to assess the impact of the input level of axle load spectra on the performance of the pavement structure. The statewide average and the cluster averages were found to yield similar predictions of pavement performance, with the cluster averages being slightly closer to the site-specific predictions of pavement performance. In addition, the MEPDG default axle load spectra were found to underestimate the pavement service life significantly and, if used for design purposes, would result in overly conservative pavement layer thicknesses. Therefore, the authors recommend the use of site-specific axle load spectra when possible in the design of flexible pavements. However, if site-specific data are not available, statewide average axle load spectra should be used.