bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A brief history of distance education in Chemistry at McGill University in Canada
Authors: Butler Ian S.
Published: July 2019

Distance education began as correspondence courses in the 1700s, chiefly to connect rural communities with secondary and post-secondary educational institutions located in major cities. Since then, owing to the overwhelming improvements in communication technologies over the past two centuries, distance education is now well-established and is a major educational approach employed throughout the world. This paper will include a brief overview of the history of distance education in general and a description of some of the author’s personal experiences with respect to distance teaching of university-level Chemistry courses since he began his academic career as a professor over 50 years ago.
Further results on the neutrix composition of distributions involving the delta function and the function cosh+-1(x1/r+1)$\cosh _ + ^{ - 1}\left( {{x^{1/r}} + 1} \right)$
Authors: Fisher Brian , Tas Kenan
Published: July 2019

The neutrix composition F(f (x)) of a distribution F(x) and a locally summable function f (x) is said to exist and be equal to the distribution h(x) if the neutrix limit of the sequence {Fn
(f (x))} is equal to h(x), where Fn
(x) = F(x) * δ
n
(x) and {δ
n
(x)} is a certain sequence of infinitely differentiable functions converging to the Dirac delta-function (x). The function

cosh

+

-
1

(

x
+
1

)

$\cosh _ + ^{ - 1}\left( {x + 1} \right)$

is defined by

cosh

+

-
1

(

x
+
1

)

=
H

(
x
)

cosh

-
1

(

|
x
|

+
1

)

,

$$\cosh _ + ^{ - 1}\left( {x + 1} \right) = H\left( x \right){\cosh ^{ - 1}}\left( {\left| x \right| + 1} \right),$$

where H(x) denotes Heaviside’s function. It is then proved that the neutrix composition

δ

(
s
)

[

cosh

+

-
1

(

x

1
/
r

+
1

)

]

${\delta ^{(s)}}\left[ {\cosh _ + ^{ - 1}\left( {{x^{1/r}} + 1} \right)} \right]$

] exists and

δ

(
s
)

[

cosh

+

-
1

(

x

1
/
r

+
1

)

]

=

∑

k
=
0

s
-
1

∑

j
=
0

k
r
+
r
-
1

∑

i
=
0

j

(
-
1
)

k
r
+
r
+
s
-
j
-
1

r

2

j
+
2

(

k
r
+
r
-
1

j

)

(

j

i

)

[

(

j
-
2
i
+
1

)

s

-

(

i
-
2
i
-
1

)

s

]

δ

(
k
)

(
x
)
,

$${\delta ^{(s)}}\left[ {\cosh _ + ^{ - 1}\left( {{x^{1/r}} + 1} \right)} \right] = \sum\limits_{k = 0}^{s - 1} {\sum\limits_{j = 0}^{kr + r - 1} {\sum\limits_{i = 0}^j {{{{{( - 1)}^{kr + r + s - j - 1}}r} \over {{2^{j + 2}}}}\left( {\matrix{{kr + r - 1} \cr j \cr } } \right)} } } \left( {\matrix{j \cr i \cr } } \right)\left[ {{{\left( {j - 2i + 1} \right)}^s} - {{\left( {i - 2i - 1} \right)}^s}} \right]{\delta ^{(k)}}(x),$$

for r, s = 1, 2, . . . . Further results are also proved.

Our results improve, extend and generalize the main theorem of [Fisher B., Al-Sirehy F., Some results on the neutrix composition of distributions involving the delta function and the function cosh−1
+(x + 1), Appl. Math. Sci. (Ruse), 2014, 8(153), 7629–7640].
Probability of ruin in discrete insurance risk model with dependent Pareto claims
Authors: Constantinescu Corina D. , Kozubowski Tomasz J. , Qian Haoyu H.
Published: July 2019

We present basic properties and discuss potential insurance applications of a new class of probability distributions on positive integers with power law tails. The distributions in this class are zero-inflated discrete counterparts of the Pareto distribution. In particular, we obtain the probability of ruin in the compound binomial risk model where the claims are zero-inflated discrete Pareto distributed and correlated by mixture.
Model supporting decisions on renovation and modernization of public utility buildings
Authors: Bucoń Robert
Published: July 2019

The aim of the research is to develop a model to support renovation and modernization decisions in the process of maintaining public buildings. The scope of the research includes, first of all, the development of a method of building assessment on the basis of many criteria, applied also in the evaluation of residential buildings, but also specific ones, related to public utility facilities, i.e.: environmental compatibility of buildings, adaptation to the elderly and disabled, fire safety. On the basis of this assessment, a set of proposed renovation and modernisation measures will be determined. In the next stage, knowledge will be acquired from experts (including property managers), who will indicate the ranges of criteria values for the adopted assessments of building utility value. This knowledge will be used to build a rules base of fuzzy inference system for assessing building utility value. The next stage of research will be conducting computer simulations with the use of a mathematical model assessing the impact of the above mentioned decisions on the increase in the building utility value and the renovation cost and modernization activities. All calculations will be carried out in the Matlab Simulink environment with the use of optimization and fuzzy methods. Knowledge of the relationship between decisions on the scope of renovation and modernization solutions and the quality measures of the maintenance process is the basis for decisions in the area of buildings maintenance. The results of these studies can contribute to improving the quality of maintenance of public buildings.
Evaluation of ring-5 structures of guaiacyl lignin in Ginkgo biloba L. using solid- and liquid-state 13C NMR difference spectroscopy
Authors: Aoki Dan , Nomura Kenta , Hashiura Masashi , Imamura Yoshinori , Miyata Sonoka , Terashima Noritsugu , Matsushita Yasuyuki , Nishimura Hiroshi , Watanabe Takashi , Katahira Masato , Fukushima Kazuhiko
Published: July 2019

To discuss the macromolecular structure and properties of lignin, the complementary use of solid- and liquid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) combined with a specific 13C-enrichment technique may provide useful information. The 13C-enriched lignin was prepared by administering [guaiacyl ring-5(G5)-13C]-coniferin to a growing Ginkgo biloba L. shoot. The 13C-enriched cellulolytic enzyme lignin (EL) and its acetate prepared from the ginkgo shoot were examined by solid- and liquid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy. The 13C NMR spectrum derived only from the G5 carbon was obtained as a difference spectrum based on the spectra of the G5-13C enriched and un-enriched (UE) samples. The condensed structures, including the enriched G5-carbon, were evaluated using difference spectra. The chemical shifts of the enriched G5 carbon in both the solid- and liquid-state 13C NMR spectra agreed with each other in principle. The quantitative ratio of the condensed and uncondensed structures at G5 was found to be larger by solid-state cross polarization/magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) NMR than by liquid-state NMR.
A case of post-splenectomy transfusion-dependent homozygous beta-thalassemia major complicated with myocardial siderosis and osteoporosis and usage of iron-chelating therapy with deferiprone in pregnancy
Authors: Ahmad Mohd Faizal , Zakaria Nur Zawani , Arsad Noorazizah , Chew Kah Teik , Abu Muhammad Azrai , Shafiee Mohd Nasir , Omar Mohd Hashim
Published: July 2019

Beta-thalassemia major is a subtype component of hemoglobinopathies; autosomal recessive disorders complicated with anemia that affect at least 50,000 babies each year. It contributes to problems in reproductive entities such as infertility due to iron deposition in the endocrine organs, which leads to malfunction of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Due to this, there have been very few pregnancies discovered and reported with this type of condition as they usually required an ovulation-induction agent with assisted reproductive technique to achieved pregnancy. We report a successful spontaneous pregnancy in a woman with beta-thalassemia major who underwent splenectomy with lifelong transfusion-dependence complicated with myocardial siderosis and osteoporosis. The close monitoring and regular blood transfusion are a core of successful support to this type of pregnancy. The unintentional consumption of Fosamax, hydroxyurea and deferiprone (Ferriprox) up till 20 weeks of gestation did not show any adverse effects on fetal well-being. As expected, this pregnancy ended with the preterm delivery via cesarean section due to intrauterine growth restriction with oligohydramnios, and currently, this child is thriving. We concluded that pregnancy is not a contraindication in beta-thalassemia major; complex individual care is needed to achieve a safe outcome for the mother.
The association between iron deficiency anemia and febrile seizure
Authors: Karimi Parviz , Sayehmiri Koroush , Azami Milad , Tardeh Zeinab
Published: July 2019

Objective

Different studies have reported contradictory results regarding the relationship between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and febrile seizure (FS). The present study was conducted to determine the effect of IDA on FS in children.

Patients and methods

This case-control study was conducted among 52 children with FS (the case group) and 18 children with afebrile seizures and 51 children with fever without seizures in the age range of 6 months to 5 years admitted to the pediatric ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ilam from March 2016 to January 2017. Patients were selected using the convenience sampling method. Red blood cell (RBC) count as well as measurement of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), ferritin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) levels were performed in all patients. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS16 software.

Results

A total of 34.6% in the FS group, 66.7% in the afebrile seizure group and 41.2% in the fever without seizure group suffered from IDA, which was not statistically significant between the three groups. Hb, Hct and RBC levels were higher in the case group and MCV, MCH, MCHC levels in the case group were lower than those in the control group. The odds ratio (OR) for FS compared to the febrile group was 0.756 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.34–1.68; p = 0.493] and that for FS compared to seizure was 0.265 (95% CI = 0.085–0.823; p = 0.022).

Conclusions

This study showed that IDA may have protective effects on the onset of FS, and based on the results, IDA is more common in children with afebrile seizures. Further and more comprehensive studies are recommended.
Bayesian Two-Stage Adaptive Design in Bioequivalence
Authors: Liu Shengjie , Gao Jun , Zheng Yuling , Huang Lei , Yan Fangrong
Published: July 2019

Bioequivalence (BE) studies are an integral component of new drug development process, and play an important role in approval and marketing of generic drug products. However, existing design and evaluation methods are basically under the framework of frequentist theory, while few implements Bayesian ideas. Based on the bioequivalence predictive probability model and sample re-estimation strategy, we propose a new Bayesian two-stage adaptive design and explore its application in bioequivalence testing. The new design differs from existing two-stage design (such as Potvin’s method B, C) in the following aspects. First, it not only incorporates historical information and expert information, but further combines experimental data flexibly to aid decision-making. Secondly, its sample re-estimation strategy is based on the ratio of the information in interim analysis to total information, which is simpler in calculation than the Potvin’s method. Simulation results manifested that the two-stage design can be combined with various stop boundary functions, and the results are different. Moreover, the proposed method saves sample size compared to the Potvin’s method under the conditions that type I error rate is below 0.05 and statistical power reaches 80 %.
Algorithm for Determining the State of Impregnated Paper Insulation of High-Voltage Cables
Authors: Sidorova Anna , Semenov Dmitry , Cheremukhin Artem , Astakhova Tatyana
Published: July 2019

The paper presents a technique for determining the time index of growth of the slope of reverse voltage for double insulated cables, based on the body of the theory of series. It is proved that in the vicinity of the extremum point (maximum) the function of the reverse voltage is approximated by polynomials of the nth power. It is proposed to use second-degree polynomials for practical calculations. The method for calculating relevant indicators is illustrated using real data. Analysis of deviations made it possible to conclude that the calculation method proposed in the paper is far more accurate. In the final part of the study, it was concluded that there is a promising outlook for further development of methodological guidelines for determining complex indices of the remaining life of the cable, including but not limited to the use of various mathematical methods.
Nondestructive Detection Method for Beef Water-Holding Capacity Using Modified Test Paper
Authors: Wang Xiaodan , Wu Ruijia , Cai Yingming , Li Chunqiang , Wang Ying , Zhu Lingtao , Xu Liping , Li Xing , Duan Jinjiao
Published: July 2019

Water-holding capacity (WHC) is a critical indicator of beef quality. Several conventional test methods have high cost or spend more time. In this study, a rapid detection method was developed to measure WHC by modified test paper. The test paper was modified by cobalt chloride for its color turned from blue to red after contacting with water. When the test paper was attached to the surface of meat sample, its color would change. The time of color changing was related to WHC. A prediction model was built. The prediction accuracy was 90 % and the detection time was less than 1 min. The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed that the three-dimensional network structures of the test paper were more compact and homogeneous. Accordingly, the modified test paper exhibits a more stable property and can be used for other meat products.
Is there a Function for a Sex Pheromone Precursor?
Authors: Vasieva O. , Goryanin I.
Published: July 2019

Functional coupling and comparative genomics analysis have been applied to study functional associations of orthologs of enterococcal cAD1 sex pheromone (P13268) known to be responsible for biofilm formation, conjugative plasmid transfer and spreading of bacterial antibiotics resistance. cAD1 peptide pheromone is released from the membrane lipoprotein with the peptide precursor encoded by a gene cad (tr|C2JQE7). Our analysis of genomic neighbourhood of cad and motifs of the encoded polypeptide and its orthologs suggests a close functional association between cAD1 and ApbE protein (Q82Z24), a FMN insertion and trafficking facilitator. The cad and apbE orthologs were coupled in the genomes and ApbE-specific motifs for FMN covalent attachment were identified in cad-encoded protein sequence and its orthologs. These findings suggest a potential role of FMN-based reductase function of the cAD1 lipoprotein precursor in its processing and release of the active sex pheromone peptide. They may lead to a new approach in prevention of antibiotic resistance spread via targeting sex pheromone processing chaperones or by suppression of the FMN availability and covalent binding. This methods can be also applied to a controlled evolution of bacterial pathogenicity in microbial fuel cells, as the findings suggest the crosstalk between bacterial pathogenicity and bacterial electro-activity.
Non-Coding RNAs and their Integrated Networks
Authors: Zhang Peijing , Wu Wenyi , Chen Qi , Chen Ming
Published: July 2019

Eukaryotic genomes are pervasively transcribed. Besides protein-coding RNAs, there are different types of non-coding RNAs that modulate complex molecular and cellular processes. RNA sequencing technologies and bioinformatics methods greatly promoted the study of ncRNAs, which revealed ncRNAs’ essential roles in diverse aspects of biological functions. As important key players in gene regulatory networks, ncRNAs work with other biomolecules, including coding and non-coding RNAs, DNAs and proteins. In this review, we discuss the distinct types of ncRNAs, including housekeeping ncRNAs and regulatory ncRNAs, their versatile functions and interactions, transcription, translation, and modification. Moreover, we summarize the integrated networks of ncRNA interactions, providing a comprehensive landscape of ncRNAs regulatory roles.
Specifications of Standards in Systems and Synthetic Biology: Status and Developments in 2019
Authors: Schreiber Falk , Sommer Björn , Bader Gary D. , Gleeson Padraig , Golebiewski Martin , Hucka Michael , Keating Sarah M. , König Matthias , Myers Chris , Nickerson David , Waltemath Dagmar
Published: July 2019

This special issue of the Journal of Integrative Bioinformatics presents an overview of COMBINE standards and their latest specifications. The standards cover representation formats for computational modeling in synthetic and systems biology and include BioPAX, CellML, NeuroML, SBML, SBGN, SBOL and SED-ML. The articles in this issue contain updated specifications of SBGN Process Description Level 1 Version 2, SBML Level 3 Core Version 2 Release 2, SBOL Version 2.3.0, and SBOL Visual Version 2.1.
Primary ovarian insufficiency in an adolescent population: clinical phenotype and diagnostic approach
Authors: Hoyos-Martinez Alfonso , Hoyos Luis R. , Comkornruecha Metee , Diaz Alejandro
Published: July 2019

Background

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) can be seen in adolescents secondary to genetic or autoimmune conditions, or gonadotoxic therapies. Often times, its underlying cause is not identified. It is a rare condition in pediatrics, but a thorough evaluation is required for a timely diagnosis and optimizing outcomes.

Objectives

We aim to describe the clinical phenotype of idiopathic POI in an adolescent population seen in a referral center, and evaluate its diagnostic approach.

Methods

All patients evaluated between 2012 and 2018 were identified using the diagnostic codes for POI. Medical records were manually reviewed and clinical information was extracted. Cases were excluded from the final sample if they were found to have incomplete diagnostic information, Turner syndrome, eating disorders, gonadal surgeries and/or a history of oncological conditions or treatments.

Results

Forty-eight patients with POI were identified, and only seven met the established criteria. Anti-ovarian and anti-thyroid antibodies were evaluated in 100% and 86%, respectively, while only 29% were tested for anti-adrenal autoimmunity. The karyotype was obtained consistently, while the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene expansion was only assessed in approximately a third of the patients. Finally, only 29% of patients received reproductive counseling or referral to a fertility specialist.

Conclusions

Diagnostic evaluation for POI appears to be challenging to pediatric providers. Anti-ovarian antibodies are frequently obtained despite the lack of their clinical significance in POI, while anti-adrenal antibodies, which are the preferred diagnostic test, are not commonly obtained. Reproductive orientation or referral is seldom provided to the adolescent population.
Placenta previa and the risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Balayla Jacques , Desilets Jade , Shrem Guy
Published: July 2019

Background

Whether placental location confers specific neonatal risks is controversial. In particular, whether placenta previa is associated with intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR)/small for gestational age (SGA) remains a matter of debate.

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and Cochrane database search, as well as PubMed (www.pubmed.gov) until the end of December 2018 to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the risk of IUGR/SGA in cases of placenta previa. We defined IUGR/SGA as birth weight below the 10thpercentile, regardless of the terminology used in individual studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We used odds ratios (OR) and a fixed effects (FE) model to calculate weighted estimates in a forest plot. Statistical homogeneity was checked with the I2statistic using Review Manager 5.3.5 (The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014).

Results

We obtained 357 records, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria. All study designs were retrospective in nature, and included 11 cohort and two case-control studies. A total of 1,593,226 singleton pregnancies were included, of which 10,575 had a placenta previa. The incidence of growth abnormalities was 8.7/100 births in cases of placenta previa vs. 5.8/100 births among controls. Relative to cases with alternative placental location, pregnancies with placenta previa were associated with a mild increase in the risk of IUGR/SGA, with a pooled OR [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 1.19 (1.10–1.27). Statistical heterogeneity was high with an I2 = 94%.

Conclusion

Neonates from pregnancies with placenta previa have a mild increase in the risk of IUGR/SGA.
Offensive or defensive play in soccer: a game-theoretical approach
Authors: Gambarelli Daniele , Gambarelli Gianfranco , Goossens Dries
Published: July 2019

In many sports, such as soccer, a coach has to decide whether to adopt an “offensive” or a “defensive” approach to a match. This strategic decision depends on the strengths and weaknesses of his team with respect to the opponent, but also on the strategy chosen by the opponent’s coach. The fact that a draw also results in a point, which may be important for the ranking, further complicates this decision, as the coach must assess whether it is better to adopt a defensive team formation in order to obtain a draw, or to aim for victory despite the increased risk of defeat. We study this topic by means of a game-theoretical approach, and we develop an algorithm which allows to compute the optimal strategy. The algorithm tests the stability of the outcome with respect to uncertainty in the estimated win probabilities. Furthermore, our approach can handle in-game events, which may provoke changes in optimal strategy. Finally, our model also allows us to assess the effect of various point systems on the willingness of teams to opt for attacking play. Our method is applied to a case study, based on the match Italy – Costa Rica (World Cup 2014).
Lymph node ratio versus TNM system as prognostic factor in colorectal cancer staging. A single Center experience
Authors: Moccia Francesco , Tolone Salvatore , Allaria Alfredo , Napolitano Vincenzo , Rosa D’Amico , Ilaria Ferrante , Ottavia Manto , Cesaro Edoardo , Docimo Ludovico , Fei Landino
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aims to establish the actual validity of the lymph node ratio (LNR) as a prognostic factor for colorectal cancer patients, and to verify differences of survival and disease-free interval.

Methods

Patients referred with colorectal cancer who underwent potentially curative surgery between January 1997 and December 2011 were included. Lymph node ratio, TNM staging and survival were extracted from surgical, histological and follow-up records.

Results

Two hundred eigthy six patients with different stages of colorectal cancer underwent surgery, with comparison of survival prediction based on lymph node ratio and TNM staging. The overall survival rate was 78.3%, the recurrence rate was 11.9% and the mortality rate was estimated as 21.7%. Univariate analysis in relation to survival was significant for the following variables: serum level of CEA, CA 19.9 value, degree of histological differentiation, and tumor growth. There weren’t any statistically significant differences for the LNR (LNR </ ≥0.16: p = 0.116). The TNM system was effective both in discriminating between survival stages (Stage II vs. Stage III: p = 0.05) and in differentiating sub-groups (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

LNR alone could not be considered a better prognostic factor than the TNM system. However, future studies are needed in a larger number of patients with a standardized surgical, pathological and medical protocol.
America’s Higher Education: My Journey as a Taiwanese Immigrant Woman Faculty
Authors: Huang Carol
Published: July 2019

In this article, I apply a critical autoethnographic approach to frame my experience as a Taiwanese immigrant woman faculty in the US higher educational institutions where I served and continue to serve. I describe how I developed research agendas to produce knowledge as a means to diversify our understanding of minorities. Conducting research in rapidly changing Chinese ethnic communities with an intent to include other immigrant groups and produce cross-ethnic understanding with other researchers in digital media proved to be incompatible with the current conditions of the tenure-granting process at CUNY, and my application for tenure was denied. However, I contested the decision; and after winning my case, I engaged in institutional research on the roles of Asian American faculty in leadership in the system. I conclude that hiring and retention of diverse faculty and engaging in activism are ways to maintain academic rigor for the system.
Oscillation of nonlinear third order perturbed functional difference equations
Authors: Dinakar P. , Selvarangam S. , Thandapani E.
Published: July 2019

This paper deals with oscillatory and asymptotic behavior of all solutions of perturbed nonlinear third order functional difference equation

Δ(bnΔ(an(Δxn)α))+pnf(xσ(n))=g(n,xn,xσ(n),Δxn),   n≥n0.\Delta {\left( {{b_n}\Delta ({a_n}(\Delta {x_n}} \right)^\alpha })) + {p_n}f\left( {{x_{\sigma \left( n \right)}}} \right) = g\left( {n,{x_n},{x_{\sigma (n)}},\Delta {x_n}} \right),\,\,\,n \ge {n_0}.

By using comparison techniques we present some new sufficient conditions for the oscillation of all solutions of the studied equation. Examples illustrating the main results are included.
Bidirectional to unidirectional emission of fluorescence controlled by optical traveling wave antennas
Authors: Wang Yilin , Li Shilei , Yan Jie-Yun , Li Chao , Jiang Ping , Wang Lulu , Yu Li
Published: July 2019

Tailoring the fluorescence emission of quantum emitters to a desired direction is a crucial issue to achieve high efficient photodetection and realize unique optoelectronic devices. In this study, the directional emission of quantum dots controlled by optical traveling wave antennas based on 1D silver nanowires (NWs) was investigated. Both leaky waves and surface waves on a single NW are utilized for fluorescence emission control, and we show that the coupled fluorescence transforms from bidirectional to unidirectional emission when the surrounding medium changes from air to water. Moreover, in the unidirectional case, we obtain an ultra-narrow half-power bandwidth about 20°. Finite-difference time-domain simulations and Green’s function method in a stratified medium are used to calculate the far-field emission patterns of the hybrid structures, which agree well with the experiments. Further analyses based on typical modes and the dipole-chain model also reveal the mechanism behind the bidirectional and unidirectional fluorescence emission. These results show that the structures have great potential in integrated on-chip, sensing and photon-collection devices.
MHD three dimensional flow of Oldroyd-B nanofluid over a bidirectional stretching sheet: DTM-Padé Solution
Authors: Gupta Sumit , Gupta Sandeep
Published: July 2019

Current article is devoted with the study of MHD 3D flow of Oldroyd B type nanofluid induced by bi-directional stretching sheet. Expertise similarity transformation is confined to reduce the governing partial differential equations into ordinary nonlinear differential equations. These dimensionless equations are then solved by the Differential Transform Method combined with the Padé approximation (DTM-Padé). Dealings of the arising physical parameters namely the Deborah numbers β1 and β2, Prandtl number Pr, Brownian motion parameter Nb and thermophoresis parameter Nt on the fluid velocity, temperature and concentration profile are depicted through graphs. Also a comparative study between DTM and numerical method are presented by graph and other semi-analytical techniques through tables. It is envisage that the velocity profile declines with rising magnetic factor, temperature profile increases with magnetic parameter, Deborah number of first kind and Brownian motion parameter while decreases with Deborah number of second kind and Prandtl number. A comparative study also visualizes comparative study in details.
A multiple-step adaptive pseudospectral method for solving multi-order fractional differential equations
Authors: Mashali-Firouzi Mahmoud , Maleki Mohammad
Published: July 2019

The nonlocal nature of the fractional derivative makes the numerical treatment of fractional differential equations expensive in terms of computational accuracy in large domains. This paper presents a new multiple-step adaptive pseudospectral method for solving nonlinear multi-order fractional initial value problems (FIVPs), based on piecewise Legendre–Gauss interpolation. The fractional derivatives are described in the Caputo sense. We derive an adaptive pseudospectral scheme for approximating the fractional derivatives at the shifted Legendre–Gauss collocation points. By choosing a step-size, the original FIVP is replaced with a sequence of FIVPs in subintervals. Then the obtained FIVPs are consecutively reduced to systems of algebraic equations using collocation. Some error estimates are investigated. It is shown that in the present multiple-step pseudospectral method the accuracy of the solution can be improved either by decreasing the step-size or by increasing the number of collocation points within subintervals. The main advantage of the present method is its superior accuracy and suitability for large-domain calculations. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the validity and high accuracy of the proposed technique.
A reliable algorithm for time-fractional Navier-Stokes equations via Laplace transform
Authors: Prakash Amit , Prakasha Doddabhadrappla Gowda , Veeresha Pundikala
Published: July 2019

In this paper, numerical solution of fractional order Navier-Stokes equations in unsteady viscous fluid flow is found using q-homotopy analysis transform scheme. Fractional derivative is considered in Caputo sense. The proposed technique is a blend of q-homotopy analysis scheme and transform of Laplace. It executes well in efficiency and providesh-curves that show convergence range of series solution.
MHD Convection Fluid and Heat Transfer in an Inclined Micro-Porous-Channel
Authors: Aina Babatunde , Malgwi Peter Bukar
Published: July 2019

This study is devoted to investigate the influence of transverse magnetic field as well as suction/injection on MHD natural convection flow of conducting fluid in an inclined micro-porous-channel. The analytical solutions for velocity profile and temperature profile have been obtained considering the velocity slip and temperature jump conditions at the micro-porous-channel walls. The solution obtained for the velocity has been used to compute the skin friction, while the temperature has been used to compute the Nusselt number. The effect of various flow parameters entering into the problem are discussed with the aid of line graphs. Results reveal that the impact of inclination angle on fluid velocity is dependent on the value of the wall ambient temperature difference ratio, hence increase in inclination angle yields an enhancement in fluid velocity within the micro-porous-channel for some selected values of the wall ambient temperature difference ratio whereas it displays a dual character for other values. Also, injecting through the micro-porous channel thickens the thermal boundary layer, resulting to weakening the convective current and consequently decreasing the fluid velocity whereas suction weakens the thermal boundary layer yielding an increase in fluid velocity.
The expa function method and the conformable time-fractional KdV equations
Authors: Zafar Asim
Published: July 2019

The nonlinear fractional differential equations (FDEs) are produced by mathematical modelling of some nonlinear physical systems. The study of such nonlinear physical models through wave solutions analysis corresponding to their FDEs, has a dynamic role in applied sciences. In this paper, we are going to explore the conformable time-fractional KdV equations using the expa function method. The way to reach explicit exact wave solutions is to transform the fractional order PDE into a nonlinear ODE of discrete order through travelling wave transforms. The subsequent equation has been explored by utilizing the exp a function approach. Consequently, some new explicit exact wave solutions of the said equations are effectively formulated and graphically conveyed with the help of numerical simulation.
Application of Bessel functions and Jacobian free Newton method to solve time-fractional Burger equation
Authors: Parand Kourosh , Nikarya Mehran
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a novel method based on Bessel functions (BF), generalized Bessel functions (GBF), the collocation method and the Jacobian free Newton-Krylov sub-space (JFNK) will be introduced to solve the nonlinear time-fractional Burger equation. In this paper, an implicit formula is introduced to calculate Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative of GBFs, that can be very useful in spectral methods. In this work, the nonlinear time-fractional Burger equation is converted to a nonlinear system of algebraic equations via collocation algorithm based on BFs and GBFs without any linearization and descretization methods. Finally, by using JFNK, the solution of this nonlinear system will be achieved. To show the reliability and applicability of the proposed method, we solve some examples of time-fractional Burger equation and compare our results with others.
Could biodynamics help bridge the gap in developing farmer intuition?
Authors: von Diest Saskia G.
Published: July 2019

Several scientific studies indicate that farmers do not often use formalised decision support tools as expected, and many prefer to rely on their intuition to make practical management decisions. While agricultural science and education acknowledge the different types of knowledge that farmers utilize, intuition continues to receive little attention in agricultural science, indicating a gap in farmer decision-making research.

The mechanism driving intuition remains under debate, but is described as a pervasive, involuntary, rapid way of knowing, offering access to tacit (internal, intangible) knowledge that complements analytic processes. Many studies agree that intuition can be trained to increase accuracy and reliability. However, the comprehensive works on intuition by Rudolf Steiner hardly feature in modern science, and yet his writings and biodynamic agriculture approach offer farmers and non-farmers guidelines for systematic development of subtle abilities like intuition.

There may be value in collaborative, transdisciplinary exploration between agricultural research and biodynamic theory and practice, for supporting farmers to develop their intuitive knowing. Such an alliance could help increase the awareness and practice of biodynamics, expand the knowledge base and lexicon for the em erging research field of intuitive farming, and help reinvigorate agricultural research toward more efficient, customized and connected farming practices.
How Public is Public Art? A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Racial Subtext of Public Monuments at Canada’s Pier 21
Authors: Adamu Patience , Castello Deon , Cukier Wendy
Published: July 2019

Much of the literature on public space focuses on physical inclusion and exclusion rather than social inclusion or exclusion. In this paper, the implications of this are considered in the context of two monuments, The Volunteers/Les Bénévoles, and The Emigrant, located outside the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. These monuments, while perhaps designed to celebrate Canadian multiculturalism, can be read instead as signaling Canada’s enduring commitment to white supremacy, Eurocentricity and colonization, when viewed through the eyes of racialized immigrants. Thus the “public space” becomes exclusionary. In the context in which the monuments are situated, the racial subtext cannot be ignored. This article purports that images, text and placement, regardless of intention, have significant implications on public space and public demeanor.
Effects of grafting parameters on the properties of proton exchange membranes based on sulfo-functionalized porous silicon for micro direct methanol fuel cells
Authors: Wang Mei , Liu Litian , Wang Xiaohong
Published: July 2019

3-Mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane [MPTMS, (CH3O)3SiCH2CH2CH2SH] can be grafted to porous silicon via a simple chemical grafting method and then sulfonated to prepare a proton exchange membrane (PEM) for application in micro direct methanol fuel cells (μDMFCs). The concentration of MPTMS and the pH of the solvent, which is varied by adding glacial acetic acid (GAA), play important roles in the chemical grafting process. In this work, PEMs based on sulfo-functionalized porous silicon were prepared at MPTMS concentrations ranging from 10 wt.% to 90 wt.% and GAA concentrations ranging from 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% to study the effects of grafting parameters on the proton transport properties of PEMs. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows that the proton conductivity of the PEMs can be tuned by changing the MPTMS and GAA concentrations, and it reaches a maximum of 0.082 S/cm at an MPTMS concentration of 30 wt.% and a GAA concentration of 5 wt.%. The effects of MPTMS and GAA concentrations on the properties of PEMs are discussed in the context of two competitive reaction pathways of MPTMS molecules: dehydration condensation with silanols on the walls of porous silicon and self-polymerization.
Prototype stories of life with Chemical Intolerance – when the environment becomes a threat to health and well-being
Authors: Schéle Ingrid , Ask Ida , Claeson Anna-Sara
Published: July 2019

We aimed to explore how individuals living with Chemical Intolerance (CI) describe the onset and progression of CI, and how they live and cope with CI. The participants were recruited via Swedish websites hosted by CI support groups. A postal survey, including a Life history calender, was sent to potential participants. Eleven respondents fitted the consensus-based criteria for CI while not reporting comorbidity. A narrative analysis of their written replies resulted in five prototypical stories based on similarities in the onset and course of CI. All five stories contain descriptions of alienation from society and insufficient social support. Differences in participants’ perceptions of the symptom onset – with regard to suddenness, the point in life and the perceived cause of symptoms – partly corresponded to etiological theories of CI related to stress or inflammation. Further differences between the prototype stories mainly concern the possible effects on health and well-being related to social support and coping. Given these differences, we recommend that medical professionals and others apply a holistic, context-sensitive approach before discouraging or promoting a specific coping strategy in relation to CI.
Strategy-adaptation memory training: predictors of older adults’ training gains
Authors: Cavallini Elena , Bottiroli Sara , Dunlosky John , Ambiel Erika , Lux Andrea , Hertzog Christopher
Published: July 2019

Over the past decades, memory training interventions have been developed in an attempt to stabilize or enhance memory functioning in aging. Only recently has attention been paid to individual differences in training gains and consequently to predictors of such gains. The aim of the present study was to identify which specific cognitive mechanisms/processes or components of the intervention were responsible for the desired change and which individuals were more responsive to memory strategic training. Eighty-one older adults (aged 55 to 82) were involved in a four-session strategy-adaptation training based on a learner-oriented approach that has previously been found to be effective in improving memory performance in practiced and untrained tasks. Results showed that baseline performance in memory tasks predicted the gains in the practiced task. Baseline performance in memory tasks and other cognitive variables, such as working memory, processing speed, and verbal knowledge predicted transfer effects. Interestingly, we found that the magnitude of training gain on the associative memory practiced task predicted the gains in the transfer tasks, suggesting those who best implemented the targeted strategies during training realized greater transfer to other tasks. Our study shows that older adults with larger cognitive resources will benefit more from interventions focused on the generalization via active processes.
Political Insulation, Technical Expertise and the Technocrat’s Paradox
Authors: Pardow Diego G.
Published: July 2019

It is generally assumed that independent agencies reflect the Congress’ willingness to deal with two different sources of risk that complement each other: political uncertainty regarding the policy implemented, and technical uncertainty regarding the outcome that would be achieved with that policy. This paper claims that such complementariness is true only when the Congress is expecting to capture the benefits of a sound technical decision. If this is not the case, for example when there is a large possibility of a political turnover in the near future, institutional design should follow a dynamic of entrenchment. Here politics and expertise substitute each other, thus reducing the optimal choice of agency independence. This paper illustrates these ideas by comparing the two waves of institutional reforms that occurred in Chile in the 1920’s and the 1980’s. The variance in the level of insulation achieved by each process responds to a key political difference: the first one was conducted through a democratic consensus that was meant to last several decades, whereas the second one was conducted during an authoritarian regime aware that its tenure in power was coming to an end.
Paricalcitol pretreatment attenuates renal ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting p38 MAPK and activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathways
Authors: Cavdar Zahide , Ural Cemre , Kocak Ayse , Arslan Sevki , Ersan Sibel , Ozbal Seda , Tatli Merve , Dubova Asli , Cavdar Caner
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the renoprotective effects of paricalcitol, a synhetic vitamin D analog, through its possible roles on p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways to prevent oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis during renal I/R.

Materials and methods

Total 20 kidney tissues of sham (n = 6), subjected to renal I/R bilaterally for 45 min ischemia followed by 24 h reperfusion (n = 7) and paricalcitol (0.3 μg/kg, ip) pretreated Wistar albino rats (n =7) were used in this study. Interstitial inflammation and active caspase-3 expression were evaluated histologically. TNF-α, IL-1β, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), MDA and SOD activity in kidneys were analysed biochemically. Furthermore, activation of p38 MAPK, PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and NFκB p65 were evaluated by western blot.

Results

Paricalcitol pretreatment significantly reduced interstitial inflammation during renal I/R, which was consistent with decreased tumor TNF-α, IL-1β, active caspase-3 and KIM-1 expression. Paricalcitol also reduced MDA level and attenuated the reduction of SOD activity in the kidney during I/R. Moreover, paricalcitol could suppress the p38 MAPK and NFκB p65, and also activate PI3K/Akt signaling pathway during renal I/R.

Conclusion

All these findings indicate that paricalcitol may be an effective practical strategy to prevent renal I/R injury.
Regional Alliance Structure and International Conflict
Authors: Sakuwa Kentaro
Published: July 2019

Why are some regions more peaceful than others? Some regions are particularly plagued by traditional power politics and political tensions, while the danger of war between major actors has significantly declined in other regions. The conventional literature would answer the question from a dyadic perspective—a region with many states with certain set of traits, such as democracy, should be peaceful. However, it is ultimately an empirical question whether the prevalence of power politics and conflict can be solely explained by the type of states and dyads in a region. I argue that the nature of international interactions is shaped by regional-level environment. Due to local security externalities, dyadic politics and conflict is dependent on conditions in a local neighborhood. More specifically, this study focuses on the role of regional-level alliance structure. A region can be situated in various types of alliance configuration depending on global geopolitical climate. I argue that conflict is unlikely in a region in which a global power establishes hegemonic domination through alliance ties with local states. The presence of an external global power dominating a region provides a local enforcement mechanism and reassurance for local states, which in turn reduces hostile interactions among local states. To examine how the regional-level conditions influence dyadic-level politics among local states, this paper empirically analyzes political events data (Integrated Data for Events Analysis) applying multilevel modeling, aiming at contributing the literature by explicitly modeling the influence of regional-level variables on local politics beyond militarized disputes. Empirical analysis revealed that a regionally shared “patron” can promote peace between local states. However, the effect of regional hierarchy turned out to be indirect. Regional dominance structured by an external global power does not exert an overarching influence over an entire region by shifting the region-specific intercept. Rather, the regional-level global power domination in terms of defense pacts particularly influences powerful states in a region while not quite reducing hostility among “minor” local states. Thus, international conflict and hostility is indirectly constrained in a region under hegemonic domination by a global power. This study has empirically explored an argument that it is fruitful to go beyond a purely dyadic analysis of international conflict. The independent effect of a spatial environment means that even similar dyads may behave differently depending on the conditions surrounding them. It shows a need to reexamine some of the important findings about international conflict from a spatial perspective, taking into account macro-regional contexts within which states operate. Moreover, the introduction of regional contexts potentially bridges a gap between quantitative studies of international conflict and more area-specific studies.