bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connection, Fragmentation, and Intentionality
Authors: Watts Christopher
Published: June 2013

Social software forms new kinds of collectives and expands the means of producing and disseminating knowledge. Yet the combination of persistent connection and fragmented communication can undermine intentionality. Philosophies of technology that privilege data over users exacerbate this danger; more humanistic approaches to software design are now required. Through personal observation and an examination of recent literature (largely drawn from the popular press), the author examines the philosophies that underlie social software designs, explores ways they affect interaction, describes potential pitfalls, and theorizes a reimagining of expertise in this context—complementing, rather than replacing, the scholarly traditions of the academy.
Measuring the Progress of a System Development
Authors: Olszewska Marta (Plaska) , Waldén Marina
Published: June 2013

For most of the developers and managers, the structure and the behaviour of software systems represented in a graphical manner is more understandable than a formal specification of a system or than plain code. Our previous work combined the intuitiveness of UML with the development rigour brought by formal methods and created progress diagrams. In progress diagrams, the design decisions within a system refinement chain are assisted by the application of patterns and illustrated in a comprehensible and compact manner. In order to rigorously assess and control the design process, we need to thoroughly monitor it. In this chapter we show how the application of generic refinement patterns is reflected in measurements. We establish measures for the evaluation of the design progress of the system, where the progress diagrams are assessed from the size and structural complexity perspective. Our motivation is to support the system developers and managers in making the design decisions that regard the system construction.
Towards a High-Availability-Driven Service Composition Framework
Authors: Lee Jonathan , Ma Shang-Pin , Lee Shin-Jie , Wu Chia-Ling , Lee Chiung-Hon Leon
Published: June 2013

Service-Oriented Computing (SOC), a main trend in software engineering, promotes the construction of applications based on the notion of services. SOC has recently attracted a great deal of attention from researchers, and has been comprehensively adopted by industry. However, service composition enabling the aggregation of existing services into composite services still imposes a great challenge to service-oriented technology. Web service composition requires component Web services to be available in request, to behave correctly in operation, and to be replaceable flexibly in failure. Although availability of Web services plays a crucial role in building robust SOC-based applications, it has been largely neglected, especially for service composition. In this chapter, we propose a service composition framework that integrates a set of composition-based service discovery mechanisms, a user-oriented service delivery approach, as well as a service management mechanism for composite services.
Software Engineering Research
Authors: Génova Gonzalo , Llorens Juan , Morato Jorge
Published: June 2013

The classical scientific method has been settled through the last centuries as a cyclic, iterative process of observation, hypothesis formulation, and confirmation/refutation of hypothesis through experimentation. This “experimental scientific method” was mainly developed in the context of natural sciences dealing with the physical world, such as Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, Chemistry, and so on. But when trying to apply this classical view of the scientific method to the various branches of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, among which Software Engineering, there are two kinds of obstacles. First, Computer Science is rooted both in formal sciences such as Mathematics and experimental sciences such as Physics, and therefore, an excessive emphasis on the experimental side is not appropriate to give a full account of this kind of scientific activity. Second, the production of software systems has to deal not only with the behavior of complex physical systems such as computers, but also with the behavior of complex human systems (developers interacting with stakeholders, for instance, or users interacting with machines) where educational, cultural, sociological, and economical factors are essential. Therefore, empirical methods in their narrow sense, even though valuable in some respects, are rather limited to understand a reality that exceeds the mere physical world. Moreover, neither formal nor empirical methods can provide a full account of scientific activity, which relies on something that is beyond any established method. Qualitative (i.e. meta-methodical) reasoning plays the directive role in scientific activity. In this chapter, the authors claim that acknowledging a plurality of research methods in software engineering will benefit the advancement of this branch of science.
A New Clustering Method with Fuzzy Approach Based on Takagi-Sugeno Model in Queuing Systems
Authors: Zanjanbar Farzaneh Gholami , Sentarli Inci
Published: June 2013

In this paper, the authors propose a new hard clustering method to provide objective knowledge on field of fuzzy queuing system. In this method, locally linear controllers are extracted and translated into the first-order Takagi-Sugeno rule base fuzzy model. In this extraction process, the region of fuzzy subspaces of available inputs corresponding to different implications is used to obtain the clusters of outputs of the queuing system. Then, the multiple regression functions associated with these separate clusters are used to interpret the performance of queuing systems. An application of the method also is presented and the performance of the queuing system is discussed.
A Greedy Algorithm for Fuzzy Shortest Path Problem using Quasi-Gaussian Fuzzy Weights
Authors: Verma Madhushi , Shukla K. K.
Published: June 2013

Several algorithms exist to determine the shortest path in a network for the crisp case where the weights are real numbers. In the real world, these weights represent parameters like cost, packet arrival time, link capacity etc which are not naturally precise. To model the uncertainty involved, for the first time we use the Gaussian fuzzy numbers as weights and a method has been presented in this paper to determine the fuzzy shortest path. Gaussian membership functions are preferred over other membership functions (triangular and trapezoidal) that are easy to analyze because it is continuous and differentiable enabling efficient gradient based optimization and it is simpler to represent because it requires fewer parameters. The issue of performing fuzzy arithmetic operations to calculate the fuzzy shortest path length and the corresponding fuzzy shortest path in the network has been addressed and to tackle it the concept of decomposed fuzzy numbers has been used. Also, a greedy algorithm which is an extension of Dijkstra’s algorithm for fuzzy shortest path problem has been proposed.
Fuzzy Logic-Based Round Trip Time Scaling and Scheduling in High Speed TCP Stacks
Authors: Kavidha V. , Sadasivam V.
Published: June 2013

Network management and control is a complex problem that requires intelligent, control methodologies to obtain satisfactory performance. Round trip time (RTT) scaling mechanism has been introduced for changing congestion window and to perform congestion control satisfactorily in all circumstances. This paper presents a fuzzy RTT scaling (FRTTS) scheme that performs RTT scaling and RTT scheduling for different high speed transmission control protocol (TCP) networks. In this scheme, RTT samples are allocated requesting application by using RTT scheduling factor and RTT samples are scaled for an application by using RTT scaling factor. A RTT scaler placed at the end node performs the RTT scheduling as well as RTT scaling. We also apply a FRTTS scheme on different high speed TCP’s namely high-TCP (H-TCP) and scalable-TCP(S-TCP) and demonstrates that it provides better performance than non fuzzy scheme. The scheme has been extensively simulated to test the performance in terms of flow rate, RTT flows, packet size and congestion window size. The results show that FRTTS scheme provides better performance than non fuzzy scheme which employs dynamic RTT scheduling and RTT scaling.
A Knowledge Mining Approach for Effective Customer Relationship Management
Authors: Tolulope Fatudimu Ibukun , Uwadia Charles , Ayo C. K.
Published: June 2013

The problem of existing customer relationship management (CRM) system is not lack of information but the ability to differentiate useful information from chatter or even disinformation and also maximize the richness of these heterogeneous information sources. This paper describes an improved text mining approach for automatically extracting association rules from collections of textual documents. It discovers association rules from keyword features extracted from the documents. The main contributions of the technique are that, in selecting the most discriminative keywords for use in association rules generation, the system combines syntactic and semantic relevance into its Information Retrieval Scheme which is integrated with XML technology. Experiments carried out revealed that the extracted association rules contain important features which form a worthy platform for making effective decisions as regards customer relationship management. The performance of the improved text mining approach is compared with existing system that uses the GARW algorithm to reveal a significant reduction in the large itemsets, leading to reduction in rules generated to more interesting ones due to the semantic analysis component being introduced. Also, it has brought about reduction of the execution time, compared to the GARW algorithm.
ICT Infrastructure Framework for Microfinance Institutions and Banks in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Sadiq Shahbaz , Khan M. N. A.
Published: June 2013

Information and communication technology (ICT) can be termed as a reagent for the microfinance sector. It has contributed significantly for the growth of this sector, which is clearly depicted from the reviewed literature as well as the market evaluation. The paper analyzes the impact of technological advancements within the microfinance industry from academic as well as practitioner’s point of view. The true advantage of that advancement in the technology is yet to be realized by this sector. The paper proposed that ICT components on an optimized approach can be beneficial for a new as well as an experienced microfinance player for the efficient and cost effective delivery of its services to the masses without any major hindrance.
Design Methodology for Adaptivity and Adaptability of Learning Object’s Interface
Authors: Rodríguez Verónica , Ayala Gerardo
Published: June 2013

In this paper the authors introduce a Design Methodology for Adaptivity and Adaptability of Learning Object’s Interface. The interface should be seen as the action space where mediatic objects are presented for user interaction. A learning object developed based on this methodology adapts itself to the user; it is not the user who must adapt her/himself to the learning object. This adaptation implies the design of the learning object interface, which includes the processes and structures for adaptivity and adaptability. The paper includes a discussion of methodology, the architecture and its components.
Burnout Among Manufacturing Workers in China
Authors: Gao Jennifer H.
Published: June 2013

The relationship between organizational socialization (Training, Understanding, Coworker Support, and Future Prospects) and leadership behavior (Monitor, Producer, Consideration for Others, and Trust in Others) and burnout (Emotional Exhaustion and Personal Accomplishment) were explored and discussed. Data were collected from 341 Chinese manufacturing workers in Southern China. Results revealed that organizational socialization was highly and negatively correlated with Emotional Exhaustion, but highly and positively with Personal Accomplishment. Monitor, Consideration, and Trust were highly and negatively correlated with Emotional Exhaustion, but all the four leadership behaviors were highly and positively correlated with Personal Accomplishment. Regression revealed Training and Monitor to be significant predictors of Emotional Exhaustion, and Understanding, Coworker Support, and Trust explained significant variance of Personal Accomplishment. Management implications are discussed, and future research is indicated.
Land Cover, Tenure Characteristics, and Rural Well-Being in a Black Belt County
Authors: Dyer Janice F. , Marzen Luke , Hite Diane
Published: June 2013

Landownership is an important form of wealth, especially in a natural-resource dependent region such as the Black Belt of Alabama. We examine the connection between property ownership, land cover, and the well-being of communities in Macon County, Alabama. This study is an exploratory application of geographic information systems to integrate information from property tax assessment records, land cover data, and a well-being index based on census data. Research questions regarding the relationships between socioeconomic well-being, land tenure, and land cover were tested on rural parcels 50 acres or larger (N=1418). Test results reveal statistically significant relationships between socioeconomic conditions and absentee ownership (both out-of-state and out-of-county) and land cover type (in particular, evergreen forestland). Analyses of research findings offer insight to the cultural-ecological connections within the Black Belt and prompts exploration of the notion of space as political.
Dynamic Risk Assessment by Communicating Objects in Supply Chain of Chemicals
Authors: Gaci Omar , Mathieu Hervé , Deutsch Jean-Pierre , Gomez Laurent
Published: June 2013

In this paper, a wireless sensor network is deployed to improve the security of goods, environment and persons along a supply chain manipulating chemicals in the European Union. Pallets are equipped with a RFID tag and a set of sensors that monitor in real-time the environment state. By defining and monitoring constraints that must satisfy pallet environments, a real-time risk assessment is proposed. Then, sensors send accident risks in case of unusual values to a centralized software. Supply chain actors responsible for goods are thus contacted and in parallel emergency services are contacted to plan and organize their interventions.
Towards Computational Fronesis
Authors: Ptaszynski Michal , Dybala Pawel , Mazur Michal , Rzepka Rafal , Araki Kenji , Momouchi Yoshio
Published: June 2013

This paper presents research in Contextual Affect Analysis (CAA) for the need of future application in intelligent agents, such as conversational agents or artificial tutors. The authors propose a new term, Computational Fronesis (CF), to embrace the tasks included in CAA applied to development of conversational agents such as artificial tutors. In tutor-student discourse it is crucial that the artificial tutor was able not only to detect user/student emotions, but also to verify toward whom they were directed and whether they were appropriate for the context of the conversation. Therefore, as the first task in CF the authors focus on verification of contextual appropriateness of emotions. They performed some of the first experiments in this task for the Japanese language and discuss future directions in development and implications of Computational Fronesis.
A Critical Evaluation of Computational Methods of Forecasting Based on Fuzzy Time Series
Authors: Pandey Prateek , Kumar Shishir , Srivastava Sandeep
Published: June 2013

The agricultural production is a process, which being nonlinear in nature, due to various influential parameters like weather, rainfall, diseases, disaster, area of cultivation etc., is not governed by any deterministic process. Fuzzy time series forecasting is one of the approaches for predicting the future values where neither a trend is viewed nor a pattern is followed, for example, in case of sugar, Lahi and rice production. Various forecasting methods have been developed on the basis of fuzzy time series data, but accuracy has been a mercurial factor in these forecasts. In this paper, performance analysis of different fuzzy time series (FTS) models has been carried out. The analysis is applicable to any available time series data of product. In this paper performance analysis is done on the data of Indian agro products that include sugarcane, Lahi and rice. The suitability of different FTS models have been critically examined over the production data of the three agro products. The paper establishes the applicability of FTS methods also in the agriculture industry.
A Hybrid Method for Prediction and Assessment Efficiency of Decision Making Units
Authors: Rahimi Iman , Behmanesh Reza , Yusuff Rosnah Mohd.
Published: June 2013

The objective of this article is an evaluation and assessment efficiency of the poultry meat farm as a case study with the new method. As it is clear poultry farm industry is one of the most important sub- sectors in comparison to other ones. The purpose of this study is the prediction and assessment efficiency of poultry farms as decision making units (DMUs). Although, several methods have been proposed for solving this problem, the authors strongly need a methodology to discriminate performance powerfully. Their methodology is comprised of data envelopment analysis and some data mining techniques same as artificial neural network (ANN), decision tree (DT), and cluster analysis (CA). As a case study, data for the analysis were collected from 22 poultry companies in Iran. Moreover, due to a small data set and because of the fact that the authors must use large data set for applying data mining techniques, they employed k-fold cross validation method to validate the authors’ model. After assessing efficiency for each DMU and clustering them, followed by applied model and after presenting decision rules, results in precise and accurate optimizing technique.
Sustainability Reporting by Outdoor Equipment Vendors
Authors: Wasner Imke , Majchrzak Tim A.
Published: June 2013

Supply chains for various goods span across multiple nations. Often, lower developed countries are involved in which no adequate background institutions have been established. Consequently, sustainable behavior of multinational corporations is important. To make companies’ performance regarding sustainability more transparent, various international institutions developed guidelines for sustainability reporting. Based on the predominant Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework, they have analyzed the reports of two outdoor equipment vendors, namely Timberland LLC and The North Face. Consumers of outdoor products are expected to be more aware of the impact their purchases have. The authors briefly introduce the GRI framework and the concerned sector. The two companies’ actions are compared in detail and their actions assessed based on theories of ethical business operation. Afterwards implications of the findings are discussed. The authors’ results suggest that companies in this sector are conscious about sustainability but individual performance greatly differs.
Investigating the Engage in Electronic Societies via Facebook in the Arab World
Authors: Yaseen Saad Ghaleb , Al Omoush Khaled Saleh
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a comprehensive framework to elucidate the relationship between members’ motivations, attitudes, behavior, and usage patterns of Social Networking Sites (SNSs) as a platform of Electronic Societies (e-societies) focusing on Facebook social networking platform. A questionnaire survey method was used to collect data. The sample included Facebook users from six Arab countries. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), using EQS, was conducted to analyze the data. The results indicated that motivations to engage in e-societies via Facebook, including self-presentation, social interaction, and curiosity, play a pivotal role in explaining Facebook user’s attitudes, electronic behavior, and usage patterns. The findings suggest that Facebook has succeeded in providing the fundamental building blocks of e-society construction and copying the features of physical societies, satisfying the basic human needs of social networking. The present study contributes to a deeper understanding of why and how people join the SNSs as a major standardized instrument in building the universal e-societies across boundaries, languages, and cultures.
Overexpression of CREMα in T Cells Aggravates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Verjans Eva , Ohl Kim , Yu Yin , Lippe Ralph , Schippers Angela , Wiener Anastasia , Roth Johannes , Wagner Norbert , Uhlig Stefan , Tenbrock Klaus , Martin Christian
Published: June 2013

Transcription factor cAMP response element modulator (CREM)α contributes to various cellular and molecular abnormalities in T cells, including increased IL-17 and decreased IL-2 expression. For development of acute lung injury (ALI), the invasion and regulation of immune cells are highly important, but the role of T cells remains unclear. In this study, we show that CREMα is upregulated in LPS-induced ALI. During the early phase of ALI (day 1), T cell–specific CREMα overexpression enhances the numbers of T cells and expression of TNF-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and deteriorates lung functions. On day 3 of ALI, CREMα transgenic mice present a stronger inflammatory response with higher levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17 correlating with increased numbers of T cells and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, whereas expression of Foxp3 and IL-2 and numbers of regulatory T cells are decreased. These changes result in restricted lung function in CREMα transgenic mice. Finally, an adoptive transfer of CREM−/− CD4+ T cells, but not of wild-type T cells into RAG-1−/− mice results in ameliorated disease levels. Thus, levels of CREM in T cells determine the outcome of ALI, and CREMα transgenic animals represent a model in which proinflammatory T cells aggravate ALI in different phases of the disease. Given the fact that patients with autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus show higher levels of CREMα and an increased susceptibility toward infectious complications, our finding is of potential clinical significance and may enable new therapeutic strategies.
Partial pressure of CO2 and CO2 emission in a monsoon-driven hydroelectric reservoir (Danjiangkou Reservoir), China
Authors: Li S. Y. , Zhang Q. F.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Hydroelectric reservoirs have been under sampled to establish them as sources or sinks of the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Such poor coverage is well known for subtropic, particularly monsoon driven reservoirs in China. Our study presented the spatiotemporal changes of the carbonate system and CO2 flux in a hydroelectric reservoir (Dangjiankou Reservoir) locating in a subtropical monsoon climate region. Our 21 filed surveys conducted during 2004–2011 revealed significantly spatial and monthly variations of surface water partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in the Reservoir. pCO2, showing higher concentrations in the wet and warm seasons, averaged 595 ± 545 µatm (ranging from 53–3751 µatm) in the reservoir surface, while substantially higher pCO2 (1132 ± 1220 µatm) was observed in the river downstream the dam. A clear pCO2 drawdown in the reservoir as water flows demonstrated a significantly descending order of Dan Reservoir > site close to dam > Han Reservoir. This spatial contrast can also be seen in the distributions of dissolved inorganic carbon and total alkalinity. Pronounced seasonality in pCO2 was controlled by seasonal monsoon rainfall, while photosynthetic CO2 uptake dominated spatial patterns and dry-month variability of pCO2. We further related pCO2 to water chemical properties and indicated that pCO2 had strong positive correlations with Si, TP and DOC, negative correlations with DO saturation, TN and Chl a, while weak correlations with other variables including biogenic elements. CO2 flux from the Reservoir surface showed a bottom average of 9 mmol m–2 d–2 in comparison with other hydroelectric reservoir in China. River downstream the dam had quite high flux of CO2 (119 mmol m–2 d–2), which was intermediate between temperate rivers and compared to global rivers' average. This means that water releasing from reservoir would be an important channel for atmospheric CO2 sources. The annual CO2 emission from the Danjiangkou Reservoir was estimated to be 3.4 × 109 mol C. Remarkably spatial and temporal heterogeneities in CO2 flux from China's hydroelectric reservoirs are urgently included for advancing global models of reservoirs' carbon emissions.
Determination of Infectious Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus in Bovine Lung Lavages by a Combination of Virus Propagation in Cell Culture and Quantitative Real-Time PCR
Authors: Zeitler Benjamin , Rapp Ingrid
Published: June 2013

Material of bovine origin is often used in biotechnological applications. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is one of the major viral contaminants, and not only detection and inactivation but also quantification of the viral load in bovine starting material is required by the regulatory agencies. Here, we investigated combined virus propagation in cell culture and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for the applicability to detect and estimate low BVDV titers in bovine lung lavages, the source material for manufacturing pulmonary surfactant. qRT-PCR analyses of the crude lung lavages were performed and qRT-PCR calibration curves based on infective viral doses (TCID50/mL) were generated with a detection limit of 100 TCID50/mL. Lung lavages were inoculated on susceptible MDBK cells and cell culture samples were again analyzed by qRT-PCR. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to prove qRT-PCR results. Interestingly, initial BVDV contaminations in lung lavages were below qRT-PCR detection limit. An amplification step in cell culture enabled BVDV propagation to levels detectable by qRT-PCR. In comparison with the qRT-PCR calibration curve and control experiments with defined inoculation doses, the estimation of minor BVDV contaminations in lung lavages was possible. Both techniques can be successfully combined to estimate the viral load in dilute sample material.
An Audit of Surgical Management of Pressure Sores in a Resource Constrained Hospital in Kenya
Authors: Nangole W. F. , Khainga S. O. , Otieno Soren , Tanga Audi
Published: June 2013

Objective. To determine the surgical management of pressure sores at the National Spinal Injury Hospital and the outcome. Design. This was a four-year prospective study from June 2008 to June 2012. Setting. The study was carried out at the National Spinal Injury Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. Subjects. Patients with pressure sores operated on during the defined period of study. Results.
A total of 46 patients with 58 pressure sores were operated on during the defined period of study. The male : female ratio was 10.5 : 1. The mean age was 36.5 years. Trochanteric sores accounted for 60 percent of the pressure sores operated on with the V-Y tensor fascia lata, the commonest surgical procedure, accounting for 37 percent of the procedures performed. At one year of followup 90 percent of the surgeries done were successful with no ulcer recurrence noted. Conclusion. Surgical management of pressure sores even in resource constrained environment would result in faster rehabilitation and early patient discharge. The recurrence of the pressure sores could be greatly reduced by involving patients relatives in the rehabilitation and home-based care.
Resistance behaviour of Septoria tritici to some fungicides in the territory of the Czech Republic
Authors: Tvaružek Ludvik , Horáková P. , Ji L.
Published: June 2013

Reduction of colony diameter using two DMI-fungicides and one strobilurine fungicide was evaluated in the Septoria tritici population. In an in vitro assay, 57 strains of S. tritici originating from different parts of the Czech Republic were grown on agar plates containing different concentrations of fungicides. The mean EC50 values of strains were analysed for flusilazole (Capitain), metconazole (Caramba) and one strobilurine fungicide: azoxystrobin (Amistar). ED 50 values for metconazole were low. There were highly significant correlation in reaction of pathogen strains to metconazole and flusilazole. Some isolates showed significant higher level of resistance to azoxystrobin. The data will be used in a continuing survey of resistance development in the S. tritici population originating from the territory of the Czech Republic.
Effect of depth of planting on croping and fruit quality of apple trees cv. 'Elstar' grafting on M.9
Authors: Wociór Stanisław , Kiczorowski Piotr , Wójcik Irena , Palonka Salwina
Published: June 2013

The results obtained in this study shown that depth of planting significantly affected the yield. The trees planted of the place of budding 7 cm under the ground gave about twice lower yield per tree and hectar and growth the more stranger than others planted upper. Depth of planting had no significantly effect on fruit quality. Fruit mass and percent of fruits with upper 75% of coloured surface were more (significantly) influenced by weather conditions in different years.
Susceptibility of different parsley cultivars to infestation by pathogenic fungi
Authors: Nawrocki Jacek
Published: June 2013

The experiments were carried out in the years 2002 and 2003 on parsley seeds of 6 cultivars: Alba, Berlińska, Cukrowa, Kinga, Lenka, and Vistula. Mycological analysis of parsley seeds showed that the most common inhabitans were fungi from genus Alternaria (mainly A. alternata and A. radicina) and Fusarium, especially F. avenaceum and F. oxysporum. During the glasshouse investigations fungi Alternaria radicina, A. alternata and Fusarium avenaceum were the main reason for parsley damping-off. The highest number of infected seedlings was observed for Berlińska and Kinga, because in both years of experiments these cultivars had the lowest number of healthy seedlings. The highest number of healthy seedlings had cultivars Alba and Lenka, especially in the second year of experiments. In the field experiments not only fungi from genus Alternaria and Fusarium were the most often isolated from diseased parsley seedlings. Fusarium oxysporum was more often isolated from diseased field seedlings than from glasshouse parsley seedlings. Other fungies isolated often from parsley seedlings cultivated in the field were: Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, Cylindrocarpon destructans and Stemphylium botryosum.
Research on possibilities of utilization of chosen Brassicaceae plants in protection of cucumber against damping-off caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn and Fusarium culmorum (W.G.Smith)Sacc.
Authors: Burgieł Zbigniew J.
Published: June 2013

The aim of the work was to determine the usefulness of dried leaves of savoy cabbage, red cabbage, horse radish and fringed cabbage in protection of cucumber against damping-off caused by fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium culmorum. In the laboratory experiments, pathogens were grown on PDA containing dried leaves (3g·100 cm-3) and in atmosphere containing volatile substances evolved from plant material. The addition of radish horse leaves into PDA caused total inhibition of R. solani development. Remaining plants were also characterized by high fungistatic activity (% of growth inhibition about 85%). F. culmorum was less sensitive. The horse radish leaves showed the strongest activity (65 %), weakest in combination with fringed cabbage leaves (38,9%). The similar regularity in the case of fumigation activity was observed. The effectiveness of dried leaves in protection of cucumber against damping-off was confirmed in greenhouse experiment. The amendment of soil inoculated with R. solani in dose 2 g per 500 cm3 of soil significantly increased the number of cucumber sprouts compared to the control. In the experiment with F. culmorum only in combination with horse radish and red cabbage leaves significant action was observed.
Fungi causing dying out of heather seedlings
Authors: Kowalik Maria , Wandzel Agnieszka
Published: June 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the fungi causing dying out of one-yearold heather seedlings. Observations were carried out on: 'Amethyst', 'Annemarie', 'Colette', 'Perestroika' and 'Reini'. The shoots revealing necrotic symptoms were plated on PDA medium. 25 species of fungi were isolated. Among them Pestalotia sydowiana, Alternaria alternata, Cylindrocarpon destructans, Leptosphaeria coniothyrium and Epicoccum purpurascens were dominant, while Mammaria echinobotryoides, Phoma leveillei, Kaissleriella subalpina, Botrytis cinerea and Phytophthora cinnamomi occurred less frequently.
Snow mould prevalence on perennial ryegrass (Lolim perenne L.) in relation to the light conditions and intensity of turf maintenance
Authors: Prończuk Maria , Prończuk Sławomir
Published: June 2013

Effect of shade, nutrition, height of mowing and density of turf on snow mould (Microdochium nivale) prevalence on Lolium perenne under turf maintenance were studied in 2000-2004 at Radzików (central Poland). The materials for studies were cultivars of L. perenne originated from Poland and abroad. The turf experiments were performed in three series of trials where each factor were analysed independently. The cultivars were assessed for: density of turf, the first symptom of disease and snow mould injury in spring. The investigations revealed that shade as well as high nutrition applied in autumn and high mowing of grass influenced significantly snow mould prevalence on L. perenne. The cultivars expressed a wide range of susceptibility to snow mould. The cultivars with high density of turf were the most injured by snow mould. Disease occurred at different periods of autumn and winter, usually before snow fall. Winter weather conditions had a slight effect on changes in snow mould injury of L. perenne in subsequent years.
Shaping of the fungal communities isolated from yellow lupin seeds (Lupinus luteus L.) throughout storage time
Authors: Cwalina-Ambroziak Bożena , Kurowski Tomasz P.
Published: June 2013

The object of the experiment were seeds of two traditional cultivars of yellow lupin (Juno and Amulet) cultivated in 1999 in two crop-rotation with 20% and 33% yellow lupine contribution. The quantitative and qualitative composition of the fungal community colonizing the seeds were determined in the laboratory conditions after 0.5-, 1.5- and 2.5-year of storage time. In total 1077 fungal colonies were isolated from the lupin seeds. Fungi representing the species of Penicillium - 29.3%, Alternaria alternata - 26.7% and Rhizopus nigricans - 12.7% were isolated most widely. Among the fungi pathogenic to lupin, the species of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (16.3% isolates) was dominant. The crop rotation with 20% lupin reduced the number of fungal colonies colonizing the seeds including the pathogens from the species of C. gloeosporioides. Seed disinfection decreased the total number of fungal colonies isolated from both cultivars. Higher number of C. gloeosporioides isolates was found in the combination with disinfected seeds. More fungal colonies were obtained from seeds of cv. Amulet than from those of cv. Juno. The storage duration had an effect on the population and the composition of species of fungi isolated from seeds of yellow lupine. With longer storage population of Penicillium spp. and Rhizopus spp. increased, whereas the population of C. gloeosporioides decreased.
Polycystic Liver Transplant: A Case Report
Authors: Sakcak Ibrahim , Olmez Aydemir , Ozgor Dincer , Eris Cengiz , Kayaalp Cuneyt , Yılmaz Sezai
Published: June 2013

A liver from a donor with brain death due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm was transplanted. The liver had multiple bilobar simple cysts; the largest was less than 3 cm in diameter. The noncystic liver volume was greater than 50%, and the liver had neither fibrosis nor venous congestion. The donor surgery was performed in accordance with the standard protocol without rupture of the cysts. The recipient was a 40-year-old man with cirrhosis associated with hepatitis B. The recipient operation was done by using the piggyback method with no complications. Excessive drainage of chylous ascites (10 000 mL/d) started in the first days after surgery and continued, gradually decreasing until the end of the second month. The patient was discharged with no complications at the end of the third month. No growth in the cysts was observed on follow-up computed tomography scans. Excluding this particular case, a total of 7 other patients have received a polycystic liver transplant. In all 7 cases, the fact that the donor had polycystic liver disease was not known but was encountered by coincidence during procurement. The case reported here is the first case where the polycystic liver disease was diagnosed before procurement and the transplant was still carried out. It appears that, if the donor liver has enough healthy noncystic volume, polycystic livers can be transplanted.
Liver Transplant Center Performance Profiling: 2005–2011 Reports of the Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients
Authors: Kettelhut Valeriya V. , Nayar Preethy
Published: June 2013

Context

Transplant center performance profiling provides important information for various concerned parties. Comparing a transplant center's performance against the performance of the best-in-class centers may help in understanding the performance thresholds for the underperforming centers.

Objectives

(1) To identify and describe “Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)-red-flag” performers and the “best-in-class” performers and (2) to examine the relationships between a center's performance profile and outcomes such as 1-year observed mortality, 1-month observed mortality, 1-year risk-adjusted mortality, and volume.

Methods

The data for analysis was obtained from the published reports on the Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients (SRTR) website for adult liver transplant programs compiled for the rolling 2½-year cohorts of patients and included 7 cohorts of liver transplant recipients in the study from January through July 1, 2002, through December 31, 2010. We defined 4 performance profiles: CMS-red-flag, lower-than-expected, higher-than-expected, and best-in-class performers.

Results

The current SRTR methods classify approximately 7% of the adult liver centers as CMS-red-flag performers and 6% of the centers as best-in-class performers in every reported period. Neither of the low-volume centers (<30 liver transplants per 2½-year cohort) was profiled as CMS-red-flag until the 2010 reporting period. The transplant center's profile was significantly associated with the 1-year and 1-month observed mortality rates in every reported cohort ( P < .001).

Conclusion

The CMS-red-flag profile can be characterized with the following: (1) the highest observed 1-year mortality, (2) the highest observed 1-month mortality, (3) a very large difference between the observed and adjusted mortality rates, and (4) the center volume greater than 30 liver transplants per 2½-year cohort. The SRTR methods are not sensitive for performance profiling in the centers that perform fewer than 30 orthotopic liver transplants per 2½-year cohort.
Evaluation and Management of Emergencies in Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices
Authors: Aggarwal Ashim , Kurien Sudha , Coyle Laura , Siemeck Roxanne , Tatooles Antone , Pappas Pat S. , Bhat Geetha
Published: June 2013

Mechanical circulatory support devices such as ventricular assist devices have become the approved and accepted treatment option to improve survival and quality of life in patients with advanced heart failure refractory to medical therapy. Patients as a result are living longer and presenting to emergency medical services, primary care facilities, emergency departments, and critical care units more frequently. Currently, health care providers have limited experience in managing this complex patient population. Thus, we created a standardized method of initial evaluation and algorithmic approach of management to help in the management of emergencies in this unique patient population. We present a comprehensive overview of the types of mechanical assist devices, their complications, and an algorithmic approach to the emergency management in the patients with mechanical circulatory support. A systematic method is crucial in prompt and early recognition of emergencies to ensure appropriate management of these patients.
Self‐Organization and/or Nanocrystallinity of Co Nanocrystals Effects on the Oxidation Process Using High‐Energy Electron Beam
Authors: Cazacu Ana , Larosa Claudio , Beaunier Patricia , Laurent Guillaume , Nanni Paolo , Mitoseriu Liliana , Lisiecki Isabelle
Published: June 2013

The enhanced stability of Co nanocrystals (NCs) when they are highly ordered at both nanometer and micrometer scales is reported. For the first time, it is shown that both the crystalline structure of Co nanoparticles (NPs) and their 2D hexagonal organization have a significant impact on the oxidation process rate enabling to produce various types of nanostructures including core‐shell NPs. The Co core can be either polycrystalline or hexagonal close‐packed (hcp) single‐crystalline, whereas the oxide shell is composed either of CoO or of the spinel structrure Co3O4. The present results are evidenced through a careful high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) study and are highly reproducible.
A Multifunctional Bichromophoric Nanoaggregate for Fluorescence Imaging and Simultaneous Photogeneration of RNOS and ROS
Authors: Fraix Aurore , Gonçalves A. Ricardo , Cardile Venera , Graziano Adriana C. E. , Theodossiou Theodossis A. , Yannakopoulou Konstantina , Sortino Salvatore
Published: June 2013

We report the design, preparation, and properties of a nanoaggregate formed in phosphate buffer solution by a porphyrin–β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) conjugate and a nitric oxide photodonor tailored to fit the β‐CD cavity. The small nanoassembly with a diameter of about 13 nm exhibits the typical red fluorescence of the porphyrin chromophore. The empty cavity of the β‐CD unit in the nanoaggregate is able to accommodate the NO photodonor, thereby forming a supramolecular bichromophoric aggregate with diameter of about 16 nm. This nanoconstruct preserves the fluorescence of the porphyrin core and is able to generate nitric oxide and singlet oxygen under illumination with visible light. The nanoassembly internalizes in melanoma cells, can be mapped therein by fluorescence microscopy, and induces a significant level of cell mortality, probably due to the combined action of reactive nitrogen oxide species (RNOS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
A Model‐Based Approach for Gas Turbine Engine Performance Optimal Estimation
Authors: Lu Feng , Lv Yiqiu , Huang Jinquan , Qiu Xiaojie
Published: June 2013

Kalman filters (KF) are widely used in model‐based fault diagnosis designs for aircraft engine health management purposes. Nevertheless, health parameter estimation based on KF in the self‐tuning on‐board real‐time model (STORM) cannot always achieve sufficient health monitoring due to the interrelation of different types of sensors and the number of sensors usually being less than the number of health parameters on the aircraft engine. In order to mitigate this problem, one must accomplish two things: the sensor measurements for fault diagnosis should be analyzed and determined and a health parameter vector in STORM of lower dimension should be acquired. In this paper, a measurement vector for STORM is selected by the concept of sensor condition number and the sensor similarity is used for validation. A transformation matrix for the health parameter vector is introduced, and quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) is employed to produce a health parameter subset with appropriate dimensions to enable KF based estimation. Simulations on this method are carried out on a turbofan engine, and the results show that the proposed method for health parameters estimation is efficient.
Effect of a single 30 min UMTS mobile phone‐like exposure on the thermal pain threshold of young healthy volunteers
Authors: Vecsei Zsuzsanna , Csathó Árpád , Thuróczy György , Hernádi István
Published: June 2013

One of the most frequently investigated effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMFs) on the behavior of complex biological systems is pain sensitivity. Despite the growing body of evidence of EMF‐induced changes in pain sensation, there is no currently accepted experimental protocol for such provocation studies for the healthy human population. In the present study, therefore, we tested the effects of third generation Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) RF EMF exposure on the thermal pain threshold (TPT) measured on the surface of the fingers of 20 young adult volunteers. The protocol was initially validated with a topical capsaicin treatment. The exposure time was 30 min and the genuine (or sham) signal was applied to the head through a patch antenna, where RF EMF specific absorption rate (SAR) values were controlled and kept constant at a level of 1.75 W/kg. Data were obtained using randomized, placebo‐controlled trials in a double‐blind manner. Subjective pain ratings were tested blockwise on a visual analogue rating scale (VAS). Compared to the control and sham conditions, the results provide evidence for intact TPT but a reduced desensitization effect between repeated stimulations within the individual blocks of trials, observable only on the contralateral side for the genuine UMTS exposure. Subjective pain perception (VAS) data indicated marginally decreased overall pain ratings in the genuine exposure condition only. The present results provide pioneering information about human pain sensation in relation to RF EMF exposure and thus may contribute to cover the existing gap between safety research and applied biomedical science targeting the potential biological effects of environmental RF EMFs. Bioelectromagnetics. 34:530–541. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
NMR Spectroscopic Study of the Self‐Aggregation of 3‐Hexen‐1,5‐diyne Derivatives
Authors: Pérez Ana , de Saá Diana , Ballesteros Alfredo , Serrano José Luis , Sierra Teresa , Romero Pilar
Published: June 2013

The self‐assembly of polycatenar molecules derived from 1,6‐diphenyl‐3,4‐dipropyl‐3‐hexen‐1,5‐diyne has been studied in detail by solution NMR spectroscopy. The analysis of the concentration‐ and temperature‐dependent evolution of the chemical shifts and the diffusion coefficients in [D12]cyclohexane agrees well with an isodesmic model of association in this solvent. The association constants for the stacking and entropy and enthalpy of the process have been obtained. The driving force for the aggregation process is provided by a negative enthalpy (ΔH), which is partially compensated by a negative entropy (ΔS). A structural study of the self‐assembly in solution has been carried out with the help of NOESY NMR spectroscopic experiments.