bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TCGA Workflow: Analyze cancer genomics and epigenomics data using Bioconductor packages
Authors: Silva Tiago C. , Colaprico Antonio , Olsen Catharina , D'Angelo Fulvio , Bontempi Gianluca , Ceccarelli Michele , Noushmehr Houtan
Published: June 2016

Biotechnological advances in sequencing have led to an explosion of publicly available data via large international consortia such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), The Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE), and The NIH Roadmap Epigenomics Mapping Consortium (Roadmap). These projects have provided unprecedented opportunities to interrogate the epigenome of cultured cancer cell lines as well as normal and tumor tissues with high genomic resolution. The bioconductor project offers more than 1,000 open-source software and statistical packages to analyze high-throughput genomic data. However, most packages are designed for specific data types (e.g. expression, epigenetics, genomics) and there is no comprehensive tool that provides a complete integrative analysis harnessing the resources and data provided by all three public projects. A need to create an integration of these different analyses was recently proposed. In this workflow, we provide a series of biologically focused integrative downstream analyses of different molecular data. We describe how to download, process and prepare TCGA data and by harnessing several key bioconductor packages, we describe how to extract biologically meaningful genomic and epigenomic data and by using Roadmap and ENCODE data, we provide a workplan to identify candidate biologically relevant functional epigenomic elements associated with cancer. To illustrate our workflow, we analyzed two types of brain tumors : low-grade glioma (LGG) versus high-grade glioma (glioblastoma multiform or GBM). This workflow introduces the following Bioconductor packages: AnnotationHub, ChIPSeeker, ComplexHeatmap, pathview, ELMER, GAIA, MINET, RTCGAtoolbox, TCGAbiolinks.
Not Communicating science? Aiming for national impact
Authors: Prokop Andreas , Illingworth Sam
Published: June 2016

Communicating science to wider lay audiences is of increasing importance and is becoming an ever larger part of a scientist's remit which also offers important opportunities. We discuss here the current state of science communication in the field of the natural sciences in the UK, and the enormous improvements that could be achieved through putting more weight on objective-driven long-term initiatives, ideally in the form of interdisciplinary networks, to achieve higher impact. We describe the barriers that stand in the way of such developments and make a number of suggestions how funding organisations in particular could play a major role in overcoming these barriers.
Theoretical and Applied Aspects in Establishment of Accounting System and Implementation of Accounting Process for Small Business Entities
Authors: Воронина  , Voronina Larisa
Published: June 2016

In this article the author considers explicitly the essence, the regulatory framework and accounting forms for small business entities. The emphasis is placed on the piculiarities of the short-cut accounting method establishment. The author has developed the examptions and preferences summary tables in the accounting system for small business entities and has advised on the upgrading of accounting systems in the Russian Federation.
Visual View of the Accounting Models on the Matrix Chart
Authors: Черкай  , Cherkay A.
Published: June 2016

The paper considers the possibility of visualizing the accounting matrix at the expense the location on the

chessboard credit accounts in columns and debit accounts in rows in order of the accounting entries.
COMPARISON THE VANADIUM CARBIDE COATING CREATED VIA PLASMA ELECTROLYTIC SATURATION AND TERMO REACTIVE DIFFUSION
Authors: Ghorbanian Babak , Mousavi Khoie Seyed Mohammad
Published: June 2016

One of the most important hardening methods of tool steel is the use of carbide coatings, in which during this process, vanadium diffuses to the specimen’s surface and reacts with carbon. During the Plasma Electrolytic Saturation (PES) Process, the vanadium element diffuses with the help of plasma and increases up to around 1000°C as a result of the temperature, providing conditions for the creation of vanadium carbide. On the other hand, the thermo reactive diffusion (TRD) method during which the specimen is placed inside a salt bath containing the vanadium for a long period of time and the vanadium carbide coating is formed. In this paper, an attempt is made to study the formed coating with the method of plasma electrolytic saturation in addition to comparing the coatings formed by these two methods and obtain some vanadium carbide that created with TRD is purer than PES but that is thinner than plasma method, hardness of coating that created with TRD is about 2500 HV but in TRD is 1100 HV finally. In some PES samples the temperature increase slowly and the maximum temperature is about 120°C, in this condition, the coating is non- diffusion. The hardness of PES coating is about 1100 HV so we can use that in industrial molds.
Contents
Authors: AMS Editorial
Published: June 2016

Research papers

Technical paper

Letter to the Editor 
Determinants for Contribution of Pineapple Growers for Export Volume in Gampaha District in Sri Lanka
Authors: Rupasinghe R. A. D. S. , Jayasinghe H. A. S. L , Rathnayake R. M. P. S , Silva T. A. P
Published: June 2016

Pineapple is the third largest agricultural product after tea and coconut, which has a demand in export market. Although the nature has blessed with an ideal climate for growing wide range of delicious fruits including pineapple, Sri Lanka is not in a position to meet the growing demand. Therefore, that is very important to study about the export performance of fresh pineapple in Sri Lankan context. The general objective of this study was to identify the determinants of contribution of pineapple growers for export volume in Gampaha district. A structured questionnaire based survey was carried out to collect the data from random sample of 130 pineapple growers in Dompe and Diulapitiya DS divisions in Gampaha district. The result of Tobit model revealed that the contribution of pineapple growers for exports of pineapple was significantly determined by the age of grower, experience of grower, pineapple cultivated land extent, amount supply for local market, domestic price and export price. In the study of specific objectives, there was an upward trend from 1990 to 2004 and trend was declined from 2004 to 2012 with some fluctuations. The reason was that the export of preserved pineapple has shown a significant improvement within last few years and in developing the forecasting model for future forecast and the generalized model for current situation analysis for fresh pineapple exports in Sri Lanka. Vector Autoregressive Model (VAR) was used to develop the forecast model and the generalized model was developed without considering the time factor. The result revealed that the export of fresh pineapple was significantly determined by the average exchange rate and the domestic price.
Allelopathic Effect of Extracts of Medicinal Plants on Mungbean in Vivo Conditions
Authors: Gupta Priyanka
Published: June 2016

The experiments were conducted at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishavidhyalaya,Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India to see the allelopathic effect of medicinal leaf extracts of Ocimum sanctum L., Calotropis procera(Ait.) Ait.f and Astragalus tribuloides Delile on the plumule length of mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) in vivo conditions. The results indicated that different extracts such as alcoholic,aqueous acidic and alkaline extract of Ocimum sanctum L., Calotropis procera(Ait.) Ait.f and Astragalus tribuloides Delile showed different plumule length of mungbean in vivo conditions. All the extracts of Ocimum sanctum L.showed no effect in comparison of control. The alcoholic extract of Calotropis procera(Ait.) Ait.f, produce considerably higher as compared to control followed by aqueous, acidic but alkaline extract showed negative effect on plumule length of mungbean. However, the alcoholic and alkaline extracts of Astragalus tribuloides Delile showed positive effect than aqueous acidic extract on the plumule of mungbean.
Short Communication: Georeferencing orchids specimen history cards in Bogor Botanic Gardens to increase their use for conservation efforts
Authors: RAHAYU EKA MARTHA DELLA , YUSRI SAFRAN
Published: June 2016

Rahayu EMD, Yusri S. 2016. Georeferencing orchids specimen history cards in Bogor Botanic Gardens to increase their use for conservation efforts. Biodiversitas 17: 510-514. Orchids are considered valuable plant resource but overharvesting and habitat conversion have threatened their population. Bogor Botanic Gardens (Kebun Raya Bogor; BBG) stores millions of plant specimens, including orchids, taken from the wild or captivity. Origin of specimens is recorded in specimen tags and cards, where each of these can be converted to species occurrence datum for investigations of biodiversity, its relationship with the environment, evaluating conservation efforts and anthropogenic disturbances along spatial or temporal scales. However, data from tags and cards available are often insufficient because localities are typically being recorded as textual descriptions, without geographic coordinates, thus making analysis using Geographical Information System (GIS) tools difficult. In this paper, we reviewed the use of online resources (i.e. GoogleMapsâ„¢, ProtectedPlanet.net) for georeferencing specimen cards and Quantum GIS as a GIS tool to store and display the data. Specimen cards from the chosen genera of orchid in BBG were reviewed. The georeferencing process encountered several obstacles, includes: geographically biased locations, changes in spatial-administrative borders, unregistered location name, unavailability of location name in online resources, and typographic errors during specimen recording process. We also encounter quality difference along georeferenced records, some are good quality (i.e. record coordinates or nearest village) and some are poor (only record the provinces). Georeferencing is an underappreciated task, but once it is done, it can be used for future expeditionary research, national conservation planning, species status review, and other large scale analysis for both spatial and temporal scales.
A dental passport for children
Authors: Knott Nigel
Published: June 2016

While the past few decades have seen a constant stream of initiatives to tackle the dental health of our children, the epidemiological data speaks for itself, with almost half of children aged 15 years and a third of those aged 12 years having obvious decay in their permanent teeth. Could an idea that has been muted for more than a decade finally have its moment?
Game theory in UK healthcare
Authors:   Spinnbarkeit
Published: June 2016

Win or lose, just make sure you play by the rules.
The GDC under the microscope
Authors: Henderson Stephen
Published: June 2016

The General Dental Council has been through a very difficult period, and there is an appetite within government and the profession for a review of healthcare regulation, with an emphasis on right-touch regulation. The background to those difficulties is reviewed and the nature and impact of changes to the Dentist Act, which are being introduced during 2016, is discussed. The role of the Professional Standards Authority in regulating the healthcare professional is also explained.
Towards a Model of Open and Reliable Cognitive Multiagent Systems: Dealing with Trust and Emotions
Authors: Silveira Ricardo , Klein Da Silva Bitencourt Guilherme , Gelaim Thiago Ângelo , Marchi Jerusa , De La Prieta Fernando
Published: June 2016

Open multiagent systems are those in which the agents can enter or leave the system freely. In these systems any entity with unknown intention can occupy the environment. For this scenario trust and reputation mechanisms should be used to choose partners in order to request services or delegate tasks. Trust and reputation models have been proposed in the Multiagent Systems area as a way to assist agents to select good partners in order to improve interactions between them. Most of the trust and reputation models proposed in the literature take into account their functional aspects, but not how they affect the reasoning cycle of the agent. That is, under the perspective of the agent, a trust model is usually just a “black box” and the agents usually does not take into account their emotional state to make decisions as well as humans often do. As well as trust, agent’s emotions also have been studied with the aim of making the actions and reactions of the agents more like those of humans being in order to imitate their reasoning and decision making mechanisms. In this paper we analyse some proposed models found in the literature and propose a BDI and multi-context based agent model which includes emotional reasoning to lead trust and reputation in open multiagent systems.
INDICE
Authors: - -
Published: June 2016

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Determinig of an object orientation in 3D space using direction cosine matrix and non-stationary Kalman filter
Authors: Bieda Robert , Jaskot Krzysztof
Published: June 2016

This paper describes a method which determines the parameters of an object orientation in 3D space. The rotation angles calculation bases on the signals fusion obtained from the inertial measurement unit (IMU). The IMU measuring system provides information from a linear acceleration sensors (accelerometers), the Earth’s magnetic field sensors (magnetometers) and the angular velocity sensors (gyroscopes). Information about the object orientation is presented in the form of direction cosine matrix whose elements are observed in the state vector of the non-stationary Kalman filter. The vector components allow to determine the rotation angles (roll, pitch and yaw) associated with the object. The resulting waveforms, for different rotation angles, have no negative attributes associated with the construction and operation of the IMU measuring system. The described solution enables simple, fast and effective implementation of the proposed method in the IMU measuring systems.
A non integer order, state space model for one dimensional heat transfer process
Authors: Oprzedkiewicz Krzysztof , Gawin Edyta
Published: June 2016

In the paper a new, state space, non integer order model for one dimensional heat transfer process is presented. The model is based on known semigroup model. The derivative with respect to time is described by the non integer order Caputo operator, the spatial derivative is described by integer order operator. The elementary properties of the state operator are proven. The solution of state equation is calculated with the use of Laplace transform. Results of experiments show, that the proposed model is more accurate than analogical integer order model in the sense of square cost function.
Gleaning a Human DNA Profile from Trace Swabs Collected from Animal Hairs
Authors: Špoljarić Branimira , Popović Maja , Crnjac Josip , Žderić Savatović Zrinka , Ratko Martina , Lozančić Mateja , Jurak Matea , Špoljarić Igor , Špoljarić Daniel , Mršić Gordan
Published: June 2016

Animal hairs are an apt surface for retention of forensic trace epithelial samples. The aim of this study was threefold: to evaluate different methods of sample collection (moistened and dry swabs) and DNA extraction (Chelex® 100 method, Qiagen EZ1® DNA Investigator Kit), as well as to examine the morphological differences of hair fibres between two species (dog, sheep) and their ultimate impact on sample collection and processing. Our preliminary findings suggest that the use of EZ1® DNA Investigator Kit yields donor DNA profiles of higher quality. The results of different sample collection methods have shown intraspecific variations that require further investigation. The ability of retention and subsequent extraction of trace DNA appears to be similar between the two species, despite significant morphological differences between their coat hairs.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis of Changes of Hydroxiapatite/Poly-L-Lactide with Different Molecular Weight of PLLAaAfter Intraperitoneal Implantation
Authors: Đorđević Ljubiša , Najman Stevo , Vasiljević Perica , Miljković Miroslav , Ignjatović Nenad , Uskoković Dragan , Plavšić Milenko
Published: June 2016

Implantation of a biomaterial is one of the important trends in solving the problem of bone tissue loss. Calcium hydroxiapatite (HAp), as the most representative bone component is a serious candidate for such implantations. The synthetic polymer poly-L-lactide (PLLA) in HAp/PLLA is often used as a polymeric material, with a role in the substitution of bone tissue collagen fibers. Fibers of PLLA may strengthen HAp and its good bioresorption provides space for tissue remodeling. Differences in porosity, microstructure, compressive consistency as well as bioresorbility of HAp/ PLLA may be achieved by using PLLA with different molecular weights. In this study HAp/PLLA composites with PLLA of different molecular weights (50,000; 160,000 and 430,000) were implanted in mouse peritoneum in order to examine the influence of the molecular weight of PLLA on morphology changes. Microstructural changes of biomaterial (HAp/PLLA) surface were analyzed one week, three weeks and four months after their implantation using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The results showed a significant difference in tissue reactions on the applied biocomposites, depending on their molecular weight. The most intense proliferation of cells was induced by HAp/PLLA 50,000 compared to HAp/PLLA 430,000 and HAp/PLLA 160,000. In the vicinity of HAp/PLLA 430,000 abundant erythrocytes were observed. The differences in biological reactions on the examined biocomposites are significant for their practical applications. HAp/PLLA composite biomaterials of different types and resorption rates require specific designing and programming to become suitable for particular purposes in an organism.
Mitral Valve Regurgitation in two Thoroughbred Stallions
Authors: Pinar Orhan , Sancak Aziz Arda , Meral Yücel , Dalğin Duygu
Published: June 2016

Mitral valve (MV) disease is the most important valvular condition affecting athletic performance in horses. Twenty and 22 years old Thoroughbred Stallions used for breeding had suffered from increased respiratory and heart rate, poor performance and incomplete ejaculate release during covering, since three months ago. Cardiac examination projected irregular cardiac rhythm after a halt and an early-mid-systolic murmur.

Mitral regurgitation (MR) and valvular changes were visible on echocardiography. Also volume overload of the Left Atrium (LA) and Left Ventricle (LV) were observed. Color Flow Doppler echocardiography confirmed moderate mitral valve regurgitation. A band-like fibrous and nodular degeneration of the left coronary leaflet was present. There was minimal secondary left ventricular remodeling of the apex of the left ventricle due to chronic volume overload.

The therapeutic attempts included Quinapril and Furosemide. In these cases, normally no structural effect could be achieved, but clinical improvement and successful covering sessions were obtained, and when the therapy was terminated, clinical problems reappeared. In conclusion, in horses with MR, early diagnosis and appropriate therapy with Quinapril promises a reasonable performance.
Rethinking Sovereign Debt: Pleading for Human Rights, the Rule of Law, and Economic Sense
Authors: Raffer Kunibert
Published: June 2016

Reviewing and commenting on Lienau’s book Rethinking Sovereign Debt, Politics, Reputation, and Legitimacy, this paper agrees with most of her points, aiming at supporting and complementing rather than contradicting her line of argument. It wants to corroborate her points as well as to bring up aspects that the book does not discuss. It presents two main comments on the more civilized treatment of sovereign debtors before WWII, and on the role of the Bretton Woods Institutions after 1945 that – as Lienau correctly notes – changed the positon of debtors fundamentally. The paper shows that going further back into history than the book did, namely sovereign debts in the nineteenth century, strongly corroborates Lienau’s line of argument regarding the period before WWII. The paper complements the role of the Bretton Woods Institutions with further facts, arguing that their strongly statist view is also self-serving and helpful to support multilateral lending practices violating these institutions’ statutes. Finally, the new tendency back to a non-statist regime she rightly observes is commented on, pointing out that present debt management in the eurozone constitutes a considerable backlash.
Investigating the lexico-grammatical resources of a non-native user of English: The case of can and could in email requests
Authors: Hall Christopher J. , Joyce Jack , Robson Chris
Published: June 2016

Individual users of English as a first or second language are assumed to possess or aspire to a monolithic grammar, an internally consistent set of rules which represents the idealized norms or conventions of native speakers. This position reflects a deficit view of L2 learning and usage, and is at odds with usage-based approaches to language development and research findings on idiolectal variation. This study problematizes the assumption of monolithic ontologies of grammar for TESOL by exploring a fragment of genre-specific lexico-grammatical knowledge (the can you/could you V construction alternation in requests) in a single non-native user of English, post-instruction. A corpus sample of the individual’s output was compared with the input he was exposed to and broader norms for the genre. The analysis confirms findings in usage-based linguistics which demonstrate that an individual’s lexico-grammatical knowledge constitutes an inventory of constructions shaped in large part by distributional patterns in the input. But it also provides evidence for idiosyncratic preferences resulting from exemplar-based inertia in production, suggesting that input is not the sole factor. Results are discussed in the context of a “plurilithic” ontology of grammar and the challenges this represents for pedagogy and teacher development.
als etlich kristen lüt … mit dien Juden getantzet hant
Authors: Wenninger Markus J.
Published: June 2016

Based on the debate about the murals in the Jewish house »Zum Brunnenhof« in Zurich this essay discusses whether or not Christian participation in Jewish festivals was unusual and prohibited or normal in the Middle Ages. Following an outline of the relevant legal aspects – there were, up to the High Middle Ages, only occasional decrees from provincial councils that banned Christians from eating and celebrating with Jews; only from the twelfth century onwards were such bans included in the general canon law, while they were never part of secular legislation – the main part of this investigation focuses on actual reports of Christians attending Jewish festivals. These were mainly weddings, but there are also reports of Christians participating in Purim or other celebrations. Most relevant descriptions come from Germany, one from England, where the Bishop of Hereford 1286 took exception to the participation of Christians in a Jewish wedding, threatening with excommunication in an attempt to stop such behaviour. In Germany it was mostly a matter of municipal authorities punishing the dancing of Christians on days of fasting or religious holidays for moral reasons. But even in the increasingly anti-Jewish late Middle Ages, and in spite of the restrictions imposed by the church, nobody really minded the participation of Christians in Jewish festivals as such. In conclusion, various questions are being discussed which arise for the historian in connection with the participation of Christians in Jewish festivals and vice versa.
Über die jüdische Hochzeitsfeier in Münster bei Bingen (1495) und die ausrichtende Ärztefamilie
Authors: Mentgen Gerd
Published: June 2016

In 1495 Philipp the Upright, Elector Palatine of the Rhine, had a large number of Jews arrested in the wine-growing village of Münster near Bingen. The Jews had gathered there to celebrate the wedding of a Jew’s daughter from Friedberg with David of Münster, son of the Jewish physician Salman and brother of the Jewish physician Josef of Münster. In medieval history, such weddings repeatedly resulted in dangerous allegations towards the Jews involved, accusing them of conspiring to commit ritual murders or host desecrations. Or they were accused of displaying indecently luxurious attires at these festivities. In addition, they often celebrated in the presence of Christians, a fact that the church might consider scandalous. It appears, however, that the Elector Philipp was not driven to his actions in Münster by such accusations. His actions must rather be discussed in the context of the contemporary Geleitrecht (right of escort) and the customs dispute between Münster and Bingen, which lasted from 1491 to 1495. This part of the study is complemented by a closer look at the history of the family of the bridegroom, David of Münster: the activities of David’s physician brother and of his father are relatively well documented since both resided in Frankfurt am Main for several years.
Estimation of pressure drop in gasket plate heat exchangers
Authors: Neagu Anisoara Arleziana , Koncsag Claudia Irina , Barbulescu Alina , Botez Elisabeta
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we present comparatively different methods of pressure drop calculation in the gasket plate heat exchangers (PHEs), using correlations recommended in literature on industrial data collected from a vegetable oil refinery. The goal of this study was to compare the results obtained with these correlations, in order to choose one or two for practical purpose of pumping power calculations. We concluded that pressure drop values calculated with Mulley relationship and Buonopane & Troupe correlation were close and also Bond’s equation gave results pretty close to these but the pressure drop is slightly underestimated. Kumar correlation gave results far from all the others and its application will lead to oversize. In conclusion, for further calculations we will chose either the Mulley relationship or the Buonopane & Troupe correlation.
Persistent vs. Permanent Income Shocks in the Buffer-Stock Model
Authors: Druedahl Jeppe , Jørgensen Thomas H.
Published: June 2016

We investigate the effects of assuming a fully permanent income shock in a standard buffer-stock consumption model, when the true income process is only highly persistent. This assumption is computationally very advantageous, and thus often used, but might be problematic due to the implied misspecification. Across most parameterizations, and using the method of simulated moments, we find a relatively large estimation bias in preference parameters. For example, assuming a unit root process when the true AR(1) coefficient is 0.97, leads to an estimation bias of up to 30 percent in the constant relative risk aversion (CRRA) coefficient. If used for calibration, misspecified preferences could, for example, lead to a serious misjudgment in the value of social insurance mechanisms. Economic behavior, such as the marginal propensity to consume (MPC), of households simulated from the estimated (misspecified) model is, on the other hand, rather close to that from the correctly specified model.
Ethanol production from brown seaweed using non-conventional yeasts
Authors: Obata Oluwatosin , Akunna Joseph , Bockhorn Heike , Walker Graeme
Published: June 2016

The use of macroalgae (seaweed) as a potential source of biofuels has attracted considerable worldwide interest. Since brown algae, especially the giant kelp, grow very rapidly and contain considerable amounts of polysaccharides, coupled with low lignin content, they represent attractive candidates for bioconversion to ethanol through yeast fermentation processes. In the current study, powdered dried seaweeds (Ascophylum nodosum and Laminaria digitata) were pre-treated with dilute sulphuric acid and hydrolysed with commercially available enzymes to liberate fermentable sugars. Higher sugar concentrations were obtained from L. digitata compared with A. nodosum with glucose and rhamnose being the predominant sugars, respectively, liberated from these seaweeds. Fermentation of the resultant seaweed sugars was performed using two non-conventional yeast strains: Scheffersomyces (Pichia) stipitis and Kluyveromyces marxianus based on their abilities to utilise a wide range of sugars. Although the yields of ethanol were quite low (at around 6 g/L), macroalgal ethanol production was slightly higher using K. marxianus compared with S. stipitis. The results obtained demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining ethanol from brown algae using relatively straightforward bioprocess technology, together with non-conventional yeasts. Conversion efficiency of these non-conventional yeasts could be maximised by operating the fermentation process based on the physiological requirements of the yeasts.
Can irisin be a linker between physical activity and brain function?
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Weizhen
Published: June 2016

Irisin was initially discovered as a novel hormone-like myokine released from skeletal muscle during exercise to improve obesity and glucose dysfunction by stimulating the browning of white adipose tissue. Emerging evidence have indicated that irisin also affects brain function. FNDC5 mRNA and FNDC5/irisin immunoreactivity are present in various regions of the brain. Central irisin is involved in the regulation of neural differentiation and proliferation, neurobehavior, energy expenditure and cardiac function. Elevation of peripheral irisin level stimulates hippocampal genes related to neuroprotection, learning and memory. In this brief review, we summarize the current understanding on neuronal functions of irisin. In addition, we discuss the pros and cons for this molecule as a potential messenger mediating the crosstalk between skeletal muscle and central nervous system during exercise.
Simultaneous measurement of elastic constants of full-size engineered wood-based panels by modal testing
Authors: Zhou Jianhui , Chui Ying Hei , Gong Meng , Hu Lin
Published: June 2016

Engineered wood-based panels are widely used in structural applications. Accurate measurement of their elastic properties is of great importance for predicting their mechanical behavior during structural design. In this study, an efficient non-destructive test method for measurement of effective elastic constants of orthotropic wood-based panels is proposed based on a modal testing technique. An algorithm was developed based on an improved approximate frequency equation of transverse vibration of orthotropic plates under the boundary condition, in which two opposite sides are simply supported and the other two are free (SFSF). The method is able to predict the frequency ranges and mode indices as well as corresponding normalized sensitivity to elastic constants based on initial estimates of orthotropic ratios with uncertainties and measured fundamental natural frequency. Full-size engineered wood-based panels including cross laminated timber (CLT), oriented strand board (OSB), and medium density fiberboard (MDF) were tested with the proposed method. In general, the measured elastic constants of the three types of panel based on modal test agreed well with those corresponding values measured by static tests. More tests are needed with a range of panel sizes and types for further validation of the proposed test method.
Anaerobic exercise affects the saliva antioxidant/oxidant balance in high-performance pentathlon athletes
Authors: Sant’Anna Marcelo de Lima , Casimiro-Lopes Gustavo , Boaventura Gabriel , Marques Sergio Tadeu Farinha , Sorenson Martha Meriwether , Simão Roberto , Pinto Verônica Salerno
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Investigate free radical production and antioxidant buffering in military pentathletes’ saliva after their performance of a standardized, running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST).

Methods

Seven members of the Brazilian Navy pentathlon team were recruited to perform a running-based anaerobic test (~90 sec). The participants provided samples of saliva before and after the test that were analyzed for biomarkers of oxidative stress such as lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity and the quantity of two specific antioxidants, glutathione and uric acid.

Results

The lipid peroxidation increased ~2 fold after RAST, despite an increase in total antioxidant capacity (46%). The concentration of reduced glutathione did not change, while the uric acid concentration increased by 65%.

Conclusions

The evaluation in saliva following a sprint test that lasted no more than 90 sec was sensitive enough to reveal changes in redox state.
Exercise and academic achievement in children: Effects of acute class-based circuit training
Authors: Dickinson Ben D. , Duncan Michael J. , Eyre Emma L.J.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

For schools, the increasingly imposed requirement to achieve well in academic tests puts increasing emphasis on improving academic achievement. While treadmill exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on cognitive function and cycling ergometers produce stronger effect sizes than treadmill running, it is impractical for schools to use these on a whole-class basis. There is a need to examine if more ecologically valid modes of exercise might have a similar impact on academic achievement. Circuit training is one such modality shown to benefit cognitive function and recall ability and is easily operationalised within schools.

Methods

In a repeated measures design, twenty-six children (17 boys, 8 girls) aged 10–11 years (mean age 10.3; SD ± 0.46 years) completed the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT 4) at rest and following 30 minutes of exercise.

Results

Standardised scores for word reading were significantly higher post exercise (F(1,18) = 49.9, p = 0.0001) compared to rest. In contrast, standardised scores for sentence comprehension (F(1,18) = 0.078, p = 0.783), spelling (F(1,18) = 4.07, p = 0.06) mathematics (F(1,18) = 1.257, p = 0.277), and reading (F(1,18) = 2.09, p = 0.165) were not significantly different between rest and exercise conditions.

Conclusions

The results of the current study suggest acute bouts of circuit based exercise enhances word reading but not other areas of academic ability in 10–11 year old children. These findings support prior research that indicates acute bouts of exercise can selectively improve cognition in children.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities of ethanolic extract of Pergularia daemia leaves: a possible substitute in diabetic management
Authors: Sarkodie Joseph Adusei , Squire Sylvia Afriyie , Oppong Bekoe Emelia , Fosu Domozoro Charles Yaw , Kretchy Irene Awo , Ahiagbe Mariesta Kurukulasuriya Jayaroshini , Frimpong-Manso Samuel , Oboba Kwakyi Nana Akua , Edoh Dominic Adotei , Sakyiama Maxwel , Lamptey Vida Korkor , Affedzi-Obresi Seigfried , Duncan John Lee , Debrah Philip , N’guessa Benoit Banga , Asiedu-Gyekye Julius Isaac , Kwadwo Nyarko Alexander
Published: June 2016

Background: The leaves of Pergularia daemia Forsk (family Asclepidaceae) provide alternative plant-based treatments for the management of diabetes mellitus and diarrhoea in both humans and indigenous poultry species like the Guinea fowls (Numida meleagris). However, no scientific investigations to validate its usefulness in Ghana have been established. This study therefore sought to investigate the anti-hyperglycaemic activity of the 70 % ethanolic extract of P. daemia using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Sprague–Dawley rats. Additionally, the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the extract were investigated.

Methods: The total phenolic content, total flavonoids content, radical scavenging activity and reducing power assays were estimated using Folin–Ciocalteu method, aluminium chloride colorimetric assay, Fe3+ reduction assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays, respectively.

Results: The results showed that P. daemia extract caused anti-hyperglycaemic activity in the STZ-induced rats at doses of 30, 60 and 90 mg/kg body weight with significant reduction in blood glucose levels. The phytosterols, saponins, phenols, alkaloids, tannins and triterpenes found in the extract may be responsible for the observed anti-hyperglycaemia and antioxidant activities. The extract also showed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.

Conclusions: These findings justify the folkloric use of P. daemia as an anti-diabetic and antibacterial agents for susceptible species.
Extremely Low Frequency Signal Acquisition, Recording and Analysis
Authors: Zantis Franz P. , Hribik Ján , Ďuračková Daniela
Published: June 2016

Our environment is permeated by electrical and magnetic alternating waves in the frequency range above the AC voltage of 50 Hz and also in the radio frequency range. Much attention from the public is given to these waves. Through numerous studies and publications about this type of oscillations and waves it is largely known from which sources they occur and which impact they have. However, very little information could be found about electrical and magnetic alternating waves in the frequency range below 50 Hz. The aim of this research is to demonstrate that these signals exist and also to show how the signals look like and where and when they occur. This article gives an overview of the occurrence of these ELF (Extremely Low Frequencies) signals, their specific properties in view of the time domain and in view of the frequency domain and of the possible sources of these waves. Precise knowledge of the structures of the ELF signals allows conclusions about their potential to cause electromagnetic interference in electronic systems. Also other effects in our environment, eg on flora and fauna could be explained.
Security Problems of Scan Design and Accompanying Measures
Authors: Biasizzo Anton , Novak Franc
Published: June 2016

The paper deals with the security problems of scan design and investigates currently proposed solutions. A solution based on data encryption to protect the data in scan chains is discussed and problems related to the block-based encoding are outlined. Next, security extension for IEEE Std. 1149.1 providing a locking mechanism is analysed. The mechanism prevents unauthorised users to interfere via test bus with the system normal operation. Possible attack scenario is considered and the probabilities of successful attack within a given time interval are calculated for different lengths of the Lock register. The paper concludes with the description of current work focused on improvements the security of the locking mechanism, in particular by using simplified public key infrastructure.
Magnetic Field Controlled Capacitor
Authors: Polcar Petr , Mayer Daniel
Published: June 2016

This paper deals with the capacitor using magnetic fluid as a magnetic field controlled dielectrics. It is shown, that dielectrics of this capacitor exhibits magnetic field induced anisotropy.
Investigation of Contact Formation during Silicon Solar Cell Production
Authors: Mojrová Barbora
Published: June 2016

This article deals with the investigation of the influence of sintering conditions on the formation process of screen printed contacts on passivated boron doped P+ emitters. The experiment was focused on measuring of resistance changes of two thick film pastes during firing processes with different conditions. Two different temperature profiles were compared at an atmospheric concentration of O2. The influence of the O2 concentration on resistance was investigated for one profile. A rapid thermal processing furnace modified for in-situ resistance measurements was used. The change of resistance was measured simultaneously with the temperature.
Thompson’s conjecture for finite simple groups of Lie type Bn${B_{n}}$ and Cn${C_{n}}$
Authors: Ahanjideh Neda
Published: June 2016

For a group G, let

N
⁢

(
G
)

${N(G)}$

be the set of lengths of conjugacy classes of G. In this article, we prove a conjecture of
J. G. Thompson for the finite simple groups

B
n

⁢

(
q
)

${B_{n}(q)}$

and

C
n

⁢

(
q
)

${C_{n}(q)}$

, i.e., we show that every finite group G with the
property

Z
⁢

(
G
)

=
1

${Z(G)=1}$

and

N
⁢

(
G
)

=

N
⁢

(
S
)

${N(G)=N(S)}$

is necessarily isomorphic to S, where

S
∈

{

B
n

⁢

(
q
)

,

C
n

⁢

(
q
)

}

${S\in\{B_{n}(q),C_{n}(q)\}}$

. As a consequence, we show that if

Z
⁢

(
G
)

∩

Φ
⁢

(
G
)

=
1

${Z(G)\cap\Phi(G)=1}$

and

N
⁢

(
G
)

=

N
⁢

(
S
)

${N(G)=N(S)}$

, then G is isomorphic to

Z
⁢

(
G
)

×
S

${Z(G)\times S}$

.
Web-Based Intervention for Developing Long-Term Health Literacy of Individuals: Possibilities and Limitations
Authors: Krūmiņa Aira Aija , Ļubenko Jelena
Published: June 2016

Web-based interventions (WBI) are purposefully developed online programs designed for wide range of users (clients, patients, health care specialists, as well as medical practitioners) which allow obtaining and using information on various issues related to health maintenance and improvement.

On the basis of the analysis of scientific literature, the article provides an overview of WBI types and components, as well as a structural model of WBI and its user in the context of environment factors. The possibilities of using WBI for developing long-term health literacy of individuals are specified. By summarising the main advantages and limitations of using WBI, the possible suggestions for the WBI use and development are offered.
Educational Action Research to Achieve the Essential Competencies of the Future
Authors: Kapenieks Jānis
Published: June 2016

This article analyses the conformity of the educational action research (EAR) process for the improvement of selected competencies that will be necessary in the near future for each active and responsible person. The most requested competencies in the near and midterm future are determined in accordance with near future structural requirements of labour demand, determined by international organoizations.

The contribution is based upon the outcomes of the action research carried out in the internet environment, by Bachelor students majoring in information technologies at Riga Technical University, Latvia. Working in groups, they supplemented each other’s ideas, developing living theories.

The content analysis of the students’ supplementary submissions and living theories was carried out to identify the features indicating the development of student actions towards the improvement of the most necessary competencies in the near future.

To accomplish the objective of action research, at first, the most requested competencies in the near and midterm future were determined. Then the changes of the features, mentioned during the three action research cycles were identified. Finally, the most important features of the students’ actions indicating the development of two of key competencies, namely, Novel and adaptive thinking and Design Mindset, were identified. Perfection of referred competencies is viewed as the substantial part of education for sustainable development (ESD). The conclusions were drawn about the development of students’ competencies according to the future needs identified during the action research process on the internet.
Autonomous Learning for English Acquisition in Blended e-Studies for Adults within the Context of Sustainable Development
Authors: Bojāre Ināra
Published: June 2016

Personality integration and self-realisation in the global economy and coevolution with multilingual cultural environment of sustainable learning society by means of technologies actualise the paradigm shift in science, and create the necessity for transdisciplinary research to resolve the problem of transformation of the system of values in the context of acquisition of languages. The research aims to create a holistic model of autonomous learning for English acquisition in blended environment of e-studies in the context of adult non-formal education. The research is done on the basis of the holistic paradigm of the science. Holistic methodology is used for investigation of the holistic system. The research resulted in creating the holistic model and working out the recommendations to facilitate of the transformation of the system of values of participants at the programmes of English acquisition of adult non-formal education. The results of the research are significant for developing the concept of autonomous learning.
Stress and Cancer in Dogs: Comparison Between a Population of Dogs Diagnosed with Cancer and a Control Population - A Pilot Study
Authors: Cannas Simona , Berteselli Greta Veronica , Piotti Patrizia , Talamonti Zita , Scaglia Elisabetta , Stefanello Damiano , Minero Michela , Palestrini Clara
Published: June 2016

It is widely accepted that psychological stress and mental illness can compromise the function of the immune system. Clinical and epidemiological studies on humans recognized that specific psychosocial factors, such as stress, chronic depression and lack of social support are risk factors for the development and progression of cancer. Unfortunately, most of the animals studies on this subject are based on laboratory tests performed on mice. This retrospective cohort study aims to analyze the relation between stress and tumor in pet dogs, by evaluating and comparing the stress level in two groups of 69 dogs each, balanced for sex and age: the oncologic group consists of dogs diagnosed with cancer and the control group consists of healthy dogs. Our results show that, before the cancer diagnosis, more dogs in the oncologic group faced changes in their household and routine as opposed to the control group (p<0.05). More dogs of the oncologic group than the control group also showed signs of stress and anxiety, before the cancer diagnosis (p<0.05). As reported by their owners, these included attention seeking, hiding without a specific reason, following the owner around the house, hyper-vigilance, fear of fireworks and gunshots, biting, aggression towards other dogs, licking and chewing excessively parts of their body. Our results are aligned with the evidence from human research, indicating that dogs with cancer are significantly more likely to have shown signs of stress compared to the control dogs during their life.
Simple modeling of the ratio of fields at a tip and at contacting surface
Authors: Bortchagovsky E. G.
Published: June 2016

The proposed concept of Raman probe for nearfield optical microscopy raises the question about the similarity of fields acting on specimens deposited at the tip apex and contacting surface. The signal generated at these two close but different points is defined by local fields, so it is the ratio of the fields at these points, that is the quantity of interest here. This work is concerned with the application of a simple dipole model for the analysis of the ratio of fields at the tip apex and at contacting surface as a function of their separation.
Gender Wage Differences in the Czech Public Sector: A Micro-level Case
Authors: Hedija Veronika
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study is to estimate the unexplained gender pay gap in individual departments of a Czech hospital, to find out whether this gap varies between departments and, if so, to identify the possible causes of these differences. To estimate the unexplained part of the gender pay gap, we use the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT), and to identify the causes behind differences in the unexplained gender pay gap we use a linear regression model. We find that the ATT varies significantly between departments. To explain these differences, we use selected characteristics of the departments: the department’s size, the proportion of women in the department, and the gender of the departmental head. We come to the conclusion that women’s wages increase relative to male wages as the proportion of female employees grows. On the other hand, the unexplained gender wage gap is not proven to be lower in smaller or female-led departments.