bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-resolution variability of the enrichment of fluorescence dissolved organic matter in the sea surface microlayer of an upwelling region
Authors: Mustaffa Nur Ili Hamizah , Ribas-Ribas Mariana , Wurl Oliver
Published: September 2017

Enrichment of fluorescence dissolved organic matter (FDOM) in the sea surface microlayer (SML) provides insights into biogeochemical processes occurring at the sea surface, including cycling of organic matter, photochemistry, and air-sea gas exchange. We present data concerning the variability of FDOM enrichment in the SML during upwelling events in the Baltic Sea (Cruise M117). Our results show that FDOM is frequently enriched (75% of all samples) and that enrichment factors are significantly higher in SMLs located in regions with upwelling (pooled median = 1.4) compared to a non-upwelling region (median = 1.1). The enrichment factor of FDOM showed short time-scale variability, changing by 6% within ten-minute intervals. Larger variabilities (standard deviation up to ±0.14 µg L–1 compared to background of ±0.01 µg L–1) occurred when fronts were present and when the SML was mixed with underlying bulk water. Small-scale patchiness, indicated by changes in the variability of FDOM enrichment in SML, was a common feature of the sea surface. Wind speed played a potential role in controlling the enrichment of FDOM in the SML, but the effects of solar radiation on photochemical processes, mixing and upwelling of water masses, and biological processes as a source of FDOM also influence enrichment at this critical interface between ocean and atmosphere.
Age Legislation and Off-Road Vehicle Injuries in Children
Authors: Flaherty Michael R. , Raybould Toby , Kelleher Cassandra M. , Seethala Raghu , Lee Jarone , Kaafarani Haytham M.A. , Masiakos Peter T.
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

In 2010, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a comprehensive law that restricted off-road vehicle (ORV) use by children <14 years old and regulated ORV use by children up to the age of 18 years. We aimed to examine the impact of the 2010 Massachusetts law on the rates of ORV-related injuries.

METHODS:

A retrospective analysis was performed of Massachusetts emergency department (ED) and inpatient discharges between 2002 and 2013 as found in the Center for Health Information and Analysis database by using external causes of injury codes specific to ORV-related injuries. Yearly population-based rates were compared before and after the implementation of the law (2002–2010 vs 2011–2013) by using Poisson regression analysis and segmented regression.

RESULTS:

There were 3638 ED discharges and 481 inpatient discharges for ORV-related injuries in children across the 12-year study period. After the implementation of the law, the rate of ED discharges declined by 33% in 0- to 9-year-olds, 50% in 10- to 13-year-olds, and 39% in 14 to 17-year-olds (P < .0001). There was no significant decline in ED discharges for 25- to 34-year-olds. Inpatient hospital discharges were also reduced by 41% in 0- to 17-year-olds after implementation (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

As compared with adults (ages 25–34 years), the population-based ORV-related injury rate of residents <18 years old significantly declined after the passage of legislation that imposed age restrictions and other safeguards for youth riders.
Synthetic Cannabinoid Use Among High School Seniors
Authors: Palamar Joseph J. , Barratt Monica J. , Coney Leigh , Martins Silvia S.
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVES:

In this study, we examined the prevalence and correlates of current synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use among high school seniors in the United States.

METHODS:

Monitoring the Future, an annual nationally representative survey of high school seniors, began querying current (30-day) SC use in 2014. Data were examined from the 2 most recent cohorts (2014–2015; N = 7805). Prevalence of self-reported use was examined and differences in demographics and recency and frequency of other drug use was compared between current marijuana-only users and current SC (plus marijuana) users using χ2 and generalized linear model using Poisson.

RESULTS:

We found that 2.9% of students reported current SC use; 1.4% of students (49.7% of users) reported using SCs on ≥3 days in the past month. SC users were more likely to report more recent (and often more frequent) use of lysergic acid diethylamide, cocaine, heroin, and/or nonmedical use of opioids compared with marijuana-only users. Compared with current marijuana-only users, SC users were more likely to report lower parent education (P < .05) and current use of a higher number of illegal drugs other than marijuana (Ps < .001). Students using SCs ≥10 times in the past month were more likely to be boys, frequent marijuana users (Ps < .01), African American, and users of multiple other illegal drugs (Ps < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

SC use is typically part of a repertoire of polydrug use, and polydrug use is less prevalent among marijuana-only users. Current SC users are at risk for poisoning from use of the newest generation of SCs and from concurrent drug use.
Impact of a multicomponent hand hygiene intervention strategy in reducing infection rates at a university hospital in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Kuwaiti Ahmed
Published: September 2017

Background and aims

Few studies have reported the correlation between hand hygiene (HH) practices and infection rates in Saudi Arabia. This work was aimed to study the effect of a multicomponent HH intervention strategy in improving HH compliance and reducing infection rates at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia between January 2014 and December 2016.

Methods

A yearlong multicomponent HH intervention, which included various strategies recommended by the World Health Organization, was introduced. HH compliance among staff and infection rates observed in the inpatient wards were assessed and compared at pre- and post-interventional phases.

Results

There was a significant increase in mean HH compliance from 50.17% to 71.75% after the intervention (P < 0.05). Hospital-acquired infection (HAI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) rates decreased from 3.37 to 2.59 and from 3.73 to 1.75, respectively (P < 0.05). HH compliance was found to be negatively correlated with HAI (r = −0.278) and CAUTI (r = −0.523) rates.

Conclusions

Results show that multicomponent intervention is effective in improving HH compliance, and that an increase in HH compliance among hospital staff decreases infection rates. Further studies on cost-effectiveness of such a model could augment to these findings.
The interaction effects of resistance training and sustanon abuse on liver antioxidant activities and serum enzymes in male rats
Authors: Arazi Hamid , Rahmati Siavash , Ghafoori Hosein
Published: September 2017

Background

Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) are synthetic drugs derived from testosterone, the uncontrolled usage of which may lead to serious side effects. Previous studies have shown that resistance training (RT) is the main exercise modality practiced by AAS abusers. Thus, this work was carried out to evaluate the hepatotoxic effects of sustanon (Su) as an example of AAS in trained male rats.

Methods

Rats were divided into sedentary/non-Su, sedentary/Su, RT/non-Su, and RT/Su. Su-administration groups received Su 10 mg/kg intramuscularly once a week for 8 weeks. In the 8-week RT, the rats climbed a vertical ladder 3 days/week.

Results

After Su administration, the mean values of serum parameters related to hepatic function were within normal ranges. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities were higher (P < 0.05) in the liver of Su-treated rats. Chronic exercise alone did not change any of the above parameters.

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that the 8-week injection of Su, either with or without concurrent RT upregulation of enzymatic antioxidant activities and RT, did not attenuate the increase of enzymatic activities due to the Su administration. Furthermore, Su abuse in this dose did not make any severe liver damage.
The dangers of conflating gambling-related harm with disordered gambling
Authors: Browne Matthew , Rockloff Matthew J.
Published: September 2017

In their critical review of the prevention paradox (PP) applied to gambling-related harm, Delfabbro and King (2017) raise a number of concerns regarding specific assumptions, methods, and findings as well as the general conceptual approach. Besides discussing the PP, the review also considers the merits of considering a “continuum of harm,” as opposed to the more traditional categorical approach to classifying problem gamblers. Their critique is carefully modulated and balanced, and starts a useful dialogue in the context of a public health approach to gambling. Unfortunately, some of Delfabbro and King’s (2017) arguments rest on the treatment of gambling harm as a binary state and conflates gambling-related harm with disordered gambling. In this reply, we argue that the application of PP logic to gambling harm has not yet been addressed by us, and is only indirectly related to the more important objective of understanding how gambling can reduce ones’ quality of life.
Application of family therapy in family businesses — A case study research on family business consulting
Authors: Wieszt Attila
Published: September 2017

The article introduces a research that examined the impact of family on the cooperation of individual family members in family-owned businesses by applying a theoretical framework based on family therapy, family business research and social value research. Firstly, it presents a model based on blending family therapy and social research on the individual’s value preferences with the aim of exploring the internal structure of this family effect. It also shows a possible family business consulting method in order to observe and handle the dynamics of this internal structure. Then, testing of the described model and consulting method is conducted by multiple-embedded case study research. Based on the results, refining statements are formulated regarding the applicability of family therapy in family business consulting and social value research.
Violência, educação e sociedade: o bullying na concepção de educadores em Ananindeua (PA)
Authors: Giordano Rosi , Sanreth Lana
Published: September 2017

O tema do ensaio – vinculado à pesquisa Violência Escolar: discriminação, bullying e responsabilidade (CROCHÍK, 2013) – incide sobre a violência escolar presente no bullying. Examinamos, especificamente, concepções de educadores (professores e coordenadores pedagógicos) das 8ªs séries/ 9ºs anos de três escolas públicas do município de Ananindeua (PA) acerca de questões envolvidas no bullying. Tais concepções foram levantadas por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e voltam-se à percepção destes educadores sobre as causas do bullying; sobre o perfil dos alunos que agridem e/ou são agredidos; sobre se os alunos em situação de inclusão são vitimizados tanto quanto os demais alunos nas escolas em que trabalham e, finalmente, sobre as possíveis ações para combater o bullying escolar. A análise das referidas concepções é realizada a partir do quadro de referências da Teoria Crítica da Sociedade, particularmente, da investigação social empírica, conforme proposições de Adorno, Horkheimer e Marcuse.Palavras-Chave: Teoria Crítica da Sociedade; Violência Escolar; discriminação e preconceito.
Ensino híbrido, tecnologias e a nova ecologia cognitiva: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Angeluci Alan César Belo , Cacavallo Marcello
Published: September 2017

O presente artigo revisita conceitos e autores que versam sobre as transformações contemporâneas promovidas pelas TICs e as novas perspectivas de convergência de mídias na educação. Observando os processos comunicacionais contemporâneos por meio de autores da cibercultura, busca-se indicar conceitos que apontem para as novas tendências de ensino que estão surgindo, entre elas o ensino híbrido. Novas tecnologias comunicacionais associadas às práticas educacionais inovadoras têm permitido o desenvolvimento de plataformas digitais amplamente usadas por instituições de ensinos para cursos nos mais variados níveis educacionais. Elas permitem a interação entre professor, aluno e conteúdo mediada por ferramentas e processos que têm transformado as práticas tradicionais de ensino e aprendizagem. Para além disso, as inovações advindas desse novo cenário contemporâneo têm desenvolvido e aprimorado múltiplas inteligências, resultado de uma nova ecologia cognitiva que plasma as inteligências humanas e artificiais. Isso exige um sistema educacional que esteja comprometido com o ambiente de aprendizagem do século XXI – caracterizado pela multiplicidade de lugares (sejam eles virtuais e físicos), ideias, pessoas e perfis profissionais mais interdisciplinares, plurais e adaptados às tecnologias.
Educação popular e docência
Authors: Guimaraes Antonio Ademar , Daudt Paloma De Freitas , Kern Luise Toledo
Published: September 2017

A obra Educação Popular e Docência está inserida na coleção Docência em Formação, integrando a série Educação de Jovens e Adultos. Pensar a educação popular na contemporaneidade significa reafirmar o sentido e o compromisso de uma educação para e com o povo latino-americano. Dessa forma, os autores da obra compreendem a educação popular como uma prática educativa e uma proposta pedagógica que está atravessada pela história latino-americana. Por ocupar este espaço, “se alimenta das lutas de resistência e da criatividade dos povos da América Latina e, por isso, valoriza os conhecimentos aqui produzidos” (STRECK et al. 2014, p. 22).

O livro inicia apresentando, como convite para aprofundamento, fontes teóricas entendidas como importantes para a construção da educação popular e que traçam características para a identidade desta prática. A discussão continua no questionamento sobre quem é o educador popular, permitindo pensar onde este sujeito está inserido e que comprometimento se revela diante do contexto social e da vida. Na sequência, problematiza-se de que maneira a educação popular está presente no espaço das políticas públicas e a relação desta prática educativa com a pesquisa, possibilitando reflexões e ferramentas que permitam o educador e a educadora a perceber a dimensão da pesquisa como parte da docência (STRECK et al. 2014, p. 24). É importante destacar que a contextualização histórica atravessa toda a obra. Os autores também se dedicam a pensar como se forma e quem forma o educador e a educadora e, por fim, qual a relação entre a educação popular e a educação de jovens e adultos.
Ensino e pesquisa na PUC-SP marcam 20 anos de presença/ausência de Paulo Freire
Authors: Saul Ana Maria
Published: September 2017

Paulo Freire foi professor da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP) pelo período de quase duas décadas, desde sua volta do exílio. Quando ele já não estava entre nós, em 1998, a reitoria da PUC-SP criou a Cátedra Paulo Freire, um espaço acadêmico singular para o desenvolvimento de estudos e pesquisas sobre e a partir da obra de Paulo Freire. Transcorridos vinte anos de ausência do autor da Pedagogia do Oprimido, é possível afirmar que a sua ausência é presença no mundo, porque o seu pensamento é clássico e atual. Este artigo tem o objetivo de apresentar como a pedagogia freireana segue sendo estudada, pesquisada e reinventada na Cátedra Paulo Freire da PUC-SP. O destaque desse texto é demonstrar a possibilidade de materializar a relação “ensino-pesquisa”, assim como foi compreendida por Paulo Freire, e como uma pesquisa de abrangência nacional analisa o legado e a reinvenção do pensamento desse autor que nos deixou “à moda de quem, saindo, fica.”
Freire e o uso pedagógico da imagem visual na alfabetização de jovens e adultos
Authors: Carlos Erenildo João , Alcantara Raquel Rocha Villar de
Published: September 2017

Este ensaio cumpre duas funções. A primeira consiste em analisar a ordem do discurso que faz emergir o uso da imagem no processo de alfabetização presente na proposta pedagógica freireana. A segunda, ao mesmo tempo em que opera com a abordagem teórico-metodológica da Análise Arqueológica do Discurso – AAD, proposta por Michel Foucault, visa afirmar que a AAD se caracteriza como uma possibilidade de investigação no campo da educação, especificamente, da educação popular. Constatamos que o enunciado do uso pedagógico da imagem aparece em menções sobre os gêneros do desenho pictórico, fotográfico e audiovisual. O emprego de imagens visuais está relacionado às noções de código visual, representação de mundo e objeto de conhecimento e às funções de associação mnemônica, ilustração e mediação do conhecimento como estratégias pedagógicas da alfabetização de jovens e adultos. O estudo assinala, de um lado, a pertinência teórico-metodológica da AAD e, de outro, que, embora Freire não tenha desenvolvido uma discussão elaborada, a problemática da imagem visual não deixou de ser objeto de sua atenção e utilização na prática educativa.
Human IFN?/Granzyme B Dual Color ELISpot v1
Authors: Savic Miloje , L Dembinski Jennifer
Published: September 2017

This protocol describes the preparation and use of ELISpot 96 well plates for measuring human IFNγ and Granzyme B production by immune cells (notably CD4 and CD8 T cells). Cells harvested from peripheral blood or other organs can be used, stimulated with antigen of interest (usually between 18 to 24h), and per cell production of IFNγ and Granzyme B measured as a ‘spot’ on a plate well membrane (http://www.immunospot.eu/advantage-of-immunospot-kits.html).
Flow cytometry assay and cell staining protocol v1
Authors: Savic Miloje , L. Dembinski Jennifer
Published: September 2017

This protocol describes antigen stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), staining for various surface and intracellular molecular markers, followed by flow cytometry measurements. PBMC contain various T and NK cell populations, which produce cytokines upon specific stimulation with antigens. T (and NK) cells can be stimulated in various ways: using whole virus, bacteria (or membrane fractions of bacterial lysates), antigenic peptides etc. The stimulation guide provided with this protocol refers to stimulation with antigenic peptides, influenza virus and a standard cell mitogen (Concanavalin A, ConA), though it can be adapted to incorporate any other cell stimulant. This method is used to stimulate influenza specific cytokine production. After PBMC stimulation, cells are stained to detect cytokine producing T (and/or NK) cells by flow cytometry. Antigens are presented by antigen presenting cells (APC), which are also present among PBMC. In this procedure the Golgi apparatus is blocked by Brefeldin A and Monensin in order to keep all the cytokines produced after stimulation within the cell. The number of influenza specific cytokine producing T (and/or NK) cells can be determined by staining cells with fluorophore conjugated antibodies specific for the cytokine(s) of interest and counted on a flow cytometer.
The Use of iPad and Applications for English Language Education
Authors: Auquilla Diego P. Ortega , Urgilès Gerardo E. Heras
Published: September 2017

This article examines the importance of the iPad use and presents numerous useful applications employed in the field of education, especially in the field of English language teaching and learning. This topic is of great importance as educators and students alike, these days, live in the digital era, which entails new technological advances that may positively benefit the instruction of varied school subjects. Additionally, the use of new technologies (e.g., iPad and educational applications) in the classroom setting may motivate and foster the acquisition of necessary twenty-first century abilities among students. With the aim of achieving the aforementioned objectives, first and foremost the role of digital technologies and m-learning in education is analyzed, since these two aspects have a direct relationship with the main topic of this work. In addition, a conceptualization and main characteristics of the iPad are provided. Then the use of this device in different educational settings at the international level is highlighted. Finally, the use of this device as a didactic tool in the language learning classroom is discussed and a selection of meaningful applications for English language teaching and learning is provided. As educators, in the digital era, is our responsibility to remain constantly updated to provide our students with an education aligned with the new technological advancements and, above all, to enrich their learning inside and outside the classroom. Consequently, this will promote a more autonomous and lifelong learning among our language students.
The Effect of Structured Input, Meaningful Output and Traditional Instruction on EFL Learners’ Productive Use of Passive Voice
Authors: Seyednejad Horye , Gholami Hamid
Published: September 2017

This study aimed at investigating the effect of structured input, meaningful output and traditional instruction on EFL learners’ productive use of passive voice. To achieve this purpose 60 intermediate female EFL learners were selected from Fahim institute in Kermanshah. They were assigned into three experimental groups (structured input, meaningful output and traditional instruction group). To analyze the collected data of three experimental groups, ANOVA and a post hoc Scheffe was run. The results showed the superiority of structured input technique over the other two techniques. All in all, the findings of the present study confirms the use of structured input technique for the purpose of developing productive use of linguistic items. This study has implications for EFL teachers, teacher educators, and material developers.
A Critical Discourse Analysis of Iran and US Presidential Speeches at the UN: The Sociopragmatic Functions
Authors: Najarzadegan Sahar , Dabaghi Azizollah , Eslami-Rasekh Abbass
Published: September 2017

Speeches articulated by politicians are often vehicles towards achieving their ultimate goals. That’s why there is always tendency to find out the potential ideologies indicated by the discursive strategies and rhetorical devices which these politicians employ to express their political viewpoints. This study adopted a critical discourse analysis (CDA) approach to cognitively analyze the typical discursive characteristics underlying Iranian and American presidents’ speeches at the UNGA (2013). The findings revealed that the most frequent of the strategies employed by Obama were polarization, self-glorification, positive self-presentation, negative-other presentation and victimization while the most prominent ones used by Rouhani were metaphor, vagueness, negative-other presentation and national self-glorification. The intricate, undeniable relationships existing between language, power and ideology is also what had been clear through the analysis of the lectures transcription.
Anomalies detection on spatially inhomogeneous polyzonal images
Authors:   Ulyanovsk State Technical University, Severniy Venets street, 32, 432027, Ulyanovsk, Russia, Andriyanov Nikita A. , Vasiliev Konstantin K. ,   Ulyanovsk State Technical University, Severniy Venets street, 32, 432027, Ulyanovsk, Russia, Dementiev Vitaliy E. ,   Ulyanovsk State Technical University, Severniy Venets street, 32, 432027, Ulyanovsk, Russia
Published: September 2017

The text deals with the problem of detecting anomalies on a background of multi-dimensional images. We synthesized a detection algorithm based on the use of doubly stochastic models of random fields and which requires pre-filtering the image. We propose to use the modified Kalman filter. We also investigated an efficiency of extended signals detection on real images. It is shown that the resulting algorithm has a higher efficiency than the known algorithms which based on the traditional autoregressive image description. The gain is explained by more adequate description of the real inhomogeneous material using doubly stochastic models.
Method of automated epileptiform seizures and sleep spindles detection in the wavelet spectrogram of rats' EEG
Authors:   Kotel'nikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics of RAS, Mokhovaya 11-7, 125009, Moscow, Russia, Kershner Ivan A. , Obukhov Yurii V. ,   Kotel'nikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics of RAS, Mokhovaya 11-7, 125009, Moscow, Russia, Komoltsev Ilya G. ,   Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of RAS, Butlerova 5A, 117485,Moscow, Russia
Published: September 2017

A method and algorithm for automatic detection of epileptiform seizures, sleep spindles, and other high voltage rhythmic activity were developed. They based on the analysis of the ridges of EEG wavelet-transformation. The uninformative points of the ridge are removed adaptively on the basis of power spectral density histograms analysis.
Voice command recognition for noisy environments by means of cross-correlation portraits
Authors:   Ulyanovsk State Technical University, Severny Venets St., 32, Ulyanovsk, 432027, Russia, Armer Andrey I. , Galitskaya Ekaterina Yu. ,   Ulyanovsk Instrument Manufacturing Design Bureau, Krymov St., 10a, Ulyanovsk, 432071, Russia, Krasheninnikova Natalia A. ,   Ulyanovsk State University, Lev Tolstoy St., 42, Ulyanovsk, 432017, Russia
Published: September 2017

Methods of voice command (VC) recognition in heavy noise environments are required for precise work of speech information systems on the factory floor and in transport. The paper considers a speaker-dependent way of VC recognition for VCs belonging to a limited vocabulary and being recognized in heavy noise environments. For this purpose, VCs are transformed into cross-correlation portraits (CCPs), i.e. special images. The VC under recognition is referred to a class with a minimal distance (metric) between CCP of this command and model CCPs of the class. The authors elaborated algorithms for VC transformation into CCPs, a method for defining VC boundaries, ways of model command optimization and metric choice. As a result, a rather precise VC recognition in heavy noise environment was obtained.
EEG Beta Wave Trains Are Not the Second Harmonic of Mu Wave Trains in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors:   Kotel’nikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics of RAS, Mokhovaya 11-7, Moscow, 125009, Russia, Sushkova Olga S. , Morozov Alexei A. ,   Kotel’nikov Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics of RAS, Mokhovaya 11-7, Moscow, 125009, Russia,   Moscow State University of Psychology & Education, Sretenka 29, Moscow, 107045, Russia, Gabova Alexandra V. ,   Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of RAS, Butlerova 5A, Moscow, 117485, Russia
Published: September 2017

The goal of this study is development of a novel signal processing and analysis method for detailed investigation of the time-frequency dynamics of brain cortex electrical activity. The idea of our method of electroencephalograms (EEG) analyzing is in that we consider EEG signal as a composition of so-called wave trains. The wave train term is used to denote a signal localized in time, frequency, and space. We consider the wave train as a typical component of EEG, but not as a special kind of EEG signals. In contrast to papers devoted to detecting wave trains of one or two specific types, such as alpha spindles and sleep spindles, we analyze any kind of wave trains in a wide frequency band. Using this method, we have found three interesting frequency areas where differences were detected between a group of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and a control group of healthy volunteers. The goal of this work is to check whether the regularities in the mu and beta frequency bands are independent ones, that is, the beta wave trains observed in the analysis were not the second harmonics of the mu wave trains. We have developed a special algorithm that eliminates from the analysis all beta wave trains in EEG signal that were observed simultaneously with the mu wave trains. Analysis of a real experimental data set processed by this algorithm has confirmed that the beta frequency band regularity is separate from the mu frequency band regularity. Moreover, a new significant difference between the left hand tremor and right hand tremor Parkinson’s disease patients was discovered.
Development the algorithm of positioning industrial wares in-plant based on radio frequency identification for the products tracking systems
Authors:   Murom Institute of Vladimir State University, Orlovskaya, 23, 602264, Murom, Russia, Astafiev Alexandr V. , Orlov Alexey A. ,   Murom Institute of Vladimir State University, Orlovskaya, 23, 602264, Murom, Russia, Popov Dmitriy P. ,   Murom Institute of Vladimir State University, Orlovskaya, 23, 602264, Murom, Russia
Published: September 2017

As the title implies the article describes actuality of algorithm development of positioning industrial wares in-plant based on radio frequency grid for the construction of the products tracking systems. Requirements of international standards regulating the processes of traceability and identification are analysed. The article offers a system hardware solution for positioning of industrial wares in-plant based on radio frequency grid as well as an algorithm for determining the current storage area. Experimental studies of the developed algorithm were conducted.
Optimal bandwidth selection in geographically weighted factor analysis for education monitoring problems
Authors:   Novosibirsk State Technical University, 20 Prospekt K. Marksa, 630073, Novosibirsk, Russia, Timofeeva Anastasiia , Tesselkina Kseniia ,   Novosibirsk State Technical University, 20 Prospekt K. Marksa, 630073, Novosibirsk, Russia
Published: September 2017

Geographically weighted models are widely used for analyzing the spatial data. There is a problem with spatial data processing of extracting a potentially lower number of unobserved variables while a set of correlated variables is observed. The factor analysis is commonly used to overcome this problem. A bandwidth selection is a main difficulty during the identification a spatial heterogeneity of factor loadings. In the paper an original bandwidth selection criterion is proposed. It is based on the testing the difference between factor loadings of global and geographically weighted model. Using the simulated data it is shown that the criterion proposed allows to define accurately the appropriate number of nearest neighbors. The proposed approach is used to analyze real data on performance metrics of Russian universities.
A learning based feature point detector
Authors:   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia, Verichev Alexander
Published: September 2017

We propose a learning-based image feature points detector. Instead of giving an explicit definition for feature point we apply the methods of machine learning to infer it inductively using a representative training set. This allows for a flexible tuning of the proposed detector to a specific problem that is described by a training set of desired responses. To increase feature points' repeatability and robustness to various image transformations the feature space of the learning algorithm includes raw image moments and image moment invariants. Experiments demonstrate high flexibility in tuning the detector to a specific task, acceptable repeatability of the feature points and robustness to various image transformations.
Combined method for calculating the disparity value on stereo images in problems of stereo-range metering
Authors:   United Institute of Informatics Problems of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Surganova str. 6, 220012, Minsk, Republic of Belarus, Volkovich Alexander N.
Published: September 2017

The paper considers the solution of the problem of restoring three-dimensional information based on stereo images. An original combined approach to disparity calculation is proposed, as well as a variant of solving the problem of the heterogeneity of the initial data in calculating the actual metric parameters.
Increasing the energy efficiency of OFDM systems using differential signal conversion
Authors:   Ufa State Aviational Technical University, 12, K. Marx St., 450000, Ufa, Russia, Voronkov Grigoriy S. , Kuznetsov Igor V. ,   Ufa State Aviational Technical University, 12, K. Marx St., 450000, Ufa, Russia, Sultanov Albert Kh. ,   Ufa State Aviational Technical University, 12, K. Marx St., 450000, Ufa, Russia
Published: September 2017

A method for improving the energy efficiency of OFDM systems based on differential transformation and extrapolation is considered. The possible structure of the extrapolator is analyzed, the implementation of an extrapolator based on the Kalman - Bucy filter and the Wiener filter is considered. The results of carried out simulation confirming the effectiveness of the proposed scheme are given.
Development of informative neighborhood selection technology for modeling texture images
Authors:   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia, Biryukova Elena , Paringer Rustam ,   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia,   Image Processing Systems Institute – Branch of the Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics” of Russian Academy of Sciences, 151 Molodogvardeyskaya st., 443001, Samara, Russia, Kupriyanov Alexander V. ,   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia,   Image Processing Systems Institute – Branch of the Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics” of Russian Academy of Sciences, 151 Molodogvardeyskaya st., 443001, Samara, Russia
Published: September 2017

The paper proposes a method for constructing an informative neighborhood for modeling texture images. To describe the characteristic features of textures used assumptions underlying model representation texture images described by using a Markov random field. The results of the conducted experimental researches confirm that application of the developed approach allows to reduce the dimensionality of the features space while preserving the reliability of the classification.
Program-algorithm complex for image imposition in aircraft vision systems
Authors:   Ryazan State Radio Enginering University, Ryazan, 390005, Russia, Efimov Alexey I. , Novikov Anatoliy I. ,   Ryazan State Radio Enginering University, Ryazan, 390005, Russia
Published: September 2017

One of the most important tasks being solvable on the aircraft board is a task of imposition of real images and images synthesized according to the digital terrain map. Complex of auxiliary tasks and actual imposition task should be solved on a real time basis (with frequency 25 frames per second) and with strict requirements to accuracy of the heterogeneous image imposition. Traditional correlation-extremal methods of imposition ensure a necessary accuracy but require unacceptably high expenditures of computer time. The paper describes an algorithm of imposition based on affine transformations of the synthesized image to the plane of a real video image and also algorithms for solution of auxiliary tasks.
Attacking the problem of continuous speech segmentation into basic units
Authors:   Ulyanovsk State Technical University, Severny Venetz St., 32, 432027, Ulyanovsk, Russia, Andreev Ilya A. , Armer Andrey I. ,   Ulyanovsk State Technical University, Severny Venetz St., 32, 432027, Ulyanovsk, Russia, Krasheninnikova Natalia A. ,   Ulyanovsk State University, Lev Tolstoy St., 42, 432017, Ulyanovsk, Russia, Moshkin Vadim S. ,   Ulyanovsk State Technical University, Severny Venetz St., 32, 432027, Ulyanovsk, Russia
Published: September 2017

The paper considers the algorithm of continuous speech segmentation into basic units, namely phonemes, certain combination of phonemes and pauses. The algorithm is based on speech signal transformation into a two-dimensional image, i.e. an autocorrelation portrait. To determine the boundaries of speech units the portraits of the analyzed signal are aligned with the model portraits of each speech unit. Theauthors apply the dynamic programming to find out the optimal distance between portraits.
Feature Selection Methods for Remote Sensing Images Classification
Authors:   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia, Goncharova Elizaveta , Gaidel Andrey ,   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia,   Image Processing Systems Institute – Branch of the Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics” of Russian Academy of Sciences, 151 Molodogvardeyskaya st., 443001, Samara, Russia
Published: September 2017

Different methods of feature selection are used to improve the performance of remote sensing images classification. In this work two methods of feature selection are examined. The first one is based on the discriminant analysis, and the second one rests on building the regression model. Histogram and textural features are considered as characteristics of an image. The experiments on the remote sensing dataset UC Merced Land Use show the effectiveness of these methods. As the result, the largest fraction of correctly classified images accounts for the 95%. Dimension of the initial feature space consisting of 18 features has been reduced to 3 features.
Development and study of methods for estimating retinal vessel parameters using a modified local fan transform
Authors:   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia, Ilyasova Nataly Yu. ,   Image Processing Systems Institute – Branch of the Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics” of Russian Academy of Sciences, 151 Molodogvardeyskaya st., 443001, Samara, Russia, Baisova Ajzhan S. ,   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia, Kupriyanov Alexander V. ,   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia,   Image Processing Systems Institute – Branch of the Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics” of Russian Academy of Sciences, 151 Molodogvardeyskaya st., 443001, Samara, Russia
Published: September 2017

Estimation of the geometric parameters of blood vessels is an important stage in the diagnosis of many cardiovascular diseases. In this work, we describe a method for estimating the diameter of blood vessels based on a modified local fan transform. We present experimental results that show in which way the accuracy of blood vessel estimation is affected by the noise-to-signal ratio in the image under analysis, vessel curvature radius, and the number of points and angles over which the averaging is done. The method is experimentally shown to be immune to various types of noise, structural complexity of the object, and variations in the vessel curvature radius.
Concerning the possibilities of successional changes revealing in anthropogenically transformed ecosystems on the base of remote sensing and ground-based survey data integration
Authors:   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia, Kavelenova Ludmila M. , Prokhorova Nataly V. ,   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia, Korchikov Evgeny S. ,   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia, Denisova Anna Yu. ,   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia, Terentyeva Darya A. ,   Samara National Research University, 34 Moskovskoe Shosse, 443086, Samara, Russia
Published: September 2017

The districts of Samara region are characterized by specific combination of orographic structure, hydrological regimes, soil and vegetation cover features, combined with a high level of anthropogenic pressure. The revealing of negative changes associated with the anthropogenic exploitation regimes incliding salinization and waterlogging after irrigation, soil erosion, transformation of non-cultivated fields into deposits, overgrowing of old quarries etc. seems to be a difficult task when carrying out by ground-based studies related to a large-scale land resources of the region. The use of remote sensing data, resulted by a time series of images for the same territory, opens up wide opportunities, on condition that the regional ground-based standardization is carried out.
Oblicza psychologii religii w Polsce
Authors: Śliwak Jacek , Wiechetek Michał , Zarzycka Beata , Bartczuk Rafał P.
Published: September 2017

The phenomenon of religiosity is increasingly often explored by representatives of various scientific disciplines. This is particularly noticeable in the field of the psychology of religion. The issues of human religiosity have been attracting an increasing amount of interest among Polish scholars. The present article presents the main trends illustrating the development of interest in the phenomenon of religiosity in the field of psychology. Both Polish and international contexts are consid-ered. Additionally, the papers included in the special issue of Roczniki Psychologiczne (Annals of Psychology) are outlined. The special issue is devoted to the problems addressed by Polish psychologists interested in the phenomenon of human religiosity.
The theory of psychological types in the psychology of religion and spirituality
Authors: Chaim Władysław
Published: September 2017

The main objective of this paper is to present the current state of empirical research on the application of the theory of Jungian types to the psychology of religion and spirituality, pointing out the necessity of broadening them by including Polish context. The paper presents an outline of this theory and the methods of studying these types (MBTI, KTS, FPTS) used in religion and spiritual-ity. Next, the author presents the results of research on the relation between aspects of the theory of psychological types and the religiosity variables, prayer, and spirituality of individuals as well as groups and centers connected with religion and spirituality. The paper concludes with comments concerning the most important empirical findings and their value for science and practice. A need for research aimed at the verification and generalization of the obtained results with reference to the modern reinterpretations of Jung’s theory and methods of studying personality is also pointed out.
Belief and unbelief in God among Polish scholars and their views on the relationship between science and religion
Authors: Gołąb Andrzej
Published: September 2017

The paper presents selected results of a study on the religious views of 279 Polish scholars with a doctoral or higher degree. The percentage of scholars who declared belief in God was 56.3%. The four groups with the highest indices were chemists (80%), geographers and Earth scientists (76.2%), mathematicians and information technology specialists (73.1%), and medical scientists (64.5%). A small proportion of respondents (6.5%) chose the following option: “I don’t believe in a personal God but I believe in a higher power of some kind.” The percentages of atheists and agnostics were 18.3% and 7.2%, respectively. The subjects’ views on the relationship between science and religion were categorized according to the Barbour’s typology (Barbour, 1990). The largest proportion of the subjects (41.9%) denied the inevitability of conflict between science and religion; 13% held the opposite view. Some scholars (19.6%) expressed the view that science and religion should be treated as independent areas of inquiry. The relationship of dialog seemed to be the best form of their coexistence to 2% respondents, while 3.6% were in favor of the cooperation of science and religion in building a comprehensive worldview.
Religious support and religious struggle as predictors of quality of life in alkoholics anonymous: Moderation by duration of abstinence
Authors: Zarzycka Beata , Ziółkowska Dominika , Śliwak Jacek
Published: September 2017

The aim of the study was to analyze the connection between religious comfort and struggle and quality of life in Alcoholics Anonymous. The interaction effect of the length of abstinence and religious variables on the quality of life was tested as well. The participants were 100 members of an Alcoholics Anonymous group. We used the Religious Comfort and Strain Scale by Yali, Exline, Wood, and Worthington and the Quality of Life Questionnaire for Adults by Schalock and Keith. The correlation analysis showed that Religious Comfort correlated positively while fear–guilt and negative emotions towards God correlated negatively with quality of life in the AA group. Duration of abstinence played a moderating role: participants in the long abstinence period group with high religious comfort showed the highest level of quality of life.
A gestão de enfermagem e a busca pela qualificação hospitalar: revisão sistemática da literatura
Authors: Silveira Oliveira Ana Paula Brito , Da Silva Junior Inacio Ferreira
Published: September 2017

As instituições de saúde buscam excelência no atendimento ao paciente e aprimoramento contínuo das práticas de relacionamento com pessoas e no trabalho. Diante do cenário competitivo atual, as certificações representam um avanço e uma segurança para a área da saúde. Analisar a produção científica acerca dos impactos da acreditação na gestão de enfermagem em Hospitais no Brasil publicada em artigos nacionais entre 2010 e 2016. A análise foi realizada através de pesquisa bibliográfica on-line em periódicos originais relacionados com o tema. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, na qual a coleta de dados ocorreu nos meses de março e abril de 2017. As bases de dados utilizadas foram: Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Scientific Eletronic Library Online (Scielo), Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). A amostra constituiu-se de onze trabalhos. Foi estabelecido o recorte do tempo para inclusão de publicações de 2010 a 2016. Percebe-se que a acreditação não é um processo fácil, e quando aplicado de maneira abrupta causa medo, estresse e desinteresse. A cultura organizacional estabelecida também representa um grande empecilho às mudanças versus valores e princípios intrínsecos. Em todas as análises constatou-se que o enfermeiro é peça chave para o sucesso da gestão da qualidade devido ao papel de liderança por ele exercido. A acreditação tem seus pontos positivos e negativos, percebidos de forma diferenciada pelos envolvidos. Almeja-se que este estudo possa suscitar novas pesquisas sobre o tema, a fim de elucidar essas questões.
Avaliação da qualidade de vida de Cuidadores Informais de Idosos com Doença de Alzheimer
Authors: Contatto Rossi Vilma Elenice
Published: September 2017

Acompanhando o processo de envelhecimento populacional, cresce também a incidência de doenças crônico-degenerativas como as demências, sendo a doença de Alzheimer considerada a mais comum, levando o idoso a uma dependência total e exigência de cuidados cada vez mais complexos, necessitando do acompanhamento integral de um cuidador. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores informais de idosos portadores da DA cadastrados na Estratégia Saúde da Família na cidade de Passos-MG. Estudo descritivo com abordagem quantitativa, os dados foram coletados na residência dos participantes por meio da aplicação de dois questionários previamente testados. Este estudo foi aprovado por Comitê de Ética da UEMG, Parecer n. 1.204.721. Participaram do estudo 66 indivíduos, 83,3% do sexo feminino, 81,8% com mais de 60 anos, 75,7% relatando entre quatro e 8 anos de estudo, 75,7% exerce essa função a mais de 10 anos. Quando indagados sobre como classificam sua saúde atualmente, 81,8% declarou sua saúde como ruim ou muito ruim. Em relação a como classificariam a intensidade da dor nas últimas 4 semanas, 83,3% disse que a intensidade era grave ou muito grave, 57,6% afirmou que a dor interfere extremamente em suas atividades diárias; 42,4% informou que as atividades de cuidados com o idoso interferem a maior parte do tempo na vida social e 57,6% informou sentir-se deprimido a maior parte do tempo. Nota-se a necessidade de desenvolver e direcionar estratégias para a manutenção da saúde física, mental e social desses indivíduos, levando a uma melhora em sua qualidade de vida.