bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Simulation of Systems of Systems – a Survey
Authors: Tzanev Anjel
Published: May 2013

The paper surveys the current state of the art and perspectives in the theoretical and practical achievements at the area of Systems of Systems (SoS) and SoS Engineering (SoSE). The conceptions about SoS simulation modeling, subsystem integration and practical implementation issues in the face of main three tendencies for development (academic, military and industrial) are considered. Comprehensive generalized methodology for design, testing and efficiency evaluation of SoS, named DEVS Unified Process (DEVSUP), is briefly summarized.
Enhancing the Precision of Walsh Wavelet Based Approach for Color and Texture Feature Extraction in CBIR by Including a Shape Feature
Authors: Rakhee M. , Govindan V. K. , Karun Baiju
Published: May 2013

This paper proposes a method for enhancing the performance of Content Based Image Retrieval, employing a shape feature along with color and texture of Walsh wavelet. The color and texture features of the images are extracted using Walsh Wavelet and the shape feature is extracted by edge detection using any of Roberts, Sobel, Prewitt or Canny Operator. The performance of the approach is tested based on the precision values on a database containing 44 images. The results show that the precision of retrieval is increased when a shape feature is employed in the second stage of a two-stage retrieval process. Adding the shape as a third feature in a single stage retrieval process does not provide any improvement in retrieval performance with respect to precision and recall. Performance comparison was also carried out with other existing approaches, namely Walshlet and Walsh transform. The experimental results show that Walsh Wavelet has higher precision than Walshlet and Walsh transform. Also, shape extraction with Sobel and Prewitt operators provides better performance when compared to Canny and Roberts.
Discrete Time Sliding Mode Flow Controllers for Connection-Oriented Networks with Lossy Links
Authors: Bartoszewicz Andrzej , Leśniewski Piotr
Published: May 2013

In this paper we propose two discrete-time sliding mode flow controllers for multisource connection-oriented networks. Each connection in the considered networks is characterized by a time delay and a packet loss ratio. The proposed controllers take advantage of appropriately designed sliding hyperplanes, which ensure the closed-loop system stability and finite-time error convergence to zero. Moreover, the proposed controllers ensure full utilization of the bottleneck link available bandwidth, guarantee bounded transmission rates, and eliminate the risk of buffer overflow in the bottleneck node. Since the primary controller may lead to excessive values of the transmission rate at the beginning of the control process, the modified controller is designed using the concept of the reaching law, which helps the removing of the undesirable effect.
Simulation of Grid Connected Three-Level Neutral-Point-Clamped qZS Inverter using PSCAD
Authors: Roncero-Clemente Carlos , Romero-Cadaval Enrique , Husev Oleksandr , Vinnikov Dmitri , Stepenko Serhii
Published: May 2013

This paper is focused on a single-phase three-level neutral-point-clamped quasi-z-source inverter when it is operating being connected to the electrical grid. A control strategy for injecting current synchronized in phase with the voltage at the point of common coupling has been proposed and studied. It is achieved by means of controlling the output voltage between branches adjusting the output current by using a d-q frame and the analysis of the output filter. The control strategy generates the reference to be used in the modulation technique and it has been validated with and without shoot-through switching states. A method to calculate the minimum value of the shoot-through duty cycle is also explained in order to assure the proper control of the injected current when the input voltage is less than peak value of the grid voltage. It is an important feature because 3L-NPC qZSI due to its possibility of boosting input voltage in a single stage would operate better than a traditional inverter, for instance in photovoltaic applications when the value of irradiance is decreased. The presented results have been obtained using PSCAD/EMTDC as a simulation tool.
Dimmable LED Drivers Operating in Discontinuous Conduction Mode
Authors: Tetervenoks Olegs , Milashevski Irena
Published: May 2013

For the modern smart lighting systems one of the most attractive LED advantages is the dimming possibility. Many researchers and engineers from the field of lighting engineering are trying to find compromise between the efficiency of LED dimming process and the ease of its implementation. This paper also presents an attempt to improve LED dimmer parameters. Comparative investigation of the operation of buck LED drivers in continuous conduction mode and discontinuous conduction mode are discussed here. The first section of paper briefly describes the controllability parameters of the converter in both of these modes. The positive impact of discontinuous conduction mode on the controllability parameters as well as the results of the analytical estimation and the results of associated experiments are summarized at the end of the first section. The second section describes the impact of discontinuous conduction mode on the losses of LED dimmer. The analytical estimation of power losses in the main converter components for both operation modes as well as the summary of the experiments to identify distribution of power losses between these components are presented in this section. Finally, the conclusions about using discontinuous conduction mode for dimmable LED lamps as well as guidelines for the choosing of the components with the most appropriate parameters are drawn
R&D collaboration of EU countries with partners beyond the EU group
Authors: Kučera Zdeněk , Vondrák Tomáš , Frank Daniel
Published: May 2013

International collaboration is an important factor stimulating the advancement of national research and development. In this paper we use bibliometric analysis for the evaluation of the extent and the intensity of collaboration of EU countries with partners beyond the EU group. The main partner of the EU is the USA whose authors participate on nearly one tenth of European scientific publications. Within the 6th and 7th Framework Programme, measured by the number of R&D teams, Russia dominates. Former socialist countries exhibit a broader orientation towards Russia and other countries of the former USSR than the EU-15 countries. The number of US R&D teams involved in collaboration with Czech entities is only about one third of the Russian ones.
Emerging R&D centres supported by EU Structural Funds in the Czech Republic and their sustainability
Authors: Marek David , Meislová Kristýna , Žížalová Pavla
Published: May 2013

Availability of top infrastructure forms an important prerequisite of internationally competitive research and development (R&D) and contributes to its attractiveness to the application sector (Autio et al. 2004). Research infrastructures represent one of the main topics of member-state collaboration in building the European Research Area (EC 2010) and they are an important factor influencing worker mobility (OECD 2008). The significant investment costs associated with the creation and operation of the infrastructures represent the main barrier to their development. In this regard, the Czech Republic has not yet achieved the standard of the most developed countries despite being capable of expanding the horizons of knowledge in a number of fields through valuable R&D results. One of the possibilities for supporting the development of R&D infrastructures is offered by the current operational programmes. However, success of new centres also depends on them being staffed by top research teams. Are the Czech Republic and its regions capable of making full use of the opportunity offered, do they have sufficient human resources to staff and finance the created positions, and will regional economies benefit from the presence of R&D centres? The first step inevitably determines the others. A detailed look at the development of employment rates in R&D shows that there are insufficient human resources for staffing the capacities of emerging centres in certain regions which poses a threat of partially weakening the development impulse due to formal transfers of existing researchers from one institution to another. The indicated share of contractual research and foreign grants in the centres that are being built seems highly ambitious when compared with the existing resource structure of parent institutions. A reduction in any of these resources may result in curbing the centres’ activities because the state budget may not be able to compensate for the cut.
Phytosociology And Ecology Of The Dinaric Fir-Beech Forests (Omphalodofagetum) At The North-Western Part Of The Illyrian Floral Province (Nw Dinaric Alps)
Authors: Surina Boštjan , Dakskobler Igor
Published: May 2013

We studied the phytosociology, ecology and biogeography of the Dinaric fir-beech stands (Omphalodo-Fagetum) in the Trnovski gozd plateau, at the north-western part of the Illyrian floral province. We identified and confirmed two geographical variants (var. geogr. Saxifraga cuneifolia - central and western part of the plateau, and var. geogr. Calamintha grandiflora - eastern part of the plateau), and 10 floristically and ecologically well differentiated subassociations (-rhododendretosum hirsuti,-saxifragetosum cuneifoliae, -adenostyletosum glabrae, -festucetosum altissimae, -calamagrostietosum arundinaceae, -stellarietosum montanae, -seslerietosum autumnalis, -calamagrostietosum variae, -sambucetosum nigrae and -asaretosum europei). The most frequent stands bellong to the subassociation -festucetosum altissimae and -calamagrostietosum arundinaceae, which, in terms of site ecology and floristic composition, represent the central forest types in the research area. They are floristically impoverished and lack majority of association’s characteristic species which is in line with the biogeographic peculiarites of the research area.
Species Composition and Occurrence of Thrips on Tomato and Pepper as Influenced by Farmers’ Management Practices in Uganda
Authors: Ssemwogerere Charles , Nyaburu Ochwo-Ssemakula Mildred Kathrynn , Kovach Joe , Kyamanywa Samuel , Karungi Jeninah
Published: May 2013

A biological monitoring survey was carried out in central Uganda for two consecutive seasons to provide information on species composition and occurrence of thrips on tomato and pepper as influenced by farmers’ management practices. A total of 50 farms for each crop participated in the study. Data was collected on cropping system, crop variety, type of pesticide used, pesticide spray regime, and on thrips populations. Results indicated that a total of six thrips species: Frankliniella occidentalis, Thrips tabaci, F. schultzei, Scirtothrips dorsalis, Ceratothrips ericae and Megalurothrips sjostedti infest tomato in the region. Pepper had the same thrips profile with the exception of F. schultzei. There was a distinct seasonal effect on thrips occurrence in the case of tomato. Higher thrips populations (61%) were recorded in the first season of the study as compared to the second. The majority of the thrips were recorded in the flowering stage of crop development for both crops, and 100% in the case of pepper. Generally, for both crops, plants in intercropped arrangements had higher thrips counts than the monocropped ones. Different tomato/pepper varieties sustained variable thrips populations. All the farmers applied pesticides to manage the complex of pests on the crops, albeit to variable extents. In this region, thrips populations were reduced when an increase in the number of pesticide applications in a given week was used.
Biocontrol Potential of Metarhizium Anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), Isolated from Suppressive Soils of the Boyer-Ahmad Region, Iran, Against J2s of Heterodera Avenae
Authors: Ghayedi Samaneh , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: May 2013

In order to study the nematode parasitic fungi, eighty soil samples were collected from different regions of Boyer-Ahmad, Iran. Extracted nematodes were examined for fungal parasitism. The naturally parasitized nematodes were surface sterilized and cultured on lactic acid containing media, then incubated at 25°C for 7-10 days. Metarhizium anisopliae was isolated from five soil samples. An in vitro test of the potential antagonistic efficiency of M. anisopliae against J2s of Heterodera avenae was evaluated. Nematodes were exposed to concentrations of 103, 104, 105, 106, and 107 conidia per ml. Results showed that the isolated M. anisopliae is highly pathogenic to them. The number of parasitized J2s varied between 14.9% and 47.1% for 103 and 107 conidia per mL, respectively. To assess the optimum temperature of the isolate, cultured fungi were incubated at 20, 25, 27, 30, 35, 37, and 38°C. The optimum temperature for growth was 27-35°C and no growth was observed at 38°C. This is the first report of a natural occurrence as well as the biocontrol potential of M. anisopliae on nematodes in Iran.
Ni–Al Protective Coating of Steel Electrodes in Dc Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production / Ni–Al Pārklājuma Ietekme Uz Tērauda Elektrodiem Līdzstrāvas Elektrolīzē Ūdeņraža Ražošanai
Authors: Aizpurietis P. , Vanags M. , Kleperis J. , Bajars G.
Published: May 2013

Hydrogen can be a good alternative to fossil fuels under the conditions of world's crisis as an effective energy carrier derived from renewable resources. Among all the known methods of hydrogen production, water electrolysis gives the ecologically purest hydrogen, so it is of importance to maximize the efficiency of this process. The authors consider the influence of plasma sprayed Ni-Al protective coating of 316L steel anode-cathode electrodes in DC electrolysis. In a long-term (24 h) process the anode corrodes strongly, losing Cr and Ni ions which are transferred to the electrolyte, while only minor corrosion of the cathode occurs. At the same time, the composition of anode and cathode electrodes protected by Ni-Al coating changes only slightly during a prolonged electrolysis. As the voltammetry and Tafel plots evidence, the Ni-Al coating protects both the anode and cathode from the corrosion and reduces the potential of hydrogen evolution. The results obtained show that such a coating works best in the case of steel electrodes.
Soliton Model of the Photon / Fotona Solitona Modelis
Authors: Bersons I.
Published: May 2013

A three-dimensional soliton model of photon with corpuscular and wave properties is proposed. We consider the Maxwell equations and assume that light induces the polarization and magnetization of vacuum only along the direction of its propagation. The nonlinear equation constructed for the vector potential is similar to the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation and comprises a dimensionless constant μ that determines the size-scale of soliton and is expected to be small. The obtained one-soliton solution of the proposed nonlinear equation describes a three-dimensional object identified as photon.
Dynamic In-game Advertising in 3D Digital Games
Authors: Raatikainen Olli
Published: May 2013

Lately, digital games have developed concerning their use as a marketing medium. The present article is part of a study aimed at building a theoretical model for measuring and analyzing dynamic in-game advertising in 3D digital games. The study is explorative in nature, because it intends to build a new model of a real phenomenon based on one or more existing theories. Dynamic in-game advertising can be implemented in a 3D digital game without harming the gameplay experience, while still being effective from the marketer’s point of view. An optimized dynamic in-game advertisement is realistically and repeatedly, but subtly placed and interactive advertisement of a low-involvement product.
The Centrality of Culture in the 20th Century Estonian Press
Authors: Kõnno Andres , Aljas Agnes , Lõhmus Maarja , Kõuts Ragne
Published: May 2013

The present article highlights the importance of the comparative longitudinal study of massmediated content in comparing the evolution of public spheres in neighbouring countries. In order to contextualize our research on the Estonian media system, we simultaneously conducted a similar study on Finnish and Russian newspapers of the same period. The 20th century was a period of rapid change in Estonian society and, compared with Finnish and Russian newspapers, Estonian newspapers paid more attention to issues that were labelled as “cultural”. In the Estonian press the understanding that ‘culture’ is important prevailed, as it was one of the most stable elements of content throughout the century. The significance of governance-politics and economics depended on the political situation and historical context. The interpretation of data is based on the binaries “centre” vs. “periphery” and “self-reference” vs. “other-reference”.
Testy specjalistyczne monitorów stosowanych do prezentacji obrazów medycznych
Authors: Skrzyński Witold , Ślusarczyk-Kacprzyk Wioletta , Kukołowicz Paweł , Oborska-Kumaszyńska Dominika , Orlef Andrzej , Zielińska-Dąbrowska Sylwia
Published: May 2013

W opracowaniu przedstawiono zestaw testow, ktore zdaniem Polskiego Towarzystwa Fizyki Medycznej, powinny być wykonywane dla monitorow używanych do prezentowania obrazu zapisanego w postaci cyfrowej. Dokument ten powstał z inicjatywy Zarządu Głownego Polskiego Towarzystwa Fizyki Medycznej, został opracowany na podstawie dostępnych publikacji przez fizykow z Zakładu Fizyki Medycznej Centrum Onkologii w Warszawie we wspołpracy z zespołem konsultantow powołanych przez Zarząd Głowny PTFM.
Bone mineral density (BMD) and computer tomographic measurements of the equine proximal phalanx in correlation with breaking strength
Authors: Tóth P. , Horváth C. , Ferencz V. , Tóth B. , Váradi A. , Szenci O. , Bodó G.
Published: May 2013

Despite the fact that bone mineral density (BMD) is an important fracture risk predictor in human medicine, studies in equine orthopedic research are still lacking. We hypothesized that BMD correlates with bone failure and fatigue fractures of this bone. Thus, the objectives of this study were to measure the structural and mechanical properties of the proximal phalanx with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to correlate the data obtained from DXA and computer tomography (CT) measurements to those obtained by loading pressure examination and to establish representative region of interest (ROI) for in vitro BMD measurements of the equine proximal phalanx for predicting bone failure force. DXA was used to measure the whole bone BMD and additional three ROI sites in 14 equine proximal phalanges. Following evaluation of the bone density, whole bone, cortical width and area in the mid-diaphyseal plane were measured on CT images. Bones were broken using a manually controlled universal bone crusher to measure bone failure force and reevaluated for the site of fractures on follow-up CT images. Compressive load was applied at a constant displacement rate of 2 mm/min until failure, defined as the first clear drop in the load measurement. The lowest BMD was measured at the trabecular region (mean ± SD: 1.52 ± 0.12 g/cm2; median: 1.48 g/cm2; range: 1.38-1.83 g/cm2). There was a significant positive linear correlation between trabelcular BMD and the breaking strength (P=0.023, r=0.62). The trabecular region of the proximal phalanx appears to be the only significant indicator of failure of strength in vitro. This finding should be reassessed to further reveal the prognostic value of trabecular BMD in an in vivo fracture risk model.
Oral folic acid supplementation decreases palate and/or lip cleft occurrence in Pug and Chihuahua puppies and elevates folic acid blood levels in pregnant bitches
Authors: Domosławska A. , Jurczak A. , Janowski T.
Published: May 2013

The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of the occurrence of lip and/or palate cleft (CL/CP) in new-borns of two breeds, Pugs and Chihuahuas, and to measure the folic acid blood levels in bitches during gestations both with and without folic acid oral supplementation. Bitches of 13 Pugs and 17 Chihuahuas with CL/CP cases were used in the study. In trial 1, the animals of the experimental group (n=25) were given additional folic acid from the onset of heat till the 40th day of gestation. The females of the control group (n=12) were fed a traditional diet. From all the animals blood was collected at the onset of heat, 14 days later and on the 30th day of the gestation to estimate folic acid concentration. In trial 2, the prevalence of CP/CL cases in litters from pregnancies before and after supplementation was compared. The percentage of puppies with CL/CP after supplementation decreased in both Pugs and Chihuahua puppies (10.86% and 15.78% vs. 4.76% and 4.8% respectively). On Day 0, the concentrations of folic acid were at a low physiological level (around 8 ng/ml) in all the animals. In bitches of the experimental group the blood level of folic acid on day 14th and 30th of the treatment showed an increase in both breeds (13.65 ± 4.27 ng/ml in Pugs, 10.79 ± 2.84 ng/ml in Chihuahuas, and 14.94 ± 3.22 ng/ml in Pugs, 12.95 ± 3.58 in Chihuahuas, respectively) while in the control group, this level decreased with time of gestation both in Pugs and in Chihuahuas (around 6 ng/ml). Folic acid supplementation seems to be a simple, effective preventive method to reduce the risk of CL/CP, especially in the predisposed breeds.
Real time PCR detection of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus in rabbits infected with different European strains of RHDV
Authors: Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej P. , Hukowska-Szematowicz B. , Działo J. , Tokarz-Deptuła B. , Deptuła W.
Published: May 2013

The paper concerns the use of a novel, very effective diagnostic method, a real-time PCR for diagnosis of a viral agent causing viral haemorrhagic disease in rabbits - RHDV. Until now, the method was widely used for detecting many different viruses, both DNA, and RNA, but as far as RHDV is concerned, there are not many records of such use. This study aimed at the detection of 17 different strains from different European regions, differing in biological features and mortality. The study confirmed that real-time PCR is an applicable and effective method for diagnosis of RHDV, irrespective of the stains’ features.
Fibromuscular dysplasia in arteries and in a vein in broiler chickens
Authors: Gesek M. , Paździor K. , Otrocka-Domagała I. , Rotkiewicz T. , Szarek J.
Published: May 2013

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a group of nonatherosclerotic, noninflammatory diseases of blood vessels with unknown aetiology. In our study, FMD was diagnosed in blood vessels in samples taken from kidneys, liver and lung of broiler chickens. The FMD occurred during rearing in 8 of 108 broiler chickens examined for the effects of intensive rearing on the internal organs. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed medial subtypes of FMD, medial fibromuscular dysplasia and medial fibromuscular stenosis. The first subtype presented as plugs in vessel lumens consisting of smooth muscle and fibrous connective tissue originating from the tunica media. The second subtype presented as a proliferation of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts originating from the media and leading to lumen stenosis. The aetiology of FMD is still unknown. Thus, genetic factors are suspected as a cause of the disease. This is the first report of FMD in a vein of an animal species.
First report of swine-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 in Lithuania
Authors: Ruzauskas M. , Couto N. , Belas A. , Klimiene I. , Siugzdiniene R. , Pomba C.
Published: May 2013

During 2011, 160 nasal samples were taken from pigs on 8 different farms in Lithuania. Four methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates were obtained. The isolates were ST398, spa type t011 and SCCmec V and none carried the lukF/lukS genes. Strains were resistant to tetracycline, attributed to tetK and tetM genes, and to erythromycin owing to the ermB gene. One MRSA strain was resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and carried the dfrK gene. This is the first report on the presence and characteristics of livestock-associated MRSA isolated from pigs in Lithuania.
Cytokines in canine inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kołodziejska-Sawerska A. , Rychlik A. , Depta A. , Wdowiak M. , Nowicki M. , Kander M.
Published: May 2013

Canine inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic enteropathies characterized by persistent or recurring gastric symptoms with an unknown etiology which are related to histopathological changes in the mucosa of the small and large bowel in the form of cellular infiltration in the mucosal lamina propria. Recent years have witnessed a growing number of investigations into the role of the immune system and, in particular, cytokines in the development of IBD. In this article, the expression of pro-inflammatory (IL-1, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18, IFN-γ, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) was compared in canine patients with IBD based on clinical presentation, breed, lamina propria cell infiltrate and histopathological grade. Only selected studies confirmed higher mRNA expression levels of cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-12p40, IFN-γ, TNF-α and TGF-β in dogs with IBD in comparison with healthy subjects. GSD were strongly represented in most study populations. Dogs with LPE were characterized by elevated levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, TGF-β. The present studies of canine patients with LPC revealed the mRNA expression of cytokines IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p35, IL-12p40, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TGF-β. In the reviewed studies, the progression of IBD was not accompanied by changes in the mRNA expression of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, TNF-α, IFN-γ or TGF-β.
Uterine perforation – 5-year experience in 3-D image guided gynaecological brachytherapy at Institute of Oncology Ljubljana
Authors: Segedin Barbara , Gugic Jasenka , Petric Primoz
Published: May 2013

Background. Accurate applicator placement is a precondition for the success of gynaecological brachytherapy (BT). Unrecognized uterine perforation can lead to bleeding, infection, high doses to pelvic organs and underdosage of the target volume, resulting in acute morbidity, long-term complications and reduced chance of cure. We aimed to assess the incidence and clinical characteristics of our cases with uterine perforation, review their management and impact on the treatment course.

Patients and methods. In all patients, treated with utero-vaginal image guided BT for gynaecological cancer between January 2006 and December 2011, the CT/MR images with the applicator in place were reviewed. The incidence of uterine perforations was recorded. Clinical factors that may have predisposed to increased risk of perforation were recorded. Management of perforations and their impact on treatment course was assessed.

Results. 219 patients (428 applications) were suitable for analysis. Uterine perforation was found in 13 (3.0%) applications in 10 (4.6%) patients. The most frequent perforation site was posterior uterine wall (n = 9), followed by anterior wall (n = 2) and fundus (n = 2). All cases were managed conservatively, without complications. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered in 8 cases. In 4 patients, abdominal and/or transrectal ultrasound (US) guidance was used on subsequent applications for applicator insertion; adequate applicator placement was achieved and treatment completed as planned in all cases.

Conclusions. 3D imaging for BT planning enables accurate identification of uterine perforations. The incidence of perforations at our department is one of the lowest reported in the literature. US guidance of applicator insertion is useful and feasible, allowing to complete the planned treatment even in challenging cases.
Impact of respiratory motion on breast tangential radiotherapy using the field-in-field technique compared to irradiation using physical wedges
Authors: Tanaka Hidekazu , Hayashi Shinya , Ohtakara Kazuhiro , Hoshi Hiroaki
Published: May 2013

Background. This study aimed to evaluate whether the field-in-field (FIF) technique was more vulnerable to the impact of respiratory motion than irradiation using physical wedges (PWs).

Patients and methods. Ten patients with early stage breast cancer were enrolled. Computed tomography (CT) was performed during free breathing (FB). After the FB-CT data set acquisition, 2 additional CT scans were obtained during a held breath after light inhalation (IN) and light exhalation (EX). Based on the FB-CT images, 2 different treatment plans were created for the entire breast for each patient and copied to the IN-CT and EX-CT images. The amount of change in the volume of the target receiving 107%, 95%, and 90% of the prescription dose (V107%, V95%, and V90%, respectively), on the IN-plan and EX-plan compared with the FB-plan were evaluated.

Results. The V107%, V95%, and V90% were significantly larger for the IN-plan than for the FB-plan in both the FIF technique and PW technique. While the amount of change in the V107% was significantly smaller in the FIF than in the PW plan, the amount of change in the V95% and V90% was significantly larger in the FIF plan. Thus, the increase in the V107% was smaller while the increases in the V95% and V90% were larger in the FIF than in the PW plan.

Conclusions. During respiratory motion, the dose parameters stay within acceptable range irrespective of irradiation technique used although the amount of change in dose parameters was smaller with FIF technique.
Modern Challenges Facing the Valuation Profession and Allied University Education in Poland
Authors: Źróbek Sabina , Grzesik Chris
Published: May 2013

The paper indentifies and synthesizes the observed changes in the role of the property valuer on the property market. The authors of this paper provide a perspective on the changes in the educational programs for valuers. The main challenge for valuation professionals lies in developing a deeper understanding of market globalization and better analytical skills, with a view to assessing accurate values. The educational system at the university level should encompass programmes which will prepare valuers for providing proper advice affecting important investment decisions of real estate market participants. They stress the role of international and national organizations in re-shaping the profile of the valuer. The current critical attitude towards the valuation profession has forced the European body representing valuers, namely The European Group of Valuers’ Associations (TEGoVA) to speed up the harmonisation of the valuation practice in order to forestall more rigorous control by the EU. In response to this, all the major internationally recognised standard setting bodies, such as the above-mentioned TEGoVA and The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), are considering the need to add “risk analysis” to valuation reports. Such development should significantly affect future valuation educational and training programmes which will need to present a more holistic approach to real estate as an asset class.
Implementation of MCA Method for Identification of Factors for Conceptual Cost Estimation of Residential Buildings
Authors: Juszczyk Michał , Leśniak Agnieszka , Zima Krzysztof
Published: May 2013

Conceptual cost estimation is important for construction projects. Either underestimation or overestimation of building raising cost may lead to failure of a project. In the paper authors present application of a multicriteria comparative analysis (MCA) in order to select factors influencing residential building raising cost. The aim of the analysis is to indicate key factors useful in conceptual cost estimation in the early design stage. Key factors are being investigated on basis of the elementary information about the function, form and structure of the building, and primary assumptions of technological and organizational solutions applied in construction process. The mentioned factors are considered as variables of the model which aim is to make possible conceptual cost estimation fast and with satisfying accuracy. The whole analysis included three steps: preliminary research, choice of a set of potential variables and reduction of this set to select the final set of variables. Multicriteria comparative analysis is applied in problem solution. Performed analysis allowed to select group of factors, defined well enough at the conceptual stage of the design process, to be used as a describing variables of the model.
Lean Production as an Innovative Approach to Construction
Authors: Spišáková Marcela , Kozlovská Mária
Published: May 2013

Lean production presents a new approach to the construction management which has enabled enterprises to attain very high levels of efficiency, competitiveness and flexibility in production systems. Nowadays, a number of industrial processes are managed in accordance with these advanced management principles [1]. The principles of lean production are applied within the integrated design and delivery solutions (IDDS) and prefabricated construction.

IDDS uses collaborative work processes and enhanced skills, with integrated data, information, and knowledge management to minimize structural and process inefficiencies and to enhance the value delivered during design, build, and operation, and across projects. Prefabrication presents a one of opportunities for construction methods, which allows the compliance with principles of sustainable design, provides the potential benefits such as faster construction, fewer housing defects, reduction in energy use and waste and elimination of environmental and safety risks.

This paper presents the lean production within the IDDS and its potential in the modern prefabrication. There is created a field providing of benefits of lean production in construction industry.
Assessing Flood Mitigation Alternatives in Brezovička Village in Slovakia
Authors: Zvijáková Lenka , Zeleňáková Martina
Published: May 2013

Flooding due to extreme rain events in urban environments is a problem and a growing concern. There is an increasing demand for a new paradigm to improve flood-mitigation decision processes that calls for riskreduction strategies at several levels. Therefore is a challenge in assessing and comparing different flood mitigation measures. The aim of this paper is to explore a new method to improve an environmental impact assessment of flood-mitigation measures in decision processes by risk analysis method.
A Simple Dual Stain for Detailed Investigations of Plant-Fungal Pathogen Interactions
Authors: Nowicki Marcin , Lichocka Małgorzata , Nowakowska Marzena , Kłosińska Urszula , Kozik Elżbieta U.
Published: May 2013

Dramatic increase in confocal microscopy observation output has been gained by optimization of a simple trypan blue and aniline blue dual-stain and its application to two model pathosystems: Pseudoperonospora cubensiscucumber and Phytophthora infestans-tomato. Comparison of two dual-stain methods for confocal microscopy studies of P. cubensis-challenged cucumber leaves indicated the 'mild' approach most successful. This methodology provides simultaneous detection of different pathogen structures layered with the plant defense reactions. Moreover, ImageJ-assisted quantification of plant defense responses renders this method useful for addressing the host plant resistance reactions, as well as investigating the given isolate's pathogenicity. Application of this method for the P. infestans-challenged tomato leaf samples resulted in detection of several fungal infection structures, along with plant defense responses. The dual-stain also enabled detection of a peculiar aniline blue-sensitive material in the pathogen cell walls at the area of its hyphae emerging through the leaf stomata. Results presented herein indicate this method is applicable for detailed (possibly quantitative) investigations of multiple plant-fungal pathosystems.
Demographic development and changes of land-use in the Beskid Niski Mountains, Poland, between 1869 and 2009
Authors: Soja Maria
Published: May 2013

Two different stages of demographic development with successive changes in land- use patterns and directions can be distinguished in the Beskid Niski in Poland during the past 140 years. These stages are separated by tragic events this region experienced in the 1940s (forced population resettlement). The first stage of demographic development is characterised by natural, consecutive changes comparable to other areas in the whole Carpathians. The second stage stretches from the end of World War II until the present day. The ‘revolutionary’ character and changes initiated by this stage are nothing like these observed in other regions of the Polish Carpathians back then as well as presently (except for Bieszczady Mountains). Stemming from rapid demographic processes most changes are observed in land-use and natural environment (unexpectedly halted anthropopression), although they also affect social structures and economic processes specific for mountainous areas.
Migrations of city dwellers to suburban areas – the example of the city of Olsztyn
Authors: Szczepańska Agnieszka , Senetra Adam
Published: May 2013

The migration of city dwellers to suburbs is a commonly observed phenomenon. The growth of residential areas on the fringes of cities is referred to as suburbanisation. In the present study, migration patterns were investigated in rural districts located in the direct vicinity of the administrative boundaries of Olsztyn over a 10-year timespan. Several hundred building plot purchase/sale transactions in the form of notarial deeds were analysed to determine the dwelling place of the buyer. The analysis of the transactions revealed that the dominant group of purchasers were owners of apartments in multi-family precast concrete buildings, located in the city quarter closest to the studied suburbs. Changes in the spatial structure of suburban areas were also noted.
A simple method for detection of Phytophthora nicotianae from soybean soil
Authors: Mohammadi Abbas
Published: May 2013

A high detection rate of Phytophthora nicotianae was obtained from the naturally infested soil of soybean fields. Air-dried soils were firstly moistened in a flask and then pre-incubated at 25 °C for 1-4 weeks before flooding with distilled water and baiting with soybean leaf disks for 6, 12, and 24 h. The baits were then thoroughly washed, flooded with 10-15 ml of distilled water in Petri-dishes and incubated under continuous fluorescent light for 72 h. Sporangia started to emerge from the margins of leaf disks. They were easily observed under the stereomicroscope. Pure culture of the fungus was obtained by spreading zoospore suspension on a 1.5% water-agar containing anti-bacterial antibiotics. This is the first report of recovery of P. nicotianae from naturally infested soybean soils using sensitive leaf disks of soybean (Williams cultivar) as bait in Iran. All isolates were determined to be A2 mating type.
Natural conditions for the development of sustainable agriculture in the eastern part of the Łowicko-Błońska plain
Authors: Braun Barbara , Brzozowska Justyna
Published: May 2013

In present times, when human interference in nature can be quite substantial, solutions are needed to protect the natural environment. Sustainable farming is much more beneficial to the environment than traditional one. The Łowicz-Błonie Plain, and its eastern part in particular, has good soil and climatic conditions which can support the development of agriculture and the water conditions are only slightly worse here than in the neighbouring areas. The tessellated nature of the soils supports a wide variety of crops, which in turn allows farmers to plan crop rotation so as to enrich the region’s biodiversity and protect nature.
Is a regional trading bloc forming in southeast Asia? New evidence for ASEAN countries
Authors: Cieślik Andrzej , Song Tao
Published: May 2013

This article studies the impact of ASEA N on the bilateral exports of its 10 member countries. It reports the results of applying the gravity model to a data set covering 50 partner countries from 1967 to 2008. The study’s empirical findings show that on average ASEA N regionalism significantly increases bilateral exports. However, the results are country-specific and indicate that ASEA N seems to benefit only large economies with a long history of membership, while smaller more recent members do not show significant expansion of exports.
Fixed point and common fixed point results in ordered cone metric spaces
Authors: Choudhury Binayak S. , Metiya N.
Published: May 2013

In this paper we establish some fixed point results for functions which satisfy certain weak contractive inequalities in partially ordered cone metric spaces. We have also given some illustrative examples. Our results are extension of some existing
Seiberg-Witten Equations on Pseudo-Riemannian Spinc Manifolds With Neutral Signature
Authors: Değirmenci Nedim , Karapazar Şenay
Published: May 2013

Pseudo-Riemannian spinc manifolds were introduced by Ikemakhen in [7]. In the present work we consider pseudo-Riemannian 4-manifolds with neutral signature whose structure groups are SO+(2; 2). We prove that such manifolds have pseudo-Riemannian spinc structure. We construct spinor bundle S and half-spinor bundles S+ and S- on these manifolds. For the first Seiberg-Witten equation we define Dirac operator on these bundles. Due to the neutral metric self-duality of a 2-form is meaningful and it enables us to write down second Seiberg-Witten equation. Lastly we write down the explicit forms of these equations on 4-dimensional at space
Stability and superstability of homomorphisms on C*-ternary algebras
Authors: Gordji M. Eshaghi , Fazeli A.
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we investigate the stability and superstability of homomorphisms on C*-ternary algebras associated with the functional equation
Riesz potential on the Heisenberg group and modified Morrey spaces
Authors: Guliyev Vagif S. , Mammadov Yagub Y.
Published: May 2013

In this paper we study the fractional maximal operator Mα, 0 ≤ α < Q and the Riesz potential operator ℑα, 0 < α < Q on the Heisenberg group in the modified Morrey spaces L͂p,λ(ℍn), where Q = 2n + 2 is the homogeneous dimension on ℍn. We prove that the operators Mα and ℑα are bounded from the modified Morrey space L͂1,λ(ℍn) to the weak modified Morrey space WL͂q,λ(ℍn) if and only if, α/Q ≤ 1 - 1/q ≤ α/(Q - λ) and from L͂p,λ(ℍn) to L͂q,λ(ℍn) if and only if, α/Q ≤ 1/p - 1/q ≤ α/(Q - λ).

In the limiting case we prove that the operator Mα is bounded from L͂p,λ(ℍn) to L∞(ℍn) and the modified fractional integral operator Ĩα is bounded from L͂p,λ(ℍn) to BMO(ℍn).

As applications of the properties of the fundamental solution of sub-Laplacian Ը on ℍn, we prove two Sobolev-Stein embedding theorems on modified Morrey and Besov-modified Morrey spaces in the Heisenberg group setting. As an another application, we prove the boundedness of ℑα from the Besov-modified Morrey spaces BL͂spθ,λ(ℍn) to BL͂spθ,λ(ℍn).
Fixed point theorems for expanding mappings in partial metric spaces
Authors: Huang Xianjiu , Zhu Chuanxi , Wen Xi
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we define expanding mappings in the setting of partial metric spaces analogous to expanding mappings in metric spaces. We also obtain some results for two mappings to the setting of partial metric spaces
Several properties on quasi-class a operators
Authors: Rashid M.H.M.
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we shall show a similar results corresponding the results of M. Ito [6] for quasi-class A introduced in [7] as a class of operators including class A and p-quasihyponormal. Moreover, we shall show several properties on quasi-class A which corresponding to the properties on class A and p-quasihyponormal
Intuitionistic Fuzzy Normal subrings over a non-associative ring
Authors: Shah Tariq , Kausar Nasreen , Rehman Inayatur
Published: May 2013

N. Palaniappan et. al [20, 28] have investigated the concept of intuitionistic fuzzy normal subrings in associative rings. In this study we extend these notions for a class of non-associative rings
Weingarten spacelike hypersurfaces in a de Sitter space
Authors: Chen Junfeng , Shu Shichang
Published: May 2013

We study some Weingarten spacelike hypersurfaces in a de Sitter space S1n+1 (1). If the Weingarten spacelike hypersurfaces have two distinct principal curvatures, we obtain two classification theorems which give some characterization of the Riemannian product Hk(1−coth2 ϱ)× Sn−k(1 − tanh2 ϱ), 1 < k < n − 1 in S1n+1(1), the hyperbolic cylinder H1(1 − coth2 ϱ) × Sn-1(1 − tanh2 ϱ) or spherical cylinder Hn−1(1 − coth2 ϱ) × S1(1 − tanh2 ϱ) in S1n+1 (1)
Characterizations of Generalized Quasi-Einstein Manifolds
Authors: Sular Sibel , Özgür Cihan
Published: May 2013

We give characterizations of generalized quasi-Einstein manifolds for both even and odd dimensions
On the non-generic Tzitzeica-Johnson's Configuration
Authors: Boskoff Wladimir G. , Bărcănescu Şerban , Bobe Alexandru
Published: May 2013

Working in the context of Hilbert's axiomatic system, we prove that the Tzitzeica-Johnson configuration has sense in neutral geometry. The elements of a Tzitzeica-Johnson configuration allow us to analyse the Euclidean or the non-Euclidean character of the metric of the plane
Reidemeister type moves for knots and links in lens spaces
Authors: Manfredi Enrico , Mulazzani Michele
Published: May 2013

We introduce the concept of regular diagrams for knots and links in lens spaces, proving that two diagrams represent equivalent links if and only if they are related by a finite sequence of seven Reidemester type moves. As a particular case, we obtain diagrams and moves for links in ℝℙ3 previously introduced by Y.V. Drobothukina.
Sets of tetrahedra, defined by maxima of distance functions
Authors: Rouyer Joël , Vîlcu Costin
Published: May 2013

We study tetrahedra and the space of tetrahedra from the viewpoint of local and global maxima for intrinsic distance functions
Three Positive Solutions of Multi-point BVPs for Difference Equations with the Nonlinearity Depending on Δ−operator
Authors: Liu Yuji
Published: May 2013

This article deals with a class of discrete type boundary value problems. Sufficient conditions guaranteeing the existence of at least three positive solutions of this class of boundary value problems are established by using a fixed point theorem in cones in Banach spaces. An example is given to illustrate the main theorem.
Palladium(II) Complex of the 5-Hydroxypyridine-2-carbaldehyde N(4)-ethylthiosemicarbazone: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Yadav Paras Nath , Bhattrai Laxman , Mehta Pramod K.
Published: May 2013

The novel complex of 5-hydroxypyridine-2-carbaldehyde N(4)-ethylthiosemicarbazone (HPyEt) with plalladium(II) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR, UV-visible spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (FAB). Coordination of the anionic thiosemicarbazone ligand is via the pyridyl nitrogen, imine nitrogen and thiolato sulfur atoms and the fourth coordination site being occupied by chloride ion in square planar geometry. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v28i0.8040 Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Vol.28, 2011 Page 34-41 Uploaded date: March 6, 2013