bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the solutions of a second-order difference equation in terms of generalized Padovan sequences
Authors: Halim Yacine , Rabago Julius Fergy T. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This paper deals with the solution, stability character and asymptotic behavior of the rational difference equation

x

n
+
1

=

α

x

n
−
1

+
β

γ

x

n

x

n
−
1

,

n
∈

N

0

,

$$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
x_{n+1}=\frac{\alpha x_{n-1}+\beta}{ \gamma x_{n}x_{n-1}},\qquad n
\in \mathbb{N}_{0},
\end{array}$$

where ℕ0 = ℕ ∪ {0}, α, β, γ ∈ ℝ+, and the initial conditions x
–1 and x
0 are non zero real numbers such that their solutions are associated to generalized Padovan numbers. Also, we investigate the two-dimensional case of the this equation given by

x

n
+
1

=

α

x

n
−
1

+
β

γ

y
n

x

n
−
1

,

y

n
+
1

=

α

y

n
−
1

+
β

γ

x
n

y

n
−
1

,

n
∈

N

0

.

$$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
x_{n+1} = \frac{\alpha x_{n-1} + \beta}{\gamma y_n x_{n-1}}, \qquad y_{n+1} = \frac{\alpha y_{n-1} +\beta}{\gamma x_n y_{n-1}} ,\qquad n\in \mathbb{N}_0.
\end{array}$$
Fixed points in C
∗-algebra valued b-metric spaces endowed with a graph
Authors: Mohanta Sushanta Kumar 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
We discuss the existence and uniqueness of fixed points for a self-mapping defined on a C
∗-algebra valued b-metric space endowed with a graph. Our results extend and supplement several recent results in the literature. Some examples are provided to illustrate our results. Finally, as an application of G-contraction mapping theorem, existence of unique solution for a type of operator equation is given.
A general fixed point theorem for two pairs of mappings satisfying a mixed implicit relation
Authors: Popa Valeriu , Patriciu Alina-Mihaela 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this paper a general fixed point theorem for mappings with a new type of common limit range property satisfying a mixed implicit relation is proved. In the last part of the paper, as application, some fixed point results for mappings satisfying contractive conditions of integral type and for φ-contractive mappings are obtained.
Euler classes of vector bundles over iterated suspensions of real projective spaces
Authors: Naolekar Aniruddha C. , Thakur Ajay Singh 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
We show that when k ≠ 2, 4, 8 the Euler class of any vector bundle over Σ
k
ℝℙ
m
is zero if the rank of the bundle is not m + k, provided that m ≠ 3 when k = 6. If k = 2, 4, 8 we show that the Euler class of any vector bundle over Σ
k
ℝℙ
m
is zero whenever the rank of the bundle is not kr + k, provided that m ≠ 6, 7 when k = 2, where r is the largest integer such that kr ≤ m.
Manipulating line waves in flat graphene for agile terahertz applications
Authors: Bisharat Dia’aaldin J. , Sievenpiper Daniel F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractReducing open waveguides enabled by surface waves, such as surface plasmon polaritons, to a one-dimensional line is attractive due to the potentially enhanced control over light confinement and transport. This was recently shown to be possible by simply interfacing two co-planar surfaces with complementary surface impedances, which support transverse-magnetic and transverse-electric modes, respectively. Attractively, the resultant “line wave” at the interface line features singular field enhancement and robust direction-dependent polarizations. Current implementations, however, are limited to microwave frequencies and have fixed functionality due to the lack of dynamic control. In this article, we examine the potential of using gate-tunable graphene sheets for supporting line waves in the terahertz regime and propose an adequate graphene-metasurface configuration for operation at room temperature and low voltage conditions. In addition, we show the occurrence of quasi-line wave under certain conditions of non-complementary boundaries and qualify the degradation in line wave confinement due to dissipation losses. Furthermore, we show the possibility to alter the orientation of the line wave’s spin angular momentum on demand unlike conventional surface waves. Our results on active manipulation of electromagnetic line waves in graphene could be useful for various applications including reconfigurable integrated circuits, modulation, sensing and signal processes.
Comprehensive studies of the Ag+ effect on borosilicate glass ceramics containing Ag nanoparticles and Er-doped hexagonal NaYF4 nanocrystals: morphology, structure, and 2.7 μm emission
Authors: Liu Qunhuo , Tian Ying , Tang Wenhua , Jing Xufeng , Zhang Junjie , Xu Shiqing 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this work, we have performed a comprehensive investigation of the Ag+ concentration effect on the morphological, thermal, structural, and mid-infrared emission properties of novel oxyfluoride borosilicate glasses and glass ceramics containing both Ag nanoparticles and erbium-doped hexagonal NaYF4 nanocrystals. The effect of Ag+ ions on the glass forming and crystallization processes was discussed in detail by glass structural analysis. It was found that the Ag+ concentration can affect the distribution of Na+ ion and bridge oxygen in boron-rich and silicon-rich phases, which induced the transformation between BO3 triangles and BO4 tetrahedra during crystallization process. In addition, there was a turning point when the doped Ag+ ion concentration reached its solubility in the borosilicate glass. Furthermore, the enhancement of the 2.7 μm emission and the reduction of the lifetime of the 4I13/2 level were observed both in glasses and in glass ceramics, and its origin was revealed by qualitative and quantitative analyses of the Er3+-Ag nanoparticles (localized electric field enhancement) and Er3+-Er3+ (nonradiative resonance energy transfer) interactions within glasses and glass ceramics. Moreover, the high lifetime of the 4I11/2 level (2.12 ms) and the peak emission cross section in 2.7 μm (6.8×10−21 cm2) suggested that the prepared glass ceramics have promising mid-infrared laser applications.
Bandbereichswahl und Materialanteilsschätzung mithilfe von Spektralfiltern
Authors: Krippner Wolfgang , Puente León Fernando 
Published: May 2018

Zusammenfassung
Hyperspektralbilder liefern neben räumlicher auch spektrale Information. Dadurch ist es möglich, zu jedem Pixel solcher Bilder qualitative und quantitative Analysen, wie beispielsweise die Bestimmung einzelner Materialanteile, über die aufgezeichnete Szene durchzuführen. Die Mehrzahl der dazu verwendeten Methoden besitzt einen hohen Rechenzeitbedarf und basiert auf einem vollständig aufgezeichneten Hyperspektralbild, zu dessen Aufnahme kostspielige Hardware und hoher Speicherbedarf notwendig sind. Um diese Nachteile zu beseitigen, wird in diesem Beitrag ein Ansatz mit optischer Spektralfilterung verfolgt. Anstelle eines Hyperspektralbilds werden durch spektrale Filterungen des von der Szene reflektierten Lichts nur noch einige wenige Intensitätsbilder aufgenommen. Jedes dieser Bilder enthält Information in Abhängigkeit des entworfenen Spektralfilters. So können mithilfe der spektralen Filterung Materialanteile unmittelbar ortsaufgelöst aufgezeichnet werden. Die Genauigkeit der geschätzten Materialanteile ist stark von dem angenommen Mischmodell der Reinstoffe abhängig. Für präzisere Schätzungen wird deshalb mit weiteren Spektralfiltern eine Bandbereichsauswahl vor der Materialanteilsschätzung getroffen. Die hierbei aufgezeichneten Intensitätsbilder werden verwendet, um einzelne Bandbereiche nach der Abweichung von dem angenommenen Mischmodell zu bewerten. Da die Bandbereichsauswahl ebenso optisch erfolgen kann, bleiben der Rechenaufwand und Speicherbedarf gering, während genauere Materialanteilsschätzungen erzielt werden.
Effect of Energy Drink Consumption on Power and Velocity of Selected Sport Performance Activities
Authors: Jacobson Bert H. , Hester Garrett M. , Palmer Ty B. , Williams Kathryn , Pope Zachary K. , Sellers John H. , Conchola Eric C. , Woolsey Conrad , Estrada Carlos 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Jacobson, BH, Hester, GM, Palmer, TB, Williams, K, Pope, ZK, Sellers, JH, Conchola, EC, Woolsey, C, and Estrada, C. Effect of energy drink consumption on power and velocity of selected sport performance activities. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1613–1618, 2018—Energy drinks (ED) comprise a multibillion dollar market focused on younger, active, and competitive individuals. Marketing includes claims of improved alertness and performance. The purpose of this study was to assess power (W) and velocity (m·s−1) of a simulated, isolated forehand stroke (FHS), and a countermovement vertical jump (CVJ) before and after ingestion of a commercially available energy shot (ES) or a placebo (PL). Healthy college-aged men and women (N = 36) volunteers were randomly placed in the ES or PL. Before and 30 minutes after ingesting either the ES or PL, participants performed 3 FHSs and CVJs. Power and velocity of each performance was measured using a linear velocity transducer and the highest value for each measure was used for subsequent analysis. The ES group demonstrated a significant (p = 0.05) increase in velocity and W for the FHS, but not for the CVJ. All measures remained unchanged in the PL group for both, the FHS and CVJ. Females demonstrated a significant increase in velocity over males in FHS, but not in CVJ. It was concluded that while the dose of stimulants in the ES was adequate to improve performance of smaller muscle groups, it may not have been sufficient to affect the larger muscle groups of the lower legs which contribute to the CVJ. While the ES used in the present study contained a caffeine dosage within the NCAA limit and did improve performance for the upper body, it must be noted that there are health risks associated with ED consumption.
Impact of Filler on Engineering Characteristics of Bituminous Paving Mixes with Recycled Concrete Aggregates
Authors: Giri Jyoti Prakash , Panda Mahabir , Sahoo Umesh Chandra 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
As the result of an increase in infrastructure activity, a huge amount of mostly concrete demolition waste has accumulated and is causing concern in regard to its disposal. At the same time, available natural stone reserves of resources are quickly depleting. In pavements only, natural aggregates (NA) are used to the extent of 90–95 % by weight. Keeping this in mind, paving engineers have explored the use of alternate resources to ease not only the construction costs but to also preserve the natural stone resources to the greatest extent possible. Considering this, an attempt has been made in this study to explore the use of crushed materials of available concrete waste, referred to in this article as recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) in bituminous paving mixes. In this article, densely graded bituminous mixes, such as dense bituminous macadam mixes, have been prepared using RCA as a coarse aggregates with both cement (CM) and stone dust (SD) as fillers. Conventional mixes with NA have also been made under similar situations and a comparative study has been made with respect to the engineering properties of these mixes such as Marshall characteristics, indirect tensile strength, moisture sensitivity, and dynamic modulus. It is observed that the RCA mixtures, in general, fulfill all the requirements of Marshall and moisture sensitivity criteria. It is also observed that the mixes that use CM as a filler have better engineering properties compared with those that use SD.
Design Approach for Construction of Rural Roads Using Nanomaterial-Stabilized Soil
Authors: Arora Khusboo , Behl Ambika , Jain Pramod Kumar 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Rural roads are an important part of the world’s transportation infrastructure as they provide connectivity to the major roads and highways. Long-term performance of pavement structures is significantly impacted by enhancement in the stability of the underlying soils. Conventionally, most of the rural roads are composed of compacted sub-grade layer. On the other hand, for higher volume road design, soil subgrades are expected to maintain load bearing strength under wet conditions, resist the weathering effect over its design life, and reduce permeability. The main objective of this research is to improve the strength of the sub-grade, which helps to construct stabilized gravel road for low volume traffic and reduce the crust thickness of the pavement layers of higher traffic volume using soil stabilized with nanomaterials and cement. In this article, performance improvement and improved design of a rural road using nanomaterials along with cement combination is presented. Results showed that clayey sand (SC) treated with nanomaterials have beneficial effects on their engineering properties, increased strength and stiffness, and enhanced durability. By using a combination of nanomaterials and cement, the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of the soil increased to 18 times the original CBR and also improved the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and durability of the soil. On the basis of these results, an improved design approach for low traffic and high traffic volume roads was done, and it is suggested that reduction in the crust thickness of the pavement layers is possible by using stabilized soil, and only stabilized gravel roads can be constructed for low traffic volume or rural roads.
Change of Road Integrated Design Consistency due to Antiskid Transverse Rumble Strips on High-Speed Federal Road FT050
Authors: Prasetijo Joewono , Zhang Guohui , Guntor Nickholas Anting Anak , Siang Alvin John Lim Meng , Daniel Basil David , Sanik Mohd Erwan 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Malaysia is one of many developing countries that have a high rate of road accidents. Most accidents happen to motorcyclists and car users, and motorcycles are deemed 17 times more dangerous than passenger cars. One of the most common accident types are collisions between motorcycles and passenger cars due to a lack of geometric design consistency on roads, wherein drivers make errors because of geometric features. Therefore, this study is conducted to develop a consistency model for motorcycle-car collisions based on the characteristics of the geometric design on the roads and vehicle continuous speed profiles. The study was conducted on the FT050 federal road in Malaysia, from km 31 to km 35. Use of a DG-200 global positioning system (GlobalSat, New Taipei City, Taiwan), the continuous speed profile was extracted to develop road design consistency profiles based on the following parameters: the bounded area between the profile, the average speed, and the standard deviation of speed along the road. Furthermore, the study investigated the effects of antiskid transverse rumble strip treatment along the section of km 34 to km 35 after the rumble strip treatment. The installation of antiskid transverse rumble strips generally produced a significant reduction in vehicle speeds on the Federal Road FT050, which has posted speed limits of 60 km/h. The mean speed along the sections with antiskid rumble strips declined by 3.4 km/h on federal roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h. The 85th percentile speed declined to 3.8 km/h with a speed limit of 60 km/h. The profiles show that the influence area of antiskid rumble strips would be generally less than 0.5 km. The km 34 to km 35 road section, which is justified based on the design consistency of the area and on the integrated design consistency model between car and motorcycle, is found to be acceptable.
The Influence of Boroaluminizing Temperature on Microstructure and Wear Resistance in Low-Carbon Steels
Authors: Mishigdorzhiyn Undrakh , Sizov Igor 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
This article investigates the possibility of improving the wear resistance of carbon steel 30 by means of boroaluminizing in treatment pastes. Boroaluminizing was conducted in sodium fluoride (as an activator), boron carbide, and aluminum at furnace heating (the latter two components were taken in a ratio of 4 to 1). The treatment was administered for 4 hours in four temperature modes between 950°C and 1,100°C with a 50°C difference between modes. The microstructure, microhardness, and elemental and phase compositions of the boroaluminized layers were investigated. In addition, the wear resistance of the boroaluminized steels was tested. It was established that treatment temperatures of 1,000°C and lower lead to the formation of layered structures consisting of iron aluminides that are mainly located on top of the diffusion layer and iron borides adjacent to the base metal. Moreover, the use of boroaluminizing temperatures over 1,000°C results in the formation of a heterogeneous structure with iron borides FeB and Fe2B evenly distributed in the matrix of aluminum solid solution in iron. This contributes significantly to the mechanical properties of the layer; in particular, it enhances its wear resistance. It was established that the wear resistance of steel 30 significantly improves after treatment at 1,100°C in comparison with temperature modes of 950°C and 1,000°C.
Residual Stress Profile in Tubular Components
Authors: Cristea Mihaela E. , D’Incau Mirco , Scardi Paolo 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The precise manufacturing of seamless steel pipes requires postprocess straightening treatments that lead to rather complex and not easily predictable residual stress fields. In this work, we combine blind hole drilling (BHD) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques to determine the most relevant component, the circumferential (hoop) stress: BHD is used on the outer surface of the steel pipe and XRD is used on the inside; the results from both techniques are combined with a progressive layer removal procedure to determine the stress profile across the pipe wall.
Explaining The Changes of Agriculture Land Prices In Lithuania
Authors: Rutkauskas Virgilijus , Gudauskaitė Laura 
Published: May 2018

This article investigates the recent changes of agricultural land prices in Lithuania and quantitively assesses the most important factors affecting it. Land is one of the main scarce resources and it distinguishes itself among others by the inelasticity of price change to quantity, meaning that the changes in land prices are affected by demand and in very limited extend by supply. Taking this into account, it is important – from the practical as well as the theoretical points of view – to know these factors and, if needed, take regulatory measures. As the case of Lithuania suggests, the recent rapid growth of land prices is mainly driven by general economic performance (GDP), EU and national financial support provided to the Lithuanian agriculture sector and the regulation of agriculture food prices (the setting of purchase prices).
Prebiotic prophylaxis of ventilator-associated pneumonia: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kooshki Akram , Khazaei Zaher , Zarghi Azam , Rad Mojtaba , Tabaraie Yaser 
Published: May 2018

Introduction: There is evidence of the curing effects of prebiotics in promoting growth of bifid bacterium in the digestive system and the central role of bacteria colonization in the pathogenesis of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of administration of a prebiotic, namely fenugreek seeds, on VAP prevention and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients.
Methods: In this study, 60 mechanically ventilated patients were randomly divided into 2 groups (n=30 per group). Group 1 was given fenugreek seed powder by gavage, twice a day in addition to routine care, while group 2 received only routine care. Demographic and clinical data were recorded and clinical responses to the primary component (prevalence of VAP) and secondary component (other clinical factors) were interpreted. Data were analyzed via SPSS v.20, using student t-test, chi-square test, repeated measure ANOVA, and Wilcoxon test.
Result: There was a significant reduction of patients diagnosed with VAP, as well as clostridium difficileassociated diarrhea and some complications of mechanical ventilation, in group 1 when compared to group 2. In addition, improvement in VAP was significantly greater for group 1 as compared with group 2. Mortality rates were not different between the two groups.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that daily diet with fenugreek seeds can be used as an add-on therapy with other medications in prevention of VAP. As a result, the use of fenugreek seeds in the treatment plan of patients undergoing long-term intubation is recommended.
Association between leptin and weight gain in patients receiving iron treatment
Authors: SOLMAZ Soner , ACIBUCU Fettah , SANCAKDAR Enver , GEREKLİOĞLU Çiğdem , KORUR Aslı , OĞUZ ACIBUCU Duygu 
Published: May 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between leptin and weight gain in patients receiving iron treatment.Materials and Methods: A total of 42 female patients who were diagnosed with IDA were included in the study. Whole blood count, serum iron, serum unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), serum ferritin level were measured at the time of diagnosis and on month one after treatment; serum hepcidin level and serum leptin level were measured at the time of diagnosis and 96 hours after commencement of parenteral therapy; body weight and appetite alterations were recorded at the time of diagnosis and on month one.Results: A statistically significant difference was not found between hepcidin and leptin values at the time of diagnosis and after treatment. Increased appetite was detected in 22 (52.4%) patients on month one after treatment. While mean weight of all patients was 69.6±17.9 kg at the time of diagnosis, it was 70.7±17.5 kg on month one after treatment and there was a statistically significant difference between two values. Conclusion: Our study revealed that appetite and body weight increased following iron therapy, consistently with our observations and hypothesis. However no significant relationship was found with leptin levels and weight increase.
Dikkat ve öğrenme bozukluklarında WISC-R alt testleri ile psikiyatrik semptom grupları arasındaki ilişki
Authors: Baykal Saliha , Ceylan Gülsüm , Karabekiroğlu Koray , Tekin Atilla 
Published: May 2018

Amaç: Bu çalışmada dikkat eksikliği hiperaktivite bozukluğu (DEHB) ve/ özgül öğrenme bozukluğu (ÖÖB) tanılı çocuklarda, Wechsler Çocuklar İçin Zekâ Ölçeği-Geliştirilmiş Formu (WISC-R) ve Özgül Öğrenme Bozukluğu bataryası kullanılarak bilişsel ve akademik farkların araştırılması amaçlanmıştır.Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya DEHB ve/veya ÖÖB tanılı 72-131 ay aralığında olan 81 çocuk (%77.8 erkek) dahil edildi. Teste alınan çocukların bir kısmında aktif semptomlar remisyondaydı (Klinik Global İzlenim Ölçeği: 3’den daha az). Değerlendirme süreci sırasında olgular (n=81) dört gruba ayrılmıştır: (1) DEHB tanılı çocuklar (n=11), (2) ÖÖB tanılı çocuklar (n=33), (3) DEHB+ÖÖB tanılı çocuklar (n=15) ve (4) tedavi sürecinde aktif olarak ÖÖB ve DEHB tanısı almayacak düzeyde olan (Klinik Global İzlenim Ölçeği: 3’den daha az) çocuklar (n=22). Ölçüm aracı olarak WISC-R ve ÖÖB bataryası kullanıldı.Bulgular: ÖÖB tanılı çocuklar ÖÖB bataryası okuma süresi dışındaki tüm testlerde ve WISC-R benzerlikler alt testi dışındaki tüm alt testlerde ÖÖB tanısı olmayanlara göre daha düşük puan aldı. DEHB tanılı çocuklar DEHB tanısı olmayanlar ile karşılaştırıldığında sadece ÖÖB bataryası “saat çizme testi” ve WISC-R “şifre” alt testinden daha düşük puan aldılar. Sonuç: WISC-R ve ÖÖB bataryası, birbiri ile ilişkili bozukluklarda (ÖÖB, DEHB ve ÖÖB+DEHB) farkların ayırt edilmesinde geçerli ve güvenilir araçlardır.