bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UDP – a New Universal Demosaicing Pipeline Algorithm for RGB Color Filter Arrays
Authors: Zapryanov G.
Published: January 2015

A new universal demosaicing method suitable for imaging pipelines using a RGB color filter array (CFA) is proposed. The proposed algorithm can reconstruct single-sensor images registered by a digital camera equipped with any RGB CFA currently in use. The algorithm includes a spatio-spectral interpolation model, a new edge-detection technique, and a post processing to reduce the color shifts and artifacts of the reconstructed image. Experimental results over various test CFA patterns and real images demonstrate the efficiency and feasibility of a universal demosaicing algorithm proposed in the paper. Two methods - objective metrics (mean squared error - MSE and peak signal to noise ratio - PSNR), and subjective evaluation are used to analyze the results
Agent-Based Dispatching Enables Autonomous Groupage Traffic
Authors: Gath Max , Edelkamp Stefan , Herzog Otthein
Published: January 2015

The complexity and dynamics in groupage traffic require flexible, efficient, and adaptive planning and control processes. The general problem of allocating orders to vehicles can be mapped into the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP). However, in practical applications additional requirements complicate the dispatching processes and require a proactive and reactive system behavior. To enable automated dispatching processes, this article presents a multiagent system where the decision making is shifted to autonomous, interacting, intelligent agents. Beside the communication protocols and the agent architecture, the focus is on the individual decision making of the agents which meets the specific requirements in groupage traffic. To evaluate the approach we apply multiagent-based simulation and model several scenarios of real world infrastructures with orders provided by our industrial partner. Moreover, a case study is conducted which covers the autonomous groupage traffic in the current processes of our industrial parter. The results reveal that agent-based dispatching meets the sophisticated requirements of groupage traffic. Furthermore, the decision making supports the combination of pickup and delivery tours efficiently while satisfying logistic request priorities, time windows, and capacity constraints.
Dsmk-Means “Density-Based Split-And-Merge K-Means Clustering Algorithm”
Authors: Aldahdooh Raed T. , Ashour Wesam
Published: January 2015

Clustering is widely used to explore and understand large collections of data. K-means clustering method is one of the most popular approaches due to its ease of use and simplicity to implement. This paper introduces Density-based Split- and -Merge K-means clustering Algorithm (DSMK-means), which is developed to address stability problems of standard K-means clustering algorithm, and to improve the performance of clustering when dealing with datasets that contain clusters with different complex shapes and noise or outliers. Based on a set of many experiments, this paper concluded that developed algorithms “DSMK-means” are more capable of finding high accuracy results compared with other algorithms especially as they can process datasets containing clusters with different shapes, densities, or those with outliers and noise.
On the Influence of Topological Characteristics on Robustness of Complex Networks
Authors: Kasthurirathna Dharshana , Piraveenan Mahendra , Thedchanamoorthy Gnanakumar
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we explore the relationship between the topological characteristics of a complex network and its robustness to sustained targeted attacks. Using synthesised scale-free, small-world and random networks, we look at a number of network measures, including assortativity, modularity, average path length, clustering coefficient, rich club profiles and scale-free exponent (where applicable) of a network, and how each of these influence the robustness of a network under targeted attacks. We use an established robustness coefficient to measure topological robustness, and consider sustained targeted attacks by order of node degree. With respect to scale-free networks, we show that assortativity, modularity and average path length have a positive correlation with network robustness, whereas clustering coefficient has a negative correlation. We did not find any correlation between scale-free exponent and robustness, or rich-club profiles and robustness. The robustness of small-world networks on the other hand, show substantial positive correlations with assortativity, modularity, clustering coefficient and average path length. In comparison, the robustness of Erdos-Renyi random networks did not have any significant correlation with any of the network properties considered. A significant observation is that high clustering decreases topological robustness in scale-free networks, yet it increases topological robustness in small-world networks. Our results highlight the importance of topological characteristics in influencing network robustness, and illustrate design strategies network designers can use to increase the robustness of scale-free and small-world networks under sustained targeted attacks.
A Big-Bang Big-Crunch Optimized General Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Approach for Multi-Criteria Group Decision Making
Authors: Naim Syibrah , Hagras Hani
Published: January 2015

Multi-Criteria Group Decision Making (MCGDM) aims to find a unique agreement from a number of decision makers/users by evaluating the uncertainty in judgments. In this paper, we present a General Type-2 Fuzzy Logic based approach for MCGDM (GFLMCGDM). The proposed system aims to handle the high levels of uncertainties which exist due to the varying Decision Makers’ (DMs) judgments and the vagueness of the appraisal. In order to find the optimal parameters of the general type-2 fuzzy sets, we employed the Big Bang-Big Crunch (BB-BC) optimization. The aggregation operation in the proposed method aggregates the various DMs opinions which allow handling the disagreements of DMs’ opinions into a unique approval. We present results from an application for the selection of reading lighting level in an intelligent environment. We carried out various experiments in the intelligent apartment (iSpace) located at the University of Essex. We found that the proposed GFL-MCGDM effectively handle the uncertainties between the various decision makers which resulted in producing outputs which better agreed with the users’ decision compared to type 1 and interval type 2 fuzzy based systems.
Mosaic Reasoning for Discoveries
Authors: Stilman Boris
Published: January 2015

We investigate structure of the Primary Language of the human brain as introduced by J. von Neumann in 1957. Two components have been investigated, the algorithm optimizing warfighting, Linguistic Geometry (LG), and the algorithm for inventing new algorithms, the Algorithm of Discovery. The latter is based on multiple thought experiments, which manifest themselves via mental visual streams (“mental movies”). There are Observation, Construction and Validation classes of streams. Several visual streams can run concurrently and exchange information between each other. The streams may initiate additional thought experiments, program them, and execute them in due course. The visual streams are focused employing the algorithm of “a child playing a construction set” that includes a visual model, a construction set, and the Ghost. Mosaic reasoning introduced in this paper is one of the major means to focusing visual streams in a desired direction. It uses analogy with an assembly of a picture of various colorful tiles, components of a construction set. In investigating role of mosaic reasoning in the Algorithm of Discovery, in this paper, I replay a series of four thought experiments related to the discovery of the structure of the molecule of DNA. Only the fourth experiment was successful. This series of experiments reveals how a sequence of failures eventually leads the Algorithm to a discovery. This series permits to expose the key components of the mosaic reasoning, tiles and aggregates, local and global matching rules, and unstructured environment. In particular, it reveals the aggregates and the rules that played critical role in the discovery of the structure of DNA. They include the generator and the plug-in aggregates, the transformation and complementarity matching rules, and the type of unstructured environment. For the first time, the Algorithm of Discovery has been applied to replaying discoveries not related to LG and even to mathematics
Fixed Final Time Optimal Adaptive Control of Linear Discrete-Time Systems in Input-Output form
Authors: Zhao Qiming , Xu Hao , Jagannathan S.
Published: January 2015

In this paper, the fixed final time adaptive optimal regulation of discrete-time linear systems with unknown system dynamics is addressed. First, by transforming the linear systems into the input/output form, the adaptive optimal control design depends only on the measured outputs and past inputs instead of state measurements. Next, due to the time-varying nature of finite-horizon, a novel online adaptive estimator is proposed by utilizing an online approximator to relax the requirement on the system dynamics. An additional error term corresponding to the terminal constraint is defined and minimized overtime. No policy/value iteration is performed by the novel parameter update law which is updated once a sampling interval. The proposed control design yields an online and forward-in-time solution which enjoys great practical advantages. Stability of the system is demonstrated by Lyapunov analysis while simulation results verify the effectiveness of the propose approach
An Nlp-Based Approach for Improving Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Kilicaslan Yilmaz , Tuna Gurkan
Published: January 2015

This study aims to explore the possibility of improving human-robot interaction (HRI) by exploiting natural language resources and using natural language processing (NLP) methods. The theoretical basis of the study rests on the claim that effective and efficient human robot interaction requires linguistic and ontological agreement. A further claim is that the required ontology is implicitly present in the lexical and grammatical structure of natural language. The paper offers some NLP techniques to uncover (fragments of) the ontology hidden in natural language and to generate semantic representations of natural language sentences using that ontology. The paper also presents the implementation details of an NLP module capable of parsing English and Turkish along with an overview of the architecture of a robotic interface that makes use of this module for expressing the spatial motions of objects observed by a robot
Computationally Inexpensive Appearance Based Terrain Learning in Unknown Environments
Authors: Mishra Prabhakar , Viswanathan Anirudh
Published: January 2015

This paper describes a computationally inexpensive approach to learning and identification of maneuverable terrain to aid autonomous navigation. We adopt a monocular vision based framework, using a single consumer grade camera as the primary sensor, and model the terrain as a Mixture of Gaussians. Self-supervised learning is used to identify navigable terrain in the perception space. Training data is obtained using pre-filtered pixels, which correspond to near-range traversable terrain. The scheme allows for on-line, and in-motion update of the terrain model. The pipeline architecture used in the proposed algorithm is made amenable to real-time implementation by restricting computations to bit-shifts and accumulate operations. Color based clustering using dominant terrain texture is then performed in perception sub-space. Model initialization and update follows at the coarse scale of an octave image pyramid, and is back projected onto the original fine scale. We present results of terrain learning, tested in heterogeneous environments, including urban road, suburban parks, and indoors. Our scheme provides orders of magnitude improvement in time complexity, when compared to existing approaches reported in literature
Application of Artificial Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm to Healthcarewaste Prediction
Authors: Arabgol Samira , Sang Ko Hoo
Published: January 2015

Prompt and proper management of healthcare waste is critical to minimize the negative impact on the environment. Improving the prediction accuracy of the healthcare waste generated in hospitals is essential and advantageous in effective waste management. This study aims at developing a model to predict the amount of healthcare waste. For this purpose, three models based on artificial neural network (ANN), multiple linear regression (MLR), and combination of ANN and genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) are applied to predict the waste of 50 hospitals in Iran. In order to improve the performance of ANN for prediction, GA is applied to find the optimal initial weights in the ANN. The performance of the three models is evaluated by mean squared errors. The obtained results have shown that GA has significant impact on optimizing initial weights and improving the performance of ANN.
A Novel Approach for Automatic Detection and Classification of Suspicious Lesions in Breast Ultrasound Images
Authors: Karimi Behnam , Krzyżak Adam
Published: January 2015

In this research, a new method for automatic detection and classification of suspected breast cancer lesions using ultrasound images is proposed. In this fully automated method, de-noising using fuzzy logic and correlation among ultrasound images taken from different angles is used. Feature selection using combination of sequential backward search, sequential forward search and distance-based methods is obtained. A new segmentation method based on automatic selection of seed points and region growing is proposed and classification of lesions into two malignant and benign classes using combination of AdaBoost, Artificial Neural Network and Fuzzy Support Vector Machine classifiers and majority voting is implemented.
The Recognition Of Partially Occluded Objects with Support Vector Machines, Convolutional Neural Networks and Deep Belief Networks
Authors: Chu Joseph Lin , Krzyźak Adam
Published: January 2015

Biologically inspired artificial neural networks have been widely used for machine learning tasks such as object recognition. Deep architectures, such as the Convolutional Neural Network, and the Deep Belief Network have recently been implemented successfully for object recognition tasks. We conduct experiments to test the hypothesis that certain primarily generative models such as the Deep Belief Network should perform better on the occluded object recognition task than purely discriminative models such as Convolutional Neural Networks and Support Vector Machines. When the generative models are run in a partially discriminative manner, the data does not support the hypothesis. It is also found that the implementation of Gaussian visible units in a Deep Belief Network trained on occluded image data allows it to also learn to effectively classify non-occluded images
Quality Parameter Assessment on iris Images
Authors: Makinana Sisanda , Malumedzha Tendani , Nelwamondo Fulufhelo V.
Published: January 2015

Iris biometric for personal identification is based on capturing an eye image and obtaining features that will help in identifying a human being. However, captured images may not be of good quality due to variety of reasons e.g. occlusion, blurred images etc. Thus, it is important to assess image quality before applying feature extraction algorithm in order to avoid insufficient results. Poor quality images may affect the recognition as they have few sufficient feature information. Moreover, existing quality measures focuses on parameters or factors than feature information. In this paper, iris quality assessment research is extended by analysing the effect of entropy, contrast, area ratio, occlusion, blur, dilation and sharpness of an iris image which determines the iris size, amount of information and clearness of the features. A weighting method based on principal component analysis (PCA) is proposed to determine the influence each parameter has on the quality score. To test the proposed technique; Chinese Academy of Science Institute of Automation (CASIA), Internal Collection (IC) and University of Beira Interior (UBIRIS) databases are used. A conclusion is drawn that the combination of blur, dilation and sharpness parameters have the most influence in the quality of the image as they weighed more than other parameters
Particle Swarm Optimization Based Fuzzy Clustering Approach to Identify Optimal Number of Clusters
Authors: Chen Min , Ludwig Simone A.
Published: January 2015

Fuzzy clustering is a popular unsupervised learning method that is used in cluster analysis. Fuzzy clustering allows a data point to belong to two or more clusters. Fuzzy c-means is the most well-known method that is applied to cluster analysis, however, the shortcoming is that the number of clusters need to be predefined. This paper proposes a clustering approach based on Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). This PSO approach determines the optimal number of clusters automatically with the help of a threshold vector. The algorithm first randomly partitions the data set within a preset number of clusters, and then uses a reconstruction criterion to evaluate the performance of the clustering results. The experiments conducted demonstrate that the proposed algorithm automatically finds the optimal number of clusters. Furthermore, to visualize the results principal component analysis projection, conventional Sammon mapping, and fuzzy Sammon mapping were used
Group Decision Making using Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Soft Matrix and Confident Weight of Experts
Authors: Das Sujit , Kar Samarjit , Pal Tandra
Published: January 2015

This article proposes an algorithmic approach for multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems using interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy soft matrix (IVIFSM) and confident weight of experts. We propose a novel concept for assigning confident weights to the experts based on cardinals of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets (IVIFSSs). The confident weight is assigned to each of the experts based on their preferred attributes and opinions, which reduces the chances of biasness. Instead of using medical knowledgebase, the proposed algorithm mainly relies on the set of attributes preferred by the group of experts. To make the set of preferred attributes more important, we use combined choice matrix, which is combined with the individual IVIFSM to produce the corresponding product IVIFSM. This article uses IVIFSMs for representing the experts’ opinions. IVIFSM is the matrix representation of IVIFSS and IVIFSS is a natural combination of interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set (IVIFS) and soft set. Finally, the performance of the proposed algorithm is validated using a case study from real life
Study of Exhaust Emissions Reduction of a Diesel Fuel Operated Heater During Transient Mode of Operation
Authors: Miklánek Ľubomír , Gotfrýd Ondřej
Published: January 2015

SHRNUTÍ

Naftová nezávislá topení se obecně používají jako nezávislý zdroj tepla kdekoliv, kde je k dispozici zdroj nafty a elektrické energie. Vzhledem k faktu, že účinnost budoucích spalovacích motorů se bude zvyšovat a pro ohřev prostoru pro cestující tak zbude k dispozici ještě méně tzv. odpadního tepla, význam nezávislých zdrojů tepla dál poroste.

Současné emisní předpisy pro nezávislá topení nejsou v Evropě natolik přísná, jako emisní předpisy pro spalovací motory. Předpisy se týkají emisí ve výfukových plynech pouze v tzv. ustálených režimech, nikoli v režimech přechodových, jako je studený start a vypnutí topení. A právě ve zmiňovaných dvou přechodových režimech konvenčního typu nezávislého naftového topení dochází k razantnímu nárůstu emisí CO, HC a také kouřivosti (především emisí bílého kouře).

Obsahem tohoto článku je studie možných řešení, použitelných pro nezávislá naftová topení s cílem eliminovat zvýšené emise škodlivin a také kouře během studeného startu a vypínání topení.
Institutional innovations in the Forest industry in Russia: a case study of Irkutsk province
Authors: Dayneko Dennis V. , Gustafson Eric J.
Published: January 2015

Multiple global changes are impacting Russia today. Economic transformations in Russia have prompted the establishment of new business relations, which are based on innovations in the economic, institutional and ecological spheres, including within the Forest industry. This paper focuses on the Forest sector in Irkutsk province and beyond, examining the basic problems related to the institutional innovations in the Forest industry of the province, and the major factors and conditions influencing the dynamics of institutional innovations. A brief historical background and analysis of institutional structures are also presented.
Demographic types of small cities in Poland
Authors: Kamińska Wioletta , Mularczyk Mirosław
Published: January 2015

The aim of the study was to determine the demographic types of all small cities in Poland in 2013 and to identify the standards of their spatial diversity. The following questions were posed: Which demographic types are dominant among the small cities of Poland? Is there a relation between a specific demographic type and the size of the city? Does the structure of small cities according to their demographic types relate to their distance from main roads and urban agglomerations? The study applied the Webb’s typology, the K. Doi leading element method, the departure from average indicator, and the nonparametric Chi squared test. The spatial regularities were identified based on the created maps.

The results of the study show that small cities of Poland in 2013 were represented by all demographic types, but most of them were regressive. They were established in 80% of small cities. The main element determining the population trends of small cities was the negative migration balance, which was observed in 80% of the surveyed areas. It was also established that the population of small cities has a slight impact on population trends. The most important aspect of their development is the distance from agglomerations and main roads.
High Stability and Low Emissions Burners Using Karlowitz Effect in Conical Burners
Authors: Antonescu Nicolae , Stanescu Paul-Dan
Published: January 2015

The conical tunnel burner is an improvement of the cylindrical tunnel burner because, by maintaining all its advantages by means of burning intensification, it may also insure the flame stabilization in a wide range of regulation with considerable diminished pressure losses. Technical applications for the conical furnace burner can vary due to the limited dimensions required by the system, as well as the important thermal loads, and also because of the burning stability characteristic that spreads over an important range of regulation. The low costs required by the burner, generated mainly by its simple construction, also raise the interest for this technical solution. A physical model is proposed for the ignition and flame front stabilization. The flame front stabilization contains different steps from the ignition moment to final flame front stabilization, with specific flame front geometries and specific locations along the burner axis. The installation realised by the authors allowed the experimental study of the burning process in conical furnaces, in order to determine the temperature fields and the flame profiles. The physical model developed for this new type of application and the experimental data sets obtained (along with their interpretation) make the subject of this paper.
Influence of Dynamic Analysis Methods on Seismic Response of a Buttress Dam
Authors: Ilinca Cornel , Vârvorea Răzvan , Popovici Adrian
Published: January 2015

The seismic analysis of a buttress dam with 73.50 m height is performed by the spectral analysis method and the direct time integration method. An accelerogram with 0.1g maximum acceleration was applied horizontally, in the upstream - downstream direction, at the bottom of the dam-foundation finite element mesh. The hydrodynamic effect of the reservoir was considered according to the added mass procedure (Westergaard relation). ABAQUS software was used to make the analyses. The same type of finite element C3D20R was used for the mesh of the dam body and of the foundation. The comparison of the results is made on the displacements, the stress state and the sliding stability on the dam-foundation contact in the full reservoir hypothesis. The comprehensive analysis concluded that both methods had provided close results for the considered case study. The spectral analysis method revealed itself to be more conservative compared to the direct time integration method.
Simulation of Two High Pressure Distribution Network Operation in one-Network Connection
Authors: Perju Sorin , Mihailovici Mădălin , Stănescu Ioana
Published: January 2015

The programs developed by the water supply system operators in view of metering the branches and reducing the potable water losses from the distribution network pipes lead to the performance reassessment of these networks. As a result the energetic consumption of the pumping stations should meet the accepted limits. An essential role in the evaluation of the operation parameters of the network performance is played by hydraulic modeling, by means of which the network performance simulation can be done in different scenarios. The present article describes the concept of two high-pressure network coupling. These networks are supplied by two repumping stations, in which the water flows were drastically reduced due to the present situation
Determination of Wheel-Rail Contact Characteristics by Creating a Special Program for Calculation
Authors: Sebeşan Ioan , Zakaria Yahia
Published: January 2015

The authors in this paper describe the steps of creating a special program in GUI tool in Matlab. The program is designed to calculate the main properties of wheel-rail contact zone, such as: contact ellipse dimensions, normal stress and friction coefficients. All the relevant equations, which were introduced by different researchers, are firstly presented and modified to be applicable to the programming environment, and then the program was built. In the end, the program working quality is discussed and some expected future developments on this program are suggested. The proposed program can make the comparison between theoretical and experimental results, when they are available, easier and faster.
Effect of weather conditions on light-trap catches of Trichoptera in Hungary (Central Europe)
Authors: Nowinszky László , Kiss Ottó , Puskás János
Published: January 2015

The study deals with the effect of weather conditions on the light trap catch of 2 caddisflies (Trichoptera) species: Hydropsyche bulgaromanorum and Setodes punctatus. We found that the light trap catch of both species increased when the daily maximum temperature, minimum and average values of temperature was higher. The results can be written down with second- or third-degree polynomials. The fluctuation in temperature had no clear influence on the catch. The hydrothermal quotient has a strong influence on the catch of both species. Precipitation has no significant influence on the catch of the tested species.
The effect of growing mixtures of spring barley cultivars on pest occurrence and yields
Authors: Tratwal Anna , Roik Kamila , Bocianowski Jan
Published: January 2015

. Experiments were conducted in the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons at two locations differing in their edaphic and meteorological conditions to assess the effects of mixtures of spring barley cultivars on the occurrence of harmful pests and yields. The most significant pests in the experiment on spring barley in pure sowings and mixtures were cereal leaf beetles (Oulema spp.), with bird cherry-oat aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi) and grain aphids (Sitobion avenae) being somewhat fewer in number. With some mixtures, numbers of cereal leaf beetle larvae, bird cherryoat aphids and grain aphids in comparison with pure stands were reduced. Grain yields from mixtures increased in comparison with those from pure sowings up to 6.48 dt·ha-1 in 2010 and up to 3.99 dt ha-1 in 2011.
Local changes in communities of wild bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea, Apiformes): 30 years later
Authors: Banaszak Józef , Ratyńska Halina
Published: January 2015

Changes in communities of wild bees (Apiformes) were studied in relation to changes in vegetation in six permanent plots (natural forest habitats in the Wielkopolska National Park, and semi-natural habitats in the agricultural landscape near Turew) at the end of four decades (starting from the late 1970s). In 2008-2010, as many as 100 species of Apiformes were recorded there, which is more than reported in earlier decades. The most stable bee communities were those in forest habitats (oak-hornbeam forest, oak forest). Substantial qualitative and quantitative changes in vegetation and bee communities were recorded only after the renaturalisation of a former xerothermic grassland, which had become overgrown with shrubs and trees as a result of plant succession. Human interference (e.g. the felling of some trees growing along a road, clearance of understorey shrubs, ploughing of roadside margins) at selected refuge habitats in the agricultural landscape led to short-term fluctuations in bee abundance and diversity, but an increasing trend in abundance was noted.
German Grocery Discounters: Dynamics and Regional Impact. the Case of Schleswig-Holstein (Germany)
Authors: Jürgens Ulrich
Published: January 2015

Grocery discount stores have long dominated developments in the German food retail sector, and they continue to grow. This paper discusses the reasons for this long-term success based on internal decision-making parameters such as price, adjustment of product range, choice of location, and size of new stores. The result is significant customer acceptance, but also adverse developments viewed critically in various governance constellations. The paper is based on expert interviews and a comprehensive collection of data on grocery discount stores and supermarkets in the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein
The Challenging Task of Governing Cross-Border Investment in Peripheral Regions: Polish Investors in Northeast Germany
Authors: Kinder Sebastian , Lis Kamil , Peiker Wolfdietrich , Suwala Lech
Published: January 2015

The article investigates the challenging task of governing cross-border investment in peripheral regions. The main objective is to identify common opportunities and obstacles in the Pomerania Euroregion by taking the case study of Polish citizens/ entrepreneurs investing in northeast Germany. This relatively new phenomenon is accompanied by large uncertainties and risks, and lacks further empirical insights. At the same time it breaks new ground, creates alternatives, calls for the development of efficient modes of cross-border cooperation and addresses mutual governance issues on an inter-regional basis between manifold stakeholders on both sides of the border. The case study summarises findings from fieldwork, elaborates a quantitative and qualitative assessment of cross-border governance measures within formal and informal institutions, and tries to formulate policy recommendations for prospective approaches
Transnational Metropolitan Development Strategies and Governance in a Post-Socialist Setting: The Case of Szczecin
Authors: Tölle Alexander
Published: January 2015

The integration of cities and their regions into transnational networks has become a key municipal strategy, with the creation of a metropolitan governance structure being seen in this context as a fundamental element. The Szczecin Metropolitan Area constitutes an example of meagre results in intercommunal cooperation in post-socialist East-Central Europe. This has its repercussions on the task of creating cross-border metropolitan governance structures including adjacent German counties, a task which, in turn, may help to overcome development barriers. This becomes apparent particularly in the process of defining joint development objectives as well as an image for the cross-border metropolitan region
Mild hyperthermia influence on Herceptin® properties
Authors: Escoffre Jean-Michel , Deckers Roel , Sasaki Noboru , Bos Clemens , Moonen Chrit
Published: January 2015

Background. Mild hyperthermia (mHT) increases the tumor perfusion and vascular permeability, and reduces the interstitial fluid pressure, resulting in better intra-tumoral bioavailability of low molecular weight drugs. This approach is potentially also attractive for delivery of therapeutic macromolecules, such as antibodies. Here, we investigated the effects of mHT on the stability, immunological and pharmacological properties of Herceptin®, a clinically approved antibody, targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) overexpressed in breast cancer.

Results. Herceptin® was heated to 37°C (control) and 42°C (mHT) for 1 hour. Formation of Herceptin® aggregates was measured using Nile Red assay. mHT did not result in additional Herceptin® aggregates compared to 37°C, showing the Herceptin® stability is unchanged. Immunological and pharmacological properties of Herceptin® were evaluated following mHT using HER-2 positive breast cancer cells (BT-474). Exposure of Herceptin® to mHT preserved recognition and binding affinity of Herceptin® to HER-2. Western-blot and cell proliferation assays on BT-474 cells showed that mHT left the inhibitory activities of Herceptin® unchanged.

Conclusions. The stability, and the immunological and pharmacological properties of Herceptin® are not negatively affected by mHT. Further in-vivo studies are required to evaluate the influence of mHT on intra-tumoral bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness of Herceptin®.
Prognostic value of some tumor markers in unresectable stage IV oropharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with concomitant radiochemotherapy
Authors: Soba Erika , Budihna Marjan , Smid Lojze , Gale Nina , Lesnicar Hotimir , Zakotnik Branko , Strojan Primoz
Published: January 2015

Background. The aim of the study was to investigate how the expression of tumor markers p21, p27, p53, cyclin D1, EGFR, Ki-67, and CD31 influenced the outcome of advanced inoperable oropharyngeal carcinoma patients, treated with concomitant radiochemotherapy.

Patients and methods. The pretreatment biopsy specimens of 74 consecutive patients with inoperable stage IV oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with concomitant radiochemotherapy were in retrospective study processed by immunochemistry for p21, p27, p53, cyclin D1, EGFR, Ki-67, and CD31. Disease-free survival (DFS) was assessed according to the expression of tumor markers.

Results. Patients with a high expression of p21 (≥10%), p27 (>50%), Ki-67 (>50%), CD31 (>130 vessels/mm2) and low expression of p53 (<10%), cyclin D1 (<10%) and EGFR (<10%) (favorable levels - FL) had better DFS than patients with a low expression of p21 (<10%), p27 (≤50%), Ki-67 (≤50%), CD31 (<130 vessels/mm2) and high expression of p53 (≥10%), cyclin D1 (≥10%) and EGFR (≥10%) (unfavorable levels - UL). However, statistical significance in survival between FL and UL was achieved only for p27 and cyclin D1. DFS significantly decreased with an increasing number of markers with an unfavorable level per tumor (1–4 vs. 5–7) (78% vs. 32%, respectively; p = 0.004). The number of markers per tumor with UL of expression retained prognostic significance also in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions. Statistical significance in survival between FL and UL emerged only for p27 and cyclin D1. The number of markers per tumor with UL of expression was an independent prognostic factor for an adverse outcome.
Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Treatment on Insulin Resistance
Authors: Mogoş Tiberius , Dondoi Carmen , Chelan Claudia-Valeria , Iacobini Andra , Buzea Mihaela
Published: January 2015

Background and aims: Insulin resistance (IR) is a common pathogenic factor of several diseases: diabetes mellitus, the metabolic syndrome, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, etc. There are many therapeutic factors involved in decreasing IR. Among them we mention metformin, pioglitazone, physical activity, weight loss, diet, etc. In the last decade, there are more observations of the influence of polyunsaturated fatty acids on IR. The most powerful seem to be omega-3 fatty acids. In our study, we wanted to asses if the administration of omega-3 fatty acids is involved in modifying IR. Materials and methods: We evaluated 126 diabetic patients with IR from January 2011 until July 2014. The study was open-label and non-randomized. For the determination of IR we used the HOMA-IR method. Results: For both males and females there was a regression of HOMA-IR during the 4 weeks of treatment with omega-3 and also after 2 weeks after stopping the administration of these fatty acids. The decrease of HOMA-IR was statistically significant (p<0.05). The statistic result observed in the next 2 weeks after stopping administration of omega-3 was also significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the omega-3 fatty acids can reduce IR. The greater the IR, the smaller the results for the same dose of omega-3. The effect of these fatty acids on IR continues after the end of treatment.
Acute Abdomen in Diabetic Patients – Analysis of Complications and Mortality
Authors: Dejeu Dănuț , Dejeu Viorel , Babeș Aurel
Published: January 2015

Background and Aims. We aimed to analyze the complications and mortality of acute abdomen cases in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients. Materials and Method. This observational, retrospective, cohort study was conducted between 2008 - 2011, on a total of 4021 cases with acute abdomen admitted to the Surgical Ward I of the Clinical County Emergency Hospital Oradea. Of these, 488 were diabetic patients and 3533 non-diabetics. Results. Women represented the majority in both groups (62.24% respectively 58.40%). Entero-mesenteric infarction and acute pancreatitis were more common in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetics. Peritonitis was more frequent in non-diabetics, with statistically significant difference (p = 0.0003). In diabetic patients the postoperative morbidity was 36.27%, significantly higher than in non-diabetic patients (14.43%). The mortality was significantly higher in diabetic patients than in nondiabetics (9.84% vs. 5.38%). Average length of stay in Surgical Ward I is 3.8 days. For non-diabetic patients, mean hospitalization for acute abdomen was 5.1 days, and for diabetics 7.8 days. Conclusions. This study showed important differences between diabetics and non-diabetic patients in the clinical evolution, complications, mortality and length of hospitalization.
The Impact of Psychological Interventions on the Quality of Life of Diabetes Mellitus Patient
Authors: Oieru Dana Sonia , Popa Amorin Remus , Vlad Ionuţ
Published: January 2015

Background and aims: The theory regarding the psychological factors as etiologic agents that trigger the somatic diseases has gained more and more ground in the past few years, successfully repeating that the human being is a bio-psycho-social entity. In order to render the psychological interventions more efficient in the management of the psychosomatic diseases, this research aims to detect and modify, even treat throught psychological interventions those configurations of the early maladaptive schemes and coping styles that stick form together in the so-called acquired vulnerability which makes the person liable to an inappropriate reaction against stress, and also to track the effects of these changes on somatic indicators of diabetes mellitus. Material and methods: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired T-test were used for analysing subjects` responses at three psychological instruments, evolution of blood pressure, body mass index, drug units, hospitalisation days, medical leave days, depressive symptoms before and after 10-12 psychological interventions sessions. Results: Results draw the attention once again upon the multiple directions of intervention and especially of prevention in case of the psychosomatic disease, in particular diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: Psychological intervention in the early stages of diabetes is a major contributor to the management of this disease.
Corneal Confocal Microscopy – A Novel, Noninvasive Method to Assess Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Inceu Georgeta , Demea Horea , Veresiu Ioan Andrei
Published: January 2015

Background and aims. This article aims to compare corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) with acknowledged tests of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), to assess corneal nerve morphology using CCM in diabetic patients, and to underline possible correlations between clinical and biological parameters, diabetes duration and DPN severity. Material and methods. A total of 90 patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the study for whom we measured anthropometric parameters and we performed laboratory measurements (tests). The patients were assessed for diabetic peripheral neuropathy using Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Testing (SWMT), Rapid-Current Perception Threshold (R-CPT) measurements using the Neurometer®, and CCM. We stratified the patients according to DPN severity, based on four parameters extracted after image analysis. Results. A higher percentage of patients were diagnosed with DPN using CCM (88.8%), compared with SWMT and R-CPT measurement (17.8% and 40% respectively). The incidence of DPN detected with CCM was considerable in patients with normal protective sensation and with normal R-CPT values. Conclusions. Our study showed that corneal confocal microscopy is a useful noninvasive method for diabetic neuropathy assessement in early stages. It was proven to directly quantify small fiber pathology, and to stratify neuropathic severity, and therefore can be used as a new, reliable tool in the diagnosis, clinical evaluation, and follow-up of peripheral diabetic neuropathy.
Multifactorial Analysis of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Group of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Maxim George Razvan , Dumea Elena , Bosneagu Andreea , Ciucea Mihaela , Parepa Irinel Raluca , Petcu Cristian Lucian , Mitroi-Maxim Corina , Georgescu Dan Emanoil , Serafinceanu Cristian
Published: January 2015

Background and Aims: Acute myocardial infarction is one of the main causes of mortality worldwide, atherosclerosis being the most common mechanism of coronary artery obstruction. Many cardiovascular (CV) risk factors are associated with these pathogenic processes. The aim of our study was to investigate a group of patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction in terms of the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Materials and Methods: We investigated 97 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 30 persons without AMI (control group) for CV risk parameters (metabolic syndrome, diabetes, sedentary, dyslipidemia, glycosylated hemoglobin- HbA1c), and the risk of developing AMI. Results: We found statistically significant differences (p<0.05) for the patients with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, high level of total cholesterol, LDLc, HbA1c, low level of HDLc for the risk to develop AMI. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need to implement measures of primary and secondary prevention, and carry out a strict control of cardiovascular risk factors as well as implicitly improve the therapeutic conduct.
The Progression of Diabetic Microvascular Complications and Increased Vascular Stiffness
Authors: Georgescu Olivia , Clătici Gabriel , Nica Cătălin , Fica Simona
Published: January 2015

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus it might be helpful to use, for risk stratification, non-invasive techniques as markers of early atherosclerosis. Arterial stiffness shows the functional vascular properties and can be estimated by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIX). Typical for type 2 diabetes is premature arterial stiffening which appears before the onset of clinically micro or macrovascular disease and is increased in the presence of microvascular complications. Further studies are needed to determine whether therapeutic interventions for reducing vascular stiffness may decrease the cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Spinal intramedullary cavernomas. Personal experience reffering to six cases
Authors: Iacob G. , Olarescu Angela
Published: January 2015

Despite cavernous malformations of the CNS are pathologically similar, intramedullary cavernous malformations are very rare lesions, increasingly recognized after introduction of magnetic resonance image, generating gradual neurological decline, with severe deficits or acute loss of spinal function. We report our experience on six patients with intramedullary cavernomas defining the spectrum of presenting symptoms and signs analyzing the role of surgery as a treatment for these lesions. We present our experience with 2 cervical and 4 thoracal spinal intramedullary cavernoma from 2010 to 2014 searching history, onset of clinical manifestation, neurological status, radiological findings, operation, and clinical outcome. Among 6 patients male were 2 cases; female 4 cases; mean age was 42 years (range 25-72 years); mean duration of symptoms were 1,5 years (range 5 days and 2 years) with slowly progressive neurological decline. In two cases there was acute onset of neurological compromise. In all cases diagnosis was made on MRI and lesions were possible to be radically excised and gently extracted from the hemosiderin-stained bed inside of the spinal cord via a laminectomy and midline myelotomy with microsurgical techniques. The surgical outcome on a mean duration of follow up of 12 months were: for 4 cases - the patients neurological conditions remarkably improved 1 month later, for 2 cases no improvement were remarked. No recurrent hemorrhages were recorded. A follow-up MRI examination was made in all cases to confirm complete removal of the cavernous angioma. Spinal intramedullary cavernoma should be early recognized by MRI, can be positioned in a precarious position and generate significant neurologic deficits than cranial cavernomas. For symptomatic intramedullary cavernous malformations extended to the dorsal surface of the spinal cord, total resection with microsurgical techniques can offer good or excellent outcome, restoring neurological status and to stop chronic deterioration and acute rebleeding. To asymptomatic patients with deeper lesions which entail a higher operative risk, but also a surgically manageable cause of myelopathy a closed observation is mandatory.
Partially trombosed glomus type spinal arteriovenous malformation – case presentation
Authors: Gorgan M.R. , Bucur Narcisa , Cristescu Catioara , Giovani A.
Published: January 2015

Spinal AVM are very rare vascular lesions and most o the studies give reports on only a few cases. Given their localization between the spinal tracts and the gray matter core of the medulla and their multiple feeders from posterior and anterior spinal arteries they are amongst the most difficult surgical pathology in the nervous sistem. We present the case of a 60 years old male with a glomus type T10-L2 spinal AVM that presented with motor deficit in the lower limbs and urinary incontinence. The partially thrombosed lesion was completely resected without previous embolisation, and the patient was walking with assistance at discharge. This is a rare case that presented with progressive neurological deterioration consistent with an ischemic rather than a hemorrhagic event. Microsurgery is a better option than conservative treatment in these rare cases of spontaneous occlusion of intramedullary arteriovenous malformations.