bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and technology of updated plant manufacturing for supersonic gas powder weld deposition
Authors: Щеткин А. , Shchyotkin A. , Киселев В. , Kiselyov V. , Радченко М. , Radchenko M.
Published: March 2016

The results of the device original design development for supersonic gas powder weld deposition (SGP-weld deposition) are presented. The models of basic parts of equipment are considered. The basic requirements made to the device developed are described. The techniques for manufacturing main parts of an updated plant are shown.
Factors Associated with the Year-End Decline in Working Capital
Authors: Frankel Richard , Levy Hagit , Shalev Ron
Published: March 2016

Working capital is an important indicator of firm operational efficiency. All else being equal, lower levels signal greater efficiency. Managers are thus likely to be motivated to report lower levels of working capital at times of greater external attention. We find that working capital levels decrease in the fourth fiscal quarter significantly more than expected, conditional on seasonal changes in economic activity. The decrease subsequently reverses in the following first fiscal quarter. Evidence indicates that firms manage down year-end working capital through transactions that increase year-end operating cash flow and that firms spread this activity over all working capital accounts. Finally, the temporary decrease in year-end working capital is correlated with compensation benchmarks and analysts’ annual cash flow forecasts. The temporary drop is also more pronounced for firms with industry dominance.

This paper was accepted by Mary Barth, accounting.
Mitigating Delays and Unfairness in Appointment Systems
Authors: Qi Jin
Published: March 2016

We consider an appointment system where heterogeneous participants are sequenced and scheduled for service. Because service times are uncertain, the aims are to mitigate the unpleasantness experienced by the participants in the system when their waiting times or delays exceed acceptable thresholds and to address fairness in the balancing of service levels among participants. To evaluate uncertain delays, we propose the Delay Unpleasantness Measure, which takes into account the frequency and intensity of delays above a threshold, and introduce the concept of lexicographic min-max fairness to design appointment systems from the perspective of the worst-off participants. We focus our study in the healthcare industry in balancing physicians’ overtime and patients’ waiting times in which patients are distinguished by their service time characterizations. The model can be adapted in the robust setting when the underlying probability distribution is not fully available. To capture the correlation between uncertain service times, we suggest using the mean absolute deviations as the descriptive statistics in the distributional uncertainty set to preserve the linearity of the model. The optimal sequencing and scheduling decisions can be derived by solving a sequence of mixed-integer programming problems, and we report the insights from our computational studies.

This paper was accepted by Yinyu Ye, optimization.
Does Lean Improve Labor Standards? Management and Social Performance in the Nike Supply Chain
Authors: Distelhorst Greg , Hainmueller Jens , Locke Richard M.
Published: March 2016

This study tests the hypothesis that lean manufacturing improves the social performance of manufacturers in emerging markets. We analyze an intervention by Nike, Inc., to promote the adoption of lean manufacturing in its apparel supply chain across 11 developing countries. Using difference-in-differences estimates from a panel of more than 300 factories, we find that lean adoption was associated with a 15 percentage point reduction in noncompliance with labor standards that primarily reflect factory wage and work hour practices. However, we find a null effect on factory health and safety standards. This pattern is consistent with a causal mechanism that links lean to improved social performance through changes in labor relations, rather than improved management systems. These findings offer evidence that capability-building interventions may reduce social harm in global supply chains.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2015.2369 .

This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
Does Gender Diversity Promote Nonconformity?
Authors: Amini Makan , Ekström Mathias , Ellingsen Tore , Johannesson Magnus , Strömsten Fredrik
Published: March 2016

Failure to express minority views may distort the behavior of company boards, committees, juries, and other decision-making bodies. Devising a new experimental procedure to measure such conformity in a judgment task, we compare the degree of conformity in groups with varying gender composition. Overall, our experiments offer little evidence that gender composition affects expression of minority views. A robust finding is that a subject’s lack of ability predicts both a true propensity to accept others’ judgment (informational social influence) and a propensity to agree despite private doubt (normative social influence). Thus, as an antidote to conformity in our experiments, high individual ability seems more effective than group diversity.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2015.2382 .

This paper was accepted by John List, behavioral economics.
Bayesian Optimization via Simulation with Pairwise Sampling and Correlated Prior Beliefs
Authors: Xie Jing , Frazier Peter I. , Chick Stephen E.
Published: March 2016

This paper addresses discrete optimization via simulation. We show that allowing for both a correlated prior distribution on the means (e.g., with discrete Kriging models) and sampling correlation (e.g., with common random numbers, or CRN) can significantly improve the ability to quickly identify the best alternative. These two correlations are brought together for the first time in a highly sequential knowledge-gradient sampling algorithm, which chooses points to sample using a Bayesian value of information (VOI) criterion. We provide almost sure convergence guarantees as the number of samples grows without bound when parameters are known and provide approximations that allow practical implementation including a novel use of the VOI’s gradient rather than the response surface’s gradient. We demonstrate that CRN leads to improved optimization performance for VOI-based algorithms in sequential sampling environments with a combinatorial number of alternatives and costly samples.
Dynamic Programming for the Minimum Tour Duration Problem
Authors: Tilk Christian , Irnich Stefan
Published: March 2016

The minimum tour duration problem (MTDP) is a variant of the traveling salesman problem with time windows, which consists of finding a time window-feasible Hamiltonian path minimizing the tour duration. We present a new effective dynamic programming (DP)-based approach for the MTDP. When solving the traveling salesman problem with time windows with DP, two independent resources are propagated along partial paths, one for costs and one for earliest arrival times. For dealing with tour duration minimization, we provide a new DP formulation with three resources for which effective dominance and bounding procedures are applicable. This is a nontrivial task because in the MTDP at least two resources depend on each other in a nonadditive and nonlinear way. In particular, we define consistent resource extension functions (REFs) so that dominance is straightforward using componentwise comparison for the respective resource vectors. Moreover, one of the main advantages of the new REF definition is that the DP can be reversed consistently such that the forward DP or any of its relaxations provide bounds for the backward DP, and vice versa. Computational tests confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Stability of triangular equilibrium points in the Photogravitational elliptic restricted three body problem with Poynting-Robertson drag
Authors: Mishra Vivek , Sharma J.P. , Ishwar Bhola
Published: March 2016

We have examined the stability of triangular equilibrium points in photogravitational elliptic restricted three-body problem with Poynting-Robertson drag. We suppose that smaller primary is an oblate spheroid. We have taken bigger primary as radiating. We have found the location of triangular equilibrium points and characteristic equation of the problem. We conclude that triangular equilibrium points remain unstable, different from classical case.
Phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activity and acute toxicity of Irvingia gabonensis (Oâ€™Rorke) baill ethanolic leaf extract
Authors: Ewere Efosa , Uka Emmanuel , Usunobun Usunomena
Published: March 2016

This study was aimed at determining the phytochemical composition, antioxidant effect and acute toxicity of Irvingia gabonensis (Oâ€™Rorke) baill (IG) ethanolic leaf extract. Qualitative phytochemcal analysis was carried out on the ethanolic leaf extract using standard procedures. Different concentrations of the plant extract (20 Âµg/ml- 100Âµg/ml) were used to assess its effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical activity, It's reducing power and it total phenolic content. Lorkeâ€™s method of acute toxicity was adopted for the acute toxicity study. Results obtained showed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, and carbohydrates in the leaf extract. The ethanolic leaf extract of IG significantly (P< 0.05) inhibited the activity of DPPH when compared with the vitamin C standard. IG leaf extract also showed a higher reducing power as compared with the Vitamin C standard. The total phenolic content of IG ethanolic leaf extract was however, significantly (P<0.05) lower than that of gallic acid, the standard used. Futhermore, the LD50 of the ethanolic leaf extract was found to be above 5000mg/kg body weight. Irvingia gabonensis (Oâ€™Rorke) baill ethanolic leaf extract is a rich source of important phytochemicals and possesses a high antioxidant activity. Also, the administration of the ethanolic leaf extract in wistar rats is safe up to a dose of 5000mg/kg body weight.
Meeting the challenges of higher education in India through Open Educational Resources: Policies, practices, and implications
Authors: Thakran Archana , Sharma Ramesh Chander
Published: March 2016

Over the past two decades, the education sector in India has undergone a substantial transformation. Recent advances in technology have provided access to high quality educational resources and information on the Internet. This article examines the role of open educational resources (OER) in addressing the challenges of higher education in India, which range from geographical disparities in access to education, to shortages of trained and qualified faculty. The authors examine and discuss several OER initiatives that are currently advancing India’s efforts to create strong institutional mechanisms to overcome the country’s educational challenges through a national strategic framework designed to improve access to quality higher education. The authors explore these initiatives designed to increase access to education through OER, as well as those designed to develop OER-related skills for educators. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of these initiatives for the development of open educational practices in India.
OER “produsage” as a model to support language teaching and learning
Authors: MacKinnon Teresa , Pasfield-Neofitou Sarah
Published: March 2016

Language education faculty face myriad challenges in finding teaching resources that are suitable, of high quality, and allow for the modifications needed to meet the requirements of their course contexts and their learners. The article elaborates the grassroots model of “produsage” (a portmanteau of “production” and “usage”) as a way of imagining a movement toward the use and creation of open educational resources (OER) for language learning. Through a set of examples of video resources that fill a need for authentically compelling language learning materials, the authors demonstrate the potential of produsage to engage teachers and learners around digital resources, to the benefit of language teaching and learning. In support of this grassroots model, the authors propose practices and policies to address challenges involved in engaging teachers and learners around OER in higher education.
Regulators of complement activity mediate inhibitory mechanisms through a common C3b‐binding mode
Authors: Forneris Federico , Wu Jin , Xue Xiaoguang , Ricklin Daniel , Lin Zhuoer , Sfyroera Georgia , Tzekou Apostolia , Volokhina Elena , Granneman Joke CM , Hauhart Richard , Bertram Paula , Liszewski M Kathryn , Atkinson John P , Lambris John D , Gros Piet
Published: March 2016

Regulators of complement activation (RCA) inhibit complement‐induced immune responses on healthy host tissues. We present crystal structures of human RCA (MCP, DAF, and CR1) and a smallpox virus homolog (SPICE) bound to complement component C3b. Our structural data reveal that up to four consecutive homologous CCP domains (i–iv), responsible for inhibition, bind in the same orientation and extended arrangement at a shared binding platform on C3b. Large sequence variations in CCP domains explain the diverse C3b‐binding patterns, with limited or no contribution of some individual domains, while all regulators show extensive contacts with C3b for the domains at the third site. A variation of ~100° rotation around the longitudinal axis is observed for domains binding at the fourth site on C3b, without affecting the overall binding mode. The data suggest a common evolutionary origin for both inhibitory mechanisms, called decay acceleration and cofactor activity, with variable C3b binding through domains at sites ii, iii, and iv, and provide a framework for understanding RCA disease‐related mutations and immune evasion.
Increased expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 in ovarian/peritoneal endometriotic lesions
Authors: Piccinato Carla A , Neme Rosa M , Torres Natália , Sanches Lívia Renta , Cruz Derogis Priscilla Bento Mattos , Brudniewski Heloísa F , e Silva Júlio C Rosa , Ferriani Rui A
Published: March 2016

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease affecting up to 10% of all premenopausal women. There is evidence that different endometriosis sites show distinct local estrogen concentration, which, in turn, might be due to a unique local estrogen metabolism. We aimed to investigate whether there was a site-specific regulation of selected enzymes responsible for the oxidative metabolism of estrogens in biopsy samples and endometrial and endometriotic stromal cells. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 and CYP1B1 mRNA and protein expressions in deep-infiltrating (rectal, retossigmoidal, and uterossacral) lesions, superficial (ovarian and peritoneal) lesions, and eutopic and healthy (control) endometrium were evaluated by real-time PCR and western blot. Using a cross-sectional study design with 58 premenopausal women who were not under hormonal treatment, we were able to identify an overall increased CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 mRNA expression in superficial lesions compared with the healthy endometrium. CYP1A1 mRNA expression in superficial lesions was also greater than in the eutopic endometrium. Interestingly, we found a similar pattern of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 expression in in vitro stromal cells isolated from ovarian lesions (n=3) when compared with stromal cells isolated from either rectum lesions or eutopic endometrium. In contradiction, there was an increased half-life of estradiol (measured by HPLC-MS-MS) in ovarian endometriotic stromal cells compared with paired eutopic stromal endometrial cells. Our results indicate that there is a site-dependent regulation of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 in ovarian/peritoneal lesions and ovarian endometriotic stromal cells, whereas a slower metabolism is taking place in these cells.
Genome-Wide Association and Exome Sequencing Study of Language Disorder in an Isolated Population
Authors: Kornilov Sergey A. , Rakhlin Natalia , Koposov Roman , Lee Maria , Yrigollen Carolyn , Caglayan Ahmet Okay , Magnuson James S. , Mane Shrikant , Chang Joseph T. , Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder associated with negative outcomes in different domains; the etiology of DLD is unknown. To investigate the genetic underpinnings of DLD, we performed genome-wide association and whole exome sequencing studies in a geographically isolated population with a substantially elevated prevalence of the disorder (ie, the AZ sample).

METHODS:

DNA samples were collected from 359 individuals for the genome-wide association study and from 12 severely affected individuals for whole exome sequencing. Multifaceted phenotypes, representing major domains of expressive language functioning, were derived from collected speech samples.

RESULTS:

Gene-based analyses revealed a significant association between SETBP1 and complexity of linguistic output (P = 5.47 × 10−7). The analysis of exome variants revealed coding sequence variants in 14 genes, most of which play a role in neural development. Targeted enrichment analysis implicated myocyte enhancer factor–2 (MEF2)-regulated genes in DLD in the AZ population. The main findings were successfully replicated in an independent cohort of children at risk for related disorders (n = 372).

CONCLUSIONS:

MEF2-regulated pathways were identified as potential candidate pathways in the etiology of DLD. Several genes (including the candidate SETBP1 and other MEF2-related genes) seem to jointly influence certain, but not all, facets of the DLD phenotype. Even when genetic and environmental diversity is reduced, DLD is best conceptualized as etiologically complex. Future research should establish whether the signals detected in the AZ population can be replicated in other samples and languages and provide further characterization of the identified pathway.
Health-Related Quality of Life Into Adulthood After Very Preterm Birth
Authors: Baumann Nicole , Bartmann Peter , Wolke Dieter
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND:

This study investigated change of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in very preterm/very low birth weight (VP/VLBW; born at <32 weeks’ gestation and/or <1500 g birth weight) individuals from adolescence to adulthood. Are perceptions similar by different informants (self, parents) and is HRQL related to economic and social functioning?

METHODS:

In a prospective whole-population sample in South Germany, 260 VP/VLBW and 229 term born individuals were assessed from birth to adulthood. HRQL was evaluated by self and parent report at age 13 and 26 years with the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3), and economic and social functioning from interview and standard assessments at 26 years.

RESULTS:

At both time points, HUI3 scores of VP/VLBW were reported to be lower compared with term born controls by participants and parents. Except for adolescent self-reports (P = .13) these differences were all significant (P < .05). In contrast to participants themselves, parents reported VP/VLBW individuals’ HRQL to be worsening over time (change of mean HUI3 scores: 0.88–0.86, P = .03). Parents, particularly, reported negative changes in emotion and pain for VP/VLBW individuals over time. Participant and parent-perceived HRQL was negatively related to economic and social functioning outcomes such as receiving social benefits, unemployment, dating romantic partner or having friends.

CONCLUSIONS:

VP/VLBW individuals and their parents perceive HRQL to be lower compared with term controls in adolescence and in adulthood. Lower HRQL was related to economic and social functioning problems in adulthood. No evidence for improvement of HRQL into adulthood was found in this geographical sample in Germany.
Miniaturization of Lubricant Degradation Testing for Natural Gas Engines
Authors: Bražinskienė D. , Ručinskienė A. , Asadauskas S.
Published: March 2016

Lubricant evaluation in natural gas engines is expensive due to large sump volumes and high equipment costs. A new laboratory protocol was developed to miniaturize oil degradation conditions in order to provide a rapid screening method for lubricants. Steel coupons were coated with 200 µm films of three commercial lubricants for natural gas engines. The films were oxidized for up to 90 hrs at 150 °C, 180 °C or 200 °C, then their tribological properties were compared using ball-on-plate tests. No deterioration in tribological performance could be noticed after film oxidation. Sump drains of the three lubricants were also obtained from actual engines with service life in excess 5000 hrs. Only slight reduction in tribological properties was observed, despite dropping alkalinity. This testing protocol can be further refined and possibly applied in lubricant industry, where it would reduce development time of natural gas engine lubricants and further improve their effectiveness.
Evaluation of Iron Mesoparticles Corrosion in Oils
Authors: Ivanova J. , Melenkova T. , Cesiulis H.
Published: March 2016

The protocol to estimate Fe corrosion in oils was built up. Corrosion estimation was based on the determined concentrations of Fe(II) and Fe(III) that are formed in the corrosive media (e.g. oils) in course of metallic Fe particles corrosion. The spectrophotometric microanalysis technique was adopted to determine Fe(II) and Fe(III) concentrations, and corrosion is expressed as a fraction of Fe(II) and Fe(III) quantity of the initial Fe quantity. The protocol was tested by the experiments on the enforced corrosion of Fe particles in rapeseed and mineral SAE 10 oils containing antioxidants and Fe-particles stabilizing surfactants. The corrosion rates of Fe particles in the rapeseed and SAE 10 mineral oils depend on the particle sizes, as well as on the surfactant and reducing agents used for the synthesis of Fe particles directly in the oil phase by reverse micelles method.
Research of the Influence Finely Dispersed Friction Modifiers on the Anti-Wear Properties of Grease Lubricants
Authors: Medvedeva V. , Skotnikova M. , Krylov N. , Breki A.
Published: March 2016

In this paper, a comparative study of the influence finely dispersed friction modifiers on the anti-wear properties of grease lubricants. Tests performed on the standard friction machine: four-ball machine-3.2. During the tests identify the optimal quantity and composition modifiers grease lubricants. The comparative analysis of the influence modifiers on grease lubricants of different manufacturers and recommendations for the practical use of research results was done.
Particularities of the Pseudo-Plastic Lubrication, with Application to the Sinovial Liquid
Authors: Radulescu I. , Radulescu A.V. , Javorova J.
Published: March 2016

The present paper proposes a new model for lubrication of the hip joint with hyaluronan solutions, considering the squeeze film process of non-Newtonian fluid between rigid spherical surfaces. The heological model that approximately describes the behaviour of the synovial fluid is the power law model. For the considered case, the pressure distribution, the load capacity, the film thickness and the friction coefficient have been determinated. The conclusions of the paper offer an explication to the development of the osteoarthritis and to the problems of the arthritic patients.
Evaluation of Corrosiveness of Alkoxymethylimidazolium Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kaldonski T.J. , Pakowski Cz.
Published: March 2016

In this article, the results of research works on the corrosiveness of selected ionic liquids (ILs – Ionic Liquids), based on imidazolium, are presented. The research was carried out within the framework of PBR/15-249/2007/WAT-OR00002904 Research Project financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, during 2007-2011 [1]. Literature information about corrosiveness of ionic liquids to metal is very skimpy. During testing a numer of ionic liquids in terms of their implementation as lubricants for tribological nodes, it was necessary, first of all, to check their corrosiveness to metals. In this article the results of alkoxymethylimidazolium ionic liquids corrosiveness to ŁH15 steel (100Cr6, AISI 52100) and M1E copper will be presented.
A Review of the Method of Dimensionality Reduction in Contact Mechanics: Applications for Structural Damping, Wear and Adhesion
Authors: Popov V.L. , Heß M. , Popov M.
Published: March 2016

In the method of dimensionality reduction (MDR), contacts of three-dimensional bodies are mapped to the contact problem with a one-dimensional elastic or viscoelastic foundation. This is valid for the normal contact, the tangential contact and the normal contact of viscoelastic bodies. For the above classes of contact problems, several examples are considered and discussed in detail. This includes: (a) Fretting wear for arbitrary histories of loading (for simultaneous oscillations both in normal and horizontal directions); (b) Frictional damping under the influence of oscillations in normal and tangential direction as well as normal and torsional loading; (c) Adhesion of bodies of arbitrary axis-symmetric shape with extension to the adhesive contact of elastomers.
Theoretical Calculus Model for the Finite Length Rayleigh Step Bearings Lubricated with Greases
Authors: Radulescu A. V.
Published: March 2016

The present paper proposes a calculus methodology for the finite length Rayleigh step bearings (3D case), lubricated with greases. In the case of a Rayleigh step bearing, the main problem involved is the presence of the stagnant core of grease into the region of the step. The shape of the stagnant core is obtained by finite element method, applied for solving the Navier-Stokes equations. Once established the dimensions of the stagnant core, the characteristic parameters of the bearing (pressure distribution, load, flow capacity and apparent friction coefficient) will be numerically determined, using the finite differences method.
The Tribodiagnostics of the Technical Condition of the Helicopter Main Reduction Gear
Authors: Shabalinskaia L.A. , Golovanov V.V. , Bubnova E.S. , Milinis L.V.
Published: March 2016

This work is about the possibility of early diagnostics of the technical condition of the main reduction gear in the helicopter. Tribological tests of oil samples taken when testing the operational life are conducted based on the analytical ferrography, morphological analysis, wear particle count, and spectroscopic analysis.
Comparison of Ductile Damage Models During Scratch Tests - A Numerical Study
Authors: Mostaani A. , Pereira M.P. , Rolfe B.F.
Published: March 2016

The ‘wear mode diagram’ has been commonly used to classify the deformation regime of the soft work-piece during scratching, into three modes: ploughing, wedge formation and cutting. The scratch test is used to evaluate wear modes and material removal associated with wear. There are different damage models in the literature used for the description of material behaviour after damage initiation under different loading conditions. However, there has been little analysis to compare damage models during scratch test conditions. The first aim of this work is first to use a finite element modelling package (Abaqus/Explicit) to build a 3D model to capture deformation modes during scratching with indenters with different attack angles. Three different damage models are incorporated into the model and patterns of damage initiation and propagation are compared with experimental results from the literature. This work highlights the role of the damage model in accurately capturing wear modes and material removal during two body sliding interactions.
Tribological Behavior Prediction for an Epoxy Aramid System Based on Mechanical and Thermal Properties Analyses
Authors: Birsan I.G. , Roman I. , Ciortan S.
Published: March 2016

Taking into account that the tribological processes are a combination of many other processes the aim of this paper is building a neural network model based on mechanical and thermal properties for prediction of the tribological behaviour of an Epoxy- Aramidic composite system. The created epoxy based composites with aramidic powders, were tribological tested with diverse parameters in order to obtain follow properties: wear rate and friction coefficient. Bending and compression tests were performed for obtain main mechanical properties. Thermal tests were performed in order to obtain follow properties: specific heat, thermal conductivity and thermal expansions. With all the studied properties was created an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model. The created ANN model can perform prediction for tribological behaviour of studied composites.
Elaboration and Using of Composites Based on Phenylone as Friction-Type Bearings of Plate Chains
Authors: Burya A.I. , Yeriomina Ye.A. , Naberezhnaya O.A. , Lenchenko R.L.
Published: March 2016

Composites based on phenylone exceed serially released materials by wear-resistance without lubrication and by lubrication in 7 - 19 times by simultaneous decrease of friction coefficient on 20-30 %.
Tribological and Corrosion Properties of Iron-Based Alloys
Authors: Vernickaite E. , Antar Z. Z. , Nicolenco A. , Kreivaitis R. , Tsyntsaru N. , Cesiulis H.
Published: March 2016

Corrosion is responsible for industrial maintenance and industrial accidents costs. A helpful way to prevent corrosion is to develop advanced materials with highly anti-corrosive properties. The electrodeposition is one of the most attractive methods for obtaining these materials. This work deals with evaluation of the tribological and corrosion behaviour of electrodeposited Fe-W and Fe-W-P alloys. Electrodeposits were obtained from 4 different baths and were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy; X-ray dispersive energy spectroscopy; X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The hardness was determined by Micro-indentation carried out at normal forces varying from 98 mN up to 980 mN with a loading rate of 1961 mN/min. A ball-disc tribometer was used to study the tribological properties at 90 °C. A diamond indenter, having a radius of 100 µm, was used to carry the scratch test. Corrosion behaviour was studied using polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique. It was investigated that in all cases Fe-W and Fe-W-P alloy coatings exhibit greater micro-hardness than the stainless steel substrate. The amorphous-like ternary Fe-W-P alloy coatings demonstrate higher wear and corrosion resistance and lower friction coefficient compared to binary Fe-W alloy coating.
The dispersion of Rayleigh waves in orthotropic layered half-space using matrix method
Authors: Tuan Tran Thanh , Trung Tran Ngoc
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the secular equation of Rayleigh surface waves propagating in an orthotropic layered half-space is derived by the matrix method.  All the layers and the half-space are assumed to have identical principle axes. The explicit form of the matrizant for each layer is obtained by the Sylvester's theorem. The derived secular equation takes only real values and depends only on the dimensionless variables and dimensionless material parameters. Hence, it is convenient in numerical calculation.
Reservoir optimization with differential evolution
Authors: Phuong Phan Thi Thu , Lai Hoang Van , Tri Bui Dinh
Published: March 2016

Reservoir optimization, is one of recent problems, which has been researched by several methods such as Linear Programming (LP), Non-linear Programming (NLP), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Dynamic Programming (DP). Differential Evolution (DE), a method in GA group, is recently applied in many fields, especially water management. This method is an improved variant of GA to converge and reach to the optimal solution faster than the traditional GA. It is also capable to apply for a wide range space, to a problem with complex, discontinuous, undifferential optimal function. Furthermore, this method does not requirethe gradient information of the space but easily find the global solution by asimple algorithm. In this paper, we introduce DE, compare to LP which was considered mathematically decades ago to prove DE's accuracy, then apply DE to Pleikrong, a reservoir in Vietnam, then discuss about the results.
Thermomechanical postbuckling of thick FGM plates resting on elastic foundations with tangential edge constraints
Authors: Tung Hoang Van
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the effects of tangential edge  constraints and elastic foundations on the buckling and postbuckling  behavior of thick FGM rectangular plates resting on elastic foundations and  subjected to thermal and thermomechanical loading conditions. Material  properties are assumed to be temperature dependent, and graded in the  thickness direction according to a simple power law distribution in terms of  the volume fractions of constituents. Governing equations are based on the higher order shear deformation plate theory incorporating the von Karman  geometrical nonlinearity, initial geometrical imperfection, tangential edge  constraints and Pasternak type elastic foundations. Approximate solutions  are assumed to satisfy simply supported boundary conditions and Galerkin  procedure is applied to derive expressions of buckling loads and  load-deflection relations. In thermal postbuckling analysis, an iteration  algorithm is employed to determine critical buckling temperatures and  postbuckling temperature-deflection equilibrium paths. The separate and  simultaneous effects of tangential edge restraints, elastic foundations and  temperature dependence of material properties on the buckling and  postbuckling responses of higher order shear deformable FGM plates are  analyzed and discussed.
Amazing Properties of Fractal Figures
Authors: Mandrazhy Oksana
Published: March 2016

This article describes the process of research of the properties of geometric fractals by high school students. The general formulas of calculating the length and the area of the Sierpinski carpet have been derived in the article. The total surface area and the volume of the Menger sponge have been calculated in the paper. The amazing facts of geometric fractals have been revealed. For instance, if n→∞, the length of the Sierpinski carpet is Ln→∞, and its area is Sn→0, similarly, if n→∞, the total surface area of the Menger sponge is Sts(n)→∞, and its volume is Vn→0.
Work life balancing in the acute competitive working environment
Authors: Gogoi Radha
Published: March 2016

Why do we work? The conspicuous response to this inquiry would be that we require the cash and advantages to bolster our families and ourselves. In any case, is cash the main paradigm for working? Also, numerous works to stay profitable and dynamic all through their adulthood without which they would slip by into despondency and despairing. Having said that, there are numerous who don't take part in formal and standard occupations but then, they stay engaged and cheerful. Without a doubt, studies have demonstrated that the reason a greater part of us work is that work gives us intending to our lives.
Gender aspirations towards employer branding
Authors: Arya Meena
Published: March 2016

Ladies make a huge piece of present day associations. Their center has moved from conventional, regular and female-arranged occupation parts to general or purported 'male-situated' employment parts. Their support in the workforce can't be overlooked. Maybe young ladies are surpassing men in all parts of business. In any case, men and ladies, in spite of getting comparable training, working in same parts and setting practically the same significance on their vocations, have distinctive yearnings and objectives. Not on the grounds that one is better than the other, but rather in light of the fact that they are totally not the same as each other, they have diverse profession objectives.
The social security via public procurement- An analysis
Authors: Patel Aman
Published: March 2016

Public procurement standards are the establishment of public procurement and ought to be tended to in people in general acquisition rules. They represent the administration of public procurement, furthermore set the structure for a set of principles for public procurement experts and every single other authority specifically or in a roundabout way connected with people in general acquirement process. As an expert you should have a reasonable comprehension of public procurement standards, and know how to apply them to manage your everyday choice making process. By coordinating these standards into your hard working attitude, the result of your choices will dependably be in accordance with the objective of public procurement. As a public procurement specialist you are an open hireling. You oversee open assets, are bound by a moral set of accepted rules, and are responsible for what you do or neglect to do while dealing with those assets.
Robotics enabled learning patterns: A Study
Authors: Dough Patrick
Published: March 2016

Folks need the best for their kids' training and regularly grumble about extensive class sizes and the absence of individual consideration. Goren Gordon, a manmade brainpower analyst from Tel Aviv University who runs the Curiosity Lab there, is the same. He and his wife invest as much energy as they can with their kids, however there are still times when their children are separated from everyone else or unsupervised. At those times, they'd like their kids to have a friend to learn and play with, Gordon says. That is the situation, regardless of the possibility that that buddy is a robot. Working in the Personal Robots Group at MIT, drove by Cynthia Breazeal, Gordon was a piece of a group that built up a socially assistive robot called Tega that is intended to serve as a one-on-one associate learner in or outside of the classroom.
How bio-organism is playing its role in the lenses technology
Authors: Sahai Devam
Published: March 2016

Capitalizing on the low light in the sloppy waterways where it swims, the elephant nose fish gets by having the capacity to spot predators amongst the grime with an interestingly molded retina, the part of the eye that catches light. In another study, specialists looked to the fish's retinal structure to illuminate the configuration of a contact lens that can alter its core interest. Envision a contact lens that self-adjusts inside of milliseconds. That could be groundbreaking for individuals with presbyopia, a hardening of the eye's lens that makes it hard to concentrate on close protests. Presbyopia influences more than 1 billion individuals around the world, half of whom don't have sufficient redress, said the undertaking's pioneer, Hongrui Jiang, Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Keeping in mind glasses, traditional contact lenses and surgery give some change, these choices all include the loss of difference and affectability, and in addition trouble with night vision. Jiang's thought is to outline contacts that constantly change working together with one's own cornea and lens to recover a man's young vision.
Sewage sludge ash characteristics and potential for use in bricks, tiles and glass ceramics
Authors: Lynn Ciarán J. , Dhir Ravindra K. , Ghataora Gurmel S.
Published: March 2016

The characteristics of sewage sludge ash (SSA) and its use in ceramic applications pertaining to bricks, tiles and glass ceramics have been assessed using the globally published literature in the English medium. It is shown that SSA possesses similar chemical characteristics to established ceramic materials and under heat treatment achieves the targeted densification, strength increases and absorption reductions. In brick and tile applications, technical requirements relating to strength, absorption and durability are achievable, with merely manageable performance reductions with SSA as a partial clay replacement. Fluxing properties of SSA facilitate lower firing temperatures during ceramics production, although reductions in mix plasticity leads to higher forming water requirements. SSA glass ceramics attained strengths in excess of natural materials such as granite and marble and displayed strong durability properties. The thermal treatment and nature of ceramic products also effectively restricted heavy metal leaching to low levels. Case studies, predominantly in bricks applications, reinforce confidence in the material with suitable technical performances achieved in practical conditions.
Model of an aquaponic system for minimised water, energy and nitrogen requirements
Authors: Reyes Lastiri D. , Slinkert T. , Cappon H. J. , Baganz D. , Staaks G. , Keesman K. J.
Published: March 2016

Water and nutrient savings can be established by coupling water streams between interacting processes. Wastewater from production processes contains nutrients like nitrogen (N), which can and should be recycled in order to meet future regulatory discharge demands. Optimisation of interacting water systems is a complex task. An effective way of understanding, analysing and optimising such systems is by applying mathematical models. The present modelling work aims at supporting the design of a nearly emission-free aquaculture and hydroponic system (aquaponics), thus contributing to sustainable production and to food security for the 21st century. Based on the model, a system that couples 40 m3 fish tanks and a hydroponic system of 1,000 m2 can produce 5 tons of tilapia and 75 tons of tomato yearly. The system requires energy to condense and recover evaporated water, for lighting and heating, adding up to 1.3 GJ/m2 every year. In the suggested configuration, the fish can provide about 26% of the N required in a plant cycle. A coupling strategy that sends water from the fish to the plants in amounts proportional to the fish feed input, reduces the standard deviation of the NO3− level in the fish cycle by 35%.
Leaching of dissolved phosphorus from tile-drained agricultural areas
Authors: Andersen H. E. , Windolf J. , Kronvang B.
Published: March 2016

We investigated leaching of dissolved phosphorus (P) from 45 tile-drains representing animal husbandry farms in all regions of Denmark. Leaching of P via tile-drains exhibits a high degree of spatial heterogeneity with a low concentration in the majority of tile-drains and few tile-drains (15% in our investigation) having high to very high concentration of dissolved P. The share of dissolved organic P (DOP) was high (up to 96%). Leaching of DOP has hitherto been a somewhat overlooked P loss pathway in Danish soils and the mechanisms of mobilization and transport of DOP needs more investigation. We found a high correlation between Olsen-P and water extractable P. Water extractable P is regarded as an indicator of risk of loss of dissolved P. Our findings indicate that Olsen-P, which is measured routinely in Danish agricultural soils, may be a useful proxy for the P leaching potential of soils. However, we found no straight-forward correlation between leaching potential of the top soil layer (expressed as either degree of P saturation, Olsen-P or water extractable P) and the measured concentration of dissolved P in the tile-drain. This underlines that not only the source of P but also the P loss pathway must be taken into account when evaluating the risk of P loss.
Histamine and Histaminergic Receptors in Colorectal Cancer: From Basic Science to Evidence-based Medicine
Authors: Losurdo Giuseppe , Principi Mariabeatrice , Girardi Bruna , Pricci Maria , Barone Michele , Ierardi Enzo , Di Leo Alfredo
Published: March 2016

Background:

Histamine is an imidazolic compound performing a crucial function in the pathogenesis of
inflammation. Several studies have also emphasized its pro-carcinogenic effect in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Object:

In fact, increased histamine levels have been observed in CRC and a decreased catabolism of this molecule is
typical of colorectal adenomas. Additional data have demonstrated that CRC is characterized by an altered balance
of histamine receptors (HRs); in fact, HR1 and HR4 are down-regulated in CRC, while HR2 is overexpressed.

Method:

Based on this evidence, we reviewed several studies investigating the role of HR2 antagonists (HR2A),
such as cimetidine in CRC.

Results:

From a clinical point of view, HR2A may prolong the survival rates of patients with CRC, and a recent
meta-analysis seems to confirm this finding. From a biological perspective, it has been demonstrated that HR2A
could have a beneficial effect on CRC for many reasons: i) promotion of peri-tumoral lymphocyte growth and
improvement of immune response against the tumor, ii) suppression of adhesion molecules which might favor
metastasis, iii) anti-angiogenetic activity (reduction of VEGF), iv) increased production of some cytokines which
may counteract tumor growth, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-15. On the
contrary, HR1 antagonists did not demonstrate any beneficial effect on CRC. Therefore, it is presumable that
histamine could be a relevant player in the development of CRC, but its effect might be mediated by an imperfect
homeostasis of its receptors.

Conclusion:

In this scenario, HR2A could inhibit carcinogenesis whereas HR2 might act as a pro-carcinogenetic,
while HR1 and HR4, being suppressed in CRC, may antagonize neoplastic development.
Isolation of plant growth-promoting Pseudomonas sp. PPR8 from the rhizosphere of Phaseolus vulgaris L.
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Dubey Ramesh , Maheshwari Dinesh , Park Yong-Ha , Bajpai Vivek
Published: March 2016

In vitro screening of plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits was carried out
using eight Pseudomonas spp., PPR1 to PPR8, isolated from the rhizosphere of
Phaseolus vulgaris growing on the Uttarakhand Himalayan range in India. All
the isolates were fast growers, positive for catalase, oxidase and urease
activities, and utilized lactose and some amino acids. All the isolates were
indole acetic acid (IAA) positive, however PPR8 solubilized potassium and
zinc along with various other types of inorganic (tricalcium, dicalcium and
zinc phosphate) and organic (calcium phytate) phosphates, as well as
producing siderophore and ACC deaminase. PPR8 also produced cyanogens,
extracellular chitinase, ?-1,3-glucanase, ?-1,4-glucanase and oxalate
oxidase. Based on the PGP traits of all isolates, PPR8 was found to be the
most potent plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Further, PPR8 was
identified as Pseudomonas sp. PPR8, based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing
analysis. Moreover, the PGP activities of PPR8 confirmed it to be a potent
biocontrol agent, inhibiting the growth of various plant pathogenic fungi.
This study reveals the potential of Pseudomonas sp. PPR8 to be used as a
good bioinoculant for growth promotion of common bean and for the protection
of important legume crops from various deleterious phytopathogens.
Initial events in the breakthrough of the epithelial barrier of the small intestine by Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Authors: Long Ying , Zhang Xuri , Cao Binbin , Liang YU. , Tukayo Meks , Feng Chonglv , Wang Yinan , Fang Wenzhen , Luo Damin
Published: March 2016

Although the third-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis (AcL3) are
thought to initiate infection by penetrating the epithelium of the small
intestine, the mode of intestinal invasion remains obscure. Considering the
inaccessibility of the gut tract and the need to sacrifice animals for this
type of study, we devised an in vitro cell-parasite co-culture system to
examine the initial cellular and molecular events between AcL3 and host
epithelia. No apoptosis augmentation was detected in enterocytes after
introduction of larvae. A significant increase in dead cells was detected in
IEC-6, NCM460 and 293T after incubating for 4 h, with AcL3 wounding rat small
intestinal epithelial cells IEC-6 more rapidly. Under a scanning electron
microscope (SEM), cell gap opening was visualized in the IEC-6 monolayer
treated with AcL3. Loosening of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the
monolayer was found to be involved in the parasite-cell interactions.
Pretreating the AcL3 with a protease inhibitor attenuated its penetration
ability of the artificial intestine barrier. In conclusion, AcL3 broke
through the intestinal barrier of the host with the assistance of mechanical
injury and the opening of a cell gap, but without causing apoptosis. The
interaction platform presented here may provide direct insight into the
cellular and molecular events during worm invasion of host enterocytes.