bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling and Analysis of pH Responsive Hydrogels for the Development of Biomimetic Photo-Actuating Structures
Authors: Dicker Michael PM , Bond Ian P , Rossiter Jonathan M , Faul Charl FJ , Weaver Paul M
Published: February 2015

Photo-actuating structures inspired by the chemical sensing and signal transmission observed in sun-tracking leaves have recently been proposed by Dicker et al. The proposed light tracking structures are complex, multicomponent material systems, principally composed of a reversible photoacid or base, combined with a pH responsive hydrogel actuator. New modelling and characterization approaches for pH responsive hydrogels are presented in order to facilitate the development of the proposed structures. The model employs Donnan equilibrium for the prediction of hydrogel swelling in systems where the pH change is a variable resulting from the equilibrium interaction of all free and fixed (hydrogel) species. The model allows for the fast analysis of a variety of combinations of material parameters, allowing for the design space for the proposed photo-actuating structures to be quickly established. In addition, experimental examination of the swelling of a polyether-based polyurethane and poly(acrylic acid) interpenetrating network hydrogel is presented. The experiment involves simultaneously performing a titration of the hydrogel, and undertaking digital image correlation (DIC) to determine the hydrogel’s state of swelling. DIC allows for the recording of the hydrogel’s state of swelling with previously unattained levels of resolution. Experimental results provide both model material properties, and a means for model validation.
Correlations between higher-order rings and microvoids in hydrogenated amorphous silicon
Authors: Biswas Parthapratim , Drabold David Alan
Published: February 2015

In this paper we report the structure of voids in several thousand atom models of hydrogenated amorphous silicon. The models are produced by jointly employing experimental information from Smets and coworkers [1] and first principles simulations [2]. We demonstrate the existence of a useful correlation between the presence of large irreducible rings and the voids in hydrogenated amorphous silicon networks. Molecular hydrogen is observed in the models, and discussed.
Fracture Toughness of Silicate Glasses: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Yu Yingtian , Wang Bu , Lee Young Jea , Bauchy Mathieu
Published: February 2015

Understanding, predicting and eventually improving the resistance to fracture of silicate materials is of primary importance to design new glasses that would be tougher, while retaining their transparency. However, the atomic mechanism of the fracture in amorphous silicate materials is still a topic of debate. In particular, there is some controversy about the existence of ductility at the nano-scale during the crack propagation. Here, we present simulations of the fracture of three archetypical silicate glasses using molecular dynamics. We show that the methodology that is used provide realistic values of fracture energy and toughness. In addition, the simulations clearly suggest that silicate glasses can show different degrees of ductility, depending on their composition.
Weeds and Weed Management of Rice in Karnataka State, India
Authors: Rao Adusumilli Narayana , Wani Suhas P. , Ramesha Mugalodi , Ladha Jagdish K.
Published: February 2015

Rice is one of the staple food crops of India, and Karnataka is one of the major rice-producing states. The primary method of rice establishment in Karnataka is transplanting, but farmers are opting to shift to direct-seeding of rice. Weed management is critical for realizing optimal yield of direct-seeded rice (DSR). The objective of this review was to synthesize the published literature on weeds and weed management in rice in Karnataka, identify improved weed-management technologies for delivery to farmers, and suggest research needs. Some 98 weed species are reported to be associated with rice in Karnataka. Weed control to date in Karnataka has mostly been based on herbicides. Hand-weeding was found to be effective in all methods of rice establishment. However, it is time-consuming, tedious, and costly because labor is becoming scarce and unavailable, and labor wages are higher. Several PRE and POST herbicides that were effective in other Asian countries were also found to be effective in managing weeds in rice established by different methods in Karnataka. Bensulfuron plus pretilachlor and pyrazosulfuron in aerobic rice and pendimethalin, thiobencarb, bispyribac-sodium, cyhalofop, fenoxaprop plus chlorimuron plus metsulfuron, and fenoxaprop plus ethoxysulfuron in dry-DSR were found effective in managing weeds. In wet-DSR, butachlor plus safener and pretilachlor plus safener were effective. Thiobencarb, pendimethalin, pretilachlor, azimsulfuron plus metsulfuron, bispyribac-sodium, butachlor, cinosulfuron, oxadiazon, and quinclorac were found promising for weed management in transplanted rice. Integration of herbicides with hand-weeding or intercultivation was found to be effective in rice established by different methods. Options that were found economical in managing weeds varied across the different rice-establishment methods. The need for developing location-specific, sustainable, integrated weed management and extension of available technologies for the farming community in Karnataka is emphasized.
Research on the influence of K-PAM on the microstructure of cement slurry
Authors: Li Zaoyuan , Liu Kaiqiang , Cheng Xiaowei , Guo Xiaoyang
Published: February 2015

In this paper, liquid nitrogen freezing and vacuum drying are used to sublimate the water in cement slurry, so that the microstructure of cement slurry can be maintained and the hydration process can be stalled. The microstructure changes of cement slurry containing potassium polyacrylamide (K-PAM) are then observed. The conclusion of the incompatibility mechanism is drawn by comprehensive analysis of the results of the molecular structure of K-PAM, aggregation stability and microstructure of cement slurry. Experimental research shows that a K-PAM molecular chain can adsorb a plurality of cement particles, resulting in an adsorption bridging effect. After reacting with Ca2+ in cement slurry, K-PAM turns into polypropylene calcium, which forms a needle-like structure in the cement slurry. Such a needle-like structure is aggregation and staggers to form a net-like structure, causing cement slurry flocculation. Hydrophilic groups of K-PAM and water interact with each other through hydrogen bonding, which forms a layer of solvent membrane on the surface of the cement particles, hindering the contact between water and cement particles. This can reduce the hydration reaction rate, and finally decrease the compressive strength of cement stone.
Testing innovative technologies to manage flood risk
Authors: Connelly Angela , Gabalda Vincent , Garvin Stephen , Hunter Katy , Kelly David , Lawson Nigel , O'Hare Paul , White Iain
Published: February 2015

The move towards multi-faceted approaches to flood risk management is cemented in the European Union (EU) floods directive (directive 2007/60/EC). Across Europe, resources are diverted towards softer interventions such as using the planning system to control developments in flood risk areas, and citizens are encouraged to live with floods. Damage mitigation nevertheless remains important and a market has therefore been developing for technologies that help to manage flood risk at the receptor scale, such as door and window guards and perimeter barriers. However, little empirical research has been undertaken to analyse how such technologies might fit with holistic flood risk management strategies. This paper reports on a multi-disciplinary research project which investigated, developed and tested innovative technologies to protect buildings and urban infrastructure from floods. The paper discusses testing parameters, the limitations of technologies and the barriers that impede their uptake.
Fusión dental: reporte de un caso clínico
Authors: Colorado Vélez Carlos
Published: February 2015

La fusión se define como la unión parcial o completa de dos o más dientes durante su desarrollo; puede ocurrir entre dos dientes normales o entre un diente normal y un supernumerario. Esta anomalía puede ser unilateral o bilateral y puede comprometer cualquier dentición, aunque los dientes deciduos son los perjudicados con mayor frecuencia. Además de afectar la apariencia del paciente, puede causar alteración del espacio en los arcos dentarios, caries y comprometer las estructuras periodontales. En este artículo, se presenta el caso de un joven de 13 años que acude a consulta por repetidos eventos inflamatorios a nivel de la encía vestibular de 22. Estos episodios tienen su causa en la fusión del 22 con un diente supernumerario. Tras la evaluación radiográfica y la planificación adecuada, el diente supernumerario fue extraído, y se eliminó así el surco palatino que se formaba por la fusión de ambos dientes, causa principal de la lesión perioendodóntica que presentaba el paciente.
Cirugía periodontal exploratoria
Authors: Molano Valencia Pablo E. , Yepes Ramírez Bibiana I. , Riascos Revelo Diana M.
Published: February 2015

En la práctica clínica, existen numerosos casos en los que se dificulta establecer un diagnóstico certero y determinar la conducta terapéutica correcta a seguir, a pesar de las ayudas diagnósticas, las imágenes radiográficas y el examen clínico. La cirugía exploratoria se define como “el procedimiento manual operatorio destinado a evidenciar el origen de un problema que no ha podido ser determinado por otros medios”. Su principal propósito es llegar a un diagnóstico definitivo en vivo y en directo, con la posibilidad de detectar alteraciones en los tejidos y de determinar el grado de compromiso no detectable; con el valor agregado de aportar inmediatamente las vías terapéuticas disponibles para solucionar el problema, lo cual la convierte en el único “método” con potencial de transformarse en un procedimiento eﬁcaz.
The Macroeconomic Effects of the Federal Reserve’s Unconventional Monetary Policies
Authors: Engen Eric , Laubach Thomas , Reifschneider Dave
Published: February 2015

After reaching the effective lower bound for the federal funds rate in late 2008, the Federal Reserve turned to two unconventional policy tools—quantitative easing and increasingly explicit and forward leaning guidance for the future path of the federal funds rate—in order to provide additional monetary policy accommodation. We use survey data from the Blue Chip Economic Indicators to infer changes in private‐sector perceptions of the implicit interest rate rule that the Federal Reserve would use following liftoff from the effective lower bound. Using our estimates of the changes over time in private expectations for the implicit policy rule, and estimates of the effects of the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing programs on term premiums derived from other studies, we simulate the FRB/US model to assess the actual economic stimulus provided by unconventional policy since early 2009. Our analysis suggests that the net stimulus to real activity and inflation was limited by the gradual nature of the changes in policy expectations and term premium effects, as well as by a persistent belief on the part of the public that the pace of recovery would be much faster than proved to be the case. Our analysis implies that the peak unemployment effect—subtracting 1¼ percentage points from the unemployment rate relative to what would have occurred in the absence of the unconventional policy actions—does not occur until early 2015, while the peak inflation effect—adding ½ percentage point to the inflation rate—is not anticipated until early 2016.
Робоча програма з педагогічної практики в школі (ІV курс, напрям підготовки: 6.01020 Фізичне виховання)
Authors: Худолій О. М. , Іващенко О. В. , Карпунець Т. В.
Published: February 2015

В статті наведена робоча програма з педагогічної практики в школі за напрямом підготовки 6.01020 фізичне виховання. Робоча програма включає чотири модулі, а також поточний контроль за процесом педагогічної практики.
Freezing temperatures as a limit to forest recruitment above tropical Andean treelines
Authors: Rehm Evan M. , Feeley Kenneth J.
Published: February 2015

The elevation of altitudinal treelines is generally believed to occur where low mean temperatures during the growing season limit growth and prevent trees from establishing at higher elevations. Accordingly, treelines should move upslope with increasing global temperatures. Contrary to this prediction, tropical treelines have remained stable over the past several decades despite increasing mean temperatures. The observed stability of tropical treelines, coupled with the drastically different temperature profiles between temperate and tropical treelines, suggests that using mean measures of temperature to predict tropical treeline movements during climate change may be overly simplistic. We hypothesize that frost events at tropical treelines may slow climate driven treeline movement by preventing tree recruitment beyond the established forest canopy. To assess this hypothesis, we measured freezing resistance of four canopy‐forming treeline species (Weinmannia fagaroides, Polylepis pauta, Clethra cuneata, and Gynoxys nitida) at two life stages (juvenile and adult) and during two seasons (warm‐wet and cold‐dry). Freezing resistances were then compared to microclimatic data to determine if freezing events in the grassland matrix above treeline are too harsh for these forest species. Freezing resistance varied among species and life stages from −5.7°C for juveniles of P. pauta to −11.1°C for juveniles of W. fagaroides. Over a four‐year period, the lowest temperatures recorded at 10 cm above ground level in the grasslands above treeline and at treeline itself were −8.9°C and −6.8°C, respectively. Juveniles maintained freezing resistances similar to adults during the coldest parts of the year and ontogenetic differences in freezing resistance were only present during the warm season when temperatures did not represent a significant threat to active plant tissue. These findings support the hypothesis that rare extreme freezing events at and above tropical treelines can prevent recruitment outside of closed canopy forest for some tree species and may significantly slow treeline advancement despite warming mean temperatures. Predictions of treeline shifts under climate change should be reevaluated to include species‐specific climatic tolerances and measures of climatic variability.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure of Mg(II) Complex Material and its Application as Catalysts for A3 Coupling Reaction
Authors: Tai Xi-Shi , Liu Li-Li
Published: February 2015

The ligand of 1, 2-phenylenedioxydiacetic acid (HL) has been employed to react with MgCl2·6H2O in
water/ethanol solution (v:v = 1:1), to yield a novel Mg(II) complex [MgL(H2O]3·3.5H2O. The complex was characterized
by infrared spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction structural analysis. The results show that the Mg(II) complex
belongs to monoclinic, space group C2/c with a = 2.9160(6) nm, b = 0.67617(14) nm, c = 1.7319(4) nm, β = 109.06(3)°, V= 3.2275(11) nm, Z = 8, Dc= 1.562 µg·m-3, µ = 0.184 mm, F (000) = 1560, and final R1 = 0.0703, ωR2= 0.2256. The complex molecules form a 3D network structure through hydrogen bonds and π-π stack. The A3 coupling reaction of phenylacetylene, aldehyde and amine (piperidine) in the presence of Au@Mg(II) complex as an efficient heterogeneous
catalyst has been studied.
Pseudo-Failure Impacts on ESD Robustness in Integrated Circuits I/O Ports by the Parasitic Capacitance
Authors: Chen Shen-Li , Chen Hung-Wei
Published: February 2015

Semiconductor components are commonly electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive. The ESD event would usually
cause a harm or destruction of the devices. Due to the requirement of circuits' reliability, the test for ESD robustness
is necessary for almost all the product of integrated circuits. But during the test of ESD zapping, the test pin may temporary
store ESD zapping charges. These stored charges will temporary cause shifting of the I-V characteristic curve of the
test pin. And, it will seriously influence the ESD test results. Therefore, the electrostatic discharge (ESD) properties of the
IC products in terms of the internal parasitic capacitance of the test pin are investigated in this paper. Eventually, it is
found if the parasitic capacitance of the test pin is over 10-pf, the ESD test results may be not correct. We find, by suitable
adjustment, the delay time between the ESD zapping and the measurement of I-V characteristic curve, a more correct result
can be obtained. Therefore, it can correct the mistake made by parasitic capacitance in ICs and have a reliable ESD
test result.
Implementation of a Data Acquisition System for 2×2 Fiber Optic Taper Array Coupled Digital X-ray Detector
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Wang Ru , Huang Jianheng , Guo Jinchuan , Niu Hanben
Published: February 2015

Fiber optic taper (FOP) array coupled digital x-ray detector can be an ideal choice for large area high resolution
x-ray imaging, but its data acquisition system is a challenge, for the reasons such as restrictions of hardware design due to
the shape of the FOP array, long distance control requirement in x-ray environment, and arrangement of data transmission
sequence among multiple CCD/CMOS image sensors. A FPGA and ARM based data acquisition system for 2×2 FOP array
coupled x-ray detector was implemented in this paper. We have finished all the procedures involving the data acquisition
system, including hardware and PCB design, FPGA design, ARM and PC software development, and so on. The data
acquisition process operates in parallel during parameters setting, 4 CMOS image sensors (LUPA-4000) timing driving,
and DDR2 SDRAM data buffering, while it works in series when sending data from each FPGA to ARM and from ARM
to PC. Experimental results showed that the data acquisition system worked steadily, and whole images of a custom-built
calibration plate were achieved by butting images of the four individual CMOS image sensors’ in visible light test environment.
This work could be a valuable foundation for realization of all kinds of FOP array coupled digital x-ray detectors.
A Comparative Research on Condenser Fault Diagnosis Based on Three Different Algorithms
Authors: Fei Xia , Shuotao Hao , Hao Zhang , Daogang Peng
Published: February 2015

In view of artificial neural network, there are some deficiencies in condenser fault diagnosis. The BP neural
network used for condenser fault diagnosis is highly nonlinear pattern recognition and high precision of fault diagnosis.
The PSO-BP neural network can effectively solve the problem of BP neural network that training time is long and training
process is easy to fall into the local minimum. The training results of PSO-BP network in convergence speed and convergence
effect are significantly improved. Under the condition of small samples, the calculation results of SVM method are
better than the calculation result of the other two methods. Although the recognition ratio of improved PSO-BP(2) and
SVM is the same, training time of improved PSO-BP(2) is longer than training time of SVM. The generalization ability of
SVM is stronger, and the efficiency of SVM is higher than the neural network. With MATLAB programming, three different
algorithms, which are BP neural network, PSO-BP neural network and SVM, are studied and compared for the performance
of condenser fault diagnosis. In the models of this study, the research results show that condenser fault diagnosis
based on SVM has the fastest convergence speed and the best accuracy.
An Improved Character Recognition Algorithm for License Plate Based on BP Neural Network
Authors: Qu Zhong , Chang Qing-li , Chen Chang-zhi , Lin Li-dan
Published: February 2015

License plate character recognition is the basis of automatic license plate recognition (LPR) and it plays an important
role in LPR. In this paper, we considered the advantages and disadvantages of the neural network method and proposed
an improved approach of character recognition for license plates. In our approach, firstly, license plates were segmented
into character pictures by using the algorithm which combines the projection and morphology. Secondly, with a
focus on each character picture, recognition results determined by the calculation of the new recognition algorithm were
as a reflection of the different features of every kind of character image. Then, character image samples were classified
according to different light environment and character type itself. Finally, we used extracted features vectors to train the
BP (error back propagation) neural network with adding noise relatively. Due to the influence of environmental factors or
character images themselves will bring font discrepancy, font slant, stroke connection and so on, compared with template
matching recognition method, neural network method has relatively great space to enhance the recognition effect. In the
experiment, we used 1000 license plates images that had been successfully located. Of which, 11800 character images
have been successfully identified, and the identification rate of our new algorithm is 91.2%. The experiment results prove
that the improved character recognition method is accurate and highly consistent.
Structural Parameters Optimum Design of the New Type of Optical Aiming System
Authors: Xiang Deng , Kai Liu , Jidong Wang
Published: February 2015

Combination of gyro north-finder, self-collimation photoelectric theodolite can be composed a ground rapid directional
aiming system. In the paper, based on the CCD angle measurement technology, the self-collimation optical system
is redesigned, focal length of the optical system is calculated, and the appropriate parameters are chosen. Optical conjugate
design of the three light paths of light source module, visual module, and CCD receiving module is adopted to synchronize
the transmission beams of the three light paths. The simulation and optimum design of light paths in the optical
system are achieved by using the ZEMAX software. By analyzing the spot diagram and modulation transfer function
(MTF), appropriate structural parameters of the optical system suitable for aiming working conditions are obtained.
Seismic Reliability of UHV Porcelain arrester with Damping System
Authors: Zhang Xuesong , Cao Meigen , Lu Zhicheng
Published: February 2015

The vulnerability of the UHV porcelain arrester is very high under strong earthquake. To rise seismic reliability
of the UHV porcelain arrester, a new type lead damper, which is a new patent product, is installed at the bottom of the
equipment. To investigate the damping effect of the dampers, the experimental research and finite element analysis on
seismic behavior of the UHV porcelain arrester with and without the dampers are carried out by means of single point input
and single point output(SISO)measurement. The analyzed results show that the damper is well functioning, effectively
decreasing stochastic earthquake response of the UHV porcelain arrester, thus the seismic reliability of porcelain arrester
is improved. A seismic reliability analysis method is put forward based on the stochastic earthquake model .The mean and
standard deviation of the seismic responses of the arrester with and without the dampers under the different site conditions
are gained based on physical stochastic seismic motion model. Then its seismic reliability is calculated by the FOSM, and
the fragility curves of the arrester are built. Calculation result shows that seismic reliability of the arrester with the dampers
can be effectively enhanced under Ms 8.0 earthquake. A conclusion is given that the damper is capable to improve the
seismic reliability of the UHV porcelain arrester effectively, and may be widely applied to the seismic design of the UHV
porcelain arrester.
A Kind of Intelligent Fast Charger of the Lead Acid Battery Based on MCU
Authors: Chen Lun-qiong , Li Bei , Yu Lin
Published: February 2015

Based on pulse fast charge of the lead acid battery, this paper designed a kind of intelligent battery charger, including
mainly a minimum system of 16 bit MCU as intelligent center, the constant resistance discharge unit to complete
SOC prediction and duty cycle of the pulse charging waveform, the voltage-current-temperature measurement unit, pulse
charging control unit. The duty cycle of this charger agreed with SOC of the battery, then using short floating charge in
the later stage, thus greatly optimizing the pulse charging mode. Finally, compared with the conventional constant voltage
and constant current charging, the charger greatly reduced the charging time.
Effect of Communication Modes to Swarm Robotic Search
Authors: Xue Songdong , Sun Chaoli , Zeng Jianchao , Jin Yaochu , Cheng Ran
Published: February 2015

Interactions in swarm robotic search are explored for intelligence emergence based on Extended Particle Swarm
Optimization (EPSO) model. For this end, the best combination of proper properties in typical versions of PSO is transferred
to swarm robotic search. Synchronous / asynchronous communication modes and respective control strategies under
conditions of parallel distributed control are comparatively studied by simulations. The results showed that the asynchronous
communication mode predominates over its synchronous opponent in efficiency.
Hippocampal Morphology in a Rat Model of Depression: The Effects of Physical Activity
Authors: Sierakowiak Adam , Mattsson Anna , Gómez-Galán Marta , Feminía Teresa , Graae Lisette , Aski Sahar Nikkhou , Damberg Peter , Lindskog Mia , Brené Stefan , Åberg Elin
Published: February 2015

Accumulatingin vivoandex vivoevidences show that humans suffering from depression have decreased hippocampal volume and altered spine density. Moreover, physical activity has an antidepressant effect in humans and in animal models, but to what extent physical activity can affect hippocampal volume and spine numbers in a model for depression is not known.

In this study we analyzed whether physical activity affects hippocampal volume and spine density by analyzing a rodent genetic model of depression, Flinders Sensitive Line Rats (FSL), with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) andex vivoGolgi staining.

We found that physical activity in the form of voluntary wheel running during 5 weeks increased hippocampal volume. Moreover, runners also had larger numbers of thin spines in the dentate gyrus. Our findings support that voluntary wheel running, which is antidepressive in FSL rats, is associated with increased hippocampal volume and spine numbers.
Effect of Cycloaliphatic Amine on the Shale Inhibitive Properties of
Water-Based Drilling Fluid
Authors: Zhong Hanyi , Sun Dong , Huang Weian , Liu Yunfeng , Qiu Zhengsong
Published: February 2015

In order to improve the inhibitive properties and high temperature resistance of shale inhibitor, cycloaliphatic
amines were introduced as shale hydration inhibitors in water-based drilling fluids. Bulk hardness test, shale cuttings
dispersion test, bentonite inhibition test and water adsorption test were carried out to characterize the inhibitive properties
of the novel amines. Surface tension measurement, zeta potential measurement, XRD, contact angle test, SEM and TGA
were performed to investigate the interaction between the cycloaliphatic amines and clay particles. The results indicated
that cycloaliphatic amines exhibited superior inhibitive properties to the state of the art inhibitors. Moreover, the amines
were high temperature resistant. The hydrophobic amine could intercalate into the clay gallery with monolayer
orientation. The protonated ammonium ions neutralized the negatively charged surface. After adsorption, the hydrophobic
segment covered the clay surface and provided a shell preventing the ingress of water.
Phylogenetic analysis of Bangiadulcis atropurpurea (A. Roth) W.A. Nelson and Bangia fuscopurpurea (Dillwyn) Lyngbye (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) in Taiwan
Authors: Chou Jui-Yu , Liu Shao-Lun , Wen Yu-Der , Wang Wei-Lung
Published: February 2015

Samples of the freshwater red algae, Bangiadulcis atropurpurea, collected
from the mountain waterfalls and its close species, Bangia fuscopurpurea,
collected from coasts, were phylogenetically analyzed. The sequences of the
rbcL gene and RuBisCO spacer region of the freshwater Bangiadulcis
atropurpurea species were identical or similar to those of B. atropurpurea
from Japan, North America and Europe. This result indicated that the
freshwater Bangiadulcis species from Taiwan shared a common ancestor with the
three above-mentioned populations and formed a distinct clade from the marine
Bangia species in the phylogenetic trees. It is suggested that all the
previous records on marine Bangia species should be revised and the name B.
fuscopurpurea be used for the marine species in Taiwan. In this study, the
freshwater alga B. atropurpurea presents a new record in the algal flora of
Taiwan. This finding is important for the protection of the biodiversity of
red algal flora, and provides useful information on the ecological
conservation of the species in Taiwan.
Quo vadis homine? Or where the marriage goes?
Authors: Igic Rajko
Published: February 2015

nema
The Earnings Quality and Information Processing Effects of Accounting Consistency
Authors: Peterson Kyle , Schmardebeck Roy , Wilks T. Jeffrey
Published: February 2015

We specify measures of accounting consistency both across time and across firms based on the textual similarity of accounting policy footnotes disclosed in 10-K filings. We first examine how these measures relate to earnings quality. Accounting consistency over time is positively associated with a number of earnings quality proxies, including earnings persistence, predictability, accrual quality, and absolute discretionary accruals. We also find that lower consistency relative to other firms in the industry is associated with larger absolute accrual model residuals. Finally, we examine the information processing effects of accounting consistency. We find that greater accounting consistency in the time-series and the cross-section is associated with lower information asymmetry, as proxied by bid-ask spread and illiquidity. Greater cross-sectional consistency is also associated with greater analyst coverage, more accurate analyst forecasts, decreased dispersion in analyst forecasts, and stronger stock return synchronicity.

Data Availability: The accounting consistency measures developed in this study are available upon request. All other data are available from the sources cited in the text.

JEL Classifications: M41.
Lagrange’s Four-Square Theorem
Authors: Watase Yasushige
Published: February 2015

This article provides a formalized proof of the so-called “the four-square theorem”, namely any natural number can be expressed by a sum of four squares, which was proved by Lagrange in 1770. An informal proof of the theorem can be found in the number theory literature, e.g. in [14], [1] or [23].

This theorem is item #19 from the “Formalizing 100 Theorems” list maintained by Freek Wiedijk at http://www.cs.ru.nl/F.Wiedijk/100/.
Bertrand’s Ballot Theorem
Authors: Pąk Karol
Published: February 2015

In this article we formalize the Bertrand’s Ballot Theorem based on [17]. Suppose that in an election we have two candidates: A that receives n votes and B that receives k votes, and additionally n ≥ k. Then this theorem states that the probability of the situation where A maintains more votes than B throughout the counting of the ballots is equal to (n − k)/(n + k).

This theorem is item #30 from the “Formalizing 100 Theorems” list maintained by Freek Wiedijk at http://www.cs.ru.nl/F.Wiedijk/100/.
Term Context
Authors: Bancerek Grzegorz
Published: February 2015

Two construction functors: simple term with a variable and compound term with an operation and argument terms and schemes of term induction are introduced. The degree of construction as a number of used operation symbols is defined. Next, the term context is investigated. An x-context is a term which includes a variable x once only. The compound term is x-context iff the argument terms include an x-context once only. The context induction is shown and used many times. As a key concept, the context substitution is introduced. Finally, the translations and endomorphisms are expressed by context substitution.
Cauchy Mean Theorem
Authors: Grabowski Adam
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this paper was to prove formally, using the Mizar language, Arithmetic Mean/Geometric Mean theorem known maybe better under the name of AM-GM inequality or Cauchy mean theorem. It states that the arithmetic mean of a list of a non-negative real numbers is greater than or equal to the geometric mean of the same list.

The formalization was tempting for at least two reasons: one of them, perhaps the strongest, was that the proof of this theorem seemed to be relatively easy to formalize (e.g. the weaker variant of this was proven in [13]). Also Jensen’s inequality is already present in the Mizar Mathematical Library. We were impressed by the beauty and elegance of the simple proof by induction and so we decided to follow this specific way.

The proof follows similar lines as that written in Isabelle [18]; the comparison of both could be really interesting as it seems that in both systems the number of lines needed to prove this are really close.

This theorem is item #38 from the “Formalizing 100 Theorems” list maintained by Freek Wiedijk at http://www.cs.ru.nl/F.Wiedijk/100/.
A Note on the Seven Bridges of Königsberg Problem
Authors: Naumowicz Adam
Published: February 2015

In this paper we account for the formalization of the seven bridges of Königsberg puzzle. The problem originally posed and solved by Euler in 1735 is historically notable for having laid the foundations of graph theory, cf. [7]. Our formalization utilizes a simple set-theoretical graph representation with four distinct sets for the graph’s vertices and another seven sets that represent the edges (bridges). The work appends the article by Nakamura and Rudnicki [10] by introducing the classic example of a graph that does not contain an Eulerian path.

This theorem is item #54 from the “Formalizing 100 Theorems” list maintained by Freek Wiedijk at http://www.cs.ru.nl/F.Wiedijk/100/.
Selection of Early Cauliflower Variety for Income Generation
Authors: Bhattarai Dhruba Raj , Pardhan Navin Gopal , Chalise Basanta , Piya Sarmila
Published: February 2015

An early cauliflower genotype HRDCAU005 was developed from a mix population of Kathmandu Local variety by mess selection at Horticulture Research Division, Lalitpur, Nepal. The developed genotype was 20 days earlier than the Kathmandu Local. The performance of this genotype was evaluated in 2012 and 2013 at different locations; Lalitpur, Kavre, Dailekh and Pakhribas. The experiment was laid out in a randomize complete block design with five replications in all the years and locations. In farmers’ field conditions, the highest fresh curd yield was recorded in Kathmandu Local ( 41.9 t/ha) followed by HRDCAU005 ( 29.72 t/ha) and White Flash (28.41 t/ha). Maximum attack of diamond back moth (DMB) was found in White Flash, one of the check variety, whereas the least diamond back moth attack was observed in the genotype HRDCAU005. Despite relatively low yield than Kathmandu Local variety, farmers preffered HRDCAU005 for its earliness, attractive colour, marketable curd size, good cooking quality, better taste and good market price of fresh curd.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v15i1.12003Nepal Journal of Science and TechnologyVol. 15, No.1 (2014) 1-6
Evaluation of Split Doses of Nitrogen at Different Growth Stages of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) for Improving Flowering and Vase-life
Authors: Dahal Subash , Mishra K. , Pun U. K. , Dhakal D. D. , Sharma M.
Published: February 2015

A study was carried out to standardize nitrogen application at different stages of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) (cv. Double) for improving growth, flowering and vase life in a farmer’s field at Gunjanagar VDC, Chitwan, Nepal, during May to September, 2012. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with 10 treatments of nitrogen in split doses and replicating thrice. The cut flower and vase life characteristics of tuberose were studied and the economics of production was also analysed. Significant difference was found between treatments of split doses of nitrogen in flowering and post-harvest characteristics of this flower. Three equal split doses of nitrogen, 33% N basal + 33% N at 30 days after planting + 33% N at 50 days after planting resulted in the earliest spike initiation (60 days) and the first flower opening (95.17 days). The same treatments recorded longest vase life (16.47 days). The longest (91.69 cm), heaviest (87.97g) and thickest (0.89 cm) spikes with longest rachis (38.77 cm) were produced by three equal split doses of nitrogen, 33% N basal + 33% N at 50 days after planting + 33% N at 70 days after planting. The same treatments produced maximum net income (NRs. 214,250/-) and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio (1.29) per hectare. Thus, three equal split doses of nitrogen, 33% N basal + 33% N at 50 days after planting + 33% N at 70 days after planting are appropriate for commercial cultivation of tuberose in Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v15i1.12006  Nepal Journal of Science and TechnologyVol. 15, No.1 (2014) 23-30
A Study on Castor Oil and Its Conversion into Biodiesel by Transesterification Method
Authors: Nakarmi Amita , Joshi Susan
Published: February 2015

Castor (Ricinus communis) beans were subjected for the extraction of oil which contained 48% yield. The refined oil contained 0.8% free fatty acid (FFA) and 76.258mg KOH/g saponification value which showed that oil was very suitable for biodiesel production. Biodiesel can be synthesized by transesterification process using acid or base catalyst. The obtained oil and biodiesel was analysed by GC/MS and characterized for its use as fuel in compression ignition motors. From GC/MS, methyl esters content (6:1 molar ratio) was found to be about 88%. The experiments were performed at variable condition such as methanol/oil molar ratio, different temperatures, types and   concentration of catalysts used. The best condition for transesterification process was 9:1 methanol/oil molar ratio, 65°C and 1 weight % of KOH. Product analysis was performed by ASTM/EN standards. The obtained biodiesel provided satisfactory values of density and saponification but its viscosity was very high. This situation can be corrected by mixing other methyl esters or mineral diesel for its use as diesel fuel.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v15i1.12009 Nepal Journal of Science and TechnologyVol. 15, No.1 (2014) 45-52
Estimation of Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents in Some Medicinal Plants and Their Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Pandey Bedraj , Rajbhandari Meena
Published: February 2015

Quercetin was isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of a methanol extract of the outer scale of onion by repeated sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Methanol, 50% aqueous methanol and 70% aqueous acetone extracts of different parts of four medicinal plants, Ficus benghalensis, Elaeocarpus sphaericus, Ipomea carnea and Azeratum conyzoides were prepared and screened for total phenolic and flavonoid contents and free radical scavenging activity. The total phenolics contents were measured spectrophotometrically by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and total flavonoids content by using aluminum chloride colorimetric method. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. All the investigated medicinal plant extracts contained high amount of phenolics. The highest amount was detected in 70% aqueous acetone extract of E. sphaericus (298.8±9.03 mg GAE/g extract) and lowest amount in 50% aqueous methanol extract of F. benghalensis (6.7±0.73 mg GAE/g extract). The highest amount of flavonoid was found in methanol extract (78.2±2.72 mg quercetin/g extract) and the lowest amount was detected in 50% aqueous methanol extract (2.1±0.25 mg quercetin/g extract) of F. benghalensis. DPPH free radical scavenging assay was carried out only in 70% acetone extracts. The highest IC50 value was observed for E. sphaericus (34.0 μg/ml). A strong linear correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was found indicating that the major antioxidants are phenolics.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v15i1.12010  Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 15, No.1 (2014) 53-60
A Noise Adaptive Approach to Impulse Noise Detection and Reduction
Authors: Irum Isma , Sharif Muhammad , Yasmin Mussarat , Raza Mudassar , Azam Faisal
Published: February 2015

A noise adaptive filter has been proposed in this study aiming to estimate the original image pixel values in the presence of impulse noise in monochromatic images. The proposed filter approach is noise adaptive that as the percentage of noise density increases in the image, the size of neighborhood in filtering window is also increased. Proposed approach comprises of two stages, one is impulse noise detection and the other is impulse noise reduction or cancellation. First stage is based on median and mean distance and thresholding whereas the second stage is based on reconstruction of the image using the values of neighboring pixels of the pixel under consideration detected as contaminated pixel by first stage. Reconstruction is done by estimating reference values using uncorrupted pixels in the neighborhood of pixel under consideration. The proposed method has been compared to various existing methods by using peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) for measuring the objective quality strength. To measure the impulse noise detection the method has also been compared with other existing methods using the ratio of mis  etection (MD) and false detection (FD).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v15i1.12016  Nepal Journal of Science and TechnologyVol. 15, No.1 (2014) 67-76
Drinking Water Quality of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Koju Neel Kamal , Prasai Tista , Shrestha Sujen Man , Raut Prakash
Published: February 2015

This research was conducted to analyze drinking water quality of Kathmandu valley. Total 969 water samples (392 from dug wells, 287 from deep boring, 218 from treated water, 46 from tap and 26 from other water sources) received from different places of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts during March 2012 to March 2013. These samples were analyzed for the determination of physical (pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity), chemical (hardness, chloride, iron, arsenic, ammonia, nitrate) and microbiological (total Coliform) parameters. It was found that the temperature and nitrate were within the WHO standards while pH, conductivity, turbidity, chloride, iron, arsenic, ammonia, and Coliform bacteria exceeded the WHO standard guideline. In ground water ( well and Boring), pH, conductivity, hardness, turbidity, iron, arsenic, chloride, ammonia and total Coliform count crossed WHO standards as 5%, 2%, 0.8%, 36%, 51%, 0.1%, 2%, 11% and 86 % respectively. Hardness was within the standard in both  reated and tap water samples. Compared to treated water, pH, arsenic and chloride were within the standard in tap water. The common problematic parameters of different sources of drinking were turbidity, iron, ammonia and conductivity. Coliform bacteria were found in 36% samples of treated water whereas 80% tap water samples were contaminated from Coliform bacteria.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v15i1.12027Nepal Journal of Science and TechnologyVol. 15, No.1 (2014) 115-120
Detection of Pyuria versus Bacteriuria in Suspected Patients of Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Dongol Anjila , Joshi Durga Man , Gautam Avishekh
Published: February 2015

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity in the world affecting all age groups across the life span. The aim of this study is to determine incidence of bacteriuria and its relation with pyuria in suspected urinary tract infection. This crosssectional-descriptive-analytical study was conducted in microbiology section of Kathmandu Hospital, Tripureshwor from May to August 2011. During this period, 412 midstream urine samples collected were investigated by microscopic examination of centrifuged urine sediment and conventional semi-quantitative culture technique. Out of 412 MSU samples, 120 (29.13%) were culture positive. The remaining 22 (18.33%) samples showed low count significant bacteriuria (i.e 104-105 CFU/ml) and 98(81.67%) showed significant bacteriuria (i.e. ≥ 105 CFU/ml). Among 88 urine samples with significant pyuria, only 74   (84.09%) showed culture positive. Out of 324 urine samples without significant pyuria, 46 (14.19%) urine samples showed culture positive result. Significant pyuria was found to have sensitivity of 61.67%, specificity of 95.21% and the test has 84.09% positive predictive value in detecting bacteriuria. Pyuria and bacteriuria may not always correlate in the suspected case of UTI.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v15i1.12029Nepal Journal of Science and TechnologyVol. 15, No.1 (2014) 129-132
Biological Control of Oomycetous Plant Pathogens: A Review
Authors: Shrestha Anupama , Park Sung Hee , Shrestha Bhushan , Kim Kangmin , Chae Jong Chan , Lee Kui Jae
Published: February 2015

Oomycetes are generally known as water molds, and include diverse plant pathogenic organisms. In this review, wesummarized plant diseases mainly caused by oomycetes and highlighted ongoing trends in controlling and managingthese pathogens using eco-friendly ways.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v15i1.12033Nepal Journal of Science and TechnologyVol. 15, No.1 (2014) 157-166
Modification of the Feline-Ality™ Assessment and the Ability to Predict Adopted Cats’ Behaviors in Their New Homes
Authors: Weiss Emily , Gramann Shannon , Drain Natasha , Dolan Emily , Slater Margaret
Published: February 2015

It is estimated that 2.5 million cats enter animal shelters in the United States every year and as few as 20% leave the shelter alive. Of those adopted, the greatest risk to post-adoption human animal bond is unrealistic expectations set by the adopter. The ASPCA®’s Meet Your Match® Feline-ality™ adoption program was developed to provide adopters with an accurate assessment of an adult cat’s future behavior in the home. However, the original Feline-ality™ required a three-day hold time to collect cat behaviors on a data card, which was challenging for some shelters. This research involved creating a survey to determine in-home feline behavior post adoption and explored the predictive ability of the in-shelter assessment without the data card. Our results show that the original Feline-ality™ assessment and our modified version were predictive of feline behavior post adoption. Our modified version also decreased hold time for cats to one day. Shelters interested in increasing cat adoptions, decreasing length of stay and improving the adoption experience can now implement the modified version for future feline adoption success.