bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Potato Consumption among Households in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Sanusi Muinat Mobolanle , Babatunde Damola Andrew
Published: September 2017

The study investigated the socio-economic factors affecting potato consumption among households in Odeda Local Government Area (LGA), Ogun State. Multistage sampling technique was used to gather information from 80 households using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression model. The study showed that 67.5 % of the household-heads were male, 42.5 % were less than 30 years old, more than half (53.8 %) had income less than NG₦50,000.00 (US$322.59) monthly while 55 % and 68.8 % spend less than NG₦2,000.00 (US$12.90) on sweet and Irish potato, respectively, on a monthly basis. The linear functional form for sweet potato regression result showed that the total household income and sweet potato market price were both significant at 5 % with the coefficient of determination (R2) being 0.611 while the double-log functional form for Irish potato regression result showed that age of household-head, Irish potato market price and price of substitute (yam) were significant at 5 %, 10 % and 10 %, respectively, with coefficient of determination (R2) being 0.897; and had a positive relationship with potato consumption in the study area. Conclusively, the age of household-head, total monthly income, price of potato and price of substitute were factors that determined consumption of potato in the study area. In order to combat problems of malnutrition and to contribute to improvement in households’ welfare in Odeda LGA, efforts should be intensified in ensuring that households have access to adequate quantity of food and promotion of households’ education on the nutritional values and human nutrition with respect to age and gender are necessary.
What Determines Ginger’s Purchase Decision among Consumers in Tertiary Institutions in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria?
Authors: Akerele Dare , Umar Zainab Kulthum , Adetoye Ayoade Matthew
Published: September 2017

This study examined ginger consumption patterns and factors influencing ginger purchase decisions among consumers in tertiary institutions in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents from whom data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and probit regression were the tools for data analyses. The average age of the respondents was 29 years. Most (88.36 %) of them indicated they were aware of ginger’s medicinal benefits and approximately 66.14 % of the respondents indicated purchase of ginger products. On the average, respondents spent about ₦302.22 (0.83USD) per month on ginger. Most (86.77 %) of the respondents prefer to consume ginger with food or as herbal tea/drink (41.27 %). Awareness about the health benefits of ginger (P < 0.1), electronic media as source of information (P < 0.1), consumers’ concern for their health (P < 0.05) and previous gratifying experience from ginger’s consumption (P < 0.01) are factors substantially influenced ginger purchase decision. Income and demographic characteristics of the consumers are unlikely to induce decision to buy significantly. Thus, promoting awareness of the health benefits of ginger and, more especially through electronic media are suggested as important pathway for stimulating people’s decision to buy ginger in the studied population.
Performances of Shannon’s Entropy Statistic in Assessment of Distribution of Data
Authors: Jäntschi Lorentz , Bolboacă Sorana D.
Published: September 2017

Statistical analysis starts with the assessment of the distribution of experimental data. Different statistics are used to test the null hypothesis (H0) stated as Data follow a certain/specified distribution. In this paper, a new test based on Shannon’s entropy (called Shannon’s entropy statistic, H1) is introduced as goodness-of-fit test. The performance of the Shannon’s entropy statistic was tested on simulated and/or experimental data with uniform and respectively four continuous distributions (as error function, generalized extreme value, lognormal, and normal). The experimental data used in the assessment were properties or activities of active chemical compounds. Five known goodness-of-fit tests namely Anderson-Darling, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Cramér-von Mises, Kuiper V, and Watson U2 were used to accompany and assess the performances of H1.
Cultural Identity Crisis inside Self-Same Culture as Reflected in György Lőrincz’s Novel Sounds of the Heart
Authors: Dani Erzsébet
Published: September 2017

After the decisive historical moment of December 1989, the “border” is open for Transylvanian Hungarians and, in the subsequent euphoria, an exodus to the mother country commences. But with the political freedom of crossing national borders, due to globalization (too), new kinds of border problems present themselves for the youth leaving their native land: border issues of small versus large community, of interpersonal relations; the gap between generations; borders between majority versus minority identity and national versus cultural identity as well. This paper is a literary analysis with special focus on contemporary social phenomena, which will examine - through discussing a relevant contemporary Székely-Hungarian novel - how cultural identity can be deformed, damaged, or at least temporarily distorted when a Hungarian from beyond the border, who arrives in mother-country Hungary, will have to redefine herself/himself within a culture which, in this case, is basically one and the same.1 Can the identity-code, which was formed by, and grew strong in, the minority existence of the native land, function when s/he enters a cultural vacuum which turns out or can turn out to be another cultural maze for her or him? Can we talk about assimilation in such cases? What happens when a “rebellious” young individual’s “I” identity, unsteady in the first place, is left without the conserving and protective “We” identity in the confrontation of mother-nation versus beyond-the-border cultures so that, eventually, the young woman’s “I” identity will be damaged by big-city underworld (sub)culture. Or, will cultural mimicry emerge in this situation too as a strategy to help the individual retain his/her identity? We will seek answers to these questions through discussing a novel - A szív hangjai [Sounds of the Heart] - by a fine representative of contemporary Székely-Hungarian literature, György Lőrincz.
Interlaboratory variability of urinary iodine measurements
Authors: Ittermann Till , Johner Simone , Below Harald , Leiterer Matthias , Thamm Michael , Remer Thomas , Völzke Henry
Published: September 2017

Background:

The iodine status of populations is usually assessed by median urinary iodine concentrations (UIC) in population-based studies, but it is unclear to which extent UIC are comparable across different laboratories. The aim of our study was to investigate the variability of UIC measurements across three well-established German laboratories with long-term clinical-chemical expertise in iodine measurements and to compare these results to the gold standard inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Methods:

UIC levels were measured from 303 urine samples derived from the “Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed Study” and from volunteers of the University Medicine Greifswald at four different German laboratories. Three of these laboratories used Sandell-Kolthoff reaction with different digestion methods for UIC measurement (Lab1–Lab3), whereas one laboratory used ICP-MS as gold standard.

Results:

Median UIC levels were significantly different across the four laboratories (ICP-MS: 77 μg/L; Lab1: 69 μg/L; Lab2: 73 μg/L; Lab3: 111 μg/L). Linear regressions associating UIC levels of Lab1–Lab3 with UIC levels of ICP-MS showed intercepts significantly different from 0 and slopes significantly different from 1. Intraclass correlations (ICC) in comparison to ICP-MS were 0.91 for Lab1, 0.98 for Lab2, and 0.69 for Lab3. Using the digestion method of Lab2 in Lab3 improved the comparison of UIC levels of Lab3 with those from the ICP-MS (ICC=0.89).

Conclusions:

We have demonstrated larger interlaboratory variations across high-quality laboratories with long-lasting experience in iodine measurements indicating a relevant non-comparability of UIC measurements in iodine monitoring studies. Therefore, standardization of UIC measurements has to be expedited.
Managing Capabilities for Supply Chain Resilience Through it Integration
Authors: Gružauskas Valentas , Vilkas Mantas
Published: September 2017

The trend for e-commerce, estimated population size to 11 billion by 2050, and an increase in urbanization level to 70 % is requiring to re-think the current supply chain. These trends changed the distribution process: delivery distances are decreasing, the product variety is increasing, and more products are being sold in smaller quantities. Therefore, the concept of supply chain resilience has gained more recognition in recent years. The scientific literature analysis conducted by the authors indicate several capabilities that influence supply chain resilience. Collaboration, flexibility, redundancy and integration are the most influential capabilities to supply chain resilience. However, the authors identify that the combination of these capabilities to supply chain resilience is under researched. The authors indicate that by combining these capabilities with the upcoming technologies of industry 4.0, supply chain resilience can be achieved. In the future, the authors are planning to conduct further research to identify the influence of these capabilities to supply chain resilience, to quantify supply chain resilience, and to provide further practices of industry 4.0 concept usage for supply chain resilience.
Common Cycles and Baltic-Nordic Economic Integration
Authors: Hegerty Scott William
Published: September 2017

For centuries, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have enjoyed historic and economic ties with their Nordic neighbors in the Baltic Sea region. While the period since 1991 has been one of increased integration with the European Union, trade linkages with Finland and Sweden are particularly strong for Estonia and Latvia, respectively. This study addresses these connections by applying time-series econometric techniques, with the goal of highlighting where regional connections are strongest. Strong Nordic-Baltic linkages, while providing evidence that historical factors are still important, might also suggest that integration with the rest of the EU is relatively weak. Using quarterly data from 1994 to 2014 for Baltic, Nordic, and other partner countries, business cycles are modeled for output, consumption, and investment. Common regional cycles are also extracted via Principal Components Analysis for the three Baltic countries and for the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Cross-correlation functions are then generated for various cycle pairs to assess whether any are “synchronized.” One key finding is that the Nordic region has two possible consumption cycles that behave in very different ways, suggesting that this region does not behave as a coherent whole. Norway and Denmark drive one cycle, while Sweden and Finland drive the other. Another key result is that each Baltic country behaves differently from one another. While regional differences are quite large - making it harder to describe this as a single “region” at all - Estonia does show significant connections to Finland, its historic and linguistic neighbor.
Modeling of Graphene Planar Grating in the THz Range by the Method of Singular Integral Equations
Authors: Kaliberda Mstislav E. , Lytvynenko Leonid M. , Pogarsky Sergey A.
Published: September 2017

Diffraction of the$H$- polarized electromagnetic wave by the planar graphene grating in the THz range is considered. The scattering and absorption characteristics are studied. The scattered field is represented in the spectral domain via unknown spectral function. The mathematical model is based on the graphene surface impedance and the method of singular integral equations. The numerical solution is obtained by the Nystrom-type method of discrete singularities.
Optimized AVHRR land surface temperature downscaling method for local scale observations: case study for the coastal area of the Gulf of Gdańsk
Authors: Chybicki Andrzej , Łubniewski Zbigniew
Published: September 2017

Satellite imaging systems have known limitations regarding their spatial and temporal resolution. The approaches based on subpixel mapping of the Earth’s environment, which rely on combining the data retrieved from sensors of higher temporal and lower spatial resolution with the data characterized by lower temporal but higher spatial resolution, are of considerable interest. The paper presents the downscaling process of the land surface temperature (LST) derived from low resolution imagery acquired by the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), using the inverse technique. The effective emissivity derived from another data source is used as a quantity describing thermal properties of the terrain in higher resolution, and allows the downsampling of low spatial resolution LST images. The authors propose an optimized downscaling method formulated as the inverse problem and show that the proposed approach yields better results than the use of other downsampling methods. The proposed method aims to find estimation of high spatial resolution LST data by minimizing the global error of the downscaling. In particular, for the investigated region of the Gulf of Gdansk, the RMSE between the AVHRR image downscaled by the proposed method and the Landsat 8 LST reference image was 2.255°C with correlation coefficient R equal to 0.828 and Bias = 0.557°C. For comparison, using the PBIM method, it was obtained RMSE = 2.832°C, R = 0.775 and Bias = 0.997°C for the same satellite scene. It also has been shown that the obtained results are also good in local scale and can be used for areas much smaller than the entire satellite imagery scene, depicting diverse biophysical conditions. Specifically, for the analyzed set of small sub-datasets of the whole scene, the obtained RSME between the downscaled and reference image was smaller, by approx. 0.53°C on average, in the case of applying the proposed method than in the case of using the PBIM method.
New non-linear model of groundwater recharge: Inclusion of memory, heterogeneity and visco-elasticity
Authors: Spannenberg Jescica , Atangana Abdon , Vermeulen P.D.
Published: September 2017

Fractional differentiation has adequate use for investigating real world scenarios related to geological formations associated with elasticity, heterogeneity, viscoelasticity, and the memory effect. Since groundwater systems exist in these geological formations, modelling groundwater recharge as a real world scenario is a challenging task to do because existing recharge estimation methods are governed by linear equations which make use of constant field parameters. This is inadequate because in reality these parameters are a function of both space and time. This study therefore concentrates on modifying the recharge equation governing the EARTH model, by application of the Eton approach. Accordingly, this paper presents a modified equation which is non-linear, and accounts for parameters in a way that it is a function of both space and time. To be more specific, herein, recharge and drainage resistance which are parameters within the equation, became a function of both space and time. Additionally, the study entailed solving the non-linear equation using an iterative method as well as numerical solutions by means of the Crank-Nicolson scheme. The numerical solutions were used alongside the Riemann-Liouville, Caputo-Fabrizio, and Atangana-Baleanu derivatives, so that account was taken for elasticity, heterogeneity, viscoelasticity, and the memory effect. In essence, this paper presents a more adequate model for recharge estimation.
Green synthesis and stabilization of earthworm-like gold nanostructure and quasi-spherical shape using Caesalpinia sappan Linn. extract
Authors: Chartarrayawadee Widsanusan , Too Chee O. , Ross Sukunya , Ross Gareth M. , Jumpatong Kanlaya , Noimou Araya , Settha Apinya
Published: September 2017

Green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has received much attention due to biocompatibility and being facile and eco-friendly.Caesalpinia sappanLinn. (CS) is a plant found in Southeast Asia and is commonly known as sappan wood. In this research, we are the first to successfully use CS extract as reducing and stabilizing agents for the green synthesis of gold NPs (AuNPs). Colloidal solutions of AuNPs after reduction show natural red-wine and dark purple color depending on the size of AuNPs, without the interference of the orange/reddish-orange color from the CS extract. The concentration of CS was investigated for the formation and stabilization of AuNPs in colloidal solution (i.e. morphology, size and zeta potential). It was found that the optimized concentration of the reducing agent for the green synthesis of AuNPs was in the range of 0.004–0.04 wt% of CS. As the concentration of CS was increased, the sizes of AuNPs decreased due to the adsorption and stabilizing effect of CS. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed differences in size and shape of the NPs with earthworm and quasi-spherical characteristics. The zeta potential of AuNPs synthesized in the presence of CS was approximately in the range of −10 mV to −20 mV, indicating the stability of AuNPs synthesized by CS.
Mass-Transfer Model for Steel, Slag, and Inclusions during Ladle-Furnace Refining
Authors: Zhu Liguang , Jia Yanan , Liu Zengxun , Zhang Caijun , Wang Xingjuan , Xiao Pengcheng
Published: September 2017

Precise control of inclusion and molten steel compositions during ladle-furnace refining is important to obtain high-quality steel. Mass-transfer behavior affects these compositions. A model was developed to investigate the mass transfer occurring between molten steel, slag, inclusions, and the refractory during ladle-furnace refining, using two-film theory to describe the reactions. A coupled-reaction model based on the CaO–Al2O3–MgO–SiO2–FeO–P2O5 slag and Mn–Si–Al–Ca–Mg–P–S–O steel systems was applied to describe the reactions between molten steel and slag; the reactions between the refractory lining and slag or steel were described using average industrial erosion rate data. The model was used to calculate changes in the compositions of molten steel and slag, oxygen activity at the slag–molten steel interface, and composition of the inclusions. The calculated results agreed with operational results for a 100 t ladle furnace at the Tangsteel plant in China.
Numerical Simulation on Superheated Steam Fluidized Bed Drying at Different Operating Pressures
Authors: Zhifeng Xiao , Fan Zhang , Lei Xu , Jianhong Wang , Nanxing Wu
Published: September 2017

During superheated steam fluidized bed drying process, the operating pressure has an important influence on heat and mass transfer characteristics and the vapor-solid two-phase flow characteristics. Based on the two-dimensional unsteady model of rapeseeds drying process, the influence of operating pressure on the superheated steam fluidized bed drying kinetics was revealed by computer numerical simulation. The quantitative analysis of relationship between operating pressure and maximum drying rate was conducted under negative pressure, near atmospheric pressure and high pressure environment, respectively. The optimum operating pressure values for superheated steam fluidized bed drying were obtained with the imported superheated steam temperature and superficial velocity. The simulation results provide a theoretical reference for superheated steam fluidized bed drying technology applying to agro-processing projects.
Predicting Storage Conditions for Rice Seed with Thermodynamic Analysis
Authors: Wang Pan , Fu Nan , Li Dong , Wang Li-jun
Published: September 2017

The desorption isotherms of japonica and indica rice seeds were determined at 15, 25, 35, 45 °C within the water activity range from 0.12 to 0.92 and it was observed that GAB model could accurately describe the desorption behaviors with low values of mean relative error (MRE). The thermodynamic properties of rice seeds were obtained by water desorption isotherms. The moisture content with the minimum integral entropy was considered as the best storage condition where the strongest energetic interaction between water molecular and solid occurred and the optimum seed moisture for storage at 35 °C occurred at 6.02 g water per 100 g of dry matter (ɑw
of 0.12) for japonica rice seed and 5.28 g water per 100 g of dry matter (ɑw
of 0.08) for indica rice seed, respectively. The mechanisms of desorption process were determined with integral enthalpy–entropy compensation theory and it was observed that the at low moisture content the desorption process of rice seed was controlled by changes of entropy, whereas the desorption process was considered to be controlled by enthalpy mechanism at high moisture content. It was found that the indica rice seed exhibited a wider water activity range in the minimum integral entropy zone, indicating that indica rice seed was more stable to withstand the different storage conditions compared with japonica rice seed.
Assessing in Vitro Acaricidal Effect and Joint Action of a Binary Mixture Between Essential Oil Compounds (Thymol, Phellandrene, Eucalyptol, Cinnamaldehyde, Myrcene, Carvacrol) Over Ectoparasitic Mite Varroa Destructor (Acari: Varroidae)
Authors: Brasesco Constanza , Gende Liesel , Negri Pedro , Szawarski Nicolás , Iglesias Azucena , Eguaras Martín , Ruffinengo Sergio , Maggi Matías
Published: September 2017

Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman, 2000) causes the most important parasitosis of beekeeping in the world. For this reason, prevention is needed to avoid colony death. The most typical treatments involve synthetic acaricides. However, the use of these acaricides results in the emergence of resistant populations of mites to these products and in the appearances of drug residues in products of the hives. Compounds of essential oils have emerged as an alternative to traditional acaricides; however the toxicity produced by these mixtures is currently poorly explored. The aim of this work was to assess, by means of in vitro tests with adult bees, how acaricidal action and toxic interactions in a binary mixture of essential oil compounds (Thymol, Phellandrene, Eucalyptol, Cinnamaldehyde, Myrcene, and Carvacrol) affect V. destructor. Calculations of LC50 ’s of the individual compounds on A. mellifera and V. destructor made clear that the toxic effect of each compound is different for both species. Thymol and Phellandrene turned out to be lethal for mites at lower concentrations than for bees. The binary mixture of these two substances presented a different toxicity than one produced by each pure compound, as it was highly selective for mites in bioassays at 24 hours through complete exposure to both A. mellifera and V. destructor. These results make such formulations optimal substances to be considered as alternative controls for the parasitosis.
First Detection of Nosema Ceranae and Nosema Apis in Greater Wax Moth Galleria Mellonella
Authors: Ozgor Erkay , Celebier Irem , Ulusoy Meltem , Keskin Nevin
Published: September 2017

The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), one of the pests of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies, has spread almost all over the world. Although the G. mellonella is often reported to infest weak honey bee colonies that are exposed to pesticides and diseases, it is also a threat for healthy colonies. Therefore, there is a fairly high probability of transmission of both microflora-specific bacteria and pathogen microorganisms, especially Nosema species, between these organisms (Moth and bees). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Nosema species in greater wax moth G. mellonella collected from apiaries as well as grown in laboratory conditions. Adults and late instar larva of wax moth were used for detecting Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. Real-time PCR amplification studies were performed and specific ITS regions were targeted to distinguish Nosema species. Real-time PCR results showed that N. apis and N. ceranae were found in both phases of G. mellonella. This is the first study to confirm that N. apis and N. ceranae are present in greater wax moth collected from apiaries and grown at laboratories in Turkey.
K Obrazu Medzinárodnej JazYkovej Komunikácie V Európskej Únii
Authors: Košecký Stanislav
Published: September 2017

This paper is a reaction to the study of A. Lejsková that appeared in the number 2/2015 of this journal. Its aim is to put the mentioned issue into a wider picture from a historical point of view as well as to complete it. The problem of international linguistic communication in the EU is in practice often neglected and remains at the level of unfulfilled declarations. As a result, international negotiations are dominated by English, which is changing itself in its function of interlinguistic communication tool, with a minority use of other “strong” languages such as German, Spanish and sometimes Italian. It is shown that the principle of equality of the languages of the member states is not fulfilled from the points of view of both technical and financial possibilities of the EU. We reach the conclusion that the best solution to the language problem of the EU would be the introduction of a neutral international language (especially Esperanto is considered), which also presents serious problems from the point of view of the preparation of its application.
Eurozone Debt Monetization and Helicopter Money Drops: How Viable can this be?
Authors: Kyriazis Νikolaos A.
Published: September 2017

After the outburst of the recent financial crisis, the subsequent unconventional monetary acting that seemed to be a veritable revolution tends to become a norm. This paper makes an effort to employ the modern monetary theory framework to address the nowadays recession in the Eurozone through the prism of debt perpetuation and the more drastic helicopter money drops. Dynamics of debt monetization and issues of its sustainability are examined in connection to its free liquidity injections capacity. The aim of this paper is to try to cast some light on the potential of overt money financing in the Eurozone (EZ) and its consequences on the ECB’s credibility and the maintenance of its efficacy.
Central Bank Independence - the Case of the National Bank of Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Bezhoska Anita Angelovska
Published: September 2017

This paper explores the level of independence of the National bank of the Republic of Macedonia by primarily focusing on the legal provisions that pertain to the key aspects for achieving and maintaining price stability. It provides a historical perspective of the evolution of the independence since the first years of transition. The assessment of the independence of the NBRM is based on the index of Cukierman, Webb, and Neyapti (1992), as one of the most commonly used indices, and the index of Jacome and Vazquez (2005), which incorporates some specific aspects relevant for transition economies. Both indices indicate that the legal independence of the NBRM has increased over the years and that the current legal framework provides a high level of independence. Yet, it should be emphasized that there is a room for further strengthening, in particular in the areas of policy formulation and the process of appointment of the non-executive members of the council of the NBRM. As the indices are based on the legal provisions, they can serve only as an indication of the actual independence of the central bank.
Empirical Assessment on Financial Regulations and Banking Sector Performance
Authors: Igbinosa S. , Sunday Ogbeide , Babatunde Akanji
Published: September 2017

This study examines financial regulation and banking sector performance in Nigeria. Specifically, the study determines the impact of reforms on banking sector performance and also assesses the nexus between capital adequacy and banking sector performance. Time series data for the period 1993 to 2014 was used. As an analytical tool, the study uses unit root test to determine the stationary state of the variables. We also employed the Johansson co-integration and error correction model (ECM) statistical techniques to establish both short-run and long-run dynamic relationships between the endogenous and exogenous variables. The empirical findings indicate that financial regulation significantly impacts the banking sector performance while financial regulation has both short-run and long-run dynamic relationships with the banking sector performance in Nigeria. It was found that the four-period lag of capital adequacy negatively affects banking sector performance and is not statistically significant. The paper suggests that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should continually make public the impacts that the various financial regulations and reforms have on the performance of Nigerian banks. Majority of the policies on financial regulation by the apex bank (CBN) need to be long-run which can enable confidence of stakeholders, shareholders and the general public in the Nigerian banking industry when critically evaluated.
Predicting Systemic Banking Crises Using Early Warning Models: The Case of Montenegro
Authors: Asanović Željka
Published: September 2017

Very high costs of systemic banking crises emphasize the importance of early warning models for these crises. In order to create an early warning model for systemic banking crises a combined approach is implemented. The first approach applied in this paper is signal approach, however, with some modifications as compared with its standard application in the literature. On the basis of individual indicators two composite indices are created. Unlike other papers in this field, the author has chosen a 24-month period before the beginning of the crisis as a signal horizon, while the signal horizon in the literature is usually considered to be a period of 12 months before and 12 months after the crisis onset. The second approach represents logit model whereas the independent variables are actually the indicators with the best performances obtained within the signal approach. In order to check the robustness of indicators, the Bayesian model averaging technique is used. The indicator that represents the credit growth rate, besides being a part of the composite index, is statistically significant in all estimated specifications of the logit model, including the technique of Bayesian model averaging. Additionally, trends in the international market have a significant influence on the domestic banking system and its stability, and hence also on the probability of occurrence of a systemic banking crisis.
Do minocycline and other suppressors of microglia reactivity have a future in prevention or treatment of epilepsy?
Authors: Lasoń Władysław , Ślusarczyk Joanna , Regulska Magdalena , Leśkiewicz Monika , Basta-Kaim Agnieszka
Published: September 2017

Introduction.An increasing body of evidence points to an important role of neuroinflammatory processes in the pathomechanism of epilepsy. This hypothesis is mainly supported by data showing an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and glia activation in animal models of epilepsy and in brain tissue of epileptic patients. On the other hand, less emphasis has been put on pharmacological verification of this hypothesis.

Aim.The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on potential usefulness of microglia regulators and anti-inflammatory agents in designing antiepileptic/antiepileptogenic drugs, with the primary mechanism of action based on the inhibition of neuroinflammation.

Methods.We reviewed PubMed and MEDLINE databases to select publications in the topic: epilepsy, neuroinflammation, microglia and microglia regulators with antiepileptic properties. We searched the databases up to April 2017 with no date restrictions.

Review and Discussion.In the present paper, we will discuss new concepts of epileptogenesis which focus not only on changes in neurons but also take into consideration the role of activation of glial cells: microglia and astrocytes. Neuroinflammation, mainly through increased production of pro-inflammatory factors such as cytokines or chemokines, may play an important role in the development of epilepsy. Drugs regulating glial cells activation and consequently inflammatory status in the central nervous system have beneficial effects in different animal models of epilepsy as well as in clinical study in patients. The most promising compound seems to be minocycline which in some studies has been shown to possess antiepileptogenetic action. On the other hand, some antiepileptic drugs exhibit marked anti-inflammatory potency.

Conclusions.There are much data to suggest that there is significant opportunity for designing new antiepileptic drugs whose primary mechanism of action entails the inhibition of neuroinflammatory processes.
Middle Jurassic–Early Cretaceous foraminiferal biozonation of the Amran Group, eastern Sana’a Basin, Yemen
Authors: Al-Wosabi Mohammed , El-Anbaawy Mohammed , Al-Thour Khalid
Published: September 2017

Two sections of strata assigned to the Amran Group at Jabal Salab and Jabal Yam in the eastern Sana’a governorate were sampled and correlated. These sections are part of a carbonate platform that extends from the city of Marib in the east to Naqil Ibn Ghailan, 20 km east of the city of Sana’a to the west. Palaeontological analysis of samples recovered has resulted in identification of 123 foraminiferal species, which are used to subdivide the sequence of the Amran Group into five biostratigraphic zones, aged between Bathonian (Middle Jurassic) and Berriasian (Early Cretaceous). The proposed biozones are those of Riyadhella rotundata, Kurnubia jurassica, Ammomarginulina sinaica, Alveosepta jaccardi and Pseudocyclammina sulaiyana/Furitilla caspianseis. These biozones were constructed and correlated with the equivalent zones reported from several localities.
Notes on mildly distributive semilattices
Authors: Celani Sergio Arturo , González Luciano Javier
Published: September 2017

In this paper we shall investigate the mildly distributive meet-semilattices by means of the study of their filters and Frink-ideals as well as applying the theory of annihilator. We recall some characterizations of the condition of mildly-distributivity and we give several new characterizations. We prove that the definition of strong free distributive extension, introduced by Hickman in 1984, can be simplified and we show a correspondence between (prime) Frink-ideals of a mildly distributive semilattice and (prime) ideals of its strong free distributive extension.
Properties of non-associative MV-algebras
Authors: Chajda Ivan , Länger Helmut
Published: September 2017

Non-associative MV-algebras (NMV-algebras) (A, ⊕, ¬, 0) were introduced in [CHAJDA, I.—KÜHR, J.: A non-associative generalization of MV-algebras, Math. Slovaca 57 (2007), 301–312]. In the present paper we prove some properties of these algebras, investigate when intervals of the form [a, 1] can be made into NMV-algebras in some natural way and consider idempotent elements and derivations of NMV-algebras. Moreover, we study decompositions of NMV-algebras and characterize the congruences on NMV-algebras by means of so-called filters.
Quadratic permutations, complete mappings and mutually orthogonal latin squares
Authors: Samardjiska Simona , Gligoroski Danilo
Published: September 2017

We investigate the permutation behavior of a special class of Dembowski-Ostrom polynomials over a finite field of characteristic 2 of the form P(X) = L
1(X)(L
2(X)+L
1(X)L
3(X)) where L
1, L
2, L
3 are linearized polynomials. To our knowledge, the given class has not been studied previously in the literature. We identify several new types of permutation polynomials of this class. While most of the newly identified polynomials are linearly equivalent to permutation monomials, we show that there exist subclasses that are not affine equivalent to monomials, and we describe their forms.

One of the newly identified classes contains a subclass of complete mappings. We use these complete mappings to define new sets of mutually orthogonal Latin squares, as well as new vectorial bent functions from the Maiorana-McFarland class. Moreover, the quasigroup polynomials obtained in the process are different and inequivalent to the previously known ones.
A class of topological spaces between the classes of regular and urysohn spaces
Authors: Georgiou Dimitrios N. , Megaritis Athanasios C.
Published: September 2017

The notion of rU-space is given and investigated. A space X is said to be a rU-space if X is a Hausdorff space and for every x ∈ X and every open neighbourhood V of x there exists an open neighbourhood U of x such that U ⊆ Cl(V) and Bd(U) ⊆ V. The class of rU-spaces is properly placed between the classes of regular and Urysohn spaces.
Novel Polarization Rotators for Silicon Photonic Integrated Circuits
Authors: Chen Chyong-Hua , Chen Kuei Ho
Published: September 2017

We present a novel mode-interference based polarization rotator with a dual-waveguide structure based on the standard silicon-on-insulator substrate. The polarization rotator section consists of two non-identical nanowire waveguides arranged 45° offset with regard to the other. Two identical dual-taper sections are introduced in-between this polarization rotator and the standard silicon input/output waveguides to realize equal modal excitation amplitudes of two hybrid modes in the polarization rotator section. Simulation results show that this device with the total length of 25.3 μm has the insertion loss of −0.51 dB and the extinction ratio of 32.27 dB for TM → TE mode conversion at the wavelength of 1550 nm and the extinction ratio of over 20 dB at thewavelength ranging from 1536 nm to 1568 nm.
Analytic Theology as Confessional Theology with a Linguistic Edge
Authors: Harrower Scott
Published: September 2017

Clarity about analytic theology’s theological authorities and their relative order will secure analytic theology’s place at the systematic theological table. Indeed, working on this issue suggests that analytic theology has the potential to be the best kind of confessional theology because not only can it receive and regulate classic sources of authority, but it has an advantage over other forms of systematic theology in the realm of philosophy of language. This paper makes two contributions towards this goal. Firstly, it proposes “hermeneutical confessionalism” as a way for AT practitioners to order theological authorities. It is a confessional approach for determining the relative weight and significance of various theological authorities for the task of analytic theology. This model is warranted by the hermeneutical trajectories set by the reception of theological pressures in the New Testament, the early “Rule of Faith” and the Seven Ecumenical Councils. This historically realist and ecclesial approach for ordering theological authorities is set over and against other models in which theological sources have little explicit theological ordering and are mostly treated launching pads for thought experiments. Secondly, I suggest that analytic theology may be able to develop theological outcomes that are not possible for other forms of systematic theology. This is possible because it has a historical affinity with, and the skill set to deploy, precise and theologically invested forms of language as theological resources. Such possibilities originate in analytic theology’s direct pedigree from 20th century analytic philosophy, and from its affinity with some proto-analytic theologians from the Middle Ages. These points about the necessity of sophisticated uses of language as a theological authority and working within the hermeneutical bounds of creedal Christianity are demonstrated via a case study. The case study makes a number of relevant points for ordering and developing theological authorities particular to analytic theology. I conclude by making a final suggestion for research to do with Personalism.
Key-Phenomenon and Religious Meaning
Authors: Lomuscio Vincenzo
Published: September 2017

In this paper I develop a phenomenology of religious experience through the notion of keyphenomenon. My analysis moves from a general phenomenology of situation, in which we have to relate different phenomena according to a sense. What does “according to a sense” mean? My suggestion is that we should look for a relationship among these data when we find a key-phenomenon (among a series of phenomena) that would enlighten all the others. This key-phenomenon would show a non-phenomenal meaning which would make all the others understandable. Each other datum, therefore, becomes the witness of invisible meaning through a key-witness. The key-phenomenon we choose determines the role (i.e., the truth) of each datum within its situation. This phenomenological relationship belongs to both the sense of day-life situations, and that one of possible religious situations. If the religious interpretation of a situation depends on our choice of key-phenomenon, or key-witness, we have to define what kind of keyphenomenon constitutes a religious intuition.
Nanolimes: from synthesis to application
Authors: Rodriguez-Navarro Carlos , Ruiz-Agudo Encarnación
Published: September 2017

Cultural heritage objects and structures are subjected to a range of weathering processes that result in their decay and destruction. To slow weathering rates and/or mitigate their effects, several protective and consolidant materials have been used during conservation interventions. Treatments based on organic polymers and alkoxysilanes, as well as some traditional inorganic treatments such as lime water, are in many cases either incompatible and/or show limited efficacy. In recent years nanolimes, that is, dispersions of Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles in alcohol (as well as alcohol dispersions of other alkaline-earth metal hydroxide nanoparticles), have emerged as an effective and compatible conservation material. Here we review recent advances in the synthesis and application of nanolimes in the field of heritage conservation. First, we present an overview of lime-based conservation materials, with an emphasis on the earliest reports on the use of nanolimes. Subsequently, we present the different methods used to synthesize nanolimes. Afterwards, we describe their carbonation and its consolidation effects. Practical application of nanolimes in heritage conservation are summarized, including consolidation of stone, ceramics, lime mortars and mural painting, as well as deacidification of paper, canvas, and wood. The advantages and limitations of this novel nanotechnology for cultural heritage conservation are outlined. Finally, some conclusions and areas for future research are presented.
Enumeration and investigation of acute 0/1-simplices modulo the action of the hyperoctahedral group
Authors: Brandts Jan , Cihangir Apo
Published: September 2017

The convex hull of n + 1 affinely independent vertices of the unit n-cube In is called a 0/1-simplex. It is nonobtuse if none its dihedral angles is obtuse, and acute if additionally none of them is right. In terms of linear algebra, acute 0/1-simplices in In can be described by nonsingular 0/1-matrices P of size n × n whose Gramians G = PTP have an inverse that is strictly diagonally dominant, with negative off-diagonal entries [6, 7]. The first part of this paper deals with giving a detailed description of how to efficiently compute, by means of a computer program, a representative from each orbit of an acute 0/1-simplex under the action of the hyperoctahedral group Bn [17] of symmetries of In. A side product of the investigations is a simple code that computes the cycle index of Bn, which can in explicit form only be found in the literature [11] for n ≤ 6. Using the computed cycle indices for B3, . . . ,B11 in combination with Pólya’s theory of enumeration shows that acute 0/1-simplices are extremely rare among all 0/1-simplices. In the second part of the paper, we study the 0/1-matrices that represent the acute 0/1-simplices that were generated by our code from a mathematical perspective. One of the patterns observed in the data involves unreduced upper Hessenberg 0/1-matrices of size n × n, block-partitioned according to certain integer compositions of n. These patterns will be fully explained using a so-called One Neighbor Theorem [4]. Additionally, we are able to prove that the volumes of the corresponding acute simplices are in one-to-one correspondence with the part of Kepler’s Tree of Fractions [1, 24] that enumerates ℚ ⋂ (0, 1). Another key ingredient in the proofs is the fact that the Gramians of the unreduced upper Hessenberg matrices involved are strictly ultrametric [14, 26] matrices.
Development and specification of an accurate
cosine-behaviour responsivity radiometer head for
infrared temperature radiation
Authors: Taubert Richard Dieter , Monte Christian , Baltruschat Christoph , Schulz Marco , Hollandt Jörg
Published: September 2017

In the framework of a cooperation between the Physikalisch-Technische
Bundesanstalt (PTB) and the European Leading Association of Radiant
Gas Heaters Manufacturers (ELVHIS e. V.), an integrating sphere based
radiometer head with a cosine-behaviour responsivity was
developed. This type of radiometer is applied for the metrological
characterization of gas-fired infrared radiant heaters according to
the standards DIN EN 416-2 and DIN EN 419-2. A systematic
determination of the reflectance/emittance of differently surface
texturized plane samples and a subsequent measurement of the angular
resolved responsivity of a dedicated manufactured radiometer head
prototype series enabled the development of an optimized manufacturing
specification in terms of the surface texturizing/electroplating for
the integrating sphere. Through comparison measurements employing
a second prototype series, manufactured by the PTB and a selected
industrial workshop, the manufacturing specification was successfully
validated.
Effect of Aging on Hardness in the Ring Compression Tests Using Experimental and Finite Element Investigations
Authors: HariKrishna C. , Davidson M. J. , Anil Kumar B.
Published: September 2017

The heterogeneity of hardness distribution in a ring compression test was investigated in the present research. Rings of size 24 mm o.d. and 12 mm hole were machined to a height of 8 mm. All the samples were solutionized at a temperature of 502°C. The solutionized samples were grouped into three sets and each group was aged for 9, 13, and 18 h, respectively. Each group of samples was upset between rigid dies to different levels of strain. The ring compression tests were modeled using a finite element software package and were upset to identical strain levels as done in the experiments for all the aging conditions. The hardness at different zones in the upset ring was measured using Vickers indenter and the hardness was also predicted from the relation between effective strain distribution and Vickers hardness. The predicted results were in close agreement with the experimental results. It can be explained that the hardness in the upset ring is not uniform throughout the ring specimen and will vary near the surface, along the neutral plane, at the bulge head of the ring, and also with aging condition.