bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Usman Muhammad Shariq , Siddiqi Tariq Jamal , Memon Muhammad Mustafa , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Rawasia Wasiq Faraz , Talha Ayub Muhammad , Sreenivasan Jayakumar , Golzar Yasmeen
Published: January 2018

Background

The risks and benefits of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes have not been well established. We pooled evidence from all available clinical trials to assess the cardiovascular effects of this drug.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Methods

We queried electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL and clinicaltrials.gov) from their inception to July 2017 for published and unpublished placebo controlled trials of SGLT2 inhibitors. Only studies with a follow-up period of at least 24 weeks and reporting at least one cardiovascular outcome were included. Results from trials were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results

Thirty-five eligible studies (canagliflozin, nine; empagliflozin, eight; dapagliflozin, 18), consisting of 34,987 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. Pooled results show that SGLT2 inhibitors, when compared to placebo, significantly reduce all-cause mortality (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70–0.89; P < 0.001), major adverse cardiac events (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.76–0.92; P < 0.001), non-fatal myocardial infarction (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73–0.98; P = 0.03) and heart failure/hospitalisation for heart failure (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.59–0.76; P < 0.001) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. No significant difference was noted in the occurrence of stroke (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.85–1.21; P = 0.87), atrial fibrillation (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.31–1.19; P = 0.15) or unstable angina (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.73–1.25; P = 0.73). In addition, there was no heterogeneity between different drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor class for all of the clinical outcomes studied ( I2 = 0).

Conclusions

SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduce the incidence of mortality, major adverse cardiac events, non-fatal myocardial infarction and heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subtypes of SGLT2 inhibitors appear to have similar cardiovascular effects.
Phenotypes of organ involvement in sarcoidosis
Authors: Schupp Jonas Christian , Freitag-Wolf Sandra , Bargagli Elena , Mihailović-Vučinić Violeta , Rottoli Paola , Grubanovic Aleksandar , Müller Annegret , Jochens Arne , Tittmann Lukas , Schnerch Jasmin , Olivieri Carmela , Fischer Annegret , Jovanovic Dragana , Filipovic Snežana , Videnovic-Ivanovic Jelica , Bresser Paul , Jonkers René , O'Reilly Kate , Ho Ling-Pei , Gaede Karoline I. , Zabel Peter , Dubaniewicz Anna , Marshall Ben , Kieszko Robert , Milanowski Janusz , Günther Andreas , Weihrich Anette , Petrek Martin , Kolek Vitezslav , Keane Michael P. , O'Beirne Sarah , Donnelly Seamas , Haraldsdottir Sigridur Olina , Jorundsdottir Kristin B. , Costabel Ulrich , Bonella Francesco , Wallaert Benoît , Grah Christian , Peroš-Golubičić Tatjana , Luisetti Mauritio , Kadija Zamir , Pabst Stefan , Grohé Christian , Strausz János , Vašáková Martina , Sterclova Martina , Millar Ann , Homolka Jiří , Slováková Alena , Kendrick Yvonne , Crawshaw Anjali , Wuyts Wim , Spencer Lisa , Pfeifer Michael , Valeyre Dominique , Poletti Venerino , Wirtz Hubertus , Prasse Antje , Schreiber Stefan , Krawczak Michael , Müller-Quernheim Joachim
Published: January 2018

Sarcoidosis is a highly variable, systemic granulomatous disease of hitherto unknown aetiology. The GenPhenReSa (Genotype–Phenotype Relationship in Sarcoidosis) project represents a European multicentre study to investigate the influence of genotype on disease phenotypes in sarcoidosis.

The baseline phenotype module of GenPhenReSa comprised 2163 Caucasian patients with sarcoidosis who were phenotyped at 31 study centres according to a standardised protocol.

From this module, we found that patients with acute onset were mainly female, young and of Scadding type I or II. Female patients showed a significantly higher frequency of eye and skin involvement, and complained more of fatigue. Based on multidimensional correspondence analysis and subsequent cluster analysis, patients could be clearly stratified into five distinct, yet undescribed, subgroups according to predominant organ involvement: 1) abdominal organ involvement, 2) ocular–cardiac–cutaneous–central nervous system disease involvement, 3) musculoskeletal–cutaneous involvement, 4) pulmonary and intrathoracic lymph node involvement, and 5) extrapulmonary involvement.

These five new clinical phenotypes will be useful to recruit homogenous cohorts in future biomedical studies.
Effects of inspiratory muscle training on dyspnoea in severe COPD patients during pulmonary rehabilitation: controlled randomised trial
Authors: Beaumont Marc , Mialon Philippe , Le Ber Catherine , Le Mevel Patricia , Péran Loïc , Meurisse Olivier , Morelot-Panzini Capucine , Dion Angelina , Couturaud Francis
Published: January 2018

The benefit of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) combined with a pulmonary rehabilitation programme (PRP) is uncertain. We aimed to demonstrate that, in severe and very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, IMT performed during a PRP is associated with an improvement of dyspnoea.

In a single-blind randomised controlled trial, 150 severe or very severe COPD patients were allocated to follow PRP+IMTversusPRP alone. The evaluations were performed at inclusion and after 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in dyspnoea using the Multidimensional Dyspnoea Profile questionnaire at the end of a 6-min walk test (6MWT) at 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes were changes in dyspnoea using the Borg (end of the 6MWT) and modified Medical Research Council scales and in functional parameters (maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax), inspiratory capacity, 6MWT and quality of life). All analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis.

Dyspnoea decreased significantly in both groups; however, the improvement of dyspnoea was not statistically different between the two groups. We only found a statistically significant greater increase ofPImaxafter IMT+PRP than after PRP alone.

In this trial including severe or very severe COPD patients, we did not find a significant benefit of IMT during PRP+IMT as compared to PRP alone on dyspnoea, despite a significantly higher improvement ofPImaxin the IMT group.
Inspiratory muscle training does not improve clinical outcomes in 3-week COPD rehabilitation: results from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Schultz Konrad , Jelusic Danijel , Wittmann Michael , Krämer Benjamin , Huber Veronika , Fuchs Sebastian , Lehbert Nicola , Wingart Silke , Stojanovic Dragan , Göhl Oliver , Alma Harma J. , de Jong Corina , van der Molen Thys , Faller Hermann , Schuler Michael
Published: January 2018

The value of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unclear. The RIMTCORE (Routine Inspiratory Muscle Training within COPD Rehabilitation) randomised controlled trial examined the effectiveness of IMT added to pulmonary rehabilitation.

In total, 611 COPD patients (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage II–IV) received a 3-week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation, of which 602 patients were included in the intention-to-treat analyses. The intervention group (n=300) received highly intensive IMT and the control group (n=302) received sham IMT. The primary outcome was maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax). The secondary outcomes were 6-min walk distance, dyspnoea, quality of life and lung function. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-pulmonary rehabilitation. ANCOVA was used.

The intervention group showed higher effects inPImax(p<0.001) and forced inspiratory volume in 1 s (p=0.013). All other outcomes in both study groups improved significantly, but without further between-group differences. Sex and pulmonary rehabilitation admission shortly after hospitalisation modified quality of life effects.

IMT as an add-on to a 3-week pulmonary rehabilitation improves inspiratory muscle strength, but does not provide additional benefits in terms of exercise capacity, quality of life or dyspnoea. A general recommendation for COPD patients to add IMT to a 3-week pulmonary rehabilitation cannot be made.
RESPIRE 1: a phase III placebo-controlled randomised trial of ciprofloxacin dry powder for inhalation in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
Authors: De Soyza Anthony , Aksamit Timothy , Bandel Tiemo-Joerg , Criollo Margarita , Elborn J. Stuart , Operschall Elisabeth , Polverino Eva , Roth Katrin , Winthrop Kevin L. , Wilson Robert
Published: January 2018

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of ciprofloxacin dry powder for inhalation (DPI) in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, two or more exacerbations in the previous year and pre-defined bacteria in sputum.

In this phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients were randomised 2:1 to twice-daily ciprofloxacin DPI 32.5 mg or placebo in two treatment regimens consisting of on/off treatment cycles of 14 or 28 days for 48 weeks. The primary end-points were time to first exacerbation and frequency of exacerbations.

A total of 416 patients were randomised to the 14-day on/off regimen (ciprofloxacin DPI (n=137) and placebo (n=68)) or the 28-day on/off regimen (ciprofloxacin DPI (n=141) and placebo (n=70)). Ciprofloxacin DPI 14 days on/off significantly prolonged time to first exacerbationversuspooled placebo (median time >336versus186 days; hazard ratio 0.53, 97.5% CI 0.36–0.80; p=0.0005) and reduced the frequency of exacerbations compared with matching placebo by 39% (mean number of exacerbations 0.6versus1.0; incidence rate ratio 0.61, 97.5% CI 0.40–0.91; p=0.0061). Outcomes for ciprofloxacin DPI 28 days on/off were not statistically significantly different from placebo. The safety profile of ciprofloxacin DPI was favourable.

Ciprofloxacin DPI was well tolerated and has the potential to be an effective treatment option in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
Impact of EML4-ALK Variant on Resistance Mechanisms and Clinical Outcomes in ALK-Positive Lung Cancer
Authors: Lin Jessica J. , Zhu Viola W. , Yoda Satoshi , Yeap Beow Y. , Schrock Alexa B. , Dagogo-Jack Ibiayi , Jessop Nicholas A. , Jiang Ginger Y. , Le Long P. , Gowen Kyle , Stephens Philip J. , Ross Jeffrey S. , Ali Siraj M. , Miller Vincent A. , Johnson Melissa L. , Lovly Christine M. , Hata Aaron N. , Gainor Justin F. , Iafrate Anthony J. , Shaw Alice T. , Ou Sai-Hong Ignatius
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase ( ALK) fusion-positive non–small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) are effectively treated with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, clinical outcomes in these patients vary, and the benefit of TKIs is limited as a result of acquired resistance. Emerging data suggest that the ALK fusion variant may affect clinical outcome, but the molecular basis for this association is unknown.

Patients and Methods

We identified 129 patients with ALK-positive NSCLC with known ALK variants. ALK resistance mutations and clinical outcomes on ALK TKIs were retrospectively evaluated according to ALK variant. A Foundation Medicine data set of 577 patients with ALK-positive NSCLC was also examined.

Results

The most frequent ALK variants were EML4-ALK variant 1 in 55 patients (43%) and variant 3 in 51 patients (40%). We analyzed 77 tumor biopsy specimens from patients with variants 1 and 3 who had progressed on an ALK TKI. ALK resistance mutations were significantly more common in variant 3 than in variant 1 (57% v 30%; P = .023). In particular, ALK G1202R was more common in variant 3 than in variant 1 (32% v 0%; P < .001). Analysis of the Foundation Medicine database revealed similar associations of variant 3 with ALK resistance mutation and with G1202R ( P = .010 and .015, respectively). Among patients treated with the third-generation ALK TKI lorlatinib, variant 3 was associated with a significantly longer progression-free survival than variant 1 (hazard ratio, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.79; P = .011).

Conclusion

Specific ALK variants may be associated with the development of ALK resistance mutations, particularly G1202R, and provide a molecular link between variant and clinical outcome. ALK variant thus represents a potentially important factor in the selection of next-generation ALK inhibitors.
Residual Force Enhancement Is Preserved for Conditions of Reduced Contractile Force
Authors: FUKUTANI ATSUKI , HERZOG WALTER
Published: January 2018

Introduction

The isometric muscle force attained after active stretch is greater than that attained in a purely isometric contraction. This property is referred to as residual force enhancement (RFE). Because RFE is thought to be caused by a titin-based passive force, it should be preserved in reduced contractile force states. Therefore, we evaluated the magnitude of RFE in normal and reduced contractile force states.

Methods

Skinned fibers of rabbit psoas and soleus (N= 60) were used in all experiments. Reduced contractile force states were induced (i) by using a low Ca2+concentration (N= 30), (ii) by adding 20 mM butanedione monoxime (N= 15), and (iii) by lowering the pH level (N= 15). Force enhancement and reference isometric tests were conducted for each condition. In the force enhancement tests, fibers were actively stretched from an average sarcomere length of 2.4 to 3.0 μm. The isometric force attained 15 s after the end of stretching was used for analysis. In the isometric reference tests, fibers were activated isometrically at an average sarcomere length of 3.0 μm, and the force at steady state was used for analysis. The absolute and relative magnitudes of RFE were calculated.

Results

The absolute RFE was the same for the normal and reduced contractile force states. Because the isometric reference force was smaller in the reduced contractile force states, the relative RFE was greater in the reduced contractile force than the normal states for all conditions.

Conclusion

RFE was preserved in the reduced contractile force states.
Do Higher Corporate Taxes Reduce Wages? Micro Evidence from Germany
Authors: Fuest Clemens , Peichl Andreas , Siegloch Sebastian
Published: January 2018

This paper estimates the incidence of corporate taxes on wages using a 20-year panel of German municipalities exploiting 6,800 tax changes for identification. Using event study designs and difference-in-differences models, we find that workers bear about one-half of the total tax burden. Administrative linked employer-employee data allow us to estimate heterogeneous firm and worker effects. Our findings highlight the importance of labor market institutions and profit-shifting opportunities for the incidence of corporate taxes on wages. Moreover, we show that low-skilled, young, and female employees bear a larger share of the tax burden. This has important distributive implications. (JEL H25, H31, H71, J16, J24, J31)
Export Destinations and Input Prices
Authors: Bastos Paulo , Silva Joana , Verhoogen Eric
Published: January 2018

This paper examines the relationship between the destination of exports and the input prices paid by firms, using detailed customs and firm-product-level data from Portugal. Both ordinary least squares regressions and an instrumental-variable strategy using exchange-rate movements (interacted with indicators for initial exports) as a source of variation in destinations indicate that exporting to richer countries leads firms to pay higher prices for inputs, other things equal. The results are supportive of what we call the income-based quality-choice channel: selling to richer destinations leads firms to raise the average quality of goods they produce and to purchase higher-quality inputs. (JEL D22, D24, F14, F31, L15)
Intergenerational Mobility and Preferences for Redistribution
Authors: Alesina Alberto , Stantcheva Stefanie , Teso Edoardo
Published: January 2018

Using new cross-country survey and experimental data, we investigate how beliefs about intergenerational mobility affect preferences for redistribution in France, Italy, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Americans are more optimistic than Europeans about social mobility. Our randomized treatment shows pessimistic information about mobility and increases support for redistribution, mostly for “equality of opportunity” policies. We find strong political polarization. Left-wing respondents are more pessimistic about mobility: their preferences for redistribution are correlated with their mobility perceptions; and they support more redistribution after seeing pessimistic information. None of this is true for right-wing respondents, possibly because they see the government as a “problem” and not as the “solution.” (JEL D63, D72, H23, H24, J31, J62)
What is Diagrammatic Reasoning in Mathematics?
Authors: Sochański Michał
Published: January 2018

In recent years, epistemological issues connected with the use of diagrams and visualization in mathematics have been a subject of increasing interest. In particular, it is open to dispute what role diagrams play in justifying mathematical statements. One of the issues that may appear in this context is: what is the character of reasoning that relies in some way on a diagram or visualization and in what way is it distinct from other types of reasoning in mathematics? In this paper it is proposed to distinguish between several ways of using visualization or diagrams in mathematics, each of which could be connected with a different concept of diagrammatic/visual reasoning. Main differences between those types of reasoning are also hinted at. A distinction between visual (diagrammatic) reasoning and visual (diagrammatic) thinking is also considered.
A Generalisation of a Refutation-related Method in Paraconsistent Logics
Authors: Trybus Adam
Published: January 2018

This article describes a refutation method of proving maximality of three-valued paraconsistent logics. After outlining the philosophical background related to paraconsistent logics and the refutation approach to modern logic, we briefly describe how these two areas meet in the case of maximal paraconsistent logics. We focus on a method of proving maximality introduced in [34] and [37] that has the benefit of being simple and effective. We show how the method works on a number of examples, thus emphasising the fact that it provides a unifying approach to the search for maximal paraconsistent logics. Finally, we show how the method can be generalised to cover a wide range of paraconsistent logics. We also conduct a small experimental setting that confirms the theoretical results.
Mortality, Length of Stay, and Cost of Weekend Admissions
Authors: Ko Stephanie Q. , Strom Jordan B. , Shen Changyu , Yeh Robert W.
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Apparent increase in mortality associated with being admitted to hospital on a weekend compared to weekdays has led to controversial policy changes to weekend staffing in the United Kingdom. Studies in the United States have been inconclusive and diagnosis specific, and whether to implement such changes is subject to ongoing debate.

OBJECTIVE

To compare mortality, length of stay, and cost between patients admitted on weekdays and weekends.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

National Inpatient Sample, an administrative claims database of a 20% stratified sample of discharges from all hospitals participating in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project.

PATIENTS

Adult patients who were emergently admitted from 2012 to 2014.

INTERVENTION

The primary predictor was whether the admission was on a weekday or weekend.

MEASUREMENT

The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality and secondary outcomes were length of stay and cost.

RESULTS

We included 13,505,396 patients in our study. After adjusting for demographics and disease severity, we found a small difference in inpatient mortality rates on weekends versus weekdays (odds ratio [OR] 1.029; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.020‐1.039; P < .001). There was a statistically significant but clinically small decrease in length of stay (2.24%; 95% CI, 2.16‐2.33; P < .001) and cost (1.14%; 95% CI, 1.05‐1.24; P < .001) of weekend admissions. A subgroup analysis of the most common weekend diagnoses showed substantial heterogeneity between diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in mortality of weekend admissions may be attributed to underlying differences in patient characteristics and severity of illness and is subject to large between‐diagnoses heterogeneity. Increasing weekend services may not result in desired reduction in inpatient mortality rate.
Pink, Cirque and the Québécisation de l’industrie
Authors: Batson Charles R.
Published: January 2018

Abstract

On 31 January 2010, during the broadcast of the 52nd Grammy awards, the multiple-prize-winning vocal artist Pink offered a performance of the hit single Glitter in the Air that stunned many viewers. Spectators present in Los Angeles’s Staples Center, along with those watching via electronic media that reached some 26 million people through television in the United States alone, were both thrilled and astonished. ‘C’est la Québécisation de l’industrie!’, commented one excited observer. This paper attempts to unpack this observation and its celebration of a Québécois influence on, even signs of Québec itself in, the international performance industry. Through an exploration of certain genealogies associated with both the art and the artists and an examination of certain moments in the development of the circus arts in Québec, the article notes real traces of Québécois cultural productions appearing in international performance spaces. As it turns to offer a critical gaze onto the very celebration of this perception of a Québec in the popular cultural industry, these pages close on a proposed way of understanding how these performances may ultimately help create and maintain a Québécois identity for their viewers.
“Seeing the whole elephant”: Changing mindsets and empowering stakeholders to meaningfully manage accountability and improvement
Authors: Bush-Mecenas Susan , Montes de Oca David , Marsh Julie , Hough Heather
Published: January 2018

School accountability and improvement policy are on the precipice of a paradigm shift. While the multiple-measure dashboard accountability approach holds great promise for promoting more meaningful learning opportunities for all students, our research indicates that this can come with substantial challenges in practice. We reflect upon the lessons learned from our recent research on the CORE districts’ use of multiple-measure data dashboards. Our research indicated that a shift to greater flexibility and locally determined capacity building efforts brings its own set of challenges. Building on this foundation and drawing upon the expertise of a central practitioner-leader, we explore these issues through one promising case: the use of these multiple-measure accountability systems in one CORE district, Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). OUSD’s approach suggests that districts have substantial agency to help modify the mindsets of practitioners and the community, by modeling the values of inquiry, openness, and flexibility. By loosening the reigns, districts can give school stakeholders the space and authority to meaningfully manage their own accountability and improvement.
Linking teacher education to redesigned systems of accountability: A call for multiple measures in pre-service teacher effectiveness
Authors: Farley Amy N. , Clayton Grant , Kaka Sarah J.
Published: January 2018

In this written commentary for the special issue of Education Policy Analysis Archives focused on “Redesigning Assessment and Accountability,” we call for teacher preparation to embrace a multiple measures philosophy by providing teacher candidates with rich opportunities to engage with data from a variety of sources, beyond teacher test scores and principal evaluations. We apply and extend Bae’s (2018) argument to teacher preparation policies, urging teacher educators to develop programs that promote continuous improvement. We argue that teacher education can and should prepare candidates to engage in multiple measure systems, critically evaluate data and sense make to construct meaning, reflect on and improve their practice to meet the needs of all students, and ultimately advocate for next-generation accountability systems that authentically foreground and prioritize continuous improvement.
Multiple perspectives accountability systems: A perspective from Vermont
Authors: Fowler Amy
Published: January 2018

In response to Bae’s (2018) Redesigning systems of school accountability: A multiple measures approach to accountability and support, this commentary expands on some key considerations for states and school districts as they seek different ways to support school improvement while also addressing the competing demands of educators, policymakers, and the public. Using examples from Vermont, the author highlights the need for: (1) states and districts to make accountability part of their core statement of values, with a focus on why certain measures are selected, not what measures are selected; and (2) reciprocal accountability through better collaborations between federal, state and local actors to identify and fund the best investments for education.
Making performance assessments part of accountability
Authors: Haun Billy
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this commentary is to describe recent efforts in Virginia to develop and use performance assessments, including the challenges that emerged during this process and key considerations for states that integrate performance assessment into their systems. Performance assessments can play an important role in preparing students for success and college and career, as described in Virginia’s Profile of a Virginia Graduate.
An Interdisciplinary Journey with Professor Yuji Ijiri
Authors: Lin Haijin
Published: January 2018

Professor Yuji Ijiri is an interdisciplinary scholar. This essay is a recollection of some of his interdisciplinary works during the later period of his academic career.
Antioxidative Responses of Microalgae to Heavy Metals
Authors: Kováčik Jozef
Published: January 2018

Microalgae are unicellular free living entities and therefore their responses to excess of heavy metals must be faster and more efficient than those in vascular plants protected by various types of tissues. Up to date, numerous studies reported metal bioaccumulation potential of algae but metabolic responses have relatively rarely been monitored. Here I provide basic overview of quantitative changes of ascorbic acid (AA), reduced glutathione (GSH), phytochelatins (PCs) and selected related enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase) in some common microalgae exposed to various metals (cadmium mainly). Despite various culture and exposure conditions, some common signs of metal toxicity (including e.g. enhancement of phytochelatin biosynthesis) are clearly identifiable in algae. Other metal chelators such as organic acids are also briefly mentioned. Comparison with macroalgae, mosses and vascular plants is discussed in terms of basal values and evolutionary similarities.
How the Management May Affect Dispersal of Slender Speedwell (Veronica filiformis Smith) in Meadows and Pastures
Authors: Šerá Božena , Kobes Milan
Published: January 2018

Slender speedwell (Veronica filiformis Smith, family Plantaginaceae) is a non-native and invasive species of grassland in the Europe. The aim of the study was to test the ability of the growth and spreading in nine differently managed grasslands (mowing, mulching, grazing). The best survival was found in two-years mowed lots with fertilisation and in all lots with not permanent cattle pasture crops. There were found the highest number of survived plants and plants with big “rosette“ diameters. Number of survived plant for two seasons was 18 and total number of vegetative peaks per plant was 688. The potential for the spreading of such plant population is great. On the other hand, plants did not survived in lots with mulch treatment and in fenced lots with permanent cattle grazing.
Well-posedness, blow-up dynamics and controllability of the classical chemotaxis model
Authors: Okposo Newton , Willie Robert
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we study well-posedness, existence of a lower finite time blow-up bound and variants of controllability of the classical chemotaxis model in

{\Omega\times(0,T)}

, where

{\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^{N}}

,

{N=1,2,3}

. The spatial domain restrictions allow the system with initial data in

{L^{2}(\Omega)}

to admit a solution in

L^{\infty}[0,T;L^{2}(\Omega))\cap L^{2}(0,T;H^{1}(\Omega))

and to have the property that the gradient chemical solutions are uniformly bounded in

{\Omega\times(0,T)}

. A lower finite time blow-up bound of solutions in the norm of

{L^{2}(\Omega)}

is proved using the differential inequality technique. Furthermore, using Carleman estimates and appropriate energy functionals, we show that the model is
null and approximate controllable at any finite time

{T>0}

with a single control in

{L^{2}(\omega\times(0,T))}

acting on the cell-density equation, linearized through a priori uniform boundedness of the chemical drift solutions, where

{\omega\subset\Omega}

is a non-empty open subset of Ω. Lastly, bang-bang-type controls for the problem are constructed.
Methyl N-alkyl(phenyl)-P-(3-methylalka-1,2-dienyl)phosphonamidoates – synthesis and properties
Authors: Enchev Dobromir D.
Published: January 2018

The synthesis of titled compounds has been described. Their reactivity towards sulfanyl-and selanylbromides has been investigated.
Dietary specifications reflect the feeding behaviour of the European otter (Lutra lutra) in “Strandzha” Natural Park (Bulgaria)
Authors: Natchev Nikolay , Petkov Zahari , Dashev Georgi , Atanasova Ivanka , Chipev Nesho
Published: January 2018

Within the scope of the present study a field survey in the area of “Strandzha” Natural Park in south-east Bulgaria was carried out. The main goal of the investigation was to gain more detailed information on the diet of the European otters (Lutra lutra) that inhabit the park. As indicators for the presence of the mustelids a set of standard procedures, such as footprints tracking and inspecting the terrain for otter spraints were used. A total of 204 excrements were found, measured, documented and then disintegrated in water. The food rests in the faeces were investigated and the diet of the local population was documented. On the base of the results we separated the excrements into six groups and analysed the relations between the contents of the spraints and the characteristics of the habitat where they were found. We discovered a clear tendency toward piscivory in the middle and down streams of the studied rivers in the Natural Park. In the upper streams, otters relied almost exclusively on invertebrates like bivalves and crayfish as food source. The fact, that even suboptimal habitats, which offered invariable menu, were exploited by the otters is an indication for the stability of the local population.
Absorption structure of Rh4+ in doped Bi12TiO20
Authors: Petkova P. , Boubaker K.
Published: January 2018

The absorption coefficient of Bi12TiO20:Rh single crystals is measured in the spectral region 600-950 nm. The oscillator strength f and the transition moment of the impurity band Q are calculated in the near infrared spectral region. The effective mass of doped single crystal has been determined also.
On type-2 m-topological spaces
Authors: Nazmul Sk.
Published: January 2018

In the present paper, we define a notion of an m2-topological space by introducing a count of openness of a multiset (mset in short) and study the properties of m2-subspaces, mgp-maps etc. Decomposition theorems involving m-topologies and m2-topologies are established. The behaviour of the functional image and functional preimage of an m2-topologies, the continuity of the identity mapping and a constant mapping in m2-topologies are also examined.
The Role of Government in Tourism: Linking Competitiveness, Freedom, and Developing Economies
Authors: Kubickova Marketa
Published: January 2018

In recent years, governments of developing countries have been much more active in destination management and development than they used to be in the past. However, the challenge many governments face is to determine an appropriate level of involvement. This study investigates the role government plays in tourism competitiveness by applying a panel data analysis to the Central American region. The results reveal that government plays an important role in tourism. The data provide evidence that a new theory may emerge as it pertains to tourism and developing countries. Furthermore, such discovery only reinforces the issue of free riders tourism faces and the role of ‘shadow’ economy in the Central American region.
Towards a Theory of Stakeholders’ Perception of Tourism Impacts
Authors: Luštický Martin , Musil Martin
Published: January 2018

This paper summarizes theoretical knowledge related to an issue of assessment of tourism impacts on a tourism destination. This paper pays special attention to stakeholders’ perception of tourism impacts as a popular approach to tourism impacts assessment in recent decades. Its aim is to map the key research focused on classification and assessment of tourism impacts in relation to regional stakeholders, using a summary and comparison of various research approaches over the past decades. The paper uses an integrative literature review of 28 papers published in top-rated journals which can be considered as a relevant sample of the research effort from the beginnings of 1990s. It compares commonly used approaches to the classification and assessment of tourism impacts through a comparative content analysis and points out their common characteristics and differences. The secondary aim is to define research implications as a theoretical and methodical basis for future research aimed at this topic.
Computation of precise geoid model of Auvergne using current UNB Stokes-Helmert’s approach
Authors: Janák Juraj , Vańiček Petr , Foroughi Ismael , Kingdon Robert , Sheng Michael B. , Santos Marcelo C.
Published: January 2018

The aim of this paper is to show a present state-of-the-art precise gravimetric geoid determination using the UNB Stokes-Helmert’s technique in a simple schematic way. A detailed description of a practical application of this technique in the Auvergne test area is also provided. In this paper, we discuss the most problematic parts of the solution: correct application of topographic and atmospheric effects including the lateral topographical density variations, downward continuation of gravity anomalies from the Earth surface to the geoid, and the optimal incorporation of the global gravity field into the final geoid model. The final model is tested on 75 GNSS/levelling points supplied with normal Molodenskij heights, which for this investigation are transformed to rigorous orthometric heights. The standard deviation of the computed geoid model is 3.3 cm without applying any artificial improvement which is the same as that of the most accurate quasigeoid.
Long-term development and prediction of climate extremity and heat waves occurrence: Case study for agricultural land
Authors: Vańičková Marta , Stehnová Eva , Středová Hana
Published: January 2018

According to the IPCC it is possible to predict larger weather extremity associated with more frequent occurrence of heat waves. These waves have an impact not only on the health status of the population, on economic, social and environmental spheres, but also on agricultural landscape and production. The paper deals with the issue of climate extremity and addresses mainly the occurrence of characteristic days (tropical, summer, freezing, ice and arctic) and heat waves. The south-eastern Moravia belongs to the warmest regions of the Czech Republic. Since the area is not urban, it is not affected by urban heat islands. Thus, it can be used as a representative area of climate change in terms of weather extremes. Heat wave occurrence and length analysis was performed for the period of 1931–1960 and 1961–2013. In addition, a prospective analysis was carried out for the period of 2021–2100 where the scenario data of the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute were used. Between 1961 and 1990, heat waves appeared from June to September. The prediction for the next two decades shows that heat waves may appear as early as May. Furthermore, the average count of days in heat waves increased from 6.13 days (1961–1990) to 36 days (2071–2100). A statistically significant increase in the annual number of tropical days (from 9 to 20 days) was found in the assessment of characteristic days for the period 1961–2013. A highly conspicuous trend was found in July and a prominent trend was identified in May. A statistically highly significant trend was also observed in the annual number of summer days.
Testing Instability in Growth Patterns in the Course of Transition: Evidence for Balkan Countries
Authors: Trajkova-Najdovska Nataša , Radukić Snežana
Published: January 2018

Stylised facts of GDP growth patterns of developing (or transition) countries reveal huge difference to the GDP pattern observed in developed countries. Namely, they are characterised by a specific characteristic - instability, much higher and different from the ones observed in developed countries. This paper brings forward the assessment of the instability of growth, which is observed and tested in the case of several Balkan economies. In the course of transition, they experienced sudden turns from positive to negative average growth rates (or vice versa) caused by many structural, economic, political and social changes. Hence, the main purpose of the paper is to review the very recent literature on instability in growth and to empirically analyse it in the case of Balkan group of transition economies, performed by use of the simple linear regression analysis on the GDP growth data series. Main goal is to determine whether GDP growth patterns in the course of transition were characterised by instability and breaks. The results suggest that the growth process in Balkan economies cannot be described simply by a single rising trend, since the simple linear regression analysis shows very poor statistical fit. In general, the assessment guides towards an in-depth study of the instability of growth in the course of transition with a novel growth concept that will allow for shifts or breaks in trend, accompanied by a non-linear modelling approach that will allow the parameters to adjust to reflect structural changes in the course of transition.
Environmental Audit for Environmental Improvement and Protection
Authors: Ljubisavljević Snežana , Ljubisavljević Luka , Jovanović Dejan
Published: January 2018

The main purpose of this paper is to explain the ways in which environmental audit contributes to improving and preserving environmental protection, respecting the concept of sustainable development. The paper uses methods of analysis, synthesis, analogy, and continuity. Specifically, to draw conclusion about the impact of environmental audit on environmental improvement and protection, first of all, relevant and available foreign literature and practice are consulted. Research results show direct link between environmental audit requirements and protection and improvement of polluting enterprises’ environment. Practical applicability of research results consists in giving specific proposals to reduce pollution and improve environmental protection. Furthermore, the most appropriate form of environmental audit report is proposed. Originality and importance of research conducted in this study consist of proposals for introduction, implementation, control, and continuous improvement of environmental protection, through internal and external environmental audit in enterprises of the Republic of Serbia.
The Role of Electronic Business in the Reengeneering and Integration of Business Processes
Authors: Milovanović Slavoljub , Janaćković Tanja , Stanković Jovica
Published: January 2018

Electronic business leads to the reengineering of business processes in a company, which encompasses integrating processes through customer relationship management, supply chain management, and an enterprise resource planning system. The aim of the paper is to analyse the impact of electronic business on enterprise transformation through reengineering and integration of business processes. The significance of the research is to emphasise management problems and challenges encountered by companies due to electronic business and application of information technologies. The research applies an analytical method to examine the effects of electronic business on business processes. The main contribution of the research is to look at electronic business as an initiator and the cause of radical changes in business processes characterised as reengineering. By transforming their business practices into electronic business, companies make significant efforts in their restructuring in order to deal with the changes in the competitive environment. The basis of these efforts is a redesign and change of business processes. The conclusion is that introducing the Internet and Web-technologies in business does not require only a radical reengineering of existing basic business processes but also generation of new ones, which would support the new business environment.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated modification of the extreme C-terminus impairs PDGF-stimulated activity of Duox2
Authors: Tyurin-Kuzmin Pyotr A. , Karagyaur Maxim N. , Rubtsov Yury P. , Dyikanov Daniyar T. , Vasiliev Pyotr A. , Vorotnikov Alexander V.
Published: January 2018

Duox2 belongs to the large family of NADPH-oxidase enzymes that are implicated in immune response, vasoregulation, hormone synthesis, cell growth and differentiation via the regulated synthesis of H2O2 and reactive oxygen species. We and others have shown that Duox2 and H2O2 are involved in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced migration of fibroblasts. Now, using the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing we demonstrate that the extreme C-terminal region of Duox2 is required for PDGF-stimulated activity of Duox2 and H2O2 production. We generated the fibroblast cells that stably co-express the wild-type or C-terminally modified Duox2 and fluorescent H2O2 probe Hyper. We found that nonsense substitution of the last 23 amino acids in Duox2 results in complete loss of PDGF stimulation of intracellular H2O2 and fibroblast migration, yet these mutations have no effects on the expression of Duox2 and other NADPH-oxidases in cells. These findings illustrate for the first time that the extreme C-terminus of Duox2 is required for the functional activity of the enzyme. Furthermore, the conservative nature of the C-terminus suggests its role for activity in other NADPH-oxidases.
Influence of Moment of Inertia on Dynamic Characteristics of Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Motor
Authors: Hongbo Qiu , Wenfei Yu , Cunxiang Yang
Published: January 2018

The mechanical performance of permanent magnet brushless DC motor (BLDCM) servo system is affected by the moment of inertia. In order to obtain the load moment of inertia effect on the motor dynamic performance, based on the time stepping finite element method (FEM), a two-dimensional finite element model of the BLDCM is established, and the motor drive circuit is built. The motor running state under different load moment of inertia is simulated. The motor dynamic characteristics and the output performance are studied. The influence of the moment of inertia on the starting characteristics and the load sudden change characteristics is obtained. The influence mechanism of the load moment of inertia on the motor output speed and torque is revealed. Finally, a prototype platform is built to test the motor no-load EMF. The correctness of the model is verified and the correctness of the research is proved indirectly. This research is of great significance to the research of the BLDCM servo control system.
Valency Potential of Slovak and French Verbs in Contrast
Authors: Chovancová Katarína , Ráčková Lucia , Veselá Dagmar , Zázrivcová Monika
Published: January 2018

The paper presents results of synchronous contrastive study of fifteen most frequent Slovak full verbs and their French equivalents by the method of corpus analysis aimed at observation and comparison of their valency potential in relation to their semantic structure. The inventory of valency structures of Slovak verbs and their French equivalents shows not only differences, but also, to a great extent, identical semantic-syntactic connectivities. The main apport of the study lies in the contrastive research perspective and the interdisciplinary character on the crossroads of grammar, semantics, syntax, cognitive and corpus linguistics. Findings can be of use to linguists, terminologists, lexicographers, authors of textbooks and grammars, translators and interpreters, as well as to French-speaking learners of Slovak and Slovak students of French.
Microsyntactic Annotation of Corpora and its Use in Computational Linguistics Tasks
Authors: Iomdin Leonid
Published: January 2018

Microsyntax is a linguistic discipline dealing with idiomatic elements whose important properties are strongly related to syntax. In a way, these elements may be viewed as transitional entities between the lexicon and the grammar, which explains why they are often underrepresented in both of these resource types: the lexicographer fails to see such elements as full-fledged lexical units, while the grammarian finds them too specific to justify the creation of individual well-developed rules. As a result, such elements are poorly covered by linguistic models used in advanced modern computational linguistic tasks like high-quality machine translation or deep semantic analysis. A possible way to mend the situation and improve the coverage and adequate treatment of microsyntactic units in linguistic resources is to develop corpora with microsyntactic annotation, closely linked to specially designed lexicons. The paper shows how this task is solved in the deeply annotated corpus of Russian, SynTagRus.
On the Development of an Interdisciplinary Annotation and Classification System for Language Varieties – Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Kim Agnes , Breuer Ludwig M.
Published: January 2018

The Special Research Programme (SFB) ‘German in Austria: Variation – Contact – Perception’ is a project financed by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF F60). Its nine project parts are collaboratively conducting research on the variation and change of the German language in Austria. The SFB explores the use and the subjective perception of the German language in Austria as well as its contact with other languages. Methodologically and theoretically, most SFB project parts are situated within variationist linguistics, others in contact linguistics and perceptionist linguistics. This paper gives an insight into the conception of a framework for the annotation and ultimately also classification of language varieties, which is being developed within the SFB. It outlines the requirements of the various project parts and reviews, whether and how standardised language codes (ISO 639) and language tags (following BCP 47) can be utilised for the annotation of language varieties in variationist linguistic projects.
Possible but not probable :A quantitative analysis of valency behaviour of Czech nouns in the Prague Dependency Treebank
Authors: Kolářová Veronika , Vernerová Anna , Klímová Jana , Kolář Jan
Published: January 2018

In order to optimize corpus searches for valency lexicon production, we analyse the relative frequencies of different combinations of valency complementations of Czech deverbal nouns in the Prague Dependency Treebank, considering differences between productively and non-productively derived nouns and their semantic class. We also classify combinations of forms of participants according to their frequency.