bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mining for Social Media: Usage Patterns of Small Businesses
Authors: Balan Shilpa , Rege Janhavi
Published: May 2017

Background: Information can now be rapidly exchanged due to social media. Due to its openness, Twitter has generated massive amounts of data. In this paper, we apply data mining and analytics to extract the usage patterns of social media by small businesses. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to describe with an example how data mining can be applied to social media. This paper further examines the impact of social media on small businesses. The Twitter posts related to small businesses are analyzed in detail. Methods/Approach: The patterns of social media usage by small businesses are observed using IBM Watson Analytics. In this paper, we particularly analyze tweets on Twitter for the hashtag #smallbusiness. Results: It is found that the number of females posting topics related to small business on Twitter is greater than the number of males. It is also found that the number of negative posts in Twitter is relatively low. Conclusions: Small firms are beginning to understand the importance of social media to realize their business goals. For future research, further analysis can be performed on the date and time the tweets were posted.
Corporate social responsibility and stakeholders: Review of the last decade (2006–2015)
Authors: Barić Andrija
Published: May 2017

Background: Globalization, strong development of information-communication technologies and the emergence of new burning challenges for the global communities enabled the concept of corporate social responsibility to be perceived as a business model that allows for successful differentiation of companies, as well creating sustainable competitive advantage. Objective: The goal of the paper is to offer a short overview of the role of internal and external stakeholders within the concept of corporate social responsibility and point out the importance of quality relationships between the company and its stakeholders with the aim of improving the standard of living of all community members. Methods/approach: The paper is based on a systematic analysis of previously published relevant international scientific papers in the field of corporate social responsibility, stakeholder theory and information-communication technologies. Results: This paper demonstrates that the concept of corporate social responsibility has gone, in its several decades of existence, from the "unnecessary dependency" phase to the critical business model phase. Conclusions: As there is a natural connection between the concept of corporate social responsibility and the stakeholders, it can be concluded that the quality of the relationship between the company and its stakeholders represents a key factor that affects the success of the company in its notion of differentiating itself from competitors and creating sustainable competitive advantage.
Study of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Cycocel on Fv/Fm and Dry Matter Mobilization to Grain Yield of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)
Authors: Seyed Sharifi R. , Khalilzadeh R. , Vatandoost M.
Published: May 2017

In order to study of effects of nitrogen fertilizer and cycocel on yield, yield component and dry matter mobilization of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications during 2014. Treatments were included nitrogen rates in four levels (without nitrogen application as control (N0) and application 80 (N1), 160 (N2) and 240 (N3) kg ha-1 urea) and four cycocel levels (without cycocel as control (C0), application of 500 (C1), 1000 (C2), 1500 (C3) ppm). Results showed that cycocel application increased chlorophyll index, photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and dry matter mobilization from shoots and stem. Application of nitrogen and cycocel reduced dry matter mobilization from shoots and stem, contribution of remobilization from shoots to grain and stem reserve contribution in grain yield. Application of nitrogen and cycocel as N3C3 had 58.5% and 46.26% more dry matter mobilization from shoots and stem in comparison with N3C0. The highest 1000-grain weight by 28.90 and 28.54 g, respectively, belonged to application of cycocel as C2 and C3 and the lowest 1000-grain weight by 26.93 g belonged to the C0. The highest grain yield (1.068 g per plant), number of grains per ear (37.36) and 1000-grain weight (28.77 g) were obtained in application of 240 kg ha-1 urea. It seems that the increase of Fv/Fm ratio due to current photosynthesis in plants that were grown under cycocel and nitrogen treatments decreased mobilization of dry matter and stem reserves to grain yield. Generally, it was concluded that nitrogen and cycocel can be as a proper tool for increasing wheat yield.
Response of Sesame Seedlings to Different Concentrations of Humic Acids or Calcium Nitrate at Germination and Early Growth
Authors: Souguir M. , Hannachi C.
Published: May 2017

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the response of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) to organic or mineral fertilization. The effects of two fertilizers, which were calcium nitrate and humic acids were studied separately at germination and early seedlings growth. Different concentrations of humic acids (HA0: 0, HA1: 500, HA2: 1000 and HA3: 2000 mg L-1) or calcium nitrate (CaN0: 0, CaN1: 50, CaN2: 100 and CaN3: 200 mg L-1) were applied distinctly to the growth media. The experimental design was accomplished in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Germination measurements, seedlings length, fresh seedling weight, total chlorophylls and carotenoids, total soluble proteins and sugars were determined. Results showed that humic acids applied at 1000 mg L-1 or calcium nitrate applied at 100 mg L-1 reduced the mean germination time (3.5 and 3.61 days) and had the highest germination index (GI) and the highest coefficient of velocity (CV). The longest seedling was obtained at the concentrations HA2 and CaN2 (+22%). Total chlorophyll and carotenoids were significantly higher in seedlings receiving the HA2 and CaN2 and these treatments increased total soluble proteins content by 32%. Higher concentrations of humic acids or calcium nitrate HA3 and CaN3 delayed germination and enhanced proline and total soluble sugars, respectively, by 42% and 46%, compared to control. These preliminary results indicated that the use of fertilizers should be optimized and they can be transformed at high level to an abiotic stress menacing plant productivity. On the other hand, suitable concentrations of fertilizers can be used in the future as a remedy to improve growth under abiotic stress.
A multimodal analysis of lexical explanation sequences in webconferencing-supported language teaching
Authors: Wigham Ciara R.
Published: May 2017

Higher education institutions are increasingly interested in offering more flexible teaching and learning delivery methods that are often independent of place. Where foreign language learning is concerned, telecollaboration is gaining ground. This paper focuses on synchronous webconferencing-supported teaching and examines how different semiotic resources are used during lexical explanation sequences. The context is a telecollaborative exchange between Business students learning French and trainee teachers on a Master’s programme in Teaching French as a Foreign Language. Using multimodal transcriptions of interaction data from two sessions, the sequential analysis provides access to different combinations of semiotic resources. These include using the visual mode to project active listening strategies and the complementary role of the text chat to secure common ground concerning the target item. The analysis sheds light on a ‘thinking break’ strategy employed by the trainees. Descriptive examples demonstrate how verbal explanations were accompanied, firstly, by deictic and iconic gestures and, secondly, by metaphoric gestures used to help forefront different properties of the target item. Finally, changes in gaze and proximity were observed as playing a role in interaction management and in signalling which verbal modality was forefronted. The study illustrates emerging pedagogical and multimodal communication strategies for ‘doing vocabulary teaching’.
Intercultural competence in synchronous communication between native and non-native speakers of Spanish
Authors: Fernández Susana S. , Pozzo María Isabel
Published: May 2017

This paper discusses to what extent synchronous communication via Skype by Argentine university students of History and Danish university students of Spanish contributed to fostering intercultural competence in the two groups of participants. Intercultural gains are considered both as part of the planned tasks to be solved by the participants (intentional learning) and in the spontaneous communication that arose in the course of the Skype conversations (incidental learning). The overall objective of this telecollaboration project has been the promotion of intercultural competence, with particular focus on the learning and teaching of Argentine regional history. Several tools, synchronous and asynchronous, were used for this purpose. The focus of the present paper will be the analysis of instances of intercultural awareness observed in Skype conversations, and of the affordances and obstacles that this modality of communication seems to pose for the native and non-native participants.
Extending talk on a prescribed discussion topic in a learner-native speaker eTandem learning task
Authors: Black Emily
Published: May 2017

Opportunities for language learners to access authentic input and engage in consequential interactions with native speakers of their target language abound in this era of computer mediated communication. Synchronous audio/video calling software represents one opportunity to access such input and address the challenges of developing pragmatic and interactional competence (Barron and Black 2015, Constructing small talk in learner-native speaker voice-based telecollaboration: A focus on topic management and backchanneling. System 48. 112–128). The synthesis of telecollaborative technology with the development of pragmatic and interactional competence is an area of burgeoning research (Taguchi 2011, Teaching pragmatics: Trends and issues. Annual Review of Applied Linguistics 31. 289–310). The present study represents a contribution to this growing area set in the particular context of an eTandem partnership. Data is drawn from Language LINC, a corpus of telecollaborative eTandem interactions between German-speaking learners of English and English-speaking learners of German. The eTandem meetings that comprise this corpus were centred around tasks to be completed for the students’ respective language classes. The study investigates how learners and native speakers manage a pre-specified discussion topic set for the English portion of an eTandem meeting. As the topic is prescribed, it imposes constraints on the students’ interactions and requires them to continue talk on this topic for an extended amount of time. Student participants delimit their talk by clearly initiating and later closing down the topic. Within these boundaries, questions are used as a resource to confront the interactional problem of extending talk on the prescribed topic.
Grammatical construction of function words between old and modern written Arabic: A corpus-based analysis
Authors: Almujaiwel Sultan
Published: May 2017

This paper argues that Arabic function words (FWs) vary in usage between old and modern Arabic, thus prompting an experimental investigation into their changeability. This investigation is carried out by testing classical Arabic (CA) in Arabic heritage language (AHL) texts – those labeled as archistratum – and the modern standard Arabic (MSA) of Arabic newspaper texts (ANT), each group of which contains randomly collected 5 million (M) word texts. The linguistic theory of the grammar of Arabic FWs is explained through the differences between CA and MSA, despite Arabic FW changes and the unlearnability and/or unusability of some FW constructions between in these two eras of Arabic usage. The dispersion/distribution of the construction grammar (CxG) of FWs and the number (n) of word attractions/repulsions between the two distinct eras is explored using the very latest and most sophisticated Arabic corpus processing tools, and Sketch Engine’sSkeEn gramrelsoperators. The analysis of a 5 M word corpus from each era of Arabic serves to prove the non-existence of rigorous Arabic CxG. The approach in this study adopts a technique which, by contrasting AHL with ANT, relies on analyzing the frequency distributions of FWs, the co-occurrences of FWs in a span of 2n-grams collocational patterning, and some cases of FW usage changes in terms of lexical cognition (FW grammatical relationships). The results show that the frequencies of FWs, in addition to the case studies, are not the same, and this implies that FWs and their associations with the main part of speech class in a fusion language like Arabic have grammatically changed in MSA. Their constructional changes are neglected in Arabic grammar.
TBP Assisted Uranyl Extraction in Water-Dodecane Biphasic System: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Sahu Pooja , Musharaf Ali Sk. , Shenoy Kalasanka Trivikram
Published: May 2017

In the PUREX (Plutonium Uranium Recovery by Extraction Process) process, the extraction of uranyl ion from dissolver solution to the organic phase is influenced by co extraction of the other species, such as water and nitric acid and it is assumed that the presence of water or acid droplets in the organic phase intensifies the coordination mechanism of TBP. The present study illustrates the uranyl extraction from the aqueous phase to the organic phase using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Here, we consider the biphasic systems to gain insights into the characteristics of the interface and humidity of the organic phase under different acidic and neutral conditions. MD being a force field method, can’t satisfactorily model the bond making and breaking process therefore a priori choice has been made concerning the different status of proton for the acidic phase. Further, the importance of charge species transferability during uranyl-TBP complexation have been investigated considering two different models of uranyl nitrate; united UO2(NO3)2 complex and separate UO2
2+ and NO3
– ions. From the results, it is recommended to use the ionic uranyl model with separate UO2
2+ and NO3
– to study the structural and dynamical properties of extracted uranyl ions in the organic phase. Also, it was noticed that extracted uranyl ions in the organic phase are not completely dehydrated but are surrounded by water molecules. In other words the results show co extraction of other species such as water and acid molecules to the organic phase. Most remarkably, the present study evident that the neutral HNO3 effectively represents the acidity effect for the receiving phase in terms of acid/water extraction and their aggregation to form water droplet, especially when ionic model of uranyl nitrate is considered.
Improving ROCs of Constant False Alarm Coded Anti-collision Radar in Very Noised Cases
Authors: Zaidouni Jamal , Menhaj Atika , Ghoumid Kamal , Mekaoui Slimane , El Moussati Ali , El Hillali Yassin
Published: May 2017

The use of Constant False Alarm Coded Anticollision Radar (CFACAR) is very interesting in automotive environment. Due to the orthogonality properties of used codes this system is most robust to multi-user interferences. The actual version of the receiver called in this paper Single Correlation Receiver (SCR), is not able to detect the targets in very low input Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). To resolve this problem, we present a new receiver called Averaging Correlation Receiver (ACR), that computes the average of the M later correlations. Then, we developed the expression of detection and false alarm probabilities for the new receiver in mono and multi-user scenarios. These probabilities are used to plot the new Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROCs). They are drawn for different values of input SNR and length M of ACR. There is a suitable value of M, according to some equation, that can be taken to have a good detection (ROCs more perfect). Also, we found that for a fixed SNR, we must increase sufficiently the length M but it is possible only for low relative velocity of the target. For a velocity of 5Km/h with M = 1055, we can lessen the value of the SNR until we reach SNR = -45 dB.
Hardware Implementation of MISO on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Platform with the Help of Alamouti Algorithm
Authors: Kilaru Seetaiah
Published: May 2017

Many software based OFDM techniques were proposed from last half decade to improve the performance of the system. This paper tried to implement the same with Hardware implementation. We created Hardware based MISO platform with OFDM. We implemented Alamouti algorithm on this test bed. The test bed is implemented with the help of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The test bed is functionalized with the help of FPGA through Xilinx based system generator for DSP. In this paper we considered the 2×1 MISO implementation with Alamouti algorithm. The simulation results showed that BER and SNR are considerably high for MISO than SISO. The results also proved that proposed OFDM based Alamouti implementation for MISO is excellent in all performance criterions.
Quality of Minimal Sets of Prime Implicants of Boolean Functions
Authors: Prasad V. C.
Published: May 2017

Two new problems are posed and solved concerning minimal sets of prime implicants of Boolean functions. It is well known that the prime implicant set of a Boolean function should be minimal and have as few literals as possible. But it is not well known that min term repetitions should also be as few as possible to reduce power consumption. Determination of minimal sets of prime implicants is a well known problem. But nothing is known on the least number of (i) prime implicants (ii) literals and (iii) min term repetitions , any minimal set of prime implicants will have. These measures are useful to assess the quality of a minimal set. They are then extended to determine least number of prime implicants / implicates required to design a static hazard free circuit. The new technique tends to give smallest set of prime implicants for various objectives.
A New Grounded Current Controlled Inductor Based on Simplified Current Conveyors
Authors: M’harzi Zineb , Alami Mustapha , Temcamani Farid
Published: May 2017

In this paper, a new active grounded inductor controlled in current is described. This structure is realized using negative second generation current controlled conveyors and a single grounded capacitor, with no external resistance. The proposed circuit offers many advantages, such as: operation at high frequencies, simple circuit, tuning by the bias current, low power dissipation, etc. Comparison between this topology and those presented in literature is done to highlight the benefits of our structure. As an application, a bandpass filter based on the proposed active inductance is constructed to confirm the usability of the circuit and illustrate these performances. The filter center frequency and quality factor can be tuned independently. Simulation results, given under PSPICE software, present good agreement with the theoretical ones.
Upper Class Bias and Class Conflict in America
Authors: Witko Christopher
Published: May 2017

Compared to other affluent democracies, class conflict has not been very intense nor as much of an organizing principle in American politics. However, as wages stagnate for the working class and economic inequality grows, class conflict is becoming increasingly salient. Yet, reviewing recent political science studies, I argue that rather than politics becoming a clearer class “war” between the upper and lower classes, the growing class bias in political mobilization and participation, and the resulting overrepresentation of upper class actors, has prevented a clear articulation of lower class interests
Cumulative effect of needle cast on Scots pine saplings
Authors: Jansons Āris , Neimane Una , Polmanis Kaspars , Zaļuma Astra , Gaitnieks Tālis , Baumanis Imants
Published: May 2017

Premature needle cast, affecting the needles on one-year old shoots, thus shrinks the size of green crown of Scots pines, and can cause reduction of increment or even death of trees, especially during first years of their growth. Aim of our study was to evaluate the lasting impact of pathological needle cast to young Scots pines and its implications for tree breeding. Assessment of needle cast damages in 5 grade scale and measurements of height were done repeatedly in Scots pine open pollinated progeny trial, consisting of 65 families, located in central part of Latvia. Proportion of saplings with different level of needle cast damage differed significantly between the years of impact: severely damaged were 51%, 30% and 17% of saplings in growing seasons 4, 5 and 6, respectively. Both the needle cast damage grade at current growing season, as well as height of the sapling before the needle cast infection (at the end of the third growing season) had a significant effect on its grade of needle cast damages in the next growing season. Cumulative level of needle cast damages at the age 4 to 6 years had significant negative effect on height of the saplings at the age of 12 years both at individual tree and family mean level, as well as on survival. Selection of best growing families in such trial would also lead to selection of genotypes least affected by the disease.
The Fourfold Water Garden, a Renaissance Invention
Authors: Marín Carmen Toribio
Published: May 2017

The different combinations between the “classic” fourfold pattern and water in the garden have produced a high number of varied solutions since the distant past. However, during the Renaissance a new model emerges: a crossaxial garden with four basins arranged symmetrically around its center. The composite analysis of the related examples is addressed in this paper, which attempts to find an explanation for the different models as for the appearance of the contrasting solution at the same time in two different locations: the Villa Lante (Bagnaia, Italy) and the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo in El Escorial (Madrid, Spain).
Sharp weighted bounds for one-sided operators
Authors: Kokilashvili Vakhtang , Meskhi Alexander , Zaighum Muhammad Asad
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we establish sharp weighted bounds (Buckley-type theorems) for one-sided maximal and fractional integral operators in terms of one-sided

A
p

{A_{p}}

characteristics.
Synergistic antifungal effect of fungicide and chitosan-silver nanoparticles on Neoscytalidium dimidiatum
Authors: Ngoc Uyen Thi Phan , Nguyen Dai Hai
Published: May 2017

Chitosan-silver nanoparticles (Ag@CS) as a novel drug delivery system have been developed for fungicide drug. In this study, the synergistic effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), chitosan (CS), and fungicide zineb (Zi) was investigated as antifungal materials againstNeoscytalidium dimidiatumin dragon fruit. More specifically, Ag@CS were prepared by embedding of AgNPs in CS polymer and then combined with Zi. Transmission electron microscopy was used to confirm the morphology and size of Ag@CS. The diameter of spherical nanoparticles is around 4.11±0.37 nm. Furthermore, the formation of Ag@CS was characterized by Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction analysis. The thermostability properties of these nanoparticles were also determined by thermogravimetric analysis. Especially the antifungal activity of Ag@CS has shown antifungal ability better than each component alone, analyzed by zone of inhibition method againstN. dimidiatum. These results suggest the potential applications of Ag@CS in the development of nanomaterials for antibiotic application.
Crystallization-induced amide bond formation creates a boron-centered spirocyclic system
Authors: Pappin Brighid B. , Levonis Stephan M. , Healy Peter C. , Kiefel Milton J. , Simone Michela I. , Houston Todd A.
Published: May 2017

The 5-nitrosalicylate ester of 2-acetamidophenylboronic acid (C15H10BN2O6) is formed under crystallization conditions from the 5-nitrosalicylate ester of 2-aminophenylboronic acid. The boron at the center of this structure exists as a tetrahedral complex produced by a dative bond with the amide carbonyl. The perpendicular shape produces an unusual packing structure including a bifurcated hydrogen bond between the amide hydrogen and carbonyl groups on two neighboring molecules. We propose that this reaction occurs due to increased Lewis acidity of the nitrosalicylate ester of 2-aminophenylboronic acid.
From epigenetics to anti-doping application: a new tool of detection
Authors: Schiera Gabriella , Contrò Valentina , Sacco Alessia , Macchiarella Alessandra , Cieszczyk Pawel , Proia Patrizia
Published: May 2017

Eukaryotic genomes transcribe up to 90% of the genomic DNA but only 1–2% of these transcripts encode for proteins, whereas the vast majority are transcribed as non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). They are divided into short ncRNA, particularly microRNA (miRNA) and small interference RNA (siRNA), and long ncRNAs. Noteworthy, they are unexpectedly stable since they are protected from degradation through different mechanisms: package in exosomes/microvesicles structures, in apoptotic bodies, in HDL lipoprotein, or by RNA binding proteins. For several years already, biomarkers have been used to detect biological disease; in the last years, a requirement appeared to find some of them to unearth the signs of doping. The potential of ncRNAs as a biological candidate is strongly debated and it seems to have become the right tool in the anti-doping hands. In the recent years, the next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology was used by the World Anti-Doping Agency to draft the athlete biological passport (ABP), measuring the circulating miRNAs and applying these new biomarkers in anti-doping. NGS technology does not require any prior knowledge of ncRNAs, but the limit to employ this biomarker to detect performance-enhancing drug use must consider the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that might affect measurements.
Effects of small-sided soccer games on internal and external load and lower limb power: a pilot study in collegiate players
Authors: Clemente Filipe Manuel , Nikolaidis Pantelis Theodoros , Linden Cornelis M.I. (Niels) van der , Silva Bruno
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The aim of the study was to examine the influence of small-sided and conditioned games (SSG) on the internal load (heart rate [HR] and perceived exertion), external load (Global Positioning System variables), and lower limb power (squat jump [SJ] and countermovement jump [CMJ]).

Methods

Six collegiate male soccer players (age 20.3 ± 4.8 years; maximal oxygen uptake 42.9 ± 2.7 ml/kg/min; maximal HR 184.7 bpm) performed three 2-min bouts of 1 vs. 1 and two 3-min bouts of 3 vs. 3 format with a work-to-rest ratio of 1:1.5. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures tested the effects of bouts and SSG formats on the internal and external load and on the lower limb power.

Results

The 3rd bout had significantly higher HRaverage and %HRmax values than the 2nd bout (p = 0.027 and p = 0.026, respectively). The 1st SSG bout presented higher total distance than the 2nd bout (p = 0.007). The comparison among bouts revealed higher values of pace and player load intensity in the 1st bout than in the 2nd one (p = 0.015 and p = 0.019, respectively). No differences were found in SJ and CMJ among bouts (p = 0.981 and p = 0.307, respectively). SSG formats differed for total distance (p = 0.001; ES = 0.891; longer distance in 3 vs. 3 format), but not for %HRmax (p = 0.953; ES = 0.001).

Conclusions

Physiological and physical responses varied during bouts. Nevertheless, small differences between SSG formats were found. SSG bouts did not have significant impact on the lower limb power.
Characteristics of the life habits of obese students at one of Japan's National Colleges of Technology
Authors: Nagasawa Yoshinori , Demura Shin-ichi , Shimada Shigeru
Published: May 2017

Aim

This study clarified the characteristics of life habits of obese Japanese male students at the National Colleges of Technology, Japan.

Materials and methods

Healthy students aged 15–19 years answered a questionnaire containing 21 items on the following five categories of life habits: general exercise, meals, sleeping, leisure activity and illness or injury history. The subjects were divided into three groups based on the criteria of body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (%BF): non-obese (%BF < 20%, n = 420), overweight obese (%BF ≥ 20% and BMI ≥ 25, n = 99), and hidden obese (%BF ≥ 20% and BMI < 25, n = 60). The mean differences in waking time, bedtime and amount of time spent walking, sleeping and watching TV per day were examined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests for each item.

Results

The overweight obese and hidden obese groups engaged in less exercise time, were more likely to eat until they were full at meals and were less likely to eat between meals or late at night than the non-obese group. In addition, the non-obese group had significantly later waking times and significantly less TV-watching time than the overweight obese group. There were no significant differences with respect to leisure activity and illness or injury history among the three groups. Many students in all groups had regular waking times and were not performing any leisure activities.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that obese students may need further guidance to help them maintain a healthy life and appropriate weight.
Obesity prevalence and contributing factors among adolescents in secondary schools in Pemagatshel district, Bhutan
Authors: Norbu Wang , Wangdi Ugyen , Dorji Desang , Arthan Dumrongkiet , Soonthornworasiri Ngamphol , Maneekan Pannamas , Thongthien Pimpimon , Viravathana Nantaporn , Prangthip Pattaneeya
Published: May 2017

Background

The prevalence of obesity has increased globally, with childhood and adolescent obesity being more common in developed countries. There has been no study on teenage obesity in Bhutan. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of obesity in Bhutan for the first time in order to provide a baseline for future researchers.

Methods

The investigation, which included 392 adolescents, aimed to identify the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its contributing factors. Anthropometric measurements, food recall and knowledge, attitude, behaviour and environment questionnaires were administered. The body mass index (BMI) cut-off points for adolescents matched with those of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Results

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among the participants were 7.1% and 1.5%, respectively. The prevalence of obesity was 1.0% in females and 0.5% in males (p < 0.001). There were significant (p < 0.001) correlations between BMI and other variables; however, Pearson’s χ2 test uncovered no significant associations. BMI also had no significant associations with attitude, behaviour, environment and distance travelled to school. Food recall results revealed the following findings for average food consumption: total energy intake, 3522.6 kcal; fat, 47.6 g; carbohydrate, 690.2 g; protein, 90.5 g; fibre, 20.3 g; and sodium, 12.5 g.

Conclusion

The results of this study clarified the prevalence of obesity among adolescents in Bhutan, who require appropriate strategies for combating overweight and obesity.
Water Dynamics in Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) Flesh during Baking and Microwave Heating: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies
Authors: Xia Kexin , Wang Haitao , Huang Linlin , Xu Wei , Zang Xiu , Song Yukun , Zu Yinxue , Zhu Beiwei , Tan Mingqian
Published: May 2017

Turbot is a valuable commercial species because of its high nutrition content. Water redistribution during heating was attributed to temperature-induced protein denaturation and structural shrinkage. Therefore, knowledge about water dynamics provides valuable information related to flesh physical properties (weight loss, color and shear force). Herein, water dynamics in turbot during baking and microwave heating were elucidated by using low field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Four distinct water populations with relaxation times of 0.20–0.60 ms, 2.00–6.00 ms, 30.00–60.00 ms, and 250.00–560.00 ms were identified. The dramatic variation of water populations during baking and microwave heating indicated protein denaturation and structural shrinkage, which was further verified by MRI and microscopic examination. Furthermore, good linear correlations were observed between NMR parameters and weight loss, color and shear force. The results revealed that the water mobility and distribution in turbot provided valuable information for quality analysis during baking and microwave heating.
Transient Analysis of Heat Transfer by Natural Convection Along a Vertical Wavy Surface
Authors: Siddiqa Sadia , Mahfooz M. , Hossain M. A.
Published: May 2017

The problem considered in this paper deal with the transient behavior of heat transfer by natural convection flow of fluid along an infinite vertical heated wavy surface. The governing equations are transformed into dimensionless form and solutions are obtained for the two dimensional flow for both pure (α=0) and uneven surface (α ≠ 0). For pure vertical surface boundary layer equations are solved in the (i) upstream (small τ) (ii) downstream (large τ) and (iii) entire (0<τ<∞) regimes using analytical and numerical techniques. A very good agreement is found when results of above mentioned regimes are compared. Further, for wavy surface solutions are obtained for the entire time regime and results are discussed in terms of average Nusselt number coefficient and isotherms. Numerical results are served to reveal the influence of the physical parameters such as the Prandtl number, Pr, and wavy geometry, α, for the surface conditions.
Korean L2 speakers’ regulatory focus and oral task performance
Authors: Han Yeji , McDonough Kim
Published: May 2017

The L2 motivation self system posits that motivation emerges from the dynamic interactions among a learner’s ideal L2 self, ought-to L2 self, and situated learning experience. Only a few studies to date have investigated the individual and combined impact of trait-based and task-induced motivation (i. e., situational motivation related to the immediate learning environment) on L2 performance. Therefore, the current study explored whether Korean L2 speakers’ trait-based and task-induced regulatory focus impacted their oral task performance. Vietnamese university students (N=62) studying Korean as a foreign language completed a questionnaire to assess their L2 instrumentality as being oriented toward prevention or promotion. They were randomly assigned to promotion or prevention task-induced conditions, and then carried out an oral task. The results indicated that whereas the participants’ general motivational tendencies did not impact their task performance, the task-induced prevention condition facilitated faster speech rate (i. e., fluency) and lower error rate (i. e., accuracy) than the promotion condition. Implications for further studies are discussed.
Energy conservation: A theory of L2 ultimate attainment
Authors: Han ZhaoHong , Bao Gang , Wiita Paul
Published: May 2017

The current theoretical landscape of second language acquisition (SLA) features abundance, disunity, and fragmentation. As early as 1993, Long counted 68 theories. That number, for sure, has only multiplied in the ensuing years, though what exactly counts as a theory has remained conceptually unsettled. Extant theories are diverse and disparate; they do not seem to gravitate toward a coherent understanding of SLA. In this article, we argue that a way to make theoretical headways is by engaging critical, well-established phenomena, a theoretical path that has long been noted but has remained intact. Using ultimate attainment, one of such phenomena, as an object of theorizing, we propose a new theory to both complement the theoretical spectrum in SLA and provide for a more holistic understanding of the phenomenon at hand.
Same difference? L1 influence in the use of initial adverbials in English novice writing
Authors: Van Vuuren Sanne , Berns Janine
Published: May 2017

This paper examines the use of clause-initial adverbials in English novice writing. Previous research has identified frequent use of such adverbials as characteristic of Dutch EFL writing. Our contrastive corpus analysis of novice writing by Dutch and Francophone learners as well as native speakers allows us to determine whether this use of initial adverbials is (a) a V2 transfer effect, (b) a general interlanguage feature, independent of learners’ L1, or (c) a characteristic of novice writing in general, holding true for both native and non-native writers. We will show that both learner groups are ‘equally different’ from the native-speaker novice writers in their frequent use of initial adverbials, but appear to have distinct underlying reasons for this linguistic behaviour: Francophone writers place adverbials in initial position more often for stylistic purposes, while Dutch writers have a stronger tendency to use initial adverbials for local discourse linking.
Approximation of entire transcendental functions of several complex variables in some Banach spaces for slow growth
Authors: Kumar Devendra
Published: May 2017

In the present paper, the coefficients characterizations of generalized type
Review. Perioperative Management of Lactic Acidosis in End-Stage Liver Disease Patient
Authors: Vitin Alexander A. , Azamfirei Leonard , Tomescu Dana , Lang John D.
Published: May 2017

Lactic acidosis (LA) in end-stage liver disease (ESLD) patients has been recognized as one of the most complicated clinical problems and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Multiple-organ failure, associated with advanced stages of cirrhosis, exacerbates dysfunction of numerous parts of lactate metabolism cycle, which manifests as increased lactate production and impaired clearance, leading to severe LA-induced acidemia. These problems become especially prominent in ESLD patients, that undergo partial hepatectomy and, particularly, liver transplantation. Perioperative management of LA and associated severe acidemia is an inseparable part of anesthesia, post-operative and critical care for this category of patients, presenting a wide variety of challenges. In this review, lactic acidosis applied pathophysiology, clinical implications for ESLD patients, diagnosis, role of intraoperative factors, such as anesthesia- and surgery-related, vasoactive agents impact, and also current treatment options and modalities have been discussed.
An innovative mindfulness and educational care approach in an adult patient affected by gastroesophageal reflux: the IARA model
Authors: De Giorgio Andrea , Loscalzo Rita Maria , Ponte Marco , Padovan Anna Maria , Graceffa Giuseppina , Gulotta Francesca
Published: May 2017

Patients affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have a poor quality of life caused by several manifestations such as cough, asthma, laryngitis and dental erosion. The clinical conditions are highly disabling for patients and symptoms are difficult to manage. These conditions lead to many discomforts which contribute to an increase of the disease perception. For these reasons, it is important to improve the interventions on psychological aspects that ameliorate the patients’ quality of life. The application of IARA model has proven useful to decrease GERD symptoms, distress and medication intake and to increase adherence to care, improving the patient’s quality of life.
Advanced methods for computation of electrical parameters for overhead transmission lines
Authors: Cenký Matej , Bendík Jozef , Eleschová Žaneta
Published: May 2017

This paper is aimed on the calculation of the electrical parameters of the overhead transmission lines. Standard trans- position and untransposed calculations are presented, also with results on the existing power line on 110 kV voltage level and known measured values of the electrical parameters. These measured parameters are used as the reference values. A presumption is made, that through more complex calculation one can achieve better results. The real results achieved are presented and compared with an ideal presumption
Evaluation of interaction dynamics of concurrent processes
Authors: Sobecki Piotr , Białasiewicz Jan T. , Gross Nicholas
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this paper is to present the wavelet tools that enable the detection of temporal interactions of concurrent processes. In particular, the determination of interaction coherence of time-varying signals is achieved using a complex continuous wavelet transform. This paper has used electrocardiogram (ECG) and seismocardiogram (SCG) data set to show multiple continuous wavelet analysis techniques based on Morlet wavelet transform. MATLAB Graphical User Interface (GUI), developed in the reported research to assist in quick and simple data analysis, is presented. These software tools can discover the interaction dynamics of time-varying signals, hence they can reveal their correlation in phase and amplitude, as well as their non-linear interconnections. The user-friendly MATLAB GUI enables effective use of the developed software what enables to load two processes under investigation, make choice of the required processing parameters, and then perform the analysis. The software developed is a useful tool for researchers who have a need for investigation of interaction dynamics of concurrent processes.
On τσ-quasinormal subgroups of finite groups
Authors: Beidleman James C. , Skiba Alexander N.
Published: May 2017

Let

σ
=

{

σ
i

∣

i
∈
I

}

{\sigma=\{\sigma_{i}\mid i\in I\}}

be a partition of
the set of all primes

ℙ

{\mathbb{P}}

and G a finite group.
A set

ℋ

{{\mathcal{H}}}

of subgroups of G is said to be a complete Hall
σ-set of G if every member

≠
1

{\neq 1}

of

ℋ

{{\mathcal{H}}}

is a Hall

σ
i

{\sigma_{i}}

-subgroup of G for some

i
∈
I

{i\in I}

and

ℋ

{\mathcal{H}}

contains exactly one Hall

σ
i

{\sigma_{i}}

-subgroup of G
for every i such that

σ
i

∩

π
⁢

(
G
)

≠
∅

{\sigma_{i}\cap\pi(G)\neq\emptyset}

.

Let

τ
ℋ

(
A
)

=

{

σ
i

∈
σ

(
G
)

∖
σ

(
A
)

∣
σ

(
A
)

∩
σ

(

H
G

)

≠
∅

\tau_{\mathcal{H}}(A)=\{\sigma_{i}\in\sigma(G)\setminus\sigma(A)\mid\sigma(A)%
\cap\sigma(H^{G})\neq\emptyset

for a Hall

σ
i

{\sigma_{i}}

-subgroup H of

G
}

{G\}}

. We say that a subgroup A of G is

τ
σ

{\tau_{\sigma}}

-permutable or

τ
σ

{\tau_{\sigma}}

-quasinormal in
G with respect to

ℋ

{{\mathcal{H}}}

if

A
⁢

H
x

=

H
x

⁢
A

{AH^{x}=H^{x}A}

for all

x
∈
G

{x\in G}

and
all

H
∈
ℋ

{H\in\mathcal{H}}

such that

σ
⁢

(
H
)

⊆

τ
ℋ

⁢

(
A
)

{\sigma(H)\subseteq\tau_{\mathcal{H}}(A)}

, and

τ
σ

{\tau_{\sigma}}

-permutable or

τ
σ

{\tau_{\sigma}}

-quasinormal in
G if A is

τ
σ

{\tau_{\sigma}}

-permutable in
G with respect to some complete Hall
σ-set of G.

We study G assuming that

τ
σ

{\tau_{\sigma}}

-quasinormality is a transitive
relation in G.
Effect of pouring temperature on A356-TiB2 MMCs cast in sand and permanent moulds by in-situ method
Authors: Rajaravi C. , Lakshminarayanan P.R.
Published: May 2017

The paper describes a different condition of pouring temperature by sand and permanent mould to produce A356-6 wt% TiB2 metal matrix composites by in-situ method salt metal reaction route. The observation of SEM micrographs shows particle distribution of the TiB2 and it appears in hexagonal shape in Al matrix. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of those TiB2 particulates and the results showed TiB2 particles are homogeneously dispersed throughout the matrix metal. Subsequent structure-property evaluation studies indicated sub-micron size reinforcement of in-situ formed TiB2 particles with improved physical and mechanical properties as compared to sand and permanent mould of Al-TiB2 composites. From, the permanent mould Al-TiB2 composite has an advantage of increase the properties over sand mould Al-TiB2 composite.
Wikipedia Users in the Light of International Research – Practical Implications
Authors: Bartosik-Purgat Małgorzata
Published: May 2017

Innovations, new technological solutions by means of which users have constant access to information from all over the world, are continuously influencing the way people live. A very important moment in the development of using the Internet was the appearance of the first social media. One of the first and most widely known is Wikipedia, described as the Internet encyclopaedia.

The aim of the article is to identify the ways of using Wikipedia by individual users in various foreign countries, with respect to the characteristics such as age, gender and education. The analysis of the literature has been complemented with the results of the empirical study that was conducted in several countries (China, Germany, India, Poland, Russia, Spain, the United States and Turkey). The analysis of the empirical data showed significant differentiation of the influence of the studied determinants on the ways of using the Wikipedia resources. In the majority of the studied groups gender was the most differentiating determinant.
Management Students′ Expectations towards Organizational Leaders. Polish Case in the Context of other CEE Countries
Authors: Haromszeki Łukasz
Published: May 2017

In this article the author, after the presentation of some theoretical assumptions, presents the management students′ opinions about their expectations towards organizational leaders. The author attempts to determine the similarities and differences in respondents′ expectations related to their gender, different level of studies - bachelor, master and postgraduate, and stage of life. The results show that these factors have an impact on individual expectations towards leaders′ features and style of behavior. The data obtained is also correlated with author’s previous studies in this domain conducted by using different methods of research in groups of students from 12 countries. The author also compares the results of his research to other international studies of future managers′ expectations (students of management) towards organizational leaders, which according to their knowledge and impression are a guarantee of success in their cultural environment.
Leadership and Management in Clinical Biochemistry
Authors: Jørgensen Per E.
Published: May 2017

Challenging times lay ahead for laboratory medicine in Europe due to at least three factors. 1) The scientific and technological developments increase the diagnostic possibilities but at the same time they will also change the interfaces among the different specialties of laboratory medicine. 2) The demographic changes with a more elderly population increase the demands for laboratory tests. 3) The increased complexity of the health care system combined with more well-informed patients calls for more coherent clinical pathways across the different sectors, for an increased focus on patient safety, and for a stronger involvement of patients and relatives. These issues cause both threats and opportunities for laboratory medicine – and they have to be handled in a situation with limited economic growth and shortage of money. This calls for a new organization of laboratory medicine in many hospitals as well as for a more active involvement of laboratory medicine in the clinical work and in the contact with the patients. Laboratory medicine will need dedicated and skillful leadership in order to prosper and grow during these challenging changes.