bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS SELECTION IN NELORE BEEF CATTLE
Authors: Moreira Heverton Luis , Buzanskas Marcos Eli , Munari Danisio Prado , Canova Érika Breda , Lôbo Raysildo Barbosa , Paz Claudia Cristina Paro de
Published: July 2015

Genetic breeding programs of beef cattle in Brazil are including new features, mainly related to reproductive efficiency.Thus, it is necessary to study the effectiveness of selection and quantify genetic gain for these traits in herds. This study estimated genetic and phenotypic parameters and genetic trends for reproductive traits used in breeding programs for Nelore beef cattle. The traits studied were the scrotal circumference (SC) at 365 and 450 days of age (SC365 and SC450), age at first calving (AFC) and gestation length, as a cow trait (GLcow) and a calf trait (GLcalf). The (co)variance components were obtained with the Restricted Maximum Likelihood Methodology in a single and double-trait analysis of the animal model. For scrotal circumference (SC365 and SC450), positive and favorable genetic gains were observed. For AFC, GLcow and GLcalf, the trends were favorable for selection, but without significant genetic gain. Selection for large SC may reduce AFC and improve female reproductive efficiency. The selection for reproductive traits (SC365, SC450, AFC and GL) may improve reproductive and productive efficiency of Nelore cattle, if used as a selection criterion.
OXIDATIVE AND MICROBIOLOGICAL STABILITY OF FRESH PORK SAUSAGE WITH ADDED SUN MUSHROOM POWDER
Authors: Stefanello Flávia Santi , Cavalheiro Carlos Pasqualin , Ludtke Fernanda Luísa , Silva Mariana dos Santos da , Fries Leadir Lucy Martins , Kubota Ernesto Hashime
Published: July 2015

Consumers are becoming more aware of the toxicological implications of artificial additives in foods. Natural antioxidants, in addition to reducing the deleterious effects of lipid oxidation, are currently extremely highly valued. This study aimed to invetigate the effect of addition of sun mushroom (Agaricus blazei Murrill) powder on the oxidative and microbiological stability of pork sausage during the shelf life. This powder was used at concentrations of 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 4.0% in the sausages. Analyses of moisture, protein, ash, fat and microbiological analyses were performed on day 0. The sausages were analyzed on day 0 and every seven days in terms of pH, color, TBARS values and microbiological analyses. The results of the proximal composition and microbiological analysis for coagulase positive Staphylococcus, coliforms at 35 ºC and 45 ºC, Salmonella sp and sulfite-reducing Clostridium were consistent with those required by Brazilian legislation. The color of the products was of a decreased redness At the end of the storage period, on the 35th day, the TBARS values for the sausage with 4.0% powder was 0.509±0.12 mg MDA/kg sample and for the control was 1.131±0.12 mg MDA/kg sample. The sun mushroom powder had no effect on microbiological stability. It is concluded that sun mushroom was effective in terms of the oxidative stability of pork sausage when added in powdered form at concentrations of 1.0%, 2.0% and 4.0%.
Aleitamento materno: estudo comparativo sobre o conhecimento e o manejo dos profissionais da Estratégia Saúde da Família e do Modelo Tradicional
Authors: Vasquez Jamila , Dumith Samuel C. , Sus Lulie Rosane Odeh
Published: July 2015

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar e comparar o conhecimento e a qualidade do manejo do aleitamento materno (AM) entre profissionais atuantes na Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) e nas unidades básicas de saúde com modelo tradicional, no Município de Rio Grande/RS, em 2012. Métodos: foi aplicado aos 269 profissionais um questionário para avaliar o conhecimento e o manejo do AM por meio de escores classificados como satisfatório, regular e insatisfatório. A comparação das proporções se realizou através do Teste Exato de Fisher e o Teste t de Student foi utilizado visando à comparação das médias. Desenvolveu-se também análise de mediação controlando o efeito do modelo de atenção para algumas variáveis. Resultados: somente 22 (8,2%) e 50 (18,6%) dos profissionais apresentaram desempenho satisfatório nos escores de conhecimento e manejo, respectivamente, tendo os trabalhadores da ESF melhores desempenhos, quando comparados aos profissionais do modelo tradicional, sendo essa diferença significativa (p<0,05), exceto para os auxiliares e técnicos de enfermagem no escore de manejo (p=0,05). Conclusões: o desempenho dos profissionais mostrou-se aquém do esperado para quem lida diretamente com a amamentação, fato mais evidente no modelo tradicional. Dessa forma, comprova-se a necessidade de capacitação dos profissionais objetivando-se promover efetivamente o sucesso do AM.
Grupos de convivência como suporte ao idoso na melhoria da saúde
Authors: Wichmann Francisca Maria Assmann , Couto Analie Nunes , Areosa Silvia Virgínia Coutinho , Montañés Maria Concepción Menéndez
Published: July 2015

O estudo buscou conhecer a representação da população idosa sobre o grau de satisfação, quanto aos benefícios obtidos na melhoria da saúde, com a convivência em grupos. As redes de relações são importantes fontes de suporte social e satisfação com a vida. Considerou o grau de satisfação como um dos indicadores de bem-estar no envelhecimento com qualidade de vida, descrevendo o nível de satisfação na participação social de idosos da Espanha e do Brasil que se filiam a grupos/centros de convivência. A população em estudo foi composta por 262 idosos do Brasil e 262 idosos da Espanha que faziam parte de grupos/centros de convivência onde as universidades tinham inserção. O corpus da pesquisa, arquivado no banco de dados do grupo de pesquisa em Envelhecimento da UNISC, se baseou nas narrativas dos idosos entrevistados, que refletem a visão deles sobre a participação em grupos de convivência e suas experiências pessoais. A análise qualitativa das entrevistas foi realizada por meio da técnica da análise de conteúdo. Pode-se observar que as relações sociais e o suporte social, sendo este emocional, instrumental ou informacional, favorecem a melhora da saúde. As atividades mais comentadas e realizadas pelos idosos, do Brasil e da Espanha, são as relacionadas à sociabilidade, expressas no contato com os amigos, ocasião em que buscam compartilhar alegrias, tristezas e conhecimentos.
Quantitative assessment of the influence of surface roughness on soil stiffness
Authors: Otsubo M. , O'sullivan C. , Sim W. W. , Ibraim E.
Published: July 2015

The nature of soil stiffness at small strains remains poorly understood. The relationship between soil stiffness (e.g. shear stiffness, G0) and isotropic confining pressure (p′) can be described using a power function with exponent (b), that is, G0 = A (p′/pr)b, where A is a constant and pr is an arbitrary reference pressure. Experimentally determined values of b are usually around 0·5 and these are higher than the value of 0·33 that can be analytically determined using Hertzian theory. Hertzian theory considers contact between two smooth, elastic spheres; however, in reality, inter-particle contacts in soil are complex with particle shape and surface roughness affecting the interaction. Thus Hertzian theory is not directly applicable to predict real soil stiffness. It has, however, provided a useful basis to develop an analytical framework to consider the influence of particle surface roughness on small-strain soil stiffness. Here, earlier contributions using this framework are extended and improved by paying particular attention to roughness and the tangential contact stiffness. Stiffness values calculated using the newly derived analytical expressions were compared with the results of bender element tests on samples of borosilicate glass beads (ballotini) whose surface roughness was quantified using an optical interferometer. The analytical expression captures the experimentally observed sensitivity of the small-strain shear modulus to surface roughness.
Catastrophic failure in planar landslides with a fully softened weak zone
Authors: ZHANG W. , WANG D. , RANDOLPH M. F. , PUZRIN A. M.
Published: July 2015

Catastrophic landslides pose significant threats to life and property, and in the case of submarine landslides damage to offshore infrastructure. Although widely discussed, the triggering mechanisms and propagation criteria for catastrophic failure remain open issues. This study investigates a particular case of shear band initiation history: creation of a fully softened initial failure zone in a thin lens of a weaker material causing catastrophic failure of an infinite planar slope in sensitive clay under undrained conditions. The corresponding shear band propagation criteria were derived analytically using a process zone approach and validated numerically using a static large-deformation finite-element method. New analytical solutions taking account of elastic deformations within the shear band and in the entire sliding layer are established for both a linear strength degradation curve and an exponential strength degradation curve. Advantages of formulating propagation criteria in terms of the critical length of the fully softened initial failure zone (excluding process zones) are demonstrated, with the more realistic exponential degradation case producing a more stringent criterion than the linear degradation case.
Diseño y construcción de una máquina perforadora de suelo para anclajes de diámetro 32 x 12 000 mm de largo para la estabilización de taludes
Authors: Juiña Luis , Arellano Roberto , Llumipanta Paúl
Published: July 2015

El presente artículo describe el proceso para el diseño y construcción de una máquina perforadora de suelos destinada para anclajes con diámetro de 32 mm y una profundidad de 12 000 mm, para la estabilización de taludes. En el diseño se consideró la resistencia del suelo, fuerza y velocidad necesaria de rotación para generar la perforación. Se dimensionó los diferentes elementos mecánicos que permiten la trasmisión de fuerza y movimiento considerando los diferentes esfuerzos a los cuales son sometidas las partes, añadiendo el factor de seguridad acorde al tipo de maquina a ser diseñada. Para el movimiento longitudinal y vertical se utilizó sistemas hidráulicos. La evaluación económica se realizó considerando el tiempo de retorno de la inversión y el costo de fabricación local, comparado con el precio de importación de un equipo de similares características.
Validation of the Social Inclusion Scale with Students
Authors: Wilson Ceri , Secker Jenny
Published: July 2015

Interventions (such as participatory arts projects) aimed at increasing social inclusion are increasingly in operation, as social inclusion is proving to play a key role in recovery from mental ill health and the promotion of mental wellbeing. These interventions require evaluation with a systematically developed and validated measure of social inclusion; however, a “gold-standard” measure does not yet exist. The Social Inclusion Scale (SIS) has three subscales measuring social isolation, relations and acceptance. This scale has been partially validated with arts and mental health project users, demonstrating good internal consistency. However, test-retest reliability and construct validity require assessment, along with validation in the general population. The present study aimed to validate the SIS in a sample of university students. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and convergent validity (one aspect of construct validity) were assessed by comparing SIS scores with scores on other measures of social inclusion and related concepts. Participants completed the measures at two time-points seven-to-14 days apart. The SIS demonstrated high internal consistency and test-retest reliability, although convergent validity was less well-established and possible reasons for this are discussed. This systematic validation of the SIS represents a further step towards the establishment of a “gold-standard” measure of social inclusion.
The Empirical Measurement of a Theoretical Concept: Tracing Social Exclusion among Racial Minority and Migrant Groups in Canada
Authors: Good Gingrich Luann , Lightman Naomi
Published: July 2015

This paper provides an in-depth description and case application of a conceptual model of social exclusion: aiming to advance existing knowledge on how to conceive of and identify this complex idea, evaluate the methodologies used to measure it, and reconsider what is understood about its social realities toward a meaningful and measurable conception of social inclusion. Drawing on Pierre Bourdieu’s conceptual tools of social fields and systems of capital, our research posits and applies a theoretical framework that permits the measurement of social exclusion as dynamic, social, relational, and material. We begin with a brief review of existing social exclusion research literature, and specifically examine the difficulties and benefits inherent in quantitatively operationalizing a necessarily multifarious theoretical concept. We then introduce our conceptual model of social exclusion and inclusion, which is built on measurable constructs. Using our ongoing program of research as a case study, we briefly present our approach to the quantitative operationalization of social exclusion using secondary data analysis in the Canadian context. Through the development of an Economic Exclusion Index, we demonstrate how our statistical and theoretical analyses evidence intersecting processes of social exclusion which produce consequential gaps and uneven trajectories for migrant individuals and groups compared with Canadian-born, and racial minority groups versus white individuals. To conclude, we consider some methodological implications to advance the empirical measurement of social inclusion.
Introduction to "Indicators and Measurement of Social Inclusion"
Authors: Huxley Peter
Published: July 2015

The papers in the special issue cover some of the most significant methodological and conceptual issues in the measurement of social inclusion. While it is recognised that the concept is a contested one, for the purposes of the present editorial I offer the World Bank definition: Social Inclusion (SI) refers to the process of improving the terms for individuals and groups to take part in society.
Obesity among adult population of a rural coastal area in South India
Authors: Chauhan Ramesh Chand , Chauhan Neelima Singh , Kandan Mani , Purty Anil Jacob , Mishra Amit Kumar , Singh Zile
Published: July 2015

Background: Obesity is associated with cardiovascular diseases and has become the main public health issue in India. However, the prevalence of obesity in India varies widely. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among rural adults in a coastal area of South India.

Methods: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was assessed among individuals of 15 years and above living in a rural coastal area of Tamil Nadu in India.

Results: Among 207 adult participants, 69.1% were female. About one-fourth (23.7%) of the participants were in age group of 15-24 years and 67.2% participants were literate. About one-third (30%) of the adults were overweight. Obesity was present in 14% of the study participants (26% by using the Asian cut-offs). Using waist circumference and waist-hip ratio cut-offs, abdominal obesity was observed among 55% and 57% of the participants. Among females the central obesity was more common than males.
Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity in rural areas was high. There is need to implement community based programs to tackle the increasing obesity.
Eosinophilic colitis in 36 years old female: a case presentation with review of literature
Authors: Shaikh Tanveer Parvez , Ansari Sharique , Deolekar Sandesh , Mandhane Nisha , Karandikar Sangram
Published: July 2015

Eosinophilic Colitis (EC) is a rare form of primary eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease with prevalence in neonates and young adults. EC condition is less understood as compared to the recognized eosinophilic esophagitis. Clinically EC presents as highly variable disease and it is based according to mucosal, transmural, or serosal predominance of inflammation. EC has a vast range of differential diagnosis because eosinophilia of colon occurs in many conditions like parasitic infection, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), drug-induced allergic reactions and various connective tissue disorders and so it require to rule out these causes by thorough searching for secondary causes which can be treated with antibiotics or dietary and drug elimination before we start the EC treatment. EC responds very well to steroids that may be spared by using antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors and biologics. Here we present a case of EC in a 36 years old female with pain in abdomen and bloody diarrhoea.
Vortex cleaning of fuel tank pressurant gas
Authors: Biryuk V. V. , Shimanov A. A. , Onoprienko D. A. , Smorodin A. V. , Shepelev A. I.
Published: July 2015

One of the problems of space launch vehicle fuel tanks using gas pressure accumulators is dealt with in the article. Helium mixed with gas generator gases is used as a pressure gas accumulator, which makes it possible to increase the specific volume of pressurant gas and decrease the mass of the system. Gas generator gas comprises carbon particles that cause fast clogging of the filter, which leads to a contingency and charge pressure drop. The use of soot-cleaning vortex apparatus was suggested for efficient fail-safe operation of the tank pressurization system. Different types of vortex soot- cleaning devices were considered. A reverse-flow cyclone was chosen as the most appropriate type of vortex soot cleaner for a fuel tank pressurization system. The required soot cleaner was designed and its flow part was modeled. A finite element mesh was obtained and boundary conditions were set. Numerical modeling of the soot cleaning process was carried out in a reverse-flow cyclone with the help of ANSYS Fluent. Fields of soot particle distribution and the character of their motion in the reverse-flow cyclone were plotted.
Numerical simulation of heat transfer from a swirling flow to the lateral side of the vortex tube energy separation chamber
Authors: Piralishvili Sh. A. , Sokolova A. A.
Published: July 2015

The results of investigation of heat transfer from an intensive swirling flow of gas to the lateral side of the vortex tube energy separation chamber are presented in the paper. The distribution of the heat transfer coefficient along the energy separation chamber is specified taking into account the effect of damping of the circumferential velocity component and the effect of heating of a potential peripheral whirl. Numerical calculations, the results of which are presented in this paper show the presence of a paraxial precessing vortex core and large-scale vortex structures - toroidal vortices periodically arranged on the periphery along the axis in the energy separation chamber. The dependence of the heat transfer coefficient on the value of the ratio of expansion of gas in the vortex tube, as well as changes in the temperature efficiency caused by increasing the energy separation chamber diameter is presented. It is shown that non-adiabacy has a greater effect on the thermodynamic efficiency of small-scale vortex tubes due to the increase of the relative fraction of the energy rejected from the lateral side in the form of heat.
Modeling the process of charging microparticles in the chamber of an electrostatic injector
Authors: Syomkin N. D. , Vidmanov A. S.
Published: July 2015

Mechanisms of charging microparticles in the area of the electrostatic injector needle are analyzed in the paper. The main attention is paid to the process of charging the conductive particles due to the emission of electrons from its surface under the influence of strong electrostatic field. A mathematical model of contact and contactless charging of particles is described. The results of solving a system of equations describing the dynamics of charging and the motion of the microparticle in the area of the injector charge needle are presented. The values of the relationship between the microparticles charge and its mass at the outlet of the electrostatic injector for different diameters of the charging needle and sizes of microparticles are calculated. A comparative analysis of the results of calculating the values of the relationship between the charge of a microparticle and its weight depending on the charging mechanisms and parameters of the microparticles and the charging needle is carried out. The results of calculating the maximum possible values of the relationship between the charge received by the microparticle in the injector and its mass depending on the charging mechanism are presented. The dependence of the values of the relationship between the charge of a particle and its mass on the distance from the needle at the beginning of autoelectronic emission from the particle surface is shown. The values of the relationship between the microparticles charge and its mass at the outlet of the electrostatic injector for real initial values of the particle velocities and charges in the charging chamber are calculated.
Analytical evaluation of the accuracy of spacecraft autonomous navigation according to the results of flight altitude adaptive measurement
Authors: Golyakov A. D. , Fominov I. V.
Published: July 2015

The article presents the results of analyzing the accuracy of spacecraft autonomous navigation the orbital mission of which takes place in conditions of perturbations of space. Flight altitude is taken as a parameter to be measured. An adaptive altimeter, capable of performing the reconfiguration of its structure in the event of disturbing factors is chosen as a means of dealing with the disturbing influence. Covariance matrices of errors in determining the parameters of the spacecraft center of mass are obtained analytically. Analytical evaluation of the accuracy of the adaptive altimeter is based on the theory of analytical evaluation of navigation systems using celestial radio engineering measuring devices. Expressions used for calculating the estimates of spacecraft navigation error covariance matrix elements by measuring the altitude obtained in the process of certain investigations in the absence of perturbations are a special case of the results presented in the paper. Tasks that emerge at the stage of justification of the navigation system design, for example, the task of specifying requirements for errors of airborne altimeters, can be solved with the help of the analytical estimates obtained. Such estimates are functions of dispersions of altimeters mounted on board the spacecraft.
Optimization of fatique validation cost for redesigned transport aircraft
Authors: Kleptsov V. I.
Published: July 2015

An approach to fatigue validation of transport aircraft redesigned structure based on the data of endurance tests of basic aircraft, computational and experimental analyses, ground-based and flight tests of modified aircraft that do not require building and testing of a full-scale modified airframe is proposed in the paper. An example of a modified aircraft developed at Beriev Aircraft Company is presented. Components of a computational cluster that ensures calculation and postprocessing of models of the required dimensions are chosen. The advantages of using a solid model in commercial production of aircraft are demonstrated. Prospective use of solid-state assembly for damage diagnosis using the criterion of variations in the forms of natural vibration of a structure with cracks in operation is shown. Algorithms and software for the identification of vibration forms and frequencies of aircraft in flight under atmospheric turbulence are developed on the basis of the analysis of the structures response to wide-band disturbance using up-to-date digital measuring equipment. Ways of taking into account the damage accumulated in operation not only by operating time (flight hours, number of landings), but also by the equivalent bending moment in the control sections of the airframe are presented. The implementation of the proposed technologies will make it possible to obtain economical effect at all stages of the product life cycle, from design to operation.
Development of a solar battery orientation robot system for small spacecraft
Authors: Beznyakov A. M. , Vlasov V. A. , Malenin E. N.
Published: July 2015

Possibilities of robotization of an aircraft solar battery orientation system on the basis of a microprocessor are outlined in the paper. Robotization makes it possible to enhance the systems independence and widen the functionality of its control device. An option of robotization of a solar battery orientation electric drive based on a PIC16F873А microcontroller for small spacecraft is discussed. This implementation of a control device makes possible solar battery orientation to the Sun. It also allows controlling the temperature and illumination of the solar batteries, continuous adjustment of the solar batteries capacity at the optimal point of the current-voltage characteristics, controlling the process of charging and discharging of the battery, controlling voltage stabilization on the power buses and communicating the information about emergencies to the onboard digital computer. Besides, an autonomous mode of operation- a servo-drive is implemented in the proposed control system. The results of structural and mathematical modeling of a similar system and its implementation in the form of a physical model are presented. The developed model of a solar battery orientation system makes it possible to analyze the systems operability in various modes, the integration of its separate elements and units in a laboratory environment and also to make the system operate under the control of a personal computer or off line with a microcontroller program.
Method of parametric optimization of each component of adaptive compensatng inertial sensors operating in a self-oscilation mode
Authors: Fominov I. V.
Published: July 2015

The paper deals with a crucial task of parametric optimization of an adaptive inertial sensor capable of varying the parameters in order to reduce errors which are caused by the influence of high-frequency transient disturbances. A method of parametric optimization of each component that makes it possible to vary the parameters of the nonlinear element of a compensating inertial sensor operating in the self-oscillation mode is developed. The method was tested with a pendulous accelerometer taken as an example. Numerical investigations confirmed the possibility of filtering external vibrations and internal noise of the inertial sensor while maintaining its sensitivity in the required measuring range due to the synthesis of the adaptive loop based on a non-linear element of the "hysteresis loop" type. The essence of the method is based on parametric synthesis of the adaptive loop with a nonlinear element. Numerical investigations show that the error of the pendulous accelerometer can be reduced, on the average, by an order of magnitude thanks to the adaptive parameter setting of the non-linear element, depending on the amplitude of the external vibrations. The above method of parametric optimization of each component can be applied to most compensating inertial sensors measuring motion parameters of spacecraft operating in conditions of non-stationary external and internal disturbances. The adaptation circuit in adaptive inertial sensors can be implemented through the use of modern microcontrollers.
On the Benefits of Audit Market Consolidation: Evidence from Merged Audit Firms
Authors: Gong Qihui , Li Oliver Zhen , Lin Yupeng , Wu Liansheng
Published: July 2015

We examine efficiency improvement associated with audit firm mergers. Our analysis is made possible by a unique dataset of audit hours in China. We find a significant reduction in audit hours, unaccompanied by a deterioration in audit quality, of merged audit firms. Further, we find a larger reduction in audit hours when acquirers are Chinese domestic Big 10 audit firms and when client firms are more complex. These results are consistent with the notion of economies of scale arising from horizontal mergers. However, enhanced efficiency does not necessarily reduce audit fees. Instead, we find an increase in audit fees when acquirers are international Big 4 audit firms even when we control for possible changes in market power. This premium is at least partially due to the certification effect of international Big 4 audit firms.
Historicizing Domesticity: The Impact of the Woman’s Rights Movement
Authors: Egnal Marc
Published: July 2015

Abstract:

Several generations of literary scholars have explored the idea of “separate spheres” in nineteenth-century America and, in recent years, have made clear that this concept applies most fully to white, middle-class, Northeastern women. Less thoroughly studied is how the paradigm changed over time. The article argues that, beginning around mid-century, the growth of the woman’s movement transformed the way that many authors depicted domesticity. Reflecting that agitation, writers introduced into their works an oppositional point of view, one that asserted that separate was not equal when it came to men’s and women’s spheres. Further change was evident in novels after 1865, as the protest movement became more organized and suffrage emerged as the leading issue. While authors’ views of the “woman’s movement” varied widely, contestation not absolutes marks these works of fiction. Advocacy invariably was qualified by a recognition that other, strongly held points of view existed.
Nigella sativa improves the carbon tetrachloride-induced lung damage in rats through repression of erk/akt pathway
Authors: Aslan Abdullah , Boydak Didem , Can Muhammed Ismail , Kuloglu Tuncay
Published: July 2015

The objective of this study was to examine whether Nigella sativa plays a protective role against the damage in the lung by administering carbon tetra-chloride (CCl4) to rats. Male Wistar albino (n=28, 8 weeks old) rats were divided into 4 groups: a) negative control: Normal water consuming group to which no CCl4 and N. sativa was administered; b) Positive control: Normal water consuming group to which no CCl4 was administered but N. sativa was administered; c) CCl4 Group: Normal water consuming and group to which CCl4 was administered (1.5 mL/kg, ip); d) N. sativa plus CCl4   group: CCl4 and N. sativa administered group (1.5 mL/kg, ip). Caspase-3, caspase -9, erk, akt protein syntheses were examined via Western blotting. Malondialdehyde determination in lung tissue was made using spectrophotometer. As a results, malondialdehyde amount was decreased in the CCl4 plus N. sativa group in comparison to CCl4 group whereas caspase-3, caspase-9 was increased and erk, akt had decreased. These results show that N. sativa protects the lung against oxidative damage.

 
Biodiesel production from non-edible Mahogany seed oil by dual step process and study of its oxidation stability
Authors: Rana SMS , Haque MA , Poddar S , Sujan SMA , Hossain M , Jamal MS
Published: July 2015

Biodiesel derived from non edible sources is a potential eco-friendly substitute to petroleum fuel. Acid-catalysed esterification was applied to reduce free fatty acid (FFA) content of oil to zero followed by base-catalyzed transesterification to convert esterified product to its mono-esters and glycerol. The major factors affecting the conversion efficiency of these two processes such as amounts of solvent and catalyst, reaction temperature, and reaction time were optimized. The physical properties and heating value of Mahogany Seed Oil (MSO) and MSO diesel are evaluated and compared with that of commercial diesel. FTIR and 1H NMR spectrum of MSO and MSO biodiesel confirmed the conversion of MSO to biodiesel. The oxidation stability of MSO biodiesel oil was also studied. The study affirms the production of biodiesel from MSO as a renewable alternative to the diesel fuel.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(2), 77-86, 2015
A Comparison of Numerical Modelling Techniques for Tidal Stream Turbine Analysis
Authors: Masters Ian , Williams Alison , Croft T. , Togneri Michael , Edmunds Matt , Zangiabadi Enayatollah , Fairley Iain , Karunarathna Harshinie
Published: July 2015

To fully understand the performance of tidal stream turbines for the development of ocean renewable energy, a range of computational models is required. We review and compare results from several models of horizontal axis turbines at different spatial scales. Models under review include blade element momentum theory (BEMT), blade element actuator disk, Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) CFD (BEM-CFD), blade-resolved moving reference frame and coastal models based on the shallow water equations. To evaluate the BEMT, a comparison is made to experiments with three different rotors. We demonstrate that, apart from the near-field wake, there are similarities in the results between the BEM-CFD approach and a coastal area model using a simplified turbine fence at a headland case.
Enhancing Disaster Management: Development of a Spatial Database of Day Care Centers in the USA
Authors: Singh Nagendra , Tuttle Mark , Bhaduri Budhendra
Published: July 2015

Children under the age of five constitute around 7% of the total U.S. population, and represent a segment of the population that is totally dependent on others for day-to-day activities. A significant proportion of this population spends time in some form of day care arrangement while their parents are away from home. Accounting for those children during emergencies is of high priority, which requires a broad understanding of the locations of such day care centers. As concentrations of at risk population, the spatial location of day care centers is critical for any type of emergency preparedness and response (EPR). However, until recently, the U.S. emergency preparedness and response community did not have access to a comprehensive spatial database of day care centers at the national scale. This paper describes an approach for the development of the first comprehensive spatial database of day care center locations throughout the U.S. utilizing a variety of data harvesting techniques to integrate information from widely disparate data sources followed by geolocating for spatial precision. In the context of disaster management, such spatially refined demographic databases hold tremendous potential for improving high-resolution population distribution and dynamics models and databases.
Using Octrees to Detect Changes to Buildings and Trees in the Urban Environment from Airborne LiDAR Data
Authors: Xu Hao , Cheng Liang , Li Manchun , Chen Yanming , Zhong Lishan
Published: July 2015

Change detection is a major issue for urban area monitoring. In this paper, a new three-step point-based method for detecting changes to buildings and trees using airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data is proposed. First, the airborne LiDAR data from two dates are accurately registered using the iterative closest point algorithm, and a progressive triangulated irregular network densification filtering algorithm is used to separate ground points from non-ground points. Second, an octree is generated from the non-ground points to store and index the irregularly-distributed LiDAR points. Finally, by comparing the LiDAR points from two dates and using the AutoClust algorithm, those areas of buildings and trees in the urban environment that have changed are determined effectively and efficiently. The key contributions of this approach are the development of a point-based method to effectively solve the problem of objects at different scales, and the establishment of rules to detect changes in buildings and trees to urban areas, enabling the use of the point-based method over large areas. To evaluate the proposed method, a series of experiments using aerial images are conducted. The results demonstrate that satisfactory performance can be obtained using the proposed approach.
Adapting to the new world: Mexico’s International Strategy of Economic Development at the outset of the Cold War, 1946-1952
Authors: Pettinà Vanni
Published: July 2015

This article is aimed at analyzing Mexico’s attempts to overcome the obstacles that the new international context, shaped by the end of World War II (WWII) and the beginning of the Cold War, posed for the country’s economic development plans. Drawing largely on new Mexican primary sources along with American, British, and multilateral organizations’ documents, this work will focus on the strategy that the Miguel Alemán administration (1946-1952) designed in order to adapt to the adverse conditions that the bipolar conflict generated for Latin America’s industrial developmental projects. This article will show that in spite of the adverse setting, the Alemán government was able to create and launch an ambitious plan for economic industrialization that implemented developmental measures on a large scale. In addition, this work will also show that a crucial ingredient for the initial success of Mexico’s economic strategy was the country’s capacity to attract economic aid and political support from Washington. Paradoxically, this happened at a time when the United States’ (US) economic and political backing of Latin American developmental projects had become a scarce currency in the Western Hemisphere.
Secure Health Monitoring in the Cloud Using Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: Ames Scott , Venkitasubramaniam Muthuramakrishnan , Page Alex , Kocabas Ovunc , Soyata Tolga
Published: July 2015

Extending cloud computing to medical software, where the hospitals rent the software from the provider sounds like a natural evolution for cloud computing. One problem with cloud computing, though, is ensuring the medical data privacy in applications such as long term health monitoring. Previously proposed solutions based on Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) completely eliminate privacy concerns, but are extremely slow to be practical. Our key proposition in this paper is a new approach to applying FHE into the data that is stored in the cloud. Instead of using the existing circuit-based programming models, we propose a solution based on Branching Programs. While this restricts the type of data elements that FHE can be applied to, it achieves dramatic speed-up as compared to traditional circuit-based methods. Our claims are proven with simulations applied to real ECG data.
Towards Privacy-Preserving Medical Cloud Computing Using Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: Kocabas Ovunc , Soyata Tolga
Published: July 2015

Personal health monitoring tools, such as commercially available wireless ECG patches, can significantly reduce healthcare costs by allowing patient monitoring outside the healthcare organizations. These tools transmit the acquired medical data into the cloud, which could provide an invaluable diagnosis tool for healthcare professionals. Despite the potential of such systems to revolutionize the medical field, the adoption of medical cloud computing in general has been slow due to the strict privacy regulations on patient health information. We present a novel medical cloud computing approach that eliminates privacy concerns associated with the cloud provider. Our approach capitalizes on Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE), which enables computations on private health information without actually observing the underlying data. For a feasibility study, we present a working implementation of a long-term cardiac health monitoring application using a well-established open source FHE library.
Reach to Mobile Platforms and Availability
Authors: Buddenberg Rex A
Published: July 2015

This chapter is practical system planning tutorial for internetworks that include radio-WANs. Author is retired USCG officer with both operational and program planning experience. In second career, author taught ‘plowshares into swords internetworking' at the graduate level. The coaching herein reflects operational, planning, and academic experiences. Considering mobile communications requires adjusting some assumptions and working knowledge from a wholly wired internetwork. The advent of radio – the necessary means to mobile – entails changes in topology, capacity and nature of the media (shared). Further, the extension of the internetwork to mobile usually means rather overt embracing of mission critical applications.
A Metalloproteinase Mirolysin of Tannerella forsythia Inhibits All Pathways of the Complement System
Authors: Jusko Monika , Potempa Jan , Mizgalska Danuta , Bielecka Ewa , Ksiazek Miroslaw , Riesbeck Kristian , Garred Peter , Eick Sigrun , Blom Anna M.
Published: July 2015

Recent reports focusing on virulence factors of periodontal pathogens implicated proteinases as major determinants of remarkable pathogenicity of these species, with special emphasis on their capacity to modulate complement activity. In particular, bacteria-mediated cleavage of C5 and subsequent release of C5a seems to be an important phenomenon in the manipulation of the local inflammatory response in periodontitis. In this study, we present mirolysin, a novel metalloproteinase secreted by Tannerella forsythia, a well-recognized pathogen strongly associated with periodontitis. Mirolysin exhibited a strong effect on all complement pathways. It inhibited the classical and lectin complement pathways due to efficient degradation of mannose-binding lectin, ficolin-2, ficolin-3, and C4, whereas inhibition of the alternative pathway was caused by degradation of C5. This specificity toward complement largely resembled the activity of a previously characterized metalloproteinase of T. forsythia, karilysin. Interestingly, mirolysin released the biologically active C5a peptide in human plasma and induced migration of neutrophils. Importantly, we demonstrated that combination of mirolysin with karilysin, as well as a cysteine proteinase of another periodontal pathogen, Prevotella intermedia, resulted in a strong synergistic effect on complement. Furthermore, mutant strains of T. forsythia, devoid of either mirolysin or karilysin, showed diminished survival in human serum, providing further evidence for the synergistic inactivation of complement by these metalloproteinases. Taken together, our findings on interactions of mirolysin with complement significantly add to the understanding of immune evasion strategies of T. forsythia and expand the knowledge on molecular mechanisms driving pathogenic events in the infected periodontium.
Diabetic patients’ perspectives on the challenges of glycaemic control
Authors: Adeniyi Oladele V. , Yogeswaran Parimalane , Wright Graham , Longo-Mbenza Benjamin
Published: July 2015

Introduction: The factors affecting the control of diabetes are complex and varied. However, little is documented in the literature on the overall knowledge of diabetic patients about glycaemic control. This study explored the patients’ perspectives on the challenges of glycaemic control.Methods: In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen purposively selected diabetic patients with HBA1c ≥ 9% at Mthatha General Hospital, South Africa. The interviews were conducted in the isiXhosa language and were audiotaped. Two experienced qualitative researchers independently transcribed and translated the interviews.Thematic content analysis was conducted.Results: Three main themes emerged: overall knowledge of diabetes and treatment targets, factors affecting the control of diabetes and how glycaemic control could be improved.The majority of the participants demonstrated poor knowledge of treatment targets for diabetes. The majority of the participants reported that lack of money affected their control of diabetes. Some of the participants reported that the nearest clinics do not have doctors; hence,they are compelled to travel long distances to see doctors.Conclusion: Poverty, lack of knowledge and access to doctors affect the control of diabetes in the rural communities of Mthatha, South Africa. The government should address recruitment and retention of doctors in primary health care.
Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma Occurring in the Third Ventricle
Authors: Kim Sanghyeon , Kang Myongjin , Choi Sunseob , Kim Dae Cheol
Published: July 2015

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a rare central nervous system tumor that has been included in the 2007 World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System. Due to its more aggressive behavior, PMA is classified as Grade II neoplasm by the World Health Organization. PMA predominantly affects the hypothalamic/chiasmatic region and occurs in children (mean age of occurrence = 10 months). We report a case of a 24-year-old man who presented with headache, nausea, and vomiting. Brain CT and MRI revealed a mass occupying only the third ventricle. We performed partial resection. Histological findings, including monophasic growth with a myxoid background, and absence of Rosenthal fibers or eosinophilic granular bodies, as well as the strong positivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein were consistent with PMA.
Computational Software: Simple FMM Libraries for Electrostatics, Slow Viscous Flow, and Frequency-Domain Wave Propagation
Authors: Gimbutas Zydrunas , Greengard Leslie
Published: July 2015

We have developed easy to use fast multipole method (FMM) libraries for the Laplace, low-frequency Helmholtz, and Stokes equations in two and three dimensions. The codes are based on a new method for applying translation operators and provide reasonable performance on either single core processors, or small multi-core systems using OpenMP.
Coded continuous wave meteor radar
Authors: Vierinen J. , Chau J. L. , Pfeffer N. , Clahsen M. , Stober G.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The concept of coded continuous wave meteor radar is introduced. The radar uses a continuously transmitted pseudo-random waveform, which has several advantages: coding avoids range aliased echoes, which are often seen with commonly used pulsed specular meteor radars (SMRs); continuous transmissions maximize pulse compression gain, allowing operation with significantly lower peak transmit power; the temporal resolution can be changed after performing a measurement, as it does not depend on pulse spacing; and the low signal to noise ratio allows multiple geographically separated transmitters to be used in the same frequency band without significantly interfering with each other. The latter allows the same receiver antennas to be used to receive multiple transmitters. The principles of the signal processing are discussed, in addition to discussion of several practical ways to increase computation speed, and how to optimally detect meteor echoes. Measurements from a campaign performed with a coded continuous wave SMR are shown and compared with two standard pulsed SMR measurements. The type of meteor radar described in this paper would be suited for use in a large scale multi-static network of meteor radar transmitters and receivers. This would, for example, provide higher spatio-temporal resolution for mesospheric wind field measurements.