bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sinusitis and Pneumonia Hospitalization After Introduction of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Authors: Lindstrand Ann , Bennet Rutger , Galanis Ilias , Blennow Margareta , Ask Lina Schollin , Dennison Sofia Hultman , Rinder Malin Ryd , Eriksson Margareta , Henriques-Normark Birgitta , Örtqvist Åke , Alfvén Tobias
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of pneumonia and sinusitis. Pneumonia kills >1 million children annually, and sinusitis is a potentially serious pediatric disease that increases the risk of orbital and intracranial complications. Although pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is effective against invasive pneumococcal disease, its effectiveness against pneumonia is less consistent, and its effect on sinusitis is not known. We compared hospitalization rates due to sinusitis, pneumonia, and empyema before and after sequential introduction of PCV7 and PCV13.

METHOD:

All children 0 to <18 years old hospitalized for sinusitis, pneumonia, or empyema in Stockholm County, Sweden, from 2003 to 2012 were included in a population-based study of hospital registry data on hospitalizations due to sinusitis, pneumonia, or empyema. Trend analysis, incidence rates, and rate ratios (RRs) were calculated comparing July 2003 to June 2007 with July 2008 to June 2012, excluding the year of PCV7 introduction.

RESULTS:

Hospitalizations for sinusitis decreased significantly in children aged 0 to <2 years, from 70 to 24 cases per 100 000 population (RR = 0.34, P < .001). Hospitalizations for pneumonia decreased significantly in children aged 0 to <2 years, from 450 to 366 per 100 000 population (RR = 0.81, P < .001) and in those aged 2 to <5 years from 250 to 212 per 100 000 population (RR = 0.85, P = .002). Hospitalization for empyema increased nonsignificantly. Trend analyses showed increasing hospitalization for pneumonia in children 0 to <2 years before intervention and confirmed a decrease in hospitalizations for sinusitis and pneumonia in children aged 0 to <5 years after intervention.

CONCLUSIONS:

PCV7 and PCV13 vaccination led to a 66% lower risk of hospitalization for sinusitis and 19% lower risk of hospitalization for pneumonia in children aged 0 to <2 years, in a comparison of 4 years before and 4 years after vaccine introduction.
Regulations to Promote Healthy Sleep Practices in Child Care
Authors: Benjamin Neelon Sara E. , Duffey Kiyah , Slining Meghan M.
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this study was to assess state licensing and administrative regulations promoting healthy sleep practices in child care and to compare these regulations to national recommendations.

METHODS:

We reviewed regulations related to healthy sleep practices for all states and territories for both child care centers (centers) and family child care homes (homes). We compared regulations with Institute of Medicine recommendations to promote sleep in child care, including (1) create environments that ensure restful sleep; (2) encourage sleep-promoting behaviors and practices; (3) encourage practices that promote child self-regulation of sleep; and (4) seek consultation yearly from a sleep expert. We used Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel trend tests to assess associations between geographic region and number of regulations consistent with the recommendations.

RESULTS:

The mean number of regulations for states was 0.9 for centers and 0.8 for homes out of a possible 4.0. For centers, no state had regulations for all 4 recommendations; 11 states had regulations for 2 of the 4 recommendations. For homes, 9 states had regulations for 2 of the recommendations. States in the Northeast had the greatest mean number of regulations for centers (1.2) and homes (1.1), and states in the South had the fewest (0.7 and 0.7, respectively); these geographic differences were significant for centers (P = .03) but not homes (P = .14).

CONCLUSIONS:

More states in the Northeast had regulations consistent with the Institute of Medicine sleep recommendations, but overall few states had regulations consistent with the recommendations.
Costela intratorácica: relato de caso
Authors: Carvalho Fernando Henrique Guimarães de , Lopes Gesner Pereira
Published: November 2014

Costela intratorácica é definida como uma anomalia congênita rara, possivelmente causada por uma fusão incompleta dos processos cefálico e caudal dos esclerótomos durante a embriogênese. Frequentemente é achado incidental, porém, pode estar associada a malformações vertebrais e a alguns sintomas como dor torácica. O quadro apresentado é de costela intratorácica à esquerda, associada a malformação vertebral, com quadro clínico inespecífico.
Actividad antioxidante, compuestos fenólicos y ácido ascórbico de frutillas en dos sistemas de producción
Authors: Cantillano Rufino Fernando F , Ávila Julia Maria M , Peralba Maria do Carmo R , Pizzolato Tânia Mara , Toralles Ricardo P
Published: November 2014

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la influencia del sistema de producción y del período de almacenamiento de frutillas sobre la pérdida de masa, compuestos fenólicos totales, antocianinas totales, ácido ascórbico (vitamina C), actividad antioxidante y sus correlaciones. En este experimento fueron utilizadas frutillas 'Camarosa' y 'Camino Real' con madurez comercial, procedentes de cultivos en sistemas de producción orgánico y convencional, localizados en el municipio de Pelotas-RS. Los frutos fueron almacenados durante 0, 2, 5 y 8 días a 1ºC y 90-95% de HR. En general, el contenido de fenoles totales, de antocianinas totales y la actividad antioxidante aumentaron durante el almacenamiento refrigerado, mientras que los contenidos de ácido ascórbico y de masa fresca disminuyeron significativamente. Los contenidos de fenoles totales y de antocianinas totales presentaron correlación positiva con la actividad antioxidante, siendo la correlación con el contenido de ácido ascórbico negativa. Las frutillas producidas en sistema orgánico y conservadas durante cinco días, mostraron mayores valores de actividad antioxidante. Después de ocho días de almacenamiento a 1ºC, los frutos del sistema de producción orgánico presentaron menor degradación de antocianinas y de ácido ascórbico que los frutos del sistema de producción convencional.
A tributação do imposto sobre produtos industrializados e a eficiência energética – um estudo comparativo entre produtos de uso doméstico
Authors: Nilson Marisa , Ferreira Luiz Felipe , Ferreira Denize Demarche Minatti
Published: November 2014

Desenvolver produtos que visam auxiliar o uso racional dos recursos se apresenta como uma ferramenta interessante no auxílio à manutenção de um meio ambiente equilibrado. Este artigo tem por objetivo identificar se a eficiência energética de produtos nacionais está amparada por redução de alíquota no âmbito do IPI. Visando atingir este objetivo realizou-se um estudo exploratório através de uma pesquisa documental e bibliográfica. A seleção dos produtos apresentados para este estudo foi realizada a partir dos parâmetros de consumo/eficiência energética disponíveis no site do INMETRO e elaboradas a partir de informações do Programa Procel. Os critérios avaliados escolha dos produtos foi à utilidade e funcionalidade domésticas. Sendo o refrigerador escolhido por atuar no consumo, a lavadora de roupas por auxiliar nas atividades domésticas, o chuveiro elétrico voltado para higiene pessoal e o televisor por estar vinculado ao lazer e entretenimento. A pesquisa identifica que produtos com a mesma unidade funcional, apresentam índices de eficiência energética diferentes, tanto no consumo de água, no caso das lavadoras de roupas e de energia elétrica para todos os itens, e que a alíquota de IPI é a mesma para os produtos com melhores índices de eficiência energética, bem como para os piores índices. Os resultados demonstram que a correta escolha por parte do consumidor na compra de um refrigerador por representar uma economia de até 30% no consumo de energia elétrica mensal, já no caso de uma lavadora de roupas seu consumo mensal de água poderá representar 1605 l a mais entre os modelos de pior e melhor eficiência no consumo de água.
Análise de crédito por meio de modelos de previsão de insolvência: um estudo de caso na Empresa Cerâmica Alfa S.A.
Authors: Birolo Paula Bez , Cittadin Andréia , Ritta Cleyton de Oliveira
Published: November 2014

O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar os benefícios da utilização de modelos de previsão de insolvência para a análise de crédito em uma empresa do setor cerâmico. É descritivo, de caráter quantitativo, realizado por meio de um estudo de caso na empresa Cerâmica ALFA S.A. Para execução da pesquisa selecionou-se intencionalmente seis clientes, de acordo com os seguintes dados: a) informações creditícias disponíveis no sistema gerencial de crédito/cobrança e b) demonstrações contábeis divulgadas nos sites dos respectivos clientes. Os resultados apontam que os modelos de Elizabetsky e Kanitz demonstram fragilidades em identificar a situação financeira dos clientes. O modelo de previsão de insolvência desenvolvido por Matias apresenta melhor desempenho, em relação aos anteriores, para a análise de crédito. Conclui-se que é vantajoso utilizar o modelo de Matias para a análise de crédito, pois ele é adequado às necessidades da empresa e serve como um instrumento para auxílio na concessão de crédito e tomada de decisão.
Industrialização por encomenda nas empresas do Simples Nacional: uma análise do entendimento do Fisco Catarinense à luz da Resolução Normativa Nº 63/2009
Authors: Rosa Thiago Padilha da , Menegat Valdenir
Published: November 2014

Com o atual nível de globalização, a indústria nacional passa por um profundo processo de transformação estrutural para se integrar ao mercado mundial, buscando aprimorar a excelência de seus produtos. Para isso, tornou-se imprescindível flexibilizar o ciclo produtivo, com a transferência de etapas secundárias para empresas terceirizadas. A industrialização por encomenda como modalidade de terceirização se insere perfeitamente nesse atual processo empresarial e essa atividade vem se difundindo prosperamente entre as microempresas e empresas de pequeno porte optantes pelo Simples Nacional. E, apesar do Simples Nacional consistir num regime simplificado e unificado de arrecadação de tributos, ainda, assim, é possível desonerar o ICMS incidente nas operações internas de industrialização por encomenda, pois esse serviço está abrigado pelo instituto do diferimento, que como modalidade de substituição tributária permite o desconto da alíquota incidente sobre a receita de industrialização por encomenda, conforme decisão exposta pelo Fisco catarinense por meio da Resolução Normativa nº 63/2009.
Sustentabilidade Ambiental em Condomínios: utilização do método SICOGEA para avaliar os aspectos e impactos ambientais em um condomínio residencial
Authors: Bacelo Jerusa , Uhlmann Vivian Osmari , Pfitscher Elisete Dahmer , Souza Maíra Melo de
Published: November 2014

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar os aspectos e impactos ambientais de um condomínio residencial com aporte da Contabilidade Gerencial Ambiental. Isto se deu mediante a identificação das situações deficitárias de maior prioridade para o condomínio, bem como da análise do grau de sustentabilidade obtido por meio da aplicação parcial do método SICOGEA - Sistema Contábil Gerencial Ambiental. O método utilizado foi o estudo de caso, com pesquisa exploratório-descritiva, envolvendo entrevista semiestruturada com a síndica deste condomínio. Analisando os resultados obtidos, com base no SICOGEA, constatou-se um grau de sustentabilidade global de 52%, considerado regular. Isto expressou, também, uma situação de desempenho ambiental médio, atendendo à legislação. Não obstante, pode-se considerar que o desempenho ambiental desta organização está aquém da almejada valorização ambiental e prevenção da poluição. Dos cinco critérios pesquisados, três apresentaram sustentabilidade deficitária, mostrando uma situação que pode estar causando danos ao meio ambiente. Os resultados encontrados, embora não possam ser generalizados, levam à tal fim, foi proposto um plano de gestão ambiental com ações de melhoria dos pontos críticos da organização.
O Mercado de Auditoria no Brasil: Um Retrato Considerando a Percepção das Firmas de Auditoria
Authors: Amorim Evelyse Nicole Chaves de , Vicente Ernesto Fernando Rodrigues , Will Anderson Renan , Silva Felipe Andrade da
Published: November 2014

Os auditores independentes foram responsáveis pela certificação de aproximadamente R$ 1,2 trilhão do patrimônio das companhias em 2009, o equivalente a 40% do PIB nacional do mesmo ano. Com o desenvolvimento dos mercados, cada vez mais a profissão se destaca no cenário brasileiro. Este trabalho buscou verificar a atual situação do mercado de auditoria independente no Brasil, por meio de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, com dados primários e secundários, e encaminhamento de questionários para todas as firmas de auditoria registradas na CVM no país. Dos resultados obtidos, destaca-se que 73% das firmas consideram que há carência de profissionais para o setor e 81% possuem vagas a serem preenchidas, sendo que grande parte das empresas de auditoria estão localizadas nas regiões sul e sudeste. Após a análise dos resultados, constata-se que a carência de auditores é apontada pela maioria das firmas de auditoria, que possuem vagas a serem preenchidas. Ademais, verificou-se que existem apenas 780 auditores registrados na CVM para atender a todo o Brasil, destacando-se o fato de haver apenas 2 auditores responsáveis técnicos, em média, para cada firma de auditoria, o que corrobora a afirmativa de carência de auditores independentes no Brasil e a necessidade de atenção e reflexão para os números apontados.
Abiotic and Biotic Factors Influencing Sugar Maple Health: Soils, Topography, Climate, and Defoliation
Authors: Pitel Nicholas E. , Yanai Ruth D.
Published: November 2014

Sugar maple (Acer saccharumMarsh.), a keystone species of northern hardwood forests, is susceptible to decline, especially on sites low in the soil base cations calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). A common stressor of sugar maple is forest tent caterpillar (FTC;Malacosoma disstriaHübner), an indigenous defoliator. The recent outbreak of FTC (2002–2007) affected 600,000 ha of forest in the northeastern United States and Canada. We assessed the condition of sugar maple trees in 47 North American Maple Project stands in Massachusetts (2006–2007) and Vermont and New York (2007–2008) just after the peak of the FTC outbreak. Mortality was highest in stands with the most crown dieback the previous year (R2= 0.62,P< 0.001). In addition to drought, cold winter temperatures, and concave microrelief, mortality reflected an interaction of defoliation with soil base cation availability (P= 0.02), with stands defoliated in 2005 that also had low Mg saturation in the A horizon being most likely to suffer high mortality. Sites with above‐average annual sugar maple mortality (>3 or 4%) occurred on soils with low concentrations of Ca (0.31–0.46 cmolckg−1in the upper B horizon), Mg (0.06–0.10 cmolckg−1), and K (0.03–0.05 cmolckg−1). This work extends the thresholds for these base cations determined by previous research on the Allegheny Plateau to a larger geographic area.
Editorial
Authors: Editor The
Published: November 2014

Throughout its history the Royal Medical Society has striven to be a forum for debate, allowing the presentation of new and challenging ideas as well as critically reviewing the old. It is hoped that RES MEDICA embodies these principles in a balanced manner.Medicine and the media have come to blows on many subjects in the past, but the last year was notorious in every respect. Technological wizardry wielded by some misinformed pedant brought visions of death, disorder and disability into peoples' homes. The controversy surrounding brain death was damaging enough to both patients and doctors, but this was followed by a series of documentaries about decisions on whether toallow 'severely' handicapped neonates to live. One hopes that the current trial of a paediatrician in England will not set a precedent. The attitudes towards handicapped children have changed dramatically in the last few years, and Dr. Raeburn in his article "Active Management in Serious Genetic Disorders" should provoke some fresh thoughts on patients previously considered to be without hope.Civil disorder is only too well known to all of us and the distressing increase in apparently motiveless brutality in our society — particularly towards the elderly — makes Prof. MacLennan's article "Muggings and Assault" cogent reading. The disabled suffer not only from pain but also immobility in many cases and the advances in joint prostheses offer hope to those with degenerative joint disease especially. These advances have been paralleled with better understanding of clinical methods and 'investigations. Mr. Macnicol admirably outlines these in "The Diagnosis of Knee Pain".
Impact of the Content Characteristic of Short Message Service Advertising on Consumer Attitudes
Authors: Lin Hongyan , Zhou Xing , Chen Zhankui
Published: November 2014

We examined the influence of the overall content characteristic of short message service (SMS) advertising on consumer attitudes toward advertising on mobile devices. Attitudes of 246 Chinese (145 women, 101 men) toward permission-based SMS advertising received on electronic products
were measured using structural equation modeling. Results showed that of the 4 dimensions of the overall content characteristic, entertainment, informativeness, and credibility positively and significantly influenced the attitude of consumers, whereas irritation had a negative effect. In addition,
the overall content characteristic significantly impacted on consumer attitudes, with advertising value playing a mediating role. Finally, the influencing path coefficients revealed a significant difference according to gender. The credibility dimension had a greater impact on attitude toward
the overall content characteristic for women than for men. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Punishment as a Mechanism to Maintain Bilateral Cooperation: A Social Behavior Experiment
Authors: Liao Yuling , Hong Kairong , Zhang Liang
Published: November 2014

We designed 3 social behavior experiments involving compensation for real estate expropriation. We recruited 88 students at a university in China as our participants, and investigated the impact of third-party punishment on bilateral cooperation in a laboratory setting. The results
showed the heterogeneity of human behavior in the different experiment types. In addition, results showed that the potential impact of punishment became more powerful by adding a third party. Finally, a third party had low punishment costs and a significantly higher probability of actually
imposing punishment than did a second party. Results showed that, compared with second-party punishment, third-party punishment is more conducive to the maintenance of bilateral cooperation.
Big Five Personality Traits and Willingness to Communicate Among Foreign Language Learners in Turkey
Authors: Oz Huseyin
Published: November 2014

In this study I investigated the relationship between personality traits and willingness to communicate (WTC) in a second language (L2 WTC). Participants were 168 university students majoring in English as a foreign language at a major state university in Ankara, Turkey. Data were collected
using the International Personality Item Pool and the Willingness to Communicate Scale. I found that 20% of participants had high L2 WTC, 66% moderate L2 WTC, and 14% low L2 WTC. The Big Five factors of extraversion, agreeableness, and openness to experience were significant in predicting
and setting the psychological context for WTC in English. There was also a positive correlation between participants' academic achievement and L2 WTC. I concluded that the interaction of the Big Five personality traits may greatly contribute to the production and promotion of WTC in learning
a second or foreign language.
Do Highly Sensitive Persons Experience More Nonordinary States of Consciousness During Sensory Isolation?
Authors: Jonsson Kristoffer , Grim Katarina , Kjellgren Anette
Published: November 2014

Our aim was to investigate whether or not highly sensitive persons experienced more nonordinary/altered states of consciousness (ASC) during 45 minutes of sensory isolation in a flotation tank, than did less sensitive persons. Psychology students (N = 57) were allocated to 1
of 2 groups (high and low levels of sensitivity) depending on their score on the Highly Sensitive Person Scale. Prior to the flotation session participants completed questionnaires to assess their degree of depression, anxiety, optimism, absorption, and how often they had experienced a mystical
state. After the flotation session we assessed degree of ASC. The main finding was that the highly sensitive individuals experienced significantly more ASC during flotation than did the individuals in the low sensitivity group. Further, the highly sensitive participants had significantly more
absorption and anxiety, and had experienced mystical states more frequently prior to flotation, in comparison to individuals with low-level sensitivity.
Internet Use of Consumers Aged 40 and Over: Factors That Influence Full Adoption
Authors: Lee Euehun , Han Semi , Chung Yanghon
Published: November 2014

Although many studies have been conducted to determine factors that influence Internet adoption and use by older adults, the focus has tended to be on investigating the consumers' intention to adopt the Internet. Although the factors that influence intention to adopt lead to nonusers'
initial Internet adoption, they do not guarantee continued and frequent Internet use thereafter. Therefore, our aims in this study were to identify the factors that facilitate and impede the process of Internet adoption by people aged 40 years and over. We conducted surveys with 410 consumers
aged between 40 and 70 years and found that there are influential factors that are different and some that are identical at different stages of the Internet adoption process. Based on these findings, we discuss implications and suggest effective strategies to encourage consumers aged between
40 and 70 years to adopt and continue to use the Internet.
Self or Other: Compatibility Between Emotion and Message Referent
Authors: Cai Yuanyuan , Pan Li , He Jiaxun
Published: November 2014

We examined how compatibility between the self-/other-relatedness dimension of discrete emotion and the focal referent in advertisements (self or family) influence persuasive effect. We conducted 2 experiments and demonstrated that when respondents are primed with a self-related emotion
(e.g., happiness, pride), an advertisement focused on self (vs. family) is more effective at producing a positive product attitude and in stimulating purchase intention. However, when respondents are primed with an other-related emotion (e.g., peacefulness, empathy), a message focused on family
(vs. self) is more effective. Findings and theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Prevalence and Determinants of Pain in the Ipsilateral Upper Limb of Stroke Patients
Authors: Kwon Yong Hyun , Kwon Jung Won , Lee Na Kyung , Kang Kyung Woo , Son Sung Min
Published: November 2014

This study investigated the prevalence of pain in the ipsilateral upper-limb in stroke patients. 229 stroke patients (133 men, 96 women; M age = 59.0 yr., SD = 12.4) were assessed with the Pain Behaviors Scales and their motor weakness was measured with the Motricity Index. Results indicated that over 27% of patients experienced pain in at least one joint of the ipsilateral upper limb. Shoulder pain was the most common. Further analysis indicated that the occurrence of pain in the ipsilateral upper limb was higher among women, among patients who used a cane, and among patients with a greater weakness of the affected lower limb.
Development of the Color Scale of Perceived Exertion: Preliminary Validation
Authors: Serafim Thais H. S. , Tognato Andrea C. , Nakamura Priscila M. , Queiroga Marcos R. , Pereira Gleber , Nakamura Fábio Y. , Kokubun Eduardo
Published: November 2014

This study developed a Color Scale of Perceived Exertion (RPE-color scale) and assessed its concurrent and construct validity in adult women. One hundred participants (18–77 years), who were habitual exercisers, associated colors with verbal anchors of the Borg RPE scale (RPE-Borg scale) for RPE-color scale development. For RPE-color scale validation, 12 Young ( M = 21.7 yr., SD = 1.5) and 10 Older ( M = 60.3 yr., SD = 3.5) adult women performed a maximal graded exercise test on a treadmill and reported perceived exertion in both RPE-color and RPE-Borg scales. In the Young group, the RPE-color scale was significantly associated with heart rate and oxygen consumption, having strong correlations with the RPE-Borg scale. In the Older group, the RPE-color scale was significantly associated with heart rate, having moderate to high correlations with the RPE-Borg scale. The RPE-color scale demonstrated concurrent and construct validity in the Young women, as well as construct validity in Older adults.
Psychological Predictors of Mental Toughness in Elite Tennis: An Exploratory Study in Learned Resourcefulness and Competitive Trait Anxiety
Authors: Cowden Richard G. , Fuller Dana K. , Anshel Mark H.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which two constructs, learned resourcefulness and competitive trait anxiety, measured by the Self-Control Schedule and Sports Competition Anxiety Test, respectively, predicted mental toughness on the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire among male and female elite tennis players. The participants included two NCAA Division 1 (U.S.) intercollegiate tennis teams comprising eight male ( M age = 19.4 yr., SD = 1.2) and eight female ( M age = 20.9 yr., SD = 1.4) players and their respective head coaches ( N = 2, M age = 28 yr., SD = 5.7). Results of regression analyses indicated that learned resourcefulness was the primary predictor of athlete self-rated mental toughness and that competitive trait anxiety was relatively unrelated to coach and athlete-rated mental toughness. The positive significant relationship between mental toughness and learned resourcefulness suggests that the latter may be an integral component of mental toughness, at least among elite tennis players. Further research is needed to examine related components of mental toughness, including learned resourcefulness, and to determine the effectiveness of interventions that increase mental toughness to optimal levels, particularly as a function of sport type.
Kinetics of Grain Growth in 718 Ni-Base Superalloy
Authors: Huda Z. , Zaharinie T. , Metselaar H.S.C. , Ibrahim S. , Min Goh J.
Published: November 2014

The Haynes® 718 Ni-base superalloy has been investigated by use of modern material characterization, metallographic and heat treatment equipment. Grain growth annealing experiments at temperatures in the range of 1050 – 1200 oC (1323–1473K) for time durations in the range of 20 min-22h have been conducted. The kinetic equations and an Arrhenius-type equation have been applied to compute the grain-growth exponent n and the activation energy for grain growth, Qg, for the investigated alloy. The grain growth exponent, n, was computed to be in the range of 0.066-0.206; and the n values have been critically discussed in relation to the literature. The activation energy for grain growth, Qg, for the investigated alloy has been computed to be around 440 kJ/mol; and the Qg data for the investigated alloy has been compared with other metals and alloys and ceramics; and critically analyzed in relation to our results.
Microgravimetric Studies of Selenium Electrodeposition Onto Different Substrates
Authors: Kowalik R.
Published: November 2014

The mechanism of selenium electrodeposition from sulfuric acid solution on different substrates was studied with the electrochemical techniques. The cyclic voltammetry was combined with the quartz crystal microbalance technique to analyze selenium deposition process. The electrochemical reduction of selenous acid on gold, silver and copper electrodes was investigated. It was found that reduction of selenous acid is a very complex process and it strongly depends from the applied substrate. The voltammetric measurements indicate the range of potentials in which the process of reduction of selenous acids on the applied substrate is possible. Additionally, the microgravimetric data confirm the deposition of selenium and they reveal the mechanism of the deposition process.
Numerical Investigation of the Hydrodynamic Conditions in A Multi-Strand Cc Tundish with Closed Outlets
Authors: Merder T.
Published: November 2014

In industrial conditions there are situations when the CC machine works under emergency. It can be result of mechanical or electrical causes, breakout of billet or problem with supplying new parts of liquid steel to the CC machine. As a consequence one or two outlets of the tundish should be closed. However, closing one of the outlets influences the hydrodynamic and thermal conditions occurring in the tundish. Thus, the important information is which of the outlets should be closed to conduct further continuous casting process correctly.

The following research was conducted to analyze the influence of liquid steel flow behaviour in the multi-strand tundish when all outlets do not work. Such problem was solved by means of numerical methods based on Navier-Stokes equations (k–ɛ standard turbulence model). Numerical simulations were done using the educational version of CFD program (Computational Fluid Dynamics) – ANSYSFluent. As a result forecasted velocity fields and RTD curves (Residence Time Distribution) were obtained. RTD characteristics were used to determine kinetics of liquid steel mixing and also to calculate parts of particular flow areas for studied cases.
Determination of Thermal Diffusivity of Austenitic Steel Using Pulsed Infrared Thermography
Authors: Kochanowski K. , Oliferuk W. , Płochocki Z. , Adamowicz A.
Published: November 2014

The simple method of determining thermal diffusivity of solid materials at room temperature using the pulsed infrared thermography (IRT) is proposed. The theoretical basis of the method and experimental results are presented. The study was conducted on austenitic steel 316L. Theobtained results show that the thermal diffusivity value of the tested steel determined by means of pulsed infrared thermography is very approximate to the values given in the literature, obtained by using more complicated methods. The differences between these values are 0.5%.
Vanadium Influence on Iron Based Intermetallic Phases in AlSi6Cu4 Alloy
Authors: Bolibruchová D. , Žihalová M.
Published: November 2014

Negative effect of iron in Al-Si alloys mostly refers with iron based intermetallic phases, especially Al5FeSi phases. These phases are present in platelet-like forms, which sharp edges are considered as main cracks initiators and also as contributors of porosity formation. In recent times, addition of some elements, for example Mn, Co, Cr, Ni, V, is used to reduce influence of iron. Influence of vanadium in aluminium AlSi6Cu4 alloy with intentionally increased iron content is presented in this article. Vanadium amount has been graduated and chemical composition of alloy has been analysed by spectral analysis. Vanadium influence on microstructural changes was evaluated by microstructural analysis and some of intermetallic particles were reviewed by EDX analysis.
The Effect of Nanostructure Modification on the Silicate Binder on Its Binding Characteristics and Functional Properties
Authors: Izdebska-Szanda I. , Baliński A. , Angrecki M. , Palma A.
Published: November 2014

A method for the chemical modification of silicate binder (hydrated sodium silicate) affecting the distribution of its nanostructure elements was disclosed. The effect of silicate binder modification on the resulting technological properties of moulding sands, determined under standard conditions and at elevated temperatures in the range from 1000C to 9000C, was discussed. Modification of this type is done on inorganic binders in order to reduce their unfavourable functional properties. It is particularly important when moulding sands with the silicate binder are used for casting of low-melting alloys. Therefore special attention was paid to the impact that modification of inorganic binders may have on the knocking out properties of sands prepared with these binders, when they are used in the process of casting non-ferrous alloys.
Thermo-Physical Properties of Selected Inconel
Authors: Krajewski P.K. , Piwowarski G. , Buraś J. , Krajewski W.K. , Rutkowski P. , Szeliga D.
Published: November 2014

The paper brings results of examinations of main thermo-physical properties of selected Inconel alloys, i.e. their heat diffusivity, thermal conductivity and heat capacity, measured in wide temperature range of 20 – 900 oC. Themathematical relationships of the above properties vs. temperature were obtained for the IN 100 and IN 713C alloys. These data can be used when modelling the IN alloys solidification processes aimed at obtaining required structure and properties as well as when designing optimal work temperature parameters.
The Effect of Alloying on Mechanical Properties of Advanced High Strength Steels
Authors: Kučerová L. , Jirková H. , Mašek B.
Published: November 2014

Quenching and partitioning process with incorporated incremental deformation was optimized for six high strength steels with various contents of carbon (0.4-0.6%), manganese (0.6-1.2), silicon (2-2.6%) and chromium (0.8-1.3%). The optimization was gradually done for each steel with respect to the final microstructures and properties. The effect of cooling rate, quenching and partitioning temperature on microstructure development was further investigated. Interesting combinations of mechanical properties were obtained, with tensile strength in the region of 1600-2400 MPa and ductility of 6-20%.
Optimization of the Q-P Process Parameters for Low Alloyed Steels with 0.2% C
Authors: Jirková H. , Kučerová L. , Aišman D. , Mašek B.
Published: November 2014

In steels which are treated by the quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process, carbon content is one of the crucial parameters because carbon contributes greatly to stabilization of retained austenite and strengthens the material. In the present study, the Q&P process was gradually optimised for two low-alloyed steels with 0.2 % carbon content and with and without Cr addition. The results show that the cooling rate, as well as the austenitizing temperature, has a pronounced effect on microstructure evolution. The strength and elongation in the Mn, Si and Cr-alloyed steel was approx. 900 MPa and more than 30 %, respectively.
Nanostructured Bainite-Austenite Steel for Armours Construction
Authors: Burian W. , Marcisz J. , Garbarz B. , Starczewski L.
Published: November 2014

Nanostructured bainite-austenite steels are applied in the armours construction due to their excellent combination of strength and ductility which enables to lower the armour weight and to improve the protection efficiency. Mechanical properties of the bainite-austenite steels can be controlled in the wide range by chemical composition and heat treatment. In the paper the results of investigation comprising measuring of quasi - static mechanical properties, dynamic yield stress and firing tests of bainite-austenite steel NANOS-BA® are presented. Reported results show that the investigated bainite-austenite steel can be used for constructing add-on armour and that the armour fulfils requirements of protection level 2 of STANAG 4569. Obtained reduction in weight of the tested NANOS-BA® plates in comparison with the present solutions is about 30%.
Effectiveness of Straw Mulch on Infiltration, Splash Erosion, Runoff and Sediment in Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Gholami Leila , Banasik Kazimierz , Sadeghi Seyed Hamidreza , Khaledi Darvishan Abdulvahed , Hejduk Leszek
Published: November 2014

Mulches have extraordinary potential in reducing surface runoff, increasing infiltration of water into the soil and decreasing soil erosion. The straw mulches as a biological material, has the ability to be a significant physical barrier against the impact of raindrops and reduce the detachment of soil aggregates. The present study is an attempt to determine the efficiency of straw mulch as conservation treatment in changes in the splash erosion, time-to-runoff, runoff coefficient, infiltration coefficient, time-to-drainage, drainage coefficient, sediment concentration and soil loss. The laboratory experiments have been conducted for sandy-loam soil taken from deforested area, about 15 km of Warsaw west, Poland under lab conditions with simulated rainfall intensities of 60 and 120 mmh–1, in 4 soil moistures of 12, 25, 33 and 40% and the slope of 9%. Compared with bare treatments, results of straw mulch application showed the significant conservation effects on splash erosion, runoff coefficient, sediment concentration and soil loss and significant enhancement effects on infiltration and drainage. The results of Spearman-Rho correlation showed the significant (p < 0.05) correlation with r = –0.873, 0.873, 0.878 and 0.764 between rainfall intensity and drainage coefficient, downstream splash, sediment concentration and soil loss and with r = –0.976, 0.927 and –0.927 between initial soil moisture content and time-to-runoff, runoff coefficient and infiltration coefficient, respectively.
Aphra Behn's Oenone to Paris: Ovidian Paraphrase by Women Writers
Authors: Heavey Katherine
Published: November 2014

This article examines Aphra Behn's translation of Ovid's Heroides 5, demonstrating how her version, a contribution to the Dryden/Tonson collection Ovid's Epistles (1680), augments and alters its original with two different but complementary intentions. Behn's departures from Ovid (and, more importantly, from the earlier English translations that she may have relied on) often reflect her support for James, Duke of York during the Exclusion Crisis, and her disapproval of the King's illegitimate son, James, Duke of Monmouth, who is figured as the faithless Trojan prince Paris. Simultaneously, Behn (the only female contributor to the collection) extends her poem, and particularly her descriptions of Oenone's distress, to cater to the Restoration taste for female complaint. Finally, the article suggests that as a female translator, and one who alters her Ovid with clearly political intent, Behn may pave the way for other women to translate and politicize Ovid.
Nitrogen Fertilizer Sources and Application Timing Affects Wheat and Inter-Seeded Red Clover Yields on Claypan Soils
Authors: Nelson Kelly , Motavalli Peter , Nathan Manjula
Published: November 2014

Controlled-release N fertilizer, such as polymer-coated urea (PCU), may be a fall N management option for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in poorly-drained claypan soils. Field research evaluated (1) urea release from fall-applied PCU in 2006 and 2007; (2) broadcast fall-spring split (25%:75%) of N sources; and (3) a single fall (100%) application of PCU, urea, urea plus NBPT (N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide] (U + NBPT), ammonium nitrate (AN), or urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) at 0, 56, 84, and 112 kg·N·ha−1 on wheat yield, wheat biomass, N uptake by wheat, and frost-seeded red clover (FSC) (Trifolium pratense L.) forage yield (2004–2007). PCU applied in fall released less than 30% urea by February. Urea released from PCU by harvest was 60% and 85% in 2006 and 2007, respectively. In poorly-drained soils, wheat yields ranked PCU > AN > U + NBPT > urea ≥ UAN over the rates evaluated for fall-only application. PCU was a viable fall-applied N source, with yields similar to or greater than urea or U + NBPT split-applied. Split-N applications of AN, urea, UAN, and U + NBPT generally resulted in greater wheat yields than a fall application. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers provide farmers with flexible options for maintaining high yielding production systems.
Mammalian Non-CpG Methylation: Stem Cells and Beyond
Authors: Pinney Sara
Published: November 2014

Although CpG dinucleotides remain the primary site for DNA methylation in mammals, there is emerging evidence that DNA methylation at non-CpG sites (CpA, CpT and CpC) is not only present in mammalian cells, but may play a unique role in the regulation of gene expression. For some time it has been known that non-CpG methylation is abundant in plants and present in mammalian embryonic stem cells, but non-CpG methylation was thought to be lost upon cell differentiation. However, recent publications have described a role for non-CpG methylation in adult mammalian somatic cells including the adult mammalian brain, skeletal muscle, and hematopoietic cells and new interest in this field has been stimulated by the availability of high throughput sequencing techniques that can accurately measure this epigenetic modification. Genome wide assays indicate that non-CpG methylation is negligible in human fetal brain, but abundant in human adult brain tissue. Genome wide measurement of non-CpG methylation coupled with RNA-Sequencing indicates that in the human adult brain non-CpG methylation levels are inversely proportional to the abundance of mRNA transcript at the associated gene. Additionally specific examples where alterations in non-CpG methylation lead to changes in gene expression have been described; in PGC1α in human skeletal muscle, IFN-γ in human T-cells and SYT11 in human brain, all of which contribute to the development of human disease.
Fabrication of Functionalized Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper Electrodes for Application in Glucose Biosensors
Authors: Papa Henry , Gaillard Melissa , Gonzalez Leon , Chatterjee Jhunu
Published: November 2014

A highly sensitive glucose detection method was developed using functionalized carbon nanotube buckypaper as a free standing electrode in an electrochemical biosensor. Glucose oxidase was immobilized onto various buckypaper samples in order to oxidize glucose resulting in a measureable current/voltage signal output of the biosensor. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry were utilized to determine the sensitivity of these buckypaper electrodes. Sensors of three different types of buckypaper were prepared and compared. These modified buckypaper electrode-based sensors showed much higher sensitivity to glucose compared to other electrochemical glucose sensors.
Berteroin Present in Cruciferous Vegetables Exerts Potent Anti-Inflammatory Properties in Murine Macrophages and Mouse Skin
Authors: Jung Yoo , Jung Jae , Cho Han , Choi Myung-Sook , Sung Mi-Kyung , Yu Rina , Kang Young-Hee , Park Jung
Published: November 2014

Berteroin (5-methylthiopentyl isothiocyanate) is a sulforaphane analog present in cruciferous vegetables, including Chinese cabbage, rucola salad leaves, and mustard oil. We examined whether berteroin exerts anti-inflammatory activities using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Raw 264.7 macrophages and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse skin inflammation models. Berteroin decreased LPS-induced release of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines in Raw 264.7 macrophages. Berteroin inhibited LPS-induced degradation of inhibitor of κBα (IκBα) and nuclear factor-κB p65 translocation to the nucleus and DNA binding activity. Furthermore, berteroin suppressed degradation of IL-1 receptor-associated kinase and phosphorylation of transforming growth factor β activated kinase-1. Berteroin also inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and AKT. In the mouse ear, berteroin effectively suppressed TPA-induced edema formation and down-regulated iNOS and COX-2 expression as well as phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2. These results demonstrate that berteroin exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties and suggest that berteroin can be developed as a skin anti-inflammatory agent.
Effect of Laser Power on the Quality of Drilled Micro Hole Using Cu50Zr50 Amorphous Alloys Foils
Authors: Wang Chuan-Jie , Chen Gang , Luan Dong , Zhang Peng
Published: November 2014

The rapid growth of the micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) is being driven by the rapid development of the micro manufacturing processes. Laser beam machining is one of the micro manufacturing processes which can shape almost all ranges of engineering materials. In this study, the effect of laser power on the quality of drilled micro holes using Cu50Zr50 amorphous alloys foils is experimentally investigated. It indicates that both entrance and exit circularities diameters increase with laser power. The circularities of the holes at the entry and the exit are in the range of 0.893 to 0.997. The taper of drilled holes increases quickly to a stable value with the increase of laser power from 60 to 110 W, then decreases quickly when the laser power becomes larger than 170 W. The micro holes with a diameter of 400 to 1200 μm are manufactured successfully by laser drilling processes. The formation mechanism of the quality of the laser drilled hole is analyzed based on the laser beam and the properties of amorphous alloys foils.
Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor Geometric Characterization and Calibration
Authors: Storey James , Choate Michael , Moe Donald
Published: November 2014

The Landsat 8 spacecraft was launched on 11 February 2013 carrying two imaging payloads: the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS). The TIRS instrument employs a refractive telescope design that is opaque to visible wavelengths making prelaunch geometric characterization challenging. TIRS geometric calibration thus relied heavily on on-orbit measurements. Since the two Landsat 8 payloads are complementary and generate combined Level 1 data products, the TIRS geometric performance requirements emphasize the co-alignment of the OLI and TIRS instrument fields of view and the registration of the OLI reflective bands to the TIRS long-wave infrared emissive bands. The TIRS on-orbit calibration procedures include measuring the TIRS-to-OLI alignment, refining the alignment of the three TIRS sensor chips, and ensuring the alignment of the two TIRS spectral bands. The two key TIRS performance metrics are the OLI reflective to TIRS emissive band registration accuracy, and the registration accuracy between the TIRS thermal bands. The on-orbit calibration campaign conducted during the commissioning period provided an accurate TIRS geometric model that enabled TIRS Level 1 data to meet all geometric accuracy requirements. Seasonal variations in TIRS-to-OLI alignment have led to several small calibration parameter adjustments since commissioning.
The Influence of Random Element Displacement on DOA Estimates Obtained with (Khatri–Rao-)Root-MUSIC
Authors: Inghelbrecht Veronique , Verhaevert Jo , Van Hecke Tanja , Rogier Hendrik
Published: November 2014

Although a wide range of direction of arrival (DOA) estimation algorithms has been described for a diverse range of array configurations, no specific stochastic analysis framework has been established to assess the probability density function of the error on DOA estimates due to random errors in the array geometry. Therefore, we propose a stochastic collocation method that relies on a generalized polynomial chaos expansion to connect the statistical distribution of random position errors to the resulting distribution of the DOA estimates. We apply this technique to the conventional root-MUSIC and the Khatri–Rao-root-MUSIC methods. According to Monte-Carlo simulations, this novel approach yields a speedup by a factor of more than 100 in terms of CPU-time for a one-dimensional case and by a factor of 56 for a two-dimensional case.