bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of the Characteristic Function to Evaluate and Compare Analytical Variability in an External Quality Assessment Scheme for Serum Ethanol
Authors: Coucke Wim , Charlier Corine , Lambert Willy , Martens Frank , Neels Hugo , Tytgat Jan , Van de Walle Philippe , Vanescote André , Wallemacq Pierre , Wille Sarah , Verstraete Alain G 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

BACKGROUND
As a cornerstone of quality management in the laboratory, External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes are used to assess laboratory and analytical method performance. The characteristic function is used to describe the relation between the target concentration and the EQA standard deviation, which is an essential part of the evaluation process. The characteristic function is also used to compare the variability of different analytical methods.

METHODS
We fitted the characteristic function to data from the Belgian External Quality Assessment program for serum ethanol. Data included results from headspace gas chromatography and the enzymatic methods of Abbott, Roche, Siemens, and Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics. We estimated the characteristic function with weighted nonlinear regression. By introducing dummy variables, we rewrote the original formula of the characteristic function to assess statistical inference for comparing the variability of the different analytical methods.

RESULTS
The characteristic function fitted the data precisely. Comparison between methods showed that there was little difference between the estimated variability for low concentrations, and that the increase in SD with increasing target concentration was slower for Abbott and Roche than for the other methods.

CONCLUSIONS
The characteristic function can successfully be introduced in clinical schemes, although its applicability to fit the data should always be assessed. Because of its easy parameterization, it can be used to assess differences in performance between analytical methods and to assess laboratory performance. The characteristic function also offers an alternative framework for coefficients of variation to describe variability of analytical methods.
André Siegfried in New Zealand: A racialist vision of social progress
Authors: David-Ives Corinne 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
New Zealand at the turn of the nineteenth century appeared as a social laboratory in the eyes of the world. A small British self-governing colony, soon to become a dominion, New Zealand, together with some of the Australian states, had attracted the attention of a number of intellectuals beyond the borders of the British Empire. In a troubled international context of mounting challenges to the established order, New Zealand appeared as a fascinating compromise: a paradise for the workers, without class struggle; a laboratory of socialist ideas, in the guise of a liberal regime; a loyal colonial society but in the process of maturing and developing its own national identity. André Siegfried, considered to this day the father of French political science, crossed over to the Antipodes to analyze the ‘social laboratory’ of the western world. This was fieldwork that would give him the material for a first Ph.D.
Siegfried had every intention to be objective and to follow a scientific method that would eventually lead to the recognition of political science as a proper discipline. However, he also came to New Zealand with his own bias and was very much influenced by emerging discourses on race and national identity conveyed by certain French intellectuals of the time. This article focuses on the racial assumptions on which Siegfried based his analysis of the New Zealand democracy. It seeks to demonstrate that Siegfried’s vision of progress in New Zealand was not so much based on facts as on an intense preoccupation to do with the future of the so-called white race. Far from supporting progress, Siegfried takes us on a path that sees any social advancement as the natural outcome of superior inherited traits. This article tries to shed light on the discrepancies between this racialist vision and the then dominant ideology in New Zealand. Although notions of a hierarchy between races were common at the time and shared by all colonial powers, Siegfried’s own brand differed and led to a flawed interpretation of the situation in New Zealand, in particular in the field of race relations.
Voyages ‘Across the Board’: A game of postcolonial chess
Authors: Drayton Joanne 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
‘Across the Board’ is a project initiated by the author, which explores diaspora and migration, bringing together representations of ancestors to a chessboard, which is used as a metaphor for the postcolonial relationship between Maori and Pakeha in Aotearoa New Zealand. Sir Peter Buck, renowned Maori anthropologist, once described his forebears as the ‘Vikings of the Sunrise’. Why? Because his ancestors were part of a wave of remarkable seaborne migration that carried people from their origins to the margins of human imagination and endurance – to the land where the sun rises first in the world. But the word Viking communicated more than just sea travel or migration, it evoked the spirit of a people whose warrior history was conveyed orally in songs, in eddic and skaldic poetry, in myths and legends, and in its amazing tradition of ivory, stone and wood carving. In 1831, Viking chess pieces were discovered on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. It is believed that the pieces were made in a workshop in Norway in the mid-twelfth century. Their role as a carrier of culture and memory remains. By reflecting on research and the practice of a twenty-first century bone workshop to make a new chess set inspired by the Lewis pieces, this article explores these ideas in relation to biculturalism in New Zealand. It also examines the conceptual underpinnings of a project that uses the game of chess as a metaphor to consider the impact of diaspora in New Zealand.
The Samoan parsonage family: The concepts of feagaiga and tagata’ese
Authors: Muaiava Sadat 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Contact between the indigenous peoples of the Pacific and the western world has had immense sociocultural and linguistic impacts on indigenous communities. Perhaps the major source of sociocultural and linguistic impact in the Pacific can be attributed to the arrival of Christianity. This is certainly the case for Samoa. The fusion between fa’asamoa (Samoan culture) and the lotu (church) is evidence of Christianity’s profound impact. The fusion is also evidence of the Samoan people’s unequivocal stance for cultural safeguarding. As missionaries sought to eradicate much of the Samoan beliefs system, the Samoan leaders at the time were content to construct the new doctrine around the fa’asamoa.
The highest class in the church is the faife’au (church pastor). A decade after continued missionary work in Samoa, the faife’au and his family were introduced by the missionaries, once they had deemed that the Samoan church was fit for self-governance. Today, both in Samoa and overseas, the church is structured around the Samoan indigenous political order. To some degree, the faife’au was also bestowed the highest of honorific status in Samoa. Yet the Samoan parsonage family is unique in the Samoan class structure. The aim of this article is to discuss this uniqueness by examining the feagaiga (covenant) and tagata’ese (stranger) experiences of the Samoan parsonage family. Both the feagaiga and tagata’ese concepts are fused entities that have been constructed by both the fa’asamoa and lotu. The Samoan parsonage family has been neglected in both the Pacific mainstream and theological literatures until now.
Application of HPM to Find Analytical Solution of Coette Flow with Variable Viscosity
Authors: Azimi Alireza , Azimi Mohammadreza , Javanfar Amirhossein 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In this paper, the couette flow of fluid with variable viscosity is studied analytically by using Homotopy Pertubation Method (HPM). At first the basic idea of Homotopy Pertubation Method (HPM) is presented. The mathematical formulation and application of HPM to nonlinear problem are presented in section three. In order to check the validity of solution the analytical results are compared with exact ones for various numerical cases. The good agreement between exact method and Homotopy Pertubation Method has been assures us about the solution accuracy.
The Influence of Clearances in a Drive System on Dynamics and Kinematics of a Telescopic Crane
Authors: Trąbka Arkadiusz 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The paper presents the results of numerical analyses that were carried out in order to evaluate how a change in a size of a clearance in a slewing motion drive system of a telescopic crane influences the movement of a load and the dynamic loads of a structure. A computational model was developed based on a real structure of an experimental crane by using the ADAMS software. The analyses showed that a circumferential clearance at the output of a reduction gear, which is less than 1º, does not adversely affect the precision of the load movement. An excessive clearance leads to losing fluidity of a body slewing motion and to changes in the trajectory of the load.
The Diesel and the Vegetable oil Properties Assessment in terms of Pumping Capability and Cooperation with Internal Combustion Engine Fuelling System
Authors: Szpica Dariusz , Czaban Jarosław , Banaszuk Piotr , Weresa Emil 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In the paper, the results of preliminary diesel and vegetable oil research were shown, the subject of which were directly intended to be the fuel for powering compression ignition engines. In the times of climate protection and more strict standards concerning combustion gas emissions, the fuel production and transportation process became an important aspect. Decentralization of this process and enabling fuel obtaining directly from cultivation (oleaginous plants) let limit the global CO2 emission. This is why the preliminary assessment of two fuel sorts properties was attempted, on one side, the basic one, which is the diesel, on the other side - vegetable oil. Prior to subjecting the compression ignition engine to the process of adaptation to vegetable fuelling, the properties of the fuel responsible for pumping should be assessed (mainly viscosity) and friction nodes cooperation (lubricity). The first of researched parameters is the base to elaborating the system of engine controlling algorithm or the range of changes in construction of powering system. The second one is the wear issue - object fitness and repairing overhauls.
Diagnostics of Gears and Compressors by Means of Advanced Automatic System
Authors: Tomaszewski Jerzy , Rysinski Jacek 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
In the present paper, the diagnostics problems of gears and air-compressors are discussed. The diagnostics has been performed by means of wireless system WiViD. This system is a unique design solution, in which several functions are divided and performer by two separate devices. The mentioned device functions are as follows: data handling, processing, their analysis and presentation. In the paper, own measurement procedures were created, checked and presented. The evaluation of technical conditions of some devices was done based upon the registered diagnostic symptoms, which were compared with the allowable limits.
Solving Nonlinear Thermal Problems of Friction by Using Method of Lines
Authors: Och Ewa 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
One-dimensional heat conduction problem of friction for two bodies (half spaces) made of thermosensitive materials was considered. Solution to the nonlinear boundary-value heat conduction problem was obtained in three stages. At the first stage a partial linearization of the problem was performed by using Kirchhoff transform. Next, the obtained boundary-values problem by using the method of lines was brought to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, relatively to Kirchhoff’s function values in the nodes of the grid on the spatial variable, where time is an independent variable. At the third stage, by using the Adams's method from DIFSUB package, a numerical solution was found to the above-mentioned differential equations. A comparative analysis was conducted (Och, 2014) using the results obtained with the proposed method and the method of successive approximations.
Automatization of Contact Pressure Measurement between Trunk Orthosis and Patient's Body Using a Matrix Tactile Sensor
Authors: Hudák Radovan , Rajťúková Viktória , Živčák Jozef 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Trunk orthosis affects trunk by a corrective-pressure mode with an objective to correct deformities (e.g. scoliosis). The effectiveness of this function depends on various factors, i.e. correct orthosis manufacture, correct application to patients and regular pressure corrective effect control. All these factors can be monitored by a system for measurement and evaluation of the contact pressure between the instrument and trunk in a real time and also by a so called “off line” system data recording. Presented article describes the application of made-to-measure sensor system TACTILUS (Sensor Products, USA) in different regimes (ambulance - A, home - H, combined - HA and multi-sensory ambulance - MA regime), testing of chosen static and dynamic matrix tactile sensor (MTS) parameters and results of the testing application between orthosis and patients' trunks.
Potential of city break clubbing tourism in Wrocław
Authors: Iwanicki Grzegorz , Dłużewska Anna 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Over the last decade Polish cities have become popular destinations of the foreign clubbing tourism. Interest of foreign tourists, however, is not reflected in the interest of scientists, because clubbing tourism-related issues have not been extensively studied in the literature regarding Polish cities. In this paper the authors have tried to fill this gap by analysing the potential of city break clubbing tourism in Wrocław, the city which has been selected the European Capital of Culture 2016. As part of the analysis, the following elements affecting the development of this type of tourism were examined: transport accessibility, clubbing infrastructure (discos, nightclubs and pubs), and other factors (accommodation facilities and selected tourist attractions). The transport accessibility data include only regular direct flights carried by low-cost carriers (LCC) in 2014 (number of connections, frequency of flights and ticket prices), as this type of transportation is crucial for city break tourism.
Density of lithium fluoride–lithium carbonate-based molten salts
Authors: Song Xiao-Wen , Deng Wen-Tao , Liu Zheng-Hao , Shi Zhong-Ning , Gao Bing-Liang , Hu Xian-Wei , Wang Zhao-Wen 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe density of the LiF-Li
Application of polypyrrole nanowires for the development of a tyrosinase biosensor
Authors: Kochana Jolanta , Hnida Katarzyna , Sulka Grzegorz , Knihnicki Paweł , Kozak Joanna , Gilowska Agnieszka 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPolypyrrole nanowires (PPyNWs) were fabricated and examined as a structural component of amperometric biosensor matrix. An enzyme, tyrosinase (TYR), was immobilized onto PPyNWs using glutaraldehyde (GA). Matrix composite morphology was investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical behavior of the prepared PPyNWs/GA/TYR biosensor towards catechol was studied and the assessment of its analytical characteristics was carried out taking into account linear range, sensitivity, repeatability, reproducibility and operational stability.
Immobilisation of tyrosinase on siliceous cellular foams affording highly effective and stable biocatalysts
Authors: Labus Karolina , Szymańska Katarzyna , Bryjak Jolanta , Jarzębski Andrzej B. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractTyrosinase from Agaricus bisporus was immobilised covalently on mesostructured siliceous foam (MCF) and three mesoporous silicas of SBA-15 type of different pore sizes, regarded as the reference, to reveal that MCF was the superior enzyme support. All the carriers were functionalised using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and the enzyme was attached covalently via glutaraldehyde or by simple adsorption and it was also cross-linked with glutaraldehyde in selected samples. The experiments indicated that only tyrosinase attached covalently was highly active and that postimmobilisation cross-linking slightly reduced its activity with no improvement in stability. MCFbound tyrosinase was the best biocatalyst with monophenolase and diphenolase activities of 3627 U mL
Reaction kinetics of malachite in ammonium carbamate solution
Authors: Mao Ying-Bo , Deng Jiu-Shuai , Wen Shu-Ming , Fang Jian-Jun 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe dissolution of malachite particles in ammonium carbamate (AC) solutions was investigated in a batch reactor, using the parameters of temperature, AC concentration, particle size, and stirring speed. The shrinking core model was evaluated for the dissolution rate increased by decreasing particle size and increasing the temperature and AC concentration. No important effect was observed for variations in stirring speed. Dissolution curves were evaluated in order to test shrinking core models for fluid-solid systems. The dissolution rate was determined as being controlled by surface chemical reaction. The activation energy of the leaching process was determined as 46.04 kJ mol
Polymorphism of the APEX nuclease 1 gene in keratoconus and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy
Authors: Wojcik Katarzyna A. , Synowiec Ewelina , Kaminska Anna , Izdebska Justyna , Polakowski Piotr , Pawlowska Elzbieta , Blasiak Janusz , Szaflik Jerzy , Szaflik Jacek P. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractHuman APEX nuclease 1 (APEX1) plays an important role in the repair of oxidative DNA lesions through base excision repair. It may influence the development of oxidative stress-related diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the genotypes of the c.444 T>G (rs1130409) and c.-468 T>G (rs1760944) polymorphisms in the APEX1 gene and the occurrence of two oxidative stress-related eye diseases: keratoconus (KC) and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). The study involved 250 patients with KC, 209 patients with FECD, and 350 control subjects. All of the patients and control subjects underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination. The polymorphisms were genotyped by mismatch polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (mismatch PCR-RFLP). We observed that the G/T and T/T genotypes of the c.-468 T>G polymorphism were respectively associated with a decreased occurrence of KC (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.37-0.95; p = 0.030) and an increased occurrence of KC (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.06-3.32; p = 0.032). None of these polymorphisms showed any association with FECD. Furthermore, no other association was observed, including haplotypes of the two polymorphisms. Our findings suggest that the c.-468 T>G polymorphism of the APEX1 gene may play a role in the pathogenesis of KC.
Study strategies for long non-coding RNAs and their roles in regulating gene expression
Authors: Qin Dan , Xu Cunshuan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted considerable attention recently due to their involvement in numerous key cellular processes and in the development of various disorders. New high-throughput methods enable their study on a genome-wide scale. Numerous lncRNAs have been identified and characterized as important members of the biological regulatory network, with significant roles in regulating gene expression at the epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. This paper summarizes the diverse mechanisms of action of these lncRNAs and looks at the study strategies in this field. A major challenge in future study is to establish more effective bioinformatics and experimental methods to explore the functions, detailed mechanisms of action and structures deciding the functional diversity of lncRNAs, since the vast majority remain unresolved.
Investigating people’s news diets: How online users use offline news
Authors: Trilling Damian , Schoenbach Klaus 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe question how offline media use is related to online media use has been heavily debated in the last decades. If they are functionally equivalent, then advantages like low costs, rapid publication cycles, and easy access to online news could lead to them displacing offline news. Data from a large-scale survey with detailed questions about media use in the Netherlands show that, interestingly, the functions that online and offline media are used for are often the same: Those who use online media to gain a broad overview of the news, for fast updates, or for background information use offline media for the same purpose. There are some differences, though: For many citizens, the need of a broad overview of the news seems to be fulfilled by repertoires consisting of several outlets of different types, while they seem to have favorite specific outlets for news updates or background information, respectively. This suggests that outlets can especially focus on the latter two functions to distinguish themselves.
Towards a theoretical model of social media surveillance in contemporary society
Authors: Fuchs Christian , Trottier Daniel 
Published: May 2015

Abstract‘Social media’ like Facebook or Twitter have become tremendously popular in recent years. Their popularity provides new opportunities for data collection by state and private companies, which requires a critical and theoretical focus on social media surveillance. The task of this paper is to outline a theoretical framework for defining social media surveillance in the context of contemporary society, identifying its principal characteristics, and understanding its broader societal implications. Social media surveillance is a form of surveillance in which different forms of sociality and individuals different social roles converge, so that surveillance becomes a monitoring of different activities in different social roles with the help of profiles that hold a complex networked multitude of data about humans.
Classifier Ensembles Using Structural Features For Spammer Detection In Online Social Networks
Authors: Abulaish Muhammad , Bhat Sajid Y. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
As the online social network technology is gaining all time high popularity and usage, the malicious behavior and attacks of spammers are getting smarter and difficult to track. The newer spamming approaches using the social engineering concepts are making traditional spam and spammer detection techniques obsolete. Especially, content-based filtering of spam messages and spammer profiles in online social networks is becoming difficult. Newer approaches for spammer detection using topological features are gaining attention. Further, the evaluation of ensemble classifiers for detection of spammers over social networking behavior-based features is still in its infancy. In this paper, we present an ensemble learning method for online social network security by evaluating the performance of some basic ensemble classifiers over novel community-based social networking features of legitimate users and spammers in online social networks. The proposed method aims to identify topological and community-based features from users’ interaction network and uses popular classifier ensembles – bagging and boosting to identify spammers in online social networks. Experimental evaluation of the proposed method is done over a real-world data set with artificial spammers that follow a behavior as reported in earlier literature. The experimental results reveal that the identified features are highly discriminative to identify spammers in online social networks.