bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
European Consensus: A Conservative and a Dynamic Force in European Human Rights Jurisprudence
Authors: Polgari Eszter 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The European Court of Human Rights needs to find a balance between upholding diversity (and respecting sovereignty through the margin of appreciation doctrine) on the one hand, and the aspiration to set universal human rights standards, on the other. Responses to these opposing forces are reflected in various doctrines and methods of interpretation, judicial choices that often predetermine the outcome of a case. Through examples taken from the LGBT rights jurisprudence, the article explores how the competing notions of European consensus (a conservative one and a dynamic one) relate to other techniques of interpretation, and how they influence the decision-making of the Court. The article explains that the Court applies the notion of consensus in an arbitrary manner. While the conservative modalities of the consensus argument appear to constrain the Court and allow considerable leeway for domestic authorities, the dynamic notions facilitate the development of European human rights standards, even if it may not be evidenced convincingly by the practices of the member states. The article argues that in its current state, without a foreseeable and disciplined methodology, the consensus inquiry is not capable of building a bridge between the margin of appreciation and the dynamic interpretation.
Expropriation of Adolf Hitler’s Birthplace: Justified under the Special Historic Responsibility of Austria
Authors: Schöndorfer Tamara 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The building in Braunau am Inn in which Adolf Hitler was born was privately owned until its expropriation at the beginning of 2017. The former owner believed the expropriation to be unconstitutional and filed a complaint before the Austrian Constitutional Court. The Constitutional Court denied that there was an infringement either of the Right to a Fair Trial under Art 6 ECHR or the Right to Property under Art 5 StGG and Art 1 1. Protocol to the ECHR and found the Law on Expropriation to be constitutional.
Convenient Method for Enhancing Hydrophobicity and Dispersibility of Starch Nanocrystals by Crosslinking Modification with Citric Acid
Authors: Ren Lili , Zhang Yuchen , Wang Qian , Zhou Jiang , Tong Jin , Chen Donghui , Su Xingguang 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This study investigated the chemical, wettability, thermal and structural properties of starch nanocrystals (SNCs) modified through crosslinking modification using citric acid in aqueous medium. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested that new interactions occurred between starch and citric acid after modification and an increase of the reaction time increased the degree of substitution. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the crystalline structure of SNCs was maintained after the crosslinking modification by adjusting the pH to 3.5, and destroyed after the modification by pretreatments without adjusting the pH of the citric acid solution. Crosslinking modification decreased the size and aggregation of SNCs and longer reaction time gave rise to the smaller particle size of SNCs modified by the pretreatments of adjusting the pH of the citric acid solution. The crosslinked SNCs had lower polarity and showed stronger hydrophobicity and dispersion stability which allowed them be used as reinforcements in hydrophobic polymer matrices.
The Incidence of Agricultural Subsidies on Rental Rates for Grassland
Authors: Hennig Solveigh , Breustedt Gunnar 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This paper examines the impact of agricultural subsidies on rental rates for grassland. In theory, the capitalization of subsidies into grassland rents has become increasingly important as a result of the decoupling of direct payments from production in 2005. The focus is on the pass-through of both coupled and decoupled direct payments on grassland rentals in Western Germany. The empirical investigation is based upon farm-level data of grassland rental rates from the six farm census surveys carried out between 2001 and 2013. The results of spatial econometric models show that landlords of grassland have benefited strongly from the decoupling of direct payments. For the period prior to the decoupling of direct payments, the estimates point to low capitalisation of the livestock payments into grassland rentals. For the period after decoupling, the estimations reveal a significant pass-through of direct payments to landowners, with the marginal capitalisation increasing over time. At the end of the observation period, after regional standardisation of the payments, the estimates show marginal capitalisation rates of 87–94 cents per additional premium euro, suggesting almost complete capitalisation of the funding into the rental price for grassland.
Public Investment Subsidies and Firm Performance – Evidence from Germany
Authors: Brachert Matthias , Dettmann Eva , Titze Mirko 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis paper assesses firm-level effects of the single largest investment subsidy programme in Germany. The analysis considers grants allocated to firms in East German regions over the period 2007 to 2013 under the regional policy scheme Joint Task ‘Improving Regional Economic Structures’ (GRW). We apply a coarsened exact matching (CEM) in combination with a fixed effects difference-in-differences (FEDiD) estimator to identify the effects of programme participation on the treated firms. For the assessment, we use administrative data from the Federal Statistical Office and the Offices of the Länder to demonstrate that this administrative database offers a huge potential for evidence-based policy advice. The results suggest that investment subsidies have a positive impact on different dimensions of firm development, but do not affect overall firm competitiveness. We find positive short- and medium-run effects on firm employment. The effects on firm turnover remain significant and positive only in the medium-run. Gross fixed capital formation responses positively to GRW funding only during the mean implementation period of the projects but becomes insignificant afterwards. Finally, the effect of GRW-funding on labour productivity remains insignificant throughout the whole period of analysis.
Improving Image Search through MKFCM Clustering Strategy-Based Re-ranking Measure
Authors: Naveena A.K. , Narayanan N.K. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The main intention of this research is to develop a novel ranking measure for content-based image retrieval system. Owing to the achievement of data retrieval, most commercial search engines still utilize a text-based search approach for image search by utilizing encompassing textual information. As the text information is, in some cases, noisy and even inaccessible, the drawback of such a recovery strategy is to the extent that it cannot depict the contents of images precisely, subsequently hampering the execution of image search. In order to improve the performance of image search, we propose in this work a novel algorithm for improving image search through a multi-kernel fuzzy c-means (MKFCM) algorithm. In the initial step of our method, images are retrieved using four-level discrete wavelet transform-based features and the MKFCM clustering algorithm. Next, the retrieved images are analyzed using fuzzy c-means clustering methods, and the rank of the results is adjusted according to the distance of a cluster from a query. To improve the ranking performance, we combine the retrieved result and ranking result. At last, we obtain the ranked retrieved images. In addition, we analyze the effects of different clustering methods. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is analyzed with the help of precision, recall, and F-measures.
Adult height in patients with familial male-limited precocious puberty and the role of an aromatase inhibitor in patient management
Authors: Lane Laura C. , Flowers Josephine , Johnstone Helen , Cheetham Tim 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background:
There is little adult height data in patients with familial male-limited precocious puberty (FMPP) and no management consensus. We assessed the treatment and adult height in local patients with FMPP and those reported in the literature.

Methods:
Growth data were obtained on four local patients with FMPP and a search performed to obtain management details and adult height data on cases in the literature. UK (90) population standards were used to calculate standard deviation scores (SDS).

Results:
Adult height data were available on 25 men with FMPP of whom 21 were treated. Median adult height SDS of patients was −1.5 SD with a mid-parental target of −0.6 SD (p=0.1). Eight patients (32%) had an adult height above the mid-parental target and seven patients (28%) had a height >2 SD below the mean. The median height SD was −0.03 in untreated patients and +0.5 SD in those receiving an aromatase inhibitor. There was no relationship between height and age at presentation.

Conclusions:
Aromatase inhibitor therapy is associated with a positive height outcome in FMPP but the outcome with and without intervention is unpredictable. Clinicians need to be cautious when counselling families about the potential height outcome in FMPP.
The use of acoustic detectors for assessing bat species richness and functional activity in a South African National Park
Authors: Parker Daniel M. , Bernard Richard T.F. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractInsectivorous bats are a difficult group of mammals to survey because they are small, nocturnal, fly and often roost in hard to reach places during the day. However, bats should not be neglected from biodiversity assessments because they play pivotal roles in pest regulation and as biological indicators. We used acoustic detectors to sample bat species richness at three sites within the Mapungubwe National Park (MNP), South Africa during the austral winter and summer of 2013. A minimum of 11 species from six families were recorded, with the clutter-edge foraging bats (Miniopteridae and Vespertilionidae) and open-air foraging bats (Molossidae), dominating. Bat activity was significantly higher in summer compared to winter and this is likely linked to higher prey availability and reduced thermoregulatory costs at this time. Our results represent the first assessment of bat species richness in the MNP and our data compare favourably with historical records for the region. In addition, we provide evidence for the presence of at least one undescribed species. We advocate the use of acoustic detectors for future bat surveys as long as comprehensive reference call library data are available.
The Chinese State and Overseas NGOs: From Regulatory Ambiguity to the Overseas NGO Law
Authors: Shieh Shawn 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This article discusses the significance of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of Activities of Overseas Nongovernmental Organizations in the Mainland of China (hereafter the ONGO Law) for the Chinese state’s regulation of overseas NGOs in the reform period. We show how the ONGO Law represents a dramatic shift in the regulation of ONGOs from a situation of regulatory ambiguity to one where ONGOs now come under a comprehensive law that seeks to regulate all their activities in mainland China. In doing so, the Law has created a dramatic shift in the legitimacy of ONGOs in China. Before the Law was enacted, ONGOs operated in a legal grey area where their work was opaque, received little recognition, and enjoyed limited legitimacy in the eyes of the government and public. The Law will change all of that, making the work of ONGOs more visible and transparent, and providing a formal channel for dealing with the government. At the same time, in putting the implementation and enforcement of the Law in the hands of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), and creating a legal framework that is restrictive rather than enabling, the Chinese state has sent a very different and contradictory message to ONGOs who see themselves being viewed more as objects of suspicion than as legitimate stakeholders in China’s development.
Solvent extraction separation of zirconium and hafnium from nitric acid solutions using mixture of Cyanex-272 and TBP
Authors: Yadollahi Ali , Saberyan Kamal , Torab-Mostaedi Meisam , Charkhi Amir , Pourjavid Mohammad Reza 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA solvent extraction method has been employed to extract and separate zirconium and hafnium from the nitric acid medium using Cyanex-272 and its mixture with TBP in kerosene. The effects of the experimental parameters such as contact time between phases, aging time, nitric acid concentration, Cyanex-272 and TBP concentration on the metals separation, and various stripping agents on the metals back extraction from the loaded organic phase have been investigated. The maximum separation factor of 16 was obtained in the single extraction system with 1% (v/v) Cyanex-272 from 2.5 M HNO3solution. The combination of Cyanex-272 with TBP exhibited a significant synergistic effect for Zr extraction and the antagonistic effect for Hf extraction. The proposed novel synergistic mixture consisting of 0.5% (v/v) Cyanex-272 and 20% (v/v) TBP in kerosene offered the maximum separation factor of 99.7 from 2.5 M HNO3solution. By applying a slope method, the extracted zirconium species were proposed to be ZrO(NO3)2·2Cyanex272·2TBP in the organic phase. Among the investigated stripping agents, 4 M H2SO4solution showed the best efficiency for the stripping of zirconium and hafnium from the loaded mixture of Cyanex-272 and TBP with separation factor of 10.1.
Formulations, development and characterization techniques of investment casting patterns
Authors: Tewo Robert K. , Rutto Hilary L. , Focke Walter , Seodigeng Tumisang , Koech Lawrence K. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Conventionally, unfilled wax has been used as a universal pattern material for the investment casting process. With increase in demand for accurate dimensions and complex shapes, various materials have been blended with wax to develop more suitable patterns for investment casting in order to overcome performance limitations exhibited by unfilled wax. The present article initially reviews various investigations on the development of investment casting patterns by exploring pattern materials, type of waxes and their limitations, the effect of filler materials and various additives on unfilled wax, wax blends for pattern materials, plastics and polymers for pattern materials and 3D-printed patterns. The superiority of filled and polymer patterns in terms of dimensional accuracy, pattern strength, surface and flow properties over unfilled wax is also discussed. The present use of 3D patterns following their versatility in the manufacturing sector to revolutionize the investment casting process is also emphasized. Various studies on wax characterization such as physical (surface and dimensions), thermal (thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry), mechanical (thermomechanical analysis, tensile stress testing, dynamic mechanical analysis) and rheological (viscosity and shearing properties) are also discussed.
Parameter estimation using relay feedback
Authors: Dharmalingam Kalpana , Thangavelu Thyagarajan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn process industries, closed-loop step and closed-loop relay feedback tests are popularly used for estimating model parameters. In this paper, different methods available in the literature for parameter estimation using conventional techniques and techniques based on relay feedback test are surveyed by reviewing around 152 research articles published during the past three decades. Through a comprehensive survey of available literature, the parameter estimation methods are classified into two broad groups, namely conventional techniques and relay-based parametric estimation techniques. These relay-based techniques are further classified into two subgroups, namely single-input-single-output (SISO) systems and multi-input-multi-output systems (both square and nonsquare), and are revealed in a lucid manner with the help of benchmark examples and case studies. For the above categorized methods, the procedural steps involved in relay-based parametric estimation methods are also presented. To facilitate the readers, comparison tables are included to comprehend the results of different parametric estimation techniques available in the literature. The incorporation of quantitative and qualitative analysis of papers published in various journals in the above area with the help of pie charts and graphs would enable the readers to grasp the overview of the research activity being carried out in the relay feedback domain. At the end, the challenging issues in relay-based parametric estimation methods and the directions for future investigations that can be explored are also highlighted.
A critical review on the development and performance of polymer/graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Weifeng , Weimin Hu , Li Dejiang , Chen Shaona , Dai Zhongxu 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Graphene (graphene) is a new type of two-dimensional inorganic nanomaterial developed in recent years. It can be used as an ideal inorganic nanofiller for the preparation of polymer nanocomposites because of its high mechanical strength, excellent electrical conductivity and plentiful availability (from graphite). In this review, the preparation methods of graphene/polymer nanocomposites, including solution blending, melt blending and in situ polymerization, are introduced in order to study the relationship between these methods and the final characteristics and properties. Each method has an influence on the final characteristics and properties of the nanocomposites. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed. In addition, a variety of nanocomposites with different properties, such as mechanical properties, electronic conductivity, thermal conductivity and thermal properties, are summarized comprehensively. The potential applications of these nanocomposites in conductive materials, electromagnetic shielding materials, photocatalytic materials and so on, are briefly presented. This review demonstrates that polymer/graphene nanocomposites exhibit superior comprehensive performance and will be applied in the fields of new materials and novel devices. Future research directions of the nanocomposites are also presented.
Implantable multi-sensor system for hemodynamic controlling
Authors: Weidenmüller Jens , Dogan Oezgue , Stanitzki Alexander , Baum Mario , Schröder Tim , Wünsch Dirk , Görtz Michael , Grabmaier Anton 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
A miniaturized implantable multi-sensor system for cardiovascular monitoring of physiological parameters is presented. High accuracy pressure measurements within the vessel can be performed by a capacitive pressure sensor. Additional information about the patient, e. g., sudden movement, inclination or increased temperature can be obtained by additional sensor components such as an acceleration sensor and a temperature sensor unit. This information facilitates compensation of interferences for more accurate pressure measurements. A multi-functional ASIC enables, amongst others, sensor signal processing, power management and telemetric communication with extracorporeal electronics. Sensor chips, the multi-functional ASIC and passive components are assembled on a LTCC circuit board in which an antenna coil is integrated for telemetric energy and data transmission at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. In order to support further miniaturization, the implant shall be encapsulated with a stack of very thin and hermetic ceramics applied by ALD instead of using bulky metal housings. Further encapsulation with polymers, which can be functionalised with appropriate biomolecules, is necessary for a proper shape, a biocompatible interface to the surrounding tissue and, thereby, reduction of thrombogenicity.
Theory and application of a novel co-resonant cantilever sensor
Authors: Körner Julia , Reiche Christopher F. , Büchner Bernd , Mühl Thomas 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Dynamic cantilever sensors have many applications, for example in material’s research, biology, as gas and magnetic field sensors. The sensing principle is based on the effect that a force gradient or mass change applied to the cantilever alter its oscillatory state which can be related to the parameter of interest. In order to detect very small interactions, the cantilever needs to have a low stiffness which is commonly achieved by a reduction of the beam’s dimensions, especially its thickness. However, this is limited by the commonly employed laser-based detection of the cantilever’s oscillatory state.
In this paper, we describe a novel co-resonant cantilever sensor concept which is based on the coupling and eigenfrequency matching of a micro- and a nanocantilever. This approach allows to access a large fraction of the nanocantilever’s high sensitivity while ensuring a reliable oscillation detection with standard laser-based methods at the microcantilever. Experiments in cantilever magnetometry and magnetic force microscopy demonstrate the immense potential of the sensor concept. Furthermore, applications are not limited to material’s research, instead this concept creates a cantilever sensor platform with many potential applications, for example as gas, mass or pressure sensors.
The ipsilateral vestibulothalamic tract in the human brain
Authors: Jang Sung Ho , Kwon Hyeok Gyu 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Although there are a few studies of portions of the vestibular system such as the vestibulocerebellar tract and the neural connectivity of the vestibular nuclei (VN), no study of the ipsilateral vestibulothalamic tract (VTT) (originating from the VN and mainly connecting to the lateral thalami nuclei) has been reported. In the current study, using diffusion tensor tractography (DTT), we investigate the reconstruction method and characteristics of the ipsilateral VTT in normal subjects. Thirty-three subjects were recruited for this study. For the ipsilateral VTT, the seed region of interest (ROI) was placed on the VN, which was isolated on the FA map using adjacent structures as follows: the reticular formation (anterior boundary), posterior margin of medulla and pons (posterior boundary), medial lemniscus (medial boundary) and restiform body (lateral boundary). The target ROI was placed at the lateral thalamic nuclei using known anatomical locations. The DTT parameters of the ipsilateral VTT were measured. The ipsilateral VTTs that originated from the vestibular nuclei ascended postero-laterally to the upper pons and antero-medially to the upper midbrain via the medial longitudinal fasciculus, and terminated the lateral thalamic nuclei. No significant differences were observed in DTT parameters of the ipsilateral VTT between the right and left hemispheres (p > 0.05). Using DTT, we reconstructed the ipsilateral VTT and observed the anatomical characteristics of the ipsilateral VTT in normal subjects. We believe that the methodology and results in this study could be helpful to researchers and clinicians in this field.