bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ezenwa–Ohaeto: Poet of the Genre
Authors: Nwachukwu–Agbada J.O.J.
Published: January 2016

Ezenwa–Ohaeto was a poet of immense artistic vision. He was a conscious member of the Nigerian and African polity and a perspicacious user of the African oral tradition, particularly the Igbo afflatus/affiliation of it. A poet of ideas and style, Ezenwa–Ohaeto was to adopt principally as his stylistic tool the Igbo traditional genre of satire called In this essay, effort has been made towards identifying his use of the mode in terms of what he took from it and what in turn he gave to African poetry. It is demonstrated that Ezenwa–Ohaeto utilized satire to draw attention to the ills in the land. While he did so, he used the humour in to smoothe his way through. Although he was regularly concerned with the fate of fellow nationals, he did so light-heartedly, combining the use of airy Igbo iconic figures with mediated English and pidgin variety. Ezenwa–Ohaeto thus left behind an original, captivating and enchanting poetic tradition
Ethnic Conflict and the Politics of Greed Rethinking Chimamanda Adichie's
Authors: Tembo Nick Mdika
Published: January 2016

The African continent today is laced with some of the most intractable conflicts, most of them based on ethnic nationalism. More often than not, this has led to poor governance, unequal distribution of resources, state collapse, high attrition of human resources, economic decline, and inter-ethnic clashes. This essay seeks to examine Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's through the lens of ethnic conflict. It begins by tracing the history and manifestations of ethnic stereotypes and ethnic cleavage in African imaginaries. The essay then argues that group loyalty in Nigeria led to the creation of 'biafranization' or 'fear of the Igbo factor' in the Hausa–Fulani and the various other ethnic groups that sympathized with them; a fear that crystallized into a thirty-month state-sponsored bulwark campaign aimed at finding a 'final solution' to a 'problem population'. Finally, the essay contends that Adichie's anatomizes the impact of ethnic cleavage on the civilian Igbo population during the Nigeria–Biafra civil war. Adichie, I argue, participates in an ongoing re-invention of how Africans can extinguish the psychology of fear that they are endangered species when they live side by side with people who do not belong to their 'tribe'.
Public Spectating and Political Undertones in Durbar The Emirate Court Art of Northern Nigeria as Instrument of Governance
Authors: Umar–Buratai Mohammed Inuwa
Published: January 2016

The discourses of nationhood and nation-building in the developed Western world have been facilitated by the prevalent cultures of writing and documentation. The situation in the developing world has remained largely fragmented because of the absence of such coherent, broadcast, and comprehensive forums for a discourse on 'nationhood'. Different societies articulate their perception of the priorities of nationhood in a range of forms – manifest in ritual visual displays, entertainment and formal rhetoric such as poetry, religious sayings and quotations – which were not dependent on literacy, including the ceremony of durbar. The ordinary people construe the durbar as a spectacle, perhaps because it encompasses a wide range of performance artists drawn from the many groupings within society. However, durbar functions, through its display of martial strength, to reinforce the political and religious power of the ruling elite: durbar within society. The focus in this essay is to examine political undertones of durbar, specifically the ways in which localized participation in the reinforcing ritual of relationships of power provides the people with an opportunity for the public exhibition of individual skills and for the elites an avenue for containing any nascent – or potential – articulation of resistance in society.
Exploiting Resources of Yorùbá Drum Poetry for Contemporary Global Relevance
Authors: Sotunsa Mobolanle Ebunoluwa
Published: January 2016

Yorùbá drum poetry has to date enjoyed an indigenous monopoly. However, its attributes as a unique cultural asset of Africans need to be further exploited for greater relevance to the sophistication and demands of the contemporary age. This essay contends that the resources of Yorùbá drum poetry are currently grossly under-utilized; it further asserts that for any art to thrive it must remain dynamic. Suggestions are therefore made concerning various current uses to which the valued resources of Yorùbá drum poetry can be put in order to achieve global relevance. Highlighted here are various means by which the mass media, the advertising and music industries, the government, NGOs, and international organizations can benefit from a more aggressive exploitation of the resources of drum poetry.
Reels of Conflicting Paradigms The Black Filmmaker and Africa's Transitional Dilemmas
Authors: Vetinde Lifongo
Published: January 2016

Since its debut in the 1960s, African cinema, like other popular cultural forms, has played, and continues to play, a role in the discursive and representational practices which shape specific ideas of African nationhood. This essay explores the ways in which African filmmakers dramatize, explicitly or implicitly, the postcolonial transitional dilemmas their nations face in a context of cultural mimicry with its inherent ideological contradictions. It focuses principally on (Senegal, 1974) by Ousmane Sembène, (1988, Burkina Faso) by Gaston Kaboré, (1991, Cameroon) by Bassek ba Kobhio, (Burundi, 1992) by Léonce Ngabo, and (Zimbabwe, 1993) by Godwin Mawuru.
Newly discovered orchid types (Orchidaceae) in the Herbarium Gottingense with selected lectotypifications
Authors: Steudel Bastian , APPELHANS MARC S.
Published: January 2016

Thorough investigation of old collections is an important service to taxonomy and history of science. In this process, many old collections that may have been forgotten can be made available again for science. Recently, online databases like Tropicos (www.tropicos.org), the World checklist of selected plant families (http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/home.do) and The plant list (www.theplantlist.org) have facilitated this work (Steudel et al. 2012). It has not yet been recognized that many old collections are rich in type material. These specimens are of particular value since some collections have been destroyed (e.g. Herbarium Berolinense in World War II), and it is important to compile lists of type material from the 18th and 19th century from as many herbaria as possible. An example is the discovery of type material of Bipinnula polysyka Kraenzl. (Kränzlin 1887; Orchidaceae) in Zurich (Z & ZT) by Steudel et al. (2012). This material has been designated as lectotype of the species as it represents the only known original material (Sanguinetti et al. 2015). Additionally, a complete revision of a group can clarify nomenclatural confusion (Steudel 2012).
Pseudoporpoloma, a new genus for Agaricus pes-caprae (Agaricales, Tricholomataceae)
Authors: Vizzini Alfredo , Consiglio Giovanni , Ercole Enrico , Setti Ledo
Published: January 2016

Pseudoporpoloma (Agaricales) is a new monospecific genus established for Agaricus pes-caprae, a grassland species previously placed in Tricholoma or Porpoloma. Pseudoporpoloma is morphologically distinguished by a Tricholoma-like habit, a conical radially fibrillose pileus, and amyloid spores. Phylogenetic analyses based on a combined ITS-LSU-rpb2 sequence dataset place Pseudoporpoloma close to Pseudotricholoma and Tricholoma.
New records of Philcoxia minensis (Plantaginaceae) and Mitracarpus pusillus (Rubiaceae): conservation status assessment and notes on type specimens of two threatened species from the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Scatigna André Vito , Carmo João Afonso Martins , Simões André Olmos
Published: January 2016

The Espinhaço Range is a vast chain of mountains comprising ca. 120,000 km2 in the central portions of Minas Gerais and Bahia states, eastern Brazil (Ribeiro et al. 2014). Although this range represents less than 1.5% of the Brazilian territory, it harbors ca. 10% of Brazil’s angiosperm flora (Ribeiro et al. 2012). Furthermore, estimates suggest that ca. 30% of the Espinhaço Range flora is endemic (Giulietti et al. 1987). This high percentage of diversity and endemism may relate to the microhabitat heterogeneity in the “campos rupestres”, a savanna-like vegetation associated with quartzite and ironstone outcrops and white sand patches, at elevations above 900 m (Conceição & Pirani 2005, Ribeiro et al. 2014). The Diamantina Plateau, a quartzite formation of the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais, extends from the Araçuaí Basin, in the high Jequitinhonha Basin, to the Rio das Velhas Basin (Ribeiro et al. 2014). The Serra do Cabral, another part of the Espinhaço Range, is a rectangular mountain plateau in the same state in the São Francisco Basin, located to the west of the Diamantina Plateau and separated from it by a valley ca. 40 km wide (Hatschbach et al. 2006).
More Active Living–Oriented County and Municipal Zoning Is Associated With Increased Adult Leisure Time Physical Activity—United States, 2011
Authors: Chriqui Jamie F. , Nicholson Lisa M. , Thrun Emily , Leider Julien , Slater Sandy J.
Published: January 2016

Although zoning is recognized for its role in facilitating healthy communities, no study has examined whether active living–oriented zoning codes are associated with adult leisure time physical activity (PA). This study sought to fill this gap and hypothesized that adult leisure time PA would be greater in communities with more progressive zoning code reforms and more active living–oriented zoning. Zoning codes for 1,617 county and municipal jurisdictions located in 30 states (covering ~40% of the U.S. population) were evaluated for code reform zoning and 11 active living markers. County-aggregated zoning measures were created for linking with five adult PA behaviors obtained from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System controlling for individual and county sociodemographics. Zoning elements most associated with adult PA included requirements for mixed use, active and passive recreation, bike parking/street furniture, and bike-pedestrian trails/paths. This study provides new insights into the role that zoning can play in facilitating adult PA.
Spaced Repetition Promotes Efficient and Effective Learning
Authors: Kang Sean H. K.
Published: January 2016

Concern that students in the United States are less proficient in mathematics, science, and reading than their peers in other countries has led some to question whether American students spend enough time in school. Instead of debating the amount of time that should be spent in school (and on schoolwork), this article addresses how the available instructional time might be optimally utilized via the scheduling of review or practice. Hundreds of studies in cognitive and educational psychology have demonstrated that spacing out repeated encounters with the material over time produces superior long-term learning, compared with repetitions that are massed together. Also, incorporating tests into spaced practice amplifies the benefits. Spaced review or practice enhances diverse forms of learning, including memory, problem solving, and generalization to new situations. Spaced practice is a feasible and cost-effective way to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of learning, and has tremendous potential to improve educational outcomes. The article also discusses barriers to adopting spaced practice, recent developments, and their possible implications.
Influence of immunoglobulin isotype on therapeutic antibody function
Authors: Beers Stephen A. , Glennie Martin J. , White Ann L.
Published: January 2016

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics are revolutionizing cancer treatment; however, not all tumors respond, and agent optimization is essential to improve outcome. It has become clear over recent years that isotype choice is vital to therapeutic success with agents that work through different mechanisms, direct tumor targeting, agonistic receptor engagement, or receptor-ligand blockade, having contrasting requirements. Here we summarize how isotype dictates mAb activity and discuss ways in which this information can be used for the development of enhanced therapeutics.
Collision of Three Pandemics: The Coexistence of Cervical Cancer, HIV Infection, and Prior Tuberculosis in the Sub-Saharan Country of Botswana
Authors: Zetola Nicola M. , Grover Surbhi , Modongo Chawangwa , Chiyapo Sebathu P. , Nsingo-Bvochora Memory , Narasimhamurthy Mohan , Lin Lilie L. , Jarvis Joseph , Shin Sanghyuk S. , Robertson Erle
Published: January 2016

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the developing world, where HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection are also endemic. HIV infection is independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality among women with cervical cancer. TB is believed to increase the risk of malignancies and could cause chronic inflammation in the gynecologic tract. However, the relationship between cervical cancer and TB in settings hyperendemic for HIV is unknown. We found that 18 (10%) of a cohort of 180 women with cervical cancer in Botswana had a history of TB disease. Age and HIV infection were also associated with a history of TB disease. Our data show that prior TB disease is highly prevalent among patients with cervical cancer infected with HIV. The coexistence of cervical cancer, HIV infection, and prior TB infection might be higher than expected in the general population. Prospective studies are needed to better determine the impact of the collision of these three world health epidemics.
Pellicle formation in the malaria parasite
Authors: Kono Maya , Heincke Dorothee , Wilcke Louisa , Wong Tatianna , Bruns Caroline , Herrmann Susann , Spielmann Tobias , Gilberger Tim W.
Published: January 2016

The intraerythrocytic developmental cycle of Plasmodium falciparum is completed with the release of up to 32 invasive daughter cells, the merozoites, into the blood stream. Prior to release, the finalizing step of merozoite development is the assembly of the cortical pellicle, a multi-layered membrane structure. This unique apicomplexan feature includes the inner membrane complex (IMC) and the parasites plasma membrane. A dynamic ring structure, referred to as the basal complex, is part of the IMC and helps divide organelles and abscises the maturing daughter cells. Here we analyze the basal complex dynamics of P. falciparum. We report on a novel transmembrane protein of the basal complex termed PfBTP1 being specific to the genus Plasmodium. It co-localizes with the known basal complex marker protein PfMORN1 and shows a distinct dynamic as well as localization compared to other IMC proteins during schizogony. Using a parasite plasma membrane marker cell line we correlate basal complex dynamics with the acquisition of the maternal membrane. We show that plasma membrane invagination and inner membrane complex propagation are interlinked during the final steps of cell division.
Innovative Management Specifics of the Crimea Resort Complex
Authors: Ермоленко  , Ermolenko G. , Панаско  , Panasko Daniil
Published: January 2016

Innovative management of a health resort comprises the complex and rational

distribution of different types of resources, as well as boosting the investment

attractiveness of the Republic of Crimea, and expanding the range of services

of the sanatorium-and-spa resort complex. These innovations can provide

economic efficiency and result in positive social and environmental effects. The

economic efficiency refers to economic growth through the introduction

of scientific achievements that can accelerate the development of the resort

complex, ensure their economic security, and provide for high stable rates

of growth and rightful place among all the sectors of the national economy.
Studying the Cyclical Components of the Real Per Capita GDP Trend in Norway and Switzerland
Authors: Коржов  , Korzhov Vladimir
Published: January 2016

The purpose of the paper is to date the long waves lowest points and thus

to identify the moments of technological modes changes and the emergence

of the next dominant technological modes in the economies of Norway and

Switzerland. Considered are the cyclical components of the real per capita GDP

trends for these countries. The results allow to put forward assumptions

concerning the Kondratieff waves periodization and to determine precise dates

of technological modes shifts, using the system of indicators. The study is based

on data on real per capita GDP for Norway and Switzerland, for certain periods,

measured in the 1990 Gehry-Hemis dollars.
On the Results of Studying Kondratieff Waves in the Economy of Spain
Authors: Левкина  , Levkina Nataliya
Published: January 2016

The paper presents the results of the analysis of Spain`s economic dynamics in order to identify periods of of Kondratieff waves and the dates of origin of new technological modes. Through the regression analysis of the time series of Spain’s real per capita GDP for the period from 1850 to 2008, the author determines the dates of origin of the third, the fourth and the fifth Kondratieff waves and also the dates of origin of the fourth, the fifth and the sixth technological modes in the Spanish economy. The results obtained shows, that the fourth technological mode in Spain`s economy occurred in the early 20th century, the fifth mode — in the 1950s, while the sixth mode began in the late 20th century. The results of the research can be helpful for constructing models of technological modes` productivity in Spain.
Metabolic activity of neutrophils and monocytes in the peripheral blood at the viral hepatitis C
Authors: Цховребов  , Tskhovrebov Alan , Плахтий  , Plakhtiy Lyudmila , Гатиева  , Gatieva E. , Тадеева  , Tadeeva Armila
Published: January 2016

Survey of 67 patients with viral hepatitis C was made. Of these comorbidities were identified in 11 patients. The survey was conducted at the height of clinical manifestations, in the waning of clinical symptoms in early convalescence. The control group consisted of 27 healthy individuals. In patients with hepatitis C dysfunction of neutrophils and monocyteswas revealed. These changescorrelate with the severity of the process. A consequence of the metabolic defect is a decrease in phagocytic activity of neutrophils and monocytes, which allows to offer methods of studying the metabolism of peripheral blood phagocytes as additional criteria to assess the severity of the disease, the prognosis of viral Hepatitis C, its outcomes and complications.
Nickel chloride effects during calcitonin-mediated hypocalcemia
Authors: Брин  , Brin Vadim , Кокаев  , Kokaev Romesh
Published: January 2016

Nickel chloride injection to animals against a background of hypocalcemia induced by excessive intake of calcitonin potentiated the effects of isolated impact both calcitonin and nickel chloride, such as: the increase of diuresis by reducing reabsorption of water; hypocalcemia, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia; the decrease of the reabsorption of cations and the of the excretion with the urine; proteinuria.
Disorders of mineral bone density and vitamin D deficiency in chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Тотров  , Totrov Igor , Слохова  , Slokhova N. , Медоева  , Medoeva Alana
Published: January 2016

This article presents the results of a study of mineral bone density, and vitamin D 25(OH)D3 in serum of 100 patients with chronic diseases of the stomach and duodenum. The results osteodensitometry studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in different parts of the skeleton among the patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The decrease of vitamin D level in the blood serum of patients with diseases of the stomach and duodenum. The existing disorders of bone metabolism in patients with gastrointestinal diseases are connected with deficiency of vitamin D.
Influence of doxorubicin on lipid peroxidation and heart histology in rats
Authors: Джиоев  , Dzhioev Inal , Джанаев  , Dzhanaev Robert
Published: January 2016

Anthracycline antibiotic doxorubicin, which has proven cardiovascular toxicity, is often used in the treatment of cancer. The research project was carried out in 21 sexually mature Wistar male rats divided into three groups: control group, high-dose experimental group, in which rats were once injected intraperitoneally with doxorubicin hydrochloride at a dose of 10 mg/kg and low-dose experimental group, in which animals twice received intraperitoneal 2.5 mg/kg doses of doxorubicinhydrochloride at 10-day interval.An increase of malondialdehyde was revealed in the membranes of red blood cells in the high-dose experimental group, while in the low-dose experimental group a reduction in the levels of malondialdehyde and plasma hydroperoxides as well as a decreasing of catalase activity was observed. Intake of doxorubicin also causes venous hyperemia in wide areas of myocardiumalong with increasing of cardiomyocytic cross striation.
Review
Authors: Miley Mike , Sigl Stephen
Published: January 2016

David Fincher's Alien Autopsy

The Ninth Gate and the Realm of Divinity
The censor, the steam fitter and Anita Loos: Or, the silent film adaptation of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1928)
Authors: Wilson Leslie Kreiner
Published: January 2016

While a plethora of research exists examining the 1953 musical starring Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell as well as the bestselling novel from which it is adapted, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1925), very little exists regarding the silent film adaptation produced by Paramount in 1927 and released in 1928. Presumably, this absence is due to the fact that the film is now considered lost. The script survives, however, and a close reading of the novel contrasted against the 1927 scenario exposes the social and censorship forces under which the American screenwriter Anita Loos labored as she altered the characterization of the protagonist, Lorelei, to make her more palatable for the tastes of 1920s film audiences, censors and studio executives alike.
State interference, para-politics and editorial control: The political economy of ‘Mirrorgate’ in Zimbabwe
Authors: Ureke Oswelled
Published: January 2016

This article explores the events leading to the closure of the Zimbabwe Mirror Newspapers Group (ZMNG) in 2007. It narrates how the state in Zimbabwe, through its intelligence arm, the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), covertly took over the privately owned newspaper stable, publishers of the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror, leading to the organization’s demise. The article is informed by critical political economy theory, particularly the Propaganda Model and the concept of Social Control in the newsroom, linking Mirrorgate to the narrative of media control by the state in Zimbabwe. Interviews were conducted with key personnel – former Mirror staff members – to collect data. Archival newspaper reports were also analysed to trace the development of Mirrorgate and its consequences on the Mirror’s performance as a media entity. The article also benefits from experiential data accumulated through observation by the author as a former Mirror employee. The article shows that the Mirror takeover by the state had debilitating consequences on the organization’s performance, and can be attributed as the major reason behind the newspaper stable’s eventual collapse. The article also speculates on the possible reasons why the state could have taken over the newspaper company, particularly to manipulate public opinion during a time of political strife.
The dialectics of mobile communication in South African romantic relationships
Authors: Ngcongo Mthobeli
Published: January 2016

Communication technology such as the mobile phone often presents a double-edged sword in romantic relationships. While the mobile phone can enhance the quality of communication, it can simultaneously become a source of conflict. The dialectic framework of Communication Privacy Management presents a nuanced lens from which to investigate the rules for the use of the mobile phone in the dyad of romantic relationships. This study sought to investigate mobile phone usage rules that are negotiated by South African adolescents and young adults in their romantic relationships and the factors that influence the negotiation. The study specifically focused on rules around mobile privacy management. Findings from survey data indicate that the negotiation of mobile phone usage rules is a crucial part of the health of young adult relationships. Variables of gender and length of relationship were important factors in the rule development process. Implications, limitations and future research are discussed.
Camus, o Africano
Authors: Cordeiro Cristina Robalo
Published: January 2016

Antes de abordar diretamente a questão da africanidade de Albert Camus, preciso de descrever o caminho que me levou até aí. Depois de ter ‘ensinado’ a obra e falado sobre o homem durante muito tempo nas minhas aulas de literatura, descobri em mim, através do contacto prolongado com o norte de África e da prática da escrita ficcional, a força e a fecundidade da sua influência. Essa influência é, sem dúvida, a da terra africana, do seu clima brutal, da violência das suas paisagens, de onde o escritor fez surgir o lirismo das suas mais belas páginas. Mas será este fascí nio físico, tão vividamente representado na obra, a única fonte do sentimento de pertença à África? Há um enigma que devemos tentar resolver, um tabu que tem de ser quebrado. Na minha opinião, a africanidade reivindicada por Camus - essa sensação de liberdade, essa ausência de lei moral - não advém apenas da sua juventude de pied ­noir , mas acima de tudo das suas leituras, especialmente da leitura de Rousseau e de Arthur Rimbaud.
A general solution to non-collinear equilibria in terms of largest root (κ) of confocal oblate spheroid
Authors: Idrisi M Javed
Published: January 2016

This paper deals with the existence of non-collinear equilibria in restricted three-body problem when less massive primary is an oblate spheroid and the potential of oblate spheroid is in terms of largest root of confocal oblate spheroid. This is found that the non-collinear equilibria are the solution of the equations r1 = n-2/3 and κ = 1 – a2, where r1 is the distance of the infinitesimal mass from more massive primary, n is mean-motion of primaries, a is semi axis of oblate spheroid and κ is the largest root of the equation of confocal oblate spheroid passes through the infinitesimal mass.
Climate Change Awareness and Attitudes Among Adolescents in the Czech Republic
Authors: Skalík Jan
Published: January 2016

The distribution of climate change awareness of Czech adolescent students and their climate change related attitudes are analysed in this study. Even though the influence of accessed information on actual behaviour is usually described as rather small by most experimental studies, we argue that the effect of knowledge on specific behaviour becomes significant in a long time perspective. The main focus of the study is thus to offer a segmentation of youth in the issue of climate change related to information sources they trust and also related to the type of information on climate change – such as documents, processes, terms or numeral data.A sample of students from Masaryk University and several grammar schools from Czech Republic participated in the quantitative study focusing on their knowledge of climate change, information sources they use and proenvironmental attitudes.The survey highlighted the extremely low level of students’ knowledge. A strong tie between the amount of accessed information and evaluation of the seriousness of climate change was found. Trust in scientific evidence and effort not to rely only on one source of information does correlate with respondent awareness. Students, who understand climate change well, are often post-materialists. On the other hand, informed students do not feel greater concern and are not more globally focused than others. Although there is no clear relation between awareness and levels of consumerism, the more were the students informed, the more they feel their personal responsibility for climate change. Females are not on average better informed then males, but their feeling of personal responsibility is much higher. The study thus confirmed general expectations about unspecific awareness of climate change in the specific context and presented segmentations of the public for further social-marketing purposes.
Real World Learning: toward a differentiated framework for outdoor learning for sustainability
Authors: Winks Lewis
Published: January 2016

The Real World Learning network (RWLn) set out in 2011 to explore elements which contribute to a ‘deep and meaningful’ outdoor education experience. Following three years of work, the RWLn developed the ‘Hand Model’, a learning model designed to support educators in the development of Outdoor Learning for Sustainability (OLfS). Since its launch in early 2014, the model has been used for planning, delivering and reflecting upon OLfS experiences. Making use of the comments made in Činčera’s (2015) Real World Learning: a critical analysis which highlights inconsistencies existent within the model’s internal logic, this paper considers the perceived contradiction between emancipatory and instrumental approaches to learning. Beginning with a comprehensive introduction to the Hand model, this paper goes on to discuss the theoretical divide which the model spans between a goal-led, knowledge based approach promoted by the model’s focus upon understanding and values, and a pluralistic and exploratory approach typified by aspects of educational empowerment and experience. In response to this and augmented by examples, a differentiated conceptual framework is presented to facilitate a pragmatic application of the model from a practice perspective, making use of what has been termed a ‘blended approach’, whilst acknowledging degrees of inconsistency and dissonance from a theoretical perspective. Additionally, the model is viewed from a context perspective where questions are asked regarding the appropriateness of particular approaches depending upon the setting in which learning takes place. It is hoped that by moving beyond theoretically entrenched positions a mediated middle ground for the model’s application may be established.
Applications and Comparison of Continuous Wavelet Transforms on Analysis of A-wave Impulse Noise
Authors: Qin Jun , Sun Pengfei
Published: January 2016

Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a serious occupational related health problem worldwide. The A-wave impulse noise could cause severe hearing loss, and characteristics of such kind of impulse noise in the joint time-frequency (T-F) domain are critical for evaluation of auditory hazard level. This study focuses on the analysis of A-wave impulse noise in the T-F domain using continual wavelet transforms. Three different wavelets, referring to Morlet, Mexican hat, and Meyer wavelets, were investigated and compared based on theoretical analysis and applications to experimental generated A-wave impulse noise signals. The underlying theory of continuous wavelet transform was given and the temporal and spectral resolutions were theoretically analyzed. The main results showed that the Mexican hat wavelet demonstrated significant advantages over the Morlet and Meyer wavelets for the characterization and analysis of the A-wave impulse noise. The results of this study provide useful information for applying wavelet transform on signal processing of the A-wave impulse noise.
Music Mood Visualization Using Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Plewa Magdalena , Kostek Bożena
Published: January 2016

Due to an increasing amount of music being made available in digital form in the Internet, an automatic organization of music is sought. The paper presents an approach to graphical representation of mood of songs based on Self-Organizing Maps. Parameters describing mood of music are proposed and calculated and then analyzed employing correlation with mood dimensions based on the Multidimensional Scaling. A map is created in which music excerpts with similar mood are organized next to each other on the two-dimensional display.
Thermal Self-Action of Acoustic Beams Containing Several Shock Fronts
Authors: Perelomova Anna
Published: January 2016

Thermal self-action of an acoustic beam with one discontinuity or several shock fronts is studied in a Newtonian fluid. The stationary self-action of a single sawtooth wave with discontinuity (or some integer number of these waves), symmetric or asymmetric, is considered in the cases of self-focusing and self- defocusing media. The results are compared with the non-stationary thermal self-action of the periodic sound. Thermal self-action of a single shock wave which propagates with the various speeds is considered.
Solving Nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equations in .NET Framework Environment with X-MPIR
Authors: Dzhambov Velichko
Published: January 2016

This paper concerns high precision numerical computing of nonlinear ordinary differential equations in .NET Framework environment. It describes a part of the research undertaken for the purpose of creating a tool library for arbitrary precision calculations and may be concerned as a continuation of the beginning in this direction, previously described in [10], including special functions computing. Some possible applications are described on the basis of the extensions, added to the library. A brief description is given of the library part, connected with the extensions being added.
Nonmeasurable subgroups of compact groups
Authors: Hernández Salvador , Hofmann Karl H. , Morris Sidney A.
Published: January 2016

In 1985 S. Saeki and K. Stromberg published the following question:
Does every infinite compact group have
a subgroup which is not Haar measurable?
An affirmative answer is given for all compact groups with
the exception of some metric profinite groups which are almost perfect
and strongly complete. In this
spirit it is also shown that every compact group contains a
non-Borel subgroup.
Performances’ Estimation by Tests of Composite Material Structures With Respect to the Lay-Up Configuration and Mixing the Position of Tape and Fabric Laminae
Authors: Di Leo R. , De Fenza A. , Barile M. , Gambino B. , Russo S.
Published: January 2016

This paper presents an estimation of performances by tests on composite material structures. In order to evaluate the effects on the structural behavior, tests changing the percentage of orientation of the fiber at 0, 45 and 90 degrees and mixing the unidirectional plies with the fabric ones have been done. Fixed the lay-up configuration and so the stacking sequence, two typology of structures have been analyzed; the first one having only unidirectional plies while the second one having a fabric ply (plain weave 0/90) in place of the top and bottom unidirectional plies. The openhole compressive strength and the filled-hole tensile strength and moduli have been characterized by test. A total of 72 specimens have been used in the test campaign. In order to well compare the test results a Performance Weight Index (PWI) has been introduced by authors in order to normalize the strength of each laminate with respect to its weight/unit of surface. Results and different laminate behaviors have been evaluated and discussed.
Acoustomagnetoelectric Effect in Graphene Nanoribbon in the Presence of External Electric and Magnetic Fields
Authors: Dompreh Kwadwo A. , Mensah Samuel Y. , Abukari Sulemana S. , Edziah Raymond , Mensah Natalia G. , Quaye Harrison A.
Published: January 2016

Acoustomagnetoelectric Effect (AME) in Graphene Nanoribbon (GNR) in the presence of an external electric and magnetic fields was studied using the Boltzmann kinetic equation. On open circuit, the Surface Acoustomagnetoelectric field (ESAME) in GNR was obtained in the region ql >> 1, for energy dispersion "(p) near the Fermi level. The dependence of ESAME on the dimensional factor (ɳ), the sub-band index (pi), and the width (N) of GNR were analyzed numerically. For ESAME versus ɳ, a non-linear graph was obtained. From the graph, at ɳ < 0.62, the obtained graph qualitatively agreed with that experimentally observed in graphite. However at ɳ > 0.62, the ⃗ESAME falls rapidly to a minimum value. We observed that in GNR, the maximum ⃗ESAME was obtained at magnetic field H = 3.2Am−1. The graphs obtainedwere modulated by varying the subband index pi with an inversion observed when pi = 6. The dependence of ESAME on the width N for various pi was also studied where, ⃗ESAME decreases for increase in pi. To enhanced the understanding of ESAME on the N and ɳ, a 3D graph was plotted. This study is relevant for investigating the properties of GNR.
The effect of a hydrological model structure and rainfall data on the accuracy of flood description in an upland catchment
Authors: Wałęga Andrzej , Książek Leszek
Published: January 2016

The effect of a hydrological model structure and rainfall data on the accuracy of flood description in an upland catchment. The aim of this paper was to determine the influence of a hydrological model structure and rainfall- -related data on flood parameters obtained from a simulation. The study included an upland river Stobnica, right tributary of the Wisłok. The following assumptions were investigated: (i) the greater number of rainfall stations, the more accurate a flood description, i.e. the resulting hydrograph much better describes the actual flood, (ii) a distributed parameter model provides a more precise description of a catchment response to rainfall than a lumped parameter model. All calculations were performed using HEC-HMS 3.4 software. The analyses showed that increasing the number of rainfall stations slightly improved the model performance (by on average 4.1%). Furthermore, it was showed that in the catchment characterized by low topographical variability and stable land use, more reliable flood simulation results were obtained in the lumped parameter model than in the distributed parameter model. Considering the calibration process slightly improved the model performance, irrespective of its structure and the number of rainfall stations. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed that the resulting differences in the model efficiency for individual variants were not significant. Considering limited empirical evidence on rainfall-runoff episodes, uncertainty of these results is probably high and thus they should be treated as a starting point for further studies.
Noise equalisation and quasi loss-less image data compression – or how many bits needs an image sensor?
Authors: Jähne Bernd , Schwarzbauer Martin
Published: January 2016

Modern high-end image sensors require up to 16 bit
quantisation. Uniform quantisation is, however, not well adapted to the
signal, because the temporal noise strongly increases with the grey
value. Here a non-linear transform h(g) is proposed, which yields an image
sensor signal with an adjustable, grey-value independent temporal noise. The
number of bits required to represent the noise-equalised signal is in good
approximation equal to the maximum signal-to-noise ratio
(SNRmax). Thus the noise-equalised signal of any imaging sensor
with a full-well capacity of less than 216 can be quantised with
8 bit or less. The only disadvantage is an insignificant increase
in the overall noise level caused by additional quantisation noise.
The effect of GH treatment on serum FGF23 and Klotho in GH-deficient children
Authors: Efthymiadou Alexandra , Kritikou Dimitra , Mantagos Stefanos , Chrysis Dionisios
Published: January 2016

Background

Normal phosphate homeostasis is essential for normal linear growth. The phosphaturic fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)/Klotho axis is a major regulator of phosphate homeostasis; therefore, an intact FGF23/Klotho axis is important for normal linear growth. On the other hand, GH/IGF1 axis has opposing effects on phosphate homeostasis, but the underline mechanisms remain unclear.

Aim

The main objective of this study was to investigate the possible interactions of FGF23 and its co-receptor Klotho, with growth hormone (GH)/IGF1 axis in the regulation of phosphate metabolism in GH-deficient children under GH treatment.

Methods

We studied 23 GH-deficient children, before and 3 months after the onset of GH treatment. Anthropometry and assessment of biochemical parameters were performed, as well as measurement of FGF23 (intact FGF23/iFGF23 and C-terminal FGF23/cFGF23) and soluble α-Klotho (sKlotho) levels.

Results

After 3 months on GH treatment, the elevation of serum phosphate and TmPO4/GFR (P<0.0001 and P<0.01 respectively) was accompanied by a significant increase in cFGF23 (P<0.01), iFGF23 (P<0.0001), sKlotho (P<0.0001) and IGF1 (P<0.0001). Serum phosphate and TmPO4/GFR were positively associated with iFGF23 (P<0.01 and P<0.05) and IGF1 (P<0.05 and P<0.05). iFGF23 levels were positively correlated with sKlotho (P<0.001), IGF1 (P<0.0001) and height SDS (P<0.0001), whereas sKlotho was positively associated with IGF1 (P<0.0001) and height SDS (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The increase in serum phosphate, which we found in GH-deficient children under GH treatment, is not associated with suppression but rather than with upregulation of the phosphaturic FGF23/Klotho axis.
Novel calcium-sensing receptor cytoplasmic tail deletion mutation causing autosomal dominant hypocalcemia: molecular and clinical study
Authors: Obermannova Barbora , Sumnik Zdenek , Dusatkova Petra , Cinek Ondrej , Grant Michael , Lebl Jan , Hendy Geoffrey N
Published: January 2016

Objective

Autosomal dominant hypocalcemia (ADH) is a rare disorder caused by activating mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR). The treatment of ADH patients with 1α-hydroxylated vitamin D derivatives can cause hypercalciuria leading to nephrocalcinosis.

Design and methods

We studied a girl who presented with hypoparathyroidism and asymptomatic hypocalcemia at age 2.5 years. Mutations of CASR were investigated by DNA sequencing. Functional analyses of mutant and WT CASRs were done in transiently transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells.

Results

The proband and her father are heterozygous for an eight-nucleotide deletion c.2703_2710delCCTTGGAG in the CASR encoding the intracellular domain of the protein. Transient expression of CASR constructs in kidney cells in vitro suggested greater cell surface expression of the mutant receptor with a left-shifted extracellular calcium dose-response curve relative to that of the WT receptor consistent with gain of function. Initial treatment of the patient with calcitriol led to increased urinary calcium excretion. Evaluation for mosaicism in the paternal grandparents of the proband was negative.

Conclusions

We describe a novel naturally occurring deletion mutation within the CASR that apparently arose de novo in the father of the ADH proband. Functional analysis suggests that the cytoplasmic tail of the CASR contains determinants that regulate the attenuation of signal transduction. Early molecular analysis of the CASR gene in patients with isolated idiopathic hypoparathyroidism is recommended because of its relevance to clinical outcome and treatment choice. In ADH patients, calcium supplementation and low-dose cholecalciferol avoids hypocalcemic symptoms without compromising renal function.
Obox4-silencing-activated STAT3 and MPF/MAPK signaling accelerate nuclear membrane breakdown in mouse oocytes
Authors: Lee Hyun-Seo , Kim Kyeoung-Hwa , Kim Eun-Young , Lee Su-Yeon , Ko Jung-Jae , Lee Kyung-Ah
Published: January 2016

Mouse oocytes begin to maturein vitroonce liberated from ovarian follicles. Previously, we showed that oocyte-specific homeobox 4 (Obox4) is critical for maintaining the intact nuclear membrane of the germinal vesicle (GV) in oocytes and for completing meiosis at the metaphase I–II (MI–MII) transition. This study further examines the molecular mechanisms of OBOX4 in regulating GV nuclear membrane breakdown. Maturation-promoting factor (MPF) and MAPK are normally inactive in GV stage oocytes but were activated prematurely in arrested GV stage oocytes by 3-isobutyl-1-metyl-xanthine (IBMX)in vitroafterObox4RNA interference (RNAi). Furthermore, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was significantly activated byObox4RNAi. We confirmed that thisObox4RNAi-induced premature STAT3 and MPF/MAPK activation at the GV stage provoked subsequent GV breakdown (GVBD) despite the opposing force of high cAMP in the IBMX-supplemented medium to maintain intact GV. When cumulus–oocyte complexes were exposed to interferon α (IFNA), a STAT3 activator, oocytes matured and cumulus cells expanded to resume nuclear maturation in IBMX-supplemented medium, suggesting that STAT3 activation is sufficient for stimulating the continuation of meiosis. Using Stattic, a specific STAT3 inhibitor, we confirmed that GVBD involves STAT3 activation inObox4-silenced oocytes. Based on these findings, we concluded that i)Obox4is an important upstream regulator of MPF/MAPK and STAT3 signaling, and ii)Obox4is a key regulator of the GV arrest mechanism in oocytes.
Istorika ir istoriografija Lietuvoje 1904–1915 metais: istoriografinių manifestų laikotarpis?
Authors: Gieda Aurelijus
Published: January 2016

Apie istorikos situaciją Lietuvoje XX a. pradžioje (iki 1918 m.), kaip ir bendriau apie to meto istoriografijos būklę, rašyta nedaug ir gana fragmentiškai. Iš esmės neturime nė vieno specialaus istoriografijos srities straipsnio, kuriame į minimą istoriografijos raidos laikotarpį būtų žvelgiama kaip į savarankiško tyrimo vertę turintį tyrinėjimo objektą. Šiuo straipsniu minimo laikotarpio procesai atskleidžiami kaip svarbiausi Lietuvos istoriografijos ir istorikos raidoje. Pasitelkus idėjų istorijos teikiamas galimybes, analizuojant programinius XX a. pradžios tekstus, recenzijas ir polemikas, programas, pamfleto žanro istoriografijos kritikai panaudojimą, formuluojama paradigminė istoriografijos kaitos situacijos samprata, kuriai nagrinėjamo laikotarpio besikeičiančios istorikos orientacijos istoriografijos raidos požiūriu darosi neapeinamos ir būdingos. 1904–1915 m., kaip savotiško manifestų laikotarpio, pažintinė vertė išryškėja, kai į Lietuvos istoriografijos ir istorikos raidą žvelgiama platesnėje periodizacinėje perspektyvoje, akcentuojant amžiaus pradžios istorijos institucionalizacijos ir konsolidacijos problemas kaip ypatingą ieškojimų ir intelektualinių manifestacijų prielaidą. Rinktinių laikotarpio tekstų analizė leidžia pagrįsčiau svarstyti apie nagrinėjamu laikotarpiu lietuviškojoje istoriografijoje ir istorikoje susiklosčiusį ir tam tikrus kelius tolesnei istorijos mokslo raidai Lietuvoje nutiesusį istoriografinių manifestų laikotarpį.
Antrojo pasaulinio karo padariniai Lietuvos atminties kultūroje: kontekstai, vertinimai ir sampynos
Authors: Starikovičius Vytautas
Published: January 2016

Straipsnyje siekiama apžvelgti pagrindines istorinės atminties kultūroje slypinčias įtampas ir problemas Lietuvoje, susijusias su traumine XX a. antros pusės Lietuvos ir Vidurio bei Vidurio Rytų Europos istorija. Straipsnis suskirstytas į penkias problemines dalis, jose analizuojamos Europos Sąjungos politiniu lygmeniu priimtos rezoliucijos ir deklaracijos, skirtos sovietinio ir nacistinio režimų vertinimui; nacionalizmo ir antikomunizmo santykiui Lietuvos ir Europos atminties kultūroje žlugus SSRS. Analizuojamos komunikacinės atminties ir gyvų totalitarinius režimus išgyvenusių žmonių liudijimų validumo ribos ir disonuojančios šių režimų įpaveldinimo tendencijos bei kylantys iššūkiai viešajame diskurse ir įamžinimo erdvėse. Paskutinis poskyris skirtas metodologinei totalitarizmo paradigmos kritikai ir jos galimybėms atminties kultūros tyrimuose unikalios XX a. epochos patirties kontekste.