bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Proposal to Characterize the Angular Speed and Acceleration of the Torsional Recovery of a Polymer-Modified Asphalt Binder Incorporating Synthetic Wax
Authors: Jamshidi Ali , Hamzah Meor Othman , Hosseinpour Mehdi
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study is to propose a simple methodology based on the Newtonian mechanics or classic kinematic laws for the characterization of the average torsional recovery speed (ω) and the torsional recovery acceleration (ώ) of a polymer-modified asphalt binder incorporating a type of synthetic wax as a warm mix additive. The correlation of the rheological properties of the modified binder in terms of the torsional recovery (TR), along with the engineering properties of prepared warm mixture asphalt in terms of resilient modulus (MR) and indirect tensile strength (ITS), were evaluated. The results indicated that TR, ω, and ώ of the asphalt binders increase as the synthetic wax content increases. The results also indicated that TR, ω, and ώ have strong correlations with rutting factor (G*/sin δ), non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr), and recovery percentage (R) of the asphalt. Moreover, there is a significant relationship between the parameters of TR, ω, and ώ and the engineering properties of the mixture samples, irrespective of the construction temperatures.
Personajes indecisos: Discurso, identidad e incertidumbre narrativa
Authors: Rodríguez Sergio
Published: April 2015

Partiendo de la idea de que las identidades de los personajes en las narraciones son un fenómeno discursivo, este artículo busca explicar cómo esas identidades pueden volverse difusas e inciertas, y cómo esa incertidumbre puede tener implicaciones semióticas que, en ocasiones, son usadas para favorecer el estilo y el significado de una narración.
Primero, se hace una explicación acerca de la identidad entendida como una construcción discursiva, es decir, como un fenómeno público, una construcción parcial y editada que es interpretada de acuerdo a propósitos particulares, y en situaciones específicas por agentes que buscan dar sentido y coherencia a una narración. Posteriormente se explica cómo se pueden presentar casos de identidades inciertas o difusas, cuando se dificultan la identificación y la significación coherente de los personajes; y se ejemplifica cómo esa incertidumbre puede usarse provechosamente en la construcción de narraciones.
Conceptos para el desarrollo de un modelo de formación en competencias tecnológicas para Colombia
Authors: Díaz Pérez Vianney Rocío , Pedraza Ortíz Alexandra , Valdiri Lugo Luz Elena
Published: April 2015

Las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación [TIC] han revolucionado el mundo, y hacen que evolucione rápidamente. En el contexto educativo, la incorporación de las TIC ha implicado cambios en la concepción del proceso mismo, el rol de docentes y estudiantes, las metodologías para la enseñanza-aprendizaje y las competencias que unos y otros deben desarrollar para ajustarse. Por lo anterior, este artículo busca presentar una revisión conceptual, que se ha llevado a cabo en el marco del proyecto de investigación Competencias en tecnología educativa para profesores y estudiantes de licenciaturas en Colombia asociadas con las TIC, financiado por la Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, principalmente en torno a los conceptos de tecnologías de la información, globalización, alfabetización digital, competencias tecnológicas, modos de aprendizaje vinculados al medio (e-learning, b-learning, u-learning y m-learning), nativos e inmigrantes digitales.
Saber, manipulación y poder. La universidad como institución social
Authors: Peña Napoleón Murcia , Suárez Audín Aloiso Gamboa
Published: April 2015

El texto es una reflexión sobre la universidad como institución social, realizada a partir de varios estudios desarrollados en los cuales se evidencia el interés de algunas estancias por convertirla en un escenario de manipulación y control, lo que la reduce a la racionalidad de los organismos funcionales, frente a la dinámica propia que la universidad instaura como institución social, cuya base se moviliza desde las significaciones imaginarias sociales. En este proceso, se muestra desde la lógica de la teoría de los imaginarios sociales la forma como la universidad se configura e institucionaliza en una tensión constante, entre el saber y el control, entre la función y la institución, y se dan las bases que la definen y posicionan como institución imaginaria social.
Application of Ranked Set Sampling to Normality Tests
Authors: Erem A. , Arslan G.
Published: March 2015

The normality assumption is used in many statistical analyses and is also a fundamental concept in statistics. Because of this there are many statistical tests for testing the normality assumption. Two of the most primitive ones are the R and Z tests. The main aim of this study is to investigate the application of ranked set sampling to these tests. Therefore, by using the idea of ranked set sampling, modifications of the R and Z tests are considered. Using simulations the results of these new tests are discussed.
Digital Resource Exchange About Music (DREAM): Usability Testing Results
Authors: Upitis Rena , Abrami Philip , Brook Julia , Pickup David , Johnson Laura
Published: March 2015

The purpose of the study was to determine how music teachers respond to DREAM, a virtual space for exchanging information about digital learning tools. The research determined how teachers experienced DREAM during beta testing in terms of (a) navigation, (b) search and browse functions, and (c) quality of resources. Data were collected from over 80 music teachers using focus groups, questionnaires, log sheets, and site analytics to determine if the tool met their teaching needs. Participants in the final phase of testing completed a questionnaire about professional context and skill level using computers and mobile devices and also filled out log sheets at the end of each of four testing sessions. User experiences were analyzed in terms of usefulness, efficiency, and satisfaction. With each new phase of beta testing, navigation and search mechanisms were improved and more resources were added by the participants. By the end of the study, DREAM provided an intuitive and efficient tool for a range of music teaching needs. The results of the usability study give strong support for the importance of beta testing, which ultimately led to the creation of an effective and attractive tool for studio music teachers to keep abreast about digital technologies. In a profession where many teachers experience isolation, DREAM has the potential to serve as a vital site to enable teachers to find rich digital resources to enhance their music teaching practices.
Self-Harming Behavior And Its Relation With Previous Psychological or Psychiatric Care
Authors: Hrubá Veronika , Burešová Iva , Čerňák Michal
Published: March 2015

The study was realized in cooperation with grant support: MUNI/A/0790/2012 "Verifying the psychometric properties of diagnostic tools for screening the incidence and forms of self-harm among school children". This study explores self-harming behavior among adolescents (12-15 years old) and its relation with previous psychological or psychiatric care. There is a connection to the process occurrence type of self-harm between adolescents who have been or are in psychological or psychiatric care and those who were never been. The results can spread our knowledge about self-harm behavior, which is very common teenage phenomenon. Furthermore, it can be used to specify the support for adolescents who do self-harm. In accordance with the research objectives were quantitative, exploratory data, in a one-shot cross-sectional survey using self-report measures. Our sample was 1110 adolescents between 12 to 15 years old. In our sample were 84 adolescents who do or did self-harm. The methods for measuring self-harm included the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI; Sansone, Sansone, & Wiederman, 1995). The main differences were found in occurrence of self-harm behavior between children who have never been in psychological or psychiatric care (20%) and the others (40%). Small differences were found also in different type of self-harm behavior. On the other hand we did not find differences in the self-harm process. There are differences between those adolescents who have never been in psychological or psychiatric care and the others. We hope that the results of this study could help to understand the self-harming behavior, which is currently spreading among adolescents. It could be a useful guide for those, who are working with the youth.
Impact of A Remedial Strategy on Trigonometrical Error Patterns- A Case Study
Authors:   Principal, BCM College of Education, Ludhiana, Khushvinder Kumar Khushvinder Kumar , Kumar Gaurav ,   Asst. Prof. Moga College of Education, Ghal Kalan, Moga
Published: April 2015

Mathematics in daily life, to a large extent is problem solving. Problem solving approach which is core of teaching and learning of Mathematics, depends upon trial and error theory. The errors committed by students cannot be eliminated but reduced to certain extent by studying their causes. Teaching is a process in which a teacher follows various steps out of which two major steps are to discover the errors of students and to provide the remedy for the errors. An attempt was made in the present investigation to study the causes in case of a subject which showed minimum reduction of errors. It was found that the conceptual errors in case of the subject were not reduced.
An Analysis of Select Models of Rural Education in Developing Nations and Their Possible Applicability in India
Authors:   Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Singh Shweta
Published: April 2015

This study conceptually analyses select rural education models which have been implemented successfully in various developing countries. The models chosen for the study possess distinct features- administrative, financial, academic as well as ideological- which have led them to achieve better qualitative standards in education for rural and underprivileged children. The paper points out those features which resonate the most with the Indian socio-economic scenario and discusses the possibility of applying the same in the Indian rural education system. The study is based on the review and analysis of secondary sources. The researcher has accessed scholarly articles,research papers, published reports and online literature for the study.
‘Enhancing the Employability of Students’ Passing from Technical Institutions
Authors:   National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Bhopal, Ganorkar S. R. , Tiwari Anjana ,   National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research, Bhopal
Published: April 2015

India has the world’s second largest education system and provides one of the largest pool of skilled manpower. In the recent years, the problem of under-employment or rather unemployment among technical and professional engineering graduates & diploma pass outs is a cause of serious concern. Substandard Institutes are producing mere graduates & diploma holders instead of technically sound and competent professionals as intended. These pass outs are either under- employed or if employed, they do not fulfill or meet out the expectations of Industries or organizations. There is immediate need to take few corrective measures by the academic coordinators, policy makers and management of the institutes associated in providing technical manpower to the industries system; otherwise India will face an explosion of unemployed technical graduates/diploma holders. The world of academia will have to understand the nerve of Industries/organizations and require producing true professionals instead of mere graduates/diploma holders. The paper principally focuses on the multiple ways and means with suggested strategies for the technical teachers as well as institutions to plan, practice and administer such innovations in to their daily instructions, so as to fulfill the gap to a large extent
OSOBENNOSTI MODELIROVANIYa FIL'TRATsIIV KRUPNOPORISTYKh MATERIALAKh KONSTRUKTsIY VODOZABORNO-OChISTNYKh SOORUZhENIY
Authors: VDOVIN Yu. I , STRELKOV D. A
Published: March 2015

Scientific and engineering aspects of modelling the filtration in coarse-pored materials of water intake-treatment plants structures are considered. There have been formulated basic matters for modelling the filtration for solving the problems of improving the technology of water withdrawal from water sources and the construction of water intake-treatment plants. Criteria of modelling filtration processes and washing water inlets filters are observed.
ABOUT THE DEMAND FOR RELIABILITY VALUES OF WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE SYSTEMS
Authors: GAL'PERIN E. M
Published: March 2015

It has been studied that major drawbacks in formulating the requirements for the reliability of water supply and sewerage systems in existing regulations are related to the fact of their being formulated in the first part of the XXth century. These regulations dont take into account the latest achievements in the reliability theory appeared and developed successfully in the second part of the XXth century. Among these achievements there is a methodologically correct selection of indices for estimating the reliability of complex technical systems. The selection of science-based reliability indices for water supply and sewerage systems and their introduction in the existing regulations is the task of primary importance.
INFLUENCE OF WASTEWATERS OF MUNICIPAL BIOLOGICAL WATER TREATMENT PLANTS ON THE CONDITION OF BENTHIC CENOSES IN THE BELAYA RIVER
Authors: KAREVA E. S , BIKKININ A. R
Published: March 2015

The article reports on the results of the study of the Belaya rivers ecological condition in the area of wastewater ejection from the biofeedback in Ufa by analyzing the condition of benthic animals community. The degradation of benthic cenoses in the area of wastewater ejection is noted. The ecological condition becomes better 500 m lower the ejections, saprobity index of river waters decreases to the value minor pollution, however the number and biomasses of macrozoobenthos stays lower here than background values.
COMPARATIVE HYDRAULIC TESTS OF DRAINAGE CAPS IN WATER PURIFYING FILTERS WASHING REGIME
Authors: KIM A. N , UTIN A. V
Published: March 2015

According to researchers, the coefficient of discharge fails to reflect the efficiency of brand new makes of drainage caps with their state-of-the-art materials. Further research is required to work out new criteria of comparison of different types of drainage caps.
RESULTS OF RESEARCH ON TECHNOLOGY OF MAKING ANTI - FILTRATION ELEMENTS OF DAMS BY POURING FAST HARDENING MATERIALS
Authors: MIKhASEK A. A.
Published: March 2015

The results of research on creation of anti-filtration elements in dams with use of fast-hardening materials are presented. The amount of material consumed is defined as a technological parameter. Dependence of consumed material determining on the thickness of a layer is obtained. On the basis of the received dependence technical and economic comparison of options is made, the efficiency of the given technology is established.
COMPOSITE ORGANIC BINDER BASED ON TECHNOLOGICAL WASTE OF DRILLING ENGINEERING INDUSTRY COMPANYS
Authors: ShEINA T. V , TsUKER A. A
Published: March 2015

In the article the rubber compound composition is considered in detail. It is used in rubber rings of cone drill bit at Volgaburmashjoint stock company. In the laboratory the omposite organic binder was prepared on the basis of bitumen, oil-slime and crashed rubber waste of gasket rubber rings of cone drill bit (fr. 1mm). This binder has extremely heat stability and crack resistance and as a result it has wide range of plasticity at high and low temperatures. On the basis of this organic binder asphalt concrete with improved heat, crack and water resistance was prepared.
THE FUTURE OF THE USE OF EPOXY RESINS IN THE ROAD SECTOR
Authors: ShEINA T. V , KULEShOVA E. N
Published: March 2015

Traffic on the road is increasing constantly and uncontrollably, that makes necessary to build roads from fundamentally new materials. An alternative to modern asphalt- and cement concretes is epoxy polymer concrete surpassing them in performance figures and durability. However, high cost of organic binder limits its wide application in the road sector, and it leads to the necessity of studying of plastics and petroleum industries waste. The possibility of obtaining of epoxy polymer concrete is based on bicomponent epoxy primer waste of the enterprise Novatek-Polymer and sludges of Syzran and Kuibyshev refineries oil. The developed compositions are recommended for foundations and airfields pavements and roads of Ist, IInd technical categories for all road-climatic zones.
MODELLING OF INDUCTION HEATING OF EXTRUDER BARREL DURING MANUFACTURING EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE SLABS
Authors: DANILUShKIN A. I , DANILUShKIN V. A
Published: March 2015

The mathematical models of the process of indirect induction heating of granulated polystyrene in extruder during manifacturing of expanded polystyrene slabs are viewed. The proposed models are used to design energy-efficient construction of induction heaters in extrusion- type line for the production of expanded polystyrene slabs.
ARCHITECTURAL SPACES IN MODERN URBANIZED CITY SYSTEM
Authors: SMOLENSKAYa E. O
Published: March 2015

The article deals with the basic problems of systemic organization of spatial structures in the urban environment. The examples of the environment organization in international practice are given. The indexes of space quality are described. The methods of organization and reorganization of public architectural spaces in the urban environment are suggested.
RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF UN DOCUMENTS ON THE PROBLEMS OF LIVING ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: VAVILOVA T. Ya
Published: March 2015

In the article the official documents of the UN before the XXIth century are viewed. It concerns the questions of interaction between the society and the environment. The experience of formation and improvement of sustainable development notion is generalized. Special attention is paid to the problems of urbanization.
PUNCHING PERFORMANCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AND IN ARCHITECTURE
Authors: KARAKOVA T. V
Published: March 2015

In the article the results of analysis of punched surfaces use in architectural objects and environmental design, including in object design are presented. The inclusion of similar structures differs in character of punched planes cooperating with light. As a result of such interaction the new system formation and the new composite context is born.
URBAN FORMATION OF SAMARA AND ITS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AT THE END OF THE XIXth – THE BEGINNING OF THE XXth CENTURY
Authors: BAL'ZANNIKOVA E. M
Published: March 2015

The specific features of Samara origin and of the formation of industrial areas in its historical part are viewed. The location of enterprises at earlier stages of industrial production development was defined first of all by natural factors: enterprises were located along the rivers. The end of the XIXth century for Samara is characterized with significant outburst of agriculture, especially of flour-milling industry. Samara was one of the main flour suppliers to European countries. The construction of Samara Zlatoust Railway and the development of river shipping provided new perspectives for the development of the city and facilitated its transforming into a large industrial center of Russia.
Ocriplasmin for the Treatment of Symptomatic Vitreomacular Adhesion/Traction
Authors: Kuppermann Baruch D ,   Professor of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering; Chief, Retina Service; Vice-Chair, Clinical Research, Ophthalmology School of Medicine, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California, Irvine, 850 Health Sciences Road, Irvine, CA 92697, US. E: bdkupper@uci.edu
Published: March 2015

Ocriplasmin has recently been introduced as a new treatment option for patients with symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion/vitreomacular traction (VMA/VMT). Understanding its potential as well as its limitations is crucial as it becomes an additional tool in the management of these diseases. In this article the overall efficacy and safety of ocriplasmin are reviewed, focusing on the results from the phase III clinical trials as well as recently published case reports and postmarketing data analysis. Efficacy data from ocriplasmin use in a clinical setting support the subanalysis of the phase III clinical trial data. This analysis demonstrated that certain baseline ocular characteristics, namely focal VMA, and absence of epiretinal membrane, are predictive of VMA resolution. Safety findings show that the overall percentage of patients experiencing adverse events during the clinical trial program was low in ocriplasmin-treated patients. Postmarketing surveillance data corroborate findings from the phase III trials, and provide additional insights into the characterization of the safety profile of this new treatment option.
Telemedicine Screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Quinn Graham E ,   Professor of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Attending Surgeon, Division of Ophthalmology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Wood Center, 1st Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, US. E: QUINN@email.chop.edu
Published: March 2015

A telemedicine system for identifying eyes with potentially serious retinopathy of prematurity has a high likelihood of success and can provide a reasonable alternative to examination by ophthalmologists as long as there is available ophthalmologic expertise if treatment is needed. Such an alternative may be particularly important in countries with rapidly developing neonatal care systems or widely dispersed populations.
Robust Cooperation in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Krzesinski Anthony
Published: April 2015

Consider a mobile ad hoc network where the nodes belong to different authorities. The nodes must be given incentives to spend their resources (battery power and transmission bandwidth) in forwarding packets that originate at nodes belonging to another authority.  This can be done by assigning a credit balance to each node: when a node acts as an originating node it uses its credits to pay for the costs of sending its own traffic; when a node acts as a transit node it earns credits by forwarding traffic from other nodes.This paper presents a credit-based incentive scheme which assists nodes when they lack the credits necessary to transmit their data. An essential part of the credit-based scheme is a decentralised credit redistribution mechanism to destroy (create) credit at nodes that are over (under) supplied with credit.The goal of this paper is to investigate the effect of various fraudulent activities on the performance of the credit-based incentive scheme. We show that the credit-based scheme is inherently robust with respect to a number of fraudulent activities, provided the nodes behave in a rational manner. We show that credit redistribution is the main reason why the credit-based incentive scheme is relatively immune to fraud.
Flow Assurance: Hydrates and Paraffin Management
Authors: Borden Keefe
Published: April 2015

As operators move into more remote regions, deeper offshore depths, and into regions that yield more challenging reservoir fluids, they face difficulty in keeping the produced fluids and gas flowing through the lines. The field of flow assurance, the coupling of multiphase flow and production chemistry, was born out of necessity as it has grown in concern to all operators.
Assessing and Mitigating Corrosion in Closed Loop Cooling Water Systems
Authors: Boschee Pam
Published: April 2015

Closed loop cooling water systems that are critical to the operation of machinery and process equipment depend on heat exchangers. The quality of the water used in the system can adversely affect the integrity and reliability of the heat exchangers, resulting in accelerated corrosion rates, equipment failure, and downtime.
Seafloor Factory Concept Drives Subsea Power Technology Development
Authors: Ball Eldon
Published: April 2015

As offshore development moves into deeper waters, harsh environments, and longer distances, the economic and practical advantages of moving as many components to the seafloor as possible has become a driving factor in technology development.
Optimization of Reliability and Maintenance Unlocks Hidden Value
Authors: Boschee Pam
Published: April 2015

Unplanned capacity downtime due to equipment problems in onshore and offshore oil and gas production facilities translates not only into decreased volumes of sales product, but also the potential for interrelated equipment or process slowdowns or shutdowns. Compared to the US industrial average downtime ranging from 3% to 5%, the oil and gas industry’s estimated downtime ranges from 5% to 10%, indicating that improvement is needed in reliability and maintenance (R&M) of facilities, equipment, and processes.
Gas/Liquids Separators: Quantifying Separation Performance - Part 2
Authors: Bothamley Mark
Published: April 2015

In this second article of a three-part series, methods for improved quantification of operating performances of the gas gravity separation, the mist extraction, and the liquid gravity separation sections of gas/liquid separators are discussed. These methods can be used for the selection and design of new separators, as well as the rating of existing separators.
Taking a Closer Look at Why Projects Fail
Authors: Whitfield Stephen
Published: April 2015

Why do projects fail? It sounds like a simple question, but it has been at the forefront of the oil and gas industry for decades, the genesis of papers, panels, articles, and webinars. And, as the size and scope of projects continue to grow, this question takes on added significance. The high failure rate of projects is well documented. Companies want to find the most efficient ways of managing their investments, and when those investments do not meet their targets, they want to know the reasons.
Commissioning: Making the Connection Between Construction and Operations
Authors: Furlow William
Published: April 2015

Although the commissioning of a floating production system (FPS) generally takes place between the "mechanical completion" and "first oil" stages, commissioning activities begin long before then.
Human Factors: Getting to the Future Faster
Authors: Dunnahoe Tayvis
Published: April 2015

As a professional scientific discipline, Human Factors Engineering (HFE) is the study of designing equipment and machinery for use by humans. The field comprises a number of technical disciplines that bring specialist knowledge, skills, and techniques to mitigate risks associated with human errors in a number of safety critical industries. Many industries such as aviation and nuclear power have improved process safety by using approaches drawn from this field.
Gas/Liquids Separators: Quantifying Separation Performance - Part 3
Authors: Bothamley Mark
Published: April 2015

In this third article of a three-part series, the results of selected gas/liquid separation case studies/sensitivities are presented to show the effects of key separator selection/sizing decision parameters, fluid properties, and operational parameters. The results are generated from an Excel spreadsheet model, which incorporates the equations/methods outlined in Part 1 and 2 of this series published in 2013 August and October Oil and Gas Facilities issues, respectively. The Excel Solver add-in is used to find the optimum separator size, in this case defined as the lowest-weight vessel that satisfies the specified separation performance requirements as well as any applicable constraints.
Enhancing the Emotional and Social Skills of the Youth to Promote their Wellbeing and Positive Development: A Systematic Review of Universal School-based Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Sancassiani Federica , Pintus Elisa , Holte Arne , Paulus Peter , Moro Maria Francesca , Cossu Giulia , Angermeyer Matthias C , Carta Mauro Giovanni , Lindert Jutta
Published: March 2015

Background:

The acquisition of social and emotional skills is associated with positive youth development, character education, healthy lifestyle behaviours, reduction in depression and anxiety, conduct disorders, violence, bullying, conflict, and anger. School-based interventions aimed to enhance these skills go beyond a problem-focused approach to embrace a more positive view of health; they could also improve the youth’s wellbeing.

Aim:

To describe the main features and to establish the effectiveness of universal school-based RCTs for children and the youth, aimed to promote their psychosocial wellbeing, positive development, healthy lifestyle behaviours and/or academic performance by improving their emotional and social skills.

Methods:

Systematic review by searching for relevant papers in PubMed/Medline with the following key words: “mental health” OR “wellbeing” OR “health promotion” OR “emotional learning” OR “social learning” OR “emotional and social learning” OR “positive youth development” OR “life skills” OR “life skills training” AND “school”. Interval was set from January 2000 to April 2014.

Results:

1,984 papers were identified through the search. Out of them 22 RCTs were included. While most interventions were characterized by a whole-school approach and SAFE practices, few studies only used standardized measures to assess outcomes, or had collected follow-up data after ≥ 6 months. The results of all these trials were examined and discussed.

Conclusion:

Universal school-based RCTs to enhance emotional and social skills showed controversial findings, due to some methodological issues mainly. Nevertheless they show promising outcomes that are relatively far-reaching for children and youth wellbeing and therefore are important in the real world.
Integrating Children with Psychiatric Disorders in the Classroom: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cossu Giulia , Cantone Elisa , Pintus Mirra , Cadoni Michela , Pisano Anna , Otten Roy , Kuijpers Rowella , Pintus Elisa , Sancassiani Federica , Moro Maria Francesca , Holzinger Anita , Mereu Alessandra , Preti Antonio , Carta Mauro Giovanni
Published: March 2015

Background: The school setting may be the optimal context for early screening of and intervention on child mental health problems, because of its large reach and intertwinement with various participants (child, teacher, parent, other community services). But this setting also exposes children to the risk of stigma, peer rejection and social exclusion. This systematic literature review investigates the efficacy of mental health interventions addressed to children and adolescents in school settings, and it evaluates which programs explicitly take into account social inclusion indicators.Method: Only randomized controlled trials conducted on clinical populations of students and carried out in school settings were selected: 27 studies overall. Most studies applied group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Interpersonal Psychotherapy.Results: Findings were suggestive of the effectiveness of school-based intervention programs in reducing symptoms of most mental disorders. Some evidence was found about the idea that effective studies on clinical populations may promote the social inclusion of children with an ongoing mental disorder and avoid the risk of being highly stigmatized.Conclusion: School programs are still needed that implement standardized models with verifiable and evidence-based practices involving the whole school community.
Simultaneous Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease in a Husband and Wife in Their Mid-Fifties: What Do We Really Know About Environmental Factors?
Authors: Pelcovits Ari , Marriotti Rachel , Heath Jonathan , Perry George , Castellani Rudy J
Published: April 2015

Introduction:

Environmental factors can play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. We present a case of the simultaneous onset of Alzheimer’s disease in two middle aged adults.

Case presentation:

A married couple ages 54 year and 51-year-old female cohabiting together were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease within the same year. The patient’s both developed cognitive decline shortly after a major renovation of their property and followed a similar disease course. The diagnosis was supported by clinical presentation and tissue pathology on autopsy.

Conclusion:

Environmental factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Further understanding of the disease cascade is required.
Bilateral Papilledema as the First Sign of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Dysfunction§
Authors: Serna-Ojeda Juan Carlos , Aguirre-Mireles Montserrat , Camargo-Suarez Mayra Fabiola
Published: March 2015

A 12 year-old girl patient with a history of ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement at the age of 6 months presented with progressive bilateral decrease in visual acuity. Ophthalmologic examination was consistent with bilateral papilledema. No other systemic manifestations of increased intracranial pressure were evident and laboratory work-up excluded other inflammatory or infectious processes. We present here an interesting case of a patient with ophthalmologic manifestations as the initial finding of ventriculoperitoneal shunt dysfunction.
The Role of Intergroup Permeability on Chinese Migrant Children's Social Integration
Authors: Hao Zhen , Cui Lijuan
Published: April 2015

We used structural equation modeling to examine the influencing factors and mediating mechanism in the process of migrant children's social integration. Participants were 437 migrant children in Shanghai. The results showed that as a risk factor, perceived discrimination had a significant
negative effect on the migrant children's social integration. Intergroup permeability had a mediation effect in the relationship between migrant children's perceived discrimination and social integration. Self-esteem moderated the mediation effect of intergroup permeability, and the strength
of this mediation impact increased as the level of self-esteem did. Thus, intergroup permeability had a moderating mediation effect on the social integration of migrant children.
Evaluation of the temporal development of three introduced populations of brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, in Jizerské mountains, Czech Republic
Authors: Sanda Radek , Svátora Miroslav , Vukic Jasna , Hořická Zuzana , Sychrová Olga , Maric Sasa
Published: April 2015

Three populations of brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, established in
streams and reservoirs in the Jizersk? Mountains, Czech Republic, were
studied between 1995 and 2006. The maximum age was usually 3+ to 4+, but the
age 7+ was also recorded. The inflows of all reservoirs are populated mostly
by 0+ to 2+ brook trout, while older specimens live in a lentic environment,
migrating to lotic habitats only to spawn. The density of brook trout in
streams ranged from 8 to 95 individuals per 100 m2 during spring and summer,
while that for reservoirs ranged between 31 and 290 individuals per ha. A
strong negative correlation between the size of adult fish and population
density in reservoirs was observed. The type of management influenced both
density and growth of brook trout. Further introduction of this species in
the central European area should be restricted to habitats where native
salmonids cannot survive, such as acidified waters.
Serbian lymphoma study group: Demografic characteristics of 257 patients with follicular lymphoma
Authors: Simonovic Olivera , Macukanovic-Golubovic Lana , Andjelic Bosko , Antic Darko , Mihaljevic Biljana
Published: March 2015

Background/Aim. Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a B-cell tumor usually with
indolent clinical course, yet in some cases the course of the disease can be
very aggressive. The aim of the re-search was to determine distribution of
patients into prognostic groups based on the International Prognostic Index
(IPI) and Folicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) criteria,
as well as to determine the importance of classifying patients into the
prognostic groups, since this could potentially have the influence on
selection of the treatment modality. Methods. The retrospective study was
performed on 257 patients with follicular lymphoma diagnosed between January
2000 and April 2011. Results. Based on the IPI score, 153 (59.53%) patients
had low risk, 57 (22.18%) low intermediate risk, 15 (5.84%) high intermediate
risk, 9 (3.50%) high risk, whereas the classification of 23 patients
diagnosed with FL remained with unknown risk according to the IPI. Based on
the FLIPI prognostic index, 113 (43.97%) patients had low risk, 70 (27.24%)
intermediate risk and 51 (19.84%) high risk, whereas the classification of 23
(8.95%) patients remained unknown. On the basis of the FLIPI 2 prognostic
index, 48 (18.68%) patients had low risk, 145 (56.42%) intermediate risk and
41 (15.95%) high risk. The classification into prognostic groups for 23
(8.95%) patients remained unknown. According to the IPI, FLIPI and FLIPI 2
there were the patients that required treatment in all the risk groups.
Conclusion. The FLIPI and FLIPI 2 effectively identify patients at high risk,
thus helping in treatment decision for each single patient.
Failure of intravenous lipid emulsion in treatment of cardiotoxicity caused by mixed overdose including dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers
Authors: Jovic-Stosic Jasmina , Putic Vesna , Zivanovic Dragan , Mladenov Milica , Brajkovic Gordana , Djordjevic Snezana
Published: March 2015

Introduction. Calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers are among the most
frequently ingested cardiovascular drugs in self-poisoning causing
significant mortality. Intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) is reported as a
potentially novel antidote for treatment of acute poisoning caused by some of
these drugs. Case report. We presented two cases of poisoning with these
drugs. The case 1, a 24-year-old woman ingested amplodipine, metformin and
gliclazide for self-poisoning. She presented with tachycardia and
hypotension. Laboratory analyses revealed hyperglycaemia and metabolic
acidosis. Despite the treatment which included fluid resuscitation,
vasopressors, intravenous calcium, glucagon and ILE, circulatory shock
occurred. The patient died 10 hours after admission due to cardiac arrest
refractory to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The case 2, a 41-year old man,
was found in a coma with empty packages of nifedipine, metoprolol and
diazepam tablets. On admission vital signs included Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
of 3, weak palpable pulses, undetectable blood pressure, and irregular
breathing with oxygen saturation of 60%. An electrocardiography showed AV
block (Mobitz II) with ventricular rate of 44/min with progression to third
degree of AV block. In attempt to increase heart rate and blood pressure the
following agents were administered: atropine boluses, normal saline with
dopamine, glucagon, calcium chloride and ILE. Temporary transvenous pacemaker
was placed, electrical capture was recorded, but without improvement in
haemodynamics. Three hours after admission cardiac arrest happened and
cardiopulmonary resuscitation was unsuccessful. Conclusion. Intravenous lipid
emulsion may be ineffective in acute poisonings with amlodipine, nifedipine
or metoprolol.
Vibrational Properties of Sundatang Soundboard
Authors: Batahong Ronald Yusri , Dayou Jedol , Wang Semyung , Lee Jongsuh
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the measurement of vibrational properties of sundatang soundboard. Sundatang is a plucked stringed traditional musical instrument that is popular among the Kadazandusun communities in Sabah, Malaysia. The vibrational properties of the soundboard are measured using CADA-X impact hammering system in a condition where the instrument is without any string. There are two types of sundatang used in this study; one made from acacia and the other from vitex wood. In this measurement, frequency response functions (FRFs) and modal parameters of the top plate and back plate of this instrument are obtained. It is found that in free edge, fundamental frequency of both plates of acacia sundatang is greater than the vitex sundatang in a range of 112 Hz to 230 Hz. However, in clamped edge (attached to its ribs), it was modified to a lower frequency and closer to each other in the range of 55 Hz to 59 Hz. Another finding is the detection of the excitation of similar mode shape at different resonance frequencies. This phenomenon is termed as Different State of Mode (DSM) which is observed may be because the number of testing points is not enough. Findings of this study provide important information to the study of quality development of this instrument
Verification of the Calculation Assumptions Applied to Solutions of the Acoustic Measurements Uncertainty
Authors: Batko Wojciech , Bal Renata
Published: March 2015

The assessment of the uncertainty of measurement results, an essential problem in environmental acoustic investigations, is undertaken in the paper. An attention is drawn to the - usually omitted - problem of the verification of assumptions related to using the classic methods of the confidence intervals estimation, for the controlled measuring quantity.

Especially the paper directs attention to the need of the verification of the assumption of the normal distribution of the measuring quantity set, being the base for the existing and binding procedures of the acoustic measurements assessment uncertainty. The essence of the undertaken problem concerns the binding legal and standard acts related to acoustic measurements and recommended in: 'Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement' (GUM) (OIML 1993), developed under the aegis of the International Bureau of Measures (BIPM). The model legitimacy of the hypothesis of the normal distribution of the measuring quantity set in acoustic measurements is discussed and supplemented by testing its likelihood on the environment acoustic results.

The Jarque-Bery test based on skewness and flattening (curtosis) distribution measures was used for the analysis of results verifying the assumption. This test allows for the simultaneous analysis of the deviation from the normal distribution caused both by its skewness and flattening. The performed experiments concerned analyses of the distribution of sound levels: LD, LE, LN, LDWN, being the basic noise indicators in assessments of the environment acoustic hazards.
Active Noise Control Using a Fuzzy Inference System Without Secondary Path Modelling
Authors: Kurczyk Sebastian , Pawelczyk Marek
Published: March 2015

For many adaptive noise control systems the Filtered-Reference LMS, known as the FXLMS algorithm is used to update parameters of the control filter. Appropriate adjustment of the step size is then important to guarantee convergence of the algorithm, obtain small excess mean square error, and react with required rate to variation of plant properties or noise nonstationarity. There are several recipes presented in the literature, theoretically derived or of heuristic origin.

This paper focuses on a modification of the FXLMS algorithm, were convergence is guaranteed by changing sign of the algorithm steps size, instead of using a model of the secondary path. A TakagiSugeno-Kang fuzzy inference system is proposed to evaluate both the sign and the magnitude of the step size. Simulation experiments are presented to validate the algorithm and compare it to the classical FXLMS algorithm in terms of convergence and noise reduction.
The Preparation of Soluble Cellouronic Acid Sodium Salt by 4-Acetamide-TEMPO Mediated Oxidation of Ultrasound-Pretreated Parenchyma Cellulose from Bagasse Pith
Authors: Gao Xin , Chen Keli , Zhang Heng , Peng Lincai
Published: March 2015

The parenchyma cellulose isolated from bagasse pith was used as an alternative resource for preparation of water-soluble cellouronic acid sodium salt (CAS). The influence of ultrasound treatment on the cellulose was investigated for obtaining CAS by regioselective oxidization using 4-acetamide-TEMPO and NaClO with NaClO2 as a primary oxidant in an aqueous buffer at pH 6.0. The yield, carboxylate content and polymerization degree (DP) of CAS were measured as a function of ultrasonic power, agitating time and cellulose consistency by an orthogonal test. The ultrasound-treated conditions were further improved by discussion of ultrasonic power, the most important factor influencing the yield and DP. An optimized CAS yield of 72.9% with DP value (DPv) of 212 was found when the ultrasonic strength is 550 W, agitating time is 3 h and cellulose consistency is 2.0%. The oxidation reactivity of cellulose was improved by ultrasonic irradiation, whereas no significant changes in crystallinity of cellulose were measured after ultrasonic treatment. Moreover, the ultrasound treatment has a greater effect on yielding CAS from parenchyma cellulose than from bagasse fibrous' one. The CAS was further characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
The 50th Anniversary of the Committee on Acoustics of the Polish Academy of Sciences
Authors: Rakowski Andrzej , Śliwiński Antoni
Published: March 2015

The Committee on Acoustics of the Polish Academy of Sciences was founded in 1964 by the reso lution of the General Assembly of the Polish Academy of Sciences, within its Division of Engineering Sci ences (Division 4). The idea of creating the Committee was brought up by Professor Ignacy Malecki, a distinguished scientist, an academic teacher, and an internationally acclaimed authority on acoustics.
Sensitivity Analysis of Acoustic Field Parameters on a Change of Boundary Conditions in a Room
Authors: Suder-Debska Katarzyna , Czajka Ireneusz , Czechowski Mateusz
Published: March 2015

The area of environmental protection concern minimises the impact that technical objects have on the environment. Usually the most effective way of protecting the environment is to influence the source of the problem. For this reason studies are conducted to modify the construction of machines, power machines in particular, so as to minimise their impact on the environment.

In the case of environmental protection from noise it is most convenient to carry out measurements in an anechoic chamber. Unfortunately, this is possible only in very limited circumstances. In all other cases measurements are performed using an engineering method or the survey method, both of which are described in the standards and by taking into account the so-called environmental corrections. The obtained results are burdened with greater error than those of measurements in an anechoic chamber. Therefore, it would seem advantageous to develop a method of obtaining similar and reliable results as those in an anechoic chamber, but in a reverberant field. The authors decided to use numerical modelling for this purpose.

The main objective of this work is a comprehensive analysis of the numerical model of a laboratory designed for acoustic tests of selected power machines. The geometry of a room comprising an area of analysis is easy to design. The main difficulty in modelling the phenomena occurring in the analysed area can be the lack of knowing the boundary conditions. Therefore, the authors made an attempt to analyse the sensitivity of various acoustic parameters in a room in order to change these boundary conditions depending on the sound absorption coefficient
Standing Waves and Acoustic Heating (or Cooling) in Resonators Filled with Chemically Reacting Gas
Authors: Perelomova Anna , Pelc-Garska Weronika
Published: March 2015

Standing waves and acoustic heating in a one-dimensional resonator filled with chemically reacting gas, is the subject of investigation. The chemical reaction of A → B type, which takes place in a gas, may be reversible or not. Governing equations for the sound and entropy mode which is generated in the field of sound are derived by use of a special mathematical method. Under some conditions, sound waves propagating in opposite directions do not interact. The character of nonlinear dynamics of the sound and relative acoustic heating or cooling depends on reversibility of a chemical reaction. Some examples of acoustic heating in a resonator are illustrated and discussed.