bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dialogue-based Interaction as a Key Instrument in Actualizing Socio-personal Competence: Innovational Approaches
Authors: Богатырёва  , Bogatyreva M.
Published: April 2015

FL communicative competence is composed of inherent components, such

as: knowledge of the means of the target language and socio-cultural context

in which these means are used. Also it implies certain skills of building

a FL discourse, which generate a culturally-significant creative speech

product. The article examines some communicative-cognitive approaches

to introduce knowledge to students. Analytical analysis of intellectual actions

with words leads researchers to the understanding that they create

cognitive retention of the material, which is then withdrawn by the speakers

from the back of their memory and used in speech. Self-organizing personalities

actualize the text based on a real situation, in the form of a discourse.

Therefore, educational environment should provide student’s immersion in

the environment of FL culture and vocationally-marked situations and problems.

This becomes possible with the network model, which involves a discussion

of personal achievements compared to the joint, collective product.

In fact, this model is highly interactive because it implements emotions and

values, interactional and ideological functions of communication.
Non-verbal Language: Sign Language
Authors: Дубинский  , Dubinskiy Vladimir
Published: April 2015

Constructive signs that occupy the important state by forming and organizing

of the think, the means of the speech property and subjective manner

of the expression denotation in discourse are considered. The specifics of

their content and constructive components and the role of the discoursemodal

words in the utterance are determined$ their functional-stylistic attitude

in the language system is fixed. The going linguistic changes are

described; becoming obsolete and disappearing of some words, appearing

of the new words and their structural-communicative state, the transformation

of some language units meanings are described.
On the Use of Motivational Sequence AIDMA in Poetical Communication
Authors: Бобылев  , Bobylev B.
Published: April 2015

The paper explores the symbolic structure of one of the most outstanding

works of civil lyrics in the 1960’s in the aspect of communicative motivation

model. It analyzes the thematic grid of the poem, finds the connection of

the semantics, syntax and the pragmatics of the text. Approaches that are

shown in the article offer opportunities for their use in the field of the theory

and practice of advertising, integrated marketing communications and political

branding, which involves the search for the “soft weapon” – words,

meanings, images, archetypes, contributing to the creation of myths that

affect mass consciousness. The results obtained during the research will

help to find and implement mechanisms that translate individual process

of transmitting and receiving information in a socially important process of

personal and mass effect.
Modern infrastructure of innovative-cultural environment
Authors: Зотикова Ольга , Zotikova Olga , Барышева Алла , Baryshyeva Alla
Published: April 2015

The need for science to master the new reality inevitably involves a radical change of philosophical, methodological patterns and mechanisms of cognition. This poses a number of problems that are difficult to solve only on the basis of sound scientific methods. Required is also the use of new cognitive mechanisms, including psychological protection of man and his ability to influence the processing of the incoming information on the merits. Traditional scientific mechanisms are limited in their capabilities and therefore require an intuitive getting into the known and innovative thinking. Development of innovative thinking requires the society, which is radiating energy of creative environment, aimed at innovative transformations. Within this single concept formed a very important process, automatically pushing superconscious to the fore. The ratio of the rational and the intuitive turns a new paradigm of scientific knowledge in practice of creative noosphere, the sphere of synergy. The two systems can operate simultaneously in the operation of market institutions, providing a synergistic effect. The results of the analysis associated with the formation of innovation and cultural environment necessary for the formation and development of innovative processes in the countries and at the international level. It is noted that the combination of traditional culture and innovation and cultural environment should be assessed as the competitive advantages of the country. In the interests of achieving the unity of the individual, the people and the state play a positive role in adherence to the principles of national traditions of collectivism and catholicity.

In the transition to the path of innovative development the main component affecting the internal and external transformation of society, according to the authors, is represented by perfectly formed innovation infrastructure in innovation-cultural environment. The innovative active person should be recognized as a priority. Progressive system, that takes into account the interests of the majority rather than a particular group, increases its positive potential. This is crucial, as without it cannot be implemented models of modernization of the real sector of the Russian economy and its integration into the modern international economy. The article examines the key issues of this economic development.
Dynamics of the global tourism market
Authors: Поворина Елена , Povorina Elena , Суслова Ирина , Suslova Irina
Published: April 2015

Tourism is one of the most profitable and rapidly developing sectors of the economy and it plays an important role in ensuring sustainable socio-economic development of many countries and regions. Tourism is recognized internationally as the most promising area of activity that is essential not only in terms of economic growth, foreign exchange earnings and employment, but also for environmental, cultural and social awareness, peace and recognition of international cooperation. Tourist activity in the developed countries is an important source of revenue for the state. In addition to the apparent profitability of tourism is also one of the most powerful factors in enhancing the prestige of the country, the growth of its value in the eyes of the international community and ordinary citizens. The article analyzes the international tourism market for the period from 1990 to 2013, the profits of international tourism and international travel expenses on the basis of data from the World Tourism Organization. The study is conducted for the market in general, as well as in the context of advanced economies and emerging economies, by regions, as well as major tourist destinations. The results of the analysis are presented for the global tourism market by international tourist arrivals and receipts from international tourism in the regions. The place of Russia in international tourist arrivals, international tourism revenues and expenditures of international tourism is analyzed. The dynamics of income from international tourism and international travel expenses of the Russian Federation are presented. The authors emphasize that the international travel expenses of the Russian Federation are far ahead of its earnings.
Features of inheritance of some categories of residential properties
Authors: Чернякова Светлана , Chernyakova Svetlana
Published: April 2015

The article considers the issues of inheritance of privatized dwellings with encumbered rights of citizens having the right to use the living quarters; premises in houses of housing and housing co-operatives; as well as the peculiarities of inheritance of shares in the common ownership of a dwelling.

The author points out that the inheritance of privatized premises which are individually owned, carried out in a general manner. However, there are several problems associated with inheritance. In accordance with the Family Code property received by one spouse to the gratuitous transactions, is their property. Therefore, if privatization took place in the payment of certain sums of money, in this case, there is a common joint property of the spouses; if the transfer occurred gratuitously, the subject of property rights is a person with whom the contract was made.

The question of inheritance of premises in houses of housing and housing cooperatives is studied. The specifics of the legal regulation of these relations are determined by the legal status of the cooperatives themselves. In contrast to the general rule, ownership does not arise from the state registration, and upon the payment of a contribution. Regardless of state registration and whether there is a document confirming the ownership of the dwelling, after the death of a member of the construction co-operative, who payd for shares, housing is inherited under the general procedure.

The author studies the question about the features of transactions with shares in the common ownership of dwellings and residential premises belonging to the common ownership. In accordance with para. 2, Art. 246 of the Civil Code a co-owner has the discretion to sell, give, bequeath, pledge in its share or dispose of it.

It should be borne in mind that the sale and exchange shares in the common property shall be permitted only as subject to the preemptive rights of other participants in the acquisition of such shares. Housing is not recognized as common property, when it was purchased at the actual termination of the marriage, and, consequently, the other spouse does not have any rights to housing.
Features of Risk-based Internal Audit in Insurance Companies
Authors: Брызгалов  , Bryzgalov D.
Published: April 2015

The article analyzes the most significant risks in insurance company’s activities, measures to reduce these risks and methods of follow-up internal audit. Key areas of internal audit of risk-management implementation are identifiedfor each type of risk (insurance, repayment and market risks). The conclusion is drawn about further development of internal audit in insurance companies, particularlythe need to develop methods and forms of preparation of quarterly reports on risk management models.
A changing landscape: diagnosis and management of COPD
Authors: Holmes Steve , Scullion Jane
Published: April 2015

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common and often particularly debilitating disease. Progressively worsening breathlessness can limit normal daily functioning, reduce quality of life (QoL) and increase the risk of premature death. Importantly, early diagnosis, improving symptoms and QoL, along with minimising exacerbations and hospital admissions, are primary goals of patient care. In recent years, the assessment of COPD has moved away from equating disease severity solely with the degree of obstructive lung impairment to include patient symptoms, exacerbation history and comorbidities, as well as smoking status. There are now more therapies that reduce symptoms and prevent exacerbations, thereby improving QoL. This review explores the diagnosis and management of COPD and positive clinical approaches to managing patients.
Culture and religion in nursing: providing culturally sensitive care
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: April 2015

Last month, Aysha Mendes discussed the impact on care of personal beliefs held by both nurses and patients. This month, she delves into the aspects of culture and religion, which form important pieces of this puzzle, as well as the importance of culturally appropriate care provision in nursing practice
Investigating clinical incidents in the NHS: a future road map
Authors: Tingle John
Published: April 2015

In the first of a two-part article, John Tingle discusses the House of Commons’ Public Administration Select Committee report on investigating clinical incidents in the NHS.
A collaborative approach: seeking excellence in vascular access
Authors: Coram Jodie
Published: April 2015

Issues of patient and health professional safety are universal and it is well recognised that practice and product standardisation have a direct correlation with safety. In March 2014 the author's trust initiated a project to independently assess short-term peripheral cannulation against best practice guidelines as part of a whole system review into intravenous (IV) line complications. Catheter-related bloodstream infections had cost the trust hundreds of thousands of pounds each year. This review was identified as a means of maximising safety for both patients and health professionals and improving practice standards, without the need to increase expenditure. The objectives of this review were to investigate, recommend and implement changes necessary to improve IV practice and thereby improve patient outcomes. The independent, third-party nature of this review helped the vascular access lead to rapidly engage with the senior nursing team and ensure that an agreed action plan was developed and immediately implemented. The resulting action plan is well under way and the impact of the changes will be reviewed again in the spring of 2015.
IV cannula securement: protecting the patient from infection
Authors: Higgingson Ray
Published: April 2015

The use of venous cannulas to administer intravenous therapy is a common clinical intervention within the hospital setting. Once in situ, IV cannulas must be securely fixed in order to prevent their movement or displacement; as unsecured cannulas pose significant health risks, such as mechanical phlebitis and an increased risk of infection. This article explores some of the complications associated with inappropriately secured IV cannulas, along with a discussion on common securement devices.
Communicating on the Worldwide Web – Dental Practice Websites
Authors: Knott Nigel
Published: April 2015

The news media are presently filled with headline stories concerning the security of electronic communications and the internet. The Financial Times’ weekend supplement FT Money devoted three pages under the title ‘Hack attack’ and asked whether companies are doing enough to protect data online. 1 Substitute dental practices for companies and we have an unhappy picture of the reasons why so much sensitive personal data is going missing or being accessed without properly informed consent.
High-Sensitivity Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Substrate Based on a Gold Colloid Solution with a pH Change for Detection of Trace-Level Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Shi Xiaofeng , Liu Shu , Han Xiaohong , Ma Jun , Jiang Yongchao , Yu Guifeng
Published: April 2015

In this study, a gold colloid solution whose parameters were optimized, and without any surfactants, was developed as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for the detection of trace-level polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). A gold colloid solution with 57 nm gold particles and pH 13 was prepared to be the SERS substrate. It had impressive enhancement that was two orders of magnitude higher than that of a gold colloid solution with 57 nm gold particles and without pH change (pH 6). Even with a compact field-based Raman spectrometer, naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, and pyrene were detected, with limits of detection at 6.8 nM, 3.4 nM, 1.8 nM, 0.68 nM (680 pM), and 0.44 nM (440 pM), respectively. The significant enhancement was ascribed to an electromagnetic mechanism and a charge-transfer mechanism. Quantitative analyses for these five PAHs in water were also performed. The SERS intensities of PAHs were found to have good linear dependence relations with the concentrations in low concentration. This high-sensitivity, easily prepared substrate offers a promising technology for the quantitative detection of trace-level PAHs.
Solution and Solid Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) Ultraviolet (UV) 229 nm Photochemistry
Authors: Gares Katie L. , Bykov Sergei V. , Brinzer Thomas , Asher Sanford A.
Published: April 2015

We measured the 229 nm deep-ultraviolet resonance Raman (DUVRR) spectra of solution and solid-state hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). We also examined the photochemistry of RDX both in solution and solid states. RDX quickly photodegrades with a solution quantum yield of u ∼ 0.35 as measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). New spectral features form over time during the photolysis of RDX, indicating photoproduct formation. The photoproduct(s) show stable DUVRR spectra at later irradiation times that allow standoff detection. In the solution-state photolysis, nitrate is a photoproduct that can be used as a signature for detection of RDX even after photolysis. We used high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) to determine some of the major solution-state photoproducts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was also used to determine photoproducts formed during solid-state RDX photolysis.
Terahertz (6–15 THz) Spectroscopy and Numerical Modeling of Intermolecular Vibrations in Benzoic Acid and Its Derivatives
Authors: Lepodise Lucia M. , Horvat Josip , Lewis R.A.
Published: April 2015

Terahertz spectroscopy of benzoic acid (BA) and two of its derivatives, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid (2OH-BA) and 3-hydroxyben-zoic acid (3OH-BA), has been investigated in the spectral region 200 to 500 cm−1 (6.06 to 15.15 THz). The spectra show distinct absorption features. There is agreement between some of the absorption lines observed for these compounds, despite a shift in energy, which is attributed to the differences in the molecular structures. Numerical modeling gave corresponding absorption lines, and this helped in the assignment. Temperature dependence studies revealed that most of the absorption lines are composite lines in this frequency region.
Probing Organometallic Reactions by Time-Resolved Infrared Spectroscopy in Solution and in the Solid State Using Quantum Cascade Lasers
Authors: Calladine James A. , Horvath Raphael , Davies Andrew J. , Wriglesworth Alisdair , Sun Xue-Zhong , George Michael W.
Published: April 2015

The photochemistry and photophysics of metal carbonyl compounds (W(CO)6,Cp*Rh(CO)2 (Cp* = η5-C5Me5), and fac-[Re(CO)3(4,4'-bpy)2Br] [bpy = bipyridine]) have been examined on the nanosecond timescale using a time-resolved infrared spectrometer with an external cavity quantum cascade laser (QCL) as the infrared source. We show the photochemistry of W(CO)6 in alkane solution is easily monitored, and very sensitive measurements are possible with this approach, meaning it can monitor small transients with absorbance changes less than 10-6 DOD. The C–H activation of Cp*Rh(CO)(C6H12)to form Cp*Rh(CO)(C6H11)H occurs within the first few tens of nanoseconds following photolysis, and we demonstrate that kinetics obtained following deconvolution are in excellent agreement with those measured using an ultrafast laser-based spectrometer. We also show that the high flux and tunability of QCLs makes them suited for solid-state and time-resolved measurements.
Optical Properties of Sodium Chloride Solution within the Spectral Range from 300 to 2500 nm at Room Temperature
Authors: Li Xingcan , Liu Linhua , Zhao Junming , Tan Jianyu
Published: April 2015

The optical properties of sodium chloride (NaCI) solution were experimentally determined by double optical pathlength transmission method in the spectral range from 300 to 2500 nm at the NaCl concentration range from 0 to 360 g/L. The results show that the refractive index of NaCl solution increases with NaCl concentrations and correlates nonlinearly with the concentration of NaCl solution. The absorption index of NaCl solution increases with NaCl concentrations in the visible spectral range of 300-700 nm, but varies little in the near-infrared spectral range of 700-2500 nm at room temperature. For the sake of applications, the fitted formulae of the refractive index and absorption index of NaCl solution as a function of wavelength and NaCl concentration are presented.
Possible Association between Erectile Dysfunction and Osteoporosis in Men
Authors: Dursun Murat , Özbek Emin , Otunctemur Alper , Cakir Suleyman Sami
Published: April 2015

Sexual dysfunction in general and erectile dysfunction (ED) in particular significantly affect men’s quality of life. Some patients who have ED, also develop osteoporosis. So, in this study we investigated the relationship between erectile dysfunction and osteoporosis in men. 95 men with erectile dysfunction and 82 men with normal sexual function were included in the study. The men’s sexual functions were evaluated by International Index of Erectile Function-5 items (IIEF-5). All men received a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA; Hologic) scan to measure bone mineral density (BMD) for osteoporosis. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Mean age was 53.5 (38–69) in ED group and 50.1 (31–69) in control group. In ED group the men have lower T score levels than those of the control group. In conclusion, the men who have erectile dysfunction were at more risk for osteoporosis. The results of the present study demonstrate that the men with erectile dysfunction have low bone mineral density and they are at higher risk for osteoporosis. Because of easy and noninvasive evaluation of osteoporosis, patients with ED should be checked for bone mineral density and osteoporotic male subjects should be evaluated for ED.
The Effect of Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure on Recognition Memory in Adult Rats
Authors: Fialová Markéta , Šírová Jana , Bubeníková-Valešová Věra , Šlamberová Romana
Published: April 2015

The use of methamphetamine (MA) among pregnant women is an increasing world-wide health problem. Prenatal MA exposure may cause changes in foetus but the exact effects have remained unclear. The aim of this study is to present the effect of prenatal MA exposure on recognition memory in adult rats. Adult female Wistar rats were injected daily with D-methamphetamine HCl (MA; 5 mg/kg, s.c.) during the entire gestation period. Control females were treated with saline in the same regime. Adult male offspring was administrated acutely by MA (1 mg/kg i.p.) or saline 30 minutes before beginning of an experiment. For testing recognition memory two tasks were chosen: Novel Object Recognition Test (NORT) and Object Location Test (OLT). Our results demonstrate that prenatally MA-exposed animals were worse in NORT independently on an acute administration of MA in adulthood. Prenatally MA-exposed rats did not deteriorate in OLT, but after acute administration of MA in adulthood, there was significant worsening compared to appropriate control. Prenatally saline-exposed offspring did not deteriorate in any test even after acute administration of MA. Our data suggest that prenatal MA exposure in rats cause impairment in recognition memory in adult offspring, but not in spatial memory. In addition, acute administration of MA to controls did not deteriorate either recognition or spatial memory.
Unusual Complication of Bladder Catheterization in Child: Catheterization of Ureter
Authors: Sekmenli Tamer , Ciftci Ilhan
Published: April 2015

Bladder probing is an invasive procedure that is often used by paediatric and other surgeons. We present a case who was ureter catheterized accidentally while placing a probe into the right ureter in an 18 months old female. If different catheter localization is determined during the examination, the process must be terminated immediately and the relevant specialist should be informed right away.
Successful Use of Extra-corporeal Membrane Oxygenation in a Patient with Streptococcal Sepsis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Pořízka Michal , Kopecký Petr , Prskavec Tomáš , Kunstýř Jan , Rulíšek Jan , Balík Martin
Published: April 2015

A young patient with streptococcal sepsis due to the phlegmon of his left thigh was admitted to the general intensive care unit. He developed a multi-organ failure and septic cardiomyopathy with subsequent cardiogenic shock. This resulted in hemodynamic instability unresponsive to conservative medical treatment. We report a successful application of veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation, which was used to overcome the period of critically low cardiac output caused by severe septic myocardial dysfunction.
External torque as a factor to modify load in abdominal curl-up exercises
Authors: Rutkowska-Kucharska Alicja , Szpala Agnieszka
Published: April 2015

Study aim: the aim of our study was to evaluate electromyography (EMG) activity in exercises where the load to the muscles is determined by the external torque. In a part of the exercises, we changed the value of the external force, while in the other we modified the length of the lever arm at which the force was applied.

Material and methods: the study was carried out on a group of 12 subjects (21 ± 2 years, 61 ± 4.8 mass, 172 ± 5 cm height). Electromyographic activity of the rectus abdominis (RA) muscle was evaluated by recording the EMG signal. The length of the lever arm of the external force was changed by using four different positions of the upper limbs, whereas the magnitude of the external force was changed through adding the weights of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kg. The data recorded were normalized with respect to EMG activity measured under maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) conditions.

Results: it was found that the change of the lever arm at which the force was applied (any change in the position of the upper limbs) causes a change in EMG activity in each part of the RA muscle from ca. 50% to ca. 100% MVC (p < 0.001). Further, the change in the external load changes statistically significantly the EMG activity only in the left upper part of the RA muscle (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: activity in the RA muscle that increased for longer lever arms of the external force, offers opportunities for changing the load used during the exercise in a manner that is safe for the vertebral column.
Sports as a preventive measure of at-risk behavior among urban youth: a presentation of the “Sports 2014 – Multifactorial Environmental Model”
Authors: Kulmatycki Lesław , Surynt Agnieszka
Published: April 2015

The objective of this paper was to present an original project titled “Sports 2014 – Multifactorial Environmental Model”, designed to reinforce positive behavior and create a sense of community among urban youth. It evolved together with the subsequent phases of an urban health promotion program that began in 1994 in Wrocław, Poland. However, the basis of this model was in creating a health promotion initiative that included elements of the Mandala model of health, an ecological model, and the ‘Your Neighborhood’s Coach’ health promotion and at-risk prevention program, begun in 2003 by the Sports Department of the City of Wrocław and continued to this day. This type of initiative was designed to include measures typical of a prevention program while also promoting an active lifestyle through constructive leisure activities. Its guiding philosophy was the ‘get involved’ rather than ‘dissuade from’ approach, which has found popularity in programs of a similar nature across the world. The presented “Multifactorial Environmental Model” is addressed to active counselors, coaches, psychologists, health promotion figureheads, and policymakers whose goal is to reduce negative and anti-social behavior in today’s youth. It should also find value among the pedagogical community of physical education institutions, as the presented work may serve as a source of experience when deciding on any significant changes in the education of future physical education teachers, coaches, and recreation instructors working with adolescents.
Workers’ dermal and total exposure to metals in biomass-fired power plants
Authors: Jumpponen M. , Heikkinen P. , Rönkkömäki H. , Laitinen J.
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to measure ash removal and maintenance workers’ exposure to metals, and assess the suitability of different methods to evaluate metal exposure during these work tasks. Whole-body samples and hand-washing method were used in workers’ dermal exposure assessment, and biomonitoring methods of metals in total exposure assessment. The greatest levels of Al, Pb, Cd, Cu, S, and Zn on workers’ hands were measured in recycled fuel-fired power plants. The median concentrations of lead on workers’ whole-body samples were 4.5 ng/cm2, 17.0 ng/cm2, 11.3 ng/cm2, and 58.4 ng/cm2 in pellet-, peat-, wood- and recycled fuel-fired power plants, respectively. In recycled fuel-fired power plants, workers’ excretions of Al, Pb, and Mn exceeded the reference values of non-exposed population in 33%, 100%, and 50% of samples, respectively. The dermal exposure results clearly showed that power plant ash can significantly contaminate workers’ hands and bodies. The fact that the workers’ urinary excretions of metals exceeded the reference values proved intake of metals during these work tasks. Biomonitoring methods take into account exposures from different sources and, due to that, they are the most recommended approach for estimating the total metal exposure of workers. Hand-washing and whole body sampling were the most recommendable methods for assessing the protection efficiency of gloves and coveralls.
Soil biological characteristics and microbial community structure in a field experiment
Authors: Mikanová Olga , Šimon Tomáš , Kopecký Jan , Ságová-Marečková Markéta
Published: April 2015

The influence of different fertilization
treatments on soil biological characteristics and microbial
community structure was investigated. Soil samples
were taken from a long-term field experiment which
was conducted to explore the effect of eight treatments:
control (non-fertilized), NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and
potassium), FYM (farmyard manure), FYM + NPK, CSl +
St (cattle slurry + straw), CSl + St + NPK, CSl, CSl + NPK.
The highest values of invertase activity were found in
treatment fertilized with farmyard manure combined
mineral fertilizers, similarly to total N content, activity
of urease, and C of microbial biomass. Dehydrogenase
activity was lower in all treatments with mineral
fertilization. Bacterial and actinobacterial T-RFLP profiles
of 16S rRNA genes showed similar patterns in response to
eight fertilization treatments. In both, the communities
formed distinct groups, which were separated by organic
fertilization i.e. cattle slurry and straw amendments along
the x axes and by NPK amendments along the y axes
using the Sammon’s method of multidimensional scaling.
Significant correlations were determined in several
situations related to diversity: between invertase and 1/Db
(dominance, bacteria), 1/Da (dominance, actinobacteria)
and between T-RFLP profiles of actinobacteria, nitrogen
and organic carbon content and bacterial E (evenness).
Rapid determination of biomass and polypropylene in three types of wood plastic composites (WPCs) using FTIR spectroscopy and partial least squares regression (PLSR)
Authors: Li Gaiyun , Lao Wanli , Qin Tefu , Huang Luohua
Published: April 2015

The biomass/plastic ratio in wood plastic composites (WPCs) has been evaluated because of the great practical importance of this topic. To this purpose, FTIR spectra of 59 polypropylene (PP)-based WPCs from three biomass species (Chinese fir, poplar, and bamboo) were recorded and the spectral dates were evaluated by means of the partial least squares regression (PLSR) approach aiming at the prediction of the biomass/PP ratio in the WPCs. The results of the full cross-validation of the data showed that first derivative spectra corrected by standard normal variate (SNV) yielded the optimal model for prediction of the WPC composition. For both biomass and PP prediction, the coefficients of determination (R
2) of external validation were above 0.94. The standard errors of prediction (SEP) were between 1.38 and 1.39. And the ratios of performance to deviation (RPD) were about 4.20. The relative prediction errors in this context were lower than ±6%. FTIR combined with PLSR is a useful tool for a rapid and reliable estimation of the biomass and PP contents in different types of PP-based WPCs.
Carbothermic Reduction of Titanium-Bearing Blast Furnace Slag
Authors: Zhen Yu-Lan , Zhang Guo-Hua , Chou Kuo-Chih
Published: April 2015

The carbothermic reduction experiments were carried out for titanium-bearing blast furnace slag in Panzhihua Iron and Steel Company in argon atmosphere at high temperatures. The effects of reduction temperature, isothermal treatment time and carbon content on the formation of TiC were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The XRD pattern results showed that MgAl2O4 phase disappeared and the main phase of the reduced sample was TiC when the reduction temperature was higher than 1,773 K. The SEM pictures showed that the reduction rate of the titanium-bearing blast furnace slag could be increased by enhancing the temperature and the C content (carbon ratio ≤1.0). Furthermore, it was also found that TiC had the tendency of concentrating around the iron. The effects of additives such as Fe and CaCl2 on the formation of TiC were also studied in the present study.
The CytoBead assay – a novel approach of multiparametric autoantibody analysis in the diagnostics of systemic autoimmune diseases
Authors: Sowa Mandy , Großmann Kai , Scholz Juliane , Röber Nadja , Rödiger Stefan , Schierack Peter , Conrad Karsten , Roggenbuck Dirk , Hiemann Rico
Published: April 2015

If there is a suspicion of a systemic autoimmune disease, a two-step assessment of autoantibodies (AAb) is recommended for the serological diagnosis thereof. First, AAb will be determined using sensitive, cell-based indirect immunofluorescence. Then, a positive result must be confirmed with a more specific test due to the possibility of false-positive results. This gradual approach is necessary because there is currently no assay technique that fulfills the requirements for a one-stage procedure for sensitivity and specificity. For effective AAb analysis, simultaneous determination of several AAb with multiparametric confirmatory assays significantly shortens serological diagnosis, compared with conventional monoparametric testing. Yet, currently available multiparametric AAb detection techniques do not offer the combination of screening and confirmatory testing. Thus, a new approach based on digital fluorescence was developed by applying a novel CytoBead technology that is presented here. The aim was to combine the recommended stepwise approach consisting of sensitive screening and confirmation of specific diagnosis in a reaction environment and thereafter the possibility of adaptation to the serological diagnosis of several autoimmune diseases. Using standard microscopic glass slides and the combination of native cellular or tissue substrates with autoantigen-loaded fluorescent microparticles (beads) in a reaction environment, along with the possibility of manual and automatic evaluation by IIF and the quantitative measurement of fluorescent signals, the disadvantages of currently existing test systems could be overcome. This novel concept is applicable for the determination of various multiparametric AAb, e.g., the determination of antinuclear antibodies and the corresponding AAb in molecular cytoplasmic and nuclear autoantigenic structures. Further, this becomes the basis for the simultaneous multiparametric AAb determination for the serology of celiac disease or ANCA-associated vasculitides.
New data on Abrawayaomys chebezi (Rodentia, Cricetidae), a poorly known South American sylvan rodent
Authors: Pardiñas Ulyses F.J. , Teta Pablo , Lareschi Marcela , Galliari Carlos A.
Published: April 2015

is a spiny sigmodontine believed endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Misiones Province, Argentina. The available knowledge is largely restricted to the holotype, the only fully vouchered specimen. Here, we detail a second specimen, a subadult male obtained in the Parque Provincial Urugua-í (Misiones). The morphology of this animal confirms several diagnostic traits of
Homography estimation for low-contrast IR image sequences utilizing GPS control points
Authors: Dunau Patrick , Fitz Daniel , Beyerer Jürgen
Published: April 2015

Estimating the homographies for IR sequences of approaching objects in the infrared spectrum is a special problem. Due to the approaching movement of a helicopter towards measurement items, the objects are represented with few pixels in the beginning of the sequence and they are represented with a lot more pixels when reaching the destination area. This fact results in an assignment problem of finding point correspondences. This difficulty has led to drifting phenomena when using sophisticated methods for estimating the homographies. In this article a method is described which eliminates both the problem of finding point correspondences as well as the drifting issue. The presented procedure exploits information gathered by additional sensors (i. e., a GPS receiver, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a compass) for the computation of camera projections for each frame. The camera mappings are used to project GPS control points into the frames. The use of the same GPS points for each frame results in naturally given point correspondences. Using these correspondences the homographies can be estimated. The results are compared to the state of the art.
Decomposition Studies of Isopropanol in a  Variable Pressure Flow Reactor
Authors: Heyne Joshua S. , Dooley Stephen , Serinyel Zeynep , Dryer Frederick L. , Curran Henry
Published: April 2015

Alternatives to traditional petroleum derived transportation fuels,
particularly alcohols, have been investigated increasingly over the
last 5 years. Isopropanol has received little attention
despite bridging the gap between smaller alcohols (methanol and
ethanol) and the next generation alcohols (butyl alcohols) to be used
in transportation fuels. Previous studies have shown that
decomposition reactions that dehydrate are important in the
high-temperature oxidation of alcohols. Here we report new data on the
dehydration reaction for isopropanol
(iC3H7OH → C3H6 + H2O)
in a Variable Pressure Flow Reactor at 12.5 atm pressure
and temperatures from 976–1000 K. Pyrolysis experiments
are performed in the presence of a radical trapper (1,3,5
trimethyl benzene or toluene) to inhibit secondary reactions of
radicals with the fuel and product species. The recommended rate
constant for the dehydration reaction is determined using an indirect
method along with Latin Hypercube sampling to estimate uncertainties.
Comparison of the rate constant data to previous works show that the
reaction is considerably more rapid than the high level theoretical
predictions of Bui et al. (Bui et al., J. Chem. Phys., 2002). The
dehydration reaction rate for isopropanol is well described by
k = 8.52 × 106
T
2.12 exp (− 30, 667/T) with an estimated
uncertainty of σ 
ln 

A

2 = 0.0195.

The C–C bond fission reaction is also investigated, but
the insensitivity of the decomposition data to this reaction results
in an uncertainty in the determined rate constants to approximately
2 orders of magnitude. Theoretical estimates lie within these
experimental uncertainties.
Consequences of Colloidal Nanosilica Specific Surface on Its Performance in Concrete
Authors: Bolhassani Mohammad , Samani Mohammadreza
Published: April 2015

Many results on performance of nanosilica in concrete have been reported by researchers in the domain of strength enhancement to reduction. A possible reason could be the vastly different specific surfaces of nanosilica materials used by different researchers. In this research, the effects of two colloidal nanosilicas, with specific surface areas of 80 m2/g and 500 m2/g on properties of concrete are investigated. The performance of these nanosilicas, which are specifically produced for use in concrete, are compared to that of microsilica. Additionally, for having a better understanding of the behavior of concrete in the presence of high specific surface area nanosilica, mortar specimens containing nanosilica with 500 m2/g specific surface area were also prepared and tested. Results show that the use of nanosilica particles causes a more severe reduction in workability of mixes compared to micro. The reduction in workability increased with increasing dosage and specific surface area of nanosilica. Compared to micro, the nanosilica materials resulted in higher strength enhancements relative to control at the age of 3 and 7 d. However, at 28 d the difference became small, and at 56 d the nanosilicas and micro had similar performances. Results of transverse electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the state of nanosilica agglomeration with 80 m2/g is almost the same as microsilica; however, nanosilica particles with 500 m2/g are highly agglomerated compare with the other two materials because of the presence of large amounts of nanosilica. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results at 28 d also showed high levels of heterogeneity in the distribution of hydration products, which is the result of poor nanosilica dispersion; this phenomenon consequently decreased the compressive strength of specimens.
Thermal Conditioning to Improve Geotechnical Properties of Recycled Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Soleimanbeigi Ali , Edil Tuncer
Published: April 2015

A procedure for thermal conditioning was introduced to accelerate the compression and improve geotechnical properties of recycled asphalt pavements (RAP) including resilient modulus, compressibility, shear strength, and creep response. Temperature-controlled resilient modulus, one-dimensional compression, and triaxial compression tests were conducted to evaluate the use of RAP as base course or embankment fill. For base course application, increasing temperature increased the plastic strain and reduced the resilient modulus of the RAP specimens that were compacted at room temperature. However, when the specimens were compacted at elevated temperatures and tested at room temperature, significant reduction in plastic strain and increase in resilient modulus were attained. For embankment fill applications, compaction and compression at elevated temperatures increased the shear strength and reduced the compressibility and creep strain of the RAP specimens tested at room temperature. Compaction and compression of the RAP specimens at elevated temperatures induced thermal conditioning and improved geotechnical properties. To improve performance of structural fills containing RAP, construction is recommended during warmest months of the year.
Measuring the Soil Water–Retention Curve Under Positive and Negative Matric Suction Regimes
Authors: Alsherif Nahed , Wayllace Alexandra , Lu Ning
Published: April 2015

The soil water–retention curve (SWRC) is commonly theorized and measured in the positive matric suction or negative pore water pressure domain. However, all soils do not reach full saturation when matric suction decreases to zero. To date, few methods or theories have been developed to understand the SWRC in the negative matric suction domain, which could play important roles in field mechanical stability conditions, such as slopes under heavy rainfall or levees under rapidly rising water table conditions. A method employing both the transient water release and imbibition method (TRIM) and a constant flow method (CFM) is devised to measure a soil’s complete loop of the SWRC under both wetting and drying, and positive and negative matric suction conditions. Although the TRIM is used to measure both drying and wetting paths of the SWRC in the positive matric suction domain, the CFM is used to quantify the soil water–retention behavior in the negative matric suction domain. The TRIM method has been previously validated and extensively tested. The novel feature is the cyclic application of the CFM in the negative matric suction domain. The head loss in the high air entry ceramic stone because of the application of the CFM is calibrated in the range of the applied flow rates. Similar sets of flow rates are used to validate the repeatability of the measured SWRC behavior in the negative matric suction domain. Three different soils, sandy, silty, and clayey soils, are used to demonstrate the applicability of the methodology for various soil types. It is shown that, for the sandy soil, a few kPa of negative matric suction are needed to fully saturate the specimen, whereas for the clayey soil, over 10 kPa of negative matric suction are needed to fully saturate the specimen.
Application Possibility of Four-Sided Structural Sealant Glazing Systems in Japan
Authors: Ishii Hisashi
Published: April 2015

This study aims to apply four-sided structural sealant glazing (SSG) systems in Japan. Therefore, the following points have been confirmed. Firstly, a thermal performance analysis by the boundary element method (BEM) regarding high thermal performance four-sided SSG was conducted, and its performance was quantified. Secondly, the adhesion of a specimen cut from an actual façade was evaluated and the durability of the structural adhesion was confirmed. This paper described the heat conduction analysis and experiments for an actual façade. In order to confirm that the thermal performance of four-sided SSG systems is higher than that for a conventional curtain wall, a two-dimensional steady heat conduction analysis using the BEM was performed. As a result, it was clarified that SSG systems are highly effective at inhibiting heat loss, and if it is associated with Low-E and includes a comparison with the single glass unit, a reduction in heat loss from 21 % up to 58 % may be realized. Also, as for the structural adhesion durability on an actual façade, this study evaluated the adhesive durability of four-sided SSG that was applied to a glass façade over 20 years ago. Structural sealant tension tests were performed using a specimen cut from the actual façade. The results of the tension test were compared with the initial data from over 20 years ago. The purpose of this experiment was to ensure the maximum tensile strength and structural properties. The results indicated that most of the specimens reached their maximum tensile strength at a strain reduction of 50 %. All of the specimens underwent cohesive failure and exhibited a similar tensile strength to the initial value from 20 years ago. However, the elongation at the maximum tensile strength was smaller than the initial value. Moreover, the stiffness was two times higher than the initial value. Therefore, the four-sided SSG system should be reconsidered as a method of evaluation for accelerating the aging test of present situation.
Completeness of tuberculosis reporting forms for disease control in individuals with HIV/AIDS in priority cities of Bahia state
Authors: Lírio Monique , Santos Normeide Pedreira dos , Passos Louran Andrade Reis , Kritski Afrânio , Galvão-Castro Bernardo , Grassi Maria Fernanda Rios
Published: April 2015

The control of HIV / Tuberculosis (TB) co -infection remains a challenge for public health. Notification is mandatory for both diseases and the National Case Registry Database (Sinan) is responsible for the collection and processing of individual forms of reporting and monitoring. The adequate fulfillment of these fields chips (completeness) is essential to follow the dynamics of the disease and set priorities for intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the completeness of the notification forms of tuberculosis in the priority municipalities of Bahia (Camaçari , Feira de Santana , Ilhéus , Itabuna, Jequié, Lauro de Freitas , Porto Seguro , Teixeira de Freitas , Paulo Afonso, Barreiras and Salvador) to control the disease in individuals with HIV/AIDS using tabulations obtained from the Sinan in the period from 2001 to 2010. The results showed that despite the completeness of the field HIV be above 50 %, more than half the cases were met as "undone" or "being processed" in all municipalities assessed in the period. The low completeness of reporting forms may compromise the quality of surveillance of TB cases. The results suggest the need for greater availability of HIV testing in these individuals.