bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Origins of Terracing in the Southern Levant and Patch Cultivation/Box Fields
Authors: Gibson Shimon , Lewis Rafael Y.
Published: February 2018

This paper looks at various suggestions relating to what incipient and early forms of terracing might have looked like, and goes on to suggest that some of the earliest terraces in the southern Levant may have emerged from horticultural practices, and more specifically the cultivation of olive trees within sunken patches of soil on rocky hillslopes (referred to as “patch cultivation” or “box fields”). This phenomenon may be traced back to the Chalcolithic period (4thmillennium B.C.E), if not to earlier times.
Security Strategies of Small States in a Changing World
Authors: Vaicekauskaitė Živilė Marija
Published: February 2018

How are small states adjusting to a changing security environment and managing tensions with greater powers in their neighbourhood? Much of the recent literature on small states spends a great deal of time examining challenges to small states and their security policies. Scholars offer several strategies that small states can employ to adjust to a changing security landscape. Small states have two broad options – to focus on their own defence posture, trying to keep their autonomy and stay neutral, or use different cooperative schemes – bandwagon with larger powers, form alliances against dominant powers, or seek shelter and develop hedging strategies. This article reviews survival strategies employed by small states and provides a basis to better understand the behaviour of small states in today’s contested security environment.
Lithuania’s Balancing Act
Authors: Šlekys Deividas
Published: February 2018

Since regaining independence in 1990 and creating its regular armed forces, Lithuania has had to do a balancing act. It has had to balance between different approaches of state defence, military structure, collective and national defence. Due to events in Ukraine Lithuania had to reconfigure this balance. The Russian threat forced to emphasize strategy of territorial defence, which altogether required tying up forces and enlarging its numbers by bringing back conscription, substantially increased defence budget, followed by higher tempo and scale in procurement and training. However, Lithuania has managed to maintain its activity and participation in international military operations and political initiatives. Its recent contributions have led to an assumption that its participation in various military missions in the future will not diminish, quite the opposite. Increasing the framework of cooperation in terms of defence and security initiatives will involve Lithuania more deeply and will require further contributions.
The effect of perceived ethnicity on spoken text comprehension under clear and adverse listening conditions
Authors: Hanulíková Adriana
Published: February 2018

Social information such as ethnicity affects metalinguistic judgments, speech perception and evaluation. This study tested whether previously reported negative effects of perceived East-Asian ethnicity on language comprehension and accentedness ratings would also be found for Moroccan ethnicity and in a socio-cultural environment with a population used to being and communicating with nonnative speakers. The results showed that accentedness ratings and comprehension scores do not depend upon the ethnicity of the speaker. We then tested whether the effect would change under adverse listening conditions and found an effect of perceived ethnicity on accentedness ratings but not on comprehension scores, suggesting that the effect of ethnicity on language comprehension is not altered under adverse listening conditions. Effects of ethnicity on accentedness ratings thus replicate previous findings, but only under suboptimal listening conditions. Although the effect of ethnicity on comprehension was not replicated in regards to Moroccan ethnicity and in a linguistically experienced population, negative correlations between accentedness ratings and the corresponding comprehension scores underlie the contribution of listeners’ characteristics to the comprehension and evaluation of nonnative speech.
Algebraic proofs for shallow water bi–Hamiltonian systems for three cocycle of the semi-direct product of Kac–Moody and Virasoro Lie algebras
Authors: Zuevsky A.
Published: February 2018

We prove new theorems related to the construction of the shallow water bi-Hamiltonian systems associated to the semi-direct product of Virasoro and affine Kac–Moody Lie algebras. We discuss associated Verma modules, coadjoint orbits, Casimir functions, and bi-Hamiltonian systems.
Codensity and stone spaces
Authors: Sipoş Andrei
Published: February 2018

We present a detailed computation of two codensity monads associated to two canonical functors – the inclusion functor ofFinSetintoTopand the inclusion functor of the category of the powers of the Sierpiński space intoTop. We show that the categories of algebras of the two monads are the categories of Stone spaces and of sober spaces, respectively. A new motivation for defining these classes of spaces is therefore obtained.
Summations of Schlömilch series containing anger function terms
Authors: Maširević Dragana Jankov
Published: February 2018

The main aim of this article is to establish certain closed expressions for the Schlömilch series which members contain Anger function 𝐉
ν
in order to generalize already known results. Closed expressions for the Schlömilch series with members containing some Lommel functions of the first kind s

μ,ν
and also a Weber function 𝐄
ν
and Struve function 𝐇
ν
are derived as a by–product of these results.
Some vector valued sequence spaces of Musielak-Orlicz functions and their operator ideals
Authors: Mursaleen Mohammad , Raj Kuldip
Published: February 2018

In the present paper we introduce generalized vector-valued Musielak-Orlicz sequence spacel(A,𝓜,u,p,Δr,∥·,… ,·∥)(X) and study some geometric properties like uniformly monotone, uniform Opial property for this space. Further, we discuss the operators ofs-type and operator ideals by using the sequence ofs-number (in the sense of Pietsch) under certain conditions on matrixA.
An identity of symmetry for the degenerate Frobenius-Euler Polynomials
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dae San
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we prove an identity of symmetry for the higher-order degenerate Frobenius-Euler polynomials and derive the recurrence relations and multiplication theorem type result for the degenerate Frobenius-Euler polynomials.
Crystal structure of (N-(3-ethoxy-2-oxidobenzylidene)-4-fluorobenzohydrazonato-κ3
N,O,O′)-diphenyltin(IV), C28H23FN2O3Sn
Authors: Tan Yee Seng , Lee See Mun , Tiekink Edward R.T.
Published: February 2018

C28H23FN2O3Sn, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 16.0887(2) Å, b = 14.5333(2) Å, c = 20.5550(2) Å, V = 4806.21(10) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0199, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0596, T = 100(2) K.
Chronic Total Coronary Artery Occlusion Recanalisation with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention — Single Centre 10-Year Experience
Authors: Kalniņš Artis , Strēle Ieva , Kurcalte Irēna , Lejnieks Aivars , Ērglis Andrejs
Published: February 2018

Coronary artery chronic total occlusions (CTO) are common — approximately one-third of patients with significant coronary artery disease on angiography have at least 1 CTO. Invasive treatment of these lesions still remain a major challenge for interventional cardiology due to their complexity. Historically, success rates have improved to about 60–70% by using only the traditional antegrade approach. The results have dramatically improved during the last decade after more widespread application of new retrograde techniques. The aim of our study was to review and analyse single hospital experience in CTO invasive treatment and to evaluate the long-term results. A total of 519 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for CTO at a single tertiary PCI centre (Rīga East University Hospital), were included in the study. The median age was 64 years (38–88), and 80% were male. The retrograde approach (RA) was used for 167 (32.2%) of the CTO PCI patients. The overall patient success rate was 81.3% and it increased from 73.9% in 2007 to 95.2% in 2015 (p < 0.001). Mean patient observation time was five years. Overall survival was found significantly better in patients group after successful CTO PCI procedures (Long-rank test, p = 0.013).
Efficient uptake of perrhenate/pertechnenate from aqueous solutions by the bifunctional anion-exchange resin
Authors: Li Jie , Zhu Lin , Xiao Chengliang , Chen Lanhua , Chai Zhifang , Wang Shuao
Published: February 2018

In this work, batch experiments were carried out to explore the sorption properties for perrhenate (ReO4
−, a surrogate for TcO4
−) by two types of commercial bifunctional anion-exchange resins (Purolite A530E and A532E). It is found that these two bifunctional anion-exchange resins could rapidly remove ReO4
− from aqueous solution within 150 min and the maximum sorption capacity for ReO4
− reached as high as 707 and 446 mg/g for Purolite A530E and A532E, respectively. The sorption properties were independent of pH over a wide range from 1 to 13. More importantly, both Purolite A530E and A532E exhibited excellent selectivity for the removal of ReO4
− in the presence of large excess of NO3
− and SO4
2−. Finally, the removal percentage of ReO4
− by these two resins could be >90% and 80%, respectively, from the Hanford low-level waste melter off-gas scrubber simulant stream. Such high selectivity of Purolite A530E and A532E for the removal of ReO4
− might be due to the presence of the long-chain group of –[N(Hexyl)3]+, which favored hydrophobic and large anions such as ReO4
−/TcO4
− rather than NO3
−.
Production, separation and supply prospects of 67Cu with the development of fast neutron sources and photonuclear technology
Authors: Gopalakrishna Arjun , Suryanarayana Saraswatula Venkata , Naik Haladhara , Dixit Tanuja Sushant , Nayak Basant Kumar , Kumar Amit , Maletha Pravind , Thakur Kiran , Deshpande Abhay , Krishnan Ramamoorthy , Kamaldeep  , Banerjee Sharmila , Saxena Alok
Published: February 2018

Experimental investigations have been carried out on the production of a promising therapeutic radionuclide 67Cu via the 67Zn(n,p)67Cu, 68Zn(n,x)67Cu, and 68Zn(γ,p)67Cu reaction routes. Natural zinc metal foils were irradiated with 14.1 MeV neutrons and bremsstrahlung of end-point energy 15 MeV. Radioactivity levels of 67Cu and other radioisotopes co-produced were determined by the quantification of photo-peaks by off-line γ-ray spectrometry. No carrier added 67Cu was separated from the irradiated zinc by solvent extraction. Yields >90% and high levels of radionuclidic purity were achieved. These studies indicate that the growth and development of intense fast neutron sources and photonuclear technology, will possibly aid in the sustained supply of 67Cu.
Interpretation of high resolution airborne magnetic data (HRAMD) of Ilesha and its environs, Southwest Nigeria, using Euler deconvolution method
Authors: Olurin Oluwaseun Tolutope
Published: February 2018

Interpretation of high resolution aeromagnetic data of Ilesha and its environs within the basement complex of the geological setting of Southwestern Nigeria was carried out in the study. The study area is delimited by geographic latitudes 7°30′–8°00′N and longitudes 4°30′–5°00′E. This investigation was carried out using Euler deconvolution on filtered digitised total magnetic data (Sheet Number 243) to delineate geological structures within the area under consideration. The digitised airborne magnetic data acquired in 2009 were obtained from the archives of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). The airborne magnetic data were filtered, processed and enhanced; the resultant data were subjected to qualitative and quantitative magnetic interpretation, geometry and depth weighting analyses across the study area using Euler deconvolution filter control file in Oasis Montag software. Total magnetic intensity distribution in the field ranged from –77.7 to 139.7 nT. Total magnetic field intensities reveal high-magnitude magnetic intensity values (high-amplitude anomaly) and magnetic low intensities (low-amplitude magnetic anomaly) in the area under consideration. The study area is characterised with high intensity correlated with lithological variation in the basement. The sharp contrast is enhanced due to the sharp contrast in magnetic intensity between the magnetic susceptibilities of the crystalline and sedimentary rocks. The reduced-to-equator (RTE) map is characterised by high frequencies, short wavelengths, small size, weak intensity, sharp low amplitude and nearly irregular shaped anomalies, which may due to near-surface sources, such as shallow geologic units and cultural features. Euler deconvolution solution indicates a generally undulating basement, with a depth ranging from −500 to 1000 m. The Euler deconvolution results show that the basement relief is generally gentle and flat, lying within the basement terrain.
Drug Methods for Arteficial Termination of Unwanted Pregnancy
Authors: Dimitrijevic Aleksandra
Published: February 2018

All medical and surgical procedures are carried out in order to premature termnination of pregnancy, can be divided on medicament and surgical methods, according to the way of procedure.

Medications used today in order to break unwanted pregnancy are inhibitors of the synthetics of progesterone and antiprogesterone, prostaglandini and antimetabolite.

Mifepristone is a derivate of norethidrone, binds to the progesterone receptor with an affinity similar progesterone, but it does not activate them so as to act as an antiprogestine.

Metotrexat is an antimetabolite and is used in gynecology practice for more indication areas. It is used the most often in conservative treatment of ectopical pregnancy. Because of low price and accessibility in order to mifepristone, it was used for application in drug methods of inducative abortions.

Misoprostol is an anlogue PGE1, used in peroral pills.

The complication are very rare at aplication of mifepristone and misoprostole in the aim to the termination the early unwanted pregnancy. The appearance of more efficient procedure of drugs called out abortions, it does not mean taht decision for the abortion is more modest. The ease and safety should not help to make a decision.
Mind-Wandering in People with Hippocampal Damage
Authors: McCormick Cornelia , Rosenthal Clive R. , Miller Thomas D. , Maguire Eleanor A.
Published: February 2018

Subjective inner experiences, such as mind-wandering, represent the fundaments of human cognition. Although the precise function of mind-wandering is still debated, it is increasingly acknowledged to have influence across cognition on processes such as future planning, creative thinking, and problem-solving and even on depressive rumination and other mental health disorders. Recently, there has been important progress in characterizing mind-wandering and identifying the associated neural networks. Two prominent features of mind-wandering are mental time travel and visuospatial imagery, which are often linked with the hippocampus. People with selective bilateral hippocampal damage cannot vividly recall events from their past, envision their future, or imagine fictitious scenes. This raises the question of whether the hippocampus plays a causal role in mind-wandering and, if so, in what way. Leveraging a unique opportunity to shadow people (all males) with bilateral hippocampal damage for several days, we examined, for the first time, what they thought about spontaneously, without direct task demands. We found that they engaged in as much mind-wandering as control participants. However, whereas controls thought about the past, present, and future, imagining vivid visual scenes, hippocampal damage resulted in thoughts primarily about the present comprising verbally mediated semantic knowledge. These findings expose the hippocampus as a key pillar in the neural architecture of mind-wandering and also reveal its impact beyond episodic memory, placing it at the heart of our mental life.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHumans tend to mind-wander ∼30–50% of their waking time. Two prominent features of this pervasive form of thought are mental time travel and visuospatial imagery, which are often associated with the hippocampus. To examine whether the hippocampus plays a causal role in mind-wandering, we examined the frequency and phenomenology of mind-wandering in patients with selective bilateral hippocampal damage. We found that they engaged in as much mind-wandering as controls. However, hippocampal damage changed the form and content of mind-wandering from flexible, episodic, and scene based to abstract, semanticized, and verbal. These findings expose the hippocampus as a key pillar in the neural architecture of mind-wandering and reveal its impact beyond episodic memory, placing it at the heart of our mental life.
Altered Signaling in the Descending Pain-modulatory System after Short-Term Infusion of the μ-Opioid Agonist Remifentanil
Authors: Sprenger Christian , Eichler Iris-Carola , Eichler Lars , Zöllner Christian , Büchel Christian
Published: February 2018

μ-Opioid receptor agonists are widely used within the contemporary treatment of pain, but abrupt opioid suspension, even after short-term infusion, can paradoxically increase the sensitivity to noxious stimuli, a phenomenon that has been, for example, reported after application of the fast-acting μ-opioid receptor agonist remifentanil. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of discontinuation of remifentanil application on pain processing in the human CNS, we analyzed neuronal responses to thermal stimuli before and after a short-term infusion of remifentanil (30 min 0.1 μg/kg body weight/min) compared with control in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord in drug-naive male volunteers using fMRI. Subsequent to remifentanil suspension, we observed reduced heat pain thresholds and increased neuronal responses in pain-encoding as well as in key regions of the descending pain-modulatory system, such as the periaqueductal gray matter, the nucleus cuneiformis, and the rostral ventromedial medulla. Moreover, the spinal pain-related multivoxel activity pattern showed an opioid-specific change after drug suspension. Importantly, remifentanil suspension increased the functional coupling between the nucleus cuneiformis and the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, and the coupling strength between the rostral anterior cingulate cortex and the nucleus cuneiformis correlated negatively with the individual pain threshold after opioid suspension. These findings demonstrate that, already subsequent to a short-term infusion of the μ-opioid receptor agonist remifentanil, signaling in the descending pain-modulatory system is fundamentally altered and that these changes are directly related to the behavioral sensitivity to pain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOpioids are widely used in modern medicine, but, in addition to their known side effects, it is increasingly recognized that opioids can also increase sensitivity to pain subsequent to their use. Using the fast-acting μ-opioid receptor agonist remifentanil and fMRI in healthy male volunteers, this study demonstrates how signaling changes occur along the entire descending pain-modulatory pathway after opioid discontinuation and how these alterations are closely linked to increased behavioral pain sensitivity. Particularly by revealing modified responses in pain-modulatory brainstem regions that have been previously demonstrated to be causally involved in acute opioid withdrawal effects in rodents, the data provide a plausible neuronal mechanism by which the increased sensitivity to pain after opioid suspension is mediated in humans.
Solar Sacrifice: How an Arizona Church Lost Money by Going Solar—and Solutions for When Energy Incentives Fail to Serve the Needs of Nonprofits
Authors: Krantz David
Published: February 2018

By policy design, consumers are supposed to save money when they invest in solar energy. This paper presents a case study of what happens when a church goes solar and the finances go wrong. Following the installation of solar-photovoltaic panels, the Arizona church—in the Valley of the Sun, among the sunniest places in the country—decreased its energy consumption, but its electric bills went up. Through oral-history interviews of key stakeholders, the author investigates what happened, and what could be done to prevent other religious institutions and nonprofits from experiencing the church’s fate.
The analysis of viewpoints of geography students at the University of Zagreb on the political situation and relations in Croatia
Authors: Lončar Jelena
Published: February 2018

This paper examines the opinions, viewpoints and attitudes of a number of undergraduate and graduate university students of geography (Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb) related to Croatian politics, how they experience it and in what manner they comment on certain political events. The research was carried out in the period between 17 and 22 May 2017 on a sample of 173 students which makes 64% of the number of geography students at the University. The survey results show that the student population, although representing Croatia’s future intellectual force, shows no significant interest in politics and that their engagement, participation in political parties as well as involvement in political processes are at a very low level mostly due to high level of distrust towards politicians, political institutions but also political system in general.
Association of fetuin-A with incident type 2 diabetes: results from the MONICA/KORA Augsburg study and a systematic meta-analysis
Authors: Sujana Chaterina , Huth Cornelia , Zierer Astrid , Meesters Sophie , Sudduth-Klinger Julie , Koenig Wolfgang , Herder Christian , Peters Annette , Thorand Barbara
Published: February 2018

Objective

We investigated the association of circulating fetuin-A with incident T2D particularly examining potential sex differences. Additionally, we determined whether putative associations were independent of subclinical inflammation, adiponectin and liver fat content.

Design

Case-cohort study plus systematic meta-analysis.

Methods

We investigated the association between baseline fetuin-A levels and incident T2D in the MONICA/KORA Augsburg study using Cox proportional hazards analyses. Furthermore, we conducted a systematic review within PubMed and EMBASE and pooled association estimates of eligible studies with the MONICA/KORA Augsburg data using a DerSimonian-Laird random effects model.

Results

Within MONICA/KORA Augsburg, 930 participants developed incident T2D (median follow-up: 14 years). We observed a significant association between fetuin-A and T2D risk after multivariable adjustment including C-reactive protein and adiponectin. The strength of the association was similar in males and females (P value for sex interaction >0.55). Seven eligible published studies were identified in addition to the MONICA/KORA Augsburg study for the meta-analysis. The pooled hazard ratio (95% CI) for incident T2D per 1 standard deviation (s.d.) increment of fetuin-A was 1.24 (1.14–1.34) for the multivariable adjusted model. Our sex-stratified meta-analysis yielded relative risk estimates per 1 s.d. of 1.19 (1.04–1.38) in males and 1.29 (1.15–1.46) in females. Further individual adjustment for subclinical inflammation, adiponectin and liver fat content had almost no impact on the strength of the association.

Conclusions

Higher fetuin-A levels are associated with incident T2D in both males and females independently of subclinical inflammation, adiponectin and liver fat content.
Diseño de un instrumento de diagnóstico para la implementación y mejora de un sistema de gestión integrado para empresas pequeñas del sector de la construcción en Cúcuta, Norte de Santander
Authors: Alegría Vivas Evelyn Melissa , González Pabón Leidy Johanna , Quiroga Romero Cristi Lucia
Published: February 2018

La presente investigación presenta el diseño de un instrumento de diagnóstico que facilita la implementación y mejora de un sistema de gestión integrado para articular las normas técnicas NTC-ISO 9001:2015, NTC-OHSAS 18001:2007 y el Decreto 1072 de 2015, específicamente el libro 2, parte 2, título 4, capítulo 6 para empresas pequeñas del sector de la construcción. Con esta investigación se contribuye a que las empresas constructoras promuevan prácticas a favor de la seguridad y salud en el trabajo que mitiguen el impacto que este sector presenta en Colombia. La primera parte del trabajo se centró en el diseño y validación de contenido de la herramienta denominada “Instrumento para diagnosticar el nivel de implementación, integración y cumplimiento de las normas NTC-ISO 9001:2015, NTC-OHSAS 18001:2007 y el Decreto 1072 de 2015, específicamente el libro 2, parte 2, título 4, capítulo 6, como sistema de gestión integrado en empresas pequeñas del sector de la construcción”. En la segunda parte se desarrolló la aplicación del instrumento en cinco empresas pequeñas del sector construcción, seleccionadas mediante muestreo a conveniencia en la ciudad de Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, con el fin de obtener un diagnóstico de la situación actual de las empresas pequeñas del sector de estudio.
Solutions of stationary Kirchhoff equations involving nonlocal operators with critical nonlinearity in RN
Authors: Piao Ziwei , Zhou Chenxing , Liang Sihua
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we consider the existence and multiplicity of solutions for fractional Schrödinger equations with critical nonlinearity in RN. We use the fractional version of Lions' second concentration-compactness principle and concentration-compactness principle at infinity to prove that (PSc) condition holds locally. Under suitable assumptions, we prove that it has at least one solution and, for any m ∈ N, it has at least m pairs of solutions. Moreover, these solutions can converge to zero in some Sobolev space as ε → 0.
Fixed point results in b-metric spaces using families of control functions and their application to dynamic programming
Authors: Kadelburg Zoran , Nashine Hemant Kumar Kumar , Padhan Saroj Kumar Kumar , Rao G.V.V. J Jagannadha Jagannadha
Published: February 2018

We obtain some fixed point theorems for mappings acting in b-metric spaces. The results extend those obtained in [R.P. Agarwal, E. Karapınar, A.F. Roldán-López-de-Hierro, On an extension of contractivity conditions via auxiliary functions, Fixed Point Theory Appl., 2015:104, 20015] using families of control functions, here also through conditions that involve α-admissibility of type S. We furnish an illustrative example to demonstrate the validity of the hypotheses and the degree of usefulness of our results. As an application, the existence of solution for functional equations arising in dynamic programming is discussed, followed by suitable examples.
Mild solutions of Riemann–Liouville fractional differential equations with fractional impulses
Authors: Anguraj Annamalai , Kanjanadevi Subramaniam , Nieto Juan Jose Jose
Published: February 2018

We consider Riemann–Liouville fractional differential equations with fractional-order derivative in the impulsive conditions. We study the existence of the mild solution by applying the Laplace transform method and (a,k)-regularized resolvent operator. We use the contraction mapping principle and fixed point theorem for condensing map to prove our existence results.
Analysis and control of a nonlinear boundary value problem
Authors: Hechaichi Hadjer , Sofonea Mircea
Published: February 2018

We consider a nonlinear two-dimensional boundary value problem which models the frictional contact of a bar with a rigid obstacle. The weak formulation of the problem is in the form of an elliptic variational inequality of the second kind. We establish the existence of a unique weak solution to the problem, then we introduce a regularized version of the variational inequality for which we prove existence, uniqueness and convergence results. We proceed with an optimal control problem for which we prove the existence of an optimal pair. Finally, we consider the corresponding optimal control problem associated to the regularized variational inequality and prove a convergence result.
New uniqueness results for boundary value problem of fractional differential equation
Authors: Cui Yujun , Ma Wenjie , Sun Qiao , Su Xinwei
Published: February 2018

In this paper, uniqueness results for boundary value problem of fractional differential equation are obtained. Both the Banach's contraction mapping principle and the theory of linear operator are used, and a comparison between the obtained results is provided.
Impulsive control of nonlinear systems with impulse time window and bounded gain error
Authors: Zou Limin , Peng Yang , Feng Yuming , Tu Zhengwen
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we establish a new sufficient condition for the stability of impulsive systems with impulse time window and bounded gain error. The proposed result is more general and more applicable than some existing results. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the effectiveness of our result.
Numerical schemes for general Klein–Gordon equations with Dirichlet and nonlocal boundary conditions
Authors: Martín-Vaquero Jesús , Hernández Encinas Ascensión , Queiruga-Dios Araceli , Martínez Víctor , Del Rey Ángel Martín Martín
Published: February 2018

In this work, we address the problem of solving nonlinear general Klein–Gordon equations (nlKGEs). Different fourth- and sixth-order, stable explicit and implicit, finite difference schemes are derived. These new methods can be considered to approximate all type of Klein–Gordon equations (KGEs) including phi-four, forms I, II, and III, sine-Gordon, Liouville, damped Klein–Gordon equations, and many others. These KGEs have a great importance in engineering and theoretical physics.The higher-order methods proposed in this study allow a reduction in the number of nodes, which might also be very interesting when solving multi-dimensional KGEs. We have studied the stability and consistency of the proposed schemes when considering certain smoothness conditions of the solutions. Additionally, both the typical Dirichlet and some nonlocal integral boundary conditions have been studied. Finally, some numerical results are provided to support the theoretical aspects previously considered.
Impulsive coupled systems with generalized jump conditions
Authors: Minhós Feliz , De Sousa Robert
Published: February 2018

This work considers a second order impulsive coupled system with full nonlinearities, generalized impulse functions and mixed boundary conditions. This is the first time where such coupled systems are considered with nonlinearities with dependence on both unknown functions and their derivatives, together impulsive functions given by more general framework allowing jumps on the both functions and both derivatives.The arguments apply the fixed point theory, Green's functions echnique, L1-Carathéodory functions theory and Schauder's fixed point theorem.An application to the transverse vibration system of elastically coupled double-string is presented in the last section.
Maximum likelihood estimation for Gaussian process with nonlinear drift
Authors: Mishura Yuliya , Ralchenko Kostiantyn , Shklyar Sergiy
Published: February 2018

We investigate the regression model Xt = θG(t) + Bt, where θ is an unknown parameter, G is a known nonrandom function, and B is a centered Gaussian process. We construct the maximum likelihood estimators of the drift parameter θ based on discrete and continuous observations of the process X and prove their strong consistency. The results obtained generalize the paper [Yu. Mishura, K. Ralchenko, S. Shklyar, Maximum likelihood drift estimation for Gaussian process with stationary increments, Austrian J. Stat., 46(3–4): 67–78, 2017] in two directions: the drift may be nonlinear, and the noise may have nonstationary increments. As an example, the model with subfractional Brownian motion is considered.
Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths in the United States, 2010–2016
Authors: Shang Mei , Blanton Lenee , Brammer Lynnette , Olsen Sonja J. , Fry Alicia M.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND:

Influenza-associated pediatric deaths became a notifiable condition in the United States in 2004.

METHODS:

We analyzed deaths in children aged <18 years with laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the 2010–2011 to 2015–2016 influenza seasons. Data were collected with a standard case report form that included demographics, medical conditions, and clinical diagnoses.

RESULTS:

Overall, 675 deaths were reported. The median age was 6 years (interquartile range: 2–12). The average annual incidence was 0.15 per 100 000 children (95% confidence interval: 0.14–0.16) and was highest among children aged <6 months (incidence: 0.66; 95% confidence interval: 0.53–0.82), followed by children aged 6–23 months (incidence: 0.33; 95% confidence interval: 0.27–0.39). Only 31% (n = 149 of 477) of children aged ≥6 months had received any influenza vaccination. Overall, 65% (n = 410 of 628) of children died within 7 days after symptom onset. Half of the children (n = 327 of 654) had no preexisting medical conditions. Compared with children with preexisting medical conditions, children with none were younger (median: 5 vs 8 years old), less vaccinated (27% vs 36%), more likely to die before hospital admission (77% vs 48%), and had a shorter illness duration (4 vs 7 days; P < .05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS:

Each year, influenza-associated pediatric deaths are reported. Young children have the highest death rates, especially infants aged <6 months. Increasing vaccination among children, pregnant women, and caregivers of infants may reduce influenza-associated pediatric deaths.
Ecologo-faunistic review of lamellicorn beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) of urbocenosis of Kharkov city (Ukraine)
Authors: Putchkov O. V. , Markina T. Y. , Komaromi N.
Published: February 2018

This article presents a general overview of the superfamily Scarabaeoidea in five parks of Kharkov city and some adjacent agrocenosises. The species composition includes 32 species from four families of Scarabaeoidea. The Scarabaeidae family dominated in biodiversity and abundance (26 species from 16 genera). Six species (Dorcus parallelopipedus, Platyderes caraboides, Anoplotrupes stercorosus, Aphodius melanostictus, Pleurophorus caesus and Onthophagus coenobita) were sporadically registered as common, but in separate urban cenosises the number of species did not exceed one or three. The species composition and abundance of lamellicorn beetles was higher in large parks with only slight recreational disturbance. Here from 13 to 20 species were registered. On lawns in the center and in other districts of the city Scarabaeoidea species met very rarely. In the agrocenosises on the outskirts of Kharkov city – 16 species are noted, almost half of which were registered as common. The faunistic similarity of different urban cenosises was at low to medium levels (an average 0.20–0.47). These indices were slightly higher (0.38–0.67) for areas with lower recreational pressure. The indices of faunal similarity of separate parks and agrocenoses were lower (0.18–0.56, but on average – 0.33). At the level of common species, there was no faunistic similarity. The significance of such differences was due to both the low number of most Lamellicorn species and some of their ecological characteristics. The main differences were observed in the ratio of trophic groups and features of the spatial distribution of the dominant species. Smaller differences were observed on biotopic characteristic of most species. There were no differences in the hygropreference of the scarabeid species. In the parks herpetobiont saprophagous species dominated (mainly coprophagous and dendrophagous). In the agrocenoses, dendrochordobiontic phytophagous species predominated. The peculiarities of the ratio of different ecological groups of Scarabaeoidea in urban and agrocenosises are discussed.
Environmental evaluation of suitability of recultivated land in a manganese quarry for the existence of soil biota
Authors: Loza I. М. , Chiorna V. I.
Published: February 2018

The challenge of degradation of natural ecosystems because of human activity is considered by the world community to be the most serious problems facing mankind. As a result of mineral extraction, man-made landscapes and environmentally ruined areas replace natural habitats and agroecosystems; a whole spectrum of man-made processes are typical for such landscapes, which leads to a decrease in species richness and biological diversity within such areas. Degraded territories formed in the process of coal mining are often partially restored through remediation measures. During the implementation of the technical stage of remediation, substrates with different potential fertility having different environmental properties and quality are used. However, in quality assessment of remediated soils insufficient attention is paid to restoration of the environmental properties of the soils, namely their suitability for the existence of soil biota, which ensures the soil’s sustainability and vitality. The main indicators determining the productivity of remediated lands and the degree of their suitability for the existence of soil biota are values of actual acidity and degree of salinity. An assessment of the quality of reclaimed lands of  the Ordzhonikidzevsky ore mining and processing enterprise was carried out on the example of the Zaporizhsky open-cast mine with the aim of assessing the possibility of their economic use and suitability for the existence of soil biota , as well as to make recommendations for further rational use. It was found that  main characteristics  of the study area (capacity of bulk humic layer, content of humus in the bulk layer, content of physical clay in the bulk humic layer and in the subsoil, average soil density in the meter bulk layer, salinity of the bulk humic layer and subsoil, composition and properties of subsoil), of the Zaporizhzhya quarry's reclamation is suitable for the further settlement and successful existence of the soil biota. It is concluded that as a result of the technical stage of reclamation, an artificial reclaimed soil was obtained, which according to its characteristics is similar to the primary zonal soils that were located in this area prior to mining; the recultivated soil has somewhat lower fertility and greater salinity at the lower horizons, but is capable of performing ecological functions and can not only be used for economic purposes, but also perform ecological functions, serving as an environment for the existence of soil biota.
Ethnobotanical and ecological study of Punica granatum in Dir district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Ali K. , Khan S. , Khan N. , Khan W. , Rahman I. U. , Ullah F. , Ali K. , Nisar M.
Published: February 2018

Punica granatum L. (wild) belongs to family Punicaceae, a woody plant, predominantly found on calcareous and alkaline soils. The species is extensively utilized as food and firewood and for the extraction of various chemicals due to its therapeutic properties. To understand the ethno-botanical and ecological status of the species on a regional scale, a questionnaire survey was conducted in the Dir (L) area using close and open-ended questionnaires. Data collected from 124 respondents were analysed quantitatively using statistical analysis to calculate indices like Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Use value (UV) and multivariate analysis. GPS data used for the presence data of the plants were used to develop GIS thematic maps. Geo-referenced data on P. granatum was collected from the study area, using GPS. Results suggest that the plant is mostly used as a remedy for dry cough, as an astringent, people used powder form of fruit peelings. It was documented in the present investigation that P. granatum is mainly eradicated due to its extensive use as firewood. The study also evaluated on the major aspect of how the P. granatum can be conserved naturally. It was found out that the plant is conserved in areas inaccessible to humans. The status of the vegetation community around this plant was also explored, it is found out that specific shrub and tree communities were major flora growing in proximity to P. granatum. The finding of this survey has concluded that wild P. granatum is an endangered species due to its extensive and uncontrollable use for firewood, curing diseases and its economic potential. These findings could be exploited to take necessary steps for the conservation of this species.
Parasites of unionid molluscs (Bivalvia, Unionidae) and their effect on the body of molluscs
Authors: Pavluchenko O. V. , Yermoshyna T. V.
Published: February 2018

Among the molluscs of the family Unionidae extensivity of infestation by the helminth Aspidogaster conchicola (Trematoda, Aspidogastridae) is the highest in Unio tumidus and Anodonta anatina, and the lowest – in U. pictorum. The mites of the genus Unionicola (Arachnida, Unionicolidae) occur more often in species of the genus Anodonta and Pseudanodonta complanata than in species of Unio. The larvae of trematodes Bucephalus polymorphus (Trematoda, Bucephalidae) are more often identified in species of the genus Anodonta. The intensity of invasion of molluscs by the helminth A. conchicola was 1.0–5.6 ind./ind. (Unio – 1.0–3.3, Pseudanodonta – 3.0–5.6, Anodonta – 1.3–4.0 ind.), by the water mites Unionicola – 1–69 ind./ind. (Unio, Pseudanodonta – 1–11, Anodonta – 1–69). Due to the influence of aspidogastreans, the cytoplasmic vacuolization and hypertrophy of the cells of the pericardial epithelium and the layer of connective tissue was observed, which leads to a shrinkage of the upper side of the pericardium. Often, there was a nuclear pyknosis and, with deeper violations, their karyorrhexis and karyolysis. In the layer of connective tissue of pericardium of A. anatina encapsulated larvae of aspidogastereans were found. An increase in the cardiac index was observed in molluscs infested by aspidogastreans: the change in the index was the smallest in U. crassus (at 11.5%) and the largest in U. tumidus (at 54.1–61.0%). Smaller cardiac indexes are typical for molluscs with a lower intensity of infestation by aspidogastreans. Moderate intensity of infestation by this helminth (6–10 ind./ind.) caused an increase in the heart rate in molluscs (18.6–29.6%), high intensity (>10 ind./ind.) caused the decreasing of this indicator (14.5–24.0%). At low intensity of the mite (up to 20 individuals) and invasion of the trematode B. polymorphus (minor infections; part of the reproductive glands, populated by parasites, is less than 50%) the acceleration of ciliary beating and increasing of the duration of ciliary beating of the ciliated epithelium (1.4–2.6 times) were observed in species Anodonta and U. pictorum, at high intensity of invasion the inhibition of beating and reduction of the duration of ciliary beating of the ciliated epithelium in these species (45.9–57.4%) was observed. In the case of the general pathological process in the body of molluscs , the influence of parasites can cause the elimination of individuals with high intensity of infestation , which affects the absolute number and population density of molluscs.
Influence of mineral substances on the synthesis of volatile organic compounds by Pleurotus ostreatus in the process of solid phase cultivation
Authors: Vlasenko E. N. , Kuznetcova O. V. , Stepnevskaya J. V.
Published: February 2018

Mineral substances play an important role in ensuring high-grade growth and high organoleptic quality of the fruit bodies of basidiomycetes. In the process of solid-phase cultivation of the mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.: Fr.) Kumm. the lignocellulosic substrates were enriched with mineral additives of calcium, iron and selenium. Their influence on the synthesis of volatile aroma compounds was investigated by the methods of sensory profile analysis and ultraviolet spectroscopy. Mineral additives in the form of CaCl2, FeSO2•7H2O and Na2SeO3 salts were added to the substrate (sunflower husk, barley straw) before sterilization in concentrations that correspond to the physiological needs of the mushrooms. When carrying out a sensory profile analysis of dried fruit bodies, the following attributes of the flavor were determined: mushroom, woody, sweet, herbaceous, fish, meat, floral, earthy, acidic, putrescent. The conducted profile analysis showed an unequal dependence of the effect of mineral additives for each of the P. ostreatus strains. For IBK-549 and IBK-1535, an increase in the intensity of mushroom notes of aroma was observed with the addition of calcium and selenium to the husks, and for IBK-551, this was observed with the addition of iron and selenium to both substrates. The volatile aroma compounds were extracted with hexane at boiling point for 30 minutes. Absorption spectra were recorded in the wavelength range 200–330 nm. The examined extracts had light absorption maxima at 200–210 and 260–300 nm, which is typical for solutions of unsaturated compounds that have non-conjugated double bonds, saturated and unsaturated aldehydes and ketones. Additions of iron to the substrates increased the intensity of light absorption in comparison with the control. Additions of selenium selectively influenced different strains, and calcium ions did not significantly affect the change in the intensity of light absorption, and therefore the synthesis of volatile compounds by mushrooms. The level of synthesis of aroma-forming substances was higher when cultivating fungi on sunflower husks than on barley straw. This was confirmed both by the obtained aroma profiles and by the recorded absorption spectra of all examined strains. The study showed the possibility of influencing the organoleptic qualities of P. ostreatus fruiting bodies during solid-phase cultivation by supplementing the composition of lignocellulosic substrates with various mineral additives.