bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying whether different demographic models produce incongruent results on population dynamics of two long-term studied rodent species
Authors: Amori Giovanni , De Silvestro Valentina , Ciucci Paolo , Luiselli Luca
Published: April 2017

1. Population density (ind/ha) of long-term (>15 years) series of CMR populations, using distinct demographic models designed for both open and closed populations, were analysed for two sympatric species of rodents (Myodes glareolus and Apodemus flavicollis) from a mountain area in central Italy, in order to test the relative performance of various employed demographic models. In particular, the hypothesis that enumeration models systematically underestimate the population size of a given population was tested.

2. Overall, we compared the performance of 7 distinct demographic models, including both closed and open models, for each study species. Although the two species revealed remarkable intrinsic differences in demography traits (for instance, a lower propensity for being recaptured in Apodemus flavicollis), the Robust Design appeared to be the best fitting model, showing that it is the most suitable model for long-term studies.

3. Among the various analysed demographic models, Jolly-Seber returned the lower estimates of population density for both species. Thus, this demographic model could not be suggested for being applied for long-term studies of small mammal populations because it tends to remarkably underestimate the effective population size. Nonetheless, yearly estimates of population density by Jolly-Seber correlated positively with yearly estimates of population density by closed population models, thus showing that interannual trends in population dynamics were uncovered by both types of demographic models, although with different values in terms of true population size.
Long term changes in water areas and wetlands in an intensively farmed landscape: A case study from the Czech Republic
Authors: Šantrůčková Markéta , Demková Katarína , Weber Martin , Lipský Zdeněk , Dostálek Jiří
Published: April 2017

The landscape of the Czech Republic currently faces droughts that are caused by several factors. One of the reasons for drought is landscape development and land cover changes. Changes in water and wetland areas and streams were studied by comparing old military maps and the present state. Water and wetland areas in fertile lowlands significantly decreased over time; the landscape was continuously dried out with the aim of increasing agricultural and woody production. While water and wetland areas occupied nearly one-third of the study area (Nové Dvory and Žehušice micro-regions in Central Bohemia) at the end of the 18th century, the present share of these areas is only 3.5%. There was a decrease of approximately 10% in each period, and nearly all of these areas disappeared by the end of the 19th century. Water and wetland areas were changed primarily to arable land. The length of streams decreased by the end of the 19th century. Drainage and irrigation channels were built during the 20th century, and although they are only periodic or episodic streams, these channels increased the total length of streams.
Self‐Assessment Quiz Taking Behaviour Analysis in an Online Course
Authors: Ozarslan Yasin , Ozan Ozlem
Published: April 2017

Self-assessment is vital for online learning since it is one of the most essential skills of distance learners. In this respect, the purpose of this study was to understand learners’ self-assessment quiz taking behaviours in an undergraduate level online course. We tried to figure out whether there is a relation between self-assessment quiz taking behaviours and final exam scores or not. In addition, we investigated how self-assessment quiz taking behaviour differs with respect to learner profile. In line with this purpose, 677 students’ 6092 test events across Project Culture course on Sakai CLE LMS were analyzed. For the analysis of the quantitative data, one-way ANOVA, Chi-Square test of independence, independent-samples t-test and descriptive statistics were utilized. The results revealed that learners who attended self-assessment quizzes regularly had higher final exam scores than others who did not attend those quizzes. Also, they were more satisfied with the course than others study field. In addition, learners who attended selfassessment quizzes regularly had a higher degree of perceived learning. However, number of attempts to those quizzes does not have an effect on final exam scores. On the other hand, a statistically significant relationship was found between attempt number and gender in favour of female learners.
Open and Distance Learning: Cultural Practices in Nepal
Authors: Pangeni Shesha Kanta
Published: April 2017

Nepali education culture is dominated by face-to-face tutoring. It has a long history starting from the Gurukul culture to the present formal schooling. Emerging practices of using technology in education have been promoting online learning as a form of distance education and gaining popularity. This paper focuses on digging out the contextual reality of open and distance learning (ODL) practices in Nepal beginning with an analysis and the author’s personal impression of the context. Core focus is placed to explore and discuss different thematic issues such as modes of learning associated education culture/tradition, flexible learning for Nepali students, ODL as a pedagogical tool for teacher education and implementation of ODL in Nepal. The author’s personal reflection, literature review, and insights from learning theories are meaningful to enrich the discourse. The paper concludes showing the promising future of ODL in Nepal as an option to traditional mode of education. In addition, attention is drawn on the need of Open University and role of existing universities for the successful implementation of ODL in Nepal to adapt acculturation of online learning by respecting the need of the new generation of learners at the age of Internet culture.
Effectiveness of National Airlines in Europe – the DEA Approach
Authors: Żółtaszek Agata , Pisarek Renata
Published: April 2017

National airlines operate in a highly competitive environment. EU airlines face a challenge to compete with low cost carriers, as a result of the liberalization process in the sector. European flag airlines of non-EU member states, not benefiting from liberalization, are forced to compete internationally. This research is focused on national carriers, as they provide the majority of service to and from central and regional airports. Therefore, to establish the most efficient entities on the passenger air transport market, DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) methodology, has been utilized. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of 29 chosen national airlines in Europe in the year 2013, using the DEA approach, to pinpoint the subset of fully-efficient market leaders, as well as potential sources of inefficiency, among less effective carriers. The analysis incorporates information on inputs (e.g. fleet, number of employees, number of countries and airports served) and outputs (revenue, annual passengers carried, load factor). The results show that more than 40% (12 of 29) researched airlines are effective and the other 34% are near-efficient. Moreover, outcomes suggest that “going big” may not increase effectiveness. It is harder to achieve full efficiency for big carriers than small ones.
Income Absolute Beta-Convergence of NUTS 3 Level Regions in New EU Member States before and During a Crisis
Authors: Folfas Paweł
Published: April 2017

This paper is aimed at answering the question of whether absolute income (GDP per capita) beta-convergence exists in the case of regions in new EU Member States before the period of 2000–2008 and during the 2008–2011 crisis. The sample consists of 211 regions (NUTS 3-level) of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia.

The research is based on econometric models, namely on the spatial lagged model (SLM), the spatial error model (SEM) and the Durbin spatial model which contrary to the ordinary least squares the (OLS) model include possible spatial dependencies. The SLM and SEM models as well as the Durbin spatial model detect the absolute income beta-convergence on the level of about 1% during the years 2000–2008. Additionally, models do not confirm the existence of absolute income beta-convergence during the crisis of 2008–2011. SLM models (which offer the most reliable findings) find a spatial correlation (measured by the rho-parameter) at a level of 0.75 during 2000–2008 and 0.35 during 2008–2011. Thus, absolute income beta-convergence in the case of NUTS 3 regions in 10 new EU Member States existed only in the pre-crisis period and this period is characterized by much stronger spatial dependencies than the period of 2008–2011.
The Efficiency of OLS Estimators of Structural Parameters in a Simple Linear Regression Model in the Calibration of the Averages Scheme
Authors: Kowal Robert
Published: April 2017

A simple linear regression model is one of the pillars of classic econometrics. Multiple areas of research function within its scope. One of the many fundamental questions in the model concerns proving the efficiency of the most commonly used OLS estimators and examining their properties. In the literature of the subject one can find taking back to this scope and certain solutions in that regard. Methodically, they are borrowed from the multiple regression model or also from a boundary partial model. Not everything, however, is here complete and consistent. In the paper a completely new scheme is proposed, based on the implementation of the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality in the arrangement of the constraint aggregated from calibrated appropriately secondary constraints of unbiasedness which in a result of choice the appropriate calibrator for each variable directly leads to showing this property. A separate range-is a matter of choice of such a calibrator. These deliberations, on account of the volume and kinds of the calibration, were divided into a few parts. In the one the efficiency of OLS estimators is proven in a mixed scheme of the calibration by averages, that is preliminary, and in the most basic frames of the proposed methodology. In these frames the future outlines and general premises constituting the base of more distant generalizations are being created.
Note to “Rates of Return on Open-End Debt Investment Funds and Bank Deposits in Poland in the years 1995–2015 – A Comparative Analysis” Folia Oeconomica Stetinensia 16 (1), (2016), 93–112
Authors: Piasecki Krzysztof
Published: April 2017

The main goal of this paper is a discussion on the correct choice of annualized return rate. Selected return rate should be appropriate for the multiannual comparative analysis of bank deposits and investment funds. The whole discussion was based on theoretical considerations and a numerical experiment.
Effect of Training at Lactate Threshold Intensity on Maximal Time to Exhaustion, Depression and Anxiety Behaviour of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats after Kainate-Induced Status Epilepticus
Authors: Georgieva Katerina N. , Hadjieva Margarita S. , Shishmanova-Doseva Mihaela S. , Terzieva Dora D. , Georgiev Nikola G. , Andreev Georgi G. , Tchekalarova Jana D.
Published: April 2017

Aim: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of treadmill training at lactate threshold intensity on maximum time to exhaustion (MTE) and heart rate (HR) as well as behavioral changes after kainate (KA)-induced status epilepticus (SE) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

Materials and methods: Male SHRs were divided in four groups: two sedentary (vehicle- and KA-treated) and two exercised (vehicle- and KA-treated), respectively. The exercised rats were trained on a treadmill at a speed of 20 m.min-1 and 0° elevation for 40 min.d-1, for 4 wk. Maximal time to exhaustion and HR was measured at the beginning and at the end of the training period. Status epilepticus was evoked in half of the sedentary and trained rats by a repetitive intraperitoneal injection of KA in low subconvulsive doses. The other half of the groups received saline. Sucrose preference test (SPT) for depression-like behavior and hole board test (HBT) for impulsivity were performed a month after KA/veh injection.

Results: The maximum time of exhaustion was elongated in the SHRs at the end of the training period in comparison with the beginning. However, no effect on HR was detected in trained rats. Kainate treatment after one month of training alleviated the SE-induced anhedonia in SPT and stereotyped behavior in HBT, respectively.

Conclusions: Taken together, these results demonstrate that exercise exerts a beneficial influence on physical working capacity, depression and impulsive behavior in a co-morbid model of essential hypertension and SE.
Epidemiological Study of Hepatitis A Infection in Eastern Bulgaria
Authors: Tsankova Gabriela St. , Todorova Tatina T. , Ermenlieva Neli M. , Popova Tsvetelina K. , Tsankova Dayana T.
Published: April 2017

Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is an acute, self-limited liver disease transmitted usually through the faecal-oral route via person-to-person contact. Bulgaria has intermediate HAV endemicity with higher susceptibility among adults and recurrent outbreaks.

Aim: As HAV infection is strongly related to human movements and represents a significant risk to travelers and migrants, as well as to local population receiving these groups, we set out to analyze the epidemiological data on hepatitis A in five of the largest tourist border regions of Bulgaria located in its eastern part: Varna, Shumen, Dobrich, Burgas and Yambol.

Materials and methods: We reviewed retrospectively all reported cases of acute hepatitis A in the eastern regions of Bulgaria over a 7-year period between 2008 and 2014.

Results: A total of 2879 newly infected patients were registered during the study period, the number varying widely: from 190 cases in 2014 to 923 in 2012. The average incidence of HAV was higher in the south-eastern regions than in the northeastern regions (55.30%000 vs 15.04%000 respectively, p < 0.0001). The most affected age group in all regions was the 5-9-year olds (p < 0.0001) and males were significantly more susceptible to HAV (p = 0.02).

Conclusion: Hepatitis A is still a major public health problem in Bulgaria; there is a significant difference in the incidence of the disease between the regions in the south-east and those in the north-east and between the different age groups and sexes.
Demographic and Comorbidity Pattern of Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Ciocan Răzvan A. , Bolboacă Sorana D. , Rădulescu Şerban , Stancu Bogdan , Ciocan Andra , Gherman Claudia D.
Published: April 2017

Aim: The present study aimed at identifying the pattern of patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) compared with those with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).

Materials and methods: A four-year retrospective study was conducted with patients hospitalized in the Second Surgical Clinic at the Emergency County Hospital Cluj-Napoca. The medical charts of patients with PAOD (n=466) and CLI (n=223) were reviewed and data were collected.

Results: The study included 689 patients; mean age 67 years for PAOD patients and 65 years for CLI patients. A significantly higher percentage of patients were male in both groups (79.25%, P < 0.0001). Most of the patients in both groups had received at least a secondary education (P < 0.0001). Most of the subjects in both groups were smokers (>71.30%) with no difference between groups (P = 0.566). No significant differences were found between the groups in comorbidities (diabetes, arterial blood hypertension, cardiac ischemia, rhythm disorders, P > 0.05). There were more CLI patients that were overweight than overweight patients with PAOD (P = 0.0004). High serum cholesterol (>200 mg/dL) and triglycerides (>150 mg/dL) levels were found in the CLI group (P < 0.05). Age was identified as a risk factors for amputation (OR = 1.03, 95%Cl [1.01−1.05], P = 0.0012).

Conclusions: The profile of a patient with critical limb ischemia and peripheral arterial occlusive disease is a 65-67-year-old male smoker with at least a secondary education. The CLI patient is overweight with pathological serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
Systematic updates of the agglutinated foraminiferal genus Colominella Popescu, 1998: insights from sectioned specimens
Authors: Mancin Nicoletta , Kaminski Michael A.
Published: April 2017

The occurrence of agglutinated foraminiferal specimens belonging to the Badenian (middle Miocene) genus Colominella Popescu, 1998 was recently documented for the first time in a lower Pliocene succession of the western Mediterranean area. Direct comparisons with topotype specimens of Colominella paalzowi (Cushman 1936), sampled in the Badenian type section of Lăpugiu de Sus (Transylvania), show that the Pliocene individuals from the western Mediterranean morphologically resemble the type species C. paalzowi, but they also differ in possessing a longer biserial chamber arrangement with a higher number of internal chamber partitions, in lacking a clear early triserial stage and in having a more complex microstructure of the agglutinated wall, thereby supporting the idea that the Pliocene Mediterranean specimens represent a new, more highly evolved species. The fact that the Pliocene individuals from the Mediterranean appear to be more evolved with respect to the Badenian specimens from Paratethys represents an interesting evolutionary development of the genus Colominella that also permits the known stratigraphical and geographical range of the genus, previously limited to the middle Miocene (Badenian) of the Paratethys, to be extended.
The Campanian–Maastrichtian foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the basement sediments from the southern Pannonian Basin (Vojvodina, northern Serbia): implications for the continuation of the Eastern Vardar and Sava zones
Authors: Dunčić Milena , Dulić Ivan , Popov Olivera , Bogićević Goran , Vranjković Alan
Published: April 2017

Micropalaeontological and biostratigraphical studies included Campanian-Maastrichtian complexes from five oil exploration wells drilled in northern Serbia (Vojvodina): the first is a carbonate-clastic complex and second is a complex containing ophiolites intercalated with hemipelagic and pelagic sediments. Within the studied complexes, rich associations of planktonic and benthic foraminifera, calcareous nannoplankton, palynomorphs, as well as shallow and deep-water fossil detritus were determined. The presence of relatively rich associations of planktonic foraminifera allowed recognition of two biozones: the Globotruncana ventricosa Zone, observed in the sediments of the carbonate-clastic complex and the Gansserina gansseri Zone, observed in both complexes. Except biozones, based on documented index species, for some units in both complexes, larger benthic foraminifera species had special biostratigraphical value, and in some of them, the calcareous nannoplankton zones were recognized. The studied complexes represent deep-water formations, generated in oceanic island arc and trough zones. The presence of limestones, which originate from destroyed rudist reefs, is explained by transfer by means of gravitational transport mechanisms of shallow-water sediments to deep-water depositional environments. In this paper, the results of more detailed biostratigraphical and palaeo-ecological studies of foraminifera associations in Campanian-Maastrichtian complexes in Vojvodina are presented. Combined with lithological studies, seven units were determined within the complexes. The obtained results are important as a part of multidisciplinary, regional exploration of both complexes, generated in specific geological conditions, that today constitute a part of the pre-Neogene basement complex in the southeastern part of the Pannonian Basin. The Campanian- Maastrichtian carbonate-clastic complex represents sedimentary cover of the Eastern Vardar Ophiolitic Unit, while the ophiolites intercalated with hemipelagic and pelagic limestones belongs to the Sava Zone.
Influence of Cracks on the Lifetime of Semi-Rigid Pavements
Authors: Kazimierowicz-Frankowska Krystyna
Published: April 2017

This paper focuses on a better understanding of the process of reflective cracking propagation through the pavement structure. A series of finite element numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the initial stress and strain states in typical semi-rigid pavements with and without reflective cracks under traffic loading. It was assumed that reflective-cracks propagate from the base layer to the pavement surface. The influence of selected parameters, such as the load position, overlay thickness, and subgrade quality on stress and strain concentrations was investigated. The behaviour of the pavement structure under repeated traffic loading was analyzed in terms of ground compaction. The original theoretical model proposed by Prof. Andrzej Sawicki was used to predict the deformation of a pavement subgrade subjected to traffic loading. The damaging effect of cracks appearing in the pavement structure was investigated. It was found that even a single crack in the pavement structure may significantly reduce the pavement lifetime.
Vibrations of a Horizontal Elastic Band Plate Submerged in Fluid of Constant Depth
Authors: Szmidt Kazimierz , Hedzielski Benedykt
Published: April 2017

The paper deals with free and forced vibrations of a horizontal thin elastic plate submerged in an infinite layer of fluid of constant depth. In free vibrations, the pressure load on the plate results from assumed displacements of the plate. In forced vibrations, the fluid pressure is mainly induced by water waves arriving at the plate. In both cases, we have a coupled problem of hydrodynamics in which the plate and fluid motions are coupled through boundary conditions at the plate surface. At the same time, the pressure load on the plate depends on the gap between the plate and the fluid bottom. The motion of the plate is accompanied by the fluid motion. This leads to the so-called co-vibrating mass of fluid, which strongly changes the eigenfrequencies of the plate. In formulation of this problem, a linear theory of small deflections of the plate is employed. In order to calculate the fluid pressure, a solution of Laplace’s equation is constructed in the doubly connected infinite fluid domain. To this end, this infinite domain is divided into sub-domains of simple geometry, and the solution of the problem equation is constructed separately for each of these domains. Numerical experiments are conducted to illustrate the formulation developed in this paper.
An IMU-Based Wearable System for Automatic Pointing During Presentations
Authors: Sikeridis Dimitrios , Antonakopoulos Theodore A.
Published: April 2017

Wearable motion capture systems using Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) based Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) are considered a promising low-cost technology that evolves rapidly over the last few years. A wearable pointing system that consists of a pair of IMUs with acceleration and angular velocity sensors is presented in this work. Each IMU is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity and both are mounted on the user’s arm. The system provides automatic pointing on the presentation screen by capturing the arm’s rotational movement and by exploiting the speaker’s relative to the screen position. In this paper, we present the system’s design and its evaluation along with a training method for estimating the user-screen distance and relative position. Experimental results show promising pointing accuracy and precision in a variety of different display sizes and distances making the system an effective solution for automatic on-screen pointing.
Vibration-based Key Exchange among Multiple Smart Devices on the Desk
Authors: Arno Alisa , Toyoda Kentaroh , Watanabe Yuji , Sasase Iwao , Mathiopoulos P. Takis
Published: April 2017

Eavesdropping is an important and real concern in mobile NFC (Near Filed Communication) payment and data sharing applications. Although the DH (Diffie-Hellman) scheme has been widely used in key exchange for secure communications, it may fail in indoor environments due to its vulnerability against man-in-the-middle attack. In this paper, we propose a new vibration-based key exchange among multiple smart devices which are placed on a desk. In this scheme, devices are assumed to be located next to each other with each of them vibrating with patterns converted from a key to be exchanged. The vibration patterns are measured by an accelerometer and each key is recovered from the measured acceleration. The proposed scheme has been implemented using Android smartphones and various experimental performance evaluation results have validated its effectiveness.
Autonomous Clustering Scheme for Removing the Effects of Heterogeneous Node Degrees in Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Morita Ryosuke , Takano Chisa , Aida Masaki
Published: April 2017

In large scale mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), it is effective to reduce the load of routing by introducing hierarchical routing, and it is conducted by clustering of nodes. A clustering mechanism based on the diffusion equation is a typical autonomous clustering in MANETs, and gives appropriate clustering if all the node degrees are uniform. However, node degrees in MANETs are heterogeneous in general, the fact causes the difference in the strength of diffusion effect. This difference causes that the position of cluster head tends to be around the boundary of networks and degrade battery efficiency of nodes. In this paper, by introducing an asymmetric diffusion depending on node degree, we propose a new clustering method independent of heterogeneity of node degrees. We show that the proposed method has efficient characteristics for battery consumption. In addition, we show the comparison of the proposed method with the conventional method with respect to the efficiency of routing.
Object Classification Using Support Vector Machines with Kernel-based Data Preprocessing
Authors: Adamiak Krzysztof , Duch Piotr , Ślot Krzysztof
Published: April 2017

The paper explores possibility of improving Support Vector Machine-based classification performance by introducing an input data dimensionality reduction step. Feature extraction by means of two different kernel methods are considered: kernel Principal Component Analysis (kPCA) and Supervised kernel Principal Component Analysis. It is hypothesized that input domain transformation, aimed at emphasizing between-class differences, would facilitate classification problem. Experiments, performed on three different datasets show that one can benefit from the proposed approach, as it provides lower variability in classification performance at similar, high recognition rates.
Optimization of Distributed Multi-Node, Multi-GPU, Heterogeneous System for 3D Image Reconstruction in Electrical Capacitance Tomography
Authors: Majchrowicz Michał , Kapusta Paweł , Jackowska-Strumiłło Lidia , Sankowski Dominik
Published: April 2017

Electrical Capacitance Tomography is a non-invasive imaging technique, which allows visualization of the industrial processes interior and can be applied to many branches of the industry. Image reconstruction process, especially in case of 3D images, is a very time consuming task (when using classic processors and algorithms), which in turn leads to an unacceptable waiting time and currently limits the use of 3D Electrical Capacitance Tomography. Reconstruction using deterministic methods requires execution of many basic operations of linear algebra, such as matrix transposition, multiplication, addition and subtraction. In order to reach real-time reconstruction a 3D ECT computational subsystem must be able to transform capacitance data into images in a fraction of a second. By assuming, that many of the computations can be performed in parallel using modern, fast graphics processor and by altering the algorithms, time to achieve high quality image reconstruction will be shortened significantly. The research conducted while analysing ECT algorithms has also shown that, although dynamic development of GPU computational capabilities and its recent application for image reconstruction in ECT has significantly improved calculations time, in modern systems a single GPU is not enough to perform many tasks. Distributed Multi-GPU solutions can reduce reconstruction time to only a fraction of what was possible on pure CPU systems. Nevertheless performed tests clearly illustrate the need for further optimizations of previously developed algorithms.
Case Report. Appendiceal Recurrent Colic Due to Enterobius Vermicularis Infection in a 14-Year-Old Female Patient
Authors: Stoyanov Toni I. , Corral-Fernadez Emilio , Melero-Abellan Antonio , Sarduy-Fernandez Pablo , Casado-Santamaria Paloma , Garcia-Grimaldo Elias , Corellano Julio Valer , Ivanov Kaloyan T. , Kolev Nikolay H. , Tonchev Pencho T.
Published: April 2017

Acute appendicitis due to Enterobius vermicularis, usually known as pinworm, is very rare and affects mostly children.According to different authors, it is controversial whether pinworms cause inflammation of the appendix or appendiceal colic only.We presentacase ofa14-year-old female with three subsequent hospitalizations in 1 month due to abdominal pain in the right lower abdomen, with rebound tenderness, normal CTscan and laboratory findings. During the last hospitalization, laparoscopic appendectomy was performed. Intraoperatively multiple pinworms were found in the appendix. These were trapped byastercolith in the appendicular base inanoninflamed and histologically normal appendix. Two oral doses of mebendazole were administered postoperatively. Uneventful postoperative period and postoperative follow-up showed lack of symptoms six months after the operation. Despite the widespread idea that acute appendicitis due to Enterobius vermicularis is very rare, it should always be considered in young female patients with repeated abdominal pain in the right lower abdomen with normal laboratory and radiologic findings.
A Dowry, Will, and Blended Family of Calvin’s Geneva Put Anne Colladon, to the Test
Authors: Olson Jeannine
Published: April 2017

Anne Colladon, widow of Laurent de Normandie, financier of the mid-sixteenth century Genevan book trade, grappled with Laurent’s first wife’s estate and her adult stepsons’ claims on her estate. This case study of a famous family of French origin reveals complexities of early-modern systems of dowries and wills and problems for a second wife and her daughter. Normandie was a great hero of the Reformation because of his financing of Calvin’s publications and his dispatching of colporteurs carrying Bibles, catechisms, and Psalters into France. Anne was from a prominent family that fled France for Geneva (1550). She was an astute business woman and seemingly responsible mother but she inherited a complex situation after Normandie’s untimely death of the plague in 1569. She was left with financial problems and two stepsons in a blended family that included three children she had conceived with Laurent. It was not an easy mix.
Simple approach based on maternal characteristics and mean arterial pressure for the prediction of preeclampsia in the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Rocha Rebeca Silveira , Alves Júlio Augusto Gurgel , Maia e Holanda Moura Sammya Bezerra , Araujo Júnior Edward , Peixoto Alberto Borges , Santana Eduardo Félix Martins , Martins Wellington P. , Vasconcelos Camila Teixeira Moreira , Da Silva Costa Fabricio , Oriá Mônica Oliveira Batista
Published: April 2017

Aim:

To propose a simple model for predicting preeclampsia (PE) in the 1st trimester of pregnancy on the basis of maternal characteristics (MC) and mean arterial pressure (MAP).

Methods:

A prospective cohort was performed to predict PE between 11 and 13+6 weeks of gestation. The MC evaluated were maternal age, skin color, parity, previous PE, smoking, family history of PE, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and body mass index (BMI). Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was measured at the time of the 1st trimester ultrasound. The outcome measures were the incidences of total PE, preterm PE (delivery <37 weeks) and term PE (delivery ≥37 weeks). We performed logistic regression analysis to determine which factors made significant contributions for the prediction of the three outcomes.

Results:

We analyzed 733 pregnant women; 55 developed PE, 21 of those developed preterm PE and 34 term PE. For total PE, the best model was MC+MAP, which had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC ROC) of 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.76–0.82]. For preterm PE, the best model was MC+MAP, with an AUC ROC of 0.84 (95% CI=0.81–0.87). For term PE, the best model was MC, with an AUC ROC of 0.75 (0.72–0.79). The MC+MAP model demonstrated a detection rate of 67% cases of preterm PE, with a false-positive rate of 10%, positive predictive value of 17% and negative predictive value of 99%.

Conclusion:

The MC+MAP model showed good accuracy in predicting preterm PE in the 1st trimester of gestation.
Evaluation of susceptibility to antimycobacterial drugs inMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex strains isolated from cattle in Poland
Authors: Krajewska-Wędzina Monika , Zabost Anna , Augustynowicz-Kopeć Ewa , Weiner Marcin , Szulowski Krzysztof
Published: April 2017

Introduction:Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease affecting humans and animals. It is caused by theMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex (MTBC) –Mycobacterium bovisandMycobacterium caprae, which are aetiological factors of bovine tuberculosis (bTB). In Poland, the bTB eradication programme exists. Animals diagnosed with tuberculosis are in the majority of cases not treated, but removed from their herd and then sanitary slaughtered.

Material and Methods:In total, 134 MTBC strains isolated from cattle in Poland were subjected to microbiological analysis. The resistance phenotype was tested for first-line antimycobacterial drugs used in tuberculosis treatment in humans: streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. The strains were isolated from tissues collectedpost mortem, so the test for drug resistance fulfilled only epidemiological criterion.

Results:The analysis of drug-resistance of MTBC strains revealed that strains classified asM. boviswere susceptible to 4 antimycobacterial drugs: isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin, and ethambutol, and resistant to pyrazynamide. The strains classified asM. capraewere sensitive to all tested drugs.

Conclusion:The results indicate that despite enormously dynamic changes in mycobacterial phenotype, Polish strains of MTBC isolated from cattle have not acquired environmental resistance. The strains classified asM. bovisare characterised by natural resistance to pyrazinamide, which is typical for this species.
Prevalence of arrhythmias in dogs examined between 2008 and 2014
Authors: Noszczyk-Nowak Agnieszka , Michałek Marcin , Kałuża Ewelina , Cepiel Alicja , Pasławska Urszula
Published: April 2017

Introduction:The prevalence of arrhythmias in dogs and the influence of sex, breed, age, and body weight were analysed over a seven-year span.

Material and Methods:In total, 1189 referrals for cardiological examination by electrocardiography were received at one academic centre in Poland between 2008 and 2014. The largest proportion of the examined dogs were cross-breeds with body weight below 25 kg (n = 153, 12.87%), followed by German Shepherds (n = 122, 10.26%), Labrador Retrievers (n = 68, 5.72%), Yorkshire Terriers (n = 63, 5.3%), and Boxers (n = 60, 5.05%). Retrospective analysis was made of 1201 standing or right recumbent electrocardiograms without pharmacological sedation. The prevalence of arrhythmias was examined in terms of sex, age, body weight, and breed of the dogs.

Results:A total of 630 (52.46%) electrocardiograms showed no signs of arrhythmia, but 96 (7.99%) and 475 (39.55%) pointed to physiological and pathological arrhythmias respectively. The most commonly diagnosed type was atrial fibrillation with 33.68% incidence, followed by ventricular arrhythmias (28%), sinus pauses (27.58%), supraventricular arrhythmias (24%), and atrioventricular blocks (22.95%). Pathological arrhythmias were most commonly found in male dogs and in German Shepherds.

Conclusions:Atrial fibrillation predominated, followed by premature ventricular complexes. Male dogs were generally more prone to heart rhythm disturbances.
Ejaculate traits and sperm morphology depending on ejaculate volume in Duroc boars
Authors: Górski Krzysztof , Kondracki Stanisław , Wysokińska Anna
Published: April 2017

Introduction:The aim of this study was to evaluate the dependence between ejaculate traits, sperm morphology, and ejaculate volume in Duroc boars.

Material and Methods:The analysis involved 121 ejaculates collected from 12 Duroc boars kept in three artificial insemination centres located in central Poland. Ejaculates were collected manually at one-month intervals, over a period of 10 months. At least 10 ejaculates were collected from each boar. The material was divided by ejaculate volume and each ejaculate was assigned to one of three volume groups: 160 mL and lower, 161–200 mL, and 201 mL and higher. The ejaculates were assessed to identify the basic physical traits and determine the incidence of morphological abnormalities in the spermatozoa, specifying major and minor abnormalities. Furthermore, the morphological structure indices for the spermatozoa were also calculated.

Results:In large-volume ejaculates, spermatozoa were more elongated in shape, their heads were more elongated and had the largest flagella. With an increase in the ejaculate volume, sperm concentration in the ejaculate decreased. Moreover, while the total number of sperm in the ejaculate increased, the number of insemination doses obtained from a single ejaculate were higher.

Conclusion:The volume of ejaculate has little impact on the occurrence of morphological abnormalities and the size of sperm cells. Ejaculate volume is important for the shape of the sperm cells.
Risk-Based Maintenance Assessment in the Manufacturing Industry: Minimisation of Suboptimal Prioritisation
Authors: Ratnayake R.M. Chandima , Antosz Katarzyna
Published: April 2017

Manufacturing firms continuously strive to increase the efficiency and effectiveness in the maintenance management processes. Focus is placed on eliminating the unexpected failures which cause unnecessary costs and the production losses. Risk-based maintenance (RBM) strategies enable to address the above through the identification of probability and consequences of potential failures whilst providing a way for prioritisation of maintenance actions based on the risk of possible failures. Such prioritisations enable to identify the optimal maintenance strategy, intervals of maintenance tasks, and optimal level of spare parts inventory. However, the risk assessment activities are performed with the support of a risk matrix. Suboptimal classifications and/or prioritisations arise due to the inherent nature of the risk matrix. This is caused by the fact that there are no means to incorporate actual circumstances at the boundary of the input ranges or at the levels of linguistic data and risk categories. In this paper, a risk matrix is first developed in collaboration with one of the manufacturing firms in Poland. Then, it illustrates the use of fuzzy logic for minimisation of suboptimal prioritisation and/or classifications using a fuzzy inference system (FIS) together with illustrative membership functions and a rule base. Finally, an illustrative risk assessment is also demonstrated to illustrate the methodology.
Original paper. Do Umbilical Cord Wrapped Around the Fetal Body Can Mimic Signs of Aortal Coarctation?
Authors: Więckowska Katarzyna , Zych-Krekora Katarzyna , Słodki Maciej , Respondek-Liberska Maria
Published: April 2017

Objectives: Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is an irreversible congenital heart defect. Its prenatal diagnosis is not rare a subject to false-positive conclusion. We present a novel hypothesis explaining the basis of this error.

Methods: Ten cases of prenatal suspicion of the coarctation of the aorta (based on disproportion at the level of 4 chamber view and mediastinum) coincidenced with the umbilical cord wrapped around the fetal body were found in the Filemaker datebase of the Fetal Cardiology Department. Only single pregnancies were taken into account. In all cases another cardiac and extracardiac malformations were excluded.

Results: The mean maternal age was 29,6 years. The mean gestational age was 33 7/8 weeks. All fetuses were in a good cardiovascular condition. The usual position of the umbilical cord was neck, but they were also location such as nucha, abdomen or lower limb. At birth, all newborns had normal anatomy of the heart. We conclude that the explanation of the false diagnosis was haemodynamic, resulting from the compression of the fetal neck by the umbilical cord that resulted in a disproportion of cardiac blood flow, “mimicking” CoA.

Conclusions:

1. Functional disturbances can mimic prenatal CoA.

2. Umbilical cord position (specially enlacing the fetus neck) should be taken into consideration in suspected cases of fetal CoA.
Nutrition of students of schools in Łódź in light of the survey
Authors: Cisińska Anna
Published: April 2017

Introduction. Nutrition is vital for both human health and condition, but in a special way, it is essential for proper physical and intellectual development during adolescence. Providing the body with essential nutrients, including vitamins and trace elements also affects the functioning of a young person in a school environment. There is the energetic value of food, as well the time and frequency of its consumption, which affects the effectiveness of nutrition. At the same time, the irregularities in nutrition lead to many disorders and diseases, including overweight, obesity, anemia, anorexia.

Aim. The aim of the study was to collect information about mid-schools students and draw conclusions that might be useful for further planning of educational activities promoting health.

Material and methods. The survey questionnaire was conducted among 218 students of classes I-III selected at random. They were all students of junior high schools located in Łódź, both public and non-public ones. The analysis was conducted on the basis of anonymous questionnaires.

Results. In the study group, it was observed that the first and second breakfast was eaten by 60.5% and 42.6% of students respectively. Over 11% never ate breakfast before going to school. A high percentage of children (80%) declared that usually they ate sandwiches.

Conclusions. Abnormalities in nutrition relate to a significant proportion of junior high school students. They often result from ignorance, haste, routines or negligence for which mostly parents are responsible. The scale of the phenomenon points to the need to implement educational activities among students and information campaigns targeted at parents, which should be carried at schools.
The quality of life of patients with chronic pain, hospitalized in conservative treatment wards
Authors: Bielan Olga , Gutowska Julia , Ejdys Mariola
Published: April 2017

Introduction. Pain is one of the most frequent human ailment. Not not only is it the first and often the only symptom of ongoing disease process, but also a warning of impending danger. According to the European epidemiological studies, it is estimated that chronic pain occurs in 19% of the population. This means that within a year this condition is diagnosed in 7 million patients in Poland. Treatment of chronic pain is complicated due to the variety of its origin.

Aim. Influence of chronic pain in hospitalized patients on their daily quality of life.

Material and methods. The study included 80 patients with a chronic spinal pain syndrome. To evaluate the intensity of pain, the numerical scale (NRS), the verbal scale (VRS) and the abbreviated version of the McGill Questionnaire were used. To measure the quality of life, the SF-36 was used.

Results. The results of analysis of the collected material confirmed the impact of chronic pain on the quality of life of the hospitalized. Assessment of pain intensity decreased in the group of patients after one week of treatment. On the other hand, in assessing the overall perception of health, quality of life and its various dimensions, a difference between the two groups and the different stages of the study was observed. Own study confirms the equivalence of psychosocial factors modulating the level of pain and the quality of life.

Conclusions. There is a relationship between pain intensity and the level of quality of life as well as its individual components before and after the treatment in patients with chronic spinal pain. Some significant changes between the variables were separated in the accepted stages of the study among people with chronic pain.
Waterfilling: Balancing the Tor network with maximum diversity
Authors: Rochet Florentin , Pereira Olivier
Published: April 2017

We present the Waterfilling circuit selection method, which we designed in order to mitigate the risks of a successful end-to-end traffic correlation attack. Waterfilling proceeds by balancing the Tor network load as evenly as possible on endpoints of user paths. We simulate the use of Waterfilling thanks to the TorPS and Shadow tools. Applying several security metrics, we show that the adoption of Waterfilling considerably increases the number of nodes that an adversary needs to control in order to be able to mount a successful attack, while somewhat decreasing the minimum amount of bandwidth required to do so. Moreover, we evaluate Waterfilling in Shadow and show that it does not impact significantly the performance of the network. Furthermore, Waterfilling reduces the benefits that an attacker could obtain by hacking into a top bandwidth Tor relay, hence limiting the risks raised by such relays. Waterfilling does not require any major change in Tor, and can co-exist with the current circuit selection algorithm.
PrivateRide: A Privacy-Enhanced Ride-Hailing Service
Authors: Pham Anh , Dacosta Italo , Jacot-Guillarmod Bastien , Huguenin Kévin , Hajar Taha , Tramèr Florian , Gligor Virgil , Hubaux Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2017

In the past few years, we have witnessed a rise in the popularity of ride-hailing services (RHSs), an online marketplace that enables accredited drivers to use their own cars to drive ride-hailing users. Unlike other transportation services, RHSs raise significant privacy concerns, as providers are able to track the precise mobility patterns of millions of riders worldwide. We present the first survey and analysis of the privacy threats in RHSs. Our analysis exposes high-risk privacy threats that do not occur in conventional taxi services. Therefore, we propose PrivateRide, a privacy-enhancing and practical solution that offers anonymity and location privacy for riders, and protects drivers’ information from harvesting attacks. PrivateRide lowers the high-risk privacy threats in RHSs to a level that is at least as low as that of many taxi services. Using real data-sets from Uber and taxi rides, we show that PrivateRide significantly enhances riders’ privacy, while preserving tangible accuracy in ride matching and fare calculation, with only negligible effects on convenience. Moreover, by using our Android implementation for experimental evaluations, we show that PrivateRide’s overhead during ride setup is negligible. In short, we enable privacy-conscious riders to achieve levels of privacy that are not possible in current RHSs and even in some conventional taxi services, thereby offering a potential business differentiator.