bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research Roundup
Authors: Cowan Helen
Published: June 2016

Helen Cowan presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to take a look at the research in further detail
Identification of Novel Microsatellite Markers <1 Mb from the HTT CAG Repeat and Development of a Single-Tube Tridecaplex PCR Panel of Highly Polymorphic Markers for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis of Huntington Disease
Authors: Zhao Mingjue , Chen Min , Lee Caroline G , Chong Samuel S
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of Huntington disease (HD) generally employs linkage analysis of flanking microsatellite markers to complement direct mutation testing, as well as for exclusion testing. Thus far, only 10 linked markers have been developed for use in HD PGD, with a maximum of 3 markers coamplified successfully. We aimed to develop a single-tube multiplex PCR panel of highly polymorphic markers to simplify HD PGD.

METHODS

An in silico search was performed to identify all markers within 1 Mb flanking the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Selected markers were optimized in a single-tube PCR panel, and their polymorphism indices were determined in 2 populations. The panel was tested on 63 single cells to validate its utility in PGD.

RESULTS

We identified 102 markers in silico, of which 56 satisfied the selection criteria. After initial testing, 12 markers with potentially high heterozygosity were optimized into a single-tube PCR panel together with a 13th more distally located marker. Analysis of DNA from 183 Chinese and Caucasian individuals revealed high polymorphism indices for all markers (polymorphism information content >0.5), with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.5–0.92. All individuals were heterozygous for at least 5 markers, with 99.5% of individuals heterozygous for at least 2 markers upstream and downstream of the HTT CAG repeat.

CONCLUSIONS

The tridecaplex marker assay amplified reliably from single cells either directly or after whole genome amplification, thus validating its standalone use in HD exclusion PGD or as a complement to HTT CAG repeat expansion-mutation detection.
Same words, different ideas: Why educators need to make explicit implicit notions of civic engagement
Authors: Rodriguez Darlene Xiomara , Janke Emily M.
Published: June 2016

At the same time when civic engagement is gaining increased recognition as a key learning competency within many colleges and universities, numerous studies suggest declines in student involvement in communities and political affairs. These differences may be due, in part, to different understandings among students and scholars with regard to the goals and activities that comprise civic engagement. This review of pedagogical design uses two case studies to examine the importance of making implicit notions of civic engagement explicit in classroom discussions. The authors build upon Battistoni’s finding that distinct conceptual frameworks of civic engagement exist across academic disciplines and offer recommendations on how to apply Battistoni’s conceptual models to clarify pedagogical designs and communication with students.
Ironies of democracy: Purposes of education and the construction of citizens in Sweden, India and the United States
Authors: Mitra Dana , Bergmark Ulrika , Kostenius Catrine , Brezicha Kristina , Maithreyi R. , Serriere Stephanie
Published: June 2016

With relatively few comparative studies of civics curricula in diverse democratic contexts and world regions, this article considers how civic values are negotiated in national curricular policy texts. To explore the purposes of education and the construction of citizens in curricular documents, we layer two theoretical frameworks together – Biesta’s framework examining the purposes of education and Westheimer and Kahne’s framework examining the types of civic education. Looking at curricular frameworks from Sweden, India and the United States, we engaged qualitative content analysis to identify common themes of civic values across these nations: workforce preparation, positioning in society and democratic questioning. We found growing commonality of how ‘citizenry’ is increasingly being defined in terms of individual contributions to the larger enterprises of the nation and the global economy.
Leading a diverse school during times of demographic change in rural Canada: Reflection, action and suggestions for practice
Authors: Hamm Lyle , Doğurga Sherrie-Lynn , Scott Amanda
Published: June 2016

As children and families from around the world arrive in Canadian communities, school leaders and teachers are responsible for welcoming them into their schools and for providing appropriate educational programming for all students. However, many educational leaders struggle supporting their colleagues, as well as engaging and working with diverse students, their families and communities; instead many default to educational and leadership strategies that they have relied upon throughout their careers. In this article, we argue that leaders must support all stakeholders they serve and be proactive to engage Canada’s newcomer citizens in/with authentic and meaningful approaches. Drawing from a study on changing demographics in a western province in Canada, and a developing study in New Brunswick as well as on our own teaching experiences, the authors discuss several leadership strategies that principals and teachers may find beneficial in diverse schools and communities as Canada’s population and schools continue to welcome people from all over the world.
Reviews
Authors: Sears Alan , Nandy Aristotle Motii , Leviste Enrique Niño P.
Published: June 2016

What Kind of Citizen? Educating Our Children for the Common Good, Joel Westheimer (2015) New York: Teachers College Press, 122 pp., ISBN: 0807756350, p/bk, $24.95

Aristotleian Character Education, Kristjan Kristjansson (2015) London and NewYork: Routledge, 185 pp., ISBN: 9781138804753, h/bk, $100.29

The Political Classroom: Evidence and Ethics in Democratic Education, Diana E. Hess and Paula Mcavoy (2015) New York, NY: Routledge, 247 pp., ISBN: 9780415880992, p/bk, $38.95
IMPACT OF MODAL CHOICE IN ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS: ANALYSIS OF BRAZILIAN BIOETHANOL SUPPLY CHAIN
Authors: Lopes Juliana Monteiro , Leal Junior Ilton Curty , Guimarães Vanessa De Almeida
Published: June 2016

Currently, concerns with sustainable development lead organizations to improve their production processes in order to reduce greenhouse gases emission and energy consumption. Since the bioethanol supply chain is a CO2 emitter and depends on several energy sources, it becomes important to analyze how to improve this chain regarding environmental issues. Thus, this paper presents a comparative study of scenarios with bioethanol supply chain configurations which use different modal alternatives and renewable energy in all its mid-stages. The analysis was based on LCA (life cycle analysis) concepts and in a partial application of LCI (life cycle inventory), so that we can identify which of these scenarios is most appropriate in terms of lower total energy consumption, greater share of renewable energy use and lower CO2 emissions. Based on concepts found in the bibliographic research, the methodology used and the data collected from documental research, this paper analyzes the supply chain that begins with sugarcane plantation and bioethanol production in the south central region of Brazil with destination to export. Based on the results, we concluded that it is possible to improve the performance of the supply chain in environmental terms with a combination of renewable energy sources and modes of transport that are more suitable to the product studied.
INCURSION OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN MANAGEMENT EXCELLENCE AWARDS: AN ANALYSIS IN THE LATIN-AMERICAN CONTEXT
Authors: Resende Junior Pedro Carlos , Reis André Luiz Nascimento
Published: June 2016

The aim of this article is to describe the relationship between theoretical knowledge management assumptions and knowledge management process involving Models and Awards for Management Excellence in Latin America.  Relevant literature was reviewed by carrying out a survey based on document analysis involving requirement of models and awards for excellence in management in the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. This research study used qualitative data-collecting methods by means of a content analysis technique, carried out between February 2013 and December 2014.  The corpus was treated by using a content analysis technique, where categories of analysis were codified based on criteria, items and management process requirements of the models investigated. The findings show that the mains theoretical knowledge management assumptions are present, in some degree, in models of management excellence in Latin America, but highlight the fact that these models present different structure and maturity levels, some of which combine knowledge management with strategic perspectives and innovation management. This survey made it possible to produce consistent analyses based on pre-existing models that consider knowledge management as the basis of organization.
Composition of Atlantic forest in northern Carpathian foothills, from a charcoal record from a Neolithic domestic site at Żerków (Poland): The relevance of oak and hazel
Authors: Moskal-Del Hoyo Magdalena
Published: June 2016

A study of firewood remains from the foothills of the Western Carpathians in Poland yielded information about the history of forest communities growing in the vicinity of human settlements in the Atlantic period. The anthracological material was collected at Żerków, a Neolithic site of the Linear Band Pottery culture, situated on the highest parts of a hill covered by fertile soil. The anthracological assemblage was dominated by Quercus and Corylus avellana, followed by Acer and Maloideae, suggesting that those taxa probably were significant constituents of the local forest during the Atlantic period. Based on the ecological requirements of the identified taxa, such communities occupied areas of more open canopy, but it is unclear whether the material reflects the composition of the primeval forest or rather the presence of open canopy created by human impacts on local ecosystems during the period of settlement.
Plant macroremains from an early Neolithic site in eastern Kuyavia, central Poland
Authors: Mueller-Bieniek Aldona , Kittel Piotr , Muzolf Błażej , Cywa Katarzyna , Muzolf Przemysław
Published: June 2016

The study examined plant remains from the Smólsk 2/10 site, situated on the border of two different landscapes and preserving traces of Neolithic occupation from several cultures: Early Linear Pottery culture (LBK, ca 5300-5200 cal. BC to ca 5000 cal. BC). Stroke Band Pottery culture (SBP, ca 4700-4400 cal. BC), the Brześć Kujawski group of Lengyel culture (BKG, ca 4500-4000/3900 cal. BC), Funnel Beaker culture (TRB, ca 3950-3380 BC), and also some features of the Lusatian culture (Hallstatt C, ca 970-790 cal. BC).

Mostly hulled wheat remains (Triticum monococcum, T. dicoccum) were found in the LBK, SBP, and BKG cultures; they were completely absent in younger cultures (TRB, Lusatian), where barley remains appeared. Among other plants the most numerous were remains of small-grain grasses (mostly cf. Hierochloë type), feather grass (Stipa sp.), wild buckwheat (Fallopia convolvulus), and goosefoot (Chenopodium album type), but the plant remains are relatively scarce.

The archaeobotanical data obtained from the site supplement data from neighbouring Osłonki to the west and Wolica Nowa to the north-west. The differences between those microregions are reflected mostly in the earlier appearance of feather grass (Stipa sp.) in the Smólsk area as well as the higher quantity of crop chaff remains in the Osłonki area, but their random occurrence, along with the fragmentariness of the archaeological data, must be taken into account. However, intentional introduction of feather grass by the first Neolithic settlers in eastern Kuyavia cannot be excluded. The relatively high proportion of small-grain grasses, usually interpreted as traces of fodder, together with the scarcity of crop remains at the Wolica Nowa site, suggests that the site was connected more with animal husbandry than with agriculture. On the other hand, the small-grain grasses at Smólsk are represented mainly by a large number of non-weedy grass (cf. Hierochloë type) grains from the crop sample, which cannot be explained in a simple way.

A comparison of the anthracological data from the Osłonki and Smólsk microregions reveals differences in woodland management and differences between the local environments. Pine wood was more accessible at Smólsk than at Osłonki, due to local landscape characteristics.
Minimum energy control of fractional positive electrical circuits
Authors: Kaczorek Tadeusz
Published: June 2016

Minimum energy control problem for the fractional positive electrical circuits is formulated and solved. Sufficient conditions for the existence of solution to the problem are established. A procedure for solving of the problem is proposed and illustrated by an example of fractional positive electrical circuit.
Some quantitative evaluations on finite difference local and global results
Authors: Costamagna Eugenio
Published: June 2016

Refined Schwarz-Christoffel (SC) conformal transformations allow us to perform reliable quantitative evaluation of the accuracy of local computation of electric and magnetic fields with limited effort, which can be useful to complement well known comparisons of global results. In this paper some examples are presented for mesh point potentials obtained by means of finite difference (FD) methods, but it is possible that similar considerations will be useful in the case of finite element methods (FEM) or meshless computations too.
New electrical tomographic method to determine dampness in historical buildings
Authors: Rymarczyk Tomasz , Adamkiewicz Przemysław , Duda Karol , Szumowski Jakub , Sikora Jan
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a new, nondestructive method of testing brick wall dampness in wall structures. The setup was used to determine the moisture in a specially built laboratory model. Topological methods and the gradient technique are used to optimize the approach. A forward model of a wall was constructed to solve the inverse problem resulting in moisture buildup inside the wall.
Epidemiological trends of iodine-related thyroid disorders: an example from Slovenia
Authors: Gaberšček Simona , Zaletel Katja
Published: June 2016

The epidemiology of thyroid disorders is significantly associated with iodine supply. In 1999, Slovenia increased iodine content in kitchen salt from 10 mg to 25 mg of potassium iodide per kg of salt. According to the WHO criteria, Slovenia shifted from a mildly iodine-deficient country to a country with adequate iodine intake. Ten years after the increase in iodine intake, the incidence of diffuse goitre and thyroid autonomy decreased. Now patients with diffuse goitre and thyroid autonomy reach older age than the patients before the increase in iodine intake. In addition, patients with thyroid autonomy are less frequently hyperthyroid than ten years ago and iodine-induced hyperthyroidism is less severe. The incidence of highly malignant thyroid carcinoma has also dropped. However, the incidence of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis increased, most probably in genetically predisposed individuals. Over the last ten years, many animal and in vitro studies evaluated the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) on various aspects of the thyroid function. They mostly studied the effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins, brominated flame retardants, phthalates, bisphenol A, perfluorinated chemicals, and perchlorate. However, human studies on the effects of EDCs on the thyroid function are very scarce, especially the long-term ones. What they do suggest is that PCBs and dioxins interfere with the transport of thyroid hormones and adversely affect the thyroid function. Many authors agree that iodine deficiency predisposes the thyroid gland to harmful effects of EDCs. Therefore the effects of EDCs in iodine-deficient areas could be more severe than in areas with adequate iodine intake.
Levels of pharmaceuticals in Slovene municipal and hospital wastewaters: a preliminary study
Authors: Klančar Anita , Trontelj Jurij , Kristl Albin , Justin Maja Zupančič , Roškar Robert
Published: June 2016

Pharmaceuticals in wastewater have clearly raised concern and a broad range of analytical methods has been used to assess the risk as accurately as possible. The aim of our study was to measure and compare the concentrations of atorvastatin, bisoprolol, carbamazepine, ciprofloxacin, clofibric acid, diclofenac, fluoxetine, metoprolol, and sertraline in wastewater samples taken from one municipal and one hospital wastewater treatment plant in Slovenia and to predict the potential environmental burden using the risk quotient. In both effluents only clofibric acid and fluoxetine were not detected. The measured concentrations of the remaining seven pharmaceuticals varied between the ng L−1 and the μg L−1 range. Hospital effluent showed higher concentrations, except for diclofenac and carbamazepine. However, high risk quotient was found only for ciprofloxacin and diclofenac in both municipal and hospital effluent. In conclusion, our method can provide a useful tool for systematic monitoring of pharmaceuticals commonly found in wastewater, which will enable a reliable assessment of the risks for the aquatic biota and humans. Knowing the risks will help to plan wastewater treatment and preserve our environment.
Assessment of genotoxicity of Lannate-90® and its plant and animal metabolites in human lymphocyte cultures
Authors: Valencia-Quintana Rafael , Gómez-Arroyo Sandra , Sánchez-Alarcón Juana , Milić Mirta , Olivares José Luis Gómez , Waliszewski Stefan M. , Cortés-Eslava Josefina , Villalobos-Pietrini Rafael , Calderón-Segura María Elena
Published: June 2016

This study evaluated direct and metabolic genotoxic effects caused by Lannate-90®, a methomyl-based formulation (90 % active ingredient), in human lymphocyte cultures using sister chromatid exchange assay (SCE). Two processes were used for the plant promutagens evaluation: in vivo activation, applying the insecticide systemically in plants for 4 h and subsequently adding plant metabolites containing extracts to lymphocyte cultures; and in vitro activation, where the insecticide was incubated with Vicia faba S10 mix plus human lymphocyte culture. Direct treatment with the insecticide significantly increased SCE frequency in human lymphocytes (250-750 mgL−1), with cellular death observed at 1000 mgL−1 concentration. Using the extracts of Vicia faba treated with Lannate-90® to treat human lymphocytes, a dose-response relationship was observed. In lymphocyte cultures treated directly with the insecticide for 2 h, a negative response was obtained. When S10 mix was added, SCE frequency did not change significantly. Meanwhile, a mixture of S9 mammalian metabolic mix and Lannate-90® increased the SCE frequency, with an observed concentration-dependent response. Although Lannate-90® induced cellular death at the highest concentrations, it did not cause a delay in cell proliferation in any of the treatments, confirming its genotoxic action. This study is one of the first to evaluate and compare the direct effect of Lannate-90® in two bioassays, animal and vegetal, and the effect of plant and animal metabolism on its genotoxic potential.
Contemporary views on human aging and longevity
Authors: Chmielewski Piotr , Borysławski Krzysztof , Strzelec Bartłomiej
Published: June 2016

Aging is currently stimulating intense interest of both researchers and the general public. In developed countries, the average life expectancy has increased by roughly 30 years within the last century, and human senescence has been delayed by around a decade. Although aging is arguably the most familiar aspect of human biology, its proximate and ultimate causes have not been elucidated fully and understood yet. Nowadays there are two main approaches to the ultimate causes of aging. These are deterministic and stochastic models. The proximate theories constitute a distinct group of explanations. They focus on mechanistic causes of aging. In this view, there is no reason to believe that there is only one biological mechanism responsible for aging. The aging process is highly complex and results from an accumulation of random molecular damage. Currently, the disposable soma theory (DST), proposed by Thomas Kirkwood, is the most influential and coherent line of reasoning in biogerontology. This model does not postulate any particular mechanism underpinning somatic defense. Therefore, it is compatible with various models, including mechanistic and evolutionary explanations. Recently, however, an interesting theory of hyper-function of mTOR as a more direct cause of aging has been formulated by Mikhail Blagosklonny, offering an entirely different approach to numerous problems and paradoxes in current biogerontology. In this view, aging is quasi-programmed, which means that it is an aimless continuation of developmental growth. This mTOR-centric model allows the prediction of completely new relationships. The aim of this article is to present and compare the views of both parties in the dispute, based on the results of some recent experimental studies, and the contemporary knowledge of selected major aspects of human aging and longevity.
Morphological optimization of female combat sports athletes as seen by the anthropologists
Authors: Burdukiewicz Anna , Pietraszewska Jadwiga , Andrzejewska Justyna , Stachoń Aleksandra
Published: June 2016

Body build and proportions are key determinants of athletic success. The effects of the athlete selection process and discipline-specific training are differentiated body dimensions. The aim of the study was to examine the physical characteristics of female combat athletes. The results of anthropometric measurements of 154 females aged 21.2±1.79 years competing in judo, jiu-jitsu, karate, taekwondo, and fencing for 7.5±3.43 years.

Significant differences were observed between the judo and karate, taekwondo and fencing practitioners in chest, hip, arm and forearm girths. More variance was observed in body proportions. Fencers had the slimmest body shape, a more massive body size in the judokas. Longer upper extremities relative to lower extremity length were found in the jiu-jitsu group. Relative to body height, a larger torso and greater girths were observed in the judokas compared with the fencing, karate, and taekwondo practitioners. The groups did not differ in the level of endomorphy. Mesomorphy was highest in judokas and the lowest in fencers, although ectomorphy was most dominant in the latter group.

Females practitioners of combat sports exhibit differences in physical characteristics as an effect of optimizing body type and build via the training and athlete selection process of a given discipline. The anthropometric measures could play a role in talent identification programmes for martial arts and help the trainers to optimize the motoric effectiveness of athletes.
"The Invaders. How Humans and Their Dogs Drove Neanderthals to Extinction"
Authors: Kubicka Anna Maria
Published: June 2016

Pat Shipman. (editor). 2015. The Invaders. How Humans and Their Dogs Drove Neanderthals to Extinction. London: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press Cambridge, England, 288 pp. ISBN: 978-0-674-73676-4.
Mathematical Models for Egg Production in Broiler Breeder Hens
Authors: Otwinowska-Mindur Agnieszka , Gumułka Małgorzata , Kania-Gierdziewicz Joanna
Published: June 2016

Broiler breeders hens (meat-type hens) have lower reproductive potential than laying-type hens. Statistical models for predicting potential laying pattern are important for economically optimal breeding strategy of egg production in a poultry flock. The aim of the study was to find the most suitable function for describing the egg-laying rate and egg weight during the broiler breeders’ production period and to characterize laying pattern in groups of hens with different egg production. The following four mathematical models were used: gamma, Narushin-Takma, logistic-curvilinear, and compartmental. The daily recorded egg production data from 100 broiler breeder hens were used. Hen-weekly egg production was described using laying rate during successive weeks after reaching sexual maturity (26 weeks of age) and daily recorded egg weight. On the basis of the total number of eggs laid (NEggs), groups of hens with low (21%), intermediate (52%), and high (27%) egg production were created. The differences between the goodness-of-fit criteria values (AIC, R2 MSE) were small, with all the examined models having the same quality of curve fitting for egg-laying rate and egg weight. The logistic-curvilinear model was able to fit well both egg-laying rate and egg weight of the whole broiler breeder hens’ flock, and also when hens were divided into three egg production groups. This model could be considered in a long-term prediction of the reproductive potential in the commercial management. Moreover, the presented model could be useful in the research on different reproduction parameters of individual hens.
Possibilities to develop low-fat products: a review
Authors: Tufeanu Roxana , Tiţa Ovidiu
Published: June 2016

Research has proved a relationship between high fat consumption and rise in obesity, atherosclerosis, coronary heart diseases and high blood pressure. Therefore is recommended the moderate consumption of fat, such that the total fat does not exceed 30% of total energy intake. Our body needs fats because are providers of calories, essential fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins and also they are necessary ingredients of the foods. The development of products with low-fat content can be considerate a challenge because the lipids offers aroma, texture, appearance, flavour and mouth feel, qualities that customers want in food products. A fat reduction can be achieved by using different fat replacers to ensure the functionality of the replaced fat. Functional components of fat replacers can have a significant role in promotion of wellbeing, in treating and preventing diseases. Thus, fat replacers should be recognized as safe and healthy, which have sensorial and functional properties. This paper reviews the fat replacers used to obtain foods as meat-based or dairy products. Some ways to obtain healthier meat products by reducing saturated fats content consist in the utilization of unsaturated vegetable oils, vegetable products, fibre. The utilization of fibre in products such bolognas, sausages or hamburgers, can improve the texture profile, binding properties and the characteristics regarding the cooking process. A fat reduction in dairy products can be achieved by replacing it with starches, polysaccharides, gums or fibres from cereal, vegetables and fruits. In acidified milk products, fibres have benefits as: low syneresis, sensory characteristics accepted by consumers, improvement of texture and rheological properties. In cheeses production, the fat reduction can be realised by replacing it with carbohydrate or protein-based replacers in order to obtain a final product with proper characteristics.
Application of central composite design to optimize the amount of carbon source and prebiotics for Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01
Authors: Shu Guowei , Lei Ni , Chen He , Hu Man , Yang Hui
Published: June 2016

The objective of the present study was to obtain the optimum proportion of the carbon source and prebiotics for Bifidobacterium bifidum BB01 by the central composite design (CCD). The effect of carbon source (lactose) and two prebiotics (inulin and fructooligosaccharides) on the BB01 were observed by measuring the OD600 value, pH value and the viable counts at 18h. The final optimized concentrations of carbon source and prebiotics were: lactose 1.6%, inulin 0.26%, and fructooligosaccharides 0.22%. The result indicates that the growth of B. bifidum BB01 shows an significant increase in the optimized culture medium (p < 0.05), the OD600 value reached 1.434 at 18h, which increased 6.58% compared to the control. And the viable counts of B. bifidum BB01 increased 24.36% and reached (2.17±0.06) ×109cfu/mL. The results show that the optimization of the carbon source and prebiotics using CCD in this study is workable and necessary.
Comparison of ACE inhibitory activity in skimmed goat and cow milk hydrolyzed by alcalase, flavourzyme, neutral protease and proteinase K
Authors: Bao Chunju , Chen He , Chen Li , Cao Jili , Meng Jiangpeng
Published: June 2016

Angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides derived from milk proteins have obvious effect of lowering blood pressure, safe and non-toxic side effects. This study compared four commercial proteases, namely alcalase, flavourzyme, neutral protease and proteinase K for their ACE inhibitory activity in skimmed goat and cow milk and identified the best one with higher ACE inhibitory activity. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) of alcalase and proteinase K were much higher than flavourzyme, neutral protease for both skimmed goat and cow milk. Alcalase was the best enzyme to produce ACE inhibitory peptides from goat milk, with the ACE inhibitory activity 95.31%, while proteinase K was the optimal protease for hydrolyzing cow milk, with 81.28% ACE inhibitory activity. Furthermore, no correlation was obtained between the ACE inhibitory activity and DH for both goat and cow milk.
The evaluation of nanoparticles ZnO and TiO2 effects on Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNMN-Y-20 yeast strain
Authors: Usatîi Agafia , Chiseliţa Natalia , Efremova Nadejda
Published: June 2016

This paper investigates the action of nanoparticles ZnO (10 nm) and TiO2 (30 nm) on growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNMN-Y-20 yeast. Nanoparticles in concentration of 0,5; 1,0 and 5,0 mg/L in YPD medium did not modify significantly cell proliferation, biomass production, the carbohydrate content and the content of β-glucans at Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNMN-Y-20. Nanoparticles ZnO and TiO2 contributed to the decrease in protein content, which demonstrated the appearance of the alterations of yeast cell membranes.
Distance-constrained grid colouring
Authors: Aszalós László , Bakó Mária
Published: June 2016

Distance-constrained colouring is a mathematical model of the frequency assignment problem. This colouring can be treated as an optimization problem so we can use the toolbar of the optimization to solve concrete problems. In this paper, we show performance of distance-constrained grid colouring for two methods which are good in map colouring.
The Effects of School Closure Threats on Student Performance: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Chiu Ming Ming , Joh Sung Wook , Khoo Lawrence
Published: June 2016

We exploit a natural experiment to test whether school closure threats can increase staff effort and improve performance. The Hong Kong government overestimated post-1997-Handover mainland Chinese immigration and local births, creating excess capacity in many school districts. In 2003, with student enrollment falling to new lows (increasing cost per student), the government announced that it would close schools that were unable to recruit enough students. Since schools compete for students within their own district, the accidental excess capacity created closure threats that varied by district. Difference-in-differences analyses show that after initiation of this policy, student scores in heavily overbuilt districts were lower than scores in other districts and lowest in districts with the fewest students per class. Although closure threats were counterproductive for improving performance, the school closures eventually improved overall school quality, as typically, the lowest performing schools in each district closed.
Micropropagation of the Narrow Endemic Hladnikia pastinacifolia (Apiaceae)
Authors: Ambrožič-Dolinšek Jana , Ciringer Terezija , Kaligarič Mitja
Published: June 2016

The monotypic Hladnikia pastinacifolia Rchb. is a narrow endemic species, with an extremely small distribution area in Slovenia, prone to any kind of threat that could lead to species extinction. Tissue culture techniques are proposed as a conservation measure for rapid propagation and ex-situ conservation. Tissue culture was initiated from seeds and juvenile plants obtained from natural sites on a solid Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, with and without growth regulators. We tested various combinations and concentrations of growth regulators, and the best proliferation of axillary shoots, on average 14, was obtained on MS medium with 5 μM BAP and 3 μM IBA and 3% sucrose. Rooting was achieved after transferral of the shoots to an MS medium with 2 μM IBA and 3% sucrose. The rooted plants were acclimatized on a mixture of limestone sand, potting soil and vermiculite in a ratio of 10:2:2, with pH in the range of 7.5–8.0. In vitro propagation methods provide an important opportunity for the propagation and preservation of H. pastinacifolia by rapidly increasing the number of plants, without disturbing the wild population.
Identification and analysis of optimal method parameters of the V-block waviness measurements
Authors: Adamczak S. , Zmarzły P. , Stępień K.
Published: June 2016

At the Kielce University of Technology, a new method of waviness measurement of cylindrical surfaces has been developed. The article deals with the research conducted to find the optimal V-block method parameters that can be used in a measuring device applied to waviness measurement of cylindrical surfaces. In order to keep high measuring accuracy of V-block method, all detectability coefficients which are function of V-block method parameters should not be negative. For this purpose computations were carried out in order to find such angular parameters that can be easily applied in measuring device and allow for obtaining positive detectability coefficients. Results of the study presented in this paper make it possible to modify the design of the measuring device. According to the authors, it will result in increasing the accuracy of V-block waviness measurement of cylindrical parts.
Prototype of the domestic CHP ORC energy system
Authors: Kicinski J. , Zywica G.
Published: June 2016

The Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery (IMP PAN) in Gdansk pursues its own research in fields such as technologies that use renewable energy sources efficiently, including in particular the small-scale combined heat and power (CHP) systems. This article discusses the design concepts for the prototype of small CHP ORC (organic Rankine cycle) energy system, developed under the research project. The source of heat is a boiler designed for biomass combustion. Electricity was generated using specially designed oil-free vapour micro-turbine. The turbo-generator has compact structure and hermetical casing thanks to the use of gas bearings lubricated by working medium. All energy system components are controlled and continuously monitored by a coherent automation and control system. The article also discusses selected experimental results conducted under laboratory conditions. Thermal-flow tests were presented that allow for an assessment of the operation of energy system components. Additionally, energy performance results of the turbo-generator were given including power obtained at various cycle parameters. The achieved results have shown that the developed energy system operated in accordance with design solutions. Electricity derived from the energy system prototype was around 2 kW, with boiler’s thermal power of 25 kW. The research has also confirmed that this system can be used in a domestic environment.
Application of response surface methodology and fuzzy logic based system for determining metal cutting temperature
Authors: Tanikić D. , Marinković V. , Manić M. , Devedžić G. , Ranđelović S.
Published: June 2016

The heat produced in metal cutting process has negative influence on the cutting tool and the machined part in many aspects. This paper deals with measurement of cutting temperature during single-point dry machining of the AISI 4140 steel, using an infrared camera. Various combinations of cutting parameters, i.e. cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut lead to different values of the measured cutting temperature. Analysis of the measured data should explain the trends in temperature changes depending on changes in the cutting regimes. Furthermore, the temperature data is modelled using response surface methodology and fuzzy logic. The models obtained should determine the influence of cutting regimes on cutting temperature. The main objective is the reduction of cutting temperature, i.e. enabling metal cutting process in optimum conditions.
Hybridization of Expectation-Maximization and K-Means Algorithms for Better Clustering Performance
Authors: Kishor D. Raja , Venkateswarlu N. B.
Published: June 2016

The present work proposes hybridization of Expectation-Maximization (EM) and K-means techniques as an attempt to speed-up the clustering process. Even though both the K-means and EM techniques look into different areas, K-means can be viewed as an approximate way to obtain maximum likelihood estimates for the means. Along with the proposed algorithm for hybridization, the present work also experiments with the Standard EM algorithm. Six different datasets, three of which synthetic datasets, are used for the experiments. Clustering fitness and Sum of Squared Errors (SSE) are computed for measuring the clustering performance. In all the experiments it is observed that the proposed algorithm for hybridization of EM and K-means techniques is consistently taking less execution time with acceptable Clustering Fitness value and less SSE than the standard EM algorithm. It is also observed that the proposed algorithm is producing better clustering results than the Cluster package of Purdue University.
Mathematical Modeling and Examination of the Effects of Structural Redundancy in а Class of Computer-Based Fault Tolerant Systems
Authors: Hristova Mariya
Published: June 2016

The present article models and examines k˅n systems, in particular Triple modular redundancy (2˅3) and 3˅5. The aim of the study is to derive mathematical models, which are used for determining the impact of structural redundancy (the number of channels n and the threshold of the quorum function k) on the reliability of the system. The probability of failure-free operation p and the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) are used as reliability indicators.
A Fault-Tolerant Routing Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks Based on the Structured Directional de Bruijn Graph
Authors: Lu Chuiwei , Hu Defa
Published: June 2016

Wireless Sensor Network (WSNs) nodes with low energy, run out of energy easily and stop working, which results then in routing failures and communication blocking. The paper puts forward a FTRSDDB algorithm based on the structured directional de Bruijn graph to enhance the performance of faulttolerant routing for WSNs. The algorithm randomly deploys some super nodes with abundant energy and powerful performance in WSNs. These nodes are responsible for the collection of topology information from the WSNs to build redundant routing table, and provide data forwarding and routing update service for popular nodes. The FTRSDDB algorithm optimizes network topology structure using de Bruijn graph, and can quickly find neighbor nodes failure and invalid routing path, and then calculate new routing information with low cost, which greatly improves the performance of fault-tolerant routing of WSNs. Experiments show that the FTRSDDB algorithm takes on better performance compared with other faulttolerant routing algorithms, even that exist malicious nodes attack in the WSNs.
TOPSIS Modification with Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Ilieva Galina
Published: June 2016

This paper proposes a new TOPSIS with interval type-2 fuzzy numbers. The extension applies graded mean integration to compare normal fuzzy trapezoidal sets. It is demonstrated by a numerical example for ranking business intelligence software that the TOPSIS modification can operate with qualitative and quantitative criteria, reduces evaluation uncertainty and provides a feasible solution.
An Efficient Fault-Tolerant Multi-Bus Data Scheduling Algorithm Based on Replication and Deallocation
Authors: Arar Chafik , Khireddine Mohamed Salah
Published: June 2016

The paper proposes a new reliable fault-tolerant scheduling algorithm for real-time embedded systems. The proposed scheduling algorithm takes into consideration only one bus fault in multi-bus heterogeneous architectures, caused by hardware faults and compensated by software redundancy solutions. The proposed algorithm is based on both active and passive backup copies, to minimize the scheduling length of data on buses. In the experiments, this paper evaluates the proposed methods in terms of data scheduling length for a set of DAG benchmarks. The experimental results show the effectiveness of our technique.
A New Zero-Watermarking Algorithm Resisting Attacks Based on Differences Hashing
Authors: Han Baoru , Li Jingbing
Published: June 2016

Medical volume data containing patient information is often faced with various attacks in the transmission process. In order to enhance the medical information system security, and effectively solve the problem of medical volume data protection, a new zero-watermarking algorithm is proposed in the paper. The new zero-watermarking algorithm takes advantage of three-dimensional discrete wavelet transform multi-resolution analysis characteristics of space and time, threedimensional discrete cosine transform properties, and differences hashing robust characteristic. In order to enhance watermarking algorithm security, Legendre chaotic neural network is used for scrambling original watermark image. The medical volume data is made by three-dimensional discrete wavelet transform, threedimensional discrete cosine transform and three-dimensional discrete inverse cosine transform r to obtain the medical volume data feature matrix (4×5×4), which is converted to 64-bit binary feature sequence through difference hashing algorithm. The 64-bit binary feature sequence is used to construct the zero-watermarking. The experimental results prove that the new zero-watermarking has favorable security and robustness resisting various attacks. Therefore, the new zero-watermarking algorithm is more applicable to protect medical volume data.
Robot Simultaneous Localization and Mapping Based on Self-Detected Waypoint
Authors: Yi Yingmin , Hu Xiangru
Published: June 2016

The point of interest in this paper is the main content of autonomous navigation of robots. An algorithm for robot Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) based on self-detected waypoint is introduced to realize robot’s mapping in its area of interest. Robot’s next step waypoint is performed using characteristics of large information in the area of interest and dense landmark, clustering the landmark in the area of interest, and guiding robot’s movement with clustered central point. Robot clusters the observed area in its observation every time. It takes the clustered center based on the largest number of landmarks as the waypoint of the next step. Simulation experiment shows, that due to robot’s movement toward the area of dense landmarks, the proposed method increases the number of landmarks observed by the robot and frequency of observation is increased. The proposed method enhances accuracy of robot’s positioning and the robot realizes to detect its waypoint autonomously.
Association of monocyte to HDL cholesterol level with contrast induced nephropathy in STEMI patients treated with primary PCI
Authors: Sağ Saim , Yıldız Abdülmecit , Aydin Kaderli Aysel , Gül Bülent Cuma , Bedir Ömer , Ceğilli Ercan , Özdemir Bülent , Can Fatma Ezgi , Aydınlar Ali
Published: June 2016

Background:

Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) has been proven to be a clinical condition related to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In recent studies, the monocyte to high density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) has been postulated as a novel parameter associated with adverse renal and cardiovascular outcomes. In this study we investigated the association of MHR with CIN in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods:

Consecutive STEMI patients treated with primary PCI were prospectively recruited. Subjects were categorized into two groups; as patients who developed CIN (CIN+) and patients who did not develop CIN (CIN–) during hospitalization. CIN was defined as either a 25% increase in serum creatinine from baseline or 44.20 µmol/L increase in absolute value, within 72 h of intravenous contrast administration.

Results:

A total number of 209 patients were included in the study. Thirty-two patients developed CIN (15.3%). In the CIN (+) patients, monocytes were higher [1.02 (0.83–1.39) vs. 0.69 (0.53–0.90) 109/L, p<0.01] and HDL cholesterol levels were lower [0.88 (0.78–1.01) vs. 0.98 (0.88–1.14) mmol/L, p<0.01]. In addition, MHR was significantly higher in the CIN (+) group [1.16 (0.89–2.16) vs. 0.72 (0.53–0.95) 109/mmol, p<0.01]. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, MHR, Mehran score, AGEF score and CV/eGFR were independently correlated with CIN.

Conclusions:

Higher MHR levels may predict CIN development after primary PCI in STEMI patients.
Dilute Russell’s viper venom time reagents in lupus anticoagulant testing: a well-considered choice
Authors: Depreter Barbara , Devreese Katrien M.J.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Lupus anticoagulant (LAC) detection represents diagnostic challenges among which the multitude of available reagents and interference by anticoagulant treatment. One of the two advised tests is the dilute Russell’s viper venom time (dRVVT). However, it is currently not clear whether all dRVVT reagents may be considered equivalent. The objective of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of two dRVVT reagents, with special attention to the influence of anticoagulant therapy.

Methods:

STA®-Staclot® dRVV Screen/Confirm (Stago, Asnières-sur-Seine, France) and dRVT-LS/dRVTL-LR (Haematex, Hornsby, Australia) were evaluated on 443 patient samples [358 consecutive patients with LAC request including six antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients, 18 non-consecutively selected APS patients and 37 vitamin K antagonists (VKA)-treated and 30 direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC)-treated non-APS patients]. Additionally, pooled normal plasma (PNP) was spiked with factor deficient plasma (n=33) and DOAC calibrators (n=21) to evaluate sensitivity for factor deficiencies and false-positivity rates, respectively.

Results:

A higher number of samples were defined as LAC positive by Stago vs. Haematex [11.5% (41/358) vs. 3.63% (13/358)]. Most discordances were in the VKA and DOAC group. Haematex was less prone to VKA-related factor deficiencies, explaining the absence of false-positive LAC results in VKA-treated non-APS patients compared to 10.8% with Stago. We observed no false-positive LAC ratios with Haematex in DOAC-spiked PNP and a lower number in DOAC-treated non-APS patients. However, increased specificity seemed to be at cost of a reduced sensitivity as Haematex showed less positive APS patient samples (45.8% vs. 87.5%).

Conclusions:

dRVVT reagents differ in LAC sensitivity and for VKA and DOAC interference.