bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Looking for the causes of and solutions to the issue of honey bee colony losses
Authors: Stanimirović Zoran , Glavinić Uroš , Ristanić Marko , Aleksić Nevenka , Jovanović Nemanja , Vejnović Branislav , Stevanović Jevrosima
Published: April 2019

Colony losses, including those induced by the colony collapse disorder, are an urgent problem of contemporary apiculture which has been capturing the attention of both apiculturists and the research community. CCD is characterized by the absence of adult dead bees in the hive in which few workers and a queen remain, the ratio between the brood quantity and the number of workers is heavily disturbed in favor of the former, and more than enough food is present. Robbing behavior and pests usually attacking the weakened colony do not occur. In the present paper, the causes of the emergence of this problem are discussed, as well as the measures of its prevention.

The following factors, which lead to colony losses, are analyzed: shortage of high-quality food (pollen and honey); infestation with parasites, primarily with Varroa destructor, and mixed virus infections; bacterial infections (American and European foulbrood), fungal infections (nosemosis and ascosphaerosis) and trypanosomal infections (lotmariosis); and, finally, general management of the apiary.

Certain preventive measures are proposed: (1) providing ample high-quality forage and clean water, (2) avoiding sugarisation, i.e. superfluous use of sugar syrup, (3) meeting the nutritional needs of the colony, (4) when feeding bees, taking care of the timing and the composition of diet, avoiding pure sugar syrup which in excessive quantities may induce energetic and oxidative stress, (5) when there is a shortage of natural feed – honey in the brood chamber – use sugar syrup with natural/artificial supplements to avoid protein starvation, (6) organized control of V. destructor in the colonies is obligatory due to its vector role, and (7) compliance with hygienic and sanitary measures and principles of good apiculture practice and management in apiaries. To conclude, all preventive measures are feasible in compliance with rules and regulations concerning regular spring and autumn bee health monitoring by licensed veterinarians, who can propose adequate treatments if necessary.
Diagnostics and genotyping of Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) from disease cases in south-eastern Poland
Authors: Kowalczyk Marek , Majer-Dziedzic Barbara , Kostro Krzysztof , Szabelak Aleksandra , Ziętek Jerzy , Gryzinska Magdalena , Jakubczak Andrzej
Published: April 2019

Canine parvovirus type 2 is one of the most common causes of death among puppies. Despite preventive vaccination, the disease continues to be diagnosed. The aim of the study was to provide a molecular characterization of CPV-2 isolates found in southeastern Poland. Genetic CPV-2 material was isolated from the blood (n=10) and feces (n=50) of infected dogs. The presence of CPV-2 was confirmed by amplification of sequences coding both VP1 and VP2 protein. The products of the PCR reaction with primers amplifying VP2 protein were sequenced and used for genotyping. Bioinformatics analysis of the sequenced PCR product was performed to determine the phylogenetic relationships with variants recorded in the public databases. Based on the analysis of polymorphism in the nucleotide sequence 7 nucleotide variants were detected and assigned into four amino acid groups. Representatives of three groups contained asparagine at amino acid position 426 of the VP2 protein, which is characteristic of CPV-2a. The variant from the fourth group belonged to type CPV-2b. CPV-2a is the dominant antigenic type of CPV-2 in Poland. The pathogen’s high degree of polymorphism is manifested not only by the presence of numerous variants within the type, but also by the presence of representatives of type CPV-2b. Further studies of the molecular epidemiology of CPV-2 are necessary to optimize the effectiveness of preventive measures.
Detection of antibodies against Lumpy skin disease virus by Virus neutralization test and ELISA methods
Authors: Samojlović Milena , Polaček Vladimir , Gurjanov Vladimir , Lupulović Diana , Lazić Gospava , Petrović Tamaš , Lazić Sava
Published: April 2019

Infection of cattle with lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is very important from the aspect of livestock production. Although it can cause significant economic losses, available serological assays are still not sufficiently efficient and reliable. A 3-day VNT was performed using Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell line and LSDV isolated from clinically infected cow to improve serological diagnostics of lumpy skin disease (LSD).

In total, 325 cattle sera samples were tested in order to compare the performances of VNT and ELISA. Tested samples originated from 125 cows before the occurrence of LSD in the Republic of Serbia and 200 tested samples originated from vaccinated cows. Sera samples from vaccinated cows were collected starting from the vaccination day to 4 months after vaccination. In 7 different time intervals after vaccination sampling was carried out in 20 cows originating from one herd and in 3 different time intervals in 20 cows originating from a different herd each time of sampling.

Out of 200 samples from vaccinated cows, antibodies against LSDV were detected in 68 (34%) samples by VNT, and in 60 (30%) samples by ELISA. No positive finding was detected by VNT in samples collected before the occurrence of LSD in Serbia, while one positive finding was detected in the same samples by ELISA. The first presence of antibodies in vaccinated cattle was detected by both tests 20 days after vaccination, and the largest number of animals with antibodies against LSDV was detected 30 days after vaccination.

Comparing the results obtained by VNT and ELISA, it was calculated that kappa index was 0.913. The specificity of VNT and ELISA was 100% and 99.2%, respectively. VNT is simpler to perform compared to the recommended virus neutralization test by the OIE and can improve LSD serological diagnostics with additional sensitivity testing.
Mineral supplementation: effects on bone integrity and intestinal morphometry of broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria sp
Authors: Fernandes Müller Inês Jovanir , Ribeiro Vissotto Mayra , Cardoso Bittencourt Letícia , Riffel Thais Eliana , Lima Kaiser Fernanda , Palma Castro Sabrina , Hermes Gustavo Rafael
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation of organic minerals on the productive performance and bone quality of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age and the intestinal health in situations of enteric challenge from 21 to 28 days of age. In a completely randomized design, with two treatments composed for minerals as sulfate and Carbo-Amino-Phospho-Chelate (CAPC), a total of 900 male broiler chicks were allocated to nine replicates and 18 experimental units with 50 birds each. 640 birds at 21 days of age were transferred to experimental cages and distributed in a completely randomized design, in factorial 2 × 2 (minerals as sulfate and CAPC × with and without enteric challenge), obtaining 4 treatments with 16 replicates and 10 birds each. In the same day of change, the group of challenged broilers received a commercial vaccine for coccidiosis that covers the Eimeria sp. At 7 days, the supplementation with CAPC minerals resulted in higher (p<0.05) weight gain and better feed conversion in relation to the inorganic source. The deposition of minerals evaluated in the tibia of broilers was not influenced (p>0.05) by the source of minerals, with the exception of Cu and Mn, whose deposition was greater (p<0.05) in the bones of poultries supplemented with inorganic source of minerals. There was higher (p<0.05) length and width of the villi and increase in the ratio villus: crypt in response to the intestinal spoliation with CAPC supplementation when compared to the inorganic source.
Evidence of the first clinical case of equine neuroinvasive West Nile disease in Serbia, 2018
Authors: Medić Strahinja , Lazić Sava , Petrović Tamaš , Petrić Dušan , Samojlović Milena , Lazić Gospava , Lupulović Diana
Published: April 2019

During July 2018, the first clinical case of neurological West Nile virus (WNV) infection was reported in a Belgian sports mare in Belgrade, Serbia. Typical symptoms, such as hypersensitive skin reaction, disorientation, weakness, ataxia and the loss of equilibrium were reported. Detection of WNV IgM antibodies by commercial ELISA in the serum samples of the diseased mare strongly indicated acute infection. The ELISA positive results were confirmed by VNT. Hematological and biochemical parameters were in the reference range. The only finding was a minor lymphopenia. WNV RNA was not detected by RT-qPCR in the blood sample extracted seven days after the disease had broken out. The horse improved clinically in two weeks while other horses at the same premises remained asymptomatic. The clinical, serological, biochemical and molecular analyses applied confirmed the first clinical case of neuroinvasive WNV infection in horses in Serbia. The West Nile virus has been circulating in Serbia in the last decade in mosquitoes, birds, and horses, but no evidence of equine WNV clinical cases were registered so far.
Post traumatic antral stenosis in a cat
Authors: Pelloni Angelo , Del Signore Francesca , Aste Giovanni , Zordan Silvia , De Magistris Angela , Simeoni Francesco , Praino Domenico , Bertoncello Diana , Vignoli Massimo
Published: April 2019

The goal of this study was to report the first case of antral stenosis in a cat. We have described a clinical case of a 9 months old domestic shorthaired cat referred for persistent and refractory vomiting, anorexia and loss of weight. Ultrasound (US) examination detected a mild gastric distension, mild wall thickening (5mm), severe serosal irregularities and a constriction between the fundus and body. Computed tomography (CT) was then performed: a severe gastric stenosis between the body and antrum with minimum contrast transit was detected and confirmed by flexible endoscopic examination. The antral localization of the stenosis was revealed after a cranial celiotomy and Y-U plastic was necessary to correct the defect. The patient completely recovered after surgery with significant body weight gain and remained in remission throughout a 2-years follow-up. While in human medicine there is evidence of acquired antral stenosis, no information is available about the same lesion in the feline species. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of antral stenosis in cats.
Government General Spending and Human Development: A Case Study of Nigeria
Authors: Omodero Cordelia Onyinyechi
Published: April 2019

The study assesses the impact of government general spending on human development in Nigeria from 2003 to 2017. The purpose is to determine the response of human development index (HDI) to recurrent and capital government expenditure. In order to achieve this objective, the multiple linear regression model linking the study variables was applied while Ordinary Lease Squares method was used to analyze the model. The results indicate that government’s capital expenditure and inflation have insignificant negative influence on HDI, corruption does not have any impact on HDI but government recurrent expenditure has strong and significant positive impact on HDI. The study concludes that resources on recurrent expenses should be reduced while more money should be invested in capital projects for human capital development in Nigeria.
Conceptual Metaphors in Political Discourse in Croatian, American and Italian Newspapers
Authors: Stojan Nataša , Mijić Sonja Novak
Published: April 2019

In political discourse metaphors are frequently employed for persuading and manipulating the public. The aim of our research is to show whether there are differences in the use of source domains of conceptual metaphors among Croatian politicians in comparison with American and Italian politicians. The corpus of our research consists of political newspaper articles and interviews from Croatian, American and Italian daily newspapers (Jutarnji list, Večernji list, Corriere della Sera, Repubblica, ABC, USA Today and The New York Times), downloaded from newspaper archives. We can conclude that metaphorical expressions vary from language to language, but often the same metaphorical expressions appear in all languages. Expressions that frequently recur are victory, attack, battle, race, defense, splay, stage and role. Except for two ontological metaphors in Croatian examples, we can say that there is no major difference in the source domains between Croatian, American and Italian political discourse.
Teachers Scoring and Grading of Students’ Responses to Tasks: The Ghanaian Basic School Experience
Authors: Anane Eric , Adu-Mensah Jephtar
Published: April 2019

This paper explored the scoring and grading practices of teachers in basic schools. The study sought to understand the various factors teachers take into account when scoring students’ responses to tasks in the classroom. The stratified sampling procedure was used to select 278 primary and junior high school teachers from whom data were collected for the study. In the descriptive analysis, the results revealed that teachers considered students’ behaviour such as punctuality, interest in subject and neatness of work presented, and number of questions attempted by a student, and awarded marks when grading. These academic and non-academic factors considered by teachers in this study during scoring and grading are consistent with the literature. In independent samples t-test analyses, primary school teachers did not differ significantly from their counterparts in the junior high schools in terms of factors they considered during the scoring and grading of students’ responses to tasks in the classroom. This study adds a circumstantial data to the existing debate on teacher classroom assessment practices.
Modeling and querying facts with period timestamps in data warehouses
Authors: Mahlknecht Giovanni , Dignös Anton , Kozmina Natalija
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we study various ways of representing and querying fact data that are time-stamped with a time period in a data warehouse. The main focus is on how to represent the time periods that are associated with the facts in order to support convenient and efficient aggregations over time. We propose three distinct logical models that represent time periods as sets of all time points in a period (instant model), as pairs of start and end time points of a period (period model), and as atomic units that are explicitly stored in a new period dimension (period∗ model). The period dimension is enriched with information about the days of each period, thereby combining the former two models. We use four different classes of aggregation queries to analyze query formulation, query execution, and query performance over the three models. An extensive empirical evaluation on synthetic and real-world datasets and the analysis of the query execution plans reveal that the period model is the best choice in terms of runtime and space for all four query classes.
Fusion of clinical data: A case study to predict the type of treatment of bone fractures
Authors: Haq Anam , Wilk Szymon , Abelló Alberto
Published: April 2019

A prominent characteristic of clinical data is their heterogeneity—such data include structured examination records and laboratory results, unstructured clinical notes, raw and tagged images, and genomic data. This heterogeneity poses a formidable challenge while constructing diagnostic and therapeutic decision models that are currently based on single modalities and are not able to use data in different formats and structures. This limitation may be addressed using data fusion methods. In this paper, we describe a case study where we aimed at developing data fusion models that resulted in various therapeutic decision models for predicting the type of treatment (surgical vs. non-surgical) for patients with bone fractures. We considered six different approaches to integrate clinical data: one fusion model based on combination of data (COD) and five models based on combination of interpretation (COI). Experimental results showed that the decision model constructed following COI fusion models is more accurate than decision models employing COD. Moreover, statistical analysis using the one-way ANOVA test revealed that there were two groups of constructed decision models, each containing the set of three different models. The results highlighted that the behavior of models within a group can be similar, although it may vary between different groups.
Exploiting multi–core and many–core parallelism for subspace clustering
Authors: Datta Amitava , Kaur Amardeep , Lauer Tobias , Chabbouh Sami
Published: April 2019

Finding clusters in high dimensional data is a challenging research problem. Subspace clustering algorithms aim to find clusters in all possible subspaces of the dataset, where a subspace is a subset of dimensions of the data. But the exponential increase in the number of subspaces with the dimensionality of data renders most of the algorithms inefficient as well as ineffective. Moreover, these algorithms have ingrained data dependency in the clustering process, which means that parallelization becomes difficult and inefficient. SUBSCALE is a recent subspace clustering algorithm which is scalable with the dimensions and contains independent processing steps which can be exploited through parallelism. In this paper, we aim to leverage the computational power of widely available multi-core processors to improve the runtime performance of the SUBSCALE algorithm. The experimental evaluation shows linear speedup. Moreover, we develop an approach using graphics processing units (GPUs) for fine-grained data parallelism to accelerate the computation further. First tests of the GPU implementation show very promising results.
Optimal state observation using quadratic boundedness: Application to UAV disturbance estimation
Authors: Cayero Julián , Rotondo Damiano , Morcego Bernardo , Puig Vicenç
Published: April 2019

This paper presents the design of a state observer which guarantees quadratic boundedness of the estimation error. By using quadratic Lyapunov stability analysis, the convergence rate and the ultimate (steady-state) error bounding ellipsoid are identified as the parameters that define the behaviour of the estimation. Then, it is shown that these objectives can be merged in a scalarised objective function with one design parameter, making the design problem convex. In the second part of the article, a UAV model is presented which can be made linear by considering a particular state and frame of reference. The UAV model is extended to incorporate a disturbance model of variable size. The joint model matches the structure required to derive an observer, following the lines of the proposed design approach. An observer for disturbances acting on the UAV is derived and the analysis of the performances with respect to the design parameters is presented. The effectiveness and main characteristics of the proposed approach are shown using simulation results.
Constrained spectral clustering via multi–layer graph embeddings on a grassmann manifold
Authors: Trokicić Aleksandar , Todorović Branimir
Published: April 2019

We present two algorithms in which constrained spectral clustering is implemented as unconstrained spectral clustering on a multi-layer graph where constraints are represented as graph layers. By using the Nystrom approximation in one of the algorithms, we obtain time and memory complexities which are linear in the number of data points regardless of the number of constraints. Our algorithms achieve superior or comparative accuracy on real world data sets, compared with the existing state-of-the-art solutions. However, the complexity of these algorithms is squared with the number of vertices, while our technique, based on the Nyström approximation method, has linear time complexity. The proposed algorithms efficiently use both soft and hard constraints since the time complexity of the algorithms does not depend on the size of the set of constraints.
Recommendation systems with the quantum k–NN and Grover algorithms for data processing
Authors: Sawerwain Marek , Wróblewski Marek
Published: April 2019

In this article, we discuss the implementation of a quantum recommendation system that uses a quantum variant of the k-nearest neighbours algorithm and the Grover algorithm to search for a specific element in an unstructured database. In addition to the presentation of the recommendation system as an algorithm, the article also shows the main steps in construction of a suitable quantum circuit for realisation of a given recommendation system. The computational complexity of individual calculation steps in the recommendation system is also indicated. The verification of the correctness of the proposed system is analysed as well, indicating an algebraic equation describing the probability of success of the recommendation. The article also shows numerical examples presenting the behaviour of the recommendation system for two selected cases.
Synchronization of fractional–order discrete–time chaotic systems by an exact delayed state reconstructor: Application to secure communication
Authors: Djennoune Said , Bettayeb Maamar , Al-Saggaf Ubaid Muhsen
Published: April 2019

This paper deals with the synchronization of fractional-order chaotic discrete-time systems. First, some new concepts regarding the output-memory observability of non-linear fractional-order discrete-time systems are developed. A rank criterion for output-memory observability is derived. Second, a dead-beat observer which recovers exactly the true state system from the knowledge of a finite number of delayed inputs and delayed outputs is proposed. The case of the presence of an unknown input is also studied. Third, secure data communication based on a generalized fractional-order Hénon map is proposed. Numerical simulations and application to secure speech communication are presented to show the efficiency of the proposed approach.
New Insights in Treatment Options in Pediatric Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Duicu Carmen , Armean Iulia , Aldea Cornel
Published: April 2019

Urinary tract infection (UTI) represents one of the most frequent infections with bacterial etiology during childhood. In infants and toddlers with fever without source UTI’ investigation should be carried out, since signs and symptoms are nonspecific. However, obtaining uncontaminated urine samples from these patients can be challenging and time consuming; all current collection methods (clean-catch, plastic collection bag, catheterization, etc) have disadvantages. Criteria for UTI definition are represented by the presence of significant number of a single uropathogen, this number being different depending on the collection method: at least 1000 colony-forming unit (CFU/ml) for catheter samples and at least 100.000 CFU/ml from midstream clean-catch samples or 50.000 CFU/ml and significant pyuria in a symptomatic or febrile child. Accurate diagnosis of UTI is essential to avoid any antibiotic overuse and expensive investigations. UTI caused by resistant bacterial strains has an increasing prevalence in children. In pediatric population, extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBLPE) represent the etiology of around 15% of UTIs. Because of limited therapeutic options the reintroduction of some old antimicrobial agents is necessary, therefore Nitrofurantoin and Fosfomycin, can represent alternatives for oral treatment and prophylaxis of UTIs in children or in case of resistance suspicion to other drug classes. It is important to recognize patients at risk, such as children with recurrent UTIs, kidney abnormalities, like vesicoureteral reflux and previous antibiotherapy, in order to recommend adequate empiric treatment, especially against resistant bacteria.
Public Health in the Framework of the International Security. A Constructive Approach
Authors: Borsa Sergiu Viorel
Published: April 2019

The article highlights the fact that public health is an element of the security dimension that must be included on the priority agenda of specialists in the fields of international relations and security studies. There are arguments in favor of this theory. The costs of materializing threats to human security in general and public health in particular are particularly high, with serious long-term consequences. Global trends and prospects for the implications that can be generated are likely to change the world’s security landscape, and increasing global connectivity increases the degree of uncertainty about public health implications. Non-traditional issues arising from technological change can induce risks, whose management may go beyond institutional capacities. On the other hand, the new types of wars, increasingly interconnected with various forms of risk materialization, make this mission more difficult. The final conclusion is that these risks need to be assessed to ensure national, regional or even global security, and international cooperation for prevention and counseling.
The Influence of GPX1 Pro198Leu, CAT C262T and MnSOD Ala16Val Gene Polymorphisms on Susceptibility for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Overall Survival Rate at Five Years from Diagnosis
Authors: Cosma Adriana-Stela , Radu Cristina , Moldovan Alexandra , Bogliș Alina , Crauciuc George Andrei , Horváth Emőke , Cândea Marcela , Tripon Florin
Published: April 2019

Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate possible associations between catalase C262T (CAT C262T), glutathione peroxidase 1 Pro198Leu (GPX1 Pro198Leu), manganese superoxide dismutase Ala16Val (MnSOD Ala16Val) gene polymorphisms and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma risk (NHL) in a Romanian population and the five-year overall survival rate of the NHL patients.

Methods: We included in this case-control study 406 individuals, divided into two groups: the control group (n=315) and the patients group (n=91). The DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and amplified using specific techniques.

Results: The variant homozygous genotype of GPX1 Pro198Leu represents a risk factor for NHL development and no associations regarding the risk for NHL were found for MnSOD Ala16Val and CAT C262T gene polymorphisms. Two of the studied polymorphisms were associated with the overall survival rate thus: negative association regarding MnSOD Ala16Val, associated with higher overall survival rate and a positive one regarding CAT C262T, associated with lower overall survival rate.

Conclusions: According to our results, the mentioned polymorphisms may be considered as susceptible markers of the five-year overall survival rate for NHL patients. Future studies with a larger number of patients are needed to confirm our results.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components among type 2 diabetic mellitus Syrian patients according to NCEP-ATP III and IDF diagnostic criteria
Authors: Bakir M Adel , Hammad Kholoud , Bagdadi Khaled
Published: April 2019

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an important group of components responsible of high incidence of cardio-vascular disease (CVD) and stroke among the type 2 diabetic mellitus (DM) patients. Studies on the prevalence of the MetS and its components among DM patients are limited in developing countries and such studies never been done in Syria before. The objectives of current study were two-folds: (a) to investigate the prevalence of MetS in a group of DM Syrian patients as defined by NCEP-ATP Ш and IDF diagnostic criteria, and (b) to identify the individual MetS associated risk factors components in the studied group. A cross-sectional study carried out at one of the diabetic clinics of the health ministry in Damascus, Syria between 2016–2017. A random sample of 424 patients (209 males, 215 females) DM patients aged 40–79 years were participated in this study. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG) were determined. The overall prevalence of the MetS was 67% and 69.3% according to the NCEP-ATP Ш and IDF criteria, respectively. The prevalence was higher in females and increased with age. According to NCEP/ATP III criteria and for the overall group, high TG was the most prevalent component of the MetS. However, when an IDF criterion was applied, central obesity was the commonest component in the overall group. According to both diagnostic criteria, hypertension was significantly higher in males while central obesity was dominated in females (p<0.05, p<0.001, respectively). In conclusion, the results revealed high prevalence of the MetS in DM Syrian patients using both diagnostic criteria but slightly higher with IDF criteria. Especial care, health awareness, life style modifications, and proper medications should be directed towards controlling the risk factors components of this syndrome.
Revealing burden of elevated blood pressure among Polish adolescent participants in a population-based ADOPOLNOR study: prevalence and potent risk factors
Authors: Krzyżaniak Alicja , Stawińska-Witoszyńska Barbara , Krzywińska-Wiewiorowska Małgorzata , Siwińska Aldona , Kaczmarek Maria
Published: April 2019

New category for elevated blood pressure introduced and described by JNC-7 for adults and adopted by the 2004 Working Group for children and adolescents stands for a pre-sign to hypertension. The ongoing rise in prevalence of high blood pressure in children and adolescents demands their regular screening. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence of elevated BP in Polish adolescents and explain the role of sex, age and body weight status as potent risk factors for this condition. A population-based cross-sectional survey was carried out on a sample of 4,941 students (2,451 boys and 2,490 girls) aged 10–18, participants in the ADOPOLNOR study. Body height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Blood pressure was measured twice on each visit on the right arm using a fully calibrated TECH MED TM-Z mercury gauge sphygmomanometer with sets of exchangeable cuffs and a clinical stethoscope. The blood pressure classification was determined using the surveillance method. The depended outcome variable was the elevated BP compared to normal BP for systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and combined SBP and/or DBP. Explanatory variables included demographic characteristics, sex and age, and weight status. Two-way ANCOVA, Chi-square Pearson correlation, and multivariate logistic regression analysis (MLRA) were performed using the STATISTICA 13.1 data analysis software system; p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant (StatSoft Inc. Tulsa, OK, USA). A clear gender pattern was found in prevalence of elevated BP with girls being more likely than boys to have elevated BP (4.9%, 5.3% and 7.4% for SBP, DBP and combined SBP and/or DBP in girls vs 3.5%, 3.5% and 5.9% in boys). The proportion of both genders with elevated BP gradually increased with age with 4.8% (SBP), 2.8% (DBP) and 5.8% (SBP and/or DBP), and 5.1%, 6.4% and 8.4% in early and late adolescence, respectively. Fifteen percent of obese adolescents had elevated SBP, 14.3% elevated DBP and 17.8% had elevated either SBP and/or DBP combined. At multivariate approach, the adjusted odds ratio for predictors of elevated BP revealed sex, age and weight status for SBP and SBP and/or DPB combined. Age and weight status were predictive for elevated DBP. Weight status (BMI) showed the highest predictive potential of elevated BP for both genders. The likelihood of developing elevated BP increased at least twice with each BMI category increase. Thus, overweight and obese adolescents were twice (overweight) and 4 to 5 times (obese) more likely than their normal weight counterparts in developing elevated BP. The study results confirmed predictive potential of sex, age, and weight status in developing elevated BP in adolescents. The highest odds of the weight status indicate that it is the strongest confounder of elevated BP condition.
Trends in caries experience and background factors in 3-year-old children in Poland: evidence from epidemiological surveys during 2002–2017
Authors: Turska-Szybka Anna , Kaczmarek Urszula , Gozdowski Dariusz , Tomczyk Jacek , Olczak-Kowalczyk Dorota
Published: April 2019

The prevalence of early childhood caries and its level varies. The present study was to establish the trends in dental caries and the impact of behavioural changes on the prevalence of caries in three-yearolds in Poland within a fifteen-year period. The results of a cross sectional survey carried out on 3439 three-year-olds in 2002, 2009, and 2017 using WHO criteria for dental caries (dmft, dmft=0, dmft≥4) and the results of a questionnaire filled by their parents with data on sociodemographics, oral hygiene and dietary habits, especially their sugar intake, were assessed. The dmft/dmfs index is applied to the primary dentition and is expressed as the total number of teeth/surfaces that are decayed, missing, or filled. The Cochran-Armitage test for trend was used to assess the fraction changes in time. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the changes in dmft trends and the correlations between behavioural changes, awareness levels, and the prevalence of caries. Within the fifteen-year period minimal changes in the prevalence of early childhood caries (15% down), dmft≥4 (11.4% down) and a lower dmft (36% down) were accompanied by a better parent awareness about the causes of caries and better oral hygiene routines. Sugary beverages were no longer drank at least once a day, however sweetened milk, cake, doughnuts, and sweet rolls were consumed more often. Being female, living in an urban area, having parents more aware about caries, consuming sugary beverages less frequently, brushing teeth twice a day, and using a fluoride toothpaste promoted lower early childhood caries. Gradually healthier teeth are linked to an increased awareness of the parents and healthier routines. A too frequent exposure to sugar promotes early childhood caries. Should the changes of dietary habits be insufficient, brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste becomes crucial.
Effect of Different Ratios of Biomaterials to Banana Peels on the Weight Loss of Biodegradable Pots
Authors: Mohd Rafee Siti Nor Amirah , Lee Yit Leng , Jamalludin Mohd Riduan , Abdul Razak Norawanis , Makhtar Nur Lailina , Ismail Ras Izzati
Published: April 2019

The present study was undertaken to determine the weight loss of pots made of different ratios of biomaterials and banana peels. Two types of biodegradable pots were produced using different ratios of biomaterials (B) and banana peels (BP). The ratios of B to BP tested in this study were B50% : BP50% and B30% : BP 70%. The weight loss of biodegradable pot with ratio B30% : BP70% was significantly higher than biodegradable pot with ratio B50% : BP50% after the empty biodegradable pots were left to decompose on the ground for 60 days. This result suggests that higher content of banana peels increase the microbial decomposition of the biodegradable pot. On the contrary, the weight loss of biodegradable pot with ratio B50%:BP50% was higher when they were filled with soil and left to decompose on the ground for 60 days. This is probably due to the lower content of banana peels, what decreased the tensile strength of biodegradable pot filled with soil, making it highly decomposable in such manner. In terms of degradability, biodegradable pot with ratio B30% : BP70% is more appropriate than pot with ratio B50% : BP50%.
Operational Degradation of Engine Oil in Agricultural Technology
Authors: Dostál Petr , Rozlivka Jakub , Kumbár Vojtěch
Published: April 2019

Proposed paper is focused on description and observation of operational degradation of engine oil in agricultural technology. Engine oil is one of the most important liquids used in combustion engines. Correct function of any machine is based on the appropriate selection of lubricants; moreover, it is also important to care for the entire lubrication system. Determining the condition of the oil used in operational conditions is very important for potential further oil use. Previously, engine oil had to be changed after expiration of legally valid intervals regardless of its actual performance parameters. However, its usage may be extended if engine oil parameters meet the legal requirements. This can be achieved by removing engine oil samples from machines on a regular basis. By examining the samples taken, it is possible to determine the actual oil state. In such manner, it is possible to prolong interchange periods and save both the financial resources and environment.
Determining specific thyroid transcripts in peripheral blood: A single center study experience
Authors: Makazlieva T , Eftimov A , Vaskova O , Tripunoski T , Miladinova D , Risteski S , Jovanovic H , Jakovski Z
Published: April 2019

Thyroid carcinoma (TC) comprises a spectrum of different tumors with a wide range of biological behavior and prognosis. The techniques based on the latest trends in molecular biology may have application in diagnosis of metastatic TC. The aim of this study was to apply and analyze mRNA expression in peripheral blood of thyrotropin receptor [thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR-mRNA)] gene and thyroglobulin (Tg-mRNA) gene using 2–ΔΔCt method in differentiated TC patients and healthy individuals. Fifty-seven subjects were included in the study, consisting of 40 patients with TC and 17 healthy volunteers as a control group. Total RNA was isolated from peripheral blood and used for two-step reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Real-time PCR was performed with appropriate primers. Relative quantification using the 2–ΔΔCt method was applied. Thyroid carcinoma patients with metastatic disease or loco-regional relapse expressed TSHR-mRNA by a 8.57-fold higher level than healthy controls. Thyroid carcinoma patients with biochemical relapse expressed TSHR-mRNA by a 14.17-fold higher level than healthy controls, while expression of Tg-mRNA was 6.6-fold higher in TC patients with metastatic disease and loco-regional relapse than healthy controls and 8.34-fold higher level compared with TC patients with excellent response to treatment. Our preliminary study showed that the TSHR gene expression might have more useful application as a biomarker compared to detection of Tg gene expression.
Recent Development in Smart Grid Authentication Approaches: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Qasaimeh Malik , Al-Qassas Raad S. , Aljawarneh Shadi
Published: April 2019

Smart Grid (SG) is a major electricity trend expected to replace traditional electricity systems. SG has faster response to electricity malfunctions and improved utilization of consumed power, and it has two-way communication between providers and consumers. However, SG is vulnerable to attacks and requires robust authentication techniques to provide secure authenticity for its components. This paper analyses previous literature, comprising 27 papers on the status of SG authentication techniques, main components, and kinds of attacks. This paper also highlights the main requirements and challenges for developing authentication approaches for the SG system. This can serve as useful guidance for the development and deployment of authentication techniques for SG systems and helps practitioners select authentication approaches applicable to system needs.
Efficient Dynamic Bloom Filter Hashing Fragmentation for Cloud Data Storage
Authors: Jegadeeswari S. , Dinadayalan P. , Gnanambigai D.
Published: April 2019

Security is important in cloud data storage while using the cloud services provided by the service provider in the cloud. Most of the research works have been designed for a secure cloud data storage. However, cloud users still have security issues with their outsourced data. In order to overcome such limitations, a Dynamic Bloom Filter Hashing based Cloud Data Storage (DBFH-CDS) Technique is proposed. The main goal of DBFH-CDS Technique is to improve confidentiality and security of data storage in a cloud environment. The proposed Technique is implemented using data fragmentation model and Bloom filter. The DBFH-CDS Technique uses data fragmentation model for fragmenting the large cloud datasets. After that, Bloom Filter is employed in DBFH-CDS Technique for storing the fragmented sensitive data along with higher security. The DBFH-CDS Technique ensures high data confidentiality and security for cloud data storage with the help of Bloom Filter. The performance of proposed DBFH-CDS Technique is measured in terms of Execution time and Data retrieval efficiency. The experimental results show that the DBFH-CDS Technique is able to improve the cloud data storage security with minimum space complexity as compared to state-of-the-art-works.
Optimum Design of CDM-Backstepping Control with Nonlinear Observer for Electrohydraulic Servo System Using Ant Swarm
Authors: Haouari Fouad , Bali Nourdine , Tadjine Mohamed , Boucherit Mohamed Seghir
Published: April 2019

This paper introduces an application of an Ant Colony Optimization algorithm to optimize the parameters in the design of a type of nonlinear robust control algorithm based on coefficient diagram method and backstepping strategy with nonlinear observer for the electrohydraulic servo system with supply pressure under the conditions of uncertainty and the action of external disturbance. Based on this model, a systematic analysis and design algorithm is developed to deal with stabilization and angular displacement tracking, one feature of this work is employing the nonlinear observer to achieve the asymptotic stability with state estimations. Finally, numerical simulations are given to demonstrate the usefulness and advantages of the proposed optimization method.
Application of Information Technologies and Algorithms in Ship Passage Planning
Authors: Belev Blagovest , Dimitranov Dilyan , Spasov Alexandar , Ivanov Aleksandar
Published: April 2019

With the continuous increase of international oil prices, more and more shipping companies look for new solutions to the ever present question: How to reduce operational fuel consumption and decrease air pollution. Ship route planning is an indispensable part of the ship navigation process. In the modern world, the passage planning aspect of navigation is shifting. No longer do we see mariners drawing course lines on a paper chart. No longer do they calculate distances with compasses. Elaborate algorithms on various digital devices perform all these tasks. Algorithms plot the optimum tracks on digital charts and algorithms can decide how to avoid collision situations. Nowadays charter companies do not rely solely on the experienced navigators on board their vessels to decide the best route. Instead, this task is outsourced ashore to routing and weather-routing enterprises. The algorithms used by those enterprises are continuously evolving and getting better and better. They are coming popular because of another reason – more and more the shipping society support the newly idea for using crewless ships. However, are they up to the task to eliminate the human element in passage planning? In this article, we are going to review some of the weak points of the algorithms in use.
The Impacts of Financial Inclusion on Economic Development: Cases in Asian‑Pacific Countries
Authors: Van Dinh Thi Thanh , Linh Nguyen Ha
Published: April 2019

Financial inclusion efforts seek to ensure that all members of an economy can have access to and effectively use appropriate financial services. Improving financial inclusion has become a significant concern for developed and developing countries alike. There are many indicators of financial inclusion, the most elementary of which includes having an account in a financial institution. This paper will evaluate the impact of indicators of financial inclusion on economic development. The result shows that correlations exist between large numbers of bank branches, ATMs, domestic credit in the private sector and the increased rate of development in the economy. People will gain a more prosperous life due to this development. The paper also provides recommendations for the governments of developing countries to improve financial inclusion.
Infrastructure, Human Capital Development and Economic Growth in Transitional Countries
Authors: Tsaurai Kunofiwa , Ndou Adam
Published: April 2019

This study investigated the impact of infrastructure and human capital development on economic growth in transitional economies. It also explored whether the interaction between infrastructural and human capital development enhanced economic growth in the transitional economies. Although the literature is awash with studies which investigated the separate impact of infrastructure and human capital development on economic growth, no study that the author is aware of has so far explored whether the interaction between infrastructure and human capital development enhances economic growth. The study mainly used a dynamic panel generalised methods of moments (GMM) approach by Arellano and Bond (1995), a framework that takes into account the dynamic nature of economic growth data and addresses the endogeneity issues normally associated with economic growth regression functions. Panel data analysis approaches such as pooled ordinary least squares (OLS), and fixed and random effects were used for comparison purposes and robustness tests. According to the dynamic GMM framework, the interaction between infrastructure and human capital development improved economic growth in transitional economies, in line with theoretical and empirical predictions. Random effects and pooled OLS show that the interaction between infrastructural and human capital development had a deleterious effect on economic growth, whilst according to the fixed effects approach, the interaction between these two variables had an insignificant positive influence on economic growth in transitional economies. Considering that the results from a dy34 Kunofiwa Tsaurai, Adam Ndou namic panel GMM are considered to be more accurate due to the approach’s ability to address the endogeneity problem and the dynamic nature of economic growth data, the current study recommends that transitional economies should implement policies that improve human capital development in order to enhance infrastructural development’s ability to influence economic growth. Future studies should investigate not just one (human capital development), but all the conditional factors which must be in place before economic growth advantages triggered by infrastructure development are realised.