bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlations between serum cortisol and body mass index at old patients under balnear treatment
Authors: Stanciu Liliana Elena , Pascu Elena Iuliana , Ionescu Elena Valentina , Circo E. , Oprea Carmen , Iliescu Madalina Gabriela
Published: September 2017

Introduction. Glucocorticoids provide a significant resource of scientific progress in medical research, being studied in terms of molecules, genetics, physiopathology at the level of the human body, starting from animal models, with valuable recent discoveries regarding their implications in the human psychic level, stress reaction and the search of new possible therapeutic effects unknown until now. Our work are illustrated the correlations between serum cortisol and body mass index - BMI at old patients under balneal treatment with natural factors from Techirghiol lake. Material and methods. The study monitored 52 patients admitted in Balneal and Recovery Sanatorium of Techirghiol for complex balneal treatment, using mud baths (cold or warm), and physical treatments. The patients were grouped in two batches: batch of cold baths with mud- CMB (15 patients, 28.8%, 6 men and 9 women) and batch of warm baths with mud-WMB (37 patients, 71.2%, 19 man and 18 women). The following issues were statistically analysed: BMI, respectively serum cortisol value variation for each batch studied, both at the time of admission and at the time of discharge; comparative analysis between the two moments for each batch; and the comparative analysis between the two study batches at the time of admission, respectively discharge and the BMI value variation in statistical relation with the serum cortisol values for each batch studies at the time of admission and at the time of discharge. Results. From statistical analysis of the correlation between the body mass index (BMI) of patients included in research in the CMB batch at admission and discharge according to the variations of the serum cortisol level , the two variables (Serum cortisol / BMI) both at admission and discharge are not correlated (r = -0.366; p = 0.180 > α = 0.05; r = -0.035; p = 0.901 > α = 0.05). Also, from statistical analysis of the correlation between the body mass index (BMI) of patients included in research in the WMB batch at admission and discharge according to the variations of the serum cortisol level , the two variables (Serum cortisol / BMI) are correlated at admission (r = -0.406; p = 0.013 > α = 0.05), but are not correlated at discharge (r = 0.200; p = 0.236 > α = 0.05). Conclusions. Previous studies have shown that high levels of adiposity can increase the cortisol stress response. While overweight and obese men showed an increased cortisol response upon each food intake, they can be more susceptible to develop stress associated disorders.
Etiology and treatment in craniofacial fractures
Authors: Mihail D. L. , Comșa G. I.
Published: September 2017

Introduction. Facial trauma remains an important pathology in present days because of its effects. Facial deformities and functional alteration affect patient’s life quality and his society reinsertion. First evaluation has to be thorough to avoid any secondary complications .This type of pathology involves a pluridisciplinary approach: ENT, OMF, neurosurgeon,plastic surgeon,intensive care doctor. Healing implies complex biological process .A healed bone is capable to perform normal duties without titanium plates help. Osteosynthesis allows a faster and correct recovery. Doctors need to possess profound knowledge with regard to anatomy and physiology and to be acquainted with the reconstructive methods used in craniofacial surgery. Material and methods. This study evaluates craniofacial trauma patients who suffered different types of surgical interventions at the ENT Clinic and OMF Department of Constanta County Hospital since January the 1st 2013 until June the 1st 2017. Results. The group involves 133 cases, both genders and all ages. These 2 elements play an important role in this pathology because of the fact that the vast majority of patients are young active males. The sex ratio in the study is 7:1. In most of cases, craniofacial traumas appear after aggressions and car accidents. The nose and mandibular are fractured in a higher percentage in comparison to other parts of facial structures. Discussions. Important and sensitive structures located at this level increase the risk of possible important and definitive damages.
Prosocial Behavior Education in Children
Authors: Mareš Jiří
Published: September 2017

Introduction: It is paradoxical that more attention is currently paid to negative features in children’s and adolescents’ behavior (aggressive behavior, bullying) than to the positive ones (helping, social support). Purpose: This literature review describes how children’s sensitivity to helping other people develops and how children acquire competences in helping. Methods: The literature search was conducted in databases using keywords “child”, “prosocial development” and “prosocial behavior”. Publications (papers or monographs) published in English or Czech between 1989 and 2016 were retrieved. Conclusions: The study identified the following sources of prosocial behavior: use of fairy-tale motifs in the case of babies (e. g. the motif of good deeds) and targeted family education with the use of direct and indirect procedures. Targeted education of children in preschool was accomplished by experienced teachers. Education in providing help and social support to schoolmates (including the socalled partnership and peer teaching) at elementary school was identified as a special case.
Children’s Initiations in Communication with Preschool Teachers
Authors: Navrátilová Hana
Published: September 2017

Introduction: This paper deals with an important aspect of preschool teachers’ everyday professional life - interacting with children during educational activities in kindergarten environment. The research of real situations in kindergarten, still rare in Czech pedagogical discourse, indicates the limitedness of preschool teachers’ communication following already fixed communication structures and patterns. There is not much evidence that teacher-child communication in kindergarten is initiated by children with any frequency. The aim of our research study is to describe preschool children’s initiations in communication with preservice preschool teachers and identify teachers’ strategies in mutual communication. Methods: The research is based on qualitative analysis of data obtained through participated unstructured observation (37 video recordings of micro educational situations with the duration of 3 to 15 minutes were collected) and written reflection of pre-service preschool teachers (55 participants). Each part of the observation took place in a different class of a standard kindergarten. In one case, it was a homogeneous class of children aged 5-6 years, and in the second, a heterogeneous class with children aged between 3 and 5 years. Our data material in the form of written reflections and transcribed video recordings was then processed through the qualitative content analysis. Results: Research results show children breaking the communication structure managed by the teacher, and the teacher’s strategies in these situations. We identified five main circumstances of preschool children’s initiations as communicating their own experiences or associations related to the topic presented by the teacher. Discussion: Our findings show a certain range of responses of future teachers to children’s initiation in interaction during educational activities. Besides evidence of releasing communication in terms of teacher management, less suitable kinds of responses to children’s initiation appear. The teacher is not able to give up control over the ongoing communication. Limitations: Selected research sample consists of pre-service teachers, who represent only a partial sample of potential interactions in the kindergarten environment. Thus, to some teachers, the findings apply only partially in practice; with other teachers, we could possibly expand our research even deeper. This choice to use only a partial sample reflects both practicality and the need to improve the competence of future teachers through recording their unscripted interactions with children. Conclusions: Children need teachers who are sensitive to their initiations and offer space for children to initiate communication. If we want to have students at the primary and secondary levels of education with developed life skills and the ability to discuss and argue, we need to offer such manner of communication as early as in kindergartens.
Physical Games as a Means of Developing Children’s Social Skills in Kindergarten
Authors: Pacholík Viktor , Nedělová Martina
Published: September 2017

Introduction: The text presents the results of a study conducted in the years 2015 - 2016. The objective of the study was to examine a programme of physical activities aimed at developing children’s social skills. Methods: The research was conducted in a kindergarten. This was a deliberate choice on the basis of availability. The experimental group comprised of 24 children, the control group comprised of 11 children. A 12-lessons programme of physical activities was applied, with a frequency of 1 lesson per week. Entry and exit measurements were taken before the commencement of the programme and after its end, with the help of structured observation, CATO projective tests and interviews with teachers. The data were processed by means of a descriptive statistics level by comparing the average levels. The achieved changes in the level of social skills were subsequently displayed through percentage values. Results: The results indicate that physical activities have a positive effect on the development of children’s social skills. Although the changes are not significant, the experimental group recorded greater changes than the control group in all the evaluated areas; in terms of the overall results, it was actually more than twofold. Discussion: The results cannot be generalized. The results are only valid for our group of children. The reason is the insufficient size of the research sample. Limitations: A significantly limiting factor showed to be the low number of children in the control group. This caused a lack of balance between the two groups in terms of the number of children and their entry level. The length of the intervention program was another limit. Conclusions: Despite the limits of the study, the authors view the results as positive. The reason is the improvement in all the children’s social skills in all the monitored areas, and the more than twofold improvement by the experimental groups compared to the control group.
Study Circles in Online Learning Environment in the Spirit of Learning-Centered Approach
Authors: Simándi Szilvia
Published: September 2017

Introduction: In the era of information society and knowledge economy, learning in non-formal environments gets a highlighted role: it can supplement, replace or raise the knowledge and skills gained in the school system to a higher level (Forray & Juhász, 2008), as the so-called “valid” knowledge significantly changes due to the acceleration of development. With the appearance of information technology means and their booming development, the possibilities of gaining information have widened and, according to the forecasts, the role of learning communities will grow. Purpose: Our starting point is that today, with the involvement of community sites (e.g. Google+, Facebook etc.) there is a new possibility for inspiring learning communities: by utilizing the power of community and the possibilities of network-based learning (Ollé & Lévai, 2013). Methods: We intend to make a synthesis based on former research and literature focusing on the learning-centered approach, online learning environment, learning communities and study circles (Noesgaard & Ørngreen, 2015; Biggs & Tang, 2007; Kindström, 2010) Conclusions: The online learning environment can be well utilized for community learning. In the online learning environment, the process of learning is built on activity-oriented work for which active participation, and an intensive, initiative communication are necessary and cooperative and collaborative learning get an important role.
Family as One of the Most Important Factors in a Child’s Upbringing
Authors: Oberuč Jaroslav , Zapletal Ladislav
Published: September 2017

Introduction: The development of a child takes place according to certain laws, each one of which has its own individual dynamics, so, every child becomes a unique human being. Children gradually collect information about themselves and the world around them. They receive feedback about themselves from people who take care of them - mainly their family, mother and father. Their positive responses support the child’s feeling of being loved, worthy of interest, which has a positive effect on them. Purpose: Family environment is likely to have the strongest impact on the child’s behaviour. Educational procedures, family climate, relationships between parents, those between parents and the child, the degree and methods of satisfying the child’s needs, moral values, and social ties of the family - they all affect the child’s behaviour. Methods: In the presented paper, traditional desk research methods were used. Conclusions: Behaviour is learned and has its purpose. Family teaches the child many things, e.g. how to cope with simple tasks, as well as about complex social inclusion.
Assessment of the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Orogodo River sediments Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Edjere Oghenekohwiroro , Iyekowa Osaro
Published: September 2017

The study aimed at assessing the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) concentration in Orogodo River Sediments at Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria. Sixteen sediment samples at different sample point were collected and analyzed; obtained concentrations were compared with exiting standards. Sediment samples were extracted using a mixture of hexane and acetone (1:1), sonicated in an ultrasonic bath (15 min) and placed on a shaker for two hours. Chromatographic analysis was done after solvent exchange, was carried out on the final extract using n-hexane (1000 μl) and injected (1 μl) into a gas chromatographic system coupled with an electron capture detector (ECD). Results from this study revealed that the concentration of PCBs in all the sediment samples under investigation was highest with 0.198 μg/kg in the Agric yard Agbor 2 sample point and lowest with 0.026 μg/kg in the Behind Prison - Agbor 1. The concentration of PCBs for all the sediment samples analyzed ranged in the order: Agric Yard Agbor 2 < Slaugther Agbor 2 < River Ama 1 < Mr. Biggs Agbor 1 < Behind Prison Agbor 2 < River Ama 2 < Mr. Biggs Agbor 3 < Under Bridge Agbor 1 < Mr. Biggs Agbor 2 < River Ama 4 < Agric Yard Agbor 1 < Mr. Biggs Agbor 4 < SlaugtherAgbor 1 < River Ama 3 < Under Bridge Agbor 2 < Behind Prison Agbor 1. The obtained results in this study suggest the urgent need to establish a program for monitoring organochlorine pollutants in our rivers and sediment in other to curb any elevation in concentration of pollutants over the environmental quality standards and appropriate actions taken.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties of Ag-Loaded N-Doped Tio2 Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Gao Dawei , Lu Zhenqian , Wang Chunxia , Li Weiwei , Dong Pengyu
Published: September 2017

Highly ordered TiO2 nanotube (TiO2 NT) arrays were prepared by anodic oxidizing method on the surface of the Ti substrate. Nitrogen-doped TiO2 nanotube (N-TiO2 NT) arrays were carried out by ammonia solution immersion, and Ag nanoparticles loaded N-doped TiO2 nanotube (Ag/N-TiO2 NT) arrays were obtained by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. The samples were characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The result indicated that the diameter and wall thickness of the TiO2 NT are 100–120 and 20–30 nm, respectively. Moreover, the morphology and structure of the highly ordered TiO2 NTs were not affected by N-doping. Furthermore, Ag nanoparticles were evenly deposited on the surface of TiO2 NTs in the form of elemental silver. Finally, the photocatalytic activity of Ag/N-TiO2 NTs was evaluated by degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible-light irradiation. The Ag/N-TiO2 NTs exhibited enhanced photocatalytic properties, which could reach 95% after 90-min irradiation.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of the Tendon Repair Process Using Tubular Braided Fabrics
Authors: Ochola Jerry , Malengier Benny , Daelemans Lode , Githaiga John , Langenhove Lieva Van
Published: September 2017

This paper presents the experimental and numerical analysis of the potential of a braided fabric for flexor tendon repair. Numerical models of tubular braided fabrics were generated using a python script interface and imported into ABAQUS® while Flexor tendon models were represented as silicone rubber rods. Experimental tests and Finite Element Modelling (FEM) of the flexor tendon repair was undertaken by deploying two tendon ends from opposite sides of a tubular braided fabric. This was done such that the tendon ends meet at the midpoint within the fabric. The tendons were tightly held to emulate a realistic repaired tendon. A displacement driven uniaxial loading was induced on the tendon-fabric assembly sufficient to cause a 2mm gap between the tendon ends. Numerical analysis of the repair potential of a braided fabric in tendon repair was done by analyzing selected fabric parameters that were crucial in tendon repair applications. The results show that changing the parameters of the braided fabrics significantly affected the potential of the fabrics during tendon repair.
Some Subclasses of Meromorphically Functions Associated with the Convolution Structure
Authors: Ali E. E.
Published: September 2017

In this present paper we introduce and investigate each of the following new subclasses Fmp,λ,l,k(α;ϕ), Ĝmp,λ, l(α;ϕ) and Nmp,λ,l(α;ϕ) as well as Tmp,λ,l,k(α;ϕ), Ĝmp,λ, l(α;ϕ) and Ŕ̂mp,λ, l(α;ϕ) of meromorphic functions, which is defined by means of a certain meromorphically p-modified version of the convolution structure. Such results as inclusion relationships, integral representations and convolution properties for these function classes are proved.
On the New Solutions of the Conformable Time Fractional Generalized Hirota-Satsuma Coupled KdV System
Authors: Çenesiz Yucel , Kurt Ali , Tasbozan Orkun
Published: September 2017

In this paper, generalized Hirota Satsuma coupled KdV system is solved with tanh method and q-Homotopy analysis method. New fractional derivative definition called “conformable fractional derivative” used in the solution procedure. Tanh method with conformable derivative firstly introduced in the literature. By the graphics of analytical and approximate solutions, it is shown that, both methods provide an effective and powerful mathematical tool for solving nonlinear PDEs containing conformable fractional derivative.
Hermitian Forms and Inequalities for Sequences and Power Series of Operators in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Dragomir S. S.
Published: September 2017

By the use of some inequalities for nonnegative Hermitian forms various inequalities for sequences and power series of bounded linear operators in complex Hilbert spaces are established. Applications for some fundamental functions of interest are also given.
Classification of Some Special Types Ruled Surfaces in Simply Isotropic 3-Space
Authors: Karacan Murat Kemal , Yoon Dae Won , Yuksel Nural
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we classify two types ruled surfaces in the three dimensional simply isotropic space I1
3 under the condition ∆xi= λixi where ∆ is the Laplace operator with respect to the first fundamental form and λ is a real number. We also give explicit forms of these surfaces.
On the Diophantine Equation x2 – kxy + ky2 + ly = 0, l = 2n
Authors: Mavecha Sukrawan
Published: September 2017

We consider the Diophantine equation x2-kxy+ky2+ ly = 0 for l = 2n and determine for which values of the odd integer k, it has a positive integer solution x and y.
f– Kenmotsu Metric as Conformal Ricci Soliton
Authors: Nagaraja H. G. , Venu K.
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we study conformal Ricci solitons in f- Kenmotsu manifolds. We derive conditions for f-Kenmotsu metric to be a conformal Ricci soliton.
About the Greek origin of acarology: a short note onArgasand the Acari
Authors: Zaborowski Robert , Daszkiewicz Piotr
Published: September 2017

The article presents the etymology and Greek roots of two terms in modern acarology. The origin of acarological nomenclature is analysed in the context of Homer’sOdysseyand Aristotle’sParts of AnimalsandHistory of Animals. The Greek concept of the smallest animals “acari” as indivisible has been influencing European culture for centuries. The article shows the influence of the Greek tradition on zoology in the 18thcentury, at the time of birth of modern acarology. The works of French naturalists, the founders of this science, are analysed in this context.
Diversity and significance of eriophyoid mites (Acari: Eriophyoidea) associated with coniferous trees in Poland: a review
Authors: Kiedrowicz Agnieszka , Lewandowski Mariusz , Skoracka Anna
Published: September 2017

Among the approximately 200 eriophyoid mite species associated with coniferous trees worldwide, 33 species (of the families Eriophyidae and Phytoptidae) infest conifers in Poland, and 24 of them can cause visible feeding symptoms. In this paper we discuss the importance of eriophyoid mites to coniferous plants in Poland and their potential impact on the decorative value of ornamental plants. We emphasize the general lack of knowledge about the diversity of eriophyoid mites associated with coniferous trees and its role in the management and control of this economically important mite group.
Microhabitats and oribatid fauna: comparison of 2 sampling approaches
Authors: Skubała Piotr
Published: September 2017

Oribatid fauna highly varies among habitats, but different microhabitats within a habitat are also characterized by different mite species. The main goal of the research was to compare the observed structure of an oribatid community when samples were collected at random from the soil-litter layer of 0-10 cm in depth (standard approach) and selectively from 6 types of available microhabitats (complex approach). Samples were taken within a small plot (10 m × 10 m) in a forested area of the Silesian Park (Chorzów, south Poland). Overall, 2642 specimens of Oribatida belonging to 62 species were collected in 66 samples. The structure of the oribatid community observed by means of the 2 sampling approaches was completely different. The abundance and species richness of oribatid mites collected from 6 microhabitats were significantly higher than in the soil-litter layer alone. Results of this study show that random collecting of only soil-litter samples may reduce the evaluation of species richness in a study area by 40%. Each of the studied microhabitats supported a peculiar oribatid fauna.
Cyst morphology of large branchiopod crustaceans (Anostraca, Notostraca, Laevicaudata, Spinicaudata) in western Poland
Authors: Czyż Michał Jan , Woliński Paweł , Gołdyn Bartłomiej
Published: September 2017

The morphology of resting eggs was studied in Polish populations of 7 large branchiopod species:Branchipus schaefferi,Chirocephalus shadini,Eubranchipus grubii(Anostraca),Lepidurus apus,Triops cancriformis(Notostraca),Lynceus brachyurus(Laevicaudata), andCyzicus tetracerus(Spinicaudata). Scanning electron microscope photographs for each species are also provided. In some species (especiallyE. grubii), the ornamentation and size of cysts from Polish populations significantly differ from literature data for populations from other parts of Europe. We also present a key to determination of the studied species based on cyst morphology and discuss whether those traits are useful in surveys of new localities of endangered large branchiopods.
Effects of green algae and napa cabbage on life-history parameters and gut microflora ofArchegozetes longisetosus(Acari: Oribatida) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Seniczak Anna , Ligocka Anna , Seniczak Stanisław , Paluszak Zbigniew
Published: September 2017

We compared the effect of green algae (dominated byProtococcussp.) and the earlier studied napa cabbage on the life-history parameters and gut microflora of the oribatid miteArchegozetes longisetosus(a chelicerate model organism). Napa cabbage contained more crude ash, protein, and crude fibre than green algae, butA.longisetosusdeveloped better on the latter food, displaying higher fertility, lower mortality of offspring and shorter development than on napa cabbage. The gut microflora ofA.longisetosusdepended on the kind of food and developmental stage of this mite. The adults fed with napa cabbage had more abundant and more active microflora than those fed with green algae, whereas in the tritonymphs the microflora was more abundant when they were fed with green algae, and was more active in the group fed with napa cabbage. Irrespective of the treatment, the highest percentage of the isolated bacteria were gram-positive bacilli or gram-negative bacteria, but the mites feeding onProtococcussp. contained no cocci, whereas those fed with cabbage had no gram-positive bacteria.
Spatial Aspects Of Unemployment In The Visegrad-Group Economies
Authors: Formánek Tomáš , Hušek Roman
Published: September 2017

Purpose of the article: Most regional macroeconomic processes may not be adequately analyzed without accounting for their spatial nature: regional distances, interactions between neighbors, spill-over effects and interdependencies. This contribution focuses on various factors ruling unemployment dynamics in the Visegrad Group countries and their major economic partners: Germany and Austria. The analysis is performed at the NUTS2 level. Methodology/methods: Spatial econometrics is a unique tool for a broad range of quantitative analyses and evaluations. Spatial econometric models are based on geo-coded (spatially defined) data. Spatial econometrics and regional competitiveness paradigms are combined into different types of regression model specifications describing unemployment dynamics. Alternative spatial structures (i.e. neighbor definitions) are used for verification of stability in estimated model properties. Scientific aim: We aim to provide a detailed empirical evaluation of spatially determined factors of regional unemployment dynamics, along with insight into the robustness of such approach. Both conceptually and parametrically varying neighbor definitions are used to provide evidence for model evaluation. Findings: We find strong positive spatial dependence patterns in the estimated models, robust against varying neighborhood definitions. Our results strongly support the importance of regional and potentially cross-border (international) cooperation in macroeconomic policies addressing unemployment. The estimated models also underline the importance of using spatial models, by pointing out the bias in OLS-estimated models. Conclusions and limits: Spatial approach to econometric analysis provides important insight and robustness to a broad range of unemployment analyses that may be carried out using regional (spatial) data. At the same time, it should be noted that this article focuses mostly on the spatial and stability aspects of model estimation, while leaving out other interesting topics such as spill-over effects calculations as based on estimated models. Also, estimations provided in this article might benefit from spatial panel data-based methods - once data availability issues are sorted.
Die Auswirkungen Der Zinspolitik Im Bankensystem Und Bei Immobilienentwicklungen / The Impact Of Interest Rate Policy, On The Banking System And On Real Estate Development
Authors: Priess Pamela
Published: September 2017

The research purpose is to find out if signs of a real estate bubble are shown at the austrian real estate market right now. Lending rates are composed of different factors: the base rate is the price that the customer is willing to pay. The risk premium is given to compensate the lenders risk of full or partial failure of repayment. The inflation adjustment takes into account the impairment of money over the term of a loan. The liquidity premium increases with extension of the term of the loan. The European Central Bank influences the interest rate policy by varying the interest for money saved there by the banks. At the moment there are used negative interest rates, i.e. penalty interest. The methodology used was that recently the ECB lowered the interest rates which might cause real estate bubbles and, subsequently, banks and economic crises may follow, if interest rates were to be increased again sooner or later. Therefor the author studied the amount of sales and the connection to the interest rates and the interest rate policy of the banks right now. Summarizing it can be seen that in Kittsee, an Austrian area with a lot of real estate sales, as an example, 565 real estate properties were sold in the years 2005 to 2015, the median prices increased in relation to the buyers residence in Austria or non- Austrians at about 375% to 490%, this might indicate signs of change on the market.
Criterion for connections on principal bundles over a pointed Riemann surface
Authors: Biswas Indranil
Published: September 2017

We investigate connections, and more generally logarithmic connections, on holomorphic principal bundles over a compact connected Riemann surface.
The society’s perception of suicide
Authors: Opielak Grzegorz , Kozioł Maciej , Zuzak Tomasz , Piech Piotr , Maciejewski Ryszard
Published: September 2017

Introduction: On account of its radical character, suicide is differently perceived by the society. The consequence of this phenomenon is the issue of moral evaluation by the society in the practical aspects of daily life, such as religious, psychological and social ones. Regarding society’s complexity, it is understandable that the knowledge and the evaluation of this act amongst people are different.

Materials and methods: In the study a method of the diagnostic survey was applied. The questionnaire was conducted amongst 168 individuals ranging from 18 to 49 years of age. The study involved 69 women and 99 men. The arranged personal data questionnaire served as the evaluation of perceiving the suicidal act and people’s knowledge about this occurrence.

Results: Respondents claim that suicidal behaviours affect 72.5% of young people, and 22.7% of adult men. Large group of the study participants had personal experience with individuals after a suicide attempt (41.92%). As many as 49.7% of individuals are fierce opponents of suicidal acts while 46.1% are of an opinion that ‘the one who commits suicide should not be condemned or judged’.

Conclusions: Respondents present vast knowledge about the universality of suicide phenomenon and its most frequent causes. They are against such behaviour, but do not condemn individuals who committed this act. The study participants show understanding of ways to prevent suicide.
Alcohol consumption and the risk of Internet addiction in teenagers aged 13-17 years living in the urban and rural areas
Authors: Zygo Maciej , Potembska Emilia , Zygo Karol , Stanisławek Andrzej , Karaś Łukasz , Pawłowska Beata
Published: September 2017

The aim of this paper was to determine differences and similarities between city dwelling teenagers aged 13–17 years who consumed/did not consume alcohol and their rural counterparts in regard to the severity of Internet addiction symptoms.

Participants and methods: The examined group consisted of 1,191 people (890 girls and 301 boys) aged 13–17 years. The following instruments were used in the study: a sociodemographic questionnaire designed by the present authors, the Internet Addiction Questionnaire designed by Potembska, and the Internet Addiction Questionnaire (KBUI) designed by Pawłowska and Potembska.

Results: The results show that adolescents who consume alcohol, both those living in urban and rural areas, are characterized by statistically significantly more severe Internet addiction symptoms measured by KBUI as compared to their non-drinking peers.

Conclusions:

Adolescents who consume alcohol, both urban and rural residents, are characterised by statistically significantly more severe symptoms of Internet addiction compared to their peers who do not consume alcohol.

Adolescents who live in a city and who consume alcohol are significantly more likely to use Internet pornography than their non-drinking peers.

Adolescents who live in urban areas are significantly more likely to use Internet pornography, play violent computer games and search for acceptance and understanding only in online interactions as compared to adolescents who do not consume alcohol.

Underage city-dwellers who consume alcohol are significantly more likely to use electronic mail, instant messaging and web pages compared to their rural peers.
“Okay ladies, now let’s get in formation!”: Music Videos and the Construction of Cultural Memory
Authors: Bertens Laura M. F.
Published: September 2017

This paper explores strategies for constructing and perpetuating cultural memory through music videos, using Beyonce’s Formation (2016) and Janelle Monae’s Many Moons (2008) and Q.U.E.E.N. (2013) as case studies. The medium’s idiosyncrasies create unique ways of communicating and remembering, explored here within a framework of Cultural Studies and Memory Studies. Easy dissemination and the limited length of most videos ensure a large, diverse audience. The relative freedom from narrative constraints enables the director to create original imagery, and most importantly, the medium allows an intricate blending of performance and performativity; while the videos evidently are performances, they are strongly performative as well, not only with respect to gender and ethnicity but in significant ways also cultural memory. A close reading of Beyonce’s video Formation shows how she explicitly does the cultural memory of the New Orleans flooding. The videos by Monae are shown to produce counter-memories, relying heavily on the strategy of Afrofuturism. As such, these densely woven networks of visual symbols become palimpsests of black lived experience and cultural memory, passed on to millions of viewers.
Some fixed point results on G-metric and Gb-metric spaces
Authors: Jaradat Mohammed M.M. , Mustafa Zead , Khan Sami Ullah , Arshad Muhammad , Ahmad Jamshaid
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this paper is to prove some fixed point results using JS-G-contraction on G-metric spaces, also to prove some fixed point results on Gb-complete metric space for a new contraction. Our results extend and improve some results in the literature. Moreover, some examples are presented to illustrate the validity of our results.
A Modified Signal Feed-Through Pulsed Flip- Flop for Low Power Applications
Authors: Panahifar Ehsan , Hassanzadeh Alireza
Published: September 2017

In this paper a modified signal feed-through pulsed flip-flop has been presented for low power applications. Signal feed-through flip-flop uses a pass transistor to feed input data directly to the output. Feed through transistor and feedback signals have been modified for delay, static and dynamic power reduction. HSPICE simulation shows 22% reduction in leakage power and 8% of dynamic power. Delay has been reduced by 14% using TSMC 90nm technology parameters. The proposed pulsed flip-flop has the lowest PDP (Power Delay Product) among other pulsed flip-flops discussed.
Improved Gaussian Mixture Probability Hypothesis Density for Tracking Closely Spaced Targets
Authors: Zhang Huanqing , Ge Hongwei , Yang Jinlong
Published: September 2017

Probability hypothesis density (PHD) filter is a suboptimal Bayesian multi-target filter based on random finite set. The Gaussian mixture PHD filter is an analytic solution to the PHD filter for linear Gaussian multi-target models. However, when targets move near each other, the GM-PHD filter cannot correctly estimate the number of targets and their states. To solve the problem, a novel reweighting scheme for closely spaced targets is proposed under the framework of the GM-PHD filter, which can be able to correctly redistribute the weights of closely spaced targets, and effectively improve the multiple target state estimation precision. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can accurately estimate the number of targets and their states, and effectively improve the performance of multi-target tracking algorithm.
Picture-Based Multiple-AntennaTechnique for the DVB-T2 Receiver
Authors: Setiyanto Budi , Hidayat Risanuri , Mustika I Wayan ,   Sunarno
Published: September 2017

Deep-fading can decline the quality of the received signal to below threshold, and interrupts the reception-success (generating an outage or time-out). In DVB-T2 (Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestrial Second Generation) receiver, such interruption can be identified from the displayed-picture. Multiple-antenna is one of techniques to mitigate such problem. This paper presents a multiple-antenna method for receiving the DVB-T2 signal. At any time, one of antennas is selected where the selection action is controlled by the recovered-picture. In case of using two antennas, field-measurement was conducted to collect the real data, later used in the simulation of the proposed algorithm. The result showed its capability to increase the portion of cumulative reception-success duration up to approximately 1.53 times with respect to its equivalent single-antenna.
Optimal Spectrum Utilization and Flow Controlling In Heterogeneous Network with Reconfigurable Devices
Authors: Hashmi Syed Shakeel , Sattar Syed Abdul , Soundararajan K.
Published: September 2017

Fairness provisioning in heterogeneous networks is a prime issue for high-rate data flow, wherein the inter-connectivity property among different communication devices provides higher throughput. In Hetnet, optimal resource utilization is required for efficient resource usage. Proper resource allocation in such a network led to higher data flow performance for real-time applications. In view of optimal resource allocation, a resource utilization approach for a reconfigurable cognitive device with spectrum sensing capability is proposed in this paper. The allocation of the data flow rate at device level is proposed for optimization of network fairness in a heterogeneous network. A dynamic approach of rate-inference optimization is proposed to provide fairness in dynamic data traffic conditions. The simulation results validate the improvement in offered quality in comparison to multi-attribute optimization.
Energy-Efficient Routing Based on Dynamic Programming for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks (WMSNs)
Authors: Putra Emansa Hasri , Hidayat Risanuri ,   Widyawan, Mustika I Wayan
Published: September 2017

Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks (WMSNs) advances can route multimedia applications from source nodes to a sink. However, they require energy efficiency and network lifetime due to limited power resources in the sensor nodes. This paper proposes an energy-efficient routing optimization for multimedia transmission in WMSNs. The optimization utilizes a routing algorithm based on the dynamic programming. The routing optimization algorithm selects intermediary nodes which have minimum energy above 60%. Then, the priority selection of paths immediately finds neighboring nodes which have the greatest energy minimum. If there is the same minimum energy between the neighboring nodes, then the second priority selection is based on smaller link cost.
Algorithm Based New Tone Reservation Method for Mitigating PAPR in OFDM Systems
Authors: Saha Tanmoy , Chakrabarty Shreyasi , Bhattacharjee Subhankar , Sil Sanjib
Published: September 2017

There are abundant methods to mitigate PAPR in OFDM signals among which algorithm based tone reservation is of great popularity owing to its low complexity as well as decent BER. Here we have put forward a new distinct algorithm based Tone Reservation technique which is not only less complex and calculates its own threshold as well as PRT signal (unlike other algorithms requiring predetermined threshold and PRT) but also aptly modifies the data by bit by bit comparison with a modified copy of itself (algorithm modified) thus scaling the peaks as and providing a decent BER and good PAPR reduction.
Reduced Complexity by Combining Norm Based Ordering MMSE-BSIDE Detection in MIMO Systems
Authors: Jothikumar Ramya , Rangaswamy Nakkeeran
Published: September 2017

The breadth first signal decoder (BSIDE) is well known for its optimal maximum likelihood (ML) performance with lesser complexity. In this paper, we analyze a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) detection scheme that combines; column norm based ordering minimum mean square error (MMSE) and BSIDE detection methods. The investigation is carried out with a breadth first tree traversal technique, where the computational complexity encountered at the lower layers of the tree is high. This can be eliminated by carrying detection in the lower half of the tree structure using MMSE and upper half using BSIDE, after rearranging the column of the channel using norm calculation. The simulation results show that this approach achieves 22% of complexity reduction for 2×2 and 50% for 4×4 MIMO systems without any degradation in the performance.
State Space-Based Method for the DOA Estimation by the Forward-Backward Data Matrix Using Small Snapshots
Authors: Liu Jianfeng
Published: September 2017

In this presentation, a new low computational burden method for the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation from noisy signal using small snapshots is presented. The approach introduces State Space-based Method (SSM) to represent the received array signal, and uses small snapshots directly to form the Hankel data matrix. Those Hankel data matrices are then utilized to construct forward-backward data matrix that is used to estimate the state space model parameters from which the DOA of the incident signals can be extracted. In contrast to existing methods, such as MUSIC, Root-MUSIC that use the covariance data matrix to estimate the DOA and the sparse representation (SR) based DOA which is obtained by solving the sparsest representation of the snapshots, the SSM algorithm employs forward-backward data matrix formed only using small snapshots and doesn't need additional spatial smoothing method to process coherent signals. Three numerical experiments are employed to compare the performance among the SSM, Root-MUSIC and SR-based method as well as Cramér-Rao bound (CRB). The simulation results demonstrate that when a small number of snapshots, even a single one, are used, the SSM always performs better than the other two method no matter under the circumstance of uncorrelated or correlated signal. The simulation results also show that the computational burden is reduced significantly and the number of antenna elements is saved greatly.
Feasibility of FPGA to HPC computation migration of plasma impurities diagnostic algorithms
Authors: Linczuk Pawel , Krawczyk Rafal D. , Zabolotny Wojciech , Wojenski Andrzej , Kolasinski Piotr , Pozniak Krzysztof T. , Kasprowicz Grzegorz , Chernyshova Maryna , Czarski Tomasz
Published: September 2017

We present a feasibility study of fast events parameters estimation algorithms regarding their execution time. It is the first stage of procedure used on data gathered from gas electron multiplier (GEM) detector for diagnostic of plasma impurities. Measured execution times are estimates of achievable times for future and more complex algorithms. The work covers usage of Intel Xeon and Intel Xeon Phi - high-performance computing (HPC) devices as a possible replacement for FPGA with highlighted advantages and disadvantages. Results show that less than 10 ms feedback loop can be obtained with the usage of 25% hardware resources in Intel Xeon or 10% resources in Intel Xeon Phi which leaves space for future increase of algorithms complexity. Moreover, this work contains a simplified overview of basic problems in actual measurement systems for diagnostic of plasma impurities, and emerging trends in developed solutions.
An Efficient Data Transmission in VANET Using Clustering Method
Authors: Evangeline C. Suganthi , Appu S.
Published: September 2017

A special type of Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs) which has frequent changes of topology and higher mobility is known as Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs). In order to divide the network into groups of mobile vehicles and improve routing, data gathering, clustering is applied in VANETs. A stable clustering scheme based on adaptive multiple metric combining both the features of static and dynamic clustering methods is proposed in this work. Based on a new multiple metric method, a cluster head is selected among the cluster members which is taken from the mobility metrics such as position and time to leave the road segment, relative speed and Quality of Service metrics which includes neighborhood degree, link quality of the RSU and bandwidth. A higher QoS and cluster stability are achieved through the adaptive multiple metric. The results are simulated using NS2 and shows that this technique provides more stable cluster structured with the other methods.
Prion disease and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway correlations and treatment pursuits
Authors: Satterfield Tarah , Pritchett Jessica , Cruz Sarah , Kemp Kyeorda
Published: September 2017

Background: Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are a collection of rare neurodegenerative disorders characterized by loss of neuronal cells, astrocytosis, and plaque formation. The causative agent of these diseases is thought to be abnormally folded prions and is characterized by a conformational change from normal, cellular prion protein (PrPc) to the abnormal form (PrPTSE). Although, there is evidence that normal prion protein can contribute to these disorders. The unfolded protein response, a conserved series of pathways involved in resolving stress associated with unfolded protein accumulation in the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), has been shown to play a role in regulating the development of prion diseases. Methods: This review chose papers based on their relevance to current studies involved in prion protein synthesis and transformation, identifies various links between prion diseases and ER stress, and reports on current and potential treatments as they relate to ER stress and prion diseases. Conclusion: For the advancement of prion disease treatment, it is important to understand the mechanisms involved in prion formation, and ER stress is implicated in prion disease progression. Therefore, targeting the ER or pathways involved in response to stress in the ER may help us treat prion diseases.