bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enterprise Risk Management Practices and Firm Performance, the Mediating Role of Competitive Advantage and the Moderating Role of Financial Literacy
Authors: Yang Songling , Ishtiaq Muhammad , Anwar Muhammad
Published: June 2018

In the current turbulent market, firms spend lots of tangible and intangible resources to gain competitive advantage and superior performance. Prior studies have discussed several determinants of competitive advantage and performance, particularly in developed economies, whereas small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies have received minor attention. This study examines the mediating role of competitive advantage between enterprise risk management practices and SME performance and the moderating role of financial literacy between enterprise risk management practices and competitive advantage. A structured questionnaire is used to collect data from 304 SMEs operating in the emerging market of Pakistan. The hypotheses of the proposed study are tested through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in Analysis of a Moment Structures (AMOS). The results indicate that enterprise risk management practices significantly influence competitive advantage and SME performance. Competitive advantage partially mediates the relationship between enterprise risk management practices and SME performance. Additionally, financial literacy significantly moderates the relationship between enterprise risk management practices and competitive advantage. Firms are advised to implement formal enterprise risk management practices to gain competitive advantage and superior performance. Top managers need to have enough financial education that they will be able to perform risk management practices in an efficient way to gain a competitive position in the market. Implications for practices have been discussed in detail.
How Informative Are Earnings Forecasts? †
Authors: De Bruijn Bert , Franses Philip Hans
Published: July 2018

We constructed forecasts of earnings forecasts using data on 406 firms and forecasts made by 5419 individuals with on average 25 forecasts per individual. We verified previously found predictors, which are the average of the most recent available forecast for each forecaster and the difference between the average and the forecast that this forecaster previously made. We extended the knowledge base by analyzing the unpredictable component of the earnings forecast. We found that for some forecasters the unpredictable component can be used to improve upon the predictable forecast, but we also found that this property is not persistent over time. Hence, a user of the forecasts cannot trust that the forecaster will remain to be of forecasting value. We found that, in general, the larger is the unpredictable component, the larger is the forecast error, while small unpredictable components can lead to gains in forecast accuracy. Based on our results, we formulate the following practical guidelines for investors: (i) for earnings analysts themselves, it seems to be the safest to not make large adjustments to the predictable forecast, unless one is very confident about the additional information; and (ii) for users of earnings forecasts, it seems best to only use those forecasts that do not differ much from their predicted values.
The Narrative Abilities of an English-Spanish Bilingual with Prader-Willi Syndrome
Authors: García-Alcaraz Estela
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to analyze the narrative abilities of a 33-year-old English-Spanish bilingual with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The few previous linguistic studies examining monolinguals with PWS have focused primarily on these individuals’ narrative capacity, revealing a performance deficit in this area (Lewis et al. 2002; Garayzábal-Heinze et al. 2012). The present study is novel in that it examines a bilingual speaker and also tests his narrative abilities in both languages. Two wordless picture books from Mayer’s (1967, 1969) Frog story series were used as the elicitation method. The PWS bilingual produced, over two experimental sessions, four narratives (two in each language), which were compared to four analogous narratives produced by a 25-year-old typically developing bilingual with a comparable linguistic background and proficiency level in Spanish and English. Following Gonçalves and collaborators’ (Gonçalves et al. 2001a, 2001b, 2001c) narrative evaluation protocol, the narratives were analyzed according to three dimensions: narrative structure and coherence, narrative process and complexity, and narrative content and multiplicity. Overall, the results revealed that the PWS bilingual (1) presented a poor narration ability in both languages, with narrative content and multiplicity being the least impaired; (2) showed better narrative abilities during the second experimental session (i.e., narrative abilities improved with experience/practice); and (3) did not show typically developing behavior but a comparable performance to that of monolingual speakers with PWS. These findings suggest that bilingualism should not be discouraged in PWS populations and that special attention should be given to the development of their narrative abilities in their school curriculum.
Supervised Learning to Predict Sperm Sorting by Magnetophoresis
Authors: Koh James Boon Yong , Shen Xinhui , Marcos
Published: July 2018

Machine learning is gaining popularity in the commercial world, but its benefits are yet to be well-utilised by many in the microfluidics community. There is immense potential in bridging the gap between applied engineering and artificial intelligence as well as statistics. We illustrate this by a case study investigating the sorting of sperm cells for assisted reproduction. Slender body theory (SBT) is applied to compute the behavior of sperm subjected to magnetophoresis, with due consideration given to statistical variations. By performing computations on a small subset of the generated data, we train an ensemble of four supervised learning algorithms and use it to make predictions on the velocity of each sperm. Our results suggest that magnetophoresis can magnify the difference between normal and abnormal cells, such that a sorted sample has over twice the proportion of desirable cells. In addition, we demonstrated that the predictions from machine learning gave comparable results with significantly lower computational costs.
Prognostication of late left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with acute coronary syndrome during the acute period
Authors: Babarskienė Marija , Venclovienė Jonė , Lukšienė Dalia , Šlapikienė Birutė , Milvidaitė Irena , Šlapikas Rimvydas , Janėnaitė Jūratė
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study was to create the model of the combination of clinical and echocardiographic determinants during the acute period of acute coronary syndromes for the prognostication of the risk for left ventricular dysfunction after one year. We examined 565 patients with first-time acute coronary syndrome with no recurrence during one-year period. The studied group consisted of 496 patients, and the examined group – of 69 patients. All patients with acute coronary syndrome within the first three days underwent the evaluation of demographic, anamnesis, clinical indicators, risk factors for ischemic heart disease, ECG, and echocardiographic findings for the prognostication of the risk of left ventricular dysfunction after one year. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied for the identification of independent determinants for the prognostication of left ventricular dysfunction, and three risk groups were identified. The prognostic informative value of the model was verified by comparing the incidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in risk groups after one year between the studied and the control groups. Results. After one year, left ventricular systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction <40%) in the presence of acute coronary syndrome remained in more than half (65.3%) of patients and returned to normal (left ventricular ejection fraction ³40%) in one-third of patients (34.7%). Left ventricular systolic function that was normal during the acute period of coronary syndrome remained such in the majority (80.9%) of patients after one year, whereas one-fifth (19.1%) of patients developed left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The mathematical model for the prognostication of systolic dysfunction after one year was composed of the determinants of acute coronary syndrome: left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, anterior localization of Q-wave myocardial infarction, Killip class 3–4, left ventricular pseudo-normal or restrictive diastolic function, and frequent ventricular extrasystoles. The application of our model in the prognostication of late left ventricular systolic dysfunction during the acute period of coronary syndrome showed that the model was reliable, since after one year, the prognosticated left ventricular systolic dysfunction was determined in the majority (84.3%) of patients. The designed mathematical model is simple and is based on standard clinical and echocardiographic findings, and the scoring system allows for the prognostication of the risk for late left ventricular systolic dysfunction in any individual patient. The prognostication of the risk for late left ventricular systolic dysfunction during the acute period of coronary syndrome may help in the planning of treatment and outpatient care in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Evaluation of a chronic fatigue in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic heart failure
Authors: Jasiukevičienė Lina , Vasiliauskas Donatas , Kavoliūnienė Aušra , Marcinkevičienė Jolanta , Grybauskienė Regina , Grižas Vytautas , Tumynienė Vida
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study. To evaluate the chronic fatigue and its relation to the function of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III–IV chronic heart failure. Material and methods. A total of 170 patients with NYHA functional class III–IV chronic heart failure completed MFI-20L, DUFS, and DEFS questionnaires assessing chronic fatigue and underwent echocardiography. Blood cortisol concentration was assessed at 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and plasma N-terminal brain natriuretic pro-peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration was measured at 8:00 AM. Neurohumoral investigations were repeated before cardiopulmonary exercise test and after it. Results. The results of all questionnaires showed that 100% of patients with NYHA functional class III–IV heart failure complained of chronic fatigue. The level of overall fatigue was 54.5±31.5 points; physical fatigue – 56.8±24.6 points. Blood cortisol concentration at 8:00 AM was normal (410.1±175.1 mmol/L) in majority of patients. Decreased concentration was only in four patients (122.4±15.5 mmol/L); one of these patients underwent heart transplantation. In the afternoon, blood cortisol concentration was insufficiently decreased (355.6±160.3 mmol/L); reaction to a physical stress was attenuated (∆ 92.9 mmol/L). Plasma NTproBNP concentration was 2188.9±1852.2 pg/L; reaction to a physical stress was diminished (∆ 490.3 pg/L). Conclusion. All patients with NYHA class III–IV heart failure complained of daily chronic fatigue. Insufficiently decreased blood cortisol concentration in the afternoon showed that in the presence of chronic fatigue in long-term cardiovascular organic disease, disorder of a hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis is involved.
Association of metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress with ischemic heart disease in middle-aged persons
Authors: Černiauskienė Liucija , Lukšienė Dalia , Tamošiūnas Abdonas , Rėklaitienė Regina , Margevičienė Lilija
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress with ischemic heart disease in middle-aged persons (men and women aged 45–64 years). Material and methods. In this study, we have used data of 533 persons (247 men and 286 women) aged 45– 64 years from Kaunas population cohort investigated according to WHO MONICA study protocol during 2001–2002 in whom concentrations of malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant vitamin E in blood serum were determined. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the criteria of Adult Treatment Panel III. Oxidative stress was determined in the presence of increased level of malondialdehyde (≥5 mmol/L) and decreased level of lipid-standardized vitamin E (<20 mmol/L). The levels of malondialdehyde and vitamin E were measured by fluorimetric methods. Results. Ischemic heart disease was diagnosed in 19.8% of men and 21.3% of women. The frequency of ischemic heart disease among persons (men and women) with metabolic syndrome was significantly higher than among persons without metabolic syndrome (27.4% vs. 17.8%, respectively; odds ratio, 1.63; P=0.032). The frequency of ischemic heart disease among persons with oxidative stress was significantly higher than among persons without oxidative stress (29.1% vs. 17.6%, respectively; odds ratio, 1.88; P=0.029). The highest prevalence of ischemic heart disease (30.0%) was among persons with metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress, and the lowest prevalence of this disease (13.8%) was among persons without metabolic syndrome and without oxidative stress (odds ratio, 2.54; P=0.017). These data were adjusted by sex and age. Conclusion. Metabolic syndrome and oxidative stress are significantly associated with ischemic heart disease among 45–64-year-old persons.
Changes in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and smoking habits during a 10-year period and relation between these risk factors and ischemic heart disease among men aged 45–64 years
Authors: Lukšienė Dalia , Černiauskienė Liucija , Margevičienė Lilija , Tamošiūnas Abdonas
Published: July 2018

The aim of this work was to compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and smoking habits smokingduring a 10-year period and to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome and smoking habits, and ischemic heart disease among Kaunas men aged 45–64 years. Material and methods. In this study, we have used data from two epidemiological studies, which had been carried out according to the MONICA study protocol (359 men aged 45–64 years were enrolled in 1992–1993 and 408 men aged 45–64 years – in 2001–2002). The association between metabolic syndrome and smoking habits, and ischemic heart disease was established according to the data of 2001–2002 years. Ischemic heart disease was diagnosed based on the following criteria: previous myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, or ischemic changes in electrocardiogram. Metabolic syndrome was defined by Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. Results. The prevalence of ischemic heart disease did not change among men aged 45–64 years during a 10-year period. During this period, the decreased prevalence of metabolic syndrome was observed; decreased rate of hyperglycemia, decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, increased rate of hypertriglyceridemia, and increased waist circumference were noted. During this period, the proportion of regular male smokers increased significantly. After the evaluation of association between and metabolic syndrome and smoking habits, and ischemic heart disease (according to the data of 2001–2002 years), it was determined that the highest rate of ischemic heart disease was among regular smokers with metabolic syndrome (32.3%), and the lowest rate of ischemic heart disease was noted among men who had never smoked and were without metabolic syndrome (11.6%) (OR=3.63; P=0.013). The highest rate of previous myocardial infarction and/or angina pectoris was determined among regular smokers with metabolic syndrome (19.4%), and the lowest rate of ischemic heart disease was determined among men who had never smoked and were without metabolic syndrome (3.6%) (OR=6.43; P=0.008). Conclusion. Combination of metabolic syndrome and smoking is significantly associated with ischemic heart disease among men aged 45–64 years.
Association between cadmium and breast cancer
Authors: Strumylaitė Loreta , Boguševičius Algirdas , Ryselis Stanislovas , Pranys Darius , Poškienė Lina , Kregždytė Rima , Abdrachmanovas Olegas , Asadauskaitė Rūta
Published: July 2018

Cadmium is a known human lung carcinogen, although some studies indicate a link between cadmium exposure and human breast cancer. The objective of this study was to assess cadmium concentration in breast tissue samples of patients with breast cancer and benign breast tumor. Material and methods. The concentration of cadmium was determined in breast tissue samples of 21 breast cancer and 19 benign tumor patients. Two samples of breast tissue from each patient, i.e. tumor and normal tissue close to tumor, were taken for the analysis. Cadmium was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (Perkin-Elmer, Zeeman 3030). Results. In patients with breast cancer, the mean cadmium concentration was 33.1 ng/g (95% CI, 21.9– 44.4) in malignant breast tissue and 10.4 ng/g (95% CI, 5.6–15.2) in normal breast tissue (P=0.002). In patients with benign tumor, the corresponding values were 17.5 ng/g (95% CI, 8.4–26.5) and 11.8 ng/g (95% CI, 5.1– 18.5) (P=0.3144). There was a statistically significant difference in cadmium concentration between malignant and benign breast tissues (P=0.009). Conclusion. The data obtained show that cadmium concentration is significantly higher in malignant breast tissue as compared with normal breast tissue of the same women or benign breast tissue. Further studies are necessary to determine the association between cadmium concentration in malignant breast tissue and estrogen receptor level, and smoking.
The influence of fluid balance on intra-abdominal pressure after major abdominal surgery
Authors: Šerpytis Mindaugas , Ivaškevičius Juozas
Published: July 2018

Objective. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of intraabdominal hypertension in patients after major abdominal surgery and to evaluate the correlation of intra-abdominal pressure with fluid balance and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Material and methods. This is a prospective observational study. Patients, admitted to intensive care unit after major abdominal surgery, were included into the study. Intra-abdominal pressure was measured via a urinary bladder catheter twice daily. Twenty-four-hour fluid balance and systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria met by the patients were collected daily. Results. Seventy-seven patients were included into the study. Intra-abdominal hypertension was diagnosed in about 40% of the patients in the early postoperative period. The study showed a significant positive correlation between 24-hour fluid balance and daily changes in intraabdominal pressure. A significant association was also seen between the number of positive systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria and intra-abdominal pressure, and intraabdominal pressure was significantly higher in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Besides, patients with intra-abdominal hypertension on the first postoperative day had longer length of stay in the intensive care unit. Conclusions. Intra-abdominal hypertension occurs commonly in patients after major abdominal surgery, and patients with positive 24-hour fluid balance and/or systemic inflammatory response syndrome are at risk of having higher intra-abdominal hypertensio
The comparison of 2-dimensional with 3-dimensional hepatic visualization in the clinical hepatic anatomy education
Authors: Jurgaitis Jonas , Paškonis Marius , Pivoriūnas Jonas , Martinaitytė Ieva , Juška Agnius , Jurgaitienė Rūta , Samuilis Artūras , Volf Ivo , Schöbinger Maks , Schemmer Peter , Kraus Thomas , Strupas Kęstutis
Published: July 2018

Objective. To determine whether 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional hepatic visualization is better for the medical students to be used while studying the clinical hepatic anatomy. Material and methods. Twenty-nine patients who underwent surgical intervention due to focal hepatic pathology at the Department of General Surgery, University of Heidelberg, and at Clinics of Santariškės, Vilnius University Hospital were included in the retrospective cohort study. Before the surgical intervention, the computed tomography (CT) liver scan and 3- dimensional (3D) hepatic visualization were performed. A total of 58 2-dimensional and 3- dimensional digital liver images, mixed up in random sequence not to follow each other with a specially designed questionnaire, were presented to the students of Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University. Their aim was to determine tumor-affected liver segments, to plan which liver segments should be resected, and to predict anatomical difficulties for liver resection. Results were compared with the data of real operation. Results. The students achieved better results for tumor localization analyzing 3D liver images vs. CT scans. This was especially evident determining the localization of tumor in segments 5, 6, 7, and 8 (P<0.05). Furthermore, the results of proposed extent of liver resection have been found to be better with 3D visualization (mean±SD – 0.794±0.175) in comparison with CT scans (mean±SD – 0.670±0.200), (P<0.001). Conclusions. Computer-generated 3D visualizations of the liver images helped the medical students to determine the tumor localization and to plan the prospective liver resection operations more precisely comparing with 2D visualizations. Computer-generated 3D visualization should be used as a means of studying liver anatomy.
Metastatic amelanotic nodular melanoma during pregnancy
Authors: Jasaitienė Daiva , Valiukevičienė Skaidra , Makštienė Jurgita , Juodžbalienė Edita
Published: July 2018

This case report presents a very aggressive course of amelanotic nodular melanoma during pregnancy resulting in death five months after delivery. A 34 year-old Caucasian woman at 19th week of the second pregnancy was diagnosed having amelanotic nodular melanoma (tumor thickness – 2.5 mm) with metastases to the regional right inguinal lymph node. Amelanotic nodular melanoma represents malignant melanocytic tumor of the skin, which clinically mimics a variety of benign and malignant skin conditions and therefore commonly leads to delayed diagnosis. Though primary tumor was excised immediately, other treatment procedures as radical lymphadenectomy and chemotherapy were delayed, and immunotherapy was not given totally. At the 29th week of pregnancy, the woman via naturalem delivered a healthy female child, and the chemotherapy was started. Since pregnancy limits the prescription of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, the prognosis for melanoma during pregnancy detected later than in the second stage is poor and can be illustrated by our reported case. Such patients seems to be at higher risk to develop metastasis of melanoma in the internal organs and occasionally even in the fetus; therefore, they should be timely informed about that.
Viral clearance or persistence after acute hepatitis C infection: Interim results from a prospective study
Authors: Guobužaitė Aušra , Chokshi Shilpa , Balčiūnienė Ligita , Voinič Alina , Stiklerytė Aušra , Žagminas Kęstutis , Ambrozaitis Arvydas , Naoumov Nikolai
Published: July 2018

Objective. Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) has a high rate of chronic evolution; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We investigated natural clinical, virological, and immunological course of acute HCV infection in order to identify possible prognostic factors of spontaneous resolution and to gain more understanding of early characteristics responsible for viral clearance or persistence. Materials and methods. Eight patients with acute symptomatic hepatitis C were prospectively followed up for more than 6 months (range, 8–14 months). None of the individuals received antiviral therapy during the study period. We analyzed biochemical, virological, and immunological parameters of these patients detected at different time-points of the follow-up. Plasma HCV RNA was quantitated using TaqManâ real-time polymerase chain reaction. Virusspecific CD4+ T cells were enumerated by interferon-gamma (IFN-g) ELISpot assay. Results. Two of eight individuals resolved HCV spontaneously, while the remaining patients developed chronic HCV infection. HCV RNA became undetectable within 14 days of the study, followed by a rapid alanine aminotransferase normalization in patients with resolved infection. On the contrary, chronically infected subjects demonstrated persistent viremia or intermittently undetectable HCV-RNA, accompanied by polyphasic alanine aminotransferase profile throughout the study. Patients with self-limited hepatitis C displayed the strongest virus-specific CD4+ T (IFN-g) cell reactivity within the first weeks of the follow-up, while persistently infected subjects initially showed a weak antiviral CD4+ T (IFN-g) cell response. Conclusions. In most cases, acute hepatitis C progresses to chronic disease. Viral clearance within the first month after clinical presentation accompanied by monophasic alanine aminotransferase profile could predict recovery. Early and strong CD4+/Th1 immune response against HCV might play an important role in the disease resolution.
Mothers’ experience with their developmentally disordered children: Specificity of internal representations
Authors: Pukinskaitė Rūta , Praninskienė Rūta
Published: July 2018

The purpose of the present study was to examine mothers’ internal representations of experience with their developmentally disordered children. Maternal perceptions of children have been considered important in clinical work with developmentally disordered children and their families. Using developmental disability sample of 17–34-month-old children, we compared mothers’ representations of their children in clinically referred and not referred groups, using the Working Model of the Child Interview. Twenty mothers of children with developmental disorders and twenty matched controls participated. Six (30%) children of experiment group had a diagnosis of cerebral palsy; 5 (25%) were diagnosed with Down’s syndrome, while the remaining 9 (45%) had a diagnosis of mixed specific developmental disorder. Many children with disability also were diagnosed with heart disease, epilepsy, and hydrocephalus. Maternal representations’ measures were compared to their self-perceived impact of child disability on family, their sensitivity to child, and some demographic and family characteristics. Compared to controls, mothers of children with developmental disability had representations of their children that were significantly more likely to be classified distorted or disengaged (χ2=7.24; df=2; P<0.05). More severe disability status was significantly associated with mothers’ disengaged representations, fear for safety of children, and intensity of involvement in care giving (P<0.05). The study did not confirm relationships between maternal representation classifications and their self-perceived impact of child disability on family. No differences were found concerning mothers’ emotional empathy index in clinical and control groups. The differences in mean emotional empathy scores were related to many aspects of maternal internal representations and to some areas of self-perceived stress. The results of Working Model of the Child Interview did not correlate with child age and gender, birth order, and parents’ level of education.
Use of References in Responses from Scandinavian Drug Information Centres
Authors: Schjøtt Jan , Böttiger Ylva , Damkier Per , Reppe Linda Amundstuen , Kampmann Jens Peter , Christensen Hanne Rolighed , Spigset Olav
Published: July 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to compare use of references in responses from Scandinavian drug information centres (DICs). Methods: Six different fictitious drug-related queries were sent to each of seven Scandinavian DICs. The six queries concerned adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, pregnancy, complementary medicine, polypharmacy, and breast feeding. References in the responses were categorised into five types of drug information sources: primary (original studies), secondary (reviews), tertiary (drug monographs, handbooks, etc.), DIC database, or personal communication. Results: Two hundred and forty-four references were used in the 42 responses. The mean number of references varied from 3.0 to 10.6 for the six queries. The largest difference between centres with regard to number of references used (range 1–17) was found for the query on complementary medicine. In total, 124 references (50.8%) were tertiary, and only 10 of the 42 responses (23.8%) did not have any tertiary references included. Complementary medicine, breast feeding, and pregnancy were query types associated with relatively frequent use of primary references. Use of DIC database was not uncommon, but personal communications were seldom used. Conclusions: Scandinavian DICs differ substantially in number and type of references to identical drug-related queries. Tertiary sources are mainly preferred irrespective of type of query.
The Microbial Community of a Terrestrial Anoxic Inter-Tidal Zone: A Model for Laboratory-Based Studies of Potentially Habitable Ancient Lacustrine Systems on Mars
Authors: Curtis-Harper Elliot , Pearson Victoria K. , Summers Stephen , Bridges John C. , Schwenzer Susanne P. , Olsson-Francis Karen
Published: July 2018

Evidence indicates that Gale crater on Mars harboured a fluvio-lacustrine environment that was subjected to physio-chemical variations such as changes in redox conditions and evaporation with salinity changes, over time. Microbial communities from terrestrial environmental analogues sites are important for studying such potential habitability environments on early Mars, especially in laboratory-based simulation experiments. Traditionally, such studies have predominantly focused on microorganisms from extreme terrestrial environments. These are applicable to a range of Martian environments; however, they lack relevance to the lacustrine systems. In this study, we characterise an anoxic inter-tidal zone as a terrestrial analogue for the Gale crater lake system according to its chemical and physical properties, and its microbiological community. The sub-surface inter-tidal environment of the River Dee estuary, United Kingdom (53°21′15.40″ N, 3°10′24.95″ W) was selected and compared with available data from Early Hesperian-time Gale crater, and temperature, redox, and pH were similar. Compared to subsurface ‘groundwater’-type fluids invoked for the Gale subsurface, salinity was higher at the River Dee site, which are more comparable to increases in salinity that likely occurred as the Gale crater lake evolved. Similarities in clay abundance indicated similar access to, specifically, the bio-essential elements Mg, Fe and K. The River Dee microbial community consisted of taxa that were known to have members that could utilise chemolithoautotrophic and chemoorganoheterotrophic metabolism and such a mixed metabolic capability would potentially have been feasible on Mars. Microorganisms isolated from the site were able to grow under environment conditions that, based on mineralogical data, were similar to that of the Gale crater’s aqueous environment at Yellowknife Bay. Thus, the results from this study suggest that the microbial community from an anoxic inter-tidal zone is a plausible terrestrial analogue for studying habitability of fluvio-lacustrine systems on early Mars, using laboratory-based simulation experiments.
Double-Dosing and Other Dangers with Non-Prescription Medicines: Pharmacists’ Views and Experiences
Authors: Gauld Natalie , Sullivan Tracey
Published: July 2018

The aim of this paper was to explore pharmacists’ views on reclassifications from pharmacy-only to general sales and their experiences with the supply of these medicines, in addition to pharmacists’ views on the reclassification of the shingles vaccine and sildenafil to be available through ‘accredited’ pharmacists. New Zealand community pharmacists were surveyed in 2013 with a written questionnaire of six Likert-style or open-ended questions sent to Pharmacy Guild member pharmacies. The analysis involved descriptive statistics. Responses were received from 246 pharmacies. Two thirds of pharmacists supported the reclassification of the shingles vaccine and sildenafil, although 14% disagreed with the sildenafil reclassification. Over 90% of pharmacists disagreed with the reclassification of paracetamol and ibuprofen liquids, omeprazole, naproxen, and oxymetazoline from pharmacy-only medicine to general sales. This opinion was strongest for omeprazole. With liquid paracetamol and ibuprofen, pharmacists described consumer confusion with dosing, and particularly potentially doubling-up on liquid analgesics/antipyretics including using both prescription and non-prescription variants. Many reported giving safety advice frequently. Anti-inflammatories and omeprazole were also subject to potential double-dosing, as well as requests by consumers with contraindications, precautions, and drug interactions, and for inappropriate indications. Pharmacists described various interventions, including some that were potentially life-saving. Pharmacy availability of medicines provides the potential for intervention that would not happen in a general sales environment.
RETRACTED: Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of the Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Methane in Microchannel Reactors for Synthesis Gas Production
Authors: Chen Junjie , Song Wenya , Xu Deguang
Published: July 2018

This paper addresses the issues related to the favorable operating conditions for the small-scale production of synthesis gas from the catalytic partial oxidation of methane over rhodium. Numerical simulations were performed by means of computational fluid dynamics to explore the key factors influencing the yield of synthesis gas. The effect of mixture composition, pressure, preheating temperature, and reactor dimension was evaluated to identify conditions that favor a high yield of synthesis gas. The relative importance of heterogeneous and homogenous reaction pathways in determining the distribution of reaction products was investigated. The results indicated that there is competition between the partial and total oxidation reactions occurring in the system, which is responsible for the distribution of reaction products. The contribution of heterogeneous and homogeneous reaction pathways depends upon process conditions. The temperature and pressure play an important role in determining the fuel conversion and the synthesis gas yield. Undesired homogeneous reactions are favored in large reactors, and at high temperatures and pressures, whereas desired heterogeneous reactions are favored in small reactors, and at low temperatures and pressures. At atmospheric pressure, the selectivity to synthesis gas is higher than 98% at preheating temperatures above 900 K when oxygen is used as the oxidant. At pressures below 1.0 MPa, alteration of the dimension in the range of 0.3 and 1.5 mm does not result in significant difference in reactor performance, if made at constant inlet flow velocities. Air shows great promise as the oxidant, especially at industrially relevant pressure 3.0 MPa, thereby effectively inhibiting the initiation of undesired homogeneous reactions.
Self-Controllable Secure Location Sharing for Trajectory-Based Message Delivery on Cloud-Assisted VANETs
Authors: Park Youngho , Sur Chul , Noh Si-Wan , Rhee Kyung-Hyune
Published: July 2018

In vehicular ad hoc networks, trajectory-based message delivery is a message forwarding strategy that utilizes the vehicle’s preferred driving routes information to deliver messages to the moving vehicles with the help of roadside units. For the purpose of supporting trajectory-based message delivery to a moving vehicle, the driving locations of the vehicle need to be shared with message senders. However, from a security perspective, vehicle users do not want their driving locations to be exposed to others except their desired senders for location privacy preservation. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a secure location-sharing system to allow a vehicle user (or driver) to share his/her driving trajectory information with roadside units authorized by the user. To design the proposed system, we put a central service manager which maintains vehicle trajectory data and acts as a broker between vehicles and roadside units to share the trajectory data on the cloud. Nevertheless, we make the trajectory data be hidden from not only unauthorized entities but also the service manager by taking advantage of a proxy re-encryption scheme. Hence, a vehicle can control that only the roadside units designated by the vehicle can access the trajectory data of the vehicle.
Chipless Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Sensor for Angular Rotation Monitoring
Authors: Genovesi Simone , Costa Filippo , Borgese Michele , Dicandia Francesco , Manara Giuliano
Published: June 2018

A novel, chipless, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor is proposed for monitoring angular rotation. The rotation state is recovered by collecting the cross polar response of a tag, based on a periodic surface composed of a set of dipoles. The encoding mechanism allows the sensor to be very robust, even if it is applied on metallic objects, or in an environment with strong multipath. The proposed sensor does not require a large operational bandwidth. Instead, only a small set of reading frequencies are required. The number of reading frequencies required is dependent on the number of the employed dipoles. It is demonstrated that the rotation state of an object can be monitored within a span of 180 degrees, with up to a three-degree resolution, by employing a chipless RFID sensor comprising of four dipoles. The far field reading scheme and the absence of any electronics device allow the sensor to be employed in harsh environments.
ANALYSIS OF ACTIVE HARMONIC COMPENSATION ALGORITHMS FOR GRID-CONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC INVERTERS / AKTYVUSIS HARMONIKŲ KOMPENSAVIMAS SAULĖS ELEKTRINIŲ TINKLO INVERTERIAIS – ALGORITMŲ ANALIZĖ
Authors: Platakis Andrius
Published: July 2018

A review of various standards, concerning distributed generation, and different Active Harmonic Compensation (AHC) or Active Power Filtering (APF) methods are presented in this paper. Short overview of each control method is given. The experimentation results from various publications are taken into account evaluating the feasibility of an AHC algorithm to be integrated in a typical commercially available grid-connected Photovoltaic inverter. The comparison results are presented in a table. The results of this paper can be used for further investigation in deciding which particular algorithm to try to implement and experiment with.
Pateikta standartų, taikomų paskirstytosioms elektrinėms jungti į žemos įtampos elektros skirstomuosius tinklus, apžvalga. Išnagrinėtas aktyvusis harmonikų kompensavimo (AHK) aspektas, esantis šiuose standartuose. Pateikti harmonikų limitai, kuriuos turi atitikti jungiamos į žemos įtampos elektros tinklą paskirstytosios elektrinės. Apžvelgti skirtingi AHK metodai, pateikta kiekvieno algoritmo analizė. Atsižvelgiant į galimybę AHK įgyvendinti šiuo metu komerciškai gaminamuose saulės elektrinių tinklo inverteriuose (SETI), tarpusavyje palyginti skirtingi AHK pagal algoritmų skaičiavimo intensyvumą, daviklių skaičių, topologiją, maksimaliai kompensuojamų harmonikų skaičių ir priklausomybę nuo apkrovos tipo.
DESIGN AND INVESTIGATION OF 65 NM RF CMOS TECHNOLOGY LC-VCO’S / AUKŠTADAŽNIŲ, 65 NM KMOP TECHNOLOGIJOS, LC ĮTAMPA VALDOMŲ GENERATORIŲ PROJEKTAVIMAS IR TYRIMAS
Authors: Mačaitis Vytautas , Barzdėnas Vaidotas
Published: July 2018

In this paper, two LC Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (LC-LC-VCO1 and LC-VCO2) are designed using TSMC 65 nm LP/MS/RF CMOS technology. Two arrays, one of which is a 6-bit capacitor array and the other – an array of MOS varactors, provide a wide LC-VCO frequency tuning range. Post-layout simulation results unveiled that at 1.8 V supply voltage the tuning range of LC-VCO1 spans from 5.17 GHz to 6.76 GHz and for LC-VCO2 the range spans from 6.33 GHz to 8.08 GHz. The phase noise at 1 MHz offset frequency is about −123.1 dBc/Hz for LC-VCO1 and −121.6 dBc/Hz for LC-VCO2. The power dissipation at maximum carrier is 30.47 mW for LC-VCO1 and 30.5 mW for LC-VCO2. The layout area is 285×335 μm and 255×305 μm, respectively for LC-VCO1 and LC-VCO2.
Straipsnyje nagrinėjami ir projektuojami LC įtampa valdomi generatoriai (LC-ĮVG), plačiai taikomi šiuolaikiniuose daugiastandarčiuose ir daugiajuosčiuose siųstuvuose-imtuvuose. Naudojant TSMC kompanijos 65 nm LP/MS/RF KMOP inte­grinių grandynų gamybos technologiją suprojektuoti ir išanalizuoti du skirtingų dažnio diapazonų LC-ĮVG. Generuojamas dažnis yra valdomas dviem būdais, t. y. galimas apytikslis bei tikslus dažnio nustatymas. Norint apytiksliai nustatyti dažnį naudojamas 6 bitais skaitmeniškai valdomas perjungiamų kondensatorių blokas, o norint tiksliai parinkti valdymą – NMOP varaktorių blokas. Kompiuterinio modeliavimo metu gauti tokie pagrindiniai LC-ĮVG parametrai: valdomo dažnio diapazonas – nuo 5,17 GHz iki 6,76 GHz (LC-ĮVG1) ir nuo 6,33 GHz iki 8,08 GHz (LC-ĮVG2); fazinis triukšmas, esant 1 MHz poslinkio dažniui ir maksimaliam nešlio dažniui: –123,1 dBc/Hz (LC-ĮVG1) ir –121,6 dBc/Hz (LC-ĮVG2); vartojamoji galia, esant maksimaliam nešlio dažniui: –30,47 mW (LC-ĮVG1) ir 30,5 mW (LC-ĮVG2). Suprojektuotų LC-ĮVG1 ir LC-ĮVG2 topologijų plotas yra atitinkamai lygus 0,078 mm2 ir 0,096 mm2.
EFFECT OF NON-UNIFORMITY OF THE MULTICONDUCTOR LINE CONSTRUCTIONAL PARAMETERS ON THE FREQUENCY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MEANDER MICROSTRIP DELAY LINE / DAUGIALAIDĖS LINIJOS PARAMETRŲ NETOLYGUMŲ ĮTAKA MEANDRINIŲ VĖLINIMO LINIJŲ DAŽNINĖMS CHARAKTERISTIKOMS
Authors: Krukonis Audrius , Mikučionis Šarūnas
Published: July 2018

Inhomogeneities of the electromagnetic field are observed at the edges of the electrodynamic delay systems which are designed based on the concept of infinite periodic multiconductor line. The influence of non-uniformity of characteristic impedance and effective permittivity of the multiconductor microstrip line on the frequency responses and characteristics of meander microstrip delay lines is studied in this paper. It is shown that aligning characteristic impedance and effective permittivity of the multiconductor line the bandwidth of the delay line can be significantly extended.
Elektrodinaminių įtaisų, grįstų periodinių daugialaidžių linijų struktūra, kraštuose ir galuose pastebimi elektromagnetinių laukų netolygumai. Straipsnyje nagrinėjama charakteringojo impedanso ir efektyviosios dielektrinės skvarbos netolygumo įtaka meandrinių mikrojuostelinių vėlinimo linijų dažninėms charakteristikoms. Parodyta, kad suvienodinus daugialaidės linijos laidininkų charakteringuosius impedansus arba efektyviąsias dielektrines skvarbas galima praplėsti vėlinimo linijos pralaidumo juostą.
The Effect of AGNs on the Global H i Content of Isolated Low-mass Galaxies
Authors: Bradford Jeremy D. , Geha Marla C. , Greene Jenny E. , Reines Amy E. , Dickey Claire M.
Published: July 2018

We investigate the global neutral hydrogen (H i) content of isolated galaxies selected from the SDSS spectroscopic survey with optical evidence of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs). Our sample includes galaxies with unresolved H i observations from the ALFALFA 70% data release combined with deeper H i observations of low-mass galaxies with

. We examine the H i masses of this sample using the distance from the star-forming sequence on the [O iii]/Hβ and [N ii]/Hα Baldwin Phillips Terlevich (BPT) diagram as a measurement of AGN activity. In agreement with previous studies, we find that, for galaxies with

, AGN activity does not correlate with the global H i content. However, for galaxies with

, we identify a set of objects at large distances from the BPT star-forming sequence and lower than expected H i masses. This gas-depleted sample is red in both g − r and NUV − r colors and compact without distinguishable signs of star formation. This is surprising because the vast majority of isolated galaxies in this stellar mass regime are both star-forming and gas-rich. These galaxies are greater than 1.5 Mpc from any massive galaxy, ruling out environmental processes as a source of the gas depletion. We suggest that either black hole feedback or shocks from extremely bursty star formation cause the emission lines and have destroyed or otherwise consumed the cold gas.
dart_board: Binary Population Synthesis with Markov Chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Andrews Jeff J. , Zezas Andreas , Fragos Tassos
Published: July 2018

By employing Monte Carlo random sampling, traditional binary population synthesis (BPS) offers a substantial improvement in efficiency over brute force, grid-based studies. Even so, BPS models typically require a large number of simulation realizations, a computationally expensive endeavor, to generate statistically robust results. Recent advances in statistical methods have led us to revisit the traditional approach to BPS. In this work we describe our publicly available code dart_board, which combines rapid binary evolution codes, typically used in traditional BPS, with modern Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. dart_board takes a novel approach that treats the initial binary parameters and the supernova kick vector as model parameters. This formulation has several advantages, including the ability to model either populations of systems or individual binaries, the natural inclusion of observational uncertainties, and the flexible addition of new constraints, which are problematic to include using traditional BPS. After testing our code with mock systems, we demonstrate the flexibility of dart_board by applying it to three examples: (i) a generic population of high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs); (ii) the population of HMXBs in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), in which the spatially resolved star formation history is used as a prior; and (iii) one particular HMXB in the LMC, Swift J0513.4−6547, in which we include observations of the system’s component masses and orbital period. Although this work focuses on HMXBs, dart_board can be applied to a variety of stellar binaries, including the recent detections by gravitational wave observatories of merging compact object binaries.
Comparative cytogenetics and derived phylogenic relationship among Sitophilus grain weevils (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Dryophthorinae)
Authors: Silva Alexandra Avelar , Braga Lucas Soares , Corrêa Alberto Soares , Holmes Valerie Renee , Johnston John Spencer , Oppert Brenda , Guedes Raul Narciso Carvalho , Tavares Mara Garcia
Published: July 2018

Cytogenetic characteristics and genome size are powerful tools for species characterization and identification of cryptic species, providing critical insights into phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships.SitophilusLinnaeus, 1758 grain weevils can benefit from such tools as key pest species of stored products and also as sources of archeological information on human history and past urban environments. Moreover, the phylogenetic relationship among these weevil species remains controversial and is largely based on single DNA fragment analyses. Therefore, cytogenetic analyses and genome size determinations were performed for fourSitophilusgrain weevil species, namely the granary weevilSitophilusgranarius(Linnaeus, 1758), the tamarind weevilS.linearis(Herbst, 1797), the rice weevilS.oryzae(Linnaeus, 1763), and the maize weevilS.zeamaisMotschulsky, 1855. Both maize and rice weevils exhibited the same chromosome number (2n=22; 10 A + Xyp). In contrast, the granary and tamarind weevils exhibited higher chromosome number (2n=24; 11 A + Xyp and 11 A + neo-XY, respectively). The nuclear DNA content of these species was not proportionally related to either chromosome number or heterochromatin amount. Maize and rice weevils exhibited similar and larger genome sizes (0.730±0.003 pg and 0.786±0.003 pg, respectively), followed by the granary weevil (0.553±0.003 pg), and the tamarind weevil (0.440±0.001 pg). Parsimony phylogenetic analysis of the insect karyotypes indicate thatS.zeamaisandS.oryzaewere phylogenetically closer thanS.granariusandS.linearis, which were more closely related and share a more recent ancestral relationship.