bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Automated, Multiparameter Dryline Identification Algorithm
Authors: Clark Adam J. , MacKenzie Andrew , McGovern Amy , Lakshmanan Valliappa , Brown Rodger A.
Published: October 2015

Moisture boundaries, or drylines, are common over the southern U.S. high plains and are one of the most important airmass boundaries for convective initiation over this region. In favorable environments, drylines can initiate storms that produce strong and violent tornadoes, large hail, lightning, and heavy rainfall. Despite their importance, there are few studies documenting climatological dryline location and frequency, or performing systematic dryline forecast evaluation, which likely stems from difficulties in objectively identifying drylines over large datasets. Previous studies have employed tedious manual identification procedures. This study aims to streamline dryline identification by developing an automated, multiparameter algorithm, which applies image-processing and pattern recognition techniques to various meteorological fields and their gradients to identify drylines. The algorithm is applied to five years of high-resolution 24-h forecasts from Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model simulations valid April–June 2007–11. Manually identified dryline positions, which were available from a previous study using the same dataset, are used as truth to evaluate the algorithm performance. Generally, the algorithm performed very well. High probability of detection (POD) scores indicated that the majority of drylines were identified by the method. However, a relatively high false alarm ratio (FAR) was also found, indicating that a large number of nondryline features were also identified. Preliminary use of random forests (a machine learning technique) significantly decreased the FAR, while minimally impacting the POD. The algorithm lays the groundwork for applications including model evaluation and operational forecasting, and should enable efficient analysis of drylines from very large datasets.
Influence of nanorubber toughening on the tensile deformation and tensile fatigue behaviour of a carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy composite
Authors: Ozdemir Nazli G , Zhang Tao , Hadavinia Homayoun , Aspin Ian , Scarpa Fabrizio
Published: October 2015

This study investigates the effect of nanocarboxylic acrylonitrile butadiene rubber on the tensile fatigue behaviour of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer composites with dicyandiamide-cured epoxy matrix. The stress-controlled tension–tension fatigue behaviour at a stress ratio of R = 0.1 and maximum stresses between 400 MPa and 650 MPa was investigated for the case of carbon fibre-reinforced polymers with pristine and nanorubber-modified epoxy matrices with loadings of 5 phr, 10 phr, 15 phr and 20 phr. The results from the experimental tests show that the high-cycle fatigue life of the laminates with 15 phr of nanorubber-modified resin matrix was increased by a factor of two compared to the pristine matrix samples. Scanning electron microscopy images of the fracture surfaces also show an enhanced plastic deformation existing at the fibre–matrix interface and a lower extent of fibre pull-out; both contributing towards the enhancement of the fatigue performance of the carbon fibre-reinforced polymer composites.
Social Engagement and Health
Authors: Zhang Wei , Feng Qiushi , Liu Lin , Zhen Zhihong
Published: October 2015

What are the social factors that matter most to the health of elderly Chinese? Are there any gender and age differences? Using a representative sample of elderly Chinese in Shanghai, the most developed city in China with the nation’s largest proportion of elderly residents, this study found that economic conditions, chronic health status, living arrangements, social activity participation, and caring for grandchildren are factors that are most important to the health of elderly Chinese. This is true for both self-rated health and psychological well-being. The beneficial effects of participation in social activities are particularly salient for elderly women and for the old–old, whereas the salutary effects of caring for grandchildren are more substantial for elderly men and for the young–old. Our findings suggest the importance of social engagement in promoting health and successful aging of elderly Chinese and disclose the moderating roles of gender and age in this focal relationship.
Development of an Educational Program on Prevention of Hypoglycemic Events Among Elderly Veterans With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Meulstee Maud , Whittemore Robin , Watts Sharon A.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this project was to develop an evidence-based educational program to reduce hypoglycemic events in elderly veterans with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are enrolled in the Veterans Healthcare Administration system. Updated guidelines have emphasized the importance of hypoglycemia prevention, and they recommend individualized and less stringent glycemic control.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review was conducted, which led to the development of evidence-based content for an educational program. Several categories and subcategories of content were identified and subsequently evaluated by a panel of experts in the field of diabetes management.

Results

Experts were unanimous on the importance and relevance of the categories and provided insight into the priority of subcategories of content.

Conclusions

Developing an evidence-based educational program for health care providers on prevention of hypoglycemia has important clinical implications. Diabetes educators can use the topical outline for patient and family teaching. This project may also serve as an example for diabetes educators on developing evidence-based educational programs.
Therapeutic validity and effectiveness of supervised physical exercise training on exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vooijs Martijn , Siemonsma Petra C , Heus Inge , Sont Jacob K , Rövekamp Ton AJM , van Meeteren Nico LU
Published: October 2015

Objective:

Our aim was to determine the effectiveness of supervised physical exercise training on exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease taken into consideration indices such as therapeutic validity of interventions, methodological quality of studies, and exercise volume.

Data resources:

MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PEDro databases were searched from inception until 17 July 2015 for randomized controlled trials comparing the effect of supervised exercise training vs. usual care in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The references of included studies and review articles were hand searched for additional references and key authors of included trials were crosschecked in PubMed for any missed references.

Review methods:

Two reviewers independently assessed therapeutic validity of exercise training and methodological quality of included studies. Overall effects were calculated using a random effects model.

Results:

A total of 13 studies involving 756 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were included. Significant differences in maximal exercise capacity (standardized mean difference 0.52, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.74) and endurance exercise capacity (standardized mean difference 0.73, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.96) in favor of physical exercise training were found. The volume of physical exercise per week, the total volume of physical exercise, or their associations did not significantly influence the effect of training.

Conclusion:

Effects of supervised physical exercise was not significantly altered by therapeutic validity. A combination of aerobic exercise and strength training was found to be more effective than strength training or endurance training alone in increasing the 6-minute walking distance.
Canid herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1)–related disease in older puppies and CHV-1 shedding in the vagina of adult pregnant dogs
Authors: Kapil Sanjay
Published: October 2015

A large breeding kennel of Bulldogs ( n = 57) experienced several Canid herpesvirus 1 (CHV-1)–related diseases in older puppies (9 weeks of age) in Arkansas. CHV-1 has been repeatedly confirmed in the kennel in several animals for 3 years (January 2012–February 2015) using various virology tests. I was able to detect a partial sequence of CHV DNA (~120 bp) in archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks after 3 years of storage. CHV-1 is persistently circulating in this kennel in spite of high serum antibody titers in the adult dogs. The dogs were negative for canine brucellosis antibodies based on Brucella canis rapid card test.
Inflammatory Cytokines and Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Synovial Fluid After Intra-articular Ankle Fracture
Authors: Adams Samuel B. , Setton Lori A. , Bell Richard D. , Easley Mark E. , Huebner Janet L. , Stabler Thomas , Kraus Virginia B. , Leimer Elizabeth M. , Olson Steven A. , Nettles Dana L.
Published: October 2015

Background:

Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) can occur after intra-articular fracture despite anatomic fracture reduction. It has been hypothesized that an early inflammatory response after intra-articular injury could lead to irreversible cartilage damage that progresses to PTOA. Therefore, in addition to meticulous fracture reduction, it would be ideal to prevent this initial inflammatory response but little is known about the composition of the synovial environment after intra-articular fracture. The purpose of this work was to characterize the inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) composition in the synovial fluid (SF) of patients with acute intra-articular ankle fractures.

Methods:

Twenty-one patients with an intra-articular ankle fracture were included in this study. All patients had a contralateral ankle joint that was pain free, had no radiographic evidence of arthritis, and no history of trauma. The uninjured ankle served as a matched control. SF was obtained from bilateral ankles at the time of surgery which occurred at a mean of 17 days post-fracture (range 8-40). The SF was analyzed for granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-10, CTXII, sGAG, and bilirubin/biliverdin (markers of hemearthrosis) using either multiplex assay or ELISA using commercially available kits. Mean concentrations of each factor were compared between SF from fractured and control ankles, and correlation analysis was done to determine potential relationships between levels of cytokines and time from fracture and age at fracture.

Results:

Twelve of 18 measured factors including GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-10, and bilirubin/biliverdin were found to be significantly higher in the fractured ankles. Mean concentrations of ECM degradation markers (sGAG and CTXII) were not found to be significatnly different between groups.

Conclusion:

These data indicate that after intra-articular ankle fracture the SF exhibits a largely pro-inflammatory and extra-cellular matrix degrading environment similar to that described in idiopathic osteoarthritis. IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-10 were significantly elevated and may play a role in the development of PTOA.

Clinical Relevance:

In addition to anatomic fracture reduction, these data lend credence to reducing acute intra-articular inflammation through the development of antagonists to these pro-inflammatory and degrading mediators. Likewise, intra-articular lavage might reduce this inflammatory burden.
Antihypertensive Drugs and Male Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Al Khaja Khalid A. J. , Sequeira Reginald P. , Alkhaja Alwaleed K. , Damanhori Awatif H. H.
Published: October 2015

Background:

Published clinical practice guidelines have addressed antihypertensive therapy and sexual dysfunction (SD) in many different ways.

Objective:

In this systematic review, we evaluated guidelines that address antihypertensive drug-associated SD, guideline recommendations, and recent guideline trends.

Methods:

Thirty sets of guidelines for hypertension management in adults that had been published in the English language since 2000 were reviewed. The primary outcome measure was antihypertensive-associated SD potential, which was independently evaluated using specific questions by 2 authors in a nonblinded standardized manner.

Results:

Sexual dysfunctions associated with thiazide-class diuretics, β-blockers, and centrally acting sympathoplegics were addressed by half of the guidelines reviewed. There is no clarity on β-blockers and thiazide-class diuretics because one-third of the guidelines are vague about individual β-blockers and diuretics, and there is no statement on third-generation β-blockers and thiazide-like diuretics that can improve erectile function. The revised guidelines never use terms such as loss of libido, ejaculatory dysfunction, lack of orgasm, and priapism. Summary versions of guidelines are inadequate to reflect the key interpretation of the primary guidelines on SD associated with antihypertensives, even in the major guidelines that were updated recently. Therapeutic issues such as exploring SD in clinical history, assessing SD prior to and during treatment with antihypertensives, substituting the offending agents with alternatives that possess a better safety profile, intervening with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, and avoiding the concomitant use of nitrovasodilators are superficially addressed by most guidelines, with the exception of 2013 European Society of Hypertension/European Society of Cardiology and Seventh Joint National Committee recommendations.

Conclusion:

Future guideline revisions, including both full and summary reports, should provide a balanced perspective on antihypertensive-related SD issues to improve the impact of hypertension treatment guidelines on patient care and quality of life.
News Sharing in Social Media: A Review of Current Research on News Sharing Users, Content, and Networks
Authors: Kümpel Anna Sophie , Karnowski Veronika , Keyling Till
Published: October 2015

This article provides a review of scientific, peer-reviewed articles that examine the relationship between news sharing and social media in the period from 2004 to 2014. A total of 461 articles were obtained following a literature search in two databases ( Communication & Mass Media Complete [CMMC] and ACM), out of which 109 were deemed relevant based on the study’s inclusion criteria. In order to identify general tendencies and to uncover nuanced findings, news sharing research was analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Three central areas of research—news sharing users, content, and networks—were identified and systematically reviewed. In the central concluding section, the results of the review are used to provide a critical diagnosis of current research and suggestions on how to move forward in news sharing research.
Predicting Future Years of Life, Health, and Functional Ability
Authors: Diehr Paula , Diehr Michael , Arnold Alice , Yee Laura M. , Odden Michelle C. , Hirsch Calvin H , Thielke Stephen , Psaty Bruce M. , Johnson W. Craig , Kizer, MD Jorge R. , Newman Anne
Published: October 2015

Objective: To create personalized estimates of future health and ability status for older adults. Method: Data came from the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), a large longitudinal study. Outcomes included years of life, years of healthy life (based on self-rated health), years of able life (based on activities of daily living), and years of healthy and able life. We developed regression estimates using the demographic and health characteristics that best predicted the four outcomes. Internal and external validity were assessed. Results: A prediction equation based on 11 variables accounted for about 40% of the variability for each outcome. Internal validity was excellent, and external validity was satisfactory. The resulting CHS Healthy Life Calculator (CHSHLC) is available at http://healthylifecalculator.org . Conclusion: CHSHLC provides a well-documented estimate of future years of healthy and able life for older adults, who may use it in planning for the future.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of the Pleura
Authors: Cardenas-Garcia Jose , Mayo Paul H. , Folch Erik
Published: October 2015

Pleural ultrasonography is useful to diagnose, monitor, and guide management of pleural disease. This article reviews the applications of ultrasonography to pleural disease.
Cord blood T cells mediate enhanced antitumor effects compared with adult peripheral blood T cells
Authors: Hiwarkar Prashant , Qasim Waseem , Ricciardelli Ida , Gilmour Kimberly , Quezada Sergio , Saudemont Aurore , Amrolia Persis , Veys Paul
Published: October 2015

Key Points

CB T cells mediate enhanced antitumor responses compared with PB T cells in a murine model of B-cell lymphoma. The antitumor activity correlates with increased tumor-homing of CCR7high CB CD8+ T cells and rapid gain of cytotoxic and Th1 function.
Portraits of (Un)settlement
Authors: Lee Ruthann
Published: October 2015

This essay considers the production of racialized masculinities in the contemporary artwork of the Singaporean-born queer diasporic artist Dominique Hui and the queer Aboriginal/Cree artist Kent Monkman. Recent debates in anti-racist feminist, queer, and Native feminist scholarship illuminate how diasporic and Indigenous groups are unevenly positioned within a framework of neoliberal multiculturalism and settler state colonialism in the Americas. Accordingly, there are important distinctions in the way that queer diasporic and queer Native artists respond to and challenge hetero- and homonormative models of citizenship in Canada. I examine how Hui's and Monkman's works reflect and mediate the interactions of multiple racialized masculinities in an identity-driven and individualized culture of neoliberalism and global consumer capitalism. Overall, I suggest that applying Native feminist critiques to a relational analysis of queer diasporic and Indigenous masculinities can unsettle and imagine new possibilities for “multicultural” solidarity in Canada—and beyond.
Discreet Talk about Supernatural Sodomy, Transgressive Gender Performance, and Male Same-Sex Desire in Zanzibar Town
Authors: Thompson Katrina Daly
Published: October 2015

Very little is known about the communicative practices of men who transgress gender and sexual norms in East Africa, particularly along the Swahili Coast, where the majority of Swahili speakers are Sunni Muslims. In Zanzibar Town, Tanzania, the valorization of verbal discretion, the widespread belief that sodomy is a religious taboo, and the real risk of negative sanctions for transgressing sexual norms usually prevent open discussion of sexuality. Through discourse analysis of a conversation about Popobawa, a supernatural sodomist, with a man who transgresses Zanzibari gender norms, this essay examines how transgressive identities can be revealed in discreet ways while respecting Zanzibari discursive norms and discusses the difference between widely used Swahili terms for transgressive men (hanithi, basha, and shoga) and the newer borrowed term magays. Some of the communicative practices discussed are similar to secret “gay” languages in other contexts, but talk about spirits, and about Popobawa in particular, offers a unique way for transgressive men to respect local conversational norms while discreetly revealing their own identities and desires.
Questioning the Threshold of Sexual Difference
Authors: Johnston Tim R.
Published: October 2015

In this essay I argue that Luce Irigaray's description of sexual difference as “difference itself” is based on a pervasive cissexism that necessitates critical attention. I begin by outlining how placing sexual difference in the temporality of the future anterior saves Irigaray from the charges of essentialism and heterosexism. Next, I examine the moments in her texts that scholars claim provide resources for an Irigarayan discussion of the experiences of transgender, intersex, and gender-nonconforming people. I integrate these moments with the temporality of the future anterior to outline a plausible Irigarayan defense against the charge of cissexism. Finally, I argue that this defense cannot be reconciled with her claim that ontology is sexed. The only thing making Irigaray's notion of sexual difference coherent or giving it substance is the impassable limit she places between the sexes. I argue that this is a form of violence akin to the disavowal of the maternal feminine that inaugurates phallocentrism.
Aestivation induces changes in transcription and translation of coagulation factor II and fibrinogen gamma chain in the liver of the African lungfish,Protopterus annectens
Authors: Hiong Kum C. , Tan Xiang R. , Boo Mel V. , Wong Wai P. , Chew Shit F. , Ip Yuen K.
Published: October 2015

This study aimed to sequence and characterize two pro-coagulant genes, coagulation factor II (f2) and fibrinogen gamma chain (fgg), from the liver of the African lungfish Protopterus annectens, and to determine their hepatic mRNA expression levels during three phases of aestivation. The protein abundances of F2 and Fgg in the liver and plasma were determined by immunoblotting. Results indicated that F2 and Fgg of P. annectens were phylogenetically closer to those of amphibians than those of teleosts. Three days of aestivation resulted in an up-regulation in the hepatic fgg mRNA expression level, while 6 days of aestivation led to a significant increase (3-fold) in the protein abundance of Fgg in the plasma. Hence, there could be an increase in the blood clotting ability in P. annectens during the induction phase of aestivation. By contrast, the blood clotting ability in P. annectens might be reduced in response to decreased blood flow and increased possibility of thrombosis during the maintenance phase of aestivation, as 6 months of aestivation led to significant decreases in mRNA expression levels of f2 and fgg in the liver. There could also be a decrease in the export of F2 and Fgg from the liver to the plasma so as to avert thrombosis. Upon 3-6 days of arousal from 6 months of aestivation, the protein abundances of F2 and Fgg recovered partially in the plasma of P. annectens, and a complete recovery of the transcription and translation of f2/F2 in the liver might occur only after refeeding.
Power amplification in an isolated muscle-tendon is load dependent
Authors: Sawicki Gregory S. , Sheppard Peter , Roberts Thomas J.
Published: October 2015

During rapid movements, tendons can act like springs, temporarily storing work done by muscles and then releasing it to power body movements. For some activities, like frog jumping, energy is released from tendon much more rapidly than it is stored, thus amplifying muscle power output. The period during which energy is loaded into tendon by muscle work may be aided by a catch mechanism that restricts motion, but theoretical studies indicate that power can be amplified in a muscle-tendon-load system even in the absence of a catch. To explore the limits of power amplification with and without a catch, we studied the using bullfrog plantaris muscle-tendon during in vitro contractions. A novel servomotor controller allowed us to measure muscle-tendon unit (MTU) mechanical behavior during contractions against a variety of simulated inertial-gravitational loads, ranging from zero to 1X the peak isometric force of the muscle. Power output of the MTU system was load dependent, and power amplification occurred only at intermediate loads, reaching ∼1.3X the peak isotonic power output of the muscle. With a simulated anatomical catch mechanism in place, the highest power amplification occurred at the lowest loads, with a maximum amplification of more than 4X peak isotonic muscle power. At higher loads, the benefits of a catch for MTU performance diminished sharply, suggesting that power amplification >2.5X may come at the expense of net mechanical work delivered to the load.
Feeding kinematics and performance of basal otariid pinnipeds, Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), and northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus): implications for the evolution of mammalian feeding
Authors: Marshall Christopher D. , Rosen David , Trites Andrew W.
Published: October 2015

Feeding performance studies can address questions relevant to feeding ecology and evolution. Our current understanding of feeding mechanisms for aquatic mammals is poor. Therefore, we characterized the feeding kinematics and performance of 5 Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) and 6 northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus). We tested the hypotheses that both species use suction as their primary feeding mode, and that rapid jaw opening was related to suction generation. Steller sea lions used suction as their primary feeding mode, but also used a biting feeding mode. In contrast, Northern fur seals only used a biting feeding mode. Kinematic profiles of Steller sea lions were all indicative of suction feeding (i.e., a small gape, small gape angle, large depression of the hyolingual apparatus and lip pursing). However, jaw opening as measured by Gape Angle Opening Velocity (GAOV) was relatively slow in Steller sea lions. In contrast to Steller sea lions, the GAOV of Northern fur seals was extremely fast, but their kinematic profiles indicated a biting feeding mode (i.e., northern fur seals exhibited a greater gape, a greater gape angle, and minimal depression of the hyolingual apparatus compared to Steller sea lions). Steller sea lions produced both subambient and suprambient pressures at 45 kPa, respectively. In contrast, northern fur seals produced no detectable pressure measurements. Steller sea lions have a broader feeding repertoire than northern fur seals, which likely enables them to feed on a greater variety of prey, in more diverse habitats. Based on the basal phylogenetic position of northern fur seals, craniodental morphological data of the Callorhinus lineage, and the performance data provided in this study, we suggest that a northern fur seals may be exhibiting their ancestral feeding mode.
Spiders have melanin after all
Authors: Hsiung Bor-Kai , Blackledge Todd A. , Shawkey Matthew D.
Published: October 2015

Melanin pigments are broadly distributed in nature – from bacteria to fungi to plants and animals. However, many previous attempts to identify melanins in spiders were unsuccessful, suggesting that these otherwise ubiquitous pigments were lost during spider evolution. Yet, spiders exhibit many dark colours similar to those produced by melanins in other organisms and the low solubility of melanins makes isolation and characterization difficult. Therefore, whether melanins are truly absent or have simply not yet been detected is an open question. Raman spectroscopy provides a reliable way to detect melanins in situ, without the need for isolation. In this study, we document the presence of eumelanin in diverse species of spiders using confocal Raman microspectroscopy. Comparisons of spectra with theoretically calculated data falsify the previous hypothesis that dark colours are produced solely by ommochromes in spiders. Our data indicate that melanins are present in spiders and therefore likely in most living organisms.
SELECTING A COMPETITIVE STRATEGY FOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY USING THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS
Authors: Bondareva Irina , Druzhinina Irina , Tomčík Róbert
Published: October 2015

Sustainable growth of enterprises, as well as their competitiveness enhancement, is based largely on the formation of strategic potential. To ensure fulfillment of objectives on maintaining or strengthening the competitive position of the company, suitable competitive strategy, as a tool of strategic management, should be selected and implemented. However, optimal strategy should also form the strategic potential, i.e. the vision of how a company can use its reserves to increase competitiveness. The aim of the article was to select an effective competitive strategy from several alternatives with the help of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Company, that is recognized as the leader in the production of radiopharmaceuticals on the Slovak market was an object of this study. Calculations showed that the company should focus on the development of new products and keep the position on the existing markets rather than entering a new one. Based on the chosen strategy, it is also possible to create or customize the investment portfolio of the company, which ensures strengthening its competitive position.
HOW TO SELECT APPROPRIATE HUMAN RESOURCE CONTROLLING INDICATORS
Authors: Dugelova Monika , Strenitzerova Mariana
Published: October 2015

Human resource controlling represents a company’s strategic method to support its role is planning, checking, and managing—including information supplement for human resources department. Human resource controlling helps with optimization and transformation of human resource functions and with general human resource management. Our survey deals with the implementation of human resource controlling in information technology companies. The selection of appropriate human resource controlling tools is the most important part of implementation. This article deals with the problem of human resource indicators selection as the most frequently used human resource controlling tool. Many international authors have solved the problem of performance appraisal measurement, and there are numerous demonstrations on how to choose key performance indicators. Our motivation to draft the complex methodology of human resource indicators selection is based on non-existing solution among the authors. To solve the problem and find appropriate methodology, we use the methods comparison, abstraction, and concretization. The result is a creation of the right human resource indicators selection in line with human resource controlling aim. We use the Balanced Scorecard, Deloitte human resource strategy framework, and partial solution of Kleinhempel (2010). These results constitute the basis for our future research and for drafting the whole methodology of human resource controlling implementation in information technology companies.
ALLOCATION OF POSTAL NETWORK FACILITIES, BASED ON EXISTING ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
Authors: Štefunko Jozef , Madleňák Radovan
Published: October 2015

Postal operator, as well as every network enterprise, needs to keep its costs on the lowest level possible, while maintaining the reliability and availability of its services. One option to the costs is to optimize the transport network. This article focuses on the creation of postal network based on existing road infrastructure in Slovakia. Except the basic analysis of the infrastructure, the research approach adopted in this article relies on methods of graph theory to solve allocation problems. In particular, it is the method of p-median values and its algorithms to determine the number and location of new postal sorting centers. The findings showed that the analysis performed is just the cornerstone in finding the optimal solution for such strategic investments. Results are bounded to the input values used, especially the distance of the network vertices. Specific values of postal sector need to be incorporated with more thorough analysis of road infrastructure, considering future development of transport network.
THE IMPORTANCE AND DESIGN OF WEB-HOSTING SERVICE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ZILINA
Authors: Hudák Martin , Madleňák Radovan
Published: October 2015

University education by practical experiences is an important factor of the pedagogical process. The genesis of this article was a requirement of web-hosting as a support tool for students. The aim of the article was to define causes and to design university web-hosting. Before web-hosting was designed, a research among the students had been conducted to determine whether they wanted to use this kind of tool. The target group of this research was the segment of students studying at the University of Zilina. The next step was to design the information system for web-hosting and, afterward, to implement it on a dedicated server. After the successful implementation, the last step was to test the functionality of the web-hosting created with several students. All notes, comments, and complaints from the students were taken and would serve as an innovative idea for web-hosting in the future.
IMPROVEMENT OF COMPANY MARKETING STRATEGY BASED ON ANALYSIS OF GOOGLE SEARCH RESULTS
Authors: Ďurica Marek , Švábová Lucia
Published: October 2015

Nowadays, Internet plays a major role in people's lives. It is usually used for entertainment, as a source of information, and also for electronic commerce. Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is gradually replacing traditional shopping, especially in the past years. It is a quick and easy form of marketing, which provides convenience for the customers, and, therefore, more and more users are using this form of shopping on the Internet. E-commerce also provides new opportunities for companies, which force them to begin dealing with the Internet. Many customers who are shopping on the Internet look for the best product or service close to their home. Most of the space in the search results in Google is occupied by local results. If a company offers some goods or services and they do not show up on the local search results, the company may be losing a lot of profits from these potential customers. That is why companies have to focus on best ranking in the local search results. In this article, we try to experimentally determine which factors affect ranking in Google search. Of course, it is necessary to quantify the impact of these factors. To select these factors and to determine their impact, we use exact methods of mathematical statistics, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression analysis. Confirmation and quantification of the impact of some qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the company can be used to formulate recommendations for improving corporate strategy in acquiring new customers.
MODIFICATION OF DELTA FOR CHOOSER OPTIONS
Authors: Ďurica Marek
Published: October 2015

Correctly used financial derivatives can help investors increase their expected returns and minimize their exposure to risk. To ensure the specific needs of investors, a large number of different types of non-standard exotic options is used. Chooser option is one of them. It is an option that gives its holder the right to choose at some predetermined future time whether the option will be a standard call or put with predetermined strike price and maturity time. Although the chooser options are more expensive than standard European-style options, in many cases they are a more suitable instrument for investors in hedging their portfolio value. For an effective use of the chooser option as a hedging instrument, it is necessary to check the values of the Greek parameters delta and gamma for the options. Especially, if the value of the parameter gamma is too large, hedging of the portfolio value using only parameter delta is insufficient and brings high transaction costs because the portfolio has to be reviewed relatively often. Therefore, in this article, a modification of delta-hedging as well as using the value of parameter gamma is suggested. Error of the delta modification is analyzed and compared with the error of widely used parameter delta. Typical patterns for the modified hedging parameter variation with various time to choose time for chooser options are also presented in this article.
THE MODERN STATE OF ENTERPRISE INNOVATION ACTIVITY IN KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Kurmanov Nurlan , Aibosynova Dina
Published: October 2015

In the XXI century, the key to rapid socio-economic development is to have an effective innovation policy, aimed at introducing high "disruptive" technologies, new ways to organise and manage work, advanced inventions, and the means to progress scientific and technical achievements.The formation of an innovative economy in Kazakhstan is a complexity of economic, social, and political issues. An effective use of research findings and developments in the real economy is most important in terms of Kazakhstan’s successful competitiveness, assurance for high economic growth, improved quality of life, and to help realize other innovative priorities. In these circumstances, innovation management and development is becoming more relevant as the basis for developing Kazakh companies, by way of a defined set of relevant technical, operational, organizational, marketing, and financial operations.The purpose of this study is to identify characteristics and practical recommendations for the development and further improvement of management mechanisms relating to the innovative activity of enterprises in Kazakhstan. The study used a systematic approach of comparison, scientific abstraction, data collection, analysis and synthesis, applied expertise, and statistical methods. The core value of the work was to support the feasibility of a system for Kazakh enterprises to promote innovative activity and the development of high technologies.
INFLUENCE OF FINANCIAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: Abidova Dilbar
Published: October 2015

In the view of every country’s endeavors for sustainable economic development, the question of key factors influencing economic growth or recession is becoming more prominent. For several decades now, finance is being considered as one of such factors by some scholars and rejected by others. This article is aimed at analyzing the finance-growth nexus by considering the existing theoretical background, empirical studies, and real life cases. Research has shown that the influence of financial sector on economic growth, and as a result of real sector’s activity, is becoming more obvious, especially in the light of the recent global financial-economic crisis. What remains unknown is the extent to which finance can encourage economies to develop.
A PROPOSAL OF A PROCESS MODEL FOR POSTAL ELECTRONIC SERVICE IMPLEMENTATION
Authors: Nemček Bystrík , Kremeňová Iveta
Published: October 2015

This article is dedicated to one of the main business processes–implementation of the postal electronic service. Theoretical point of view is focused on Business Process Management (BPM) describing it as a field in systems engineering that focuses on activity of representing processes of an enterprise, so that the current process may be analyzed or improved. The main aim of the practical point of view was to design a model of postal electronic service implementation. A proposal of model is designed in Business Process Model Notation (BPMN), which is a graphical representation for specifying business processes in a business process model
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS AND FISCAL STIMULATION IN UZBEKISTAN
Authors: Yakubova Nargiza
Published: October 2015

This article analyzes the trends in foreign capital inflows into selected CIS countries, using a documented analysis. The study revealed that despite  improved macroeconomic stability and economic growth capital inflow in CIS countries is  modest , reflecting a weak overall investment climate in the region. The study results show that private capital inflows into these countries consist mainly of direct investments, and concentrate in the few countries with big oil reserves. Lack of protection for property rights, with threats from corruption, crime, and excessive regulation, was the significant investment impediment cited most frequently in the research. Despite Uzbekistan shows strong growth comparing a weak performance in the broader Europe and Central Asia region, the level of efficiency of  using the incentives still remaining low. According the results of the study unconditional and irrevocable tax and customs exemptions are the main reasons for the low efficiency of the incentives. The paper subsequently suggests that fiscal stimulus are only marginally efficient in the absence of effective monetary, exchange-rate, and industrial policies.
DIFFERENTIATED ASSESSMENT OF ANXIETY IN ELDERLY WOMEN
Authors: Gribanov Anatolii Vladimirovich , Deputat Irina Sergeevna , Dzhos Yulia Sergeevna , Nehoroshkova Alexandra Nikolaevna , Bolshevidtseva Irina Leopolidovna , Kereush Yana Vladimirovna , Deryabina Irina Nikolaevna , Startseva Larisa Fedorovna , Emeljyanova Tatyana Valerjevna , Bagretsova Tatyana Vladimirovna , Ikonnikova Irina Victorovna
Published: October 2015

The article presents the results of a study designed to assess the anxiety and an analysis of its individual components in 104 elderly women. Summary of the data obtained shows that women between ages 55-64 years have higher anxiety in comparison with older women (65-74 years of age). This is due to emotional difficulties associated with a person’s transition to old age. The anxiety is expressed as emotional discomfort indicators and in anxious assessment of near-term perspective. High indication of asthenic symptoms were present in both age groups, which is likely to be associated not only with the manifestation of anxiety but also with a separate state characterizing the elderly.
HIGHER EDUCATION INTERVENTIONS IN THE EU FUNDING CONTEXT DURING 2007 – 2013 PROGRAMING PERIOD IN BULGARIA
Authors: Ivanov Peter
Published: October 2015

This article presents an analysis of the interventions supporting specific public policies, in the field of higher education, in Bulgaria. These fall within the framework of the European Union structural funds of the 2007 – 2013 program. The paper identifies the types of operations and financial allocations according to their mode of intervention, and reports on the impact of their implementation. It concludes with recommendations for the new operational program, “Science and education for smart growth 2014 – 2020.”
DEVELOPMENT OF AUTONOMOUSLY REPLICATING VIRAL RNA TO EXPRESS THE RECOMBINANT HUMAN GRANULOCYTE COLONY-STIMULATING FACTOR
Authors: Kaliyeva Makhabbat , Shustov Alexander
Published: October 2015

Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) produced in cultured mammalian cells undergoes proper posttranslational modifications and, thereby, possesses better pharmacological properties in comparison with the homologous protein expressed in bacteria. Biopharmaceuticals derived from cell culture tend to be expensive because of lower yields compared to bacterially expressed competitors and numerous issues with the scalability of production. Particular limitation of scalability pertains to delivery of expression vectors to the cell culture. Natural and efficient way to deliver foreign DNA or RNA to cell is a viral infection. We intended to develop the viral genome capable of G-CSF expression.Objectives: To develop autonomously replicating viral RNA capable of heterologous expression of the G-CSF in cultured mammalian cells.Methods: Genetic engineering, cell culture, and virology.Results: Viable genome of the Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus (VEE) was constructed. The G-CSF gene was synthesized de novo. Gene cassette GFP-2A-G-CSF was constructed for simultaneous expression of the fluorescent marker of viral replication (GFP) and the product of interest. Recombinant viral genome VEE/GFP-2A-G-CSF was assembled; its viability was confirmed upon transfection to the BHK-21 cells.Conclusion: Genetic engineering of the cDNA copies of the genomes of RNA viruses provides excessive opportunities to develop mammalian expression systems. We achieved production of recombinant proteins in cultured mammalian cells transfected with the VEE viral RNA carrying the inserted genes of marker protein and G-CSF.
RECOMBINANT THERMOTOLERANT PHYTASE PRODUCED IN E.COLI
Authors: Axambayeva Altynay Seitkhanovna , Shustov Alexander Vyacheslavovich
Published: October 2015

Abstract: Phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate) and its salts (phytates) are the major storage form of phosphorus in plants. Monogastric animals including hogs, poultry, and fish cannot utilize phytates as a source of phosphorus unless they are enzymatically destroyed with exogenous enzyme—phytase. Phytases are added to fodder in ever increasing dosage to improve utilization of plant-derived phosphorus because this reduces dependence of farms on inorganic fodder phosphates. Because of technological considerations, feed phytases have to withstand elevated temperatures (60-80°C), which are used during preparation of fodder. Enzymatic feed additives are becominutesg of high demand in Kazakhstan, and development of domestic technologies for production of agricultural enzymes is an ongoing challenge to the country’s biotechnology.Objectives: To develop a system for recombinant expression of industrially important thermotolerantphytase and confirm activity and thermal stability of the recombinantly expressed enzyme.Methods: De novo gene synthesis, expression of 6xHis-tagged protein in E.coli, immobilized metal affinity chouromatography, biochemical tests for activities of phosphatase and phytase.Results: Thermotolerantphytase was produced in E.coli using recombinant expression system. The obtained enzyme had phosphatise activity (hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl phosphate) and phytase activity (hydrolyzed sodium phytate). The recombinant phytase tolerated increase of incubation temperature up to 70°C and demonstrated increase in activity towards phytate with increase in the reaction temperature in the range 30°C-70°C.Conclusion: Described gene and expression system have prospects of utilization in development of pilot industrial production of phytase in the country.
PATIENT SATISFACTION WITH ORTHOPEDIC AND PROSTHETIC MEDICAL DEVICES
Authors: Malovecká Ivona , Mináriková Daniela , Foltán Viliam
Published: October 2015

Collecting information about patient satisfaction with orthopedic and prosthetic medical devices in terms of utility, tolerance, and compliance is essential for verifying and improving the quality of these devices. In addition, such information is useful for improving the patients’ quality of life, and the quality management systems of health care providers. This study assessed patient satisfaction with these devices from a sample of patients with orthopedic, neurologic, and rheumatic diseases at the Specialized Hospital for Orthopedic Prosthetics and at the premises of the Dispenser of Orthopedic and Prosthetic Medical Devices, both in Bratislava in the Slovak Republic. The assessment involved a translated and validated questionnaire about patient satisfaction with orthopedic and prosthetic medical devices to evaluate key factors of weight, fit, appearance, comfort, pain free, free of abrasiveness, ease of application, and durability of each device. The study samples consisted of patients with lower limb problems (42.5%), spine problems (26.9%), and a combination of leg and spine issues (25.9%). Orthopedic disease occurred in 73.6% of these patients, a combination of orthopedic and neurologic disease in 13.5%, and neurologic disease in 7.3%. Orthopedic insoles (36.3%), hip belts (17.6%), and the corset on the spine (5.2%) were the most used devices. Overall, the medical devices rated highly, with a high proportion of patients voting “strongly satisfied” in five of the eight key factors (range 51.8 to 63.2%), followed by a moderately lower proportion for durability (43.5%), comfort (37.3%), and appearance (31.1%). The comfort in wearing the device received the greatest patient dissatisfaction (22.8% of patients), followed by appearance (12.4%), and then fit (7.3%).