bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Families of bitangent planes of space curves and minimal non-fibration families
Authors: Lubbes Niels
Published: October 2014

A cone curve is a reduced sextic space curve which lies on a quadric cone and does not pass through the vertex. We classify families of bitangent planes of cone curves. The methods we apply can be used for any space curve with ADE singularities, though in this paper we concentrate on cone curves.

An embedded complex projective surface which is adjoint to a degree one weak Del Pezzo surface contains families of minimal degree rational curves, which cannot be defined by the fibers of a map. Such families are called minimal non-fibration families. Families of bitangent planes of cone curves correspond to minimal non-fibration families. The main motivation of this paper is to classify minimal non-fibration families.

We present algorithms which compute all bitangent families of a given cone curve and their geometric genus. We consider cone curves to be equivalent if they have the same singularity configuration. For each equivalence class of cone curves we determine the possible number of bitangent families and the number of rational bitangent families. Finally we compute an example of a minimal non-fibration family on an embedded weak degree one Del Pezzo surface.
On deformations of G2-structures by Killing vector fields
Authors: Özdemir Nülifer , Aktay Şirin
Published: October 2014

In this paper, vectorial type deformations of a 7-dimensional manifold with structure group G2 are considered. The fundamental 3-form of such a manifold is deformed by a vector field, and the new cross product and the new Levi-Civita covariant derivation of the new metric are obtained in terms of the old ones. An example of a 7-dimensional manifold with structure group G2 which is in the widest class W in the classification of Fernández and Gray is given; this manifold has a nontrivial Killing vector field corresponding to the new metric.
US household deleveraging following the Great Recession – a model-based estimate of equilibrium debt
Authors: Albuquerque Bruno , Baumann Ursel , Krustev Georgi
Published: October 2014

The balance sheet adjustment in the household sector was a prominent feature of the Great Recession that is widely believed to have held back the cyclical recovery of the US economy. A key question for the US outlook is therefore whether household deleveraging has ended or whether further adjustment is needed. The novelty of this paper is to estimate a time-varying equilibrium household debt-to-income ratio determined by economic fundamentals to examine this question. The paper uses state-level data for household debt from the FRBNY Consumer Credit Panel over the period 1999Q1–2012Q4 and employs the Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimator developed by Pesaran, Shin, and Smith (1999), adjusted for cross-section dependence. The results support the view that, despite significant progress in household balance sheet repair, household deleveraging still had some way to go as of 2012Q4, as the actual debt-to-income-ratio continued to exceed its estimated equilibrium. The baseline conclusions are rather robust to a set of alternative specifications. Going forward, our model suggests that part of this debt gap could, however, be closed by improving economic conditions rather than only by further declines in actual debt. Nevertheless, the normalisation of the monetary policy stance may imply challenges for the deleveraging process by reducing the level of sustainable household debt.
An Explicitly Decoupled Variational Multiscale Method for Incompressible, Non-Isothermal Flows
Authors: Belenli Mine A. , Kaya Songül , Rebholz Leo G.
Published: October 2014

We propose, analyze and test a fully decoupled, but still unconditionally stable and optimally accurate, variational multiscale stabilization (VMS) for incompressible, non-isothermal fluid flows. The VMS stabilization is implemented as a post-processing step, and thus can be used with existing codes. A full numerical analysis of the method is given that proves unconditional stability with respect to the timestep size, and that the method converges optimally in both time and space. Numerical tests are provided that confirm the theoretical results, and test the method on a benchmark problem for Marsigli flow.
Recycling utterances: A speaker's guide to sentence processing
Authors: Dąbrowska Ewa
Published: October 2014

In recent years, there has been a growing consensus that speakers store large numbers of preconstructed phrases and low-level patterns, even when these can be derived from more abstract constructions, and that ordinary language use relies heavily on such relatively concrete, lexically specific units rather than abstract rules or schemas that apply “across the board”. One of the advantages of such an approach is that it provides a straightforward explanation of how grammar can be learned from the input; and in fact, previous work (e.g. Dąbrowska and Lieven 2005) has demonstrated that the utterances children produce can be derived by superimposing and juxtaposing lexically specific units derived directly from utterances that they had previously experienced. This paper argues that such a “recycling” account can also explain adults' ability to produce complex fluent speech in real time, and explores the implications of such a view for theories of language representation and processing.
Congruences for critical values of higher derivatives of twisted Hasse–WeilL-functions
Authors: Bley Werner , Macias Castillo Daniel
Published: October 2014

LetAbe an abelian variety over a number fieldkand letFbe a finite cyclic extension ofkofp-power degree for an odd primep. Under certain technical hypotheses, we obtain a reinterpretation of the equivariant Tamagawa number conjecture (‘eTNC’) forA,F/k$F/k$andpas an explicit family ofp-adic congruences involving values of derivatives of the Hasse–WeilL-functions of twists ofA, normalised by completely explicit twisted regulators. This reinterpretation makes the eTNC amenable to numerical verification and furthermore leads to explicit predictions which refine well-known conjectures of Mazur and Tate.
Variations in Main Flavor Compounds of Freshly Distilled Brandy during the Second Distillation
Authors: Zhao Yuping , Tian Tiantian , Li Jiming , Zhang Baochun , Yu Ying , Wang Yangyang , Niu Hao
Published: October 2014

The present study investigated the variations in main flavor compounds of a Chinese brandy during the second distillation process using headspace–solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 97 volatile compounds involving esters, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, furans, benzene derivatives and terpenes were quantified, and 28 components were identified as key ingredients. By monitoring the second distillation process, it was found that most ethyl esters (ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, etc.), alcohols (3-methylbutanol, etc.), terpenes (linalool, etc.), acetaldehyde and ionone all had higher values at the beginning of the distillation, but declined gradually or sharply along with the distillation process. However, two esters (ethyl lactate and diethyl succinate), acids (acetic acid, hexanoic acid), benzene derivatives (2-phenylethanol, etc.) and furan (furfural) showed lower levels when the distillation was just started, and gradually increased, accumulating as a large quantity at the end of the distillation.
Practices and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine in inflammatory bowel disease: a survey of gastroenterologists
Authors: Gallinger Zane R. , Nguyen Geoffrey C.
Published: October 2014

Background: Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly prevalent among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We sought to characterize the practices and attitudes of IBD physician providers toward CAM.

Methods: A web-based survey was sent to non-trainee physician members of the American Gastroenterological Association with an interest in IBD. The survey included multiple-choice and Likert scale questions which queried physician perceptions of CAM and their willingness to discuss CAM with patients.

Results: The vast majority of respondents (80%) considered themselves IBD subspecialists with 75% holding academic appointments. Nearly a third reported initiating conversations on CAM in the majority of their patient interactions, while 90% perceived that a majority of their patients were reluctant to bring up the topic of CAM. Nearly three quarters (72%) of respondents felt comfortable discussing CAM, while those that did not most frequently cited lack of knowledge as the reason. More than half (55%) stated they had no systematic approach to discussing CAM. Most gastroenterologists (65%) reported no formal training in CAM. Most gastroenterologists had recommended use of probiotics, and nearly half had recommended acupuncture. A vast majority believed that there was adjunctive role for CAM in treatment of IBD.

Conclusions: Academic IBD specialists were receptive to the use of CAM, and most felt that it had a role in the treatment of IBD, without necessarily compromising conventional therapy. Formal educational initiatives and societal recommendations on the use of CAM may facilitate a more systematic approach to its use in daily practice.
Chemistry of early and late transition metallaboranes: synthesis and structural characterization of periodinated dimolybdaborane [(Cp*Mo)2B4H3I5]
Authors: Yuvaraj K. , Roy Dipak Kumar , Arivazhagan C. , Mondal Bijnaneswar , Ghosh Sundargopal
Published: October 2014

Thermolysis of an in situ generated intermediate [(Cp*Ta)2(BH3)2Cl2],1generated from the reaction of [Cp*TaCl4], (Cp* = η5-C5Me5) and [LiBH4·thf], in presence of [Ru3(CO)12] yieldedpileo-[Cp*TaCl(μ-Cl)-B2H4Ru3(CO)8],2having two electrons fewer than seven pairs required for the observed square pyramidal geometry. Cluster2is the first example of an unsaturated cluster comprising early and late transition metals in a square pyramid core. This reaction also yielded [(Cp*Ta)2(B2H6)(B2H4Cl2)],3as a by-product. In addition, the reaction of [Cp*MoCl4] (Cp* = η5-C5Me5) with [LiBH4.thf] in presence of excess [MeI] at mild condition led to the isolation of periodinated dimolybdatetraborane [(Cp*Mo)2B4H3I5],4that hints a possible existence of [(Cp*Mo)2B4H8]. After the isolation of periodinated4, we extended this chemistry towards the late transition metallaborane [(Cp*Rh)3B4H4],5using [PtBr2] as brominating source. Although all the attempts to isolate perbrominated rhodaborane failed, we have isolated partially brominated rhodaborane clusters [(Cp*Rh)3(BH)-(BBr)3],6and [(Cp*Rh)3(BH)3(BBr)],7. All the compounds were characterized by IR and1H,11B and13C NMR spectroscopy in solution, and the solid-state structures of2,4and6were established by crystallographic analysis.
The Effect of Terrorism on Tourism Demand in the Middle East
Authors: Bassil Charbel
Published: October 2014

This paper uses a seemingly unrelated regression model (SUR) to test the individual effects of domestic and transnational terrorism on tourism demand to Lebanon, Turkey and Israel over the period 1995–2007. Tourism demand is measured by the logarithm of the number of arrivals to each country. Moreover, this paper tests whether tourism depends on the magnitude of the terrorist attacks by disaggregating terrorism into three levels of intensity – low, medium and high. The results show significant own and spillover effects for domestic and transnational terrorism on tourism demand to each of the three selected countries. In addition, the results show that the effect of terrorism on tourism depends on the intensities of the terrorist attacks.
Conflict Spillovers and Growth in Africa
Authors: Dunne J. Paul , Tian Nan
Published: October 2014

A number of studies have attempted to evaluate the costs of conflict, but few have evaluated the impact of conflict on country growth. An even more limited number of studies have attempted to evaluate the spillover effects of conflict, with those that have finding clear negative effects on primary neighbors and then positive secondary neighbor effects. There are, however, a number of issues with these studies and this paper updates and develops their analysis using a dynamic panel approach. It confirms the negative sign and magnitude of the previous findings for the host country and primary neighbors, but finds no evidence of any positive or negative effects of conflict on secondary neighbors.
Modeling Potential Future Energy Demand for Turkey in 2034 by Using an Integrated Fuzzy Methodology
Authors: Balin Abit , Baracli Hayri
Published: October 2014

Since the decisions made regarding the future include uncertainty for operations, alternative predictions are needed to be developed in such decision-making processes. Accurate forecasting is a great help for companies in making the best decisions in terms of unit commitment, production, and maintenance planning. It is necessary for the companies to have prior foresight of future demand with adequate accuracy. Some data mining algorithms play the greatest role in predicting the demand forecasting. As a regular data-driven method, artificial neural networks (ANNs) are popular in energy forecasting. This paper investigated the application of the adaptive network based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) as a forecasting tool for predicting the energy demand in Turkey. The benefit of the proposed model is forecasting energy needs through the evaluation of ANFIS application using data sets processed with principle component analysis (PCA) and collected from the energy forecast shootout (EFS) and Ministry of Natural Resources Turkey. The results showed that the hybrid ANFIS model based upon fuzzy logic (FL) and ANN performed efficiently in term of forecast accuracy. Thus, it could be regarded as an alternative method in energy forecasting. Finally, the application of ANFIS in a long term energy forecasting was provided, and the results were interpreted.
Elastic-Plastic Finite Element Analyses of 3D Constraint Effects in Single Edge Cracked Plate Specimens
Authors: Ding Ping , Wang Xin
Published: October 2014

Extensive finite element analyses have been conducted to obtain numerical solutions of the constraint parameter A, which is the second parameter in a three-term elastic-plastic asymptotic expansion for the crack-tip field for thin three-dimensional (3D) single edge cracked plate specimens under uniaxial and biaxial loading. The 3D crack geometries analyzed included shallow to deep cracks, and the biaxial loading ratios analyzed were 0.0 (uniaxial loading) and 1.0 (biaxial loading). Solutions for the parameter A were obtained for materials following the Ramberg–Osgood power law with hardening exponents of n = 3, 5, and 10. Remote tension loading was applied covering the deformation range from small-scale to large-scale yielding. Crack-front constraint effects for 3D cracked specimens under uniaxial and biaxial loading are analyzed and discussed.
Ethnocinema and the Vulnerable Methods of Creative Public Pedagogies
Authors: Harris Anne
Published: October 2014

In ethnocinematic collaboration, participants and researchers share what it means to be culturally-embedded and critical fellow-travelers, and explore their similarities and differences within evolving creative research and pedagogical approaches. Ethnocinema shares characteristics with autoethnography, drawing on culturally-embedded personal perspectives and expression, which are political and scholarly in their execution and scope. Creative methods like ethnocinema thrive in the emerging digital technological landscape, and are able to speak to global audiences through online dissemination strategies. Drawing on the principles of public pedagogy, this essay articulates in practical terms how to “do” ethnocinema and ethnovideo as a video-based creative and collaborative method.
Tracking Trolls and Chasing Pixies
Authors: Waters Philip
Published: October 2014

This essay outlines a place-based pedagogic method called Narrative Journey, developed by the author in his work at the Eden Project, United Kingdom. The essay describes the method in the context of children’s play and experiential learning in outdoor natural environments, and uses a critical and reflexive lens to describe praxis across two broad themes: story and mimesis, and story, place, and space. It also provides practical, theory-linked examples before concluding that Narrative Journey praxis can add support to children’s emotional connectedness to nature and outdoor experiential learning.
From Seed to Song
Authors: Hollingsworth Claire , Ridgway Avis
Published: October 2014

Increasingly researchers are trying to show how new technologies can be used to provide opportunities for creative and more expansive music education for young children. Accepting that young children’s capacity for self expression is vastly underestimated, two young students and I set about musicking through an example of collaborative songwriting. Drawing on case study methodology using digital visual and audio technology, I offer the reader and listener an experience of the affective dimensions involved in composing music with two preschool-aged children. I challenge preconceived notions of music pedagogies for young children, and provoke implications for generating far greater vitality, self expression, and imagination in music education.
An Autoethnographic Writer's Request to Readers
Authors: Pelias Ronald J.
Published: October 2014

Speaking from the position of an autoethnographic writer, I ask those who might attend to my work to adopt a number of interactional stances that I hope they will bring to our encounter. Likewise, I make several promises concerning the kind of writer I want to be. If we both agree to move forward as outlined, I argue, we will have a more productive and satisfying experience.
An Epistemology of Gender
Authors: Tran Richard Quang-Anh
Published: October 2014

This article traces the meaning of same-sex sexuality in Vietnamese-language popular sources from the Renovation period to the early years of the millennium to argue that one dominant meaning prevailed: the idea that homosexual identity is synonymous with gender-crossing. Historical studies have shown that in certain times and places, same-sex sexuality was predicated on other variables, such as status and power, not gender. Yet, the Vietnamese sources insist on the centrality of gender in homosexual definition. This article discusses two historical discourses, one medical and the other state-sponsored, that contributed to the shaping of this definition.
Changes in Social Capital
Authors: Tuan Le Anh , Cottrell Alison , King David
Published: October 2014

This paper describes how the social capital of rice farmers of the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, as manifested in the tradition of collective farming practice, has changed. Collective rice farming persisted for decades, irrespective of critical events that challenged its continuation, due to two key factors: the high need for collective farming to ensure subsistence, and the availability of a closely knit social network that facilitated the exchange of labor. Despite its longevity, the practice of collective farming, particularly in terms of labor exchange and mutual aid in farming activities, has not been maintained under current agrarian reforms. Land reform, increased mechanization, and shortened crop cycles leading to labor shortages have all resulted in individualized rice farming, making mobilization for spontaneous collective action at the community level challenging.
Targeting GPR30 with G-1: a new therapeutic target for castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Lam Hung-Ming , Ouyang Bin , Chen Jing , Ying Jun , Wang Jiang , Wu Chin-Lee , Jia Li , Medvedovic Mario , Vessella Robert L , Ho Shuk-Mei
Published: October 2014

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is an advanced-stage prostate cancer (PC) associated with high mortality. We reported that G-1, a selective agonist of G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30), inhibited PC cell growth by inducing G2 cell cycle arrest and arrested PC-3 xenograft growth. However, the therapeutic actions of G-1 and their relationships with androgenin vivoare unclear. Using the LNCaP xenograft to model PC growth during the androgen-sensitive (AS) versus the castration-resistant (CR) phase, we found that G-1 inhibited growth of CR but not AS tumors with no observable toxicity to the host. Substantial necrosis (approximately 65%) accompanied by marked intratumoral infiltration of neutrophils was observed only in CR tumors. Global transcriptome profiling of human genes identified 99 differentially expressed genes with ‘interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses’ as the top pathway. Quantitative PCR confirmed upregulation of neutrophil-related chemokines and inflammation-mediated cytokines only in the G-1-treated CR tumors. Expression of murine neutrophil-related cytokines also was elevated in these tumors.GPR30(GPER1) expression was significantly higher in CR tumors than in AS tumors. In cell-based experiments, androgen repressedGPR30expression, a response reversible by anti-androgen or siRNA-induced androgen receptor silencing. Finally, in clinical specimens, 80% of CRPC metastases (n=123) expressed a high level of GPR30, whereas only 54% of the primary PCs (n=232) showed high GPR30 expression. Together, these results provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that GPR30 is an androgen-repressed target and G-1 mediates the anti-tumor effect via neutrophil-infiltration-associated necrosis in CRPC. Additional studies are warranted to firmly establish GPR30 as a therapeutic target in CRPC.
Fragile X Syndrome: A Review of Associated Medical Problems
Authors: Kidd Sharon A. , Lachiewicz Ave , Barbouth Deborah , Blitz Robin K. , Delahunty Carol , McBrien Dianne , Visootsak Jeannie , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth
Published: October 2014

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common known genetic cause of inherited intellectual disability and the most common known single-gene cause of autism spectrum disorder. It has been reported that a spectrum of medical problems are commonly experienced by people with FXS, such as otitis media, seizures, and gastrointestinal problems. Previous studies examining the prevalence of medical problems related to FXS have been challenging to interpret because of their marked differences in population, setting, and sampling. Through this comprehensive review, we update the literature by reviewing studies that have reported on prominent medical problems associated with FXS. We then compare prevalence results from those studies with results from a large cross-sectional database consisting of data collected by fragile X clinics that specialize in the care of children with FXS and are part of the Fragile X Clinical and Research Consortium. It is vital for pediatricians and other clinicians to be familiar with the medical problems related to FXS so that affected patients may receive proper diagnosis and treatment; improved care may lead to better quality of life for these patients and their families.
Grommets for Otitis Media With Effusion in Children With Cleft Palate: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kuo Chin-Lung , Tsao Yuan-Heng , Cheng Hao-Min , Lien Chiang-Feng , Hsu Chyong-Hsin , Huang Chii-Yuan , Shiao An-Suey
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

No consensus has yet been reached with regard to the link between otitis media with effusion (OME), hearing loss, and language development in children with cleft palate. The objective of this study was to address the effectiveness of ventilation tube insertion (VTI) for OME in children with cleft palate.

METHODS:

A dual review process was used to assess eligible studies drawn from PubMed, Medline via Ovid, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, and reference lists between 1948 and November 2013. Potentially relevant papers were selected according to the full text of the articles. Relevant data were extracted onto a data extraction sheet.

RESULTS:

Nine high- or moderate-quality cohort studies were included in this study. VTI was administered in 38% to 53% of the OME cases, and more severe cases appeared more likely to undergo VTI. Compared with conservative forms of management (eg, watchful waiting), VTI has been shown to be beneficial to the recovery of hearing in children with cleft palate and OME. A growing body of evidence demonstrates the benefits of VTI in the development of speech and language in children with cleft palate and OME. These children face a higher risk of complications than those undergoing conservative treatments, the most common of which are eardrum retraction and tympanosclerosis, with an incidence of ∼11% to 37%.

CONCLUSIONS:

This review provides evidence-based information related to the selection of treatment for OME in children with cleft palate. Additional randomized controlled trials are required to obtain bias-resistant evidence capable of reliably guiding treatment decisions. The conclusions in this review are based on underpowered cohort studies and very-low-strength evidence.
Overdiagnosis: How Our Compulsion for Diagnosis May Be Harming Children
Authors: Coon Eric R. , Quinonez Ricardo A. , Moyer Virginia A. , Schroeder Alan R.
Published: October 2014

Overdiagnosis occurs when a true abnormality is discovered, but detection of that abnormality does not benefit the patient. It should be distinguished from misdiagnosis, in which the diagnosis is inaccurate, and it is not synonymous with overtreatment or overuse, in which excess medication or procedures are provided to patients for both correct and incorrect diagnoses. Overdiagnosis for adult conditions has gained a great deal of recognition over the last few years, led by realizations that certain screening initiatives, such as those for breast and prostate cancer, may be harming the very people they were designed to protect. In the fall of 2014, the second international Preventing Overdiagnosis Conference will be held, and the British Medical Journal will produce an overdiagnosis-themed journal issue. However, overdiagnosis in children has been less well described. This special article seeks to raise awareness of the possibility of overdiagnosis in pediatrics, suggesting that overdiagnosis may affect commonly diagnosed conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bacteremia, food allergy, hyperbilirubinemia, obstructive sleep apnea, and urinary tract infection. Through these and other examples, we discuss why overdiagnosis occurs and how it may be harming children. Additionally, we consider research and education strategies, with the goal to better elucidate pediatric overdiagnosis and mitigate its influence.
Transition Care for Children With Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Davis Alaina M. , Brown Rebekah F. , Taylor Julie Lounds , Epstein Richard A. , McPheeters Melissa L.
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND:

Approximately 750 000 children in the United States with special health care needs will transition from pediatric to adult care annually. Fewer than half receive adequate transition care.

METHODS:

We had conversations with key informants representing clinicians who provide transition care, pediatric and adult providers of services for individuals with special health care needs, policy experts, and researchers; searched online sources for information about currently available programs and resources; and conducted a literature search to identify research on the effectiveness of transition programs.

RESULTS:

We identified 25 studies evaluating transition care programs. Most (n = 8) were conducted in populations with diabetes, with a smaller literature (n = 5) on transplant patients. We identified an additional 12 studies on a range of conditions, with no more than 2 studies on the same condition. Common components of care included use of a transition coordinator, a special clinic for young adults in transition, and provision of educational materials.

CONCLUSIONS:

The issue of how to provide transition care for children with special health care needs warrants further attention. Research needs are wide ranging, including both substantive and methodologic concerns. Although there is widespread agreement on the need for adequate transition programs, there is no accepted way to measure transition success. It will be essential to establish consistent goals to build an adequate body of literature to affect practice.
Sexual wellbeing for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Relevance and roles for physiotherapy
Authors: Levack William M. M.
Published: October 2014

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fifth leading cause of disability worldwide. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of current knowledge on sexual wellbeing in people with COPD, with particular attention to the possible role of physiotherapy in helping address problems with sexuality resulting from the condition. People with COPD experience more sexual problems on average than the general population, with these issues arising from hormonal, physiological, psychological, sociological and pharmaceutical factors. Physiotherapists can provide specialist support for people with COPD regarding their sex lives through the provision of exercise therapy, advice on positioning to maximise breathing efficacy and minimise energy expenditure during sexual activity and via patient education on chronic condition management. The PLISSIT model provides a robust framework for helping physiotherapists clarify their scope of practice when engaging with people who have COPD on matters to do with sexuality. Regardless of age or severity of symptoms, people with COPD are capable of leading full and satisfying sex lives should they wish to do so. Physiotherapists can contribute information and solutions to support them in this endeavour.
A Diagnostic Conundrum: Ectopic Nasal Ossification, Submucosal Alveolar Cleft, Absent Posterior Atlantal Arch, and Corpus Callosum Lipoma
Authors: Borumandi Farzad , Chadha Ambika , Dediol Emil , Uglešić Vedran
Published: October 2014

A 19-year-old woman was referred for nasal breathing and aesthetic concerns regarding her nose. A computed tomography scan revealed a massive osseous shield anterior to the piriform aperture. Furthermore, there was a submucosal median alveolar cleft, and the posterior arch of C1 was missing. The magnetic resonance imaging brain scan revealed a curvilinear lipoma of corpus callosum. The ectopic nasal bone was removed by open rhinoplast, y and nasal function and aesthetics were restored. The described features defy conventional clinical diagnosis and severity classifications and present a diagnostic conundrum somewhere between a mild form of frontonasal dysplasia, oculoauriculofrontonasal syndrome, and Pai syndrome.
Lightweight SCC with volcanic and other natural materials
Authors: Hossain Khandaker M. A.
Published: October 2014

This paper presents the fresh, mechanical and durability properties of lightweight self-consolidating concrete (LWSCC) mixtures produced from pumice aggregates and supplementary cementing materials derived from various combinations of volcanic ash, pumice powder and metakaolin. The fresh state properties were determined from slump flow, V-funnel flow time, bleeding, air content, setting time and segregation tests. The mechanical properties and durability characteristics such as compressive strength, rapid chloride permeability, ultrasonic pulse velocity, freeze–thaw/frost resistance, resistance to salt scaling and drying shrinkage were evaluated. The use of volcanic ash, pumice and metakaolin as supplementary cementing materials improved resistance to chloride penetration, freeze–thaw and salt scaling. The developed LWSCC mixtures exhibited satisfactory durability and also satisfied the criteria for structural concrete. The application of developed LWSCCs can lead to low-cost sustainable construction in volcanic areas around the world.
Sustainable structures: bamboo standards and building codes
Authors: Gatóo Ana , Sharma Bhavna , Bock Maximilian , Mulligan Helen , Ramage Michael H.
Published: October 2014

The investigation of natural products for use in construction continues to grow to fulfil the need for sustainable and locally available materials. Bamboo, being globally available and rapidly renewable, is an example of such a material. Structural and engineered bamboo products are comparatively low-energy-intensive materials with structural properties sufficient for the demands of modern construction. However, the lack of appropriate building codes and standards is a barrier to engineers and architects in using the material. This paper describes the existing national and international codes and looks towards the future development of comprehensive standards directly analogous to those in use for timber.
Key issues in environmental geotechnics: Australia–New Zealand
Authors: Arulrajah Arul , Narsilio Guillermo , Kodikara Jayantha , Orense Rolando P.
Published: October 2014

Because of climate change and increasing population in Australia–New Zealand, several key environmental geotechnics issues are emerging. These key issues include the impact of climate change, depletion of natural resources, interest in the use of recycled materials, advances in seeking new energy sources, disaster waste management as well as other sustainability issues. Evaluation of climate change effects, adaptation technologies and interdisciplinary solutions for geo-infrastructure and other key issues and challenges will be discussed in this paper.
Acoustic emission monitoring of a soil slope: Comparisons with continuous deformation measurements
Authors: Smith A. , Dixon N. , Meldrum P. , Haslam E. , Chambers J.
Published: October 2014

Acoustic emission (AE) has become an established approach to monitor the stability of soil slopes. However, the challenge has been to develop strategies to interpret and quantify deformation behaviour from the measured AE. This paper presents the first comparison of continuous AE (measured using an active waveguide) and continuous subsurface deformation measurements. The active waveguide is installed in a borehole through a slope and comprises a metal waveguide rod or tube with a granular backfill surround. When the host slope deforms, the column of granular backfill also deforms, generating AE that can propagate along the waveguide. This paper presents results from a field trial at a reactivated soil slope in North Yorkshire, UK. The measurements confirm that AE rates generated are directly proportional to the velocity of slope movement (e.g. the AE rate versus velocity relationship determined for a series of slope movement events produced an R2 value of 0·8) and demonstrate the performance of AE monitoring of active waveguides to provide continuous information on slope displacements and displacement rates with high temporal resolution.
Optimisation of concrete mixtures made with crushed clay bricks and roof tiles
Authors: Miličević Ivana , Štirmer Nina , Bjegović Dubravka
Published: October 2014

The main purpose of this paper is to show the possible applicability of concrete made using partial replacement of natural aggregate with crushed bricks and roof tiles in load-bearing structures. In total, 62 different concrete mixtures with crushed bricks and roof tiles were made based on Box–Behnken design and experimentally tested. The selection of acceptable concrete mixtures was chosen according to experimental results and mathematical models of required properties (density, slump, compressive strength, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity). An optimal concrete mixture for a precast concrete beam and block floor system was chosen according to multi-criteria decision process. The applicability of concrete mixtures for precast concrete block and beam floor systems was tested regarding the requirements set out in standards HRN EN 15037-1:2008 and HRN EN 15037-2:2009.
Investigation on masonry waste aggregate natural hydraulic lime mortars incorporating diatomite
Authors: Xu Shuqiang , Wang Julin , Ma Qinglin , Wang Lele
Published: October 2014

In order to make the most of energy and resources and obtain mortars with beneficial properties, diatomite is employed in this paper as a partial replacement of natural hydraulic lime (NHL) and masonry waste as aggregate to prepare mortars with different water–binder ratios (w/b). Tests are conducted after 14, 28 and 90 d of curing, namely, compressive and flexural strength, microstructure, mass variation, apparent density, water absorption, sulfate resistance and, additionally, percentage strength and pozzolanic indexes are used to characterise the role of the pozzolanic effect in improving the mortars' strength. The results show that the introduction of diatomite improves the strength of mortars. The enhancement of strength is attributed to the pozzolanic reaction between diatomite and calcium hydroxide in NHL, which proceeds noticeably after 14 d of curing. The diatomite replacement percentage and w/b influenced apparent density, water absorption and strength of mortars; high density and low water absorption are propitious to strength enhancement. Sulfate resistance of mortars prepared with diatomite incorporation is improved greatly. The percentage strength and pozzolanic indexes of mortars indicate that diatomite has a significant pozzolanic effect and is a good active mineral admixture for NHL mortars.
Sustainable sanitation: fertiliser from human waste
Authors: Sanders Mark
Published: October 2014

The global use of inorganic fertilisers in agriculture is rising, resulting in an increase in nitrous oxide emissions and heavy metals entering watercourses and groundwater. This paper outlines the potential for human waste to be reused as a fertiliser. It highlights techniques and work being undertaken in Haiti, where simple technology is being used to harness the nutrient content in human waste through a thermophilic composting process while providing necessary sanitation to communities and emergency camps. Ecological sanitation toilets are also being used to separate urine and faeces at source, providing a more sustainable alternative to traditional wastewater treatment processes adopted by the majority of the developed world.
A new code transformation technique for nested loops
Authors: Simecek Ivan , Tvrdík Pavel
Published: October 2014

For good performance of every computer program, good cache utilization is
crucial. In numerical linear algebra libraries, good cache utilization is
achieved by explicit loop restructuring (mainly loop blocking), but it
requires a complicated memory pattern behavior analysis. In this paper, we
describe a new source code transformation called dynamic loop reversal that
can increase temporal and spatial locality. We also describe a formal method
for predicting cache behavior and evaluate results of the model accuracy by
the measurements on a cache monitor. The comparisons of the numbers of
measured cache misses and the numbers of cache misses estimated by the model
indicate that the model is relatively accurate and can be used in practice.
Concatenated digital watermarking system robust to different removal attacks
Authors: Korzhik Valery , Morales-Luna Guilermo , Kochkarev Alexander , Flaxman Dmitriy
Published: October 2014

A new concatenated digital watermarking system that combines in a serial
manner both ?holographic? transform domain and image-normalized method has
been proposed and developed. Since the first procedure is resistant to
watermarks removal attacks as cropping of windows, removal of rows and
columns and JPEG compression, and the second procedure is especially robust
against geometric transforms, we get a watermarking system embracing a
resistance to the above mentioned attacks. The image corrupting after
concatenated watermark usage and error correcting codes applying in order to
improve a reliability of fingerprinting application of watermark have been
also investigated.
Keeping on employment through workers’ self- management: The case of the Argentinian empresas recuperadas
Authors: Cvejic Slobodan , Petrovic Irena
Published: October 2014

The phenomenon of ERTs in Argentina (Empresas recuperadas por sus
trabajadores) gains popularity from the financial crisis years of 1999-2002.
The resulting drastic fall in gross national product, high rates of
inflation, increased levels of unemployment, poverty etc., reflected the
severe weaknesses and limitations of the neoliberal institutions in
Argentina. This phenomenon was also determined by specific historical
patterns, such as the state interventionism, a long tradition of trade
unionism and workers? struggles as well as a long and extensive tradicion of
cooperativism. According to the latest survey, there are more than 300 ERT in
Argentina (311), employing over 13.000 workers. (Ruggeri et al 2014). The
survey results show that 95% of the ERT are self-organized under the
organizational and legal framework of workers? cooperatives. The main
objective of this paper is to provide a political economic and social
overview of the rise and establishment of ERTs in Argentina over the past two
decades. Moreover, the legal and institutional preconditions that
significantly encourage, limit, and condition the scope of workers?
cooperatives, will be analyzed. In this analysis we will rely on the results
of research on ERT that have been done in last 10 years, as well as on
historical analysis of legal and institutional framework.
Some questions on the relationship between theory and research in the application of method of observation
Authors: Ilic Vladimir
Published: October 2014

The article discusses the gradual abandonment of the efforts to verify
hypotheses and complex theoretical assumptions in the social sciences by
observation. The first section shows the classical understanding that
emphasized the importance of the theoretically directed observation. The
second section shows the efforts towards inclusion of the observed in the
interpretation of observations. The third section contains an analysis of the
impact of today?s strict division on the qualitative and quantitative
methodology. This influence can be seen in a complete separation of the
structured observation and participatory observation, the disintegration of
observation as a research procedure, its replacement by ethnography and case
study method, as well as abandoning more general theoretical ambition within
qualitative methodology. The fourth section analyzes the epistemological
consequences of efforts to understand the fieldwork primarily as a power
relationship and to transform the observed into the subjects of research.
Development of the attitudes on the relationship between theory and research
in the application of methods of observation in social sciences is associated
with theoretical eclecticism in the field of contemporary sociological theory
and distancing from philosophy of science with its understanding of the role
of research programs and research traditions in the field of growth of
scientific knowledge.
Once more on some issues of commemorative culture
Authors: Jovanovic Djokica
Published: October 2014

This text discusses some aspects of commemorative culture in our society. On
one hand, commemorative culture belongs to the batch of ideas that make up
the corpus of ideological ritualization of the past that divinizes the state
(or, more precisely, divinizes a particular ideological order). However, the
established commemorative culture in our country has been intrinsically
fenced up by the nature of the ex-Yugoslav wars during the end of the
previous century. It is essential to note that Serbia was not officially a
participant in the wars which prevented the recognition of the social status
of the people who actually took part in the wars. This fact further meant
that it was even less likely that these individuals would be able to make
their social position socially institutionalized which deprived them of their
hard-earned social status, creating all kinds of unsolved social issues.
These individuals remain unacknowledged nowadays as well. Those, as such, do
not belong to commemorative culture. This is, at the same time, the rationale
for the official non-recognition of the events and dates that marked the wars
leading to the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia. The author of this paper
thinks that it is necessary that a consensus be reached within the virtual
boundaries of the now non-existent country about the nature of its
commemorative culture. Only In such culture can all the newly founded states
and relevant individuals be firmly grounded.
Condition of periodontium in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances
Authors: Andjelic Jasminka , Matijevic Snezana
Published: October 2014

Background/Aim. Orthodontic patients should be familiar with techniques of
maintaining oral hygiene as well as with proper methods of checking
maintenance of oral hygiene. The aim of this study was to determine a
correlation between condition of periodontium and techniques of maintaining
oral hygiene in patients treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Methods.
The research population included 100 patients, aged 15-25, treated by the
orthodontist from 2005 to 2010. The maintenance of oral hygiene and the
condition of periodontium was assessed using the following indices: plaque
index, gingival index, bleeding index and oral hygiene index. The study was
carried out using data obtained from the especially designed questionnaire as
well as by objective examination of periodontal condition in accordance with
the World Health Organization methodology, using adequate indicators and
indices. Results. The results of the study show a significant correlation
between condition of periodontium and oral hygiene in those with fixed
orthodontic appliances. The use of interdental brushes and mouthwash liquid,
as well as teeth brushing, were among the most significant predictors of
healthy teeth and mouth. Conclusion. Teeth and mouth hygiene determined by
frequency of teeth brushing, using of interdental brushes and mouthwash
liquid are the basic preconditions for preservation and promotion of tooth
and mouth health in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.
The influence of bacterial vaginosis on gestational week of the completion of delivery and biochemical markers of inflammation in the serum
Authors: Jakovljevic Ana , Bogavac Mirjana , Nikolic Aleksandra , Milosevic-Tosic Mirjana , Novakovic Zoran , Stajic Zoran
Published: October 2014

Bacground/Aim. Preterm delivery is one of the most common complications in
pregnancy, and it is the major cause (75- 80%) of all neonatal deaths.
Bacterial vaginosis predisposes to an increased risk of preterm delivery,
premature rupture of membrane and miscarriage. In this syndrome normal
vaginal lactobacilli, which produce protective H2O2, are reduced and replaced
with anaerobic, gram-negative bacteria and others. The aim of this study was
to evaluate the influence of bacterial vaginosis on the week of delivery and
biochemical markers of inflammation in the serum. Methods. A total of 186
pregnant women were included into this study, between the week 16 and 19 of
pregnancy. In the study group there were 76 pregnant women with diagnosed
bacterial vaginosis by the criteria based on vaginal Gram-stain Nugent score
and Amsel criteria. In the control group there were 110 healthy women with
normal vaginal flora. Ultrasound examination was performed in both groups.
Vaginal fluid and blood samples were taken to determine biochemical markers
with colorimetric methods. Results. The week of delivery was statistically
significantly shorter in the study group and the levels of biochemical
markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein and fibrinogen in the serum) were
statistically significantly higher in women with bacterial vaginosis
comparing to the control group. Also the levels of uric acid and white blood
cells in the serum were higher in the study group compared to the control
one. Conclusion. Our study indicates that the pregnancy complicated with
bacterial vaginosis ends much earlier than the pregnancy without it. Also,
higher levels of biochemical markers of inflammation in the serum in the
study group, similarly to results of other studies, suggest that
pathophysiological processes responsible for preterm delivery can begin very
early in pregnancy.