bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formal Housing Sector Reform in Neoliberal Nigeria
Authors: Daniel Maren Mallo , Wapwera Samuel Danjuma , Omogor Celina Onugba , Olutunde Eniola Samuel
Published: October 2016

In the past two decades, Nigeria has deployed neoliberal principles in the provision of formal housing. This approach was adopted on the assumption that the implementation of enabling reforms would enhance the role of the private sector and equally promote the development of a formal housing system in Nigeria. This has not occurred; the neoliberal housing approach has brought fewer results than the reform promised. The study therefore aims to explore the agency and actions of Nigerian authorities in response to this neoliberal agenda. To achieve this aim, the following objectives are pursued: The first objective analyses why neoliberalism failed to effectively change the housing market in Nigeria; the second examines the impact of neoliberal restructuring process on housing provision in Nigeria; and the last analyses the success of legislative reform that were carried to support housing provision under Nigeria’s neoliberalism. To achieve these objectives, the paper adopts a documentary method and in accordance with this, a wide range of documentary evidence was collected for a content analysis. The findings of the analysis suggest that economic recession, political instability and changing ideological stances of successive governments affected the consistency of neoliberal reforms. Furthermore, the reforms implemented were seen to be progressive but the events occurred rather slowly, haphazardly and uncoordinated. A time lag is also observed in the reform processes and the sequence of events shows a lack of consideration of the interdependency of legislation and action. This policy review concludes that the neoliberal approach has the potential to improve the delivery of formal housing; however the authorities need to be consistent with the reforms while at the same time aligning legislation and action.
KONSEP MAQASID SYARIAH DALAM PENGURUSAN WAKAF
Authors: Nor Muhamad Nasrul Hisyam , Jaafar Mohd Arafat , Abdullah Muhibbuddin , Nizaludin Nurul Atikah , Salleh Mohd Muslim , Mohd Zin Mohd Muammar
Published: October 2016

This article will clarify the question of the Maqasid Shariah in waqf management. Basically, Islam strongly encourages infaq. One form of infaq is the waqf. An alternative for Muslims to infaq their property to the sabilillah, that is for the benefit of all beings. Allah putting maqasid shariah in every law of shariah. For this purpose, this article will explain on the waqf and its relation to Maqasid Shariah.Keywords: Endowments, Maqasid Shariah, and Waqf Assets
RISE AND FALL OF CIVILIZATION: CAUSES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE QUR’AN
Authors: Mumtaz Ali Muhammad , Muhsin Sayyed Mohamed
Published: October 2016

The Qur’an contains voluminous portrayals about past civilizations with an imperative exploration to their causes of their rise and fall. The Qur’anic methodologies to survey the realities and events are grounded on ethical, empirical, spiritual, moral, universal and people-oriented appearances. Thus, Qur’an’s analysis of past nations differs from the modern Western studies on features of earlier civilizations. From the Qur’anic perspective, the acceptance of True, Authentic and Universal Knowledge [revelation]   is considered as the foundational factor for the realization of civilizational growth. Qur’an identifies and proves that human beings are the instrumental and decisive actors in the building of civilization or its destruction. The statements of the Qur’an underscore that whenever people established unethical attitude and denied spirituality in their life and committed immoral acts, they and their civilizations tasted severe declination. This paper emphasizes that dissemination of “justice, unity and service for good” are three important moral concepts that have been mentioned in the Qur’an as integral to rise and fall of civilization. Keywords: The Qur’an, civilization, ‘true, authentic and universal knowledge’, rise and fall
The Sings of Sufi in Javanese Songs in Kitab Bayan Budiman
Authors: Mulkhan Abdul Munir , Mohd Janan Mifedwil Jandra , Hehsan Aminudin
Published: October 2016

This article discusses the value of Sufism in Javanese songs written down in Kitab Bayan Budiman (the Book of Bayan Budiman) which was until 1980s so popular in the majority of society in the eastern part of East Java province. Different from the story of Bayan Budiman which is written in Malayan language, Javanese songs from this book are delivered orally in Mocopatan tradition which is usually held in family events, such as mitoni (to celebrate someone’s 7 month pregnancy), baby born, and wedding. The cognition of Islam teachings in society grows simultaneously as the Mocopatan tradition itself is getting stronger. The Sufism values developed as part of the people’s life surpass the cognition of Islam teachings gotten from formal school activity. Unfortunately, the songs in this book are no longer sung in Mocopatan as modern technology and schools develop fast. Nevertheless, the values experienced in the people’s life have colored the practice of Islam teaching in their life. Mocopatan tradition has faded away as legal Islamic law approach develops in Islamic education and teaching, so there is more formal attitude toward life. In many cases, the growing trend of legalistic is followed by the fading of the more courteous life. The stride of Sufi has penetrated the cultural boundaries and leaves strong influence in society for an unlimited time, and it also forms a more polite life which is far from conflict and violence. Furthermore, this problem needs to be discussed further in a different research.
Thermal Analysis of Power-Law Fluid Flow in a Circular Microchannel
Authors: Sarabandi Amir-Hossein , Jabari Moghadam Ali
Published: October 2016

The steady-state fully developed laminar flow of non-Newtonian power-law fluids is analytically studied in a circular microchannel under an imposed uniform and constant wall heat flux. Increasing the flow behavior index results in broadening the dimensionless temperature distribution, i.e., in enlarging the wall and bulk fluid temperature difference. Similar behavior may also be observed when heating or cooling flux is reduced. For any particular value of the flow behavior index, a critical Brinkman number exists in which the bulk mean fluid temperature equals the wall temperature; in this special case of surface cooling, the Nusselt number tends to infinity. Dilatants (shear-thickening fluids) demonstrate more tangible reactions than pseudoplastics (shear-thinning fluids) to changes in the Brinkman number. Entropy generation increases with the flow behavior index as well as the Brinkman number. For shear-thickening fluids, the entropy generation rate from heat transfer is more than the entropy generation rate from fluid friction, while an opposite trend is observed for shear-thinning fluids.
Effect of Reynolds Number, Hole Patterns, and Hole Inclination on Cooling Performance of an Impinging Jet Array—Part I: Convective Heat Transfer Results and Optimization
Authors: Li Weihong , Li Xueying , Yang Li , Ren Jing , Jiang Hongde , Ligrani Phillip
Published: October 2016

This study comprehensively illustrates the effect of Reynolds number, hole spacing, jet-to-target distance, and hole inclination on the convective heat transfer performance of an impinging jet array. Spatially resolved target surface heat transfer coefficient distributions are measured using transient liquid crystal (TLC) measurement techniques, over a range of Reynolds numbers from 5000 to 25,000. Considered are effects of streamwise and spanwise jet-to-jet spacing (X/D, Y/D: 4–8) and jet-to-target plate distance (Z/D: 0.75–3). Overall, a test matrix of 36 different configurations is employed. In addition, the effect of hole inclination (θ: 0–40 deg) on the heat transfer coefficient is investigated. Optimal hole spacing arrangements and impingement distance are pointed out to maximize the area-averaged Nusselt number and minimize the amount of cooling air. Also included is a new correlation, based on that of Florschuetz et al., to predict row-averaged Nusselt number. The new correlation is capable to cover low Z/D ∼ 0.75 and presents better prediction of row-averaged Nusselt number, which proves to be an effective impingement design tool.
The Role of Impeller Outflow Conditions on the Performance of Vaned Diffusers
Authors: Everitt Jonathan N. , Spakovszky Zoltán S. , Rusch Daniel , Schiffmann Jürg
Published: October 2016

Highly loaded impellers, typically used in turbocharger and gas turbine applications, exhaust an unsteady, transonic flow that is nonuniform across the span and pitch and swirling at angles approaching tangential. With the exception of the flow angle, conflicting data exist regarding whether these attributes have substantial influence on the performance of the downstream diffuser. This paper quantifies the relative importance of the flow angle, Mach number, nonuniformity, and unsteadiness on diffuser performance, through diffuser experiments in a compressor stage and in a rotating swirling flow test rig. This is combined with steady and unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) computations. The test article is a pressure ratio 5 turbocharger compressor with an airfoil vaned diffuser. The swirling flow rig is able to generate rotor outflow conditions representative of the compressor except for the periodic pitchwise unsteadiness and fits a 0.86 scale diffuser and volute. In both rigs, the time-mean impeller outflow is mapped across a diffuser pitch using miniaturized traversing probes developed for the purpose. Across approximately two-thirds of the stage operating range, diffuser performance is well correlated to the average impeller outflow angle when the metric used is effectiveness, which describes the pressure recovery obtained relative to the maximum possible given the average inflow angle and Mach number and the vane exit metal angle. Utilizing effectiveness captures density changes through the diffuser at higher Mach numbers; a 10% increase in pressure recovery is observed as the inlet Mach number is increased from 0.5 to 1. Further, effectiveness is shown to be largely independent of the time-averaged spanwise and unsteady pitchwise nonuniformity from the rotor; this independence is reflective of the strong mixing processes that occur in the diffuser inlet region. The observed exception is for operating points with high time-averaged vane incidence. Here, it is hypothesized that temporary excursions into high-loss flow regimes cause a nonlinear increase in loss as large unsteady angle variations pass by from the rotor. Given that straight-channel diffuser design charts typically used in preliminary radial vaned diffuser design capture neither streamtube area changes from impeller exit to the diffuser throat nor vane incidence effects, their utility is limited. An alternative approach, utilizing effectiveness and vane leading edge incidence, is proposed.
Materials Factors Influencing the Initiation of Near-Neutral pH SCC on Underground Pipelines
Authors: Beavers John A. , Johnson Joshua T. , Sutherby Robert L.
Published: October 2016

This paper summarizes the results of research, funded by the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA), to determine whether the initiation of near-neutral pH stress corrosion cracking (SCC) could be correlated with pipe metallurgical factors. The factors considered included residual stress, surface roughness, chemical composition, cyclic stress-strain behavior, inclusion properties (number, area, and composition), microhardness, and local galvanic behavior. The project focused on pipes installed from the 1950s through 1970s that exhibit near-neutral-pH SCC. Fourteen pipe samples were examined, ranging in diameter from 8 to 42 inches and grades from X52 to X70.
Stability Analysis of Two-Phase Flows in Pipe-Riser Systems
Authors: Zakarian Erich
Published: October 2016

A differential-algebraic system is presented to model unstable two-phase flows in pipe-riser systems. Equations derive from the space integration of an isothermal drift-flux model assuming quasi-equilibrium momentum balance. A linear analysis of this system gives a new stability criterion for gas-liquid flows in pipe-riser systems. This criterion is validated by laboratory experiments. Then, a nonlinear analysis shows that the severe slugging phenomenon is a hydrodynamic instability coming from a supercritical Hopf bifurcation.
Full Integration of SCADA, Field Control Systems and High Speed Hydraulic Models: Application Pacific Pipeline System
Authors: Mecham Travis , Wilkerson Bruce , Templeton Bryan
Published: October 2016

Recent advances in PLC, SCADA and leak detection system technologies lead to the development of a highly integrated control system. Interconnected with fiber optic communication speeds (OC-1), this level of integration moves away from the historic model of stand-alone field controllers connected over low speed communication links to a centralized control center which, in turn, exchanges data from the host system to stand-alone leak detection processors.

A new system design approach utilized familiar pipeline control elements such as PLC controllers and MODBUS communication protocols in combination with elements more typically associated with an office environment such as Windows NT servers, PC compatible computers, and Ethernet TCP/IP communications networks. These open-architecture components were used to fully develop, debug and test the SCADA system prior to system startup. The pipeline simulator is used as the centerpiece for this process to perform thorough operational validation of the system long before initial linefill. Once the various components were fully tested they were exported to the physical system in an operational state.

The result is nearly seamless control systems supported by high data rates, high model speeds, common databases, and multi-channel communications. The increased level of integration has had dramatic impacts in leak detection, system safety, engineering development, operator training, and overall reliability of the control systems.

The following paper presents a narrative overview of these new developments in the context of an implementation on Pacific Pipeline System (PPS). PPS is a recently constructed and commissioned 209 km (130 mile), 50.8 cm (20″) diameter, hot crude oil pipeline between the southern portion of California’s San Joaquin Valley and refineries in the Los Angeles basin. Following the Interstate 5 corridor over the “Grapevine”, Tejon Pass, Angeles National Forest and through heavily populated areas, this pipeline traverses some of the most environmentally and safety sensitive regions in the United States. The joint federal and state Environmental Impact Report / Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) set high hurdles for leak detection and control system performance. The historic control architecture and technologies were not adequate.

This paper provides an overview of the environmental and physical constraints of the Pacific Pipeline System alignment, hydraulics, pumping and metering equipment, and block valve locations. It also discusses their impact on the design, programming and commissioning of a SCADA system meeting the requirements of the EIR/EIS. The paper then describes in more detail the fiber-optic communication system, control system architecture, SCADA system, leak detection models, simulator models and implementation methods, along with the engineering decisions leading to a comprehensive solution for the SCADA and leak detection requirements.
Walking and the Perception of Neighborhood Attributes Among U.S. Adults—2012
Authors: Paul Prabasaj , Carlson Susan A. , Fulton Janet E.
Published: October 2016

Background:

The association between walking and environmental attributes depends on walking purpose. This study, based on a large survey of U.S. adults, examined the association between perceived neighborhood safety and built environment attributes, and walking for transportation and leisure.

Methods:

Data were obtained on transportation and leisure-time walking, perceived neighborhood safety and built environment attributes, and demographic characteristics from the summer wave of the 2012 ConsumerStyles survey of 3951 U.S. adults. Associations were examined by demographic characteristics.

Results:

Seventy-five percent of respondents reported walking for either transportation (54%) or leisure (56%) in the past week, 59% reported no safety concern, and 36% reported absence of any built environment attribute of walkability nearby. Respondents with more education, and those who lived in metropolitan areas were more likely to report built environment attributes supportive of walking. All built environment attributes examined, as well as safety concern due to speeding vehicles, were associated with walking after adjustment for demographic characteristics.

Conclusion:

Walking, particularly for transportation, is associated with many built environment attributes among U.S. adults. These attributes may be important to consider when designing and modifying the built environment of communities, especially those which are less walkable.
Evaluation of a Shelter-Based Diet and Physical Activity Intervention for Homeless Adults
Authors: Kendzor Darla E. , Allicock Marlyn , Businelle Michael S. , Sandon Lona F. , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Frank Summer G.
Published: October 2016

Background:

The current study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a diet and physical activity intervention for homeless adults.

Methods:

Shelter residents (N = 32) were randomly assigned to a 4-week diet and physical activity intervention (n = 17) or an assessment-only control group (n = 15). Intervention participants received tailored educational newsletters, pedometers with step goals, and twice daily fruit/vegetable snacks. Key measures included 24-hour dietary recall interviews and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA).

Results:

At baseline, 68.8% of participants were overweight or obese, 93.8% reported food insecurity, and 43.8% reported activity levels below physical activity guidelines. Baseline dietary recall interviews indicated low fruit/vegetable consumption, and elevated intake of added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium relative to current dietary recommendations. During the 4-week study period, intervention participants engaged in significantly greater accelerometer-measured daily MVPA (P < .001) than controls (median = 60 daily minutes p vs. 41 daily minutes). Between groups differences in fruit/vegetable consumption at the end of treatment did not reach statistical significance. Most participants reported that the intervention was helpful for increasing fruit/vegetable intake and physical activity.

Conclusions:

Findings highlight the potential to improve dietary quality and increase physical activity among sheltered homeless adults.
Genomic Evolution of Two Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Strains from ST-2 Clones Isolated in 2000 and 2010 (ST-2_clon_2000 and ST-2_clon_2010)
Authors: López M. , Rueda A. , Florido J. P. , Blasco L. , Gato E. , Fernández-García L. , Martínez-Martínez L. , Fernández-Cuenca F. , Pachón J. , Cisneros J. M. , Garnacho-Montero J. , Vila J. , Rodríguez-Baño J. , Pascual A. , Bou G. , Tomás M.
Published: October 2016

Acinetobacter baumannii
is a successful nosocomial pathogen due to its ability to persist in hospital environments by acquiring mobile elements such as transposons, plasmids, and phages. In this study, we compared two genomes of
A. baumannii
clinical strains isolated in 2000 (ST-2_clon_2000) and 2010 (ST-2_clon_2010) from GenBank project PRJNA308422.
Paleo-Asian oceanic slab under the North China craton revealed by carbonatites derived from subducted limestones
Authors: Chen Chunfei , Liu Yongsheng , Foley Stephen F. , Ducea Mihai N. , He Detao , Hu Zhaochu , Chen Wei , Zong Keqing
Published: October 2016

It is widely accepted that the lithospheric mantle under the North China craton (NCC) has undergone comprehensive refertilization due to input from surrounding subducted slabs. However, the possible contribution from the Paleo-Asian oceanic slab to the north is poorly constrained, largely because of the lack of convincing evidence for the existence of this slab under the NCC. We report here carbonatite intruding Neogene alkali basalts in the Hannuoba region, close to the northern margin of the NCC. Trace element patterns with positive Sr and U anomalies, negative high field strength elements (Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, and Ti) and Ce anomalies, high 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70522-0.70796), and high δ18OSMOW (standard mean ocean water) values (22.2‰–23‰) indicate that this carbonatite had a limestone precursor. However, the presence of coarse-grained mantle-derived clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, and olivine, and chemical features of the carbonates suggest that the carbonate melts were derived from the mantle. The carbonates have high 143Nd/144Nd ratios (0.51282-0.51298) and show negative correlation between CaO and Ni contents, resulting from reaction between carbonate melt and peridotite. Considering the regional tectonic setting, the carbonatite probably formed by melting of subducted sedimentary carbonate rocks that formed part of the Paleo-Asian oceanic slab, and thus could provide the first direct evidence for the presence of the Paleo-Asian oceanic slab beneath the NCC.
Piperacillin-induced mild haemolytic anaemia in a 44-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Meinus Carolin , Schwarz Carsten , Mayer Beate , Roehmel J F
Published: October 2016

Piperacillin–tazobactam is an antipseudomonal antibiotic frequently used in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) to treat pulmonary exacerbations. Drug-induced immune haemolytic anaemia is a rare complication during treatment with piperacillin. So far, piperacillin-induced immune haemolytic anaemia (PIHA) is regarded as an acute and severe haemolytic anaemia resulting into life-threatening events. Here we report on a patient with mild PIHA, which did not result in any clinical symptoms or necessity for treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of PIHA without an acute severe haemolytic anaemia. Further research is needed to clarify if this case is a solitary clinical manifestation of PIHA or if mild clinical courses of PIHA might be under-reported. Cases of PIHA have been largely reported in patients with CF. This unequal distribution maybe due to the frequent administration of piperacillin for pulmonary exacerbation in patients with CF or due to CF-related cofactors of yet unknown aetiology.
Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in a patient of Egyptian background
Authors: Yoshida Rie , Ruge Bobby
Published: October 2016

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetically inherited condition in European-derived populations. However, it is being increasingly recognised in other populations, including people of Asian, Black African and Caribbean descent. We present a case detailing the diagnosis of CF in a 12-year-old patient of Egyptian background who had been treated for difficult asthma. In doing so, we aim to highlight the importance of considering CF in all patients, regardless of ethnicity.
Hamstring injuries in elite Gaelic football: an 8-year investigation to identify injury rates, time-loss patterns and players at increased risk
Authors: Roe Mark , Murphy John C , Gissane Conor , Blake Catherine
Published: October 2016

Background

Hamstring injuries occur frequently in field sports, yet longitudinal information to guide prevention programmes is missing.

Aim

Investigate longitudinal hamstring injury rates and associated time loss in elite Gaelic football, while identifying subgroups of players at increased risk.

Methods

38 data sets from 15 elite male Gaelic football teams were received by the National Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Injury Surveillance Database between 2008 and 2015. Injury and exposure data were provided by the team's medical staff via an online platform.

Results

391 hamstring injuries were sustained accounting for 21% (95% CI 20.0% to 21.7%) of all injuries. Prevalence was 21% (95% CI 19.2% to 23.4%). Incidences were 2.2 (95% CI 1.9 to 2.4) per 1000 exposure hours, and 7.0 (95% CI 6.5 to 7.1) times greater in match play than in training. Typically each team sustained 9.0 (95% CI 7.0 to 11.0) hamstring injuries per season affecting the: bicep femoris belly (44%; 95% CI 39.4% to 48.7%); proximal musculotendinous junction (13%; 95% CI 9.8% to 16.3%); distal musculotendinous junction (12%; 95% CI 8.6% to 14.9%) and semimembranosis/semitendinosis belly (9%; 95% CI 6.3% to 11.7%). ∼36% (95% CI 31.5% to 41.0%) were recurrent injuries. Mean time loss was 26.0 (95% CI 21.1 to 33.0) days, which varied with age, injury type and seasonal cycle. Hamstring injuries accounted for 31% (95% CI 25.8% to 38.2%) of injury-related time loss. Previously injured players (rate ratio (RR)=3.3), players aged 18–20 years (IRR=2.3) or >30 years (RR=2.3), as well as defensive (IRR=2.0) and midfield players (RR=1.5), were most at risk of sustaining a hamstring injury. Comparisons of 2008–2011 with 2012–2015 seasons revealed a 2-fold increase in hamstring injury incidences. Between 2008 and 2015 training incidence increased 2.3-fold and match-play incidences increased 1.3-fold.

Conclusions

Hamstring injuries are the most frequent injury in elite Gaelic football, with incidences increasing from 2008–2011 to 2012–2015. Tailoring risk management strategies to injury history, age and playing position may reduce the burden of hamstring injuries.
National complicated acute diverticulitis (CADS) study: a protocol for a prospective observational scoping study for acute diverticulitis
Authors: Shaikh Shafaque
Published: October 2016

Background

Diverticular disease is a widely prevalent disease in western society, and acute diverticulitis is a common acute surgical presentation. However, there is a lack of level 1 evidence addressing the multifaceted presentations associated with acute diverticulitis. There is also a lack of robust epidemiological data that could be used to meaningfully inform randomised controlled trials. The National CADS project aims to generate baseline data for a cohort of patients managed for clinically suspected acute diverticulitis and evaluate the impact of variability in the management approach on patient outcomes in the short (3 months) and long (2 years) term.

Method

A Unit policy questionnaire will be completed by the principal investigator from all participating centres prior to study initiation. All patients aged above 18 years admitted with clinical suspicion of acute diverticulitis will be included from UK hospitals providing acute surgical care. Demographic, clinical, inpatient stay and outpatient follow-up data will be collected for index admissions between July and September 2014, 3 months follow-up and finally a 2-year follow-up.

Results

The study attracted participation from 108 centres nationally and has so far generated data on 2500 patients admitted between 1 July 2014 and 30 September 2014. Short-term follow-up data have been obtained for this cohort.

Conclusions

The National CADS study is currently ongoing with the long-term outcomes data anticipated to be submitted in autumn of 2016.
The role of volume-load in strength and absolute endurance adaptations in adolescent’s performing high- or low-load resistance training
Authors: Steele James , Fisher James P. , Assunção Ari R. , Bottaro Martim , Gentil Paulo
Published: October 2016

This study compared high- (HL) and low-load (LL) resistance training (RT) on strength, absolute endurance, volume-load, and their relationships in untrained adolescents. Thirty-three untrained adolescents of both sexes (males, n = 17; females, n = 16; 14 ± 1 years) were randomly assigned into either (i) HL (n = 17): performing 3 sets of 4–6 repetitions to momentary concentric failure; or (ii) LL (n = 16): performing 2 sets of 12–15 repetitions to momentary concentric failure. RT was performed for 2×/week for 9 weeks. Change in maximum strength (1 repetition maximum) and absolute muscular endurance for barbell bench press was assessed. Weekly volume-load was calculated as sets (n) × repetitions (n) × load (kg). Ninety-five percent confidence intervals (CIs) revealed that both groups significantly increased in strength and absolute endurance with large effect sizes (d = 1.51–1.66). There were no between-group differences for change in strength or absolute endurance. Ninety-five percent CIs revealed that both groups significantly increased in weekly volume-load with large effect sizes (HL = 1.66, LL = 1.02). There were no between-group differences for change in volume-load though average weekly volume-load was significantly greater for LL (p < 0.001). Significant Pearson’s correlations were found for the HL group between average weekly volume-load and both strength (r = 0.650, p = 0.005) and absolute endurance (r = 0.552, p = 0.022) increases. Strength and absolute endurance increases do not differ between HL and LL conditions in adolescents when performed to momentary concentric failure. Under HL conditions greater weekly volume-load is associated with greater strength and absolute endurance increases.
Comparison of carbon and nitrogen storage in mineral soils of graminoid and shrub tundra sites, western Greenland
Authors: Petrenko Chelsea L. , Bradley-Cook Julia , Lacroix Emily M. , Friedland Andrew J. , Virginia Ross A.
Published: October 2016

Shrub species are expanding across the Arctic in response to climate change and biotic interactions. Changes in belowground carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage are of global importance because Arctic soils store approximately half of global soil C. We collected 10 (60 cm) soil cores each from graminoid- and shrub-dominated soils in western Greenland and determined soil texture, pH, C and N pools, and C:N ratios by depth for the mineral soil. To investigate the relative chemical stability of soil C between vegetation types, we employed a novel sequential extraction method for measuring organo-mineral C pools of increasing bond strength. We found that (i) mineral soil C and N storage was significantly greater under graminoids than shrubs (29.0 ± 1.8 versus 22.5 ± 3.0 kg·C·m−2 and 1.9 ± .12 versus 1.4 ± 1.9 kg·N·m−2), (ii) chemical mechanisms of C storage in the organo-mineral soil fraction did not differ between graminoid and shrub soils, and (iii) weak adsorption to mineral surfaces accounted for 40%–60% of C storage in organo-mineral fractions — a pool that is relatively sensitive to environmental disturbance. Differences in these C pools suggest that rates of C accumulation and retention differ by vegetation type, which could have implications for predicting future soil C pool storage.
Effect of Bacoside A on growth and biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Parai Debaprasad , Islam Ekramul , Mitra Jayati , Mukherjee Samir Kumar
Published: October 2016

The goal of this study was to evaluate the antibiofilm and antimicrobial activities of Bacoside A, a formulation of phytochemicals from Bacopa monnieri, against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are known to form biofilms as one of their virulence traits. The antimicrobial effects of Bacoside A were tested using the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration assays. A cell membrane disruption assay was performed to find its possible target site. MTT assay, crystal violet assay, and microscopic studies were performed to assess the antibiofilm activity. Bacoside A showed antimicrobial activity against both test organisms in their planktonic and biofilm states. At a subminimum inhibitory concentration of 200 μg·mL−1, Bacoside A significantly removed ∼88%–93% of bacterial biofilm developed on microtiter plates. Biochemical and microscopic studies suggested that the eradication of biofilm might be due to the loss of extracellular polymeric substances and to a change in cell membrane integrity of the selected bacterial strains treated with Bacoside A. These results indicate that Bacoside A might be considered as an antimicrobial having the ability to disrupt biofilms. Thus, either alone or in combination with other therapeutics, Bacoside A could be useful to treat biofilm-related infections caused by opportunistic bacterial pathogens.
Notes on topological insulators
Authors: Kaufmann Ralph M. , Li Dan , Wehefritz-Kaufmann Birgit
Published: October 2016

This paper is a survey of the [Formula: see text]-valued invariant of topological insulators used in condensed matter physics. The [Formula: see text]-valued topological invariant, which was originally called the TKNN invariant in physics, has now been fully understood as the first Chern number. The [Formula: see text] invariant is more mysterious; we will explain its equivalent descriptions from different points of view and provide the relations between them. These invariants provide the classification of topological insulators with different symmetries in which K-theory plays an important role. Moreover, we establish that both invariants are realizations of index theorems which can also be understood in terms of condensed matter physics.
White holes as the asymptotic limit of evaporating primordial black holes
Authors: Lee Jeffrey S. , Cleaver Gerald B.
Published: October 2016

This paper examines the interaction of an intense fermion field with all of the particle species of an attometer primordial black hole’s (PBH) high energy Hawking radiation spectrum. By extrapolating to Planck-sized PBHs, it is shown that although Planck-sized PBHs closely simulate the zero absorption requirement of white holes, the absorption probability is not truly zero, and therefore, thermodynamically, Planck-sized primordial black holes are not true white holes.
Early Work on Defect Driven Phase Transitions
Authors: Kosterlitz J. Michael , Thouless David J.
Published: October 2016

This article summarizes the early history of the theory of phase transitions driven by topological defects, such as vortices in superfluid helium films or dislocations and disclinations in two-dimensional solids. We start with a review of our two earliest papers, pointing out their errors and omissions as well as their insights. We then describe the work, partly done by Kosterlitz but mostly done by other people, which corrected these oversights, and applied these ideas to experimental systems, and to numerical and experimental simulations.
Some polynomial invariants of virtual links via a parity
Authors: Im Young Ho , Kim Sera , Il Park Kyoung
Published: October 2016

We introduce the even index polynomial of virtual link diagrams and some even state sum polynomials which are the even Jones–Kauffman, even Miyazawa and even arrow polynomials. By simple computation, we can distinguish virtual links with these even polynomial invariants. Also, we give examples so that these invariants are different from the original ones.
Various types of holographic metal/superconductor phase transitions with dark matter sector
Authors: Peng Yan , Chen Tao , Liu Guohua , Ma Pengwei
Published: October 2016

We generalize the holographic superconductor model with dark matter sector by including the Stückelberg mechanism in the four-dimensional anti-de Sitter (AdS) black hole background away from the probe limit. We study effects of the dark matter sector on the [Formula: see text]-wave scalar condensation and find that the dark matter sector affects the critical phase transition temperature and also the order of phase transitions. At last, we conclude that the dark matter sector brings richer physics in this general metal/superconductor system.
Preface
Authors: Oriols X.
Published: October 2016

This paper is an introduction to the eleven works of the special issue on Quantum and Classical Frontiers of Noise. The weather, and its butterfly effect, is the typical example that explain why many natural phenomena are, in fact, not predictable with certainty. Noise in classical or quantum phenomena, understood as the difference between the empirical output of an experiment and its statistical prediction, is a measure of such uncertainty. One of the great contributions of noise appeared in 1905 when Einstein showed how the noisy (Brownian) motion of a dust particle seen in a microscope provided uncontroversial evidences on the existence of the (unseen) atoms. The aim of this special issue is to provoke discussions on how noise can help us to better understand (the reality behind) classical and quantum theories, and the frontier between them.
Origin of Shot Noise in Mesoscopic Cavities
Authors: Macucci M. , Marconcini P.
Published: October 2016

We discuss several aspects of shot noise suppression in mesoscopic cavities, focusing on the so-called “quantum to classical” crossover that can be induced by an increase of the width of the constrictions defining the cavity, an increase in the energy of the injected electrons or the application of a magnetic field. After reviewing the relevant literature, we present some results of our numerical simulations, and point out an alternative explanation of the observed shot noise suppression and the reasons why several statements that can be found in the literature are debatable. Overall, we point out how shot noise behavior in mesoscopic cavities can be explained without any need for classically chaotic dynamics and only on the basis of quantum chaos resulting from diffraction at the constrictions.
Rings all of whose prime serial modules are serial
Authors: Behboodi M. , Fazelpour Z. , Vedadi M. R.
Published: October 2016

It is well known that the concept of left serial ring is a Morita invariant property and a theorem due to Nakayama and Skornyakov states that “for a ring [Formula: see text], all left [Formula: see text]-modules are serial if and only if [Formula: see text] is an Artinian serial ring”. Most recently the notions of “prime uniserial modules” and “prime serial modules” have been introduced and studied by Behboodi and Fazelpour in [Prime uniserial modules and rings, submitted; Noetherian rings whose modules are prime serial, Algebras and Represent. Theory 19(4) (2016) 11 pp]. An [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] is called prime uniserial ( [Formula: see text]-uniserial) if its prime submodules are linearly ordered with respect to inclusion, and an [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] is called prime serial ( [Formula: see text]-serial) if [Formula: see text] is a direct sum of [Formula: see text]-uniserial modules. In this paper, it is shown that the [Formula: see text]-serial property is a Morita invariant property. Also, we study what happens if, in the above Nakayama–Skornyakov Theorem, instead of considering rings for which all modules are serial, we consider rings for which every [Formula: see text]-serial module is serial. Let [Formula: see text] be Morita equivalent to a commutative ring [Formula: see text]. It is shown that every [Formula: see text]-uniserial left [Formula: see text]-module is uniserial if and only if [Formula: see text] is a zero-dimensional arithmetic ring with [Formula: see text] T-nilpotent. Moreover, if [Formula: see text] is Noetherian, then every [Formula: see text]-serial left [Formula: see text]-module is serial if and only if [Formula: see text] is serial ring with dim[Formula: see text].
Further results on central Armendariz rings
Authors: Chen Weixing
Published: October 2016

A ring [Formula: see text] is central Armendariz if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] satisfy [Formula: see text] then all [Formula: see text] are central. It is proved that if [Formula: see text] is a central Armendariz ring, then [Formula: see text] implies that all [Formula: see text] are in its prime radical.
Data Mining on ICU Mortality Prediction Using Early Temporal Data: A Survey
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Zhang Yuanjian , Zhang Peng , Mahmood Azhar , Li Yu , Khatoon Shaheen
Published: October 2016

Predicting mortality rate for the patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is an active topic in medical domain for decades. The main goal of mortality prediction is to achieve satisfied discrimination and calibration. However, the particular features of the patient records such as high-dimension, irregular, and imbalance nature of ICU data makes prediction challenging. Data mining is gaining an ever-increasing popularity in predicting mortality of ICU patients recently, a comprehensive literature review of the subject has yet to be carried out. This study presented a review of and classification scheme for the past research as well as latest progress and their limitations on application of data mining techniques for predicting ICU mortality. Based on limitations, a hybrid framework combined with intrinsic property of ICU data to improve prediction performance is proposed for future research.
Reliable Intervals Method in Decision-Based Support Models for Group Decision-Making
Authors: López-Morales Virgilio , Suárez-Cansino Joel
Published: October 2016

In this paper, a methodology to derive reliable intervals for multiplicative preference relations (or pairwise comparison matrices) satisfying consistency and consensus indexes is introduced. Our approach is proposed via a combination of numerical algorithms and a nonlinear optimization algorithm. A synthesis of reliable intervals is achieved, where group decision makers show evidence of these intervals to express flexibility in the manner of their preferences, while accomplishing some a priori decision targets, rules and advice given by their current framework. The algorithms are applied to some examples in order to illustrate our results and compare them with other methodologies.
Mechanisms for the deamination reaction of 8-oxoguanine catalyzed by 8-oxoguanine deaminase: A combined QM/MM molecular dynamics study
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhao Yuan , Duan Xinli , Zhang Hui N. , Cao Zexing , Mo Yirong
Published: October 2016

The deamination reaction of 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) catalyzed by 8-oxoguanine deaminase (8-oxoGD) plays a critically important role in the DNA repair activity for oxidative damage. In order to elucidate the complete enzymatic catalysis mechanism at the stages of 8-oxoguanine binding, departure of 2-hydroxy-1H-purine-6,8(7H,9H)-dione from the active site, and formation of 8-oxoxanthine, extensive combined QM(PM3)/MM molecular dynamics simulations have been performed. Computations show that the rate-limiting step corresponds to the nucleophilic attack from zinc-coordinate hydroxide group to free 8-oxoguanine. Through conformational analyses, we demonstrate that Trp115, Trp123 and Leu119 connect to O8@8-oxoguanine with hydrogen bonds, and we suggest that mutations of tryptophan (115 and 123) to histidine or phenylalanine and mutation of leucine (119) to alanine could potentially lead to a mutant with enhanced activity. On this ground, a proton transfer mechanism for the formation of 8-oxoxanthine was further discussed. Both Glu218 and water molecule could be used as proton shuttles, and water molecule plays a major role in proton transfer in substrate. On the other hand, comparative simulations on the deamination of guanine and isocytosine reveal that, for the helping of hydrogen bonds between O8@8-oxoguanine and enzyme, O8@8-oxoguanine is the fastest to be deaminated among the three substrates which are also supported by the experimental kinetic constants.
C∗-algebra consisting of all g-Bessel sequences in a Hilbert space
Authors: Chen Z. L. , Cao H. X. , Guo Z. H.
Published: October 2016

For Hilbert spaces [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we use the notations [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to denote the sets of all [Formula: see text]-Bessel sequences, [Formula: see text]-frames and Riesz bases in [Formula: see text] with respect to [Formula: see text], respectively. By defining a linear operation and a norm, we prove that [Formula: see text] becomes a Banach space and is isometrically isomorphic to the operator space [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text]. In light of operator theory, it is proved that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are open sets in [Formula: see text]. This implies that both [Formula: see text]-frames and Riesz bases are stable under a small perturbation. By introducing a linear bijection [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text] onto the [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text], a multiplication and an involution on the Banach space [Formula: see text] are defined so that [Formula: see text] becomes a unital [Formula: see text]-algebra that is isometrically isomorphic to the [Formula: see text]-algebra [Formula: see text], provided that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are isomorphic.
The detour domination number of a graph
Authors: John J. , Arianayagam N.
Published: October 2016

For a connected graph [Formula: see text], a set [Formula: see text] is called a detour dominating set of [Formula: see text], if [Formula: see text] is a detour set and dominating set of [Formula: see text]. The detour domination number [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is the minimum order of its detour dominating sets and any detour dominating set of order [Formula: see text] is called a [Formula: see text] - set of [Formula: see text]. The detour domination numbers of some standard graphs are determined. Connected graph of order [Formula: see text] with detour domination number [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] is characterized. For positive integers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], there exists a connected graph with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
MITIGATION COST AND CLIMATE DAMAGE VERSUS INCENTIVE SHIFTS OF CLIMATE COALITION
Authors: YANG ZILI
Published: October 2016

Climate damage and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation cost plays important roles in a region’s willingness and incentives to join the global climate coalition. Negotiation of climate treaty can be modeled as a cooperative bargaining game of externality provision. The core of this game is a good representation of incentives of the participants. In this paper, we examine the relationship between the shocks of mitigation cost/climate damage and the shifts of the core of cooperative bargaining game of climate negotiation within the framework of RICE [Nordhaus and Yang, 1996. A regional dynamic general equilibrium model of alternative climate change strategies. American Economic Review, 86, 741–765], a widely used integrated assessment model (IAM) of climate change. Constructing a method that maps the core allocations onto a convex hull on the simplex of social welfare weights, we describe the scope of the core in simple metrics and capture the shifts of the core representation on the simplex in response to the shocks of mitigation cost and climate damage. A series of simulations are conducted in RICE to demonstrate the usefulness of the approach explored here. In addition, policy implications of methodological results are indicated.