bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Difference of Machinability between Iron-Based Sintered Materials and Steel Materials
Authors: Ueno Tomoyuki , Yamada Koji
Published: October 2016

Iron-based sintered materials are fabricated via the process of compacting iron powder by using die, sintering in 1100 to 1300°C, and quenching or sizing. These materials are used as variable valve system and oil pump system in automobiles. Recently, the severe requirement for complication and high precision shape of them has increased the products machined by turning and drilling. In general, it is more difficult to machine the sintered materials than the steel. However, the quantitative evaluations and the mechanisms of those are ambiguous, then there is a few suggestion for improvement of the machining. In this study, we will report the machinability of sintered materials by compare with that of steel materials, and the improvement of machinability of sintered materials.
Experimental Investigation of Heat Partition Ratio for the Cutting Tool at a Cutting Speed Ranging from 38 to 6500 m/min
Authors: Shinozuka Jun , Kidoura Daiki
Published: October 2016

This paper investigated the variation in a heat partition ratio of the cutting tool with the cutting speed ranging from 38 m/min to 6500 m/min. The orthogonal high-speed cutting experiment was performed utilizing an impact cutting tester developed. The cutting length in this study was 60 mm. The temperatures at the tool-chip interface were measured directly with three pairs of Cu/Ni micro thermocouples fabricated on the rake face. The temperature rises rapidly from the beginning of cutting, and then levels off when a cutting distance exceeds about 10 to 20 times the depth of cut. The distance depends on the cutting speed. Using the temperatures measured, a variation in the heat partition ratio with cutting time was estimated with the aid of a FEA. The heat partition ratio at the end of cutting estimated decreases approximately from 7 % to 1 % as the cutting speed increases from 38 m/min to 6500 m/min. The heat partition ratio estimated is quite higher than that calculated by employing an analysis assuming the steady state, particularly under the high speed cutting conditions.
Investigation of cBN Electroplated End-Mill Shape for CFRP Machining
Authors: Furuki Tatsuya , Hirogaki Toshiki , Aoyama Eiichi , Ogawa Keiji , Inaba Kiyofumi , Fujiwara Kazuna
Published: October 2016

Currently, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are being increasingly adopted in various fields. Thus, machining CFRP with high accuracy and high efficiency is required. In addition, machining stack materials composed of CFRP and titanium alloys is required. Therefore, in this study, a novel end-mill electroplated with a cubic boron nitride (cBN) abrasive, which has high thermal resistance, is proposed. In order to evaluate the influence of the base metal shape of the proposed end-mill on the machining process, several cBN-electroplated end-mills with different rake angles or chamfers were fabricated and used to cut CFRP. In addition, in order to evaluate the abrasive shape, a blocky abrasive was also electroplated on the end-mill. The results indicate that the negative rake angle is useful to restrain the progression of tool wear. However, in order to obtain the element of cutting and grinding, it is required that the rake angle should be positive. Moreover, the reasonable width of chamfer is effective for restraining the increase in CFRP temperature. Further, a sharp shaped abrasive can more effectively generate a CFRP with a sharp edge compared with a blocky shape abrasive.
Nanopatterning on Nano-Polycrystalline Diamond and Cubic Boron Nitride Using Focused Ion Beam and Heat Treatment to Fabricate Textured Cutting Tools
Authors: Kawasegi Noritaka , Ozaki Kazuma , Morita Noboru , Nishimura Kazuhito , Yamaguchi Makoto , Takano Noboru
Published: October 2016

Texturing on the surface of cutting tools is an effective method to improve the friction and resultant machining performances of the tool. In this study, to fabricate nanotextures on various tools used for precision cutting, a patterning method on nanopolycrystalline diamond and cubic boron nitride tools was investigated using focused ion beam (FIB) irradiation and heat treatment. Patterning was possible using this method, and the patterning characteristics were different from those of single-crystal diamond. This method was more suitable for cutting tools compared with direct FIB machining because of its high efficiency and significantly low affected layer.
Adaptive Grinding Strategy Development
Authors: Chen Xun
Published: October 2016

Grinding performance can be influenced by various grinding conditions including workpiece materials properties, grinding wheel properties, grinding operational parameters and dressing operational parameters. In order to achieve stable optimal grinding performance, it is important to select the most suitable operational control parameters to match grinding requirement and to minimize the effects of grinding wheel wear and other changes in the process environment. The paper presents a simple adaptive control logic strategy for the selection of dressing and grinding conditions based on available sensing techniques. In this study, desirable grinding behaviour is discussed to demonstrate how to extract useful process information to guide process parameter adjustment for a stable satisfactory grinding performance.
Simulation Research for the Effect of KDP Crystal Defect and Initial Internal Stress on Sawing Stress
Authors: Ge Pei Qi , Bi Wen Bo , Ge Meng Ran , Jiao Yang , Lu Chang Hou
Published: October 2016

KDP (KH2PO4) crystal is a kind of excellent nonlinear optical crystals, which has been widely used in nonlinear optical and Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) engineering. KDP crystal with the characteristics of low hardness, high brittleness, easy deliquescence and temperature-sensitive is easy to crack during the crystal growth, taken out from crystallizer, and the process of slicing. Stress concentration caused by the initial internal stress redistribution and the growth defect in KDP crystal is an important reason of KDP crystal cracking during sawing process. The numerical simulation model of the KDP crystal containing spherical cavity defect and sawing with fixed abrasive wire saw is established by finite element method in this paper. The effects of initial internal stress, spherical cavity defect on sawing stress are investigated. The maximum tensile stress near the defect during the sawing process is simulated and analyzed. The results show that sawing stress changes smoothly during sawing process, and the fixed abrasive wire saw slicing belongs to low stress cutting way. The sawing stress at sawing kerf is increased obviously. The crystal defect leads to local stress concentration during sawing process. The coupling effect of sawing stress with initial internal stress and the effect of stress concentration are enhanced when the sawing kerf approaches to the defect.
Studies on Synthesis and Ion Exchange Properties of Sulfonated Polyvinyl Alcohol/Phosphomolybdic Acid Composite Cation Exchanger
Authors: Rathore Mukta , Khanam Ahmad Jahan , Gupta Vikas
Published: October 2016

In this study, sulfonated polyvinyl alcohol/phosphomolybdic acid composite cation exchange membrane was prepared by solution casting method. Some of the ionb exchange peroperties such as ion exchange capacity for alkali and alkali metal ions, effect of temperature on ion exchange capacity, elution behavior, effect of eluent concentration, distribution coefficient were studied. On the basis of selectivity coefficient values some important binary separation of heavy metal ion pairs such as Hg (II)-Zn (II), Hg (II)-Cd (II), Hg (II)-Ni (II) and Hg (II)-Cu (II) were carried out. It was observed that elution of heavy metal ions depends upon the metal-eluting ligand stability. Mercury remained in column for a longer time than that of other heavy metal ions. The separations are fairly sharp and recovery of Hg (II) ions is quantitative and reproducible.
Multiple effects of tebufenozide on the survival and performance of the spruce budworm (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: van Frankenhuyzen Kees , Régnière Jacques
Published: October 2016

Aerial application of Mimic® 2LV to rising outbreak populations of the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens); Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Québec, Canada, resulted in high levels of population reduction at spray deposits of 0.5–1.2 μg tebufenozide/g of foliage. Application to potted host trees in outdoor enclosures followed by bioassays revealed multiple effects on spruce budworm survival and recruitment. Chronic (14-day) exposure of late-instars to treated foliage reduced larval survival and also pupal survival, mating success, and fecundity, depending on the product concentration applied. Treatments that produced foliar deposits of ~ 0.5–1.5 μg tebufenozide/g caused high larval mortality. Exposure to deposits of ~ 0.15–0.5 μg/g caused delayed mortality during the pupal stage and reduced the mating success of survivors, while exposure to ~ 0.07–0.15 μg/g reduced the fecundity of mated females. Sublethal exposure did not affect the progeny of survivors, either in egg hatch, survival during diapause, or survival and performance after diapause. Reduced survival during late-larval and pupal stages combined with lower recruitment as a result of reduced mating success and fecundity are likely to play a role in the suppression of Mimic®-treated spruce budworm populations in the years following treatment.
Septic Arthritis and Hemarthroses Caused by Haemophilus influenzae Serotype A in Children
Authors: Samraj Ravi S. , Fergie Jaime
Published: October 2016

Invasive disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae serotype A (Hia) is rare in children. Clinical syndromes caused by Hia include meningitis, sepsis and respiratory tract infections. Septic arthritis is rare in children with invasive Hia infection and hemarthrosis has not been described in the published literature. We report a case of septic arthritis and hemarthrosis caused by Hia infection in a 2.5 year-old-boy and review invasive Hia infection in children.
Helicobacter pylori Bacteremia: An Unusual Finding
Authors: De Luca Concetta , Mancin Annalisa , Calabrò Maria , Daleno Cristina , Ferrario Antonella , Renzulli Raffaella , Scuderi Cristina , Casari Erminia
Published: October 2016

We report a case of Helicobacter pylori transient bacteremia in a woman with ulcerated antral gastric cancer. The patient was hospitalized for laparoscopy and subtotal gastrectomy. After surgery she developed fever (39°C) and was empirically treated with levofloxacin. Blood cultures, collected and sent immediately to Laboratory, were positive for a spiral Gramnegative bacterium. This isolate was identified as H. pylori and the specific susceptibility test was performed. One day after the fever was decreased but antibiotic treatment with levofloxacin was continued and it was maintained until discharge. In summary, H. pylori transient bacteremia may occur as a rare complication after stomach surgery. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the potential role of H. pylori presence in blood.
The real life application of a procalcitonin-based algorithm to reduce antibiotic exposure in hospitalized patients with community acquired pneumonia: a proof of concept
Authors: Pieralli Filippo , Vannucchi Vieri , Silverii Maria Vittoria , Ricci Ezilda , Fissi Elena , Mancini Antonio , Bacci Francesca , Nozzoli Carlo
Published: October 2016

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) represents a common cause of hospitalization in Internal Medicine wards and a frequent cause of antibiotic prescription. An approach based on procalcitonin (PCT) algorithm, has shown to reduce the antibiotic exposure without affecting outcome, in patients admitted to hospital for pneumonia We conducted a study to evaluate the role of a PCT algorithm in a real-life perspective, to reduce the length of antibiotic treatment (AT) in patients hospitalized with CAP. We performed a prospective case-control study, enrolling patients with CAP admitted to an Internal Medicine ward of Careggi Hospital, between December 2013 and February 2014. We used a validated algorithm of AT guided by PCT in CAP. Discontinuation of AT was strongly indicated when PCT level was normal or reduced by 80% in patients with PCT values higher than 10 pg/mL on admission. PCT was drawn on admission, 24 h, 4th day and 6th day from admission. The outcomes evaluated were the length of AT, the length of in hospital stay, mortality and serious adverse clinical events. Forty-six patients were consecutively enrolled. On 20 patients, AT was discontinued according to protocol and on 26 patients the AT was continued on clinical judgement. At the baseline, both groups were similar regarding clinical, laboratory, microbiology characteristics, and CURB-65 score. PCT guidance reduced total antibiotic exposure (5.1±1.5 vs 9.1±5.8 days, P=0.005) without any increase of mortality or serious clinical event. In our study, a PCT algorithm was a useful and safe tool to guide the AT in patients with CAP, reducing the antibiotic exposure.
Patent foramen ovale and ischemic stroke: more shadows than lights? What the internist should know
Authors: Donti Andrea
Published: October 2016

The foramen ovale (FO) is an anatomical structure normally present in the fetus, which can persist in up to 25%-30% of the general population after birth. Normally it does not cause any harm but it has been associated with different pathological conditions; the more frequently encountered in clinical practice is an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack without any recognizable cause. However, a causal link between the cerebrovascular event and a right to left shunt through the FO is hard to demonstrate in most cases and which is the best treatment for secondary prevention is still a matter of debate with antithrombotic therapy or transcatheter closure of the FO as possible options. No definitive evidence of which is the most effective treatment is actually available so that a careful evaluation of each single patient is mandatory in order to select who will probably benefit the most from the interventional treatment as opposed to who will reasonably do well with medical therapy alone.
Cryptogenic stroke
Authors: Stornello Michele , Cappellani Roberto , Micieli Giuseppe , Sacco Simona , Spolveri Stefano , Sterzi Roberto , Toni Danilo , Carolei Antonio
Published: October 2016

Although in the last few years emerging conventional and unconventional radiological and laboratory techniques have shed light on different pathophysiologic causes of stroke, nowadays almost 25% of ischemic strokes results of undetermined etiology. Different diagnostic criteria have been developed to define cryptogenic stroke and to establish its prevalence in stroke units. Different studies tried to unravel mechanisms of cryptogenic stroke and to evaluate adequate primary and secondary preventive measures, but standardized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are still missing. In this review we report the most relevant updated notions in cryptogenic stroke providing an overview of the definition, the recommendations for diagnostic evaluation and the updated treatment strategies for secondary prevention.
Cryptogenic strokes and embolic strokes of unknown source: lights and shadows of a new construct
Authors: Masina Marco
Published: October 2016

Not available
Effects of six primary tillage implements on energy inputs and residue cover in Central Italy
Authors: Fanigliulo Roberto , Biocca Marcello , Pochi Daniele
Published: October 2016

The use of agricultural machinery represents the main aspect contributing to the total energy input in the agricultural system. The study evaluated the energy requirements and the work quality of two conventional (threefurrow plough and spading machine) and of four conservation implements (rotary harrow, subsoiler, disk harrow, combined cultivator) for mediumdeep primary tillage in a silty-clay soil, widespread in Central Italy. The tests were carried out with the aim of selecting the most energy-efficient implement. Working speed, force of traction, fuel consumption and energy demands were measured, using a 205 kW instrumented tractor. Cloddiness and roughness of the tilled soil, biomass coverage index and burying degree were evaluated. The conservation tillage implements gave the best results in fuel consumption and energy requirements respect to the conventional implements, with energy savings up to 86% in the case of disk harrow. The rotary harrow showed intermediate values and the best soil refinement. Among the conservation implements, the disk harrow showed the best performance on biomass coverage index (43.8%), while the combined cultivator showed the highest value of biomass burying (87.8%) and the best performance on fuel consumption per hour (25.8 kg h–1).
Geothermal source heat pump performance for a greenhouse heating system: an experimental study
Authors: Anifantis Alexandros Sotirios , Pascuzzi Simone , Scarascia-Mugnozza Giacomo
Published: October 2016

Greenhouses play a significant function in the modern agriculture economy even if require great amount of energy for heating systems. An interesting solution to alleviate the energy costs and environmental problems may be represented by the use of geothermal energy. The aim of this paper, based on measured experimental data, such as the inside greenhouse temperature and the heat pump performance (input and output temperatures of the working fluid, electric consumption), was the evaluation of the suitability of low enthalpy geothermal heat sources for agricultural needs such as greenhouses heating. The study was carried out at the experimental farm of the University of Bari, where a greenhouse was arranged with a heating system connected to a ground-source heat pump (GSHP), which had to cover the thermal energy request. The experimental results of this survey highlight the capability of the geothermal heat source to ensue thermal conditions suitable for cultivation in greenhouses even if the compressor inside the heat pump have operated continuously in a fluctuating state without ever reaching the steady condition. Probably, to increase the performance of the heat pump and then its coefficient of performance within GSHP systems for heating greenhouses, it is important to analyse and maximise the power conductivity of the greenhouse heating system, before to design an expensive borehole ground exchanger. Nevertheless, according to the experimental data obtained, the GSHP systems are effective, efficient and environmental friendly and may be useful to supply the heating energy demand of greenhouses.
The Role of DNA Amplification and Cultural Growth in Complicated Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Tocchioni Francesca , Tani Chiara , Bartolini Laura , Moriondo Maria , Nieddu Francesco , Pecile Patrizia , Azzari Chiara , Messineo Antonio , Ghionzoli Marco
Published: October 2016

Bacterial growth of peritoneal fluid specimens obtained during surgical procedures for acute appendicitis may be useful to optimize further antibiotic therapy in complicated cases. DNA amplification represents a fast technique to detect microbial sequences. We aimed to compare the potential of DNA amplification versus traditional bacterial growth culture highlighting advantages and drawbacks in a surgical setting. Peritoneal fluid specimens were collected during surgery from 36 children who underwent appendectomy between May and December 2012. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cultures were performed on each sample. RT-PCR showed an amplification of 16S in 18/36 samples, Escherichia coli (in 7 cases), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3), Fusobacterium necrophorum (3), Adenovirus (2), E.coli (1), Klebsiella pneumoniae (1), Serratia marcescens/Enterobacter cloacae (1). Bacterial growth was instead observed only in four patients (3 E.coli and 1 P.aeruginosa and Bacteroides ovatus). Preoperative C-reactive protein and inflammation degree, the most reliable indicators of bacterial translocation, were elevated as expected. DNA amplification was a quick and useful method to detect pathogens and it was even more valuable in detecting aggressive pathogens such as anaerobes, difficult to preserve in biological cultures; its drawbacks were the lack of biological growths and of antibiograms. In our pilot study RT-PCR and cultures did not influence the way patients were treated.
Mild Encephalopathy with Reversible Lesions in the Splenium of Corpus Callosum and Bilateral Cerebral Deep white Matter in Identical twins
Authors: Tahara Junko , Shinozuka Jun , Awaguni Hitoshi , Tanaka Shin-ichiro , Makino Shigeru , Maruyama Rikken , Imashuku Shinsaku
Published: October 2016

Identical twin brothers developed mild encephalopathy at the age of 7.0 and 9.7 years (Patient 1) and 10.7 years (Patient 2). Patient 1 had influenza A at the time of his second episode, but triggering agents were not evident at the first episode. The triggering agents in Patient 2 were unclear. The neurological features of both patients included transient facial numbness, left arm paresis, dysarthria, and gait disturbance. Diffusion-weighted images from magnetic resonance imaging showed high signal levels at the splenium of corpus callosum and in the bilateral cerebral deep white matter. These results are characteristic of mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible isolated splenium of corpus callosum lesion. All three episodes were treated with a methylprednisolone pulse. Acyclovir was also administered to Patient 2 and to Patient 1 during his first episode. Patient 1 received an anti-influenza agent and intravenous immunoglobulin during his second episode. Both patients recovered completely without sequelae. Genetic factors, which may predispose identical twins to develop encephalopathy, are discussed.
Sternal Osteomyelitis after Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Vaccination
Authors: Selvestravičius Rolandas , Sučilienė Elena , Saniukas Kęstutis , Bobelytė Odeta , Usonis Vytautas
Published: October 2016

Presented here is the case of a nine-month-old boy with the osteomyelitis of the upper area sternum caused by bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), the Danish 1331 strain vaccine against tuberculosis. Upon examination, a swelling of approximately 2×3 cm diameter was observed in the upper sternal area. The mass was hard, fixed and sensitive to palpation with no local skin hyperaemia. Chest X-rays revealed a round mass anterior to the sternum, suggesting a diagnosis of osteomyelitis. A consequent sternal biopsy was performed and Mycobacterium bovis BCG was identified by a positive growth culture.
Post Discharge Formula Fortification of Maternal Human Milk of Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants: an Introduction of a Feeding Protocol in a University Hospital
Authors: El Sakka Abeer , El Shimi Sami , Salama Kareem , Fayez Hend
Published: October 2016

The objective of this study is to determine the growth parameters and nutritional biochemical markers and complications of fortification of human milk by post discharge formula of preterm very low birth weight newborns (VLBW). Fifty preterm infants less than 37 weeks with weight less than 1500 g were enrolled in the study. They received parental nutrition and feeding according to our protocol. When enteral feeding reached 100 cc/kg/day, infants were randomized into two groups: group I, Cases, n=25, where post discharge formula (PDF) was used for fortification, group II, Controls, n=25 with no fortification. Infants of both groups were given 50% of required enteral feeding as premature formula. This protocol was used until infants’ weight reached 1800 g. Daily weight, weekly length and head circumference were recorded. Hemoglobin, albumin (Alb), electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and clinical complications were documented. Human milk fortification with PDF resulted in better growth with increase in weight 16.8 and 13.78 g/kg/day (P=0.0430), length 0.76 and 0.58 cm/week (P=0.0027), and head circumference of 0.59 and 0.5 cm/week (P=0.0217) in cases and controls respectively. Duration of hospital stay was less in cases (22.76 versus 28.52 days in Controls), P=0.02. No significant changes were found in serum electrolytes, BUN, or Alb between both groups. Hemoglobin was significantly higher in Cases, P=0.04. There were no significant clinical complications. Our feeding protocol of fortification of human milk with PDF in preterm very low birth weight newborns resulted in better growth and decrease in length of hospital stay. The use of PDF could be an alternative option for fortification of mothers’ milk for preterm VLBW infants in developing countries with low resources.
Swyer-James Syndrome in a 7-Year-Old Female
Authors: Mori Jun , Kaneda Daisuke , Fujiki Atsushi , Isoda Kenichi , Kotani Tomoya , Ushijima Yo
Published: October 2016

Swyer-James syndrome is a rare syndrome that occurs as a result of repeated bronchiolitis and pneumonitis in childhood. Most cases are asymptomatic, and subsequent diagnosis may not occur until adulthood. We present the case of a 7-year-old female with Swyer-James syndrome, which was initially diagnosed and treated as asthma. The patient developed respiratory distress and atelectasis which were treated with biphasic cuirass ventilation. This case suggests that Swyer-James syndrome should be a concern in patients with chronic cough and wheezing, and highlights the importance of taking a careful history and appropriate radiological investigations for diagnosis. Once Swyer-James syndrome is diagnosed, prophylaxis and appropriate management of respiratory infections becomes important.
Intrinsic Foot Muscle Activation During Specific Exercises: A T2 Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Gooding Thomas M. , Feger Mark A. , Hart Joseph M. , Hertel Jay
Published: October 2016

Context:

The intrinsic foot muscles maintain the medial longitudinal arch and aid in force distribution and postural control during gait. Impaired intrinsic foot-muscle function has been linked to various foot conditions. Several rehabilitative exercises have been proposed to improve it; however, literature that identifies which individual muscles are activated during specific intrinsic foot-muscle exercises is lacking.

Objective:

To describe changes in activation of the intrinsic plantar foot muscles after 4 exercises as measured with T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting:

Research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Eight healthy National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate cross-country and track athletes (5 men and 3 women: age = 20 ± 0.93 years, height = 180.98 ± 10.84 cm, mass = 70.91 ± 7.82 kg).

Intervention(s):

Participants underwent T2 MRI before and after each exercise. They completed 1 set of 40 repetitions of each exercise (short-foot exercise, toes spread out, first-toe extension, second- to fifth-toes extension).

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Percentage increases in muscle activation of the abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, abductor digiti minimi, quadratus plantae, flexor digiti minimi, adductor hallucis oblique, flexor hallucis brevis, and interossei and lumbricals (analyzed together) after each exercise were assessed using T2 MRI.

Results:

All muscles showed increased activation after all exercises. The mean percentage increase in activation ranged from 16.7% to 34.9% for the short-foot exercise, 17.3% to 35.2% for toes spread out, 13.1% to 18.1% for first-toe extension, and 8.9% to 22.5% for second- to fifth-toes extension. All increases in activation had associated 95% confidence intervals that did not cross zero.

Conclusions:

Each of the 4 exercises was associated with increased activation in all of the plantar intrinsic foot muscles evaluated. These results may have clinical implications for the prescription of specific exercises to target individual intrinsic foot muscles.
Global wellposedness of the equivariant Chern–Simons–Schrödinger equation
Authors: Liu Baoping , Smith Paul
Published: October 2016

In this article we consider the initial value problem for the

m

-equivariant Chern–Simons–Schrödinger model in two spatial dimensions with coupling parameter

g \in \mathbb R

. This is a covariant NLS type problem that is

L^2

-critical. We prove that at the critical regularity, for any equivariance index

m \in \mathbb Z

, the initial value problem in the defocusing case (

g < 1

) is globally wellposed and the solution scatters. The problem is focusing when

g \geq 1

, and in this case we prove that for equivariance indices

m \in \mathbb Z

,

m \geq 0

, there exist constants

c = c_{m, g}

such that, at the critical regularity, the initial value problem is globally wellposed and the solution scatters when the initial data

\phi_0 \in L^2

is

m

-equivariant and satisfies

\| \phi_0 \|_{L^2}^2 < c_{m, g}

. We also show that

\sqrt{c_{m, g}}

is equal to the minimum

L^2

norm of a nontrivial

m

-equivariant standing wave solution. In the self-dual

g = 1

case, we have the exact numerical values

c_{m, 1} = 8\pi(m + 1)

.
Boundary Harnack estimates in slit domains and applications to thin free boundary problems
Authors: De Silva Daniela , Savin Ovidiu
Published: October 2016

We provide a higher order boundary Harnack inequality for harmonic functions in slit domains. As a corollary we obtain the

C^\infty

regularity of the free boundary in the Signorini problem near non-degenerate points.
Fundamental groups and Euler characteristics of sphere-like digital images
Authors: Boxer Laurence , Staecker P. Christopher
Published: October 2016

The current paper focuses on fundamental groups and Euler characteristics of various digital models of the 2-dimensional sphere. For all models that we consider, we show that the fundamental groups are trivial, and compute the Euler characteristics (which are not always equal). We consider the connected sum of digital surfaces and investigate how this operation relates to the fundamental group and Euler characteristic. We also consider two related but dierent notions of a digital image having "no holes," and relate this to the triviality of the fundamental group. Many of our results have origins in the paper [15] by S.-E. Han, which contains many errors. We correct these errors when possible, and leave some open questions. We also present some original results.
Mentoring program for students newly enrolled in an Engineering Degree
Authors: Peña-Martín Juan Pedro , González-Parada Eva , García-Berdonés Carmen , Pérez-Rodríguez Eduardo Javier
Published: October 2016

This work presents a mentoring program for first year engineering students in the Telecommunications Engineering College (ETSIT) at the University of Malaga (UMA). Actors involved in the program are professors from staff, veterans mentoring students and, of course, freshmen. All of them has been organized trough the Moodle based Virtual Learning Environment Platform of the UMA. The program has gone through several phases over three years. This paper shows the main objectives of this mentoring program, the initial design to get them where professors played mentor role, and successive changes made to try to improve the results, including the assumption of the mentor role by senior students (peer mentoring). The tools used for program evaluation are shown too. Despite the low participation, it has been a framework for the development of various educational and socializing activities (for mentors and mentees) focused on developing generic competences. Furthermore, it has been a research tool to get a better understanding of problems affecting students newly enrolled.
Corporate Social Networks Applied in the Classroom
Authors: De Juan-Jordán Hugo , Guijarro-García María , Guardiola-Contreras Javier
Published: October 2016

The impact of online social networks has been extensive because of the new way they enable not only in terms of the relation, communication and collaboration among people, but also between people and businesses. So much so, their use is already habitual within organizations, known as Corporate Social Networks, in order to achieve the same benefits.

The present study aims to analyze the advantages these corporate social networks have in the classroom seen as a micro-organization where a group of students interact, work and collaborate during a master´s or postgraduate course. To support this research, during 2015 a corporate social network (Yammer) has been introduced to 5 groups of students of various master´s in the prestigious business school ESIC. The feedback obtained from those students and some examples of classroom dynamics prove the usefulness and great value of a corporate social network in postgraduate classes, although some common difficulties and considerations raised by the students themselves have to be taken into account in order to manage its optimal adoption in class.

This study also tries to propose some guidelines and best practices obtained as a result of the experience of use and the adoption of social networks in class in order to improve the learning process and innovate in the methodology applied to education.
Spanish Real Estate Bubble: A Classroom Experiment
Authors: Castello-Sirvent Fernando
Published: October 2016

The European Higher Education Area (EHEA) requires development of teaching methodologies that encourage active participation by students in the autonomous learning process, taking the figure of the professor as the mediator. On the other hand, the economy is a fundamental aspect in today’s society insofar that it contributes to explaining the behaviour of individuals. In this sense, the experimental economy applied in lecture rooms is presented as an innovative educational procedure that is perfectly adapted to university teaching, since it facilitates acquisition and consolidation of curricular knowledge and favours the development of capabilities by students, whilst at the same time improving the quality of teaching and has a positive impact on the interest students have in the subject. This paper describes the application of an economic experiment as an active learning method to prove the mechanisms used to set prices. The experience took place at the ESIC Business and Marketing School Valencia university centre, within the subject of “Spanish Economy” in Official Business Management and Administration degrees and in Marketing and Sales Management degrees. The starting point for this experience was the work by Radim Boháček (2002), adding changes aimed at empirically explaining inflation, the real estate bubble and subsequent economic crisis in Spain. The obtained results prove that this educational experience favours learning of the economic concepts students study, and stimulates proactive interest in the subject. From the obtained results a second experiment is proposed in order to consolidate concepts concerning price setting mechanisms in the presence of intervention by the Public Sector (taxes and subsidies) or establishing incentives that model collusive behaviour leading to situations where market offers are concentrated in oligopolies.
The English Civil Wars 1642–1651
Authors: Gaunt Peter
Published: October 2016

The period 1642-1651, one of the most turbulent in the history of mainland Britain, saw the country torn by civil wars. Focusing on the English and Welsh wars this book examines the causes, course and consequences of the conflicts. While offering a concise military account that assesses the wars in their national, regional and local contexts, Dr Gaunt provides a full appraisal of the severity of the wars and the true extent of the impact on civilian life, highlighting areas of continued historical debate. The personal experiences and biographies of key players are also included in this comprehensive and fascinating account.
Prevalence of oral tori among medical and dental Students at the University of the West Indies
Authors: Rajendra Santosh Arvind Babu , Jones Thaon , Venugopal Hima , Smith Keisha , Turpin Mair J Suzanne , Edwards Mark , Williams Errol
Published: October 2016

Objective:  To determine the prevalence and gender variation of torus palatinus (TP) and torus mandibularis (TM) amongst medical and dental students at the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies. Subjects and Methods: The study observed 335 medical and dental students from the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies. Routine dental examinations were conducted to check the presence/absence of TP and TM by inspection and palpation. Results: The overall prevalence of TP and TM was 27.76%. The oral torus prevalence was as follows, torus palatinus was 44.08%, torus mandibularis was 36.55% and individuals with both torus palatinus and mandibularis was 19.35%. The study observed that the prevalence of TP and TM in females was 16.11% (54/335), and males 11.64% (39/335). It was also found that bilateral torus mandibularis (40.38%) was more prevalent than unilateral right torus mandibularis (36.53%) and unilateral left torus mandibularis (23.07%). Conclusions: The prevalence of TP and TM are comparatively higher than neighboring Caribbean nations and West African countries. Our observations also highlighted that TP is highly prevalent among various types of oral tori. The study also recorded higher prevalence of oral tori among females. Due to higher prevalence of oral tori among the study group, Jamaican dentists need be knowledgeable about the high prevalence and clinical significance of TP and TM for dental treatment.
Economies of the Internet
Authors: Jarrett Kylie , Wittkower D. E.
Published: October 2016

The papers in this issue of First Monday were originally presented as a series of panels at the Association of Internet Researchers 2015 conference in Phoenix, Arizona. This short introduction explains the impetus behind the organization of these panels — which was to document diversity in approaches to the study of Internet economies — and briefly introduces each paper by locating them in the nexus between political economy and cultural studies.
The 'mastery' of the swipe: Smartphones, transitional objects and interstitial time
Authors: Mowlabocus Sharif
Published: October 2016

Have you ever noticed people using their smartphones while waiting for the train? Or people reaching for their phones when suddenly alone in a restaurant? Or people staring intently at their screens before a meeting begins? In this paper I seek to establish a dialogue between two critical methodologies — psychoanalysis and critical political-economy — in order to consider the role of this form of ‘distracted’ smartphone use in everyday life. The aim of this discussion is to broaden our understanding of ‘mundane’ phone use and suggest a way of conceptualising this behaviour at both an individual level and at the level of society.
Terminal markets: Gender and online horse racing economies
Authors: Kruse Holly
Published: October 2016

This paper describes two parallel markets that are part of the contemporary online economy of horse racing–pari-mutuel wagering and racehorse rescue — both of which are driven by the emotional labor of participants and both of which are gendered. The expectation of participants in masculinely defined pari-mutuel markets is that they will invest resources to make a profit, while those involved in the femininely defined racehorse rescue market expect that they will invest resources and lose money, yet gain emotional rewards. Both markets reinforce the racing industry status quo in the United States, although the growing visibility of racehorses in need of rescue on social media presents the possibility for change in the industry’s treatment of its former athletes.
The impact of electronic health record (EHR) interoperability on immunization information system (IIS) data quality
Authors: Woinarowicz Mary A , Howell Molly
Published: October 2016

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of electronic health record (EHR) interoperability on the quality of immunization data in the North Dakota Immunization Information System (NDIIS).Methods: NDIIS doses administered data was evaluated for completeness of the patient and dose-level core data elements for records that belong to interoperable and non-interoperable providers.  Data was compared at three months prior to electronic health record (EHR) interoperability enhancement to data at three, six, nine and twelve months post-enhancement following the interoperability go live date.  Doses administered per month and by age group, timeliness of vaccine entry and the number of duplicate clients added to the NDIIS was also be compared, in addition to, immunization rates for children 19 – 35 months of age and adolescents 11 – 18 years of age.Results: Doses administered by both interoperable and non-interoperable providers remained fairly consistent from pre-enhancement through twelve months post-enhancement.  Comparing immunization rates for infants and adolescents, interoperable providers had higher rates both pre- and post-enhancement than non-interoperable providers for all vaccines and vaccine series assessed.  The overall percentage of doses entered into the NDIIS within one month of administration varied slightly between interoperable and non-interoperable providers; however, there were significant changes between the percentage of doses entered within one day and within one week with the percentage entered within one day increasing and within one week decreasing with interoperability.  The number of duplicate client records created by interoperable providers increased from 94 duplicates pre-enhancement to 10,552 at twelve months post-enhancement, while the duplicates from non-interoperable providers only increased from 300 to 637 over the same period.  Of the 40 core data elements in the NDIIS, there was some difference in completeness between the interoperable versus non-interoperable providers.  Only middle name, sex, county, phone number, mother’s maiden name, vaccine manufacturer, lot number and expiration date were significantly (>=5%) different between the two provider groups.   Conclusions: Interoperability with provider EHRs has had an impact on NDIIS data quality.  Timeliness of data entry has improved and overall doses administered have remained fairly consistent, as have the immunization rates for the providers assessed.  There are more technical and non-technical interventions that will need to be accomplished by NDIIS staff and the vendor to help reduce the negative impact of duplicate record creation, as well as, data completeness.
Birth Month and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Association: Is meaningfulness in the eye of the beholder?
Authors: Poltavskiy Eduard , Spence J. D. , Kim Jeehyoung , Bang Heejung
Published: October 2016

In the modern era, with high-throughput technology and large data size, associational studies are actively being generated. Some have statistical and clinical validity and utility, or at least have biologically plausible relationships, while others may not.  Recently, the potential effect of birth month on lifetime disease risks was studied in a phenome-wide model. We evaluated the associations between birth month and 5 cardiovascular diseases in an independent dataset of 8,346 patients from Canada in 1977-2014. We compared the predictiveness of birth month vs. sex (or age) by various statistical measures, and also examined the event rate over birth months by sex. Hypertension and coronary heart disease were most prevalent in those who were born in January and April, respectively, as observed in the original paper.  Other outcomes showed weak or opposite associations.  Time-trends of blood pressures and of event rates by sex demonstrate inconsistent patterns, implying high randomness. As scientific importance/meaningfulness and clinical implications and practical usefulness can be different, readers would want to read the original and new papers together for more objective interpretations of the potential impacts of birth month on personal and public health.
Using Principal Component Analysis to Identify Priority Neighbourhoods for Health Services Delivery by Ranking Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Friesen Christine Elizabeth , Seliske Patrick , Papadopoulos Andrew
Published: October 2016

Objectives. Changes to the Canadian Census in 2010 led to the creation of the National Household Survey (NHS). The voluntary nature of the NHS has important implications to health research in Canada, as the validity of its data used for socioeconomic status (SES) index creation, especially income variables, is questionable. This study sought to determine the appropriateness of replacing census income information with tax filer data to produce SES neighbourhood indices.Methods. Census and taxfiler data for Guelph, Ontario were retrieved for the years 2005, 2006, and 2011. Data were extracted for eleven income and non-income SES variables. Principal component analysis was utilized to identify significant principal components from each dataset and weights of each contributing variable. Variable-specific factor scores were applied to standardized census and taxfiler data values to produce SES scores.Results. The substitution of taxfiler income variables for census income variables yielded SES score distributions and neighbourhood SES classifications that were similar to SES scores calculated using entirely census variables. Combining taxfiler income variables with census non-income variables also produced clearer SES level distinctions.Conclusion. Identifying socioeconomic disparities between neighbourhoods is an important step in assessing the level of disadvantage of communities, and the presented method can be adapted to other locales for such a purpose. The ability to replace census income information with taxfiler data to develop SES indices will increase the versatility of public health research and planning in Canada, and contribute to the improvement of SES measurement and calculation methods.
Modelling Medications for Public Health Research
Authors: Van Gaans Deborah , Ahmed S , D'Onise K , Moyon J , Caughey G , McDermott R
Published: October 2016

Most patients with chronic disease are prescribed multiple medications, which are recorded in their personal health records. This is rich information for clinical public health researchers but also a challenge to analyse.  This paper describes the method that was undertaken within the Public Health Research Data Management System (PHReDMS) to map medication data retrieved from individual patient health records for population health researcher’s use.  The PHReDMS manages clinical, health service, community and survey research data within a secure web environment that allows for data sharing amongst researchers.  The PHReDMS is currently used by researchers to answer a broad range of questions, including monitoring of prescription patterns in different population groups and geographic areas with high incidence/prevalence of chronic renal, cardiovascular, metabolic and mental health issues.  In this paper, we present the general notion of abstraction network, a higher level network that sits above a terminology and offers compact and more easily understandable view of its content. We demonstrate the utilisation of abstraction network methodology to examine medication data from electronic medical records to allow a compact and more easily understandable view of its content.