bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of Irbene RT-16 Radio Telescope Receiving System
Authors: Bleiders M. , Bezrukovs Vl. , Orbidans A. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
In the present paper, recent measurement results of refurbished Irbene RT-16 radio telescope receiving system performance are presented. The aim of the research is to evaluate characteristics of RT-16, which will allow carrying out necessary amplitude calibration in both single dish and VLBI observations, to improve the performance of existing system as well as to monitor, control and compare performance if possible changes in the receiving system will occur in future. The evaluated receiving system is 16 m Cassegrain antenna equipped with a cryogenic receiver with frequency range from 4.5 to 8.8 GHz, which is divided into four sub-bands. Multiple calibration sessions have been carried out by observing stable astronomical sources with known flux density by using in-house made total power registration backend. First, pointing offset calibration has been carried out and pointing model coefficients calculated and applied. Then, amplitude calibration, namely antenna sensitivity, calibration diode equivalent flux density and gain curve measurements have been carried out by observing calibration sources at different antenna elevations at each of the receiver sub-bands. Beam patterns have also been evaluated at different frequency bands. As a whole, acquired data will serve as a reference point for comparison in future performance evaluation of RT-16.
Fast generation of isotropic Gaussian random fields on the sphere
Authors: Creasey Peter E. , Lang Annika 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The efficient simulation of isotropic Gaussian random fields on the unit sphere is a task encountered frequently in numerical applications. A fast algorithm based on Markov properties and fast Fourier transforms in 1d is presented that generates samples on an

n
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{n\times n}

grid in

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⁡

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{\operatorname{O}(n^{2}\log n)}

. Furthermore, an efficient method to set up the necessary conditional covariance matrices is derived and simulations demonstrate the performance of the algorithm. An open source implementation of the code has been made available at https://github.com/pec27/smerfs.
Monte-Carlo algorithms for a forward Feynman–Kac-type representation for semilinear nonconservative partial differential equations
Authors: Le Cavil Anthony , Oudjane Nadia , Russo Francesco 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
The paper is devoted to the construction of a probabilistic particle
algorithm. This is related to a nonlinear forward Feynman–Kac-type equation, which represents the solution of a nonconservative semilinear parabolic partial differential equation (PDE).
Illustrations of the efficiency of the algorithm are provided by numerical experiments.
Structure-property relationships in polypropylene/poly(ethylene-co-octene)/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites prepared via a novel eccentric rotor extruder
Authors: Meng Cong , Qu Jin-ping 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
In this work, polypropylene/poly(ethylene-co-octene)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (PP/POE/MWCNT) nanocomposites with different contents of MWCNTs were prepared by an eccentric rotor extruder to obtain engineering materials with excellent performance capability. Microphotographs (scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy) and dynamic mechanical analysis indicate that the MWCNTs were well dispersed in the polymer matrix under the elongation flow. The crystallization behavior was explored by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that MWCNTs promote heterogeneous nucleation and improve the T
o, T
c and T
e values of the composites. On the basis of the rheology analysis, the complex viscosity of the PP/POE/MWCNT composites increased and formed an obvious Newton plat in the low-frequency range; both the G′ and G″ of all the samples increased monotonically, and a percolation threshold appeared for 1 wt% MWCNTs. Thus, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites prepared under an elongation flow lead to an effective strengthening of PP/POE better than under a shear flow. This work provides a novel method based on elongational rheology to prepare engineered materials that possess excellent performance capabilities.
Is Inflation Rate of Turkey Stationary? Evidence from Unit Root Tests with and Without Structural Breaks
Authors: Sivri Uğur 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTurkey has high inflation experience and in order to bring inflation rate down as well as maintaining macroeconomic stability many policy changes and reforms have been implemented. Despite some success, decreasing inflation rate is still an aim of monetary policy and price stability is still faraway. This article investigates time series properties of Turkish CPI inflation rate in both seasonally unadjusted and adjusted forms. Results of various unit root tests without structural breaks generally show that inflation rate is a nonstationary variable. This article also uses one and two breaks minimum LM unit root tests due to Lee and Strazicich (2004, 2003), respectively. In this case, test results show that inflation rate is a stationary variable with breaks. Although selected break points differ with respect to models and variables to some extent, it is observed that one break occurred around March 1994, and the second break occurred around April 2001.
Bank Business Models and Performance During Crisis in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Andrieş Alin Marius , Mutu Simona 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of business models on bank performance during the period 2007-2008 among 156 banks from Central and Eastern European countries. The findings show that banks with higher capitalization perform better and present a lower probability of default. The orientation towards the traditional lending activities as well as a higher degree of income diversification boosts performance. Using a Difference-in-Difference framework we also highlight the importance of bank business strategies for bank performance across different bank characteristics (ownership, size) and macroeconomic conditions (financial crisis, EU membership status, regulatory framework.
Is Real Depreciation and More Government Spending Expansionary? The Case of Montenegro
Authors: Hsing Yu 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Employing an extended IS-MP-AS model to study the effects of the exchange rate, fiscal policy and other related variables in Montenegro, the paper finds that real depreciation of the Euro, a lower government spending-to-GDP ratio, a lower real lending rate in the Euro area, a lower lagged real oil price, a higher lagged real GDP in Germany, and a lower expected inflation rate would promote economic growth.
Resilient SMES, Institutions and Justice. Evidence in Italy
Authors: Lorizio Marilene , Gurrieri Antonia Rosa 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe recent financial crisis (2008) seriously affected the credibility of European and Italian institutions. It was also characterized by a general pessimism and low expectations of economic operators, especially firms. In literature, relationships between the quality of institutions and economic activities have been widely investigated. They show how the judicial system, the regulatory authorities and governance are important aspects for the quality of institutions.The main conclusion of existing literature, or the necessity of a reform of judicial system, is the basis of this work. Thus, here there is an attempt to investigate the performances of the judicial system, considering the low and poor level of its effects on firms’ performances. In particular, in this work, there is a simple empirical analysis (data paucity is the big limit) in order to investigate the consequences of an efficient, long-time justice on resilient firms’ confidence and perspective. Those resilient firms, able to overcome the financial crisis, show their ability in surviving, even if justice doesn’t help them.
Physical activity during work and leisure show contrasting associations with fear-avoidance beliefs: cross-sectional study among more than 10,000 wage earners of the general working population
Authors: Tribian Annika , Vinstrup Jonas , Sundstrup Emil , Jay Kenneth , Bös Klaus , Andersen Lars L. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Background and aims:
The association between different types of physical activity and fear-avoidance beliefs remains unclear. This study investigates the association between work-related and leisure-time physical activity with fear-avoidance beliefs in the general working population.

Methods:
Currently employed wage earners (n=10,427) from the 2010 round of the Danish Work Environment Cohort Study replied to questions about work, lifestyle and health. General linear models controlling for lifestyle, psychosocial work factors, education, pain, medication-use and chronic diseases tested associations of work-related and leisure-time physical activity (explanatory variables) with fear-avoidance beliefs (outcome variable, scale 0–100).

Results:
The level of fear-avoidance was 41.7 (SD 27.3), 38.0 (SD 26.9) and 54.3 (SD 27.7) among the general working population, a subgroup of pain-free individuals, and a subgroup with back disease, respectively. In the general working population, the level of fear-avoidance among those with low, moderate and high physical activity during leisure were 47 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 45–49], 44 (95% CI 42–46) and 43 (95% CI 41–45), and physical activity at work were 40 (95% CI 39–42), 44 (95% CI 42–46) and 49 (95% CI 48–51), respectively. Individuals with back disease and a high level of physical activity at work showed the overall highest level of fear-avoidance whereas pain-free individuals with a low level of physical activity at work showed the overall lowest level of fear-avoidance.

Conclusions:
Physical activity during work and leisure shows contrasting associations with fear-avoidance beliefs. While high physical activity during leisure is associated with lower levels, high physical activity at work is associated with higher levels of fear-avoidance.

Implications:
The present results may reflect some deeply rooted negative beliefs about pain and work in the population. On the societal level, campaigns may be a possible way forward as these have shown to improve beliefs about musculoskeletal pain and work.
Analysing the effects of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on the integration of East African farmers in a value chain context
Authors: Krone Madlen , Dannenberg Peter 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Insufficient access to markets, limited financial transactions, and a lack of information and knowledge often restrict opportunities for small-scale farmers to link up with commercial value chains in Sub-Saharan Africa. Advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs), especially mobile phones and the internet, have expanded the possibility to communicate across geographical distances and to integrate into commercial value chains. By using a novel combination of conceptual considerations on ICTs, value chains, and relational proximity, this paper assesses: 1. How the use of ICTs affects the integration of small-scale farmers into the value chains (by analysing the information and knowledge flow, the financial and market transactions) and 2. to what extent the use of ICTs is on the other side influenced by the value chain context (i.e. the structure and coordination of the chain and the relational proximity between farmer and buyer). Our findings showed that even simple ICTs (phones) can lead to improvements for farmers to integrate into the chain as they facilitate simple information and complex knowledge flow, financial transactions, and market access, even though a greater structural transformation was absent. However, our results showed that the extent of the effects depends on the context in the value chains, in particular their structure, coordination, and the relational proximity between the actors. In this way, this paper contributes to the conceptual discussions on information and communication for development (ICT4D) and the dynamics in value chains.
Synthesis of madecassic acid derivatives and their cytotoxic activity
Authors: Van Loc Tran , Nhu Vo Thi Quynh , Van Chien Tran , Ha Le Thi Thu , Thao Tran Thi Phuong , Van Sung Tran 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Fifteen new 28-amide derivatives of madecassic acid, isolated from the tropical medicinal herb Centella asiatica (Apiaceae), have been synthesised, and their cytotoxicity on three cancer cell lines, KB (carcinoma cancer), HepG2 (liver cancer) and Lu-1 (lung cancer), was evaluated. The results showed that acetylation of the 2,3,23-hydroxyl group and/or amidation of the 28-COOH group strongly increased the cytotoxicity of the synthesised compounds.
Quantum Mechanical Study of γ-Fe2O3 Nanoparticle as a Nanocarrier for Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Lari Hadi , Morsali Ali , Heravi Mohammad Momen 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Using density functional theory (DFT), noncovalent interactions and four mechanisms of covalent functionalization of melphalan anticancer drug onto γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles have been studied. Quantum molecular descriptors of noncovalent configurations were investigated. It was specified that binding of melphalan onto γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles is thermodynamically suitable. Hardness and the gap of energy between LUMO and HOMO of melphalan are higher than the noncovalent configurations, showing the reactivity of drug increases in the presence of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Melphalan can bond to γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles through NH2 (k
1 mechanism), OH (k
2 mechanism), C=O (k
3 mechanism) and Cl (k
4 mechanism) groups. The activation energies, the activation enthalpies and the activation Gibbs free energies of these reactions were calculated. Thermodynamic data indicate that k
3 mechanism is exothermic and spontaneous and can take place at room temperature. These results could be generalized to other similar drugs.
Comparison of Sprint Interval and Endurance Training in Team Sport Athletes
Authors: Kelly David T. , Tobin Críonna , Egan Brendan , McCarren Andrew , O'Connor Paul L. , McCaffrey Noel , Moyna Niall M. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Kelly, DT, Tobin, C, Egan, B, Carren, AM, O'Connor, PL, McCaffrey, N, and Moyna, NM. Comparison of sprint interval and endurance training in team sport athletes. J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3051–3058, 2018—High-volume endurance training (ET) has traditionally been used to improve aerobic capacity but is extremely time-consuming in contrast to low-volume short-duration sprint interval training (SIT) that improves maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o
2max) to a similar extent. Few studies have compared the effects of SIT vs. ET using running-based protocols, or in team sport athletes. Club level male Gaelic football players were randomly assigned to SIT (n = 7; 21.6 ± 2.1 years) or ET (n = 8; 21.9 ± 3.5 years) for 6 sessions over 2 weeks. V̇o
2max, muscle mitochondrial enzyme activity, running economy (RE), and high-intensity endurance capacity (HEC) were measured before and after training. An increase in V̇o
2max (p ≤ 0.05) after 2 weeks of both SIT and ET was observed. Performance in HEC increased by 31.0 and 17.2% after SIT and ET, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). Running economy assessed at 8, 9, 10, and 11 km·h−1, lactate threshold and vV̇o
2max were unchanged after both SIT and ET. Maximal activity of 3-β-hydroxylacyl coenzyme A dehydrogenase (β-HAD) was increased in response to both SIT and ET (p ≤ 0.05), whereas the maximal activity of citrate synthase remained unchanged after training (p = 0.07). A running-based protocol of SIT is a time-efficient training method for improving aerobic capacity and HEC, and maintaining indices of RE and lactate threshold in team sport athletes.
Sex Differences in Mechanical Properties of the Achilles Tendon: Longitudinal Response to Repetitive Loading Exercise
Authors: Lepley Adam S. , Joseph Michael F. , Daigle Nathan R. , Digiacomo Jessica E. , Galer John , Rock Emily , Rosier Samuel B. , Sureja Parth B. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Lepley, AS, Joseph, MF, Daigle, NR, Digiacomo, JE, Galer, J, Rock, E, Rosier, SB, and Sureja, PB. Sex differences in mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon: Longitudinal response to repetitive loading exercise. J Strength Cond Res 32(11): 3070–3079, 2018—Sex differences have been observed in the mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon, which may help to explain the increased risk of injury in men. However, the response and recovery of tendon mechanics to repetitive loading exercise, as well as sex-dependent responses, are not well understood. The purpose of our study was to compare Achilles tendon mechanical properties between men and women before, immediately after, and 60 minutes after a repetitive loading exercise. Seventeen female (age: 24.0 ± 3.9 years; height: 167.4 ± 6.9 cm; and mass: 64.9 ± 8.5 kg) and 18 male (age: 23.9 ± 2.4 years; height: 179.2 ± 5.09 cm; and mass: 78.4 ± 8.7 kg) recreationally active individuals volunteered. Using isokinetic dynamometry and diagnostic ultrasound, baseline levels of Achilles tendon force, elongation, stiffness, stress, strain, and Young's modulus were assessed before 100 successive calf-raise exercises using a Smith machine at 20% of participant body mass. Outcomes were reassessed immediately and 60 minutes after exercise. Women exhibited less Achilles tendon force, stiffness, stress, and modulus compared with men, regardless of time point. Both sexes responded to repetitive loading exercise similarly, with immediate decreases in mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon from baseline to immediately after exercise. Tendon properties were observed to be equal to baseline values at 60-minute postexercise. Baseline differences in tendon properties may help to explain the disparity in injury risk because both sexes responded to and recovered from exercise similarly. Future research should aim to include additional time points (both leading up to and after 60 minutes), and assess tendon responses to more sport-specific activities, while also including patients diagnosed with Achilles tendon injuries.
Noninvasive Assessment of Internal and External Player Load: Implications for Optimizing Athletic Performance
Authors: Heishman Aaron D. , Curtis Michael A. , Saliba Ethan , Hornett Robert J. , Malin Steven K. , Weltman Arthur L. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Heishman, AD, Curtis, MA, Saliba, E, Hornett, RJ, Malin, SK, and Weltman, AL. Noninvasive assessment of internal and external player load: implications for optimizing athletic performance. J Strength Cond Res 32(5): 1280–1287, 2018—Few data exist that assess athlete tracking and monitoring for the development of strategies to optimize performance and reduce fatigue in elite athletes. The purpose of the present study was to assess the efficacy of external load and internal stress monitoring as assessment tools for examining a performance index of fatigue. A retrospective analysis was performed on data collected over the course of the preseason in 10 elite male NCAA Division 1 basketball players. Internal stress was assessed using Omegawave Technology readiness scores and compared with the performance index of countermovement jump (CMJ). The external load that accumulated during the previous practice, quantified by PlayerLoad (PL; Catapult), was compared with CMJ values and Omegawave scores. The results indicated that high, compared to low CNS Omegawave Readiness Scores (6.7 ± 05.1, 4.5 ± 1.2 AU; p < 0.001), were associated with increased CMJ (62.1 ± 6.5 vs. 59.4 ± 6.6 cm; p = 0.05), Power (6,590 ± 526.7 vs. 6,383.5 ± 606.8 W; p = 0.05), Omegawave Overall Readiness (5.8 ± 1.1 vs. 5.0 ± 0.7 AU; p = 0.05), and Omega Potential (Omega) (21.3 ± 6.3 vs. 9.9 ± 20.8 mV; p = 0.07). An increased PL during the previous exposure was associated with decreased CMJ (58.7 ± 4.7 cm vs. 60.4 ± 5.1 cm; p < 0.001) and increased TRIMP (135.1 ± 35.9 vs. 65.6 ± 20.0 AU; p < 0.001), and duration (115.4 ± 27.1 vs. 65.56 ± 20.0 minutes; p = < 0.001) despite no differences in Omegawave CNS Readiness scores. We conclude that Omegawave and Catapult technologies provide independent information related to performance and may be effective tools for monitoring athlete performance.
Four-Week Unstructured Break Improved Athletic Performance in Collegiate Rugby Players
Authors: Jensen Courtney D. , Gleason Derrick , VanNess Mark 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Jensen, CD, Gleason, D, and VanNess, JM. Four-week unstructured break improved athletic performance in collegiate rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 32(6): 1671–1677, 2018—This study analyzed the changes in athletic performance and anthropometric characteristics in collegiate male club rugby athletes (n = 14) after a 4-week winter break. All measurements were collected before and after the break. Body composition was assessed by body mass index and hydrostatic weighing. Performance measurements were as follows: V̇o
2max, vertical jump, 10-yard sprint, squat max, and bench press max. Before testing, each subject was acclimated to the protocols to reduce learning effects. During the 4-week break, no workouts were provided for the athletes; it was unsupervised and unstructured. Participants were required to maintain and submit self-reported nutritional and activity logs during this period. After the break, the athletes demonstrated a 5.0% improvement in V̇o
2max (absolute increase of 2.25 ml·kg−1·min−1), 6.8% improvement in vertical jump (1.50 inches), and a 14.3% increase in squat max (38.64 lb). Although increases in body mass (1.0%) were not significant, the body fat percentage exhibited a relative increase of 19.3% (absolute change from 13.35 to 15.93%). A significant discriminate function analysis indicated statistical differences between groups based on these variables. Self-reported behavior logs confirmed participation in >3 days of moderate to intense physical activity per week but somewhat poor dietary habits. These results indicate that collegiate rugby athletes may not need prescribed exercise routines during seasonal breaks in the athletic schedule. However, it may be beneficial to provide structured nutritional advice during unsupervised periods.