bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vague Sets Security Measure for Steganographic System Based on High-Order Markov Model
Authors: Ouyang Chun-Juan , Leng Ming , Xia Jie-Wu , Liu Huan
Published: August 2017

Security measure is of great importance in both steganography and steganalysis. Considering that statistical feature perturbations caused by steganography in an image are always nondeterministic and that an image is considered nonstationary, in this paper, the steganography is regarded as a fuzzy process. Here a steganographic security measure is proposed. This security measure evaluates the similarity between two vague sets of cover images and stego images in terms of n-order Markov chain to capture the interpixel correlation. The new security measure has proven to have the properties of boundedness, commutativity, and unity. Furthermore, the security measures of zero order, first order, second order, third order, and so forth are obtained by adjusting the order value of n-order Markov chain. Experimental results indicate that the larger n is, the better the measuring ability of the proposed security measure will be. The proposed security measure is more sensitive than other security measures defined under a deterministic distribution model, when the embedding is low. It is expected to provide a helpful guidance for designing secure steganographic algorithms or reliable steganalytic methods.
Nonstationary and Chaotic Dynamics in Age-Structured Population Models
Authors: Wikan Arild , Kristensen Ørjan
Published: August 2017

The dynamics from nonlinear discrete age-structured population models is under consideration. Focus is on bifurcations, as well as nonstationary and chaotic dynamics. We also explore different mechanisms which may lead to periodic phenomena. Some new results are also presented, in particular from models where both fecundity and survival terms contain nonlinear elements.
Thickness of Extraocular Muscle and Orbital Fat in MRI Predicts Response to Glucocorticoid Therapy in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Xu Lingling , Li Linna , Xie Cuihua , Guan Meiping , Xue Yaoming
Published: August 2017

33 patients with active, moderate-severe Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) received 4.5 g methylprednisolone for 12 weeks and were divided by efficacy into two groups (responsive and unresponsive). All patients and 10 controls underwent orbital MRI examination at baseline. No significant difference was seen in baseline clinical characteristics between the two GO groups. The values of exophthalmos were higher in both GO groups than in the control and were higher in the responsive group versus the unresponsive group. Compared to the unresponsive group, the responsive group had a thicker inferior rectus as well as thinner orbital fat. The inferior rectus/fat ratio was significantly higher in the responsive group versus the unresponsive group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the exophthalmos value and inferior rectus/fat ratio were significantly associated with the response to glucocorticoid (GC). ROC analysis revealed that the cut-off points of the inferior rectus/fat ratio combined with the exophthalmos value to indicate efficacy were 1.42 and 20.78. For moderate-severe GO patients with CAS > 3, the combined inferior rectus/fat ratio and exophthalmos value in MRI may be a valuable indicator to predict the response to GC therapy.
Optimization of Roller Velocity for Quenching Machine Based on Heat Transfer Mathematical Model
Authors: He Yunfeng , Zhang Jingkui , Dong Hua , Mu Yongqiang
Published: August 2017

During quenching process of steel plate, control parameters are important to product quality. In this work, heat transfer mathematical model has been developed for roller‐type quenching machine to predict the temperature field of plate at first, and then an optimization schedule considering quenching technology and equipment limitations is developed firstly based on the heat transfer mathematical model with considering the shortest quenching time. A numerical simulation is performed during optimization process to investigate the effects of roller velocity on the temperature of representative plate. Based on the optimization method, study is also performed for different thickness of plate to obtain the corresponding roller velocity. The results show that the optimized roller velocity can be achieved for the roller‐type continuous quenching machine based on the heat transfer mathematical model. With the increasing of plate’s thickness, the optimized roller velocity decreases exponentially.
Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Is Complementary to Albuminuria in Diagnosis of Early-Stage Diabetic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gala-Błądzińska Agnieszka , Dumnicka Paulina , Kuśnierz-Cabala Beata , Rybak Katarzyna , Drożdż Ryszard , Żyłka Agnieszka , Kuźniewski Marek
Published: August 2017

Background. Two clinical phenotypes of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) have been reported, that is, with or without increased albuminuria. The aim of study was to assess the usefulness of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) for the early diagnosis of DKD in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods. The study group consisted of 123 patients with T2DM (mean age 62 ± 14 years), with urine albumin/creatinine ratio (uACR) < 300 mg/g and eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. The control group included 22 nondiabetic patients with comparable age, sex, and comorbidities. uNGAL, albumin, and creatinine were measured in the first morning urine samples. uACR and uNGAL/creatinine ratios (uNCR) were calculated. Results. In the control group, maximum uNCR was 39.64 µg/g. In T2DM group, 24 patients (20%) had higher results, with the maximum value of 378.6 µg/g. Among patients with uNCR > 39.64 µg/g, 13 (54%) did not have markedly increased albuminuria. Women with T2DM had higher uNCR than men (p<0.001), without difference in uACR (p=0.09). uNCR in T2DM patients correlated significantly with HbA1c. Sex, total cholesterol, and uACR were independent predictors of uNCR above 39.64 µg/g. Conclusions. Increased uNGAL and uNCR may indicate early tubular damage, associated with dyslipidemia and worse diabetes control, especially in females with T2DM.
Opportunities to Learn for Teachers’ Self‐Efficacy and Enthusiasm
Authors: Mahler Daniela , Großschedl Jörg , Harms Ute
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to identify opportunities to learn for teachers’ motivational orientations. Motivational orientations are relevant characteristics of psychological functioning, which are important for the behavior of a teacher and mandatory for effective teaching. We focus on three domains: self‐efficacy, subject‐specific enthusiasm, and enthusiasm for teaching the subject. Self‐efficacy covers the belief of an individual that he or she is capable of performing required behaviors to produce a desired outcome. Teacher enthusiasm is an affective teacher orientation that is related to a specific subject and to teaching this specific subject. Different opportunities to learn are considered for teachers’ motivational orientations. Since teacher education particularly focuses on the acquisition of professional knowledge, we added a further exploratory focus to the study and investigated the relationships between motivational orientations and professional knowledge (content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge). 134 biology teachers participated in the study. The results reveal that teacher education at university, the attendance in professional development courses, and self‐study provide opportunities to learn for self‐efficacy and enthusiasm for teaching the subject. Moreover, we found self‐efficacy and subject‐specific enthusiasm to be positively related to pedagogical content knowledge.
Analyzing Menton Deviation in Posteroanterior Cephalogram in Early Detection of Temporomandibular Disorder
Authors: Boel Trelia , Sofyanti Ervina , Sufarnap Erliera
Published: August 2017

Introduction. Some clinicians believed that mandibular deviation leads to facial asymmetry and it also had a correlation with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Posteroanterior (PA) cephalogram was widely reported as a regular record in treating facial asymmetry and craniofacial anomalies. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship of menton deviation in PA cephalogram with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) symptoms. Materials and Methods. TMJ function was initially screened based on TMD-DI questionnaire. PA cephalogram of volunteer subjects with TMDs (n=37) and without TMDs (n=33) with mean age of 21.61±2.08 years was taken. The menton deviation was measured by the distance (mm) from menton point to midsagittal reference (MSR) horizontally, using software digitized measurement, and categorized as asymmetric if the value is greater than 3 mm. The prevalence and difference of menton deviation in both groups were evaluated by unpaired t-test. Result. The prevalence of symmetry group showed that 65.9% had no TMDs with mean of 1,815 ± 0,71 mm; in contrast, the prevalence of asymmetry group showed that 95.5% reported TMDs with mean of 3,159 ± 1,053 mm. There was a significant difference of menton deviation to TMDs (p=0.000) in subjects with and without TMDs. Conclusion. There was a significant relationship of menton deviation in PA cephalogram with TMDs based on TMD-DI index.
Optical Coherence Tomography Observation of Gonio Structures during Microhook Ab Interno Trabeculotomy
Authors: Tanito Masaki
Published: August 2017

Introduction. Intraoperative observation of ocular structures using microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (iOCT) has been adopted recently. I report my initial feasibility assessment of iOCT for the incised trabecular meshwork observation during microhook ab interno trabeculotomy. Case Series. Both the nasal and temporal sides or either side of the trabecular meshwork/inner wall of Schlemm’s canal was incised more than 3 clock hours. After then, under observation using a Swan-Jacob gonioprism lens with the real-time 5-line scan mode, OCT images of the area were successfully acquired in 10 (83%) of 12 sides in nine eyes. Based on the appearance of the acquired images of the 10 sides, the trabeculotomy cleft could be classified into three incisional patterns, that is, six (60%) anterior-opening patterns (posterior-based flap), three (30%) middle-opening patterns (posterior- and anterior-based flaps), and one (10%) posterior-opening pattern (anterior-based flap), according to the predominant locations of the trabecular meshwork flaps. Conclusion. Intraoperative observation of the gonio structures including the trabeculotomy cleft was feasible using the RESCAN 700 in combination with a gonioprism.
Mapping QTL for Root and Shoot Morphological Traits in a Durum Wheat × T. dicoccumSegregating Population at Seedling Stage
Authors: Iannucci Anna , Marone Daniela , Russo Maria Anna , De Vita Pasquale , Miullo Vito , Ferragonio Pina , Blanco Antonio , Gadaleta Agata , Mastrangelo Anna Maria
Published: August 2017

A segregating population of 136 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between the durum wheat cv. “Simeto” and theT. dicoccumaccession “Molise Colli” was grown in soil and evaluated for a number of shoot and root morphological traits. A total of 17 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified for shoot dry weight, number of culms, and plant height and for root dry weight, volume, length, surface area, and number of forks and tips, on chromosomes 1B, 2A, 3A, 4B, 5B, 6A, 6B, and 7B. LODs were 2.1 to 21.6, with percent of explained phenotypic variability between 0.07 and 52. Three QTL were mapped to chromosome 4B, one of which corresponds to theRht-B1locus and has a large impact on both shoot and root traits (LOD 21.6). Other QTL that have specific effects on root morphological traits were also identified. Moreover, meta-QTL analysis was performed to compare the QTL identified in the “Simeto” × “Molise Colli” segregating population with those described in previous studies in wheat, with three novel QTL defined. Due to the complexity of phenotyping for root traits, further studies will be helpful to validate these regions as targets for breeding programs for optimization of root function for field performance.
Acute Heart Failure Exacerbation with Cardiogenic Shock and Elevated Systemic Vascular Resistance Treated with a Combination of Nicardipine and Dobutamine Therapy
Authors: Issac Lydia E. , Fugar Setri , Yamani Naser , Mohamedali Burhan
Published: August 2017

Acute heart failure is a common reason for hospital admission and is usually caused by decreased cardiac output either as a result of an intrinsic cardiac issue or as a result of severe hypertension with elevated afterload. We present a patient with a history of HFrEF who presented with acute heart failure, found to have hypotension requiring Dobutamine support and an elevated systemic vascular resistance requiring Nicardipine drip, with subsequent recovery of cardiac function.
The LymphotoxinβReceptor Is Essential for Upregulation of IFN-Induced Guanylate-Binding Proteins and Survival afterToxoplasma gondiiInfection
Authors: Behnke Kristina , Sorg Ursula R. , Gabbert Helmut E. , Pfeffer Klaus
Published: August 2017

Lymphotoxinβreceptor (LTβR) signaling plays an important role in efficient initiation of host responses to a variety of pathogens, encompassing viruses, bacteria, and protozoans via induction of the type I interferon response. The present study reveals that afterToxoplasma gondiiinfection, LTβR−/−mice show a substantially reduced survival rate when compared to wild-type mice. LTβR−/−mice exhibit an increased parasite load and a more pronounced organ pathology. Also, a delayed increase of serum IL-12p40 and a failure of the protective IFNγresponse in LTβR−/−mice were observed. Serum NO levels in LTβR−/−animals rose later and were markedly decreased compared to wild-type animals. At the transcriptional level, LTβR−/−animals exhibited a deregulated expression profile of several cytokines known to play a role in activation of innate immunity inT. gondiiinfection. Importantly, expression of the IFNγ-regulated murine guanylate-binding protein (mGBP) genes was virtually absent in the lungs of LTβR−/−mice. This demonstrates clearly that the LTβR is essential for the induction of a type II IFN-mediated immune response againstT. gondii. The pronounced inability to effectively upregulate host defense effector molecules such as GBPs explains the high mortality rates of LTβR−/−animals afterT. gondiiinfection.
Quasi‐Closeness: A Toolkit for Social Network Applications Involving Indirect Connections
Authors: Yin Yugang , Liu Yahui
Published: August 2017

We come up with a punishment in the form of exponential decay for the number of vertices that a path passes through, which is able to reconcile the contradictory effects of geodesic length and edge weights. This core thought is the key to handling three typical applications; that is, given an information demander, he may be faced with the following problems: choosing optimal route to contact the single supplier, picking out the best supplier between multiple candidates, and calculating his point centrality, which involves indirect connections. Accordingly, three concrete solutions in one logic thread are proposed. Firstly, by adding a constraint to Dijkstra algorithm, we limit our candidates for optimal route to the sample space of geodesics. Secondly, we come up with a unified standard for the comparison between adjacent and nonadjacent vertices. Through punishment in the form of exponential decay, the attenuation effect caused by the number of vertices that a path passes through has been offset. Then the adjacent vertices and punished nonadjacent vertices can be compared directly. At last, an unprecedented centrality index, quasi‐closeness, is ready to come out, with direct and indirect connections being summed up.
Location Privacy Leakage through Sensory Data
Authors: Liang Yi , Cai Zhipeng , Han Qilong , Li Yingshu
Published: August 2017

Mobile devices bring benefits as well as the risk of exposing users’ location information, as some embedded sensors can be accessed without users’ permission and awareness. In this paper, we show that, only by using the data collected from the embedded sensors in mobile devices instead of GPS data, we can infer a user’s location information with high accuracy. Three issues are addressed which are route identification, user localization in a specific route, and user localization in a bounded area. The Dynamic Time Warping based technique is designed and we develop a Hidden Markov Model to solve the localization problem. Real experiments are performed to evaluate our proposed methods.
Quantum-to-the-Home: Achieving Gbits/s Secure Key Rates via Commercial Off-the-Shelf Telecommunication Equipment
Authors: Asif Rameez , Buchanan William J.
Published: August 2017

There is current significant interest in Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks, that is, end-to-end optical connectivity. Currently, it may be limited due to the presence of last-mile copper wire connections. However, in near future, it is envisaged that FTTH connections will exist, and a key offering would be the possibility of optical encryption that can best be implemented using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). However, it is very important that the QKD infrastructure is compatible with the already existing networks for a smooth transition and integration with the classical data traffic. In this paper, we report the feasibility of using off-the-shelf telecommunication components to enable high performance Continuous Variable-Quantum Key Distribution (CV-QKD) systems that can yield secure key rates in the range of 100 Mbits/s under practical operating conditions. Multilevel phase modulated signals (m-PSK) are evaluated in terms of secure key rates and transmission distances. The traditional receiver is discussed, aided by the phase noise cancellation based digital signal processing module for detecting the complex quantum signals. Furthermore, we have discussed the compatibility of multiplexers and demultiplexers for wavelength division multiplexed Quantum-to-the-Home (QTTH) network and the impact of splitting ratio is analyzed. The results are thoroughly compared with the commercially available high-cost encryption modules.
CMOS Realization of All-Positive Pinched Hysteresis Loops
Authors: Maundy B. J. , Elwakil A. S. , Psychalinos C.
Published: August 2017

Two novel nonlinear circuits that exhibit an all-positive pinched hysteresis loop are proposed. These circuits employ two NMOS transistors, one of which operates in its triode region, in addition to two first-order filter sections. We show the equivalency to a charge-controlled resistance (memristance) in a decremental state via detailed analysis. Simulation and experimental results verify the proposed theory.
The Anti‐Inflammatory Effect of Guchangzhixie‐Pill by Reducing Colonic EC Cell Hyperplasia and Serotonin Availability in an Ulcerative Colitis Rat Model
Authors: Yang Yong , Zhu Xianwei , Qin Yifei , Chen Guihai , Zhou Jing , Li Lu , Guan Jianjun , Ma Li , Xue Yanyan , Li Chenhui
Published: August 2017

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one of the major types of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Abnormal colonic enterochromaffin (EC) cell hyperplasia and serotonin availability have been described in UC. Guchangzhixie‐pill (GCZX‐pill), a Chinese herbal formula composed of six herbs, is modified based on a traditional formula (Jiechangyan‐pill) for inflammatory and ulcerative gastrointestinal disorders. This study aims to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effect and the underlying mechanisms of GCZX‐pill on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid‐ (TNBS‐) induced UC in rats. After orally administrating a GCZX‐pill to UC rats for 14 days, the results of the inflammation evaluation, such as disease activity index (DAI), macroscopic score (MS), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and other methods, suggested that the GCZX‐pill showed remarkable anti‐inflammatory results in UC rats. In addition, the abnormal EC cell numbers, colonic tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) expression, and serotonin (5‐HT) contents in TNBS‐induced UC rats were significantly reduced by the GCZX‐pill. This data demonstrates that the GCZX‐pill can attenuate the inflammation in UC rats and the anti‐inflammatory effect of the GCZX‐pill may be medicated by reducing colonic EC cell hyperplasia and 5‐HT availability.
Collaborative Covert Communication Design Based on Lattice Reduction Aided Multiple User Detection Method
Authors: Yu Baoguo , Bao Yachuan , Wei Haitao , Huang Xin , Shu Yuquan
Published: August 2017

Spread spectrum communication is a typical scheme for covert communication because of its low detectability and antijam characteristic. However, the associated design concerns multiple factors, such as cochannel multiple access interference (MAI) and spread spectrum gain. In this paper, the lattice reduction theory is applied to MAI cancellation of spread spectrum communication and a novel lattice reduction aided multiple user detection method is proposed. The near maximum likelihood (ML) performance of MAI resistance is verified by simulation and theoretical analysis. The superiority of detection performance in strong MAI scenarios is especially addressed. Based on the algorithm, a collaborative covert communication system design is proposed. Low-power covert signals can be transmitted at a higher bit rate with the same coverage as more high-power cochannel signals. The covert transmission performance can be improved significantly compared to traditional designs.
2D-Shear Wave Elastography in the Evaluation of Parathyroid Lesions in Patients with Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Golu Ioana , Sporea Ioan , Moleriu Lavinia , Tudor Anca , Cornianu Marioara , Vlad Adrian , Timar Romulus , Balas Melania , Amzar Daniela , Vlad Mihaela
Published: August 2017

Background and Aims. 2D-shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) is a relatively new elastographic technique. The aim of the present study is to determine the values of the elasticity indexes (EI) measured by 2D-SWE in parathyroid benign lesions (adenomas or hyperplasia) and to establish if this investigation is helpful for the preoperative identification of the parathyroid adenoma.Material and Methods. The study groups were represented by 22 patients with primary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism, diagnosed by specific tests, and 43 healthy controls, in whom the thyroid parenchyma was evaluated, in order to compare the EI of the thyroid tissue with those of the parathyroid lesions.Results. The mean EI measured by 2D-SWE in the parathyroid lesions was 10.2 ± 4.9 kPa, significantly lower than that of the normal thyroid parenchyma (19.5 ± 7.6 kPa;p=0.007), indicating soft tissue. For a cutoff value of 12.5 kPa, the EI assessed by 2D-SWE had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 86% (AUC = 0.949;p<0.001) for predicting parathyroid lesions.Conclusion. A value lower than 12.5 kPa for the mean EI measured by 2D-SWE can be used to confirm that the lesion/nodule is a parathyroid adenoma.
Application of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Quantitatively Determine Relative Content of Puccnia striiformis f. sp. tritici DNA in Wheat Leaves in Incubation Period
Authors: Zhao Yaqiong , Gu Yilin , Qin Feng , Li Xiaolong , Ma Zhanhong , Zhao Longlian , Li Junhui , Cheng Pei , Pan Yang , Wang Haiguang
Published: August 2017

Stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) is a devastating wheat disease worldwide. Potential application of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in detection of pathogen amounts in latently Pst-infected wheat leaves was investigated for disease prediction and control. A total of 300 near-infrared spectra were acquired from the Pst-infected leaf samples in an incubation period, and relative contents of Pst DNA in the samples were obtained using duplex TaqMan real-time PCR arrays. Determination models of the relative contents of Pst DNA in the samples were built using quantitative partial least squares (QPLS), support vector regression (SVR), and a method integrated with QPLS and SVR. The results showed that the kQPLS-SVR model built with a ratio of training set to testing set equal to 3 : 1 based on the original spectra, when the number of the randomly selected wavelength points was 700, the number of principal components was 8, and the number of the built QPLS models was 5, was the best. The results indicated that quantitative detection of Pst DNA in leaves in the incubation period could be implemented using NIRS. A novel method for determination of latent infection levels of Pst and early detection of stripe rust was provided.
Comparison of Deep Tissue Massage and Therapeutic Massage for Lower Back Pain, Disease Activity, and Functional Capacity of Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Pilot Study
Authors: Romanowski Mateusz Wojciech , Špiritović Maja , Rutkowski Radosław , Dudek Adrian , Samborski Włodzimierz , Straburzyńska-Lupa Anna
Published: August 2017

Objectives. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of deep tissue massage (DTM) and therapeutic massage (TM) in the management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. Materials and Methods. This was a small, randomized clinical pilot study. Subjects were 27 men with diagnosed AS, randomly assigned to DTM group or TM group. Subjects in each group had 10 sessions of massage. Outcomes included the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Modified Schober Test, Finger to Floor Test, chest expansion, and pain intensity of lower back. Results. There are no statistical significant differences between groups, except for BASDAI and pain intensity of lower back. Conclusions. This study suggests that massage may have clinical benefits for treating ankylosing spondylitis patients. Additional scientific research in this area is warranted.
Identity, War, and Just Cause for War: Hezbollah and Its Use of Force
Authors: Kizilkaya Zafer
Published: August 2017

This essay first examines how Lebanese Hezbollah's wars have changed the content and saliency of its several identities. It then focuses on the role of these identities on the group's moral conception of using force. The analysis includes Hezbollah's conflicts against Israel and its more recent military involvement in the Syrian conflict. The essay argues that Hezbollah exhibits five different identities: Islamic, Shiite, Lebanese, Arab, and resistance. Each has played a significant role in the group's legitimizing of its war decisions, which in turn has provided Hezbollah the grounds to remain an armed nonstate actor in the Middle East.
Nationalism, Internationalism, Cosmopolitanism, and Colonialism
Authors: Mastnak Tomaž
Published: August 2017

In this article, Mastnak responds to Partha Chatterjee's essay “Nationalism, Internationalism, and Cosmopolitanism: Some Observations from Modern Indian History,” engaging specifically with the work of Friedrich Engels, Friedrich List, and Karl Marx.
Becoming Honey Ryder – the visual politics informing the first Bond Girl
Authors: Ulfsdotter Boel
Published: August 2017

This comparative study focuses especially on the prior visual representation of the first Bond Girl, Honeychile Rider, in comic strip form in the Daily Express in 1960, and aims to negotiate how the visual politics of her screen character was mediated through and influenced by this and other earlier iterations of James Bond’s female companions in popular printed media. I also problematize the claims that the pornographic influences on the visual politics imbuing these images result from Fleming’s graphic writing. In this way, I have accomplished three things: to locate graphical reiterations (texts) of James Bond’s female companions that can act as a possible matrix to future studies of them; to introduce a more nuanced and complex view of the development of the Bond Girl prior to the first Bond film; and to critically investigate the random and often simplified use of the notion of pornography in relation to studies of the Bond Girl.
Técnicas del Balanced Scorecard para Medición del Cumplimiento del Plan Estratégico de una Empresa
Authors: Jimenez Guevara Luisa Fernanda , Rodriguez Molano Jose Ignacio , Ariza Garzón Andrés Alberto
Published: August 2017

Este documento presenta las ideas para el desarrollo de una herramienta enfocada en la importancia de que las empresas establezcan un plan estratégico que incluya seguimientos periódicos que permitan identificar las desviaciones de las metas u objetivos propuestos desde un principio. Se describen los aspectos conceptuales de las técnicas que provee el Balanced Scorecard para evaluar el avance del plan estratégico y los métodos de desarrollo apropiados para este tipo de proyectos.
Performance of FeCrAl for accident-tolerant fuel cladding in high-temperature steam
Authors: Pint Bruce A.
Published: August 2017

The very high temperature (≥1400°C) steam oxidation resistance of thin-walled FeCrAl tubes is being investigated as an alternative to Zr-based alloys for enhanced accident-tolerant light water reactor fuel cladding. Initial work examined commercial FeCrAl with ~20% Cr in ramp testing with 1 min hold times at temperatures up to 1700°C. At 1400–1500°C, excellent oxidation resistance was observed with thin external alumina scales formed in contrast to the thick oxides formed on Zircaloy-4 under similar conditions. For an optimized FeCrAl with 13% Cr, one batch of tubing performed poorly at 1400°C, while the second batch formed a protective scale at 1400°C but was fully oxidized at 1500°C. Differences in performance between two test rigs suggest a role of gas velocity, and initial work on bulk alumina specimens has quantified an evaporation rate. However, some results suggest that melting is occurring well below 1500°C. This behavior is still being investigated.
Bone microarchitecture and estimated bone strength in men with active acromegaly
Authors: Silva Paula P B , Amlashi Fatemeh G , Yu Elaine W , Pulaski-Liebert Karen J , Gerweck Anu V , Fazeli Pouneh K , Lawson Elizabeth , Nachtigall Lisa B , Biller Beverly M K , Miller Karen K , Klibanski Anne , Bouxsein Mary , Tritos Nicholas A
Published: August 2017

Context

Both acromegaly and adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) are associated with increased fracture risk. Sufficient data are lacking regarding cortical bone microarchitecture and bone strength, as assessed by microfinite element analysis (µFEA).

Objective

To elucidate both cortical and trabecular bone microarchitecture and estimated bone strength in men with active acromegaly or GHD compared to healthy controls.

Design and subjects

Cross-sectional study at a clinical research center, including 48 men (16 with acromegaly, 16 with GHD and 16 healthy controls).

Outcome measures

Areal bone mineral density (aBMD), cortical and trabecular bone microarchitecture and estimated bone strength (µFEA) at the radius and tibia.

Results

aBMD was not different between the 3 groups at any skeletal site. At the radius, patients with acromegaly had greater cortical area (P < 0.0001), cortical thickness (P = 0.0038), cortical pore volume (P < 0.0001) and cortical porosity (P = 0.0008), but lower trabecular bone density (P = 0.0010) compared to controls. At the tibia, patients with acromegaly had lower trabecular bone density (P = 0.0082), but no differences in cortical bone microstructure. Compressive strength and failure load did not significantly differ between groups. These findings persisted after excluding patients with hypogonadism. Bone microarchitecture was not deficient in patients with GHD.

Conclusions

Both cortical and trabecular microarchitecture are altered in men with acromegaly. Our data indicate that GH excess is associated with distinct effects in cortical vs trabecular bone compartments. Our observations also affirm the limitations of aBMD testing in the evaluation of patients with acromegaly.
Reference Equations for the Six-Minute Walk Distance in the Healthy Chinese Population Aged 18?59 Years v1
Authors: Zou He
Published: August 2017

The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a safe, simple, inexpensive tool for evaluating the functional exercise capacity of patients with chronic respiratory disease. However, there is a lack of standard reference equations for the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) in the healthy Chinesepopulation aged 18-59 years.
Educational Technology and Student Voice: Examining Teacher Candidates' Perceptions
Authors: Byker Erik Jon , Putman S. Michael , Handler Laura , Polly Drew
Published: August 2017

Student Voice is a term that honors the participatory roles that students have when they enter learning spaces like classrooms. Student Voice is the recognition of students’ choice, creativity, and freedom. Seminal educationists—like Dewey and Montessori—centered the purposes of education in the flourishing and valuing of Student Voice. This article examines the relationship between the integration of educational technology and Student Voice. In particular, the article describes and reports on a mixed-methods study of teacher candidates’ (n=63) perceptions of and practices with integrating digital technology and Student Voice. The article has two objectives. The first objective is to examine how teacher candidates construct and define the term Student Voice. The second objective is to describe how teacher candidates integrate digital technology and Student Voice into their lesson plan ideas. The study had three findings. First, the teacher candidates most closely defined and connected Student Voice with creative freedom. Second, although the teacher candidates had learner-centered definitions for Student Voice it was difficult for them to translate their definitions into actual lesson plan ideas that included the integration of educational technology in order for students to create so that their voices could be heard. Third, the student questionnaire data also illustrated how teacher candidates had varied perceptions of the relationship between technology and Student Voice; the candidates were more likely to describe elementary students’ primary use of technology as “using apps or software to practice subject-area skills” or “playing educational games” than any other technology-rich activities. The teacher candidates were disconnected in their perceptions about what Student Voice meant and their proposed pedagogies to enhance Student Voice with digital technologies. To address the disconnection, the article discusses strategies that can guide teacher candidates to integrate educational technology into their lesson plans to allow students to create in order for Student Voice to resonate throughout the classroom community.
Keywords: educational technology, learner-centered pedagogies, lesson planning, mixed methodology, student voice
Examination of tablet usage by 4 years old pre-school student
Authors: Bengisoy Ayse
Published: August 2017

Accurate usage of tablet etc. devices in growth period is essential in terms of development performance. Tablet usage for education and teaching supports audio-visual memory; however, an examination of the consequences of continued usage reveals serious problems. Technology is essential in terms of communication and reaching information in the life of every individual regardless of their age and period. However, especially for small children, tablet and other technological devices should be used under the surveillance of parents. In terms of development, tablets are used in education in areas such as linguistic, social, cognitive and academic development. However, it is known that using them for long hours has negative impacts on the development of children. In this paper, interviews were held with 10 mothers whose children are going to pre-school institutions. The research used face-to-face interview technique. The purpose of the study is to examine the attitude of mothers as regards usage of tablets by their children. During the interviews with mothers, the “interview form prepared for tablet usage” was used which was prepared by the researcher this form was prepared by the researcher. It consisted of question and answer technique mothers who constituted the study group were interviewed in person and analysis were made according to the obtained answers. Sub-theme was created and analysis were concluded based on these data. Obtained findings show that mothers have both negative and positive attitude as regards tablet usage. They think that tablets are effective in teaching their children important concepts, but are also worried that it can lead to addiction and problems in their relations with peers.
La guerra fría en Colombia. Una periodización necesaria
Authors: González Cepeda Liborio
Published: August 2017

El artículo presenta una periodización del desarrolló la Guerra Fría en Colombia, el enfrentamiento entre potencias y bloques de poder que se trasladó al interior de los países e hizo del conflicto un problema de relaciones al interior de cada uno. Muestra la existencia de tres grandes periodos que si bien tienen puntos de encuentro con las periodizaciones del conflicto internacional, tiene sus particularidades que responden al devenir político del país. Siendo la guerra fría una guerra internacional de ideas que asume como escenario el interior de cada estado, su periodización se hace igualmente particular y toma como fundamento los conflictos entre las diferentes fuerzas que luchan internamente por el poder. Como confrontación por proyectos societales, el texto se ubica dentro de la historia política y se desarrolla tomando como fuentes los documentos que dan cuenta de las principales acciones, sucesos y políticas que desde los diversos actores explican el devenir histórico del país. Pero como es parte de  un conflicto internacional también se toman como fuentes los documentos que relatan y describen las principales acciones orientadas desde los Estados Unidos para el caso colombiano y en general para el continente.
OS SOLOS E GEOAMBIENTES DAS CAMPINARANAS AMAZÔNICAS: RELAÇÃO GENÉTICA ENTRE OS GEOAMBIENTES E A EVOLUÇÃO DA PAISAGEM EM UM TRANSECTO NA BACIA DO ALTO RIO NEGRO, AMAZÔNIA
Authors: Mendes Débora de Sena Oliveira , Bueno Guilherme Taitson , Guimarães Felipe Silva , Rossin Bruna Gomes , Nascimento Nádia Regina do
Published: August 2017

As Campinaranas Amazônicas da bacia do alto Rio Negro constituem ecossistemas singulares, que têm como substrato material arenoso, principalmente solos do tipo Espodossolos. Ocorrem em diferentes posições topográficas, como em zonas deprimidas sobre interflúvios tabulares, bases de vertentes, terraços fluviais e paleocanais e envolvidos pela floresta tropical amazônica, da qual diferem principalmente pelo porte dos indivíduos. Há variações fisionômicas importantes diretamente ligadas às condições edáficas (textura, teor de nutrientes e matéria orgânica), topográficas e à influência do nível freático. Embora ocupem áreas significativas da bacia do Rio Negro e constituam ambientes de grande fragilidade, ainda são poucos os estudos sobre a ecologia das Campinaranas na região. O Objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar uma área de campinaranas além compreender relações genéticas entre o solo e a vegetação na escala da paisagem. Em campo foi feito um transecto abrangendo quatro geoambientes distintos. Em cada um deles o foram feitas análises do solo de complexo sortivo, teor de matéria orgânica, nitrogênio e textura. Constatou-se que os padrões florísticos, estruturais e de diversidade das Campinaranas estão fortemente relacionados à profundidade do lençol freático, à variação de textura e do teor de macro e micronutrientes. Dois geoambientes foram interpretados como mais antigos e dois como mais jovens a diversidade da vegetação e dos solos ao longo do transecto está intimamente ligada ao desenvolvimento e evolução da podzolização e ao processo de instalação e incisão da rede de drenagem na área. Conclui-se que a vegetação e sua variação no espaço se mostraram importante indicador da transformação.
As Vulnerabilidades da Velhice Rural: Um Estudo de Casos Múltiplos no Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Tonezer Cristiane , Trzcinski Clarete , Dal Magro Márcia Luíza Pit
Published: August 2017

Se por um lado o envelhecimento populacional é considerado como uma das principais conquistas sociais no mundo todo, por outro, traz grandes desafios à sociedade atual. Estes desafios estão relacionados ao processo de vulnerabilização decorrente do envelhecimento e ao despreparo das sociedades para enfrentá-lo. A pesquisa apresentada neste artigo tem como objetivo analisar as múltiplas vulnerabilidades presentes no envelhecimento rural dos municípios de Camaquã e Canguçu. Trata-se de um estudo de casos múltiplos (multicaso), do tipo qualitativo, em que os instrumentos e técnicas para levantamento de informações foram entrevistas com gestores e prestadores de serviços e grupos focais com os idosos. Os resultados indicam que as velhices rurais expressam as incongruências da implementação das políticas públicas referendadas em tratados e políticas nacionais e internacionais. As principais vulnerabilidades identificadas estão relacionadas as condições de habitação, escolaridade, saúde, integração social, lazer e acesso à renda. Observaram-se características e limitações próprias do rural, expressas e diferenciadas entre os espaços da agricultura familiar, dos assentamentos rurais e das fazendas, encontrando-se os dois últimos em situação de maior vulnerabilidade no que diz respeito ao acesso à renda e à habitação se comparados ao primeiro. Por fim, destaca-se que as vulnerabilidades não são inerentes a algumas pessoas e grupos, mas dizem respeito a determinadas situações, que podem ser revertidas ou minimizadas. Isso mostra o potencial que conhecer essas situações tem de mobilizar práticas e profissionais para transformação
Detection of homogeneous precipitation regions at seasonal and annual time scales, northwest Iran
Authors: Arab Amiri Mohammad , Mesgari Mohammad Saadi , Conoscenti Christian
Published: August 2017

Detection of homogeneous climate areas is a challenging issue, which can be affected by different criteria. One of the most prominent factors is choosing the time scale, which can lead to different spatial and temporal patterns. Total precipitation is a key factor in climatological studies, and studying its distribution is of utmost importance. The combination of principal components analysis and cluster analysis is used for homogeneous precipitation areas' detection. Hence, the spatial pattern of total precipitation was investigated in northwestern Iran during the past two decades (1991–2010) on seasonal and annual time scales. The results of clustering on each time scale were validated, and well-defined clusters were investigated and compared with each other. Two homogeneous sub-regions were recognized in spring, the best period for depicting homogeneous precipitation clusters at seasonal resolution. The annual pattern of precipitation delineated three clusters in the study region. Finally, the characteristics of the well-clustered maps reveal the importance of time scale in detection of homogeneous precipitation sub-zones.
REVIEW OF RAINFALL HOURLY DISTRIBUTION ON THE ISLAND OF JAVA
Authors: Brotowiryatmo Sri Harto
Published: August 2017

Rainfall hourly distribution is still a very important variable in the computation of the design of some hydraulic works. It has been generally known that this distribution will defer from one to the other region. The distribution defers from that exist in this area may invite additional inaccuracy in further analysis. This review presents some works which have been done in these last years, to fulfill the absence of this distribution on the island of Java region.Keywords: telemetry system; rainfall intensity; information spreading
LABORATORY STUDY ON COMPARISON OF THE SCOUR DEPTH AND SCOUR LENGTH OF GROUNDSILL WITH THE OPENING AND WITHOUT THE OPENING
Authors: Hairani Ani , Legono Djoko
Published: August 2017

River bed control structure what so called groundsill or bottom sill is built for controlling a river bed to remain stable against degradation. Unlike other river obstacles, the presence of groundsill might cause sediment retention upstream of the structure; hence it reduces the supply of sediment to the downstream part of the river. At some extent, the above situation might create unexpected negative impact, not only cease the sediment migration but also disable fish migration, as well as the utilization of river for navigation. This paper presents the hydraulic investigation on various models of groundsill, i.e. groundsill without the opening and groundsill with a certain type of the opening. Series of laboratory experiments were conducted on an open channel flow of 0.75m width and longitudinal slope of 0.05%. There were two types of groundsill, i.e. groundsill without the opening with 0.75m width and 0.05m height, and groundsill with the opening of 0.39m width and 0.005m height of crest at the opening and 0.05m at the wings. Various flow rates were then introduced, necessary data were taken, and the hydraulic phenomena were studied. The results showed that groundsill without the opening produced non-dimensional (relative to the channel width) scour depth of 0.036, and scour length of 0.253. Groundsill with the opening produced scour depth of 0.013 and 0.024 near the downstream end of the wing section and the opening respectively. The scour length of the groundsill with the opening is 0.080 and 0.293 near the downstream end of the wing section and the opening section respectively. Moreover, it can be noted that the presence of the scour depth and scour length of the groundsill with the opening was generally much smaller rather than that of groundsill without the opening. The above results give the evidence that groundsill with the opening is much friendlier and also more suitable for the environment needs.Keywords: control structure, environmentally sound, groundsill, hydraulic phenomenon
ORGANIZAÇÃO SOCIAL DOS ANIMAIS: UM FASCINANTE ESTUDO ETOLÓGICO
Authors: Hoehne Letícia , Prestes Nêmora Pauletti , Piloneto Claudia Regina
Published: August 2017

Etologia é uma ciência desconhecida por muitos, fato que promove curiosidade. Mas desde a época em que o homem surgiu na Terra, houve a necessidade de conhecer e estudar os animais a sua volta, para garantir a sua sobrevivência. Hoje em dia, a Etologia é muito mais abrangente, ganhando cunho científico, passou de ser apenas garantia de sobrevivência do homem, para meio de permanência e manutenção de todas as espécies do planeta. Com isso, este artigo reúne informações acerca da história da Etologia, seguido por explanações sobre as mais diversas organizações sociais existentes entre os animais e como ocorre um equilíbrio harmonioso dentro delas, o qual promove a manutenção natural da biodiversidade. Também, destaca a importância da educação ambiental como aliada para a conservação de espécies, uma vez que a escola tem poder de formar cidadãos atuantes em prol do bem comum, relacionando todas as formas de vida.