bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescents and web porn: a new era of sexuality
Authors: Pizzol Damiano , Bertoldo Alessandro , Foresta Carlo
Published: August 2015

Background: Pornography can affect the lifestyles of adolescents, especially in terms of their sexual habits and porn consumption, and may have a significant influence on their sexual attitudes and behaviors.

Objective: The aim of this study was to understand and analyze the frequency, duration, and perception of web porn utilization by young Italians attending high school.

Materials and methods: A total of 1565 students attending the final year of high school were involved in the study, and 1492 have agreed to fill out an anonymous survey. The questions representing the content of this study were: 1) How often do you access the web? 2) How much time do you remain connected? 3) Do you connect to pornographic sites? 4) How often do you access pornographic sites? 5) How much time you spend on them? 6) How often do you masturbate? and 7) How do you rate the attendance of these sites? Statistical analysis was performed by Fischer’s test.

Results: All young people, on an almost daily basis, have access to Internet. Among those surveyed, 1163 (77.9%) of Internet users admit to the consumption of pornographic material, and of these, 93 (8%) access pornographic websites daily, 686 (59%) boys accessing these sites perceive the consumption of pornography as always stimulating, 255 (21.9%) define it as habitual, 116 (10%) report that it reduces sexual interest towards potential real-life partners, and the remaining 106 (9.1%) report a kind of addiction. In addition, 19% of overall pornography consumers report an abnormal sexual response, while the percentage rose to 25.1% among regular consumers.

Conclusion: It is necessary to educate web users, especially young users, to a safe and responsible use of the Internet and of its contents. Moreover, public education campaigns should be increased in number and frequency to help improve knowledge of Internet-related sexual issues both by adolescents and by parents.
Finite element analysis of the stationary power-law Stokes equations driven by friction boundary conditions
Authors: Djoko Jules K. , Mbehou Mohamed
Published: August 2015

In this work, we are concerned with the finite element approximation for the stationary power law Stokes equations driven by nonlinear slip boundary conditions of ‘friction type’. After the formulation of the problem as mixed variational inequality of second kind, it is shown by application of a variant of Babuska-Brezzi’s theory for mixed problems that convergence of the finite element approximation is achieved with classical assumptions on the regularity of the weak solution. Next, solution algorithm for the mixed variational problem is presented and analyzed in details. Finally, numerical simulations that validate the theoretical findings are exhibited.
Unified error bounds for all Newton–Cotes quadrature rules
Authors: Masjed-Jamei Mohammad
Published: August 2015

It is well-known that the remaining term of a classical n-point Newton-Cotes quadrature depends on at least an n-order derivative of the integrand function. Discounting the fact that computing an n-order derivative requires a lot of differentiation for large n, the main problem is that an error bound for an n-point Newton-Cotes quadrature is only relevant for a function that is n times differentiable, a rather stringent condition. In this paper, by defining two specific linear kernels, we resolve this problem and obtain new error bounds for all closed and open types of Newton-Cotes quadrature rules. The advantage of the obtained bounds is that they do not depend on the norms of the integrand function and are very general such that they cover almost all existing results in the literature. Some illustrative examples are given in this direction.
Optimal bilinear control of eddy current equations with grad–div regularization
Authors: Yousept Irwin
Published: August 2015

An optimal bilinear control problem governed by time-harmonic eddy current equations is considered to estimate the electric conductivity of a 3D bounded isotropic domain. The model problem is mainly complicated by the possible presence of non-conducting materials in the domain. We introduce an optimal control approach based on grad-div regularization and divergence penalization. The estimation for the electric conductivity obtained by solving the optimal control problem is allowed to be discontinuous. Here, no higher regularity property can be derived from the corresponding optimality conditions. We analyze the approach and present various numerical results exhibiting its numerical performance
A well-balanced solver for the Saint Venant equations with variable cross-section
Authors: Borsche Raul
Published: August 2015

In this paper we construct a numerical solver for the Saint Venant equations. Special attention is given to the balancing of the source terms, including the bottom slope and variable cross-sectional profiles. Therefore a special discretization of the pressure law is used, in order to transfer analytical properties to the numerical method. Based on this approximation awell-balanced solver is developed, assuring the C-property and depth positivity. The performance of this method is studied in several test cases focusing on accurate capturing of steady states.
The Changing and Challenging Environment of Nonprofit Human Services: Implications for Governance and Program Implementation
Authors: Smith Steven Rathgeb , Phillips Susan D.
Published: August 2015

Nonprofit human service agencies are an essential part of the social safety net and their role in many policy fields such as community care, workforce development, and disability services is growing. The funding, delivery and entire configuration of human services systems is in transition in the US, as in many other countries, albeit with great variation depending upon local and regional circumstances. Consequently, nonprofit human service agencies need to develop sustainable program and business models that are also responsive to the heightened expectations on transparency and accountability. In addition, policymakers and government officials will need to work closely with nonprofit human service agencies in order to ensure effective and efficient service delivery. Drawing on evidence from the policy and nonprofit literatures, this brief offers a set of hypotheses about the implications, and possible paradoxes, for the nonprofit sector that are likely to emerge from the increasingly competitive environment among service providers and corresponding pressure by public and private funders for more collaboration among agencies. We explore both public policy for nonprofits in human services and strategic responses by this sector, considering the first order effects designed to enable nonprofits to adapt to a reconfigured model, and the second order effects in which governments and nonprofits address the consequences of the first round. These effects are likely to vary by organizational size and by service field, resulting in quite different outcomes and relationships with government for large multi-service agencies and those in highly regulated fields such as child protection versus small nonprofits, particularly in fields such as community care with closer connections to the informal sector.
On overturn of two-dimensional nonlinear plasma oscillations
Authors: Chizhonkov Eugene V. , Frolov Alexander A. , Milyutin Sergei V.
Published: August 2015

The stability problem for spatial structure of plasma oscillations in the process of their dynamics is studied in the paper analytically (by perturbation methods) and numerically. It is shown that if the initial perturbation possesses a local symmetry, then an overturn of oscillations appears simultaneously on a circumference of some nonzero radius. If cross-sections of the initial perturbation of the electron density are ellipses, then a singularity of the electron density appears simultaneously too, but only at two spatial points.

The results of calculations performed in the Supercomputing Center ‘Chebyshev’ of Lomonosov Moscow State University using a hybrid parallel code are presented. The results are in a good agreement with analytic calculations and computations with one-dimensional models.
[NaCl][Cu(HSeO3)2], NaCl-intercalated Cu(HSeO3)2: synthesis, crystal structure and comparison with related compounds
Authors: Kovrugin Vadim M. , Krivovichev Sergey V. , Mentré Olivier , Colmont Marie
Published: August 2015

Single crystals of [NaCl][Cu(HSeO3)2] have been prepared by the chemical vapor transport reactions. Its crystal structure (monoclinic, C2/c, a = 13.9874(7), b = 7.2594(4), c = 9.0421(5) Å, β = 127.046(2)°, V = 732.81(7) Å3) is based upon electroneutral [Cu(HSeO3)2] sheets formed by corner sharing between the [CuO4] squares and (HSeO3) groups that are parallel to the (100) plane. Each (SeO2OH)– group forms the Oh1...O2 hydrogen bond to an adjacent hydroselenite group to constitute a [(SeO2OH)2]2– dimer that provides additional stabilization of the copper diselenite sheet. The [Cu(HSeO3)2] sheets alternate with the sheets consisting of zigzag–Na–Cl–Na–Cl–chains formed by Cl atoms and disordered Na sites. The chains are parallel to the c axis. The linkage between the alternating electroneutral [Cu(HSeO3)2] and [NaCl] sheets is provided by the Cu–Cl and Na–O bonds. The coordination of Na is fivefold and consists of three O and two Cl atoms. [NaCl][Cu(HSeO3)2] is a new member of the group of compounds based upon the M(HSeO3)2 layers (M2+ = Cu, Co, Cd). The prototype structure for this group is [Cu(HSeO3)2] that does not have any chemical species separating the copper hydroselenite layers. In other compounds, the interlayer space between the [Cu(HSeO3)2]0 layers is occupied by structural units of different complexity. [NaCl][Cu(HSeO3)2] can be considered as [Cu(HSeO3)2] intercalated with the NaCl layers consisting of one-dimensional–Na–Cl–Na–Cl–chains.
A Note on Kirchhoff’s Junction Rule for Power-Law Fluids
Authors: Marušić-Paloka Eduard , Pažanin Igor
Published: August 2015

We study a multiple pipe system filled with non-Newtonian fluid being in stationary regime and obeying the power law. Introducing the small parameter ε, being the ratio between the cross-section area and the length of the pipes, we find the effective flow via singular perturbation as ε tends to zero. The flow in each pipe of the system remains in the power-law Poiseuille form governed by the pressure drop between pipe’s end and the junction. Kirchhoff’s law providing the value of pressure at the junction point is derived, and its solvability is discussed. In the vicinity of junction, an interior layer appears, so we correct the asymptotic solution by introducing a non-Newtonian Leray’s problem. The error analysis is also provided.
Checklist of amphibians in a transitional area between the Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest, central-southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Silva Amanda S. F. Lantyer , Júnior Sérgio Siqueira , Zina Juliana
Published: August 2015

We present a list of amphibian species from Serra do Brejo Novo, municipality of Jequié, state of Bahia in Brazil, a transition zone between the Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest that encompasses a great diversity of species and reproductive modes. Between November 2009 and April 2010 we surveyed the area using pitfall traps and between August 2010 and February 2012 data was collected using active search methodology. We recorded 32 species belonging to seven families. The unexpected composition of species and reproductive modes of this community highlight the importance of species inventories and also the need for exploring transitional areas to understand the ecological mechanisms responsible for changes in community structures between different zones.
Floristic composition of Isla de las Gaviotas, Río de la Plata estuary, Uruguay
Authors: Guido Anaclara , Mai Patricia , Piñeiro Verónica , Mourelle Dominique , Souza Mercedes , Machín Emanuel , Zaldúa Natalia , Lenzi Javier
Published: August 2015

Isla de las Gaviotas is an island located in Río de la Plata estuary, Uruguay. The aim of this study is to determine and analyze plant species composition on this island and to identify vegetation zonation patterns. An angiosperm species list was generated using a qualitative sampling technique. We registered a total of 27 species, distributed among 18 families. According to species distribution patterns on the island, we propose four vegetation zones: North, Central, Southeast and West. Exotic species comprised 52% of the total number of species, reflecting a history of disturbance in the area. Nonetheless, this site also has a remarkable number of native species, in particular Heliotropium curassavicum, which is listed among Uruguayan species of conservation concern. Given that the loss of coastal plant species is a current problem, the proportion of native halophyte species recorded (37%) indicated the island’s importance as a relict of Uruguayan coastal vegetation.
Diclidurus albus Wied-Neuwied, 1820 (Chiroptera: Emballonuridae): first record of the species in the state of Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Alvino Pedrosa , Loures-Ribeiro Alan
Published: August 2015

Diclidurus albus Wied-Neuwied, 1820 has few known records in Brazil. This study reports the easternmostrecord of the species and the first for the state of Paraíba, Brazil. One adult female specimen of D. albus was captured in theforest canopy of Reserva Biológica Guaribas – SEMA 3. This record extends the distribution of D. albus to the north in theBrazilian Atlantic Forest.
New distribution records of the genus Neotroponiscus Arcangeli, 1936 (Isopoda: Oniscidea: Bathytropidae) from Southeastern and Southern Brazil
Authors: Mugnai Riccardo , Senna André R. , Araujo Paula B.
Published: August 2015

Three species of the terrestrial isopod genus Neotroponiscus Arcangeli, 1936 have new records presented in this paper. Neotroponiscus lenkoi Lemos de Castro, 1970, previously known only from the state of São Paulo, is recorded for the first time from the state of Rio de Janeiro. Two other species, N. argentinus (Giambiagi de Calabrese, 1939) and N. lobatus Lemos de Castro, 1970 have complementary records from the states of Santa Catarina and Espírito Santo, respectively. A distribution map is also presented.
Aparasphenodon brunoi Miranda-Ribeiro, 1920 (Anura: Hylidae): distribution extension and geographic distribution map for Bahia state, Brazil
Authors: Ruas Danilo Silva , Mendes Caio Vinicius de Mira , Del-Grande Maria Lúcia , Solé Mirco
Published: August 2015

The casque-headed frog Aparasphenodon brunoi is recorded for the first time in the municipalities of Ilhéus and Igrapiúna, southern region of Bahia state, northeastern Brazil. The new record of A. brunoi in the municipality of Igrapiúna, represents an increase of its known geographic distribution of approximately 150 km north from its nearest locality (airline), in municipality of Una, state of Bahia, representing now the northernmost known record for this species.
New records of Sciaphila Blume, Sciaphila purpurea Benth; Triuris Miers and Triuris hyalina Miers in the southern Amazon forest, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Vilela-Santos Márcia Cléia , Barbosa Luciane , Santos Quézia Cristina , Bao Franciele , Rodrigues Domingos
Published: August 2015

Herein, we report two new records of Triuridaceae (Sciaphila purpurea and Triuris hyalina) in the southern Amazon forest. These species were surveyed in the permanent plots (PPBio) using the RAPELD methodology. These new records extend the distribution of these species to Mato Grosso state.
Distribution and natural history of carnivorous plants of Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Baalim Fraser , Peters Catherine , Cota-Sánchez Hugo
Published: August 2015

We provide distribution maps of carnivorous plants as well as an assessment of rarity status and potential threats to diversity of carnivorous taxa in Saskatchewan using a biodiversity informatics approach. Saskatchewan is home to ten carnivorous species ranging from the Mixed Grassland ecoregion in the southwest to the Selwyn Lake Upland ecoregion in the northeast. Several areas exhibiting high carnivorous plant diversity including rare and endangered species are: the Nesbitt Provincial Forest, the Prince Albert National Park, and the Athabasca Sand Dunes. We propose these areas as deserving conservation priority.
Activation of nano-Ca2MnO4 for electrochemical lithium intercalation
Authors: Surace Yuri , Simões Mário , Karvonen Lassi , Battaglia Corsin , Pokrant Simone , Weidenkaff Anke
Published: August 2015

Ca2MnO4 nanoparticles were prepared by the Pechini method and acid treated to extract Ca2+ ions. Structural, morphological and spectroscopic analyses by XRD, SEM/EDX, TEM/EDS and Raman revealed the formation of an amorphous outer layer at the particles surface with a preserved inner crystalline bulk. Thanks to the outer layer, which is electrochemically active, the acid-treated compounds showed capacity up to 150 Ah/kg. The crystalline bulk improved cycling stability, allowing reaching capacity retention up to 70% after 30 cycles.
A First Ceramic Chronology for the Late Islamic Arabian Gulf
Authors: Power Timothy
Published: August 2015

Islamic archaeology in the Arabian Gulf has grown tremendously in recent years. However, a ceramic chronology for the Late Islamic Arabian Gulf has not yet been put forward. The present paper constitutes a first attempt at a refined periodization based on the occupational sequence of al-Ain, UAE. The study is based on the typological quantification of sherds from stratified excavations undertaken by the Historic Buildings and Landscapes Section of the Tourism and Culture Authority Abu Dhabi. It is broadly based on the methodology developed by Derek Kennet in his much-cited Sasanian and Islamic Pottery from Ras al-Khaimah (2004). The c. 13,500-sherd assemblage has been divided into six periods of thirty to seventy years spanning the later seventeenth to mid-twentieth centuries. The al-Ain assemblage is compared to published ceramics from contemporary sites in the Gulf region and further compared to relevant historical sources to draw out the wider implications of the findings. The present study constitutes an interim report and full publication of ceramics from al-Ain will appear in a multi-authored pottery handbook currently in preparation.
EFEITO DE NÍVEIS DE DEPLEÇÃO DE ÁGUA NO SUBSTRATO E DOSES DE FERTILIZANTE DE LIBERAÇÃO CONTROLADA NA PRODUÇÃO DE MUDAS DE MARACUJAZEIRO AMARELO
Authors: Melo Júnior Júlio César Ferreira de , Costa Daniel Dos Santos , Gervásio Eliezer Santurbano , Lima Augusto Miguel Nascimento , Sediyama Gilberto Chohaku
Published: August 2015

Para a implantação da fruticultura, o emprego de mudas de boa qualidade é fundamentalmente importante. Neste contexto objetivou-se avaliar diferentes níveis de depleção de água no substrato definidos como uma fração da massa da capacidade de container (MCC), bem como doses de Osmocote® (15-9-12) na produção de mudas de maracujazeiro amarelo em tubetes. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas com quatro repetições, sendo definido como parcela o fator nível de depleção de água no substrato (5, 15, 25 e 35% da MCC) e como subparcela o fator dose de fertilizante (0, 3, 6, 9 e 12 kg m-3). Para a irrigação das mudas utilizou-se um sistema de subirrigação. As variáveis altura da parte aérea, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas, massas da matéria seca da parte aérea, do sistema radicular e total, relação das massas da matéria seca da parte aérea e do sistema radicular, índice qualidade de Dickson, bem como o pH e a condutividade elétrica do substrato orgânico, foram submetidas à análise de variância. Os tratamentos que proporcionaram as melhores respostas das mudas foram aqueles submetidos às depleções de 5 e 15% da MCC, bem como a dose de 9 kg m-3.
POTENCIAL HÍDRICO-NUTRICIONAL DA ÁGUA RESIDUÁRIA DE SUINOCULTURA NA IRRIGAÇÃO DO ALGODOEIRO CULTIVADO EM CONDIÇÕES SEMIÁRIDAS
Authors: Medeiros Salomão De Sousa , Perez-Marin Aldrin Martin , Santos Júnior José Amilton , Reis Cláudia Fancini , Gheyi Hans Raj
Published: August 2015

Dada a importância social e econômica da suinocultura no Brasil, a mitigação dos impactos ambientais gerados por esta atividade é urgente e possui grande relevo ambiental. Neste sentido, o objetivo da execução deste trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade do aproveitamento da água residuária proveniente da suinocultura sobre a produção de massa seca, absorção, acúmulo e recuperação aparente dos macronutrientes na cultura do algodoeiro. O estudo foi realizado em dois ciclos (período seco e chuvoso), na área experimental da CODEVASF, Bom Jesus da Lapa, BA, em 2007 e 2008. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições, totalizando 20 unidades experimentais; testou-se a aplicação de quatro proporções de diluições de água residuária tratada em água fluvial (AR100, AR75:25, AR50:50 e AR25:75) e um tratamento testemunha (T) -  irrigado com água fluvial + adubação mineral. Concluiu-se que o aproveitamento da água residuária oriunda da suinocultura é viável como fonte de nutrientes e na ampliação da oferta de água para irrigação em regiões semiáridas, já que proporcionou o aumento da produtividade do algodoeiro, além de proporcionar efeito residual na melhoria da fertilidade do solo.
ASPECTOS AGRONÔMICOS DO MELOEIRO ‘MANDACARU’ CULTIVADO EM AMBIENTE PROTEGIDO SOB IRRIGAÇÃO
Authors: Cavalcanti Nariane Meire da Silva , Dutra Alexson Filgueiras , Melo Alberto Soares de , Silva Flaviana Gonçalves da , Dutra Wellison Filgueiras , Nunes Junior Edivan da Silva
Published: August 2015

A cultura do melão possui grande importância no Nordeste brasileiro devido ao seu potencial produtivo. Seu cultivo em ambiente protegido reduz o índice de pragas e doenças e aumenta a produção e qualidade dos frutos, garantindo maior lucratividade ao produtor. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar, com este trabalho, as características morfológicas e produtivas do meloeiro ‘Mandacaru’ cultivado em ambiente protegido sob diferentes lâminas de irrigação. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação pertencente à Universidade Estadual da Paraíba e cinco níveis de irrigação foram estudados (33, 66, 100, 133 e 166% da ETo), correspondentes a 29, 58, 87, 116 e 145 mm planta-1 ciclo-1, respectivamente, utilizando-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com oito repetições e duas plantas úteis por parcela. Avaliaram-se variáveis morfológicas das plantas e qualitativas dos frutos. O meloeiro variedade ‘Mandacaru’ mantém suas qualidades morfológicas e produtivas bem definidas com lâminas de irrigação de 116 mm planta-1 ciclo-1. A massa de fruto, o diâmetro e a espessura de polpa são os aspectos qualitativos dos frutos mais influenciados negativamente pelo déficit hídrico e pelo excesso de água disponível.
APLICAÇÃO DE REGULADORES VEGETAIS E DE FOSFITO DE POTÁSSIO EM MUDAS DE EUCALIPTO SUBMETIDAS À DEFICIÊNCIA HÍDRICA
Authors: Gonçalves Karoline Santos , Sousa Antônio De Pádua , Velini Edivaldo Domingues
Published: August 2015

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de reguladores vegetais e de fosfito de potássio em mudas de híbrido de Eucalyptus grandis vs. Eucalyptus urophylla submetidas à deficiência hídrica. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualisado com nove tratamentos e quatro repetições, em casa de vegetação no Núcleo de Pesquisas Avançadas em Matologia, pertencente ao Departamento de Produção e Melhoramento Vegetal da Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas da UNESP, localizada no município de Botucatu (SP). Cada parcela experimental foi composta por um vaso contendo 5 L de solo, no qual foi transplantada uma muda no estádio de 3 a 4 pares de folhas. Os tratamentos foram aplicados quando as plantas estavam uniformes e bem aclimatadas, via pulverização foliar, utilizando 50 mL de solução com a dose específica de cada regulador vegetal e do fosfito de potássio. A irrigação foi suspensa sete dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos. Cada tratamento constituiu-se de: 200 g ha-1 de ácido salicílico (AS), 200 g ha-1 de metil salicilato (MeS), 1000 g ha-1 de ácido jasmônico (AJ), 1000 g ha-1 de metil jasmonato (MeJ), 1000 g ha-1 de ácido dihidro jasmônico (DHJ), 1000 g ha-1 de metil dihidro jasmonato (MeDHJ), 5 L p.c. de fosfito de potássio e dois tratamentos testemunhas, sem aplicação de compostos, sendo um deles submetido à deficiência hídrica e o outro irrigado. As variáveis avaliadas foram: taxa de transpiração, taxa de transporte de elétrons (ETR) e teor de lipoperóxidos nas folhas. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o estresse por deficiência hídrica elevou os teores de lipoperóxidos e reduziu o ETR nas folhas de eucalipto, contudo a aplicação dos reguladores vegetais e do fosfito de potássio atenuaram os efeitos do estresse hídrico nas plantas, sobretudo nos tratamentos com o ácido salicílico e o fosfito de potássio.   Palavras-chave: Eucalyptus, ácido salicílico, ácido jasmônico.
Planning, design and construction of the Second Penang Bridge
Authors: Collings David
Published: August 2015

The recently completed Penang Second Bridge in Malaysia is one of the longest structures in South East Asia consisting of approximately 22 km of elevated viaduct, 17 km of this over the sea. This paper outlines the initial planning of the project, its design and construction. The bearings for the structure consist of high damping rubber bearings (HDRBs) for seismic isolation. This paper presents the seismic issues associated with the project and describes the development of the bridge design and the reasons for the choice of HDRBs. The results of the extensive testing are presented and the construction and installation method outlined. A simplification to Malaysian seismic design based on work from this and other projects is also presented.
Geosynthetics anchorage with wrap around: experimental and numerical studies
Authors: Lajevardi S. H. , Silvani C. , Dias D. , Briançon L. , Villard P.
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT: Geosynthetics are used as reinforcing elements in a wide variety of structures: reinforced slopes and walls; embankments on soft soils; piled embankment; reinforcement in the base layers of railroad and road constructions; reinforced foundation mattresses; bridging of sinkholes or reinforced abutments. In some cases, these reinforced structures require anchorage areas. Designing the required dimensions of this anchorage remains problematic. This paper focuses on the simple run-out and wrap around anchorages. Laboratory tests, performed with these two anchorage benches, consisted of the pull-out of three geotextiles (uniaxial or biaxial with different stiffness) anchored following various geometries in different kinds of soil. In order to confirm and to complete the experimental studies presented in these anchorage systems, a specific two-dimensional discrete-element model has been used. The soil was described by discrete elements and the geosynthetic behaviour was taken into account by the use of thin finite elements. The interface behaviour between the soil particles and the geosynthetic elements was considered at each contact point by using a Coulomb contact law. The numerical model reproduced the experimental campaign and the anchorage mechanisms reasonably. The load transfer between the geosynthetic and soil was visualised by the force and displacements distribution along the geosynthetic sheet. The numerical procedure could also be used to define the conditions of stability for reinforced slopes or walls.
Effects of state of test sample, specimen geometry and sample preparation on dynamic properties of rubber–sand mixtures
Authors: Senetakis K. , Anastasiadis A.
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT: The study presents resonant column test results on sand mixed with granulated rubber. The experiments were carried out on samples within a range of rubber content from 0 to 15% by dry weight of sand–rubber mixtures, at variable isotropic effective stresses, p′, state of test sample and sample preparation method. Both small-diameter specimens of 36 mm × 82 mm in size and large-diameter samples of about 70 mm × 140 mm in size were tested in torsional mode of vibration at very small shear strain amplitudes, in general less than 10−5. Specimens were tested in a dry state, a moist state with a very small water content inclusion and a fully saturated state. The data indicated that for a given p′, the increase of rubber content shifted the obtained resonant frequencies to lower values, the small-strain shear modulus, G0, decreased, whereas small-strain material damping, Ds0, increased. The state of test sample, namely dry, moist or fully saturated, did not affect the obtained small-strain shear modulus values but did affect the obtained Ds0. G0 could efficiently be described through typical formulas of G0 against p′ used for sands, by treating the volume of rubber particles as part of the total volume of voids into the void ratio function of the G0–p′ relationship. By preparing the samples at variable initial void ratios, comparisons could be obtained between samples of variable rubber contents and state of test sample but at a given resonant frequency. This is very important in capturing the behaviour of the mixtures in resonant column test which is a non-frequency-controlled method and thus the effect of rubber content and loading frequency could be de-coupled in the experiments.
One Future Only. The Soviet Union in the Age of the Scientific-Technical Revolution
Authors: Guth Stefan
Published: August 2015

One Future Only. The Soviet Union in the Age of the Scientific-Technical Revolution

The present article focuses on the «Scientific-Technical Revolution» (STR), tracing the Soviet leadership's bid for the future throughout the post-Stalinist period and examining how it came to be challenged by the scientific-technical and literary intelligentsias of the country. I argue that what was claimed to be the main strength of official Soviet thought on the future – its holistic character – was also its most serious limiting factor. Unlike Western futures studies, which assumed a plurality of possible futures and stressed the need to strategically choose between them on the basis of preferences and values, orthodox Soviet theoreticians framed the prospective development of mankind in terms of a single future that demanded an all-encompassing vision. The resulting Soviet future discourse was unwieldy and restrictive, and left the Soviet Union ill-prepared to deal with the onslaught of «reflexive modernity» that reached the country in the 1970s.
Stateless Revolutionaries and the Aftermath of the Ottoman Great War
Authors: Provence Michael
Published: August 2015

Stateless Revolutionaries and the Aftermath of the Ottoman Great War

Commonplace European and American impressions of the Middle East focus on disorder and violence. But the Ottoman nineteenth century was less violent than in much of Europe or America. People everywhere experienced the emergence of the modern state and its claims on their resources, bodies, and consciousness. The story was similar in most of the eventual Great War belligerents: mass conscription, citizenship, education and indoctrination into the state, and its collective narratives characterised the long nineteenth century. After 1918 Britain and France partitioned the Ottoman State into more than a dozen new colonial and quasicolonial states. This event is the origin point of Middle Eastern disorder of the past century. Former citizens of the defeated Ottoman Empire did not accept partition and colonialism. The post-war Middle Eastern settlement was everywhere greeted with revolts and revolutions. But lost in the details of both colonial and postcolonial nationalist historiography of these movements, is the legacy of nineteenthcentury Ottoman modernity that both bound them together and facilitated their emergence.
Sensitivity and specificity of the treatment methods included in the standards of health resort treatment
Authors: Agasiyev A R
Published: August 2015

Aim. To estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the treatment methods of health resort treatment according to standards of the Russian Federation.

Methods. A fourfold table was created using the data of standards and sensitivity, specificity and predictive value parameters of health resort treatments were determined. 10 groups of diseases: arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, autonomic disorders, polyneuropathy, radiculopathy and plexopathy, urolithiasis, glomerular disease, liver diseases, gallbladder diseases, diseases of biliary tract and pancreas, diabetes mellitus, joint diseases. Comparison of therapeutic effects of recommended methods for the diseases was performed. The comparison was performed by the fourfold table scheme.

Results. Treatment methods were allocated to the following groups: (1) methods used in all patients irrespective of the main disease; (2) methods used at the majority groups of diseases with different frequency; (3) methods which were selectively administered in certain groups of diseases. It was shown that the existing treatment methods in a set of standards differ by sensitivity, specificity and predictive value, which is associated with insufficient differentiation of indications for their use.

Conclusion. While providing the health resort treatment, a choice of treatment methods by a doctor in charge considering the main and concomitant conditions plays the major role.
Methods of orthopedic treatment developed during the great patriotic war and post-war years by the orthopedic dentistry department Staff of Kazan State Dental Institute
Authors: Yudina G N , Saleeva G T , Saleev R A , Degtyarev I M
Published: August 2015

During the Great Patriotic War in Kazan, evacuation hospitals were established in Kazan. Teachers of the Kazan State Dental Institute made an invaluable contribution to their work, offering advice and medical aid to the wounded and sick. During the war, members of the department significantly improved the quality of the treatment of the wounded in the maxillofacial region, which contributed to their rapid recovery and return to the troops or to labor. The Great Patriotic War was a special period for the Department of Orthopedic Dentistry of Kazan State Dental Institute, when everything was aimed at providing high quality care and rehabilitation of patients. Staff members of the department of orthopedic dentistry proposed a number of original methods, orthotics and prostheses for the treatment of severe wounds in the maxillofacial region, which have been successfully used in those years. The designs of these devices and prostheses are not outdated; they are successfully used today to treat patients with maxillofacial injuries. Researches of thoughtful and talented scientists, whose labors are methodically published not only in scientific works, but also in prosthetic dentistry textbooks, valuable for the professional development of a new generation of students of dental faculties. Teaching staff of the department of orthopedic dentistry cherishes the memory of the staff members, who contributed to the development and improvement of dental education in the city of Kazan.
Diagnóstico e desenvolvimento inicial de mamoneira em solos de áreas degradadas
Authors: Santos Rivaldo Vital , Silva Girlânio Holanda , Do Ó Kely Silva , Vital Adriana Fátima Meira
Published: August 2015

A degradação do solo no semiárido também ocorre pelo desmatamento da Caatinga e pela remoção da camada superficial do solo, cujo destino é a indústria de cerâmica ou olarias. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar o crescimento da mamoneira em solos degradados. Os tratamentos consistiram de solos degradados: subsolo degradado-1, subsolo degradado-2 e área desmatada; quatro doses de fósforo (0, 100, 200, 300 mgkg-1 P), com três repetições. As testemunhas absolutas, sem fósforo, corresponderam ao solo salinizado não corrigido, solo-1 não degradado, solo-2 não degradado e solo de caatinga não desmatada. O solo degradado por sais, o subsolo-2, recebeu correção com gesso agrícola, foi incubado e lavado. Os resultados demonstraram que a análise do subsolo degradado revelou alta salinidade e baixos teores de fósforo e matéria orgânica, o subsolo degradado salino exige correção com gesso para tornar possível o cultivo da mamona em caatinga desmatada e subsolos degradados. As doses de fósforo não promoveram desenvolvimento significativo em mudas de mamona.
Confluence of arts, humanities, and science at sites of long‐term ecological inquiry
Authors: Swanson Frederick J.
Published: August 2015

Over the past century, ecology, the arts, and humanities diverged, but are now converging again, especially at sites of long‐term, place‐based ecological inquiry. This convergence has been inspired in part by the works of creative, boundary‐spanning individuals and the long‐standing examples of arts‐humanities programs in intriguing landscapes, such as artist and writer residencies of the National Park Service and the National Science Foundation's Antarctic program. In the past decade many US biological field stations, marine laboratories, and Long‐Term Ecological Research sites have substantially increased the presence of arts and humanities in their programs for reasons both practical (e.g., public outreach, increasing student and class offerings) and fundamental (e.g., foster creativity within individuals and research teams, collect a record of artistic/humanities engagement with place). Motivations include communicating about science agencies' missions, the scientific process, and science discoveries to the public who support the research work. The overarching accomplishment of this work has been to advance near‐term “science outreach,” but some of this work can be viewed as “basic” arts and humanities in the sense that its impacts won't be known for a long time. A next challenge is for interdisciplinary teams to address complex problems, which falls in the “intellectual merit” realm of the National Science Foundation evaluation criteria. The growing body of works at the ecology‐arts‐humanities interface will be a valuable resource for future study of science‐society‐nature relations. These efforts potentially contribute to initiatives emerging from the ecological sciences community that seek greater connection with society—initiatives promoting sustainability and stewardship, and the practice of science citizenship, such as development of future scenario projects and regional conservation plans. Despite the large number of programs undertaking these collaborations, their existence is a well‐kept secret with little representation on individual site websites and no organized network to support the work. The strong, grassroots emergence of arts, humanities, and science collaborations at sites of long‐term ecological inquiry signals a recognition that these are places of cultural as well as scientific work. Their appearance late in ESA's first century may foreshadow an important role for such endeavors in the next century of ESA.
Assessment of metrics for resilient design of water distribution networks
Authors: Piratla Kalyan R. , Ariaratnam Samuel T.
Published: August 2015

Water distribution networks (WDNs) play a crucial role in the well-being of human populations and economic prosperity. It is essential that they cope with abnormal operating conditions and recover functionality quickly. Traditionally, WDNs are designed using cost and reliability objectives, but there is a lack of consensus on the definition and quantification of reliability which typically is a computationally intense process. Subsequently, various reliability-like metrics, called resilience indices, have been developed and demonstrated in the design of WDNs. Few studies exist that thoroughly evaluate the performance of the previously developed resilience metrics. This paper investigates three resilience metrics by evaluating their performance on three benchmark WDNs for several simulated mechanical failure states. The metrics studied are: (a) resilience index, (b) network resilience index (NRI), and (c) modified resilience index (MRI). The metric MRI performed better overall but NRI produced cheaper designs that performed better in the case of WDN-I. It is recommended that a better metric that incorporates different dimensions of resilience, such as robustness and redundancy, should be developed in the future.
Civil Building Generation System Based on the Human Space Dynamics
Authors: Hou Gongyu , Xu Xin
Published: August 2015

The theory of building generation system is built on the concept of human space dynamics. This paper analyzes
the interaction of space utility - streamline - space combination, which is the driving force mechanism for generating
building system. In the constitution of a community with building using human, the macro group behavior is ordered, but
the microscopic behavior of individuals is random. Mining statistics law, exploring building generation system's theory
based on human behavior, is necessary. This paper presents system software architecture and dynamics analysis of architectural
functional areas, deepens the understanding of the combination of architectural space, and builds a solid foundation
for building generation system analysis.
Mediation and moderation effect of the big five personality traits on the relationship between self-perceived malocclusion and psychosocial impact of dental esthetics
Authors: Spalj Stjepan , Novsak Alenka , Bilobrk Philipp , Katic Visnja , Zrinski Magda Trinajstic , Pavlic Andrej
Published: August 2015

Objective: 

To explore the mediation and moderation effects of personality traits on the relationship between self-perceived malocclusion and the psychosocial impact of dental esthetics.

Materials and Methods: 

The sample included 252 subjects (62% female) aged 12–39 years. Self-perceived malocclusion was estimated using the 10-point scale Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. The Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire was used to assess the psychological impact and the Big Five Inventory for personality traits. Moderation and mediation effects were evaluated with Pearson correlations and stepwise regression analysis, respectively.

Results: 

Self-perceived malocclusion ranged from 1 to 8 and was the most significant predictor of psychosocial impact of dental esthetics, whose unique contribution accounted for 11%–36.4% of variability, while age and sex accounted for 1.2%–2.5%. Personality traits had no mediating effect on this relationship. The moderating effect of agreeableness was present in the relationship between self-perceived degree of malocclusion and Social Impact (SI), Psychological Impact (PI), and Aesthetic Concern (AC) (ΔR2  =  0.035, 0.020, and 0.013, respectively; P < .001), while conscientiousness affected the relationship between perception of malocclusion and SI and PI (ΔR2  =  0.018 and 0.016, respectively; P < .05). In people with lower agreeableness and conscientiousness, increasing the severity of self-perceived malocclusion leads to less increase in SI and PI. In people with lower agreeableness, the increase influences AC in a similar manner. Extraversion, neuroticism, and openness do not have a moderating effect.

Conclusions: 

The relationship between self-perceived malocclusion and the psychosocial impact of dental esthetics appears to be moderated and not mediated by personality traits. Adolescents and young adults with lower agreeableness and conscientiousness seem to be less affected by the increased severity of self-perceived malocclusion, as demonstrated in reporting some psychosocial impacts.
Activation of FoxM1 Revitalizes the Replicative Potential of Aged β-Cells in Male Mice and Enhances Insulin Secretion
Authors: Golson Maria L. , Dunn Jennifer C. , Maulis Matthew F. , Dadi Prasanna K. , Osipovich Anna B. , Magnuson Mark A. , Jacobson David A. , Gannon Maureen
Published: August 2015

Type 2 diabetes incidence increases with age, while β-cell replication declines. The transcription factor FoxM1 is required for β-cell replication in various situations, and its expression declines with age. We hypothesized that increased FoxM1 activity in aged β-cells would rejuvenate proliferation. Induction of an activated form of FoxM1 was sufficient to increase β-cell mass and proliferation in 12-month-old male mice after just 2 weeks. Unexpectedly, at 2 months of age, induction of activated FoxM1 in male mice improved glucose homeostasis with unchanged β-cell mass. Cells expressing activated FoxM1 demonstrated enhanced glucose-stimulated Ca2+ influx, which resulted in improved glucose tolerance through enhanced β-cell function. Conversely, our laboratory has previously demonstrated that mice lacking FoxM1 in the pancreas display glucose intolerance or diabetes with only a 60% reduction in β-cell mass, suggesting that the loss of FoxM1 is detrimental to β-cell function. Ex vivo insulin secretion was therefore examined in size-matched islets from young mice lacking FoxM1 in β-cells. Foxm1-deficient islets indeed displayed reduced insulin secretion. Our studies reveal that activated FoxM1 increases β-cell replication while simultaneously enhancing insulin secretion and improving glucose homeostasis, making FoxM1 an attractive therapeutic target for diabetes.
Effects of Metformin on Metabolite Profiles and LDL Cholesterol in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Xu Tao , Brandmaier Stefan , Messias Ana C. , Herder Christian , Draisma Harmen H.M. , Demirkan Ayse , Yu Zhonghao , Ried Janina S. , Haller Toomas , Heier Margit , Campillos Monica , Fobo Gisela , Stark Renee , Holzapfel Christina , Adam Jonathan , Chi Shen , Rotter Markus , Panni Tommaso , Quante Anne S. , He Ying , Prehn Cornelia , Roemisch-Margl Werner , Kastenmüller Gabi , Willemsen Gonneke , Pool René , Kasa Katarina , van Dijk Ko Willems , Hankemeier Thomas , Meisinger Christa , Thorand Barbara , Ruepp Andreas , Hrabé de Angelis Martin , Li Yixue , Wichmann H.-Erich , Stratmann Bernd , Strauch Konstantin , Metspalu Andres , Gieger Christian , Suhre Karsten , Adamski Jerzy , Illig Thomas , Rathmann Wolfgang , Roden Michael , Peters Annette , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Meitinger Thomas , Wang-Sattler Rui
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE

Metformin is used as a first-line oral treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we aimed to comprehensively investigate the pleiotropic effects of metformin.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed both metabolomic and genomic data of the population-based KORA cohort. To evaluate the effect of metformin treatment on metabolite concentrations, we quantified 131 metabolites in fasting serum samples and used multivariable linear regression models in three independent cross-sectional studies (n = 151 patients with T2D treated with metformin [mt-T2D]). Additionally, we used linear mixed-effect models to study the longitudinal KORA samples (n = 912) and performed mediation analyses to investigate the effects of metformin intake on blood lipid profiles. We combined genotyping data with the identified metformin-associated metabolites in KORA individuals (n = 1,809) and explored the underlying pathways.

RESULTS

We found significantly lower (P < 5.0E-06) concentrations of three metabolites (acyl-alkyl phosphatidylcholines [PCs]) when comparing mt-T2D with four control groups who were not using glucose-lowering oral medication. These findings were controlled for conventional risk factors of T2D and replicated in two independent studies. Furthermore, we observed that the levels of these metabolites decreased significantly in patients after they started metformin treatment during 7 years’ follow-up. The reduction of these metabolites was also associated with a lowered blood level of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). Variations of these three metabolites were significantly associated with 17 genes (including FADS1 and FADS2) and controlled by AMPK, a metformin target.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that metformin intake activates AMPK and consequently suppresses FADS, which leads to reduced levels of the three acyl-alkyl PCs and LDL-C. Our findings suggest potential beneficial effects of metformin in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.