bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
II coloquio: Nuevos perfiles profesionales para una nueva Administración
Authors: Julià Maria
Published: March 2020

El 9 de septiembre tuvo lugar en la sede de Tibidabo el II coloquio: Nuevos perfiles profesionales para un nueva Administración, organizado por el programa de Gestión y Administración Pública (interuniversitario: UOC, UB) de los Estudios de Derecho y Ciencia Política. Se trataba de una sesión abierta a todos los estudiantes de la UOC en general y, en particular, a todos aquellos estudiantes que tengan interés por conocer las salidas profesionales que ofrece el acceso a la Administración Pública, así como a los trabajos relacionados con organismos públicos.
Jornada sobre las reclamaciones económico-administrativas en el ámbito empresarial
Authors: Delgado Ana María
Published: March 2020

El día 28 de noviembre de 2019 se organizó la Jornada sobre las reclamaciones económico-administrativas en el ámbito empresarial (http://symposium.uoc.edu/41880/detail/jornada-sobre-las-reclamaciones-economico-administrativas-en-el-ambito-empresarial.html), la dirección de la cual fue a cargo de Ana María Delgado García, Catedrática de Derecho Financiero y Tributario de la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, y de Rafael Oliver Coll, Catedrático de Derecho Financiero y Tributario de ESERP Business & Law School.
MANAGERIAL PLANNING: HOW SCHEDULING INFLUENCES TV ADVERTISING EFFECTIVENESS
Authors: Gunina Daria , Bína Vladislav , Kincl Tomáš
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this research is to analyse the scheduling factors and their influence on TV advertising effectiveness. We deployed a quantitative approach based on a complete data set of advertisements aired on Czech TV in 2016 and 2017 for constructing a regression model. In contrast to several previous studies, our findings indicate that most analysed variables have only a negligible influence (length of spot, length of break, number of spots, position in break, category, day of the week, week, year, and interaction of week and year) on TV advertising exposure, while only the type of programme, daypart and TV channel show a relevant impact on advertising exposure.
MACROECONOMIC MOVEMENTS OF THE WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES ECONOMY / MAKROEKONOMSKA KRETANJA PRIVREDE ZEMALJA ZAPADNOG BALKANA
Authors: Milić Dragana , Grandov Zorka , Đokić Maja
Published: March 2020

The aim of this research is to determine based on a statistical analysis of the macroeconomic trends, the achieved level of recovery and development in the economy of the Western Balkan countries after 2008. In the global economic history, 2008 will be remembered as the year in which many developed and developing countries faced an economic crisis, which was reflected in the decline in general economic indicators.Some experts explain economic crises and recession as accumulated imbalances in relations between basic macroeconomic aggregates and in that sense the crisis is just one of the stages in business cycles. The paper deals with theoretical views regarding this topic, and the conducted empirical research included four countries of the Western Balkans, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The survey gives a clear overview of the macroeconomic trends of the Western Balkan countries with appropriate explanations, which enabled the selection of countries by set criteria. Comparative analysis between countries pointed to good and bad macroeconomic trends in certain periods.
A MODEL OF MANAGING THE URBAN MOBILITY PLANNING PROCESS / MODEL UPRAVLJANJA PROCESOM PLANIRANJA URBANE MOBILNOSTI
Authors: Mehanović Mustafa , Palić Nermin
Published: March 2020

The subject of research in this paper is the planning of urban mobility development in the narrow part of Sarajevo using a model based on the growth matrix. The hypothesis of this research is: Based on the analysis of supply and demand of the city traffic system, good practices in sustainable urban mobility and existing strategies and development plans, a model for managing the whole planning process of sustainable urban mobility of the city traffic system in Sarajevo by 2026 can be proposed.In accordance with the experience of Europe’s main urban mobility observatory (Eltis) and sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs), the key elements are defined. The next step, after defining the elements of urban mobility, is to carry out the quantification of elements for 2016. Thereafter, there is a concise explanation of the growth matrix and model of managing the urban mobility planning process is created. In the research results, direct and indirect growth rates were elaborated and analyzed, i.e. the individual and synergic effects of the model. Finally, the synthesis of the research results was presented.
STOCHASTIC MODELING OF FACTORS OF IMPROVEMENT WORKING EFFICIENCY AND SELECTION OF INTERNAL MARKETING STRATEGY
Authors: Landika Mirjana , Bajić Gordan , Sredojević Vanja
Published: March 2020

Modern conditions of business require permanent emphasizing efficiency of work and production as the key condition of the adequate market positioning of business entities. The business result is determined by a large number of factors which define and condition it, therefore its positioning is a very complex procedure.Positioning business system in context of the expected business result requires the launch of intellectual, technical - technological and management potential, in order to achieve optimum business result by subtle balancing of a large number of factors.Understanding an optimal business result as a best result in context of business symbiosis of its own potential and business environment, requires subtle balancing numerous of different and heterogeneous factors.Efficient realization business result includes a set of coordinated actions on every level of business activity, from production workers to management structures, whereby the business result ceases to be random outcome of actions, but a highly reliable business expectation.Management competence in context of identification, quantification, qualification, inclusion, weighting of certain factors, as a form and degree of their correlation, determines the formulation, shaping and adequate involvement in decision model. Quality of decision-making model determines degree of consent with system which is reflected, and with that implementation modeling management information becomes an effective tool in achieving business goals. Decision-making model is not reserved exclusively for quantitative and easily visible input information, special class of decision model, but also strength of their implementation includes models which include both qualitative inputs. The level of knowledge and work skills of production worker is equal as their subjective perception which contributes to the achievement of personal satisfaction in context of work engagement as a significant factor of business success.The launch of intellectual capital on every level of business system, requires testing the degree of correlation between the degree of expertise, business ingenuity and matching work skills and ability on one side, as well as personal satisfaction and clear metric benefits achieved on this basis from on the other side.Initiating the potential of statistical analysis implies the adoption of a research protocol, where they include all relevant factors from aspect of research problems, so the results of the statistical analysis would have the desired management potential in terms of contribution to the business efficiency of the analyzed business system
STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS IN THE PURPOSE OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Lajšić Helena
Published: March 2020

Interesting knowledge is gained by researching and re-examining how human resources management works in our region - the city. Human resource management in every business system becomes completely different from what it has been. It is no longer understood only as a mere functional activity, but as a new business philosophy to be implemented at all managerial levels. In this century, human resources are not only the key competitive advantage of any organization, but of every country. A holistic, coherent human resource management of the organization in order to ensure the maximum value added and the best positioning for the achievement of organizational strategic goals, in broad terms, leads directly to general socio-economic development and progress. One of the key functions of HRM is to spread the various components of the strategic plan to all employees in the organization. An important function of human resources management can and should be to provide information on the strategic readiness of human capital - whether and to what extent available human resources have the required knowledge, skills and motivation to support and implement an organization’s strategy. There is no efficient strategic management of human resources without the support of information technologies and information systems. The development of information technologies and information systems dramatically changes the management of human resources. The strategic readiness of information capital (IT and systems) is the most meaningful measure of the value of the information capital of the organization. The greatest availability of information capital in human resources management is measured by the level of development of online transaction processing systems, whether it is a module of an ERP system, or that it is HRIS (Human Resources Information Systems). Another technology that has even more strategic significance is BI (Business Intelligence) technology and BI decision support systems. A particular challenge is to examine the state of and opportunities for the development of human resources in profit and non-profit institutions in our narrower region. This scientific work will attempt to obtain the missing information on the content and method of human resources management in the profit and non-profit sector, observed in the context of information systems.
THE IMPACT OF TRADE LIBERALIZATION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA’S EXPORT TO EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Omerika Haris , Hadžović Mehmedalija
Published: March 2020

One of the basic and strategic goals of post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina is a full membership in the European Union. During 1992-1995, Bosnia and Herzegovina has passed through one of the most difficult periods in its’ history. The war has completely devastated the economical structure and the aftermaths were visible in the following years. As a new paradigm, the European Union appears. The European Union has helped the Western Balkans countries to overcome national tensions and offered them a new perspective; new regional and european integrations should be a new, historical chance for them. In the light of this, the focus of this paper is the impact of trade liberalization between the European Union and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the export from Bosnia and Herzegovina to European Union. The above mentioned impact has been observed in the period of eleven years. The total export amount of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2015 was 4,6 billion euros, while the amount of the import was 8,1 billion euros, which makes nearly 60% in favor of import. Traditionally, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most important foreign trade partner is the European Union where Bosnia and Herzegovina has a deficit in foreign trade. The portion of export to EU during 2015 was 71,79% while the portion of import was 60,85%. The coverage of import over export was 66,89%. In the period of 2005-2015, most of the products have been placed to markets in Croatia, Germany, Italy, and Serbia, which is not the EU member. The process of trade liberalization in 2015 has resulted in surplus of trade with certain EU countries; Austria, Luxembourg and Estonia while the decrease in trade has been recorded with Germany, Slovenia and Czech Republic. Regarding the export, Bosnia and Herzegovina mailny places products which have labour-intensive character. In the econometrics analysis, extented gravitational models of trade have been placed. Besides the abovementioned, the following econometrical techinques have been used: panel data models (PD), fixed effecs models (RE) and panel corrected standard errors (PCSE). In addition, Hausman test has been applied. According to the analysis that has been carried out, the following has been concluded; InGDPi, InGDPj and InDISTij variables are statistically important on the level of 5% in the period of gradual liberalization. The SSP1 an EK variables are not siginificant.In the other moder, in the period of complete liberalization InGDPi, InGDPj and SSP2 variables have a significant impact on a dependent variable on a level of 5%. InDISTij and EK variables have a significant impact on a level od 5% as well. The above mentioned result confirm the research hypothesis; trade liberalization has a significant impact on the export of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the EU. The basic limit of this research can be a relatively short observation period, caused by the fact that the data of merchandise trade between Bosnia and Herzegovina and EU countries until 2005 are not accessible.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE GROWTH OF R & D EXPENSES ON RENTABILITY OF INVESTED CAPITAL IN AUTO-INDUSTRY
Authors: Dabetić Đorđe , Rodić Jana Cvijić , Vujanić Ivana
Published: March 2020

The uncertainty and risk posed by new, more and more comprehensive technological changes threaten the ability of innovative and intensive industries to realize the grow of return on invested capital. Automotive industry, information and software companies and pharmaceutical companies are at the forefront of the investments in R&D expensive. This reflects on the increased prudence of investors and their turn to safest industries which offer more prospective opportunities for higher profits. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to point out on the example of car companies the importance of understanding the need to maximize return on invested capital. The research carried out was based on the assumption that the race for new innovative investments slows down the profitability of the auto industry. In order to prove this hypothesis, the paper analyzes how the growth of R & D costs in the five largest car companies is maintained on the movement of the rate of return on capital, and on other business performances.The analysis included exclusively large car companies, that is, those that are the leader in the level of realized income, net profit, capital values and market prices. These companies are also leading the level of investment in research and development, which from the standpoint of the subject of this work contributed to the representativity of the research sample. The obtained results confirmed the initial hypothesis based on the assumption that a high level of R & D costs slows the profitability of the car company. This is verified by comparing the regression correlation values obtained between the observed research costs, as independent variables and the value of the realized income, gross margin, ebits margins, net margins and ROICs, as dependent variablesThe obtained results showed that the high level of ultraviation in new technologies has a positive effect on the growth of revenues, gross profit, ebits and net margins in the auto industry, but slowing the growth of profitability of this significant economic branch. An additional analysis related to determining the impact of R & D costs on the movement the rates of return on invested capital in selected pharmaceutical and information companies, which are also characteristic of large R & D investments. This comparison has confirmed that the cost of research and development investment is the most burdensome for the auto industry, as the information sector and the pharmaceutical industry, despite large investments, have relatively high returns on invested capital.
COMPARISON OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF PUBLIC SERVANTS IN SERBIA AND SELECTED COUNTRIES
Authors: Vukonjanski Igor
Published: March 2020

The paper presents the experiences of Serbia and selected European Union countries in the field of professional development of civil servants as one of the most important factors in the reform processes of professionalisation and depolitization of the public sector. The performed comparison showed that the professional development of public servants in the observed countries has certain similarities, but also differences.Similarities relate firstly to the already established general consent to the treatment of this area as an important development factor for each state, then in the organization of management of professional development, as well as the technology of that performance with the accompanying evaluations. It was noted that the professional development of civil servants in the Republic of Serbia is still not being given the necessary attention in higher education, while significant improvements have been made in terms of improving the form of professional development through training and seminars.As for the technology of the observed professional development, it is in Serbia in the stage of constitution, and the expectations are that the latest amendments to the laws will improve this area. The significance of this contribution should be achieved through the work of the National Academy of Public Administration, as newly established centralized institutions entrusted with all expert and related executive and other state administration tasks related to the preparation, organization, monitoring and evaluation of the program of professional development of employees in public administration.
Cybersecurity of Railway Command and Control Systems
Authors: Ozerov Alexey
Published: March 2020

With the large-scale migration to computer-based and network technology, the threat of unauthorized remote access to railway command and control systems does not appear to be something extraordinary.But external effects shall be considered alongside with internal factorsof signalling software and hardware such errors and undocumented features. Risk mitigation in terms of cybersecurity of signalling installations can onlybe achieved as a combination of means designed within some holistic approach integrating both safety and IT security aspects.
The Influence of the Weather Conditions on Traffic Accidents With the Most Severe Consequences in the Republic of Srpska
Authors: Glamočić Ljubo , Drašković Danislav , Torbica Nikola
Published: March 2020

Traffic accidents with the most severe consequences, i.e. killed in traffic accidents and great material damage, are the result of numerous complex impact factors. Among these important factors, there are different time parameters, that is, meteorological parameters. Research on the impact of weather parameters on the occurrence of traffic accidents was the subject of research in the early 70s of the twentieth century. Weather conditions usually have a double impact on the occurrence of traffic accidents such as: the impact on the risk of a traffic accident and the impact on the exposure to the risk of an accident. In other words, it can be said that the time parameters influence directly and indirectly on the safety of traffic, or the occurrence of traffic accidents. Namely, it has been proven that the weather conditions influence the change in the structure of the traffic flow (change of mode of transport), as well as the total number of realized trips. Although the impression is that the impact of weather conditions on the occurrence of traffic accidents is unambiguous and clear, concrete research on the impact of weather conditions is quite rare and the results sometimes differ from the expected ones. Through a review report, a special aspect of the analysis will focus on identifying concrete changes in the characteristics of time, with the aim of recognizing their impact on the number of traffic accidents with the most severe consequences in the Republic of Srpska.
Obrazovanje u funkciji razvoja preduzetništva
Authors: Vujić Tatjana
Published: March 2020

Svaka napredna nacionalna ekonomija temelji se na preduzimljivimljudima i preduzetničkoj aktivnosti. Isto tako, osnovni ciljsavremenih obrazovnih sistema je razvoj kompetentnih stručnjaka ipreduzetnika čije su ideje, inovacije i znanje osnovni pokretačprivrednog i društvenog razvoja. Osim toga, posedovanje adekvatnihznanja i sposobnosti osnov su za uspešno poslovanje privrednihsubjekata koji deluju u okruženju stalnih promjena u svim oblastimaživota i rada.Preduzetništvo je važan element ekonomskog razvoja ikonkurentnosti privrede, gde je Republika Srpska tipičan primerzemlje u tranzicji. Stoga, preduzetničkom učenju treba dati značajnijemesto u obrazovnom sistemu zbog stvaranja pokretačke snage zarazvoj privrede i društva. Potrebno je učiniti da preduzetničko učenjebude dostupno svakom pojedincu, a „tradicionalno obrazovanje“mora uvesti izmene koje će ga učiniti operativnijim i fleksibilnijim uskladu sa budućim trendovima. Pored obrazovanja u redovnomškolovanju, posebno značajno za razvoj preduzetništva jeobrazovanje odraslih, kao i permanentna obuka i treninzi.U radu se želi ukazati na značaj svih vidova obrazovanja ipreduzetničkog učenja, koji su od presudne važnosti za opstanak irazvoj preduzetništva. Poseban osvrt pružen je na značajpreduzetničkog učenja u Republici Srpskoj.
Mushroom body evolution demonstrates homology and divergence across Pancrustacea
Authors: Strausfeld Nicholas James , Wolff Gabriella Hanna , Sayre Marcel Ethan
Published: March 2020

Descriptions of crustacean brains have focused mainly on three highly derived lineages of malacostracans: the reptantian infraorders represented by spiny lobsters, lobsters, and crayfish. Those descriptions advocate the view that dome- or cap-like neuropils, referred to as ‘hemiellipsoid bodies,’ are the ground pattern organization of centers that are comparable to insect mushroom bodies in processing olfactory information. Here we challenge the doctrine that hemiellipsoid bodies are a derived trait of crustaceans, whereas mushroom bodies are a derived trait of hexapods. We demonstrate that mushroom bodies typify lineages that arose before Reptantia and exist in Reptantia thereby indicating that the mushroom body, not the hemiellipsoid body, provides the ground pattern for both crustaceans and hexapods. We show that evolved variations of the mushroom body ground pattern are, in some lineages, defined by extreme diminution or loss and, in others, by the incorporation of mushroom body circuits into lobeless centers. Such transformations are ascribed to modifications of the columnar organization of mushroom body lobes that, as shown in Drosophila and other hexapods, contain networks essential for learning and memory.
p16 deficiency attenuates intervertebral disc degeneration by adjusting oxidative stress and nucleus pulposus cell cycle
Authors: Che Hui , Li Jie , Li You , Ma Cheng , Liu Huan , Qin Jingyi , Dong Jianghui , Zhang Zhen , Xian Cory J , Miao Dengshun , Wang Liping , Ren Yongxin
Published: March 2020

The cell cycle regulator p16 is known as a biomarker and an effector of aging. However, its function in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is unclear. In this study, p16 expression levels were found to be positively correlated with the severity of human IVDD. In a mouse tail suspension (TS)-induced IVDD model, lumbar intervertebral disc height index and matrix protein expression levels were reduced significantly were largely rescued by p16 deletion. In TS mouse discs, reactive oxygen species levels, proportions of senescent cells, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) were all increased, cell cycling was delayed, and expression was downregulated for Sirt1, superoxide dismutase 1/2, cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6, phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein, and transcription factor E2F1/2. However, these effects were rescued by p16 deletion. Our results demonstrate that p16 plays an important role in IVDD pathogenesis and that its deletion attenuates IVDD by promoting cell cycle and inhibiting SASP, cell senescence, and oxidative stress.
New approach for membrane protein reconstitution into peptidiscs and basis for their adaptability to different proteins
Authors: Angiulli Gabriella , Dhupar Harveer Singh , Suzuki Hiroshi , Wason Irvinder Singh , Duong Van Hoa Franck , Walz Thomas
Published: March 2020

Previously we introduced peptidiscs as an alternative to detergents to stabilize membrane proteins in solution (Carlson et al., 2018). Here, we present ‘on-gradient’ reconstitution, a new gentle approach for the reconstitution of labile membrane-protein complexes, and used it to reconstitute Rhodobacter sphaeroides reaction center complexes, demonstrating that peptidiscs can adapt to transmembrane domains of very different sizes and shapes. Using the conventional ‘on-bead’ approach, we reconstituted Escherichia coli proteins MsbA and MscS and find that peptidiscs stabilize them in their native conformation and allow for high-resolution structure determination by cryo-electron microscopy. The structures reveal that peptidisc peptides can arrange around transmembrane proteins differently, thus revealing the structural basis for why peptidiscs can stabilize such a large variety of membrane proteins. Together, our results establish the gentle and easy-to-use peptidiscs as a potentially universal alternative to detergents as a means to stabilize membrane proteins in solution for structural and functional studies.
Acute Resistance Exercise at Varying Volume Loads Does Not Enhance Plasma Interleukin-6
Authors: Raines Carolina , Frosig Trevor , Escobar Kurt A. , Cotter Joshua A. , Schick Evan E.
Published: March 2020

Background: Aerobic exercise has been shown to impart anti-inflammatory effects partly through increased secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Still unclear, however, is whether resistance exercise (RE) also enhances IL-6 secretion. Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effect of RE, performed at varying volume loads (VL), on plasma IL-6. Methods: Ten subjects (seven males and three females: age 37.9 ± 11.4 years; height 170.81 ± 11.16 cm; weight 71.36 ± 11.26 Kg.) participated in three randomized RE protocols: high VL (HVL) (5 sets x 20 repetitions at 45% 1-repetition maximum (1-RM), medium VL (MVL) (3x12 at 75% 1-RM), and low VL (LVL) (2x4 at 90% 1-RM) each separated by 96 hours. Capillary blood for IL-6 measurements was drawn immediately pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 1- and 2-hours post-exercise. Results: There were no significant differences in plasma IL-6 between exercise condition (LVL, MVL, HVL) or at any time point (p=0.422 and p=0.870, respectively). Conclusion: Plasma IL-6 levels are not acutely sensitive to RE, regardless of volume load; therefore, any reported anti-inflammatory effect of RE appears to operate outside of the exercise-induced IL-6 pathway.
Emphysematous Gastritis Worsened after Upper Endoscopy
Authors: Kim Tae Un , Kim Su Jin , Ryu Hwaseong , Kim Jin Hyeok , Jang Joo Yeon , Yeom Jeong A , Roh Jieun , Jeong Hee Seok , Park Byung Soo , Kim Dong Il
Published: March 2020

Emphysematous gastritis is an infectious disease in which air is formed in the gastric wall by gas-forming organisms. It is infrequently reported but can be fatal without early diagnosis and treatment. The stomach is rarely infected because of the acidity of the gastric secretions and the rich blood supply. Treatment should be aimed at covering gram-negative organisms and anaerobes using broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, and occasional surgical management in order to enhance survival. Risk factors are those that lead to disrupted mucosal integrity, such as corrosive injury, and those that result in an immunosuppressed condition, including diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, immunosuppressive drug use, and subsequent invasion by gas-forming organisms. We experienced a case of emphysematous gastritis that worsened after endoscopy. Aeration during upper endoscopy examination can cause barotrauma to the gastric wall with impairment of the mucosal barrier, resulting in the spread of gastric wall infection to the whole body. Therefore, we report this case and provide relevant literature review to suggest that early endoscopic evaluation can lead to exacerbation of emphysematous gastritis.
Helicobacter pylori and Other Gastrointestinal Diseases
Authors: Park Jong Kyu
Published: March 2020

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most prevalent bacterial pathogen that infects approximately half of the world’s population. It is well known that H. pylori causes chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric cancer. H. pylori can also be associated with other gastrointestinal diseases. Epidemiologic studies have reported an inverse correlation between H. pylori infection and gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, the results of H. pylori eradication in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease were not consistent with epidemiologic studies. Many studies have reported symptomatic improvement in uninvestigated dyspepsia and functional dyspepsia (FD) following H. pylori eradication, suggesting that H. pylori is the cause of dyspepsia. Therefore, it has been suggested that H. pylori-associated dyspepsia should be considered an entity distinct from FD and only the patients with persistent symptoms following eradication should be considered as having FD. A majority of studies also support an association of H. pylori with colon neoplasms and an inverse correlation with inflammatory bowel disease. However, no association of H. pylori with irritable bowel syndrome has been reported.
Comparative investigation of parallel spatial interpolation algorithms for building large-scale digital elevation models
Authors: Tu Jingzhi , Yang Guoxiang , Qi Pian , Ding Zengyu , Mei Gang
Published: March 2020

The building of large-scale Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) using various interpolation algorithms is one of the key issues in geographic information science. Different choices of interpolation algorithms may trigger significant differences in interpolation accuracy and computational efficiency, and a proper interpolation algorithm needs to be carefully used based on the specific characteristics of the scene of interpolation. In this paper, we comparatively investigate the performance of parallel Radial Basis Function (RBF)-based, Moving Least Square (MLS)-based, and Shepard’s interpolation algorithms for building DEMs by evaluating the influence of terrain type, raw data density, and distribution patterns on the interpolation accuracy and computational efficiency. The drawn conclusions may help select a suitable interpolation algorithm in a specific scene to build large-scale DEMs.
The vascular glycocalyx is not a mechanosensor in conduit arteries in the anesthetized pig
Authors: Ruane-O’Hora Therese , Ahmeda Ahmad , Markos Farouk
Published: March 2020

Background

The role of the glycocalyx as the endothelial sensor of an increase in blood flow was assessed in the iliac artery in vivo.

Methods

Acetylcholine-induced flow mediated dilation was evaluated before and after vascular glycocalyx disruption. This was accomplished by exposing the iliac lumen to the chemotactic agent fMLP (1 μM; n = 6 pigs), concomitant heparinase III (100 mU ml−1) and hyaluronidase (14 mg ml−1) (n = 4), and neuraminidase (140 mU ml−1; n = 5), for 20 min in separate iliac artery preparations. Only one lumen intervention per iliac was conducted.

Results

For the heparinase III + hyaluronidase experiment, the iliac diameter increased by an average of 0.54 ± 0.11 mm before and 0.45 ± 0.03 mm after the enzymes (P = 0.42; paired Student’s t test). The iliac diameter increased by 0.31 ± 0.02 mm before and 0.29 ± 0.07 mm after fMLP exposure (P = 0.7) and the diameter increased by 0.54 ± 0.11 mm before and 0.54 ± 0.09 mm after neuraminidase exposure (P = 0.98). In all cases, the shear stress changes before and after lumen exposure were not significantly different to each other.

Conclusion

There was no significant reduction in flow mediated dilation of the iliac in response to any of the interventions conducted. Therefore, the vascular endothelial glycocalyx as whole is not required for flow mediated dilation in conduit arteries in the intact animal.
Как морской залив превращается в озеро, "Природа"
Authors: Краснова Елена Дмитриевна , Мардашова Мария Валерьевна
Published: March 2020

Что произойдет, если морской залив отделится от моря Останется маленьким морем или станет пресным озером Или превратится во что-то совсем другое А что будет с его обитателями Прибрежные водоемы, находящиеся на разных стадиях изоляции от моря, изучают на Беломорской биологической станции МГУ На пути от морского залива к озеру отделившийся водоем становится меромиктическим. В нем соседствуют слои с разной соленостью, и в каждом живет свое биологическое сообщество. Исследователям удалось реконструировать ход событий в каждом из слоев и во всей экосистеме.
Childhood Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Two Tertiary Hospitals in South-South Nigeria
Authors: Paul Nsirimobu I. , Duru Chika O.
Published: March 2020

Background: As in adults, there is a high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in children and this is often associated with a high mortality rate, however, little emphasis is being paid to NCDs in children. 

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the burden, pattern and mortality associated with NCD among children admitted into the Paediatric wards of two tertiary centres in South-South Nigeria.

Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out in two tertiary hospitals in South-South Nigeria. Medical/admission records of all patients with Non communicable diseases (NCDs) were retrieved. Information obtained included patient's age, sex, date of admission, final diagnosis, date of discharge and hospital outcome. Total number of admissions and deaths within the study period were also obtained. The diagnoses were classified according to pathologic and systematic derangement. Obtained data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 and presented in frequency tables and charts while chi square and Fischers exact test were used to compare categorical variables. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: A total of 4,167 patients were hospitalized over the study period, out of which 897 had NCDs giving a prevalence rate of 21.52%. Of the NCDs, 570 (63.55%) were males while 327 (36.45%) were females giving a male female ratio of 1.74:1. Haematology, Oncology (Cancers), Nephrology, Neurology and Cardiology disorders were the five common NCDs and constituted about three quatre (74.47%) of all NCDs. Among the five common NCDs, haematology, oncology and nephrology disorders were commoner in the older children while cardiac, and neurologic disorders were more prevalent in younger children. This distribution was not statistically significant (X2 = 1.67, p = 0.9800). Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) was the prevalent Haematological disease constituting 176 (95.1%) of all haematological cases. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, Nephrotic syndrome, Seizure disorder and Ventricular septal defect were the prevalent cancers, Nephrology, neurology and cardiac disorders and constituted 50 (27.6%), 39 (28.7%), 33 (40.74%), 21 (25.0), of the diseases respectively.  A total of 112 deaths occurred in the Paediatric wards over the study period, 35 (31.25%) of these deaths were caused by NCDs and patients with Cancers constituted 60% (21/35) of all deaths. More deaths occurred among the adolescents; however, this was not statistically significant. (chi square = 21.99, p=0.1081).

Conclusion: There is a high burden and high mortality of NCDs in children in our environment. The common pattern of NCDs were Haematology, Oncology (Cancers), Nephrology, Neurology and cardiology diseases. Improved health education, early cancer screening and availability of cancer and prenatal diagnosis of SCA screening tools, premarital genotype counselling and screening and legislation to support families with NCDs is advocated.
Extraction of Phytochemical Compounds of Leea guineensis (G. Don) Leaves Using Non-polar and Polar Solvents
Authors: Awotedu O. L. , Okeke U. E. , Ogunbamowo P. O. , Ariwoola O. S , Omolola T. O.
Published: March 2020

Aims: Selection of a suitable solvent is important and utilized in the extraction of desirable chemical components in medicinal plants.

Study Design: Chemical analysis of various extracts of Leea guineensis leaves using standard analytical procedures.

Place and Duration of Study: Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, between March 2019 and August 2019.

Methodology: Leaves of Leea guineensis were extracted with six solvents categorized into polar (Acetone, Methanol and Aqueous) and non-polar (Ethyl acetate, Hexane and Chloroform) types using cold maceration method, the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical assay was done on the respective extracts using the standard methods.

Results: Phytochemical screening of the non-polar solvent extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins for all the solvents, while tannin was present only in ethyl acetate extract. For the polar solvent extracts, all the secondary metabolites determined were present except terpenoids and phlobatanins. In the quantitative test, alkaloid levels ranged from 1.31-38.25 mg/100 g, saponin: 2.01-14.35 mg/100 g, flavonoids: 1.10-6.25 mg/100 g, Tannin: ND-4.62 mg/100 g, terpenoids: ND-1.02 mg/100 g, cardiac glycosides: ND-0.84 mg/100 g, Anthraquinone: ND-2.58 mg/100 g and phlobatanins: ND-0.95. The results obtained for each of the phytochemicals are significantly different (p<0.05) across all the solvent extracts, while phytochemicals such as terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones and phlobatanins were not detected in the non-polar solvent extract of L. guineensis.

Conclusion: The phytochemical constituents detected in varying quantities depend on the polarity of the substances, L. guineensis could be exploited and extracted very well using a polar solvent like methanol, acetone and aqueous.
Antioxidant and Antimutagenic (Anticlastogenic) Activity of Alcoholic Extract of Bauhinia variegata (Linn.) Root
Authors: Golwala Dharmesh K. , Vaidya Santosh Kumar , Dholwani Kishor K. , Patel Darpini S. , Sahoo Satyajit
Published: March 2020

Aims: Antioxidant and Antimutagenic (Anticlastogenic) activity of alcoholic extract of Bauhinia variegata (Linn.) root.

Place: C. U. Shah College of Pharmacy and Research, Wadhwan, Surendranagar, Gujarat, India.

Methodology: Shade dried Bauhinia variegata (Linn.) root, extraction was carryout by isolation extract were subjected to primary and secondary Phytochemical investigation. Then In-vitro antioxidant properties were estimated by reducing power and nitric oxide free radical scavenging method. Based on Phytochemical constituent and antioxidant properties In-vivo Antimutagenic (Anticlastogenic) activity was performed.

Results: Preliminary phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of carbohydrates, free amino acids, and secondary metabolites like tannins, phenolic compounds and flavonoids, then polyphenol estimation found ALBV contains 86.38% phenolic compounds. In antioxidant properties determination IC50 respectively found 55.27±2.57 µg/ml, 125.52±8.15 µg/ml against of Ascorbic acid and Curcumin. Then In-vivo Antimutagenic (Anticlastogenic) activity ALBV shows significant reeducation in % MNPCE, % MNNCE and P/N ratio at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h against the cyclophosphamide-induced mutagenicity.

Conclusion: Therefore, from the present study, it is concluded that alcoholic extract of Bauhinia variegata root (ALBV) can prove to be a very good antioxidant and effective chemopreventive against cyclophosphamide-induced mutagenesis.
Study of the Effects of Ranking Factors on Strategic Thinking of Top Managers of Small Firms by Applying AHP Method: Case Study, Dairy Industry in Tehran
Authors: Bahmani Akbar , Davoudi Hessam
Published: March 2020

This study aims to rank the factors affecting the strategic thinking of top managers of small firms by applying analytical hierarchical process (AHP) through the accomplishment of a case study in the dairy industry of Iran. It is practical by purpose and in terms of collection, it is descriptive, as an expert measurement option.  Statistic population of this research included all of the top managers of small firms in the dairy industry of Tehran. The sample size of the study is selected, based on the measurement expert method as 15 individuals. Accordingly, a pairwise questionnaire is distributed among participants, in order to define the ranking factors affecting strategic thinking, by using the purposeful method. Meanwhile, the validity of the questionnaire content has been corroborated by expert professors. Accordingly, inferential statistics AHP technic was used for the winnowing of ranking factors affecting strategic thinking. The results of this study showed that among factors affecting strategic thinking, individual factors have the greatest ranks and the most relevant important factor is the driver of strategic thinking. Similarly, among the components of organizational factors, the reward system has the highest rank. Meanwhile, among individual factors components, the criterion of bearing the risk has the greatest rank. Among intuitive factors, creativity has the highest rank and among the systemic view, hypothesizing is regarded as the most important component.
Assessment of Effect of Cement Dust from Cement Factory on Elemental Properties of Some Cultivated Crops, Obajana, Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Olatunbosun N. O. , Sawa B. A. , Jibrin A. , Ilori A. E.
Published: March 2020

This study assessed the effects of cement dust pollution on cultivated crops in Obajana, Kogi State, Nigeria. Plant samples used were obtained directly from cultivated lands in Obajana closed and far away from the cement industry within the community. The 12 plant samples collected were analyzed at Soil Science Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria. Mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variability and T-test were used in analyzing the data. The results revealed that except in the case of potassium concentration (2.21) the maize controls site nitrogen (1.01) and phosphorus (0.23) concentrations are higher than the polluted site (0.21 and 0.15 for nitrogen and phosphorus respectively). Results also showed that the 3 element (nitrogen (0.784), phosphorus (0.38), and potassium (2.42) concentrations studied in the cassava plant of the polluted site were higher than those obtained in the control site with 0.31, 0.36 and 1.83 for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It was concluded that there was significant difference in the elemental properties of maize potassium only but in other elements and in cassava plant there was no significant difference. Dusts emitted from the factory have affected the elemental properties of maize and cassava farm lands that are proximate to the cement factory in the study area. The study recommends that the propone 5th plant by the cement company operating in the study area should be diverted to another settlement in order to boost agricultural produce from Obajana community.
Fire Risk Analysis of Glass Installed in an Opening
Authors: Han Jiwoo , Kim Hyewon , Lee Byeongheun , Jin Seunghyeon , Kwon Youngjin
Published: March 2020

This is an experimental study that analyzes the fire resistance performance of the types of glass installed in an opening to prevent a fire from spreading through the opening. The fire resistance test for glazed elements (KS F 2845) was performed on four materials: laminated glass, general glass, double-layer glass, and toughened glass. To analyze the risk of fire of each glass type, the temperature prediction of the fire room in the building was analyzed. As a result, the laminated glass ruptured at 617 ℃, and it was found to be the most resistant to heat amongst all the glass types. Additionally, the temperature of the fire in the compartment was predicted to reach 617 ℃ in 3 min. A performance review is required for the glass installed in the opening to prevent the fire from spreading.
Technology‐driven research for radiotherapy innovation
Authors: Fiorino Claudio , Guckenberger Matthias , Schwarz Marco , van der Heide Uulke A , Heijmen Ben
Published: March 2020

Technology has a pivotal role in the continuous development of radiotherapy. The long road toward modern ‘high‐tech’ radiation oncology has been studded with discoveries and technological innovations that resulted from the interaction of various disciplines. In the last decades, a dramatic technology‐driven revolution has hugely improved the capability of accurately and safely delivering complex‐shaped dose distributions. This has contributed to many clinical improvements, such as the successful management of lung cancer and oligometastatic disease through stereotactic body radiotherapy. Technology‐driven research is an active and lively field with promising potential in several domains, including image guidance, adaptive radiotherapy, integration of artificial intelligence, heavy‐particle therapy, and ‘flash’ ultra‐high dose‐rate radiotherapy. The evolution toward personalized Oncology will deeply influence technology‐driven research, aiming to integrate predictive models and omics analyses into fast and efficient solutions to deliver the best treatment for each single patient. Personalized radiation oncology will need affordable technological solutions for middle‐/low‐income countries, as these are expected to experience the highest increase of cancer incidence and mortality. Moreover, technology solutions for automation of commissioning, quality assurance, safety tests, image segmentation, and plan optimization will be required. Although a large fraction of cancer patients receive radiotherapy, this is certainly not reflected in the worldwide budget for radiotherapy research. Differently from the pharmaceutical companies‐driven research, resources for research in radiotherapy are highly limited to equipment vendors, who can, in turn, initiate a limited number of collaborations with academic research centers. Thus, enhancement of investments in technology‐driven radiotherapy research via public funds, national governments, and the European Union would have a crucial societal impact. It would allow for radiotherapy to further strengthen its role as a highly effective and cost‐efficient cancer treatment modality, and it could facilitate a rapid and equalitarian large‐scale transfer of technology to clinic, with direct impact on patient care.
Women Gamers
Authors: Van Bauwel Sofie
Published: March 2020

The entry focuses on the concept of women gamers. Starting from the invisibility of the female gamer different perspectives and studies are discussed in relation to gender and gaming with specific attention toward the construction of the women gamer. First studies ignored women gamers, later studies focus on the gender differences of gamers in relation to motivations, gratification, play, and preferences. Studies also exclusively focus on the female gamer with an interest in the identification of women as gamers and the different positions towards this layered identification, which often comes with difficulties such as dislike, sexism, and even violence as illustrated by the #Gamergate controversy.