bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors in Combination with Various csDMARD in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Data from the DREAM Registry
Authors: Manders Sofie H.M. , Kievit Wietske , Jansen Tim L.T.A. , Stolk Jan N. , Visser Henk , Schilder Annemarie M. , Vonkeman Harald E. , Adang Eddy , van de Laar Mart A.F.J. , van Riel Piet L.C.M.
Published: August 2016

Objective.

To analyze and compare the effectiveness and drug survival in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, as measured by 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) and Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index (HAQ-DI), of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) monotherapy, TNFi + leflunomide (LEF), TNFi + sulfasalazine (SSZ), TNFi + other conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARD), and TNFi + methotrexate (MTX) therapy, in daily practice.

Methods.

Data were collected from the DREAM registry. Patients beginning their first TNFi treatment were included in the study: TNFi monotherapy (n = 320), TNFi + SSZ (n = 103), TNFi + LEF (n = 80), TNFi + other csDMARD (n = 99), TNFi + MTX alone (n = 919), TNFi + MTX + other csDMARD (n = 412). Treatment effectiveness was analyzed using DAS28 and HAQ-DI with linear mixed models and the TNFi drug survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression. All analyses have been corrected for confounders.

Results.

The patients who received TNFi + MTX had significantly better DAS28 and HAQ-DI values over time (both p < 0.001) and longer TNFi drug survival than TNFi monotherapy (p < 0.001). TNFi + SSZ and TNFi + other csDMARD had significantly better DAS28 values over time (p = 0.001) and longer drug survival (p = 0.001) versus TNFi monotherapy. TNFi + LEF was not significantly better compared to monotherapy. Adding other csDMARD to the TNFi + MTX combination provided no added value.

Conclusion.

Preferably, TNFi should be prescribed together with MTX. If this is not possible, we advise the use of other csDMARD.
Active Rheumatoid Arthritis in Central Africa: A Comparative Study Between Sudan and Sweden
Authors: Elshafie Amir I. , Elkhalifa Abdalla D. , Elbagir Sahwa , Aledrissy Mawahib I.E. , Elagib Elnour M. , Nur Musa A.M. , Weitoft Tomas , Rönnelid Johan
Published: August 2016

Objective.

To compare clinical characteristics and treatment between simultaneously investigated Sudanese and Swedish outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Outpatients with RA from Sudan (n = 281) and Sweden (n = 542) diagnosed according to the 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria were recruited between December 2008 and September 2010 and compared concerning clinical presentation, treatment, and laboratory findings, including immunoglobulin M with rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF).

Results.

Sudanese patients had lower inclusion age (median 49 vs 68 yrs), disease duration (48 vs 107 mos), and disease onset age (43 vs 56 yrs) as compared with Swedish patients (p < 0.0001 for all). When stratified concerning the age of inclusion, Swedish patients between 41–50 years had, however, a significantly lower age of onset, with a similar trend for all age groups above 30 years. The female preponderance was higher among Sudanese patients (89.3% vs 72.5%, p < 0.0001), and smoking was nonexistent among Sudanese female patients (p < 0.0001). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels and number of tender joints were significantly higher among Sudanese patients. The proportion of IgM-RF positivity was lower among Sudanese patients with RA (52.4% vs 75.5%, p < 0.0001). Higher proportions of Sudanese patients with RA were treated with methotrexate (MTX) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug combinations, but none of them used biologics. Sudanese patients used lower doses of MTX and sulfasalazine (p < 0.0001) and higher doses of prednisolone (p < 0.0001) than Swedish patients.

Conclusion.

Sudanese patients with RA have significantly higher disease activity and are often IgM-RF–seronegative. Together with reports from Uganda and Cameroon, our data indicate a cluster of highly active and often seronegative RA in central Africa.
Association Between Dietary Intake of Antioxidants and Prevalence of Femoral Head Cartilage Defects and Bone Marrow Lesions in Community-based Adults
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Smith Sam , Teichtahl Andrew J. , Hodge Allison M. , Wluka Anita E. , Giles Graham G. , Cicuttini Flavia M.
Published: August 2016

Objective.

Although there is evidence for a beneficial effect of dietary antioxidants on knee joint health, the data are sparse for the hip. Our aim was to examine the relationship between dietary antioxidants and early hip structural abnormalities in community-based adults.

Methods.

The study included 214 participants without diagnosed hip osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent hip magnetic resonance imaging in 2009–2010. The prevalence of femoral head cartilage defects and bone marrow lesions (BML) was assessed. Intakes of antioxidant vitamins and their food sources were estimated from a food frequency questionnaire during 1990–1994.

Results.

Higher intakes of Vitamin E (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.41–0.96), lutein/zeaxanthin (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.34–0.99), and lycopene (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44–0.95) were associated with a reduced prevalence of femoral head cartilage defects. Higher intakes of α-carotene (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.19–0.94), β-carotene (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13–0.78), and lutein/zeaxanthin (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.18–0.98) were associated with a reduced prevalence of femoral head BML. Higher vegetable consumption was associated with a reduced prevalence of femoral head cartilage defects (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46–0.91) and BML (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37–0.97).

Conclusion.

Higher carotenoids intake and vegetable consumption were associated with reduced risk of hip cartilage defects and BML, and higher Vitamin E intake was associated with reduced risk of hip cartilage defects. These findings suggest a beneficial effect of dietary antioxidants on hip joint health. Although our findings need to be confirmed in other longitudinal studies, they suggest that the modification of dietary antioxidant intake may be a strategy for the prevention of hip OA.
Giant Intraosseous Cyst in an Osteoarthritic Knee
Authors: Ohishi Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Masaaki , Suzuki Daisuke , Matsuyama Yukihiro
Published: August 2016

This article describes osteoarthritis of the knee and a giant intraosseous cyst of the medial femoral condyle in an 83-year-old man that was treated successfully with total knee arthroplasty and autologous bone grafts. The patient presented to the authors' hospital with a 2-year history of right knee pain. A plain radiograph of the right knee revealed grade 3 medial compartment osteoarthritis with an oval area of radiolucency in the medial femoral condyle. The area of radiolucency seen on the radiograph was larger than that on the radiograph obtained 2 years earlier, with no progression of osteoarthritis. Computed tomography showed a well-defined giant intraosseous cyst adjacent to the medial femoral cortex measuring 3.5×3.5×1.6 cm. A medial femoral cortical defect and a small bone break on the articular surface of the medial femoral condyle, both of which allowed communication between the cyst and the joint, were also detected, along with gases in the cyst. Total knee arthroplasty with bone grafts was performed. Resection of the distal femur revealed that the fatty synovia intruded into the cyst through the medial cortical defect. Two years after the surgery, the grafted bone was well incorporated, without loosening of the prosthesis. Two theories, the synovial intrusion theory and the bone contusion theory, have been proposed for the etiology of cyst formation in an osteoarthritic knee. The current case strongly supports the synovial intrusion theory as the mechanism underlying the development of an intraosseous giant cyst in the osteoarthritic knee. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(6):e1193–e1196.]
Representations of affine superalgebras and mock theta functions. III
Authors: Kac Victor Gershevich , Wakimoto Minoru
Published: August 2016

We study modular invariance of normalized supercharacters of tame
integrable modules over an affine Lie superalgebra, associated to an
arbitrary basic Lie superalgebra $\mathfrak g$. For this we develop a several
step modification process of multivariable mock theta functions,
where at each step a Zwegers' type ‘modifier’ is used. We show that the
span of the resulting modified normalized supercharacters is
$\operatorname{SL}_2(\mathbb Z)$-invariant, with the transformation matrix
equal, in the case the Killing form
on $\mathfrak g$ is non-degenerate, to that for the basic
defect 0 subalgebra $\mathfrak g^!$ of $\mathfrak g$, orthogonal to a maximal
isotropic set of roots of $\mathfrak g$.
О соответствии Ленглендса для симплектических мотивов
Authors: Gross Benedict H
Published: August 2016

Представлено уточнение глобального соответствия Ленглендса для симплектических мотивов.
Используя локальную теорию общих представлений нечетных ортогональных групп, определен новый вектор в ассоциированном автоморфном представлении, являющийся тензорным произведением пробных векторов для функционалов Уиттекера.
Библиография: 24 наименования.
Physiological ecology of a metalimnetic Oscillatoria rubescens population1
Authors: Konopka Allan
Published: August 2016

Measurements of biochemical composition and photosynthetic carbon metabolism were used to determine the physiological state of a metalimnetic population of Oscillatoria rubescens in Crooked Lake, Indiana, during 1979 and 1980. The percentage of photosynthetically fixed CO2 incorporated into protein did not vary diurnally, but the variation observed over 3‐day periods was as large as that found seasonally, which suggested that changes in environmental conditions occurred during these intervals. Several of the biochemical measurements did not change during the year, including the ratios of chlorophyll a or phycoerythrin to protein and protein to dry weight; the ratios of carbohydrate or RNA to protein were more promising indicators of long term changes in the physiological state of the population because there were seasonal changes in these. Alkaline phosphatase activities were measured in the epilimnion and metalimnion as an index of phosphate limitation. In the epilimnion levels were similar to those found in phosphate‐limited algal cultures, whereas in the Oscillatoria layer the activities were sevenfold lower.
The sedimentary flux of phytoplankton in the south basin of Windermere
Authors: Reynolds Colin S. , Morison Helen R. , Butterwick Christine
Published: August 2016

Recoveries of planktonic algae from sediment traps placed near the bottom of Windermere are compared with areal expressions of the corresponding standing crops. Good, order‐of‐magnitude agreement was found between the annual fluxes and maximal standing crops of five species of diatoms and two genera of desmids. Trap recoveries of three colonial chlorophytes, three blue‐green algae, and a dinoflagellate were 1–3 orders smaller than the crop potential. The differences are attributed to specific differences in sinking behavior and in susceptibility to decomposition and consumption by animals. Algal remains recruited to the permanent sediments are dominated by diatoms, four species of which may together contribute between 0.6 and 10.5 mg dry wt · cm−2 yr−1. Potentially, the heavy metals transported by these algae may account for the annual flux of Zn and Pb to the deep water sediments of Windermere.
Guided Imagery and Stress in Pregnant Adolescents
Authors: Flynn Theresa A. , Jones Brittney A. , Ausderau Karla K.
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE. We examined the effects of a guided imagery intervention on perceived stress in pregnant adolescents.

METHOD. Thirty-five pregnant adolescents recruited from a local alternative education program participated in a guided imagery intervention. Participants listened to a pregnancy-specific guided imagery recording on four separate occasions during their pregnancies. Perceived stress was measured immediately before and after each session using the Perceived Stress Measure–9 (PSM–9).

RESULTS. Participants’ pre- and postsession PSM–9 scores for three of the four sessions demonstrated a significant reduction in stress. Participants’ baseline stress levels also decreased significantly across the four listening sessions. The greatest reductions in stress within and between sessions occurred in the early sessions, with effects diminishing over time.

CONCLUSION. Pregnant teens experienced initial short- and long-term stress reduction during a guided imagery intervention, supporting the use of guided imagery to reduce stress in pregnant adolescents.
Yedoma Ice Complex of the Buor Khaya Peninsula (southern
Laptev Sea)
Authors: Schirrmeister Lutz , Schwamborn Georg , Overduin Pier Paul , Strauss Jens , Fuchs Margret C. , Grigoriev Mikhail , Yakshina Irina , Rethemeyer Janet , Dietze Elisabeth , Wetterich Sebastian
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The composition of permafrost deposits holds information on the paleo-environment during and following deposition. Sampling natural exposures and drilling are two methods used to access permafrost archives. In this study, we combine both approaches at the western coast of the Buor Khaya Peninsula in the south-central Laptev Sea (Siberia) to study late Pleistocene permafrost; namely the Yedoma Ice Complex (IC), which is prominent across much of eastern Siberia. Two Yedoma IC exposures and one drill core were studied for cryolithological (i.e. ice and sediment features), geochemical, and geochronological parameters. Borehole temperatures were measured for three years to capture the current thermal state of permafrost. The studied sequences were composed of ice-oversaturated silts and fine-grained sands with considerable amounts of organic matter (0.2 to 24 wt %). Syngenetic ice wedges intersect the frozen deposits. The deposition of the Yedoma IC, as revealed by radiocarbon dates of sedimentary organic matter, took place between 54.1 and 30.1 kyr BP. Continued Yedoma IC deposition until about 14.7 kyr BP is shown by dates from organic matter preserved in ice-wedge ice. For the lowermost and oldest Yedoma IC part, infrared-stimulated luminescence dates on feldspar show deposition ages between 51.1 ± 4.9 and 44.2 ± 3.6 kyr BP. End-member modelling was applied to grain-size-distribution data to unmix sedimentation processes during Yedoma IC formation. Three to five statistical end-members were detected within Yedoma IC deposits of different ages, which we interpret as signals of alluvial, proluvial, and aeolian transport and redeposition as well as in-situ frost weathering in a polygonal tundra landscape. The study captures the internal variation of Yedoma IC characteristics and puts its local stratigraphy into regional scale. The cryolithological inventory of the Yedoma IC preserved on the Buor Khaya Peninsula is closely related to the results of other IC studies, for example, to the west on the Bykovsky Peninsula, where formation time (mainly during the late Pleistocene MIS 3 interstadial) and conditions were similar. Local freezing conditions on Buor Khaya, however, differed, and created solute-enriched (salty) and isotopically-light porewater pointing to deep active-layer and thaw-bulb freezing after deposition. Due to intense coastal erosion, the biogeochemical signature of the studied Yedoma IC represents the terrestrial end-member for, and is closely related to organic matter currently being deposited in the marine realm of the Laptev Sea shelf.
Riding the Tide of Oil Revenue Cyclicity: Enhancing Public Investment Management Efficiency in Ghana
Authors: Le Tuan Minh , Yilmaz Serdar , Kwawukume Smile
Published: August 2016

Popular expectations for more public infrastructure services (i.e., hospitals, schools, roads) run high in Ghana because of recently discovered major oil and gas reserves in its’ offshore deposits. However, Ghana doesn’t have a good track record of using natural resource revenues, be it gold or cocoa, efficiently and effectively for development. The hard fact is that despite significant gold and cocoa revenues, the country has always experienced chronic infrastructure “deficit.” It is unclear if the surge in oil revenues did translate into better development outcomes, whereas the sharp drop in oil prices would translate into more prudent allocation and use of capital budget. Weak and politicized public investment (PIM) system in Ghana exacerbates the potential cyclicality problems of natural resource revenues. To avoid these double traps of weak institutions and cyclicality, Ghana should find an appropriate strategy to “invest in the capacity to invest.” This paper employs an indicator based framework developed by Rajaram et al. (2010) to explore efficiency and efficacy of Ghana’s PIM system. Our diagnostic assessment indicates that a number of critical functions in the Ghanaian PIM system, such as project proposal screening, appraisal, monitoring and evaluation, either exist only on paper or are completely missing.Keywords: Public Financial Management, Ghana Public Investment Management, Infrastructure Investment, Economic Development, Infrastructure Financing
The Study of Export-Import Logistics Operation Competence of Thai Employee for Asian Economic Community
Authors: Yavirach Natepanna
Published: August 2016

This research was conducted to support the opening of the Asian Economic Community through the import-export logistic management operation of Thai employee competence. This approach is an innovative concept in Thailand with regards to the application of standard practices for occupation competency in logistic industries. This is the first time of Thai employee competency standard measurement. This can be ensured by obtaining a qualification test and certification from The Institute of Thailand Professional Qualification Standard Institute. Export-import’s competency standard collected by using focus groups from top management and expertise employees in terms of export and import operation.The research objective is to identify the standard competence of workers for export and import custom operation with the standard practice in terms of the entrepreneurial requirements. Furthermore, export and import competency standard be practiced for internationally as ISO 17024 standardization. As well as export and import operation standards with AEO international operations for the Asian Economic Community in 2016.The research scope of the study related to custom clearance and custom broker employee in term of standard of occupation competency by using the Functional Analysis, Functional Map which consists of Key Purpose, Key Role and Key Function in relation to the unit of competence which consists of Element of competency, Performance Criteria, Range Statement, Evidence Requirement and Assessment Guidance and setting the competency level form for each career.Keywords: Competency Standard, Professional Qualification, Export-Import, Logistic Operation, Competence, Custom Broker
Hematuria, an unusual systemic toxicity, in formic acid ingestion: a case report
Authors: Trakulsrichai Satariya , Mitprasat Atchara , Sriapha Charuwan , Tongpoo Achara , Wongvisawakorn Sunun , Rittilert Panee , Wananukul Winai
Published: August 2016

Background

Acid ingestion can cause severe injuries of the upper gastrointestinal tract and the respiratory tract. Besides hydrofluoric acid and selenious acid, systemic toxicities of acid ingestion can occasionally occur. However, hematuria is a rare systemic toxicity reported in caustic poisoning.

Objectives

To describe a case of a one-year-old girl who accidentally ingested liquid formic acid.

Methods

This patient had severe local corrosive effects including a compromised upper respiratory tract and developed gross hematuria during the hospital admission.

Results

Hematuria could be a consequence of acid ingestion.

Conclusions

Significant hematuria can be a systemic effect of acid ingestion, but in this case was self-limiting
Isolated right ventricular infarction: Fatal dissection and shock requiring invasive therapies
Authors: Makani Amber , Sullivan Claire , Josephson Richard
Published: August 2016

A 78-year-old female with a history of dyslipidemia and hypertension presented with chest tightness and pain. On presentation she was noted to be hypertensive with ECG significant for ST elevation in leads II, III, aVF, as well as leads V2-V6. Coronary angiogram indicated 99% stenosis of the right coronary artery (RCA); however, within hours of receiving a drug eluting stent to the diseased artery, the patient had recurrent chest pain concerning for in-stent thrombosis. The catheterization was complicated by complete heart block, coronary artery dissection, and subsequently cardiogenic shock. The extent of this patient’s morbidity and ultimately mortality caused by isolated right ventricular myocardial infarction secondary to single vessel disease, despite aggressive interventional life support makes this case unique.
Observation of a Most Phenomenal Computed Calligraphy in Quran
Authors: Khodadoost Baback
Published: August 2016

<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;" lang="EN-US">Observation of a multifaceted mathematical-computational structure of Quran through analysis of its letter and word frequencies and important implications of such observations have been extensively explained and discussed in a recent article: <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;" lang="EN-US">“Khodadoost B. (2015) The Computed Scripture: Exponentially Based Fourier Regulated Construct of Quran and its fundamentally important Consequences"<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; color: black; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-font-kerning: 1.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;" lang="EN-US">. In the present article we report observation of yet another facet of this mathematical structure of Quran which is a phenomenal "parametric name-printing”. This observation has been made through a systematic compute-plot algorithm which uses the given name and chapter frequencies of letters in Quran as its input and shows in the output, calligraphic printing in Arabic of the same name. Several names of God, Major Prophets, and even some physicists are shown to clearly manifest these calligraphic effects. Sensitivities of these observations to changes in letter frequencies in Quran are so high that increase or decrease of even one letter and only in one chapter of Quran can completely demolish the calligraphic effects. These astonishing observations not only are extremely important and interesting in their own right, but also point to an immensely complicated and intricate super-intelligent mathematical design of Quran and reinforce "Mathematically Fully constrained Writing" or MFCW identity of this scripture and its consequences, as have been explained in the above article.
Characteristics of Fluid Inclusion and D-O-S-Pb Isotopes Geochemistry of Jiaojia Gold Deposit
Authors: Chen Yangyang , Chen Bing
Published: August 2016

The Jiaojia gold deposit is located in the northwest jiaodong ore-concentrated area, north wing of Laizhou-Xixia anticlinoria, the orebody occurred in the granite which exists the footwall of Jiaojia Fault, Jiaojia Fault is the eastern secondary NE-NNE trending fault of Tan-Lu Great Fault. There are three types of fluid inclusion in Jiaojia gold deposit, respectively are H2O-CO2 inclusion (H-C type), CO2-H2O-CH4 inclusion (CH4 -bearing type) and H2O inclusion (H type). In Jiaojia gold deposit, the main ore-forming temperature is 170.2～358.1℃, the salinity is ranging from 2.04 wt% NaCl.eq to 10 wt% NaCl.eq with a average of 6.64 wt% NaCl.eq, sum intensity is (0.89～0.946) g/cm3 , pressure estimation is 2×103～3.8×103kPa, the Jiaojia gold deposit is mesothermal gold deposit. The metallogenic substances derived from a mantle-crust-mixed source according to the S and Pb isotopes. The Jiaojia gold deposit was formed in the late stage which was a tensional environment. The ore-forming fluids mainly derived from magmatic and meteoric water, and a fraction of metamorphic water. The Jiaojia gold deposit is formed in the Yanshanian.
ULF/ELF Atmospheric Radiation in Possible Association to the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake as Observed in China
Authors: Schekotov A. , Zhou H. J. , Qiao X. L. , Hayakawa M.
Published: August 2016

Recordings of a search-coil magnetometer located in Yongsheng in the Yunnan province of China have been used to find atmospheric ULF/ELF precursors to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake (EQ) with M=9 which occurred on 11 March 2011 with a large epicentral distance of about 4100 km. The combined characteristics of the horizontal magnetic fields, the ratio of tangential and radial field components in the numerator and root mean square of ellipticity in the denominator, were used to detect seismo-related ULF/ELF signals. This value is found to increase before the EQ, and then to decrease during a few weeks, with a reliable maximum on 8 March (3 days before the EQ). We also analyzed azimuth distributions of pulsed radiation in the frequency range 2-5 Hz during the previous week before the main shock. This radiation reached a maximal value on 10 March - one day before the EQ date, and the azimuth of its source is estimated to coincide with the position of the main shock. The results are further compared with the ULF/ELF precursors of the same EQ observed at 3 stations in Japan by Ohta et al. (2013).
The Effectiveness of Terri Hiltel’s Self-Monitoring Program on Improving the Attention of the Students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Eslami Nasim Baheri , Mirnasab Mir Mahmoud , Malek Ayyoub , Amiri Shahrokh
Published: August 2016

Introduction: This study aimed to examine Terri Hiltel’s Self-monitoring Program on improving the attention of four primary school students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Materials and Methods: Single subject multiple-baseline design (ABA) across participants was utilized. The participants were observed along the baseline phase and the percentage of their target behaviors was accurately recorded. After the baseline, the students were trained by Terri Hiltel’s Self-monitoring program (called shiny light bulb method) for 12 sessions.

Results: Level and trend analysis showed that the data points were placed at a level lower than the baseline for all the participants at intervention phase. That is, manifestation of off-task behaviors of the students in this phase decreased compared to the non-intervention phase (baseline); However, therapeutic effects discontinued and reduced at follow-up phase.

Conclusion: Findings supported the effectiveness of self-monitoring program as a therapeutic cognitive-behavioral technique. The Study implications are discussed for applying this technique in schools and using it along with other treatments.
Conversational Errors and Common Ground Activities in Psychotherapy—Insights from Conversation Analysis
Authors: Buchholz Michael B.
Published: August 2016

Many patients leave psychotherapy although in need. What can professional practitioners and researchers assume what happened? Trying to receive a response from these patients we too often are left without an answer. In this paper I introduce to psychotherapy discourse some concepts taken from linguistics and Conversation Analysis (CA). The reason is that what psychotherapists of every kind do is “talk-in-interaction”. During such talk Typical Problematic Situations (TPS) appear which are well known in a macro-analytic perspective (if a patient comes late to the session, does not talk or blackmails the therapist with suicide threat). However, there are many TPS that can be detected by a micro-analytic perspective only. CA is a tool helping to idenfity this type of TPS. One relevant CA-concept is Common Ground, a psychological and linguistic concept which requires special activity from both participants in an interaction. Conversational “errors” that risk to tear the Common Ground often go unnoticed. Presenting segments of transcribed therapy sessions I want to direct attention to the details of how ‘errors’ in Common Ground activity happen, how they are noticed and dealt with by skillfull therapists or how they can become repaired. Among others I use transcription details of two suicidal patients. The transcripts are from the CEMPP-Project (Conversation analysis of Empathy in psychotherapy process), conducted at IPU, Berlin. Thanks to a grant by Köhler-Stiftung, Germany.
Barley Grain Yield and Protein Content Response to Deficit Irrigation and Sowing Dates in Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Tabarzad Amir , Ghaemi Ali Asghar , Zand-parsa Shahrokh
Published: August 2016

The present study was conducted to investigate the relational effects of various sowing dates and deficit irrigation on grain yield, protein and yield components of barley, in a semi-arid region (southern part of Iran) during growing seasons 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. A Split plot layout within a randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Main plots were selected as Irrigation treatments with varying water irrigation levels consisting of: (1) full irrigation, FI, (2) 0.75 FI, (3) 0.5 FI and (4) Dry land (rain-fed) during both growing seasons. Sub plots were the sowing dates consisted of: (1) 23th October (T1), (2) 6th and (3) 22th November (T2 and T3) and (4) 6th December (T4). The interaction of different irrigation levels and sowing dates had a significant impact (p<0.05) on grain yield, grain and straw protein, 1000-grain weight, plant height, biomass, water use efficiency (WUE), and crop evapotranspiration. Results revealed that the largest amount of protein was obtained in the latest sowing date (T4) at dry land treatment in two consecutive years. Full irrigation treatment showed the largestrate of dry matter accumulation (14.72 and 15.25 Mg.h-1 for the first and second years, respectively), while the smallest rate was seen in the rain fed treatment (4.22 and 7.43 Mg.h-1 for the first and second years, respectively). The largest yield was obtained with the 23th October (T1) sowing date in full irrigation treatments (FI). The largest water use efficiency was achieved with 0.5FI and the earliest sowing date (T1).
Islamic Dealings with Non-Muslims in Their Religious Occasions
Authors: Taha Mohammed Sabbar , Mahmood Abdull Rahman , Awang Jaffary , Imail Ahamd Munawer , Sleibi Mohammed Abdulhameed
Published: August 2016

In this study, one of the main comprehending features of Islamic legislation is that all religions; whether they are celestial or not from the Islamic countries, it is stated in the legislation regarding dealing controls with non-Muslims such as how to deal with them in their religious and non-religious occasions. Recently, there some overtaking from some Muslims during the participation of non-Muslims in their occasions, especially in (holidays), refers to different reasons. The objectives and methods of this study mentioned that the jurists’ sayings include religious rituals as well as exclude them. This issue requires the topic from the belief side, using induction approach texts and analyzing the sayings. In conclusion, this study leads to the prohibition of participating in their religious occasions, except that serves religion and Muslims. In addition to what is necessary it is permissible to participate in occasions which don’t have religious rituals, and clarify negative effects in participation and ways of treatments.
The Effect of Electronic Banking on the Performance of Supply Chain Management of Small and Medium Businesses
Authors: Hamidianpour Fakhriyeh , Esmaeilpour Majid , Daryanavard Ali
Published: August 2016

In current age, e-commerce does not just imply online buying and selling, but implies an efficient business throughout business levels, in which supply chain management can be regarded as the major pillar. The aim of this survey is to study effect of use of electronic banking services and important instruments of e-banking on performance and dimensions of supply chain performance at the first level of the SCOR model in electronics businesses. The present study is an applied research type in terms of aim, which is categorized as descriptive correlation in terms of data collection. The statistical population consists of electric supplies stores in Bushehr, of which 107 stores were selected as sample group using simple random sampling method. The questionnaire has been used as data collection instrument, that its validity has been confirmed through face and content validity through Cronbach's alpha. To analyze data, structural equation modeling using software Lisrel was used. Findings of the present study indicate that the use of e-banking services has a significant effect on performance of supply chain management. Further, among all devices of e-banking services except for POS (Point of Sale) and mobile banking, rest of the devices have a significant effect on performance of supply chain management.
Investigation on MDOF Bilateral Teleoperation Control System Using Geared DC-Motor
Authors: Lee Jun Wei , Ahmad Zaki bin Hj Shukor , Muhammad Herman bin Jamaluddin
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the research on bilateral teleoperation control system of two link planar manipulator. The bilateral control system consists of master and slave system using geared DC-motor. Both master and slave manipulators are actuated by DC-Micromotor attached to planetary gearhead to increase the output torque. In the previous researches, the common used actuators were linear motors and direct drive DC motor. However, the application of DC motor with gearhead is vast in industry, due to the need for high output force or torque. Thus in this paper, a deeper research on bilateral teleoperation control system is proposed with implementation of gear into the DC-motor. The modelling of multi-degrees-of-freedom (MDOF) bilateral teleoperation control system is designed with the implementation of workspace observer (WOB), reaction force observer (RFOB), position controller and force controller. During the experiments, free motion and contact motion were conducted to validate the proposed setup in bilateral teleoperation control system. The position and torque responses of both master and slave manipulators were observed. The operationality and reproducibility of this proposed system were evaluated through experimental results. Ultimately, this paper focused on the performance of the proposed setup and is analysed by using reproducibility and operationality.
Investigation on Standardization of Modal Space by Ratio for MDOF Micro-Macro Bilateral Teleoperation Control System
Authors: Lee Jun Wei , Ahmad Zaki bin Hj Shukor , Muhammad Herman bin Jamaluddin
Published: August 2016

This paper presents the research on micro-macro bilateral teleoperation control system of two ink planar manipulator. The micro-macro bilateral control system consists of different size between master and slave system using geared DC-motor. Both master and slave manipulators are actuated by DC-Micromotor attached to planetary gearhead to increase the output torque. In the previous researches the most common actuators used were linear motor and direct-drive DC motors. However, the application of DC motor with gearhead are vast in industry, which need high output force or torque. Thus in this paper, research on micro-macro bilateral teleoperation control system is proposed with the use of gear with the DC-motor. The micro-macro bilateral teleoperation control system provides the human operator with a sense of feel to a micro or macro environment as if it is in the same scale environment. Thus a standardization method is proposed to achieve micro-macro bilateral teleoperation control system. During the experiment, experiment on free motion and contact motion are conducted to validate the proposed setup in bilateral teleoperation control system. The position and torque responses of both master and slave manipulators are observed. The operationality and reproducibility of this proposed system are evaluated through proposed experimental results.
A Study on Effects of Risk Management in Urban Tunnel Constructing Projects
Authors: Mahdavi Mehdi , Kangani Mehrdad
Published: August 2016

Although many studies have been conducted on project management and risk management until now, tunnel constructing projects are not under risk management studies. The focus of this study is to define the risks which are effective on tunnel constructing projects and also the method of configuration, relationships and amount of such risks. Then, the responses of the project and the methods of risk management in tunnel constructing projects will be discussed in this study; in order to get favorite results of project through conducting risk management routines.Tunneling projects consist of complicated events and sophisticated technical systems. So, the risk management must of high importance for managers and engineers involved in such projects. In order to understand the involved risks, some questionings were conducted on tunnel constructing companies. At the end of these questionings, some solutions were proposed to solve the risk problem. In this study, the projects involved in Tehran subway system’s construction were studied.Based on the Standish Group’s report, 40 percent of construction projects don’t come to end and 50 percent of construction projects consume more budget than estimated. Furthermore, about 50 percent of finished projects don’t have the enough functionality. Since covering the most aims and missions of organizations are depicted in operational projects, management and risk control play a vital role in success of projects.
Effects of Pore Geometry and Pore Structure on Dry P-Wave Velocity
Authors: Prakoso Suryo , Permadi Pudji , Winardhie Sonny
Published: August 2016

The behavior of compressional or P-wave velocity passing through natural porous rocks with heterogeneous and irregular shapes of the pore system is not well understood. The present study implemented a modified Kozeny equation to characterize pore attributes, pore geometry and structure, in an attempt to investigate factors influencing the velocity. This equation is in the form of a power law one from which a concept of similarity in pore attributes can be derived. Employing a large number of data of porous sandstones, the results show that a similarity in the pore attribute plays an important role in relating the velocity with the details of geometry and structure of the pores system. For a given group of rocks having similar pore structure, an increase in the pore geometry variable, (k/f)0.5, tends to increase the velocity provided that the increase in the geometry is due to an increase in permeability followed by a decrease in porosity. Overall, the prediction of P-wave velocity is best obtained when the rocks are grouped according to pore structure similarity.
Investigating the Break and the Structural Changes of Tax in United States
Authors: Shakibaei Alireza , Ahmadinejad Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2016

Structural alterations has made essential changes in the development of countries' economy, international trading and the expansion of urban centers. Structural changes are defined as an alteration in proportional weight of important parts in the major indices such as the output of governments' expenditure, taxes, etc. Since change in traditional structures of economical factors to new structures is one of the most effective reasons of growth and development in the economy of governments, the attention of governments to influencially important economical factors, and studying the process of changes in important parts of economy such as tax has been considered. So considering the important role of tax in the countries’ economy the investigation of changes in the tax structure is of paramount importance, hence in the present study we have examined the structure changes of the types of taxes in America by using the Bai and Perron sequential procedure for the period 1971-2012. The results show that only the corporate tax has faced with the structural changes.
Analysis of Traffic Characteristics in Sylhet City and Development of Utility Function
Authors: Yadav Amit , Ali Mohsin , Das Dipak Kumar , Anis Maira
Published: August 2016

Sylhet is a Metropolitan city of north east part of Bangladesh, aspect severe traffic problem due to speedy and unrestrained development. This happens due to intolerable level of inequity in transportation demand and supply scenario. To assess the asperity of the existing traffic system engrossed by enormous traffic problem in Sylhet city a study was steered by Civil and Environmental Engineering department. Purpose of this study to show the traffic characteristic in Sylhet City and developed utility function of numerous modes of vehicles. Floating car or Moving observer method were used to determine the traffic characteristics and multiple regression is used to develop utility function. Results shows that center of city (Bondor to Amborkhana) have highest traffic flow and overcrowding. It is conceived that this outcome will assist in the development of future traffic model and prevent from traffic congestion of Sylhet City.
Reliable Wireless Sensor Protocol Based Health Monitoring System
Authors: Thiyab Munther Naif
Published: August 2016

The patient monitoring during normal activity is getting more and more significant as a standard method to prevent craniology process for detection of transient ischemiaperiod ，cardiac arrhythmias as well as silent myocardium ischemic. In this paper, we mainly focus on the structureand the composition of awireless (600m) synchronizationarrhythmias invigilator as well as a alarming device for patients. To realize the corresponding functions, a Wireless Transducer Protocol (WTP) based on Time Divisibility Double (TDD) is what we require, the implemented system is totally composed of four main nodes includingthe Core (dominant) node which is a personal computer-based Graphic user system. It works at anstable frequency of 915MHz. The passive node is a digital signal processor-based board connected with the patients whichcould receive two channels of full-spectrum ECG signal at the same time, and uploads processed data at a specificperiod to the core node. The MPC8260 communications and the computeris composed of the dominant nodedesigned to receive data, decompress, and analyze the latest data baggage. The SRWF-501F915 completednoderealize the data communication.
Spectral bandwidth selection for long memory
Authors: Yap Grace L.C. , Chin Wen Cheong
Published: August 2016

Long-memory parameter estimation using log-periodogram regression relies largely on the frequency bandwidth and the order of estimation. Literature shows that a data-dependent plug-in method for the bandwidth significantly increases the MSE’s. In a long memory time series with mild short range effect, a simple approach to determine the bandwidth size is suggested based on the spectral analysis. Monte Carlo simulation results and empirical applications show that the proposed bandwidth selection performs satisfactorily.
Examination of the Effectiveness of Sternberg's Successful Intelligence Program on Executive Functions of Sharp-Witted Primary School Level Students
Authors: Malekpour Mokhtar , Shooshtari Mozhgan , Abedi Ahmad , Ghamarani Amir
Published: August 2016

The current research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Sternberg's successful intelligence program on executive functions of sharp-witted primary school level students. The statistical universe of the current research consisted of all male sharp-witted students of the city of Isfahan in the educational year of 2015-2016. For this purpose, the number of 30 male sharp-witted students was selected through multi stage cluster random sampling method and was randomly placed in two experimental and control groups (15 people in the experiment group and another 15 in the control group) and their mothers, too responded to the questions of the executive skills scale. The Sternberg's successful intelligence program was administered on the experimental group. The tool used for this research included a questionnaire (inventory) on rating executive functions for the primary school level students (parent form). To analyze the research data, multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA) was applied. Findings revealed that training of the Sternberg's successful intelligence program was effective on executive functions (response inhibition, active memory, emotional control, focus attention, assignment initiation, planning, organizing, time leadership, goal-orientedness, resilience and metacognition) of sharp-witted children. The Sternberg's successful intelligence program could be applied as an intervention method for improving executive functions of children.
Explanation of a Knowledge Workers Maintenance and Retention Model in Mapna Electric and Control, Engineering and Manufacturing Company (MECO)
Authors: Dehban Behnam , Heydari Azadeh
Published: August 2016

This research aimed to investigate and explain maintenance and retention model of Knowledge workers in MECO Company in 2015. The research statistical population consisted of all Knowledge workers with working conditions in MECO Company. Based on the estimation, the number of eligible employees was determined 138 people. 102 people among these were considered as sample size using Cochran formula and simple random sampling method. Data collection methods had been both qualitative and quantitative. Effective components were extracted on the basis of statements recorded from interviewees, discussions and dialogues, principles of observations, documentation and so on. It also was measured by researcher-made questionnaire. Questionnaire reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha method. Its value for all variables of questionnaire was acceptable values higher than 0.7. Similarly, the content validity was used to test the validity of the questionnaire. For this purpose the questionnaires were confirmed by relevant experts. Data obtained from the implementation of questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS software in two descriptive and inferential parts. Finally, the research results in the form of a model confirmed role of factors such as organizational structure of occupational satisfaction, communication system, evaluation and control system, organizational culture, pay and reward system, and job stress in the retention and maintenance of Knowledge workers in MECO Company.