bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intravenous Glomus Tumor Masquerading as Lateral Antebrachial Cutaneous Neuroma
Authors: Chim Harvey , al-Qattan Husain , Valencia Herbert , Brathwaite Carole , Price Andrew , Grossman John A. I.
Published: October 2016

Background: Intravenous glomus tumors are extremely rare. Methods: We report a patient with an intravenous glomus tumor within a venous aneurysm misdiagnosed as a neuroma of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve, based on clinical exam, electrodiagnostic studies, and findings on a magnetic resonance imaging neurogram. Results: After surgical resection, the patient’s symptoms, including pain and localized hypersensitivity, totally resolved. Conclusions: This case illustrates 2 important points. First, unlike extradigital glomus tumors, magnetic resonance imaging is not reliable in diagnosing intravenous glomus tumors. Second, in the presence of chronic localized neuroma type pain and sensitivity in the upper limb without a clear cause, an extradigital cutaneous or intravenous glomus tumor must be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Embolization with larger-caliber coils can increase packing density: Evidence from the pilot phase of a randomized trial
Authors: Cloutier Francis , Khoury Naim , Ghostine Jimmy , Farzin Behzad , Kotowski Marc , Weill Alain , Roy Daniel , Raymond Jean
Published: October 2016

Background and purpose

Endovascular coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms is associated with suboptimal angiographic results in up to 20–30% of patients. Coil packing density has been used as an index of the success of the initial procedure. The trial sought to study the effects of using 15-caliber coils, as compared with 10-caliber coils, on packing density.

Methods

Does Embolization with Larger coils lead to better Treatment of Aneurysms (DELTA) is an investigator-initiated multicenter prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Patients are randomized 1:1 to embolization with either 10-caliber coils exclusively (control group) or the highest safely achievable proportion of 15-caliber coils and 10-caliber coils if necessary (intervention group) in 4–12-mm aneurysms. The endpoint of the pilot phase of the trial was the capacity to increase packing density of the initial procedure, calculated using a mathematical transformation of the dimensions entered into the case report forms. Secondary outcomes included the total number of coils used per aneurysm, total fluoroscopy time, initial angiographic outcomes and any adverse or undesirable event.

Results

Seventy patients were recruited between June 2014 and November 2015. Compared with 10-caliber coils, the 15-caliber coil group had a higher median packing density (44% vs 24%, p = 0.017). Results of other outcome measures were similar for the two groups.

Conclusion

Coiling of small and medium aneurysms randomized to 15-caliber coils achieved higher packing densities compared with coiling using 10-caliber coils.
Design of a filling ratio observer for a hydraulic retarder: An analysis of vehicle thermal management and dynamic braking system
Authors: Zheng Hongpeng , Lei Yulong , Song Pengxiang
Published: October 2016

Hydraulic retarders are auxiliary braking devices that reduce vehicle speed by converting its kinetic energy into thermal energy of a working fluid. This study analyzes the torque-output characteristics of a new type of hydraulic retarder and optimizes its control strategy under different braking conditions. The design of an observer is based on an analysis of the vehicle dynamic system to ensure that it sets the control target of the dynamic filling ratio for hydraulic control system. With the assistance of the observer, the hydraulic retarder can produce the required braking torque as quickly and as accurately as possible. This study simulates a feedback control system of the vehicle dynamic model with the observer. The results prove that even if the vehicle is driven under complex conditions wherein the slope of the road is changed, the observer effectively sets a control target of the filling ratio for the hydraulic control system. This mechanism strengthens the adaptability and accuracy of the hydraulic retarder control strategy.
Statistical analysis plan for the family-led rehabilitation after stroke in India (ATTEND) trial: A multicenter randomized controlled trial of a new model of stroke rehabilitation compared to usual care
Authors: Billot Laurent , Lindley Richard I , Harvey Lisa A , Maulik Pallab K , Hackett Maree L , Murthy Gudlavalleti VS , Anderson Craig S , Shamanna Bindiganavale R , Jan Stephen , Walker Marion , Forster Anne , Langhorne Peter , Verma Shweta J , Felix Cynthia , Alim Mohammed , Gandhi Dorcas BC , Pandian Jeyaraj Durai
Published: October 2016

Background

In low- and middle-income countries, few patients receive organized rehabilitation after stroke, yet the burden of chronic diseases such as stroke is increasing in these countries. Affordable models of effective rehabilitation could have a major impact. The ATTEND trial is evaluating a family-led caregiver delivered rehabilitation program after stroke.

Objective

To publish the detailed statistical analysis plan for the ATTEND trial prior to trial unblinding.

Methods

Based upon the published registration and protocol, the blinded steering committee and management team, led by the trial statistician, have developed a statistical analysis plan. The plan has been informed by the chosen outcome measures, the data collection forms and knowledge of key baseline data.

Results

The resulting statistical analysis plan is consistent with best practice and will allow open and transparent reporting.

Conclusions

Publication of the trial statistical analysis plan reduces potential bias in trial reporting, and clearly outlines pre-specified analyses.

Clinical Trial Registrations

India CTRI/2013/04/003557; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN1261000078752; Universal Trial Number U1111-1138-6707.
Embracing ontological doubt: The role of ‘reality’ in political realism
Authors: Stullerova Kamila
Published: October 2016

While a number of scholars argue that classical realism is conspicuously similar to critical international relations, this article takes an issue with such an interpretation. It does not challenge the observation that both approaches are comparable when it comes to ethical concerns and a related critique of modernity, but it puts forth an argument that they differ fundamentally when it comes to their basic intellectual motivation and purpose. This also makes classical realism more ready to formulate normative judgment. To articulate what provides for the ethical impetus in classical realism, the study turns to the work of Stephen Turner and his collaborators who illuminate Weberian sources of classical realist social science. Adopting the category of analyticism from Patrick Jackson, it further puts forth that normative judgment is linked to classical realism’s inherent ontological doubt, a feature it compensates for by focusing on epistemology necessitating constant engagement with empirical reality as a source of its (weak) ontological orientation. As a result, classical realism is reinforced here as an approach to international relations worth reviving and further developing.
Digital Platforms and Differential Gains
Authors: Martin Jason A.
Published: October 2016

The relationship of digital media platforms and public participation in election campaigns was investigated through an original survey of randomly selected registered voters. The goal was to produce a better understanding of how exposure and attention to political news on different digital platforms were associated with participatory behaviors and to test whether the association of participation and digital news was moderated by online political expression as predicted by the differential gains model of political engagement. Among platforms, news websites, Facebook, and Twitter produced the strongest positive relationship with online expression, while news websites and mobile news apps were the strongest predictors of off-line participation. Online expression was significantly related to participation, and enhanced digital news use’s association with participation across platforms. These results hold practical implications for journalists to better understand how to allocate resources across digital platforms, anticipate audience interest, and engage with digital news users during election campaigns.
Economic inequality and belief in meritocracy in the United States
Authors: Solt Frederick , Hu Yue , Hudson Kevan , Song Jungmin , Yu Dong “Erico”
Published: October 2016

How does the context of income inequality in which people live affect their belief in meritocracy, the ability to get ahead through hard work? A prominent recent study by Newman, Johnston, and Lown argues that, consistent with the conflict theory, exposure to higher levels of local income inequality leads lower-income people to become more likely to reject—and higher-income people to become more likely to accept—the dominant United States ideology of meritocracy. Here, we show that this conclusion is not supported by the study’s own reported results and that even these results depend on pooling three distinctly different measures of meritocracy into a single analysis. We then demonstrate that analysis of a larger and more representative survey employing a single consistent measure of the dependent variable yields the opposite conclusion. Consistent with the relative power theory, among those with lower incomes, local contexts of greater inequality are associated with more widespread belief that people can get ahead if they are willing to work hard.
How the Non-Work Environment Can Affect Worker and Family Health
Authors: Rittle Chad
Published: October 2016

Occupational health nurses are familiar with environmental exposures workers encounter in their workplaces. However, employees are only “on-the-job” about one third of each workday, with a multitude of potential exposures in other environments that can affect their health. This article addresses some of the major exposures employees encounter outside the workplace—air, water, and soil pollution, and hazardous wastes—including a discussion of several well-known national and international environmental incidents. The major sources of these pollutants and how they contaminate the environment were investigated. Finally, risk assessment and communication along with effective strategies for educating employees and the community are presented.
A cost-effectiveness analysis of screening for intracranial aneurysms in persons with one first-degree relative with subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Hopmans Esther M , Ruigrok Ynte M , Bor Anne SE , Rinkel Gabriel JE , Koffijberg Hendrik
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Although persons with one first-degree relative with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage have an increased risk of aneurysm formation and aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, screening them for unruptured intracranial aneurysms was not beneficial in a modelling study from the 1990s. New data on the risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in these persons and improved treatment techniques call for reassessment of the cost-effectiveness of screening.

Patients and methods

We used a cost-effectiveness analysis using a Markov model and Monte Carlo simulation comparing screening and preventive aneurysm treatment with no screening in persons with one first-degree relative with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. We analyzed the impact on quality-adjusted life years, costs and net health benefit of single screening (at varying screening age) and serial screening (with varying screening age and intervals) using a cost-effectiveness threshold of €20,000/quality-adjusted life year.

Results

In 17 of the 24 strategies assessed, additional costs for screening for unruptured intracranial aneurysm were <€20,000 per quality-adjusted life year gained. The strategy with highest net health benefit was screening at age 40 and 55. Screening every five years from age 20 to 70 yielded the highest health benefits at the highest additional costs.

Discussion

Based on current risks of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage and complications of preventive treatment, several strategies to screen for unruptured intracranial aneurysm in persons with one first-degree relative with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage are cost effective compared with no screening, when applying a cost-effectiveness threshold of €20,000/quality-adjusted life year.

Conclusion

We recommend discussing with persons at risk the option of screening twice, at age 40 and 55, which will result overall in substantial health benefits at acceptable additional costs.
Unique but diverse: some observations on the formation, structure and morphology of halloysite
Authors: Jock Churchman G. , Pasbakhsh P. , Lowe D.J. , Theng B.K.G.
Published: October 2016

New insights from the recent literature are summarized and new data presented concerning the formation, structure and morphology of halloysite. Halloysite formation by weathering always requires the presence of water. Where substantial drying occurs, kaolinite is formed instead. Halloysite formation is favoured by a low pH. The octahedral sheet is positively charged at pH < ∼8, whereas the tetrahedral sheet is negatively charged at pH > ∼2. The opposing sheet charge would facilitate interlayer uptake of H2O molecules. When halloysite intercalates certain polar organic molecules, additional (hkl) reflections appear in the X-ray diffraction pattern, suggesting layer re-arrangement which, however, is dissimilar to that in kaolinite. Associated oxides and oxyhydroxides of Fe and Mn may limit the growth of halloysite particles as does incorporation of Fe into the structure. Particles of different shape and Fe content may occur within a given sample of halloysite.
A braided cancer river connects tumor heterogeneity and precision medicine
Authors: Hsieh James J. , Cheng Emily H.
Published: October 2016

With the ever‐increasing complexity of tumor heterogeneity (TH) discovered through cancer genome sequencing, it is apparent that TH has become the biggest hurdle for precision cancer therapeutics. Through studying the genomics of exceptional responders to targeted therapeutic agents in kidney cancer, we demonstrated parallel convergent gene/pathway/capability/function evolution of kidney cancer in the context of TH, which prompted us to propose a new cancer evolution model “the braided cancer river model”. Based on this model, we might be able to outsmart a given cancer type within an individual patient through simultaneously inhibiting preferred parallel pathways or sequential nodes. Thus, the goals of this perspective are to define tumor heterogeneity, discuss tumor evolution, introduce braided cancer river model, and improve precision medicine.
An application of full-waveform inversion to land data using the pseudo-Hessian matrix
Authors: Zheng Yikang , Zhang Wei , Wang Yibo , Xue Qingfeng , Chang Xu
Published: October 2016

Full-waveform inversion (FWI) is used to estimate the near-surface velocity field by minimizing the difference between synthetic and observed data iteratively. We apply this method to a data set collected on land. A multiscale strategy is used to overcome the local minima problem and the cycle-skipping phenomenon. Another obstacle in this application is the slow convergence rate. The inverse Hessian can enhance the poorly blurred gradient in FWI, but obtaining the full Hessian matrix needs intensive computation cost; thus, we have developed an efficient method aimed at the pseudo-Hessian in the time domain. The gradient in our FWI workflow is preconditioned with the obtained pseudo-Hessian and a synthetic example verifies its effectiveness in reducing computational cost. We then apply the workflow on the land data set, and the inverted velocity model is better resolved compared with traveltime tomography. The image and angle gathers we get from the inversion result indicate more detailed information of subsurface structures, which will contribute to the subsequent seismic interpretation.
The Sixth Day of Creation
Authors: LEVY-LYONS ANA
Published: October 2016

Over the past year, I preached a sermon series on the Torah’s seven days of creation at First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn, NY. In this series I lifted up the images of natural beauty and ecological abundance in this passionate text—a text that is too often claimed by (and ceded to) hard-line creationists and climate change deniers. Far from the conservative politics that such voices promote, I see the Genesis text as a call for human humility and environmental stewardship. It highlights the gorgeous and fragile gift we have been given in our planet Earth, celebrates its diversity, and casts humans as merely one thread in its living web. My interpretations in this series are partly my own midrash and partly the insights of traditional commentators. The following article is adapted from a sermon I delivered on the sixth day of creation, the creation of land animals and humans.
Approach to patients with refractory coeliac disease
Authors: Nasr Ikram , Nasr Iman , Campling Hannah , Ciclitira Paul J.
Published: October 2016

Refractory coeliac disease (RCD) is a recognised complication, albeit very rare, of coeliac disease (CD). This condition is described when individuals with CD continue to experience enteropathy and subsequent or ongoing malabsorption despite strict adherence to a diet devoid of gluten for at least 12 months and when all other causes mimicking this condition are excluded. Depending on the T-cell morphology and T-cell receptor (TCR) clonality at the β/γ loci, RCD can be subdivided into type 1 (normal intra-epithelial lymphocyte morphology, polyclonal TCR population) and type 2 (aberrant IELs with clonal TCR). It is important to differentiate between the two types as type 1 has an 80% survival rate and is managed with strict nutritional and pharmacological management. RCD type 2 on the other hand has a 5-year mortality of 50% and can be complicated by ulcerative jejunitis or enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL). Management of RCD type 2 has challenged many experts, and different treatment approaches have been adopted with variable results. Some of these treatments include immunomodulation with azathioprine and steroids, methotrexate, cyclosporine, alemtuzumab (an anti CD-52 monoclonal antibody), and cladribine or fludarabine sometimes with autologous stem cell transplantation. In this article, we summarise the management approach to patients with RCD type 2.
Zika mosquito vectors: the jury is still out
Authors: Leal Walter S.
Published: October 2016

After a 40-year hiatus, the International Congress of Entomology (ICE 2016) convened in Orlando, Florida (September 25-30, 2016). One of the symposia at ICE 2016, the Zika Symposium, covered multiple aspects of the Zika epidemic, including epidemiology, sexual transmission, genetic tools for reducing transmission, and particularly vector competence. While there was a consensus among participants that the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is a vector of the Zika virus, there is growing evidence indicating that the range of mosquito vectors might be wider than anticipated. In particular, three independent groups from Canada, China, and Brazil presented and discussed laboratory and field data strongly suggesting that the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, also known as the common mosquito, is highly likely to be a vector in certain environments.
Lichen Biomonitoring on the Territory of Tailings Ponds of Mining Company (the Case of Kemerovo Region)
Authors: Большунова  , Bolshunova T. , Рихванов  , Rikhvanov L.
Published: October 2016

This paper represents data about the levels of accumulation of chemical elements in epiphytic lichen species Hypogymniaphysodes and Everniamesomorpha, in the territory adjacent to the Komsomolsk and Ursk tailings in Kemerovo region (Russia). The concentrations of 58 chemical elements in samples were determined by the mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. According to results of comparison with background concentrations of the chemical elements, the specificity of the geochemical composition of lichens from Komsomolsk tailing heightened in 2.5 to 17 times the concentration of As, Cd, Sb, Hg, Au. Lichens specialization of Ursk tailing manifested in abnormally high in 3-62 times contents of As, Cd, Sb, Hg, Au, and Mn, Se, Ag, Ba, Eu, Pb, Bi. The results of this research testify that the elemental composition of lichens is directly related to the specificity of the matter composition of the tailings from mining and ore processing. Ursk tailing has higher risk of impact on the environment.
The Legal Regulation of First Aid to Injured at Work
Authors: Федорец  , Fedorets Aleksandr , Шведов  , Shvedov R.
Published: October 2016

First aid to injure of accidents at work takes the significant place in the system of labor protection as an important element of preserving life and safety of workers who are injured or have experienced a sharp deterioration in health during working hours. Nevertheless, the legal component of first aid has not yet been worked out in detail. As shown in the article, the main problem is that first aid treatment to injure at work is not limited to labor legislation, but is also an important part of the legislation on the protection of public health, criminal law. The article offers a comprehensive, systematic look at the legal aspects of first aid treatment at work with a focus on the need for an explicit separate determination and enforcement of the legal process "empower" and "bind" in organization of the first aid treatment at the employer.
Complete Street Maintenance and Road Safety Improvement (Canada and USA Practices)
Authors: Нарбеков  , Narbekov M.
Published: October 2016

The article represents North American practices of sustanable transportation modes prevalence, including pedestrian and

bycicle travel choices. This publication also adduces the definition of “Complete Streets”, describes the structure of Multimodal

Transportation Corridors, discloses the streetscaping advantages and environmental improuvements, subject to economy,

soicial and ecology сomponents, safety enhancement of community residences of all ages and abilities. Maximizing the safety

and security of all road users and mode-shifters is a fundamental objective of the urban planners and enironmental designers.

While transportation facilities are initially built to optimize safety, operating environments and user expectations can change

over time. Without additional preventative measures, undesirable conditions and behaviours can lead to property damages,

injuries and fatalities. These risks can be mitigated through multidisciplinary road safety strategies that use infrastructure,

operations and services to address road users, road environments and vehicles. Facilities and services for walking, cycling and

transit can also be made safer and more secure for users. Outreach can help travellers reduce their exposure to risk by shifting

to a safer mode, or by adopting safer behaviour. Perceptions related to safety can influence individuals’ choice of travel modes,

and safety initiatives can help the cities achieve its objectives for walking, cycling and transit use.
Research of the Influence of Meteorological Conditions, Quantity and Physic Chemical Properties of the Hazardous Chemical Substances on the Basic Parameters of Chemical Contamination Zone
Authors: Кирсанов  , Kirsanov A. , Синицын  , Sinitsyn V. , Кожемякина  , Kozhemyakina E.
Published: October 2016

The work is devoted to the study of influence of mass emergency chemically hazardous substances, the physic chemical

properties and weather conditions at the time of release of substance into the environment on value actual area of chemical

contamination. The studies were carried out using software that implements «Highly toxic substances infection`s the extent

forecasting the method in case of accidents (destruction) on chemically hazardous objects and transport». Research has

shown a significant impact on the value of the actual area of the zone of chemical contamination to the degree of vertical

stability of air. With the increase of temperature increases the area of infection. At the same time, the wind leads to

a decrease in the area of the zone of chemical contamination. The increasing mass of the substances involved in the

accident, leads to an almost linear growth of the actual area of infection. With the simultaneous study of two substances

is slightly different in mass and toxicity to chlorine at the same weight and the weather conditions revealed an interesting

phenomenon: the magnitude of the actual area of chemical contamination, at a smooth temperature increase of the air

change dramatically. A detailed study the phenomenon found that in addition to weather conditions, toxicity and mass

of substances on the basic characteristics of the infected areas is also affected by the physic and chemical properties of

substances: density of air, buoyancy and stability of the substance at temperatures.
World Rating of Higher Education Institutions in 2016 and Position of Russian Universities
Authors: Девисилов  , Devisilov Vladimir
Published: October 2016

The article presents the rating of higher education institutions of the world in 2016, including the position of Russian

universities. The methodology and indicators used in the formation of the rating, and its results are analyzed. The article

considers the three most well-known rankings - Shanghai (ARWU), QS World University Rankings, The World University

Rankings.
The effect of increasing physical activity and/or omega-3 supplementation on fatigue in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: McNelly Angela S , Monti Marilina , Grimble George K , Norton Christine , Bredin Frances , Czuber-Dochan Wladyslawa J , Berliner Stuart , Forbes Alastair
Published: October 2016

This study tested the effect of individualised advice to increase physical activity and/or omega-3 fatty acid suppleme ntation on fatigue in inactive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients in remission were recruited to a pilot study using a randomised controlled 2x2 factorial design comparing baseline and post-intervention fatigue scores. Interventions (12 weeks) were 15-minute exercise consultation and/or 2970 mg/day omega-3 supplementation and controls were general health discussion and/or placebo. From n=656 screened patients, n=74 who met the eligibility criteria were random ised, n=60 commenced and n=52 completed the study. Fatigue measured with Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) score was worse with omega-3 supplementation and unchanged with exercise advice. Fatigue, measured by Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Fatigue (IBD-F) score, was reduced with exercise advice. Advice to increase physical activity and omega-3 supplementation, singly or in combination, was shown to be well-tolerated in IBD patients in remission. There was no evidence of exercise-related adverse effects on gut symptoms. Fatigue (IBD-F score) was reduced with exercise advice, but fatigue (FACIT-F score) was unchanged. Increasing fatigue with omega-3 supplementation is unexplained. Regular exercise may be a self-management option in IBD-related fatigue.
Botanical survey in thirteen montane forests of Bawean Island Nature Reserve, East Java Indonesia: Flora diversity, conservation status, and bioprospecting
Authors: TRIMANTO TRIMANTO , HAPSARI LIA
Published: October 2016

Trimanto, Hapsari L. 2016. Botanical survey in thirteen montane forests of Bawean Island Nature Reserve, East JavaIndonesia: Conservation status, bioprospecting and potential tourism. Biodiversitas 17: 832-846. Bawean Island which located between Borneo and Java islands possessed unique and distinctive abiotic and biotic resources. Botanical survey has been conducted in Bawean Island Nature Reserve. This paper reported the results of inventory study of plant bioresources in 13 montane forests of Bawean Island, discussed their conservation status, bioprospecting on some wild plant species and potential development subjected to some conservation areas. Inventory results in montane forests showed that it was registered about 432 plant species under 286 genera and 103families; comprised of 14 growth habits in which tree plants were the most dominant with about 237 species. Conservation status evaluation showed that there are at least 33 species of plants included in IUCN list comprised of 30 species categorized as least concern and 3 species considered at higher risk of extinction i.e. Podocarpus rumphii (Near Threatened); Pterocarpus indicus and Memecylon myrtilloides (Vulnerable). Bioprospecting results showed that 10 tuberous plants prospected as food sources; 19 woody plants prospected as timber sources, and 28 plants prospected as ornamental plants. There are at least 7 invasive alien plant species identifiedincluding Ageratum conyzoides, Chromolaena odorata, Eupatorium inulifolium, Lantana camara, Imperata cylindrica, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis and Themeda arguens. If well managed, the development of Bawean Island as nature-based and eco-tourism may contribute both to biodiversity conservation and alleviating prosperity of the local residents.
Crown shape dynamics of dense mangrove Kandelia obovata stands in Manko Wetland, Okinawa Island, Japan
Authors: ANALUDDIN KANGKUSO , SEPTIANA ANDI , SHARMA SAHADEV , HAGIHARA AKIO
Published: October 2016

Analuddin K, Septiana A, Sharma S, Hagihara A. 2016. Crown shape dynamics of dense mangrove Kandelia obovata standsin Manko Wetland, Okinawa Island, Japan. Biodiversitas 17: 865-872. The objectives of this study were to elucidate the crown structure dynamics for dense mangrove stands, and to know the crown shape maintenances and its important role for ensuring the stability and vitality the crowded mangrove forest. The growth parameters of K. obovata Shue, Liu & Yong stands, such as tree height H (m), height at the lowest living leaves HL (m), crown length CL (m) and crown width CW (m), were measured in the summer from 2004 to 2008. The crown shape dynamics were analyzed. The results showed that the HL was significantly increased with increasing H, which suggests thatthe crown changed to be dumpy as the stands grew. However, the CL of young stands increased and then decreased continuously as the stands grew, while the CL of mature stands decreased from 2004 to 2007 and then increased in 2008. Meanwhile, the CL/CW ratio of young stands decreased as the stands grew, while the CL/CW ratio of mature stands decreased and then increased, which imply that dense Kandelia obovata trees might transform their crown shape for reducing of competition for light among trees. Therefore, these resultssuggested that the crown shape of dense mangrove treesare dynamics as developing stands.
Formation of nickel–iron meteorites by chemical fluid transport
Authors: Schrön Werner
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT
The deposition of solid material from the gas phase via chemical vapor transport (CVT) is a well-known process of industrial and geochemical relevance. There is strong evidence that this type of thermodynamically driven chemical transport reaction plays a significant role in certain natural processes. This article presents detailed evidence that CVT is a highly plausible mechanism for the formation of iron meteorites. In this study, naturally occurring CVT is referred to as “chemical fluid transport” (CFT) and the end products deposited from the gas phase as “fluidites.”
Treating iron meteorites as cosmic fluidites enables simple solutions to be found to the problem of how they formed and to numerous related and in some cases unresolved questions.
This study is based on a thermodynamic trend analysis of solid–gas equilibrium reactions involving chlorine- and fluorine-containing compounds of 42 chemical elements that include a systematic examination of reaction dominance switching behavior. The study shows that octahedrites, hexahedrites and ataxites formed as a result of the transport of metal chlorides and fluorides (CFT) during accretion within the solar nebula. Siderophile elements are characterized by the similarities in their chemical transport properties. These chemical properties of the elements play a key role in determining the chemical composition of iron meteorites. The deposition of nickel–iron bodies occurs via back reaction after the transport of the gaseous halides. The back reaction leads to the thermodynamically favored deposition of schreibersite before troilite and of troilite before kamacite/taenite. The deposition temperature of octahedrites and hexahedrites lies below the temperature at which Widmanstätten patterns would be destroyed, while that of ataxites lies slightly above. Similarly, the occurrence of thermally instable cohenite in meteorites provides further support for the fluidite character of irons.
The variation in the trace element concentrations in iron meteorites is explained by enrichment and depletion mechanisms in the gas phase. The striking correlation between gallium and germanium abundances in iron meteorites is the result of similarities regarding the mobilization phase and the reaction dominance switching behavior of both elements, and crystal isomorphism.
These findings are supported by numerous arguments that provide evidence for the CFT model. The occurrence of the mineral lawrencite FeCl2 in meteorites is interpreted as an indication of the effectiveness of the chemical transport of FeCl2. The presence of meteorite alteration and the observed deviations from the solar elemental abundances in silicate meteorites are also explained in terms of the effectiveness of CFT-based mobilization.
Documenting Processes in Continuing Airworthiness Organizations
Authors: Hejný Martin
Published: October 2016

Activities in civil aviation organizations are affected by the growing number of requirements both from organizations’ customers as well as from regulatory authorities. The organizations are therefore encouraged to introduce and maintain an effective management system that will ensure achieving of desired objectives. In the area of continuing airworthiness there is a traditional approach to management represented by developing and maintaining organisation exposition, which is organised in accordance with guidelines provided by regulatory authorities. The expositions are therefore focused mostly on describing duties and responsibilities of organization’s departments instead of identifying processes from their inputs to outputs. We can say that the processes are hidden by organization structure creating barriers between individual departments. The issue described above can be addressed by implementing business process management approach which can be supported by number of software applications enabling the organization to clearly identify and organize its processes, workflow, responsibilities and finally its objectives including regulatory requirements to be met. This article introduces a brief methodology for implementing business process management in continuing airworthiness organizations using a commercially available business process modelling tools. By using the methodology the organization can create clear process documentation which can be distributed to all its employees showing their responsibilities in relation to company objectives and processes. With the business process management fully implemented and the approval of competent authority, the process documentation can supplement or even replace the traditional organization’s textual expositions, operations manuals or internal directives.
Changes of Mechanical Properties of Kumquat (Citrus Japonica Thunb.) and Cape Gooseberry (Physalis Peruviana L.) Fruits During Storage
Authors: Bohdziewicz Jerzy , Czachor Gabriel
Published: October 2016

The selected physical properties as well as mechanical proprieties of kumquat and cape gooseberry fruit kept in the temperature of 12°C for 3 days, 8°C for 6 days and 4°C for 9 days were studied. The mass and size of fruit in three perpendicular directions were determined and density and moisture of tested material were calculated. Compressive tests of whole fruit were conducted for two directions of load application in order to determine the unit work WP
an apparent coefficient of elasticity, stress σ and strain ε. The growth of inputs of the deformation work with expansion of the storage time was confirmed with regard to kumquat fruit which is related to the decrease of their conventional density. The decrease of the stress and elasticity values coefficient of cape gooseberry fruit with higher temperatures of storing expressed with the change of the slope angle of curves of the relation of stress-deformation was proved.
Analysis of Performance of Timber Harvesting With the Use of Highlander Harvester
Authors: Kormanek Mariusz , Kępa Mariusz
Published: October 2016

The paper presents the work performance analysis of timber harvesting with the use of Highlander harvester produced by KONRAD Forsttechnik GmbH. The analysis was performed based on the timing of the working day. We also assessed the organization of the machine operation in the research area and its functional capability. The study was conducted in Miçdzylesie Forest Department, Nowu Wieś Forestry in fresh mixed mountain forest, where the machine acquired spruce. Timing was perfonned based on the registration of the machine operation on a video camera and the measurements of collected assortment. Based on the results of measurements it was found that organization of the machine operation was not the best. A one-shift work system and short duration of a shift caused that the effective working time occupied only 67.9% of the shift time (about 4 hours). This resulted in reduction of the operating perfonnance on a working day which was only 12,7 m3·h−1, while an effective high-efficiency was 18.7 m3·h−1.
Osmotic Dehydration of Apples Under Reduced Pressure Conditions
Authors: Muszyński Siemowit , Kornarzyński Krzysztof , Gładyszewska Bożena
Published: October 2016

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of reduced pressure on the osmotic dehydration of apples. Tests were performed under vacuum of 8 kPa, 67 kPa, 80 kPa and under the atmospheric pressure (100 kPa). The samples were dehydrated in a sucrose solution with a concentration of 30°Bx, 50°Bx and 70°Bx. It has been shown that the effect of low pressure application depends significantly to the concentration of the osmotic solution. It has been found that the overall weight change significantly depend on the concentration of the solution, and after 3 hours of dehydration at a pressure of 80 kPa at solutions of 30°Bx, 50°Bx and 70°Bx total weight loss increased by 65%, 12% and 25% respectively, when compared to samples dehydrated at atmospheric pressure. From the studied variants of reduced pressure, the pressure of 80 kPa seems to be the optimal one, as evidenced by the lowest values of weight gain to water loss ratios for apples dehydrated in solutions of 50°Bx and 70°Bx.
Application of Hyperspectral Imaging for Cultivar Discrimination of Malting Barley Grains
Authors: Zapotoczny Piotr , Ropelewska Ewa
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study was to perform and evaluate the accuracy of classification of grains of different cultivars of malting barley. The grains of eight cultivars: Blask, Bor do, Con chita, Kormoran, Mercada, Serwal, Signora, Victoriana, with three moisture content: 12, 14, 16% were examined. The selected parameters of the surface texture of grain mass obtained from images taken using the techniques of hyperspectral imaging were determined. The accuracy of grains discrimination carried out using different methods of selection and classification of data was compared. The pairwise comparison and comparison of three, four and eight cultivars of malting barley were carried out. The most accurate discrimination was determined in the case of the pairwise comparison. Victoriana cultivar was the most different from the others. The most similar texture of grain mass was found in the comparison of cultivars: Blask and Mercada. In the case of eight examined cultivars of malting barley, the most accurate discrimination (classification error – 55%) was obtained for images taken at the moisture content of 14% and at a wavelength of 750 nm, for the attributes selection performed with the use of probability of error and average correlation coefficient (POE+ACC) method and the discrimination carried out using the linear discriminant analysis (LDA).
Some Remarks on Profile Decomposition Theorems
Authors: Devillanova Giuseppe , Solimini Sergio
Published: October 2016

In this paper we present, in the case of Sobolev spaces, some concentration-compactness theorems, nowadays known as profile decomposition theorems, which imply the most known results in literature, clarifying the connections between the different versions.
Alternative Methods of Collective Disputes Resolution in the Czech Republic
Authors: Hamuľáková Klára , Křiváčková Jana Petrov
Published: October 2016

On 11 June 2013, the Commission issued the Recommendation on common principles for injunctive and compensatory collective redress mechanisms in the Member States concerning the violations of rights granted under Union law. The main areas where private enforcement of rights granted under Union law in the form of collective redress is of value are consumer protection, competition, environment protection, protection of personal data, financial services legislation and protection of investments. Point 13 of the Recommendation concurrently emphasises that the principles it puts forward relate both to judicial and out-of-court collective redress. The Member States should ensure that judicial collective redress mechanisms are accompanied by appropriate means of collective alternative dispute resolution available to the parties before and throughout the litigation. Point 25 et seq. of the Recommendation then contains special regulations concerning collective alternative dispute resolution and settlements. The purpose of this article is to evaluate if the current legislation on alternative dispute resolution in the Czech Republic meets the principles encompassed in the Recommendation or if radical legal changes need to be adopted.
Using Fitness Value for Monitoring Kiwifruit’s Variant Seedling in Tissue Culture
Authors: Tang Shouguo , Li Yong , Zhang Zhikun
Published: October 2016

Based on Genetic Algorithm, a pattern recognition approach using fitness to dynamically monitor the sub cultured seeding of kiwifruit is proposed in order to decrease the loss of variant seedlings in tissue culture. By coding, selection, mutation and cross-overing the selected primer pairs of the sub cultured seeding, we simulate the process of optimizing the kiwifruit’s genomic DNA polymorphism. The corresponding fitness values of the primer pairs are evaluated with fitness function for monitor the variation of kiwi’s DNA. The result shows that kiwi’s plantlets can better maintain their genes’ genetic stability for the first to the ninth generation. But from the tenth generation, the fitness values become variation. The results are based on experimentation, which uses optimized AFLP system for analyzing genetic diversity of 75 samples of seventh to eleventh 5 generations of kiwi.
Synchronous Rendezvous Based on Cluster in Low-Duty-Cycle Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Cheng Shuhong , Zhang Wenke
Published: October 2016

This paper presents SRBC, a new design for synchronous rendezvous in low-duty-cycle Wireless Sensor Network (WSN).The main idea of SRBC is utilizing the cluster, which includes a part of the sensor nodes in the WSN. Each node in a cluster alters its clock drift as well as its skew towards the central node of the cluster through exchange of their clock information with normal communication. Then it reduces the overhead of the process usual for the traditional time-stamp exchange. In different clusters, the border nodes exchange the relative clock drift as well as the skew to improve the performance during the synchronous rendezvous. Results show that the design of SRBC is practical and effective.
Analysis of an Optimal Measurement Index Based on the Complex Network
Authors: Guan Hua , Zhao Zhen , Dai Lu
Published: October 2016

In this paper, the discussion on the scientific cooperation network structure, the use of complex network analysis and social network analysis and the network analysis result from a scientific cooperation in both dynamic and static perspective. This paper extracts articles from 1995 to 2015 in conference proceedings, as experimental data sets with the corresponding network are called data mining cooperative network. The classic center-based index analysis was proposed by an improved node center metrics (c-index), weighted measure of the power of collaborative network node cooperation.
Compound Controller for DC Motor Servo System Based on Inner-Loop Extended State Observer
Authors: Yang Jingxian
Published: October 2016

As DC motor servo systems are more and more widely applied in the manufacturing industry and aerospace domain, the requirements on control performance are increased by the complicated various working environments. With regard to the uncertainties including modeling error, parameter variations and external disturbances in DC motor servo system, one Nonlinear Extended Disturbance Observer (NESO) is constructed, and its output will be used as the design reference of disturbance compensation term in control system. Based on the as-built NESO in inner loop, one outer-loop compound controller by means of state-space design method is proposed in order to realize the high-precision position tracking ability of the servo system. Computer simulation results show that compared with conventional control schemes, the proposed control scheme can guarantee fewer tracking errors of DC motor servo system. Moreover, it possesses stronger robustness against system uncertainties including modeling error, parameter variations and friction moment disturbance.
Does a “Ceo Chairman” Guarantee Better Performance from a Firm?
Authors: Srbek Pavel , Dittrich Ludwig O.
Published: October 2016

This paper provides a brief review of the state of knowledge in the field of agency theory. The managerial power approach assumes that a chief executive officer is able to affect the scale of his or her pay. However, Kaplan (2012) and others see a different picture of the corporate-governance landscape, hence they provide certain market-based explanations for high compensation. Our paper examines the relationship between a firm’s performance and the amount of managerial compensation, and the ability of a CEO to affect a board’s decision regarding his or her total compensation. The dataset consists of 75 companies traded in the capital market in the US. Our panel dataset covers a 10-year period from 2004 to 2013. We developed a single equation panel data model. The resulting parameter values provide a different picture of CEO power and the interconnection between a firm’s performance and CEO pay in both sectors.