bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An optimal nearly analytic discrete-weighted Runge-Kutta discontinuous Galerkin hybrid method for acoustic wavefield modeling
Authors: Yang Dinghui , He Xijun , Ma Xiao , Zhou Yanjie , Li Jingshuang
Published: August 2016

The newly developed optimal nearly analytic discrete (ONAD) and the weighted Runge-Kutta discontinuous Galerkin (WRKDG) methods can effectively suppress the numerical dispersion caused by discretizing wave equations, but it is difficult for ONAD to implement on flexible meshes, whereas the WRKDG has high computational cost for wavefield simulations. We have developed a new hybrid algorithm by combining the ONAD method with the WRKDG method. In this hybrid algorithm, the computational domain was split into several subdomains, in which the subdomain for the ONAD method used regular Cartesian grids, whereas the subdomain for the WRKDG method used triangular grids. The hybrid method was at least third-order spatially accurate. We have applied the proposed method to simulate the scalar wavefields for different models, including a homogeneous model, a rough topography model, a fracture model, and a cave model. The numerical results found that the hybrid method can deal with complicated geometrical structures, effectively suppress numerical dispersion, and provide accurate seismic wavefields. Numerical examples proved that our hybrid method can significantly reduce the CPU time and save storage requirement for the tested models. This implies that the hybrid method is especially suitable for the simulation of waves propagating in complex media.
Assessment of Fever Advisory Cards (FACs) as an Initiative to Improve Febrile Neutropenia Management in a Regional Cancer Center Emergency Department
Authors: Kapil Priyanka , MacMillan Meghan , Carvalho Maritza , Lymburner Patricia , Fung Ron , Almeida Bernadette , Van Dorn Laurie , Enright Katherine
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

We aimed to improve the time to antibiotics (TTA) for patients treated with chemotherapy who present to the emergency department (ED) with febrile neutropenia (FN) by using standardized fever advisory cards (FACs).

Methods:

Patients treated with chemotherapy who visited the ED at the Peel Regional Cancer Center in Ontario, Canada, with suspected FN were identified, before (April 2012 to March 2013) and after (October 2013 to March 2014) FAC implementation. The primary outcome of interest was TTA. Additional process measures included Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale score, time to physician assessment, and FAC compliance. Outcomes were analyzed with descriptive statistics and control charts to determine whether the change in primary measures were within statistical control over time.

Results:

Between the pre-FAC cohort (n = 239) and post-FAC cohort (n = 69), TTA did not change significantly post-FACs (195 v 244 min, P = .09), with monthly averages demonstrating normal variation by statistical process control methodology. The introduction of FACs increased the percentage of patients with correctly assigned Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale scores (87% v 100%) but did not affect time to physician assessment. Compliance with FACs among patients was not ideal, with only 62.5% using them as intended.

Conclusion:

The distribution of FACs was associated with an improved incidence of correct FN triaging but did not demonstrate a meaningful improvement in the quality of FN management. This may be explained by FAC use among patients not being ideal. Next steps in the continued effort toward high-quality FN care include redesign of FACs, reinforcement of provider and patient education, and ED outreach.
Aerodynamic consequences of wing morphing during emulated take-off and gliding in birds
Authors: van Oorschot Brett Klaassen , Mistick Emily A. , Tobalske Bret W.
Published: July 2016

Birds morph their wings during a single wingbeat, across flight speeds, and among flight modes. Such morphing may allow them to maximize aerodynamic performance, but this assumption remains largely untested. We tested the aerodynamic performance of swept and extended wing postures of 13 raptor species in three families (Accipitridae, Falconidae, and Strigidae) using a propeller model to emulate mid-downstroke of flapping during takeoff and a wind tunnel to emulate gliding. Based on previous research, we hypothesized that 1) during flapping, wing posture would not affect maximum ratios of vertical and horizontal force coefficients (CV:CH), and that 2) extended wings would have higher maximum CV:CH when gliding. Contrary to each hypothesis, during flapping, extended wings had, on average, 31% higher max CV:CH ratios and 23% higher CV than swept wings across all biologically relevant attack angles (α), and, during gliding, max CV:CH ratios were similar for both postures. Swept wings had 11% higher CV than extended wings in gliding flight, suggesting flow conditions around these flexed raptor wings may be different from those in previous studies of swifts (Apodidae). Phylogenetic affiliation was a poor predictor of wing performance, due in part to high intrafamilial variation. Mass was only significantly correlated with extended wing performance during gliding. We conclude wing shape has a greater effect on force per unit wing area during flapping at low advance ratio, such as take-off, than during gliding.
Identification of new branch points and unconventional introns in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Gould Genevieve M. , Paggi Joseph M. , Guo Yuchun , Phizicky David V. , Zinshteyn Boris , Wang Eric T. , Gilbert Wendy V. , Gifford David K. , Burge Christopher B.
Published: July 2016

Spliced messages constitute one-fourth of expressed mRNAs in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and most mRNAs in metazoans. Splicing requires 5′ splice site (5′SS), branch point (BP), and 3′ splice site (3′SS) elements, but the role of the BP in splicing control is poorly understood because BP identification remains difficult. We developed a high-throughput method, Branch-seq, to map BPs and 5′SSs of isolated RNA lariats. Applied to S. cerevisiae, Branch-seq detected 76% of expressed, annotated BPs and identified a comparable number of novel BPs. We performed RNA-seq to confirm associated 3′SS locations, identifying some 200 novel splice junctions, including an AT-AC intron. We show that several yeast introns use two or even three different BPs, with effects on 3′SS choice, protein coding potential, or RNA stability, and identify novel introns whose splicing changes during meiosis or in response to stress. Together, these findings show unanticipated complexity of splicing in yeast.
Factors associated with physical inactivity and sedentary behavior among women living in the urban area of Santos City, Brazil
Authors: Trude Angela , Vedovato Gabriela , Mui Yeeli , Oliveira Maria , Martins Paula
Published: August 2016

We aimed to assess the association between individual, socioeconomic, and environmental variables and sedentary behavior and physical inactivity (PI) among urban Brazilian women of varying economic status in Santos. Through a cross-sectional design in a home-based study, we interviewed 538 women with children under 10 years. We assessed PI through two different indices: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the physical activity time/week as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Sedentary behavior was assessed by sitting-time (>360min/week). Using adjusted logistic regression, walking and driving remained significantly correlated to IPAQ’s score (OR 0.24 95% CI 0.11; 0.50; OR 1.87 95% IC 1.25; 2.81) and to WHO’s guideline (OR 0.20 95% CI 0.08; 0.48; OR 1.77 95% CI 1.16; 2.70). Sedentary behavior was associated with having housekeeper in the household (OR 2.14 95% IC 1.31; 3.50) and perceiving as a barrier for physical activity not having money (OR 0.29 95% CI 0.12; 0.65). Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior were associated with individual, psychosocial and environmental perceptions factors among women with children. Therefore, environmental and policy interventions with multilevel approach may be considered in urban areas to promote health and to prevent obesity among maternal-infant group.
Female gender and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Xuereb Rachel , Magri Caroline J , Xuereb Sara , Xuereb Mariosa , Mangion Marion Zammit , Xuereb Robert G
Published: August 2016

Despite a generalized belief that women are protected from cardiovascular disease, this remains the leading cause of death in women. This review focuses on differences in symptomatology, diagnostic modalities and therapeutic strategies in women with regard to cardiovascular disease.
Queensland Labor and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer Policy
Authors: Robinson Shirleene
Published: August 2016

Since the Australian Labor Party came to power in Queensland in 1989, social attitudes towards the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) community have undergone significant change. In 1989, the decriminalisation of male-to-male homosexuality was the subject of intense debate, even within the ALP, which ultimately put forward the legislation. Today, policies have evolved considerably, with the Queensland ALP endorsing gay marriage and Anna Bligh, the current Queensland Labor Premier, releasing a YouTube video for the ‘It Gets Better’ campaign to give hope to LGBT youth experiencing harassment and perhaps contemplating suicide. During Labor's time in power, apart from the decriminalisation of male-to-male sexual activity, same-sex relationship laws have been reformed, altruistic surrogacy has been introduced and the presumption of lesbian parenthood has been extended. Some areas of LGBTIQ policy are still being contested, however, with debates surrounding civil unions, an equal age of consent and the existence of the ‘gay panic’ defence continuing. This article considers the progression and limits of these policies and areas of LGBTIQ reform that are still being disputed.
Andringa, D. (2014). Funcionários da Verdade – Profissionalismo e responsabilidade social dos jornalistas do serviço público de televisão. Lisboa: Tinta-da-china
Authors: Camponez Carlos
Published: August 2016

http//dx.doi.org/10.14195/2183-6019_2_14
A nova legitimidade do serviço público
Authors: Carvalho Alberto Arons de
Published: August 2016

O contexto tecnológico, económico, social e político da televisão mudou muito desde a era em que um operador de serviço público detinha o monopólio da atividade televisiva ou mesmo relativamente ao período em que ele sofria a concorrência de um limitado número de operadores através do espectro radioelétrico. A era digital coloca novos desafios ao serviço público, designadamente o de justificar a sua existência no quadro de uma oferta diversificada e, simultaneamente, rejeitar um papel meramente marginal e suplementar, representar um paradigma de produção e distribuição de conteúdos de qualidade e de abertura à inovação e ao experimentalismo, assumir o papel estratégico de um operador de capitais obrigatoriamente nacionais e oferecer novos canais e serviços, incluindo não lineares interativos.
Serviço público e democracia: Condições para um recentramento dos media de serviço público
Authors: Esteves João Pissarra
Published: August 2016

A situação do sistema geral dos media nas nossas sociedades (os seus desequilíbrios) impõe uma requalificação do serviço público de comunicação, sobretudo por imperativos democráticos. Aqui são discutidas as condições para um recentramento deste serviço, considerando desafios a nível do seu funcionamento interno e outras matérias que dizem respeito às relações estabelecidas com outros setores importantes dos media (o empresarial privado, o de mercado social e o dos media cívicos). Por outro lado, e em face das presentes condições tecnológicas, a comunicação pública para ser pensada como central no sistema dos media não pode já restringir-se a um formato tradicional de serviço público (de radiodifusão), mas deve assumir uma escala mais vasta – abarcando as novas tecnologias e os chamados novos media. É a esta escala que o serviço público merece ser hoje pensado e, cada vez mais, não como uma questão apenas do domínio da política de comunicação, mas também e em primeiro lugar como uma matéria de cidadania, que se joga plenamente enquanto um direito de comunicação.
Prognostic factors for success in the Kangaroo Mother Care method for low birth weight babies
Authors: Pratiwi Rina , Kosim Muhammad Sholeh , Wijayahadi Noor
Published: August 2016

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is closely related to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Management of LBW infants in developing countries remains limited, due to the low availability of incubators. The Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) method has been shown to be effective for newborns, especially LBW infants, in which skin-to-skin contact may be conducive for infants’ weight gain, thermoregulation, and heart rate stability.Objective To determine the prognostic factors for KMC success in LBW babies.Methods This cohort study included LBW infants at Dr. Kariadi General Government Hospital, Semarang, by a consecutive sampling method. Success of KMC was assessed by infant weight gain, as well as stabilization of temperature, heart rate, and respiration. Prognostic factors for KMC success that we assessed were birth weight, gestational age, KMC duration, age at KMC onset and maternal education level. Statistical analyses used were Chi-square and relative risk (RR) tests.Results Of 40 LBW infants, 24 were successful in KMC. Birth weight ≥ 1500 grams (RR 0.4; 95%CI 0.23 to 0.73; P=0.001)], gestational age ≥ 34 weeks (RR 0.94; 95%CI 0.46 to 1.89; P=1.00), KMC duration ≥ 65 minutes (RR 1.44; 95%CI 0.76 to 2.75; P= 0.215), high maternal education level (RR 1.25; 95%CI 0.76 to 2.04; P=0.408), and age at KMC onset >10 days (RR 2.69; 95%CI 1.14 to 6.32; P=0.003), were factors that related to the successful of KMC.Conclusion Age at KMC onset > 10 days was a prognostic factor for KMC success in low birth weight babies.
Plasma digoxin levels and ejection fraction in pediatric heart failure
Authors: Nafrialdi Nafrialdi , Martina Sake Juli , Djer Mulyadi , Louisa Melva
Published: August 2016

Background Digoxin has long been prescribed in children with heartfailure, but its efficacy has not been evaluated. A previous study atthe Department of Child Health, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospitalrevealed that plasma digoxin levels, following a maintenance doseof 15 μg/kg/d, were sub-therapeutic. Regarding its narrow margin ofsafety, the trend is to use digoxin in even lower dose. Thus, the drug’simpact on cardiac performance need to be evaluated.Objective To evaluate whether a lower maintenance dose of digoxin(10 μg/kg/d) is sufficient to achieve a therapeutic level and to assess forpossible correlations between plasma digoxin level and left ventricularejection fraction (LVEF) as well as fractional shortening (LVFS).Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 20 pediatricheart failure patients at the Department of Child Health, Dr. CiptoMangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, from January to May 2012. Plasmadigoxin levels were measured by ELISA method after one month ormore of treatment; LVEF and LVFS were measured by echocardiography.Correlations between plasma digoxin level and LVEF or LVFSwere analyzed by Spearman’s correlation test. The LVEF before andafter digoxin treatment were compared by paired T-test.Results Thirteen out of 20 patients had plasma digoxinlevels within therapeutic range (0.5-1.5 ng/mL; 95%CI0.599 to 0.898) and 7 had sub-therapeutic levels (<0.5 ng/mL; 95%CI 0.252 to 0.417). No significant correlationswere observed between plasma digoxin level and LVEF(r=-0.085; P=0.722) or LVFS (r=-0.105; P=0.659). There was asignificant increase in LVEF before [42.18 (SD 14.15)%] and afterdigoxin treatment [57.52 (SD 11.09)%], (P < 0.0001).Conclusion Most patients in this study have plasma digoxin levelswithin therapeutic range. There are no significant correlationsbetween plasma digoxin level at the time point of measurementand LVEF or LVFS. However, an increase of LVEF is observed inevery individual patients following digoxin treatment.
Artificial rubber mineralization by co-cultured bacterial strains
Authors: Muralidharan Manasa , Krishnaswamy Veenagayathri
Published: August 2016

Objective: This study involves the use Natural Rubber degrading Bacterial co-cultures isolated from rubber plantation soil for the degradation of Artificial Rubber.Methods:Plate assay method and liquid assay method by using Mineral Salt Medium was followed for screening of bacteria for its capacity to mineralize Artificial rubber. Degradation was confirmed by Spectrophotometric and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) studies. The co-cultures were able to utilize the artificial rubber which was confirmed by Spectrophotometric and FTIR studies.Results: Bacterial cocultures have the capacity to mineralize artificial rubber. Mineralization was observed for 30 days and it was maximum (6.48 x 10-5) on the 20th Day. This was confirmed using SEM and FTIR.Further, these were applied on bioplastics and plastics to study their capacity to degrade them. It was able to degrade them as well which was confirmed using FTIR.Conclusion: From current investigation, it can be concluded that the bacterial cocultures Bacillus cohnii and Brevundimonas naejangsanensis have the capacity to mineralize artificial rubber, plastics and bioplastics. Hence such isolated cocultures can be used in removal of artificial rubber, plastics and bioplastic wastes from the environment.
An exploration of the effects of language policy in education in a contemporary Puerto Rican society
Authors: Maldonado-Valentín Mirta
Published: July 2016

During the Spanish regimen, Puerto Rican education was limited and restricted to Spanish language as the medium of instruction. It was not until the U.S. colonization of the island that public education was introduced. As a result, English replaced Spanish as medium of instruction in the new educational system. Immediately after, Puerto Rican elitists and politicians ignited a political movement against using English (Algren de Gutierrez, 1987), resulting in a language battle fought through a series of educational language policies. In the end, policymakers enacted a language policy that reinstated Spanish as the official language of Puerto Rico’s education system. Consequently, policymakers also strengthened the use of Spanish instruction in Puerto Rican schools and universities while English was taught as a subject through all grade levels (Canino, 1981). Thus, this policy secured the island’s status as a “monolingual Spanish speaking society”. In addition, the enactment of this language policy also legitimized English as a de jure second official language, with the possibility of recognizing Puerto Rico as a “bilingual speaking society”. This paper discusses the impact of these language policies on the use of Spanish and English in education and presents a case study of Guaynabo City to exemplify the effects of these language policies on a contemporary Puerto Rican society and its acceptance of or resistance to becoming an English-speaking society.
Introduction to the special issue on English language teaching in public primary schools in Latin America
Authors: Ramírez-Romero José Luis , Sayer Peter
Published: July 2016

The guest editors introduce the Special Issue on English Language Teaching in Public Primary Schools in Latin America by summarizing articles about public primary English language programs in six countries in Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. They synthesize the main issues related to English education programs in the region and discuss the common trends and challenges addressed by the authors in the special issue.
The Evaluation of michelin star restaurants
Michelin yıldızlı restoran işletmelerinin değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Bertan Serkan
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study is to examine online reviews on michelin star restaurants in terms of which vary according to the user to be useful and to evaluate the factors affecting the overall assessment. For this aim, the online reviews about michelin star restaurants on the website TripAdvisor are examined. Among 32.225 online user reviews in total, 3.622 reviews are analyzed. Considering online reviews with regard to michelin star restaurants, it is concluded that reviews with more helpful than three and three are more negative towards the value, atmosphere, food, service and overall evaluation. When the relationship between overall evaluation and value, atmosphere, food, service is inspected, it is seen that value is the variable that describes the overall evaluation best and then food comes second, third is atmosphere. ÖzetBu çalışmada, michelin yıldızlı restoran yorumlarının, kullanıcılara faydalı olmalarına göre farklılık gösterip göstermediği araştırılmış ve genel değerlendirmeyi etkileyen faktörler incelenmiştir. Bu amaca yönelik olarak, TripAdvisor seyahat yorum sitesinde üç yıldızlı Michelin restoranlarına ait online yorumlar ele alınmıştır. Yorum sayısı 50’nin altında olan restoranların yorumları araştırmaya dâhil edilmemiş ve sadece İngilizce yazılan yorumlar ele alınmıştır. Bu kriterler dikkate alınarak 3 yıldızlı michelin restoran işletmesine ait 32.225 yorumdan sadece 3.622 tüketici yorumu incelenmiştir. İncelenen yorumlara göre; üç ve üçten daha fazla faydalı olan yorumları yazanlar michelin yıldızlı restoranların değerini, atmosferini, hizmetini, yemeklerini ve genelinde daha olumsuz yaklaşmaktadır. Michelin yıldızlı restoranların genel değerlendirilmesini, en iyi açıklayan değişkenin değer olduğu, sonra yemeğin geldiği daha sonra atmosferin geldiği görülmektedir.
Regularizing effect for a system of Schrödinger–Maxwell equations
Authors: Boccardo Lucio , Orsina Luigi
Published: August 2016

We prove some existence results for the following Schrödinger–Maxwell system of elliptic equations:

{

-
÷

(
M

(
x
)

∇
u
)

+
A
φ
|
u

|

r
-
2

u
=
f
,

u
∈

W
0

1
,
2

⁢

(
Ω
)

,

-
÷

(
M

(
x
)

∇
φ
)

=
|
u

|
r

,

φ
∈

W
0

1
,
2

⁢

(
Ω
)

.

\left\{\begin{aligned} &\displaystyle{-}\div(M(x)\nabla u)+A\varphi|u|^{r-2}u=%
f,&&\displaystyle u\in W_{0}^{1,2}(\Omega),\\
&\displaystyle{-}\div(M(x)\nabla\varphi)=|u|^{r},&&\displaystyle\varphi\in W_{%
0}^{1,2}(\Omega).\end{aligned}\right.

In particular, we prove the existence of a finite energy solution

(
u
,
φ
)

{(u,\varphi)}

if

r
>

2
*

{r>2^{*}}

and f does not belong to the “dual space”

L

2
⁢
N

N
+
2

⁢

(
Ω
)

{L^{\frac{2N}{N+2}}(\Omega)}

.
Kinetics of the Bainite Transformation in Austempered Ductile Iron ADI
Authors: Ławrynowicz Z.
Published: August 2016

The aim of the present research is to check an analytical model of the kinetics of bainite transformation that will enable the producers of ADI to optimise the microstructure and mechanical properties and minimise the expensive and extensive experimental trials. A combination of thermodynamics and kinetic theory was used successfully to estimate the evolution of bainite as a function of temperature, time, chemical composition and austenite grain size and predict the processing window in austempered ductile iron using a bainite transformation model developed previously for high silicon steels. The results of the present research show that the bainitic model developed for high silicon steels is applicable for calculations of the processing window for ADI.
Cavitation Erosion of P110 Steel in Different Drilling Muds
Authors: Kmieć M. , Karpiński B. , Szkodo M.
Published: August 2016

The P110 steel specimens were subjected to ultrasonic cavitation erosion in different compositions of drilling muds and surfactant additive. The test procedure was based on ASTM-G-32 standard recommendations. API 5CT-P110 steel is used for pipes in oil and gas industry. The harsh environment and high velocity of flows poses corrosive and erosive threat on materials used there. The composition of drilling fluid influences its rheological properties and thus intensity of cavitation erosion. The erosion curves based on weight loss were measured.
Sulfur isotope patterns of iron sulfide and barite nodules in the Upper Cretaceous Chalk of England and their regional significance in the origin of coloured chalks
Authors: Jeans Christopher V. , Turchyn Alexandra V. , Hu Xu-Fang
Published: August 2016

The relationship between the development of iron sulfide and barite nodules in the Cenomanian Chalk of England and the presence of a red hematitic pigment has been investigated using sulfur isotopes. In southern England where red and pink chalks are absent, iron sulfide nodules are widespread. Two typical large iron sulfide nodules exhibit δ34S ranging from −48.6‰ at their core to −32.6‰ at their outer margins. In eastern England, where red and pink chalks occur in three main bands, there is an antipathetic relationship between the coloured chalks and the occurrence of iron sulfide or barite nodules. Here iron sulfide, or its oxidised remnants, are restricted to two situations: (1) in association with hard grounds that developed originally in chalks that contained the hematite pigment or its postulated precursor FeOH3, or (2) in regional sulfidization zones that cut across the stratigraphy. In the Cenomanian Chalk exposed in the cliffs at Speeton, Yorkshire, pyrite and marcasite (both iron sulfide) nodules range in δ34S from −34.7‰ to +40.0‰. In the lower part of the section δ34S vary from −34.8‰ to +7.8‰, a single barite nodule has δ34S between +26.9‰ and +29.9‰. In the middle part of the section δ34S ranges from +23.8‰ to +40.0‰. In the sulfidization zones that cut across the Cenomanian Chalk of Lincolnshire the iron sulfide nodules are typically heavily weathered but these may contain patches of unoxidised pyrite. In these zones, δ34S ranges from −32.9‰ to +7.9‰. The cross-cutting zones of sulfidization in eastern England are linked to three basement faults – the Flamborough Head Fault Zone, the Caistor Fault and the postulated Wash Line of Jeans (1980) – that have affected the deposition of the Chalk. It is argued that these faults have been both the conduits by which allochthonous fluids – rich in hydrogen sulfide/sulfate, hydrocarbons and possibly charged with sulfate-reducing bacteria – have penetrated the Cenomanian Chalk as the result of movement during the Late Cretaceous or Cenozoic. These invasive fluids are associated with (1) the reduction of the red hematite pigment or its praecursor, (2) the subsequent development of both iron sulfides and barite, and (3) the loss of overpressure in the Cenomanian Chalk and its late diagenetic hardening by anoxic cementation. Evidence is reviewed for the origin of the red hematite pigment of the coloured chalks and for the iron involved in the development of iron sulfides, a hydrothermal or volcanogenic origin is favoured.
The Behaviour of Weak Solutions of Boundary Value Problems for Linear Elliptic Second Order Equations in Unbounded Cone-Like Domains
Authors: Wiśniewski Damian
Published: August 2016

We investigate the behaviour of weak solutions of boundary value problems (Dirichlet, Neumann, Robin and mixed) for linear elliptic divergence second order equations in domains extending to infinity along a cone. We find an exponent of the solution decreasing rate: we derive the estimate of the weak solution modulus for our problems near the infinity under assumption that leading coefficients of the equations do not satisfy the Dini-continuity condition.
Investigation of the N-terminal coding region of MUC7 alterations in dentistry students with and without caries
Authors: Koç Öztürk L , Yarat A , Akyuz S , Furuncuoglu H , Ulucan K
Published: August 2016

Human low-molecular weight salivary mucin (MUC7) is a small, secreted glycoprotein coded by MUC7. In the oral cavity, they inhibit the colonization of oral bacteria, including cariogenic ones, by masking their surface adhesions, thus helping saliva to avoid dental caries. The N-terminal domain is important for low-molecular weight (MG2) mucins to contact with oral microorganisms. In this study, we aimed to identify the N-terminal coding region of the MUC7 gene between individuals with and without caries. Forty-four healthy dental students were enrolled in this study; 24 of them were classified to have caries [decayed, missing, filled-teeth (DMFT) = 5.6] according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and 20 of them were caries-free (DMFT = 0). Simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) and gingival index (GI) were used to determine the oral hygiene and gingival conditions. Total protein levels and salivary total protein levels and salivary buffer capacity (SBC) were determined by Lowry and Ericsson methods. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells of all the participants and genotyping was carried out by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-sequencing method. No statistical differences were found between two groups in the terms of salivary parameters, oral hygiene and gingival conditions. We detected one common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that leads to a change of asparagine to lysine at codon 80. This substitution was found in 29.0 and 40.0%, respectively, of the groups with and without caries. No other sequence variations were detected. The SNP found in this study may be a specific polymorphism affecting the Turkish population. Further studies with extended numbers are necessary in order to clarify this finding.
Recurrent increased nuchal translucency: a first trimester presentation of familial 13p satellite deletion
Authors: Uzun I , Has R , Alici E , Ozdemir M , Inan C , Erzincan S
Published: August 2016

Chromosome 13 is one of the acrocentric chromosomes of the human karyotype. Acrocentric chromosomes are the most variable chromosomes in the human karyotype and these variations appear to have no clinical consequences. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a first trimester presentation of a 13 short arm satellite deletion with markedly increased nuchal translucency (NT). In this case, the 13p short arm satellite deletion was associated with increased NT in two pregnancies from the same couple.
Mass flow and particle size monitoring of pulverised fuel vertical spindle mills
Authors: Archary Hamresin , Schmitz Walter , Jestin Louis
Published: August 2016

The first step towards condition based maintenance of the milling plant is the implementation of online condition monitoring of the mill. The following paper presents and analyses methods of monitoring the key performance factors of a vertical spindle mill that is suited for implementation on older power stations, i.e. the quantity (mass flow rate) and quality (particle fineness) of the pulverised fuel produced by the mill. It is shown herein that the mill throughput can be monitored on-line using a simple mill energy balance that successfully predicts the coal throughput within 2.33% as compared to a calibrated coal feeder. A sensitivity analysis reveals that the coal moisture is a critical measurement for this method to be adopted as an on-line mass flow monitoring tool. A laser based particle size analyser tool was tested for use in the power plant environment as an online monitoring solution to measure pulverised fuel fineness. It was revealed that several factors around the set-up and operation of the instrument have an influence on the perceived results. Although the instrument showed good precision and repeatability of results, these factors must be taken into account in order to improve the accuracy of the reported results before the instrument can be commissioned as an on-line monitoring solution.
Coexistence Analysis of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Low Altitudes
Authors: Zhou Yuzhe
Published: August 2016

The requirement of unmanned aircraft systems in civil areas is growing. However, provisioning of flight efficiency and safety of unmanned aircraft has critical requirements on wireless communication spectrum resources. Current researches mainly focus on spectrum availability. In this paper, the unmanned aircraft system communication models, including the coverage model and data rate model, and two coexistence analysis procedures, i. e. the interference and noise ratio criterion and frequency-distance-direction criterion, are proposed to analyze spectrum requirements and interference results of the civil unmanned aircraft systems at low altitudes. In addition, explicit explanations are provided. The proposed coexistence analysis criteria are applied to assess unmanned aircraft systems’ uplink and downlink interference performances and to support corresponding spectrum planning. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed assessments and analysis procedures satisfy requirements of flexible spectrum accessing and safe coexistence among multiple unmanned aircraft systems.
Performance Analysis in Table Tennis - Stochastic Simulation by Numerical Derivation
Authors: Wenninger S. , Lames M.
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study was to identify the impact of different tactical behaviors on the winning probability in table tennis. The performance analysis was done by mathematical simulation using a Markov chain model. 259 high-level table tennis games were evaluated by means of a new simulation approach using numerical derivation to remove the necessity to perform a second modeling step in order to determine the difficulty of tactical behaviors. Based on the derivation, several mathematical constructs like directional derivations and the gradient are examined for application in table tennis. Results reveal errors and long rallies as the most influencing game situations, together with the positive effect of risky play on the winning probability of losing players.
Preparation of Cross-Linked High Amylose Corn-Starch and Its Effects on Self-Reinforced Starch Films
Authors: Liu Xingxun , Lan Cao , Al Amjad , Yu Long , Zhou Sumei
Published: August 2016

Incorporation of biodegradable self-reinforced starch composite to starch film is a promising method to improve the mechanical property of the film. In this study, cross-linked starch with different degree of cross-linking level was used as matrix to reinforce in the starch film. The thermal properties and mechanical properties of the cross-linked starch were investigated by differential scanning calorimetory (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Instron tensile testing respectively. It was found that the cross-linking level greatly impact on the thermal properties of the cross-linked starch. The gelatinization temperature of starch increased with the increasing level of cross-linking modification. In addition, the cross-linking modification showed a positive effect on the mechanical properties of the starch films when the cross-linking level was controlled at a certain range.
Adopting adequate leaching requirement for practical response models of basil to salinity
Authors: Babazadeh Hossein , Tabrizi Mahdi Sarai , Darvishi Hossein Hassanpour
Published: August 2016

Several mathematical models are being used for assessing plant response to salinity of the root zone. Objectives of this study included quantifying the yield salinity threshold value of basil plants to irrigation water salinity and investigating the possibilities of using irrigation water salinity instead of saturated extract salinity in the available mathematical models for estimating yield. To achieve the above objectives, an extensive greenhouse experiment was conducted with 13 irrigation water salinity levels, namely 1.175 dS m−1 (control treatment) and 1.8 to 10 dS m−1. The result indicated that, among these models, the modified discount model (one of the most famous root water uptake model which is based on statistics) produced more accurate results in simulating the basil yield reduction function using irrigation water salinities. Overall the statistical model of Steppuhn et al. on the modified discount model and the math-empirical model of van Genuchten and Hoffman provided the best results. In general, all of the statistical models produced very similar results and their results were better than math-empirical models. It was also concluded that if enough leaching was present, there was no significant difference between the soil salinity saturated extract models and the models using irrigation water salinity.
Effect of tool velocity ratio on tensile properties of friction stir processed aluminum based metal matrix composites
Authors: Vijayavel P. , Balasubramanian V.
Published: August 2016

In friction stir processing (FSP), tool rotational speed (TRS) and tool traverse speed (TTS) are the two important parameters, known to produce significant changes in the properties of the processed material. Increasing the TRS and TTS beyond a certain level would produce undesirable results. The heat generation will increase with an increase in the TRS and decrease in TTS. Excessive heat generation results in the formation of coarse grains exhibiting poor mechanical properties. The heat generation will decrease with decrease in the TRS and increase in TTS. Low heat generation will lead to inadequate plasticization and improper material flow. Hence a perfect combination of TRS and TTS is required to attain desirable properties in FSPed material. In this investigation FSP was carried out on aluminum based metal matrix composite (LM25AA+5%SiCp) material using five different tool velocity ratios (TVR: TRS/TTS). The FSP was subjected to microstructural characterization and tensile properties, evaluation. The results revealed that the TVR of 2.6 yielded superior tensile properties compared to other conditions.
Competitive Ability of Capsicum annuum L. Relative to the Weed Amaranthus lividus L.
Authors: Omezine Abdessatar , Teixeira da Silva Jaime A.
Published: August 2016

Amaranthus lividus is the most frequently reported troublesome weed in the production of Capsicum annuum in some regions because it is an aggressive invader, difficult to control, and reduces yield significantly. The effects of A. lividus on the growth of C. annuum ‘Baklouti’ were evaluated under greenhouse conditions. Three experiments were conducted to determine the effect of A. lividus on the biomass accumulation of C. annuum seedlings for 40 days. In an additive experiment, to one C. annuum seedling and 1, 2, 3 or 4 A. lividus seedlings were grown per pot. The second experiment was established to assess C. annuum intracompetition using from one to six plants per pot as the density. In a replacement experiment, C. annuum and A. lividus seedlings were transplanted into pots with different proportions of both plants (1/5, 2/4, 3/3, 4/2, 5/1). Competition by A. lividus reduced C. annuum plant dry weight by as much as 93%. However, C. annuum had little effect on A. lividus, reducing dry weight by 31.3% at a 5:1 ratio of C. annuum: A. lividus. Relative yield analysis between C. annuum and A. lividus demonstrated the competitive advantage of C. annuum over A. lividus. The relative crowding coefficient of both plants changed significantly in the presence of the other plant, at any ratio. The aggressivity of C. annuum was higher at its lower proportion and C. annuum was more aggressive towards itself than towards A. lividus when its density increased.
Simulation Models in Testing Reliability of Transport Process
Authors: Jacyna Marianna , Żak Jolanta
Published: August 2016

The paper touches the problem of applying simulation models to assess the reliability of services in transport networks. Investigation of the transport processes in terms of their reliability is a complex decision-making task. The paper describes a method for assessing the reliability of transport process on the base of the criterion of minimizing the normalized lost time of vehicles. The time is wasted in a result of conflict situations occurring in the transport network during the transport process. The study includes stochastic distributions of system input. It enables studying the quality parameters of the transport network equipment, including service providers working under different workload and all kinds of disturbances. The method uses simulation models. Simulation studies were performed with Java Modelling Tools.
The Strategic Importance of the South-Eastern Asian Space Revealed through Sino-American Power Struggle
Authors: Metea Ileana-Gentilia
Published: August 2016

A development trend of the North Atlantic Alliance aims to the establishment of a “global NATO” as a political and military support of the West and of democratic states worldwide. The political-military and humanitarian cooperation in the former Yugoslavia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya supports the materialization of such a structure. Some reservations are manifested because of the fears of some Western countries that they might be faced with a new global “Cold War” or engaged in armed conflicts in “sensitive areas” in the vicinity of the Russian Federation or China. That is why, maybe, the project of such a “new NATO” seems to be better received in Japan, Australia, and even the Gulf states. This paper aims to underline American vision, as the most important NATO member state, concerning the South-Eastern Asian space and also to put in discussion the Sino-American relations regarding this area.
You Tube Effect and Its Impact on Global Politics
Authors: Stoilova Veronika
Published: August 2016

The world has been actively transformed, passing through different political, diplomatic and military formats. Configurations have been changing, but the main players remain in the field of geopolitics and global security issues. There are different opinions about the Internet and its impact on global politics. It is an undeniable fact that more than 20 years after the CNN effect became a subject for debate and analysis, YouTube also affects the political process in the world in ways that go beyond the ordinary video sharing.
Aspects of Gender Neutral Language
in Selected English and Polish Translations
of the New Testament
Authors: Gomola Aleksander
Published: August 2016

Gender neutral language has been one of the most hotly debated issues in Bible translation in
recent decades, especially in translations into English. The article presents some aspects of this problem
expanding the perspective and comparing gender neutral language usage in modern translations of
Scripture into English and Polish: the New International Version and the Paulist Bible and the Poznan
Bible, with occasional references to other English and Polish translations. Renditions of selected New
Testament terms such as anthrōpos, anēr, adelphos/adelphoi and huioi are examined, as well as English
and Polish translations of diakoneo when it describes women accompanying Jesus in the synoptic
gospels. Translations of “Junia/Junius” (Rom 16:7) are also compared as well as the issue of Phoebe
the “deaconess” in Rom 16:1. The author concludes that solutions concerning gender neutral language
in English and Polish translations of the Bible, sometimes similar, are not identical due to differences
between these languages, due to different socio-linguistic norms characterizing Polish and English
audiences respectively and due to the fact that the English translation is addressed to the evangelical
Christians, while the Polish ones to the Catholics.
Slow-fast effect and generation mechanism of brusselator based on coordinate transformation
Authors: Li Xianghong , Hou Jingyu , Shen Yongjun
Published: August 2016

The Brusselator with different time scales, which behaves in the classical slow-fast effect, is investigated, and is characterized by the coupling of the quiescent and spiking states. In order to reveal the generation mechanism by using the slow-fast analysis method, the coordinate transformation is introduced into the classical Brusselator, so that the transformed system can be divided into the fast and slow subsystems. Furthermore, the stability condition and bifurcation phenomenon of the fast subsystem are analyzed, and the attraction domains of different equilibria are presented by theoretical analysis and numerical simulation respectively. Based on the transformed system, it could be found that the generation mechanism between the quiescent and spiking states is Fold bifurcation and change of the attraction domain of the fast subsystem. The results may also be helpful to the similar system with multiple time scales.
Differential expression of Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway genes in Escherichia coli F18-resistant and – sensitive Meishan piglets
Authors: Liu Y. , Gan L.N. , Qin W.Y. , Sun S.Y. , Zhu G.Q. , Wu S.L. , Bao W.B.
Published: August 2016

The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway is an important inflammatory pathways associated with the progression of numerous diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between TLR4 signaling and resistance to Escherichia coli F18 in locally weaned Meishan piglets. Using a real-time PCR approach, expression profiles were determined for key TLR4 signaling pathway genes TLR4, MyD88, CD14, IFN-α, IL-1β and TNF-α in the spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, duodenum and jejunum of E. coli F18-resistant and -sensitive animals. TLR4 signaling pathway genes were expressed in all the immune organs and intestinal tissues, and the expression was generally higher in the spleen and lymph nodes. TLR4 transcription was higher in the spleen of sensitive piglets (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in TLR4 mRNA levels in other tissues. Similarly, CD14 transcription was higher in lymph nodes of sensitive animals (p<0.05) but not in other tissues. IL-1β expression was higher in the spleen and in the duodenum of resistant piglets (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively), and there were no significant differences in other tissues. There were also no significant differences in the expression of MyD88, TNF-α and IFN-α between sensitive and resistant piglets (p>0.05). These results further confirm the involvement of the TLR4 signaling pathway in resistance to E. coli F18 in Meishan weaned piglets. The resistance appeared to be mediated via downregulation of TLR4 and CD14, and upregulation of MyD88 that may promote the release of cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-α and other inflammatory mediators which help to fight against E. coli F18 infection.
Morphology and immunoreactivity of canine and feline extramedullary plasmacytomas
Authors: Mikiewicz M. , Otrocka-Domagała I. , Paździor-Czapula K. , Gesek M.
Published: August 2016

The aim of the study was the evaluation of morphology and immunophenotype of canine (19 cases) and feline (7 cases) extramedullary plasmacytomas. Tumours, located in skin, oral cavity and spleen were surgically excised, fixed and processed for histopathology and immunohistochemistry (CD79α, CD18, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, metallothionein). Histologically, tumours were classified into mature, cleaved, asynchronous, polymorphous blastic, hyalin, or monomorphous blastic type. All evaluated tumours showed cytoplasmic expression of CD79α antigen. The expression of CD18 was observed in canine cutaneous and splenic tumours. In canine tumours expression of metallothionein was low to moderate, while in feline plasmacytomas – absent or low. In canine tumours, the mitotic index and proliferating cell nuclear antigen index were positively correlated with the expression of metallothionein. In feline tumours no correlation between mitotic index, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and metallothionein was found. This is the first study describing expression of metallothionein in canine and feline extramedullary plasmacytoma.