bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring second language speakers’ linguistic identities in ELF communication: a Hong Kong study
Authors: Sung Chit Cheung Matthew 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis paper reports on a qualitative inquiry that investigated a group of Hong Kong university students’ perceptions of their linguistic identities in English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) communication. The participants of the study were proficient second language (L2) speakers of English who reported to have participated in intercultural ELF communication on a regular basis. By analyzing data gathered via two rounds of in-depth interviews, the study revealed that these participants did not evaluate their “non-native” status negatively but embraced their identities as legitimate and empowered speakers of English in ELF interactions. In addition, they validated their identities as multilingual, multicompetent, and translingual speakers of English with the ability to draw upon a diverse set of multilingual resources flexibly in ELF contexts. The analysis also found that these participants’ linguistic identities were constructed and negotiated in relation to the perceived linguistic competence of other ELF speakers, especially L2 speakers of other cultural/national backgrounds. This paper sheds light on the complexity of linguistic identities in ELF contexts and contributes to the growing ELF research in the Asian context.
Influence of the nonlocal parameter on the transverse vibration of double-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: de Borbón Fernanda , Ambrosini Daniel 
Published: August 2015

AbstractA high-order nonlocal continuum beam model is proposed, which can be applied to study the transverse vibrations of double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs), including those that could have initial deformations due to defects or external actions. A beam element is developed adopting Hermite cubic polynomials as shape functions, and mass and elastic stiffness matrix are presented. The influence of the nonlocal parameter on the vibrational properties of DWCNTs is studied. Using the proposed model, it was found that the nonlocal parameter has a strong influence on the natural frequencies.
Postbuckling and nonlinear free vibration of size-dependent prestressed FG nanobeams resting on elastic foundation based on nonlocal Euler-Bernoulli beam theory
Authors: Ziaee Sima 
Published: August 2015

AbstractVibrations of micro/nanobeams that are subjected to initial stresses due to mismatch between different materials or thermal stresses are important in some devices. The present study is an attempt to present nonlinear free vibration of simply supported size-dependent functionally graded (FG) nanobeams resting on elastic foundation and under precompressive axial force. It is assumed that the material properties of FG materials are graded in the thickness direction. The partial differential equation of motion, which is simplified into an ordinary differential equation using the Galerkin method, is derived based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, von Karman geometric nonlinearity, and Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory. The final ordinary differential equation is solved using the variational iteration method. The effects of geometrical parameters, small-scale parameter, elastic coefficient of foundation, precompressive axial force, and neutral axis location on dimensionless nonlinear natural frequencies are investigated. In this study, the buckling and postbuckling behavior of FG nanobeams and the effect of neutral axis location on buckling behavior are investigated as well. Results show that the effects of small scale on FG nanobeam frequencies change with the aspect ratio, the values of radius of gyration, and the values of compressive axial force. It is also found that the influence of neutral axis location on the nonlinear fundamental frequency of prestressed FG nanobeams is more than that of prestressed FG nanobeams resting on elastic foundation.
Vulvar fetal rhabdomyoma mimicking 46XX sex differentiation disorder
Authors: Martos-Moreno Gabriel Ángel , de Prada Inmaculada , Riñón Cristina , Argente Jesús 
Published: August 2015

AbstractRhabdomiomas are rare mesenchymal benign tumors of striated muscle origin. Setting aside the cardiac (most atrial) rhabdomiomas typically associated to neurocutaneous syndromes (tuberous sclerosis), extracardiac rhabdomyomas appear clinically as a subcutaneous nodule or as a submucosal polypoid lesion. Among them, three main histologic subtypes can be differentiated on the basis of the degree of tumor differentiation: 1) fetal rhabdomioma, usually diagnosed during childhood and almost exclusively located in the in the head and neck region with rare reports in other locations; 2) adult rhabdomioma; and 3) genital rhabdomioma, reported to occur in the lower genital tract of young and middle-aged women and, exceptionally, in children (5).
A short history of insecticides
Authors: Oberemok Volodymyr Volodymyrovych , Laikova Kateryna Volodymyrivna , Gninenko Yuri Ivanovich , Zaitsev Aleksei Sergeevich , Nyadar Palmah Mutah , Adeyemi Tajudeen Adesoji 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis review contains a brief history of the use of insecticides. The peculiarities, main advantages, and disadvantages of some modern insecticides are described. The names of the discoverers of some of the most popular insecticide preparations on the world market, are listed. The tendencies to find new insecticides to control the quantity of phytophagous insects are discussed. Special attention is paid to the perspective of creating preparations based on nucleic acids, in particular DNA insecticides. The use of insect-specific, short single-stranded DNA fragments as DNA insecticides, is paving the way in the field of “intellectual” insecticides that “think” before they act. It is worth noting, though, that in the near future, the quantity of produced insecticides will increase due to the challenges associated with food production for a rapidly growing population. It is concluded, that an agreeable interaction of scientists and manufacturers of insecticides should lead to the selection of the most optimal solutions for insect pest control, which would be safe, affordable, and effective at the same time.
Differences between organically grown varieties of spring wheat, in response to weed competition and yield
Authors: Feledyn-Szewczyk Beata , Jończyk Krzysztof 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWhen growing wheat, one of the non-chemical methods of weed regulation is to choose wheat varieties which have a high ability to compete with weeds. The first aim of the research was the estimation of the relationships between the morphological features and canopy parameters of six spring wheat varieties. The second aim was the estimation of the varieties’ competitive ability against weeds. The third aim was the estimation of the grain yield of the six varieties. The experiment was carried out in the 2011–2013 time period, on fields which had been organically managed since 1994. Different features affected the weed infestation levels of the spring wheat varieties. For Bombona, negative correlations between the number of weeds and the height, dry matter of wheat, and wheat density, were proved. For Brawura, Hewilla, and Żura, the height, number of tillers, and dry matter of wheat were the main factors influencing weed abundance. A strong negative correlation between the number of weeds and the dry matter of wheat was found for Parabola. Cluster analysis indicated that Bombona and Brawura were the most competitive against weeds, while Monsun and Parabola were characterized as being the least competitive against weeds. Weed number significantly affected the grain yield of spring wheat (r= −0.418). The grain yield was positively correlated with the number of tillers (r= 0.459) and ears (r= 0.355), and the height (r= 0.534) and wheat dry matter (r= 0.411). Bombona and Brawura were the lowest yielding varieties (3.03 and 3.20 t · ha−1, respectively), whereas the highest yield was achieved by Żura (3.82 t · ha−1, on average).
Advocacy in Nonprofit Organizations: A Leadership Perspective
Authors: Mason Dyana P. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe influence of nonprofit leaders in organizational advocacy strategies and outcomes has not been fully explored in the literature, despite the recognition that political or policy entrepreneurs are crucial to the American policy process. These leaders are placed squarely in the political arena with other political elites, including elected officials, and this study uses a common agency framework to describe the ways in which leaders should be expected to leverage their own personal preferences in guiding their organization’s behavior. Using data from a unique survey of nonprofit leaders in California, I measure the ways that a leader’s personal values and characteristics – specifically their political ideology on a left-right spectrum – have an effect on the organization’s advocacy efforts. Results indicate that political ideology is related to whether or not a leader identifies their group as one that engages in political or policy issues, and what types of tactics they use.
Multi-Criteria Assessment of Vegetable Production Business Alternatives
Authors: Pozderec Silvo , Bavec Martina , Rozman Črtomir , Vinčec Jožef , Pažek Karmen 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Purpose: Organic and integrated production of vegetables are the two most common production systems in Slovenia. The study analyzed two production systems with different cultures as alternatives with purpose to find the most appropriate variants.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study based on the development and integration of developed specific technological- economic simulation models for the production of vegetables (salad, growing peppers, salad cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, round and cherry tomato) in greenhouse and multi-criteria decision analysis. The methodology of the study based on the DEX methodology and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) of organic (ECO) and integrated production (IP) in greenhouse.
Results: The evaluation results show that both cultivation methods of commercially attractive vegetables in greenhouse are variable. In the case of integrated production, the assessment of multi-criteria decision analysis EC and DEXi showed that salad (Donertie F1) proved to be the best possible alternative. In the case of organic production, the multi-criteria analysis assessment of pickling cucumbers (Harmony F1) is the best possible business alternative.
Conclusion: For the further production planning process by decision maker is the ranking with Expert Choice (EC) more useful and precise, while the DEX evaluations are more descriptive.
Lead in soils and pine tree bark (Pinus sylvestris L.) from park area exposed to automotive contamination / Ołów w glebach i korze sosny (Pinus sylvestris L.) z obszaru parkowego, narażonego na zanieczyszczenia motoryzacyjne
Authors: Jaworska Hanna , Dąbkowska-Naskręt Halina , Różański Szymon 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The primary source of soils and plants contamination with heavy metals is rapidly growing traffic. One of the places exposed to harmful effect of vehicle exhaust is Leśny Park Kultury and Wypoczynku in Myślęcinek (LPKiW) near Bydgoszcz. Along LPKiW goes a communication road, which may be the source of environment contamination with heavy metals. The main threat for arable areas and forests is lead (Pb), originating from tetraethyl lead, used until recently as an additive in gasoline.
The aim of the conducted research was to determine the influence of traffic on the content of lead in soils and pine trees bark on the area of LPKiW located in the close vicinity of a busy traffic route. The research material was collected along the outlet route to A1 highway in the distance of 50 - 75 m from the edge of the road, from 13 representative research points. The content of lead in the research material was determined using ASA method after the mineralization of samples with microwave technique. In surface horizons of the investigated soils the total contents of Pb ranged from 11.71 to 40.58 mg·kg-1, and in subsurface horizons ranged from 8.61 to 9.41 mg·kg-1. The characteristic feature of the investigated soils is the higher accumulation of Pb in surface horizons, which is associated with its absorption by organic matter and clay minerals. The obtained results and literature data as compared with Pb content in reference samples show the influence of vehicles emissions on the Pb content
Adaptation to climate change as a task for local authorities / Adaptacja do zmian klimatu jako zadanie władz lokalnych
Authors: Głogowska Magdalena , Pawlak Jolanta 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
International and national documents related to climate change and restriction of its effects emphasize the significant role of local authorities in adaptation to climate change. New tasks resulting from the necessity to adapt to climate change rest with a commune as the basic unit of local authority and a government community, which is an organized territorial system implementing particular tasks, having its own structure and applying appropriate procedures. This paper is focused on presenting and discussing the statutory tasks of communes with regard to adaptation to climate change, identified within the frame of the KLIMADA research project “Elaborating and implementation of a strategic plan of adaptation for sectors and areas sensitive to climate change
Effect of chemical treatment on thermal properties of bagasse fiber-reinforced epoxy composite
Authors: Mittal Varun , Sinha Shishir 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe present paper deals with a study of the thermal properties of bagasse fiber (BF)-reinforced epoxy composites. BFs are subjected to untreated and chemical treatments with 1% sodium hydroxide followed by 1% acrylic acid at ambient temperature before the composites are made. The thermal stability of the components was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, as well as by differential thermal gravimetric analysis. Thermal analysis results of untreated BF-reinforced epoxy composite were compared with treated BF-reinforced epoxy composite. The chemical treatment of BF induces reasonable changes in the thermal stability of the polymer composites.
An attempt of using soil grain size in calculating the capacity of water unavailable to plants / Próba wykorzystania uziarnienia gleby do obliczania zawartości wody niedostępnej dla roślin
Authors: Brogowski Zygmunt , Kwasowski Wojciech 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The aim of this research was to finding methods of calculating the content of water unavailable to plants in the total soil mass based on the water properties of particular grain sizes. Fractions <0.02 mm bind from 90.1 to 98.8% of total water unavailable to plants in soils, and the clay fraction (<0.002 mm) alone binds from 52.1 to 80.1% of this water. Binding water in fractions <0.02 mm significantly depends on the mineralogical composition of fractions. The presence of illite, chlorite or kaolinite causes a decrease of capacity of water unavailable to plants by even 40% in relation to fractions composed of smectites, vermiculites, and humus. Due to high variability of the capacity of water unavailable to plants in particular grain size fractions <0.02 mm resulting from the variable mineralogical composition of this fraction, coefficients allowing to calculate the capacity of water unavailable to plants in soil microcapillaries below 0.2 μm show very high oscillation and could not be applicable.
Analysis and Interpretation of the HLA DQα “1.1 Weak-Signal” Observed During the PCR-Based Typing Method
Authors: Crouse CA , Vincek V , Caraballo BK 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The Perkin-Elmer (PE) AmpliType DQα Forensic Kit is currently available for amplification and typing of a polymorphic region in the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) DQα DNA sequence. Following amplification of the DQα region with the PE kit, typing strips are processed. These strips contain immobilized DNA probes designed to distinguish six possible HLA DQα alleles. It has been observed in this laboratory and others that in a single source DNA sample, it is possible to detect a weak signal on the 1.1 specific allele dot when the samples' genotype clearly does not contain the 1.1 allele. It has been suggested that a potential source of this weak-signal is the non-specific amplification of a HLA DXα gene sequence. To demonstrate the relationship of the DXα gene to the 1.1 non-specific signal, we designed biotinylated DXα PCR primers specific for a 178 bp region in which the amplified product spans the homologous DQα region encompassing the DNA probes present on the typing strips. DXα DNA sequences from various DQα genotypes were amplified and hybridized to DQα typing strips. We have demonstrated that DXα PCR products do not always hybridize to the 1.1 probe on the typing strips. Sequence analysis of DXα PCR products show that this region is polymorphic which may explain why the occurrence of the “1.1 weak-signal” is unpredictable. We have further analyzed the effect of DNA template concentration for the DQα amplification protocol and have shown that regulation of PCR input DNA optimizes the amplification and typing protocols for HLA DQα alleles and minimizes the potential observation of the “1.1 weak-signal.”
Assessment of PCR of the D17S30 Locus for Forensic Identification
Authors: Ivey JN , Atchison BA , Georgalis AM 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
PCR analysis of the VNTR locus D17S30 was assessed for its potential use in forensic identification analysis. “Allelic drop-out,” the inefficient amplification of some alleles, complicates the interpretation of DNA typing at this locus.
PCR conditions were varied in an effort to improve amplification of the alleles at this locus. Such changes included the use of denaturants, formamide and DMSO, to overcome any incomplete denaturation of template strands due to GC content or allele size. Lowering the annealing temperature during the PCR cycle enhanced the amplification of a larger fragment, but this was not related to the D17S30 locus. It appears that the structure of the genome of some individuals rendered PCR amplification inefficient at this locus.
Likelihood Ratios for Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Typing in Criminal Cases
Authors: Jarjoura D , Jamison J , Androulakakis S 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The likelihood ratio approach for DNA typing in criminal cases is described. It is shown how this approach uses both the sizes and pattern of discrepancies between the crime scene profile of fragment lengths and the suspect profile for quantifying the strength of the evidence. In contrast to the current match-binning approach, it avoids an initial decision about whether the two profiles match. Likelihood ratios for pairs of profiles that meet the published statistical criteria for a match show a wide range of values including some that indicate the evidence is strongly against identity.
The Determination of Anabolic Steroids by MECC, Gradient HPLC, and Capillary GC
Authors: Lurie IS , Sperling AR , Meyers RP 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Methodologies are presented for the qualitative and quantitative determinations of anabolic steroids in forensic exhibits using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary gas chromatography (GC). Analyses of representative pharmaceutical dosage forms (including a commercial aqueous suspension, a commercial tablet, several commercial oil samples and various simulated dosage units) were performed using a simple, one step quantitative extraction procedure with methanol. Good agreement was obtained between all three techniques. Retention, migration and linearity data are presented and compared for over twenty anabolic steroids commonly encountered in forensic exhibits. A principal component analysis study confirmed the orthogonality of the three techniques.
Interpretation of Fatal, Multiple, and Exiting Gunshot Wounds by Trauma Specialists
Authors: Collins KA , Lantz PE 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Firearm-related injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Trauma care centers and trauma specialists (emergency medicine, trauma surgery, and neurosurgery) provide emergency care for those injured and mortally wounded from firearms. Consequently, trauma specialists may be asked to address forensic questions regarding gunshot wounds. Many firearm-related injuries are nonfatal and ultimately, fatal gunshot wounds can suffer from surgical alteration or, if the time interval between injury and death is prolonged, considerable healing of entrance and exit wounds may occur. Thus, accurate initial evaluation of firearm-related injuries is essential. We reviewed all firearm-related fatalities at our institution over the last five and a half years. Our objective was to determine how accurately trauma specialists can differentiate entrance and exit wounds in fatal perforating (exiting) gunshot wounds and determine the number of penetrating or perforating projectiles in fatal multiple gunshot wounds. A total of 271 fatal gunshot wound deaths were reviewed. Of these, we excluded all fatal penetrating (nonexiting) single gunshot wounds and fatalities not evaluated by trauma specialists. Postmortem findings were compared with the medical records from those individuals seen in the emergency department and/or admitted to North Carolina Baptist Hospital (Level I trauma center). Forty six cases with fatal multiple or exiting gunshot wounds were identified. Twenty four (52.2%) were misinterpreted by trauma specialists. Errors included inaccurate determination of the total number of multiple penetrating and/or perforating gunshot wounds and erroneous identification of entrance and exit wounds. Of the exiting, single gunshot wounds 37% were misclassified and 73.6% of multiple gunshot wounds were interpreted incorrectly. This study emphasizes the need for trauma specialists to be cognizant of the potential for misinterpretation when multiple and exiting gunshot wounds are encountered and realize the medicolegal implications.
Disinterment from Paving Materials: Use of Heavy Equipment for Exhumation and Examination of Bodies
Authors: Hawley DA , Harruff RC , Pless JE , Clark MA 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Common paving materials—concrete and asphalt—pose an unusual and complex barrier to disinterment and examination of human remains. Although not commonly encountered, these materials are seen with sufficient frequency to justify consideration of the procedures and equipment necessary for disinterment. Over a seven year period we have encountered paving materials seven times. In each of these cases, the material was slightly different in quality, and different tools—including heavy construction equipment—were necessary. Sometimes the paving material could be managed without heavy power tools, but occasionally specialized construction tools have proven very useful.