bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the viscoelastic mechanosorptive behaviour of Norway spruce under long-term compression perpendicular to the grain
Authors: Massaro Francesco Mirko , Malo Kjell Arne
Published: April 2019

The effects of variation in humidity coupled with long-term loading give rise to dimensional changes and creep effects in wooden elements. Many wooden products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) plates as well as many common structural details used in timber engineering are vulnerable to variations in moisture content (MC) as well as to creep effects. This paper addresses the long-term effects in the material modelling of timber by the finite element method (FEM), also considering the viscoelastic and mechanosorptive effects in wood. The model was calibrated using both relaxation tests and creep tests. The results from both long-term compression perpendicular- to-grain tests (relaxation and creep) performed on glulam (GL30c) from Norway spruce (Picea abies) with moisture control are presented in this paper. The material model considers the effect of loading and moisture changes. For realistic comparison, the pith location of each lamella was specified in the numerical analyses. Ultimately, a comparison between the numerical results and the experimental results has been provided, exhibiting an overall good estimation of timber response.
Evaluating timber quality in larger-diameter standing trees: rethinking the use of acoustic velocity
Authors: Krajnc Luka , Farrelly Niall , Harte Annette M.
Published: April 2019

The use of acoustic velocity for different purposes is becoming widespread in the forestry industry. However, there are conflicting reports on how well this technology reflects the mechanical properties of trees. In this study, the prediction of timber quality using acoustic technology was evaluated on mature standing trees of three softwood species. The velocity in 490 standing trees was measured in several directions (longitudinal, radial and tangential). A sub-sample of trees was felled and the acoustic velocity was measured in 120 logs which were then sawn into structural-sized timber. A total of 1383 boards were tested for bending, as were small clear specimens extracted from the structural-sized boards. The mean tree values of the timber grade-determining properties (elastic modulus, bending strength and density) of both specimen sizes were related to the acoustic velocities and tree slenderness. The correlations between the mean tree mechanical properties and acoustic velocities were relatively low, most likely due to a high ratio of diameter to measurement distance. The transverse directions showed similar correlations with mechanical properties in larger-diameter trees to the longitudinal direction, as did tree slenderness. The results suggest that while the acoustic velocity in the longitudinal direction can reflect the mean tree mechanical properties in small-diameter trees, alternatives are needed to achieve the same in larger-diameter trees.
Simulation Extrapolation Method for Cox Regression Model with a Mixture of Berkson and Classical Errors in the Covariates using Calibration Data
Authors: Tapsoba Jean de Dieu , Chao Edward C. , Wang Ching-Yun
Published: April 2019

Many biomedical or epidemiological studies often aim to assess the association between the time to an event of interest and some covariates under the Cox proportional hazards model. However, a problem is that the covariate data routinely involve measurement error, which may be of classical type, Berkson type or a combination of both types. The issue of Cox regression with error-prone covariates has been well-discussed in the statistical literature, which has focused mainly on classical error so far. This paper considers Cox regression analysis when some covariates are possibly contaminated with a mixture of Berkson and classical errors. We propose a simulation extrapolation-based method to address this problem when two replicates of the mismeasured covariates are available along with calibration data for some subjects in a subsample only. The proposed method places no assumption on the mixture percentage. Its finite-sample performance is assessed through a simulation study. It is applied to the analysis of data from an AIDS clinical trial study.
Flow Feature Analysis of T-Junction Wavy Micromixer for Mixing Application
Authors: Gidde Ranjitsinha R. , Pawar Prashant M.
Published: April 2019

The mixing of fluids in wavy micromixer and wavy micromixer with obstacles on its side walls has been numerically investigated. The effect of frequency of wavy channel on mixing performance is studied over a range of Reynolds number from 0.1 to 45. Various performance characteristics viz. the mixing index, pressure drop, performance index, and pumping power are used to analyze the overall mixing performance. The results show that the wavy micromixer with obstacles produces better mixing performance than the wavy micromixer. Also, the mixing index is sensitive to the wavy frequency of the channel. The wavy micromixer exhibits the smallest pressure drop as compared to micromixer with obstacles in all cases.
Fusion systems on a Sylow 3-subgroup of the McLaughlin group
Authors: Baccanelli Elisa , Franchi Clara , Mainardis Mario
Published: April 2019

We determine all saturated fusion systems

ℱ

{\mathcal{F}}

on a Sylow
3-subgroup of the sporadic McLaughlin group that do not contain any non-trivial normal 3-subgroup and show that they are all realizable.
Stepwise regularization method for a nonlinear Riesz–Feller space-fractional backward diffusion problem
Authors: Trong Dang Duc , Hai Dinh Nguyen Duy , Minh Nguyen Dang
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we consider the backward diffusion problem for a space-fractional diffusion equation (SFDE) with a nonlinear source,
that is, to determine the initial data from a noisy final data.
Very recently, some papers propose new modified regularization solutions to solve this problem.
To get a convergence estimate, they required some strongly smooth conditions on the exact solution.
In this paper, we shall release the strongly smooth conditions and introduce a stepwise regularization method to solve the backward diffusion problem.
A numerical example is presented to illustrate our theoretical result.
The diagnosis of cystinosis in patients reveals new CTNS gene mutations in the Chinese population
Authors: Li Xiao-Qiao , Wu Di , Liang Xue-Jun , Li Wen-Jing , Liu Min , Cao Bing-Yan , Su Chang , Meng Xi , Gong Chun-Xiu
Published: April 2019

Background

Cystinosis is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder caused by a defective transport of cystine across the lysosomal membrane. Previous studies have mapped cystinosis to the CTNS gene which is located on chromosome 17p13, and various CTNS mutations have been identified to correlate them with this disease.

Methods

We analyzed six patients from five unrelated families who were diagnosed with cystinosis in our hospital. We described the diagnostic procedures for all the patients and proposed alternative therapies for cystinosis patients instead of using cysteamine, an orphan drug which was commercially unavailable in China. Moreover, genetic analysis of all patients’ samples was carried out to identify novel CTNS gene mutations.

Results and conclusions

The patients in this study were followed up from 1 to more than 10 years to monitor their growth and development, which indicated that the alternative therapies we used were helpful to ameliorate the complications of the cystinosis patients without cysteamine. Furthermore, by sequencing the patients’ genome, we identified novel mutations in the CTNS gene including: c.477C > G (p.S159R), c.274C > T (p.Q92X) and c.680A > T (p.E227V); these mutations were only observed in cystinosis patients and had never been reported in any other populations, suggesting they might be specific to Chinese cystinosis patients.
Adrenal function of extremely premature infants in the first 5 days after birth
Authors: Ng Sze M. , Ogundiya Akinsola , Didi Mohammed , Turner Mark A.
Published: April 2019

Background

There is limited data on adrenal function in the early days after birth in extremely premature infants. The relationship between plasma adrenocorticotrophic (ACTH) and cortisol hormone is central to the integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis yet there are no studies examining this relationship in prematurity.

Methods

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between early morning plasma cortisol and ACTH concentrations during the first 5 days after birth in infants born at less than 28 weeks’ gestation and to identify any independent factors that determine plasma cortisol levels in these infants during extreme prematurity. We prospectively studied early morning plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations in infants born below 28 weeks’ gestation during the first 5 days of birth. Plasma cortisol was measured without extraction, using DPC Immulite® 2000 using a solid phase 2 site chemiluminescent immunometric assay. ACTH was measured using a radioimmunoassay. Spearman’s correlation was used to examine the relationship between cortisol and ACTH. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between plasma cortisol and clinical risk index for babies (CRIB) score, antenatal dexamethasone, mode of delivery and gestation.

Results

There were 95 infants (53 males) of mean gestation 25.3 ± 1.3 standard deviation (SD) (range 23–27 + 6) weeks. The mean birth weight was 809 ± 17.0 g. The mean plasma cortisol was 400.5 ± 42.6 nmol/L and the mean plasma ACTH was 4.5 ± 0.9 pmol/L. Early morning plasma cortisol correlated significantly with gestation (R = 0.4, p = 0.005). Early morning plasma ACTH did not correlate with early morning plasma cortisol (R = −0.12, p = 0.7). Multiple regression analysis showed that gestation was the only independent determinant of early morning plasma cortisol concentration (beta coefficient = −0.4, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The relationship between early morning plasma ACTH and plasma cortisol is either not established or is impaired in infants of less than 28 weeks’ gestation in the first 5 days after birth. The plasma cortisol level is mainly determined by gestation and is not directly related to illness severity, antenatal steroids or plasma ACTH in these infants in the first 5 days after birth.
Idiopathic gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty – is regular surveillance required?
Authors: Arya Ved Bhushan , Davies Justin H.
Published: April 2019

Context

Germ cell tumours (GCTs) secreting β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) are a rare cause of gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty (GIPP).

Case description

A 5.7-year-old boy presented with GIPP. Investigations to elucidate the underlying cause revealed elevated serum β-HCG. Ultrasound of the abdomen and testes, urine steroid profile, bone isotope scan, and sequencing of the luteinizing hormone receptor gene (LHCGR) were normal. Despite paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid β-HCG measurement suggesting local (brain) β-HCG production, repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain as well as MRI of the mediastinum did not identify a tumour source of persistently elevated serum β-HCG. Treatment with cyproterone acetate and spironolactone was unsuccessful. Increase in testicular volumes prompted the addition of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue. Due to progressing virilisation and skeletal maturation, treatment was changed to a combination of anastrozole and bicalutamide at the age of 7 years. One year later, serum β-HCG and testosterone concentrations spontaneously normalised followed by reductions in the height velocity, skeletal maturation and virilisation. The proband achieved his genetic height potential. No medication side effects were observed. The patient subsequently presented with non-secreting pineal GCT at 14 years, 8½ years after his initial presentation with GIPP.

Conclusions

Our case highlights that GIPP with no definite underlying aetiology at diagnosis should be considered as a prodrome for GCTs, and regular radiological surveillance for earlier tumour identification is warranted. To the best of our knowledge, our case is the first reported case of the use of anastrozole and bicalutamide in the setting of idiopathic GIPP. The good height outcome in our case warrants the trial of anastrozole and bicalutamide in similar cases.
Rules versus Standards in Developing Countries: the Case for Clear and Precise Legal Norms on Eminent Domain Power
Authors: Schäfer Hans-Bernd
Published: April 2019

We relate the rules versus standards debate to legal norms of taking law in developing countries and argue in favour of more precise legal norms regulating takings in low-income countries. Clear, specific and exact legal norms should be socially preferred whenever a regulatory law cuts into fundamental rights as this improves the possibilities of supreme courts to check the constitutionality of such norms. This holds equally for rich and poor countries. But in poor countries, precise norms have additional advantages over standards, whose adjudication requires highly qualified and loyal judges and administrators, is information intensive and increases procedural costs for the parties. We argue that in the course of economic development, courts and administrations should be granted more flexibility and rigid rules should gradually be replaced by more adjustable legal standards which are more flexible and can adjust better to the merits of a single case.
Comparison of two faecal analysis techniques to assess Formosan pangolin Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla diet
Authors: Sun Nick Ching-Min , Liang Chun-Chieh , Chen Bo-Ye , Lin Chung-Chi , Pei Kurtis Jai-Chyi , Li Hou-Feng
Published: April 2019

The diet of myrmecophagous mammals is usually studied by investigating the chitinous remains of termites and ants obtained from stomachs, guts, and faeces; however, this process is time and labour intensive. Moreover, faeces of obligate myrmecophagous mammals contain other materials such as soil, sand, rocks, and plant matter, which hinder the accurate and efficient identification of faeces’ contents; this makes estimating the biomass of each prey species difficult. This study tested non-filtering and filtering faecal analysis procedures and compared their identification accuracy and efficiency in the analysis of Formosan pangolin Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla faeces. In the non-filtering procedure, 1 g of dried faeces was distributed over an area greater than 360 cm2 to be able to see most ant capsules and termite mandibles. In the filtering procedure, 0.5 cm3 of filtered chitinous remains of termites and ants was spread over a 45 cm2 area to obtain a high resolution of the diet composition. The filtering procedure can sieve out insect remains from the debris, which facilitates further identification of the insect chitin. Using the two proposed faecal analysis procedures, the prey species composition and the number of prey remains could be obtained. Our results provide a quantitative method to evaluate the diversity of wild pangolin’s diets for determining their ecological requirements and developing in-situ and ex-situ conservation plans.
Persistence, Temporal Extension, and Transdurantism
Authors: Daniels Paul R.
Published: April 2019

I explicate and defend a non-standard theory of persistence, which I calltransdurantism. In short, transdurantism is the view is that objects persist by being temporally extended simples. Transdurantism is sometime misrepresented as a version of endurantism. Other times, transdurantism is misrepresented as a version of perdurantism. But I argue transdurantism must be disambiguated from perdurantism and endurantism—when endurantism, perdurantism, and transdurantism are properly construed, transdurantism stands apart from the other theories of persistence and we can better understand the distinct burdens they each bear. I also argue that the transdurantist is capable of handling several key problems found in the persistence literature at least as well as her rivals, but she does face her own unique challenges.
Response of Thirteen Tannia Accessions to Variations in Planting Date in the Humid Tropics
Authors: Nwofia Godson Emeka , Okwu Queen Udodirim , Mbah Emmanuel Ukaobasi
Published: April 2019

The objectives of the study were to assess the inter-relationship between growth, yield, nutritional and anti-nutritional responses of thirteen tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium L.) accessions to planting date (May, June and July) in the humid tropics. Tannia corms and leaves are veritable sources of dietary fibre and starch, also essential minerals and vitamins; hence its value for security and as a cash crop for people in the humid tropics. A two-year 13-genotype × 3 planting date factorial arranged rain-fed field experiment in randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out during the 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria. The results indicated that planting date and accession influenced growth and yield of tannia, an indication of differential responses of the thirteen accessions to the planting dates (May, June and July). The results suggest that May is the most appropriate planting date; accessions planted during this month had the highest yields. The interaction between planting date and tannia accession was significant for some traits (number of leaves per plant and cormel weight per plant) in both years and significant for plant height, pseudo-circumference and corm weight (2014); leaf area and tannia yield (2015). The correlation analysis showed good selection characters in plant height, pseudo-stem circumference, leaf area, number of leaves per plant, corm weight, corm circumference, cormel weight and cormel circumference for high yielding varieties, while nutritional analysis (crude protein, carbohydrate, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, tannin and oxalate) exhibited lower concentrations in processed corms relative to unprocessed. The corm yield of the tannia accessions ranged from 1.49 to 13.48 Mt.ha−1 in 2014 and 2.72 to 8.50 Mt.ha−1 in 2015 and best four accessions judged by interaction between tannia accession and date of planting was 13 (Ikaro) > 12 (Idoani) > 3 (Ehor) > 10 (Idasen) in May 2014 compared to accessions 6 (Ewu) >10 (Idasen) > 12 (Idoani) > 1 (Ikpoba) planted in June 2015. The differences in sequence suggest that both environment and genetic constitution contribute to Tannia yield.
Risk as a Predictor of Online Competitive Information Acquisition
Authors: Raban Daphne Ruth , Koren Lior
Published: April 2019

This study set out to investigate how personal user traits and behavior and information cues influence the acquisition of online information for actionable decisions. The relationship between personal traits (risk propensity and individual information absorptive capacity), behavioral factors (perceived risk and willingness-to-pay) and informational cues (scenario risk level) was examined by conducting an experiment with 125 mid-level managers. Participants were exposed to high- and low-risk scenarios, given the opportunity to consume free and fee-based competitive information sources, and asked to make a managerial decision. Results of the Willingness-to-Pay (WTP) for information sources indicate: (i) a significant correlation between the perceived risk and WTP, (ii) a significant correlation between the perceived risk and the number of competitive intelligence information items bought, (iii) individual absorptive capacity has high internal reliability, and (iv) investment risk propensity and individual information absorptive capacity did not influence WTP or willingness-to-consume competitive intelligence information. Informational cues rather than personal traits impact decision makers' WTP and willingness to-consume competitive intelligence information. This suggests that best practices should be developed for the use of online information sources in decision-making calibrated to the risk level. Risk level indication may also aid to avoid biases stemming from under- or overuse of information.
Zagreb Polynomials and redefined Zagreb indices of nanostar dendrimers
Authors: Kang Shin Min , Yousaf Muhammad , Zahid Manzoor Ahmad , Younas Muhammad , Nazeer Waqas
Published: April 2019

Dendrimers are profoundly extended natural macromolecules with successive layers of branch units encompassing a central core. Topological indicess are numbers related with graph of a compound to allow quantitative structureactivity/property/lethality connections. These topological indices relate certain physico-chemical properties like stability, boiling point, strain energy and so forth of a compound. In this report, there have been computed redefined first, second and third Zagreb indices of Nanostar dendrimers. The authors also analyzed some Zagreb polynomials of understudy dendrimers.
Discrete approximate iterative method for fuzzy investment portfolio based on transaction cost threshold constraint
Authors: Tian Manwen , Yan Shurong , Tian Xiaoxiao
Published: April 2019

There are many non-probability factors affecting financial markets and the return on risk assets is fuzzy and uncertain. The authors propose new risk measurement methods to describe or measure the real investment risks. Currently many scholars are studying fuzzy asset portfolios. Based on previous research and in view of the threshold value constraint and entropy constraint of transaction costs and transaction volume, the multiple-period mean value -mean absolute deviation investment portfolio optimization model was proposed on a trial basis. This model focuses on a dynamic optimization problem with path dependence; solving using the discrete approximate iteration method certifies the algorithm is convergent. Upon the empirical research on 30 weighted stocks selected from Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange, a multi-period investment portfolio optimum strategy was designed. Through the empirical research, it can be found that the multi-period investments dynamic optimization model has linear convergence and is more effective. This is of great value for investors to develop a multi-stage fuzzy portfolio investment strategy.
Multi-objective performance optimization of ORC cycle based on improved ant colony algorithm
Authors: He Rong , Wei Xinli , Hassan Nasruddin
Published: April 2019

To solve the problem of multi-objective performance optimization based on ant colony algorithm, a multi-objective performance optimization method of ORC cycle based on an improved ant colony algorithm is proposed. Through the analysis of the ORC cycle system, the thermodynamic model of the ORC system is constructed. Based on the first law of thermodynamics and the second law of thermodynamics, the ORC system evaluation model is established in a MATLAB environment. The sensitivity analysis of the system is carried out by using the system performance evaluation index, and the optimal working parameter combination is obtained. The ant colony algorithm is used to optimize the performance of the ORC system and obtain the optimal solution. Experimental results show that the proposed multi-objective performance optimization method based on the ant colony algorithm for the ORC cycle needs a shorter optimization time and has a higher optimization efficiency.
Optimization of process parameters in plastic injection molding for minimizing the volumetric shrinkage and warpage using radial basis function (RBF) coupled with the k-fold cross validation technique
Authors: Shiroud Heidari Behzad , Hedayati Moghaddam Amin , Davachi Seyed Mohammad , Khamani Shadi , Alihosseini Afshar
Published: April 2019

In this study, a multi-objective design optimization method based on a radial basis function (RBF) model was applied to minimize the volumetric shrinkage and warpage of hip liners as an injection-molded biomedical part. The hip liners included an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) liner and UHMWPE reinforced with a nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) liner. The shrinkage and warpage values of the hip liners were generated by simulation of the injection molding process using Autodesk Moldflow. The RBF model was used to build an approximate function relationship between the objectives and the process parameters. The process parameters, including mold temperature, melt temperature, injection time, packing time, packing pressure, coolant temperature, and type of liner, were surveyed to find the interaction effects of them on the shrinkage and warpage of the liners. The results indicated that the addition of nHA helps the liners to obtain more dimensional stability. The model was validated by the k-fold cross validation technique. Finally, the model revealed the optimal process conditions to achieve the minimized shrinkage and warpage simultaneously for various weights.
Role of chemical additives and their rheological properties in enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Machale Jinesh , Majumder Subrata Kumar , Ghosh Pallab , Sen Tushar Kanti
Published: April 2019

A significant amount of oil (i.e. 60–70%) remains trapped in reservoirs after the conventional primary and secondary methods of oil recovery. Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods are therefore necessary to recover the major fraction of unrecovered trapped oil from reservoirs to meet the present-day energy demands. The chemical EOR method is one of the promising methods where various chemical additives, such as alkalis, surfactants, polymer, and the combination of all alkali–surfactant–polymer (ASP) or surfactant–polymer (SP) solutions, are injected into the reservoir to improve the displacement and sweep efficiency. Every oil field has different conditions, which imposes new challenges toward alternative but more effective EOR techniques. Among such attractive alternative additives are polymeric surfactants, natural surfactants, nanoparticles, and self-assembled polymer systems for EOR. In this paper, water-soluble chemical additives such as alkalis, surfactants, polymer, and ASP or SP solution for chemical EOR are highlighted. This review also discusses the concepts and techniques related to the chemical methods of EOR, and highlights the rheological properties of the chemicals involved in the efficiency of EOR methods.
N2 amplitude modulation across the antisocial spectrum: a meta-analysis
Authors: Pasion Rita , Prata Catarina , Fernandes Marisa , Almeida Rita , Garcez Helena , Araújo Carolina , Barbosa Fernando
Published: April 2019

Despite the accumulated knowledge on antisocial behavior and the positive event-related potential peaking around 300 ms (P3), less is known about the preceding negative electrophysiological response around 200 ms (N2). A systematic search of the literature was conducted to analyze the N2 modulation across the antisocial spectrum. Thirty-seven studies (n = 1199) were retrieved to the quantitative analysis. Reduced N2 amplitudes were found in the more severe antisocial manifestations (violent behavior and antisocial personality disorder), which is consistent with previous findings on P3 alterations and N2 reduced amplitudes in externalizing disorders. Findings on psychopathy were mixed, also in accordance with previous P3 results. From a dimensional lens, this supports the heterogeneity of the psychopathic personality structure: impulsivity features are a closer attribute of antisocial behavior and thus may be associated with N2 reduction, while adaptive psychopathic traits may be associated with intact (or even increased) N2 amplitude. The increased N2 amplitudes observed in impulsive behavior challenge, however, the previous meta-analytic findings. As most of the studies on impulsivity include subclinical samples, it leads to the hypothesis that some compensatory mechanisms can still occur at a subclinical level, reflecting the need for heightened allocation of brain resources to yield similar performances. Importantly, inhibition was the core deficit to explain N2 blunted amplitudes, alongside with deficits in the frontal brain region. From our findings, the reduction in P3 amplitude across the antisocial spectrum may be detected in the previous N2 time window.
Data-adaptive multi-locus association testing in subjects with arbitrary genealogical relationships
Authors: Gong Gail , Wang Wei , Hsieh Chih-Lin , Van Den Berg David J. , Haiman Christopher , Oakley-Girvan Ingrid , Whittemore Alice S.
Published: April 2019

Genome-wide sequencing enables evaluation of associations between traits and combinations of variants in genes and pathways. But such evaluation requires multi-locus association tests with good power, regardless of the variant and trait characteristics. And since analyzing families may yield more power than analyzing unrelated individuals, we need multi-locus tests applicable to both related and unrelated individuals. Here we describe such tests, and we introduce SKAT-X, a new test statistic that uses genome-wide data obtained from related or unrelated subjects to optimize power for the specific data at hand. Simulations show that: a) SKAT-X performs well regardless of variant and trait characteristics; and b) for binary traits, analyzing affected relatives brings more power than analyzing unrelated individuals, consistent with previous findings for single-locus tests. We illustrate the methods by application to rare unclassified missense variants in the tumor suppressor gene BRCA2, as applied to combined data from prostate cancer families and unrelated prostate cancer cases and controls in the Multi-ethnic Cohort (MEC). The methods can be implemented using open-source code for public use as the R-package GATARS (Genetic Association Tests for Arbitrarily Related Subjects) .
Semeiotic completeness in the theory of signs
Authors: Pietarinen Ahti-Veikko
Published: April 2019

Peirce aspired for the completeness of his logiccumthe theory of signs in his 1903 Lowell Lectures and other late manuscripts. Semeiotic completeness states that everything that is a consequence in logical critic is derivable in speculative grammar. The present paper exposes the reasons why Peirce would fall short of establishing semeiotic completeness and thus why he would not continue seeking a perfect match between the theories of grammar and critic. Some alternative notions are then proposed.
Adsorption Kinetics of Nitrogen Molecules on Size-Selected Silver Cluster Cations
Authors: Ito Tomonori , Arakawa Masashi , Taniguchi Yuki , Terasaki Akira
Published: April 2019

We present adsorption processes of dinitrogen on size-selected silver cluster cations, Ag
n

+ (n = 1–10), studied by kinetics measurement using an ion trap. The cluster ions showed sequential adsorption of N2 molecules when the ion trap was cooled down to 105 K, excluding n = 8 and 9 that were exceptionally inactive at this temperature. Termolecular rate coefficients of each adsorption step are determined by analyzing time-dependent changes in the reactant and product ion signals. The first-step rate coefficients were found to increase exponentially from n = 1 to 7 due to increased internal degrees of freedom at larger sizes, which are favorable for accommodating the adsorption energy in a free cluster. In contrast, the adsorption rate turned to decrease for n > 7 due to weaker binding of dinitrogen as revealed by density-functional-theory (DFT) calculation. Adsorption sites on Ag
n

+ are further discussed on the basis of the maximum number of adsorbing N2 molecules observed in the experiment.
Reinforcement Corrosion Research Based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy for Coral Aggregate Seawater Concrete in a Seawater Immersion Environment
Authors: Da Bo , Yu Hongfa , Ma Haiyan , Wu Zhangyu
Published: April 2019

The use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method, Nyquist plots, and Bode impedance module plots of coral aggregate seawater concrete (CASC) at different exposure times in a seawater immersion environment was tested. The most suitable equivalent electric circuit (EEC) for fitting reinforcement corrosion of CASC in a seawater immersion environment was investigated. The reinforcement corrosion electrochemical parameters were calculated. The factors affecting reinforcement corrosion of CASC were researched. The results showed that in order to reduce reinforcement corrosion risk, the concrete cover thickness should be thicker than 5.5 cm. As exposure time increased, the decrease rate of anticorrosion effectiveness for the calcium nitrate inhibitor was higher than that for the amino alcohol inhibitor. Corrosion resistance would improve if the inhibitor was preabsorbed. Corrosion resistance of different types of reinforcements followed the rule: 2205 duplex stainless steel > 316 stainless steel > new organic coated steel > zinc–chromium coated steel > common steel.
A research agenda on Czech attitudinal perspectives in an era of digital transformation
Authors: Brunet-Thornton Richard , Cramer Tobias , Jirsák Petr
Published: April 2019

This discussion centres on the growing impact of the transformation to digitalisation in various industry sectors. Enterprises seek to engage individuals who possess an appropriate profile to fulfil vacancies or new positions to assist in the transformation endeavour. Traditional job descriptions are replaced by the need for agile technical skills, project management competencies, and critical thinking. Challenges increase proportionally to the local employment rate. To evaluate such an impact, a project has been established to determine the reaction of employers once confronted with the lack of same-culture candidates. This manuscript represents the first phase of the project wherein the status quo is documented through an analysis of the extant literature. The findings of this exercise then serve as a benchmark from which survey results will be monitored. Although the literature review does not dispel all Czech stereotypes, it does provide a more realistic image of Czech cultural traits and characteristics.
The process capability model for governance of the Election Organizer Ethics Court system
Authors: Putra Syopiansyah Jaya
Published: April 2019

The capability level assesment for governance of the Election Organizer Ethics Court Information System [SIPEPP] is necessary to ensure strategic planning allignment, value delivery, risk management, resources management and performance measurement. SIPEPP implementation has special problems in optimizing human resources and weak supervision management, so it is important to asess capability levels to provide solutions to these problems. The purpose of this paper is to assess the current and expected capability level conditions, gap analysis and recommendations for SIPEPP good governance. This research method uses the Process Assessment Model (PAM) from Control Objectives for Information and Related Technology (COBIT 5) which consists of stages of initiation, planning the assessment, briefing, data collection, data validation, process attribute level, and result and recommendation. The results of this study indicate the level of optimization of resources and performance monitoring processes are level 2 (Managed Process) which means that the process has been recorded, measured and in accordance with the objectives. The process of managing human resources, assets and operations are at level 1 (Performed Process), meaning that both processes have been applied to SIPEPP governance. Recommendations related human resources are the selection of appropriate human resources by involving management, while related assets require a priority list of implementation systems, and related supervision requires detailed monitoring schedules. This study result can be taken into consideration for improving good governance of SIPEPP implementation.
Henry Abramson, Torah from the Years of Wrath 1939–1943: The Historical Context of the Aish Kodesh
Authors: Banasik Benjamin Jozef
Published: April 2019

Henry Abramson, Torah from the Years of Wrath 1939–1943: The Historical Context of the Aish Kodesh. S.l.: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2017, pp. 294, ISBN: 9781975983727 (pbk).
Clinical Assessment of Rosemary-based Toothpaste (Rosmarinus officinalis Linn.): A Randomized Controlled Double-blind Study
Authors: Valones Marcela A. A. , Silva Ingrid Carla Guedes , Gueiros Luiz Alcino Monteiro , Leão Jair Carneiro , Caldas Jr Arnaldo F. , Carvalho Alessandra Albuquerque Tavares
Published: April 2019

Abstract The present study was to investigate the action of a toothpaste made from the extract of Rosmarinus officinalis Linn. (rosemary) in a clinical randomized, controlled, open and double-blind trial. One hundred and ten volunteers fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were randomly separated into two groups according to the toothpastes used: Group A (experimental) and Group B (control). They were assessed at baseline and 30 days after the study using the gingival bleeding index (GBI) and the plaque index (PI). Data analysis was conducted to calculate the effects of the two toothpastes on gingival bleeding and plaque, using measurements such as the excess relative risk (ERR), the Relative Risk Reduction (RRR), the Absolute Risk Reduction (ARR) and the Number Needed for Treatment (NNT). The two toothpastes provided similar results in terms of the reduction in the risk of gingival bleeding (relative and absolute): a reduction of 38% in Group A, ERR=0.38; a reduction of 29.3% in Group B, ERR=0.293; A and B reduced by 18% ARR=0.18). The reductions in bacterial plaque were also similar (22.7% reduction in Group A, RRR=0.227; 28% reduction in Group B, RRR= 0.28). The number needed for treatment values for bleeding and plaque were A and B NNT=5 and A and B NNT=7, respectively. The rosemary-based toothpaste effectively treated gingival bleeding and reduced bacterial plaque, when compared with conventional toothpaste.
RESISTANCE EXERCISE PROTOCOL DOES NOT CAUSE ACUTE GENOTOXIC EFFECTS IN TRAINED INDIVIDUALS
Authors: Tagliari Nelson João , Siqueira Luciano de Oliveira , Soares Jorge Frederico Pinto , Manfredini Vanusa , Reis Victor Machado
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT Introduction: Resistance exercise, particularly strength training, has been progressively gaining more and more followers worldwide. Despite a considerable increase in the amount of research and literature available on this topic, resistance training is undergoing important developments. Anaerobic metabolism, which characterizes resistance training, enhances the ischemic process and blood reperfusion, thereby generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). The imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant defenses may induce oxidative stress with subsequent protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage in several cells, and other effects. This process may be intensified at rest because the O2 deficit is counteracted by a process known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. Objective: To analyze the effects of ROS in strength training on the DNA of human lymphocyte, biomarkers of lipid damage (TBARS) and metabolism (triglycerides, protein, glycose, albumin and urea). Methods: Comet assay involving a count of 100 cells, which were divided into five classes of damage (no damage = 0, maximum damage = 4), thereby constituting an indication of DNA damage, and the micronucleus test, where the cell samples were centrifuged at 1000-1500 RPM for ten minutes at room temperature for the micronuclei analysis. Results: An elevation in triglyceride concentrations was observed 5h post-exercise (p=0.018), probably due to nutrition. There were no significant differences in the other biochemical parameters. In terms of the DNA damage measured by the Comet assay and micronucleus test, no statistical differences were observed until 5h post-exercise. Conclusion: The proposed training session did not cause oxidative or genotoxic damage in trained individuals under the proposed conditions. Level of Evidence II; Prognostic studies-Investigation of the effect of patient characteristics on the disease outcome.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND ENERGY EXPENDITURE ASSESSED BY ACCELEROMETRY IN 60Y+ BRAZILIAN SUBJECTS
Authors: Anjos Luiz Antonio dos , Silva Bruna de Andrade Messias da , Wahrlich Vivian
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the physical activity level (PAL) and the total daily energy expenditure (EE-TDEE) in a sample of ≥60y subjects from Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: A convenience sample of 88 subjects recruited from recreational physical activity programs wore an accelerometer around the waist for seven consecutive days for at least 10h/day. Minute-by-minute EE was estimated from the counts per minute (CPM) data, and the daily sum yielded the TDEE. PAL (TDEE/BMR) with BMR calculated with the FAO/WHO predictive equation and a population-specific equation. Body composition was assessed by DXA. Results: Mean age (SD) was 69.2 (5.8) years, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 36.4 and 25.0%, respectively, and excess body fat was 39.8%. The subjects spent 600min/day engaged in sedentary activities (CPM<100). Men engaged in 30min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (CPM≥1,952) daily, on average. The subjects were active on 34.5 and 18.0% of the weekdays and weekend days with a 1,400 steps/day difference between these days. TDEE was 1,731.5 (348.7) and 1,356.3 (223.7) kcal/day depending on the BMR prediction equation used. Mean PAL was lower than the maintenance level. Conclusions: The high prevalence of sedentary activities and the low percentage of subjects who met the physical activity recommendations indicate that physical activity programs must be adjusted so that the enrolled subjects can meet the physical activity recommendations, preferably with the activities objectively monitored. Population-specific equations improve the final estimation of TDEE and PAL. Level of Evidence I; Diagnostic studies - Investigating a diagnostic test.
Batuques negros, ouvidos brancos: colonialismo e homogeneização de práticas socioculturais do sul de Moçambique (1890-1940)
Authors: Pereira Matheus Serva
Published: April 2019

RESUMO No artigo analiso como as práticas designadas genericamente como batuques passaram por um processo de homogeneização e de escrutinização por parte de diferentes agentes da ação colonial portuguesa. Por um lado, insistiu-se em unificar danças e músicas na categoria genérica de batuque; por outro, a necessidade de compreender os povos dominados acabou por produzir respostas coloniais que transitaram entre um destrinchar desse termo em busca de uma apuração mais fidedigna daquilo que se presenciava e uma incorporação dessas práticas na empresa colonial. Ao mesmo tempo, promoveu-se uma incorporação dessas práticas na empresa colonial. Esse processo foi concebido pelos agentes coloniais portugueses como forma de apropriação dessas danças, canções e músicas feitas pelos nativos do sul de Moçambique para positivação de um discurso nacionalista português.
THEORY OF UNPLEASANT SYMPTOMS: CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Gomes Gabriela Lisieux Lima , Oliveira Fabiana Maria Rodrigues Lopes de , Barbosa Keylla Talitha Fernandes , Medeiros Ana Claudia Torres de , Fernandes Maria das Graças Melo , Nóbrega Maria Miriam Lima da
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms according to the model proposed by Walker and Avant. Method: a descriptive-reflexive study developed in the first half of 2016. He used the first five phases proposed by the Walker and Avant model: identification of the origins of the theory; examination of the meaning of the theory; logical adequacy; utility; degree of generalization and parsimony of theory. Results: the study allowed the reflection on the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms, considering the multidimensionality of the symptoms and the potential stimulation between them. It was identified the relations between the main concepts used to construct the theory: physiological, psychological and situational factors, followed by performance, suffering, duration, quality, intensity and unpleasant symptoms. Conclusion: the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms presents a structured theoretical framework, presenting logical meaning, through well-defined concepts and relations, which make possible its use in practice, teaching and nursing research.
Implantação do protocolo de termorregulação para recém-nascido em procedimentos cirúrgicos
Authors: Martins Lucas Amaral , Silveira Suely Pedreira Xavier da , Avila Irene Maria Fraga Teixeira , Moraes Jéssica Alves Sacramento de , Santos Denise Santana Silva dos , Whitaker Maria Carolina Ortiz , Camargo Climene Laura de
Published: April 2019

Resumo OBJETIVO Descrever a implantação do protocolo de termorregulação para procedimentos cirúrgicos em recém-nascido (RN). MÉTODOS Relato de experiência, realizado em uma unidade neonatal em Salvador-BA, no período de janeiro de 2016 a janeiro 2017. O ciclo Plan, Do, Check, Action norteou a construção, a implantação e a aplicabilidade do protocolo. RESULTADOS Implantação do protocolo que possibilitou a redução de eventos adversos por instabilidade térmica durante procedimentos cirúrgicos e introdução de novas tecnologias. CONCLUSÃO O protocolo possibilitou a melhoria e o fortalecimento das práticas assistenciais relacionadas com a cirurgia segura em RN.
Rapid Detection of Horseweed and Black Picker Sensitivity Levels to Saflufenacil
Authors: VARGAS L. , HENCKES J.R. , GAVA F. , AGOSTINETTO D. , CARVALHO I.R. , RAMOS R. , RODRIGUES R.
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACT: Resistance to herbicides is one of the main factors responsible for weed control failures. Once uncontrolled and stressed, resistant weeds demand a new application of herbicides from different modes of action, which results in higher monetary costs and environmental impact. Knowledge of weed sensitivity levels to herbicides before making decisions for their management in the field is paramount to increasing the efficiency of integrated weed management. Thus, methods that allow the rapid determination of sensitivity levels can help to the correct recommendation before the application, and thus, favor the greater technical, economic and environmental efficiency of weed management. The objective of this work was to validate a rapid method to detect the levels of sensitivity of black picker (Bidens pilosa) and horseweed (Conyza sumatrensis) to saflufenacil. Dose-response experiments were performed in growth chamber, greenhouse and field. The control provided by different doses of the saflufenacil herbicide was evaluated in each environment, and the results correlated within each species. The results showed a significant positive correlation for the results obtained in growth chamber and greenhouse for black picker and horseweed. These results indicate that the method developed in the growth chamber can replace greenhouse tests for determination of the sensitivity of black picker and horseweed to saflufenacil.
A conflagração do espaço: a tensa relação porto-cidade no planejamento urbano
Authors: ROCHA JOÃO MENDES
Published: April 2019

RESUMO O presente trabalho discute a relação entre portos-cidades, reconhecendo o crescente tensionamento que marca a presença dessas estruturas nos tecidos urbanos e suas conexões com os instrumentos de planejamento das cidades. A construção do trabalho partiu da constatação de um problema que afeta fortemente algumas das principais cidades brasileiras, a coexistência de atividades do setor terciário e de habitação com os portos. O debate foi enriquecido pela revisão teórica que procurou estabelecer conexões entre temas correlatos ao problema levantado, bem como se debruçou sobre documentos oficiais dos diversos níveis de governo subnacionais. Além disso, foram considerados dados relativos a estudos e pesquisas desenvolvidos pelos atores que atuam diretamente com o setor portuário. Verificou-se que parte desse problema decorre de uma arquitetura institucional em que o governo central formula políticas para o setor portuário sem considerar as repercussões que essas iniciativas terão no ambiente urbano.