bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incentives for academic and applied research and the reproduction of the economic community (Proceedings of the roundtable discussion at the XIX April international academic conference on economic and social development)
Authors: Polterovich V. M. , Zaostrovtsev A. P. , Gurvich E. T. , Volchkova N. A. , Grigoryev L. M. , Yakovlev А. A.
Published: October 2018

The selection of the trajectories of professional development by economic researches and economic analysts today is largely determined by formal criteria for assessing the results of their activity on the part of financing organizations. As has been shown in a number of works, such a formalized assessment may distort the incentives for studying the surrounding reality and adversely affect the formation of the professional community. In this connection, at the initiative of the Association of Russian Economic Think Tanks (ARETT), a roundtable discussion was held in the framework of the XIX April international academic conference of the National Research University Higher School of Economics (Moscow, April 10—13, 2018) where these and related issues were discussed. The discussion was moderated by ARETT president A. A. Yakovlev.
On scientific validity of Russian science policy
Authors: Tambovtsev V. L.
Published: October 2018

На основании анализа большого числа эмпирических исследований, где выявлены последствия мер научной политики, реализуемой во многих странах, в статье показано, что проводимая в России государственная науч- ная политика включает инструменты, препятствующие достижению декла- рируемых в ней целей. Установлено, что лишены научных оснований такие компоненты отечественной научной политики, как механизмы повышения публичной подотчетности науки, намерения финансировать исследования в основном на конкурсной основе, стремления развивать науку преимущест- венно в университетах (силами преподавателей), а также тренд к укрупнению исследовательских организаций.
Financial technologies in the field of retail payments: Current trends and perspectives in EU and Russia
Authors: Trofimov D. V.
Published: October 2018

The article analyzes tendencies of national payment systems development in the European Union and Russia: electronic and deposit money, bank cards, financial technologies in the field of retail payments. The author identifies factors that stimulate the development of cashless retail payments and the national payment card systems in the European Union, as well as the problems and prospects of this sector forming in Russia. Recommendations on the development of a competitive environment and financial technologies in the field of retail payments in Russia are proposed.
“Unorthodox” fast-growing firms (gazelles) and North’s limited access order
Authors: Yudanov A. Yu. , Yakovlev A. A.
Published: October 2018

The subject of the article is “unorthodox” gazelles - politically-connected or big business-affiliated fast-growing firms. It is established that rents play a significant role in the commercial success of such firms. Nevertheless, as predicted by the well-known “limited access framework” (by D. North and co-authors), and contrary to the standard interpretation of rents, the latter can play a positive role in the transitional economy. The authors have identified on empirical material some clearly positive scenarios among the main patterns of the development of “unorthodox” gazelles in Russia. The article discusses the conditions under which “unorthodox” gazelles can become an instrument of developmental state.
Hidden “holes” in the capital of banks and the supply of credit to the real sector of economy
Authors: Mamonov M. E.
Published: October 2018

Our analysis documents that the existence of hidden “holes” in the capital of not yet failed banks - while creating intertemporal pressure on the actual level of capital - leads to changing of maturity of loans supplied rather than to contracting of their volume. Long-term loans decrease, whereas short-term loans rise - and, what is most remarkably, by approximately the same amounts. Standardly, the higher the maturity of loans the higher the credit risk and, thus, the more loan loss reserves (LLP) banks are forced to create, increasing the pressure on capital. Banks that already hide “holes” in the capital, but have not yet faced with license withdrawal, must possess strong incentives to shorten the maturity of supplied loans. On the one hand, it raises the turnovers of LLP and facilitates the flexibility of capital management; on the other hand, it allows increasing the speed of shifting of attracted deposits to loans to related parties in domestic or foreign jurisdictions. This enlarges the potential size of ex post revealed “hole” in the capital and, therefore, allows us to assume that not every loan might be viewed as a good for the economy: excessive short-term and insufficient long-term loans can produce the source for future losses.
Consumer finance in Russia: Income shocks and consumption smoothing
Authors: Mamedli M. O. , Sinyakov A. A.
Published: October 2018

On the basis of the Russian Survey of Household Finance , we investigate the consumption behavior of Russian households, who faced a negative income shock at the end of 2014. We also analyze the role of crisis-adjusting consumption strategies based on the instruments of financial market, namely an increase in the stock of debt or decrease in liquid and non-liquid assets. Results based on two identification procedures of income shocks show that Russian households were able to smooth around 50% of their income shock. The ability to smooth consumption is lower for those living in rural areas, households with higher levels of debt accumulated before 2014 and those with lower income. Overall, Russian households are not used to spend savings or increase their debt in response to the income changes with the exception of those who already had a higher level of debt by 2014. The results may have important implications for the Bank of Russia policy.
The regional competitiveness: Methodological reflections
Authors: Ukrainsky V. N.
Published: October 2018

The discourse around the competitiveness of spatial socio-economic systems of different levels (countries, regions, cities) has developed very actively in recent decades. The article shows that the degree of elaboration of such important from the methodological point of view aspects of the problem as the consistent conceptualization of the “regional competitiveness” phenomenon, the identification of objects to which this concept is applied, as well as the choice of evaluation methods, leave much to be desired.
Business participation in social development of the territory: Limitations and potential opportunities
Authors: Medvedeva N. V.
Published: October 2018

Based on the results of sociological research, key barriers that prevent active integration of the business sector into social and economic development of the territories are identified, and the problems of interaction between government and business at the municipal level in present Russian conditions are determined. It is concluded that only on the basis of building common values between the authorities and the business community, changing their behavioral attitudes it is possible to increase the level of social responsibility of business and actively implement social investment.
Sports mega events effectiveness analysis: The economists’ view
Authors: Butaeva K. O. , Weber S. , Davydov D. V.
Published: October 2018

The paper reviews ex post studies on the economic and social effects of sports mega events. The aim of the article is to sum up the existing economic literature about sports mega events and to emphasize the importance of sports economics development. The main results are the classification of the material and non-material sports mega event’s effects outlined in the economic papers and the exposure of sports economics development trends.
Determinants and implications of the Eurozone enlargement
Authors: Kolodko G. W. , Postula M.
Published: October 2018

Aside from the United Kingdom, which is withdrawing from the European Union, only Denmark has the option of staying outside the single European currency area. All other member states which have not adopted euro as their currency have the right and obligations to do so under the Treaty of Accession. The condition to join the Eurozone is to meet all five nominal Maastricht convergence criteria and to ensure compliance of national legislation with acquis communautaire, or the EU legal order. What poses special difficulties to candidate countries is the fiscal criterion relating to the maximum allowed budget deficit. If it’s not met, the European Commission launches the Excessive Deficit Procedure, EDP. Currently, this procedure is in place for France, Spain and the United Kingdom. In 2015, EDP for Poland was lifted, but there is no certainty it won’t be imposed again at the end of the decade due to the risk of exceeding once more the threshold of public sector deficit, which stands at 3 percent GDP. It is to be expected that in the 2020s the European Monetary Union will be joined by all the countries that are still using their national currencies, including Denmark, and that the EU will be extended to include new member states, enlarging the euro area, too. Although the issue is not absolutely certain, it needs to be assumed that euro will overcome the present difficulties and come out stronger, though the economically unjustified euroskepticism of some countries, especially Poland, is not helping.
Large-scale reluctant privatization: Contradictions and challenges under sanctions
Authors: Radygin A. D. , Entov R. M. , Abramov A. E. , Aksenov I. V. , Malginov G. N. , Chernova M. I.
Published: October 2018

The article discusses the practicability for privatizing some large Russian state-owned enterprises (SOEs) under sanctions. Privatization remains a significant trend in the economic policies of many countries, includingRussia. The revenues from privatization demonstrate a steady upward trend worldwide. The effect of external sanctions which create significant difficulties in conducting privatization inRussiadoes not remove from the agenda the issue of privatization of large companies, but also makes it more relevant. Privatization is an effective tool for forming a competitive environment, increasing the efficiency of SOEs and reducing the presence of the state as a direct participant in market relations. The article contains not only theoretical arguments in favor of privatization, but also its relevance, especially considering the sectoral structure of the economy and the performance indicators of large SOEs. A particular feature of the research methodology is the evaluation of the performance of 29 large SOEs on the basis of a universal set of financial indicators. As a benchmark, we use the financial indicators of 144 Russian private companies and wide samples of foreign competitors for each SOE. The results show that the consolidated financial characteristics of SOEs tend to be inferior to those of private companies and foreign competitors. In addition, the total return, including dividend yield, on the state-owned enterprises’ equity is below the return of market benchmark with lowest risk.
Decomposition of Russian GDP growth rates in 2007—2017 and forecast for 2018—2020
Authors: Drobyshevsky S. M. , Idrisov G. I. , Kaukin A. S. , Pavlov P. N. , Sinelnikov‑Murylev S. G.
Published: October 2018

The paper provides further development of the methodology of GDP growth rates decomposition, adapted for the case of Russia. It proposes the calculation of indicators of structural unemployment NAWRU and total factor productivity for the Russian economy. The paper offers estimates of structural, foreign trade and market components of GDP growth rates for various macroeconomic scenarios for 2018—2020. The sum of the components of the business cycle and random shocks is expected to be the main source of Russian GDP growth in 2018—2020, which together with the renewal of investment in 2017 may indicate the beginning of a new cycle of economic growth in Russia. Within the framework of the considered macroeconomic scenarios an expected contribution of the terms of trade component will be of an order of –1 p. p. of the yearly GDP growth rates in 2018—2020. In all major macroeconomic scenarios the structural component of GDP growth rates is expected to continue to decelerate in 2018—2020. The results suggest that the delay of structural reforms is inadvisable in order to create the prerequisites to achieve economic growth rates equal to or more than the world average.
Innovations and culture: Importance of the analysis methodology
Authors: Tambovtsev V. L.
Published: October 2018

The paper is devoted to the analysis of conclusiveness of assertions that national cultural values influence the levels of national and regional economies, firms, and individuals innovative activity. These assertions are based on correlations between societal values and some innovative activity indicators, while presumable mechanisms of that impact are not described and empirically verified. It is shown that national culture representation by societal values is irrelevant, whereby any statements about culture influence on innovations appear unjustified. It means that additional studies relaying on different culture representations are necessary to understand what exactly and how components of national culture affect innovations.
Sublingual Epidermoid Cyst Simulating a Plunging Ranula: 2 Rare Case Reports
Authors: Sadigov Elshad , Afendiyev Yunus , Rahimov Chingiz , Davudov Mahammad , Musayev Jamal
Published: October 2018

The incidence ranging of the dermoid and epidermoid cysts on the head and neck, from 1.6 to 7.0%, and they represent less than 0.01% of all oral cavity cysts. Histologically, they can be further classified as epidermoid, dermoid or teratoid. We analyzed two rare cases of large epidermoid cysts of the floor of the mouth, with sublingual as well as submental component resembling plunging ranula. Two female patients (age 15 and 16 y. o.), who’s had sublingual and submental swellings of oral floor with breathing and swallowing difficulties. The suspected clinical diagnosis of the sublingual dermoid or epidermoid cysts were supported by the radiological finding after performing ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). On the radiological investigation the differentiation between epidermoid cysts, ranulas, cystic tumours, mucous extravasation phenomena and hygromas sometimes indistinguishable, leading in the determination of internal component differentiation and has pathognomonic signs to differentiate. The lesions were surgically excised using an intraoral approach. Microscopic examinations revealed a dermoid cyst of the epidermoid type. Keywords: Sublingual Epidermoid Cyst, Plunging Ranula, Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Analisis Penerapan Standar Deviasi Dalam Penentuan Persediaan Pengaman Pada Ud Mirama Kota Gorontalo.
Authors: Setiawan Sasmita R.
Published: October 2018

Currently all companies are looking for opportunities in the openness of international markets or global markets. Companies that can enter this global market are companies that have comparative and competitive advantages. It is necessary to make an important decision concerning the level or quantity of production for the manufacturing company, the determination of the amount or stock of merchandise for the trading company as well as the level of service production for the service company. One important aspect that needs proper management is the supply problem. One of the local companies that became the focus or object of research in this writing is UD. Mirama located in Gorontalo Province, especially the city of Gorontalo which sells AC electronic goods and TV. just like any other trading company the company is also having trouble determining the amount of merchandise inventory. Because often companies have difficulty in the amount of safety stock that must be prepared at the time of booking so that companies can anticipate the number of fluctuating demand. With this problem it is necessary to apply a method used as corporate guidance to overcome the problem of inventory. The method that will try to use is standard deviation method in determining the amount of safety stock. This method is applied to see how the most optimal security inventory, which is the most economical, in the sense that not too much which means waste or additional costs that are not necessary or not too little which means there is still danger of running out of inventory. By using model of qualitative and quantitative analysis, the result of research analysis from the research object is the application of standard deviation method can be determined how much the safety stock will be held by the company and can cover the occurrence of stock out when demand increase or fluctuation in demand.
Basic directions of improvement of home car production in the first half of the ХХ-th century
Authors: Bey N.
Published: October 2018

It is set that in the first half of the ХХ-th century home motor industry plants have accumulated considerable experience in repairing of cars and adjusting their serial production. It is found out, that soviet motor industry has come to the new stage – mass production of cars with the use of conveyers, special machine-tools, automated lines. It was determined, that for wide motorization of the USSR factories that worked on high-performance technologies were created.
V.M. Lihin (1846–1900), as historian of science and technology
Authors: Oliynyk O.
Published: October 2018

The main purpose of the article is the coverage of the little-known facts of scientific activity of V.M. Lihin (1846-1900). A talented scientist and educator, an active social person, his work on mechanics and mathematics is widely known, but his works on the history of science and technology have not become widely publicized in the nineteenth century and almost lost during the twentieth century. Modern historical science has not considered this part of the scientific heritage of the mechanic from Odesa. Some scholar's works are presented for the first time.
The thirteenth Minister of Railways of the Russian Empire Hiubbenet Adolf Yakovych (1831–1901)
Authors: Pylypchuk O. , Strelko O.
Published: October 2018

The article is devoted to the analysis and systematized generalization of the totality of scientific facts that objectively characterize various aspects of life and activities of the thirteenth Minister of Railways of the Russian Empire, Adolf Yakovych Hiubbenet. In preparing the work were used, historical, comparative and biographical methods which made it possible to systematize and critically evaluate the sources used, compare assessment results of A.Ya. Hiubbenet by various authors, to highlight the main thing in the current state of studying the topic and the results of other researchers, to give a description of previous works on this issue and clearly separate the issues haven’t been solved yet. The sources analysis allowed giving an objective assessment of the contribution made by A.Ya. Hiubbenet into projects of nation-wide significance devoted to the subordination of the railway affairs to the state control, settlement of railway tariffs, subordination of railway tariffs to government supervision, determination of the access roads state and many others. It has been shoved that being the Minister of Railways A.Ya. Hiubbenet played an important role in the Institute of the Corps of Civil Engineers established in St. Petersburg. The paper has analyzed multi-vector activity of A.Ya. Hiubbenet as Minister of Railways of the Russian Empire. Based on assessments comparison made by various researchers as for measures adopted by A.Ya. Hiubbenet to improve the waterways of the Russian Empire, his role in solving the problem on restructuring of the Mariinska water system as a large-scale nationwide project, which provided for an immediate survey of all artificial waterways of the state with a view to resolving the issue of their future use has been shown. The paper establishes that due to A.Ya. Hiubbenet, the project quickly found support and was approved in 1890 by Emperor Alexander III, thanks to which the Special Commission was created, which in 1890-1892 researched Vyshnevolotsky, Berezinsky, Ohinsky and Dnipro-Bug water systems. This allowed us to outline a number of measures to improve radically and rapidly develop the waterways of the Russian Empire. The use of the biographical method allowed considering the personality of the thirteenth Minister of Communications of the Russian Empire Adolf Yakovych Hiubbenet as an individual, which made it possible to re-evaluate his life path.
Pedagogical aktiviti of professor V.E. Timonov (1862–1936)
Authors: Sоlоvjova L.
Published: October 2018

A talented scientist, engineer, popularizer of scitech V.E. Timonov, that left after itself considerable scientific works and whole pleiad of students, presents considerable interest and for pedagogical science. However, in the center of study of life and activity of scientist a scientific inheritance appeared, first of all, in industry of the hydraulic engineering and water-carriage, and question of him professionally-pedagogical activity until now were not the article of the special consideration. As all prominent teachers, Vsevolod Evgenievich left after itself not only scientific and pedagogical works but also main - the students and followers. The last, as a rule, recreate for us різноплановий character of the spiritually enriched man that owns encyclopaedic knowledge. All of it by the best character befits for V.E. Timonov.
Dry Reforming of Methane in a Pd-Ag Membrane Reactor: Thermodynamic and Experimental Analysis
Authors: Caravella Alessio , Brunetti Adele , Grandinetti Monia , Barbieri Giuseppe
Published: October 2018

The present work is a study of CO2 Reforming of Methane (DRM) carried out in a catalytic Pd-based membrane reactor. A detailed thermodynamic analysis is carried out, calculating the chemical equilibrium parameters in two different cases: (a) DRM along with the Reverse Water Gas Shift (RWGS) reaction and (b) DRM along with both RWGS and the Boudouard Reaction (BR). The performance of membrane reactor is then experimentally analyzed in terms of methane conversion, hydrogen recovery and H2/CO reaction selectivity by varying feed pressure and CO2/CH4 feed molar ratio and 500 °C and GHSV = 100 h−1. Among the obtained results, a CH4 conversion of about 26% and a H2 recovery of 47% are achieved at low feed pressures, exceeding the traditional reactor equilibrium conversion. This effect can be attributed to the favorable thermodynamics coupled to the hydrogen permeation through the membrane. This study further demonstrates the general effectiveness of membrane-integrated reaction processes, which makes the production of syngas more efficient and performing, providing important environmental benefits.
Synthesis of Hollow Silica Nanocubes with Tuneable Size and Shape, Suitable for Light Scattering Studies
Authors: Dekker Frans , Tuinier Remco , Philipse Albert P.
Published: October 2018

We present a preparation method for hollow silica nanocubes with tuneable size and shape in the range required for light scattering studies. Cuprous oxide nanocubes are prepared by a water-assisted polyol method. By adjusting the water content, the size of the nanocubes can be tuned in the range of 40–120 nm. These cubes function as a shape template in the subsequent coating with Stöber silica, resulting in core-shell nanocubes. Dissolving the core with nitric acid results in hollow silica nanocubes with sizes ranging from 80–120 nm and cubicity shape parameters between 3 and 6.5.
Integrating Universal Design, Culturally Sustaining Practices, and Constructivism to Advance Inclusive Pedagogy in the Undergraduate Classroom
Authors: Grier-Reed Tabitha , Williams-Wengerd Anne
Published: October 2018

While primary and secondary teachers are legally required to adhere to inclusion guidelines for students experiencing disabilities, instructors in higher education have had more leeway to operate under a more traditional paradigm which can marginalize rather than include students in the classroom. Furthermore, students experience exclusion for reasons other than and in addition to disabilities, including, race, ethnicity, language, gender, and sexual orientation. Inorderto advance inclusion for all students in the higher education classroom, we propose integrating universal design, culturally sustaining pedagogy, and constructivist approaches to teaching and learning. We aim to not only forward an integrative theoretical framework for inclusive pedagogy grounded in a constructivist perspective, but to also provide practical strategies that promote a more inclusive undergraduate classroom.
Microgrid Islanding Detection Based on Mathematical Morphology
Authors: Ghalavand Fatemeh , Alizade Behzad Asle Mohammadi , Gaber Hossam , Karimipour Hadis
Published: October 2018

Voltage and frequency stability are highly important for reliable performance of smart grids. In grid-connected mode, the utility controls these parameters, but when islanding occurs these parameters exceed their limits, which may result in irreparable damage to the system. This paper presents a time-domain approach which uses basic mathematical morphology (MM) operators, dilation and erosion filters, for microgrid islanding detection. The proposed method applies a dilation-erosion differential filter (DED) of the RMS signal (DEDFOR) at the point of common coupling (PCC) in a micro-grid connected to distributed generations (DGs). To evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, it is tested and compared with existing techniques in the literature under various conditions such as capacitor bank switching and motor starting. The results verify the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed technique for islanding detection under different operating conditions and various power mismatches.
Reframing HRI Design Opportunities for Social Robots: Lessons Learnt from a Service Robotics Case Study Approach Using UX for HRI
Authors: Khan Sara , Germak Claudio
Published: October 2018

Over the last few decades, semi-autonomous machine’s technology started to promote awareness towards the importance of human–robot interaction (HRI) for improving daily activities. More affordable social robots are being commercially released and in order to implement viable applications of HRI, a combination human-computer interaction and user experience methodologies could play a pivotal role in assessing new scenarios and evaluating new investigations. However, literature shows that it is still challenging to reach an optimal user experience with robotic companions. The aim of the study was to determine the chance to enhance the user experience with a semi-autonomous social robot, using user experience and human–computer interaction methodologies. In this study, a social robotic companion has been developed and prototyped in order to be adopted in a specific public environment such as a company workspace. The challenges emerged from this peculiar environment triggered the need for a more productive and comfortable office for the employees, and, at the same time, the usability, acceptance and likeability of the robotic companion have been evaluated. The results emphasize that, since HRI is highly interdisciplinary, the benefits of combining approaches from other fields could positively benefit from a meaningful social interaction with the users.
Gas-Liquid Hollow Fiber Membrane Contactors for Different Applications
Authors: Bazhenov Stepan , Bildyukevich Alexandr , Volkov Alexey
Published: October 2018

Gas-liquid membrane contactors that were based on hollow fiber membranes are the example of highly effective hybrid separation processes in the field of membrane technology. Membranes provide a fixed and well-determined interface for gas/liquid mass transfer without dispensing one phase into another while their structure (hollow fiber) offers very large surface area per apparatus volume resulted in the compactness and modularity of separation equipment. In many cases, stated benefits are complemented with high separation selectivity typical for absorption technology. Since hollow fiber membrane contactors are agreed to be one of the most perspective methods for CO2 capture technologies, the major reviews are devoted to research activities within this field. This review is focused on the research works carried out so far on the applications of membrane contactors for other gas-liquid separation tasks, such as water deoxygenation/ozonation, air humidity control, ethylene/ethane separation, etc. A wide range of materials, membranes, and liquid solvents for membrane contactor processes are considered. Special attention is given to current studies on the capture of acid gases (H2S, SO2) from different mixtures. The examples of pilot-scale and semi-industrial implementation of membrane contactors are given.
Patients with Clinically Suspected but Unproven Hip Fractures, Who Require Cross-Sectional Imaging, Are Best Initially Admitted under Geriatrician-Led Care—A Retrospective Review
Authors: Macdonald Hamish , Vetharajan Niraj , Kempshall Peter
Published: October 2018

Patients with suspected hip fractures who require further imaging to confirm or disprove the diagnosis may be admitted to orthopaedic or medical departments. We aim to provide evidence regarding the appropriate admission pathway for such patients. This is a retrospective study of all suspected hip fracture patients receiving second-line imaging between 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2016 in one hospital trust. Information was gained from hospital records to determine indication and result of imaging, eventual diagnoses, length of stay, and inpatient mortality. During the study period, 126 patients underwent cross-sectional imaging for clinically suspected but unproven hip fractures. Of these, 27% were positive for hip fractures (n = 34, 3.2% of hip fracture admissions) whilst the remainder were negative. Of the patients without hip fractures, 50 (54%) had a concomitant medical discharge diagnosis. Thirty-one different diagnoses were found in this cohort. This research provides evidence for geriatrician-led admission of patients with suspected but unproven hip fracture, due to the frailty and medical requirements of this patient group.
Battling the Tides of Climate Change: The Power of Intangible Cultural Resource Values to Bind Place Meanings in Vulnerable Historic Districts
Authors: Henderson Malorey , Seekamp Erin
Published: October 2018

Climate change increases not only the vulnerability of cultural resources, but also the cultural values that are deeply embedded in cultural resources and landscapes. As such, heritage managers are faced with imminent preservation challenges that necessitate the consideration of place meanings during adaptation planning. This study explores how stakeholders perceive the vulnerability of the tangible aspects of cultural heritage, and how climate change impacts and adaptation strategies may alter the meanings and values that are held within those resources. We conducted semi-structured interviews with individuals with known connections to the historic buildings located within cultural landscapes on the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore in the United States (US). Our findings revealed that community members hold deep place connections, and that their cultural resource values are heavily tied to the concepts of place attachment (place identity and place dependence). Interviews revealed a general acceptance of the inevitability of climate impacts and a transition of heritage meanings from tangible resources to intangible values. Our findings suggest that in the context of climate change, it is important to consider place meanings alongside physical considerations for the planning and management of vulnerable cultural resources, affirming the need to involve community members and their intangible values into the adaptive planning for cultural resources.
Walking the Food Security Tightrope—Exploring the Experiences of Low-to-Middle Income Melbourne Households
Authors: Kleve Sue , Booth Sue , Davidson Zoe E. , Palermo Claire
Published: October 2018

There is limited evidence of how Australian low-to-middle income (AUD $40,000–$80,000) households maintain food security. Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods methodology, this study explored and compared the food security (FS) and insecurity (FIS) experiences of these households. An initial quantitative survey categorised participants according to food security status (the 18-item United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module) and income level to identify and purposefully select participants to qualitatively explore food insecurity and security experiences. Of the total number of survey participants (n = 134), 42 were categorised as low-to-middle income. Of these, a subset of 16 participants (8 FIS and 8 FS) was selected, and each participant completed an in-depth interview. The interviews explored precursors, strategies to prevent or address food insecurity, and the implications of the experience. Interview data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Five themes emerged from the analysis: (i) food decision experiences, (ii) assets, (iii) triggers, (iv) activation of assets, and (v) consequences and emotion related to walking the food security tightrope. The leverage points across all themes were more volatile for FIS participants. Low-to-middle income Australians are facing the challenges of trying to maintain or improve their food security status, with similarities to those described in lower income groups, and should be included in approaches to prevent or address food insecurity.
Evolution and Function of the Chloroplast. Current Investigations and Perspectives
Authors: Sabater Bartolomé
Published: October 2018

Chloroplasts are the place for the major conversion of the sun’s radiation energy to chemical energythat is usable by organisms[…]
An Apoptotic and Endosymbiotic Explanation of the Warburg and the Inverse Warburg Hypotheses
Authors: Kaczanowski Szymon , Klim Joanna , Zielenkiewicz Urszula
Published: October 2018

Otto Warburg, a Nobel prize winner, observed that cancer cells typically “switch” from aerobic to anaerobic respiration. He hypothesized that mitochondrial damage induces neoplastic transformation. In contrast, pathological aging is observed mainly in neuron cells in neurodegenerative diseases. Oxidative respiration is particularly active in neurons. There is inverse comorbidity between cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. This led to the creation of the “inverse Warburg hypothesis”, according to which excessive mitochondrial activity induces pathological aging. The findings of our studies suggest that both the Warburg effect and the “inverse Warburg hypothesis” can be elucidated by the activation or suppression of apoptosis through oxidative respiration. The key outcome of our phylogenetic studies was the discovery that apoptosis and apoptosis-like cell death evolved due to an evolutionary “arms race” conducted between “prey” protomitochondrion and “predator” primitive eukaryotes. The ancestral protomitochondrial machinery produces and releases toxic mitochondrial proteins. Extant apoptotic factors evolved from these toxins. Our experiments indicate that the mitochondrial machinery is directly involved in adaptation to aerobic conditions. Additionally, our hypothesis is supported by the fact that different apoptotic factors are directly involved in respiration.
Molecular Cloning and Expression of MnGST-1 and MnGST-2 from Oriental River Prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense, in Response to Hypoxia and Reoxygenation
Authors: Xu Lei , Yang Ming , Fu Hongtuo , Sun Shengming , Qiao Hui , Zhang Wenyi , Gong Yongsheng , Jiang Sufei , Xiong Yiwei , Jin Shubo , Wu Yan
Published: October 2018

The glutathione-S-transferase (GST) superfamily includes seven classes, and different classes have different functions. GST superfamily members function in various processes including detoxification of xenobiotics, protection against oxidative damage, and intracellular transport of hormones, endogenous metabolites, and exogenous chemicals. Herein, to elucidate the tissue-specific expression pattern of GSTs in response to hypoxia stress, which induces cell death, we investigated the expression of GSTs in response to hypoxia and reoxygenation in oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense. Full-length cDNAs of two δ class GSTs were cloned from the hepatopancreas, and named MnGST-1 and MnGST-2 based on the established GST nomenclature system. Expression profiles of both GSTs in various tissues were different under acute and chronic experimental hypoxia stress conditions, suggesting that both respond strongly to hypoxia-induced oxidative stress. However, the intensity of responses to hypoxia and reoxygenation were different in different tissues. During acute hypoxia stress, MnGST-1 responds earlier than MnGST-2 in the hepatopancreas and gill, but more slowly in muscle. By contrast, during chronic hypoxia stress, MnGST-2 plays a more important role in the hepatopancreas and gill than MnGST-1.
Selection of Machining Parameters Using a Correlative Study of Cutting Tool Wear in High-Speed Turning of AISI 1045 Steel
Authors: Hernández González Luis Wilfredo , Seid Ahmed Yassmin , Pérez Rodríguez Roberto , Zambrano Robledo Patricia Del Carmen , Guerrero Mata Martha Patricia
Published: October 2018

The manufacturing industry aims to produce many high quality products efficiently at low cost, thereby motivating companies to use advanced manufacturing technologies. The use of high-speed machining is increasingly widespread; however, it lacks a deep-rooted knowledge base needed to facilitate implementation. In this paper, response surface methodology (RSM) has been applied to determine the optimum cutting conditions leading to minimum flank wear in high-speed dry turning on AISI 1045 steel. The mathematical models in terms of machining parameters were developed for flank wear prediction using RSM on the basis of experimental results. The high speed turning experiments were carried out with two coated carbide and a cermet inserts using AISI 1045 steel as work material at different cutting speeds and machining times. The models selected for optimization were validated through the Pareto principle. Results showed the GC4215 insert to be the most optimal option, because it did not reach the cutting tool life limit and could be used for the whole range of cutting parameters selected. To quantitatively evaluate the usefulness of the cutting tools, it was proposed the coefficient of use of the tools from the results of the contour graphs. The GC4215 insert showed 100% effectiveness, followed by the GC4225 with 98.4%, and finally, the CT5015 insert with 83%.
Particle Swarm Optimization: A Survey of Historical and Recent Developments with Hybridization Perspectives
Authors: Sengupta Saptarshi , Basak Sanchita , Peters Richard
Published: October 2018

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a metaheuristic global optimization paradigm that has gained prominence in the last two decades due to its ease of application in unsupervised, complex multidimensional problems that cannot be solved using traditional deterministic algorithms. The canonical particle swarm optimizer is based on the flocking behavior and social co-operation of birds and fish schools and draws heavily from the evolutionary behavior of these organisms. This paper serves to provide a thorough survey of the PSO algorithm with special emphasis on the development, deployment, and improvements of its most basic as well as some of the very recent state-of-the-art implementations. Concepts and directions on choosing the inertia weight, constriction factor, cognition and social weights and perspectives on convergence, parallelization, elitism, niching and discrete optimization as well as neighborhood topologies are outlined. Hybridization attempts with other evolutionary and swarm paradigms in selected applications are covered and an up-to-date review is put forward for the interested reader.
An Efficient Golden Ratio Method for Secure Cryptographic Applications
Authors: Overmars Anthony , Venkatraman Sitalakshmi
Published: October 2018

With the increase in the use of electronic transactions in everyday life, secure communications and data storage to withstand any kind of attack is warranted. The golden ratio, being the most irrational among irrational numbers, can be used in elliptic curve cryptosystems, power analysis security, and other applications. However, in such applications, cryptographic operations should take place very quickly before the keys are extracted or decoded by the attackers. This paper proposes an efficient method of golden ratio computation in cryptography to resist information security breaches. We compare our new golden ratio method with the well-known Fibonacci sequence method. The experimental results show that our proposed method is more efficient than the Fibonacci sequence method. Our golden ratio method with infinite precision provides reliable counter measure strategy to address the escalating security attacks.
A Novel Natural Influenza A H1N1 Virus Neuraminidase Inhibitory Peptide Derived from Cod Skin Hydrolysates and Its Antiviral Mechanism
Authors: Li Jianpeng , Chen Yiping , Yuan Ning , Zeng Mingyong , Zhao Yuanhui , Yu Rilei , Liu Zunying , Wu Haohao , Dong Shiyuan
Published: October 2018

In this paper, a novel natural influenza A H1N1 virus neuraminidase (NA) inhibitory peptide derived from cod skin hydrolysates was purified and its antiviral mechanism was explored. From the hydrolysates, novel efficient NA-inhibitory peptides were purified by a sequential approach utilizing an ultrafiltration membrane (5000 Da), sephadex G-15 gel column and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The amino acid sequence of the pure peptide was determined by electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FTICR-MS) was PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL, with a molecular weight of 2163 Da. The analysis of the Lineweacer–Burk model indicated that the peptide was a competitive NA inhibitor with Ki of 0.29 mM and could directly bind free enzymes. In addition, docking studies suggested that hydrogen binding might be the driving force for the binding affinity of PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL to NA. The cytopathic effect reduction assay showed that the peptide PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL protected Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells from viral infection and reduced the viral production in a dose-dependent manner. The EC50 value was 471 ± 12 μg/mL against H1N1. Time-course analysis showed that PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL inhibited influenza virus in the early stage of the infectious cycle. The virus titers assay indicated that the NA-inhibitory peptide PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL could directly affect the virus toxicity and adsorption by host cells, further proving that the peptide had an anti-viral effect with multiple target sites. The activity of NA-inhibitory peptide was almost inactivated during the simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, suggesting that oral administration is not recommended. The peptide PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL acts as a neuraminidase blocker to inhibit influenza A virus in MDCK cells. Thus, the peptide PGEKGPSGEAGTAGPPGTPGPQGL has potential utility in the treatment of the influenza virus infection.
Characterization and Prebiotic Potential of Longan Juice Obtained by Enzymatic Conversion of Constituent Sucrose into Fructo-Oligosaccharides
Authors: Cheng Yongxia , Lan Haibo , Zhao Lei , Wang Kai , Hu Zhuoyan
Published: October 2018

The prebiotic potential of longan juice obtained by a commercial Viscozyme L for conversion of constituent sucrose to fructo-oligosaccharide was investigated. The physicochemical properties and carbohydrate composition of the longan juice was evaluated before and after enzymatic treatment. The stimulation effects of the treated longan juice on probiotic bacteria growth were also studied in vitro. The results showed that total soluble solids, yield and clarity of longan juice were all significantly improved after enzyme treatment. The water-soluble polysaccharide content, including pectin, was significantly increased. Compared with the natural longan pulp, the enzyme treated juice showed a significant decrease in sucrose content. Substantial fructo-oligosaccharides including 1-kestose and nystose were synthesized after enzyme treatment. The molecular weight distribution and the monosaccharide composition of the water-soluble polysaccharide were significantly changed by enzyme treatment. The treated longan juice and its ethanol-soluble sugar fraction promoted the growth of Streptococus thermophiles, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii, showing a good potential of the treated longan juice for producing functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Multimodal Technologies in LEGO House: A Social Semiotic Perspective
Authors: Cowan Kate
Published: October 2018

Children’s playworlds are a complex interweaving of modes, with the border areas between the digital and non-digital often becoming increasingly blurred. Growing in popularity and prevalence, multimodal technologies blending digital and non-digital elements present novel opportunities for designers of toys and play-spaces as well as being of interest to researchers of young children’s contemporary play and learning. Opened in Denmark in September 2017, LEGO House defines itself as the ‘Home of the Brick’, a public attraction aiming to support play, creativity and learning through multiple interactive LEGO experiences spanning digital and non-digital forms. Offering a rich context for considering multimodal perspectives on contemporary play, this article reports on a range of multimodal technologies featured in LEGO House, including digital cameras, scanners, and interactive tables used in combination with traditional LEGO bricks. Three LEGO House experiences are considered from a multimodal social semiotic perspective, focusing on the affordances of multimodal technologies for play, and the process of transduction across modes, in order to explore the liminal border-areas where digital and non-digital play are increasingly mixed. This article proposes that LEGO House presents an innovative ‘third space’ that creates opportunities for playful interaction with multimodal technologies. LEGO House can be seen as part of a growing recognition of the power of play, both in its own right and in relation to learning, acknowledging that meaning-making happens in informal times and places that are not positioned as direct acts of teaching. Furthermore, it is suggested that multimodal technologies embedded into the play-space expand opportunities for learning in new ways, whilst highlighting that movement between digital and non-digital forms always entails both gains and losses: A matter which needs to be explored. Highlighting the opportunities for meaning-making in informal, play-based settings such as LEGO House therefore has the potential to recognise and give value to playful meaning-making with multimodal technologies which may otherwise be taken for granted or go unnoticed. In this way, experiences such as those found in LEGO House can contribute towards conceptualisations of learning which support children to develop the playfully creative skills and knowledge required for the digital age.