bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Political Thought of Mawdudi as a Template for Democratic Sustainability in Nigeria
Authors: Adebayo Rafiu Ibrahim
Published: March 2017

The inseparability of religion and politics is demonstrated in the involvement of prominent ulama (religious scholars) in politics directly or indirectly. Being an important stakeholder in politics, such scholars have been raising their voices on political matters and influencing political decisions in their respective countries. In some cases, such religious scholars performed oppositional role with a view to forcing the ruling government to check their actions which were contradictory to the dictate of their religion. The Islamic revolution in Iran is a living testimony to the fact that religious scholars are relevant to effect new sociological and religio-political paradigms for their countries. It is on this basis that this paper shall explore the political thought of a seasoned reforming Mogul whose thought is significant to democratic sustenance in Nigeria, Maulana Abul A’la Mawdudi (1903 -1979). This sage enunciated some political principles which if strictly studied and adhered to, will help in no small measure in ensuring sustainable democratic governance whose leadership will not regret leading its people and the populace will not eventually curse such a leader. [Agama dan politik dalam banyak hal tidak dapat dipisahkan. Hal ini ditunjukkan antara lain oleh keterlibatan ulama dalam politik, langsung atau tidak. Menjadi bagian dari sistem politik, ulama dapat menyuarakan pandangan mereka dan mempengaruhi keputusan politik di negara masing-masing. Dalam beberapa kasus, para ulama  juga melakukan oposisi untuk memaksa pemerintah melihat kebijakan yang bertentangan dengan ajaran agama. Revolusi Islam di Iran adalah contoh nyata dengan fakta bahwa ulama memiliki peran yang erat terkait dengan paradigma sosiologis dan religio-politik baru bagi negara. Makalah ini akan mengeksplorasi pandangan Maulana Abul A’la Maududi (1903 -1979), tokoh reformist yang pemikirannya sangat penting untuk pengembangan demokrasi di Nigeria. Beberapa prinsip politik akan membantu dalam memastikan pemerintahan yang demokratis berkelanjutan, jika dipelajari dan diikuti dengan benar.]
Abuse of Islamic Law and Child Marriage in South-Sulawesi Indonesia
Authors: Salenda Kasjim
Published: March 2017

This article examines the prevalence of child marriage in South-Sulawesi Indonesia including people’s perceptions and its factors contributing to child marriage and the use religion to justify their actions. They perceive child marriage as the marriage conducted prior to the age of 16 for woman and of 19 for man as stipulated in the Marriage Law No.1 of 1974, as well as the marriage before ‘akil balig’. Various determinants for child marriage are cultural norms or values of ‘siri’ (shame) for family honour; family prestige and kinship; uneducated parents; economic burden for family and inconsistency in legislation. No religious teachings or Islamic Law clearly support the prevalence of child marriage because the purpose of marriage in Islam is to perform a happy and harmonious relationship among the couple. The use of the Prophet Muhammad’s marriage to Aisha in the age of six as the fundamental basis for child marriage is unjustified.[Tulisan ini membahas kasus-kasus pernikahan anak di Sulawesi Selatan, termasuk persepsi masyarakat dan faktor-faktor pendukungnya diantaranya penggunaan dalil agama (Islam) untuk membenarkan tindakan tersebut. Masyarakat memahami pernikahan anak sebagaimana tercantum dalam UU Pernikahan No. 1 Tahun 1974 bahwa pernikahan anak terjadi pada usia dibawah 19 tahun bagi laki-laki dan 16 tahun bagi perempuan dan atau mereka yang belum akil balig’. Beberapa factor dominan dalam pernikahan anak antara lain; norma adat lokal (‘siri), kehormatan keluarga dan kerabat, orangtua yang kurang terpelajar, beban ekonomi keluarga dan ketidakkonsisten penegakan peraturan. Pada dasarnya tidak ada ajaran Islam atau fiqih yang secara tegas mendukung pernikahan anak karena tujuan dari pernikahan dalam Islam adalah kebahagiaan dan keharmonisan hubungan antar suami istri. Menggunakan rujukan pernikahan Nabi Muhammad dengan Aisyah saat usia enam tahun merupakan perkara yang tidak bisa dibenarkan.]
Ein Fischlein mit Lästermaul Ibrāhīm al-Miʿmārs liebster Feind, Aḥmad b. Ismāʿīl as-Sumayka
Authors: Özkan Hakan
Published: March 2017

The poet known by the moniker Sumayka (“little fish”) is arguably one of the most bad-mouthed poets of the eighth/fifteenth century. At least this is the impression one gets when reading the zajal and several epigrams about him by Ibrāhīm al-Miʿmār, the distinguished zajjāl and author of epigrams from Cairo. As his foe Sumayka, al-Miʿmār died in the plague of 749/1348. This paper introduces Sumayka as a minor poet of the Mamluk times who made his way into some bio-bibliographies and historiographic works of his time and got famous especially for his defamatory verses. It includes his complete works of which there are only a few and all the poems that Ibrāhīm al-Miʿmār, his favorite enemy, wrote on or rather against him.
Auf der Suche nach einer verlorenen Zeit? – Visuelle Perspektiven der Kindheit in Mittelasien vor 1917
Authors: Sidikov Bakhodir
Published: March 2017

The following article argues that vintage postcard photographies from Russian Central Asia before 1917 could be read as “conventional” historical sources. The way that provides access to their historical contents beyond the photographers’ intentions and no matter how staged the photographies were could be the praxeology, i. e. the conception that vintage postcards images are a manifestation of both local and central social practices in the Central Asian region under Russian rule. Using the example of the debate on childhood in traditional society initiated by French historian Philippe Ariès in his book The Child and Family Life in the Old Régime (1960) the author discusses theoretical and methodological approaches to his topic based on the praxeology.
Recent Advances in Solar Physics at VIRAC: Analysis of Solar Active Regions in Microwaves
Authors: Bezrukovs D.
Published: March 2017

A brief historical review of the development of solar physics and solar radio astronomy in Latvia and its current status is presented.
Transfer Equation in General Curvilinear Coordinates
Authors: Freimanis J.
Published: March 2017

The differential operator of the monochromatic polarized radiative transfer equation is studied in case of statistically homogeneous turbid medium in Euclidean three-dimensional space, with arbitrary curvilinear coordinate system defined in it. An apparent rotation of the polarization plane along the light ray with respect to the chosen polarization reference plane generally takes place, due to purely geometric reasons. Using methods of tensor analysis, analytic expressions for the differential operator of the transfer equation depending on the components of the metric tensor and their derivatives are found. Considerable simplifications take place if the coordinate system is orthogonal. As an example, the differential operator of the vector radiative transfer equation in both elliptical conical coordinate system and oblate spheroidal coordinate system is written down. Nonstandard parameterization of standard elliptical conical coordinate system is proposed.
Some Studies of Terrestrial Impact Cratering Rate
Authors: Jetsu L.
Published: March 2017

In 1984, a 28.4 Myr periodicity was detected in the ages of terrestrial impact craters and a 26 Myr periodicity in the epochs of mass extinctions of species. Periodic comet showers from the Oort cloud seemed to cause catastrophic events linked to mass extinctions of species. Our first study revealed that the only significant detected periodicity is the “human signal” caused by the rounding of these data into integer numbers. The second study confirmed that the original 28.4 Myr periodicity detection was not significant. The third study revealed that the quality and the quantity of the currently available data would allow detection of real periodicity only if all impacts have been periodic, which cannot be the case. The detection of a periodic signal, if present, requires that more craters should be discovered and the accuracy of age estimates improved. If we sometimes will be able to find the difference between the craters caused by asteroid and comet impacts, the aperiodic component could be removed. The lunar impact craters may eventually provide the required supplementary data.
Microlensing-Based Studies of the Unresolved Structure of AGNs and the Composition of Lensing Galaxies
Authors: Gradolph Teresa Mediavilla , Gradolph Evencio Mediavilla , Muñoz Jose Antonio
Published: March 2017

Multiple images of quasars formed by gravitational lensing are typically seen through the lensing galaxy. The granulation of the galaxy in stars or other compact objects induces local (‘microscopic’) but strong fluctuations in the gravitational potential that subdivide each image in several micro-images changing the expected flux of the image (flux anomalies). This phenomenon, quasar microlensing, allows to study both the unresolved structure of the source and the composition of the lensing galaxy. We have applied a statistical analysis based on caustic crossing to the multiply imaged quasar QSO B2237+0305. The results indicate that the abundance of low-mass stars in the distribution of microlenses could be estimated with 10 years of monitoring.
Influence of Black Hole Spin on the Shape of the Fe Kα Spectral Line: The Case of 3C 405
Authors: Jovanović P. , Jovanović V. Borka , Borka D.
Published: March 2017

Here we analyze how the angular momenta (spins) of black holes in the centers of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) affect the shape of the FeK line emitted from their accretion disks. For that purpose, we compared the observed line profile in the case of radio galaxy 3C 405 (Cygnus A) with its profiles, obtained by numerical simulations based on ray-tracing method in the Kerr metric. Our results show that the spins of rotating central black holes of AGN have significant influence on their FeKα line shapes. Also, we found that in the case of Cygnus A the observed line is probably emitted from the innermost region of its slightly inclined accretion disk around very slowly rotating or even stationary central black hole.
Influence of Microlensing on Spectral Anomalies of the Lensed Objects
Authors: Simić S. , Popović L. Č. , Jovanović P.
Published: March 2017

Here we consider the influence of microlensing on the spectrum of a lensed object with the angular size 5 μas accepting that the composite emission of this object originates from three different regions arranged around its center. We assume that the lensed object has three concentric regions with a black-body emission; the temperatures of these regions are 10 000 K, 7500 K and 5000 K. We investigate how the integral spectral energy distribution (SED) of such stratified source changes due to microlensing by a group of solarmass stars. We find that the SED and flux ratios in the photometric B, V and R passbands show considerable changes during a microlens event. This indicates that the flux anomaly observed in some lensed quasars may be caused by microlensing of a stratified object.
A Statistical Study of the Si IV Resonance Line Parameters in 19 Be Stars
Authors: Antoniou A. , Danezis E. , Lyratzi E. , Stathopoulos D. , Dimitrijević M. S.
Published: March 2017

Using the GR model, we analyze the ultraviolet Si IV resonance lines in the spectra of 19 Be stars of different spectral subtypes, in order to detect the presence of absorption components and to analyze their characteristics. From this analysis we can calculate the values of a group of physical parameters, such as the apparent rotational and radial velocities, the random velocities of the ion thermal motions, as well as the absorbed energy and the logarithm of the column density of the independent regions of matter which produce the main and the satellite components of the studied spectral lines.
Analysis of Hydrogen Cyanide Hyperfine Spectral Components towards Star Forming Cores
Authors: Loughnane R. M. , Redman M. P. , Keto E. R. , Lo N. , Cunningham M. R.
Published: March 2017

Although hydrogen cyanide has become quite a common molecular tracing species for a variety of astrophysical sources, it, however, exhibits dramatic non-LTE behaviour in its hyperfine line structure. Individual hyperfine components can be strongly boosted or suppressed. If these so-called hyperfine line anomalies are present in the HCN rotational spectra towards low or high mass cores, this will affect the interpretation of various physical properties such as the line opacity and excitation temperature in the case of low mass objects and infall velocities in the case of their higher mass counterparts. Anomalous line ratios are present either through the relative strengths of neighboring hyperfine lines or through the varying widths of hyperfine lines belonging to a particular rotational line. This work involves the first observational investigation of these anomalies in two HCN rotational transitions, J=1→0 and J=3→2, towards both low mass starless cores and high mass protostellar objects. The degree of anomaly in these two rotational transitions is considered by computing the ratios of neighboring hyperfine lines in individual spectra. Results indicate some degree of anomaly is present in all cores considered in our survey, the most likely cause being line overlap effects among hyperfine components in higher rotational transitions.
Studying the UV Mg II Resonance Lines in 20 Be Stars
Authors: Antoniou A. , Stathopoulos D. , Danezis E. , Lyratzi E.
Published: March 2017

Using the GR model, we analyze the UV Mg II resonance lines in the spectra of 20 Be stars of different spectral subtypes, in order to detect the presence of satellite or discrete absorption components. The values of some physical parameters – rotational, radial and random velocities, as well as the FWHM and the absorbed energy, as a function of the effective temperature for the studied stars are determined.
Characterizing the Photometric Response of the ANS Collaboration Monitoring Program
Authors: Munari U. , Moretti S.
Published: March 2017

the ANS Collaboration uses the UBV RCIC filters from various commercial manufacturers (Omega Optical, Custom Scientific, Schuler, Optec, Astrodon) for its ongoing photometric monitoring of symbiotic stars. We measured their transmittance profiles over the range 2000 Å to 1.1 μm for various operating conditions, and we are monitoring their evolution over time. Their field performance in terms of color equations has been evaluated by analyzing the transformations from local to standard system of the 14602 observing runs so far collected on symbiotic stars with the ANS Collaboration telescopes. Ageing effects, red leaks and transmittance vs. angle of incidence are also evaluated.
An Extremely Massive White Dwarf of the Symbiotic Classical Nova V407 Cyg as Suggested by the RS Oph and U SCO Models
Authors: Hachisu I. , Kato M.
Published: March 2017

We have analyzed the optical light curve of the symbiotic star V407 Cyg that underwent a classical nova outburst in 2010 March. Being guided by a supersoft X-ray phase observed during days 20-40 after the nova outburst, we are able to reproduce the light curve during a very early phase of the nova outburst. Our model consists of an outbursting white dwarf and an extended equatorial disk. An extremely massive white dwarf of 1.35-1.37 M⊙ is suggested. the optical light curve is also consistent with a sharp drop 47 days after the outburst, which is the end of hydrogen shell-burning on the white dwarf. Although the extremely massive white dwarf is favourable to the interpretation that V407 Cyg is a recurrent nova, enrichment of heavy elements in the ejecta suggests that the white dwarf is eroded and, as a result, its mass is not increasing. Therefore, V407 Cyg may not explode as a Type Ia supernova even if it is a carbon-oxygen white dwarf.
Mass Transfer in Mira-Type Binaries
Authors: Mohamed S. , Podsiadlowski Ph.
Published: March 2017

Detached, symbiotic binaries are generally assumed to interact via Bondi-Hoyle-Littleton (BHL) wind accretion. However, the accretion rates and outflow geometries that result from this mass-transfer mechanism cannot adequately explain the observations of the nearest and best studied symbiotic binary, Mira, or the formation of some post-AGB binaries, e.g. barium stars. We propose a new mass-transfer mode for Mira-type binaries, which we call ‘wind Roche-lobe overflow’ (WRLOF), and which we demonstrate with 3D hydrodynamic simulations. Importantly, we show that the circumstellar outflows which result from WRLOF tend to be highly aspherical and strongly focused towards the binary orbital plane. Furthermore, the subsequent mass-transfer rates are at least an order of magnitude greater than the analogous BHL values. We discuss the implications of these results for the shaping of bipolar (proto)-planetary nebulae and other related systems.
Formation of Neutral Disk-Like Zone Around the Active Hot Stars in Symbiotic Binaries
Authors: Cariková Z. , Skopal A.
Published: March 2017

In this contribution we present the ionization structure in the enhanced wind from the hot star in symbiotic binaries during active phases. Rotation of the hot star leads to the compression of the outflowing material towards its equatorial plane. As a result, a neutral disk-like zone around the active hot star near the orbital plane is created. We modeled the compression of the wind and calculated the neutral disk-like zone in the enhanced wind from the hot star using the equation of the photoionization equilibrium. the presence of such neutral disk-like zones was also suggested on the basis of the modeling the spectral energy distribution of symbiotic binaries. We confront the calculated ionization structures in the enhanced wind from the hot star with the observations. the calculated column density of the neutral hydrogen atoms in the neutral disk-like zone and the emission measure of the ionized part of the wind from the hot star are in a good agreement with the quantities derived from observations during active phases. the presence of such neutral disk-like zones is transient, being connected with the active phases of symbiotic binaries. During quiescent phases, such neutral disk-like zones cannot be created because of insufficient mass-loss rate from the hot star.
Symbiotic Nova PU Vul - 33 Years of Observations
Authors: Shugarov S. , Chochol D. , Kolotilov E.
Published: March 2017

We present UBVRI light curves of the symbiotic nova PU Vul after its outburst in 1978. Three observed eclipses of the hot component by the cool one were used to determine the ephemeris of the binary system as JD (Min I) = 2444550(15) + 4897(10) × E days. the 194-day shift of the secondary minimum from its expected positions in 2001 suggests the eccentricity of the binary orbit. Period analysis of the VRI photometry improved the pulsation period of the cool AGB variable in the system to P = 217.7 days. Pulsation of the cool component is detected only in the phases around the primary minimum, when the visible hemisphere of the AGB star is not influenced by the interaction with the hot component.
Makarios’ cycle of epigrams on the Psalms Bodleian Baroccianus 194
Authors: Meesters Renaat , Praet Raf , Bernard Floris , Demoen Kristoffel
Published: March 2017

This article provides the editio princeps of a cycle of eight dodecasyllabic poems on the Psalms preserved in Bodleian Baroccianus 194 (15th century). Four of these poems are also present in other manuscripts and enjoyed a certain degree of popularity as book epigrams. The four others are found in this manuscript only. The cycle contains an acrostic: ΜΑΚΑΡΙΟΥ. This Makarios is likely to have compiled the cycle and to have composed the otherwise unknown poems. The Psalms themselves are not included in the manuscript. Only two short commentaries on the Psalms precede and follow the cycle. This implies that at least the four known book epigrams lost their original function as poems referring deictically to the Psalms. A verse prayer to the Trinity that was preserved on the same folio is edited in an appendix.
Reliability vs. granularity in discourse annotation: What is the trade-off?
Authors: Crible Ludivine , Degand Liesbeth
Published: March 2017

We report on the results of an annotation experiment comparing naïve and expert coders in a sense disambiguation task consisting in the assignment of function labels to discourse markers (e.g.well, but, I mean) in spoken French and English using a taxonomy specifically designed for speech. Our qualitative-quantitative assessment of its reliability led us to suggest fundamental revisions of the structure of the taxonomy, striving to find a better balance between reliability and granularity. The resulting model articulates two independent levels of annotation (domains and functions) which, once combined, provide a robust tool for the analysis of discourse markers and relate them to more general functions of spoken language.
Tribological behavior of a newly developed AA2014/waste eggshell/SiC hybrid green metal matrix composite at optimum parameters
Authors: Dwivedi Shashi Prakash , Sharma Satpal , Mishra Raghvendra Kumar
Published: March 2017

The effect of waste carbonized eggshell and silicon carbide (SiC) wt.% on the dry sliding wear behavior of AA2014 alloy green composites produced by electromagnetic stir casting method was investigated. The percentage of waste carbonized eggshell particles and SiC particles varied from 2.5% to 12.5%. The tribological behavior of AA2014/waste carbonized eggshell/SiC hybrid green metal matrix composites (MMCs) was investigated on a pin-on-disc apparatus. The weight percentages of waste carbonized eggshell and of SiC, normal load, and sliding speed and distance were taken as input process parameters, and wear rate was taken as a response. Response surface methodology was used to plan and analyze the experiment. Minimum wear rate was found to be 8.89×10−5mm3/m with desirability one at optimum parameters of 1.75 m/s (sliding velocity), 6.5 (carbonized eggshell wt.%), 34.24 N (normal load), 1219.63 m (sliding distance), and 11 wt.% (SiC wt.%). In the confirmation experiment, the experimental wear rate of the hybrid green MMC at optimum parameters was found to be 9.5×10−5. Results showed that the experimental wear rate and density of the hybrid green MMC were reduced by about 36.66% and 0.35%, respectively, compared with the matrix.
Protective effects of proanthocyanidins extracts from the bark of deciduous trees in lipid systems
Authors: Janceva Sarmite , Lauberte Liga , Dizhbite Tatiana , Krasilnikova Jelena , Telysheva Galina , Dzenis Marcis
Published: March 2017

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) rich extracts (OPCEs) were isolated by sequential extraction from the bark of the deciduous trees grey alder (Alnus incana), black alder (Alnus glutinosa) and goat willow (Salix caprea). The yields of OPCE from all barks under study were rather similar and varied between 12.3% and 15.4% based on the oven dry (o.d.) bark. Content of proanthocyanidins in OPCEs ranged from 16.6% to 25% based on o.d. extract. The OPCEs were characterised by means of antioxidant activity with ABTS˙+ and DPPH˙ radical scavenging tests. All extracts being introduced into lipid-based substrates, i.e. mayonnaise and a basic composition of a cosmetic cream, showed antioxidant activity comparable to the reference commercial antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). The results of in vitro tests have revealed that the OPCEs could be useful for the human organism as they activated malfunctions of amylase, inhibited pancreatic lipase activity (duodenal digestion model), decreased lipid absorption in blood and decreased pyruvate level in blood plasma essential for regulation of carbohydrate metabolism. The data obtained confirms the advantages of OPC and OPCEs applications as an antioxidant additive for food, cosmetic and health industries.
Comparison of structured and unstructured physical activity training on predicted VO2max and heart rate variability in adolescents – a randomized control trial
Authors: Sharma Vivek Kumar , Subramanian Senthil Kumar , Radhakrishnan Krishnakumar , Rajendran Rajathi , Ravindran Balasubramanian Sulur , Arunachalam Vinayathan
Published: March 2017

Background:

Physical inactivity contributes to many health issues. The WHO-recommended physical activity for adolescents encompasses aerobic, resistance, and bone strengthening exercises aimed at achieving health-related physical fitness. Heart rate variability (HRV) and maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) are considered as noninvasive measures of cardiovascular health. The objective of this study is to compare the effect of structured and unstructured physical training on maximal aerobic capacity and HRV among adolescents.

Methods:

We designed a single blinded, parallel, randomized active-controlled trial (Registration No. CTRI/2013/08/003897) to compare the physiological effects of 6 months of globally recommended structured physical activity (SPA), with that of unstructured physical activity (USPA) in healthy school-going adolescents. We recruited 439 healthy student volunteers (boys: 250, girls: 189) in the age group of 12–17 years. Randomization across the groups was done using age and gender stratified randomization method, and the participants were divided into two groups: SPA (n=219, boys: 117, girls: 102) and USPA (n=220, boys: 119, girls: 101). Depending on their training status and gender the participants in both SPA and USPA groups were further subdivided into the following four sub-groups: SPA athlete boys (n=22) and girls (n=17), SPA nonathlete boys (n=95) and girls (n=85), USPA athlete boys (n=23) and girls (n=17), and USPA nonathlete boys (n=96) and girls (n=84).

Results:

We recorded HRV, body fat%, and VO2 max using Rockport Walk Fitness test before and after the intervention. Maximum aerobic capacity and heart rate variability increased significantly while heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and body fat percentage decreased significantly after both SPA and USPA intervention. However, the improvement was more in SPA as compared to USPA.

Conclusions:

SPA is more beneficial for improving cardiorespiratory fitness, HRV, and reducing body fat percentage in terms of magnitude than USPA in adolescent individuals irrespective of their gender and sports activities.
Multimodal rhetoric: Fictive interaction strategies in political discourse
Authors: Oakley Todd
Published: March 2017

This article explores the role fictive interaction plays in two recent political speeches during the 2012 election year in the United States. The first is actor Clint Eastwood’s keynote address to the Republican National Convention in which he engages in a fictional conversation with President Barack Obama; and the second is by Mark Sanford, former Republican governor of South Carolina and candidate for US Congress who stages a fictive debate with Democratic representative and minority party leader, Nancy Pelosi. Eastwood’s performance was roundly criticized in the media by partisans, pundits, reporters, and analysts across the political spectrum, many of whom openly speculated that the 82-year-old was exhibiting signs of senescence. Sanford’s performance did not receive the publicity of the former but was viewed by voters of South Carolina, and represents a much tighter and effective form of fictive interaction, eventually leading to his election to congress. The factors contributing to the failure of Eastwood’s performance and and those contributing to success of Sanford’s will be the focus of this analysis. Special attention will be paid to the multimodal dimensions of each performance.
Greenhouse Module for Space System: A Lunar Greenhouse Design
Authors: Zeidler Conrad , Vrakking Vincent , Bamsey Matthew , Poulet Lucie , Zabel Paul , Schubert Daniel , Paille Christel , Mazzoleni Erik , Domurath Nico
Published: March 2017

In the next 10 to 20 years humankind will return to the Moon and/or travel to Mars. It is likely that astronauts will eventually build permanent settlements there, as a base for long-term crew tended research tasks. It is obvious that the crew of such settlements will need food to survive. With current mission architectures the provision of food for longduration missions away from Earth requires a significant number of resupply flights. Furthermore, it would be infeasible to provide the crew with continuous access to fresh produce, specifically crops with high water content such as tomatoes and peppers, on account of their limited shelf life. A greenhouse as an integrated part of a planetary surface base would be one solution to solve this challenge for long-duration missions. Astronauts could grow their own fresh fruit and vegetables in-situ to be more independent from supply from Earth. This paper presents the results of the design project for such a greenhouse, which was carried out by DLR and its partners within the framework of the Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) program. The consortium performed an extensive system analysis followed by a definition of system and subsystem requirements for greenhouse modules. Over 270 requirements were defined in this process. Afterwards the consortium performed an in-depth analysis of illumination strategies, potential growth accommodations and shapes for the external structure. Five different options for the outer shape were investigated, each of them with a set of possible internal configurations. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process, the different concept options were evaluated and ranked against each other. The design option with the highest ranking was an inflatable outer structure with a rigid inner core, in which the subsystems are mounted. The inflatable shell is wrapped around the core during launch and transit to the lunar surface. The paper provides an overview of the final design, which was further detailed in a concurrent engineering design study. During the study, the subsystem parameters (e.g. mass, power, performance) were calculated and evaluated. The results of the study were further elaborated, leading to a lunar greenhouse concept that fulfils all initial requirements. The greenhouse module has a total cultivation area of more than 650 m² and provides more than 4100 kg of edible dry mass over the duration of the mission. Based on the study, the consortium also identified technology and knowledge gaps (not part of this paper), which have to be addressed in future projects to make the actual development of such a lunar greenhouse, and permanent settlements for long-term human-tended research tasks on other terrestrial bodies, feasible in the first place.
Shadow Economy: Estimation Methods, Problems, Results and Open questions
Authors: Schneider Friedrich , Buehn Andreas
Published: March 2017

This paper presents various methods used for estimating the size of the shadow economy. Each method is evaluated and its strengths and weaknesses are discussed, as well as results each method yields. The purpose of the paper is threefold: Firstly, to demonstrate that there is no single infallible method for estimating the size and development of the shadow economy and results can differ significantly between different approaches. The MIMIC approach, discussed in greater detail, is often used due to its flexibility. Secondly, the paper discusses the very definition of the shadow economy and factors contributing to its growth. Finally, latest estimations of the size of the shadow economies of 143 countries over the period 1996 to 2014 are presented.
Innovation in the Transport of Cytotoxic Drugs by a Pneumatic Transport System
Authors: Baillie Constance , Desplanques Marion , Delbey Stéphanie , Sakji Ilyes , Feutry Frédéric
Published: March 2017

Many chemotherapeutic compounding units are confronted with the problem of product delivery to different care wards. We think that transport by a pharmacy agent does not permit appropriate traceability (wrong care service delivery), control of storage temperature and management of urgency. We have developed a delivery system based on the association of a pneumatic transport system (PTS) and monitored buffer storage area. Thus, after pharmaceutical inspection, chemotherapies are placed in specific and hermetic carriers in the PTS but not directly delivered to care units. In the monitored buffer storage, a robotic arm organizes chemotherapies and waits for the nurse call just before administration. This system permits a real traceability for each stage of the chemotherapy circuit and so, we are now able to certify that chemotherapeutics have been maintained at the correct temperature through continual monitoring. It’s an important prerequisite in standardization and reassignment. Finally, an important issue linked to the use of PTS is the risk of damaging the chemotherapeutics. Data obtained from literature and manufacturers for antibodies highlight the low risk to use a PTS.
Überlagerung der Störeinflüsse mehrerer Streuobjekte auf die Zielgröße eines Doppler-Drehfunkfeuers (DVOR)
Authors: Sandmann Sergei , Garbe Heyno
Published: March 2017

Der störende Einfluss von Streuobjekten auf die Zielgröße
(geometrischer Winkel) von Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional
Radio Range (DVOR) Drehfunkfeuern stellt eine komplexe Struktur im
Raum dar. Im Fall von mehreren Streuobjekten ergibt sich eine
Überlagerung der einzelnen Störbeiträge. Von besonderem Interesse in
diesem Zusammenhang ist die resultierende Struktur des Störeinflusses,
die von der Art der Überlagerung bestimmt wird. Abhängig von der
Korrelation der einzelnen Störbeiträge sind sowohl konstruktive als
auch destruktive Überlagerungen möglich. In dieser Arbeit wird
gezeigt, dass eine pauschale lineare Addition der einzelnen
Störbeiträge den resultierenden Störeinfluss der Streuobjekte deutlich
überschätzt und einen Grenzfall beschreibt, der eine vollständige
Korrelation der einzelnen Störbeiträge voraussetzt. Des Weiteren wird
anhand von Simulationen verschiedener Konstellationen von
Windenergieanlagen erläutert, dass eine geometrische Addition den
kombinierten Störeinfluss weitaus realistischer abschätzt.
Mfn2 is critical for brown adipose tissue thermogenic function
Authors: Boutant Marie , Kulkarni Sameer S , Joffraud Magali , Ratajczak Joanna , Valera‐Alberni Miriam , Combe Roy , Zorzano Antonio , Cantó Carles
Published: March 2017

Mitochondrial fusion and fission events, collectively known as mitochondrial dynamics, act as quality control mechanisms to ensure mitochondrial function and fine‐tune cellular bioenergetics. Defective mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) expression and enhanced mitochondrial fission in skeletal muscle are hallmarks of insulin‐resistant states. Interestingly, Mfn2 is highly expressed in brown adipose tissue (BAT), yet its role remains unexplored. Using adipose‐specific Mfn2 knockout (Mfn2‐adKO) mice, we demonstrate that Mfn2, but not Mfn1, deficiency in BAT leads to a profound BAT dysfunction, associated with impaired respiratory capacity and a blunted response to adrenergic stimuli. Importantly, Mfn2 directly interacts with perilipin 1, facilitating the interaction between the mitochondria and the lipid droplet in response to adrenergic stimulation. Surprisingly, Mfn2‐adKO mice were protected from high‐fat diet‐induced insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Altogether, these results demonstrate that Mfn2 is a mediator of mitochondria to lipid droplet interactions, influencing lipolytic processes and whole‐body energy homeostasis.
The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) response to a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue test in healthy prepubertal girls aged 10 months to 6 years
Authors: Vestergaard Esben T , Schjørring Mia E , Kamperis Konstantinos , Petersen Karin Kastberg , Rittig Søren , Juul Anders , Kristensen Kurt , Birkebæk Niels H
Published: March 2017

Objective

Premature thelarche and precocious puberty are frequently diagnosed in girls even below 6 years of age and may be difficult to differentiate in the early stages. A GnRH test is often included in the diagnostic work-up, although interpretation of the GnRH test in girls below 6 years of age is challenging, as no reference interval exists for this age group. The objective is to determine the normal FSH and LH response to a GnRH test in healthy prepubertal girls below 6 years of age.

Design and methods

A standardized GnRH test, baseline reproductive hormones, clinical evaluation and bone age were determined in all participants. Forty-eight healthy normal-weight girls aged 3.5 ± 0.2 years (range: 0.8–5.9 years) were included. Serum concentrations of LH and FSH were measured before and 30 min after the gonadorelin injection.

Results

The 30-min LH responses (mean ± 2 s.d.) were 5.2 ± 4.0 and 2.9 ± 2.5 IU/L and the FSH responses were 23.3 ± 16.2 and 14.5 ± 10.3 IU/L in girls aged 0.8–3.0 years and 3.0–5.9 years respectively. This corresponds to upper cut-off limits for LH of 9.2 IU/L (<3 years) and 5.3 IU/L (3–6 years). The stimulated LH/FSH ratio was 0.23 ± 0.19 (range 0.06–0.43) and did not correlate with age.

Conclusions

We found that LH increases up to 9.2 IU/L during GnRH test in healthy normal-weight girls below 3 years of age and that the stimulated LH/FSH ratio did not exceed 0.43. Our findings have important implications for appropriate diagnosis of central precocious puberty in girls below 6 years of age.
Increased vimentin in human α- and β-cells in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Roefs Maaike M , Carlotti Françoise , Jones Katherine , Wills Hannah , Hamilton Alexander , Verschoor Michael , Williams Durkin Joanna M , Garcia-Perez Laura , Brereton Melissa F , McCulloch Laura , Engelse Marten A , Johnson Paul R V , Hansen Barbara C , Docherty Kevin , de Koning Eelco J P , Clark Anne
Published: March 2017

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is associated with pancreatic islet dysfunction. Loss of β-cell identity has been implicated via dedifferentiation or conversion to other pancreatic endocrine cell types. How these transitions contribute to the onset and progression of T2DM in vivo is unknown. The aims of this study were to determine the degree of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition occurring in α and β cells in vivo and to relate this to diabetes-associated (patho)physiological conditions. The proportion of islet cells expressing the mesenchymal marker vimentin was determined by immunohistochemistry and quantitative morphometry in specimens of pancreas from human donors with T2DM (n = 28) and without diabetes (ND, n = 38) and in non-human primates at different stages of the diabetic syndrome: normoglycaemic (ND, n = 4), obese, hyperinsulinaemic (HI, n = 4) and hyperglycaemic (DM, n = 8). Vimentin co-localised more frequently with glucagon (α-cells) than with insulin (β-cells) in the human ND group (1.43% total α-cells, 0.98% total β-cells, median; P < 0.05); these proportions were higher in T2DM than ND (median 4.53% α-, 2.53% β-cells; P < 0.05). Vimentin-positive β-cells were not apoptotic, had reduced expression of Nkx6.1 and Pdx1, and were not associated with islet amyloidosis or with bihormonal expression (insulin + glucagon). In non-human primates, vimentin-positive β-cell proportion was larger in the diabetic than the ND group (6.85 vs 0.50%, medians respectively, P < 0.05), but was similar in ND and HI groups. In conclusion, islet cell expression of vimentin indicates a degree of plasticity and dedifferentiation with potential loss of cellular identity in diabetes. This could contribute to α- and β-cell dysfunction in T2DM.
Relationship between amount of overtime work and untreated decayed teeth in male financial workers in Japan
Authors: Yoshino Koichi , Suzuki Seitaro , Ishizuka Yoichi , Takayanagi Atsushi , Sugihara Naoki , Kamijyo Hideyuki
Published: March 2017

Objective

Continuous or frequent overtime work has been shown to have harmful effects on human health. Meanwhile, one of the main reasons for tooth loss is caries. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between overtime work and untreated decayed teeth in male financial workers.

Methods

The participants were recruited by applying screening procedures to a pool of Japanese registrants in an online database. Participants filled out a questionnaire about their oral health, behavior, and working conditions. Participants comprised a total of 951 financial male workers, aged 25-64 years.

Results

The likelihood of tooth decay increased with amount of overtime work (p=0.002). After adjusting for age, income, educational background, oral hygiene behavior, snacking behavior, regular dental visitation, bad interpersonal relationships at work, and smoking habit, a multiple logistic regression analysis found that participants with 45-80 h of overtime work (odds ratio [OR], 2.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-5.33) or over 80 h of overtime work (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.13-7.97) were more likely to have untreated tooth decay. The percentage of participants who gave “ too busy with work” as the reason for leaving decayed teeth untreated increased with amount of overtime (p<0.001).

Conclusion

These results indicate that overtime work is strongly related to untreated decayed teeth. In addition to oral health education and dental checkups, decreasing stress and decreasing the amount of overtime work may also have a positive effect on oral health in the workplace.
Postural Heart Rate Changes in Young Patients With Vasovagal Syncope
Authors: Medow Marvin S. , Merchant Sana , Suggs Melissa , Terilli Courtney , O’Donnell-Smith Breige , Stewart Julian M.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Recurrent postural vasovagal syncope (VVS) is caused by transient cerebral hypoperfusion from episodic hypotension and bradycardia; diagnosis is made by medical history. VVS contrasts with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), defined by chronic daily symptoms of orthostatic intolerance with excessive upright tachycardia without hypotension. POTS has recently been conflated with VVS when excessive tachycardia is succeeded by hypotension during tilt testing. We hypothesize that excessive tachycardia preceding hypotension and bradycardia is part of the vasovagal response during tilt testing of patients with VVS.

METHODS:

We prospectively performed head-up tilt (HUT) testing on patients with recurrent VVS (n = 47, 17.9 ± 1.1 y), who fainted at least 3 times within the last year, and control subjects (n = 15, 17.1 ± 1.0 y), from age and BMI-matched volunteers and measured blood pressure, heart rate (HR), cardiac output, total peripheral resistance, and end tidal carbon dioxide.

RESULTS:

Baseline parameters were the same in both groups. HR (supine versus 5 and 10 minutes HUT) significantly increased in control (65 ± 2.6 vs 83 ± 3.6 vs 85 ± 3.7, P < .001) and patients with VVS (69 ± 1.6 vs 103 ± 2.3 vs 109 ± 2.4, P < .001). HUT in controls maximally increased HR by 20.3 ± 2.9 beats per minute; the increase in patients with VVS of 39.8 ± 2.1 beats per minute was significantly greater (P < .001). An increase in HR of ≥40 beats per minute by 5 and 10 minutes or before faint with HUT, occurred in 26% and 44% of patients with VVS, respectively, but not in controls.

CONCLUSIONS:

Orthostasis in VVS is accompanied by large increases in HR that should not be construed as POTS.
Do espectador pensativo à imagem pensativa: fotografia e filme-ensaio
Authors: De Almeida Rafael
Published: March 2017

O presente artigo pretende refletir sobre os possíveis desdobramentos e/ou efeitos gerados pelo uso da fotografia fixa, enquanto material de composição, na feitura de um filme-ensaio. Partimos do pressuposto que a presença da foto na tela de cinema é capaz de gerar um efeito de suspensão no ritmo do filme. Por meio desse congelamento temporal é possível que o espectador se desvencilhe, ao menos em parte, do fluxo narrativo e se permita pensar no cinema. Por tal perspectiva, pretendemos realizar uma análise fílmica do curta-metragem A festa e os cães (Leonardo Mouramateus, 2015), para, enfim, propor que o uso da imagem fixa no filme-ensaio, em particular, para além de reforçar a convocação deu um “espectador pensativo”, é capaz de gerar uma “imagem pensativa”.
Movimento pela democracia: a luta política do PCdoB na imprensa alternativa durante o processo de redemocratização brasileira (1979)
Authors: Macedo Michelle Reis de
Published: March 2017

A partir da segunda metade dos anos 1970, durante o processo de abertura política no Brasil, a imprensa alternativa assumiu um papel fundamental na criação de uma opinião pública antiditadura e na propagação de uma cultura de esquerda, ligada aos valores democráticos. Criado em 1975, o jornal Movimento atraiu, além de jornalistas sem espaços na grande imprensa, militantes de diversas correntes políticas, sobretudo do Partido Comunista do Brasil (PCdoB). Abandonando a estratégia da luta armada, parte daqueles que sobreviveram à repressão sentiram a necessidade de engajamento na luta política legal pelas liberdades democráticas e adotaram Movimento como porta-voz de suas demandas. A proposta, portanto, é refletir acerca das estratégias de luta de setores da esquerda brasileira pela democracia representativa através das páginas do jornal alternativo Movimento.
Variabilidad en el contenido y el peso de tabletas de acetaminofén 500 mg, consumidas en Costa Rica
Authors: Pérez López Esteban , Rojas Hernández Alfonso
Published: March 2017

El presente artículo contiene los detalles del estudio comparativo realizado a nueve marcas de comprimidos de acetaminofén de 500 mg comercializados en Costa Rica. El estudio consistió en el análisis cuantitativo de la uniformidad de contenido de acetaminofén en diez dosis ensayadas para cada producto de manera independiente, cuantificando por espectrofotometría ultravioleta a 242 nm, con ácido clorhídrico 0,1 N como disolvente; en comparación con el peso respectivo obtenido para cada dosis ensayada con exactitud del 0,1 mg. Todas las marcas analizadas arrojaron datos favorables con respecto a las especificaciones establecidas según Farmacopea de los Estados Unidos (FEU), edición 38 para la prueba de uniformidad de contenido, y existe una correlación directamente proporcional del peso del comprimido con respecto al contenido de principio activo en cada marca analizada.
¿Vivimos en un lugar seguro? percepción de criminalidad en la Zona de Occidente
Authors: García-Castro Juan Diego , Villalobos Ulate Marianela
Published: March 2017

Se presentan los resultados de una investigación que busca contribuir en el estudio de la percepción de la criminalidad en la zona de Occidente de Costa Rica, se exploran las opiniones de vecinos que han sido víctimas de actos criminales contra la propiedad, con la idea de conocer la percepción sobre el lugar de residencia, los principales problemas de la zona de Occidente, la seguridad pública? y los lugares u ocasiones considerados como inseguros. Para ello, se realizó una investigación descriptiva y cualitativa con seis personas. Dentro de los resultados destacan que en general se percibe una gran desconfianza en la seguridad pública, Los principales problemas percibidos son: la delincuencia, la drogadicción y los barrios marginales. Se discuten las implicaciones de los resultados para el estudio de la percepción de la criminalidad y para la construcción de las subjetividades en la zona de Occidente.