bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occupational Exposure Risk for Swine Workers in Confined Housing Facilities
Authors: Alvarado Alvin  C. , Predicala Bernardo  Z. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Extended exposure of swine barn workers to noise and airborne contaminants has been reported to be associated with various health problems. In this study, the actual exposure of workers to respirable dust, gases (ammonia and hydrogen sulfide), and noise in swine production operations was monitored in order to determine the contribution of specific activities in the barn to potential adverse health impacts to swine workers. Selected workers in a swine barn facility were outfitted with a personal monitoring system that included a respirable dust sampler, ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas monitors, and a noise dosimeter as they performed their regular duties during their workday. From a total of 50 monitoring days spanning winter and summer months, results showed that the occupational exposure of swine workers to respirable dust, NH3, H2S, and noise while performing their daily assigned tasks was generally below the respective time-weighted average exposure limits for each hazard. However, a number of tasks showed high likelihood for elevated occupational exposure risk. Respirable dust concentrations exceeded the time-weighted average limit of 3 mg m-3 while feeding and weighing pigs. These activities also exceeded the short-term exposure limit (35 ppm) for NH3. Dangerous levels of H2S were generated when draining manure from manure collection pits in the production rooms. Noise levels exceeded the recommended 15 min exposure limit (100 dBA) when weighing and loading pigs for market. The occupational exposure risks for workers to barn contaminants can be reduced through measures that control the generation of contaminants at their source, by removing generated contaminants from the work environment, as well as by outfitting the workers with protective devices that prevent personal exposure to contaminants. Keywords: Ammonia, Barn worker, Dust, Hydrogen sulfide, Noise, Occupational exposure, Risk, Swine.
Robust learning in the foreign exchange market
Authors: Djeutem Edouard , Nguimkeu Pierre 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
This paper studies risk premia in the foreign exchange market when investors entertain multiple models for consumption growth. Investors confront two sources of uncertainty: (1) individual models might be misspecified, and (2) it is not known which of these potentially misspecified models is the best approximation to the actual data-generating process. Following Hansen and Sargent (Hansen, L. P., and T. J. Sargent. 2010. “Fragile Beliefs and the Price of Uncertainty.” Quantitative Economics 1 (1): 129–162.), agents formulate “robust” portfolio policies. These policies are implemented by applying two risk-sensitivity operators. One is forward-looking, and pessimistically distorts the state dynamics of each individual model. The other is backward-looking, and pessimistically distorts the probability weights assigned to each model. A robust learner assigns higher weights to worst-case models that yield lower continuation values. The magnitude of this distortion evolves over time in response to realized consumption growth. It is shown that robust learning not only explains unconditional risk premia in the foreign exchange market, it can also explain the dynamics of risk premia. In particular, an empirically plausible concern for model misspecification and model uncertainty generates a stochastic discount factor that uniformly satisfies the spectral Hansen-Jagannathan bound of Otrok et al. (Otrok, C., B. Ravikumar, and C. H. Whiteman. 2007. “A Generalized Volatility Bound for Dynamic Economies.” Journal of Monetary Economics 54 (8): 2269–2290.).
Approximation by modified Jain–Baskakov operators
Authors: Mishra Vishnu Narayan , Sharma Preeti , Birou Marius Mihai 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
In the present paper, we discuss the approximation properties of Jain–Baskakov operators with parameter c. The paper deals with the modified forms of the Baskakov basis functions. Some direct results are established, which include the asymptotic formula, error estimation in terms of the modulus of continuity and weighted approximation. Also, we construct the King modification of these operators, which preserves the test functions

e
0

{e_{0}}

and

e
1

{e_{1}}

. It is shown that these King type operators provide a better approximation order than some Baskakov–Durrmeyer operators for continuous functions defined on some closed intervals.
Regulation and related mechanism of GSN mRNA level by hnRNPK in lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Liu Xiao-hui , Ma Jie , Feng Jun-xia , Feng Yuan , Zhang Yun-fang , Liu Lang-xia 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Gelsolin (GSN) is an actin filament-capping protein that plays a key role in cell migration. Here we show that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) regulates GSN expression level by binding to the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) of GSN mRNA in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) H1299 cells which are highly metastatic and express high level of GSN. We found that hnRNPK overexpression increased the mRNA and protein level of GSN, whereas hnRNPK knockdown by siRNA decreased the mRNA and protein level of GSN in both H1299 and A549 cells, indicating a positive role of hnRNPK in the regulation of GSN expression. Furthermore, hnRNPK knockdown affected the migration ability of H1299 and A549 cells which could be rescued by ectopic expression of GSN in those cells. Conversely, GSN knockdown in hnRNPK-overexpressing cells could abort the stimulatory effect of hnRNPK on the cell migration. These results suggest that hnRNPK function in the regulation of cell migration is GSN-dependent. Taken together, these data unveiled a new mechanism of regulation of the GSN expression by hnRNPK and provides new clues for the discovery of new anti-metastatic therapy.
Robust Investment for Demand Response in a Distribution Network considering Wind Power and Load Demand Uncertainties
Authors: Yu Yi , Zhao Jian , Xu Zhao , Li Jiayong , Wen Xishan 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Due to the increasing penetration of wind power into the distribution network, preserving system security and reliability becomes a significant challenge for the system operator. In the smart grid environment, the demand side is required to take more responsibilities to accommodate the uncertainty of wind power generations, known as demand response (DR). To enable this feature in the utility grid, system-wide costs, which include metering, communication and load control system upgrade cost and incentive cost for customers, should be considered in assessing cost-effectiveness. This paper proposes a novel optimization model for demand response facility (DRF) investment to determine the DR sizing and siting. Robust optimization is adopted to maintain overall economic benefit and distribution network operation security. The problem is formulated as a bi-level mixed-integer program. A column-and-constraint generation algorithm (C&CG) combined with outer-approximation (OA) linearization method is employed to solve this problem. Numerical tests on a modified IEEE 33-bus distribution network illustrate the effectiveness and validation of the proposed model.
Differences in the task-supported negotiations of younger and older EFL children: From repair into prevention
Authors: Hidalgo Maria Angeles 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
The benefits of task-supported interaction are especially noticeable when negotiation of meaning (NoM) occurs. Despite the large amount of research on interaction, children’s ability to collaborate and to understand their partners’ needs remains under-researched. This capacity has been questioned, and has been claimed to develop with age. From an interactionist perspective, we have analysed the oral interactions of 80 Spanish young learners (YLs) of English as a foreign language (EFL) from two age groups (8–9 and 10–11), when performing a collaborative task. Specifically, we have examined the nature of NoM and the strategies YLs use. Significant differences between the groups were identified: whereas younger children negotiate mostly to repair communication breakdowns, older YLs show a greater concern about their interlocutor’s needs. As in previous research addressing this population, focus on form strategies are rare. This study sheds light on our understanding of how young EFL learners negotiate in task-supported interactions.
The Corporate Life Cycle and the Cost of Equity
Authors: Bravo Sergio 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
A widely used methodology for estimating the beta of companies with the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) uses comparable firms based only on industry or sector classifications (Bancel, F., and U. R. Mittoo. 2014. “The Gap between the Theory and Practice of Corporate Valuation: Survey of European Experts.” Journal of Applied Corporate Finance 26, no. 4 (Fall): 106–17. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jacf.12095, 112; KPMG. 2017. “Cost of Capital Study 2017: Diverging Markets, Converging Business Models.” Accessed September 28, 2018. https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmg/ch/pdf/cost-of-capital-study-2017-en.pdf, 37). We hypothesize that even within industries, there is a significant relationship between the cost of equity and the life cycle of a firm. We argue that these variables are correlated because different life-cycle stages exhibit different degrees of systematic risk. Therefore, as the firm moves along its life cycle, its unlevered beta decreases. We define the stages of the firm life cycle based on a modification of the theoretical typology of (Miller, D., and P. Friesen. 1984. “A Longitudinal Study of the Corporate Life-Cycle.” Management Sciences 30 (10): 1161–83. http://www.jstor.org/stable/2631384, 1162–3) and then classify a sample of listed companies into these stages using (Dickinson, V. 2011. “Cash Flow Patterns as a Proxy for Firm Life-Cycle.” The Accounting Review 86 (6): 1969–94. doi:https://doi.org/10.2308/accr-10130) cash flow statements methodology. We construct value-weighted portfolios that are formed based on our life-cycle stages classification, adapting the procedure of (Fama, E., and K. R. French. 1993. “Common Risk Factors in the Returns on Stocks and Bonds.” Journal of Financial Economics 33 (1): 3–56. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/0304-405X(93)90023-5). Finally, we compare the betas (levered and unlevered) of these portfolios to determine whether there are statistically significant differences. Our results show clear evidence of a relationship between betas and the corporate life cycle and that this relationship is robust to both changes in the period of analysis and omitted variables bias (when controlling with the four-factor model of (Carhart, M. M. 1997. “On Persistence in Mutual Fund Performance.” The Journal of Finance 52 (1): 57–82. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6261.1997.tb03808.x). We believe our results show an important shortcoming in a widely used methodology among practitioners for estimating the CAPM.
Attainability of Maximum Work and the Reversible Efficiency of Minimally Nonlinear Irreversible Heat Engines
Authors: Ponmurugan M. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
We use the general formulation of irreversible thermodynamics and study the minimally nonlinear irreversible model of heat engines operating between a time-varying hot heat source of finite size and a cold heat reservoir of infinite size. We find the criterion under which the optimized efficiency obtained by this minimally nonlinear irreversible heat engine can reach the reversible efficiency under the tight coupling condition: a condition of no heat leakage between the system and the reservoirs. We assume the rate of heat transfer from the hot to the cold heat reservoir obeys Fourier’s law and discuss physical conditions under which one can obtain the reversible efficiency in a finite time with finite power. We also calculate the efficiency at maximum power for the minimally nonlinear irreversible heat engine under the nontight coupling condition.
High-Quality Optical Frequency Comb Generation-Based on Polarization Modulator with RF Frequency Multiplication Circuit and Intensity Modulator
Authors: Lv Xiuping , Li Dan 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
A new approach to generate high-quality optical frequency comb (OFC) with good flatness, high bandwidth, and tunable frequency spacing is proposed. The OFC generator includes a polarization modulator and an intensity modulator (IMS), and the polarization modulator is modulated by a radio frequency multiplication circuit. The theoretical analysis model of the proposed scheme is established. The experiment stimulation results show that 35-line OFC with tunable frequency spacing and spectrum flatness of 0.3 dB and side-mode suppression ratio of 15.53 dB is gotten easily by adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the RF and the direct current bias voltage of the modulators. The stimulation results are in good agreement with the theoretical model.
Semiotic approaches to “traditional music”, musical/poetic structures, and ethnographic research
Authors: Theodosopoulou Irene 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis text is a first attempt of approaching traditional music, musical/poetic structures and ethnographic research semiotically. The basic elements of traditional music (motives, rhythms, phonetics, performance speeds, modal systems, musical instruments, repertoire), the musical/poetic structures with morphological types and formulas (musical and poetic), musical and non-musical codes (verbal and nonverbal) during a musical performance (nods, movements, etc.) as well as the ethnographic research itself with its own “performances” (discussions with musicians, recordings, transcriptions, analyses) constitute groups of “signs” and codes that, combined together, create complex frames of meanings and re-definitions not only among musicians and revelers but also among ethnographers and their interlocutors and among ethnographic “texts” and their representations after multiple readings. This text presents elements that emerged after an enduring field research in Crete (1998–2008). The use of semiotics in the study of traditional music and musical analysis can constitute a useful analysis tool for ethnographic research from planning to composing ethnographic “texts” (texts, transcriptions, analyses). This text highlights the necessity of initiating a dialogue concerning the aspects and perspectives of a semiotic approach to musicology and music ethnography.
A CRS Oedometer Cell for Unsaturated and Non-Isothermal Tests
Authors: Bagheri Meghdad , Mousavi Nezhad Mohaddeseh , Rezania Mohammad 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Research into the thermo-hydromechanical (THM) behavior of unsaturated soils and the effect of strain rate on their mechanical responses requires the employment of advanced laboratory testing systems and procedures as well as protocols of correcting the measured data in order to account for errors associated with complex test conditions and apparatus calibrations. This article presents the design and calibration of an innovative constant rate of strain oedometer cell for the characterization of the THM behavior of soils under combined non-isothermal and unsaturated conditions. The advanced oedometer cell enables the simultaneous control of temperature, suction, and stress state within the soil specimens. Temperatures of 20°C to 200°C are applied through a tubular heating element placed at the base of the soil specimen. Suction is controlled using the axis-translation technique and measured using both axis-translation and two high-capacity tensiometers accommodated on the periphery of the specimen. The performance of the new cell is assessed based on a set of tests performed on clay specimens, and its merits and advantages are discussed in detail.
Shear Band Formation and Strength of Loess in True Triaxial Tests
Authors: Shao Sheng-jun , Chen Fei , Shao Shuai 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
This study presents experimental results from a strength test of loess from China’s Xi’an Bailu plateau. The measurements were made with a true triaxial apparatus. Some explored characteristics were shear stress ratio, intermediate principal strain and volumetric strain changing with major principal strain, and strength criteria on the meridian and octahedral planes. The failure strength and the strain and shear band models of loess specimens were analyzed. The results clearly show shear bands in the loess specimens under true triaxial principal stresses. Softening of intact loess occurred under low confining pressure and small intermediate principal stress b-values. Hardening occurred under greater confining pressure and intermediate principal stress parameters. Structural soil mass adjacent to the shear band demonstrated a relative sliding movement and development of a shear band. The strength line on the meridian plane was linear, and the strength curve on the octahedral plane was a curved-edge-triangle shape consistent with Lade’s strength criterion. The complex pattern of the shear-band–induced failure mode is attributable to the structural characteristic of natural loess and the loading conditions.
Chromosome-Wide Evolution and Sex Determination in the Three-Sexed Nematode Auanema rhodensis
Authors: Tandonnet Sophie , Koutsovoulos Georgios D , Adams Sally , Cloarec Delphine , Parihar Manish , Blaxter Mark L , Pires-daSilva Andre 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Trioecy, a mating system in which males, females and hermaphrodites co-exist, is a useful system to investigate the origin and maintenance of alternative mating strategies. In the trioecious nematode Auanema rhodensis, males have one X chromosome (XO), whereas females and hermaphrodites have two (XX). The female vs. hermaphrodite sex determination mechanisms have remained elusive. In this study, RNA-seq analyses show a 20% difference between the L2 hermaphrodite and female gene expression profiles. RNAi experiments targeting the DM (doublesex/mab-3) domain transcription factor dmd-10/11 suggest that the hermaphrodite sexual fate requires the upregulation of this gene. The genetic linkage map (GLM) shows that there is chromosome-wide heterozygosity for the X chromosome in F2 hermaphrodite-derived lines originated from crosses between two parental inbred strains. These results confirm the lack of recombination of the X chromosome in hermaphrodites, as previously reported. We also describe conserved chromosome elements (Nigon elements), which have been mostly maintained throughout the evolution of Rhabditina nematodes. The seven-chromosome karyotype of A. rhodensis, instead of the typical six found in other rhabditine species, derives from fusion/rearrangements events involving three Nigon elements. The A. rhodensis X chromosome is the smallest and most polymorphic with the least proportion of conserved genes. This may reflect its atypical mode of father-to-son transmission and its lack of recombination in hermaphrodites and males. In conclusion, this study provides a framework for studying the evolution of chromosomes in rhabditine nematodes, as well as possible mechanisms for the sex determination in a three-sexed species.
Hilfer fractional evolution hemivariational inequalities with nonlocal initial conditions and optimal controls
Authors: Pei Yatian , Chang Yong-Kui 
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we mainly consider a control system governed by a Hilfer fractional evolution hemivariational inequality with a nonlocal initial condition. We first establish sufficient conditions for the existence of mild solutions to the addressed control system via properties of generalized Clarke subdifferential and a fixed point theorem for condensing multivalued maps. Then we present the existence of optimal state-control pairs of the limited Lagrange optimal systems governed by a Hilfer fractional evolution hemivariational inequality with a nonlocal initial condition. The optimal control results are derived without uniqueness of solutions for the control system.
Przyjęcie wykluczonych do wspólnoty zbawienia na przykładzie Dz 15, 1–35
Authors: Bieliński Krzysztof 
Published: February 2019

Celem artykułu było ukazanie sposobu postępowania wspólnoty pierwotnego Kościoła wobec problemu przyjęcia do wspólnoty zbawienia wykluczonych wcześniej pogan. Kwestia ta stanowiła wielkie wyzwanie teologiczne, pastoralne i normatywno-dyscyplinarne dla chrześcijaństwa początków. Zagadnienie przedstawione zostało w trzech punktach. Z uwagi na fakt, iż przedmiotem rozważań był eklezjalny proces decyzyjny dotyczący norm postępowania, w punkcie pierwszym zdefiniowane zostało pojęcie decyzji moralnej w jej trójwymiarowości czasowej. Stwierdziliśmy, że rozpoznanie prawdy moralnej jest owocem spotkania między przeznaczeniem (ἔσχατος), zbawczym działaniem Chrystusa (κριτήριον) oraz rzeczywistością wymagającą przemiany (καιρός). W centralnym, drugim punkcie ukazano paradygmat procesu eklezjalnej decyzji, którego owocem było pełne włączenie do wspólnoty Kościoła wykluczonych etnochrześcijan. Kościół czasu soboru w Jerozolimie na „sposób synodalny” podjął problem wykluczonych i rozwiązał go w wyważonym połączeniu prawdy, wolności i miłości, stając się pod tym względem koniecznym punktem odniesienia dla procesu rozeznawania wspólnoty chrześcijan każdego czasu. Przypomniano o tym w trzecim punkcie artykułu, który dedykowany został aktualnym wskazaniom na temat rozeznawania wspólnotowego zawartym w dokumencie Biblia a moralność. Wskazano w nim, iż Pismo Święte, niezbędne źródło inspiracji dla procesu rozeznawania eklezjalnego, nadal stanowić powinno konieczny punkt odniesienia dla rozwiązywania przez Kościół nowych, aktualnych problemów etycznych. Celem najważniejszym, który udało się osiągnąć, było zaproponowanie synodalności, starożytnej kościelnej metody rozeznawania, chrześcijańskiej „kultury dialogu i spotkania” jako skutecznej metody przezwyciężania degradującej współczesną cywilizację „kultury wykluczenia”.