bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Cardiac Catheterization in Patients with Suspected Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Solař Miroslav , Klzo Ludovít , Žižka Jan , Ceral Jiří , Bis Josef
Published: April 2017

Objective. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a novel technique used in the assessment of aortic stenosis. The aim of the study was to compare MRI and cardiac catheterization (CAT) that is still considered to be a “golden standard” in this indication. Methods. Thirty-four patients referred to CAT for the evaluation of aortic stenosis were enrolled into the study. CAT was performed according to the standardized protocol. Cardiac output was measured by thermodilution and mean aortic gradient was determined using simultaneous blood pressure measurement in aorta and left ventricle. MRI was performed within the period of 3 weeks after CAT. True FISP sequence with retrospective ECG gating was used for the imaging of the aortic valve orifice. Planimetry of the aortic valve area (AVA) was performed at the time of maximal opening of the valve during systole. Results. MRI enabled the measurement of AVA in all patients enrolled. Mean AVA defined by CAT and MRI were 0,97 (±0,41) cm2 and 1,38 (±0,55) cm2, respectively. The correlation between the evaluated methods was statistically significant (p=0,003), but not very strong (r=0,43). The comparison of both methods in the identification of the severe aortic stenosis was characterized by kappa value of 0,331. Conclusion. Our study shows low agreement between cardiac catheterization and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of aortic stenosis. However, MRI might have a role in the diagnostic algorithm in patients with suspected severe aortic stenosis and moderate mean aortic gradient or concomitant valvular insufficiency.
Editorial
Authors: De Bot Kees , Bátyi Szilvia
Published: April 2017

Teachers have known for a long time that language learners differ and that a one-size-fits-all does not exist. Still in the days of structuralism, language and its users were seen as being a “thing” to be learned and taught, and since the goal of the learning was the same for all learners—proficiency in the language—the road to that goal should be uniform as well. Language was seen as a set of structures that had to be mastered, and this led to the audio-lingual method in which learners had to drill patterns and make no mistakes, since mistakes could be engrained as good as correct patterns. It was argued that the audiolingual method allowed for individual variation, since learners could choose their own goals and repeat parts of the curriculum on their own.
Language aptitude: Desirable trait or acquirable attribute?
Authors: Singleton David
Published: April 2017

The traditional definition of language aptitude sees it as “an individual’s initial state of readiness and capacity for learning a foreign language, and probable facility in doing so given the presence of motivation and opportunity” (Carroll, 1981, p. 86). This conception portrays language aptitude as a trait, in the sense of exhibiting stability over long periods of time and being immune to training. The trait view of language aptitude tends towards the notion that it is innate, and indeed language aptitude has often been associated with the popular notion of a “gift for languages” (cf. Rosenthal, 1996, p. 59). The view of language aptitude as an innate trait has, however, long been questioned (see e.g., Neufeld, 1978). Recently, this questioning has intensified (see Singleton, 2014), especially since the development of a widespread consensus that working memory needs to be recognized as an important component of language aptitude (see Wen, 2016). Working memory was also once thought of as a trait, but is now recognized as susceptible to the influence of experience and instruction (see e.g., Williams, 2012). The present paper will track the trajectory of the above theoretical discussion and will explore the implications of the stage it has now reached.
Affective and situational correlates of foreign language proficiency: A study of Chinese university learners of English and Japanese
Authors: Jin Yinxing , De Bot Kees , Keijzer Merel
Published: April 2017

The study explores the effects of teacher support and student cohesiveness on foreign language (FL) learning outcomes and compares their effect with that of FL anxiety. One hundred and forty-six first-year Chinese undergraduates of Japanese, who were also learning English, participated in two surveys that were administered over a 2-month interval. Data were collected using the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (Horwitz, Horwitz, & Cope, 1986), the Teacher Support Scale (Trickett & Moos, 2002), the Affiliation Scale (Trickett & Moos, 2002), the English Proficiency Scale, and the Japanese Proficiency Scale. It was found that (a) student cohesiveness was a positive predictor of FL proficiency, (b) teacher support, which was positively related to student cohesiveness and negatively to FL anxiety, did not show a direct relationship with FL proficiency, and (c) FL anxiety, which was negatively associated with FL proficiency, showed a better predictive power than student cohesiveness and teacher support.
Rational taxation in an open access fishery model
Authors: Rokhlin Dmitry B. , Usov Anatoly
Published: April 2017

We consider a model of fishery management, where n agents exploit a single population with strictly concave continuously differentiable growth function of Verhulst type. If the agent actions are coordinated and directed towards the maximization of the discounted cooperative revenue, then the biomass stabilizes at the level, defined by the well known “golden rule”. We show that for independent myopic harvesting agents such optimal (or ε-optimal) cooperative behavior can be stimulated by the proportional tax, depending on the resource stock, and equal to the marginal value function of the cooperative problem. To implement this taxation scheme we prove that the mentioned value function is strictly concave and continuously differentiable, although the instantaneous individual revenues may be neither concave nor differentiable.
State estimation in a decentralized discrete time LQG control for a multisensor system
Authors: Duda Zdzislaw
Published: April 2017

In the paper a state filtration in a decentralized discrete time Linear Quadratic Gaussian problem formulated for a multisensor system is considered. Local optimal control laws depend on global state estimates and are calculated by each node. In a classical centralized information pattern the global state estimators use measurements data from all nodes. In a decentralized system the global state estimates are computed at each node using local state estimates based on local measurements and values of previous controls, from other nodes.

In the paper, contrary to this, the controls are not transmitted between nodes. It leads to nonconventional filtration because the controls from other nodes are treated as random variables for each node. The cost for the additional reduced transmission is an increased filter computation at each node.
Robust H∞ output feedback control of bidirectional inductive power transfer systems
Authors: Swain Akshya , Almakhles Dhafer , Neath Michael J. , Nasiri Alireza
Published: April 2017

Bidirectional Inductive power transfer (IPT) systems behave as high order resonant networks and hence are highly sensitive to changes in system parameters. Traditional PID controllers often fail to maintain satisfactory power regulation in the presence of parametric uncertainties. To overcome these problems, this paper proposes a robust controller which is designed using linear matrix inequality (LMI) techniques. The output sensitivity to parametric uncertainty is explored and a linear fractional transformation of the nominal model and its uncertainty is discussed to generate a standard configuration for μ-synthesis and LMI analysis. An H∞ controller is designed based on the structured singular value and LMI feasibility analysis with regard to uncertainties in the primary tuning capacitance, the primary and pickup inductors and the mutual inductance. Robust stability and robust performance of the system is studied through μ-synthesis and LMI feasibility analysis. Simulations and experiments are conducted to verify the power regulation performance of the proposed controller.
Pointwise observation of the state given by complex time lag parabolic system
Authors: Kowalewski Adam
Published: April 2017

Various optimization problems for linear parabolic systems with multiple constant time lags are considered. In this paper, we consider an optimal distributed control problem for a linear complex parabolic system in which different multiple constant time lags appear both in the state equation and in the Neumann boundary condition. Sufficient conditions for the existence of a unique solution of the parabolic time lag equation with the Neumann boundary condition are proved. The time horizon T is fixed. Making use of the Lions scheme [13], necessary and sufficient conditions of optimality for the Neumann problem with the quadratic performance functional with pointwise observation of the state and constrained control are derived. The example of application is also provided.
New perspectives of analog and digital simulations of fractional order systems
Authors: Charef Abdelfatah , Charef Mohamed , Djouambi Abdelbaki , Voda Alina
Published: April 2017

In the recent decades, fractional order systems have been found to be useful in many areas of physics and engineering. Hence, their efficient and accurate analog and digital simulations and numerical calculations have become very important especially in the fields of fractional control, fractional signal processing and fractional system identification. In this article, new analog and digital simulations and numerical calculations perspectives of fractional systems are considered. The main feature of this work is the introduction of an adjustable fractional order structure of the fractional integrator to facilitate and improve the simulations of the fractional order systems as well as the numerical resolution of the linear fractional order differential equations. First, the basic ideas of the proposed adjustable fractional order structure of the fractional integrator are presented. Then, the analog and digital simulations techniques of the fractional order systems and the numerical resolution of the linear fractional order differential equation are exposed. Illustrative examples of each step of this work are presented to show the effectiveness and the efficiency of the proposed fractional order systems analog and digital simulations and implementations techniques.
Eigenvalue assignment in fractional descriptor discrete-time linear systems
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz , Borawski Kamil
Published: April 2017

The problem of eigenvalue assignment in fractional descriptor discrete-time linear systems is considered. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a solution to the problem are established. A procedure for computation of the gain matrices is given and illustrated by a numerical example.
Genetic polymorphisms of the CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 enzymes and their influence on cardiovascular risk and lipid profile in people who live near a natural gas plant
Authors: Pašalić Daria , Marinković Natalija
Published: April 2017

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to see whether genetic polymorphisms of the enzymes CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 are associated with higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and whether they affect lipid profile in 252 subjects living near a natural gas plant, who are likely to be exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Fasting serum concentrations of biochemical parameters were determined with standard methods. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP 1A1 rs4646903, rs1048943, rs4986883, and rs1799814 were genotyped with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFPL), while GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions were detected with multiplex PCR. Cardiovascular risk was assessed with Framingham risk score, and the subjects divided in two groups: >10% risk and ≤10% risk. The two groups did not differ in the genotype frequencies. MANCOVA analysis, which included lipid parameters, glucose, and BMI with sex, age, hypertension and smoking status as covariates, showed a significant difference between the GSTT1*0 and GSTT1*1 allele carriers (p=0.001). UNIANCOVA with same covariates showed that total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in GSTT1*1 allele carriers than in GSTT1*0 carriers (p<0.001 and p=0.006, respectively). Our findings suggest that CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 polymorphisms are not associated with the higher risk of CAD, but that GSTT1 affects lipid profile.
The effect of fertiliser treatments on the severity of Fusarium head blight and mycotoxin biosynthesis in winter rye
Authors: Cwalina-Ambroziak Bożena , Kurowski Tomasz P. , Waśkiewicz Agnieszka , Goliński Piotr , Stępień Arkadiusz , Głosek-Sobieraj Małgorzata , Perczak Adam
Published: April 2017

The fungi of the genus Fusarium cause Fusarium head blight (FHB), a devastating disease that reduces grain yield and quality. They also produce mycotoxins which may pose a serious threat to human and animal health. This study investigated the effects of NPK fertilisation, foliar application of Cu, Zn, and Mn, applied separately and in combination, and of the Nano-Gro®organic growth stimulator on the occurrence of FHB in cultivar Dańkowskie Diament rye based on the mycological analysis of kernels and on the concentrations of Fusarium mycotoxins in grain. The severity of FHB caused by seven species of the genus Fusarium was influenced by weather conditions in the analysed growing seasons. The applied fertilisation and the Nano-Gro®organic growth stimulator exerted varied effects on FHB development and the biosynthesis of Fusarium mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, zearalenone and fumonisins) in grain. The greatest reduction in deoxynivalenol and nivalenol concentrations was noted in 2013, and the levels of moniliformin were lower in treated samples than in absolute control (untreated) samples in both years of the study. The severity of FHB positively correlated with the concentrations of zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, and moniliformin in the grain samples. Greater accumulation of ergosterol was noted in the rye grain harvested in 2013 than in 2012, and fertiliser treatment led to higher ergosterol concentrations than did control treatment.
Relationship between ultrasound bone parameters, lung function, and body mass index in healthy student population
Authors: Cvijetić Selma , Pipinić Ivana Sabolić , Varnai Veda Maria , Macan Jelena
Published: April 2017

Low bone mineral density has been reported in paediatric and adult patients with different lung diseases, but limited data are available on the association between lung function and bone density in a healthy young population. We explored the predictors of association between bone mass and pulmonary function in healthy first-year university students, focusing on body mass index (BMI). In this cross-sectional study we measured bone density with ultrasound and lung function with spirometry in 370 university students (271 girls and 99 boys). Information on lifestyle habits, such as physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption were obtained with a questionnaire. All lung function and bone parameters were significantly higher in boys than in girls (P<0.001). Underweight students had a significantly lower forced vital capacity (FVC%) (P=0.001 girls; P=0.012 boys), while overweight students had a significantly higher FVC% than normal weight students (P=0.024 girls; P=0.001 boys). BMI significantly correlated with FVC% (P=0.001) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 %) in both genders (P=0.001 girls; P=0.018 boys) and with broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) in boys. There were no significant associations between any of the bone and lung function parameters either in boys or girls. The most important determinant of lung function and ultrasound bone parameters in our study population was body mass index, with no direct association between bone density and lung function.
Neuroprotective effects of eugenol against aluminiuminduced toxicity in the rat brain
Authors: Said Mahmoud M. , Rabo Marwa M. Abd
Published: April 2017

Aluminium (Al) is a neurotoxic metal that contributes to the progression of several neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of dietary eugenol supplementation against aluminium (Al)- induced cerebral damage in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: normal controls, rats fed a diet containing 6,000 μg g-1 eugenol, rats intoxicated daily with aluminium chloride (84 mg kg-1 body weight) p. o. and fed either a basal diet or a eugenol-containing diet. Daily oral administration of Al for four consecutive weeks to rats significantly reduced brain total antioxidant status (TAS) (11.42±0.31 μmol g-1 tissue, p<0.001) with a subsequent significant enhancement of lipid peroxidation (MDA) (32.55±1.68 nmol g-1 tissue, p<0.002). In addition, Al enhanced brain acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) (46.22±4.90 U mg-1 protein, p<0.001), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (118.72±11.32 pg mg-1 protein, p<0.001), and caspase 3 (Casp-3) (8.77±1.26 ng mg-1 protein, p<0.001) levels, and in contrast significantly suppressed brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (82.74±14.53 pg mg-1 protein, p<0.002) and serotonin (5-HT) (1.54±0.12 ng mg-1 tissue, p<0.01) levels. Furthermore, decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunostaining was noticed in the striatum of Al-intoxicated rats, compared with untreated controls. On the other hand, co-administration of dietary eugenol with Al intoxication restored brain BDNF (108.76±2.64 pg mg-1 protein) and 5-HT (2.13±0.27 ng mg-1 tissue) to normal levels, enhanced brain TAS (13.43±0.24 μmol g-1 tissue, p<0.05), with a concomitant significant reduction in TNF-α (69.98±4.74 pg mg-1 protein) and Casp-3 (3.80±0.37 ng mg-1 protein) levels (p<0.001), as well as AChE activity (24.50±3.25 U mg-1 protein, p<0.001), and increased striatal GFAP immunoreactivity, compared with Al-treated rats. Histological findings of brain tissues verified biochemical data. In conclusion, eugenol holds potential as a neuroprotective agent through its hydrophobic, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties, as well as its neurotrophic ability against Al-induced brain toxicity in rats.
Antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activities of coumarinyl thiosemicarbazides against Aspergillus flavus NRRL 3251
Authors: Kovač Tihomir , Kovač Marija , Strelec Ivica , Nevistić Ante , Molnar Maja
Published: April 2017

The antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic effects of two series of coumarinyl thiosemicarbazides on Aspergillus flavus NRRL 3251 were studied. Fungi were grown in YES medium for 72 h at 29 °C in the presence of 0, 0.1, 1, and 10 μg mL-1of coumarinyl thiosemicarbazides: one series with substitution in position 7 and another with substitution in position 4 of the coumarin core. Dry mycelia weight determination was used for antifungal activity estimation, while the aflatoxin B1 content in YES media, determined by the dilute and shoot LC-MS/MS technique, was used for the antiaflatoxigenic effect estimation. Standard biochemical assays were used for oxidative status marker (TBARS, SOD, CAT, and GPX) determination in A. flavus NRRL 3251 mycelia. Results show that 7-substituted-coumarinyl thiosemicarbazides possess a better antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activity than 4-substituted ones. The most prominent substituted compound was the compound 3, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(2-((4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl)oxy)acetyl)hydrazine-1-carbothioamide, which completely inhibited aflatoxin production at the concentration of 10 μg mL-1. Oxidative stress response of A. flavus exposed to the selected compounds points to the modulation of oxidative stress as a possible reason of aflatoxin production inhibition.
Moral reasoning and its correlates in job applicants
Authors: Proroković Ana , Nikolić Matilda , Šimić Nataša
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to verify the applicability of the Test of Moral Reasoning (TMR) in the selection of job applicants and to see how it correlated with education, intelligence, and the “big five” personality traits. The study included 210 participants (132 women and 78 men) who applied for various positions in the banking sector. Our findings have confirmed the applicability of TMR for recruitment because they showed that TMR did not allow the candidates to fake their responses. Furthermore, they have confirmed Kohlberg's views that general intelligence and education are the main determinants of moral development (positive correlation), whereas tendency towards socially desirable responding showed a negative correlation.
The impact of concentration and administration time on the radiomodulating properties of undecylprodigiosin in vitro
Authors: Petrović Sandra , Vasić Vesna , Mitrović Tatjana , Lazović Saša , Leskovac Andreja
Published: April 2017

Undecylprodigiosin pigment (UPP) is reported to display cytotoxic activity towards various types of tumours. Nevertheless, its efficacy in modifying the cellular response to ionising radiation is still unknown. In this study, the radiomodulating effects of UPP were investigated. The effects of UPP were assessed in vitro by treating cultures of human peripheral blood with UPP and ionising radiation using two treatment regimens, the UPP pre-irradiation treatment and UPP post-irradiation treatment. The activity of UPP was investigated evaluating its effects on the radiation-induced micronuclei formation, cell proliferation, and induction of apoptosis. The redox modulating effects of UPP were examined measuring the catalase activity and the level of malondialdehyde, as a measure of oxidative stress. The results showed that UPP effects on cellular response to ionising radiation depend on its concentration and the timing of its administration. At low concentration, the UPP displayed radioprotective effects in γ-irradiated human lymphocytes while at higher concentrations, it acted as a radiosensitiser enhancing either mitotic catastrophe or apoptosis depending on the treatment regimen. The UPP modified redox processes in cells, particularly when it was employed prior to γ-irradiation. Our data highlight the importance of further research of the potential of UPP to sensitize tumour cells to radiation therapy by inhibiting pathways that lead to treatment resistance.
Costs of occupational injuries and illnesses in Croatia
Authors: Bađun Marijana
Published: April 2017

Apart from influencing the quality of life, occupational injuries and illnesses can pose a large economic burden to a society. There are many studies that estimate the costs of occupational injuries and illnesses in highly developed economies, but the evidence for other countries is scarce. This study aimed to estimate the financial costs of occupational injuries and illnesses to Croatian government and employers in 2015. Workers were excluded due to the lack of data. Costs were estimated by analysing available data sources on occupational health and safety. Financial costs were grouped in several categories: medical costs, productivity losses, disability pensions, compensation for physical impairment, administrative costs, and legal costs. Unlike in other studies, the costs of compliance with occupational safety and health regulations were also investigated. In 2015, financial costs to employers were twice higher than costs to the government (HRK 604.6 m vs HRK 297 m). Employers additionally covered around HRK 300 m of compliance costs. Taking into account that financial costs of occupational injuries and illnesses are significant, even without including the costs to workers, policy makers should put additional efforts into their prevention. A prerequisite is transparency in Croatian Health Insurance Fund’s expenditures, as well as more detailed data on lost days from work by industries, causes of injury etc. Organisations in charge of occupational health and safety and policy makers should observe relevant statistics in monetary terms too.
A Novel Method for the Design of Switching Surfaces for Discretized MIMO Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Luis-Delgado José Darío , Al-Hadithi Basil Mohammed , Jiménez Agustín
Published: April 2017

Designing variable structure control with sliding mode (VSC-SM) control schemes needs a switching function or a sliding surface which guarantees the global stability of the closed-loop system. Despite the fact that a wide range of design approaches has been proposed for solving this mathematical problem, the number of proposed methodologies for nonlinear systems is not very extensive, especially for discrete time nonlinear MIMO systems, and most of them require some coordinate system transformation. Therefore, it is not an easy task to find a design scheme that can be applied to discrete time nonlinear MIMO systems. The proposed methodology introduces a mathematical tool: a switching surface equation for a class of MIMO nonlinear systems through an explicit equation without any coordinate transformation. This equation makes use of an implicit linearizing process via the Taylor expansion that allows the use of linear procedures for the design of switching surfaces and the forward Euler method to obtain a discrete time dynamics representation. An illustrative example is included to show the advantages of the proposed design methodology.
Construction of Algebraic and Difference Equations with a Prescribed Solution Space
Authors: Moysis Lazaros , Karampetakis Nicholas P.
Published: April 2017

This paper studies the solution space of systems of algebraic and difference equations, given as auto-regressive (AR) representationsA(σ)β(k) = 0, whereσdenotes the shift forward operator andA(σ) is a regular polynomial matrix. The solution space of such systems consists of forward and backward propagating solutions, over a finite time horizon. This solution space can be constructed from knowledge of the finite and infinite elementary divisor structure ofA(σ). This work deals with the inverse problem of constructing a family of polynomial matricesA(σ) such that the systemA(σ)β(k) = 0 satisfies some given forward and backward behavior. Initially, the connection between the backward behavior of an AR representation and the forward behavior of its dual system is showcased. This result is used to construct a system satisfying a certain backward behavior. By combining this result with the method provided by Gohberget al. (2009) for constructing a system with a forward behavior, an algorithm is proposed for computing a system satisfying the prescribed forward and backward behavior.
Minimum Energy Control of Descriptor Fractional Discrete–Time Linear Systems with Two Different Fractional Orders
Authors: Sajewski Łukasz
Published: April 2017

Reachability and minimum energy control of descriptor fractional discrete-time linear systems with different fractional orders are addressed. Using the Weierstrass–Kronecker decomposition theorem of the regular pencil, a solution to the state equation of descriptor fractional discrete-time linear systems with different fractional orders is given. The reachability condition of this class of systems is presented and used for solving the minimum energy control problem. The discussion is illustrated with numerical examples.
Hybrid Switching Controller Design for the Maneuvering and Transit of a Training Ship
Authors: Tomera Mirosław
Published: April 2017

The paper presents the design of a hybrid controller used to control the movement of a ship in different operating modes, thereby improving the performance of basic maneuvers. This task requires integrating several operating modes, such as maneuvering the ship at low speeds, steering the ship at different speeds in the course or along the trajectory, and stopping the ship on the route. These modes are executed by five component controllers switched on and off by the supervisor depending on the type of operation performed. The desired route, containing the coordinates of waypoints and tasks performed along consecutive segments of the reference trajectory, is obtained by the supervisory system from the system operator. The former supports switching between component controllers and provides them with new set-points after each change in the reference trajectory segment, thereby ensuring stable operation of the entire hybrid switching controller.

The study also presents designs of all controller components, which are done using a complex mathematical model of the selected ship, after its simplification depending on the type of controller. The developed control system was tested on the training ship Blue Lady and used to train captains at the Ship Handling Research and Training Center near Iława in Poland.

The conducted research involved an automatic movement of the ship from one port to another. The performed transit route required the ship to leave the port, pass the water area, and berth at the port of destination. The study revealed good quality of the designed hybrid controller.
Saturating Stiffness Control of Robot Manipulators with Bounded Inputs
Authors: Rodríguez-Liñán María del Carmen , Mendoza Marco , Bonilla Isela , Chávez-Olivares César A.
Published: April 2017

A saturating stiffness control scheme for robot manipulators with bounded torque inputs is proposed. The control law is assumed to be a PD-type controller, and the corresponding Lyapunov stability analysis of the closed-loop equilibrium point is presented. The interaction between the robot manipulator and the environment is modeled as spring-like contact forces.

The proper behavior of the closed-loop system is validated using a three degree-of-freedom robotic arm.
Stability Analysis of Nonlinear Time–Delayed Systems with Application to Biological Models
Authors: Kruthika H.A. , Mahindrakar Arun D. , Pasumarthy Ramkrishna
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we analyse the local stability of a gene-regulatory network and immunotherapy for cancer modelled as nonlinear time-delay systems. A numerically generated kernel, using the sum-of-squares decomposition of multivariate polynomials, is used in the construction of an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional for stability analysis of the networks around an equilibrium point. This analysis translates to verifying equivalent LMI conditions. A delay-independent asymptotic stability of a second-order model of a gene regulatory network, taking into consideration multiple commensurate delays, is established. In the case of cancer immunotherapy, a predator–prey type model is adopted to describe the dynamics with cancer cells and immune cells contributing to the predator–prey population, respectively. A delay-dependent asymptotic stability of the cancer-free equilibrium point is proved. Apart from the system and control point of view, in the case of gene-regulatory networks such stability analysis of dynamics aids mimicking gene networks synthetically using integrated circuits like neurochips learnt from biological neural networks, and in the case of cancer immunotherapy it helps determine the long-term outcome of therapy and thus aids oncologists in deciding upon the right approach.
Machine–Learning in Optimization of Expensive Black–Box Functions
Authors: Tenne Yoel
Published: April 2017

Modern engineering design optimization often uses computer simulations to evaluate candidate designs. For some of these designs the simulation can fail for an unknown reason, which in turn may hamper the optimization process. To handle such scenarios more effectively, this study proposes the integration of classifiers, borrowed from the domain of machine learning, into the optimization process. Several implementations of the proposed approach are described. An extensive set of numerical experiments shows that the proposed approach improves search effectiveness.
Analysis of an MAP/PH/1 Queue with Flexible Group Service
Authors: Brugno Arianna , D’Apice Ciro , Dudin Alexander , Manzo Rosanna
Published: April 2017

A novel customer batch service discipline for a single server queue is introduced and analyzed. Service to customers is offered in batches of a certain size. If the number of customers in the system at the service completion moment is less than this size, the server does not start the next service until the number of customers in the system reaches this size or a random limitation of the idle time of the server expires, whichever occurs first. Customers arrive according to a Markovian arrival process. An individual customer’s service time has a phase-type distribution. The service time of a batch is defined as the maximum of the individual service times of the customers which form the batch. The dynamics of such a system are described by a multi-dimensional Markov chain. An ergodicity condition for this Markov chain is derived, a stationary probability distribution of the states is computed, and formulas for the main performance measures of the system are provided. The Laplace–Stieltjes transform of the waiting time is obtained. Results are numerically illustrated.
A Relation of Dominance for the Bicriterion Bus Routing Problem
Authors: Widuch Jacek
Published: April 2017

A bicriterion bus routing (BBR) problem is described and analysed. The objective is to find a route from the start stop to the final stop minimizing the time and the cost of travel simultaneously. Additionally, the time of starting travel at the start stop is given. The BBR problem can be resolved using methods of graph theory. It comes down to resolving a bicriterion shortest path (BSP) problem in a multigraph with variable weights. In the paper, differences between the problem with constant weights and that with variable weights are described and analysed, with particular emphasis on properties satisfied only for the problem with variable weights and the description of the influence of dominated partial solutions on non-dominated final solutions. This paper proposes methods of estimation a dominated partial solution for the possibility of obtaining a non-dominated final solution from it. An algorithm for solving the BBR problem implementing these estimation methods is proposed and the results of experimental tests are presented.
Dimension Reduction for Objects Composed of Vector Sets
Authors: Szemenyei Marton , Vajda Ferenc
Published: April 2017

Dimension reduction and feature selection are fundamental tools for machine learning and data mining. Most existing methods, however, assume that objects are represented by a single vectorial descriptor. In reality, some description methods assign unordered sets or graphs of vectors to a single object, where each vector is assumed to have the same number of dimensions, but is drawn from a different probability distribution. Moreover, some applications (such as pose estimation) may require the recognition of individual vectors (nodes) of an object. In such cases it is essential that the nodes within a single object remain distinguishable after dimension reduction. In this paper we propose new discriminant analysis methods that are able to satisfy two criteria at the same time: separating between classes and between the nodes of an object instance.

We analyze and evaluate our methods on several different synthetic and real-world datasets.
Abnormal Prediction of Dense Crowd Videos by a Purpose–Driven Lattice Boltzmann Model
Authors: Xue Yiran , Liu Peng , Tao Ye , Tang Xianglong
Published: April 2017

In the field of intelligent crowd video analysis, the prediction of abnormal events in dense crowds is a well-known and challenging problem. By analysing crowd particle collisions and characteristics of individuals in a crowd to follow the general trend of motion, a purpose-driven lattice Boltzmann model (LBM) is proposed. The collision effect in the proposed method is measured according to the variation in crowd particle numbers in the image nodes; characteristics of the crowd following a general trend are incorporated by adjusting the particle directions. The model predicts dense crowd abnormal events in different intervals through iterations of simultaneous streaming and collision steps. Few initial frames of a video are needed to initialize the proposed model and no training procedure is required. Experimental results show that our purpose-driven LBM performs better than most state-of-the-art methods.
Projection–Based Text Line Segmentation with a Variable Threshold
Authors: Ptak Roman , Żygadło Bartosz , Unold Olgierd
Published: April 2017

Document image segmentation into text lines is one of the stages in unconstrained handwritten document recognition. This paper presents a new algorithm for text line separation in handwriting. The developed algorithm is based on a method using the projection profile. It employs thresholding, but the threshold value is variable. This permits determination of low or overlapping peaks of the graph. The proposed technique is shown to improve the recognition rate relative to traditional methods. The algorithm is robust in text line detection with respect to different text line lengths.
Area–Oriented Technology Mapping for LUT–Based Logic Blocks
Authors: Kubica Marcin , Kania Dariusz
Published: April 2017

One of the main aspects of logic synthesis dedicated to FPGA is the problem of technology mapping, which is directly associated with the logic decomposition technique. This paper focuses on using configurable properties of CLBs in the process of logic decomposition and technology mapping. A novel theory and a set of efficient techniques for logic decomposition based on a BDD are proposed. The paper shows that logic optimization can be efficiently carried out by using multiple decomposition. The essence of the proposed synthesis method is multiple cutting of a BDD. A new diagram form called an SMTBDD is proposed. Moreover, techniques that allow finding the best technology mapping oriented to configurability of CLBs are presented. In the experimental section, the presented method (MultiDec) is compared with academic and commercial tools. The experimental results show that the proposed technology mapping strategy leads to good results in terms of the number of CLBs.
The Effect of Origin, Sex and Feeding on Sensory Evaluation and Some Quality Characteristics of Goose Meat from Polish Native Flocks
Authors: Lewko Lidia , Gornowicz Ewa , Pietrzak Marian , Korol Waldemar
Published: April 2017

The aim of the study was to characterize the sensory quality and physical traits of raw and heattreated meat depending on the origin, sex and feeding of geese. The experiment used meat from domestic geese of southern varieties: Lubelska (Lu), Kielecka (Ki) and Subcarpatian (Sb), included in the conservation programme. The experiment was carried out on a total of 192 birds divided according to origin (Lu, Ki and Sb), sex (M and F) and dietary treatment (DI – conventional feeding and DI – oat fattening). To evaluate the quality characteristics of meat, 16 birds from each group were selected. Sensory evaluation of raw goose muscles was at a good level of consumer acceptability and exceeded 4.0 points, ranging from 4.18 pts (appearance/Ki) to 4.59 pts (aroma/Sb) for breast muscles (BM), and from 4.17 pts (fatness/Lu) to 4.53 pts (aroma/Sb) for leg muscles (LM). In the case of heat-treated muscles the tenderness of the muscles of Lu geese was characterized by high number grade (P≤0.05) for both the BM (4.87 pts) and LM (4.76 pts). Lighter colour (L*) (P≤0.05) was characteristic of the muscles of oat-fattened birds (44.25 for BM and 49.86 for LM) compared to the muscles of conventionally fed birds (39.77 for BM and 46.89 for LM). In addition, a significant (P≤0.05) effect of diet was also found on the value of the parameter a* (redness) and b* (yellowness). Parameter a* ranged from 10.45 (Lu) to 11.96 (Ki) for BM and from 13.28 (Ki) to 14.21 (Sb) for LM. In turn, the highest share (P≤0.05) of yellow colour (parameter b*) was demonstrated in the muscles of Ki geese – 4.87 for BM and 10.92 for LM. Male muscles were characterized by higher (26.34 mg% – BM and 24.37 mg% – LM) water holding capacity (WHC) than female muscles (27.23 mg% for BM and 25.28 mg% for LM respectively). Furthermore for BM of oat-fattened geese cooking loss was at the level of 10.50%. The present study indicated that most of the sensory characteristics of meat (BM and LM) from geese of different breeds were affected (significantly at P≤0.05) by the diet. This concerned both raw and heat-treated meat. For raw breast muscles, a significant (P≤0.05) effect of sex was also found (with the exception of aroma). In turn, the quality characteristics of raw leg muscles (except for colour) were influenced (P≤0.05) by all the treatment factors. Analysis of the physical properties of meat showed that these parameters are mainly affected (P≤0.05) by the diet.
Comparison of the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of Rhode Island Red (R-11) capons and cockerels
Authors: Calik Jolanta , Krawczyk Józefa , Świątkiewicz Sylwester , Gąsior Robert , Wojtycza Krzysztof , Połtowicz Katarzyna , Obrzut Joanna , Puchała Michał
Published: April 2017

The aim of the study was the comparison of the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of capons and cockerels. The experiment involved 80 Rhode Island Red (R-11) cockerels, which were randomly assigned to two groups with 40 birds per group. Group I (control) consisted of uncastrated cockerels, and group II was comprised of birds subjected to castration at 9 weeks of age. The castration was performed under local anaesthesia by a veterinary surgeon. The birds received the same diets ad libitum and were kept on litter under optimal environmental conditions, at a stocking density of 7 birds/m2. At the end of fattening, 8 birds whose body weights were similar to the group average were selected for slaughter from each group. After slaughter, the birds were checked for castration success (removal of the testes), analysed for dressing percentage and technological parameters of the meat and subjected to chemical and sensory evaluation of the breast and leg muscles. In summary, the castration of Rhode Island Red cockerels (R-11) had a favourable effect on body weight, feed conversion ratio, dressing percentage and carcass muscling. The breast and leg muscles of the capons were characterised by better water holding capacity, tenderness and sensory score compared to the uncastrated cockerels. In addition, the castration had a positive effect on the content of crude protein in both the breast and leg muscles which, with a higher crude fat content, were characterised by a more favourable profile of fatty acids, i.e. lower SFA and higher n-6 and n-3 PUFA content.
A mock heart engineered with helical aramid fibers for in vitro cardiovascular device testing
Authors: Jansen-Park So-Hyun , Hsu Po-Lin , Müller Indra , Steinseifer Ulrich , Abel Dirk , Autschbach Rüdiger , Rossaint Rolf , Schmitz-Rode Thomas
Published: April 2017

Mock heart circulation loops (MHCLs) serve as
Late Eneolithic and Bronze Age Prologue Pontic Societies. Forest-Steppe Middle Dniester and Prut Drainage Basins in the 4Th/3Rd-2Nd Millennium Bc: A History of Investigations
Authors: Ivanova Svetlana V. , Toschev Gennadiy N.
Published: April 2017

The paper presents a historiographic context helpful in the current investigations of the cultural contacts between the societies of the east and west of Europe in the borderland of Podolia and Moldova in the Late Eneolithic and the prologue of the Bronze Age. The focus is on the state of research (chiefly taxonomic and topogenetic) into the sequence of taxa in the age of early ‘barrow-building’, identified in the funerary rituals of societies settling the forest-steppe of the northwestern Black Sea Coast in the 4th/3rd-2nd millennium BC.
Eneolithic, Yamnaya, Catacomb and Babyno Culture Cemeteries, Pidlisivka, Barrow 1, Yampil Region, Vinnitsa Oblast: Archaeometry, Chronometry and Taxonomy
Authors: Klochko Viktor I. , Kośko Aleksander , Razumov Serhiy M. , Włodarczak Piotr , Żurkiewicz Danuta
Published: April 2017

The paper presents excavation results and analytical studies concerning the taxonomic classification of a funerary site identified with the communities of the early ‘barrow cultures’ settling the north-western Black Sea Coast in the 4th/3rd-2nd millennium BC. The study focuses on the ceremonial centres of the Eneolithic, Yamnaya, Catacomb and Babyno cultures.
Eneolithic, Yamnaya and Noua Culture Cemeteries from the First Half of the 3Rd and the Middle of the 2Nd Millennium Bc, Porohy, Site 3A, Yampil Region, Vinnitsa Oblast: Archaeometric and Chronometric Description, Ritual and Taxonomic-Topogenetic Identification
Authors: Klochko Viktor I. , Kośko Aleksander , Razumov Serhiy M. , Włodarczak Piotr , Żurkiewicz Danuta
Published: April 2017

The paper presents the results of excavations and analytical studies regarding the taxonomic classification of a funeral site associated with the societies of ‘barrow cultures’ of the north-western Black Sea Coast in the first half of the 3rd and the middle of the 2nd millennium BC. The study discusses the ceremonial centres of the Eneolithic, Yamnaya and Noua cultures.
Eneolithic, Babyno and Noua Culture Cemeteries, Klembivka, Site 1, Yampil Region, Vinnitsa Oblast: Archaeometry, Taxonomy and Topogenetics
Authors: Klochko Viktor I. , Kośko Aleksander , Razumov Serhiy M. , Włodarczak Piotr , Żurkiewicz Danuta
Published: April 2017

The paper presents excavation results and analytical studies concerning the taxonomic classification of a funerary site identified with the communities of the ‘barrow cultures’ settling the north-western Black Sea Coast in the first half of the 3rd and the middle of the 2nd millennia BC. The study focuses on the ceremonial centres of the Eneolithic communities of the Babyno and Noua cultures.
Tripolye (Gordineşti Group), Yamnaya and Catacomb Culture Cemeteries, Prydnistryanske, Site 1, Yampil Region, Vinnitsa Oblast: An Archaeometric and Chronometric Description and a Taxonomic and Topogenetic Discussion
Authors: Klochko Viktor I. , Kośko Aleksander , Potupchyk Mykhailo V. , Włodarczak Piotr , Żurkiewicz Danuta , Ivanova Svetlana V.
Published: April 2017

The paper presents the results of excavations and analytical studies regarding the taxonomic classification of a unique funeral site associated with the societies of early ‘barrow cultures’ of the north-western Black Sea Coast in the 4th-3rd millennium BC. The study discusses the ceremonial centres of the Tripolye culture-Gordineşti group, as well as Yamnaya and Catacomb cultures.
Chronometry of Late Eneolithic and ‘Early Bronze’ Cultures in the Middle Dniester Area: Investigations of the Yampil Barrow Complex
Authors: Goslar Tomasz , Klochko Viktor I. , Kośko Aleksander , Włodarczak Piotr , Żurkiewicz Danuta
Published: April 2017

The paper discusses the 2010-2015 studies of the radiocarbon chronology of Podolia ‘barrow cultures’ on the left bank of the middle Dniester. The studies have relied on series of 14C dates for the Klembivka 1, Pidlisivka 1, Porohy 3A and Prydnistryanske 1 sites determined in Kyiv and Poznań laboratories. They are the first attempt to construct a regional (‘Yampil’) radiocarbon scale for ‘Early Bronze’ funerary rites (4th/3rd-2nd millennium BC) as practised by barrow builders - the communities of the Tripolye and Yamnaya cultures - and the secondary barrow users - the designers of necropolises located on barrows - belonging to the Catacomb, Babyno and Noua cultures.