bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies on Grinding and Extraction of Oil from Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Seed
Authors: HG Savitha , B Manohar 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed known for its many medicinal properties is studied for its grinding characteristics in an impact-type hammer mill. The particle size distribution (PSD) data of powder was found to regress very well with well-known mathematical Rosin–Rammler–Bennet model. Several statistical parameters of the PSD such as mass relative span, size guide number, skewness, uniformity index, uniformity coefficient were also estimated. Weight mean diameter for the entire range of grinding was between 395.8 and 620.8 µm. Specific energy consumption (32.4–115.2 kJ/kg) increased linearly with increase in size reduction ratio (4.53–7.10). Fenugreek powder fraction with less than 200 µm resulted in highest oil yield. Oil yield was found increasing with increase in size reduction ratio.
The effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on glycemic markers in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Shidfar Farzad , Rajab Asadollah , Rahideh Tayebeh , Khandouzi Nafiseh , Hosseini Sharieh , Shidfar Shahrzad 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Background: Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the functional foods which contains biological compounds including gingerol, shogaol, paradol and zingerone. Ginger has been proposed to have anti-cancer, anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, hypolipidemic and analgesic properties. Here, we report the effect of ginger supplementation on glycemic indices in Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 20–60 -year-old patients with type 2 diabetes who did not receive insulin. Participants in the intervention and control groups were received 3 g of powdered ginger or placebo (lactose) (in capsules) daily for 3 months. Glycemic indices, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), C-reactive protein (CRP), serum paraoxonase, dietary intake and physical activity were measured at the beginning and end of the study, and after 12 h fasting.

Results: Comparison of the indices after 3 months showed that the differences between the ginger and placebo groups were statistically significant as follows: serum glucose (–19.41±18.83 vs. 1.63±4.28 mg/dL, p<0.001), HbA1c percentage (–0.77±0.88 vs. 0.02±0.16 %, p<0.001), insulin (–1.46±1.7 vs. 0.09±0.34 μIU/mL, p<0.001), insulin resistance (–16.38±19.2 vs. 0.68±2.7, p<0.001), high-sensitive CRP (–2.78±4.07 vs. 0.2±0.77 mg/L, p<0.001), paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) (22.04±24.53 vs. 1.71±2.72 U/L, p<0.006), TAC (0.78±0.71 vs. –0.04±0.29 µIU/mL, p<0.01) and MDA (–0.85±1.08 vs. 0.06±0.08 µmol/L, p<0.001) were significantly different.

Conclusions: This report shows that the 3 months supplementation of ginger improved glycemic indices, TAC and PON-1 activity in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Traffic Lights on Consecutive Intersections and Pedestrian Crossings Along Linear Settlements Located on National Roads
Authors: Burlacu Alina , Dicu Mihai , Anton Valentin 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
In Romania, with time, settlements located along the main roads have developed and transformed into linear towns, with significant local and connection traffic, important administrative, economic, commercial and touristic activities concentrated in the central area, as well as pedestrian traffic of over 200 pedestrians per hour in the main pedestrian crossings on the route.
The object of the present study is made by a series of junctions situated on National Road 1 in Busteni town, on a dangerous road sector. For this study, traffic measurements, simulations and suggestions for improving the existing situation were made.
Based on the simulated traffic flows, there were performed capacity analysis with PTV Vissim and Traficware Synchro softwares, and were developed appropriate planning solutions for the intersections, resulting in tables with extracted performance indicators based on micro simulation of the traffic values. Also planning solutions for horizontal design and proposals for traffic lights were made for junctions that can not operate under priority traffic on one direction or which are presenting traffic safety risk.
Based on the traffic data, it was taken in consideration the necessity to make planning proposals and to develop design solutions immediately applicable, with minimum intervention.
Solutions will refer to the geometric planning of the intersections, but with new plans and timings for traffic lights, including proposals for new equipment; regulating the traffic flow: development/ refurbishment of intersections and pedestrian crossings; optimization of routing programs in order to achieve a higher level of service and more efficient traffic control indicators; segregation of pedestrian movements by vehicles traffic, implementation of physical devices to lock / channel the traffic.
The Distance Between Real Time Data and Decision Making in Urban Road Freight Transportation Systems; The Example of the City of Thessaloniki
Authors: Bouhouras Efstathios 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Road freight transport in urban areas (city logistics) is under study worldwide, especially during the last years, mainly due to its negative impacts to the environment and to the efficient operation of the road network. The modern approach to deal with this rising issue includes the deployment of strategies and measures that take into consideration the conditions prevailing in each study area. In order the decision makers to adopt the proper measures and define the strategy, it is vital for them to have full knowledge of the way an Urban Road Freight Transportation (URFT) system is organized and functions in the field. For this to happen, the decision makers must have under their disposal reliable real time data. After all URFT systems evolve through time and space and it is s crucial that the necessary data not only will be collected correctly but also they will be accessible anytime and anywhere. In this paper a new approach is proposed in order to achieve real time monitoring for URFT systems in order to provide the decision makers with all the necessary data for the case of Greece.
Viscoelastic Model for the Rigid Body Vibrations of a Viaduct Depending on the Support Devices’ Rheological Model
Authors: Bratu Polidor , Vasile Ovidiu 
Published: February 2015

Rezumat
Lucrarea abordează comportarea unui model de solid-rigid cu anumite simetrii structurale. Aceste simetrii permit simplificarea calculelor (ecuaţii de mişcare) şi, deci, a modelelor matematice. Dacă solidul rigid este conectat la structură prin patru legături elastice, modelul rămâne încă simplu şi uşor de rezolvat, vibraţiile putând fi decuplate în patru subsisteme de mişcare.
În final, se prezintă un studiu de caz pentru analiza modală a unui viaduct, modelat precum un corp solid-rigid, rezemat elastic, de pe autostrada Transilvania (km 29+602.75 m).
Croatian Experience in Road Traffic Noise Management - Concrete Noise Barriers
Authors: Ahac Saša , Haladin Ivo , Lakušić Stjepan , Dragčević Vesna 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The paper gives an overview of concrete noise barrier application in several EU countries and in Croatia. It describes a process of introducing different noise protection solutions on Croatian market in the phase of intensive motorway construction in recent years. Namely, an extensive motorway network has been constructed in Croatia in the last 10 years. Following the process of motorway construction, noise protection walls have also been erected. Usage of different building materials and installation processes as well as variations in building expenditures has led to a comparative analysis of several types of noise protection solutions (expanded clay, wood fibre) including a new eco-innovative product RUCONBAR, which incorporates rubber granules from recycled waste tyres to form a porous noise absorptive layer.
Design of the New Arch Bridge at Mioveni
Authors: Alexandru Dima , Radu Răcănel Ionuţ 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Road bridges with steel arches are used efficiently for medium and large spans. These solutions show advantages determined by the arches geometry, by the number and distributions of hangers and by the form and type of the arches bracing system.
The appearance of the welding as standard connection procedure for steel bridges, for road bridge decks two solutions are mainly used:
- the solution with a concrete slab acting together with the stringers and cross beams (the composite solution);
- the solution with orthotropic deck (the orthotropic deck consists in a network formed by the continuous longitudinal stiffeners and cross beams connected at the upper part by a steel plate).
In this paper a comparative study of the strength and fatigue checks performed on the new road bridge over river Argeşel near Mioveni in Argeş county is presented. The results are obtained using the Romanian standards STAS 1844-75 and SR 1911-1998 and the European norms SR EN 1990, SR EN 1993 and SR EN 1994. The deck was designed with two parallel steel arches, which are sustaining through vertical hangers a concrete slab connected with steel girders at the way level.
The aim of the paper is to outcome the safety factors obtained from checks performed on steel hangers using the Romanian standards with respect with those obtained using Eurocodes.
Quantifying the Benefits from a Major Infrastructure Improvement: The Case of Thessaloniki Western Ring Road Upgrade to Eliminate at Grade Signalised Intersections
Authors: Miltiadou Marios D. , Bouhouras Efstathios 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and its transportation system (development and operation) is hampered by the city’s geographical position and surrounding relief. Specifically, the city has been developed and expanded through the years along the coastline, the sea boundary on the southwest, and a second physical boundary, a forest, on the east side. The Thessaloniki Ring Road (divided in western and eastern part) was constructed in the early ‘90s, in order to relief the road network of the city centre from the transit traffic and confront the gradually increasing congestion. The absence of alternatives other than road transport and the increase of car ownership over the years led to an increase of motorized traffic. So even that this Ring Road had been designed to serve 30,000 vehicles daily it became to serve more than triple traffic just before the impacts of the economic crisis on transport and mobility have been made visible.
The Western Internal Ring Road of Thessaloniki (WIRRT) has length of 8.4km. It has three lanes per direction separated by a median and no emergency lanes. The traffic increase and moreover the existence of eight at grade intersections along the WIRRT degrade the provided level of service. For the elimination of these intersections an upgrade project is underway for implementation that includes the construction of five grade separated intersections and several interventions on the adjacent road network. This paper presents in brief the methodology and the results of the project’s Cost-Benefit Analysis, which assessed the expected socioeconomic benefits, emerging mainly from minimising the delays for users due to the elimination of the at grade signalised intersections.
MOV10L1 in piRNA processing and gene silencing of retrotransposons during spermatogenesis
Authors: Zhu Xiaobin , Zhi Erlei , Li Zheng 
Published: February 2015

Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a broad group of non-coding small RNAs with important biological functions in germline cells. It is well known that piRNAs can maintain genome integrity via silencing retrotransposons. Previous studies on the animal models harboring gene deletions have shown that the genes involved in piRNA biogenesis and their defective expression can result in the spermatogenic dysfunction. In the past decade, significant progress has been achieved for piRNAs and their roles in male germ cells. This review addresses the advances on piRNAs and piRNA biogenesis-associated genes, with a particular focus on the Moloney leukemia virus 10-like 1 (MOV10L1) gene, whose role in primary piRNA processing and in the ‘ping–pong’ cycle during secondary piRNA processing has been illustrated. The biological characteristics of piRNA has been summarized, and emphasis was laid on the roles ofMOV10L1in the mediation of piRNA biogenesis and retrotransposons silencing by DNA methylation. Furthermore, the association betweenMOV10L1gene polymorphisms and complete maturation arrest in men has been discussed. Hence, thorough literature review was conducted in order to obtain a greater understanding of the function ofMOV10L1and its mechanisms underlying spermatogenesis in mice and humans.Free Chinese abstract: A Chinese translation of this abstract is freely available athttp://www.reproduction-online.org/content/149/5/R229/suppl/DC1.
Noninvasive Ventilation Strategies for Early Treatment of RDS in Preterm Infants: An RCT
Authors: Salvo Vincenzo , Lista Gianluca , Lupo Enrica , Ricotti Alberto , Zimmermann Luc J.I. , Gavilanes Antonio W.D. , Barberi Ignazio , Colivicchi Micaela , Temporini Francesca , Gazzolo Diego 
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
There is evidence that new methods of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) support have significantly changed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) management in preterm infants. Further perspectives for neonatologists involve the assessment of different NIV strategies in terms of availability, effectiveness, and failure. This study evaluates the efficacy of 2 different NIV strategies for RDS treatment in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants: nasal synchronized intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NSIPPV), which is a modality of conventional ventilation with intermittent peak inspiratory pressure, and bilevel continuous positive airway pressure (BiPAP), not synchronized, with 2 alternate levels of continuous positive airway pressure.

METHODS:
We conducted a 2-center randomized control study in 124 VLBW infants (&lt;1500 g and &lt;32 weeks of gestational age) with RDS who received NIV support (NSIPPV, n = 62; BiPAP, n = 62) within 2 hours of birth. We evaluated the performance of NIV strategies by selected primary outcomes (failure rate and duration of ventilation) and secondary outcomes.

RESULTS:
The number of failures and duration of ventilation support did not differ between NSIPPV and BiPAP strategies (P &gt; .05 for both). Moreover, no differences between groups were found regarding secondary outcomes (P &gt; .05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS:
The present data show no statistically significant differences between NSIPPV and BiPAP strategies in terms of duration of ventilation and failures, suggesting that both NIV techniques are effective in the early treatment of RDS in VLBW infants. Further randomized investigations on wider populations are needed to evaluate the effect of NIV techniques on long-term outcomes.
Imazapic Effects on Competition Dynamics Between Native Perennial Grasses and Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum)
Authors: Burnett Shayla A. , Mealor Brian A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractDowny brome inhibits revegetation efforts following ecosystem disturbance. Imazapic is a commonly used herbicide for downy brome management, but more information is needed regarding effective application timing for restoration efforts. We wished to determine (1) if native species establishment exhibited a tradeoff between downy brome competition and injury from herbicide and (2) if this differed between pre- and postemergent applications of imazapic. We used a standard replacement series design and overlaid herbicide treatments. Nine weeks after planting, aboveground biomass was harvested and relative yield (RY) indices calculated. Both imazapic applications reduced downy brome biomass by 91% or more (P < 0.05). Imazapic caused drastic reductions in native biomass but less than what was caused by downy brome competition (P < 0.05). Natives were less injured by a pre- than postemergent application (P < 0.05). In situations where downy brome may impact restoration efforts, pre-emergent applications of imazapic at 70 g ai ha−1 (0.06 lb ai ac−1) may reduce downy brome with less negative impacts on newly-seeded native grasses than post-emergent applications. Ensuring sufficient proportions of native species seeds on restoration sites may reduce downy brome.
Les réseaux de l’émigration clandestine portugaise vers la France entre 1957 et 1974
Authors: Pereira Victor 
Published: February 2015

The Portuguese Migration Networks regarding France between 1957 and 1974 This article draws a comparison of different types of networks of illegal emigration which have allowed the illegal departure of more than 500.000 Portuguese to France between 1957 and 1974. It illuminates the different resources (social, reputation) used in that process. Finally, it describes how this process took the shape of a game with three players (migrants, smugglers and State officers), who followed both antagonistic and convergent interests.
Periodontal Soft Tissue Root Coverage Procedures: Practical Applications From the AAP Regeneration Workshop
Authors: Richardson Christopher R. , Allen Edward P. , Chambrone Leandro , Langer Burton , McGuire Michael K. , Zabalegui Ion , Zadeh Homayoun H. , Tatakis Dimitris N. 
Published: February 2015

Focused Clinical Question: How should gingival recession (GR) defects be managed based on current evidence?Summary: The purpose of this practical application is to illustrate the management of GR defects with a primary outcome goal of complete root coverage. The consensus in dental literature and among expert clinicians is that root coverage may be attained through the application of different procedures and that outcomes are generally measured by reduced defect depth, gain in clinical attachment, and an increase in keratinized tissue (KT). These procedures may include the use of: 1) subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG); 2) coronally advanced flap; 3) free gingival graft; and 4) soft tissue graft substitutes (acellular dermal matrix and xenogeneic collagen matrix materials) and biologics (recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor and enamel matrix derivative). The variability in these techniques revolves around the inclusion or avoidance of a palatal donor graft. The decision as to how to approach a specific clinical GR‐type defect should be a combination of considerations relative to the clinician's surgical goals and the patient's understanding of the anticipated outcome. The associated systematic review (Chambrone and Tatakis, J Periodontol 2015;86(Suppl.):S8‐S51) provides clear evidence that SCTG‐based procedures provide the best outcome for mean and complete root coverage, as well as an increase in KT. Patient‐reported outcomes, a topic that needs additional research, should be considered in the decision‐making process.Conclusion: Based on the available evidence and the illustrated cases included in this practical application, root coverage can be predictably achieved and a successful clinical outcome can be maintained long term.
Energy 360: Invited Perspective: E&P Portfolio Modeling 2.0
Authors: Haldorsen Helge Hove , Howell John I. 
Published: February 2015

President's column
The three Ps that successful companies get right are: people, portfolio, and performance. And you cannot have one without the other. Great people select great portfolios and great portfolios deliver great performance. The exploration and production (E&P) industry is made up of thousands of companies exploring for and producing oil and gas worldwide. Common to all companies, whether listed on the stock exchange or not, is the need to have a vision, a mission, core values, a differentiating DNA or corporate culture and unique competitive advantages to avoid delivering below average performance results.
Also, every company develops an ambition and goals to achieve. They can be volume goals such as a certain production rate in 2020 or value goals such as growing net income by 30% in year X+1 over year X. The ambition, goals, and the strategy are communicated internally and externally and then it is time to roll up one’s sleeves and deliver. Most companies have a portfolio of assets, all along the E&P value chain from exploration to abandonment, some onshore, some offshore, all with their individual uncertainties, good risks (grisks) when you do better than the expected case and bad risks (brisks) when you deliver below the expected case. The forecasted production, reserves, schedule and costs are uncertain for each individual asset and for the aggregate, as is the forecasted oil and gas prices/price differentials.
In this column, I would like to discern how companies in 2015 arrive at ambitions, goals, strategies, downsides/ upsides, and the aggregate or composite probability of goal delivery. This is a very important theme because not delivering on a company’s communicated goals has consequences in the marketplace. In a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, perhaps portfolio modeling is the key goal and strategy setting tool in 2015?
John I. Howell III, CEO and president of Portfolio Decisions, has been involved with E&P portfolio modeling for more than 25 years. He has advised hundreds of companies worldwide in the science and practice of portfolio modeling and has seen this forecasting tool and its use evolve. He answers my questions below.