bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary habits of urban pigeons (Columba livia) and implications of excreta pH – a review
Authors: Spennemann Dirk H. R. , Watson Maggie J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPigeons are considered to be urban pests, causing untold damage to buildings and potentially impacting the health of humans who come into contact with them or their faeces. Pigeon faecal matter has been implicated in both health impacts and building damage, with the acidity of the excreta playing an important role. Purpose of the Review. This paper is a wide-ranging review of the chemical processes of excreta in the pigeon to aid our understanding of the potential problems of pigeons to buildings and human amenity in the urban space. The natural pH of pigeons is shown to vary based on the bird’s and age as well as reproductive stage. Key findings of the review. The influences of the altered diet between the rock dove (the wild progenitor of the feral pigeon) and the feral pigeon are detailed, indicating that the human-based diet of urban pigeons most likely causes the feral pigeon excreta to be more acidic than the rock dove excreta. This higher acidity is due in part to diet, but also to potential increases in faecal and/or uric acid volumes due to the low quality of human-based diets. Again, this area of interest is highly data deficient due to the few number of studies and unspecified dietary intake before pH measurement. Implications of the review. Humans are increasingly concerned about pigeon populations (and presumably their accumulated faeces) in the urban space, and control comprises a large part of the interaction between humans and feral pigeons. This review provides a greater understanding of feral pigeons and the true effects of their excreta.
An English Neural Network that Learns Texts, Finds Hidden Knowledge, and Answers Questions
Authors: Ke Yuanzhi , Hagiwara Masafumi 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
In this paper, a novel neural network is proposed, which can automatically learn and recall contents from texts, and answer questions about the contents in either a large corpus or a short piece of text. The proposed neural network combines parse trees, semantic networks, and inference models. It contains layers corresponding to sentences, clauses, phrases, words and synonym sets. The neurons in the phrase-layer and the word-layer are labeled with their part-of-speeches and their semantic roles. The proposed neural network is automatically organized to represent the contents in a given text. Its carefully designed structure and algorithms make it able to take advantage of the labels and neurons of synonym sets to build the relationship between the sentences about similar things. The experiments show that the proposed neural network with the labels and the synonym sets has the better performance than the others that do not have the labels or the synonym sets while the other parts and the algorithms are the same. The proposed neural network also shows its ability to tolerate noise, to answer factoid questions, and to solve single-choice questions in an exercise book for non-native English learners in the experiments.
A Machine Learning Approach for the Segmentation of Driving Maneuvers and its Application in Autonomous Parking
Authors: Notomista Gennaro , Botsch Michael 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
A classification system for the segmentation of driving maneuvers and its validation in autonomous parking using a small-scale vehicle are presented in this work. The classifiers are designed to detect points that are crucial for the path-planning task, thus enabling the implementation of efficient autonomous parking maneuvers. The training data set is generated by simulations using appropriate vehicle-dynamics models and the resulting classifiers are validated with the small-scale autonomous vehicle. To achieve both a high classification performance and a classification system that can be implemented on a microcontroller with limited computational resources, a two-stage design process is applied. In a first step an ensemble classifier, the Random Forest (RF) algorithm, is constructed and based on the RF-kernel a General Radial Basis Function (GRBF) classifier is generated. The GRBF-classifier is integrated into the small-scale autonomous vehicle leading to excellent performance in parallel-, cross- and oblique-parking maneuvers. The work shows that segmentation using classifies and open-loop control are an efficient approach in autonomous driving for the implementation of driving maneuvers.
Pseudo-Orthogonalization of Memory Patterns for Complex-Valued and Quaternionic Associative Memories
Authors: Minemoto Toshifumi , Isokawa Teijiro , Nishimura Haruhiko , Matsui Nobuyuki 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Hebbian learning rule is well known as a memory storing scheme for associative memory models. This scheme is simple and fast, however, its performance gets decreased when memory patterns are not orthogonal each other. Pseudo-orthogonalization is a decorrelating method for memory patterns which uses XNOR masking between the memory patterns and randomly generated patterns. By a combination of this method and Hebbian learning rule, storage capacity of associative memory concerning non-orthogonal patterns is improved without high computational cost. The memory patterns can also be retrieved based on a simulated annealing method by using an external stimulus pattern. By utilizing complex numbers and quaternions, we can extend the pseudo-orthogonalization for complex-valued and quaternionic Hopfield neural networks. In this paper, the extended pseudo-orthogonalization methods for associative memories based on complex numbers and quaternions are examined from the viewpoint of correlations in memory patterns. We show that the method has stable recall performance on highly correlated memory patterns compared to the conventional real-valued method.
Effect of the Administration of PGF2α Analogue to Extended Boar Semen on Sperm Motility, Morphology and Kinematic Parameters
Authors: Chervenkov Mihail , Ivanova Teodora , Taushanova Paulina , Stefanov Rossen , Georgiev Boyko 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The addition of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) to boar semen prior to insemination improves the conception and farrowing rates in sows. It is accepted that this is due to increased myometrial contractility, which improves the spermatozoa movement. However, there are limited data about the effect of the exogenous PGF2α analogs on sperm motility parameters and morphology. The aim of the current study was to define if there are changes in motility, morphology and kinematic parameters of spermatozoa on 1st and 24th hour after addition of PGF2α analogue to extended boar semen. A total of 18 ejaculates, obtained from clinically healthy boars were diluted 1:3 in semen extender, and each of them was separate into four aliquots, 50 ml each. PGF2α was added to 3 of them in concentrations of 6, 12 and 25 μg/ml, and the fourth served as untreated control. The motility, kinematic parameters and morphology of spermatozoa were evaluated on 1st and 24th hours after addition of PGF2α. There was no significant difference in sperm morphology, total and progressive motility between the untreated and treated groups. There was however a significant decrease in the rapid velocity and some of the kinematic parameters (VCL, VSL and VAP) in the group treated with 25 μg/ml compared to the control at the 1st hour after PGF2α treatment, which (except for the rapid velocity) persisted to the 24th hour. The results indicate that addition of Oestrophan (Bioveta, CZ) to the extended boar semen did not improve the sperm motility, morphology and kinematic parameters of the spermatozoa.
Archiving Digital Objects as Maintenance: Reading a Rosetta Machine
Authors: Galloway Patricia Kay 
Published: May 2017

Abstract:Archiving digital objects consists of maintenance and conservation: the job of arresting a cultural object in time, maintaining it as closely as possible in the state in which it was created. Hardware and software provide the context in which digital objects are created, and other hardware and software provide the context in which they must be maintained, but practitioners of digital preservation are only now beginning to move seriously into the area of deciding how to perform digital objects for users. In this paper I discuss a personal effort at stopping time for hardware and what it has taught me about approaching construction of preservable platforms that can replicate the context of creation for digital objects. I will also discuss what we lose when we decide to discard environment in favor of some generalized idea of content.
Making a Killing: On Race, Ritual, and (Re)Membering in Digital Culture
Authors: Sutherland Tonia 
Published: May 2017

Abstract:This paper investigates cultural, social, and technological issues created by the increasingly widespread circulation of digital records documenting the deaths of black Americans in the United States. This research takes as its foundation questions about ritual, embodiment, memorialization, and oblivion in digital spaces. Further, it examines the interplay between the permanence of the digital sphere and the international human rights concept of the “right to be forgotten,” paying particular attention to black and brown bodies as records and as evidence. Methodologically, the work engages critical race theory, performance studies, archival studies, and digital culture studies, asking how existing technologies reflect the wider social world offline, how they create new cultural interactions, and how those new interactions reshape the real (non-virtual) world.
Effects of surface modification of halloysite nanotubes on the morphology and the thermal and rheological properties of polypropylene/halloysite composites
Authors: Yin Xiaochun , Wang Liang , Li Sai , He Guangjian , Yang Zhitao 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Effects of unmodified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonnium bromide treated halloysite nanotubes (CTAB-HNTs) on the morphology as well as the thermal and rheological properties of the HNT-filled polypropylene (PP) composites were investigated. The composites were melt-blended with a novel vane mixer dominated by extensional deformation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy well demonstrated that ammonium molecules were successfully interacted with halloysite groups. Compared with unmodified HNTs, the modified HNTs had a better dispersion in the PP matrix. The degree of crystallinity increased with the introduction of HNTs into the PP matrix. Thermal analyses revealed that CTAB-HNTs can improve the composites’ thermal stability compared with unmodified HNTs. As for dynamic shear rheology, the PP/CTAB-HNT composites showed higher viscoelaticity than neat PP in most frequency regimes, and that the raw HNT/PP composites presented the opposite phenomenon. The relaxation time of PP melt and the availability of heterogeneous PP domains increased with the presence of CTAB-HNTs.
Hydrodynamic Properties of High Temperature Natural Circulating Helium Cooling Loop
Authors: Dzianik František , Gužela Štefan 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The paper deals with the hydrodynamic properties, i.e. the consumption of mechanical energy expressed by pressure drops within a helium loop intended for the testing of decay heat removal (DHR) from the model of a gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR). The system is characterised by the natural circulation of helium, as a coolant, and assume steady operating conditions of circulation. The helium loop consists of four main components: model of gas-cooled fast reactor, model of the heat exchanger for decay heat removal, hot piping branch and cold piping branch. Using the process hydrodynamic calculations, the pressure drops of circulating helium within the main components of the helium loop were determined. The calculations have been done for several defined operating conditions which correspond to the different helium flow rates within the system.
Modeling of Ice-Shedding from ACSR Power Line
Authors: Hrabovský Juraj , Gogola Roman , Murín Justín , Sedlár Tibor 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
In this contribution, the analysis of ice-shedding from Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) power lines is presented. The impact of the icing position on the overhead power lines, the resulting jump height, and impact on attachment tension points after ice-shedding is examined. In the numerical simulations the effective material properties of the ACSR conductor is calculated using the homogenisation method. Numerical analysis of one power line and double-bundle power lines with icing over the whole range or only on certain sections of single and double-bundle power lines are performed
Static Characteristics of Pressure Control Valve
Authors: Vykoukal Ondřej , Hružík Lumír , Bureček Adam 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The article deals with the measurement of static characteristics of a pressure control valve. The pressure, at which the valve starts to leak oil, is adjusted by a spring. The measurement is performed on a hydraulic system that consists of tank, hydraulic pump, check valve, relief valve and pressure control valve which is measured. The results of this experimental measurement are Δp - Q characteristics of the pressure control valve for various pressure settings.
Effects of mTOR on neurological deficits after transient global ischemia
Authors: Xing Jihong , Lu Jian 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase and activation of its signal pathway plays an important role in regulating protein growth and synthesis as well as cell proliferation and survival. In the present study, we examined the contribution of mTOR and its downstream products to brain injuries and neurological deficiencies after cardiac arrest (CA) induced-transient global ischemia. CA was induced by asphyxia followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in rats. Our results showed that expression of p-mTOR, mTOR-mediated phosphorylation of 4E-binding protein 4 (4E-BP1) and p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase 1 (S6K1) pathways were amplified in CA rats compared to their controls. Blocking mTOR using rapamycin attenuated upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (namely IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), and Caspase-3, indicating cell apoptosis and also promoting the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its subtype receptor VEGFR-2 in the hippocampus. Moreover, the effects of rapamycin were linked to improvement of neurological deficits and increased brain water content observed in CA rats. In conclusion, activation of mTOR signal is engaged in pathophysiological process during CA-induced transient global ischemia and blocking mTOR pathway plays a beneficial role in regulating injured neuronal tissues and neurological deficits via PIC, apoptotic Caspase-3 and VEGF mechanisms. Targeting one or more of these specific mTOR pathways and its downstream signaling molecules may present new opportunities for neural dysfunction and vulnerability related to transient global ischemia.
Theorienvergleich als methodologischer Standard der soziologischen Theorie
Authors: Anicker Fabian 
Published: May 2017

Zusammenfassung:
Die Unternehmung eines systematischen Vergleichs soziologischer Theorien wird häufig als gescheitert angesehen. Demgegenüber wird hier behauptet, dass in der Theorienvergleichsdiskussion methodologische Fortschritte bezüglich des angemessenen Umgangs mit Theorienvielfalt erzielt wurden, die sich zu einem methodologischen Standard der theoretischen Soziologie bündeln lassen. Das Vorgehen ist dabei selbst vergleichend: Die verschiedenen methodologischen Ansätze werden über einen hermeneutischen Theorienvergleich systematisiert und auf die Zielvorstellung einer wirklichkeitswissenschaftlichen Soziologie bezogen. Die Synthese mündet in einen Vorschlag zur Differenzierung empirischer Bewährungskriterien von Theorien nach Problemklassen. Letztere werden aus einer Revision der Ebenenunterscheidung von Sozial- und Gesellschaftstheorien sowie Theorien mittlerer Reichweite gewonnen.
Impact of Foreign Direct Investment and Barriers to MNC Supply Chain Integration in Vietnam
Authors: Bilici Hamdi , Ta Loi , Carcamo Briant 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The Vietnamese economy has been progressing to become a supplier to many multinational corporations (MNC). However, barriers presently exist that prevent Vietnamese firms from fully integrating into the supply chain of these global actors. Weak FDI overflow and block trading has government officials and business executives troubled that Vietnamese firms are still on the periphery of these global supply networks. Even as MNCs operating in Vietnam import many semi-finished products from other countries, Vietnamese firms are not benefiting from the opportunities to incorporate into the supply chain because of the lack of global experience, FDI, an educated workforce and outdated facilities. Vietnamese firms must upgrade their facilities and equip their labor forces to acquire MNC contracts and find global partners who can supply financing and knowhow.
Labmagenverlagerung beim Rind – kurzer Überblick zu neueren Erkenntnissen
Authors: Sickinger Marlene 
Published: May 2017

ZusammenfassungEine Vielzahl an In-vitro- und In-vivo-Untersuchungen versuchte, das Thema Labmagenverlagerung beim Rind in vielerlei Hinsicht zu beleuchten und zu hinterfragen. Eine vollständige Aufklärung der Pathogenese wurde bislang allerdings nicht erreicht. Es gelang jedoch die Entwicklung eines Gentests, durch den sich beim Einzeltier eine genetische Prädisposition für die Labmagenverlagerung nachweisen lässt. Eine züchterische Beeinflussung der Krankheitsinzidenz, zumindest bei Tieren der Rasse Deutsche Holsteins, scheint dadurch möglich, wenngleich die Kosten für den Gentest derzeit noch erheblich sind. Wie Studien zeigten bietet die Untersuchung bestimmter labordiagnostischer Parameter in Kombination mit klinischen Befunden die Möglichkeit, die (postoperative) Prognose für das betroffene Einzeltier objektiver einzuschätzen.
Assessing and Validating a Writing Strategy Scale for Undergraduate Students
Authors: Raoofi Saeid , Miri Anvar , Gharibi Jalal , Malaki Bahram 
Published: May 2017

Little research has been conducted to develop and validate a scale to measure L2 writing strategies. The purpose of this study was to validate a writing strategy questionnaire for English as a Second language (ESL) learners. The validation process involved both qualitative and quantitative methods. First, in the item construction stage, 30 items were constructed through a process that involved both L2 writing experts’ comments and undergraduate students’ interviews. Then, in the statistical analysis stage, the prepared thirty-item questionnaire was administered to 322 undergraduate students who were non-native speakers of English. The data was analyzed using Principal Component Analysis. The results showed that the writing strategies used by non-native learners of English cluster into five categories: metacognitive, cognitive, metacognitive, affective effort regulation and social strategies. Limitations of the study and directions for future research are indicated.
An analysis of clinical presentation and laboratory profile of scrub typhus among pediatric population in a semi urban centre
Authors: M. Sathyamoorthy , S. Subash , P. Karthikeyan , Raju Prasanna 
Published: May 2017

Background: Scrub typhus is a re-emerging acute infectious disease caused by Orientia (Rickettsia) tsutsugamushi, in India and globally. Scrub typhus goes undiagnosed at early stages of the illness because many factors like of low index of suspicion, nonspecific signs and symptoms. This study was done to analyse the various clinical demographic factors and their significance in making the clinical diagnosis of scrub typhus and also the analysis of other non-specific laboratory parameters present in the serologically confirmed cases of scrub typhus. The objective of this study was to study the clinical presentation and laboratory profile of scrub typhus in pediatric patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital.Methods: It was prospective and descriptive study conducted in the pediatric ward of a Medical College Hospital. The study population consisted of 50 children aged 5-15 years having fever of more than 5 days duration. Children with persistent fever with known focus and etiology were excluded from the study.Results: Among the study group of 50 children, majority were between 5 and 15 years age group. Male children constituted 66% (33 out of 50). Out of 50 children, 94% (47 children) had Eschar. 82% of children did not have any history of tick exposure. Less than 25% of children had Vomiting similar to conjunctival congestion. 94% children had lymphadenopathy and 98% children had mild anemia. 54% children had maculopapular rash and 20% had jaundice. 62% children had hepatomegaly and 96% had splenomegaly. Pedal edema was seen in 22% of cases and anasarca in 2% of cases 76% of children had normal WBC counts, 24% had leucocytosis. Platelet counts of 38,000 to 2,87,000 was noted in the study group and 26% of patients had thrombocytopenia. 98% children had hemoglobin less than 10 gms%. C reactive protein was positive in 96% of cases. Hypoalbuminemia was noted in 48% of children. 60% children were positive for urine albumin. Conclusions: Scrub typhus should be considered in early part of the illness and patient has to be examined for the presence of Eschar. A clinical diagnosis can be made based on the associated rash, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy etc. and specific treatment with antimicrobials can be initiated for scrub typhus.
Aetiological factors and clinical profile of neonatal jaundice from a rural area of North Kerala, India
Authors: Valiyat Shemeena , Valoor Harsha T. , Radhamadhavan Sayujya , Vayalil Salina Sasi 
Published: May 2017

Background: Neonatal jaundice is the most common problem in the first week of life leading to delayed hospital discharge and readmissions. Early recognition of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is important to prevent serious complications. This study was done in a teaching hospital (KMCT Medical College, Mukkam, Kozhikode), in a rural area of North Kerala. It is an attempt to identify the common aetiological factors of neonatal jaundice in this setting.Methods: This observational study was conducted over a period of 6 months from January 2014 to June 2014. A total of 110 jaundiced neonates were enrolled. Data collection was done by history taking, clinical examination and relevant laboratory investigations.Results: In this study, out of 110 jaundiced neonates, 102 (92.5%) were term babies and 8 (7.3%) were preterm, 69 (62.75%) were males and 41 (37.27%) females. Physiological jaundice was seen in 44 (40%) of neonates. Various other aetiologies were ABO incompatibility 24 (21.8%), sepsis 11 (10%), Rh incompatibility 9 (8%), idiopathic 9 (8%), prematurity 8 (7.3%), cephalhematoma 7 (6.4%), breast feeding jaundice 7 (6.4%) and haemolytic anaemia 1 (0.9%).Conclusions: Physiological jaundice accounted for the bulk of cases of neonatal jaundice in our area. This was followed by ABO incompatibility. This highlights the importance of appropriate monitoring of neonates with this underlying risk factor.