bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Rayleigh-Distributed PAPR on the Performance of a Pre-Clipped DCO-OFDM System
Authors: Ratnam Jayashree , Mali Sabita 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
The paper investigates the impact of Rayleigh-distributed statistical behavior of peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) associated with a pre-clipped signal on the performance metrics of a direct current-biased optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (DCO-OFDM) system. The analytical model for the system takes into consideration a pre-clipped and dc-shifted baseband OFDM signal, driving an optical source over its linear operating range. The model employs a bias-scaling factor, which is heuristically varied over the entire range (0 to 1) to examine improvement in overall power efficiency. Further, it utilizes the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the pre-clipped signal to get a weighted estimate of the available signal power within the clipped PAPR. The model also takes into consideration the clipping noise effects due to limited linearity of the optical source during electrical-to-optical conversion of baseband OFDM signal. Using this model, the paper aims to arrive at a realistic estimate of the system behavior in terms of bit error rate, electrical power-efficiency and spectral efficiency. Using theoretical simulation results, for a given set of operating parameters viz., signal power, PAPR, bias-scaling factor, modulation order and sub-carrier count, the paper examines the trade-offs involved in optimizing the performance metrics over appropriate dynamic range of the DCO-OFDM transmitter.
Paradoxical Excitatory Impact of SK Channels on Dendritic Excitability
Authors: Bock Tobias , Honnuraiah Suraj , Stuart Greg J. 
Published: August 2019

Dendritic excitability regulates how neurons integrate synaptic inputs and thereby influences neuronal output. As active dendritic events are associated with significant calcium influx they are likely to be modulated by calcium-dependent processes, such as calcium-activated potassium channels. Here we investigate the impact of small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK channels) on dendritic excitability in male and female rat cortical pyramidal neuronsin vitroandin vivo. Using local applications of the SK channel antagonist apaminin vitro, we show that blocking somatic SK channels enhances action potential output, whereas blocking dendritic SK channels paradoxically reduces the generation of dendritic calcium spikes and associated somatic burst firing. Opposite effects were observed using the SK channel enhancer NS309. The effect of apamin on dendritic SK channels was occluded when R-type calcium channels were blocked, indicating that the inhibitory impact of apamin on dendritic calcium spikes involved R-type calcium channels. Comparable effects were observedin vivo. Intracellular application of apamin via the somatic whole-cell recording pipette reduced the medium afterhyperpolarization and increased action potential output during UP states. In contrast, extracellular application of apamin to the cortical surface to block dendritic SK channels shifted the distribution of action potentials within UP states from an initial burst to a more distributed firing pattern, while having no impact on overall action potential firing frequency or UP and DOWN states. These data indicate that somatic and dendritic SK channels have opposite effects on neuronal excitability, with dendritic SK channels counter-intuitively promoting rather than suppressing neuronal output.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNeurons typically receive input from other neurons onto processes called dendrites, and use electrical events such as action potentials for signaling. As electrical events in neurons are usually associated with calcium influx they can be regulated by calcium-dependent processes. One such process is through the activation of calcium-dependent potassium channels, which usually act to reduce action potential signaling. Although this is the case for calcium-dependent potassium channels found at the cell body, we show here that calcium-dependent potassium channels in dendrites of cortical pyramidal neurons counter-intuitively promote rather than suppress action potential output.
Reach for your cell phone at your own risk: The cognitive costs of media choice for breaks
Authors: Kang Sanghoon , Kurtzberg Terri R. 
Published: August 2019

Introduction
Since there is steady increase in cell phone addiction, the act of reaching for a phone between tasks, or even mid-task, is becoming more commonplace, without a true understanding about the potential cognitive costs of taking a break in this way as opposed to taking a break through another medium.

Methods
This experimental study included 414 participants who completed a cognitively demanding task (solving anagrams) either on paper or on a computer screen. Participants in three of four randomly assigned conditions engaged in a break task (selecting items for a hypothetical shopping list) either on a cell phone, a larger computer screen, or on a paper in the middle of the task. The fourth condition had participants engaging in both halves of the cognitive task with no break.

Results
The results show that using cell phone for a break did not allow brain to recharge as effectively as the other types of breaks, both in terms of being able to perform quickly and efficiently in the second half of the task (how long it took to complete), and in terms of performance (how many anagrams were successfully solved in the second half).

Discussion and conclusions
As people are increasingly addicted to their cell phones, it is important to know the unintended costs associated with reaching for this device every spare minute. Although people may assume that it is not different from any other kind of interaction or break, this study shows that the phone might be more cognitively taxing than expected.
O Papel do Tutor na Humanização da Aprendizagem na Educação a Distância
Authors: Custódio Simone Guimarães , Pacheco Márcia Maria Dias Reis , Marinelo Camila Aparecida Silva Rosa , Costa Laís Renó Satalibe , Santos Giovanna Velloso dos 
Published: August 2019

A Educação a Distância cumpre uma exigência da globalização trazendo o acesso ao conhecimento de maneira mais rápida e eficiente. Nessa modalidade, a internet torna-se cada vez mais uma fonte de informações pluricultural de alcance comunitário. No entanto, uma das dificuldades nessa metodologia de ensino parece ser a ausência de acompanhamento pedagógico eficiente. Compreender como deve acontecer a tutoria, quais as características do profissional que atua nessa modalidade pode tornar esse processo de ensino-aprendizagem mais significativo. Este artigo investiga a(s) maneira(s) adequada(s) como esse processo de acompanhamento deve ser desenvolvido para que o aluno obtenha sucesso no processo de aprendizagem no ensino a distância. Buscou-se identificar os agentes facilitadores na aquisição do conhecimento com qualidade segundo os autores Jean Piaget e Lev Vygotsky e, com base nos pressupostos teóricos de Behar (2009) a respeito do modelo pedagógico em EaD, delineou-se o perfil e a preparação acadêmico-pedagógica necessária aos profissionais dessa área, a fim de que possam colaborar efetivamente com o desenvolvimento do educando nesse processo. A metodologia constitui-se de pesquisa bibliográfica.
Palavras-chave: Educação a distância. Tutoria presencial. Qualidade de ensino. Acompanhamento.
Análisis de los resultados del Índice Sintético de la Calidad Educativa (ISCE) 2017 de las Secretarías de Educación Certificadas de Colombia
Authors: Díaz-Pinzón Jorge Enrique 
Published: August 2019

Este trabajo de investigación tuvo por objetivo establecer si hay diferencias en el promedio de los puntajes obtenidos en el índice Sintético de Calidad Educativa (ISCE) entre las diferentes Secretarías de Educación Certificadas de Colombia en el año 2017. Se hizo una comparación múltiple entre medias independientes, a partir del análisis estadístico de los datos mediante anova. Se pudo observar que hay evidencia de que las medias sí son diferentes.
FINANCIAL LITERACY AMONG SME’S IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Thabet Omer Bin , Fazlin Ali Atiqah Abd Manaf. , Kantakji Mazhar 
Published: August 2019

Purpose of Study: The objective of this study is to investigate the financial literacy among the SMEs in food and beverage sectors in Malaysia.
Methodology: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in countries’ economic growth. However, the failure rate among SMEs getting higher. The literature stipulated that the lack of financial literacy is one of the main reasons caused this failure.
Results: The results of 122 returned questionnaires shows that the socio-demographic factors such as age and marital status have influenced SME’s financial literacy. Moreover, the financial attitude and financial behavior found to be positively related to the financial literacy among the SMEs.
ISLAMIC MONEY MARKET AND APPLICATION OF THIRD PARTY GUARANTEE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Issoufou Chaibou 
Published: August 2019

Purpose of Study: The Islamic money market plays a significant role in the development of the economy and providing funds for short term projects. This paper discusses money market instruments such as treasury bills, certificates of deposit, short period mudharabah interbank investment and Islamic accepted bills of exchange. It examines how short term instruments can be used to import and export goods. The study analyses the mechanisms and characteristics of Islamic money market and finds that it has the same characteristics and mechanisms of the conventional money market; they differ only in the instruments that are traded in the market. In the Islamic money market any instrument which is not in accordance with the principles of Islamic law is not traded.
Methodology: A qualitative research methodology in which an Islamic jurisprudential approach is used to analyse data and the permissibility of application of third party guarantee in Islamic money market was utilised.
Results: It was discovered in this paper that application of third party guarantee in Islamic money market is permissible. However, the guarantee should be done voluntarily without charging a fee so that the Islamic money market would be differentiated from the conventional money market wherein a fee is charged. Conclusion/- and Recommendations: In the Islamic money market, the instruments used in the market must be acceptable by the principles of Islamic law. It is impermissible in Islamic law for a company that conducts the investment of Islamic money market instruments to carry out its activities in non-halal activities. Islamic money market instruments can be used to finance short period investment, to import and export assets. The researcher suggested to conduct empirical research in order to have a clear picture on Islamic money market instruments and application of third party guarantee in the market.
EXAMINING ENTREPRENEURIAL MARKETING BEHAVIOURS IN SOCIAL ENTERPRISES
Authors: Zainualdin Adibah , Kamarudin Hanis Syazwani , Abdullah Arliza , Tajuddin Mazilena 
Published: August 2019

Purpose of Study: In this paper, the significance and justification for studying entrepreneurship, marketing, innovation and customer orientation (EMICO) in the context of social enterprises in Malaysia is discussed and elaborated.
Methodology: EMICO is an emerging framework developed by Jones and Rowley (2009) to explore the interface between each dimension in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Past studies are reviewed to describe and explain the dimensions of the EMICO framework. In addition, literature relating to the characteristics of SMEs and entrepreneurs are reviewed to build the basis for studying their direct effects on the ventures’ EMICO.
Results: The paper puts forward propositions to test and validate the relationship between the variables for future empirical research.
Avrupa Birliği-Azerbaycan İlişkileri
Authors: Merdan Ali Samir 
Published: August 2019

Sovyetler
Birliği’nin çökmesinden sonra iki kutuplu sistemde köklü değişiklikler meydana
gelmiştir. Bu süreçte çok daha faal bir politikaya yönelen Avrupa Birliği, coğrafi
konumuna ek olarak sahip olduğu petrol ve doğalgaz gibi enerji kaynakları
sebebiyle Azerbaycan’la yeni ilişkiler oluşturmaya başlamıştır. Bu bağlamda Avrupa
Birliği, Azerbaycan’a TACIS, EMPI ve ENI Programları çerçevesinde ekonomik
yardımlarda bulunmuş, tarihî İpek Yolu’nu yeniden faal duruma getirme politikası
ve enerji politikalarını devreye sokarak yardımlarını çeşitlendirmiştir. Avrupa
Birliği’nin uyguladığı bu politikaların ve Azerbaycan’a götürdüğü mali yardımların
sonucunda her iki taraf arasında yakınlaşma yaşanmıştır. Yapılan Ortaklık ve
İşbirliği Anlaşması yürürlüğe girdikten sonra Avrupa Birliği ile Azerbaycan
arasındaki bu yakınlaşmanın hukuki temelleri de atılmıştır. Yaşanan bu
karşılıklı yakınlaşma, bazı sorunları da beraberinde getirmiştir. Avrupa
Birliği’nin Merkezî ve Doğu Avrupa devletlerine doğru genişlemesi, beraberinde
özellikle güvenlikle ilgili problemler de getirmiştir. Bu bağlamda Avrupa
Birliği, Azerbaycan üzerinden gelen tehditlerin engellenmesi için bu devleti 2004’te
Avrupa Komşuluk Politikasına ve 2009’da Doğu Ortaklığı Politikasına dâhil
etmiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacı; TACIS, ENPI, ENI Programları ve tarihî İpek Yolu’nu
yeniden faal duruma getirme politikası ile oluşturularak geliştirilen ekonomik
ilişkileri; Ortaklık ve İşbirliği Anlaşması ile temelleri atılan hukuki
ilişkileri; Avrupa Komşuluk ve Doğu Ortaklığı Politikaları ile çerçevelenen
siyasi ilişkileri değerlendirmektir.

Anahtar Kelimeler: Avrupa Birliği, Azerbaycan, Ortaklık ve İşbirliği
Anlaşması, Avrupa Komşuluk Politikası, Doğu Ortaklığı Politikası.

Jel Kodları: F50, F53, F59
CONCH FRITTERS THROUGH TIME: HUMAN PREDATION AND POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS OF LOBATUS GIGAS ON SAN SALVADOR ISLAND, THE BAHAMAS
Authors: RUGA MIKAELA R. , MEYER DAVID L. , HUNTLEY JOHN WARREN 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTLobatus gigas, the queen conch, is a central component of Caribbean cuisine but over-fishing of juveniles has threatened the stability of wild populations. Strombid gastropods, upon reaching sexual maturity, cease growing along the shell length axis and continue growing in width via a flared and thickened shell lip. This morphology serves as a useful indicator of an individual's sexual maturity. Here we examine temporal trends in population demographics, size, and morphology of harvested L. gigas individuals over the last ∼1 ky from San Salvador Island, the Bahamas to quantify the dynamics of human-induced stress on the local queen conch fishery. We collected 284 human-harvested individuals from shell middens at seven localities, measured seven morphological variables, and classified the specimens as either adult or juvenile. We randomly selected 64 of these shells for rapid AMS radiocarbon dating in order to establish three geochronological bins: Lucayan (Pre-European invasion, 1492 CE), Modern (∼102 y), and Global (∼101 y). The proportion of juveniles harvested increased significantly from 47% (Lucayan) to 61% (Modern) to 68% (Global) suggesting increasing pressure on the fishery through time. Patterns in body size and morphology diverge between adults and juveniles and are likely the result of an increase in the proportion of harvested juveniles, the selection of smaller juveniles through time, and possibly changes in fishing methods. This size selective predation did not result in the suppression of adult body size as found in other studies. Geohistorical data, such as these, are vital for providing long term ecological context for addressing anthropogenic ecological degradation and are central to the conservation paleobiology approach.
Study and Application of Starting Pressure Testing for Injection Wells
Authors: Zhao Puchun , Zhao Huating 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Wenmingzhai , Weicheng , and Mazhai (WMZ, WC, MZ) are mature waterflooding oilfields. The flowing contradictions are obvious because of the difference of starting pressure among the pay zones. The first is that the lower injection pressure can not start the pay zones with higher starting pressure . The second is that the aim of zonal injection can not be met under the same injection pressure . In addition, the single input profile data can not display the water absorption of all zones completely. The previous method and theory of starting pressure testing and calculation can not satisfy the requirement of the starting pressure test for multiple series formations, and the water absorption of all the zones is not clear, which resulted an unfavourable water flooding effect . This paper introduced the process theory and its oilfield application of the zonal starting pressure test technology . Based on the requirement of zonal starting pressure test, an advanced oilfield zonal starting pressure testing technology was developed. The Correlation of the test data and the formation parameters such as original formation permeability, porosity , the situation of injection and input profile data was studied. According to the analysis of correlativity of test data and formation parameters , the counter-measures were obtained . Four application examples were analyzed to show how to use the test data and how to choose the correct counter-measures. This zonal starting pressure testing technology can be widely used to improve oil recovery for mature oilfields. The zonal starting pressure testing was proved to be effective for WMZ, WC and MZ oilfields. Different methods were found to reduce the pressure difference among zones. Experience obtained through these applications is useful for planning future applications.
The effect of an organic rumen-protected fat supplement on performance, metabolic status, and health of dairy cows
Authors: Manriquez Diego , Chen Liang , Melendez Pedro , Pinedo Pablo 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background

Negative energy balance during the transition period is a concern for both conventional and certified organic dairy systems. During early lactation, supplemental strategies are used to cope with nutrient deficiencies that are associated with impaired health, production, and reproduction. As organic certified dairies in the United States face restricted access to dietary supplements, the evaluation of products especially formulated for organic production is needed. Our objective was to assess the effect of supplementing 0.45 kg/d of an organic rumen-protected fat (RPF) on health, metabolic status, and productive and reproductive performance of organic certified Holstein cows from 1 to 150 days in milk (DIM). Two-hundred and two cows were enrolled in a randomized blocked controlled trial conducted from January to July, 2017 in a certified organic dairy located in Northern Colorado (USA). Two groups were randomly assigned to be individually supplemented with organic RPF (ORG; n = 100) or control pellets (CON; n = 102) once per day, in addition to the total mixed ration (TMR). Outcomes of interest included disease occurrence, culling, mortality, serum concentration of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), milk yield (kg/d) and milk components, resumption of cyclicity, time-to-first artificial insemination (AI), conception at first AI, and conception within 150 DIM.

Results

A significant effect for the inclusion of RPF was found in daily milk yield; RPF supplemented cows had greater milk yield (1.6 kg/d) compared to CON cows up to 150 DIM (P = 0.03). During grazing, multiparous (MP) ORG cows had greater milk yield compared to MP CON cows, whereas no effect was found in primiparous (PP) cows. Health outcomes, serum metabolite concentrations, and reproductive performance were not affected by the inclusion of RPF. Body condition loss was smaller in the ORG group up to 80 DIM; however, there was no effect on body condition during the grazing season and in the overall study period.

Conclusions

These results indicate that supplementation of RPF increased daily milk yield and prevented body condition loss during transition. However, RPF supplementation did not affect health, serum metabolite concentration, milk components, and reproductive outcomes.
Association of Borderline Intellectual Functioning and Adverse Childhood Experience with adult psychiatric morbidity. Findings from a British birth cohort
Authors: Hassiotis Angela , Brown Emma , Harris James , Helm David , Munir Kerim , Salvador-Carulla Luis , Bertelli Marco , Baghdadli Amaria , Wieland Jannelien , Novell-Alsina Ramon , Cid Jordi , Vergés Laura , Martínez-Leal Rafael , Mutluer Tuba , Ismayilov Fuad , Emerson Eric 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Purpose

To examine whether Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF) and Adverse Childhood Experiences independently predict adult psychiatric morbidity.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of longitudinal data derived from the 1970 British Birth Cohort Study to examine whether BIF and Adverse Childhood Experiences independently predict adult mental distress as measured by the Malaise Inventory. Factor analysis was used to derive a proxy measure of IQ from cognitive testing at age 10 or 5. Variables that could be indicators of exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences were identified and grouped into health related and socio-economic related adversity.

Results

Children with BIF were significantly more likely than their peers to have been exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (BIF mean 5.90, non-BIF mean 3.19; Mann-Whitney z=31.74, p<0.001). As adults, participants with BIF were significantly more likely to score above the cut-off on the Malaise Inventory. We found statistically significant relationships between the number of socio-economic Adverse Childhood Experiences and poorer adult psychiatric morbidity (r range 0.104-0.141, all p<001). At all ages the indirect mediating effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences were significantly related to adult psychiatric morbidity.

Conclusions

The relationship between BIF and adult psychiatric morbidity appears to be partially mediated by exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences. Where possible, targeting Adverse Childhood Experiences through early detection, prevention and interventions may improve psychiatric morbidity in this population group.
Liver stiffness measurement predicts the difficulty of Kasai procedure in Biliary Atresia: a single center retrospective analysis of 199 patients
Authors: Shen Qiulong , Chen Yajun , Peng Chunhui , Pang Wenbo , Wang Zengmeng , Wu Dongyang , Wang Kai , Huang Xinjie 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Background: Kasai procedure is the standard initial treatment of infants with biliary atresia. The key to perform a successful surgery is to accurately remove the fibrous portal plate near the liver hilum. Yet how to estimate surgical difficulty pre-operatively remains unclear. This study aims to design an algorithm that predicts the difficulty of Kasai procedure using liver stiffness measurement (LSM).
Methods: 199 patients were included from April 2012 to December 2016.Data were divided into two groups according to: 1: porta hepatis retraction, 2: vascular proliferation around the fibrous portal plate. Serum biochemical markers and LSM were measured three days pre-operation.
Results: Our study included 19 cases in group A (9 males, 10 females) and 180 cases in group B (87 males, 93 females). LSM had statistical differences between the two groups, 28.10(14.90) kPa VS 10.89(7.10)kPa, P =0.000<0.01. There was a significant relationship between LSM and operative age, TBA, AST, GGT (P=0.000, 0.003, 0.003, 0.012, correlation coefficient =0.323, 0.213, 0.207, 0.179). The AUROC of LSM was 0.919. When the cutoff value was 15.15 kPa(OR=3.989; P = 0.000), the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy were 0.947, 0.750, 0.285, 0.992 and 0.768, respectively. When the value was 23.75kPa(OR=3.483; P = 0.000), the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnostic accuracy were 0.631, 0.950, 0.571, 0.960 and 0.919, respectively.
Conclusions: LSM can be used to predict the difficulty in dissecting fibrous portal plate, and in turn the difficulty of Kasai procedure.LSM>23.75 kPa suggests a more complicated surgery.