bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principles of articular fracture management
Authors: Perry Karen L , Woods Samantha
Published: January 2018

Articular fractures occur commonly in dogs and cats. The goals of treatment are to allow a return to pain-free motion and ameliorate the inevitable development of osteoarthritis. Adherence to certain principles is critical to give the patient the greatest opportunity of maintaining a healthy joint. Principles of treatment include obtaining an accurate diagnosis, early treatment, achieving anatomical reduction, providing rigid fixation, restoring the functional axis of the limb and appropriate use of postoperative physical rehabilitation. This article explores these principles and the evidence base underlying them, and gives guidance for their application in commonly encountered articular fractures. It also explores the reasons behind the high morbidity associated with articular fracture treatment, even when these principles are rigidly adhered to.
Comparison of inflammation and oxidative stress levels by the severity of obesity in prepubertal children
Authors: Eka Pertiwi Ni Luh Putu Surya Candra , Sidiartha I Gusti Lanang
Published: January 2018

Background Children with severe obesity are more likely to develop diabetes and cardiovascular diseases at a younger age. Inflammation and oxidative stress associated with childhood obesity may be important in the development of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis.Objective To compare levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) by the severity of obesity in prepubertal children aged 6 to 10 years.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolic Syndrome Clinic, Sanglah Hospital, Bali, from August to December 2015. Subjects were categorized into three body mass index (BMI) groups, according to the 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth chart: overweight (85th-94.9th percentile), obese (95th-98.9th percentile), or severely obese (≥ 99th percentile). Plasma MDA and serum hsCRP were analyzed in blood specimens obtained at enrollment. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test, followed by Mann-Whitney U test for post-hoc comparison between groups.Results Subjects were 20 overweight children, 29 obese children, and 28 severely obese children. Levels of MDA were significantly higher in the severely obese [median 0.25 (IQR 0.1) μmol/L] than in obese subjects [median 0.19 (IQR 0.1) μmol/L; P=0.001], and than in overweight subjects [median 0.16 (IQR 0.1) μmol/L; P<0.0001]. Also, the severely obese children had significantly higher hsCRP levels compared to obese [median 3.2 (IQR 2.0) mg/L vs. 1.3 (1.6) mg/L, respectively; P<0.0001] and compared to overweight children [median 0.7 (IQR 0.6) mg/L; P<0.0001].    Conclusion Prepubertal children at the ≥ 99th percentile for BMI (severely obese) are more likely to have significantly higher hsCRP and MDA compared to those in the obese and overweight groups.
Pharmacogenetic evaluation of adverse events’ risk in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome taking bromdihydrochlorphenylbenzodiazepine: The role of CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms
Authors: Ivashchenko Dmitriy V. , Ryzhykova Kristina A. , Sozaeva Zhannet A. , Zastrozhin Mikhail S. , Grishina Elena A. , Savchenko Lyudmila M. , Bryun Eugeniy A. , Sychev Dmitriy A.
Published: January 2018

Introduction. Bromdihydrochlorphenylbenzodiazepine is the Russian original tranquilizer which widely using in psychiatry, narcology, neurology and general medicine. Particularly, that drug prescribing for patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS). Isoenzyme CYP2C19 takes part in metabolism of the most of benzodiazepines, so the gene CYP2C19 might be included into pharmacogenetics study of bromdihydrochlorphenylbenzodiazepine. There was no study of CYP2C19 polymorphisms as biomarkers of bromdihydrochlorphenylbenzodiazepine’s safety.
Methods. 102 male patients with non-comlicated AWS (F 10.3 by ICD-10) were involved into the study. During 6 days of dynamic observation each participant was prescribed bromdihydrochlorphenylbenzodiazepine (Phenazepam). 5 ml of venous blood was collected from each participant for genotyping. 38 participants were added Pagluferal (contains phenobarbitalum, natrium coffeine-benzoate, bromisoval, papaverine) and/or Carbamazepine. Blood samples were analyzed to detect the CYP2C19*2 (rs4244285), *3 (rs4986893) и *17 (rs12248560) polymorphisms. Safety of therapy was evaluated with UKU Side Effects Rating Scale. Data analysis was performed with SPSS Statistics 21.0.
Results. Carriers of CYP2C19*2 GA+AA genotypes compared to GG homozygous significantly more often had such adverse effects as «Polyuria/polydipsia» in mean grade of penetration (33,3% vs 9%, p=0,016) and “Palpitations/Tachycardia” (16,7% vs 3,8%, p=0,018). Observed relationship between «Polyuria/polydipsia» and CYP2C19*2 GA+AA genotypes was confirmed in the subgroup “Combined pharmacotherapy” (37,5% vs 0%, p=0,006). CYP2C19*17 polymorphism in tendency to significance was associated with less frequent AE «Polyuria/polydipsia» among patients taking bromdihydrochlorphenylbenzodiazepine as monotherapy carriers of allele T had that AE in 16,9%, and CC homozygous in 24,2% (p=0,067).
Conclusion. Significant associations between CYP2C19*2 polymorphism and several AE in patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome taking bromdihydrochlorphenylbenzodiazepine. Substantial role of CYP2C19*17 as predictor of AE associated with bromdihydrochlorphenylbenzodiazepine was not confirmed. Gene CYP2C19 is the sufficient biomarker of bromdihydrochlorphenylbenzodiazepine’s safety profile and needs further research.
The personalized approach to neonatal diabetes therapy depending on the genetic defect
Authors: Tikhonovich Yulia V. , Zubkova Natalia A. , Tiulpakov Anatoly N.
Published: January 2018

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is defined as a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders with onset before 6 months of age. Mutations in KATP channel genes (KCNJ11, ABCC8) and the insulin gene (INS) are the most common causes of NDM. Accurate molecular diagnosis of NDM has significant clinical importance as it may influence diabetes treatment, explain pleiotropic features and define the prognosis in the examined subject as well as in other family members .
In this report we present the results of a genetic examination of 70 patients with NDM, generalized the experience of using sulfonylurea in patients with KCNJ11 and ABCC8 genes mutations for the period from 2009 to 2016. A correlation is shown between the type of mutation, the course of the disease, and the sensitivity of patients to glibenclamide.
The MicroSDs of Solomon Islands An Offline Remittance Economy of Digital Multi-Media
Authors: Hobbis Geoffrey
Published: January 2018

Based on twelve months of multi-sited ethnographic fieldwork, this article investigates the offline circulation of digital media files in Solomon Islands. It explores how circular temporary labour migration drives the acquisition, movement and consumption of digital media, and how these media files contribute to moral controversies. Before the rapid proliferation of mobile phones in 2010, people living in rural environments had limited access to electronic media and the male village elite controlled access to this media, especially foreign movies. Mobile phones, on the other hand, are individually owned and encourage private consumption of media files. At the same time, migrants living in urban areas can easily obtain digital media files and have started integrating them into remittance networks. Access to electronic media in rural areas has exploded. Because foreign visual media are associated with urban, morally ambivalent lifestyles, this proliferation has also fuelled moral uncertainties among rural residents. This article suggests that to understand these moral controversies, and their significance in contemporary Solomon Islands, it is crucial to account for the mobility of digital media files offline and alongside the movements of temporary labourers.
In the Footsteps of Smartphone-Users Traces of a Deferred Community in Ingress and Pokémon Go
Authors: Ganzert Anne , Gielnik Theresa , Hauser Philip , Ihls Julia , Otto Isabell
Published: January 2018

In this article, the authors carry out conceptual and theoretical reflections on smartphone communities by closely investigating two apps: Ingress (Niantic 2012) and Pokemon Go (Niantic 2016). While the games’ narratives fabricate reasons for the players to move, it is the Smartphone - understood as an open object between technological and cultural processes - that visualizes and tracks players’ movements and that situates and reshapes the devices, the users and their surroundings. A central aspect is that the ‘augmented’ cities that become visible in the apps are based on the traces of others: other processes and technologies, as well as other players. These traces of practices and movements structure the users’ experience and shape spaces. Traces are necessarily subsequent and we therefore develop the concept of a deferred (smartphone) community and analyse its visibility within the apps. By close reading the two case studies, we examine potential “smartphone communities” in their temporal dimensions, as well as their demands and promises of participation. In order to gain a perspective that is neither adverse to new media nor celebratory of assumed participatory community phenomena, the article aims to interrogate the examples regarding their potential for individuation/ dividuation and community building/dissolution. In doing so, the games’ conditions and the impositions placed on the players are central and include notions of consent and dissent. Drawing upon approaches from community philosophy and media theory, we concentrate on the visible aspects smartphone-interfaces. The traces left by the various processes that were at work become momentarily actualized on the display, where they manifest not as a fixed community, but as a sense of communality.
Screen Screen Tourism
Authors: Schulze Marion
Published: January 2018

In the article, I discuss new forms of mobility allowed by digital practices, i. e. digital mobilities consisting in visiting geographical places from and through a screen. This discussion is based on my online ethnographic research on international fans of South Korean television series, K-Dramas. The international fandom of K-Dramas, and in a larger sense, South Korean pop cultural products - exemplified by the success of South Korean rapper Psy’s “Gangnam Style” in 2012 -, is a continually growing global phenomenon that has been observed from the end of the 2000s on; a fandom that is mainly constituted through the Internet. However, instead of discussing already thoroughly researched “classic” participatory digital activities of television series fans, as blogging or writing fan fiction, I will focus on still overseen forms of mobility practices engendered by the watching of K-Dramas. My research shows that international fans of K-Dramas are highly mobile - but as much digitally as actually. They do not only travel physically to Korea to visit film locations. They also engage in digital mobilities to Korea through the mediation of desktop web mapping services like Google Maps and their South Korean equivalents, Daum and Naver. This screen screen tourism - as I call it -, then, differs in many ways from screen tourism how it is discussed in previous research on media. In describing and discussing these forms of digital mobility, special attention will be given to two dimensions: (1) the techniques fans use to find film locations, and (2) fans’ “ethno-mapping,” i. e. the methods they have created to map out film locations online.
‘Re-appropriating’ Facebook? Web API mashups as Collective Cultural Practice
Authors: Werning Stefan
Published: January 2018

In contemporary debates about socio-technical implications of software, the platform metaphor, the corresponding notions of architectures and ecosystems as well as the formatting of data to afford ‘platformization’ play a central role. This approach has certainly proven fruitful to assess the role of companies like Facebook in contemporary society. However, it characteristically overlooks the messiness of actual usage practices and those studies that do acknowledge the internal power struggles that subcutaneously shape platforms often take a top-down perspective, disregarding bottom-up processes of (re-) appropriation. To address this gap, the article outlines a method to study how users and semi-professional developers collectively frame the cultural imaginary of a platform by conducting a thoroughly comparative content analysis of mashups created using the Facebook Web API. The affordances of many individual mashups might be considered marginal; yet, the tool-assistant comparison allows for inferring common patterns of interpretation that characterize mashup creation as a mobile digital practice, which plays a key role in social media platform development.
Уточненная модель упругопластического поведения продольно-армированных
искривленных балок-стенок при динамическом нагружении
Authors: Янковский Андрей Петрович , Yankovskii Andrei Petrovich
Published: January 2018

Сформулирована начально-краевая задача, описывающая динамическое поведение гибких продольно-армированных балок-стенок малой кривизны.
Механическое поведение материалов фаз композиции балок описывается определяющими уравнениями теории пластического течения с изотропным упрочнением. Геометрическая нелинейность задачи учитывается в приближении Кармана. Полученные уравнения и соотношения позволяют с разной степенью точности определять напряженно-деформированное состояние рассматриваемых балок, учитывая их ослабленное сопротивление поперечным сдвигам.
В первом приближении из построенных соотношений вытекают уравнения, соответствующие второму варианту теории Тимошенко. Для численного интегрирования поставленной задачи используется метод шагов по времени с привлечением центральных разностей для аппроксимации встречающихся производных по времени.
Рассматриваются продольно-армированные прямолинейные и слегка искривленные балки-стенки относительно малой высоты. Исследуется динамический отклик таких конструкций в зависимости от поверхности (вогнутой или выпуклой) приложения внешнего давления, вызванного приходом воздушной взрывной волны. Установлено, что при интервалах времени, превышающих несколько десятых долей секунды, упругопластическое поведение гибких армированных прямолинейных и искривленных балок-стенок, определяемое по второму варианту теории Тимошенко, значительно отличается от неупругого динамического отклика, рассчитанного по уточненной теории.
Введение в обобщенную теорию неравновесных фазовых переходов Кана—Хилларда
(термодинамический анализ задач механики сплошной среды)
Authors: Лукашев Евгений Алексеевич , Lukashev Eugeniy Alekseevich , Радкевич Евгений Владимирович , Radkevich Evgenii Vladimirovich , Яковлев Николай Николаевич , Yakovlev Nikolay Nikolayevich , Васильева Ольга Александровна , Vasil'eva Olga Aleksandrovna
Published: January 2018

Возникновение конвективных течений и их развитие от регулярных форм с последующим переходом к нерегулярным - турбулентным течениям привлекают внимание тем, что они являются ответственными за эффективность многих технологических процессов тепломассопереноса. Такие технологические процессы являются базовыми в химической, нефтехимической, энергетической, металлургической и других отраслях промышленности.
Конвективные течения возникают в жидкостях и газах в гравитационном поле при наличии пространственной неоднородности плотности, создаваемой неоднородностью температуры и концентрации компонентов, возникающих в ходе, например, химических реакций или других причин. С увеличением разности температур покоящаяся жидкость теряет устойчивость, что затем приводит к возникновению конвективного течения(неустойчивость Релея-Бенара). Дальнейшее увеличение разности температур приводит к неустойчивости первичного конвективного течения, а гидродинамический кризис приводит к кризису теплопередачи.
Статья реконструирует раннюю стадию конвективной неустойчивости Релея-Бенара, которая рассматривается как неравновесный фазовый переход с механизмом спинодального разложения (диффузионного расслоения).
É possível falar em “potência jovem”? Desafios e perspectivas para pensar as juventudes contemporâneas
Authors: Granda Indira , Marcello Fabiana de Amorim
Published: January 2018

Neste texto, nosso objetivo é discutir o conceito de “potência jovem” fora do registro essencial, humanista e vinculado à ação que nos propõe a representação do sujeito jovem protagonista – quase um modelo hegemônico nas ações voltadas para a juventude no Brasil. Buscamos pensar que outros sentidos de potência jovem poderiam nos ser oferecidos por outras experiências juvenis na contemporaneidade. Para tanto, estabelecemos um debate acerca do conceito central do texto – o conceito de potência – partindo das discussões desenvolvidas por Giorgio Agamben. Metodologicamente, o trabalho orientou-se por uma proposta de inspiração etnográfica, com ênfase numa ideia de “presença participante”, desenvolvida entre os meses julho a novembro de 2015 no Sábado Cultural: Circuito de Cultura e Arte, uma experiência juvenil pautada pela organização de encontros culturais em diferentes pontos da periferia cidade de Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil. Selecionamos alguns elementos das práticas do Sábado Cultural a fim de mostrar como os encontros promovidos nesse espaço nos permitiram tecer premissas sobre os jovens e suas múltiplas formas de experienciar suas juventudes e sobre o modo como isso está vinculado a um outro tipo de “potência jovem” no contemporâneo.
Licenciaturas no Brasil: Cursos e formandos
Authors: Mandarino Mônica Cerbella Freire , Beltrão Kaizô Iwakami
Published: January 2018

O presente artigo aborda a formação inicial de professores no Brasil de 2000 a 2015. Usando dados dos censos da Educação Superior, analisa-se a oferta de cursos, o volume de matrículas e de concluintes das Licenciaturas, ao longo dos 15 anos estudados, dando continuidade ao amplo estudo sobre a formação de professores, coordenado por Gatti. Para além desse levantamento, apresenta-se uma análise do perfil socioeconômico dos concluintes de cursos de Licenciatura, com dados do questionário do estudante do Enade. Essa análise toma por base a construção de duas variáveis (fatores) por meio das técnicas estatísticas de Escalamento Ideal de variáveis ordinais e de Análise Fatorial. Os resultados mostram que os concluintes de cursos de Licenciatura estão entre os menos favorecidos economicamente e entre aqueles que trabalham durante o curso de nível superior. Partindo disso, mostra-se também que grande parte dos licenciandos, mesmo em 2014, já atuava na área de Educação, podendo ser esse um efeito da exigência de nível superior para a docência.
A study on curettage pain and hemodynamic parameters of curettage patients: Ketamine or Tramadol?
Authors: Baltaoğlu Alp Hayriye , Darçın Sevtap
Published: January 2018

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare ketamin(0.5mg/kg)-propofol(1mg/kg) and tramadol(1mg/kg)- propofol(1mg/kg) combination in patients undergoing uterine dilatation and curretage procedure  in terms of total propofol requirement, pain scoring and recovery period of duration .Methods: 100 women under going uterine dilatation and curettage were screened retrospectively after ethical comitee approval. Patients are Dr. Faruk Sükan Doğumevi, Konya, Turkey in January-July 2014 .   Baseline anesthesia was maintained with 1 mg/kg propofol, and the patients were randomly allocated to receive  0.5 mg/kg ketamine (Group 1, n=50) or 1 mg/kg tramadol (Group 2, n=50) there after.  Pain scores, Aldrete scores, and hemodynamic parameters were recorded during and after the surgical procedure. A record was also maintained of any adverse events.Results: When the Aldrete scores at the end of operation, systolic pressures at basal, 0,5,10 minutes,end of op., oxygen saturation at basal,0,5,10 minutes,end of op., diastolic blood pressure at basal,0,5,10 minutes,end of op., heart rates, and visual analogue scores were compared, there was no significant difference between groups (p>0.05) Postoperative heart rate and systolic arterial pressure on beginning were significantly higher in Group 1 compared with Group 2Conclusion: Tramadol might be a better alternative drug rather than ketamine due to better hemodynamic stability and lower respiratory depression rate were seen in patents with it.
Assessment of the technical condition of welds from Al alloy grade en an 5754 using the computed tomography method
Authors: Woźny Piotr , Błachnio Józef , Kułaszka Artur , Chalimoniuk Marek
Published: January 2018

The article presents selected results of tests conducted using the X-ray method with the application of a computed tomography device with a panel detector. The tests embraced samples of butt welds using aluminium alloy grade EN AN 5754, classified as an alloy for plastic processing with very good welding properties. The welds were executed using the TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) method – arc welding using a non-consumable electrode in shielding gas. As a result of modernising the current welding process, it was possible to obtain better results of the welds’ technical condition assessed according to the number of welding defects.
Facies architecture of the fluvial Missão Velha Formation (Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous), Araripe Basin, Northeast Brazil: paleogeographic and tectonic implications
Authors: Fambrini Gelson Luís , Neumann Virgínio Henrique M.L. , Menezes-Filho José Acioli B. , Da Silva-Filho Wellington F. , De Oliveira Édison Vicente
Published: January 2018

Sedimentological analysis of the Missão Velha Formation (Araripe Basin, northeast Brazil) is the aim of this paper through detailed facies analysis, architectural elements, depositional systems and paleocurrent data. The main facies recognized were: (i) coarse-grained conglomeratic sandstones, locally pebbly conglomerates, with abundant silicified fossil trunks and several large-to-medium trough cross-stratifications and predominantly lenticular geometry; (ii) lenticular coarse-to-medium sandstones with some granules, abundant silicified fossil wood, and large-to-medium trough cross-stratifications, cut-and fill features and mud drapes on the foresets of cross-strata, (iii) poorly sorted medium-grained sandstones with sparse pebbles and with horizontal stratification, (iv) fine to very fine silty sandstones, laminated, interlayered with (v) decimetric muddy layers with horizontal lamination and climbing-ripple cross-lamination. Nine architectural elements were recognized: CH: Channels, GB: Gravel bars and bed forms, SB: Sand bars and bedforms, SB (p): sand bedform with planar cross-stratification, OF: Overbank flow, DA: Downstream-accretion macroforms, LS: Laminated sandsheet, LA: Lateral-accretion macroforms and FF: Floodplain fines. The lithofacies types and facies associations were interpreted as having been generated by alluvial systems characterized by (i) high energy perennial braided river systems and (ii) ephemeral river systems. Aeolian sand dunes and sand sheets generated by the reworking of braided alluvial deposits can also occur. The paleocurrent measurements show a main dispersion pattern to S, SE and SW, and another to NE/E. These features imply a paleodrainage flowing into the basins of the Recôncavo-Tucano-Jatobá.
The Anti-Resonance Criterion in Selecting Pick Systems for Fully Operational Cutting Machinery Used in Mining
Authors: Cheluszka Piotr
Published: January 2018

Abstrat

This article discusses the issue of selecting a pick system for cutting mining machinery, concerning the reduction of vibrations in the cutting system, particularly in a load-carrying structure at work. Numerical analysis was performed on a telescopic roadheader boom equipped with transverse heads. A frequency range of the boom’s free vibrations with a set structure and dynamic properties were determined based on a dynamic model. The main components excited by boom vibrations, generated through the process of cutting rock, were identified. This was closely associated with the stereometry of the cutting heads. The impact on the pick system (the number of picks and their arrangement along the side of the cutting head) was determined by the intensity of the external boom load elements, especially in resonance zones. In terms of the anti-resonance criterion, an advantageous system of cutting head picks was determined as a result of the analysis undertaken. The correct selection of the pick system was ascertained based on a computer simulation of the dynamic loads and vibrations of a roadheader telescopic boom.
Convolution operators on measure algebras of KPC-hypergroups
Authors: Székelyhidi László , Tabatabaie Seyyed Mohammad , Sadathoseyni Bentol Hoda
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we study varieties and characterize convolution operators on the algebras related to the new structures of KPC-hypergroups, which are a generalization of the classical ones.
Nebria Species (Subfamily Nebriinae, Family: Carabidae) from the Romanian Carpathians. Morphological and Molecular Data
Authors: Barloy Jean , Prunar Florin , Dréano Stephane , Prunar Silvia , Barloy-Hubler Frédérique
Published: January 2018

Among the ten species of the Nebria genus, present in the Romanian Carpathians, seven are the object of morphological, geographical distribution and molecular biological studies: Nebria (Eunebria) jockischi hoepfneri Dejean, 1826, Nebria (Boreonebria) heegeri Dejean, 1826, Nebria (Boreonebria) gyllenhali Schönherr, 1806, Nebria (Alpaeonebria) reichei Dejean, 1826, Nebria (Alpaeonebria) reitteri Rybinsky, 1902, Nebria (Alpaeonebria) bissenica Bielz, 1887, Nebria (Nebria) transsylvanica Germar, 1824, Nebria (Nebria) femoralis alpigrada Csiki 1905), collected from the Maramureș Mt., Rodnei Mt., Parâng Mt., Rarău Mt., Făgăraș Mt., Cozia Mt., Bucegi Mt., Retezat Mt., Muntele Mic and Semenic Mt. The morphological description exploits the body size, the elytral reflection, the colour of the appendages and the legs, the shape of the first antennary segment, its chaetotaxy and that of the submentum, the shape and size of the elytra and alae, the position of the bristles on the ventrites 4-5-6. The shape of the first antennary segment and its chaetotaxy appear as more discriminating criteria, but supposes the integrity of the bristles. The identification is sometimes malaise due to the fragility of the bristles (first antennomere, submentum). Nebria (Alpaeonebria) reichei Dejean, 1826 has a variable chaetotaxy of antenna, 1 to 3 bristles on the first antennomere. The individuals with yellow appendages and legs provided with 2 unequal length can be confused with transsylvanica. They are distinguished by the triangular shape of the aileron (S-shaped in transsylvanica). Molecular data are given for the first time on Carpathian Nebria. The mitochondrial markers (COI I, cyt b) clearly identify the species studied and confirm that alpigrada does not belong to transsylvanica. The results show an infraspecific variability of geographic and altitudinal origin in jockischi one of the most widespread species (gyllenhali, jockischi, reichei).
In Vitro Assessment of Gentamicin Cytotoxicity on the Selected Mammalian Cell Line (Vero cells)
Authors: Kovacik Anton , Tvrda Eva , Fulopova Diana , Cupka Peter , Kovacikova Eva , Zbynovska Katarina , Massanyi Peter
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of different concentrations (500-7500 μg/mL) of gentamicin - GENT (aminoglycoside antibiotic) on the selected mammalian cell line (Vero - cell line from African green monkey kidney). Analysis of the cell morphological changes was microscopically evaluated (magnification × 400). Quantification of Ca, Mg and total proteins was performed using spectrophotometry on device Rx Monza (Randox). Quantification of Na, K and Cl was performed on the automatic analyzer EasyLyte. The cell viability was assessed using the metabolic mitochondrial MTT test. Vero cells were able to survive at concentrations of 500 (89.21 %), 1000 (79.54 %) and 2000 μg/mL (34.59 %). We observed statistically significant decrease of vital cell content at concentrations of 2000, 4500, 7500 μg/mL against control group. Vero cell line slightly reacted to the presence of GENT but total proteins and mineral parameters were not significantly affected. Vero cells were highly sensitive to GENT with a significant decrease of viability at concentrations of 2000 and 4500 μg/mL (P < 0.001). Our data reveal that GENT has a significant cytotoxic and adverse effect on the cell viability.
Assessment of Performance for Elastomeric Bearings Used on Bridges and Viaducts
Authors: Popa Sorin Adrian
Published: January 2018

The in service safety and reliability assurance of bridges and viaducts is determined by the choice of materials and products suitable for the design bearing solution of that construction structure. The paper proposes an operational solution for the performance characteristics assessment and verification of elastomeric bearings, which will be the basis for the consistent and coherent application of the requirements established by technical and legal regulations in the construction domain.
Upon the Numerical Simulation of the Foam Materials Behavior Using Element Free Galerkin Method
Authors: Nastasescu Vasile , Barsan Ghita , Mocian Oana
Published: January 2018

The foam materials, by construction and by characteristic properties (low density, large deformations, great flexibility, Poisson ratio practically zero etc.), are widely used in many and various domains. The numerical simulation of the foam material behavior raises some difficulties, which can be impassable under certain circumstances. This paper presents some of our researching results in numerical modeling of foam materials, which can be very useful for those interested in numerical modeling of the foam materials. Numerical modeling used by the authors is based on the finite element method (FEM) and on the element-free Galerkin (EFG) method. The results are presented in a comparatively way and they also present how some usually running errors can be avoided. The conclusions and the results are considered by the authors very useful in modeling of the foam materials and in choosing of the most fitted method too.
CMPH: a multivariate phase-type aggregate loss distribution
Authors: Ren Jiandong , Zitikis Ricardas
Published: January 2018

We introduce a compound multivariate distribution designed for modeling insurance losses arising from different risk sources in insurance companies. The distribution is based on a discrete-time Markov Chain and generalizes the multivariate compound negative binomial distribution, which is widely used for modeling insurance losses.We derive fundamental properties of the distribution and discuss computational aspects facilitating calculations of risk measures of the aggregate loss, as well as allocations of the aggregate loss to individual types of risk sources. Explicit formulas for the joint moment generating function and the joint moments of different loss types are derived, and recursive formulas for calculating the joint distributions given. Several special cases of particular interest are analyzed. An illustrative numerical example is provided.
An Improved Family of Estimators of Finite Population Mean Using Information on an Auxiliary Variable in Sample Surveys
Authors: Singh H. P. , Yadav A.
Published: January 2018

In this paper we have suggested a family of estimators of the population mean using auxiliary information in sample surveys. The bias and mean squared error of the proposed class of estimators have been obtained under large sample approximation. We have derived the conditions for the parameters under which the proposed class of estimators has smaller mean squared error than the sample mean, ratio, product, regression estimator and the two parameter ratio-product-ratio estimators envisaged by Chami et al (2012). An empirical study is carried out to demonstrate the performance of the proposed class of estimators over other existing estimators.
Use of power transformation for estimating the population mean in presence of non-response in successive sampling
Authors: Pal S. K. , Singh H. P.
Published: January 2018

This paper addresses the problem of estimating the population mean at the current occasion in two occasion successive sampling when non-response occurs on the current (second) occasions. Using the power transformation we have suggested classes of estimators of current population mean and their properties are studied. Optimum replacement strategies for the proposed estimators have been given and empirical studies are carried out to assess the performance of estimators. We have made suitable recommendation to the practitioners on the basis of the empirical study.
A Cross-Sectoral Study of Value Profiles and Differences between Employees in Private and Public Sector in South East Europe
Authors: Gashi Ljuan Marko , Pozega Zeljko , Crnkovic Boris
Published: January 2018

This study of cultures across 6 countries (7 regions) shows that each region has its own specificity and its own unique employee value profile. Value profiles have been explored as a potential diagnostic tool on the basis of Hofstede’s value dimensions in the service of human resource development at the local level. The resulting employee value profiles are based on a representative sample of employees in the private and public sectors. Significant similarity in value profiles have been found for employees from Croatia and Serbia compared to Romania, Hungary, Slovenia and Italy, both in the public and private sector. The research results suggest the direction that managers and policymakers need to take in order to understand what employees’ values are, how they can be used, and how to address the challenges of human resource development in their region.
When a Right is a Wrong: Compensation for Acts of Necessity
Authors: Lauta Kristian Cedervall
Published: January 2018

The article analyses legal theory on compensation for acts of necessity. It set out to answer why a legally sanctioned act should be subject to compensation as a tort. The article accounts for present doctrines and theories. Based on this overview, the article suggest that the field presently operates from a shared set of idealised facts and that this limits the application of the prevalent theories. In order to devise a more flexible model, the article approaches the issue of compensation as inherent in the necessity decision itself. This sets out to solve the issue of compensation on a case-to-case basis under consideration of what causes the least possible interference. Accordingly, the issue of compensation must include a wide range of arguments and interests, rather than one structuring rule.
The internally layered foot in Dutch
Authors: Kager René , Martínez-Paricio Violeta
Published: January 2018

Recent metrical studies have proposed that, under certain circumstances, a weak syllable may be adjoined to a binary foot, giving rise to a minimally recursive foot. Adding to a growing body of research from metrical stress and foot-conditioned phenomena in various languages, the goals of this paper are twofold. First, we aim at providing empirical evidence for internally layered feet based on the distribution of three foot-conditioned processes of Dutch: vowel reduction, glottal stop /ʔ/ insertion and /h/ licensing/deletion. Second, we explore a less studied theoretical and descriptive advantage of internally layered feet: their potential to predict phonological strength distinctions that go beyond the traditional weak vs. strong dichotomy. In support of this view, we will argue that all three above-mentioned foot-based processes of Dutch distinguish between two types of unstressed syllables. We will demonstrate that the metrical representation that best captures this dual patterning of unstressed syllables necessitates internally layered feet.
Responses of Aspergillus niger to selected environmental factors
Authors: Šimonovičová Alexandra , Nosalj Sanja , Takáčová Alžbeta , Mackuľak Tomáš , Jesenák Karol , Čerňanský Slavomír
Published: January 2018

Four wild type strains of A. niger were collected from soil and stream sediments representing environments with variable level of As, Sb, Al, Fe, Cd, Cu, and Zn contamination. Banská Štiavnica-Šobov (S), Pezinok-Kolársky vrch (P) and Slovinky (Sl) represent contaminated localities. Locality Gabčíkovo (G) was as a control site. The influence of toxic elements in these substrates on fungal growth, colony size, enzymatic activity, production of organic acids and their pelletization in water suspensions with montmorillonite was studied. The aim of our study was to find out how the wild type strains from (contaminated) environment will behave in different model solutions. We also wanted to add some new information in this area of study, because that there is some gap in the available knowledge.
NiCu magnetic nanoparticles: review of synthesis methods, surface functionalization approaches, and biomedical applications
Authors: Ban Irena , Stergar Janja , Maver Uroš
Published: January 2018

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have attracted extensive interest in recent years because of their unique magnetic, electronic, catalytical, optical, and chemical properties. Lately, research on bimetallic MNPs based on nickel and copper (NiCu MNPs) gained momentum owing to their desired properties for use in biomedicine, such as their chemical stability, biocompatibility, and highly tunable magnetic properties by means of synthesis parameter tuning. The general interest of using NiCu MNPs in biomedical applications is still low, although it is steadily increasing as can be deduced from the number of related publications in the last years. When exposed to an alternating magnetic field (AMF), superparamagnetic particles (such as NiCu MNPs) generate heat by relaxation losses. Consequently, magnetic hyperthermia in cancer treatment seems to be their most promising application in medicine, although others are emerging as well, such as their use to guide potent drugs to the targeted site or to prolong their localization at a desired site in the body. This review is the first, to the best of our knowledge, that covers the available knowledge related to the preparation of NiCu MNPs using different methods, their resulting properties, and the already developed functionalization methods and that discusses everything mentioned in relation to their possible applicability in biomedicine.
Antibacterial activity of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized by co-precipitation technology against Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Ansari Shakeel Ahmed , Oves Mohammad , Satar Rukhsana , Khan Anish , Ahmad Syed Ismail , Jafri Mohammad Alam , Zaidi Syed Kashif , Alqahtani Mohammad Husein
Published: January 2018

The present study investigates the synthesis and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs) for their antibacterial potential against Bacillus cereus and Klebsiella pneumonia by modified disc diffusion and broth agar dilution methods. DLS and XRD results revealed the average size of synthesized Fe3O4-NPs as 24 nm while XPS measurement exhibited the spin-orbit peak of Fe 2p3/2 binding energy at 511 eV. Fe3O4-NPs inhibited the growth of K. pneumoniae and B. cereus in both liquid and soild agar media, and displayed 26 mm and 22 mm zone of inhibitions, respectively. MIC of Fe3O4-NPs was found to be 5 μg/mL against these strains. However, MBC for these strains was observed at 40 μg/mL concentration of Fe3O4-NPs for exhibiting 40–50% loss in viable bacterial cells and 80 μg/mL concentration of Fe3O4-NPs acted as bactericidal for causing 90–99% loss in viability. Hence, these nanoparticles can be explored for their additional antimicrobial and biomedical applications.
The structure and properties of eucalyptus fiber/phenolic foam composites under N-β(aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyl trimethoxy silane pretreatments
Authors: Ma Yufeng , Wang Chunpeng , Chu Fuxiang
Published: January 2018

Eucalyptus fibers were modified with N-β(aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyl trimethoxy silane to research the fiber surface’s changes and the influence of the treatment on the mechanical properties, flame resistance, thermal conductivity and microstructure of eucalyptus fiber composite phenolic foams (EFCPFs). The results showed that the partial of hemicelluloses, waxes, lignin and impurities from the fiber surface were dissolved and removed. Compared with untreated EFCPFs, the mechanical properties of treated EFCPFs were increased dramatically; The size of cells was smaller and the distribution was more uniform; The thermal conductivities were basically reduced; Especially the ratio of mass loss decreased obviously. However limited oxygen indexs (LOIs) reduced. And the mechanical properties and LOIs of EFCPFs were basically decreased with the increase of eucalyptus fibers. By comprehensive analysis, the results showed that the interfacial compatibility has been significantly improved between eucalyptus fibers and phenolic resin. And the suitable dosage of eucalyptus fibers was about 5%.
Plastic pipe solidification in extrusion
Authors: Poungthong Pongthep , Kolitawong Chanyut , Saengow Chaimongkol , Giacomin Alan Jeffrey
Published: January 2018

In plastic pipe extrusion, hot molten extrudate emerges from an annular. This highly viscous liquid is then cooled and solidified, calledquenching, in a quench tank. In this paper, we focus on the external cooling system. We use an adiabatic inner wall and differing outer wall boundary conditions: isothermal and convection. The solid-liquid interface, at the solidification temperature, moves inward with deceleration. We adimensionalize the energy balance and solve for the interface speed in terms of the solidifcation coefficient,λ. We arrive at the exact solutions for the evolving solidified thickness. Finally, we use the residual stress model developed by Jansen [Int. Polym. Proc. 1994, 9, 82–89]. to predict the compressive residual stress at the outer pipe surface. Our new exact solution for the solidification time agrees well with the data from the plastic pipe industry. The goals of this paper are to help plastics engineers calculate the solidification time, to design the cooling chamber and to predict the residual quenching stress.
Monitoring dispersive samples with single photons: the role of frequency correlations
Authors: Roccia Emanuele , Genoni Marco G. , Mancino Luca , Gianani Ilaria , Barbieri Marco , Sbroscia Marco
Published: January 2018

The physics that governs quantum monitoring may involve other degrees of freedom than the ones initialised and controlled for probing. In this context we address the simultaneous estimation of phase and dephasing characterizing a dispersive medium, and we explore the role of frequency correlations within a photon pair generated via parametric down-conversion, when used as a probe for the medium. We derive the ultimate quantum limits on the estimation of the two parameters, by calculating the corresponding quantum Cramér-Rao bound; we then consider a feasible estimation scheme, based on the measurement of Stokes operators, and address its absolute performances in terms of the correlation parameters, and, more fundamentally, of the role played by correlations in the simultaneous achievability of the quantum Cramér- Rao bounds for each of the two parameters.
Real Estate for the Ageing Society – the Perspective of a New Market
Authors: Kazak Jan , van Hoof Joost , Świąder Małgorzata , Szewrański Szymon
Published: January 2018

Currently, one of the key challenges on a global scale is the issue of an ageing society. The UN predicts that the number of people aged 60 and over will double by 2050 and treble by 2100. In the coming years, the demand for real estate that addresses the specific needs of older people will increase both qualitatively and quantitatively. Therefore, two main questions arise: What are the architectural features of real estate required to accommodate for the needs of an ageing society? Which European Union countries seem to have the highest and lowest potential to create a segment of the real estate market focused on older people? This paper contains a research overview in the field of the built environment for older people and case studies of different policies established by public authorities from past decades. The potential for real estate for an ageing society in EU countries was determined on the basis of variables collected by the UNECE. The results also enable assumptions to be made on which factors may influence future development in this area. Due to global climate changes combined with the urbanization process and resulting deterioration of air quality, heat island effect or poor accessibility to open areas, the ageing society will have to face the problem of adapting to these new conditions. Therefore, the authors assume that this will have a significant impact on the relocation of this age group on the real estate market in the future. The conclusions of the research contribute to general discussion on new trends in the real estate market and the assessment of future investments in real estate.
Conditions and Directions of Investing on the World Real Estate Market
Authors: Siemińska Ewa , Krajewska Małgorzata
Published: January 2018

The main topic assumed in the article are investments in the real estate market, with particular consideration given to their scale and changes in the directions of investing in the context of a dynamically changing geopolitical and economic situation throughout the world. This is seeing as how the activity of investors reflects the need and preferences of various groups of buyers and users of built surfaces, while accounting for the risk accompanying investment decisions as well as the widely understood operating conditions.

Constant observation and monitoring of these phenomena, their dynamics as well as structural changes is a remarkably important and very needed study, both as far as science and practical application are concerned, as it allows for the processes taking place to be tracked, while their informational value is more valuable the more uncertain the market and more difficult it and the behaviors of its participants are to predict.

The work uses the newest available reports and analyses of the largest auditors dealing with worldwide and global real estate markets, such as: JLL, Colliers International, CBRE, Cushman&Wakefield, KPMG, World Economic Forum, or Savills and UBS Group Ag.

The aim of the work is the synthetic analysis of changes and directions of investing on the real estate market on a global scale, in the context of the newest political-economic situations throughout the world.