bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE DISCUSSION OF QIRA’AT TURJUMAN AL-MUSTAFID EXEGESIS BOOK BY SHEIKH ABDUL RAUF SINGKEL
Authors: Jamal Khairunnas , Wan Abdullah Wan Nasyaruddin
Published: March 2017

Muslims got mercy upon the provision of differences in reading al-Qur`an. The differences have made significant influence on the interpretation of the Holy Book. The commentators of al-Qur`an adopted the qira’at differences as an integral part of their interpretation. For example, Ibn Jarir al-Tabari who wrote Tafsir al-Tabari and Abdul Rauf Singkel who wrote Tafsir Turjuman al-Mustafid. Abdul Rauf Singkel was a famous Qur’anic exegesis scholar in the Indonesia Archipelago whose work became the main reference of Muslims alongside the archipelago. In interpreting the verses of al-Qur`an, Abdul Rauf put qira’at distinction as one of his focuses of interpretation. In his work, Shaikh Abdul Rauf cited only three of the available seven qira’ats that he considered mutawatir and valid. Among those three qira’ats is qira’at Imam Nafi’, qira’at Imam Abu Amr and qira’at Imam Hafash. This study has shown despite differences in the implication of the qira’ats, there also the differences in meaning and understanding. Shaikh Abdul Rauf merely provided information about the difference in readings rather than showing a difference of meaning contained in each of the differences
THE REALISM OF AESTHETICS AS THE NEAREST IMAGE OF GOD: A Liberated Ideology in the Islamic Aesthetics
Authors: Adnan Gunawan , Widiarto Widiarto , Wilaela Wilaela
Published: March 2017

The measurement of beauty might be a problem when a person claimed about the value of beauty. This had brought the issue of Islamic aesthetics (which was expressed in the works of art), less appreciated and mired in the stagnation for centuries. While in the West, the aesthetic value had been trapped in the dichotomy of subjectivity and objectivity and had led to the relativistic subjectivity by marginalizing metaphysical approach. Polarization of Islamic aesthetics on geometric themes, arabas and calligraphy had put the creativity of Muslim artists in the stocks, even up to the understanding of the aesthetic itself. Iconoclastic of the mainstream of Islamic artistic should have been one option only. As a product of classical thought and compliance, the iconoclastic should have no longer been representing the needs and been existing in the present context. This study was trying to make arguments both longstanding and recent findings. Realism became researchers’ choice, because realism had the richest footing both in the Qur’an and scientific findings. This study expected to break the shell of orthodoxy about the size of aesthetics in the frame of Islam and gave hope to both the perpetrators and the art connoisseur to the ultimate point
Translation collective, translation styles
Authors: Camilo de Oliveira Mariana
Published: March 2017

In this contribution I intend to describe the experience of translating Fleck’s Entstehung und Entwicklung einer wissenschaftlichen Tatsache into Brazilian Portuguese, an endeavor carried out alongside Prof. Georg Otte and with the technical revision and foreword by Prof. Mauro Condé, published in Brazil in 2010. As the first translation of this author into Portuguese, we had the extraordinary responsibility of setting Fleck’s concepts in the new language, a crucial goal in philosophical translations. Beyond creating a glossary, it was necessary to preserve part of Fleck’s style and what he produces in the source language. On a lexical level, this meant considering expressions frequently used, as well as neologisms, archaisms, mots rares, self-references or references to a tradition. After this translating experience, it does not seem unfounded to suggest that translations are not exempt from what Fleck formulates concerning the development of science. Furthermore, it may be possible to develop a translation theory based on Fleckian grounds.
The beginnings of the reception of Ludwik Fleck’s ideas in Polish (1936-1989)
Authors: Jarnicki Paweł
Published: March 2017

The article discusses the beginnings of the reception of Ludwik Fleck’s theory of thought styles and thought collectives in Polish, from his first polemics with Izydora Dąmbska in 1936 to the first edition of the Polish translation of Entstehung und Entwicklung.
“Pani z pieskiem” (“Lady with Pooch”)
Authors: Kamola Jadwiga
Published: March 2017

Ludwik Fleck (1896-1961) was a bilingual academic conversant with the medical and philosophical vocabulary in both Polish and German. This paper pays tribute to Fleck’s academic bilingualism and focuses on his uses of images in the original versions of his epistemological works “Some Specific Features of the Medical Way of Thinking” (1927), “Crisis of Reality” (1929), “Scientific Observation and Perception in General” (1935) and “To Look, To See, To Know” (1947). Images are understood as actual artifacts as well as literary metaphors that structure Fleck’s thinking on epistemology. By examining Fleck’s rhetoric in the original Polish and German versions of these texts this paper unfolds the multifaceted meanings and connotations of the various image metaphors and illuminates the rhetoric impact of Gestalt psychology on Fleck’s ideas on cognition.
Interview: Joseph Agassi
Authors: Condé Mauro L. , Pisano Raffaele , Segre Michael
Published: March 2017

Joseph Agassi is an Israeli scholar born in Jerusalem on May 7, 1927. He has many books and articles published contributing to the fields of logic, scientific method, foundations of sciences, epistemology and, most importantly for this Journal, in the historiography of science. He studied with Karl Popper, who was definitely his biggest influence. He taught around the world in different universities. He currently lives in Herzliya, Israel. For his important contribution to the historiography of science, we chose to open the first issue of this journal with this interview recognizing his importance for the field, as well as paying our homage to him.
Effects of charging conditions on the hydrogen related mechanical property degradation of a 3 Cr low alloyed steel
Authors: Lu Yongxin , Jing Hongyang , Han Yongdian , Xu Lianyong
Published: March 2017

In this work, the susceptibility of a 3 Cr low alloyed steel to hydrogen degradation of its mechanical properties was investigated to simulate the outside pipeline environment condition by a series of electrochemical hydrogen permeation measurements, surface characterization and tensile tests. Results show that the amount of hydrogen charging into the 3 Cr low alloyed steel specimen is affected by the external charging conditions, such as the hydrogen charging time and charging current density. The diffusivity of hydrogen at room temperature in 3 Cr low alloyed steel has been determined as 2.87 × 10−8 cm2 × s−1. The reduction of ductility with charging time becomes obvious in the tensile experiments.
Characterization of hollow glass sphere reinforced epoxy composites: Dynamical mechanical analysis and morphology
Authors: Altan Mihrigül , Kahraman Yusuf , Gümüş Beril
Published: March 2017

Hollow glass spheres (HGS) have many application areas in the field of composite production due to their lightweight property together with having a sufficient strength. This study has the focus on adding the HGS to epoxy resin in different concentrations. The surface of the glass spheres were modified with silane prior to resin casting. The material characterization of the HGS filled epoxies was based on the silane presence and the HGS addition. Dynamic mechanical analysis was applied to observe the mechanical properties depending on the temperature of the composites. Morphological investigations were made to determine the interfacial adhesion between epoxy and the HGS. As a result of these, it was obtained that the HGS addition enhanced the stiffness of the material without a sharp reduction in the ductility. Silane was observed to be successful in improving the storage modulus below the glass transition temperature (Tg). However, the reduction in Tg was observed in high amount of modified HGS loading due to their interfering effect on the crosslink system of the epoxy.
Effect of mechanical anisotropy on the energy absorption capacity in thin-walled tubes
Authors: Afrasiab Mohammad , Faraji Ghader , Tavakkoli Vahid , Mashhadi Mahmoud Mosavi , Afrasiab Hamed
Published: March 2017

In this paper, the effect of mechanical anisotropy on the energy absorption capacity of thin-walled tubes was evaluated using experimental tests and numerical simulations. The paper shows that the plastic anisotropy could influence the energy absorption capacity of thin-walled tubes while the tube dimensions remain the same. The effect of anisotropy on energy absorption behavior and collapse modes was studied. The aims are control of the buckling modes and increase of energy absorption capacity of the tubes by varying the tubes anisotropic properties. The results indicate the possibility of controlling the load-displacement curve and energy absorption improvement by changing the anisotropy coefficients. Also, a rise of the anisotropy coefficient leads to an increase of the energy absorption and to a movement of the force-displacement diagram peak to the right side.
Effect of Ti as a trace element on mechanical properties and microstructural evolution in direct austempered ductile cast iron
Authors: Esmailian Mohammad
Published: March 2017

In this study, the effect of Ti as a trace element on acicular ferrite formation in direct austempered ductile cast irons was investigated. A step-block shape sample was used and the melt was poured into a sand mold at about 1450 °C. After cooling in the mold, the melt was hot knocked out at approx. 900 °C and then medium cooling to 350 °C was applied to the step-block shape sample. Afterwards, isothermal treatment was conducted in a commercial furnace at this temperature for 1 h, and then the sample was air-cooled down to room temperature. It was found that Ti as a trace element has an important effect on the nucleation of beneficial phases such as acicular ferrite in ductile irons which can result in increasing of mechanical properties. The microstructural examination confirmed that Ti actually acts as nucleation site for acicular ferrite. Moreover, the results show that in direct austempered ductile cast iron samples contain 0.25 wt.-% Ti, an increase from 820 to 950 MPa in tensile strength properties can be seen. Furthermore, the impact test results show that with an increase of tensile strength, the impact toughness does not decrease, but rather remains constant.
Effect of static strain aging on the fatigue behavior of S275JRC steel
Authors: Bülbül Ahmet , Kaçar Ramazan , Emre Hayriye Ertek
Published: March 2017

In this study, the effect of static strain aging on the fatigue behavior of a mild steel (S275JRC) was evaluated. For this purpose, the 5 % prestrained mild steel was aged at a temperature of 160 °C for different intervals. The aging behavior was determined primarily for the as-received (AR) as well as in the homogenization and normalizing heat treated (H+N heat treated) condition. The yield stresses before and after aging process as well as the hardness values of the aged steels were measured for the assessment of the strain aging progress. The dynamic mechanical behavior of strain aged samples was also determined by fatigue test under the dynamic loads. An increase in the yield strength due to strain aging and hardness induced improvement in fatigue strength of the steel were observed.
Influence of U-O bending process parameters on the friction coefficient
Authors: Sanei Mehrdad , Manafi Babak
Published: March 2017

The U-O bending process is a manufacturing method for the production of pipes with large diameters and its manufacturing operations comprised of C forming, forming the plate into U shape, forming U into O shape, welding and expansion. With regard to the forming mechanism at O forming step, friction and wear influence the process. In this study, the effect of friction on the forming load has been studied. For this purpose, the influence of factors such as bending radius in the U forming step and the quality of surface roughness for several plate thicknesses on the forming load have been investigated by means of analytical and numerical modeling. Based on the results, proper selection of the initial bending radius in the U forming step is one of the most effective factors in reducing the friction force. Also, the reduction of the friction factor between the workpiece and the die has a significant impact on decreasing the pressing force. The results of the numerical modeling based on the finite element method and the analytical analysis have been compared, and the maximum error obtained was 8.6 %.
Effect of cutting parameters on surface roughness and wire consumption during wire electro-discharge machining
Authors: Sofu Mehmet Mahir , Hamamcı Emre , Kayacan Mehmet Cengiz
Published: March 2017

The wire electro-discharge machining technique is used in many operations, from the simplest cutting applications to the manufacturing of complex and delicate parts. Costs and the variety of wire used in the cutting process vary according to the particular workpiece to be cut. The literature on this subject features studies conducted on the surface roughness and the metal removal rate. However, the surface sensitivity in the manufacturing of cutting dies is not a crucial property. The most important variable, rather, is the cost involved in making simple cutting dies. In this study, a Böhler K100 workpiece and CuZn37 wire material has been used to find the optimal conditions for high quality surface roughness, maximizing metal removal rate and minimizing wire consumption. Furthermore, the metal removal rate related directly to the cutting speed was calculated and compared with the consumption. To facilitate calculation of wire consumption, the evolutionary programming module was used for modeling and derivation of the formula for calculation with 99 % accuracy.
Prediction and controlling of roundness during the BTA deep hole drilling process: Experimental investigations and fuzzy modeling
Authors: Al-Wedyan Hussien Mahmoud , Hayajneh Mohammed T.
Published: March 2017

In view of the large number of machining parameters that influence the system dynamics, experimental study is performed using the Boring Trepanning Association's (BTA) deep hole drilling process by varying the cutting parameters (workpiece rotational frequency, drilling feed rate, and tool usage), which are considered as input of the process. The specimens were then tested for roundness, which is considered as an output of the process. In this study, first order Sugeno-fuzzy models are designed by using the cutting parameters as input data and the roundness as output data. The relation between the input and the output is created to find the influence of the input parameters on the output surface quality in terms of roundness error. Hence, the best cutting condition in deep hole drilling is designated to improve the output. A scheme is recommended to precisely create the relationship between the different cutting parameters using subtractive clustering procedure based on the first order Sugeno fuzzy model. Minimum error model with lesser numbers of rules for roundness error is established by enumerative exploration of the clustering parameters. The resulted model with best clustering factors is then attuned by using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS).
Extrusion Blow Molding of Polymeric Blends Based on Thermotropic Liquid Crystalline Polymer and High Density Polyethylene
Authors: Qian C. , Mansfield C. D. , Baird D. G.
Published: March 2017

This work is concerned with the extrusion blow molding of polymeric blends containing thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE), using a single screw extruder. The TLCP is synthesized from terephthalic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroquinone and hydroquinone derivatives, the melting point of which is 280 °C. Because the TLCP is usually processed at much higher temperatures than HDPE, the thermal stability of HDPE at elevated temperature is evaluated. It is shown that HDPE is relatively stable in the processing temperature range of the TLCP used in this work (260 to 300 °C). Bottles are successfully produced from the blends containing 10, 20 and 50 wt% TLCP. The TLCP/HDPE blend bottles exhibit enhanced modulus relative to pure HDPE. However, the improvement in tensile strength is marginal. At 10 and 20 wt% TLCP contents, the TLCP phase exists as platelets aligning along the machine direction, while a co-continuous morphology is observed for the blend containing 50 wt% TLCP. To further enhance the mechanical properties of the blends, the preliminary effectiveness of maleic anhydride grafted HDPE (MA-g-HDPE) as a compatibilizer is studied. The injection molded ternary blends of TLCP/HDPE/MA-g-HDPE have demonstrated superior mechanical properties over the binary TLCP/HDPE blends, which suggests MA-g-HDPE as a potential compatibilizer for developing high performance TLCP/HDPE containers with enhanced mechanical properties.
Attempts to Optimize the Dispersion State during Twin-Screw Extrusion of Polypropylene/Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Normand G. , Peuvrel-Disdier E. , Vergnes B.
Published: March 2017

Polypropylene/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by melt-mixing in a twin-screw extruder. Polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride was used as compatibilizer. The evolution of the microstructure along the screw profile was characterized through dead-stop experiments. In order to quantify the multi-scale dispersion state of the nanocomposites, different techniques have been used: scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) to observe the large remaining aggregates, X-Ray diffraction measurements to characterize the intercalation state by measuring the interlamellar distance, and finally rheological characterizations in the molten state to assess the dispersion state at the nanoscale. The effects of low barrel temperatures and high matrix viscosity were tested, in order to improve exfoliation by an increase in shear stresses.
Influence of Truck-Mounted Radar Speed Signs in Controlling Vehicle Speed for Mobile Maintenance Operations: Oregon Case Study
Authors: Jafarnejad Ali , Gambatese John , Hernandez Salvador
Published: March 2017

Radar speed signs (RSSs) are a measure for reducing traffic flow speeds through work zones. The influence of truck-mounted RSSs on vehicle speed was evaluated for mobile maintenance operations in two multilane maintenance work zones in Oregon. In each case study, two periods of testing were conducted: one with the RSS display turned on (treatment) and one without the RSS display turned on (control), and vehicle speeds were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize collected data, and a two-sample t-test was applied to each case study to compare the speed difference between control and treatment cases. The findings indicate that vehicle speeds are typically lower and that there is less variation in speeds between adjacent vehicles with the RSS turned on. RSSs are thus promising devices for controlling vehicle speed and making work zones safer for motorists and workers.
Should Minimum Cementitious Contents for Concrete Be Specified?
Authors: Obla Karthik H. , Hong Rongjin , Lobo Colin L. , Kim Haejin
Published: March 2017

Minimum cementitious contents are commonly specified in project specifications. The primary focus of this study was to examine the influence of the cementitious content on concrete performance at specific water-to-cementitious materials ratios. The experimental variables included water-to-cementitious materials ratios ranging from 0.40 to 0.55, mixtures containing portland cement only, and mixtures containing 40% slag cement or 25% fly ash. Concrete performance was evaluated through laboratory tests on workability, strength, and durability. The results showed that at a given water-to-cementitious ratio a higher cementitious content results in higher paste volumes and poorer concrete performance. On the basis of these results the value of maintaining minimum cementitious content requirements in project specifications is questioned.
Sterculia diversifolia bears anti-cancer and immunomodulatory activities
Authors: Rabbi Fazle , Zada Amir , Adhikari Achyut , Jabeen Almas , Nisar Amna , Ullah Irfan
Published: March 2017

The present study was aimed to evaluate the methanolic extract and subsequent solvents soluble fractions of Sterculia diversifolia bark for cytotoxic, anti-cancer and immunomodulatory activities. Phytochemical investigation confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, etc. In the cytotoxic activity, n-hexane showed potent activity (LD50: 7.0 µg/mL) followed by dichloromethane fraction (LD50: 16.2 µg/mL). In the anti-cancer activity, dichloromethane fraction showed potent activity (IC50: 5.9 µg/mL) followed by ethyl acetate fraction (IC50: 9.5 µg/mL). While in the immunomodulatory assay, ethyl acetate fraction showed a very significant activity (IC50: 21.0 µg/mL) followed by dicloromethane and n-butanol fractions (IC50: 25.0 and 25.3 µg/mL respectively). Hence, it is clear that S. diversifolia has anti-cancer and immunomodulatory agents.
Effect of aqueous extract of Thymus serpyllum on lipid profile and some liver enzymes in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbit
Authors: . Alamgeer , Mushtaq Muhammad Naveed
Published: March 2017

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Thymus serpyllum on lipid profile and some liver enzymes level in the diabetic rabbit. Rabbits were made diabetic with a single intravenous injection of alloxan and were divided into groups. Group 1 and 2 served as normal and diabetic control, respectively. Group 3 and 4 were given standard drugs glibenclamide and acarbose respectively while Group 5 was treated with 500 mg/kg of extract for 30 days. Blood samples were taken on day 0 and 30. The extract significantly reduced the level of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDLs, VLDLs, alkaline phosphatase and transaminases without affecting the HDLs level. Total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio was significantly reduced as compared to diabetic control. It is conceivable that T. serpyllum possesses antihyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective effects in diabetic rabbit.
Influence of the Electrolyte Concentration on the Smooth TiO2 Anodic Coatings on Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Vera María , Colaccio Ángeles , Rosenberger Mario , Schvezov Carlos , Ares Alicia
Published: March 2017

To obtain smooth TiO2 coatings for building a new design of Ti-6Al-4V heart valve, the anodic oxidation technique in pre-spark conditions was evaluated. TiO2 coating is necessary for its recognized biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. A required feature on surfaces in contact with blood is a low level of roughness (Ra ≤ 50 nm) that does not favor the formation of blood clots. The present paper compares the coatings obtained by anodic oxidation of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy using H2SO4 at different concentrations (0.1–4 M) as electrolyte and applying different voltages (from 20 to 70 V). Color and morphological analysis of coatings are performed using optical and scanning microscopy. The crystalline phases were analyzed by glancing X-ray diffraction. By varying the applied voltage, different interference colors coatings were obtained. The differences in morphologies of the coatings caused by changes in acid concentration are more evident at high voltages, limiting the oxidation conditions for the desired application. Anatase phase was detected from 70 V for 1 M H2SO4. An increase in the concentration of H2SO4 decreases the voltage at which the transformation of amorphous to crystalline coatings occurs; i.e., with 4 M H2SO4, the anatase phase appears at 60 V.
Numerical Study of the Thermal and Flow Fields during the Growth Process of 800 kg and 1600 kg Silicon Feedstock
Authors: Nguyen Thi , Chen Jyh , Hu Chieh , Chen Chun , Huang Yen , Lin Huang , Yu Andy , Hsu Bruce , Yang Michael , Yang Ray
Published: March 2017

Two-dimensional (2D) transient numerical simulations are performed to investigate the evolution of the thermal and flow fields during the growth of multi-crystalline silicon ingots with two different silicon feedstock capacities, 800 kg and 1600 kg. The simulation results show that there are differences in the structure of the melt flow. In the 1600 kg case, there is a reduction in the concavity of the crystal-melt interface near the crucible wall and an increase in the convexity of the interface at higher solidification fractions. Moreover, the Voronkov ratios, which are indicative of the formation of defects, become lower during the solidification process.
Taxis of Artificial Swimmers in a Spatio-Temporally Modulated Activation Medium
Authors: Geiseler Alexander , Hänggi Peter , Marchesoni Fabio
Published: March 2017

Contrary to microbial taxis, where a tactic response to external stimuli is controlled by complex chemical pathways acting like sensor-actuator loops, taxis of artificial microswimmers is a purely stochastic effect associated with a non-uniform activation of the particles’ self-propulsion. We study the tactic response of such swimmers in a spatio-temporally modulated activating medium by means of both numerical and analytical techniques. In the opposite limits of very fast and very slow rotational particle dynamics, we obtain analytic approximations that closely reproduce the numerical description. A swimmer drifts on average either parallel or anti-parallel to the propagation direction of the activating pulses, depending on their speed and width. The drift in line with the pulses is solely determined by the finite persistence length of the active Brownian motion performed by the swimmer, whereas the drift in the opposite direction results from the combination of the ballistic and diffusive properties of the swimmer’s dynamics.
Variations of Reasoning in Equal Sharing of Children Who Experience Low Achievement in Mathematics: Competence in Context
Authors: Hunt Jessica , Westenskow Arla , Moyer-Packenham Patricia
Published: March 2017

For children with persistent mathematics difficulties, research and practice espouses that an altered kind of mathematics instruction is necessary due to sustained performance differences. Yet, a critical issue in mathematics education rests in the question of why research locates the problem within these children. In this paper, we challenge a longstanding assumption about the type of mathematics children with low achievement in mathematics “need” along with how these children are positioned in terms of mathematical thinking and reasoning. Our aim in this work is to identify ways of reasoning evident in the partitioning activity of 43 fifth-grade children as they solved equal sharing situations independent of instruction over ten sessions. Results reveal three themes of reasoning that show a resemblance between these children’s reasoning and existing frameworks of reasoning in equal sharing problems found in prior research among children who did not show low achievement in mathematics. We discuss the results in terms of the problem of a continued conceptualization of low achieving students’ need for specific kinds of teaching and learning experiences and/or detached instructional experiences in school. We advocate for an increase in research that examines how teachers can support participation of these children in mathematics classrooms such that children might develop powerful mathematics conceptions.
Elevated CO2 and Tree Species Affect Microbial Activity and Associated Aggregate Stability in Soil Amended with Litter
Authors: Al‐Maliki Salwan , Jones David , Godbold Douglas , Gwynn‐Jones Dylan , Scullion John
Published: March 2017

(1) Elevated atmospheric CO2 (eCO2) may affect organic inputs to woodland soils with potential consequences for C dynamics and associated aggregation; (2) The Bangor Free Air Concentration Enrichment experiment compared ambient (330 ppmv) and elevated (550 ppmv) CO2 regimes over four growing seasons (2005–2008) under Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula and Fagus sylvatica. Litter from the experiment (autumn 2008) and Lumbricus terrestris were added to mesocosm soils. Microbial properties and aggregate stability were investigated in soil and earthworm casts. Soils taken from the field experiment in spring 2009 were also investigated; (3) eCO2 litter had lower N and higher C:N ratios. F. sylvatica and B. pendula litter had lower N and P than A. glutinosa; F. sylvatica had higher cellulose. In mesocosms, eCO2 litter decreased respiration, mineralization constant (respired C:total organic C) and soluble carbon in soil but not earthworm casts; microbial‐C and fungal hyphal length differed by species (A. glutinosa = B. pendula > F. sylvatica) not CO2 regime. eCO2 increased respiration in field aggregates but increased stability only under F. sylvatica; (4) Lower litter quality under eCO2 may restrict its initial decomposition, affecting C stabilization in aggregates. Later resistant materials may support microbial activity and increase aggregate stability. In woodland, C and soil aggregation dynamics may alter under eCO2, but outcomes may be influenced by tree species and earthworm activity.
Influence of microRNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer Chemoresistance
Authors: Ayers Duncan , Vandesompele Jo
Published: March 2017

Innate and acquired chemoresistance exhibited by most tumours exposed to conventional chemotherapeutic agents account for the majority of relapse cases in cancer patients. Such chemoresistance phenotypes are of a multi-factorial nature from multiple key molecular players. The discovery of the RNA interference pathway in 1998 and the widespread gene regulatory influences exerted by microRNAs (miRNAs) and other non-coding RNAs have certainly expanded the level of intricacy present for the development of any single physiological phenotype, including cancer chemoresistance. This review article focuses on the latest research efforts in identifying and validating specific key molecular players from the two main families of non-coding RNAs, namely miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), having direct or indirect influences in the development of cancer drug resistance properties and how such knowledge can be utilised for novel theranostics in oncology.
Modelling Gender Differences in the Economic and Social Influences of Obesity in Australian Young People
Authors: Avsar Gulay , Ham Roger , Tannous W.
Published: March 2017

In Australia, as in many other developed economies, the prevalence of obesity has risen significantly in all age groups and especially in young males and females over the past decade. Using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, this paper investigates the influence of economic, personality and social factor demographics on the incidence of obesity in Australian youths. The study uses two random parameters logit models, including one that allows for gender-specific differences in the conditioning variables. The models reveal notable differences between the most important variables affecting the incidence of obesity amongst females compared to males. These differences are notable to consider for policy and intervention programs aimed at reducing the problem of obesity.
Metal Exposure and Associated Health Risk to Human Beings by Street Dust in a Heavily Industrialized City of Hunan Province, Central China
Authors: Sun Guangyi , Li Zhonggen , Liu Ting , Chen Ji , Wu Tingting , Feng Xinbin
Published: March 2017

Fifty-five urban street dust samples were collected from Zhuzhou, an industrial city in central China and analyzed for a range of toxic elements. Potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health effects on children and adults due to exposure to street dust were assessed. Concerning the two subgroups, the child cohort is confronted with considerably greater health risks than adults. According to the Hazard Quotient (HQ) method, ingestion of dust particles poses primary risk to children and adults, followed by dermal contact and inhalation for all of the metals investigated except Hg, for which inhalation of its elemental vapor constitute a slightly higher risk than ingestion. For children, Pb, As, Cd, Cr, Hg and Sb exposure were deemed as the highest contributors to non-cancer health risks, while As and Cr represent an enhanced cancer risk for children. For adults, risk indicator values for both cancer and non-cancer effects obtained were within the safety threshold. In a comparison with other locations within and outside mainland China, exposure to arsenic is prominent for the population of Zhuzhou, indicating more attention and preventive actions should been taken.
Antimicrobial Dendrimeric Peptides: Structure, Activity and New Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Scorciapino Mariano , Serra Ilaria , Manzo Giorgia , Rinaldi Andrea
Published: March 2017

Microbial resistance to conventional antibiotics is one of the most outstanding medical and scientific challenges of our times. Despite the recognised need for new anti-infective agents, however, very few new drugs have been brought to the market and to the clinic in the last three decades. This review highlights the properties of a new class of antibiotics, namely dendrimeric peptides. These intriguing novel compounds, generally made of multiple peptidic sequences linked to an inner branched core, display an array of antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities, usually coupled to low haemolytic activity. In addition, several peptides synthesized in oligobranched form proved to be promising tools for the selective treatment of cancer cells.
Proteome Analysis of Human Follicular Thyroid Cancer Cells Exposed to the Random Positioning Machine
Authors: Bauer Johann , Kopp Sascha , Schlagberger Elisabeth , Grosse Jirka , Sahana Jayashree , Riwaldt Stefan , Wehland Markus , Luetzenberg Ronald , Infanger Manfred , Grimm Daniela
Published: March 2017

Several years ago, we detected the formation of multicellular spheroids in experiments with human thyroid cancer cells cultured on the Random Positioning Machine (RPM), a ground-based model to simulate microgravity by continuously changing the orientation of samples. Since then, we have studied cellular mechanisms triggering the cells to leave a monolayer and aggregate to spheroids. Our work focused on spheroid-related changes in gene expression patterns, in protein concentrations, and in factors secreted to the culture supernatant during the period when growth is altered. We detected that factors inducing angiogenesis, the composition of integrins, the density of the cell monolayer exposed to microgravity, the enhanced production of caveolin-1, and the nuclear factor kappa B p65 could play a role during spheroid formation in thyroid cancer cells. In this study, we performed a deep proteome analysis on FTC-133 thyroid cancer cells cultured under conditions designed to encourage or discourage spheroid formation. The experiments revealed more than 5900 proteins. Their evaluation confirmed and explained the observations mentioned above. In addition, we learned that FTC-133 cells growing in monolayers or in spheroids after RPM-exposure incorporate vinculin, paxillin, focal adhesion kinase 1, and adenine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation factor 6 in different ways into the focal adhesion complex.
Role of uL3 in Multidrug Resistance in p53-Mutated Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Russo Annapina , Saide Assunta , Smaldone Silvia , Faraonio Raffaella , Russo Giulia
Published: March 2017

Cancer is one of the most common causes of death among adults. Chemotherapy is crucial in determining patient survival and quality of life. However, the development of multidrug resistance (MDR) continues to pose a significant challenge in the management of cancer. In this study, we analyzed the role of human ribosomal protein uL3 (formerly rpL3) in multidrug resistance. Our studies revealed that uL3 is a key determinant of multidrug resistance in p53-mutated lung cancer cells by controlling the cell redox status. We established and characterized a multidrug resistant Calu-6 cell line. We found that uL3 down-regulation correlates positively with multidrug resistance. Restoration of the uL3 protein level re-sensitized the resistant cells to the drug by regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, glutathione content, glutamate release, and cystine uptake. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments and luciferase assays demonstrated that uL3 coordinated the expression of stress-response genes acting as transcriptional repressors of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (xCT) and glutathione S-transferase α1 (GST-α1), independently of Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Altogether our results describe a new function of uL3 as a regulator of oxidative stress response genes and advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying multidrug resistance in cancers.
Targeting Neurotrophins to Specific Populations of Neurons: NGF, BDNF, and NT-3 and Their Relevance for Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Keefe Kathleen , Sheikh Imran , Smith George
Published: March 2017

Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that regulate neuronal survival, synaptic function, and neurotransmitter release, and elicit the plasticity and growth of axons within the adult central and peripheral nervous system. Since the 1950s, these factors have been extensively studied in traumatic injury models. Here we review several members of the classical family of neurotrophins, the receptors they bind to, and their contribution to axonal regeneration and sprouting of sensory and motor pathways after spinal cord injury (SCI). We focus on nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and their effects on populations of neurons within diverse spinal tracts. Understanding the cellular targets of neurotrophins and the responsiveness of specific neuronal populations will allow for the most efficient treatment strategies in the injured spinal cord.
Antioxidants for Healthy Skin: The Emerging Role of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors and Nuclear Factor-Erythroid 2-Related Factor-2
Authors: Furue Masutaka , Uchi Hiroshi , Mitoma Chikage , Hashimoto-Hachiya Akiko , Chiba Takahito , Ito Takamichi , Nakahara Takeshi , Tsuji Gaku
Published: March 2017

Skin is the outermost part of the body and is, thus, inevitably exposed to UV rays and environmental pollutants. Oxidative stress by these hazardous factors accelerates skin aging and induces skin inflammation and carcinogenesis. Aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AHRs) are chemical sensors that are abundantly expressed in epidermal keratinocytes and mediate the production of reactive oxygen species. To neutralize or minimize oxidative stress, the keratinocytes also express nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (NRF2), which is a master switch for antioxidant signaling. Notably, there is fine-tuned crosstalk between AHR and NRF2, which mutually increase or decrease their activation states. Many NRF2-mediated antioxidant phytochemicals are capable of up- and downmodulating AHR signaling. The precise mechanisms by which these phytochemicals differentially affect the AHR and NRF2 system remain largely unknown and warrant future investigation.
Radiometric Cross-Calibration of GF-4 in Multispectral Bands
Authors: Yang Aixia , Zhong Bo , Wu Shanlong , Liu Qinhuo
Published: March 2017

The GaoFen-4 (GF-4), launched at the end of December 2015, is China’s first high-resolution geostationary optical satellite. A panchromatic and multispectral sensor (PMS) is onboard the GF-4 satellite. Unfortunately, the GF-4 has no onboard calibration assembly, so on-orbit radiometric calibration is required. Like the charge-coupled device (CCD) onboard HuanJing-1 (HJ) or the wide field of view sensor (WFV) onboard GaoFen-1 (GF-1), GF-4 also has a wide field of view, which provides challenges for cross-calibration with narrow field of view sensors, like the Landsat series. A new technique has been developed and used to calibrate HJ-1/CCD and GF-1/WFV, which is verified viable. The technique has three key steps: (1) calculate the surface using the bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) characterization of a site, taking advantage of its uniform surface material and natural topographic variation using Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+)/Operational Land Imager (OLI) imagery and digital elevation model (DEM) products; (2) calculate the radiance at the top-of-the atmosphere (TOA) with the simulated surface reflectance using the atmosphere radiant transfer model; and (3) fit the calibration coefficients with the TOA radiance and corresponding Digital Number (DN) values of the image. This study attempts to demonstrate the technique is also feasible to calibrate GF-4 multispectral bands. After fitting the calibration coefficients using the technique, extensive validation is conducted by cross-validation using the image pairs of GF-4/PMS and Landsat-8/OLI with similar transit times and close view zenith. The validation result indicates a higher accuracy and frequency than that given by the China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application (CRESDA) using vicarious calibration. The study shows that the new technique is also quite feasible for GF-4 multispectral bands as a routine long-term procedure.
Analytical and Experimental Performance Evaluation of BLE Neighbor Discovery Process Including Non-Idealities of Real Chipsets
Authors: Perez-Diaz de Cerio David , Hernández Ángela , Valenzuela Jose , Valdovinos Antonio
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate from a real perspective the performance of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) as a technology that enables fast and reliable discovery of a large number of users/devices in a short period of time. The BLE standard specifies a wide range of configurable parameter values that determine the discovery process and need to be set according to the particular application requirements. Many previous works have been addressed to investigate the discovery process through analytical and simulation models, according to the ideal specification of the standard. However, measurements show that additional scanning gaps appear in the scanning process, which reduce the discovery capabilities. These gaps have been identified in all of the analyzed devices and respond to both regular patterns and variable events associated with the decoding process. We have demonstrated that these non-idealities, which are not taken into account in other studies, have a severe impact on the discovery process performance. Extensive performance evaluation for a varying number of devices and feasible parameter combinations has been done by comparing simulations and experimental measurements. This work also includes a simple mathematical model that closely matches both the standard implementation and the different chipset peculiarities for any possible parameter value specified in the standard and for any number of simultaneous advertising devices under scanner coverage.
Financial Development and Economic Growth: The Role of Foreign-Owned Banks in CESEE Countries
Authors: Bongini Paola , Iwanicz-Drozdowska Małgorzata , Smaga Paweł , Witkowski Bartosz
Published: March 2017

This study focuses on the role of financial development in the economic growth of Central, Eastern and South-Eastern European (CESEE) countries in the post-communist era (1995–2014), which coincides with the opening up of financial markets to foreign investors and the global financial crisis. We investigate whether economic growth in CESEE countries has benefited from the presence of foreign-owned banks. To this end, we introduce some refined measures of financial development and control for banks’ financial strength. Our results challenge the idea that bank credit fosters economic growth and that foreign-owned banks are indisputably a positive addition to local markets able to foster economic growth.
Responses of Vegetation Growth to Climatic Factors in Shule River Basin in Northwest China: A Panel Analysis
Authors: Qi Jinghui , Niu Shuwen , Zhao Yifang , Liang Man , Ma Libang , Ding Yongxia
Published: March 2017

The vegetation response to climatic factors is a hot topic in global change research. However, research on vegetation in Shule River Basin, which is a typical arid region in northwest China, is still limited, especially at micro scale. On the basis of Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data and daily meteorological data, employing panel data models and other mathematical models, the aim of this paper is to reveal the interactive relationship between vegetation variation and climatic factors in Shule River Basin. Results show that there is a widespread greening trend in the whole basin during 2000–2015, and 80.28% of greening areas (areas with vegetation improvement) are distributed over upstream region, but the maximum vegetation variation appears in downstream area. The effects of climate change on NDVI lag about half to one month. The parameters estimated using panel data models indicate that precipitation and accumulated temperature have positive contribution to NDVI. With every 1-mm increase in rainfall, NDVI increases by around 0.223‰ in upstream area and 0.6‰ in downstream area. With every 1-°C increase in accumulated temperature, NDVI increases by around 0.241‰ in upstream area and 0.174‰ in downstream area. Responses of NDVI to climatic factors are more sensitive when these factors are limiting than when they are not limiting. NDVI variation has performance in two seasonal and inter-annual directions, and the range of seasonal change is far more than that of inter-annual change. The inverted U-shaped curve of the variable intercepts reflects the seasonal change. Our results might provide some scientific basis for the comprehensive basin management.
Hunger marketing um novo caminho para as empresas de smartphones, ou não? O caso Xiaomi
Authors: Toledo Luciano Augusto , Jun Luana Chen Chih , Nishimoto Henrique Yudi Yassuda , Abreu Natália Correia , Siqueira Vivian Damaceno
Published: March 2017

O presente estudo se apresenta sobre a forma de pesquisa exploratória qualitativa. É posteriormente complementado com o uso de um estudo de caso no âmbito do Hunger Marketing. Para tanto foi realizada uma pesquisa por meio de aplicação de questionários semiestruturados objetivando entender a priori: como o Hunger Marketing está a serviço de empresas manufaturadoras de telefonia móvel.  Finalmente conclui-se que o termo Hunger Marketing não é totalmente novo, visto que ele também se baseia na busca por experiências e nas necessidades dos consumidores. A principal diferença dele para o marketing experiencial é que ele cria o desejo, enquanto o marketing experiencial busca atender esse desejo. Apesar disso, ambos têm como principal objetivo satisfazer o cliente e garantir a geração de emoções e satisfação. Também se nota que a utilização desse marketing pode não gerar os resultados esperados, visto que a empresa está lidando com uma variável não controlável que é o próprio consumidor. Trabalhar as necessidades pode ser algo vantajoso e competitivo, mas deve-se tomar cuidado com relação as expectativas, já que para alguns consumidores esperar pelo produto pode ser prazeroso e interessante, enquanto que para outros pode gerar frustações e tormentos algo que limite a ação de compra.