bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vendor Selection and Supply Quotas Determination by Using a New Multi-Objective Programming Method Based on Cooperative Game Theory
Authors: Perić Tunjo
Published: June 2016

Background: Vendor selection and supply quotas determination is one of the most important issues in the purchasing process in manufacturing. In many situations to solve this problem it is necessary to use the operations research methods.

Objectives: This paper proposes a new methodology for vendor selection and determination of supplied quotas. The work investigates the problem of flour purchase by a company that manufactures bakery products.

Methods/Approach: The problem is solved by using the model that combines a revised weighting method, and a multiple objective programming method based on game theory. The revised weighting method is used to determine the objective function coefficients, and a multiple objective programming method is used to select vendors and to determine supply quotas from the selected vendors. For selection of vendors and determination of quantities supplied by individual vendors three complex criteria are used: (1) purchasing costs, (2) product quality, and (3) vendor reliability.

Results: The proposed methodology has numerous strengths, such as an efficient reduction of complex criteria functions to simple ones and efficient using of a new multiple objective programming methods based on cooperative game theory.

Conclusions: The main advantage of the proposed approach is its efficiency and simplicity.
An ℓ-th root of a test configuration of exponent ℓ
Authors: Mabuchi Toshiki
Published: June 2016

Let (X, L) be a polarized algebraic manifold. Then for every test configuration μ = (X, L,Ψ) for
(X, L) of exponent ℓ, we obtain an ℓ-th root (κ, D) of μ and Gm-equivariant desingularizations ι : ^X → X and
η : ^X → Y, both isomorphic on^X \^X 0, such that

whereκ= (Y, Q, η) is a test configuration for (X, L) of exponent 1, and D is an effective Q-divisor on^X such
that ℓD is an integral divisor with support in the fiber X0. Then (κ, D) can be chosen in such a way that

where C1 and C2 are positive real constants independent of the choice of μ and ℓ. This plays an important
role in our forthcoming papers on the existence of constant scalar curvature Kähler metrics (cf. [6]) and also
on the compactified moduli space of test configurations (cf. [5],[7]).
Simulation of Induction Traction Drive with Supercapacitor Energy Storage System Test Bench
Authors: Stana Girts , Brazis Viesturs , Apse-Apsitis Peteris
Published: June 2016

The paper describes the application of supercapacitor energy storage system for induction traction drive test bench that replaces a real electric public transport for performing testing and researches. The suitability and usage of such bench for research purposes is explained and the importance of the development of software mathematical model for performing simulations to be done before physical implementation measures is reasoned. The working principle of the bench and applied components are described. A virtual model of the bench was built and simulations were performed using Matlab/Simulink software. The basic topology of the virtual bench model is described as well. The calculations of this work show the scaling of supercapacitor energy storage system by setting different limits of working voltage range in order to adjust them to test bench parameters, whereas the modelling compares two simulation cases – the application of less supercapacitors and the application of more supercapacitors with the same common rated voltage. The autonomous mode simulations were also performed. Simulation results are analyzed and recommendations for the application of the supercapacitor energy storage system, with respect to initial supercapacitor circuit voltage, are given.
Power Measurement and Data Logger with High-Resolution for Industrial DC-Grid Application
Authors: Apse-Apsitis Peteris , Senfelds Armands , Avotins Ansis , Paugurs Arturs , Prieditis Marcis
Published: June 2016

Power and energy measurement and monitoring is a key factor for many industries in terms of energy and cost efficiency evaluation. Due to trends of Smart Grid concept application in industrial environment, including decentralized DC-Grid implementation, for precise evaluation – faster and low-cost measurement equipment is needed. Manufacturing industry widely uses industrial robots that have dynamic load characteristics for which faster measurement equipment is needed.

This paper gives a brief description of the developed power measurement equipment, its structure and interconnection with industrial Profinet network. Further as a testing method steady state and dynamic loads are selected and analyzed. For testing, specially created industrial DC-Grid testing environment and equipment was used. Testing results show that the selected method and idea is working and is able to measure dynamic loads with high resolution. For other industrial load types there is a discussion going on about the issue of how detailed the resolution is needed in industrial SmartGrids, as energy forecast is a new trend in robotic industry and manufacturing planning.
The structure of the radiation balance on a sandy surface: case the Błędów desert, Silesian Upland
Authors: Caputa Zbigniew
Published: June 2016

Comprehensive environmental studies taking under consideration the structure of the radiation balance during the vegetation growing seasons of 2001 and 2002 were carried out on the open sandy surface of the area called the Błędów ‘desert’ located on Silesian Upland. The research in each site covered the composition of plant species, their age and height, the condition of the substratum, the composition and structure of the soil and the meteorological conditions with elements of the radiation balance. The article presents some part of the research on meteorological elements and their impact on ecosystem. Special attention was devoted to radiation conditions on the open sandy surface in the context of the formation of BSC (biological soil crust). Having presumed that the values obtained on the grassy surface constituted 100%, the values of radiation reflection measured on the open sandy surface were 185% higher and the values of net longwave radiation were 105% higher in day time and 137% in night time. Values of net radiation of about 63% lower were observed on the sandy surface during a typical sunny summer day. It was found that a strong irradiation of the sandy surface (26 MJ·m–2d–1) creates extremely difficult conditions for the initiation of the process of ecosystem formation (including BSC or plant succession). The elements of the radiation balance, net radiation, albedo and temperature of the open sandy surface were represented quantitatively. The test surfaces were classified based on the value of the albedo: group I with low albedo values, up to 0.15 (spore-bearing plants on a dark surface), including BSC; group II with mean values of the albedo from 0.16 to 0.24 (spore-bearing plants and seed on a dark grey surface); and group III with high albedo values, above 0.25 (plants growing on bare or loose sands).
Impact of secondary landscape structure on the presence of non-native plant species in the cadastral area of the Topoľčany town
Authors: Gális Marek , Galková Jela , Straňák Jozef
Published: June 2016

This study characterises an impact of secondary landscape structure on the introduction of non-native plant species during the years 2008 and 2010−2012. The field mapping was realised in the cadastral area of the Topoľčany town. The area of study consists of built-up area with surrounding agricultural land. During the period of our research, we identified the presence of total 55 non-native plant species, including 21 invasive, 11 casual and 23 naturalised. The highest dominance occurred in elements of ruderal vegetation without trees (22) and in the vegetation protection of aquatic dams (15). Several species were observed in a wide range of landscape elements. The occurrence in many structurally different types of habitats confirmed the ability of non-native species to tolerate a wide range of biotic and abiotic conditions.
Convective heat transfer in a micropolar fluid over an unsteady stretching surface
Authors: Prasad K.V. , Vaidya H. , Vajravelu K.
Published: June 2016

An unsteady boundary layer free convective flow and heat transfer of a viscous incompressible, microploar fluid over a vertical stretching sheet is investigated. The stretching velocity is assumed to vary linearly with the distance along the sheet. Two equal and opposite forces are impulsively applied along the x-axis so that the sheet is stretched, keeping the origin fixed in the micropolar fluid. The transformed highly non-linear boundary layer equations are solved numerically by an implicit finite difference scheme for the transient, state from the initial to the final steady-state. To validate the numerical method, comparisons are made with the available results in the literature for some special cases and the results are found to be in good agreement. The obtained numerical results are analyzed graphically for the velocity, the microrotation, and the temperature distribution; whereas the skin friction, the couple stress coefficient and the Nusselt number are tabulated for different values of the pertinent parameters. Results exhibit a drag reduction and an increase in the surface heat transfer rate in the micropolar fluid flow compared to the Newtonian fluid flow.
Österreich in der Polnischen Diplomatie in den Jahren 1965–1968 aus der Perspektive des Aussenministeriums der VR Polen
Authors: Kisztelińska-Węgrzyńska Agnieszka
Published: June 2016

Unter den Prioritäten dominierte in der polnischen Diplomatie nach 1960 das deutsche Problem. Den Stillstand hat erst der Besuch des Premierministers Józef Cyrankiewicz in Wien im September 1965 durchbrochen. Dieser Artikel zielt darauf ab, die Bedingungen für die sich entwickelnden polnisch-österreichischen Beziehungen in den späten 60er Jahren zu untersuchen. Polnische Politik Deutschland gegenüber hatte Auswirkungen auf die Beziehungen mit Österreich. Wie sahen aus der Sicht der polnischen Behörden die Möglichkeiten der wirtschaftlichen Zusammenarbeit mit Wien aus und wie bereitete man sich auf diese Zusammenarbeit vor? Die schwierige wirtschaftliche Lage Polens erforderte Änderungen in Bezug auf die Zusammenarbeit mit dem Westen. Die Treffen in Wien hatten für die weiteren bilateralen Beziehungen eine große Bedeutung. Der Minister Bruno Kreisky hatte den polnischen Staat als einen Gesprächspartner anerkannt, einen Nachbarn, mit dem Österreich positive Beziehungen in der Vergangenheit hatte. Damit begann die Zeit der intensiven politischen Kontakte im Jahre 1970: eine große Menge von Staatsbesuchen, Ratifizierung der bilateralen Abkommen und mehr Handel.
Die Stellung Österreichs und der Schweiz zur Schaffung des Europäischen Binnenmarktes eine Vergleichende Analyse
Authors: Tomczyk Michał
Published: June 2016

In diesem Artikel wurde in einer vergleichenden Perspektive die Politik von zwei in vielerlei Hinsicht sehr ähnlichen, neutralen Staaten der EG gegenüber untersucht, mit besonderer Berücksichtigung der Zeit nach der Unterzeichnung der Einheitlichen Europäischen Akte. Analysiert wurden die wichtigsten externen und internen Determinanten, die die Wahl des spezifischen Integrationswegs bestimmten. Trotz der konvergierenden politischen und wirtschaftlichen Ziele waren die Entscheidungen beider Staaten durch unterschiedliche Bedingungen determiniert. Für Österreich war die Integration ein wichtiger Schritt, sowohl für ökonomische Umstrukturierung der Volkswirtschaft, Abschaffung von Handelshemmnissen mit den wichtigsten Wirtschaftspartnern, als auch in politischer Hinsicht, die die Möglichkeit der Mitentscheidung auf der europäischen Ebene bietet. Darum haben sich die Behörden zu einer Lösung entschlossen, die mit der Position der EG-Staaten und gleichzeitig mit den sozialen Erwartungen in Österreich kohärent war. Im Gegensatz zu der österreichischen Regierung haben die Behörden in Bern in viel mehr polarisierten Bedingungen gewirkt. Neutralität spielte hier eine gravierende Rolle. Es wurde auch die völlige Öffnung des Marktes und die politische Abhängigkeit von transnationalen Institutionen befürchtet. Die Schweizer Behörden waren also gezwungen, sich auf die Idee der bilateralen Beziehungen zu konzentrieren, die, obwohl nicht im Einklang mit der Position der EU-Staaten, weit sozialverträglicher war, und daher praktikabler.
Interviewer Effects on a Network-Size Filter Question
Authors: Josten Michael , Trappmann Mark
Published: June 2016

There is evidence that survey interviewers may be tempted to manipulate answers to filter questions in a way that minimizes the number of follow-up questions. This becomes relevant when ego-centered network data are collected. The reported network size has a huge impact on interview duration if multiple questions on each alter are triggered. We analyze interviewer effects on a network-size question in the mixed-mode survey “Panel Study ‘Labour Market and Social Security’” (PASS), where interviewers could skip up to 15 follow-up questions by generating small networks. Applying multilevel models, we find almost no interviewer effects in CATI mode, where interviewers are paid by the hour and frequently supervised. In CAPI, however, where interviewers are paid by case and no close supervision is possible, we find strong interviewer effects on network size. As the area-specific network size is known from telephone mode, where allocation to interviewers is random, interviewer and area effects can be separated. Furthermore, a difference-in-difference analysis reveals the negative effect of introducing the follow-up questions in Wave 3 on CAPI network size. Attempting to explain interviewer effects we neither find significant main effects of experience within a wave, nor significantly different slopes between interviewers.
The FEWS Index: Fixed Effects with a Window Splice
Authors: Krsinich Frances
Published: June 2016

This article describes the estimation of quality-adjusted price indexes from ‘big data’ such as scanner and online data when there is no available information on product characteristics for explicit quality adjustment using hedonic regression. The longitudinal information can be exploited to implicitly quality-adjust the price indexes. The fixed-effects (or ‘time-product dummy’) index is shown to be equivalent to a fully interacted time-dummy hedonic index based on all price-determining characteristics of the products, despite those characteristics not being observed. In production, this can be combined with a modified approach to splicing that incorporates the price movement across the full estimation window to reflect new products with one period’s lag without requiring revision. Empirical results for this fixed-effects window-splice (FEWS) index are presented for different data sources: three years of New Zealand consumer electronics scanner data from market-research company GfK; six years of United States supermarket scanner data from market-research company IRI; and 15 months of New Zealand consumer electronics daily online data from MIT’s Billion Prices Project.
“Do the Germans Really Work Six Weeks More than the French?” – Measuring Working Time with the Labour Force Survey in France and Germany
Authors: Körner Thomas , Wolff Loup
Published: June 2016

Measuring working time is not only an important objective of the EU Labour Force Survey (LFS), but also a highly demanding task in terms of methodology. Against the background of a recent debate on the comparability of working time estimates in France and Germany, this article presents a comparative assessment of the measurement of working time in the Labour Force Survey obtained in both countries. It focuses on the measurement of the hours actually worked, the key working-time concept for short-term economic analysis and the National Accounts. The contribution systematically analyses the differences in the measurement approaches used in France and Germany in order to identify the methodological effects that hinder comparability. It comes to the conclusion that the LFS overstates the difference in hours actually worked in France and Germany and identifies question comprehension, rounding, editing effects, as well as certain aspects of the sampling design, as crucial factors of a reliable measurement in particular of absences from work during the reference week. We recommend continuing the work started in the European Statistical System towards the development of a model questionnaire in order to improve cross-national harmonisation of key variables such as hours actually worked.
Random Walks on Directed Networks: Inference and Respondent-Driven Sampling
Authors: Malmros Jens , Masuda Naoki , Britton Tom
Published: June 2016

Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is often used to estimate population properties (e.g., sexual risk behavior) in hard-to-reach populations. In RDS, already sampled individuals recruit population members to the sample from their social contacts in an efficient snowball-like sampling procedure. By assuming a Markov model for the recruitment of individuals, asymptotically unbiased estimates of population characteristics can be obtained. Current RDS estimation methodology assumes that the social network is undirected, that is, all edges are reciprocal. However, empirical social networks in general also include a substantial number of nonreciprocal edges. In this article, we develop an estimation method for RDS in populations connected by social networks that include reciprocal and nonreciprocal edges. We derive estimators of the selection probabilities of individuals as a function of the number of outgoing edges of sampled individuals. The proposed estimators are evaluated on artificial and empirical networks and are shown to generally perform better than existing estimators. This is the case in particular when the fraction of directed edges in the network is large.
Modernizing a Major Federal Government Survey: A Review of the Redesign of the Current Population Survey Health Insurance Questions
Authors: Pascale Joanne
Published: June 2016

Measurement error can be very difficult to assess and reduce. While great strides have been made in the field of survey methods research in recent years, many ongoing federal surveys were initiated decades ago, before testing methods were fully developed. However, the longer a survey is in use, the more established the time series becomes, and any change to a questionnaire risks a break in that time series. This article documents how a major federal survey – the health insurance module of the Current Population Survey (CPS) – was redesigned over the course of 15 years through a systematic series of small, iterative tests, both qualitative and quantitative. This overview summarizes those tests and results, and illustrates how particular questionnaire design features were identified as problematic, and how improvements were developed and evaluated. While the particular topic is health insurance, the general approach (a coordinated series of small tests), along with the specific tests and methods employed, are not uniquely applicable to health insurance. Furthermore, the particular questionnaire design features of the CPS health module that were found to be most problematic are used in many other major surveys on a range of topic areas.
Role of mast cells in cow metritis
Authors: Wang Guo-Qing , Hou Jin-Long , Huang Huan-Yu , Yuan Chao-Wen
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Bovine postpartum metritis causes great losses. Mast cell (MC)-released mediators participate in uterine inflammation and immune response, but their role in postpartum metritis in cows has not been reported. This study investigated the effect of endometrial MC on the disorder.

Material and Methods: Ten dairy cows, at 6 to 10 days postpartum and with acute purulent metritis made up the experimental group, and 10 comparable healthy cows the control group. Endometrial histamine and IgE levels were determined by ELISA, and the MC particle state and expression of histamine H1 (H1R) and H2 (H2R) mRNA receptors were examined by transmission electron microscope and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively.

Results: Endometrial histamine and IgE levels were significantly higher in the experimental group. In the control group, homogenously distributed size-varied granules were seen in MC cytoplasm of endometrium of lamina propria. In the experimental group however, these showed degranulation with features of reduction. The level of H1R mRNA was lower in the experimental group, but that of H2R mRNA was higher.

Conclusion: The results suggest MC type I hypersensitivity characteristics during metritis, and histamine provocation of local inflammation. High expression of H2R and low expression of H1R inhibited the inflammatory response and prevented excessive uterine tissue damage.
Impact of early castration and health status on the performance of Holstein-Friesian and beef crossbred calves
Authors: Wielgosz-Groth Zofia , Sobczuk-Szul Monika , Nogalski Zenon , Purwin Cezary , Pogorzelska-Przybyłek Paulina , Winarski Rafał
Published: June 2016

Introduction: This article presents the analysis of the correlation between the category and health status of calves and the results of their rearing and levels of selected blood parameters.

Material and Methods: The study included 105 Polish Holstein-Friesian and beef (Limousine, Charolaise and Hereford) crossbred calves. Young bulls were purchased at the age of two to four weeks. The animals underwent quarantine, were dehorned, and 46 young bulls were castrated. The germ horns were removed by burning out. Castration was carried out with a bloodless method using a rubber band. The calves were kept in groups and fed a milk replacer administered via teats from automated milk-feeding stations. After the period of milk feeding, the calves were fed grass silage ad libitum and a concentrate at 2.5 kg/animal/day. The calves were weighed every two weeks. Blood for analyses was sampled at 43 d of age.

Results: After the rearing period finished at the age of six months, young bulls and steers had similar body weights (176.17 and 176.55 kg) and approximate average daily weight gains from birth (0.756 and 0.767 g/day). The healthy calves at six months of age weighed 180.47 kg, whereas the animals which at least once suffered from some diseases during rearing were lighter by approx. 30 kg (P ≤ 0.01). A statistically significant (P ≤ 0.01) difference was found for the count of red blood cells and white blood cells. In comparison with healthy individuals, the diseased animals had less RBC (8.33 and 9.42 1012/L respectively) and more WBC (27.03 and 12.26 109/L respectively).

Conclusion: Castration of young bulls did not have any impact on the results of rearing and health status of the calves. The magnitude of the analysed parameters depended on the health status of the calves. Thus RBC and WBC parameters may be used to predict the health status of calves during rearing.
Different Boosting Systems and their Control Strategies for a Spark Ignition Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Bolehovský Ondřej , Macek Jan
Published: June 2016

This research uses 1-D simulation in GT-Power for evaluation of boosting systems for a spark ignition engine. Exhaust gas driven (waste-gated turbocharger) and mechanical driven (Roots blower) boosting systems are assessed in both steady state and transient modes in terms of performance, efficiency, fuel consumption, drivability, energy distribution and other aspects that influence gas exchange phase. Moreover, different boost control strategies, particularly at partial load, are also evaluated. Results of the research are aimed at helping identify an optimal boosting system for standardized or real-world drive cycles.
The variety of methodology in Mirror Therapy practice for improving hand function after stroke
Authors: Radajewska Alina , Opara Józef , Mehlich Krzysztof
Published: June 2016

Many studies have shown that a repeated exercises in the mirror visual feedback and motor imagery conditions may help to restore a lasted hand function in stroke patients. The evidence of effectiveness of mirror therapy is promising but the use of this method varies widely within studies. It has been postulated that there is a need to formulate basic rules of mirror therapy application with respect to different stages of stroke or severity of hand paresis. In this article the review of methodological variability of applying mirror therapy to patients after stroke has been presented. The review highlights the benefit effect of mirror therapy on motor recovery and activities of daily living after stroke.
Diverse properties of the mesothelial cells in health and disease
Authors: Kawanishi Kunio
Published: June 2016

Mesothelial cells (MCs) form the superficial anatomic layer of serosal membranes, including pleura, pericardium, peritoneum, and the tunica of the reproductive organs. MCs produce a protective, non-adhesive barrier against physical and biochemical damages. MCs express a wide range of phenotypic markers, including vimentin and cytokeratins. MCs play key roles in fluid transport and inflammation, as reflected by the modulation of biochemical markers such as transporters, adhesion molecules, cytokines, growth factors, reactive oxygen species and their scavengers. MCs synthesize extracellular matrix related molecules, and the surface of MC microvilli secretes a highly hydrophilic protective barrier, “glycocalyx”, consisting mainly of glycosaminoglycans. MCs maintain a balance between procoagulant and fibrinolytic activation by producing a whole range of regulators, can synthetize fibrin and therefore form adhesions. Synthesis and recognition of hyaluronan and sialic acids might be a new insight to explain immunoactive and immunoregulatory properties of MCs. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition of MCs may involve serosal repair and remodeling. MCs might also play a role in the development and remodeling of visceral adipose tissue. Taken together, MCs play important roles in health and disease in serosal cavities of the body. The mesothelium is not just a membrane and should be considered as an organ.
Survival outcomes after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Chia Claramae Shulyn , Seshadri Ramakrishnan Ayloor , Kepenekian Vahan , Vaudoyer Delphine , Passot Guillaume , Glehen Olivier
Published: June 2016

Background: The current treatment of choice for peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer is systemic chemotherapy. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a new aggressive form of loco-regional treatment that is currently being used in pseudomyxoma peritoneii, peritoneal mesothelioma and peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer. It is still under investigation for its use in gastric cancer.

Methods: The literature between 1970 and 2016 was surveyed systematically through a review of published studies on the treatment outcomes of CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer.

Results: Seventeen studies were included in this review. The median survival for all patients ranged from 6.6 to 15.8 months. The 5-years overall survival ranged from 6 to 31%. For patients with complete cytoreduction, the median survival was 11.2 to 43.4 months and the 5-years overall survival was 13 % to 23%. Important prognostic factors were found to be a low peritoneal carcarcinomatosis index (PCI) score and the completeness of cytoreduction.

Conclusion: The current evidence suggests that CRS and HIPEC has a role to play in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer. Long term survival has been shown for a select group of patients. However, further studies are needed to validate these results.
The Building of Bell-Towers Added to Romanian Churches
Authors: Abrudan Ioan Ovidiu
Published: June 2016

This paper aims to emphasize a specific aspect in the evolution of the architecture of churches built by Romanian Orthodox or Greek-Catholic communities in the Sibiu region, in the second half of the eighteenth century and during the nineteenth century. More exactly, it is the widespread presence, in the ecclesiastical architecture of that county, and also in other Romanian Transylvanian settings, of the western tower, added to the church, which housed the bells and sometimes even clocks. In most cases, the raising of these towers was entrusted to Saxon masons from Sibiu, whose names have been preserved in inscriptions on the walls of edifices, or by their registering in contracts signed by the Romanians who ordered the execution. The involvement of those worthy craftsmen represented an important factor in maintaining the dialogue and cultural exchanges between the two communities that lived together in the Sibiu County region.
Medieval Liturgical Vestments Depicted in the Iconographic Programs of Southern Transylvanian Churches (14th to 16th centuries)
Authors: Stoia Adrian
Published: June 2016

This work sets out to list and describe the liturgical vestments present in panel and mural paintings of churches located in southern Transylvania. The surviving body of such vestments on display in the ”Brukenthal” National Museum of Sibiu and that of the Black Church of Brașov not only confirms their use in religious services, but also the fact that they served as models for Transylvanian ecclesiastical painting. Of Western derivation, this type of vestment reflects a way of thinking and stands testament to social status or to the different hierarchies within the church. It is, at the same time, an indication of the development of this kind of craft, produced by specialized workshops.
The Ethnic Pluralism of the Nineteenth Century in Transylvania according to the Ecclesiastical Painting of the Grecu Brothers
Authors: Boicu Dragoş
Published: June 2016

Despite the development of the iconographic programs, the frescoes painted by the Grecu brothers remind us not only of the large ensembles beyond the Carpathians in Walachia and Moldova but also other Transylvanian decorations. These frescoes express not only the spirit of the time or the mentality of the community to which they belonged, but they also represented an opportunity to show the painters’ originality and personality, their need for personal affirmation and artistic individuality, connected to a new sensitivity of a given historical context. The representation of the inhabiting nations in Transylvania in the Passion’s Cycle highlights the disadvantaged status of the Romanian people who were oppressed by the privileged nations: by the Habsburg military force, the inequitable judgement of Saxons and the torments inflicted by Hungarians through their policies. All of these recreate mutatis mutandis the dramatic setting in which Christ was crucified.
The Translation of German Hymns into Romanian Between Poetry and Pragmatism
Authors: Rudolf Gerhild Ingrid
Published: June 2016

After centuries of celebrating the divine services only in German language, the Evangelical Church A. C. in Romania (ECR) embarked during the last few decades on the use of a second language within church. The traditional “Evangelical-Saxon” identity of the congregations is undergoing a changing process. Having lost most of its members through emigration, the Evangelical Church A. C. in Romania copes with new social circumstances which have also an effect upon the choice of language. Therefore, in 2007, the ECR published a bilingual (German and Romanian) hymnal. Translating hymns is an intricate endeavour. The practical use of a bilingual hymn-book is challenging as well. The German-Romanian Evangelical hymnal is a witness of how the diaspora church accommodates itself to new linguistic conditions.
“Ὁ Χριστὸς, μυστικῶς ἱερουργούμενος ἐν ταῖς ἁγίαις σκηναῖς” – Fr. Dumitru Staniloae and the Rediscovering and Reinterpreting St. Cyril of Alexandria’s Teaching About the State of Perpetual Sacrifice of Jesus Christ
Authors: Streza Ciprian Ioan
Published: June 2016

Father Dumitru Staniloae’s complex and integral vision on the Holy Liturgy comprises all the dimensions of life in the church; it constitutes the object of this study, which intends to re-interpret, systematize, and evaluate the teaching of St. Cyril of Alexandria concerning the importance of the Eucharistic Synaxis in the life of the Church. The Eucharistic celebration is only the visible dimension of the eternal Liturgy of love within the Holy Trinity, whose Altar, Oblation and High Priest is Jesus Christ, the slain Lamb, who lives in a state of permanent sacrifice, who was incarnate, who died and arose again, and sent His Holy Spirit in the Church, so as to radiate among those who open up to Him in faith, and thus saturate them with the dynamism of His own surrender to the Father.
The Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of the Ciprnik Complex Landslide, Tamar Valley, Julian Alps, Slovenia
Authors: Šmuc Andrej , Janecka Karolina , Lempa Michał , Kaczka Ryszard J.
Published: June 2016

Mass movements represent important processes that shape relief in Alpine areas. In this article, we present the spatio-temporal dynamics of the Ciprnik landslide (Julian Alps, NW Slovenia) and interpret its triggering and evolution. In the study area, mass movement activity is characterised by two phases: normal deposition on the fluvial fans that dominated up to 2000, and a more active phase related to the triggering of the Ciprnik complex landslide and formation of an additional debris-flow fan. The Ciprnik landslide started as a translational movement over the discontinuity plane that was mobilised into a debris-flow. The triggering and slope failure resulted from a combination of tectonics (i.e. dip-slope position of the strata, and strong fracturing), lithology (alternation of thin beds of carbonates and fine-grained clastics), and accumulation of precipitation. The debris-flow fan remains active and interfingers with adjacent active fluvial fans.
String-vacuity and LF interpretation in A-chains: Cases of ECM and nominative-genitive conversion
Authors: Abe Jun
Published: June 2016

This article aims to argue for the Agree-less plus single cycle approach, advocated recently by
Bringing Science into Fiction
Authors: Haynes Roslynn D.
Published: June 2016

Science and its predecessor, alchemy, have been topics of fiction in the West for over five centuries but until late last century novelists, with few exceptions, condemned science and scientists on social and moral grounds. However, since the 1990s, science has acquired a more benign and humane image, associated with combatting deadly viruses, saving endangered species and communicating the urgency of dealing with climate change. Novelists, too, are increasingly intent on authenticity in presenting scientific research and the motives and moral dilemmas of scientists. Such science novels risk being overloaded with scientific facts and explanations, so the craft of the writer involves integrating the necessary scientific information without damaging the artistic integrity of the work. This paper explores, through interviews with authors and in-depth reading of texts, how the following writers accommodated the science component within the life-world of their narrative and took steps to avoid an ‘information dump’: Rebecca Goldstein (The Mind-Body Problem and Properties of Light), William Boyd (Brazzaville Beach), Simon Mawer (Mendel’s Dwarf), Susan Gaines (Carbon Dreams), Clare Dudman (Wegener’s Jigsaw), Richard Powers (The Echo Maker), Barbara Kingsolver (Flight Behavior), and Pippa Goldschmidt (The Falling Sky).
HOW MUCH WILL I EARN? EXPECTATIONS VERSUS REALITY
Authors: Šimsová Jana , Reissová Alice
Published: June 2016

When choosing a career, the issue of the following employment on the labour market and related level of the salary plays an important role. There are many studies which deal with the fi ndings with respect to students’ expectations. The benefi t of our work is that we compare these expectations to the real offer by potential employers. In the framework of our research, we have chosen two different fi elds of studies, on the one hand the students of economics, who fi nd their employment in the entrepreneurial sphere, the second group was composed of students from social work, who target their careers at the area of social services and their employers will be predominantly nonprofi t organisations. We took a look as to whether there are differences between the expectations and the reality concerning both the starting salary and its increase during the fi rst three years of employment and thereby grouped into two sections (profi t and non-profi t). Our conclusions reveal that the level of the salary depends on the fi eld studied. The levels of the salary offered in the profi t and non-profi t sectors signifi cantly differ. A signifi cant difference is also obvious in the possible salary advancements in the course of the fi rst three years of employment. The students of economics are more likely to estimate the level of their starting salary, but they count on faster advancements. On the other hand, potential employers of economics graduates do not offer such an increase. In the area of social work, i.e. in the non-profi t sector, the difference between the students’ expectations and the offers by their potential employers is even greater. The students from social work see their odds for higher salaries and their advancements more optimistically, than their potential employers are prepared to offer.
THE INFLUENCE OF TRUST ON COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS IN SUPPLY CHAINS
Authors: Mlaker Kac Sonja , Gorenak Irena , Potocan Vojko
Published: June 2016

In this paper we theoretically discuss and empirically examine the infl uence of trust on collaborative behavior in supply chain relationships. These concepts are very important in today’s interorganizational business world, and therefore in supply chains. In theoretical part of this article we presume that establishment and development of relationships in supply chain depends on development of trust. Trust is defi ned as a willingness to rely on a partner in a supply chain in whom one has confi dence. The stress is on expectation that another partner can be relied on to fulfi ll obligations and at the same time previous experience with partners in exchange relationships are taken in the consideration. Collaborative behavior is defi ned as a concept where two or more organizations, which work together in a supply chains, can through complementary characteristics gain shared means and goals that could not be achieved individually. Logistics managers, purchase and sales managers, project managers and employees in logistics department were included in our survey made on primary, secondary and tertiary sector of Slovene economy. We included companies of all sizes, both local and foreign companies present in Slovenia. 118 questionnaires were completed and involved in our research. According to the demographic data, our sample is comparable to population in terms of economy branch and size of companies. The Pearson correlation coeffi cient and linear regression analysis demonstrate statistically signifi cant strong correlation between trust, shared values and communication and strong negative correlation between trust and opportunistic behavior. At the end we can confi rm that there is a statistically signifi cant infl uence of trust on collaborative behavior in supply chains. The results clearly indicate that all factors included in research are very important for today’s supply chain management.
STOCHASTIC MODEL OF SHORT-TERM PREDICTION OF STOCK PRICES AND ITS PROFITABILITY IN THE CZECH STOCK MARKET
Authors: Svoboda Milan
Published: June 2016

This paper deals with stochastic modelling and short time prediction of share price development in Czech stock market. The aim of this research is to create such models which can be used for creating automatic trading strategies that will beat the market. Reliability of these models is being checked in three highly liquid shares from Prague Stock O2, CEZ and KB in seven years long period in years 2006–2012. We used Markov chain analysis for modelling. In our models a state space is defi ned on the basis of cumulative daily changes of share price and a state space with eight states is used. The state space is defi ned parametrically as a multiple of standard deviation of daily yields for each share. There were 14 parameters calculated in total and for each parameter nine trading strategies for all shares were applied. It means that 378 trading strategies were calculated. We succeeded in fi nding a set of compact state space models and in applying a compact group of trading strategies on these models which always beat the market when invested in portfolio. The average annual market yield was 3.6%. The average yield of our portfolios oscillates between 4.7% and 14.8%. Strategies overcame the market also even after including transaction costs. After including transaction costs in amount of 0.1% from the trade volume a decrease of average annual yields would occur in the range from 0.45 to 2.1 percentage points. We reached the best results in the sideway trend and in shares with less changing volatility. Conclusions of this research are in contradiction to the Effi cient Market Hypothesis. Results indicate that Czech stock market is not effective in any of its form.
Acromegaly incidence, prevalence, complications and long-term prognosis: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Dal Jakob , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Andersen Marianne , Kristensen Lars Ø , Laurberg Peter , Pedersen Lars , Dekkers Olaf M , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Jørgensen Jens Otto L
Published: June 2016

Design

Valid data on acromegaly incidence, complications and mortality are scarce. The Danish Health Care System enables nationwide studies with complete follow-up and linkage among health-related databases to assess acromegaly incidence, prevalence, complications and mortality in a population-based cohort study.

Method

All incident cases of acromegaly in Denmark (1991–2010) were identified from health registries and validated by chart review. We estimated the annual incidence rate of acromegaly per 106 person-years (py) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). For every patient, 10 persons were sampled from the general population as a comparison cohort. Cox regression and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used.

Results

Mean age at diagnosis (48.7 years (CI: 95%: 47.2–50.1)) and annual incidence rate (3.8 cases/106 persons (95% CI: 3.6–4.1)) among the 405 cases remained stable. The prevalence in 2010 was 85 cases/106 persons. The patients were at increased risk of diabetes mellitus (HR: 4.0 (95% CI: 2.7–5.8)), heart failure (HR: 2.5 (95% CI: 1.4–4.5)), venous thromboembolism (HR: 2.3 (95% CI: 1.1–5.0)), sleep apnoea (HR: 11.7 (95% CI: 7.0–19.4)) and arthropathy (HR: 2.1 (95% CI: 1.6–2.6)). The complication risk was also increased before the diagnosis of acromegaly. Overall mortality risk was elevated (HR: 1.3 (95% CI: 1.0–1.7)) but uninfluenced by treatment modality.

Conclusion

(i) The incidence rate and age at diagnosis of acromegaly have been stable over decades, and the prevalence is higher than previously reported. (ii) The risk of complications is very high even before the diagnosis. (iii) Mortality risk remains elevated but uninfluenced by mode of treatment.
Convergent evolution of pregnancy-specific glycoproteins in human and horse
Authors: Aleksic Denis , Blaschke Lisa , Mißbach Sophie , Hänske Jana , Weiß Wiebke , Handler Johannes , Zimmermann Wolfgang , Cabrera-Sharp Victoria , Read Jordan E , de Mestre Amanda M , O’Riordan Ronan , Moore Tom , Kammerer Robert
Published: June 2016

Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are members of the carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM) family that are secreted by trophoblast cells. PSGs may modulate immune, angiogenic and platelet responses during pregnancy. Until now, PSGs are only found in species that have a highly invasive (hemochorial) placentation including humans, mice and rats. Surprisingly, analyzing theCEACAMgene family of the horse, which has a non-invasive epitheliochorial placenta, with the exception of the transient endometrial cups, we identified equineCEACAMfamily members that seem to be related toPSGsof rodents and primates. We identified seven genes that encode secreted PSG-likeCEACAMs. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that they evolved independently from an equineCEACAM1-like ancestor rather than from a commonPSG-like ancestor with rodents and primates. Significantly, expression of PSG-like genes (CEACAM44,CEACAM48,CEACAM49andCEACAM55) was found in non-invasive as well as invasive trophoblast cells such as purified chorionic girdle cells and endometrial cup cells. Chorionic girdle cells are highly invasive trophoblast cells that invade the endometrium of the mare where they form endometrial cups and are in close contact with maternal immune cells. Therefore, the microenvironment of invasive equine trophoblast cells has striking similarities to the microenvironment of trophoblast cells in hemochorial placentas, suggesting that equine PSG-like CEACAMs and rodent and primate PSGs have undergone convergent evolution. This is supported by our finding that equine PSG-like CEACAM49 exhibits similar activity to certain rodent and human PSGs in a functional assay of platelet–fibrinogen binding. Our results have implications for understanding the evolution of PSGs and their functions in maternal–fetal interactions.
The Influence of Metabolic Syndrome on Acute Kidney Injury Occurrence after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Tekeli Kunt Atike , Parlar Hakan , Findik Orhan , Duzyol Cagri , Baris Ozgur , Balci Canan
Published: June 2016

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a cluster of systemic abnormalities: hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, and hypertension. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the devastating complications after cardiac surgery. Age, DM, preexisting renal dysfunction, hypertension, impaired left ventricular function, and severe arteriosclerosis of the aorta are the major risk factors for the development of AKI. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the influence of MetS on AKI occurring after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively collected data of 500 adult patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery with normal renal function (baseline serum creatinine value <1.4 mg/dL) from January 2011 to January 2015. The patients were divided into two groups either having the diagnosis of MetS (Group I) or not (Group II). MetS was diagnosed based on International Diabetes Federation definition. Kidney injury was interpreted according to RIFLE classification. The effect of MetS on AKI after CABG was determined using logistic regression analysis and the results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A P value <.05 was considered
 statistically significant.

Results: Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 16.4% of all patients. Postoperative AKI occurred in 26 patients (31.7%) in Group I whereas there were 53 patients (12.7%) in Group II. On logistic regression analysis, the presence of MetS was shown to be associated with increased incidence of postoperative AKI (OR, 3.197; 95% CI, 1.850-5.526;
 P = .000).

Conclusion: The presence of MetS seems to be associated with increased incidence of AKI after cardiac surgery. MetS is a modifiable issue; if its components are well controlled its dreadful effects after cardiac surgery might be controlled as well.