bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk-Based Decision Support Model for Offshore Installations
Authors: Erdogan Gencer , Refsdal Atle , Nygård Bjørn , Rosland Ole Petter , Randeberg Bernt Kvam
Published: August 2018

Background: During major maintenance projects on offshore installations, flotels are often used to accommodate the personnel. A gangway connects the flotel to the installation. If the offshore conditions are unfavorable, the responsible operatives need to decide whether to lift (disconnect) the gangway from the installation. If this is not done, there is a risk that an uncontrolled autolift (disconnection) occurs, causing harm to personnel and equipment. Objectives: We present a decision support model, developed using the DEXi tool for multi-criteria decision making, which produces advice on whether to disconnect/connect the gangway from/to the installation. Moreover, we report on our development method and experiences from the process, including the efforts invested. An evaluation of the resulting model is also offered, primarily based on feedback from a small group of offshore operatives and domain experts representing the end user target group. Methods/Approach: The decision support model was developed systematically in four steps: establish context, develop the model, tune the model, and collect feedback on the model. Results: The results indicate that the decision support model provides advice that corresponds with expert expectations, captures all aspects that are important for the assessment, is comprehensible to domain experts, and that the expected benefit justifies the effort for developing the model. Conclusions: We find the results promising, and believe that the approach can be fruitful in a wider range of risk-based decision support scenarios. Moreover, this paper can help other decision support developers decide whether a similar approach can suit them
Location and Coverage Analysis of Bike- Sharing Stations in University Campus
Authors: Mete Suleyman , Cil Zeynel Abidin , Özceylan Eren
Published: August 2018

Background: Bike-sharing programmes have become popular in a large number of cities in order to facilitate bicycle use. Determining the location of bike sharing stations is vital to success of these programmes. Objectives: In this paper, a case study is applied to the Gaziantep University campus in order to find possible locations of the stations for users (students). The purpose is to minimize the total walking distance. Methods/Approach: Set and maximal covering mathematical models are considered to decide on coverage capability of determined 20 demand points and 20 potential bike stations. Then, the mathematical models of P-center and P-median are used to build possible stations and to allocate demand points to the opened stations. Finally, an undesirable facility location model is used to find the bike stations, which have the maximum distance from demand nodes, and to eliminate them. Results: In computational results, it is clearly seen that the proposed approaches set the potential bike station covering all demand points. They also provide different solutions for the campus planners. Conclusions: The methodology outlined in this study can provide university administrators with a useful insight into locations of stations, and in this way, it contributes significantly to future planning of bike-sharing systems.
Inverse methods and integral-differential model demonstration for optimal mechanical operation of power plants – numerical graphical optimization for second generation of tribology models
Authors: Casesnoves Francisco
Published: August 2018

Stepping forward from a previous conference contribution, the article focuses on extension of inverse problem algorithms to integral-differential modelling and formal/strict demonstration of graphical-optimization method. It shows evident-mathematical and 3D-imaging proofs of the graphical optimization method with L1 Norm simulations and algorithms. At present, Linear/Nonlinear Optimization mathematical methods constitute the choice of preference in getting improvements for erosion and corrosion simulations- determinations in general tribology, biotribology and tribocorrosion. The method(s) developed are classical numerical optimization settings for objective functions, programming optimization and simulations, and special software for imaging in 3D. Results are diverse and the range of their applications is wide. First, the article provides a definite formal demonstration of the nonlinear graphical optimization both in numerical results and in imaging. Then, the authors propose the development of programming optimization and mathematical proofs-algorithms of the integral-differential model for various models. Subsequently, an overview of stochastic erosion methods based on Markov Chain is presented in the article. Finally, the second generation of tribology models is defined and conceptually explained. To summarise, the article comprises new findings towards modernization of tribology, biotribology and tribocorrosion models, gathering innovative research branches for future extension of the mathematical modelling progress. The results can be applied to both general techniques and mechanical engineering. The analytical and numerical demonstration of the integral-differential model constitutes a key point and essential result of the research. Extension to electromagnetic and electronic models of these methods is also considered feasible and practical
Development case study of the first estonian self-driving car, iseauto
Authors: Rassõlkin Anton , Sell Raivo , Leier Mairo
Published: August 2018

The rapid development of intelligent control technology has also brought about changes in the automotive industry and led to development of autonomous or self-driving vehicles. To overcome traffic and environment issues, self-driving cars use a number of sensors for vision as well as a navigation system and actuators to control mechanical systems and computers to process the data. All these points make a self-driving car an interdisciplinary project that requires contribution from different fields. In our particular case, four different university departments and two companies are directly involved in the self-driving car project. The main aim of the paper is to discuss the challenges faced in the development of the first Estonian self-driving car. The project implementation time was 20 months and the project included four work packages: preliminary study, software development, body assembly and system tuning/testing of the self-driving car. This paper describes the development process stages and tasks that were distributed between the sub-teams. Moreover, the paper presents the technical and software solutions that were used to achieve the goal and presents a self-driving last mile bus called ISEAUTO. Special attention is paid to the discussion of safety challenges that a self-driving electrical car project can encounter. The main outcomes and future research possibilities are outlined
Scalability of Learners’ Success Rates in e-Learning: A Survey Study of the Learners’ Perspectives
Authors: Maritim Ezra K. , Getuno Daniel Makini
Published: August 2018

Globally, ODL institutions experience mismatch between scalability of numbers and scalability of success rates. This study explored the scalability of success rates in open, distance e-learning as perceived by the learners within the Chain of Response Model. The primary aim of the study was to look at online learners’ success rate by focusing on two institutional factors drawn from the Model, namely: the learner’s study modules related challenges and support services. The results of an online survey of 180 undergraduate and postgraduate online learners of Egerton University, Kenya, showed: (a) the response rate of 16%; (b) a mixture of hardware, software and personal factors were identified as pre-requisites for e-learning success: (c) a number of mathematically-based modules were identified as risks to success in online studies; and (d) while the learners saw the learner support services as important they were less satisfied with their provision. The present study points to two broad areas that require further studies. First, qualitative look into specific challenges that learners face with respect to learner support service provisions, modules interactivity, and those identified as difficult to follow and thus posing risks to the learners’ success. Second, investigation into tutor-learner contacts with the view of identifying whether such contacts are reactive or proactive.
Improved micropropagation and foliar micromorphological studies in Turnera ulmifolia L. – An important medicinal plant
Authors: Manokari Mani , Shekhawat Mahipal S.
Published: August 2018

The present study reports an efficient in vitro propagation system for Turnera ulmifolia using nodal segments as explants. Turnera ulmifolia (Passifloraceae) is an important garden plant with multipotent medicinal values. Effective shoot proliferation was achieved on agar gelled MS medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962). The maximum number of shoots (8.3 ± 0.57) per initial explant was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 8.88 mM of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.54 mM of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The highest number of shoots (59.5 ± 2.10) proliferated on semi-solid MS medium (with agar) augmented with 2.22 mM of BAP and 2.32 mM of kinetin (Kin) along with 0.54 mM of NAA. Longer (4-5 cm) and healthy shoots were rooted (12.0 ± 0.10 roots per shoot) on half-strength MS medium fortified with 9.84 mM of indole-3 butyric acid (IBA). The in vitro regenerated plantlets were hardened in the greenhouse and transferred to the field. Significant developmental changes were observed in the foliar micromorphology of in vitro raised plantlets when these were transferred to the field. The stomatal index was gradually reduced (26.72 to 21.25) in the leaves from in vitro to field environments. But, vein-islets and veinlet terminations (13.4 and 7.6) were increased (39.7 and 18.4) respectively from in vitro to in vivo grown plants. Simple, unicellular, less frequent and underdeveloped trichomes were observed with the leaves of in vitro plants but fully developed trichomes recorded in the field transferred plants. The study could help in understanding the response and adaptation of tissue culture raised plantlets towards changed environmental conditions.
Introduction to Stochastic Finance: Random Variables and Arbitrage Theory
Authors: Jaeger Peter
Published: August 2018

Using the Mizar system [1], [5], we start to show, that the Call-Option, the Put-Option and the Straddle (more generally defined as in the literature) are random variables ([4], p. 15), see (Def. 1) and (Def. 2). Next we construct and prove the simple random variables ([2], p. 14) in (Def. 8).

In the third section, we introduce the definition of arbitrage opportunity, see (Def. 12). Next we show, that this definition can be characterized in a different way (Lemma 1.3. in [4], p. 5), see (17). In our formalization for Lemma 1.3 we make the assumption that ϕ is a sequence of real numbers (there are only finitely many valued of interest, the values of ϕ in Rd
). For the definition of almost sure with probability 1 see p. 6 in [2]. Last we introduce the risk-neutral probability (Definition 1.4, p. 6 in [4]), here see (Def. 16).

We give an example in real world: Suppose you have some assets like bonds (riskless assets). Then we can fix our price for these bonds with x for today and x · (1 + r) for tomorrow, r is the interest rate. So we simply assume, that in every possible market evolution of tomorrow we have a determinated value. Then every probability measure of Ω
fut

1 is a risk-neutral measure, see (21). This example shows the existence of some risk-neutral measure. If you find more than one of them, you can determine – with an additional conidition to the probability measures – whether a market model is arbitrage free or not (see Theorem 1.6. in [4], p. 6.)

A short graph for (21):

Suppose we have a portfolio with many (in this example infinitely many) assets. For asset d we have the price π(d) for today, and the price π(d) (1 + r) for tomorrow with some interest rate r > 0.

Let G be a sequence of random variables on Ω
fut

1, Borel sets. So you have many functions fk
: {1, 2, 3, 4}→ R with G(k) = fk
and fk
is a random variable of Ω
fut

1, Borel sets. For every fk
we have fk
(w) = π(k)·(1+r) for w {1, 2, 3, 4}.

Today

Tomorrow

only
 
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{

w

21

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{

1
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}

w

22

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}

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all
 
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holds
 
π

(
d
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{

f
d

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w
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)

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)

,

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∈

w

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.

$$\matrix{ {Today} & {Tomorrow} \cr {{\rm{only}}\,{\rm{one}}\,{\rm{scenario}}} & {\left\{ {\matrix{ {w_{21} = \left\{ {1,2} \right\}} \hfill \cr {w_{22} = \left\{ {3,4} \right\}} \hfill \cr } } \right.} \cr {{\rm{for}}\,{\rm{all}}\,d \in N\,{\rm{holds}}\,\pi \left( d \right)} & {\left\{ {\matrix{ {f_d \left( w \right) = G\left( d \right)\left( w \right) = \pi \left( d \right) \cdot \left( {1 + r} \right),} \hfill \cr {w \in w_{21} \,or\,w \in w_{22} ,} \hfill \cr {r > 0\,{\rm{is}}\,{\rm{the}}\,{\rm{interest}}\,{\rm{rate}}.} \hfill \cr } } \right.} \cr }$$

Here, every probability measure of Ω
fut

1 is a risk-neutral measure.
Klein-Beltrami Model. Part II
Authors: Coghetto Roland
Published: August 2018

Tim Makarios (with Isabelle/HOL1) and John Harrison (with HOL-Light2) have shown that “the Klein-Beltrami model of the hyperbolic plane satisfy all of Tarski’s axioms except his Euclidean axiom” [2, 3, 15, 4].

With the Mizar system [1], [10] we use some ideas are taken from Tim Makarios’ MSc thesis [12] for formalized some definitions (like the tangent) and lemmas necessary for the verification of the independence of the parallel postulate. This work can be also treated as a further development of Tarski’s geometry in the formal setting [9].
Sequences of Prime Reciprocals. Preliminaries
Authors: Grabowski Adam
Published: August 2018

In the article we formalize some properties needed to prove that sequences of prime reciprocals are divergent. The aim is to show that the series exhibits log-log growth. We introduce some auxiliary notions as harmonic numbers, telescoping series, and prove some standard properties of logarithms and exponents absent in the Mizar Mathematical Library. At the end we proceed with square-free and square-containing parts of a natural number and reciprocals of corresponding products.
Serotonin and neuropeptide FMRFamide in the attachment organs of trematodes
Authors: Terenina N. B. , Kreshchenko N. D. , Mochalova N. B. , Movsesyan S. O.
Published: August 2018

The serotoninergic and FMRFamidergic nervous system of the attachment organs of trematodes were examined using immunocytochemical techniques and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Adult trematodes from eight families as well as cercariae and metacercariae from ten families were studied. TRITC-conjugated phalloidin was used to stain the muscle fibres. The serotonin- and FMRFamide-immunoreactive (IR) nerve cells and fibres were revealed to be near the muscle fibres of the oral and ventral suckers of the trematodes and their larvae. The results indicate the important role of neurotransmitters, serotonin and neuropeptide FMRFamide in the regulation of muscle activity in the attachment organs of trematodes and can be considered in perspective for the development of new anthelmintic drugs, which can interrupt the function of the attachment organs of the parasites.
Security architecture for the mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Filipek Jozef , Hudec Ladislav
Published: August 2018

Security in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) has been an actively researched topic for the several years. As opposed to wired networks, MANETs have dynamic topology, limited resources, limited bandwidth and are usually deployed in emergency scenarios outside, where landscape plays important role. MANETs are susceptible to insider and outsider attacks and bring new security challenges which were not present in the wired networks. The most important difference is that every node in MANET acts as a router and routes traffic throughout the network. Compromising one node can hugely affect network performance. In this paper, we present our security architecture for MANETs which secures important aspects of the network. We bring trust model into the network and nodes are secured by different mechanisms tailored specifically for the use in distributed environment. We use Omnet++for network simulations. Simulations use delays measured on the real hardware and we analyze performance of the network during different data plane and control plane loads
Multilayer optical interconnects design: switching components and insertion loss reduction approach
Authors: Mokhtari Mohammad Reza , Baghban Hamed , Soofi Hadi
Published: August 2018

The next generation of chip multi-processors point to the integration of thousands of processing cores, demanding high- performance interconnects, and growing the interest in optically interconnected networks. In this article we report on an interlayer silicon-based switch design that switches two channels simultaneously from an input waveguide into one of the two output ports. The introduced interlayer switch allows to design interconnects with previously unattainable functionality, higher performance and robustness, and smaller footprints with low insertion loss (< 1 dB), and high extinction ratio (> 18 dB). Interlayer switching combined with wavelength-routed and circuit-switched networks yield a low latency and low- loss interconnect architecture. Quantitative comparison between the proposed interconnect architecture and other reported structures in terms of loss, number of wavelengths and microring resonators reveals the proficiency of our design. For a 64-core interconnect implemented in 4 layers, the proposed architecture indicates an average loss reduction up to 42% and 43% with respect to single-layer lambda-router and GWOR.
Analysis, design and simulation of digital controlled symmetrical seven levels inverter
Authors: Nwosu Cajethan M. , Ogbuka Cosmas U. , Oti Stephen E.
Published: August 2018

An analysis, design and simulation of digital controlled symmetrical seven levels inverter is presented in this paper. Against the contemporary use of two asymmetrical DC sources with two H-bridge cells to generate seven levels inverter two DC sources of equal voltage ratings are used through digital control strategy to realize seven levels output voltage. By utilizing limited number of active switching components and avoiding the usual complex PWM control techniques for multilevel inverters by way of digital control strategy, high efficiency multilevel inverter systems due to reduction in total harmonic distortion and switching losses is guaranteed. Owing to symmetry of the H-bridge cells, a simple and single programmed counter built around J-K flip is required irrespective of number of cascades. The analyzed and designed system has been simulated in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. With an R-L load of 200 Ω and 200 mH, improved total harmonic distortions (THDs) for the inverter current and voltage are 7.59% and 16.89% respectively. The obtained results show that the control-circuit-based multilevel inverter topology is most suited for applications in solar powered inverter systems.
Combination of the viterbi algorithm and cross-wigner distribution for the instantaneous frequency estimation phase signals in high noise environments
Authors: Djurović Igor
Published: August 2018

In this paper, combination of the cross-Wigner distribution (XWD) and the Viterbi algorithm (VA) for the instantaneous frequency (IF) estimation of frequency modulated (FM) signals in high noise environments is proposed. The favourable properties of the VA, the IF reconstruction based on minimization of the path penalty functions, and the XWD, iterative accuracy improvement of the IF estimation, give hybrid IF estimator with improved accuracy for high noise environments
E-portfolios and relational space in the early education environment
Authors: Gallagher Aisling
Published: August 2018

This paper considers the role of eportfolios as an online tool intended to foster greater engagement between parent, teacher and child in early education settings. Drawing on New Zealand based research, I will critically examine the introduction of this technology as more than an addition into already existing ECEC services. Rather, I will highlight the generative impact it has in facilitating new kinds of relations between parents, teachers and managers, within what I term an emergent ‘virtual landscape of ECEC’. Ultimately I argue that this landscape is shaped by asymmetries of power, which allow for processes of subjectification and governing in ECEC to occur in new ways.
Kindergarten space and autonomy in construction – Explorations during team ethnography in a Finnish kindergarten
Authors: Vuorisalo Mari , Raittila Raija , Rutanen Niina
Published: August 2018

Children’s autonomy is a cultural ideal in Finnish early childhood education and care (ECEC). In this article we examine autonomy in spatial terms. The theoretical background is developed by applying spatial sociology. Our starting point is that space is relationally produced, thus, we understand space as continuously negotiated, reconstructed and reorganized phenomena. In this article, we investigate the production of space by different actors in ECEC and seek to show how autonomy is also continuously produced and re-produced in the negotiation of space. For this investigation we use data collected as part of a team ethnographic project in a Finnish kindergarten. The project included conducting observations and interviews with parents and educators. Our research shows that autonomy is developed in multiple ways in kindergarten spaces. Educators as well as children and parents continuously produce and reproduce the kindergarten space within which children’s autonomy variously unfolds as linked to independence, freedom and responsibility in the cultural and ideological setting of a Finnish kindergarten.
‘Yay, a downhill!’: Mobile preschool children’s collective mobility practices and ‘doing’ space in walks in line
Authors: Ladru Danielle Ekman , Gustafson Katarina
Published: August 2018

In the field of early childhood research children’s mobility is usually discussed only in terms of physical activity in the preschool yard. More seldom is it discussed in terms of mobility practices and how young children move in public spaces. With unique detailed video-ethnographic data on mobile preschools and a new combination of theories on space, mobilities and peer culture this article analyses how young children negotiate mobility practices and engage in embodied learning in the collective preschool routine of walking in line. Two empirical examples of walking in line in contrasting public spaces show how the mobile preschool group moves in space as a collective body co-produced by children’s and teachers’ individual bodies. It is argued that walks in line are not merely a form of ‘transport’ between places but are important as social and learning spaces. While walking in line, children collectively ‘do’ space in diverse ways depending on where and how they move, and in relation to where and when teachers negotiate safety issues. In this process, the spaces, activities and routines alike are transformed.
Distant places in children’s everyday activities: Multiple worlds in an Australian preschool
Authors: Millei Zsuzsa
Published: August 2018

Global flows and their geopolitical power relations powerfully shape the environments in which children lead their everyday lives. Children’s images, imaginations and ideas of distant places are part of these global flows and the everyday activities children perform in preschool. Research explores how through curricula young children are moulded into global and cosmopolitan citizens and how children make sense of distant places through globally circulating ideas, images and imaginations. How these ideas, images and imaginations form an unproblematised part of young children’s everyday preschool activities and identity formation has been much less explored, if at all. I use Massey’s (2005) concept of a ‘global sense of place’ in my analysis of ethnographic data collected in an Australian preschool to explore how children produce global qualities of preschool places and form and perform identities by relating to distant places. I pay special attention to how place, objects and children become entangled, and to the sensory aspects of their emplaced experiences, as distant spatialities embed in and as children’s bodies inhabit the preschool place. To conclude, I call for critical pedagogies to engage with children’s use of these constructions to draw similarities or contrast aspects of distant places and self, potentially reproducing global power relations by fixing representations of places and through uncritically enacting stereotypes.
Security Risks Generated by Behavior of Religious Fanatics
Authors: Dinulescu Iulian , Troncotă Cristian
Published: August 2018

Human behavior has generated a series of threats to human security throughout history, generating major violence at the time when it was doubled by an exaggerated religiosity. Religious fanaticism has manifested itself in all societies, regardless of their forms of organization. The consequences of the phenomenon deeply marked inter-human relationships, both within the community, but especially in communities that have other religions. The article shows the characteristics of religious fanaticism and the factors that cause people to adopt such a behavior of exacerbating religious zeal doubled into intolerance towards those of opponents, both of other faiths and those within their own confession.

The issue is not generated by the religious phenomenon or religiosity that such sectarians or religious organizations and religious fanaticism have with some of the members of such religious entities. They are transformed into perfect soldiers because they respond to clergy ‘requests, even with the sacrifice of their own lives, without counting for these individuals, the feelings for their own family members or the duty to support them. In such situations the phenomenon mentioned can not be prevented until it is truly understood from the religious point of view. Therefore, particular attention must be paid to the motivations that lead some individuals to such behavior, as well as to the characteristics of such religious fanatics, and to the way they create risks to human security. In this article we will only address the religious fanaticism manifested by Christianity and Islam, because these are the ones that can have an impact at European and national level. To this end, we will look at some elements of religious fanaticism that indicate this kind of behavioral pattern. After that we will clarify and show the reader the connection between religious fanaticism, the behavior of the followers influenced by this phenomenon, and the inter-human relationships determined by this type of actors.
Robust Control System Design for Small UAV Using H2-Optimization
Authors: Szabolcsi Róbert
Published: August 2018

Unmanned aerial vehicles are famous for their wide range of applications. In D3 (Dirty-Dull-Dangerous) UAV applications flight conditions may vary on large scale. External disturbances like atmospheric turbulences and gusts may be subjected to UAV, and as a result, UAV flight mission might be conducted with high level of the degradation of the accuracy. Sensor noises are also present, and theirs negligence might lead to improper dynamic performances of the closed loop control systems. Uncertainties of the control systems being structured or unstructured may tend the closed loop control system to stability bounds. In worst case, uncertainties may destabilize closed loop control systems. The purpose of the author is to present a robust controller design method called H2-optimal design ensuring stability of the closed loop control systems with simultaneous dynamic performances predefined for the closed loop control system.
Role of fecal calprotectin as a biomarker of intestinal inflammation in ulcerative colitis: a prospective study
Authors: Onişor Danusia , Boeriu Alina , Pascarenco Ofelia , Brusnic Olga , Dobru Daniela
Published: August 2018

Background: The clinical utility of non-invasive markers in the diagnosis and monitoring of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been intensively studied. The aim of our study was to evaluate the value of fecal calprotectin (FC) in differentiating between UC and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and in estimating inflammatory activity in UC.

Method: A total number of 140 patients were included in the study. All patients underwent ileocolonoscopy with biopsies, quantitative determination of FC, and blood tests (white blood cell count, CRP, ESR). The severity of UC was assessed by using the Ulcerative Colitis Disease Activity Index (UCDAI) and Mayo endoscopic score.

Results: In patients with active UC the mean values of FC were 373.8 +/- 146.3 μg/g, significantly higher than those in the inactive UC (mean values 36.04 +/- 13.25 μg/g), and in IBS (42.9 +/- 16.00 μg/g). In univariate regression analysis, elevated FC levels strongly correlated with pancolitis (p=0.0001), UCDAI and Mayo scores (p=0.0001), and elevated CRP levels. In multivariate regression model, FC was positively associated with severe pancolitis, and elevated CRP. The optimal cutoff value of FC for the prediction of severe pancolitis (Mayo score˃ 3) was 540 μg/g. We obtained 71.4% sensitivity (CI95%: 41.95-91.6) and 96.1% specificity (CI95%: 89.2 -99.2) of FC in assessing the severity of inflammation in UC patients.

Conclusion: FC is a promising marker that can be used in clinical practice to select patients with organic intestinal disorders, compared with those with functional disorders. It also correlates very well with the extent of lesions and the severity of clinical symptoms in UC, with increased sensitivity and specificity.
Investigation of the Relation Between FAS, FASLG Polymorphisms and Serum Fas, FasL Levels in Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Duran Gülay Gülbol , Kasap Mulkiye , Gunesacar Ramazan , Dogramacı Asena Cigdem , Denli Yasar Gul
Published: August 2018

Background: Psoriasis is a multifactorial and inflammatory chronic skin disease indicated with T-cell-mediated keratinocyte hyper-proliferation. Demographic, epidemiological (family, twin), serological, and genetic studies have clearly demonstrated that psoriasis is a polygenic and multifactorial disease.

Aim: The objectives of the study are; to determine the prevalence of the polymorphisms of FAS (Fas cell surface receptor gene) -671 A>G (rs:1800682) and FASLG (Fas ligand gene) -844 T>C (rs:763110), to investigate the serum levels of sFas and sFasL, and also to discover any relationship between gene polymorphisms and serum levels in psoriatic patients.

Material and Methods: 50 treated and 69 untreated patients, and 140 healthy controls were included in the study. Polymorphisms were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The serum levels were measured in randomly selected treated (39) and untreated (40) patients, also in 84 healthy controls using micro-ELISA technique.

Results: There was no statistical difference between polymorphisms in the patient and control groups. However, sFas and sFasL levels in both treated and untreated patients were higher than that of the controls.

Conclusion: The investigated FAS and FASLG polymorphisms were not found to be directly associated with the psoriasis. Elevated sFas and sFasL levels in psoriatic patients showed that these factors may possess a significant role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Long-term settlement induced by EPB tunnelling studied with numerical simulations
Authors: Ochmański Maciej
Published: August 2018

Long-term settlement induced by tunnelling in soft cohesive subsoil is rarely considered as a subject for research despite substantial evidence that it increases considerably after construction. The paper aims to investigate the time effects of tunnelling with an earth pressure balance (EPB) shield by means of analysing subsoil deformation with the most up-to-date numerical tool. A three-dimensional numerical model with a detailed description of the geometrical and mechanical characteristics of the tunnelling process and the various materials involved was built. The computational model validated on a real-case was then used to simulate tunnelling in different groundwater conditions prior to construction. That was followed by a simulation of groundwater drawdown conditions after tunnelling with impermeable and permeable tunnel linings. The calculations show the development of the settlement over time in different groundwater conditions together with the significant influence of the permeability of the tunnel.
Load Frequency Control for Two-area Multi-Source Interconnected Power System using Intelligent Controllers
Authors: Hussein Arkan Ahmed
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the study of intelligent controllers for Two-area multi-source interconnected power system model. The controller gains are optimized using Conventional method, GA and BAT algorithms and investigation is carried out for the best optimization method on the basis of dynamic performance and stability of the power system model. The power system model under investigation two area each area consists of thermal, hydro and Double Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) based wind unit with different participation factor in the total generation for their respective area. It has been observed that an appreciable improvement in the system dynamic performance is achieved using Bat algorithms for load frequency controller for multisource power system model as compared with conventional method and GA algorithm.
The Effect of Frying Conditions on Sunflower Oil Attributes
Authors: Sibai Hanadi , Alrifaie Huda
Published: August 2018

A sample of sunflower oil, produced from Homs Sugar Company, was used in this study to fry local potato by frying under air at household conditions, and frying under pressure (at 150-180ºC, pressure 10-15kg/cm²) for 12 continuous hours without adding new oil. The results were estimated statistically by using Minitab program version 17.0 at level 0.01. The results showed, in both cases of frying, an increase in the physical properties (density, viscosity, refractive index, and coloring degree) of used oil by increasing frying time. A decrease Iodine Number, increase Peroxide Number, increase the percentage of free fatty acids, increase of C16:0 and C18:1 acids percentage, and decrease of C18:2 and C18:3 acids percentage, associated by increasing frying time. But when frying under pressure we noticed that these changes were slow because of the unadequated oxygen presence during frying under pressure. So we can say that the oil was still usable for frying for a long time when frying under pressure more than when frying under air with the vessel is open.
Hybrid CFD-ANN Scheme for Air Flow and Heat Transfer Across In-Line Flat Tubes Array
Authors: Jassim Ataalah Hussain , Rahman M.M. , Hamada Khalaf Ibrahim , Ishak M. , Tahseen Tahseen Ahmad
Published: August 2018

Flat tubes are vital components of various technical applications including modern heat exchangers, thermal power plants, and automotive radiators. This paper presents the hybridization of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and artificial neural network (ANN) approach to predict the thermal-hydraulic characteristics of in-line flat tubes heat exchangers. A 2D steady state and an incompressible laminar flow in a tube configuration are considered for numerical analysis. Finite volume technique and body-fitted coordinate system are used to solve the Navier–Stokes and energy equations. The Reynolds number based on outer hydraulic diameter varies between 10 and 320. Heat transfer coefficient and friction are analyzed for various tube configurations including transverse and longitudinal pitches. The numerical results from CFD analysis are used in the training and testing of the ANN for predicting thermal characteristics and friction factors. The predicted results revealed a satisfactory performance, with the mean relative error ranging from 0.39% to 5.57%, the root-mean-square error ranging from 0.00367 to 0.219, and the correlation coefficient (R2) ranging from 99.505% to 99.947%. Thus, this study verifies the effectiveness of using ANN in predicting the performance of thermal-hydraulic systems in engineering applications such as heat transfer modeling and fluid flow in tube bank heat exchangers.
Hekim dışı sağlık çalışanlarının sigara içme ve bağımlılık düzeyleri ile ilişkili etmenler
Authors: Özvurmaz Safiye , Yavaş Selcan
Published: August 2018

Amaç: Tütün kullanım toplumun tüm kesimlerinde
olduğu gibi sağlık çalışanlarında da önemli bir sağlık sorunudur ve sağlık
çalışanlarının tütün kullanımına ilişkin görüşleri toplumun sağlık davranışları
üzerine etkilidir. Bu çalışmanın amacı bir üniversite hastanesinde hekim dışı
sağlık çalışanlarının, sigara içme durumlarının, bağımlılık düzeylerinin,
dumansız hava sahası uygulamasıyla ilgili görüşlerinin ve sigara içmeleriyle
ilişkili etmenlerin belirlenmesidir. Yöntem:
Kesitsel nitelikte olan bu çalışma Mart-Nisan 2016 tarihlerinde yürütülmüştür.
Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Uygulama ve Araştırma Hastanesi’nde çalışan ve
çalışmaya katılmayı kabul eden 308 hekim dışı sağlık personeli [Hemşire, ebe, acil
tıp teknikeri (ATT)] araştırma grubunu oluşturmuştur. Katılımcıların sigara
içme durumları, sosyo-demografik özellikleri sorgulanmıştır. Sigara
kullananların bağımlılık düzeyini belirlemek için Fagerström Nikotin Bağımlılık
Ölçeği uygulanmıştır. İstatistiksel değerlendirmede “Ki-Kare Testi” ve “Fisher’s
Exact Test” kullanılmış ve anlamlılık sınırı olarak p<0.05 alınmıştır. Bulgular: Katılımcıların %35.1’i sigara
kullandığını bildirmiştir. Kadın sağlıkçıların %31.1’i, erkeklerin %61’i sigara
kullanmaktadır. Katılımcıların %47.1’i çok yüksek düzeyde nikotin bağımlısıdır.
Hekim dışı sağlık çalışanlarında, her iki cinsiyet için de geliri az olanların
daha fazla sigara içtiği saptanmıştır (p<0.05). Bekâr ve eğitim durumu düşük
olan kadınlar istatistiksel olarak anlamlı biçimde daha fazla sigara içmektedir
(p<0.05). Her iki cinsiyet için çalışma birimi, çalışma yılı, biçimi ve
haftalık çalışma saati ile sigara kullanımı arasında anlamlı fark
saptanmamıştır (p>0.05). Sonuç:
Hekim dışı sağlık çalışanlarının rol model olması beklenirken topluma kıyasla
sigara kullanma yaygınlıklarının yüksek olduğu, ancak büyük oranda hastanelerde
dumansız hava sahası uygulamasının gerektiğini ifade ettikleri görülmektedir. Bekâr
ve düşük eğitimli kadın sağlık çalışanları sigara içme konusunda riskli
gruplardır. Sigara içmekte olan sağlık çalışanlarının bu bağımlılıktan
kurtulmaları için profesyonel yardım almalarının sağlanması, sigara bırakma
polikliniklerine yönlendirilmesi yararlı olacaktır.
ТЕНДЕНЦИИ РАЗВИТИЯ ИНДУСТРИИ ТУРИЗМА В СЕВЕРО-КАВКАЗСКОМ федеральном округе
Authors: Ершова Елена Юрьевна , Огаркова Ирина Владимировна , Ершов Юрий Владимирович
Published: August 2018

Цель данного исследования заключается в рассмотрении и анализе основных современных тенденций и перспектив развития индустрии туризма в Северо-Кавказском федеральном округе (СКФО). Метод или методология проведения работы. Методологическую основу исследования составили труды отечественных и зарубежных ученых в вопросах развития рынка туристических услуг и регулирования индустрии туризма. Результаты. Определены тенденции развития индустрии туризма в СКФО. СКФО обладает необходимыми туристическо-рекреационными ресурсами для формирования на их основе объектов туристического кластера и комплексного развития качественной и безопасной индустрии туризма. Органами власти СКФО в данном направлении осознается высокая значимость качественной инфраструктуры. Поддержкой развития туризма СКФО подчеркивается значимость туризма для государства. Можно отметить значительное количество инвесторов, как российских, так и зарубежных. Для СКФО кластеры в сфере туризма являются надежным инструментом решения вопросов занятости населения. Особенно ощутимы для СКФО высокая региональная значимость от реализации кластерных инициатив и синергетический эффект (соединение, интеграция, слияние отдельных частей в единую систему за счет так называемого системного эффекта) в рамках деятельности участников кластера. Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования представляют интерес в практике управления организациями индустрии туризма СКФО. Выводы. СКФО является очень перспективным регионом для развития туристической отрасли. Сфера туризма в СКФО относится к тем областям экономики, в развитие инфраструктуры которых вкладываются значительные инвестиции. Для успешного развития индустрии туризма в СКФО необходимо выработать комплекс мер для устранения слабых сторон территории, нейтрализации угроз и своевременного выявления рисков. Увеличение количества туристов в СКФО приведет к появлению мультипликационного эффекта, что, в свою очередь, будет способствовать увеличению доходов бизнеса, а также решению социально-экономических проблем населения региона.
ПРЕДПРИНИМАТЕЛЬСКОЕ ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ КАК ФАКТОР РАЗВИТИЯ ЭКОНОМИКИ РЕГИОНА
Authors: Любаненко Андрей Владимирович
Published: August 2018

Целью работы является анализ и разработка рекомендаций по повышению эффективности предпринимательского образования на региональном уровне с целью улучшения устойчивости предпринимательского сообщества от воздействия внешних факторов. Методология работы основывается на общенаучных принципах объективности, комплексности, использованы такие методы, как анализ, систематизация, описательный, логический, функциональные методы. Результаты работы. Проведен анализ системы государственного и частного предпринимательского образования, определены факторы его влияния на повышение устойчивости региональной предпринимательской среды к внешним факторам воздействия, разработаны основные предложения по улучшению эффективности образовательной системы. Область применения результатов. Результаты проведенного исследования могут быть использованы органами исполнительной власти региона при разработке программ развития предпринимательских навыков и компетенций на уровне среднего, средне-специального и высшего образования, а также учебными заведениями при подготовке ими специализированных курсов для предпринимателей. Выводы: в ходе исследования выявлены основные проблемы в обучении предпринимательским компетенциям, такие как нацеленность системы образования на создание работников наемного труда, отсутствие дисциплин по предпринимательству в технических и естественно-научных образовательных программах, отсутствие единых траекторий предпринимательского образования. Автором сформулированы предложения по повышению эффективности региональной образовательной системы: формирование государственной образовательной траектории обучения предпринимательским навыкам и компетенциями начиная со среднего образования, заканчивая магистратурой; привлечение предпринимательского сообщества (объединения предпринимателей) к наполнению образовательных программ в соответствии с потребностями регионального рынка; разработка и предложение образовательными институтами бизнес-сообществу краткосрочных предпринимательских курсов с целью комплексного освоения «жестких» и «мягких» навыков и компетенций.
МЕТОДОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ПОДХОДЫ К ОЦЕНКЕ ФИНАНСОВОЙ УСТОЙЧИВОСТИ КОММЕРЧЕСКИХ БАНКОВ
Authors: Магомедов Омардибир Ахмеднабиевич , Тагиров Курбан Хуршидович
Published: August 2018

Цель работы. Целью работы заключается в анализе и оценке финансовой устойчивости банков путем рассмотрения проблематики становления устойчивости в деятельности коммерческих банков и критериев их надежности. Метод или методология проведения работы. Исследование основывается на общенаучной методологии, которая предусматривает применение системного подхода к решению проблем. Основой данной работы являются фундаментальные труды отечественных и зарубежных ученых по проблемам финансовой устойчивости коммерческих банков. Результаты Определены основные фундаментальные подходы и методы оценки финансовой устойчивости. Выявлено, что мировой финансовый кризис оказывает влияние на устойчивость банковского сектора экономики. Проведен анализ финансовой устойчивости банков. Выделены пути совершенствования механизма финансовой устойчивости банковского сектора. Область применения результатов. Результаты проведенного исследования могут использоваться органами управления коммерческих банков при формировании основных направлений вывода банковской системы Республики Дагестан из кризисной ситуации. Выводы. На финансовую устойчивость банковского сектора оказывает влияние мировой финансовый кризис. В такой ситуации необходимо обратить особое внимание на основные показатели надежности банковской системы. Следует принять срочные меры, связанные с совершенствованием денежной и финансовой политики банков, ликвидацией последствий кризиса и стабилизации банковской системы.
ЗНАЧЕНИЕ РЕГИОНАЛЬНЫХ ФИНАНСОВ в социально-экономическом развитии региона
Authors: Ибрагимова Элина Саламбековна
Published: August 2018

Цель работы. Цель статьи состоит в раскрытии значения финансов в социально-экономическом развитии региона. Метод или методология проведение работы. Выявлено место региональной финансовой системы в структуре единой финансовой системы страны. Результаты. Теоретически обоснована социальная и экономическая нагрузка региональной финансовой системы. Изложено авторское определение понятия «финансовая система региона». Рассматривается фондовая основа региональной финансовой системы. Область применения результатов. Результаты проведенного исследования могут быть применены в управлении региональной финансовой системой. Выводы. Установлено, что экономическое содержание постоянной финансовой помощи не совпадает с содержанием понятия «помощь», она становится постоянно присутствующим фактором государственного воздействия на состояние социальной и экономической сфер дотационных регионов.
On the Commutativity of a Prime ∗-Ring with a ∗-α-Derivation
Authors: BOSNALI Gülay , AYDIN Neşet , TÜRKMEN Selin
Published: August 2018

Let R be a prime ∗-ring where ∗ be an involution of R, α be an automorphism of R, T be a nonzero left α-∗-centralizer on R and d be a nonzero ∗-α-derivation on R. The aim of this paper is to prove the commutativity of a ∗-ring R with the followings conditions: i) if T is a homomorphism (or an antihomomorphism) on R,ii) if d([x, y]) = 0 for all x, y ∈ R, iii) if [d(x), y] = [α(x), y] for all x, y ∈ R, iv) if d(x) ◦ y = 0 for all x, y ∈ R, v) if d(x ◦ y) = 0 for all x, y ∈ R.