bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interest Rate Swaps: Risk Exposure And Financial Disclosure
Authors: Riley William B. , Smith G. Stevenson
Published: February 2016

In recent years, the trading of interest payments on debt obligations has become a major form of off-balance sheet financing. As swaps have increased in dollar volume, the amount of financial disclosure about these instruments has remained nonexistent or minimal. Yet, even with a lack of financial information available to evaluate swaps, previous analyses of swaps have always focused on their positive aspects. Our analysis finds there are negative aspects to swaps that need to be considered. The issues of lack of financial disclosure, unfavorable changes in risk exposure as well as questions about risk evaluations of firms involved in swaps are all related to the negative aspects of swaps. These issues are considered here. It is concluded that although there are advantages to swaps, these advantages are intrinsic to the instrument itself rather than to the alleged arbitrage profits. Furthermore, an example is used to illustrate how a firms risk exposure can be altered by a swap agreement. The ability of the market to evaluate the change in this risk may be hampered by lack of financial disclosures.
Dissolution behavior of poly vinyl alcohol in water and its effect on the physical morphologies of PLGA scaffolds
Authors: Adeyinka Aina  , Andrew Morris  , Manish Gupta  , Nashiru Billa  , Neesha Madhvani  , Ritika Sharma  , Stephen Doughty  , Vivek Shah  , Yamina Boukari
Published: February 2016

Presented are data from a study of the aqueous properties of Poly Vinyl Alcohol (PVA), a well studied emulsifying agent, used in the preparation of biodegradeable Poly (DL-Lactide-Co-Glycolide) (PLGA) scaffolds/microparticles in water. How these properties affect the physical morphologies of PLGA scaffolds/microparticles produced from the various PVA solutions at different concentrations via the water emulsion synthetic method were also evaluated. UV-Visible absorbance measurements showed a quantitative correlation between the estimated concentrations of PVA used in solution preparations and the actual concentrations in solution. The physical appearance/morphologies of the PLGA scaffolds produced from the different PVA solutions were the same irrespective of the concentration used.
Evaluation of Protective Effect of Pleurotus ostreatus Against Insulin Producing RINm5F Cells
Authors: Amit Roy  , Ram Kumar Sahu  , Pushpa Prasad
Published: February 2016

Determination of antidiabetic activity by cell line method is one of the foremost techniques compared to in vivo animal model. It is fruitful in determining the mechanism of drugs. The RINm5F cells are considered to produces insulin and it is one of most widely used insulin-secreting cell lines. In the present study, we assessed the defensive property of Pleurotus ostreatus against RINm5F cells. The apoptosis of RINm5F cells were determined by providing the cell with ethanol extract of P. ostreatus in presence of streptozotocin (STZ). The STZ treated group significantly increases the apoptotic population compared to the normal group. The extract treated RINm5F cells manifested the decline in apoptotic population resembled to STZ treated RIN cells. The present study scientifically supported the protective effects of the P. ostreatus against the oxidative damage induced by STZ.
TNF: A signaling pathway related to the activation of NF-κB
Authors: Noha Lotfy Ibrahim
Published: February 2016

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF or TNF-α) was formerly suggested as a circulating factor which can cause necrosis of tumors, before it has been known as a key regulator of some pleiotropic functions such as apoptosis, cell survival, inflammation, and immunity acting via two receptors (TNFR-1, TNFR-2). TNF-β or lymphotoxin (LT) has similar biologic effects as TNF-α; however it is produced in much smaller quantities and is a locally acting cytokine. This article discusses the biological function of TNF focusing on its role in cancer and autoimmune diseases via classical activation pathway of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB).
Improving the Bioavailability of Diltiazem Hydrochloride by Forming Complexes with β-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Sandip Prasad Tiwari  , Gali Vidyasagar
Published: February 2016

The enhancement of oral bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs remains one of the most challenging aspects. Utilization of cyclodextrins attracted the attention of many researchers for the enhancement of the dissolution rate. The complexation of diltiazem hydrochloride with β- cyclodextrin (CD) was investigated by phase solubility. Phase solubility study was performed to determine stiochiometric proportion of Diltiazem HCl and complexing agent b-cyclodextrin. Solid inclusion complexes of diltiazem hydrochloride-βCD in 1:1 and 1:2 ratios were prepared by different methods, and the results were satisfactorily and complied with compendia. Mouth dissolving tablets were formulated employing Diltiazem hydrochloride alone and their βCD complexes with an objective of evaluating the feasibility of employing drug-βCD complexes in the design of immediate release tablet formulations for obtaining flow and complete drug release in 01 h. All the tablets prepared by optimizing the formula and were evaluated for pre compression, post compression, drug content, and drug release. The overall results indicate that formulation M3 was better and that it satisfies all the criteria as a fast mouth dissolving tablet.
Examination of a coupled supply- and demand-induced stress function for root water uptake modeling
Authors: Liu Na , Guan Huade , Luo Zidong , Zhang Cicheng , Wang Hailong , Zhang Xinping
Published: February 2016

Vegetation water use is closely related to its biophysical functioning and is often under stress from various environmental factors. However, commonly used root water uptake models only consider the stress from root zone moisture availability. There is a need to incorporate the stress from both the above-ground factors and root zone water condition. In this study, a newly developed coupled supply- and demand-induced (S&D) root water uptake model is examined with measurements on two tree species, Guihua in the subtropical monsoon climate and Drooping Sheoak in the Mediterranean climate. The results show that the S&D model outperforms a supply-constraint water stress function (the S-shape model) for both studied species. The S&D model predicts 67% and 84% temporal variability in the measured water stress for Guihua and Drooping Sheoak, respectively. The improvement of the S&D model over the S-shape model is more significant for Guihua than for Drooping Sheoak, which might be associated with the specific climate conditions. A two-step parameterization approach is adopted in this study for the S&D model, and is recommended for future applications. These results further support the validity of the S&D model, and should be considered for the root water uptake modeling.
A real trial of a long-term non-fouling membrane bioreactor for saline sewage treatment
Authors: Bai Peng , Wang Jin , Chen Guang-Hao
Published: February 2016

This paper reports on a pilot trial of a novel MBR developed with coarse-pore membrane module by the authors. The plant was operated for 370 days with up to 7 m3/d raw saline sewage after 3-mm screening. The plant performed successfully without membrane fouling for 270 days except an accidental power source failure for 30 h, during which membrane was fouled under no aeration and mixing condition. EPS increases in both the reactor and the bio-cake on the membrane surface explained this fouling. The average TSS, COD and TKN removal efficiency were 92, 90, and 93%, respectively, under a high effective permeate flux of 4.8 m/d and a low air-to-water ratio of 15.
Adsorption of hexavalent chromium by crosslinked chitosan–iron(III) in an air-lift reactor
Authors: Demarchi Carla Albertina , Rodrigues Clóvis Antonio
Published: February 2016

Column experiments were conducted in an airlift reactor containing a certain amount of crosslinked chitosan–iron(III) (Ch-Fe), to examine the effects of adsorbent mass, flow rate, and influent concentrations on Cr(VI) removal. The breakthrough time increased with an increase in Ch-Fe mass, but decreased with an increase in initial Cr(VI) concentration. The exhaustion time decreased with an increase in initial Cr(VI) concentration. The capacity at the breakthrough point increased with an increase in Ch-Fe mass, flow rate, and initial Cr(VI) concentration. The capacity at the exhaustion point increased with an increase in flow rate, but showed no specific trend with an increase in initial Cr(VI) concentration. The bed volumes at breakthrough point increased with an increase in Ch-Fe, flow rate and Cr(VI) concentration. The adsorbent exhaustion decreased with an increase in flow rate and Ch-Fe, but increased with an increase in initial Cr(VI) concentration. Columns with large amounts of Ch-Fe are preferable for obtaining optimal results during the adsorption process. The higher the flow velocity, the better the column performance. The Thomas, Clark and Yoon–Nelson models were applied to the experimental results. Good agreement was observed between the predicted theoretical breakthrough curves and the experimental results.
Long-term nitrogen compound removal trends of a hybrid subsurface constructed wetland treating milking parlor wastewater throughout its 7 years of operation
Authors: Harada J. , Inoue T. , Kato K. , Izumoto H. , Zhang X. , Sakuragi H. , Wu D. , Ietsugu H. , Sugawara Y.
Published: February 2016

This study evaluated the nitrogen compound removal efficiency of a hybrid subsurface constructed wetland, which began treating milking parlor wastewater in Hokkaido, northern Japan, in 2006. The wetland's overall removal rates of total nitrogen (TN) and ammonium (NH4+-N) improved after the second year of operation, and its rate of organic nitrogen (Org-N) removal was stable at 90% efficiency. Only nitrate (NO3−-N) levels were increased following the treatment. Despite increased NO3−-N (maximum of 3 mg-N/L) levels, TN removal rates were only slightly affected. Removal rates of TN and Org-N were highest in the first vertical bed. NH4+-N removal rates were highest in the second vertical bed, presumably due to water recirculation and pH adjustment. Concentrations of NO3−-N appeared when total carbon (TC) levels were low, which suggests that low TC prevented complete denitrification in the second vertical bed and the final horizontal bed. In practice, the beds removed more nitrogen than the amount theoretically removed by denitrification, as calculated by the amount of carbon removed from the system. This carbon-nitrogen imbalance may be due to other nitrogen transformation mechanisms, which require less carbon.
On time discretizations for the simulation of the batch settling–compression process in one dimension
Authors: Bürger Raimund , Diehl Stefan , Mejías Camilo
Published: February 2016

The main purpose of the recently introduced Bürger–Diehl simulation model for secondary settling tanks was to resolve spatial discretization problems when both hindered settling and the phenomena of compression and dispersion are included. Straightforward time integration unfortunately means long computational times. The next step in the development is to introduce and investigate time-integration methods for more efficient simulations, but where other aspects such as implementation complexity and robustness are equally considered. This is done for batch settling simulations. The key findings are partly a new time-discretization method and partly its comparison with other specially tailored and standard methods. Several advantages and disadvantages for each method are given. One conclusion is that the new linearly implicit method is easier to implement than another one (semi-implicit method), but less efficient based on two types of batch sedimentation tests.
Adsorption of Cd, Cu and Zn from aqueous solutions onto ferronickel slag under different potentially toxic metal combination
Authors: Park Jong-Hwan , Kim Seong-Heon , Kang Se-Won , Kang Byung-Hwa , Cho Ju-Sik , Heo Jong-Soo , Delaune Ronald D. , Ok Yong Sik , Seo Dong-Cheol
Published: February 2016

Adsorption characteristics of potentially toxic metals in single- and multi-metal forms onto ferronickel slag were evaluated. Competitive sorption of metals by ferronickel slag has never been reported previously. The maximum adsorption capacities of toxic metals on ferronickel were in the order of Cd (10.2 mg g−1) > Cu (8.4 mg g−1) > Zn (4.4 mg g−1) in the single-metal adsorption isotherm and Cu (6.1 mg g−1) >> Cd (2.3 mg g−1) > Zn (0.3 mg g−1) in the multi-metal adsorption isotherm. In comparison with single-metal adsorption isotherm, the reduction rates of maximum toxic metal adsorption capacity in the multi-metal adsorption isotherm were in the following order of Zn (93%) > Cd (78%) >> Cu (27%). The Freundlich isotherm provides a slightly better fit than the Langmuir isotherm equation using ferronickel slag for potentially toxic metal adsorption. Multi-metal adsorption behaviors differed from single-metal adsorption due to competition, based on data obtained from Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models and three-dimensional simulation. Especially, Cd and Zn were easily exchanged and substituted by Cu during multi-metal adsorption. Further competitive adsorption studies are necessary in order to accurately estimate adsorption capacity of ferronickel slag for potentially toxic metals in natural environments.
Use of anaerobic hydrolysis pretreatment to enhance ultrasonic disintegration of excess sludge
Authors: Li Xianjin , Zhu Tong , Shen Yang , Chai Tianyu , Xie Yuanhua , You Meiyan , Wang Youzhao
Published: February 2016

To improve the excess sludge disintegration efficiency, reduce the sludge disintegration cost, and increase sludge biodegradability, a combined pretreatment of anaerobic hydrolysis (AH) and ultrasonic treatment (UT) was proposed for excess sludge. Results showed that AH had an advantage in dissolving flocs, modifying sludge characteristics, and reducing the difficulty of sludge disintegration, whereas UT was advantageous in damaging cell walls, releasing intracellular substances, and decomposing macromolecular material. The combined AH–UT process was an efficient method for excess sludge pretreatment. The optimized solution involved AH for 3 days, followed by UT for 10 min. After treatment, chemical oxygen demand, protein, and peptidoglycan concentrations reached 3,949.5 mg O2/L, 752.5 mg/L and 619.1 mg/L, respectively. This work has great significance for further engineering applications, namely, reducing energy consumption, increasing the sludge disintegration rate, and improving the biochemical properties of sludge.
Improving energy efficiency in compressed air systems - practical experiences
Authors: Seslija Dragan , Milenkovic Ivana , Dudic Slobodan , Sulc Jovan
Published: February 2016

This paper presents practical experiences of savings within compressed air
systems with the special attention to the compressed air end uses,
particularly in pneumatic control systems. Firstly, the systematic approach
to energy savings is presented. Following, various energy-saving measures
have been reviewed. They encompassed system analysis and harmonization of
production and consumption, minimisation of loses (leak prevention strategy,
identification and quantification of leakages), possibilities for reducing
pressure drop on filters, and three methods for optimization of pneumatic
control: by-pass control, PWM control, and usage of exhaust air. Finally,
energy conservation of a complex robotic cell with installed electric and
pneumatic devices is shown.
Allocation of Individual Nonmandatory Activities to Day Segments in Tour Formation Procedure
Authors: Vyas Gaurav , Vovsha Peter , Paul Binny , Givon Danny , Livshits Vladimir
Published: February 2016

Most modern activity-based travel demand models (ABMs) in practice and research do not fully capture the central idea that travel is derived from activities. The basic unit adopted in ABMs for travel analysis is the tour, which is borrowed largely from tour-based travel demand models. To a certain extent, this approach contradicts the basic idea of ABMs in which the unit for travel analysis is the activity. In reality, individuals plan to participate in various activities in a day, and the tours and corresponding trips emerge from activity participation, potential activity location, and activity sequence choices coupled with time and space constraints imposed by activities with relatively lower spatial and temporal flexibility. The model discussed in this paper is an effort to better mimic this decision-making process. This model is a part of the latest version of the coordinated travel and regional activity modeling platform (CT-RAMP) adopted for the Jerusalem, Israel, and Phoenix, Arizona, ABMs.
On the Intersite Variability in Inter-Annual Nearshore Sandbar Cycles
Authors: Walstra Dirk-Jan , Wesselman Daan , Van der Deijl Eveline , Ruessink Gerben
Published: February 2016

Inter-annual bar dynamics may vary considerably across sites with very similar environmental settings. In particular, the variability of the bar cycle return period (Tr) may differ by a factor of 3 to 4. To date, data studies are only partially successful in explaining differences in Tr, establishing at best weak correlations to local environmental characteristics. Here, we use a process-based forward model to investigate the non-linear interactions between the hydrodynamic forcing and the morphodynamic profile response for two sites along the Dutch coast (Noordwijk and Egmond) that despite strong similarity in environmental conditions exhibit distinctly different Tr values. Our exploratory modeling enables a consistent investigation of the role of specific parameters at a level of detail that cannot be achieved from observations alone, and provides insights into the mechanisms that govern Tr. The results reveal that the bed slope in the barred zone is the most important parameter governing Tr. As a bar migrates further offshore, a steeper slope results in a stronger relative increase in the water depth above the bar crest which reduces wave breaking and in turn reduces the offshore migration rate. The deceleration of the offshore migration rate as the bar moves to deeper water—the morphodynamic feedback loop—contrasts with the initial enhanced offshore migration behavior of the bar. The initial behavior is determined by the intense wave breaking associated with the steeper profile slope. This explains the counter-intuitive observations at Egmond where Tr is significantly longer than at Noordwijk despite Egmond having the more energetic wave climate which typically reduces Tr.
Environmental Identity and Natural Resources: A Dialogical Learning Process
Authors: Meijers Frans , Lengelle Reinekke , Kopnina Helen
Published: February 2016

In this article, we elaborate on the role of dialogical learning in identity formation in the context of environmental education. First, we distinguish this kind of learning from conditioning and reproductive learning. We also show that identity learning is not self-evident and we point out the role of emotions. Using Dialogical Self Theory, we then suggest that individuals do not have an “identity hierarchy” but a dialogical self that attaches meaning to experiences in both conscious and unconscious ways. We describe the learning process that enables the dialogical self to develop itself, and we elaborate on the characteristics of a good dialogue. We conclude with some remarks expanding room for a dialogue that would foster identity learning.
In Vitro and In Vivo Studies on the Inhibitory Effects of Myocardial Cell Culture Medium on Growth of a Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Line, A549
Authors: Zheng Y. , Zhou J. , Fu S.Z. , Fan J. , Wu J.B.
Published: February 2016

Background: Although the heart is one of the body’s vital organs, with an abundant blood supply, metastasis to the heart is considered rare. In a previous study, we found that the myocardial microenvironment might contain a low molecular weight natural tumour suppressor. The present study was designed to investigate the inhibitory effect of cardiac myocyte–conditioned medium (CMCM) on the growth of A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Methods: An MTT assay was used to detect the inhibition ratio with respect to A549 proliferation. Human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549 cell strain) were transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice to produce tumours. The xenograft tumour growth in mice was observed after selected drug administration. Results: After treatment with CMCM and cisplatin (Cis), A549 cell viability significantly declined (p < 0.001). The cell viability in the CMCM and Cis groups were 53.42% ± 3.45% and 58.45% ± 6.39% respectively. Growth of implanted tumour cells in vivo was significantly inhibited in the CMCM group, the group treated with recombinant human adenovirus–p53, and the Cis-treated group compared with a control group. The inhibition rates were 41.44% in the CMCM group, 41.34% in the p53 group, and 64.50% in the Cis group. Lung metastasis capacity was significantly reduced in the presence of CMCM (p < 0.05). Lung metastasis inhibition rates in mice were 56.52% in the CMCM group, 47.83% in the p53 group, and 82.61% in the Cis group. With CMCM, the lives of A549-tumour-bearing mice could be significantly prolonged without any effect on weight loss. Conclusions: Use of CMCM has the effect of reducing A549 cell viability, tumour volume, and lung metastasis rate, while prolonging survival duration without severe toxicity.
Eye-Witnessing Cancer—An Ever-Challenging Experience
Authors: Jurja S.
Published: February 2016

As a doctor with particular experience, when you see a patient with a certain unfortunate skin color [...]
IDENTIFYING PLANETARY BIOSIGNATURE IMPOSTORS: SPECTRAL FEATURES OF CO AND O4 RESULTING FROM ABIOTIC O2/O3 PRODUCTION
Authors: Schwieterman Edward W. , Meadows Victoria S. , Domagal-Goldman Shawn D. , Deming Drake , Arney Giada N. , Luger Rodrigo , Harman Chester E. , Misra Amit , Barnes Rory
Published: February 2016

O2 and O3 have been long considered the most robust individual biosignature gases in a planetary atmosphere, yet multiple mechanisms that may produce them in the absence of life have been described. However, these abiotic planetary mechanisms modify the environment in potentially identifiable ways. Here we briefly discuss two of the most detectable spectral discriminants for abiotic O2/O3: CO and O4. We produce the first explicit self-consistent simulations of these spectral discriminants as they may be seen by James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). If JWST-NIRISS and/or NIRSpec observe CO (2.35, 4.6 μm) in conjunction with CO2 (1.6, 2.0, 4.3 μm) in the transmission spectrum of a terrestrial planet it could indicate robust CO2 photolysis and suggest that a future detection of O2 or O3 might not be biogenic. Strong O4 bands seen in transmission at 1.06 and 1.27 μm could be diagnostic of a post-runaway O2-dominated atmosphere from massive H-escape. We find that for these false positive scenarios, CO at 2.35 μm, CO2 at 2.0 and 4.3 μm, and O4 at 1.27 μm are all stronger features in transmission than O2/O3 and could be detected with S/Ns ≳ 3 for an Earth-size planet orbiting a nearby M dwarf star with as few as 10 transits, assuming photon-limited noise. O4 bands could also be sought in UV/VIS/NIR reflected light (at 0.345, 0.36, 0.38, 0.445, 0.475, 0.53, 0.57, 0.63, 1.06, and 1.27 μm) by a next generation direct-imaging telescope such as LUVOIR/HDST or HabEx and would indicate an oxygen atmosphere too massive to be biologically produced.
La subjectivation des liens familiaux dans le cadre de l’injonction de soins : l’apport du génogramme
Authors: Chevalier Christophe
Published: February 2016

Dans cet article l’auteur a souhaité étudier le travail de subjectivation des liens familiaux chez un auteur de violence sexuelle dans le cadre du dispositif pénal qu’est l’injonction de soins. À partir d’une recherche clinique menée sur un mode longitudinal, il propose de montrer comment le génogramme (en test, re-test) peut être un révélateur de la mise en œuvre du processus de subjectivation. Ce procédé permet de relever deux différences notables entre les deux génogrammes : dans le passage d’une place fantasmatique dans les liens (celle d’un « enfant ») à celle d’une position instituée concomitante avec une affiliation intersubjective ; la présence ou l’absence de nom sur les icônes parentales. Des différences favorisées, selon nous, par le dispositif d’injonction de soins.
Self-Assembled Biomimetic Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Karaman Ozan , Celik Cenk , Urkmez Aylin Sendemir
Published: February 2016

Cranial, maxillofacial, and oral fractures, as well as large bone defects, are currently being treated by auto- and allograft procedures. These techniques have limitations such as immune response, donor-site morbidity, and lack of availability. Therefore, the interest in tissue engineering applications as replacement for bone graft has been growing rapidly. Typical bone tissue engineering models require a cell-supporting scaffold in order to maintain a 3-dimensional substrate mimicking in vivo extracellular matrix for cells to attach, proliferate and function during the formation of bone tissue. Combining the understanding of molecular and structural biology with materials engineering and design will enable new strategies for developing biological tissue constructs with clinical relevance. Self-assembled biomimetic scaffolds are especially suitable as they provide spatial and temporal regulation. Specifically, self-assembling peptides capable of in situ gelation serve as attractive candidates for minimally invasive injectable therapies in bone tissue engineering applications.
Enterprise Systems Adoption
Authors: Waring Teresa , Wainwright David , Skoumpopoulou Dimitra
Published: February 2016

Enterprise wide integrated systems (ES) have been extensively procured in large organizations but much research fails to develop sociotechnically informed approaches that facilitate their implementation within complex organizational environments. In this paper the authors take a critically informed sociotechnical approach to power and improvisation in ES implementation. A review and synthesis of the pertinent literature, has led to the development of an analytical framework. This framework has been used to explore these concepts through a longitudinal, ethnographic study of an ES within a UK university. The contribution of this paper is a combined ‘circuits of power-improvisation' (CPI) framework which can facilitate a better understanding of ES implementation, sociotechnical theory and practice. Lessons learnt from the study may potentially be used to avoid some of the problems experienced due to the lack of recognition of the important role of power and improvisation in what may be misrepresented as planned strategic and deliberate organizational change.
Understanding Change from a Socio-technical Perspective
Authors: Weilbach Lizette , Matthee Machdel
Published: February 2016

In this paper the authors report on a socio-technical analysis of the change caused by an e-textbook implementation in a secondary school in South Africa. The Punctuated Socio-Technical Change (PSIC) model was considered because it affirms the socio-technical nature of existing educational research on ICT enabled change, and also extends it by recognising the episodic nature of change. On a vertical level the model allowed the authors to identify and distinguish between the factors and events which influenced the change in the organisation on four different levels. On a horizontal level, the model makes the disequilibrium between the socio-technical system components visible as they happen over time. Data was collected during the first phase of action research and analysed using the PSIC model. It is found that, despite the preparatory events leading to the full roll out, as well as the positive affordances of the new technology, the equilibrium of the socio-technical components of the work system was severely disrupted. The technology infrastructure did not support the e-textbook platform and the implementation of more than one platform clearly caused confusion. The experience of the teachers was that they were not offered sufficient support and that the e-textbooks they were expected to use, did not support the teaching and learning task. Consequently, the authors suggested some interventions to stabilise the socio-technical work system, of which some have already realised. As the ST-model used within the PSIC model fails to address the vertical gaps between levels in sufficient detail, the authors intend to apply ANT in future research to overcome this shortcoming.
Finite Element Modeling of Influence of Roll Form of Vertical Scale Breaker on Decreased Formation of Surface Defects during Roughing Hot Rolling
Authors: Pesin Alexander , Pustovoytov Denis
Published: February 2016

During production of rolled steel strips the quality of the surface of finished strips influences steel consumption considerably. The most critical areas for crack formation during rolling are lateral sides of slabs. Deformation behaviors of the slab edge in roughing rolling process were analyzed by the finite element method with Deform-3D. In this study our focus is the analysis of the influence of edger’s form on the possibility to decrease surface cracking during roughing hot rolling.
Calculation of the Residual Stress Field of the Thin Circular Plate under Unsteady Thermal Action
Authors: Dats Evgeniy , Mokrin Sergey , Murashkin Evgeniy
Published: February 2016

The dimensional problem of a formation of the residual stresses in the thin circular elastoplastic plate under the given thermal action was analytically solved. The generalized Prandtl-Reuss thermoelastoplastic model was used. The effect of the non-stationary temperature gradient on the residual stresses field formation was investigated under the condition that the yield stress depends on a temperature. The borders of the irreversible deformation domain and unloading domain were computed. The level of residual stresses was calculated.
The Statistical Analysis of Granulometric Composition and Microgeometrical Indicators of Abrasive Grains of Grinding Wheels for Rough Machining
Authors: Dyakonov Aleksandr A. , Sopeltsev Aleksey V.
Published: February 2016

The analysis of geometry of abrasive grains on macrogeometrical and microgeometrical indicators is carried out; charts of distribution of these indicators are submitted. The research technique based on application of photometry for obtaining digital images of abrasive grains is described. On the basis of this method we have established that abrasive grains can be devided into following form types: isometric, beam-type, and laminar. Grains sharpening and peaks rounding radii R in samples scanning plane were investigated in order to analyse abrasive grains microgeometry. Statistic analysis provided following results: average grain sharpening angle is within limits of 85° ≤ β ≤ 90°; average grain peak rounding radius is equal to 0.2 ≤ R ≤ 0.4 mm.
Wear-Resistant Coatings Reinforced with TiB2 Micro-Particles and TiCN Nano-Sized Particles
Authors: Artem'ev Alexander A. , Sokolov G.N. , Lysak V.I. , Zorin I.V. , Dubtsov Yu.N. , Tsurikhin S.N.
Published: February 2016

A wear-resistant composite coating process with electroslag surfacing using a current-supplying solidification mould was developed. The structure and properties of coatings from flux-cored wire deposited alloys with refractory micro-particles of titanium diboride, TiB2, and nano-sized particles of titanium carbonitride, TiCN, were studied. Special features of the elasto-plastic deformation of composite alloys’constituents were studied with sclerometry.
Influence of Filling Agent Quantity on Characteristics of Polymeric Composites
Authors: Vitske Rudolf E. , Kondratyuk Aleksey A. , Nesterenko Vladimir P.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents the investigation of the influence of an added filling agent on the strength and hardness of composites based on the ultra-high molecular polyethylene UHMWPE. The results of the volume resistivity definition are demonstrated for the range of polyethylenes and composites based on UHMWPE.
Numerical Analysis of 2D Cloaking Problems Using Homogeneus Materials
Authors: Alekseev Gennady , Lobanov Alexey , Spivak Yuliya
Published: February 2016

We consider the problem of decreasing the scattering from arbitrary 2D object by surrounding it the shell composed of M layers of homogeneous anisotropic materials. The solution of the scattering problem under study is obtained by solving corresponding 2D Helmholtz equation using cylindrical functions expansion. The coefficients of these expansions are determined by solving system of 4M+3 linear algebraic equations. Efficient numerical algorithm of cloaking problem is developed which is based on singular value decomposition of the coefficient matrix. Properties of the algorithm are studied and the results of numerical experiments are discussed.
Electrical Properties of Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Polymer Composites
Authors: Lebedev Sergey M. , Gefle Olga S. , Amitov Ernar T. , Predtechensky Mikhail R. , Bezrodny Alexander E.
Published: February 2016

Novel electrically conductive SWCNT-reinforced composites were studied in this work. Incorporating SWCNT into CB/polymer composites provides lowering the percolation threshold. Adding a small quantity of single-walled carbon nanotubes into CB/polymer composites allows reducing CB content in electrically conductive composites and improving rheological and processing properties.
Microstructure and Properties of the Composite on the Basis of Copper and Diamond
Authors: Ivashutenko Aleksander S. , Martyushev Nikita V. , Drozdov Yuriy Yu.
Published: February 2016

The paper presents the experimental material on obtaining and researching of three-dimensional composite heat-conducting copper-diamond materials in the system of spark plasma sintering. Earlier [1-5], it was established that in order to achieve the effect of the increased heat conductivity of a composite it is necessary to create the conditions hindering the movement of heat flux on the interface boundary. In this work we have attempted to obtain the material with heat conductivity higher than that of pure copper due to addition of diamond powder and synthesis of the composite in the system of spark plasma sintering. For comparison, we have considered copper and diamond compositions in the ratios of 50/50 and 40/60 correspondingly. The results of the heat conductivity analysis have not exceeded the indices of pure copper; however, according to SEM data, it has been found that at SPS-sintering local domains with enhanced adhesion form on the surfaces of diamonds.
The Deposition of Silicon-Carbon Coatings in Plasma Based Nonself-Sustained Arc Discharge with Heated Cathode
Authors: Grenadyorov A.S. , Oskomov K.V. , Solovyev Andrey A. , Rabotkin S.V. , Kovsharov N.F.
Published: February 2016

Silicon-carbon coatings on silicon substrates were deposited in plasma based nonself-sustained arc discharge with heated cathode by plasma polymerization of silicon organic agent such as polyphenyl methylsiloxane (PPhMS). Silicon-carbon coatings were deposited at PPhMS flow rate of 0.012 ml/min, argon pressure of 0-0.1 Pa, discharge current of 5-8 A, discharge voltage of 130-150 V, and filament current of 68 A. Bipolar pulsed bias voltage was supplied on the substrate during coating deposition. Surface morphology, hardness and elastic modulus of silicon-carbon films were investigated after the deposition. The film surface is very smooth with root-mean-square roughness of 0.579 nm. Maximum hardness of coatings was 11 GPa, and maximum elastic modulus was 142 GPa.
Removal of Iron Colloid Substances from Aqueous Solutions Using Pulsed Corona Discharge
Authors: Gryaznova Elena N. , Preis Sergey , Kornev J.I. , Machekhina Ksenia , Shiyan Ludmila N. , Magomadova Seda O.
Published: February 2016

Pulsed electric discharge has been used for the removal of iron colloid substances from aqueous solutions. The residual concentration of organic substances in aqueous solution depends on the pulse repetition rate. The maximum decrease in organic substances concentration was observed at the pulse repetition rate of 800 pps. Comparison of the results obtained for iron colloid solutions containing humic substances and solutions of humic subtances with no colloids shows that the highest removal efficiency of organic substances was obtained when no iron and silicon ions were present in the solution. The results of our experiments suggest that pulsed electric discharge treatment for the removal of organic substances from natural waters is more efficient at an after-treatment stage, after precipitation of colloid substances.
Dynamics of Discrete Breathers in the Pt3Al Crystal
Authors: Zakharov P.V. , Dmitriev Sergey V. , Starostenkov M.D.
Published: February 2016

By method of molecular dynamics discrete breathers with soft and hard types of non-linearity in the Pt3Al crystal are studied. Obtained graphs characterize the spatial localization of the discrete breathers, the dependence of the frequency on the oscillation amplitude and the amount of energy localized on the discrete breathers. It is shown that the collision of moving discrete breathers may lead to the energy exchange between the breathers with some portion of the energy given to the Pt3Al lattice. The probability of excitation of discrete breathers in thermodynamic equilibrium is estimated.
Properties of WC-6Co Hard Alloy Powders Obtained by the Method of Spark Plasma Dispersion
Authors: Zhuravkov Sergey P. , Pobol Alexsey , Lobanova Galina L. , Goranskyi George , Saprikin Filipp
Published: February 2016

Powders of WC-6Co hard alloy were produced using spark erosion in distilled water. The properties of powders, such as specific surface area, morphology, structure and size distribution, were studied. Investigation of the powder properties was made using the methods of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray phase analysis and disk centrifuge.
Fe Reduction by Carbon during Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis of Fe-TiC Composite
Authors: Yatsenko Igor V. , Yatsenko Vladimir V. , Amosov Aleksandr P. , Samboruk A.R.
Published: February 2016

The results of experimental investigations of combustion of the powder mixture of titanium, carbon, and ferrous oxide (III) are shown in this paper. Iron reduction by carbon is an endothermic reaction and proceeds in combustion wave of SHS due to the heat of high-exothermic reaction of TiC formation. It was found that it is impossible to initiate the combustion process with (Fe2O3+C) content of 50 wt. % or more of the initial charge composition. With not very high content of (Fe2O3+C), only Fe and TiC are found in the reaction products. When approaching its content to 50 wt. %, also С and FeO impurity phases are detected. The SHS product is a cake of separate granules of Fe-TiC with the granule size of 100-500 μm.
Influence of Mineral Salts on the Production of Antibiotics Phenazine Series from Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Authors: Palchevskaya Yekaterina S.
Published: February 2016

Phenazines represent a group of heterocyclic nitrogen-containing compounds showing a broad spectrum of antibiotic properties. Phenazines are studied extensively for their further application in plant disease management. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produce phenazine compounds as the secondary metabolites. In this paper a complex of phenazine series antibiotics from the culture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated and studied. It was established that the complex represented by phenazine-1-carboxylic acid and 2-hydroxyphenazine. The influence of various mineral salts to produce phenazine was investigated. Inhibitors and cofactors of the biosynthesis of antibiotics phenazine series were determined.
Synthesis and Study of Norfloxacin Labeled with Technecium-99m as a Potential Imaging Agent of Bacterial Inflammations
Authors: Varlamova Natalya V. , Skuridin Viktor S. , Sazonov Aleksey E. , Sazonova Svetlana I. , Nesterov Evgeniy A. , Larionova Liudmila A.
Published: February 2016

Investigations have been carried out into creation of reagent for labeled norfloxacin hydrochloride (NFH).Methods: The NFH synthesized in the Institute of Organic Synthesis (Ekaterinburg) was used in this research. The effect of the mixture components on the radiochemical specimen purity was assessed using the method of thin-layer chromatography.Results: The inflammation animal model was used to demonstrate the NFH functional eligibility for diagnostics of inflammatory processes.
The Study of Inhibition of Atom-Atom Collisions Cascades by Ni-Al (100) Interphase Boundary
Authors: Poletaev Gennady , Novoselova Darya , Starostenkov Mikhail D. , Tsellermaer Vladimir , Kovalenko Viktor
Published: February 2016

The interaction of atom-atom collisions cascades with Ni-Al interphase boundary was studied by the method of molecular dynamics. It was shown that the interphase boundary partially absorbs the cascade energy. The degree of energy absorption of the cascade by the interphase boundary increases with the growth of the structural imperfection of the boundary and density of the misfit dislocations, and also with increase of distance between the boundary and the place of the cascade initiation.
Development of Intelligent Algorithm for Positioning a Vehicle on a Route
Authors: Savrasov F.V. , Pershin E.A. , Meyta R.V. , Shamin A.A.
Published: February 2016

This paper describes the algorithm of positioning a vehicle on a route that uses only limited information about the transport infrastructure. The key idea is the thesis that an algorithm, which does not have cartographic information about the structure of the road network, can be used for tasks related to the definition of the next waypoint, such as sound notification of the current and the next public transport's stops.
Simulation of Telephone System with Reserved Communicational Channels and Automatic Correction of Transmission’s Delay of the Audio Stream
Authors: Savrasov F.V. , Pershin E.A. , Meyta R.V. , Shamin A.A.
Published: February 2016

This paper describes how to improve the reliability and comfort telephony based on intelligent microprocessor terminals intended for operation on the remote and distant objects. The criteria of evaluation "comfortable" telephony and the method of quantitative evaluation are developed. An algorithm for automatic selection of data channels and automatic correction of audio data stream transmission's delay is suggested. The results of the partial testing of the developed algorithm are presented.
Architecture of Enterprise Information Systems Based on the Semantic Web Technologies
Authors: Zaikin I.A. , Tuzovskiy Anatoliy , Yampolskiy V.Z.
Published: February 2016

The role of systems based on Semantic Web technologies is rising. Today there is a big set of tools to use semantic technologies. However, to date there were no recommendations given about architecture of information systems based on ontologies and Semantic Web technologies. Such architecture is suggested in the article. This architecture is intended for software engineers interested in design and development of such information systems.
Software Traceability – A Key to Improve Software Evolution
Authors: Ponomarev Alexey , Nalamwar Hitesh S.
Published: February 2016

Software traceability is an important part in software development that is getting more and more attention nowadays from organizations and researchers. The paper outlines the importance, different methods and techniques of software traceability. It also explains the need of automating traceability, problems and drawbacks of existing traceability tools, the ongoing challenges facing implementation of traceability in software development life cycle, and finally the paper discusses whether software traceability should be mandated as a key to improve software evolution
Algorithm of the Alternatives Generation in the Design of the Geological and Engineering Operations
Authors: Silich V.A. , Savelev A.O. , Cherkashin A.Yu.
Published: February 2016

The algorithm for automated formation of alternatives in geological and engineering operation planning is developed. The algorithm is based on method of the Weighted k-Nearest Neighbours and tested on data of Tomskneft company.
Simulation of Discrete-Continuous Process via E-Network
Authors: Tarakanov Dmitry , Tsapko Sergey , Buldygin Roman , Eremin Ivan
Published: February 2016

This paper denotes approaches to discrete-continuous process simulation via E-network. It covers principals of discrete-continuous process simulation via E-networks using the scheme of the interaction of static and dynamic components modeling. The construction of discrete-continuous process dynamic models is based on the state space method and is implemented by using E-network.
A virada para o século XXI e os desdobramentos das concepções pós-modernas nas políticas de gestão escolar
Authors: Souza Zanardini Isaura Monica , Xavier Maria Elizabete Sampaio Prado
Published: February 2016

Este artigo apresenta reflexões a respeito da reforma da gestão escolar a partir da década de 1990. Esta reforma é implantada sob o argumento de que é necessário modernizar a perspectiva de gestão da escola para torná-la eficiente. Para desenvolver a análise, realizada a partir de pesquisa bibliográfica, o artigo revisita a substituição do taylorismo/fordismo pelo paradigma da acumulação flexível, que apresenta um “novo” modelo de gestão e de controle. Este modelo estaria pautado na ideologia da pós-modernidade. Para evidenciar esta conclusão, discute-se a lógica de gestão/controle do trabalho pautada na racionalidade pós-moderna que acompanha a recuperação dos ideais do liberalismo, procurando apresentar as implicações que essa lógica produz no âmbito da gestão escolar. Observa-se que a organização escolar incorpora este movimento por meio da difusão de hábitos e atitudes e também a partir da adoção dos elementos empregados pela administração que se desenvolve em um conjunto de organizações sociais. Nesse sentido, é tratada a valorização do elemento humano, da implantação de mecanismos de avaliação, da descentralização e autonomia que se constituem como categorias fundamentais para a reforma da gestão em análise. Como um dos resultados evidenciados, destaca-se que a tensão entre as “racionalidades” discutida pela pós-modernidade é de base ideológica e tem em vista a responsabilização dos sujeitos pelos resultados alcançados.
Cultura, cidadania e patrimônio cultural: interfaces entre a escola, a cidade e as políticas culturais na cidade de Guararema, SP
Authors: Franco Francisco Carlos , Prados Rosalia Maria Netto , Mendes Bonini Luci
Published: February 2016

O presente texto aborda a questão do patrimônio material e imaterial e seu potencial educativo na formação cidadã de alunos da educação básica. Tem como objetivo refletir sobre as perspectivas de desenvolvimento de uma Educação Patrimonial em uma cidade educadora. Fundamenta essa discussão estudos que analisam a educação sob uma perspectiva crítica, em que esta supere a simples transmissão e contemplação dos bens patrimoniais destituídas de sentido, presentes em muitas propostas educativas em instituições de educação formal e não formal, de modo, ainda, que haja colaboração com a gestão do patrimônio cultural. Sendo assim, este texto contempla reflexões sobre a educação patrimonial como uma área emergente na educação e analisa uma experiência na região do alto Tietê, no município de Guararema. Os primeiros resultados apontam para considerações de que a Educação Patrimonial deve ser um diálogo permanente entre as vivências, experiências e percepções dos educandos e cidadãos ante os bens culturais e suas formas de ser e de agir cotidianos, com os conteúdos escolares e ações educativas desenvolvidas nas unidades escolares e instituições culturais, como forma de entender os processos constituintes de sua identidade cultural auxiliando na gestão do patrimônio cultural.