bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of natural hazards on an early industrial community: A case study of North Bohemia and its implications for long-term vulnerability assessment
Authors: Raška Pavel , Dubišar Jakub
Published: April 2017

Regional databases of natural hazards and their social impacts have been increasingly established from documentary data to provide a rationale for the adoption of new disaster risk reduction strategies. This approach is extended in this article by pointing out factors that may underlie the changes in social vulnerability to natural hazards and that may cause non-homogeneities in long-term vulnerability assessments. We use the newly-established historical multi-hazard database for North Bohemia, based on a thorough search in a local newspaper. Altogether 275 records reporting 599 individual hazard events were analysed with respect to their relative direct social impact. Finally, we discuss the uncertainties resulting from the use of documentary data, and illustrate how long-term changes in social vulnerability are influenced by timedependent societal understanding of what is considered a hazard. This, in turn, accentuates the dynamics of cultural factors that should be considered when designing new risk reduction strategies.
Environmental factors influencing the distribution of agricultural terraces: Case study of Horný Tisovník, Slovakia
Authors: Slámová Martina , Krčmářová Jana , Hronček Pavel , Kaštierová Mariana
Published: April 2017

The cadastral district of Horný Tisovník represents a traditionally managed Carpathian mountain agricultural landscape with extensive terraces. It was historically governed by two counties with different feudal economic systems - agricultural and industrial. This paper aims to enrich traditional methods in environmental history. We applied geospatial statistics and multivariate data analysis for the assessment of environmental factors influencing the distribution of agricultural terraces. Using linear models, the hypothesis was tested that the terrace distribution is functionally related to selected factors (affiliation to the historic counties; average altitude and slope; distance from water, buildings and settlements; units of natural potential vegetation; and current land use). Significantly greater amounts of terraces were located in the agricultural county compared to the industrial county. A principal component analysis showed the coincidence between the current agricultural land use and higher concentrations of terraces occurring in lower altitudes, closer to settlements and buildings, and within the unit of Carpathian oak-hornbeam forests. These findings regarding the most significant factors influencing the distribution of terraces are used in proposals for incentives to improve the management of the traditional agricultural landscape.
Analysis of the development of land use in the Morava River floodplain, with special emphasis on the landscape matrix
Authors: Kilianová Helena , Pechanec Vilém , Brus Jan , Kirchner Karel , Machar Ivo
Published: April 2017

The results of an analysis of land use development in the Morava River floodplain (Czech Republic) using GIS from 1836 to the present, are the subject of this article. The results are based on the analysis of historical maps, using the landscape matrix assessment of the Morava River floodplain. The final analyses were processed from land use maps of the floodplain at a scale of 1 : 25,000 in five time horizons. These maps were compared with the present state of landscape by GIS methods. The study area was assessed according to five geomorphological areas from the northern/higher part to the southern/lower part of floodplain. In 1836 the landscape matrix of the floodplain was composed of meadows and forests. Forest components decreased minimally but the changes are more important. The grassland area (meadows and pastures) decreased but arable land, as well as settlements, increased very significantly. In the 1950s the landscape matrix was composed of a mosaic of alluvial forests, meadows and arable land. Currently, the predominant landscape matrix consists of arable land and isolated forest complexes.
Review Essay. Energy landscape research – Lessons from Southern Europe?
Authors: Greer-Wootten Bryn
Published: April 2017

The Moravian Geographical Reports does not often publish Book Reviews (let alone essays), but this new book on “Renewable Energies and European Landscapes”1is a well-deserved exception to the rule! It is an edited collection of essays gathered together by Frolova (University of Granada, Spain), Prados (University of Sevilla, Spain) and Nadaï (Centre International de Recherche sur l’Environnement et le Développement: CIRED -CNRS, France), based on a series of Workshops organised under the auspices of several agencies (from both Spain and France) in the period from 2007 to the present. In particular, the Spanish Network on Renewable Energies and Landscape (RESERP) began in 2010, with an emphasis on wind and solar power. Published by a well-respected agency, the question can be clearly stated at the outset: Do the editors fulfil their ambitious agenda of providing case studies of value for the emerging research on landscapes of renewable energies of Europe, writ large, i.e. beyond the ‘Southern European’ environment? Or: what is the ‘added value’ of the Southern European cases?
Cage amines in the metal–organic frameworks chemistry
Authors: Sapchenko Sergey A. , Dybtsev Danil N. , Fedin Vladimir P.
Published: April 2017

Nitrogen-rich porous materials have outstanding gas sorption and separation capacity. Using cage amines in the synthesis of metal–organic frameworks is a simple approach for generating the free nitrogen donor centers within the channels of porous materials without the post-synthetic modification. 1,4-Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane has a linear arrangement of nitrogen centers and can be used as a linear linker for the design of porous MOF materials. Urotropine has four nitrogen atoms and can act as a tetrahedral four-connected, pyramidal three-connected or bent two-connected linker. Such a diversity of coordination possibilities enriches the structural chemistry of MOFs and allows obtaining the frameworks with unique secondary building units and topology. The presence of cage amines in the structure affects the sorption characteristics of the materials. They demonstrate high selectivity to CO2 and can participate as a heterogeneous base catalyst in the organic reactions. Besides that the cage-amine based metal–organic frameworks demonstrate photoluminescent properties and can be used as nanoreactors for photochemical transformations. These compounds are also an important object of thermodynamic studies helping us better understand the nature of host–guest interaction in the supramolecular systems.
The effect of selected elements of lifestyles on the sitting position
Authors: Gruca M. , Saulicz E.
Published: April 2017

Background: According to the Lalonde’s health field, health is determined in more than 50% by human lifestyles. Nowadays, the sedentary lifestyles are dominant and all types of physical activities discussed by Drozdowski are being gradually ousted from everyday life. This results in maladaptive sitting positions. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of selected components of lifestyle on sitting position.

Material/Methods: The study examined 372 people who declared a healthy status. The research program involved the questionnaire which concerned selected components of lifestyles and measurements of spinal column to evaluate the sitting position.

Results: The study demonstrated a statistically significant positive effect of time of sitting during the day on the sitting position, i.e. the element of lifestyles which can be directly controlled by study participants.

Conclusions: Of the evaluated components of lifestyles, the most essential effect is from time of sitting during the day. The study demonstrated the need for promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Graphene oxide as a compatibilizer for polyvinyl chloride/rice straw composites
Authors: Bagherinia Mohammad Ali , Sheydaei Milad , Giahi Masoud
Published: April 2017

In this study, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/rice straw (RS)/graphene oxide (GO) sustainable nanocomposite was prepared using the direct compounding method. Structural, morphological and mechanical properties of fabricated sustainable nanocomposites were compared with unfilled and RS-filled PVC compounds. Mechanical characteristics of PVC decreased with loading RS fibers. The main reason for the mechanical failure of PVC/RS composite is the incompatibility between PVC and RS fibers. GO nanosheets are used here to improve the compatibility between RS fibers and PVC macromolecules. Compared to the neat PVC, maximum strength of the RS/GO-loaded PVC composite increased up to 31%, with incorporating only 1 wt% of GO nanosheets. This enhancement in the mechanical characteristics of PVC/RS/GO nanocomposite can only be due to the role of GO nanosheets as a compatibilizer, as 1 wt% GO loading can only increase the mechanical strength of PVC compounds up to 9%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results are used here to study the nature of these behaviors. It is suggested that the non-covalent and physical interactions between cellulose/hemicellulose portions of RS fibers and GO functional groups result in the enhancement of mechanical characteristics. Consequently, GO can be considered as a new compatibilizer for fabricating high performance PVC-based sustainable nanocomposites.
Improvement in Accuracy of Determining a Vessel’s Position with the Use of Neural Networks Ana Robust M-Estimation
Authors: Czaplewski Krzysztof , Wąż Mariusz
Published: April 2017

In the 21st century marine navigation has become dominated by satellite positioning systems and automated navigational processes. Today, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) play a central role in the process of carrying out basic navigational tasks, e.g. determining the coordinates of a vessel’s position at sea. Since satellite systems are being used increasingly more often in everyday life, the signals they send are becoming more and more prone to jamming. Therefore there is a need to search for other positioning systems and methods that would be as accurate and fast as the existing satellite systems. On the other hand, the automation process makes it possible to conduct navigational tasks more quickly. Due to the development of this technology, all kinds of navigation equipment can be used in the process of automating navigation. This also applies to marine radars, which are characterised by a relatively high accuracy that allows them to replace satellite systems in performing classic navigational tasks. By employing M-estimation methods that are used in geodesy as well as simple neural networks, a software package can be created that will aid in automating navigation and will provide highly accurate information about a given object’s position at sea by making use of radar in comparative navigation.

This paper presents proposals for automating the process of determining a vessel’s position at sea by using comparative navigation methods that are based on simple neural networks and geodetic M-estimation methods.
The Influence of Gear Micropump Body Asymmetry On Stress Distribution
Authors: Kollek Wacław , Osiński Piotr , Warzyńska Urszula
Published: April 2017

The paper presents the results of numerical calculations of stress distributions in the gear micropump body for applications in hydraulic systems, especially in the marine sector. The scope of the study was to determine the most favorable position of bushings and pumping unit in the gear pump body in terms of stress and displacement distribution in the pump housing. Fourteen cases of gear pump bushings and pumping unit locations were analyzed: starting from the symmetrical position relative to the central axis of the pump, up to a position shifted by 2.6 mm towards the suction channel of the pump. The analysis of the obtained calculation results has shown that the most favorable conditions for pump operation are met when the bushings are shifted by 2.2 mm towards the suction channel. In this case the maximal stress was equal to 109 MPa, while the highest displacement was about 15μm. Strength and stiffness criteria in the modernized pump body were satisfied.
Radiosynthesis and preclinical evaluation of [18F] 4-(2-fluoroethoxy)-2H-chromen-2-one as a novel myocardial perfusion imaging agent
Authors: Bhusari Arun M. , Lakshminarayanan N. , Pawar Yogita P. , Moghe Surendra H. , Rajan M. G. R. , Degani Mariam S.
Published: April 2017

Recently we developed [18F] 4-(2-fluoroethoxy)-2H-chromen-2-one as a novel 18F myocardial perfusion imaging radiotracer. It was synthesized in good radiochemical yield (>90%). The total time from radiosynthesis to its purification was less than 40 min, with excellent radiochemical purity (≥99%). It showed good stability over a period of 5 h at room temperature. The partition coefficient (log P) of radiotracer was found to be 2.70, suggesting the lipophilic nature of radiotracer. Ex vivo biodistribution study of radiotracer in normal Wistar rats for 30 min post-injection, demonstrated a good heart uptake (>1.3% ID/g) and favorable pharmacokinetics. Additionally, the radiotracer showed significant excretion (>11% ID) by liver, which is indicative of its rapid clearance. Further, in vivo biodistribution study of radiotracer in New Zealand White rabbit provided the clear PET/CT images of cardiomyocytes and myocardial perfusion. All these experimental findings suggest that [18F] 4-(2-fluoroethoxy)-2H-chromen-2-one could be used as a potential hit for myocardial perfusion imaging.
Is there a Housing Bubble in Turkey?
Authors: Coskun Yener , Jadevicius Arvydas
Published: April 2017

There was a notable housing price inflation in aggregate/local levels in Turkey during the last few years. Although the country’s economic fundamentals remain strong, the probability of a housing bubble is a heated debate among market participants. This timely investigation brings greater clarity to whether the Turkish housing market is in a bubble. The study uses a multi-strand approach to dissect the bubble over the period of Jan. 2010 - Dec. 2014. First, monthly/annual price-to-income and monthly price-to-rent ratios are examined for the national Turkish as well as regional Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara housing markets. Second, an extended CASE and SHILLER (2003) model is applied assessing the interdependence between housing prices and a series of explanatory variables. Lastly, the Right Tail Augmented Dickey-Fuller (Rtadf) test is performed to support the overall analysis. This study finds that neither affordability ratios nor regression estimates support the existence of the bubble in Turkey.
Fees for Advertisements in Public Space Incurred by a Given Bank Brand in Poland
Authors: Płuciennik Monika , Hełdak Maria
Published: April 2017

This article aims to present significant changes in the rates of fees for advertisements on selected bank buildings located in public space, resulting from the implementation of the so-called "Act on Landscape Protection" (Act on amending certain acts in connection with the strengthening of landscape protection tools from 24 April 2015 (2015 Journal Of Laws, item 774). The Act on landscape protection aims to minimize the amount of signboards in city centers. It introduces significant changes regarding (a) fees, (b) the expanded definition of advertisements, and (c) potential revisions and renewal of advertisements. The implementation of the Act causes significant inconveniences and challenges in the process advertising services. The objective of this research is to assess changes in the costs of advertising incurred by banks. More specifically, the research estimated (a) fees incurred by a selected bank brand for signboards placed on all bank branches within the entire country. An altered definition of an advertisement placed in the right-of-way and in public space will cause an increase in the surface of signboards, and, therefore, an increase in fees. In addition, a new type of fee (i.e., advertising fee) will increase the expenses incurred by the bank for the specified objects.
Zinc in the Animal Organism: A Review
Authors: Sloup V. , Jankovská Ivana , Nechybová S. , Peřinková P. , Langrová I.
Published: April 2017

Zinc, as an essential metal, is necessary for the correct function of an organism. It is involved in biochemical processes that affect the immune response of an organism, and it acts as a neuromodulator in the excitatory synapses of the brain. Zinc is also applied in response to stressful stimuli. Zinc is an essential factor of gene expression and is important, at the cellular level, in maintaining the integrity of the cell walls. It influences organism ageing. Zinc is relatively abundant in nature, and it exists in a mineral form and rarely as a pure element. Zinc is used widely in industry and agriculture. In industry, it is utilized mainly in the processing of other metals as protection against corrosion. In agriculture, it is used in fertilizers and chemicals to produce pesticides. In certain areas affected by human activities, its concentrations increase, and large quantities of this metal can get into the food supply. In this paper, we focus on zinc metabolism and homeostasis, with an emphasis placed on the biological function of zinc. This study also deals with zinc deficiency and its effect on health. We also touch on the excessive intake of zinc and its toxicity.
Segmentation of Honey Buyers’ Behaviour by Conjoint Analysis
Authors: Šánová P. , Svobodová J. , Hrubcová B. , Šeráková Petra
Published: April 2017

A marketing analysis of Czech consumers’ behaviour when buying honey is discussed from the viewpoint of price, origin, honey type, crystallized sugar, and organic quality aspect. The surveyed target groups of honey consumers, who are examined also with respect to their education level, are from Prague and the Central Bohemian Region. The original premise of this research was the hypothesis that, when buying honey, customers focus primarily on its price and type. This hypothesis was verified by conjoint analysis. The results have shown that consumers are interested primarily in the price and origin of honey. An important parameter for buying honey is its (non)crystallization. Although it does not affect objective quality parameters of honey, it affects the consumers’ subjective perception of honey quality during purchase. Two clusters of honey consumers emerged through cluster analysis: the first cluster focussing on the origin, type, and price/sugar crystallization of honey, and the second interested in the origin, price, and quality of organic honey.
The Lexical-Semantic Field of Impertinent Behaviour in Modern German
Authors: Lypka S.
Published: April 2017

The article presents comprehensive research of the semantic field comprising different parts of speech denoting impertinent behaviour in modern German. The author uses a combination of system-centric and anthropocentric approaches to determine the nominative space covered by the constituents of the lexical-semantic field and to identify their systemic, syntagmatic, paradigmatic and epidigmatic characteristics. The semantic features of the systemic structure (i.e. the lexical-semantic field) are described with the help of formalized quantitative (approximate and static) methods
The Psalms in French and Ukrainian Literatures: Versions by Clément Marot and Taras Shevchenko
Authors: Bigun O.
Published: April 2017

The article deals with the first exemplars of the psalms translations into French and Ukrainian. Sociohistorical factors leading to a departure from canonical languages are analyzed. Similarities and differences in the process of psalms translation into national languages are identified. Translations of psalms are spread in those countries where the national language and literature are at the stage of search and formation. At that, both in Protestant and Catholic poetry one can easily trace the tendency for the departure from the original, the manifestation of individual author’s origin due to the movements for the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation which considerably changed attitude towards individuality. The Book of Psalms, having its problematic and thematic elaboration of the expression of human feelings, distinctive lyricism, strength and intensity of emotions, bright ideas, providential vigour, precision and great simplicity in the poetic representation of religious feeling, in this case became a universal model prototext which inspired poets to its further actualization
Porezekcinio tiesiosios žarnos sindromo dažnis naudojant žemos priekinės tiesiosios žarnos rezekcijos skalę (LARS skalę)
Authors: Dulskas Audrius , Smolskas Edgaras , Kilius Alfredas , Čižauskaitė Agnė , Samalavičius Narimantas Evaldas
Published: April 2017

Įvadas Iki 90 proc. pacientų, operuotų dėl tiesiosios žarnos navikų, skundžiasi padažnėjusio tuštinimosi epizodais, nesulaikomu noru tuštintis, įvairaus laipsnio išmatų nelaikymu. Visai neseniai tuštinimosi sutrikimų skalė šiems simptomams vertinti buvo iš­versta į lietuvių kalbą ir patvirtinta naudoti klinikinėje praktikoje.Tyrimo tikslas Mūsų tikslas buvo nustatyti porezekcinio tiesiosios žarnos sindromo (ARS) pasireiškimo dažnį ir sunkumą pacientams po tie­siosios žarnos rezekcijos bei išsiaiškinti rizikos veiksnius.Metodai Porezekcinio tiesiosios žarnos sindromo skalė buvo išsiųsta 183 pacientams, kuriems nuo 2008 m. sausio 1 d. iki 2012 m. gruodžio 31 d. Nacionaliniame vėžio institute buvo atlikta tiesiosios žarnos rezekcija su totaline mezorektaline ekscizija su­formuojant žarnos jungtį. Iš jų skalę užpildė 111 (atsakomumas – 60,7 %). Kartu tyrėme šiuos galimus blogesnės tuštinimosi funkcijos rizikos veiksnius: lytis, amžius, naviko aukštis, priešoperacinis spindulinis gydymas, laikas po operacijos.Rezultatai Iš 111 užpildytų klausimynų 108 buvo užpildyti tinkamai (59 %). 27 pacientams (25 %) ARS nepasireiškė, 26 (24 %) pasireiškė silpnas ARS, o net 55 (56 %) – ryškus. Išanalizavę rizikos veiksnius nustatėme, jog tik laikas po operacijos buvo lemiamas veiks­nys ARS po operacijos pasireikšti (ilgesnis laikas, ne tokie ryškūs simptomai).Išvados Daugiau nei pusei pacientų atsirado ryškus tuštinimosi sutrikimas ir tik ketvirtadalis neturėjo jokių skundų. Laikas, praėjęs nuo operacijos, buvo vienintelis teigiamas veiksnys šiems simptomams susilpnėti.
The Use of a Blended Learning Environment By Primary School Student Teachers to Study Music Theory
Authors: Hietanen Lenita , Ruismäki Heikki
Published: April 2017

Music education, as part of general education in Finland, includes only a few compulsory courses. Primary school teachers are mainly responsible for music education during the first six school years. One big challenge arises from primary school student teachers’ competences in music and confidence in teaching it. Many student teachers have studied only the compulsory music courses at the schools before their teacher training. However, in Finnish curricula for basic education, music is defined as a many-sided subject. Lecturers (the authors) in the Finnish teacher education system have noticed that, if the student teachers’ knowledge is based only on the compulsory music courses, they find especially music theory difficult to understand. However, understanding the triad, for example, is essential for teachers to be able to instruct pupils in many-sided tasks. The purpose of the present study is to find out how student teachers study the music theory required of music teachers: in the current case, they are studying the triad. The learning environment organized by the main lecturer (one of the authors) is based on the principles of blended learning. Blended learning in the current study means exploiting contact lessons, students’ autonomous or face-to-face learning periods, peer learning, and the e-learning possibilities. The main findings are that most of the students exploited the offered possibilities of the blended learning environment. However, although a blended learning approach offers more flexibility in responding to students’ needs compared to traditional teaching-learning situations, it appears that students do not find each blended element useful.
Factors Affecting Self-Reported Pain in Children Receiving Dental Treatment
Authors: Hendawy Fatma Abd El-Manem , Mahmoud Sawsan Hafez
Published: April 2017

The aim of the current study is to investigate the ability of self-reported pain tools to help dentists during pederatic patient managment and to determine the effect of different interpersonal and treatment variables as well as the level of dental anxiety on a child’s self-report pain and change after dental injection procedure. A randomized multicenter two arms clinical trial was conducted with a total of fifty children who were enrolled and divded into two groups (n = 25). The mean Group I age was 7.99 ± 0.81 and was randomly selected from pedodontics clinics at the faculty of dentistry (October 6 university, Egypt); Group II’s mean age was 7.73 ± 0.60 and was randomly selected from outpatient Tanta governmental hospitals. The tools used in the current research were personal interview, dental operator questionnaire, Venham picture test, Visual analogue scale and Wong Baker faces pain scale. İt was concluded that self reported pain in children is a relevant tool that can be used successfully for assessment of dental pain which can help dental practitioners deliver effective treatment. The most powerful factors which influence self-reported pain are age, previous positive dental experience and level of dental anxiety. This study will enable dental practioners to empathise with and deal successfully with children undergoing dental procedures.
Effectiveness of the Use of Educational Software in Teaching Biology /Učinkovitost primjene edukativnih računalnih programa u nastavi biologije
Authors: Odadžić Vesna , Miljanović Tomka , Mandić Danimir , Pribićević Tijana , Županec Vera
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe paper analyzes comparative effectiveness of the use of educational software and traditional teaching methods in biology instruction for high school students. A random sample consisted of 173 students of grade 12 of a high school in Zrenjanin, Serbia, who were randomly distributed into the control and experimental groups. The students in the experimental group learned biology content (Mechanisms of Heredity) using educational software, whereas the students in the control group learned the same content using the traditional teaching methods. The research was carried out using the pretest - posttest equivalent groups design. All instruments (the pretest, the posttest and the retest) contained the questions belonging to three different cognitive domains: knowing, understanding and reasoning. The analysis of the posttest and the retest results showed that students from the experimental group achieved significantly higher quantity and quality of knowledge in all three cognitive domains than the students from the control group. It can be concluded that educational software has a positive impact on improving students’ achievement in biology teaching.Key words: achievement; genetics; teaching efficiency; traditional teaching.---SažetakU radu se prikazuje komparativna analiza učinkovitosti upotrebe edukativnog računalnog programa i tradicionalnih nastavnih metoda u nastavi biologije u srednjoj školi. Stratificirani slučajni uzorak sastojao se od 173 učenika 12. razreda srednje škole u Zrenjaninu u Srbiji, a koji su bili nasumično svrstani u kontrolnu i eksperimentalnu skupinu. Učenici u eksperimentalnoj skupini učili su nastavne sadržaje biologije („Mehanizmi nasljeđivanja“) uz pomoć edukativnog računalnog programa, a učenici u kontrolnoj skupini učili su iste sadržaje primjenom tradicionalnih nastavnih metoda. Istraživanje je provedeno s pomoću istraživačkog dizajna s predtestom i posttestom u ekvivalentnim skupinama. Svi instrumenti (predtest, posttest i retest) sadržavali su pitanja iz tri različite kognitivne domene: znanja, razumijevanja i razmišljanja. Analiza rezultata posttesta i retesta pokazala je da su učenici iz eksperimentalne skupine postigli znatno veću kvalitetu i kvantitetu znanja u sve tri kognitivne domene nego što je to bio slučaj kod učenika iz kontrolne skupine. Može se zaključiti da edukativni računalni programi imaju pozitivan učinak na poboljšanje učeničkih postignuća u nastavi biologije.Ključne riječi: postignuće; genetika; učinkovitost poučavanja; tradicionalna nastava.
Dynamic analysis of monopile supported offshore wind turbines
Authors: Abhinav K. A. , Saha Nilanjan
Published: April 2017

This paper describes the stochastic dynamic response of National Renewable Energy Laboratory 5 MW offshore fixed-based wind turbine (OWT) under various soil conditions – medium dense sand, stiff clay and layered profiles in 20 m depth of water. The aerodynamic and hydrodynamic OWT loads are derived using the force-controlled approach. Usually the OWT generates power in an operational regime and survives at extreme wind speeds. Therefore, two met-ocean conditions adhering to the irregular Joint North Sea Wave Project spectrum are considered – one in an operational regime (average wind speed Vw = 12 m/s, significant wave height Hs = 4 m and peak spectral period Tp = 10 s) and another in a near cut-out regime (Vw = 22 m/s, Hs = 10 m, Tp = 14 s). The soil is modelled by way of a non-linear ground-to-spring model. For each sea state, time domain stochastic responses are calculated and the ensemble average response is calculated from 50 Monte-Carlo simulations. The change in ensemble average response due to changes in pile penetration depth and diameter of the piles for the three soil configurations is described. Results indicate that the dynamic response mainly depends on the stiffness of the soil and reiterate the need for detailed site-specific geotechnical investigations before designing OWT foundations.
Evaluating the multiple benefits of a sustainable drainage scheme in Newcastle, UK
Authors: O'Donnell Emily C. , Woodhouse Richard , Thorne Colin R.
Published: April 2017

Sustainable drainage systems and ‘blue–green’ infrastructure provide a range of environmental, economic and social benefits in addition to managing water quantity and quality. Recognition of the multi-functionality of these systems and their multiple benefits could lead to joint efforts to deliver infrastructure that meets the strategic objectives of both public and private organisations. This paper reports on the evaluation of the multiple benefits of the Killingworth and Longbenton surface water management scheme, a partnership project in north-east England jointly funded by Northumbrian Water, the Environment Agency and North Tyneside Council. Using complementary assessment tools, the evaluation quantified and monetised six key benefits, assessed two qualitative benefits, illustrated the spatial distribution of five non-flood benefits and highlighted locations with the greatest opportunity for multi-beneficial intervention. It was found that the scheme generates significant flood damage reduction benefits, improves water quality, habitat size, carbon dioxide sequestration and amenity, and reduces noise pollution. Use of the tools for multiple benefit evaluation shows promise as an aid to facilitate partnership working towards implementation of multi-functional sustainable drainage systems and blue–green infrastructure.
Randomized Trial of C5a Receptor Inhibitor Avacopan in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Jayne David R.W. , Bruchfeld Annette N. , Harper Lorraine , Schaier Matthias , Venning Michael C. , Hamilton Patrick , Burst Volker , Grundmann Franziska , Jadoul Michel , Szombati István , Tesař Vladimír , Segelmark Mårten , Potarca Antonia , Schall Thomas J. , Bekker Pirow ,   for the CLEAR Study Group
Published: April 2017

Alternative C activation is involved in the pathogenesis of ANCA-associated vasculitis. However, glucocorticoids used as treatment contribute to the morbidity and mortality of vasculitis. We determined whether avacopan (CCX168), an orally administered, selective C5a receptor inhibitor, could replace oral glucocorticoids without compromising efficacy. In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, adults with newly diagnosed or relapsing vasculitis received placebo plus prednisone starting at 60 mg daily (control group), avacopan (30 mg, twice daily) plus reduced-dose prednisone (20 mg daily), or avacopan (30 mg, twice daily) without prednisone. All patients received cyclophosphamide or rituximab. The primary efficacy measure was the proportion of patients achieving a ≥50% reduction in Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score by week 12 and no worsening in any body system. We enrolled 67 patients, 23 in the control and 22 in each of the avacopan groups. Clinical response at week 12 was achieved in 14 of 20 (70.0%) control patients, 19 of 22 (86.4%) patients in the avacopan plus reduced-dose prednisone group (difference from control 16.4%; two-sided 90% confidence limit, −4.3% to 37.1%; P=0.002 for noninferiority), and 17 of 21 (81.0%) patients in the avacopan without prednisone group (difference from control 11.0%; two-sided 90% confidence limit, −11.0% to 32.9%; P=0.01 for noninferiority). Adverse events occurred in 21 of 23 (91%) control patients, 19 of 22 (86%) patients in the avacopan plus reduced-dose prednisone group, and 21 of 22 (96%) patients in the avacopan without prednisone group. In conclusion, C5a receptor inhibition with avacopan was effective in replacing high-dose glucocorticoids in treating vasculitis.
MicroRNA-23a and MicroRNA-27a Mimic Exercise by Ameliorating CKD-Induced Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Wang Bin , Zhang Cong , Zhang Aiqing , Cai Hui , Price S. Russ , Wang Xiaonan H.
Published: April 2017

Muscle atrophy is a frequent complication of CKD, and exercise can attenuate the process. This study investigated the role of microRNA-23a (miR-23a) and miR-27a in the regulation of muscle mass in mice with CKD. These miRs are located in a gene cluster that is regulated by the transcription factor NFAT. CKD mice expressed less miR-23a in muscle than controls, and resistance exercise (muscle overload) increased the levels of miR-23a and miR-27a in CKD mice. Injection of an adeno-associated virus encoding the miR-23a/27a/24–2 precursor RNA into the tibialis anterior muscles of normal and CKD mice led to increases in mature miR-23a and miR-27a but not miR-24–2 in the muscles of both cohorts. Overexpression of miR-23a/miR-27a in CKD mice attenuated muscle loss, improved grip strength, increased the phosphorylation of Akt and FoxO1, and decreased the activation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and FoxO1 and the expression of TRIM63/MuRF1 and FBXO32/atrogin-1 proteins. Provision of miR-23a/miR-27a also reduced myostatin expression and downstream SMAD-2/3 signaling, decreased activation of caspase-3 and -7, and increased the expression of markers of muscle regeneration. Lastly, in silico miR target analysis and luciferase reporter assays in primary satellite cells identified PTEN and caspase-7 as targets of miR-23a and FoxO1 as a target of miR-27a in muscle. These findings provide new insights about the roles of the miR-23a/27a-24–2 cluster in CKD-induced muscle atrophy in mice and suggest a mechanism by which exercise helps to maintain muscle mass.
The Embodiment of Scientific Ideas of L.S. Vygotsky into the Education Practice of Children with Disabilities
Authors: Zaorska M.
Published: April 2017

In present article, methods for analyzing and describing the embodiment of Vygotsky's concept in the development of Polish psychology, pedagogy and special pedagogyv are presented. Special attention is paid to the use of L.S. Vygotsky’s concept in educational institutions. Work of such institutions aims for perfection and psycho-pedagogical therapy of children and young people with special educational needs. The main directions of work in the sphere of education of children and young people are considered, in which the influence of Vygotsky's ideas are especially noticeable: early rehabilitation, preschool education, school, gymnasium and middle school education.
A Review of the Monograph “Home as a Living Environment of a Person: a Psychological Study”
Authors: Vachkov I.
Published: April 2017

The reviewed book is a fundamental work of a group of scientists led by a well-known expert in the field of environment psychology, Professor S.K. Nartova – Bochaver. The monograph presents results of a systematic and multifaceted study of a completely new scientific field – the psychology of the home, as the main human life environment that determines one's individuality, social interaction and life success and which is the most powerful ecological and social resource. Prerequisites for the selection of the new subject of study, stages of developing of the completely new category apparatus and also methodology of home – person relations are outlined. The main content of the book is a description of the research results of the formation of various home concepts, subjective models of a friendly home in adolescence, home resources for positive functioning in adolescence and youth, affection and estrangement to home in one’s life perspective. Present book is addressed to a wide range of readers and will be useful to specialists of different profiles: psychologists, psychotherapists, teachers, architects, designers.
AIM in-vehicle platform for ITS services
Authors: Kaschwich Claus , Wölfel Lars
Published: April 2017

The application platform for intelligent mobility (AIM) is a large scale research infrastructure operated by the Institute of Transportation System of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in the city and region of Braunschweig. The in-vehicle platform for ITS services (ITS, Intelligent Transportation Systems) is an integral part of this large-scale research facility. The in-vehicle platform for ITS services can be seen as a modular kit which enables up to 50 vehicles to take part in a Vehicle-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2X) communications in test sites like the V2X reference track in the city of Braunschweig. The in-vehicle platform for ITS services along with its integration into the AIM test field provides answers to a broad set of research questions in the Field of V2X communications on public roads. For example effects can be analyzed, which take place when vehicles with mixed equipped communication technologies are sharing one road.
MODELO DE SIMULAÇÃO DE ATIVIDADE CEREBRAL USANDO ALGORITMO GENÉTICO PARA ANÁLISE DE CASOS DE CRIANÇAS COM MICROCEFALIA
Authors: Lima Nicolas Pedroso , Tavares Luan dos Santos , Rocha Lucas Rodrigues , De Jesus Wagner dos Santos Clementino , Dos Santos Alberson Wander Sá
Published: April 2017

A microcefalia é o resultado do crescimento abaixo do normal do cérebro de uma criança ainda no útero ou na infância, podendo ser atribuída por fatores genéticos, malformação do sistema nervoso central, diminuição do oxigênio para o cérebro fetal, por intermédio de complicações na gravidez ou parto, exposições a drogas e certos produtos químicos, toxoplasmose congênita e infecção por citomegalovírus. Pesquisas realizadas mostram a ausência de um sistema capaz de representar atividades microcefálicas e, também, a comparação destas com estímulos e idades diferentes. Idealiza-se, com este trabalho, conscientizar os usuários sobre a microcefalia e, principalmente, possibilitar auxílios e estudos médicos sem que haja experimentação humana. Contudo, criou-se um software com a utilização de mecanismos de computação gráfica e o emprego da linguagem C++, para implementação de técnicas de algoritmo genético, gerando resultados que serão armazenados em um gerenciador de banco de dados MySQL, possibilitando a realização de tais simulações.
Comparison study of compound fractures of tibial shaft treated by titanium and stainless steel interlocking nails
Authors: Vinchhi Pratik J. , Gajjar Sharvil H. , Vyas Tirth , Patel Yatin
Published: April 2017

Background: The purpose of the present study was to compare the outcomes of compound fractures of tibia shaft managed by Solid Titanium and Stainless Steel interlocking intramedullary nailing.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of 45 patients with 45 open fractures of tibia shaft operated primarily by either Solid Titanium or Stainless steel tibia interlocking nail.

Results: In Our Study we had 45 patients with 45 open tibial fractures. All were male. 35 patients were from 20-50 years age group. Mean age was 36.4 years. In this study of 45 open tibial fractures following strict protocol of thorough debridement, primary wound closure and Solid Titanium or stainless steel interlocking nailing; it was observed at final follow up that patients operated by titanium nail compared to stainless steel had 6.45% vs. 14.29% infection rate, 12.9% vs. 21.89% rate of non-union and 3.22% vs. 7.14% screw breakage rate. According to modified ketenjian’s criteria in our study out of 31 patients operated by Titanium interlocking nail 17 (54.84%) excellent, 10 (32.26%) Good, 3(9.68%) fair and 1(3.22%) poor functional results while out of 14 patients managed by stainless steel nail 8 (57.14%) excellent, 3 (21.43%) good, 1 (7.14%) fair and 2 (14.28%) poor functional results.

Conclusions: In open tibial fractures titanium interlocking implants offer lower complication rate as compared to stainless steel implants and better overall patient outcome.
Study of outcomes of metaphyseal plate fixation in extra articular lower tibia fractures in adults
Authors: Vinchhi Pratik J. , Gajjar Sharvil H. , Vyas Tirth , Patel Yatin
Published: April 2017

Background: The purpose of the present study was to see results of metaphyseal plate fixation in fractures of distal tibia in adults.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of 45 patients with 45 open fractures of tibia operated primarily by either Solid Titanium or Stainless steel tibia interlocking nail within 24 hours of injury.

Results: In Our Study we had studied 30 lower tibial fractures treated by precontoured metaphyseal anatomical plate. 24 (80%) patients were male. 19 patients were 20-45 years age group. Mean age was 34 years. 24(80%) fractures were due to Road traffic accidents. We had 26 (86%) patients with closed fracture and 4(14%) patients with open fracture. Average time of surgery in our series was 52 minutes. 6(20%) patients had infection. And 2(6.67%) patients had nonunion and both were due to infection and required implant removal and conversion to external fixation. Average time for fracture union was 18 months. In our study of 30 patients 23(76.67%) patients had good to excellent results as assessed by AOFAS score.

Conclusions: From this study we can conclude that when properly indicated the use of anatomically precontoured medial tibial metaphyseal plate in treatment of distal tibia fractures gives good union and good functional result.
Anticoncepción y maternidad: Hallazgos de un estudio cuanti-cualitativo con adolescentes de 18 y 19 años de cuatro provincias argentinas
Authors: Gogna Mónica , Binstock Georgina
Published: April 2017

El artículo analiza los factores que favorecen o dificultan el acceso a los métodos de anticoncepción y a su uso efectivo por parte de adolescentes residentes en las ciudades de Resistencia (Chaco), Posadas (Misiones) y Santiago del Estero (Santiago del Estero) y en las regiones sanitarias V y VII (Buenos Aires). Los datos provienen de una encuesta aplicada a una muestra intencional de 480 adolescentes de 18 y 19 años (sin hijos, con un hijo y con más de un hijo), y de 21 entrevistas semiestructuradas con población de similares características. El 74,2% de las encuestadas reportó usar un método anticonceptivo “siempre” y un 12,2% “la mayoría de las veces”. Los métodos más utilizados fueron la píldora (40,7%) y el preservativo (37,0%). Solo el 13,2% utilizaba un método de mediana o larga duración (inyectable o dispositivo intrauterino). Los principales motivos reportados por quienes “nunca” usaban métodos (13,6%) fueron estar buscando un embarazo (27,6%) y la oposición de la pareja (27,6%). Las entrevistas revelaron dificultades con el uso de los métodos y déficits en la consejería anticonceptiva.
Capacidades y retos del monitoreo sobre la disponibilidad y el acceso a los servicios de salud en Argentina
Authors: Peranovich Andres Conrado
Published: April 2017

El monitoreo de la utilización, calidad y rendimiento de los servicios de salud, a través de diversos indicadores, es una exigencia creciente para quienes toman decisiones en el tema. Teniendo en cuenta la importancia de contar con indicadores de disponibilidad, calidad y acceso a los servicios de salud por parte de la población, el objetivo de este artículo es investigar la capacidad de las fuentes de información producidas oficialmente en Argentina, desde el año 2000, de generar estos indicadores, identificando además en qué medida dichas fuentes cumplen con los requisitos de periodicidad, desagregación y publicación. Según las pesquisas realizadas, la información disponible a nivel oficial en el país no permite calcular la totalidad de indicadores o solo pueden ser construidos para un momento en el tiempo, lo que evidencia la necesidad de incorporar nuevas fuentes, o bien adaptar las existentes.
Seletividade do herbicida sulfentrazone em pós-emergência sobre mudas de café recém implantadas
Authors: Gonçalves Marcelo Ferri , Carvalho Saul Jorge Pinto de
Published: April 2017

Embora existam vários herbicidas registrados para a cultura do café (Coffea arabica), pouquíssimos possuem seletividade para serem aplicados diretamente sobre as plantas em pós-emergência. Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar a seletividade do herbicida sulfentrazone para mudas de café, quando aplicado em pós-emergência, após implantação do cafezal. O trabalho foi desenvolvido com mudas de café, cultivar Catuaí Vermelho IAC 144. Foram realizados dois experimentos distintos, sendo o primeiro em 2012 (mudas com 300 dias e 12 pares de folhas) e o segundo em 2013 (mudas com 180 dias e sete pares de folhas). As mudas foram plantadas em vasos de polietileno de 4 L de capacidade, preenchidos com solo argiloso. Foram avaliados cinco tratamentos, sendo estes: sulfentrazone a 400, 550 e 700 g ha-1, além das testemunhas inicial e final sem aplicação. O estádio fenológico das mudas de café foi um fator determinante quanto à seletividade do sulfentrazone. O herbicida possui características seletivas às plantas de cafeeiro em estádio mais avançado de desenvolvimento, com destaque para a dose de 400 g ha-1, que permitiu crescimento das mudas mais velhas sem redução de massa seca de raízes. Nesse caso houve manifestação inicial de sintomas fitotóxicos, porém com recuperação fisiológica das plantas a partir dos 35 dias após tratamento. Os sintomas mais característicos de fitotoxicidade do sulfentrazone foram observados em plantas mais jovens de cafeeiro.Palavras-chave: Coffea arabica. Protox. Matocompetição. Controle.
Avaliação de metodologias utilizadas em estudos morfométricos de bacias hidrográficas
Authors: Moreira Lucas Lima , Serra Juan Carlos Valdés
Published: April 2017

Diante da existência e disponibilidade de uma grande quantidade de trabalhos que abrangem a análise morfométrica de bacias hidrográficas, é possível obter diferentes métodos para a realização desse tipo de análise. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um levantamento de metodologias que vêm sendo utilizadas na realização de análises morfométricas de bacias hidrográficas, priorizando os parâmetros e as técnicas de obtenção e medição utilizados. Foi realizada uma busca em portais científicos como Google Acadêmico e Scielo e, posteriormente, uma seleção de alguns trabalhos científicos de análises morfométricas. Eles foram analisados e comparados quanto aos métodos utilizados, considerando três critérios: dados, softwares e parâmetros utilizados. Todos os trabalhos analisados utilizaram-se de métodos diferentes, principalmente softwares e parâmetros morfométricos, mas puderam alcançar interpretações e respostas comuns para esse tipo de estudo, de forma que a diversidade de procedimentos observados torna a sua realização ainda mais prática e simples.Palavras-chave: Análise morfométrica. Sistema de Informações Geográficas. Parâmetros morfométricos.