bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design Optimization of Horizontal Wells With Multiple Hydraulic Fractures
Authors: Carpenter Chris
Published: February 2015

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 167770, ’Design Optimization of Horizontal Wells With Multiple Hydraulic Fractures in the Bakken Shale,’ by Luigi Saputelli, SPE, Frontender Corporation; Carlos Lopez, SPE, BP; Alejandro Chacon, SPE, Halliburton; and Mohammed Soliman, SPE, Texas Tech University, prepared for the 2014 SPE/EAGE European Unconventional Resources Conference and Exhibition, Vienna, Austria, 25-27 February. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

The ultimate performance of fractured wells in tight reservoirs is affected severely by the interfering effects inside the fracture and interfractures. The most important parameters for determining the optimum fracture length have been shown to be the formation permeability and the stimulated reservoir volume. Although studies have examined the performance of horizontal fractured wells and the fracture-geometry effect, fracture spacing and intersecting angles in vertical and horizontal wells should be investigated further. This study presents the results of a tight-oil-reservoir analogy.

Introduction

An efficient way to improve the productivity of ultratight shale formations is to increase the density of hydraulic fractures. Decreasing hydraulic-fracture spacing increases the productivity of the well, but the incremental production gain for each additional hydraulic fracture decreases. The current field practice is to develop 640- to 1,280-acre leases with 4,000- to 10,000-ft horizontal wells with multiple fractures. However, the determination of the optimal number of fractures is a challenge.

Historically, many of the first horizontal wellbores were drilled using the openhole method in the pay zone. This allowed a significant portion of the wellbore to be in contact with the reservoir. In 2004, a coiled-tubing-deployed jetting assembly was successfully used to focus the stimulation treatments in the openhole wellbore. This further demonstrated that openhole horizontal wells can be successful. Another completion method of that period that is still used is the plug-and-perforation technique in cased holes. The disadvantage of using this completion method, however, is that fracturing fluids can come in contact with the formation for an extended period of time.

Near the wellbore, the flow configuration in a transverse fracture intersecting a horizontal well can be of two types. Outside the fracture, the flow from the reservoir into the fracture is linear; inside the fracture, the flow is converging radial. Additionally, turbulence effects, fracture-conductivity impairment, scaling, and unstable wellbore flow regimes can play an important role in creating pressure drops, which affect well performance.
Visual and Optical Performances of Multifocal Intraocular Lenses with Three Different Near Additions: 6-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Corpuz Christine Carole C , Fujiwara Megumi , Tomita Minoru
Published: February 2015

Purpose :

To compare the visual and optical outcomes of four multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) with three different near additions of +3.00 diopters (D), +3.75 D and +4.00 D.

Methods :

In this prospective study, 133 eyes of 88 patients were implanted with one of the following IOLs: AcrySof® ReSTOR® SN6AD1 (+3.00 D) for Group A, AcrivaUD Reviol BB MF 613 or BB MFM 611 (+3.75 D) for Group B, and AcrySof® ReSTOR® SN6AD3 (+4.00 D) for Group C. The visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure, tomography and corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) were compared between the three groups preoperatively and at 6 month postoperatively. Defocus curve, contrast sensitivity and higher order aberrations (HOAs) at 6 month postoperative visit were measured and compared.

Results :

There were no statistically significant differences in distance visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure or ECD among the three groups after 6 months (P > 0.05). The photopic contrast sensitivity in Group C was statistically better than in Group A (P < 0.05). The scotopic ocular aberration in Group B was statistically greater compared to that in Group A (P < 0.05). The highest near-visual peaks were -0.06 logMAR at a -2.50 D (40 cm) in Group A, -0.07 logMAR at -3.00D (33 cm) in Group B, and -0.06 logMAR at -3.50 D (29 cm) in Group C. Statistically significant differences in near and intermediate visual acuities were observed among the three groups at -2.00 D (50 cm), -2.50 D (40 cm), -3.50 D (29 cm) and -4.00 D (25 cm) (P < 0.01).

Conclusion :

AcrySof® ReSTOR® SN6AD1 IOLs (+3.00 D) and SN6AD3 (+4.00 D) IOLs provided the best intermediate and near vision, respectively. Both intermediate and near vision were comparatively better in the eyes with AcrivaUD Reviol BB MFM 611 IOLs or BB MF 613 IOLs (+3.75 D).
Rail-Roading Technique Using 18 Gauge Intravenous Catheter and Silicon Rod for Frontalis Suspension in Blepharophimosis Syndrome
Authors: Goel Ruchi , A.G Apoorva , Jain Sparshi , K.P.S Malik , Nagpal Smriti , Kishore Divya
Published: February 2015

Silicon rods are widely employed for frontalis sling suspension. However, on passing through the tissues, at times, the silicon rod gets detached from the stainless steel needle. This occurs more commonly in patients of blepharophimosis syndrome, in which hypoplasia of superior orbital rim with deficiency of skin between lid and brow, causes difficulty in passage of the needle when it is manipulated upwards from lid towards the brow. To overcome these problems we describe the use of an 18 G intravenous catheter to railroad the needle with the silicon rod, obviating the blind upward maneuvers with the needle and protecting against the damage to the silicon rod –needle assembly. The technique is easily reproducible, safe and can be used in all silicon rod suspensions.
The effect of salinity levels on the structure of zooplankton communities
Authors: Paturej Ewa , Gutkowska Agnieszka
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the qualitative and quantitative
structure of zooplankton communities in the Vistula Lagoon and to establish
whether zooplankton abundance and biodiversity are affected by salinity
levels. Samples for biological analyses were collected in the summer
(June-September) of 2007-2011 at eleven sampling sites. Statistical analysis
revealed a significant correlation between salinity levels and the number of
species (r= -0.2020), abundance (r= 0.1967) and biomass (r= 0.3139) of
zooplankton. No significant correlations were found between salinity and the
biodiversity of zooplankton. The results of the study suggest that salinity
affects the abundance and structure, but not the diversity of zooplankton
communities in the Vistula Lagoon.
Some KKM theorems in modular function spaces
Authors: Karamikabir Nasrin , Razani Abdolrahman
Published: February 2015

In this paper, a coincidence theorem is obtained which is generalization of
Ky Fan?s fixed point theorem in modular function spaces. A modular version of
Fan?s minimax inequality is proved. Moreover, some best approximation
theorems are presented for multi-valued mappings.
Ulam’s type stability of Hadamard type fractional integral equations
Authors: Wang Jinrong , Lin Zeng
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we further investigates Ulam?s type stability of Hadamard type
fractional integral equations on a compact interval. We explore new
conditions and develop valuable techniques to overcome the difficult from the
Hadamard type singular kernel and extend the previous Ulam?s type stability
results in [27] from [1, b] to [a, b] with a > 0 via fixed point method.
Finally, two examples are given to illustrate our results.
Stochastic periodic solutions of stochastic periodic differential equations
Authors: Zhang Xinhong , Hu Guixin , Wang Ke
Published: February 2015

In this paper, the periodic stochastic differential equations are studied. By
applying the theory of Lyapunov?s second method, contraction mapping
principle and establishing new lemmas, the existence and uniqueness of
stochastic periodic solutions to stochastic periodic differential equations
are obtained. Moreover, several examples are introduced to illustrate our
theoretical results.
An iterative algorithm for finding the solution of a general equilibrium problem system
Authors: Sahebi H.R. , Razani A.
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we introduce a new iterative method for finding a common
element of the set of solution of a general equilibrium problem system (GEPS)
and the set of fixed points of a nonexpansive semigroup. Furthermore, we
present some numerical examples (by using MATLsoftware) to guarantee the
main result of this paper.
On some double Cesàro sequence spaces
Authors: Sever Yurdal , Altay Bilal
Published: February 2015

In this study, we define the double Ces?ro sequence spaces Cesp, Cesbp and
Cesbp0 and examine some properties of those sequence spaces. Furthermore, we
determine the ?(bp)-duals of the spaces Cesbp and Cesp.
Oscillation behavior of third-order quasilinear neutral delay dynamic equations on time scales
Authors: Utku Nadide , Şenel Mehmet
Published: February 2015

The aim of this paper is to give oscillation criteria for the third-order
quasilinear neutral delay dynamic equation [r(t)([x(t)+ p(t)x(?0(t))]??)?]? +
q1(t)x?(?1(t)) + q2(t)x?(?2(t)) = 0; on a time scale T, where 0 < ? < ? < ?.
By using a generalized Riccati transformation and integral averaging
technique, we establish some new sufficient conditions which ensure that
every solution of this equation oscillates or converges to zero.
A new note on absolute Riezs summability: I
Authors: Bor Hüseyin
Published: February 2015

In [6], we proved a theorem dealing with absolute Riesz summability. In this
paper, we prove that result under more weaker conditions. This theorem also
includes some new results.
On hermite-hadamard inequalities for h-preinvex functions
Authors: Noor Muhammad , Noor Khalida , Awan Muhammad , Li Jueyou
Published: February 2015

The objective of this paper is to obtain some Hermite-Hadamard type
inequalities for h-preinvex functions. Firstly, a new kind of generalized
h-convex functions, termed h-preinvex functions, is introduced through
relaxing the concept of h-convexity introduced by Varosanec. Some
Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for h-preinvex functions are established
under certain conditions. Our results can be viewed as generalization of
several previously known results. Results proved in this paper may stimulate
further research in different areas of pure and applied sciences.
Fixed point theorem in fuzzy metric spaces using altering distance
Authors: Dosenovic Tatjana , Rakic Dusan , Brdar Mirjana
Published: February 2015

The aim of the presented paper is to study the fixed point theorems in
complete and compact fuzzy metric spaces as improvement of some recent
results (M.S. Khan, M. Swaleh, S. Sessa, 1984.)[20]. For this purpose, the
condition of the maximum type defined by altering distance is used. The
research is illustrated by three examples.
Joint replenishment and credit policies under two levels of trade credit financing when demand and bad-debt loss depends upon credit period
Authors: Aggarawal K.K. , Tyagi Arun
Published: February 2015

In practice, a firm usually receives trade credit financing from its supplier
on the purchase of inventory. Similarly, in order to meet competition and
generate credit sales over and above cash sales, the firm also gives credit
period to their customers. However, the decision of granting credit period
may have a disintegrating effect on cash sales apart from generating new
credit sales because some of the cash customers may switch to credit
purchase. In addition, despite of the best credit granting policies and
collection practices, the firm may incurs some amount of bad debt losses
because a certain fraction of buyers will undoubtedly be unable to pay off
their debt obligations and become bad debt loss to the firm. In this paper,
using discounted cash flow (DCF) approach, a mathematical model is developed
to jointly determine optimal inventory and credit policies under two levels
of trade credit financing when demand and bad-debt losses are dependent on
credit period. The objective of the model is to maximize the present value of
firm?s net profit per unit time by jointly optimizing the replenishment
interval and date-terms credit period. Numerical examples and sensitivity
analysis are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model,
and the results are discussed.
Insulin Detemir Is Transported From Blood to Cerebrospinal Fluid and Has Prolonged Central Anorectic Action Relative to NPH Insulin
Authors: Begg Denovan P. , May Aaron A. , Mul Joram D. , Liu Min , D’Alessio David A. , Seeley Randy J. , Woods Stephen C.
Published: February 2015

Insulin detemir (DET) reduces glycemia comparably to other long-acting insulin formulations but causes less weight gain. Insulin signaling in the brain is catabolic, reducing food intake. We hypothesized that DET reduces weight gain, relative to other insulins, owing to increased transport into the central nervous system and/or increased catabolic action within the brain. Transport of DET and NPH insulin into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was compared over several hours and after the administration of different doses peripherally in rats. DET and NPH had comparable saturable, receptor-mediated transport into the CSF. CSF insulin remained elevated significantly longer after intraperitoneal DET than after NPH. When administered acutely into the 3rd cerebral ventricle, both DET and NPH insulin reduced food intake and body weight at 24 h, and both food intake and body weight remained lower after DET than after NPH after 48 h. In direct comparison with another long-acting insulin, insulin glargine (GLAR), DET led to more prolonged increases in CSF insulin despite a shorter plasma half-life in both rats and mice. Additionally, peripheral DET administration reduced weight gain and increased CSF insulin compared with saline or GLAR in mice. Overall, these data support the hypothesis that DET has distinct effects on energy balance through enhanced and prolonged centrally mediated reduction of food intake.
Role of Established Type 2 Diabetes–Susceptibility Genetic Variants in a High Prevalence American Indian Population
Authors: Hanson Robert L. , Rong Rong , Kobes Sayuko , Muller Yunhua Li , Weil E. Jennifer , Curtis Jeffrey M. , Nelson Robert G. , Baier Leslie J.
Published: February 2015

Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been identified, but there is little information on their role in populations at high risk for T2DM. We genotyped SNPs at 63 T2DM loci in 3,421 individuals from a high-risk American Indian population. Nominally significant (P < 0.05) associations were observed at nine SNPs in a direction consistent with the established association. A genetic risk score derived from all loci was strongly associated with T2DM (odds ratio 1.05 per risk allele, P = 6.2 × 10−6) and, in 292 nondiabetic individuals, with lower insulin secretion (by 4% per copy, P = 4.1 × 10−6). Genetic distances between American Indians and HapMap populations at T2DM markers did not differ significantly from genomic expectations. Analysis of U.S. national survey data suggested that 66% of the difference in T2DM prevalence between African Americans and European Americans, but none of the difference between American Indians and European Americans, was attributable to allele frequency differences at these loci. These analyses suggest that, in general, established T2DM loci influence T2DM in American Indians and that risk is mediated in part through an effect on insulin secretion. However, differences in allele frequencies do not account for the high population prevalence of T2DM.
Optimum BMI Cut Points to Screen Asian Americans for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Araneta Maria Rosario G. , Kanaya Alka M. , Hsu William C. , Chang Healani K. , Grandinetti Andrew , Boyko Edward J. , Hayashi Tomoshige , Kahn Steven E. , Leonetti Donna L. , McNeely Marguerite J. , Onishi Yukiko , Sato Kyoko K. , Fujimoto Wilfred Y.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE

Asian Americans manifest type 2 diabetes at low BMI levels but may not undergo diagnostic testing for diabetes if the currently recommended BMI screening cut point of ≥25 kg/m2 is followed. We aimed to ascertain an appropriate lower BMI cut point among Asian-American adults without a prior diabetes diagnosis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We consolidated data from 1,663 participants, ages ≥45 years, without a prior diabetes diagnosis, from population- and community-based studies, including the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study, the North Kohala Study, the Seattle Japanese American Community Diabetes Study, and the University of California San Diego Filipino Health Study. Clinical measures included a 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, BMI, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

RESULTS

Mean age was 59.7 years, mean BMI was 25.4 kg/m2, 58% were women, and type 2 diabetes prevalence (American Diabetes Association 2010 criteria) was 16.9%. At BMI ≥25 kg/m2, sensitivity (63.7%), specificity (52.8%), and Youden index (0.16) values were low; limiting screening to BMI ≥25 kg/m2 would miss 36% of Asian Americans with type 2 diabetes. For screening purposes, higher sensitivity is desirable to minimize missing cases, especially if the diagnostic test is relatively simple and inexpensive. At BMI ≥23 kg/m2, sensitivity (84.7%) was high in the total sample and by sex and Asian-American subgroup and would miss only ∼15% of Asian Americans with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The BMI cut point for identifying Asian Americans who should be screened for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes should be <25 kg/m2, and ≥23 kg/m2 may be the most practical.
Predictors of Progression From the Appearance of Islet Autoantibodies to Early Childhood Diabetes: The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY)
Authors: Steck Andrea K. , Vehik Kendra , Bonifacio Ezio , Lernmark Ake , Ziegler Anette-G. , Hagopian William A. , She JinXiong , Simell Olli , Akolkar Beena , Krischer Jeffrey , Schatz Desmond , Rewers Marian J. ,   the TEDDY Study Group
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE

While it is known that there is progression to diabetes in <10 years in 70% of children with two or more islet autoantibodies, predictors of the progression to diabetes are only partially defined.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study has observed 8,503 children who were at increased genetic risk for autoimmune diabetes. Insulin autoantibodies (IAAs), GAD65 autoantibodies (GADAs), and insulinoma-associated protein 2 autoantibodies (IA-2As) were measured every 3 months until 4 years of age and every 6 months thereafter; if results were positive, the autoantibodies were measured every 3 months.

RESULTS

Life table analysis revealed that the cumulative incidence of diabetes by 5 years since the appearance of the first autoantibody differed significantly by the number of positive autoantibodies (47%, 36%, and 11%, respectively, in those with three autoantibodies, two autoantibodies, and one autoantibody, P < 0.001). In time-varying survival models adjusted for first-degree relative status, number of autoantibodies, age at first persistent confirmed autoantibodies, and HLA genotypes, higher mean IAA and IA-2A levels were associated with an increased risk of type 1 diabetes in children who were persistently autoantibody positive (IAAs: hazard ratio [HR] 8.1 [95% CI 4.6–14.2]; IA-2A: HR 7.4 [95% CI 4.3–12.6]; P < 0.0001]). The mean GADA level did not significantly affect the risk of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

In the TEDDY study, children who have progressed to diabetes usually expressed two or more autoantibodies. Higher IAA and IA-2A levels, but not GADA levels, increased the risk of diabetes in those children who were persistently autoantibody positive.
Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Dysfunction in Individuals at High Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: The PROMISE Cohort
Authors: Lee C. Christine , Perkins Bruce A. , Kayaniyil Sheena , Harris Stewart B. , Retnakaran Ravi , Gerstein Hertzel C. , Zinman Bernard , Hanley Anthony J.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE

Emerging evidence suggests that peripheral neuropathy begins in the early stages of diabetes pathogenesis. Our objective was to describe the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and nerve dysfunction according to glucose tolerance and metabolic syndrome status and examine how these conditions are associated with neurological changes in individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 467 individuals in the longitudinal PROMISE (Prospective Metabolism and Islet Cell Evaluation) cohort. Peripheral neuropathy was defined by Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) scores (>2), and the severity of nerve dysfunction was measured objectively by vibration perception thresholds (VPTs) using a neurothesiometer. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the International Diabetes Federation/American Heart Association harmonized criteria.

RESULTS

The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 29%, 49%, and 50% for normal glycemia, prediabetes, and new-onset diabetes, respectively (P < 0.001 for trend). The mean VPT was 6.5 V for normal glycemia, 7.9 V for prediabetes, and 7.6 V for new-onset diabetes (P = 0.024 for trend). Prediabetes was associated with higher MNSI scores (P = 0.01) and VPTs (P = 0.004) versus normal glycemia, independent of known risk factors. Additionally, progression of glucose intolerance over 3 years predicted a higher risk of peripheral neuropathy (P = 0.007) and nerve dysfunction (P = 0.002). Metabolic syndrome was not independently associated with MNSI scores or VPTs.

CONCLUSIONS

In individuals with multiple risk factors for diabetes, prediabetes was associated with similar risks of peripheral neuropathy and severity of nerve dysfunction as new-onset diabetes. Prediabetes, but not metabolic syndrome, was independently associated with both the presence of peripheral neuropathy and the severity of nerve dysfunction.
Empirical Research Towards the Factors Influencing Corporate Financial Performance on the Bucharest Stock Exchange
Authors: Vintilă Georgeta , Nenu Elena Alexandra , Gherghina Ştefan Cristian
Published: February 2015

This study aims to investigate the potential factors of influence on corporate financial performance, by using the panel data regression analysis. The research was employed for a sample consisting of 40 companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, over the period 2010-2012. Corporate financial performance considered as the dependent variable was proxied through return on assets, return on equity, and Tobin’s Q ratio. There were selected the following factors that could influence corporate financial performance: capital structure, firm size, and corporate social responsibility involvement. Likewise, several control variables have been introduced: structure of the ownership and institutional investors. The results show a strong negative relationship between corporate financial performance and debt to equity ratio. Also, there has been revealed a positive influence of the company size on performance, although weak. Furthermore, the relationship between financial performance and social performance has been statistically validated, both using accounting and market ratios.
Baltic States Banking Sector Evolution
Authors: Balkevicius Arturas
Published: February 2015

This article gives an overview of the Baltic States banking sector, analysis of the evolution, structure and their perspective. The banking sector was most focused on, as is currently the most important financial intermediation chain, which has the highest weight. The crisis 2008 has highlighted the impact of globalization on the financial sector. The banking industry must take responsibility not only for a profitable business, but also for the banking activities of the possible consequences economy as a whole. This article analyzes the evolution of the banking sector in Baltic States economy recovery; financial stability in Baltic States related to the uncertainty. This paper analyzes the banking sector problems, efficiency indicators and its evolution. Article examines the changes in banking sector with the economic growth, in crisis and after the crisis. It examined the banking sector in different States and its future development, improvement perspective.
Land Value and Rent Dynamics in an Integrated Walrasian General Equilibrium and Neoclassical Growth Theory
Authors: Zhang Wei-Bin
Published: February 2015

This paper is concerned with relationship between growth and land value change. It builds a heterogeneous-households growth model with endogenous wealth accumulation and fixed nondepreciating asset (land) in an integrated Walrasian general equilibrium and neoclassical growth theory. The production side consists of one service sector and one industrial sector. We use an alternative utility function proposed by Zhang, which enable us to develop a dynamic growth model with genuine heterogeneity. The wealth and income inequality is due to household heterogeneity in preferences and human capital as well as the households’ initial wealth. This is different from the standard Ramsey-type heterogeneous-households growth models, for instance, by Turnovsky and Garcia-Penalosa (2008), where agents are heterogeneous only in their initial capital endowment, not in preference or/and human capital. We build a model for any number of types of household and provide a computational procedure for simulating model. For illustration we simulate the model for the economy with three types of households. We simulate the motion of the national economy and carry out comparative dynamic analysis. The comparative dynamic analysis provides some important insights. For instance, as the rich group increases its propensity to save, the GDP and land value are increased. In the long term the group accumulates more wealth, consumes more goods and services and accumulates more wealth. But in the long term the other two groups suffer from the rich households’ preference change as their lot sizes, consumption levels of services and goods, and wealth are all reduced.
Identification and visualisation of possible ancient ocean shoreline on Mars using submeter-resolution Digital Terrain Models
Authors: Świąder Andrzej
Published: February 2015

Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) produced from stereoscopic, submeter-resolution High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) imagery provide a solid basis for all morphometric analyses of the surface of Mars. In view of the fact that a more effective use of DTMs is hindered by complicated and time-consuming manual handling, the automated process provided by specialists of the Ames Intelligent Robotics Group (NASA), Ames Stereo Pipeline, constitutes a good alternative. Four DTMs, covering the global dichotomy boundary between the southern highlands and northern lowlands along the line of the presumable Arabia shoreline, were produced and analysed. One of them included forms that are likely to be indicative of an oceanic basin that extended across the lowland northern hemisphere of Mars in the geological past. The high resolution DTMs obtained were used in the process of landscape visualisation.
Setting Offer Prices by Housing Developers - Selected Issues in the Light of Literature Review
Authors: Dittmann Iwona
Published: February 2015

This paper deals with selected theoretical issues pertaining to the setting of asking prices by housing developers. Determinants of the buyer’s and seller’s reservation prices have been identified. The advantages and disadvantages, in terms of behavioral economics, of the pricing strategies practiced by housing developers have been indicated. The strategy based on fixing an asking price roughly equal to the estimated market value of the property was compared with the strategy based on offering an inflated asking price (with the assumption of price negotiations). A second comparison concerned the strategy of price disclosure compared with the strategy of price non-disclosure.

The reflections contained within the article were based on behavioral economics and marketing theory. The discussion was based largely on foreign articles, observed examples of pricing policy carried out by housing developers in Poland, and information obtained from housing developers and real estate brokers who are active on the primary market.
The Application of Japanese Candlestick Charting on the Residential Real Estate Market
Authors: Gdakowicz Anna
Published: February 2015

The real estate market is regarded as a part of the capital market. Just as they invest in securities, investors allocate their funds in real estate, hoping to make a sound profit. There are many tools that support the process of investing on the stock exchange, such as a technical analysis. There are also proven methods that help predict future prices of assets on the basis of their historic quotations.

The article is an attempt to transfer the Japanese method of candlestick charting used in the technical analysis of securities onto the real estate market. The method has been implemented on the residential real estate market due to the relatively large number of transactions being concluded there.
Real Estate Value Tax Based on the Latvian Experience
Authors: Hełdak Maria , Stacherzak Agnieszka , Baumane Vivita
Published: February 2015

The article deals with the subject of the planned real estate changes in Poland as viewed in relation to the solutions accepted in Latvia. The current basis for real estate tax is a set fee per 1m² of the estate’s area established in a town council resolution, taking into account the maximum fees established by the Minister of Finances. Currently, the owners of real estates with identical area often pay the same tax regardless of the location, condition and function of the real estate formulated in the plan. The cadastral tax currently in preparation addresses these and other features which influence the value of real estate. A set cadastral value approximate to the market value will serve as the basis for determining the cadastral tax. The principles of real estate tax retrieval in Poland are not clearly established which is why it might prove useful to use the experience of other countries undergoing similar governmental changes. The article makes references to tax solutions recognized in Latvia in the domain of tax fees, valuation principles and problems accompanying real estate tax retrieval.
Choosing the Right Systems Integration
Authors: Péči Matúš , Važan Pavel
Published: February 2015

The paper examines systems integration and its main levels at higher levels of control. At present, the systems integration is one of the main aspects participating in the consolidation processes and financial flows of a company. Systems Integration is a complicated emotionconsuming process and it is often a problem to choose the right approach and level of integration. The research focused on four levels of integration, while each of them is characterized by specific conditions. At each level, there is a summary of recommendations and practical experience. The paper also discusses systems integration between the information and MES levels. The main part includes user-level integration where we describe an example of such integration. Finally, we list recommendations and also possible predictions of the systems integration as one of the important factors in the future.
Modelling the Traffic System
Authors: Važan Pavel , Jurovatá Dominika , Hrčka Lukáš , Danek Maroš
Published: February 2015

The paper presents the simulation study results of the traffic system in the city of Hlohovec. The authors describe the process of building the model in Witness 2013c simulator. The individual entities of simulation model are explained in details, as the Witness simulator is primarily suitable for manufacture or service simulation and not for traffic system simulation. The goal of this paper is to analyse the traffic system and to suggest the changes for improving the traffic in the city of Hlohovec. All proposed measures will bring about 20% improvement of traffic when compared to the current state.
On Stability of Certain Class of 3-Rd Order Nonlinear Control Systems
Authors: Palumbíny Oleg , Neštický Martin
Published: February 2015

The paper deals with a certain class of nonautonomous ordinary third-order nonlinear differential equations L3y=f(t,L0y,L1y,L2y) with quasi-derivatives. A criterion of asymptotic stability in Liapunov sense as well as a criterion of instability in Liapunov sense is derived. The results are illustrated by two examples.
Experimental Evaluation of Integral Transformations for Engineering Drawings Vectorization
Authors: Vaský Jozef , Gramblička Matúš
Published: February 2015

The concept of digital manufacturing supposes application of digital technologies in the whole product life cycle. Direct digital manufacturing includes such information technology processes, where products are directly manufactured from 3D CAD model. In digital manufacturing, engineering drawing is replaced by CAD product model. In the contemporary practice, lots of engineering paper-based drawings are still archived. They could be digitalized by scanner and stored to one of the raster graphics format and after that vectorized for interactive editing in the specific software system for technical drawing or for archiving in some of the standard vector graphics file format. The vector format is suitable for 3D model generating, too.The article deals with using of selected integral transformations (Fourier, Hough) in the phase of digitalized raster engineering drawings vectorization.
Proposal of the Methodology for Analysing the Structural Relationship in the System of Random Process Using the Data Mining Methods
Authors: Michaľčonok German , Kalinová Michaela Horalová , Németh Martin
Published: February 2015

The aim of this paper is to present the possibilities of applying data mining techniques to the problem of analysis of structural relationships in the system of stationary random processes. In this paper, we will approach the area of the random processes, present the process of structural analysis and select suitable circuit data mining methods applicable to the area of structural analysis. We will propose the methodology for the structural analysis in the system of stationary stochastic processes using data mining methods for active experimental approach, based on the theoretical basis.
Comparison of Numerical Analyses with a Static Load Test of a Continuous Flight Auger Pile
Authors: Hoľko Michal , Stacho Jakub
Published: February 2015

The article deals with numerical analyses of a Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) pile. The analyses include a comparison of calculated and measured load-settlement curves as well as a comparison of the load distribution over a pile's length. The numerical analyses were executed using two types of software, i.e., Ansys and Plaxis, which are based on FEM calculations. Both types of software are different from each other in the way they create numerical models, model the interface between the pile and soil, and use constitutive material models. The analyses have been prepared in the form of a parametric study, where the method of modelling the interface and the material models of the soil are compared and analysed.

Our analyses show that both types of software permit the modelling of pile foundations. The Plaxis software uses advanced material models as well as the modelling of the impact of groundwater or overconsolidation. The load-settlement curve calculated using Plaxis is equal to the results of a static load test with a more than 95 % degree of accuracy. In comparison, the load-settlement curve calculated using Ansys allows for the obtaining of only an approximate estimate, but the software allows for the common modelling of large structure systems together with a foundation system.
Behaviour of Load-Bearing Components of a Cushioned Composite Piled Raft Foundation Under Axial Loading
Authors: Sharma V. J. , Vasanvala S. A. , Solanki C. H.
Published: February 2015

In the last decade piled raft foundations have been widely used around the world as intermediate foundation systems between piles and rafts to control the settlement of foundations. However, when those piles are structurally connected to rafts, relatively high axial stresses develop in relatively small numbers of piles, which are often designed to fully mobilize their geotechnical capacities. To avoid a concentration of stress at the head of piles in a traditional piled raft foundation, the raft is disconnected from the piles, and a cushion is introduced between them. Also, to tackle an unfavourable soil profile for a piled raft foundation, the conventional piled raft has been modified into a cushioned composite piled raft foundation, where piles of different materials are used. In the current study the behavior of cushioned foundation components, which transfer the load from the structure to the subsoil, are analyzed in detail, i.e., the thickness of the raft, the length of a long pile and the modulus of a flexible pile.
Engineering Properties of Bentonite Stabilized with Lime and Phosphogypsum
Authors: Kumar Sujeet , Dutta Rakesh Kumar , Mohanty Bijayananda
Published: February 2015

Engineering properties such as compaction, unconfined compressive strength, consistency limits, percentage swell, free swell index, the California bearing ratio and the consolidation of bentonite stabilized with lime and phosphogypsum are presented in this paper. The content of the lime and phosphogypsum varied from 0 to 10 %. The results reveal that the dry unit weight and optimum moisture content of bentonite + 8 % lime increased with the addition of 8 % phosphogypsum. The percentage of swell increased and the free swell index decreased with the addition of 8 % phosphogypsum to the bentonite + 8 % lime mix. The unconfined compressive strength of the bentonite + 8 % lime increased with the addition of 8 % phosphogypsum as well as an increase in the curing period up to 14 days. The liquid limit and plastic limit of the bentonite + 8 % lime increased, whereas the plasticity index remained constant with the addition of 8 % phosphogypsum. The California bearing ratio, modulus of subgrade reaction, and secant modulus increased for the bentonite stabilized with lime and phosphogypsum. The coefficient of the consolidation of the bentonite increased with the addition of 8 % lime and no change with the addition of 8 % phosphogypsum.
Differences between Offer and Demand on the ICT specialist’s Czech Labor Market
Authors: Doucek Petr , Nedomova Lea , Maryska Milos
Published: February 2015

Global changes in the information society are placing ever greater emphasis on professionals in all areas of human activity and in the area of ICT (Information and Communications Technology) especially. This article provides methodology how to measure knowledge level requirements on ICT specialists in business, ICT and non ICT skills in graduates of tertiary education level. It shows also an example of data collecting in academic sphere and among business unites. Practical experiences from the five years research are presented at the end of in this contribution. These results are successfully applied for human resource management and innovation management in competences of ICT professionals in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Czech Republic.
Study of Psychological factors Affected to intention of student to Entrepreneurship (Case study Agriculture and Natural Resources Students Campus at Razi University in Kermanshah Province)
Authors: Afsharzadeh N. , Papzan A. H. , Rostami F. , Piralidehi F. Ghorbani , Pirmoradi A.
Published: February 2015

The main purpose of this research was to examine the influence of psychological characteristics on entrepreneurial intention of agriculture and natural resources students at Razi University in Kermanshah Province. A total of students (N= 258), with and without entrepreneurial education were selected on the basis of simple random sampling (n= 146). The main research tool was a questionnaire. 32 items of psychological characteristics in the form of a questionnaire was developed by the researchers to gather the required data. Factor analysis technique was used to analysis the data.  Factor analysis showed that six psychological factors affected on entrepreneurial intention of agriculture and natural resources students including; need to progress, self-efficacy, internal control, risk taking, creativity and the need for the independence. Researchers encouraged educators to promote and develop these psychological characteristics affected on entrepreneurial intention through creating entrepreneurial context such as by supervising agricultural experience programmers, experiential learning and participatory teaching. Furthermore, it was pointed out that entrepreneurial intention could be improved by self directed learning.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i1.11920 International Journal of Life Sciences Vol.9(1) 2015 12-16
Genetic Variability Assay of Different Natural and Hatchery Populations of Rohu (Labeo rohita) in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Shikder Saiful , Shah Md. Saifuddin , Shams Foyez Ibn , Ali Md. Rayhan , Rahi Md. Lifat
Published: February 2015

The level of genetic variation determines the genetic status and provides the raw material for selective improvement of a stock. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was used to assess the genetic variability of 7 different natural (2) and hatchery (5) populations of Indian Major Carp, Labeo rohita (Rohu) in Bangladsh. In total, 140 fish samples were collected (20 from each of the populations). Genomic DNA was extracted from the muscle tissue, and 5 different oligonucleotide primers were used which revealed 80% polymorphic DNA bands. The polymorphic loci proportions were 0.71, 0.75, 0.75, 0.85, 0.84, 0.86 and 0.89 for Ma-Fatema hatchery, Chowdhuri hatchery, Niribili hatchery, Sonali hatchery, Kapotakha hatchery, the Halda river and the Baluhor Baor populations respectively. The pair-wise population differentiation (FST) values indicated a high level of genetic variation between different populations. The Unweighted Pair Group Method of Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) dendogram based on Nei’s genetic distances also revealed high level of inter-population genetic variation among the populations. The populations were segregated into two groups: the Halda River and Baluhar Baor hatchery in one group and Kapotakha, Ma-Fatema, Chowdhuri, Niribili and Sonali hatcheries in another group. Overall, RAPD results clearly indicate the reduced genetic quality of the hatchery seeds.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i1.11923 International Journal of Life Sciences Vol.9(1) 2015 30-36
Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-Inflamatory Activity of Ventilago calyculata
Authors: Pranaya G. , Venkata Smitha P. , Srinivasa Reddy N. , Vinay R. , Mohan Ch. Murali , Raju Akondi Butchi
Published: February 2015

Ventilago calyculata was traditionally used to treat sprains and pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of bark of Ventilago calyculata (MVC). For evaluating analgesic activity, Hot plate method, Tail-flick method, Formalin test and Writhing methods were used. For evaluating anti-inflammatory activity Carrageenan induced paw edema and Xylene induced ear edema methods were used. Administration of MVC (100 and 200mg/kg) significantly reduced the total number of writhings in Acetic acid induced writhing method. In Hot plate and Tail-Flick methods there was a significant increase in baseline. There was a significant reduction in ear edema in Xylene induced ear edema method. The results suggest that the methanolic extract of bark of Ventilago calyculata might have analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i1.11925 International Journal of Life Sciences Vol.9(1) 2015 43-47
Evaluation of Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Streptococcus mutans isolated from dental plaques to chlorhexidine, nanosil and common antibiotics
Authors: Kariminik Ashraf , Motaghi Mohammad-Mahdi
Published: February 2015

Streptococcus mutans is one of the most important leading causes of dental diseases worldwide and is considered as one of the main causative agent of dental caries. Increasing resistance of oral pathogens to conventional antibacterial agents has resulted to find alternative therapies to overcome resistance development problems. The aim of this study was to examine susceptibility of Streptococcus mutans isolates to some antibiotics, chlorhexidine and nanosil. The study subjects comprised of caries active individual volunteers attending the outpatient department of different dental college hospitals of Kerman. The saliva sample of 2-5 ml was collected from each individual in sterile capped bottles and were immediately transported to the laboratory and processed for the screening of S. mutans. The specific selective media, Blood agar and Tryptone yeast cysteine media agar were used for the screening and isolation of Streptococcus mutans and incubated anaerobically at 37?C for 48 hrs. Colonies of mutans streptococci were examined under a dissecting microscope and identified by their distinctive colony morphology and biochemical tests .Mutacin production of all isolates were investigated.The isolates were tested for susceptibility to some antibiotics (penicillin, gentamycin, vancomycin, cephalotin), chlorhexidine and nanosil mouthwashes by disc diffusion method. The results showed that the majority of mutacin and non mutacin-producing isolates were more sensitive to the nanosil than antibiotics and chlorhexidine. More extensive research on the use of mouthwashes containing silver nanoparticles is suggested.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i2.12040 International Journal of Life Sciences 9 (2) : 2015; 18-21
Chemical composition, antimicrobial activity and biological properties of essential oils
Authors: Saeidnejad Amir Hossein , Rajaei Peyman
Published: February 2015

Essential oils constitute a heterogeneous collection of chemical compounds. Their main characteristics are that they all synthesized by plants and are volatile and mostly soluble in ethanol. They have traditionally been obtained from plants and they have been widely used for insecticidal, medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Essential oils contains about 20–60 components at quite different concentrations and they are characterized by two or three major components at fairly high concentrations. Lately, the essential oils and various extracts of plants have gained special interest as sources of natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents because of the resistance to antibiotics that some microorganisms have acquired and the possible toxicities of the synthetic antioxidants. Spices consumed daily in different types of food to improve flavors, since ancient times, are well known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. During recent decades, numerous numbers of plants have been monitored for their possible role as repellents and insecticides. In this review, the chemical composition profile of some important medicinal plants was evaluated, then antimicrobial properties of a number of essential oils was compared. Antioxidant activity of some essential oils was also considered. Finally, essential oil repellent properties an an important characteristics was evaluated. Further investigation for available data related to the other biological properties of medicinal plants essential oil is recommended.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v9i2.12043 International Journal of Life Sciences 9 (2) : 2015; 9-13