bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Human Resource Deliberating TQM Practice and Employees Job Satisfaction in Iran
Authors: Chaichi Amirkeyvan , Chaichi Kamelia
Published: July 2016

This study investigates the relationship between human resource practices focused on Total Quality Management (TQM) and employees satisfaction at small and medium organizations in Iran. TQM that deliver quality services cannot be achieved without the satisfaction of employees of the organization. Most corporate of TQM practices were selected from the available literature; empowerment, training, appraisal system and compensation for this study. The questionnaire includes 24 items, including demographic factors of employee, TQM practices and employee satisfaction. The study sample of this study was comprised of 112 respondents working at small and medium organizations in Tehran (capital city of Iran). Data was analyzed using the SPSS 17.0 software. Results of this study provide a strong relationship among TQM practices and employee satisfaction.
Piękno starzejącego się ciała: oczywisty czy pozorny wymiar wartości społecznych?
Authors: Bieńko Mariola
Published: July 2016

Celem artykułu jest przegląd teorii i badań empirycznych, dotyczących problematyki społecznego oraz subiektywnego obrazu ciała w procesie starzenia. W sferze publicznej panuje powszechne przekonanie, że wraz z wiekiem obniża się atrakcyjność, a według stereotypu starzy ludzie postrzegani są jako „brzydcy”. Wobec wyzwania, jakim jest starość, seniorzy dążą do utrzymania pozytywnej oceny swojej fizyczności, zarówno w dziedzinie wyglądu, jak i zdrowia. Nowe pokolenia kończące sześćdziesiąty rok życia ucieleśniają zmiany, wyrażające się w postaci dyskretnego wzrostu wydatków, wyższego poziomu aktywności fizycznej, przywiązywania większej wagi do reżimu diety i kondycji fizycznej oraz częstszego szukania pomocy w obszarze kosmetycznych i odmładzających technologii. Przeprowadzone analizy wskazały na to, że efekty naturalnego procesu starzenia podlegają społecznej stygmatyzacji. We współczesnym zachodnim społeczeństwie obsesja na punkcie młodzieńczego, pięknego wyglądu stała się powszechna, a jej rezultatem są procedury zmierzające do odwrócenia procesu starzenia. Potrzeba estetyzacji ciał i medialne epatowanie pięknem cenzurują starość w wymiarze cielesnym. W artykule szczególną uwagę poświęcono zagadnieniom zróżnicowania płciowego w kontekście starości. O ile można znaleźć liczne przykłady mężczyzn, będących bohaterami kultury masowej, którym „pozwolono” się zestarzeć, o tyle w przypadku kobiet obowiązkowe jest bycie „wiecznie młodą”.
CAMELS and Greek banking sector performance during the crisis an analysis and review of the evidence
Authors: Hyz Alina , Gikas Grigoris
Published: July 2016

The main objective of this study is to examine the performance of Greek banking sector and to identify the main problems and prospects of Greek banks. The analysis used the data from financial statements and statistical materials of four biggest commercial banks in Greece. The main methodology is CAMELS model. The paper is organized as follows: after the introduction, we briefly present the macroeconomic situation and the evolution of banking sector structure in Greece. This is followed by the presentation of research methodology and the data sources used in the analysis. The results are presented and discussed in next section. We conclude with study limitations and further opportunities for research.
Por um ensino de História referenciado na Educação Popular
Authors: Sousa Israel Soares , Silva Severino Bezerra
Published: July 2016

Buscamos refletir sobre a prática do ensino de História no Brasil e suas características eurocêntricas, na tentativa de superação do ensino tradicional e conteudista. Intentamos também analisar a relação entre a perspectiva da história local e o paradigma da Educação Popular. Essa expectativa parte de nossas vivências profissionais, nas quais percebemos que o ensino de história ainda privilegia os grandes fatos e os heróis, deixando de lado a vivência das classes populares. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo se configura como as reflexões teóricas iniciais do nosso doutoramento em educação, que tem como viés metodológico a Pesquisa Participante, a partir da implementação de um projeto didático em História Local e Educação Popular na Escola Estadual Papa Paulo VI, localizada do Bairro de Cruz das Armas, no município de João Pessoa (PB).
A Coordinated Emergency Response: A Color Dust Explosion at a 2015 Concert in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Chih-Ching , Shih Chung-Liang
Published: July 2016

In June 2015, nearly 500 concert attendees suffered injuries from smoke inhalation and severe burns following a color-dust explosion at a waterpark in Taiwan.

We report on the progressions of the incident and government responses, share cross-departmental mobilization and case management lessons, and reflect on clinical and complex policy issues emerged.

The timely and coordinated emergency responses, a high-quality universal health care system, and dedicated clinicians voluntarily working overtime resulted in an unprecedented 2.4% mortality rate (international statistics predicted 26.8%).
A Step Change in Drill-Bit Technology With Self-Adjusting Polycrystalline-Diamond-Compact Bits
Authors: Jain Jayesh R. , Ricks Gregory , Baxter Benjamin , Vempati Chaitanya , Peters Volker , Bilen Juan Miguel , Spencer Reed , Stibbe Holger
Published: July 2016

Since they were first introduced to the market decades ago, polycrystalline-diamond-compact (PDC) bits have undergone numerous technological improvements. One such example is depth-of-cut (DOC)-control technology. Introduced in the early 2000s, this technology emerged as an effective means to mitigate torsional vibrations by managing bit aggressiveness. Today, however, the drilling industry faces the task of drilling diverse sections of the well with a single bit. This is a significant challenge for fixed PDC bits, requiring a compromise that limits vibration mitigation in some sections of the well and/or top-end rate-of-penetration (ROP) performance in other sections.

This paper presents an innovative PDC bit that can self-adjust its DOC-control characteristics to the constantly changing drilling environment and mitigate vibrations while delivering improved ROP. The self-adaptation is accomplished through a passive hydromechanical feedback mechanism encapsulated in self-contained cartridges that are installed inside the bit blades. The DOC-control elements mounted on the cartridges respond to the external loads through strategically designed rate-sensitive retraction and extension strokes. During unfavorable dynamic events, the elements engage with the formation and mitigate dysfunctions. During normal steady-state drilling, the elements gradually adjust their exposure to enable fast and efficient drilling.

The operating principle of self-adjusting PDC bits is first demonstrated through laboratory drilling tests under confining pressure by use of full-scale prototype bits. The testing was expanded to a research well in the field to assess the ability to self-adapt and mitigate stick/slip vibrations. The field-test facility enables a controlled yet realistic environment with reduced uncertainty that is often not available in the field. The tests compare stick/slip tendencies of bits by building stability maps in weight-on-bit (WOB) and rev/min space by use of downhole measurements under similar operating conditions. Bits with the self-adjusting mechanism led to fewer instances of stick/slip than fixed PDC bits in multiple formation types. Self-adjusting bits significantly expanded the stable operating region and enabled operation at higher ROP.

The ability of the DOC-control elements to continuously self-adjust their exposure overcomes several other limitations posed by the fixed nature of traditional DOC control. The technology does not require a fixed predesigned exposure; prevents overengagement because of its ability to retract; and eliminates iterative tuning of DOC control currently in practice. The technology is also anticipated to absorb impacts in interbedded formations and reduce damage from improper starting procedures. With many PDC-bit drilling applications being torque-limited, the technology opens up several possibilities to reduce drilling costs.
Analytical Modeling of Linear Flow in Pressure-Sensitive Formations
Authors: Tabatabaie S. Hamed , Pooladi-Darvish Mehran , Mattar Louis , Tavallali Mohammad
Published: July 2016

The mathematical models commonly used to describe fluid flow through porous media are dependent on various simplifying assumptions, one of them being that the permeability is independent of pore pressure. However, during fluid withdrawal, reservoir permeability may be reduced because of deformation of the porous rock. The pressure dependence of permeability is more pronounced in tight formations. When dealing with pressure-sensitive formations, the assumption of a constant permeability is inappropriate.

In this study, analytical models are developed to model production from hydraulically fractured tight formations with pressure-dependent permeability, for both constant-pressure- and constant-rate production scenarios. By deriving an explicit relationship between time and pseudotime, it is shown that the analytical liquid solutions can be directly applied to pressure-dependent permeability reservoirs.

This paper develops the appropriate transformation, and discusses its application by comparing the numerical solution of the nonlinear problem with the analytical solution proposed here. The close agreement between these solutions demonstrates the accuracy of the proposed methodology in forecasting the behavior of pressure-sensitive formations. We used the models developed in this work to address the following question: Is it possible that the permeability is decreased so much that a reduction in rate results when drawdown is increased? We show that the answer to the question is no. Depending on the strength of the nonlinearity, there could be a point beyond which the rate will not improve measurably as the flowing pressure is lowered. However, for a particular reservoir with a constant-permeability modulus, it is not possible to reduce the production rate by increasing the drawdown. This is contrary to previous publications that suggest that in a reservoir with pressure-dependent permeability, there is an optimum drawdown for maximum production. In a companion paper, we explore conditions where such an optimum drawdown could exist.
Number of spermatozoa in the spermatheca of honey bee queens inseminated with small doses of semen and kept in an incubator in cages with different numbers of workers
Authors: Gąbka Jakub , Muszyńska Renata , Zajdel Barbara
Published: July 2016

In mass production, instrumentally inseminated honey bee queens are usually kept in mailing cages with a low number of workers and inseminated with small doses of semen. Inseminated queens should have more than 4 mln sperms in their spermatheca. The aim of this study was to investigate the number of spermatozoa entering the spermatheca of queens inseminated with different small doses of semen. Ninety queens were divided into six groups and inseminated as follows: 1µl, 2µl or 3µl of semen at the age of 7 days and 2x1µl, 2x2µl or 2x3µl at the age of 7 and 9 days. Queens were kept in the mailing cages with 15 or 25 attendant bees before and after instrumental insemination. No significant differences were found in mortality and the condition of oviducts of queens inseminated with different small doses of semen and kept in cages with 15 or 25 workers. Queens inseminated with 2x2µl of semen had significantly less sperms in their spermatheca than those inseminated with 2x3µl but signifficantly more than 2x1µl and 1µl, 2µl or 3µl. The smallest dose of semen used for instrumental insemination of honey bee queens should be 2x3µl. Significant differences in the number of spermatozoa in the spematheca of queens kept with 15 or 25 attendant bees were not found.
Current status of bluetongue in Europe
Authors: Niedbalski Wiesław
Published: July 2016

The article reviews the present epidemiological situation of bluetongue (BT) in Europe. After a four year break, disease caused by BTV serotype 8 reappeared in west Europe. On 11 September 2015, an outbreak of BTV8 was confirmed in central France (Allier department), and four weeks later, on 6 October, 45 outbreaks of 118 cases were confirmed in Allier, Puy-de-Dome, Creuse, Nicvre and Cher departments. Besides, BT caused by BTV1 and BTV4 is still circulating in some regions of southern and south-eastern Europe. Since 2013 disease caused by BTV1 was spreading extensively over the central and south Italy and in the south of French Corsica island. BTV1 cases were also confirmed in the southwest Spain (Cáceres and Toledo provinces) and at the end of 2014 BTV1 outbreak has been reported in a single (sentinel) holding in the region of Cadiz. More recently, BTV1 has been detected in Croatia (Sibenik area, Central Dalmatia). Furthermore, multiple outbreaks of BTV4 in cattle and sheep were reported across many regions of southern Europe. In the period from May to July 2014, 125 outbreaks of BTV4 have been confirmed in Greece (Peloponnese and Evros regions). The first suspicion of BTV4 in Spain was reported in September 2014 and at the beginning of December, 351 outbreaks were confirmed in the southern part of country. On 4 July 2014 the first outbreak of BTV4 was reported at the southeastern Bulgaria (Burgas Region), near the border with Turkey and by the end of 2014 disease was confirmed in all 28 administrative districts of Bulgaria. Moreover, on 23 August 2014 the first outbreak of BTV4 was confirmed in south-east of Romania (Buzau county) and as for 3 December 2014 disease was confirmed in 34 from 42 counties of this country, totally 1128 outbreaks and 4075 affected animals. After a few months break, in September BTV4 reappeared in Botosani county in northern Moldavia and on 6 October 14 outbreaks of 26 cases in cattle were confirmed. BTV4 outbreaks have also been reported in many other regions of Balkans countries: Albania, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. BTV4 infected animals were also detected in Hungary; the first outbreak was reported on 14 October 2014 in Csongrád county. Up to 5 December, 77 outbreaks (30 primary and 47 secondary) in 5 counties were confirmed. In September 2015, BTV4 reappeared and on 6 October, 12 outbreaks of 33 cases in cattle in Tolna, Baranya and Somogy county were reported. In total, in the whole Balkan/Peloponnese/Central Europe region, over 5500 outbreaks have been confirmed. Disease control measures, such as movement restrictions are in place although vaccination is not being used at present in the Eastern EU Member States for BTV4 because of a combination of vaccine availability, cost and farmer acceptance. BT restriction zones have been regularly updated and as of 6 October 2015, 12 zones were defined.
Comprendiendo los mecanismos de hiperacumulación de Cd en S. kali, una planta del desierto
Authors: De la Rosa Guadalupe , Martínez Alejandro , Castillo Hiram , Fuentes-Ramírez Rosalba , Gardea-Torresdey Jorge
Published: July 2016

Salsola kali, una planta desértica, ha sido propuesta como un potencial hiperacumulador de Cd. Estudios de espectroscopía de Rayos-X han mostrado que compuestos conteniendo oxígeno y grupos tiol están involucrados en la absorción de Cd en esta planta. Por ello se ha planteado que algunos ácidos orgánicos, pared celular, fitoquelatinas y otros compuestos conteniendo glutatión, pueden estar relacionados con los mecanismos de hiperacumulación de Cd en S. kali. En esta investigación se expusieron plantas silvestres a diferentes concentraciones de Cd para determinar el contenido de este metal en el xilema y floema, así como en fracciones proteínicas. Adicionalmente, extractos de las plantas se analizaron mediante cromatografía líquida a alta presión para identificar y cuantificar ácidos orgánicos. Las plantas se trataron con 0, 20, 200 y 400 mg Cd L-1 por 48 h en hidroponia. La incorporación de Cd se midió por separado en raíces, floema y xilema. Se encontró que en plantas tratadas con concentraciones de Cd por encima de los 200 mg Cd L-1, el contenido de Cd fue mayor en el floema que en el xilema. El perfil proteínico (SDS-PAGE) mostró que en plantas tratadas con Cd se incrementa la presencia de dos péptidos y se expresa uno nuevo. Después de una filtración en gel G25 y codeterminación de Cd, se encontró que es muy probable que dos proteínas (de 29 kDa y 14 kDa) estén asociadas al Cd. El uso de primers degenerados de la familia Brassica permitió la identificación de un posible gen de la fitoquelatin sintasa. Los ácidos cítrico y oxálico fueron identificados en los extractos de las plantas. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las concentraciones de ácido cítrico en plantas control y en aquellas tratadas con Cd. Por otro lado, la cantidad de ácido oxálico en plantas expuestas a Cd fue significativamente menor que en las plantas control. Estos datos pueden indicar que el Cd pudo haber precipitado como cristales de oxalato. Los resultados reportados aquí serán útiles para entender a mayor profundidad los mecanismos de hiperacumulación de Cd en S. kali.
La epistemología comparada y su impacto sobre la historiografía de la psicología
Authors: Christiansen Renaud María Luján
Published: July 2016

El presente trabajo expone los avances de una investigación cuyo objetivo general es el de explorar la fertilidad de la “epistemología comparada” defendida tempranamente por L. Fleck y retomada más tarde por la “nueva” filosofía de la ciencia de corte kuhniano. Se intenta, particularmente, estimar los alcances de sus reflexiones en el campo de la historiografía de la psicología, examinando de manera específica el problema del cambio de concepciones científicas en torno al fenómeno de las diferencias humanas individuales. Este artículo se concentra críticamente sobre la narrativa dominante en las historias de la psicología consideradas “tradicionales” (lineales, triunfalistas, continuistas) y propone como estudio de caso una relectura de la transición desde la ciencia del carácter del siglo XIX a la ciencia de la personalidad del siglo XX.Siguiendo la propuesta de Fleck acerca de la identificación de “estilos de pensamiento” que configuran las diversas maneras de plantear problemas, introducir hipótesis y someterlas a prueba, argumentaré a favor de un análisis epistemológico de ambas concepciones (caracterología y ciencia de la personalidad) teniendo en cuenta su condicionamiento histórico y social, tanto en lo que atañe a sus respectivas ideas como también a las normas epistémicas bajo las cuales han sido eventualmente validadas y aceptadas.
Determinación de puntos óptimos para la localización e implantación de plantas de biodiésel en el estado de Tocantins
Authors: Siebert Pinedo Karyn , Quintana Pinedo Christian José
Published: July 2016

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo mostrar el resultado de un análisis realizado en el Estado de Tocantins (Brasil) con la finalidad de determinar los puntos óptimos para la instalación de usinas para la fabricación de biodiésel. Para este análisis fueron considerados las variables del tipo transporte, producción, almacenamiento, abastecimiento de materia prima como sebo, aceite  o cualquier otro producto que pueda servir para producir biodiésel. Sabemos que en tiempos actuales para obtener un buen resultado, las empresas tienen que centrarse en un análisis riguroso de la cadena logística, que tiene como objetivo a un  menor costo posible hacer que los productos y servicios queden disponibles en algún lugar donde sea necesario. Para obtener los resultados usamos en nuestro modelo matemático la Programación Lineal Entera Mixta (PLEM) y después la técnica de escenarios afín de obtener un resultado satisfactorio.
Atención a la discapacidad intelectual en la escuela primaria: formación docente en el servicio
Authors: Roque Hernández María del Pilar , Domínguez Mota María Guadalupe
Published: July 2016

Introducción: En México y pese a las políticas educativas existentes, no todos los alumnos se benefician de la educación regular. Actualmente con la inclusión, se busca que los estudiantes con discapacidad, estudien en escuelas regulares y reciban los apoyos que les permitan acceder a los propósitos educativos. En educación básica, los docentes son responsables de promover el aprendizaje e inclusión de dichos alumnos, por lo que deben contar con conocimientos que les faciliten identificar sus características, realizar una planeación pedagógica diversificada e instrumentar estrategias de atención adecuadas. El objetivo del presente trabajo, fue capacitar en el servicio a docentes de aula regular para promover su participación en la atención psicopedagógica de alumnos con discapacidad intelectual.Método: Participaron de forma voluntaria, seis profesores de una escuela primaria pública de una localidad urbana marginada del estado de México, quienes tenían en su grupo, al menos un alumno con discapacidad intelectual. La metodología fue cualitativa, se contó con el consentimiento informado de los participantes y se diseñó e instrumentó un programa de evaluación-intervención.Resultados: Se organizaron en tres categorías: 1) los docentes adquirieron conocimientos básicos sobre educación especial y en específico, para la identificación y atención pedagógica de los menores con discapacidad intelectual; 2) caracterizaron adecuadamente desde la pedagogía a sus alumnos y participaron activa y colaborativamente con otros profesionales, en la evaluación psicopedagógica; y 3) práctica docente: percibieron que sus acciones impactan en sus alumnos, pudieron diversificar las estrategias y recursos didácticos y mejoraron su relación y comunicación docente-alumno.Discusión o Conclusión: Es urgente que los docentes asuman la responsabilidad compartida que tienen con los profesionales de educación especial, en pro del menor con discapacidad intelectual. De ahí, que se precisa instrumentar acciones permanentes dirigidas a su formación y actualización en el servicio.
La corrosión de los dispositivos electrónicos de la industria electrónica de Mexicali, B. C. México influenciado por la contaminación del H2S
Authors: López Badilla Gustavo , Arreola Álvarez Rosa Angélica , Martínez Valdez Lluvia S. , Mendieta Rodríguez Yuliana , García Rodríguez Mariela , Pérez Marmolejo María del Carmen , Rocha Crespo José L.
Published: July 2016

El sulfuro de hidrógeno (H2S) es un ácido débil que se dispersa en el aire, por el viento cuando se emite a partir de fuentes naturales y antropogénicas, principalmente de las plantas industriales. Es un contaminante con un alto nivel de toxicidad que afecta a la calidad del medio ambiente. Es un contaminante atmosférico agresivo que ataca los metales utilizados en la industria electrónica como acero al carbono, cobre y aleaciones de plata, y formación de películas delgadas como productos de corrosión y dendritas, siendo los sulfuros los más comunes que dañan las superficies metálicas, promoviendo la corrosión metálica. Este gas ingresa a los interiores de las plantas industriales, por los sistemas de aire acondicionado, agujeros, techos, en cualquier período del año. En las temporadas de otoño, invierno y primavera, el personal en las empresas deja algunas puertas abiertas en ciertas áreas de las empresas, por no tener sistemas de aire acondicionado, con el conocimiento del efecto negativo del H2S en los componentes metálicos de componentes electrónicos, y este ácido corrosivo penetra fácilmente. Por esta razón, se realizó un estudio en el interior de dos plantas de la industria electrónica en Mexicali expuestos a bajas concentraciones de H2S, para determinar el daño causado a estos dispositivos electrónicos. Se aplicó la técnica de Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido (MBE) para determinar los tipo de tipos de corrosión formados: uniforme o picaduras principalmente, y conocer con mayor exactitud los agentes químicos que reaccionan con las superficies metálicas de los componentes electrónicos. La técnica MBE muestra las microfotografías y la información de los productos de corrosión presentados en este estudio, en correlación con la humedad relativa (HR) y los niveles de temperatura.
Adquisición de Tecnologías de Información e Influencia institucional en Grandes Empresas en Iztapalapa
Authors: Leal Güemez Regina , Porras Salvador T.
Published: July 2016

Las tecnologías de Información (TI) tienen una gran influencia en varios aspectos dentro de las organizaciones. Debido a ello los gobiernos de los países en vías de desarrollo han decidido impulsar su adopción con el objetivo de aumentar la productividad de las empresas, intensificar el uso y difusión de las TI, así como reducir la brecha tecnológica respecto a los países desarrollados.En este documento se reportan los resultados obtenidos de una investigación realizada en grandes empresas de la delegación Iztapalapa (GEI), en la ciudad de México, relacionados con las fuerzas internas y externas que influyen en las empresas para la toma de decisión relacionada con la adquisición de TI, así como, la vinculación entre factores institucionales y la adquisición y difusión de TI. Con base en el Nuevo Institucionalismo y utilizando los mecanismos de influencia y regulación, se determinaron los elementos institucionales que influyeron en GEI en la adquisición de TI. Asimismo se analiza el impacto que los programas gubernamentales asociados con la adquisición y difusión de TI han tenido en estas empresas y se presentan las estrategias asociadas con mecanismos de isomorfismo institucional relacionadas con la adquisición de TI. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos si bien hay un grupo de empresas con un alto nivel de infraestructura tecnológica, otro porcentaje de empresas tiene un nivel bajo de adquisición de TI. Las GEI han adquirido nuevas TI principalmente debido a razones particulares y muy pocas han aprovechado los programas gubernamentales asociados con la promoción de la adquisición y uso de estas tecnologías.
Diseño y construcción de bobinas de Rogowski modificadas de bajo costo y alto desempeño
Authors: Seuret Jiménez Diego , Oseguera Samuel
Published: July 2016

Las bobinas Rogowski son dispositivos sencillos, confiables y versátiles para hacer mediciones de corriente en una amplia gama de aplicaciones que van, desde dispositivos microelectrónicos hasta sistemas de alta potencia en instalaciones industriales. Se construyó una bobina de Rogowski y el circuito de acondicionamiento de la señal para poder hacer mediciones de su respuesta ante estímulos eléctricos y llevar a cabo un análisis cualitativo. Adicionalmente, a partir del modelo matemático de la bobina, se hizo una modificación en la estructura interna de la misma para obtener voltajes de mayor magnitud y facilitar la lectura en instrumentos de medición eléctrica. Estos resultados se compararon con una bobina comercial estándar y las mediciones del voltaje de salida de la bobina Rogowski modificada muestran una señal con menos ruido  y de mayor magnitud. Al haber aumentado la relación señal ruido en el sistema, el circuito de integración y amplificación arrojan resultados esperados.
Adquisición de conceptos espaciales en un agente autónomo artificial a través de simulaciones internas
Authors: Gaona-Romero W. , Escobar-Juárez Esaú , Hermosillo-Valadez Jorge , Lara-Guzmán Bruno
Published: July 2016

La robótica móvil que hace uso de visión artificial tradicional, es capaz de estimar la distancia a los objetos del entorno basándose en el uso de un modelo de cámara. Esta estimación consiste en el cálculo de un valor numérico a partir de los parámetros de la cámara y de relaciones geométricas. Sin embargo, este valor necesita ser interpretado por el diseñador o algún otro agente externo. En la investigación presentada en este artículo demostramos que un agente autónomo es capaz de adquirir conceptos básicos de su relación con el mundo a través de su interacción con éste, obviando así la necesidad de una interpretación externa. En particular nos centramos en dos conceptos, el primero es  distancia a, y se refiere a la distancia, en términos de comandos motrices, que el agente deberá recorrer para colisionar con un obstáculo. En segundo lugar, exploramos el concepto de pasabilidad, mediante el cual el agente es capaz de discernir, entre dos pasajes de diferente tamaño, por cuál de ellos puede pasar sin colisionar. Sostenemos que estos conceptos no recaen en un mecanismo que lleva a cabo cálculos geométricos sino más bien en procesos de simulación sensoriomotriz codificados en el funcionamiento de un modelo interno. Para lograr esto, hacemos uso de teorías provenientes de las ciencias cognitivas, en particular proponemos el uso de modelos directos. Estos modelos, conocidos como predictores proveen al agente con predicciones sensoriomotrices de sus propias acciones. Los modelos directos proveen al agente con representaciones formadas por asociaciones de diferentes modalidades. En este caso en particular, el sistema usa las modalidades de información visual, información táctil, e información motriz. Estas provenientes de una cámara estereo, un arreglo de sonares y los actuadores del agente, respectivamente. El trabajo está enmarcado dentro de la robótica cognitiva, área de investigación que sostiene que la naturaleza de los comportamientos humanos es tal que éstos no pueden ser pre-programados por un diseñador. En su lugar lo que se busca es que los agentes artificiales sigan una línea de desarrollo similar a la de los seres humanos, aprendiendo a través de la interacción con su medio y explotando el conocimiento que esta interacción les provee. Los resultados obtenidos con los experimentos proveen bases sólidas en la búsqueda de comportamientos más complejos en agentes capaces de interactuar con su medio ambiente de manera autónoma obteniendo conocimiento cimentado en sus propias características sensoriomotrices.
Promotion of nitrifiers through side-stream bioaugmentation: a full-scale study
Authors: Stenström F. , la Cour Jansen J.
Published: July 2016

Bioaugmentation of nitrifiers from a side-stream treatment is an efficient method for boosting the mainstream process at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Although this technology has been known for several years, the number of full-scale applications for it is limited. For a WWTP approaching its critical nitrogen load capacity, the benefits are doubled if the introduced side-stream treatment for digester supernatant is combined with bioaugmentation. Not only is the nitrogen load to the mainstream process decreased by 10–25%, but the mainstream process is also boosted with nitrifiers, increasing the nitrifying capacity. In this full-scale study, the increment of the nitrification rate is examined in the mainstream process at different temperatures and at different flow rates of returned activated sludge to the side-stream treatment. Our results show that the nitrification rate in the mainstream process was increased by 41% during the coldest period of the study, implying that the examined WWTP could treat considerably higher nitrogen loads if bioaugmentation were permanently installed.
Pollutant and Microorganism Removal From Water by Hydrodynamic Cavitation
Authors: Liu Zhimeng , Zhu Mengfu , Deng Cheng , Su Hongbo , Chen Ping , Wang Zheng
Published: July 2016

Hydrodynamic cavitation can effectively remove organic pollutants and microorganisms from water. Organic compound degradation and water disinfection removal rate is related to reaction time and operating temperature. Removal rate can be improved by increasing the reaction time or raising the operating temperature. Under our experimental conditions, the removal rate of colority, COD and petroleum pollutants was 80.0%, 72.13% and 70.00%, respectively. In addition, Escherichia coli removal rate was higher than 99.99%. As a new water treatment process, hydrodynamic cavitation can be utilized alone or in combination with other water treatment processes, showing broad application prospects.
‘Aber mein Lieber Schneider’: The Printer as a Media Actor and the Drama of Production in Then Swänska Argus (1732–34)
Authors: Forselius Tilda Maria
Published: July 2016

Then Swänska Argus, a weekly journal in the Spectator pattern, was published in Stockholm between 1732 and 1734. Whereas the editor and author Olof Dalin (1708–63) has gained much fame for the enterprise, not much is known about the printer Benjamin Gottlieb Schneider (16??–1738). In this essay I focus on the available evidence about the printer and printing conditions, as well as on the fact that several essays and shorter segments in Then Swänska Argus are addressed to the printer or deal with printing issues. My thesis is that this content played a part in the identity formation of the medium, as it stands for the editor’s interest in the printer and related technology at a time when the moral weekly was new in Sweden. By displaying the making of the medium and the difficulties around it, these passages enable readers to witness the drama of production where the printer plays a leading role. Furthermore, as the narrator Argus is addressing the readers directly and pleading with them to be loyal followers in spite of the printing errors or other potential problems, Argus is also making them actively aware of their part in this drama. In so doing, an education of the readership in questions pertaining to the production process is taking place.
Review of Celia Aijmer Rydsjö and AnnKatrin Jonsson, Exiles in Print: Little Magazines in Europe, 1921–1938 (2016)
Authors: Van Gansen Kristof
Published: July 2016

Review of Celia Aijmer Rydsjö and AnnKatrin Jonsson, Exiles in Print: Little Magazines in Europe, 1921–1938 (Frankfurt am Main: Lang, 2016). 130 pp. ISBN 978-3-631-65376-0
Az oktatás opciós értéke
Authors: T. Kiss Judit
Published: July 2016

A standard emberi tőke elméleti keretein belül számtalan elemzést készítettek az oktatással kapcsolatos beruházási döntésekről, amelyekben legtöbbször elmaradt az oktatás költségeivel, és annak jövőbelihasznaival kapcsolatos bizonytalanság beillesztése a vizsgálatokba, és gyakran elmaradt az opciós lehetőségek értékelése is. Jelen írásban igyekeztünk áttekinteni a standard emberi tőke elméletének egyik kiterjesztési lehetőségét, az emberitőke-beruházás opciós megközelítését. Arra kerestük a választ, hogy milyen megoldások, modellek születtek az oktatás révén megvalósítható emberitőke-beruházásokopcióként történő értelmezésére, és a beruházás opciós értékének a meghatározására. A tanulmányban rávilágítunk arra, hogy az emberitőke-beruházásokkal kapcsolatos bizonytalanságok csökkentéselegalább olyan mértékben ösztönzőleg hat az egyének emberitőke-felhalmozására, mint az oktatás állami támogatása.

JEL kód: C6, D8, I2, J2
Outcomes of In–Hospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Patients with CKD
Authors: Saeed Fahad , Adil Malik M. , Kaleem Umar M. , Zafar Taqi T. , Khan Abdus Salam , Holley Jean L. , Nally Joseph V.
Published: July 2016

Background and objectives

Advance care planning, including code/resuscitation status discussion, is an essential part of the medical care of patients with CKD. There is little information on the outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in these patients. We aimed to measure cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcomes in these patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Our study is observational in nature. We compared the following cardiopulmonary resuscitation–related outcomes in patients with CKD with those in the general population by using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2005–2011): (1) survival to hospital discharge, (2) discharge destination, and (3) length of hospital stay. All of the patients were 18 years old or older.

Results

During the study period, 71,961 patients with CKD underwent in–hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation compared with 323,620 patients from the general population. Unadjusted in–hospital mortality rates were higher in patients with CKD (75% versus 72%; P<0.001) on univariate analysis. After adjusting for age, sex, and potential confounders, patients with CKD had higher odds of mortality (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 1.34; P≤0.001) and length of stay (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 1.15; P=0.001). Hospitalization charges were also greater in patients with CKD. There was no overall difference in postcardiopulmonary resuscitation nursing home placement between the two groups. In a separate subanalysis of patients ≥75 years old with CKD, higher odds of in-hospital mortality were also seen in the patients with CKD (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.17; P=0.01).

Conclusions

In conclusion, we observed slightly higher in-hospital mortality in patients with CKD undergoing in–hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Insulation co-ordination and the enlargement law for the GM counter tube
Authors: Dolicanin Edin , Fetahovic Irfan , Lazarevic Djordje , Kartalovic Nenad
Published: July 2016

In this paper we analyze application of contemporary methods of insulation
co-ordination and the enlargement law in designing a GM counting tube. It has
been shown that by applying insulation co-ordination methods the counting
tube can be optimally dimensioned. The application of the enlargement law was
demonstrated in generalizing the results of test obtained by the GM tube to
those obtained by the counting tube with m-times greater dimensions. The
investigations were conducted both theoretically and by experiment. Using
theoretical analysis, we derived the expressions that may be applied if a
performance function of a random variable breakdown voltage is known. The
experiments were conducted on a GM counter model under well controlled
laboratory conditions.
Estimation of radioecological parameters of soil samples from a phosphatic area
Authors: Harb Shaaban , Ahmed Noor , Badawy Wael , Saad Nagwa
Published: July 2016

The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K)
for a set of 31 agricultural soil samples from the Nile River banks in the
area of El-Sebaiya city, Aswan Governorate, Egypt were measured by
gamma-spectrometry. The study revealed that the average activity
concentrations of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 23.2 ?
2.8Bq/kg, 21.1 ? 2.8 Bq/kg, and 218.6 ? 3.7 Bq/kg, respectively. The obtained
results of the activity concentrations are within the range of values
reported for neighbouring areas in Egypt. The values obtained for the hazard
indices and the representative level index in all sampling sites were lower
than unity, showing that there is no significant risk arising from the
exposure to the soil in the studied area. The absorbed dose rate and annual
effective dose in air outdoors and indoors were calculated from 226Ra, 232Th,
and 40K in soil, the average values being 32.64 nGy/h, 40.06 ?Sv, and 160.25
?Sv, respectively. The absorbed dose rate at the eastof El-Sebaiya city is
higher than that obtained for the west because of higher concentrations of
tri-calcium phosphate in the soil. The studied area is not significantly
affected by the industrial activities, except for a few isolated spots.
The Impact of Balanced Budget Restrictions on States' Fiscal Actions
Authors: Costello Anna M. , Petacchi Reining , Weber Joseph P.
Published: July 2016

Although balanced budget rules are widely used throughout the world, there is considerable debate on whether and how they impact fiscal outcomes. Existing research shows that states with strict balanced budget rules address deficits by raising taxes and curbing expenditures. However, little is known about whether politicians can meet budget rules by shifting resources inter-temporally or by transferring revenues from funds not subject to balanced budget rules into funds that are required to meet a balanced budget. We show that, in addition to increasing taxes and cutting expenditures, states with strict balanced budget rules sell public assets and transfer resources across government funds to close the budget shortfall. Our findings suggest that current budget deficits not only influence the current-period taxpayers, but also impact future taxpayers and other funds within the government. The results complement existing research by expanding our understanding of the effects of balanced budget restrictions on politicians' fiscal actions.
Management of Hydropower Tunnels to Prevent Collapse and Remedial Measures
Authors: Tun Sein Win , Singal Sunil Kumar
Published: July 2016

Tunnels are important structures in hydropower projects as they reduce the length of the water conductor system. However, tunnels also pose the possibility of collapse during construction which may cause significant time and cost overruns. Moreover, collapsing tunnels pose threats to workers and machinery. Systematic control and understanding of tunnel physics is key to preventing these dangers. In this paper, we explore the most effective means for constructing tunnels for hydropower projects.HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 19Page: 31-37
A Systematic Review of the Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Urinary Protein Biomarkers in Urothelial Bladder Cancer
Authors: D’Costa Jamie J. , Goldsmith James C. , Wilson Jayne S. , Bryan Richard T. , Ward Douglas G.
Published: July 2016

For over 80 years, cystoscopy has remained the gold-standard for detecting tumours of the urinary bladder. Since bladder tumours have a tendency to recur and progress, many patients are subjected to repeated cystoscopies during long-term surveillance, with the procedure being both unpleasant for the patient and expensive for healthcare providers. The identification and validation of bladder tumour specific molecular markers in urine could enable tumour detection and reduce reliance on cystoscopy, and numerous classes of biomarkers have been studied. Proteins represent the most intensively studied class of biomolecule in this setting.

As an aid to researchers searching for better urinary biomarkers, we report a comprehensive systematic review of the literature and a searchable database of proteins that have been investigated to date. Our objective was to classify these proteins as: 1) those with robustly characterised sensitivity and specificity for bladder cancer detection; 2) those that show potential but further investigation is required; 3) those unlikely to warrant further investigation; and 4) those investigated as prognostic markers. This work should help to prioritise certain biomarkers for rigorous validation, whilst preventing wasted effort on proteins that have shown no association whatsoever with the disease, or only modest biomarker performance despite large-scale efforts at validation.
The relationship between hemorheological parameters and mortality in critically ill patients with and without sepsis
Authors: Totsimon Kinga , Biro Katalin , Szabo Zsofia Eszter , Toth Kalman , Kenyeres Peter , Marton Zsolt
Published: July 2016

PURPOSE: The prognostic scoring systems for mortality of intensive care patients estimate clinical outcome using several physiological and biochemical parameters. In altered hemodynamic conditions of critically ill patients, hemorheological variables may play a significant role in appropriate tissue perfusion. We investigated if hemorheological parameters are altered in critical status and if they could be markers of mortality.

METHODS: 112 patients (67.8 ± 12 years, 58 males, 54 females) treated in intensive care unit with different non-surgical diseases were investigated. Routine laboratory parameters and prognostic scores were determined and hemorheological variables (hematocrit, plasma and whole blood viscosity, red blood cell aggregation and deformability) were measured on the 1st and the 2nd day after admission.

RESULTS: ICU scores predicted 35.2–41.3% mortality rate, real mortality in intensive care unit was 37.5%, while 30-day mortality was 46.6%. Whole blood viscosity (WBV) and red blood cell (RBC) deformability were lower, red blood cell aggregation was higher in septic than in nonseptic patients ( p < 0.05). In septic patients calcium was increased, osmolality was decreased, while in nonseptic patients WBV and RBC aggregation were higher in nonsurvivors compared to survivors ( p < 0.05). Worsening of RBC deformability from day 1 to day 2 predicted higher mortality ( p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Calcium and osmolality level were associated with outcome in sepsis. Whole blood viscosity, red blood cell aggregation and change in red blood cell deformability could predict mortality in nonseptic patients and they may add prognostic information over the ICU scores. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the benefit of our findings in clinical practice.
A novel modified vaccination technique produces IgG antibodies that cause complement-mediated lysis of multiple myeloma cells carrying CD38 antigen
Authors: Barabas Arpad Z. , Cole Chad D. , Graeff Richard M. , Morcol Tulin , Lafreniere Rene
Published: July 2016

Objectives were to: 1) induce a lytic IgG antibody (ab) response (via the so called `third vaccination method') against CD38 antigen (ag) residing on the extra-cellular domain of multiple myeloma (MM) cells in recipient rabbits, by combining the CD38 ag with donor-derived anti-CD38 ag lytic IgG ab into an immune complex (IC); and 2) determine whether abs produced would cause complement-mediated lysis ( in vitro) of human MM cells containing CD38 ag. The vaccine was created in a two-step process. First, ab (rabbit anti-CD38 ag IgG ab) was raised in donor rabbits by injections of low molecular weight soluble CD38 ag in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) and aqueous solution. Second, transfer of pathogenic lytic IgG ab response into recipient rabbits was achieved by injections of ICs composed of CD38 ag and homologous anti-CD38 ag IgG ab. Consequently, recipient rabbits produced the same ab with the same specificity against the target ag as was present in the inoculum, namely agglutinating, precipitating and lytic (as demonstrated in vitro). In an in vitro study, in the presence of complement, donor and recipient rabbits' immune sera caused lysis of CD38 ag associated human MM cells. The most effective lytic ab response causing sera were those from donor rabbits injected with CD38 ag in FCA and those from rabbits injected with ICs, especially when they were administered in adjuvants. These results provided proof of concept that the third vaccination method has good potential as a stand-alone and efficacious method of controlling cancer.